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

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

Reply #25 – April 18, 2018, 06:12:49 pm

I believe you will find that MOT is doing a pretty good PDI. A newer process . Not an independent inspection but I had occasion to monitor that process for a buyer and was pleased with that one if you are unable to get the other inspection

The interesting question to ask, does the dealer stand behind the PDI any dealer does? I think they could on some items, not on other items.

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

Reply #26 – April 18, 2018, 06:28:33 pm

Quote from: Michael & Jackie – April 18, 2018, 06:12:49 pm

I believe you will find that MOT is doing a pretty good PDI. A newer process . Not an independent inspection but I had occasion to monitor that process for a buyer and was pleased with that one if you are unable to get the other inspection

The interesting question to ask, does the dealer stand behind the PDI any dealer does? I think they could on some items, not on other items.

Agree with Mike, had both Keith's do a pdi on my coach, [after working hours] and they found problems I had missed.
Plus they explained the operation of the new to me, slides.

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

Reply #27 – April 18, 2018, 06:58:46 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...

If you can find a 1999 get that one over a 1998 for towing purposes. I believe the rear axle/rear end on the 1999 units were upgraded and the towing capacity was increased to 10,000 lbs.

The 1998 units are still great units, but towing is limited to 6,000 lbs.

The extra 4,000 lbs of towing capacity opens up more options for you. Full sized trucks become possible to tow while still staying within the GCWR specs. But you also start getting pretty long on the road.

Someone correct me if I am remembering incorrectly.

Chris

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

Reply #28 – April 18, 2018, 09:23:07 pm

I agree with towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. I tow a full size diesel pickup and have no issue with the M11 here in the mountain area. Plenty 6% grades here in Arizona and average speeds up hill is between 50 to 60 mph depending on traffic, with around trip of up hill and down hill I average 7mpg. The best mileage I ever got was an round trip to MOT in Texas was 8.4mpg. Last note I'm 65 ft long with the pickup hitch behind my 40ft coach.
Steve

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

Reply #29 – April 24, 2018, 11:52:57 am

Going to see David and Charlene's Foretravel today for a look. (its not for sale.. ) They were kind enough to invite us over for a look see. Sounds like I will have to give Brett a call when I find the right rig !

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

Reply #30 – June 24, 2018, 08:03:32 pm

We had 1998 34' U270 (flat front) and now have 1995 U280 GV Unihome both with mechanical 8.3 Cummins. Love both but the GV is so unique and an eye stopper.

When considering a purchase, repair records are always beneficial.

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

Reply #31 – June 24, 2018, 11:14:29 pm

Bob,
I have had both a Grand Villa, 38ft and a 40ft U320 Unihome, The GV has style and those huge bumpers sure get the old ladies attention when you come around the corner at a Red light!!

We loved both but the 320 has more power and more room plus Aquahot system which is great. Only one slide which was enough for us and made just that much extra space.

Look on the forum classifieds as most of those on offer are known to other members who will always weigh in with their knowledge.

Good luck with your search and you will be real happy with a FT whichever one you choose.

Speedbird1

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

Reply #32 – June 25, 2018, 12:58:18 am

Speedbird did you add the Debonair to your signature lately or did I just miss it?

Currently flying a B33 Deb, a 7DC champ on wheels and a 7EC Champ on PK1500 floats out here in Gig Harbor area - lusting after a Cessna 185 or 180, so many awesome back country airstrips out this way

OOPS - thread hijack alert!

Sorry,....... If the flying guys chime in - maybe start a new thread to do it......

:-)

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
Gen-Pro

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

Reply #33 – June 25, 2018, 01:19:06 pm

Airplanes, boats, busses, and racecars, seem to go together .
I designed, built and flew my Ultralight for about 150 hrs.

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

Reply #34 – June 25, 2018, 03:22:23 pm

I will always miss the 280 I owned for 10 years but like Gerry Vicha I'm high off the ground and needed the dome type ceiling for more head clearance.. Bought a 270 and really like it as well.. I would have kept both coach's because I like both and the money wasn't big enough to have prevented it but I would wipe myself to the grave with 2 rigs.. Shopping can be half the fun as I enjoy the chase and maybe you will as well. Good hunting and have fun... That's what any hobby is supposed to be.

