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Topic: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice (Read 2737 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #40 –
I wouldn't buy a coach (and didn't) until I decided this lifestyle  was something I wanted to participate in long term.

I personally would not make financial investment and time commitment these classic coaches require for a planned, short term ownership. Too much downside for me.

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #41 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
I wouldn't buy a coach (and didn't) until I decided this lifestyle  was something I wanted to participate in long term.

I personally would not make financial investment and time commitment these classic coaches require for a planned, short term ownership. Too much downside for me.


BINGO!!!

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #42 –
You can buy a nice Foretravel without much of a financial investment for $10K to $20K. We did 11 years ago and it has long since paid for itself to a point that it could be parked and never used again without looking back. It's been ultra reliable and gets us to our destinations without much fuss year after year. Once there, it's secondary to exploring the town or countryside. We like to use other forms of transportation for destinations the coach can't get us to and if we had invested $50K-$100K or more, we would have to limit our travel to just coach destinations. Can't exactly take the coach down the Nile or the Galapagos.

If you don't have a house to come back to, then it's another story but we are not full timers by any means.

Pierce

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #43 –
If a person knows this is the hobby you want long term then at some point you have to pull the trigger  to make it happen.. Pointers are provided and after due dillegence get on with it.. Me personally I have never financed a "toy" and paying cash makes one clutch the money bag a bit more snug.. Something different about the amt one will spend when it's $100.00 bills stacked up on the table vs a blank space for your signature.. I'm no Dave Ramsey but do have a clue. Works for this household.

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #44 –
What they said...... ^.^d

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #45 –
If I wanted to do as the OP and try to sell it after 6 months I'd look at other brands.  It won't be the same quality but there will be a larger market for a newer motorhome that is more well known.  Foretravels among a couple other brands while being much better quality won't appeal to nearly as many people as a newer Winnebago, Monaco, Thor, etc.
Other than that maybe consider a smaller class C or B in combination with monthly rentals in different areas.  That way you could experience camping and be much more comfortable.

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #46 –
When we first wanted to try RVing we bought a 10 year old class C that was in pretty decent shape.  Took some trips in it, learned a lot, had lots of fun , and sold it for $1,000 less than I paid for it the next year.  We looked into renting but the long term costs were outrageous  so we took a chance and it worked.

Our next coach was a Class A Gas coach from Winnebago.  I chose gas because it was simpler, I knew more about maintenance on a gas engine and transmission, and it was easily stored for the winter.  Used it well for 7 years until we went full time, then bought our Foretravel and have lived and traveled in it for 12 years now. 

Lots of good advice here- mine is to really think about how you will use the RV and what you are willing or able to spend on this adventure.  Good luck with your decision .

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #47 –
What Ted said + how much can you fix yourself?  :D

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #48 –
I own a 1998 U270, purchased in 2016 and still a work in progress. You are new to RVs with three young children and plan on going on the road for 6 months. I've been RVing since 1964 starting in childhood. I've logged about 150,000 miles towing or piloting RVs. I recommend a one ton truck with fiberglass topper, a 30 foot trailer with bunk beds and the fewest slides possible. Buy used, get an extended warranty on truck if necessary and pay for a thorough inspection of your used trailer. If camping in cold weather get a trailer made by Northwood in Oregon. They make one of the best at a fair price. After six months the trailer will be easy to sell and so will the truck. The Foretravel learning curve is too steep unless you are incredibly lucky and very good with diesel, air, and electronics with a solid bank account for repairs. I really like my Foretravel and the Forum helps me keep it alive.

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #49 –
The learning curve is steep but we've able to survive and enjoy the journey.  ;D



Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #50 –
Previous post makes lots of sense, realistically the Foretravel was built for two, with two forward facing seats, as Michelle pointed out your kids seats must be forward facing which would involve modifications which may not be department of transport approved seating unless installed by Foretravel at the factory.
Sleeping arrangements etc, reselling,  seriously suggest buying a trailer or 5th wheel with the set up you need, which is kid friendly and safe.
Then do the trip dreaming about the Foretravel you could have had.

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #51 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
What Ted said + how much can you fix yourself?  :D

More now than at first Scott- but I also have learned more about the systems so I can get them maintained properly.      ^.^d

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #52 –
We bought our 2001 U270 40' from MOT three years ago.  Researched the maintenance records and preformed an inspection.  It had very adequate care and was a solid coach with nice updates including the flooring, television and headlights. Coach had over 108,000 miles showing.  We have run that milage to 122,000.  We have replaced the starting batteries and the refrigerator removed the hydraulic cooling fan to have it's hydraulic motor rebuilt.  Cleaned the electrical connectors in the engine compartment and replaced the starter solenoid.  We are just completing our oil change, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter changes on both the drive engine and the generator.  We have replaced the belts and the airconditioner compressor.  We travel to Hot Springs, AR,  Gulf Shores, AL, Galveston, Fredericksburg and Big Bend Park in Texas.  Our toad is a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.  We plan to replace the house batteries next spring and the tires in about 18 months.  We love the Fortravel.  Great to drive with a very comfortable ride.  We do not have slides.  I did not want slides to maintain.  We are very comfortable when living in the coach.  I hope this hleps you make your decision.  Have some one with MH experience make a prebuy inspection.  Good Luck

Re: Interested in buying a Foretravel- need some advice

Reply #53 –
I gave advise the man wasn't asking for concerning finance.. That's a personal choice that I should keep my opinion to myself except for my kids of which I have none.. To the op.. I enjoy the search for one to an extent and maybe you can as well. When you find it go have a large time for that's the joy in a toy..  Good hunting... Dub