Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Topic: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down] (Read 2209 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #25 – August 16, 2021, 01:30:32 pm

I would not say it is a "entry level" air bag coach as the U280 and U300 were the top of the line in 1992 and reflected it in the price back then. The U280 should be a mechanical engine, a good thing. Nice to have a six speed as the later '92 should have it. Many consider the early 102" coaches the best Foretravel ever built. Definitely, the most reliable. Ours has been pretty trouble free for over 13 years and lots of miles.

Pierce

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #26 – August 16, 2021, 02:36:41 pm

If the OP's coach-to-be IS actually a 8.3L, then it is a U280. The ForeForum Wiki specs page says the '92 U280 comes with the Allison MT647. Of course, it also says the '93 U280 comes with the MT647, which I can unequivocally say is incorrect, at least in the case of our coach (April 1993 build date). So I guess we'll have to wait and see what tranny the OP ends up with.

Foretravel Specifications, Floorplans & Brochures [ForeForums Foretravel...

There are two grills on the curb side rear end of coach (photo below from the Facebook ad). Our '93 U280 has one grill on that side for the engine cooling radiator and CAC. Why does the '92 have two grills?

Photo on the right is our '93 U280 for comparison.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #27 – August 16, 2021, 02:54:49 pm

Never seen one like that either. Owner or shop installed? Good to see where the tubing runs under the skin. Wonder why that's visible?

P

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #28 – August 16, 2021, 02:59:56 pm

If it's a very humid day the side aluminum structure will show, if not a humid day, I've never seen it show. Also have never seen two grills on either side, interesting . Usually in winter months with high humidity and morning time is when the bones will show.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #29 – August 16, 2021, 04:44:47 pm

Well, thinking about backing out, as much as I hate to say it. They said they had someone offer $10,000 and I said well would you take $11,000 and I was off to the races. This is the 1st RV my wife liked, but I had no idea about bulk head problems and I thought this was a 96" wide couch. The owner is a great lady and I don't want to take advantage of her. The guy helping her is great 👍. He said when they went to level the coach when they bought it 7 years ago, the driver side window pulled away. The owner drove it to Texas and Foretravel pulled the whole front cap off and redid everything. They always had it serviced at Knoxville Cummins who also rebuilt the generator for $5000.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #30 – August 16, 2021, 05:04:15 pm

Quote from: 442john – August 15, 2021, 08:45:09 pm

The coach is in Oak Ridge.

Did a little Member Map digging -

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=2184

Member hasn't been active since 2015 (likely not following the forum so best not to PM). One post from 7 years ago describes the start of the roof issues of the 1992 U280 they owned.

Accurate coach values

I suspect it's the same coach.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #31 – August 16, 2021, 05:22:45 pm

Quote from: Michelle – August 16, 2021, 05:04:15 pm

One post from 7 years ago describes the start of the roof issues of the 1992 U280 they owned.

That thread really wandered around several subjects...and never really explained what the problem was with the roof.

Wonder if the seller could provide any photos of whatever it is on the roof that they think needs fixing?

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #32 – August 16, 2021, 07:36:35 pm

The present owners name is not Tom. The guy helping her sell it said that the owner took it to Foretravel and they took the whole front cap off and redid it because the windshield pooped out. He also took it back another time for a roof leak and they "fixed it" but now it's leaking again! What in the heck could cause this if Foretravel couldn't fix it? Do these coaches have that many problems with roof leaks? The other person that offered $10,000 said he was going to put a whole new roof cap on it? sorry so many questions. Sorry for being so wishy washy.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #33 – August 16, 2021, 07:49:58 pm

Don't walk away, RUN!

Take your time and learn about Foretravels before you spend your $$

Pierce

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #34 – August 16, 2021, 08:22:56 pm

I'm thinking they bought it from Tom, and it's had roof problems from some tome, plus windshield popping out has me concerned. I really hate t back out, but I can't see going forward after finding out more information. You all are great, I'm thinking you may have helped me dodge a bullet!

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #35 – August 17, 2021, 10:31:26 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 16, 2021, 05:22:45 pm

That thread really wandered around several subjects...and never really explained what the problem was with the roof.

Wonder if the seller could provide any photos of whatever it is on the roof that they think needs fixing?

The problem I found with my roof is that water had gotten into the roof and caused the plywood to de-laminate. I repaired the worst of it with new plywood, resin and glass.

If you went on the roof when the roof was wet you would find blisters. When dry no blisters but a tell-tale crack in the fiberglass.

Since I have a flat roof and it's a matter of when not if this happens again, my game plan based on my recent experience will be to make a purpose built table*, and turn 2' by 8' sheets of plywood made with waterproof glue, and make my own roof repair panels.

A U280 for $15,000 may still be a good deal, but as others have said, it needs a skilled eye to determine whether or not it really is a good deal and a psychiatrist to tell 442john if he has the right temperament for an RV that needs tender loving care.

*Orthopaedic issues leftover from the stop that broke my neck, heart issues.
Laying fiberglass cloth and resin over a 4' span on my hands and knees will not be attempted again.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #36 – August 19, 2021, 07:48:30 am

i would like to help the widow out by trying to figure out if it's air bag, air line, or air tank leaking. What is best way to go about this?

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #37 – August 19, 2021, 08:26:57 am

Blowing Bubbles?