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

Reply #35 – June 25, 2018, 04:41:18 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – June 25, 2018, 12:58:18 am

Speedbird did you add the Debonair to your signature lately or did I just miss it
Currently flying a B33 Deb, a 7DC champ on wheels and a 7EC Champ on PK1500 floats out here in Gig Harbor area - lusting after a Cessna 185 or 180, so many awesome back country airstrips out this way
OOPS - thread hijack alert!
Sorry,....... If the flying guys chime in - maybe start a new thread to do it......
Tim Fiedler

Starting my 51st year flying. Started with a Emigh A2 Trojan, Tri-Pacer, Avid Mk4 and Quickie Q2. My main aircraft has been a 1958 D50 Twin Bonanza for about 20 years. Best twin ever made. Now flying a Grumman AA5 Traveler with a new breathed on Ly-Con O-320 Lycoming. Just set the speed record for the type aircraft I think. Good 4 place for the four of us. The wolf does not like bad landings.

The instrument panel photo is the record in level flight but 150 RPM over redline. I still need a about three inches pitch on the prop to add about 5 mph. No wheel pants, fixed pitch prop and fixed gear.

Here I am flying into a high elevation Sierra-Dearwater airport in the Sierras. Select high resolution on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGo_OKSp1xs&t=333s

Pierce

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

Reply #36 – June 25, 2018, 06:23:56 pm

Hi Tim & Pierce,

Thread bend coming up!!! Yes, I have added the Debonair and the Chipmunk has gone as well as the Citabria that went to Mexico.

Speedbird1

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

Reply #37 – June 25, 2018, 07:06:07 pm

Hi Bob,
For about 15 years when I was working had a cruising sailboat. Sold it when things started going south for my employer. Wanted to sail when I retired, but by that time was too old for ocean cruising. Also rented motor homes 4 or 5 times when I was working. All of them had something that needed repair. Same with the boat. When I retired in 97 bought a 1989 29' Georgie Boy. Gas engine, 3 speed transmission, 7-8 mpg. Last of the gas engines with a carb and 3 speed trans. It had a tendency to just stop running and once it had to be towed. Built on a truck frame and rode and drove like one. Lot of work just maintaining it, but we had fun going places in it. FT is way better with the outboard air springs, no anti-roll bars required as there is very little lean on curves. Guy at the storage lot where I kept the GB made an offer and I sold it. Thought that was the end of my RVing, but would look once in awhile for Foretravels mainly a Grandvilla. 2 years later found my 96 U270 on Craigslist near Tampa (living in Austin). Made a lowball offer and after about 2 weeks he accepted. This was in 2008 and fuel was $4.25 in Fl, wondering if I had done the right thing. No maintenance records so I had all the oils changed in FL at the summer special price of about $300. Not soon afterward found the generator radiator leaking, front wheel seals leaking (they have oil not grease), then new batteries. But all in all it was still a great buy. I haven't had much trouble with the basic body, engine and other mechanicals. A lot is similar to a fiberglass sailboat. If you can change engine oil and that kind of stuff it will save some $$$. The engine holds 4 gal of oil, 13 gal coolant, and the trans and differential equally large amounts. Probably the reason they last so long. I think you would be happy with either a Grandvilla or the bus style. The GV gets a little better mileage than the box shaped Unicoach. Some of the later GV's are 102" wide like the Unicoach. You sit a little higher in the GV. The Unicoach windshields are more prone to get rock chips and cracks than the GV. I am glad my coach has a diesel generator. Some folks like the aquahot heating, they make less noise than the propane furnace, but require more maintenance. Since you live in TX, if you can find the time to visit Nacogdoches during the week there are usually several FT's for sale at MOT, the factory and other places. Foretravels still require maintenance, just not as much as other brands. Half of the work I have done is in the nature of upgrades, like the TV's, roof air to split central with dropped ceiling, shower skylight, led lighting and the other half repairs to fiberglass, replace water pump, (engine and fresh), toilet seals, etc. There is one thing I think is a safety issue and that is the parking/emergency brake. It is just a push/pull knob and can be easily released by a human or a pet. There is no park detent on the transmission. And everyone should know how air brakes work and how to do the test. Also TX requires a class B drivers license for air brakes and weight over 25,000??? but don't expect anyone to tell you. The written is or was the same as CDL license. You may have to parallel park, move the mirrors down to see where the rear wheels are and don't forget to readjust. Bet of Luck sailing the asphalt sea.

