Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Topic: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid (Read 5465 times) previous topic - next topic

Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

February 13, 2018, 11:48:05 am

Do you have any suggestions on Foretravel coaches for this newbie to seek or to avoid? I have read about various motorhome manufacturers having issues with fiberglass checking, troublesome engines, changes to chassis, lowering of quality under new ownership, etc.

After a delay due to severe car crash, wife & I are back in the hunt for a high-quality, well-maintained, previously-loved coach. FT is right there at the top of our list, along with Country Coach. We are seeking a 10-15 year old coach in which to start full-timing. Therefore, your wisdom and suggestions on what to look for - as well as what to avoid - will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Ken

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #1 – February 13, 2018, 02:00:13 pm

Try this thread for a start: Year 2000 to 2005 U320 questions

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #2 – February 13, 2018, 02:09:56 pm

Here is another one to read: Lurking for awhile and have some questions

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #3 – February 13, 2018, 04:33:45 pm

Pretty good discussion that Dan points to in reply #2. We really like our 2001 but our second choice if we had to would be a 2003. Newer than those gets tough. We know a couple very nice 2009-10 Phenixs that are attractive but the lack of windows that open, window awnings, dark colors, size and weight are drawbacks.

For FT, newer isn't always better. You need to figure out what your needs are, look at as many as you can, focus on details ... and years and models that fit will start to emerge. The time to learn and get smart is before you buy.

Best of luck with your hunt. A good result is well worth the effort.

Roger

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #4 – February 13, 2018, 05:42:01 pm

Our personal preference is the 1997-2001 years, non slide U295 or U320, 36' Not saying the other years aren't good. Not saying slides aren't good.I wouldn't pass on a 40' either, if it was the right coach.

In my humble opinion, from previously working on FT's and listening to other owners, this generation are some of the best coaches built. Don't know the exact count of how many were built. Have heard from 1300 to 1500, I thought it was more like 2000-2500. Maybe someone more knowledgeable would know? If I remember right, when I was working for FT in the late 90's, early 2000, they were building 4 a month,

If I was looking again, I would buy a 98-2001, mostly because of features such as wanes coating on the walls, and a few other things.Price comes into play also.

I spent many hours studying photo's and features on the FOT sight. We are really happy with our 97 U295. Jury is still out on the Cat engine. It wasn't my 1st choice.
Chris

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #5 – February 13, 2018, 05:42:48 pm

Quote from: Schake – February 13, 2018, 11:48:05 am

FT is right there at the top of our list, along with Country Coach.

Country Coach, like Alpine and Beaver, all good coaches, but they are no longer in business: Something to consider. This forum, MOT, and RV Trader are good sources for YOUR coach. We spent over a year looking and learning, Still learning, but we're very happy with our coach! Good luck in the search.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #6 – February 13, 2018, 05:56:10 pm

Chris,
Love the CAT, embrace the CAT, it will get you there...

John

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #7 – February 14, 2018, 02:48:32 pm

We bought a 36 foot 1998 U270 with the C8.3 Cummins. Standard single furnace which is loud, but not complex. We prefer the simplicity of no slide and a coach designed to maximize interior storage. We will be full timing in the next 18 months. I think all coaches of this era require some kind of bulkhead repair. Have not towed a midsize toad yet, we might wish we had the bigger engine. Steep learning curve to understand all systems, controls, etc. Would be same for other coaches you are look at such as Beaver and Country Coach. Those were also on our short list.

Our decals aren't bad, but I'm dreading removing them and painting new stripes.

I've driven gas class As, Bs, and B+. Also towed bumper pulls coast to coast many times. Nothing drives like my U270. Amazing.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #8 – February 14, 2018, 03:08:47 pm

We bought our 2001 U270 36 ft no slide 10 years ago and have been full timing all that time in the coach. Still full timing and don't have any idea if or when we will come off the road, but our coach is paid for so we maintain , repair, and upgrade as needed/wanted to be safe and comfortable for us.

In 2017 we drove 12480 miles in the coach- that is why they call it "Fore Travel"

Find a well maintained coach, keep about $10,000 aside for upgrades, repairs, etc in the first year, then enjoy it.

Hope to cya down the road sometime................

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #9 – February 14, 2018, 03:19:07 pm

Would not turn down a well maintained 96,found ours from original owners.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #10 – February 14, 2018, 04:36:24 pm

Make sure you consider your financial resources, your planned usage, whether it be full or part time, and your mechanical abilities.
Zero mechanical ability/knowledge means you will be TOTALLY dependent on others ($$$) for any & all problems.
These coaches are some of the finest in the world but some of the components do require service, repair, and replacement.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #11 – February 14, 2018, 05:10:49 pm

Quote from: John and Stacey – February 13, 2018, 05:56:10 pm

Chris,
Love the CAT, embrace the CAT, it will get you there...

John

A couple years ago I saw a MH with the CAT logo on the rear and right below the logo it said " IT'S NOT A DOG".

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #12 – February 14, 2018, 06:07:32 pm

Don't know about what to avoid, but the older gran villas that were not abused (1995 and before) are Great Ole Gals with a little tender loving care and you do not have to sell the farm to own one.

Face book has quite a few shown on the Foretravel Owners, Gran Villa Motor Homes and other classic RV Sites sites.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #13 – February 14, 2018, 06:25:30 pm

I agree that limiting yourself to "10-15" limits your options, especially if your goal is a camper and not a show bus. I found the pre-1995 models lacking with only a four speed transmission or a two stroke diesel, both less desirable to me personally. I also wanted mid entry, not the bus style.

