Shorten the learning curve..

Topic: Shorten the learning curve.. (Read 2952 times) previous topic - next topic

Shorten the learning curve..

July 16, 2017, 01:12:12 am

Hi, I'm new. Looking to displace myself and have an opportunity to buy a Foretravel. I've been reading as much as I can find. My head hurts from all the possibilities.

My budget is small.. Looking at late 80's and early 90's. I'm selling the farm and setting off on a grand adventure. Based of what I've learned in the last month, all i know is i know nothing. Whats a fair price? From my research, I would rather but a 20 year old fortravel than a 10 year old crap trap.

There is a 1991 2 stroke detriot diesel in town. 300k and running strong. You know more than I do.. what's it worth? The interior is good for the age.. I have read as much as I can google on the engine. Some love it, those that don't have it poo poo it. I'm likely to have a hard time finding a good mechanic. 7 gallons of straight 40 weight is no joke. Any advice, tips, watch outs?

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #1 – July 16, 2017, 08:17:38 am

Paully,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

At that age, value can vary quite widely from "it would be a money pit if you got it for free" to $20k.

If you have a link to the coach or give us more info, we may be able to give you more help. Someone here may even have first hand info on the coach.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #2 – July 16, 2017, 08:25:26 am

I have a 91 myself with the Detroit 6V92TA 2 stroke. I like the Detroit myself. they are not common anymore but they are very dependable. The 91 were the last year I think for the rear radiator and fan. I like it myself, much simpler system than the hydraulic fan motor setups on the 92 and up. The level system is simple and mechanical also. Whats it worth is hard to say.How much is seller asking? You need to read about bulkhead failure and inspect the coach for any rot in the basement bulkhead. There is a lot of information on this here on the forum,use the search feature.. Where is the coach located? There might be a forum member coach owner near that could take a look at it with you and try and see any issues with it. If you can get the Vin number that will tell you about which model and length it is. Good luck

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #3 – July 16, 2017, 08:32:48 am

Besides the bulkhead inspection, take a look at the tires and batteries. They will probably age out before wearing out, so check the date codes. The appliances may also be on their last legs. Lots to check.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #4 – July 16, 2017, 10:41:57 am

Welcome to the forum, we bought our coach a couple of years ago, and are still learning. Stick with this bunch, we all have different opinions on size, type, year, etc., but are always willing to help! Don't rush into anything, know what your budget is and have some cash set aside for "incidentals", they do come up. This forum has a great classified section. We looked for a year to get familiar with FT coaches and found our sweetie on RVTrader.com: RV Sales - Class A, B, C Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, & Pop Up..., a good source. We knew enough after a year, what we were looking for and paid $10,000 more than normal asking, because everything in the coach had either been replaced, re-built and restored. It was "turn-key", we did not want a project. Good luck

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #5 – July 16, 2017, 11:22:45 am

Paully,

An older coach can be worse than a money pit with all the frustrations and disappointments you may encounter. Corrosion is by far the number one problem and priority to check when buying any coach. Especially an older coach. A coach based in a northern state is very suspect. Everything from the electrical system to the bulkhead can and will cause problems if there are either basement leaks or damage from road salt. So, do a good undercarriage inspection before going any further. The rear radiator is a problem for access but is probably a better setup than the side radiator. So many potential problems, especially if on the road. The extra 50 hp the later Detroits have is eaten up by the hydraulic system along with more fuel.

I have worked on and driven a lot of diesels. The Detroit two stroke was by far my #1 choice for a coach engine. I have tried to beat them into submission in the fire service and had one in my bus but never could get one to cry uncle. I think they are the most reliable engine you can buy if taken care of with the proper oil used at changes. Ours takes 5.5 gallons of oil including filter at changes. It has averaged exactly 8.0 mpg over it's 100,000 mile life (ECU data not owner exaggeration) so far and used 2.5 quarts of oil in our last 6000 mile trip across the U.S. and back. The '91 should get a little better at 96 inches wide and no hydraulic system. All Detroit two cycles installed in Foretravels are electronic engines and have a very reliable ECU. All engine information/history can be accessed with a fairly inexpensive tool like the Pro-Link 9000. The electronic controlled Allison MTB 648 is a good transmission but not quite as heavy duty as the 746 used in the later U300s. 300hp is the maximum with less torque capacity than the 746. It should have lockup so will get good mileage and power. Incidentally, Mercedes/Detroit Diesel still makes the 6V-92TA for use for the military and around the world.

