Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

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Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

May 18, 2021, 05:06:49 pm

As an introduction I am new to this forum, but have read thru some of the posts and I'm a member of another forum and notice some of them on this forum also. I live in Nacogdoches near Foretravel and Motorhomes of Texas. I have a gas 2018 Tiffin Open Road, 34 foot currently.
We travel a good bit and love our current motorhome, except for the rough ride and noise level. So am considering trading it for a 2000 to 2008 Foretravel, not more than 40 feet long. I did take a test drive in a 2007 40' Nimbus, I believe it was, and it does ride good and is pretty quiet.
I'm looking at the years noted above to get a diesel engine prior to DPF and prior to DEF, but do not want one too old that requires much maintenance or renovation.
My question is: I'm looking for some advice on any particular models or years that stand out as good solid models. I have noted on this forum the advice to not get an "ISX" engine from 2005 - 2006. Are there any other pros or cons I need to be aware of?
Any advice or assistance is appreciated.
Thank you,
Wade Griffin

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #1 – May 18, 2021, 06:01:41 pm

All Foretravels that have bulkheads and have driven through one mud puddle will have bulkhead rust. A tiny bit or a lot that needs repair. Get someone from the forum to inspect with you. Even if you have to pay airfare and a fee, it's cheap insurance. A great coach if all the T's have been crossed. If you can't at least some of the work, you need a cash reserve. Not just for Foretravels but all RVs.

Pierce

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #2 – May 18, 2021, 06:10:32 pm

Also watch out for the generator in those years. Don't remember but I believe the hybrid ones are the bad ones and expensive to get replaced.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #3 – May 18, 2021, 06:20:56 pm

The 2007 Nimbus was a first-year design. There were some learning curves in production with it.

1) Some reports of water leaks due to a change in plumbing connection methods. Check for prior damage

2) At least one report on the forum that the dash A/C used that year has no parts available and is not repairable when it fails.

3) Many things standard in a Foretravel were options or not available that year. AquaHot, transmission retarder in particular come to mind. Check to see what the unit has for hydronic heating and whether it has the retarder or not (if not, it likely doesn't have an engine brake instead; I don't think FT started using those until they went to Spartan for the chassis).

4) Some serious fiberglass delamination issues that can run upwards of $30K to repair in the 2007-2010-ish units. Check for history of repair or have a reliable shop like Xtreme inspect the unit first. There are a couple of members here currently dealing with this and we have seen several in the past up close and personal.

2005 the factory produced very few units (it almost went bankrupt, then was sold by the Fore family to the current investment group). 2006 Phenix was the first new model under that ownership. 2006 Nimbus is basically a rebadged U295/U320-ish coach. Not quite a U320. Also low numbers built.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #4 – May 18, 2021, 06:28:51 pm

I personally think the price vs. value equation is currently in favor of the 00-01 U320s. You can get A LOT of coach, with a slide, for well under $100k. I would perhaps prefer an 03-05 but your price point jumps considerably.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #5 – May 19, 2021, 11:28:11 am

You are lucky that you live in Nac. You can go and compare all the coaches you want right there at your back door.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #6 – May 19, 2021, 11:55:47 am

Any of the 2001 or 2003s would be good choices. U320 gets you the bigger engine and transmission and AquaHot. All pluses but U270 and U295s are good choices too. All of these coaches will have about the same maintenance issues. 2001 started painted graphics and full length ducted AC in the ceiling and a new dash style. The last year for a 36' U320 was 2002.

A single living rooms slide add lots of usable space for the floor plans. Non slide coaches in that range of time are rare. A bedroom closet slide adds maintenance expense, shift the bed towards the pass side and you lose the side overhead cabinets. Some folks have had problems with the LR slide system in the 2002 model year.

Basement space utilization changed quite a bit between 2001 and 2003. Battery locations and AH location changed. More equipment moved to the floor of the basement space. Look carefully to see the differences. Look at as many as you can.

Hope you find a perfect one for what your needs are.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #7 – May 19, 2021, 01:14:17 pm

I appreciate all your responses so far and have gained some good information and insight. Yes, it is convenient to live near the factory and Motorhomes of Texas. I'm still doing research and taking notes to decide on the right mechanics and layout for us.
Thanks

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #8 – May 19, 2021, 08:48:15 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – May 19, 2021, 11:55:47 am

Any of the 2001 or 2003s would be good choices.

Some folks have had problems with the LR slide system in the 2002 model year.

And the air-operated awning. Both were a 2002 model year-only item.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #9 – May 20, 2021, 11:26:27 am

I owned a 2007 Fortravel Nimbus and would advise you to NEVER purchase a 2007 year model. The Nimbus series produced during 2007 were plagued with high priced problems. I had delamination issues, generator problems, engine issues, air conditioning issues, and so many other problems I sold my unit and paid a near fortune trying to fix issues that would never end! I also had several other friends with 2007 Nimbus models and they too had similar issues. It surely may look nice on the outside, but you can be sure to find issues the moment you drive it out of the dealer.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #10 – May 20, 2021, 12:09:11 pm

Quote from: bobnkathy – May 20, 2021, 11:26:27 am

I owned a 2007 Fortravel Nimbus and would advise you to NEVER purchase a 2007 year model. The Nimbus series produced during 2007 were plagued with high priced problems. I had delamination issues, generator problems, engine issues, air conditioning issues, and so many other problems I sold my unit and paid a near fortune trying to fix issues that would never end! I also had several other friends with 2007 Nimbus models and they too had similar issues. It surely may look nice on the outside, but you can be sure to find issues the moment you drive it out of the dealer.