The older ones are more affordable, the newer ones are either too tall, heavy, fancy or complicated for me. I think 1995-2001 is a real sweet spot with a few exceptions prior and after... however keep in mind ANY age unit not kept up with properly will be a huge massive pile of trouble, so knowing what you're getting into can be far more important than year, looks, options, etc.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #14 – February 14, 2018, 06:29:31 pm

Quote from: POPPASMURFF#1 – February 14, 2018, 06:07:32 pm

the older gran villas that were not abused (1995 and before) are Great Ole Gals with a little tender loving care and you do not have to sell the farm to own one.

With the GVs, no trouble spotting them for the "four toot salute", unlike the bus models. Were I be looking for a GV, it would be between '93 and '95.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #15 – February 14, 2018, 08:05:36 pm

Hi Mr. Real Coy,

We find our C8.3 engine in our 30,000 lb coach pulling a 5,600 lb Jeep all over the US & Canada for the last 20 years of full timing, to be zero problems on any mountain up or down. We are pleased to have a simpler engine that gives us no issues and one that we can tinker with. With more horsepower comes more issues, so we are pleased to not have a bigger engine. We look forward to the next 20 years.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #16 – February 15, 2018, 12:33:20 am

Looking at 2003 and up, lot of good coaches to consider. Engines are 400 to 450 hp ISL [1250 ft/lbs torque] or 450 or 500 hp ISM [1450-1550 ft/lbs torque], or the ISX 525-650 hp [1850-2050 ft/lbs torque] engines. All pretty reliable with a few exceptions. Best to search forum for problems on each engine. Personally, do not think you can have too much horsepower, you can always back off on the throttle. I am running 500 hp pushing/pulling 42500 lbs, fine most of the time, but sometimes wish I had the ISX 650. As Dave M. used to say, "Do what makes you happy."

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #17 – February 15, 2018, 12:41:20 am

Our former 2002 - 36' was perty solid. 'cept for the train slide. Full body paint with git up and go.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #18 – February 15, 2018, 01:17:17 am

Depends on how much maintenance you want to do: Aquahot and slides do break down more than their simpler cousins. Our 34ft 1997 U270 has a relatively simple mechanical fuel injection. Has been problem-free in 10K miles. It has some nice factory amenities like central vacuum and ice maker.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #19 – February 15, 2018, 09:30:08 am

Believe the OP is looking for a 10 to 15 year old coach. This precludes him from the Cummins 8.3, or Cat C-7 engines.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #20 – February 15, 2018, 10:28:27 am

That's why we suggested an older coach.If your going to do alot of the work yourself the 20 plus year olds make sense.I love a
Cat engine too but Cat loves hi prices for their parts.

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #21 – February 18, 2018, 11:25:46 pm

OP (me) is unlikely to do any maintenance that requires heavy lifting. Too old for that, unfortunately.

A good set of tools has been accumulated over the years, so a strong effort will be made to troubleshoot and repair lighter weight problems.

Since we do plan to go full-time, the newer (10-15 yrs old) units with 3-4 slides and the added space they offer hold great appeal.
Ken

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #22 – February 18, 2018, 11:39:36 pm

Quote from: Schake – February 18, 2018, 11:25:46 pm

OP (me) is unlikely to do any maintenance that requires heavy lifting. Too old for that, unfortunately.

A good set of tools has been accumulated over the years, so a strong effort will be made to troubleshoot and repair lighter weight problems.

Since we do plan to go full-time, the newer (10-15 yrs old) units with 3-4 slides and the added space they offer hold great appeal.
Ken

Well worth the trip. Find one you like and post questions.
Luxury Pre-Owned Motorhome Dealer for Foretravel Newell Country Coach.
Foretravel Motorcoach - Custom Handcrafted Luxury Since 1967

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #23 – February 19, 2018, 09:02:40 am

approximately what is your coach budget and annual maintenance budget

broadly stated ( I am sure this will ignite a few "flames"

Low purchase cost, relatively low maintenance - 1993 - 1999 Non Slide unit - propane heaat and water heater

Medium purchase cost, relatively medium maintenance 2000 - 2003 Single or dual slide unit - 36' - 40', aqua hot for heat and water

Highest cost, highest maintenance - 2005 and up coaches with 3-4 slides, especially the IH45

red a lot of prior posts on the subject. generally, 1999-2002 was considered the highest point of Foretravel Quality, and there were also a lot of coaches produced in that era

after 2003, quality suffered a bit as did the overall number of units produced as Foretravel struggled financially in a very difficult business environment. 2007 (I think, but someone will correct me if I am wrong) has been noted as having some significant delamination issues and the early IH models were less reliable than the more recent versions as Foretravel worked through "teething" issues

This Forum and the fact that the factory is still in business and never went through bankruptcy reorganization (so is still operating and supporting all these year coaches) are significant plusses and money savers

Good luck on your search!

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

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

Re: Any advice about years, models, etc. to avoid

Reply #24 – February 19, 2018, 12:01:00 pm

Quote from: Schake – February 18, 2018, 11:25:46 pm

A good set of tools has been accumulated over the years, so a strong effort will be made to troubleshoot and repair lighter weight problems.
Since we do plan to go full-time, the newer (10-15 yrs old) units with 3-4 slides and the added space they offer hold great appeal.
Ken

While the coaches with three or four slides may be very appealing, they have maintenance issues that go with the territory. My daughter in law, while attending college, worked in a law firm that specialized in RVs warranties. Slide out malfunctions were by far their most frequent cases.

Besides the complexity, they add weight and reduce the chassis rigidity. A big coach with lots of slides is also going to be a thirsty coach. You might look to see how useable the interior space is while underway. We overnight at rest stops and big box stores on the way to many destinations. Extending the slides may not be prudent at many of these stops.

Pierce

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