Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Topic: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement. (Read 2421 times) previous topic - next topic

Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

April 17, 2018, 02:34:07 am

Not sure how to search for this, and probably asked before, and if so I apologize. I come from a sailing background, and have had 2 cruising sailboats, and had planned to retire in 2 years to another sailboat, and cruise for a 5-10 year period, then go RV. I like the foretravel coaches alot and have lurked on this forums before gaining knowledge. My question is concerning the older unihome foretravels vs the new ones (and with that I mean the pointy fronts vs the flat fronts... ) for want of a better way of putting them. What would I need to know concerning why one type is more preferable that the other? I would want to keep the cost as low as possible, like under 50K for purchase with a additional 10K or so to upgrade, repair, replace. We would not full time at first, but hopefully eventually do so. Don't want slide outs, cause will eventually be on bad roads and up to Alaska, and don't want or need the maintenance issues with it. But will need a lot of storage for camping gear, etc. We would tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would mostly boondock or state and national parks vs RV park, at least at first. Sadly we had people in our family that did this but have since passed away and their knowledge is now lost to us.
So people with the unihome type coach, why did you choose that over the bus type ? Any regrets?
I guess it can all come down to money, with the older coaches costing less than the new ones. But anything else ?
And those with the bus type, ever look at the unihome coach and wish you had purchased that type ?
One of the cool things about the foretravel community I have seen is the wealth of knowledge and the willingness to share it, so for those that do, thank you. I can tell you a ton of stuff about sailboats, but with RV's its all new to me.....
Bob

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #1 – April 17, 2018, 07:09:34 am

There are a lot of us who moved from sail to RVs here. The pointy front as you call it are grand villas and the flat are unihomes. For your budget you could look at unihomes in the late 90s I like 99 or so. You get an electronic engine and still very few with slides. At that vintage it is all about care and upgrades or replacements. The cost is lower because you will need to replace stuff. For instance air bags and fuel lines come to mind and maybe shocks while you are at it. The fridge is another place that has a life expectancy that is or could be questionable. Tires and batteries need to be checked for age as well. So a great deal on a price that might need all of thus is way more then 10k. So shop carefully but enjoy the process. These coaches will take you there and back and boondocks great.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #2 – April 17, 2018, 07:59:36 am

Bob,

We have had both a Grand Villa and an Unicoach (the flat nose) When Foretravel started building there in house chassis the Unihome name was to distinguish there chassis from Oshkosh which they used on Grand Villas also. The big diffrence is in the U-225/240 with the torque tube spring system rather than air ride like the 280/300s and the 270/295/320s have. To us the reason that we didn't go back to a Grand Villa coach was we found a Unicoach that fit our needs first when we were in the market. Look at multiple coaches and see what fits you best. With a sailing background you will know the feeling that is right for you.

Mike

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #3 – April 17, 2018, 08:50:53 am

Quote from: bobfnbw – April 17, 2018, 02:34:07 am

So people with the unihome type coach, why did you choose that over the bus type ? Any regrets?

No, no regrets. Our Foretravel U280SE is our very first RV of any type, ever. We got into the motorhome game late in life. We wanted to buy our "Last RV First", and we did it. Our GV has been reliable, comfortable and a joy to drive. Here's a few of the most noticeable differences between the GV style and the Unihome:

1. Mid entry door. You enter the coach near the "kitchen" area, instead of tracking dirt through the "living room". The co-pilot does not have to disturb their "nest" arrangement every time you stop. There were some mid-entry Unicoach (bus type) models produced, but they are hard to find.

2. Higher driver seating position. Puts you up at eye level with the 18-wheeler truckers. Good for seeing traffic situation ahead.

3. Pure mechanical engine (if you get a Cummins). Simpler to work on, less to go wrong, very reliable.

4. Classic design. People never get tired of telling you how cool your coach looks.

On the other hand, the Unihomes have some definite advantages, like standard equipment transmission retarders, larger available engines, ducted roof A/C, pantographic storage bay doors, and AquaHot.

There are similar floor plans available in both style coaches. At your price target you should be able to find a nice coach in good condition and pretty much trip-ready. Look for a well maintained unit that has been driven regularly, avoid coaches that have sat stationary for years. Good mechanical condition is more important than interior cosmetics - the cosmetic stuff is easy to change to suit your desires - it only costs money!

