1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

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1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

December 17, 2020, 12:44:26 pm

Hi new to the form have been reading a lot so far. Have been looking for at RV's for about 2 years now and i think i like the FT's th best for the buid quality. Have found one and was wanting to no your thoughts on a 1991 40ft with cat Diesel it is a 1 owner with all manual's just had put new rubber all around and everything works as it should has 101000 miles on it. Located in Houston TX. Thy are asking $14900.00. I think ther is a unihomebasement doors open up and a non unihome basement doors open down.WE are wanting for full timeing in, dont want slides and problems with them. We like the layout. an thing to look out for would help alot. We live in MI so can't go look at it it just hit the market on CL.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #1 – December 17, 2020, 01:02:55 pm

Is this it?

https://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/d/spring-foretravel-grand-villa/7247883594.html

I'm curious what the lever is for, on wall left of driver seat. Not the gear shift lever - the other one. One of our Forum members may know.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #2 – December 17, 2020, 01:10:27 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – December 17, 2020, 01:02:55 pm

Is this it?

https://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/d/spring-foretravel-grand-villa/7247883594.html

Yes

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #3 – December 17, 2020, 01:30:42 pm

Jim,

Looks to be in good shape but still should have it inspected. This is a very slow time of year sales wise. I can see from the faded decals that it has been stored at least part of the time outside. Check roof, etc. Also, since you want to full time, be aware that the compartments are not as tall as the U280/U300. Perhaps not a big deal. CAT 3208 is a good engine. Lots of Foretravel owners in Texas so perhaps one will help you inspect it.

Pierce

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #4 – December 17, 2020, 01:57:55 pm

Tread lightly with your wallet on this. New generator alone is $5600 doesn't include install and tires 3,000+. This doesn't add up to me.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #5 – December 17, 2020, 02:03:55 pm

Is that a 1991 4000 (40') ORED? If so, I would suspect not many 40 footers out there...mostly 36' OREDs on our Forum.

Specs listed below:

1991 Foretravel GV 36-38-40 ORED Specifications

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #6 – December 17, 2020, 02:16:12 pm

I called the seller and asked about the lever behind the trans shifter. Seller is not sure, but he thinks it is an overdrive.

I am sure a serious looker could get him to go to the coach and read the labels.

My speculation is a hand throttle.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #7 – December 17, 2020, 02:46:30 pm

Quote from: oldmattb – December 17, 2020, 02:16:12 pm

My speculation is a hand throttle.

Possible. If it is a mechanical hand throttle, would require a LONG cable from cockpit to engine compartment.

Same as does the gear shift lever, I guess, so entirely do-able. Or is the gear selector actually electronic?

I would like to see a close-up of the mystery lever, and a close-up of the black ID plate next to the lever. Would help with positive model ID.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #8 – December 17, 2020, 04:10:25 pm

Great price , esp with new tires and Genset. Looks really OE equipped . Even carpet !! Check the frame/bulkheads etc of course.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #9 – December 17, 2020, 04:27:51 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – December 17, 2020, 01:30:42 pm

Jim,

Looks to be in good shape but still should have it inspected. This is a very slow time of year sales wise. I can see from the faded decals that it has been stored at least part of the time outside. Check roof, etc. Also, since you want to full time, be aware that the compartments are not as tall as the U280/U300. Perhaps not a big deal. CAT 3208 is a good engine. Lots of Foretravel owners in Texas so perhaps one will help you inspect it.

Pierce

I was thinking it looked ok for the year to. I was hoping mabe some one that is close would look at it for me that would be awsome.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #10 – December 17, 2020, 04:31:37 pm

Quote from: Tommy D – December 17, 2020, 01:57:55 pm

Tread lightly with your wallet on this. New generator alone is $5600 doesn't include install and tires 3,000+. This doesn't add up to me.

Am also wondering same, going to call and ask not sure it will do much good as seeing it in person tho.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #11 – December 17, 2020, 04:31:44 pm

Quote from: oldmattb – December 17, 2020, 02:16:12 pm

My speculation is a hand throttle.

Wouldn't it be nice if it were the two speed rear axle control?

P

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #12 – December 17, 2020, 04:32:57 pm

Maybe just hooked up to floor pedal?? Could have been the owner had a problem with right leg/foot so used this and left foot for brake??
JohnH

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #13 – December 17, 2020, 04:33:37 pm

I noticed a few things:
1. Awning pull loops are blue but body stripes are maroon - original owner may have ordered it that way. Strange.
2. Tires don't look very new to me. Always look at the dates imprinted on the rubber. Lack of wear on tread does not equal new and at 7 years they need replacing.
3. Generator doesn't look new either. I think I see rusty screw heads on the enclosure and labels down on base look worn off. Why no hours on it? (sticker says new replace 869 hours hour meter says 869 hours). Makes me wonder if it works at all or they never hooked up the hour meter? Who knows.
4. In the video I caught the glimpse of a spare tire inside next to the kitchen counter! (never seen that before) - FT's typically don't carry one.
5. Ad says there is a wine cooler and dishwasher. All I see is the trash compactor.
6. Interior does look pretty good - even the front seats.