So, at 300,000 miles with zero corrosion, it's probably worth $12-14K depending on any upgrades and condition. The mileage limits the number of potential buyers along with the 96 inch width. If it has any corrosion/bulkhead damage, it's worth zero or should be if a buyer has any sense. A coach with 300K will show interior wear unless upgrades have been done. Several interior designs were available and lengths from 36 to 40 feet. If you are going to be using it in the west, the shorter coach may have advantages.

So, get a member to help inspect if possible or at least post lots of high resolution photos to a online site like Google Photos and post the link here.

Pierce

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #6 – July 16, 2017, 12:43:08 pm

Take a look at Dave Heads coach - he is a member here on forum in your price range, and more than fairly priced

Did you look at the classifieds on this message board?

Detroits great motors, go a long way with good maintenance - Pierce can chime in

Detroits getting hard to find technicians that can fix if something goes wrong, you will likely park the coach next to a lake and not move it - $$$$$$$$$ more than coach is worth to fix.

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #7 – July 16, 2017, 04:19:45 pm

Thanks for the information. I'm making a list of things to check, starting with the bulkhead...

There are actually 2 rigs for sale nearby. I'm on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Both of them seem expensive given the NADA value of 11K, but I suppose with 25 year old motorhomes... the average between zero and 20k is 10k. Its either junk or not. I have no idea if the owners of these Foretravels are members here.

1991 Foretravel Unihome U300 36' Class A motorhome - rvs - by owner -...
Foretravel GrandVilla 38' Diesel Pusher - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive...

I've only found a couple videos on youtube of Foretravel motorhomes or 8v92 Detroit Diesels.. and yes, i'm searching the forums for extra information. I'll check out the classifieds here too.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #8 – July 16, 2017, 04:33:21 pm

If you are able to do most all repairs yourself it might be worth a look. If you have to pay for labor?
Buying the coach might be the least expensive part of ownership. Repairs/updates will kill you!

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #9 – July 16, 2017, 04:55:54 pm

Nada book requires adding for every single option in the front of the book.

It's for the lenders as every option could have been deleted for credit new

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #10 – July 16, 2017, 06:12:53 pm

Quote from: mike leary – July 16, 2017, 12:25:08 pm

"You might be more comfortable talking with them. Michelle, Dani, Carol and Nancy come to mind."

Thanks for the plug, Mike, but I'm a whole lot better at writing checks than anything else...Michelle is the whiz kid in the neighborhood....I know Hans & Marjet have a DD as well, maybe we'll hear from them.....

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #11 – July 16, 2017, 07:47:04 pm

Both the sellers are asking almost 30k for these 26 and 29 year old Foretravels. Both of them have had them for 20 yrs ish... They have different engines. One is a cat with low miles. One is a DD with high miles. Both have been taken care of. Either way I'm hoping to talk the sellers down as much as possible.

I believe in maintenance. I prefer to do the routine things myself so I can be the first to see any changes and I know the rig gets put back together correctly. And of course up high quality parts and manufacturer recommendations. I don't buy Fram filter and flinch ever time i pass a Jiffy Lube.

As I understand things about RV life so far...
Tires = replace at 6 years
Batteries = 5 years
Refrigerator, stove, w/d, microwave, lights, fixtures, tv's, radios's & toilet = at any time
inverters, pumps, belts, hoses = 10 to 12 years
engine & transmission = Death

How often do the breaks and airbags need replaced?

What I like about the Detroit Diesel is its simplicity. I have never had a diesel. I work around heavy equipment and live near a bunch of boats. Those things seem to be the home for a lot of 6v92 and 8v92 engines. I've got a few friends i plan to ask about the engine that i know from work... The owner has an oil analysis and has changed the oil way too often (always strait 40w), started and driven the rig regularly along with the generator. 330 k with a little over 7000 hours on the engine. Means he has averaged a lost 47 mph. That's high for an average speed

. Its been to every corner of the USA and been back to the Foretravel factory a few times.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #12 – July 16, 2017, 08:02:57 pm

The cl add says 70k miles and 3208 Cat... the links to the two Foretravels are in my earlier post..

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #13 – July 17, 2017, 10:19:12 am

Quote from: Paully – July 16, 2017, 07:47:04 pm

Tires = replace at 6 years
Batteries = 5 years
Refrigerator, stove, w/d, microwave, lights, fixtures, tv's, radios's & toilet = at any time
inverters, pumps, belts, hoses = 10 to 12 years
engine & transmission = Death
How often do the breaks and airbags need replaced?