Good luck with your search. You've come to the right place to ask questions.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #4 – April 17, 2018, 09:12:12 am

We have a 1994 U300 - Love it ! Our coach is 102" wide and 40' long. The only draw back with the "Grandvilla" ("V" nose), is interior head room. It's about 6' 3" inside and can feel a little confining at times. Great coach for two people to live in with lots of storage inside and outside. We have the Detroit 6V92 TA Electronic Control coupled to an Allison 4 speed automatic Transmission, with a "Jake Brake", which works Great for Us. Our coach is rock solid with walnut interior (Beautiful). As with any piece of machinery You need to maintain it. Ours has plenty of power and gets about 6.5 mpg. Good luck with your search, you should have any unit you are considering to buy inspected by a competent knowledgeable person before committing to purchase.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #5 – April 17, 2018, 09:25:45 am

Welcome and good luck on the journey

Find a nice clean 1999 36' U-270. Have it checked professionally by someone very knowledgeable paying attention to the items JohnsS mentioned as well as the basement "bulkheads". All coaches are a compromise, but the one recommended is simple, no slide, more modern and available in some reasonable numbers. If you look for a year or so you will come across a few and know what the market prices are, when you see the right one, jump on it, and don't look back.

I have owned the Gran Villa (1989 36'), U-270 (1999 36') and currently own U-320 (2000 40'). Love them all but with your target requirements the 1999 U-270 would be where I would lean. A 1999 is 19 years old, a 1992 Grand Villa is 26 years old. Age takes its toll, and there are significant enhancements between 1992 and 1999.

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139
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Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #6 – April 17, 2018, 09:39:30 am

Sailing seems like a path to a Foretravel. I've enjoyed sailing a lot over the years and now am having fun with a Foretravel at 75. I'll keep you in mind, in 5-10 years I may be ready to sell. My 5-10 yrs could be like yours, and be 2-4. However many years, it sounds like you will have to enjoy. I do believe sailing prepares you for rv'ing with a motor home. Simpler is sometimes better, staying a live is a good choice, safety is important, research mfg and construction before buying, be prepared, have patience, all good advice on the water and land. And I cannot leave out the great participation on this forum. I wish I could have pulled up a forum like this when motoring under the Golden Gate Bridge, with 6 knots of current, my diesel in my Santana 35 sucked air and quit (due to pickup tube, not in the center like a Foretravel, you had to keep it 1/2 full, not bad advice for a Fortravel owner either.) I started the following post after noticing many forum posts commenting on their past: Sloop, ketch, rope, line, port, starboard, back stay, cunningham, surfing, etc.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #7 – April 17, 2018, 12:59:31 pm

Welcome, Bob. You will get lots of opinions here as we try to help you spend your money <grin>. Actually, we want you to get the best possible coach FOR YOU.

We spent several years researching before we chose our coach, a 1993 Grand Villa. We went with this one for several reasons. First was the mid-entry. That means that Jo Ann is sitting even with me, not somewhat behind me, as she tells me where to go and what lane to be in. Her view of the road and signs is every bit as good as mine.

Second, we chose a U300 over a U280 because of the towing capability. Our U300 can tow up to 6000 pounds, while a U280 is limited to only 2000.

Every coach has advantages and disadvantages. Only you can tell which features are advantages and which are disadvantages. One advantage of the newer Unicoach (bus style) coaches is that they have newer "stuff" in them. Our 1993 got an in-frame engine overhaul last year, and there was exactly ONE mechanic in San Angelo, TX that knew the old Detroits.

Even though I look 18-wheelers in the eye (or sometimes actually a bit down on them), our coach isn't nearly as tall as most others. Part of that is that our interior isn't as tall as others, and part of that is that our basement isn't as tall, either. Neither is an issue for us, but would be for taller people.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #8 – April 17, 2018, 01:30:46 pm

I looked at both styles, and chose the Unicoach although I liked both styles. I preferred the engine and transmission in this coach (8.3 Cummins), and it seemed roomier inside. GVs look cooler on the outside. You really cannot go wrong, in my opinion - except that you can buy a newer model if you will accept the Unicoach style (with some rare exceptions, like a GV320).

Best of luck in your search!

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #9 – April 17, 2018, 01:40:14 pm

The unicoaches are flat floor and have much bigger windshields. Sit in both front seats and look around.

97 and up have dual pane quieter, better insulating windows. Three house batteries on 97 and up.