Froggys Fog - 1 Gallon - MAX Bubble Juice Fluid - 10x the Bubbles from...

Think Horses, not Zebras, it's probably an air bag.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #38 – August 19, 2021, 08:53:55 am

Quote from: 442john – August 16, 2021, 07:36:35 pm

The present owners name is not Tom. The guy helping her sell it said that the owner took it to Foretravel and they took the whole front cap off and redid it because the windshield pooped out.

Windshields popping out aren't a Bug on a Foretravel, it's a feature. <Grin>

There is a wooden brace glued to the front cap behind the dash board. If this comes free the front cap flexes. The windhsield either breaks or pops out.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #39 – August 19, 2021, 05:13:12 pm

One or more of the messages of this topic have been moved to Around the Fire Ring - https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=43000.0 since they weren't relevant to this Foretravel topic.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #40 – August 19, 2021, 11:01:18 pm

Can't tell for sure if you have pulled the trigger on this rig or not but thinking you are getting a real deal, or not ! Roof concerns would worry me. Without considering that figure on spending 10 grand to get it ready to really roll. Tires, every fluid in the rig, Shocks, airbags, fuel lines, lot's of stuff has aged out. We have done a lot more, LED's inside and out bumper to bumper, 800 watts solar on the roof. upgrade inverter, and stuff to numerous to mention. $500 bucks here, $500 bucks there, another 10 grand at least. However at less than 50 grand I will stack my 31 year old rig up against the finest top of the line new Newmars or Monaco's gong for 400,000.
Just saying when we left the FMCA rally in Gillette Wyoming in July the route out of the Fairgrounds went by the area where the new coaches were for sale there were at least 30 sales guys watching the parade of coaches. Got thumbs up and guys pointing at our rig from ALL of them. Try that with your new Winnebago.
You have found a home here on this forum. If it can happen to a Grand Villa it's happened to one of us. Simply cannot say enough good things about the folks here.
Best of luck to you.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #41 – August 20, 2021, 09:24:16 am

Thanks for your kind words. I have backed out on this coach mainly because I think I would be tense driving a wide body. The roof concerns also concern me, especially when Foretravel seemed not able to fix. She's marked it down to $10,000!!!! My wife and I really like it, but, also, we want to be able to stay in All national and state parks. Rethinking this again. Going to look at a 33' Barth, but wife hates mauve interior already. Also. we're planing to liver in it at some point, sooo? Just concerned and thinking at out loud, sorry for rambling. Blessings

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #42 – August 20, 2021, 12:00:10 pm

Nothing tense driving a coach 6 inches wider. The longer you drive any coach, the smaller it becomes. There was zero learning curve to the 102" coach. I don't pay much attention to it's size as turns become automatic.

You need to do a lot more research. Perhaps a later class C would give you the least trouble.

Pierce

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #43 – August 22, 2021, 09:40:14 pm

Thanks a bunch to all who commented, really appreciate the kindness and assistance, if moderator would like to alter my heading or delete this since I didn't buy the Foretravel I'd Understand. I still want to check in with you all from time to time and help you all out if and when I can, I purchased, done deal, a Barth diesel pusher today. I still think the Foretravel is a great deal, but just too big, plus I didn't understand the bulkhead design. Blessing to all and thanks again!!

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #44 – August 22, 2021, 09:49:41 pm

Quote from: 442john – August 22, 2021, 09:40:14 pm

Thanks a bunch to all who commented, really appreciate the kindness and assistance, if moderator would like to alter my heading or delete this since I didn't buy the Foretravel I'd Understand. I still want to check in with you all from time to time and help you all out if and when I can, I purchased, done deal, a Barth diesel pusher today. I still think the Foretravel is a great deal, but just too big, plus I didn't understand the bulkhead design. Blessing to all and thanks again!!

Congrats on your purchase - I've edited the topic title so we can keep the great discussion here.

And yes, please, stick around and contribute where you can. There are no requirements that members own a Foretravel, only that they are fans of the brand.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #45 – August 24, 2021, 06:52:44 pm

Wasn't sure if I'm posting this in right place, but I almost bought this. They say it needs roof repairs, the ceiling shows some signs, but none of it was wet. I think it needs rear air bag because it's leaking badly on driver's side rear. Needs tires. Wife really liked this coach, and I did too. The bulk heads looked good to me. This is owned by a very nice lady who needs to sell. Sorry if wrong area, but I made a post about this coach, I'd like someone to get this that could restore her. It's down to. $8000 Blessing

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #46 – August 24, 2021, 08:26:05 pm

Quote from: 442john – August 24, 2021, 06:52:44 pm

Wasn't sure if I'm posting this in right place, but I almost bought this.

Merged this with the previous/existing discussion of this coach.

Re: Almost bought a 1992 Foretravel 40' Grand Villa [update from OP further down]

Reply #47 – August 31, 2021, 08:32:45 pm

Well, they lowered the price to $8000 and they sold it. I hope the new owner knows about this great site, she and Allison was a nice coach but had roof problems for a very ling time. i ended up purchasing a 1988 Barth 33' on a Spartan Chassis with a 8.3 Cummins TD and Allison 4-SPD transmission. You guys are great, so, I think I'll hang around here with you all some too. Blessing and thanks for all the help.

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