Seems like the seller doesn't really know much about it and I'm guessing was told "everything" works - it may have been some time since that statement was verified. Appears to have seen the outdoors for quite a while so a good roof inspection/leak inspection should be done.

I will take a guess at the lever: trailer brakes (possibly for a trailer with air brakes).

A U300/U280 is a little better for full timing as well as boondocking if your planning on it. They have the larger basement storage not only because they are taller but there are no frame rails running down the length. Also the water tanks are larger (102 verses 88 gallons of fresh) - when boondocking you always run out of water first. The ORED is a good coach with no design flaws that I'm aware of - it's all matter of the condition of the unit being considered. I think it has the 300 hp engine which gives it good power for it's weight at 26,500 lbs.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #14 – December 17, 2020, 04:39:48 pm

Long ago I drove a coach that had a handle like that and it was for a cable operated exhaust brake.

Mike

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #15 – December 17, 2020, 04:46:13 pm

John,

Good analysis of the video! Considering the bulkhead issue is only getting worse with age, the frame rails don't really sound bad.

The police should be called by YouTube when someone makes a video like that. If you were prone to vertigo, that would put you over the edge.

Pierce

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #16 – December 17, 2020, 05:01:28 pm

Just got off the phone with them and was told that the lever next to the drivers set is the levers. Am having them take some pics of both buck heads. Was also told that it had set for 1 1/2 years but was just used last mouth to run about 100 miles. Don't like that it has set that long not sure if it was started or not in any of that time. Did get the model no. G9139240SBIORED300 not sure this is a help I don't no how to read it.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #17 – December 17, 2020, 05:27:46 pm

Quote from: Jim Mary – December 17, 2020, 05:01:28 pm

Just got off the phone with them and was told that the lever next to the drivers set is the levers. Am having them take some pics of both buck heads. Was also told that it had set for 1 1/2 years but was just used last mouth to run about 100 miles. Don't like that it has set that long not sure if it was started or not in any of that time. Did get the model no. G9139240SBIORED300 not sure this is a help I don't no how to read it.

Hope the coach was plugged in for the batteries. Other than that, the CAT and Allison should not suffer from the layoff. Our Case tractor and backup 300SD frequently sit a year or more and start and work fine. The worst is if moisture gets inside. It has a way of making anything electrical hesitant to come back to life. Bugs can get in the water heater, air cleaner or anything with a hole. Check dates on tires.

With the faded decals, don't forget to check the roof for cracks from UV exposure.

John Fitz has an excellent page for decoding the model information and the VIN info:
file:///Users/piercestewart/Downloads/VIN%20PLATE%20DECODING.pdf
Download the PDF and then you can zoom to as large as you want. In case you can't download it, go to this forum page: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

Pierce

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #18 – December 17, 2020, 05:33:29 pm

OMG, I thought this post is my post about my 1991 GV. As you may know, I recently bought a 1991 GV also in Houston area. I have spend the last 6 month to restore it. And it is still not close to the condition in the list.

Although I got it in a much lower price, the amount of money I spend already exceeds the asking price here.

Looking at the interior, it is very similar to mine. But it is in much better condition. You have to check the odor, I have to replace all the carpet and sofa cushion to get rid of the odor. The odor might be a deal killer.

I am glad people are bring these 30 year old beauty back to life.

One question, the picture shows there is vent on the side of the coach. Does it has side radiator? Mine is 6V92, it doesn't have any vent on the side.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #19 – December 17, 2020, 05:36:47 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – December 17, 2020, 05:27:46 pm

Hope the coach was plugged in for the batteries. Other than that, the CAT and Allison should not suffer from the layoff. Our Case tractor and backup 300SD frequently sit a year or more and start and work fine. The worst is if moisture gets inside. It has a way of making anything electrical hesitant to come back to life. Bugs can get in the water heater, air cleaner or anything with a hole. Check dates on tires.

With the faded decals, don't forget to check the roof for cracks from UV exposure.

John F has an excellent page for decoding the model information and the VIN info:
file:///Users/piercestewart/Downloads/VIN%20PLATE%20DECODING.pdf

Pierce

G9139240SBIORED300
3924 should be the engine model.
SBI Side bathroom Island bed
ORED OSHKOSH chassis Rear engine diesel
300 maybe U300 series. GVWR=30000 lbs.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #20 – December 17, 2020, 05:52:17 pm

In regards to the lever: I don't think you got the right answer. There are leveling controls but they are below the level of the drivers seat (just the edge visible in a photo). The big lever (that looks like a boat throttle) is what we are all wondering about. Not a concern, just curious.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #21 – December 17, 2020, 05:59:44 pm

Quote from: Running Odometer – December 17, 2020, 05:36:47 pm

G9139240SBIORED300
3924 should be the engine model.

Believe you mean build number.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #22 – December 17, 2020, 06:33:35 pm

Thank you all for the information so very helpful.

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #23 – December 17, 2020, 07:47:25 pm

Should have a side radiator and from the numbers shown should be the 300 hp 3208

Re: 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa

Reply #24 – December 17, 2020, 09:09:29 pm

$15K. I would kick the tires myself, drive it for about 50 mil and if it fell all good to me, buy it and deal with what comes next. Because it is a FT GV :-) Good luck. Make sure you have $10K on the side.

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