Wall paper instead of wood paneling and std cabinet doors versus tambour.

Aqua hot has been mentioned. Bigger motors. Parallel compartment doors are a big plus

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #10 – April 17, 2018, 02:09:34 pm

Quote from: bobfnbw – April 17, 2018, 02:34:07 am

... I would want to keep the cost as low as possible, like under 50K for purchase with a additional 10K or so to upgrade, repair, replace. We would not full time at first, but hopefully eventually do so. Don't want slide outs, cause will eventually be on bad roads and up to Alaska, and don't want or need the maintenance issues with it. But will need a lot of storage for camping gear, etc. We would tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee...

Bob,

Welcome to the forums.

With the coach years you are talking about I don't think the $10K for upgrades, repairs, replacements is close to realistic anymore.

I will probably get a lot of grief for saying this, but I would plan/budget for having to spend equal to (or slightly more) for repairs, replacements, upgrades, than what you paid for the coach.

If you approach it this way then leaking radiators and oil coolers, new fuel lines, generator servicing, etc. won't catch you by surprise. And you'll be in a very good quality coach for less money than a new front engine gasser Class A.

If you find an older coach where all these items have been replaced with new parts, then expect the purchase price to be more than $50K.

Chris

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #11 – April 17, 2018, 03:14:43 pm

Wow what a really nice surprise on how many of you kind people took the time to "school me" and I thank you.
I forgot to mention in my original post that, as much as I love sailing, I think the retire on a sailboat days may have past me by. As far as living aboard anyway. Wife is not as interested in it as I am, and I have a 2 dogs that won't like it to much either....So in 2 years or less it will be a RV for us, and Foretravel has always been my #1 RV to go with.
So I like the idea of being up high. But at 6 foot tall, need to feel a bit of head room above me to feel comfortable. Knocked my head more than a few times sailing and didn't enjoy it to much, but it went with the territory. Now in 2 week, I turn 60, and now into that as much anymore.
As I look at coaches on youtube, MOT, and RV trader, I like the idea of the mid entry vs front. Towing capacity is important though. As a traveling nurse, my wife and I crossed this country at least 3 times and most was pulling a trailer. Last time we pulled a 12000 lb sailboat on a trailer from Anacortes WA, to Bradenton Fl., with a Ford diesel Excursion, and that was a adventure.
I have a few weeks off in last may, as was thinking of driving up to Nacogdoches to check out some coaches. There is a 1999 U320 in Nag by a private seller that I would love to look at and of course at MOT.
I have started reading the forums from the beginning and hope to glean some knowledge that way.
If I did find a coach that looked promising, is there a list of people the forums recommend that can inspect them (a survey in sailboat terms) and how much would it cost for a average 36-40 foot Foretravel for that service ?
I understand that trying to finance something like this age wize is difficult, yet most of my funds are in the market in retirement funds and are currently not available, unless I take a loan out on them, and not sure I want to do that at this time. Did anyone here ever finance a older RV and if so with whom?
Thanks again!
Bob

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #12 – April 17, 2018, 03:17:06 pm

Agree with above mostly except that if you can do the work yourself the cost will be a whole lot less.Just saw your in Corpus,
c'mon over and check my 96 u270 out.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #13 – April 17, 2018, 03:19:05 pm

Quote from: Numbers – April 17, 2018, 02:09:34 pm

Bob,

Welcome to the forums.

With the coach years you are talking about I don't think the $10K for upgrades, repairs, replacements is close to realistic anymore.

I will probably get a lot of grief for saying this, but I would plan/budget for having to spend equal to (or slightly more) for repairs, replacements, upgrades, than what you paid for the coach.

If you approach it this way then leaking radiators and oil coolers, new fuel lines, generator servicing, etc. won't catch you by surprise. And you'll be in a very good quality coach for less money than a new front engine gasser Class A.

If you find an older coach where all these items have been replaced with new parts, then expect the purchase price to be more than $50K.

Chris

Chris, that may be and I would bow to your knowledge on this. I expected, when buying my next boat, a 40 foot, to spend around 50K and put in another 50K at least, so, yes I realize this could be true. I guess I took some of those numbers from people on the forums here, and elsewhere. But that was probably more for tires and batteries and the like, and not for a major refit. One always has to balance the cost vs over improving and never getting that back, so I guess when I bite the bullet, I have to make sure that its the one we want. I do not want to upgrade or trade in later if I can avoid that.
Thanks,
Bob

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #14 – April 17, 2018, 03:20:46 pm

Quote from: John44 – April 17, 2018, 03:17:06 pm

Agree with above mostly except that if you can do the work yourself the cost will be a whole lot less.Just saw your in Corpus,
c'mon over and check my 96 u270 out.