I appreciate your advice. It's a little funny, but the only test drive I have taken in a Foretravel was recently in a 2007 Nimbus and the AC did not work well at all. It does ride a lot better than my current gas model on a Ford F53 chassis.
It seems like a 2001 or 2003 U320 may be a good model for me to look into further.
I'm learning a good bit from your responses and from other forum reading and appreciate any further guidance.
Thanks,
Wade Griffin

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #11 – May 20, 2021, 01:24:15 pm

Since you live in Nac, once you find one you like, just take it for a test drive over to Xtreme. They will look it over for free and tell you what it needs in terms of roof, body and bulkheads. Great guys!

Kevin

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #12 – May 20, 2021, 01:28:14 pm

Actually, I would suggest you pay Keith Risch, shop foreman at MOT to spend a couple of yours going over the coach with you.

Time and money very well spent.

Be sure to wear old clothes and bring a notebook for taking notes.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #13 – May 20, 2021, 01:31:41 pm

Wade, sent you a PM

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #14 – May 20, 2021, 01:34:25 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 20, 2021, 01:28:14 pm

Actually, I would suggest you pay Keith Risch, shop foreman at MOT to spend a couple of yours going over the coach with you.

This is the best money I have spent on my coach so far. He's a great guy... been checking in on my wife and I regularly since we wrecked our coach

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #15 – May 20, 2021, 02:45:42 pm

Keith is a gem.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #16 – May 20, 2021, 05:10:09 pm

Quote from: Elliott – May 20, 2021, 01:34:25 pm

This is the best money I have spent on my coach so far. He's a great guy... been checking in on my wife and I regularly since we wrecked our coach

"We" Elliott? And you didn't "wreck" your coach, you found the limits of suspension travel.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #17 – May 20, 2021, 05:12:52 pm

Quote from: wog099 – May 20, 2021, 12:09:11 pm

It does ride a lot better than my current gas model on a Ford F53 chassis.
Thanks,
Wade Griffin

Every Foretravel model larger than the U240 rides on air.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #18 – May 20, 2021, 05:16:45 pm

Quote from: Old Toolmaker – May 20, 2021, 05:10:09 pm

"We" Elliott? And you didn't "wreck" your coach, you found the limits of suspension travel.

1) Fair point. "I"
2) Also fair. So far a $20k lesson and counting

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #19 – May 21, 2021, 08:15:43 am

Quote from: Elliott – May 20, 2021, 05:16:45 pm

1) Fair point. "I"
2) Also fair. So far a $20k lesson and counting

Thank you.
I pushed my body (heart) too far repairing my roof, and I wrote the last of the co-payment checks for this year. Looking at the grand total the insurance company and I paid, we're nearing $60,000. All for one aging sack of meat that's going to spoil as soon as it stops working. But I found my upper limit!

And the skylight is done except for the interior trim. And it no longer leaks.

On Topic: WOG099, don't be afraid of age on a Unihome or Unicoach. The Fore family built RVs may have their idiosyncracys but they make great use of the space available and are eminently repairable. And anything you purchase is used as soon as you sign the contract, and all RVs need constant maintenance. It just goes with the territory.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #20 – May 21, 2021, 08:51:48 am

You will not be disappointed in a Foretravel, just do your homework! I would look into years '97 through 2002. All great years and except for some upgrades in new items, top of the line coaches! We owned a '98 and loved it. No slide, no issues! This was a U320 and we now own a 2000 with one slide. We love it and have made it ours with little upgrades here and there! Like others have mentioned, the Nimbus was a real issue. Good luck in your search for that perfect coach for you and yes, Keith is the man at MOT!

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #21 – May 21, 2021, 10:42:14 am

Quote from: Old Toolmaker – May 21, 2021, 08:15:43 am

Thank you.
I pushed my body (heart) too far repairing my roof, and I wrote the last of the co-payment checks for this year. Looking at the grand total the insurance company and I paid, we're nearing $60,000. All for one aging sack of meat that's going to spoil as soon as it stops working. But I found my upper limit!

Hope I'm not stepping on your toes but for other Foretravel member who may be retired, my bills for my hip and triple laminectomy were about $300,000. My secondary and Medicare covered all but $8/night for Gaylie's food at the hospital. But, I have to pay $356/mo for secondary insurance and an additional $44.20 for prescription drug insurance. No dental insurance but that's why we go to Mexico.

All secondary policies are not the same with some covering you while out of the country. A specialist is needed to make sure you get the right policy. Seems like a huge monthly bill until you see what even a short ambulance ride costs or a quick visit to ER. No one pays the same for hospital procedures.

OK, back to topic.

Yes, Old Toolmaker hits it on the head. All RVs need constant attention. Hopefully, just small items along with small expenses but age, the sun and rough roads catches up with all of us and everything else sooner or later. Best if later.

Pierce

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #22 – May 21, 2021, 11:02:25 am

Wade.
You live in Nac ?

Go talk to the mechanics at Foretravel, they'll tell ya.
Not to quote Todd but he told me he'd buy a 270 because they built SO MANY. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Most people on the line didn't have to check prints cause they'll never forget. He rattled off the model number of my spot light cause every item added to the coach had to be initialed by who installed it.

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #23 – July 22, 2021, 09:26:38 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 20, 2021, 01:28:14 pm

Actually, I would suggest you pay Keith Risch, shop foreman at MOT to spend a couple of yours going over the coach with you.

Time and money very well spent.

Be sure to wear old clothes and bring a notebook for taking notes.

Brett, how would I contact Keith? We are going to look at one next week at MOT.
Thanks
Julie

Re: Considering Buying a Previously Owned Foretravel

Reply #24 – July 22, 2021, 09:29:19 am

Keith is the shop foreman at MOT. Contact him through the service department. You are welcome to mention my name.

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