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

Reply #38 – June 25, 2018, 09:05:43 pm

Complete thread hi-jack.

Needs to be split into two seperate threads.

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

Reply #39 – June 25, 2018, 09:08:35 pm

He already bought Rich's coach it is a dead thread anyway let it run.

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

Reply #40 – June 25, 2018, 09:30:44 pm

Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker – June 25, 2018, 07:06:07 pm

Hi Bob,
. Bet of Luck sailing the asphalt sea.

Thanks Jerry for taking the time to write that. Yea, same here with the ocean sailing and getting to old... Should have done it earlier.
Now have a 1999 U320 that I am getting to know little by little. Just had the jackknife sofa reupholstered, working on replacing the sound system on board, first trip planned for August. Funny that RV's boats and planes are a lot alike. But unlike a plane, I don't have to worry about hitting the ground when something goes wrong in a bus, or sailboat....
Bob

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

Reply #41 – June 25, 2018, 09:43:21 pm

I have said this to many others before. You don't have to get everything done before play begins. Just the critical stuff. Lots more can be done as time goes on. And your experience gained by use will help make choices going forward better.

We are closing in on eight years with our FT, still learning, still improving, enhancing and changing. All at making our 6 months elsewhere every year better for us.

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

Reply #42 – June 25, 2018, 11:14:19 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – June 25, 2018, 09:43:21 pm

I have said this to many others before. You don't have to get everything done before play begins. Just the critical stuff. Lots more can be done as time goes on. And your experience gained by use will help make choices going forward better.

We are closing in on eight years with our FT, still learning, still improving, enhancing and changing. All at making our 6 months elsewhere every year better for us.

Good point, I drove the imperfect coach home 1400 miles. Now to start using it before it's perfect, I like that attitude:)

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

Reply #43 – June 25, 2018, 11:53:49 pm

"You're capable of amazing things. But unless you let go of the idea of perfection, you'll have a hard time achieving those amazing things.
The pursuit of perfection is noble, but unless we're willing to settle for "good," we may have to settle for nothing at all." (1)

Perfection is the enemy of good. It takes a lot of people a long time to recognize "perfect enough". Necessary and sufficient.

1. Your Secret Mental Weapon: 'Don't Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good'

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

Reply #44 – June 26, 2018, 02:58:23 am

I agree with the previous post by Roger. How many others here "in the pursuit of excellence", have caused another problem. An example for me last year was in replacing the lift pump on my mechanical 8.3 as preventative maint. ("in search of perfection, for my upcoming 2,500 mile trip, and I had to leave the next day after getting it back from the shop) , as I had no history of it's replacement, and it was the the old style, I caused a new problem, air leaking fuel line from cracks undiscovered by me or a tech, probably accentuated by the lift pump replacement. I made it thru the 2,500 mile trip in the next two weeks, but not without some issues.

My lesson learned was not to do this many upgrades and maintenance right before a long trip, with out time between the repair and the long trip to test out the completed "perfections".

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

Reply #45 – June 28, 2018, 04:45:22 am

Last sailboat I purchased, a Endeavour 40 center cockpit had a diesel leak. Surveyor told me to not worry about it and just sail her. I knew better of course and proceeded to repair it. Tank was in the bilge under the engine, was a know problem with the older boats, and the smell really bothered me. With great difficulty I pulled the tank out and proceed to repair it with marine tex and cloth. Then painted the bottom with epoxy. Couldn't get it back in the companionway. So ordered a new tank. Since the tank was out of the boat, time to rewire the engine space. The wiring was a mess, the inverter charger was exposed to high moisture and the back of the electrical panel was corroded. That took a month or two. Some where along there I had to move the boat due to my slip being needed for the annual in water boat show. 2 days later she was on the bottom with 3 feet of water in her. Never was able to get her back to my standards and had to part ways with it. Would I do the same again... knowing me, probably. I hate the smell of diesel. And of course my new coach has that smell as well.... but leaving that for another day. (think its the aqua hot and I tightened up the fuel line, hope that fixes it)
Bob

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