John I would love to do that. I have a week off next week. I will PM you my phone number and we can set something up.
Thanks!
Bob

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #15 – April 17, 2018, 03:39:56 pm

Bought a 97 U320 in Dec 2016. Had it inspected. The report was that it was a good one. We were prepared to spend the obligatory 10 CB. We did. Then we spent another 10CB. And as everyone knows the maintenance never ends. So do your homework but be ready for nasty surprises. We are trying to make our CB count. We have put about 18k miles on ours so far.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #16 – April 17, 2018, 03:41:25 pm

Hello Bob, Buy this one now, and keep the sailboat you have now. That way you can cruise the coast of the US up and down the east and west coast and enjoy the Foretravel starting this year instead of in five. Think of the pluses! Remember as they say in sailboat racing: follow the leader, you will not come in first. Take a different path, and you just might come in first. Won many a race with that in mind. Just saying, rv'ing is fun! Welcome, and it sounds like you have a good plan.
Not mine. Lived in, but good deal

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #17 – April 17, 2018, 04:38:20 pm

Bob,

We used Brett Wolfe, a member here, to inspect our coach at MOT. I researched for a year before I got serious and did not want to buy a FT unless Brett could do the inspection. We gave MOT a deposit over the phone pending the inspection.

I had a great experience with Brett and at MOT. I fell lucky to have found both.

Financing these classic coaches isn't easy. Lenders want to use NADA. NADA values really do not apply to our classic coaches.

We weren't comfortable financing a coach so we waited and eventually found a Grand Villa that we could afford. At the time I rationalized that this would be our starter coach and if we loved the lifestyle we would trade up later.

It has been 4 years. I love my coach and I'm keeping it until my kids take the keys away.

Welcome and good hunting.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #18 – April 17, 2018, 06:52:13 pm

X2 Jeff! We had the same criteria: knew we wanted a '93/'95 GV. Our year's research found price ranges all over the place, but, having two other SOB coaches, also knew how much we could spend after the fact! We found one, close by, and the PO was kind enough to provide us with E-mail pics and 'paperwork, paperwork, paperwork'. That sold us, we paid $10,000.00 more than most coaches we'd seen, but worth every penny (having a fresh paint & stripe job helped). Little did I know at the time, that she was owned by none other than Mr. Brett Wolfe earlier!

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #19 – April 17, 2018, 11:06:54 pm

Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows?
David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire.
I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #20 – April 18, 2018, 11:38:38 am

"Second, we chose a U300 over a U280 because of the towing capability. Our U300 can tow up to 6000 pounds, while a U280 is limited to only 2000."

Just to clear this up. Our U280 is 30,000 gross but the gcwr (gross combined weight rating) is at 36,000. We are currently at 26,000 n change so I could tow about 9 but why push it. It's a 300 hp cummins so a 4,500 lb Jeep will be plenty.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #21 – April 18, 2018, 11:41:29 am

Sorry, forgot the pic.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #22 – April 18, 2018, 12:17:49 pm

Quote from: bobfnbw – April 17, 2018, 11:06:54 pm

Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows?
David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire.
I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...

Brett's inspection took a half day. It is really thorough. If you are there, which I strongly recommend, have a notebook handy. You will learn more than you can imagine about how everything works, what it needs and how to maintain it. It's money well spent.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #23 – April 18, 2018, 01:10:18 pm

Quote from: bobfnbw – April 17, 2018, 11:06:54 pm

Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows?
David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire.
I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures
Some good info on different years and models of Foretravels. Agree with you on the M-11, you can never have too many "foot-pounds" especially if towing a big sailboat.

Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.

Reply #24 – April 18, 2018, 05:46:30 pm

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – April 18, 2018, 12:17:49 pm

Brett's inspection took a half day. It is really thorough. If you are there, which I strongly recommend, have a notebook handy. You will learn more than you can imagine about how everything works, what it needs and how to maintain it. It's money well spent.

Brett is the man! Notebook? Heck, I'd get small recorder so you can replay all the info you missed.

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