Some replace tires at 7 years, others 10. I have seen a Bridgestone site where they recommend a 15 year maximum for their casings used in recaps.
If a fridge is still in a 1990 motorhome, it's due for replacement.
We still have the OEM inverter/charger/pumps. Silicone hoses should last the life of the vehicle. Our rubber heater hoses are still original.
Inspect airbags especially if you notice frequent air compressor cycling. Some slight cracking at the bottom is OK but if you can see the fabric cords, it's time to replace. Always carry a spare plus a couple of tools to change them.
Coaches with little or no corrosion generally have longer brake life as the calipers are less likely to stick. Retarders or Jake brakes will greatly extend the life of the pads.
3208 CATs are parent bore engines but very reliable so should last the life of the coach. They will have much less power compared to a 6V-92TA. Turbo models will be stronger.
Just replaced the start batteries at 8 years. Deep cycle AGM coach batteries may last longer.

Pierce

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #14 – July 18, 2017, 08:31:38 pm

I did look at Dave Head's coach... looks great, but Florida is over 3000 miles away. That factors into the purchase..

I really appreciate the advice and the help.. if you see or know of a foretravel under 30k for sale in the Pacific Northwest... please let me know!

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #15 – July 18, 2017, 09:41:51 pm

We drove 2,400+ miles to buy the coach we have now. Good F.T.'s are hard to find. Dave's coach should cover that distance and you would have something way better than what you are looking at in the N.W. We had the advantage of a tow vehicle and drove both ways. In your situation I would fly and get it. Tim, here on the forum flew from the east coast to Ca. and bought his 34' coach.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #16 – July 18, 2017, 09:52:16 pm

Hmmm. Duly noted. Thanks

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #17 – July 18, 2017, 09:56:20 pm

My son and I flew to Florida and drove our '91 U300 1700 miles back to Minneapolis. Was a tight no rust no slide coach with 120k miles and had 4 good years with it.

The 6V92 DDEC started to act up, sold it to a truck guy who was familiar with fixing/replacing the DDEC.

$29k is high. I bought ours for $18k in 2012 on eBay.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #18 – July 18, 2017, 10:53:11 pm

Nice.. ebay. Haven't looked there yet.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #19 – July 18, 2017, 11:44:46 pm

These are one in a hundred thousand products. 3,000 uni somethings and 320 million people.

Would not think twice to fly across the country to look at a possible vouched for keeper coach.

Visualize the floorpan in your mind. If you can picture yourself living in it get on a plane IMO

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #20 – July 19, 2017, 12:11:56 am

Spending a week on the road and $1500 in fuel to get a good coach home would be far better than a month or more in the shop and

$$$ on repairs for a close to home unknown. A cross country road trip is a great way to get acquainted with a new-to-you coach.

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #21 – July 19, 2017, 01:06:37 am

I have been to Dallas to buy a 240, Seattle to buy a 225, Costa Mesa to buy current U295 and Geoff and I flew to NJ to get their 240. Drove all of them back to BC, only the Dallas 240 gave troubles. 3000 miles is nothing more than 3-4 days on the road and as was mentioned before a good way to find out about it.
JohnH

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #22 – July 20, 2017, 01:14:37 pm

If they are close to you, by all means go look at em. If nothing else you will get an insight into floorplans and finsishes. But keep looking. We paid 13k for our 3208 '89 u280 and have only needed to put another 5 or so into it including tires in the ensuing 4 years. On this forum, go find and print out the 50 things to look at when buying a used foretravel post. In my opinion 1989 to 1993 or so is the sweet spot for build quality vs depreciation. Think yacht, more than motorhome. I would not trade Moby the Road Condo for any new some other brand, to be honest. My idea of "luxury" means not having to fuss with the coach. The right one is out there...

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #23 – July 20, 2017, 01:47:11 pm

Quote from: twobus – July 20, 2017, 01:14:37 pm

In my opinion 1989 to 1993 or so is the sweet spot for build quality vs depreciation. Think yacht, more than motorhome.

X2!

Re: Shorten the learning curve..

Reply #24 – July 20, 2017, 02:04:47 pm

Echo above. We looked at several close but flew across the U.S. to buy ours. 3000 miles later, we were pretty well acquainted with the coach. Over 40K and eight years later, no mandatory expenses except for a couple of air bags and new engine batteries about 4 days ago. Great coach if you take your time buying. Can cause premature grey hair otherwise.

Pierce

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