Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Snowbirding in luxury  (Read 1497 times) previous topic - next topic

Snowbirding in luxury

Hi everyone! I am just starting my journey looking for a good used Foretravel motorhome. I have been reading a lot about them. I have decided on FT for a couple of reasons. One being the quality, and they are still being made. My budget is under 100 thousand. I would like 40 foot or under.  I have a question that may have been ask already but I haven't found the answer yet. I like boondocking! Or better yet thats about all I can afford when snowbirding to the lower states for 6 months a year. This is my sixth year doing so. Ok Ok on we go. I believe, but I am not totally convinced that my type snowbird would be better done in a u295 as apposed to the U320's. Why? I am thinking because the U295's use a propane water heater and furnace. Is this enough reason to over look the 320 line? Or would it make a difference? I think simple is better!

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #1 –
Our budget was (much) smaller than yours.

I knew I wanted a diesel generator, and was firm on that.  I was surprisingly indifferent on the heating systems.  The coach we found and loved was a 320, but we would have bought it based on condition and appearance anyway, had it been a more modest trim level.

The Aqua Hot is a nice thing, but I also am drawn to the convenience of the propane furnace and water heater.  I have replaced both on previous coaches, with some wrenches and a few hours.  You tap your card at the RV parts place, throw the old appliance in a dumpster, and bolt the new one in!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Billdean06 –
I believe, but I am not totally convinced that my type snowbird would be better done in a u295 as apposed to the U320's.
Why? I am thinking because the U295's use a propane water heater and furnace.
1. Is this enough reason to over look the 320 line?
2. Or would it make a difference?
3. I think simple is better!

1. No
2. to us it didn't as we dry camped a lot in a U-240  (forerunner of a U 295) and our 320 now
3. for sure.
If you set a 320 up for boondocking/dry camping it will preform just fine. If you re a credit card repair person the 295 will be better than the 320. If you are a tinkering DIY person then the 320 will be better with our experience past and present.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #3 –
I boondocked almost exclusively in my U320. They're exceptional for long term off grid camping. I would prioritize maintenance history over features personally
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #4 –
One small advantage (pun intended) to the propane heaters is that they don't take up any space under the floor.  Especially in a 36' model, if you are the kind of person who tries to take EVERYTHING with you, the extra storage bay space could be valuable.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
One small advantage (pun intended) to the propane heaters is that they don't take up any space under the floor.  Especially in a 36' model, if you are the kind of person who tries to take EVERYTHING with you, the extra storage bay space could be valuable.
with an aquahot it's also easy to go full electric and ditch the propane tank for similar space savings. I think you'd need at least 2000w solar and 600ah (12v) for that to be doable though. 
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
1. No
2. to us it didn't as we dry camped a lot in a U-240  (forerunner of a U 295) and our 320 now
3. for sure.
If you set a 320 up for boondocking/dry camping it will preform just fine. If you re a credit card repair person the 295 will be better than the 320. If you are a tinkering DIY person then the 320 will be better with our experience past and present.

Mike

By set up I think you mean solar power. I have 1200w on my existing touhauler with a 600 amp lithium battery bank. I would transfer the batteries and charge controllers  over to my new coach for sure, but would buy new panels. Not at all new to boondocking and solar power. I am new to anything Foretravel or motorhomes in general . I am not a credit card type of person and would do most of my work. At least until I can't anymore. At 72 that could be tomorrow i guess. I don't know much about aquahot or the power requirement of a 4 travel coach. But then again 50 amp is 50 amps

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
One small advantage (pun intended) to the propane heaters is that they don't take up any space under the floor.  Especially in a 36' model, if you are the kind of person who tries to take EVERYTHING with you, the extra storage bay space could be valuable.
But they do have a much larger propane tank taking up space. U320s have a 19 gallon propane tank. We really re glad we ended up with a 320. 3610 but now believe a longer coach wouldnt make much difference so added length wouldnt be an issue. The 320 does weigh more.
Preferred coach model to use pros and cons

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Billdean06 –
I have 1200w on my existing touhauler with a 600 amp lithium battery bank. I would transfer the batteries and charge controllers  over to my new coach for sure,

With this added info I would sure look at a 320 if the floor plan fits your needs.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #9 –
Either would be OK for boondocking. I had a Monaco with propane heat it was fine but I prefer
the 320 with the Agua-hot as I like the 3 zone heating and the quiet of the of the small heating
fans. I like the extra power with the 320 as I drive in the mountains a lot.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #10 –
Just an observation from the boondockers at Quartzsite. 12  Foretravel coaches last few weeks,  4 Aqua Hot rigs, 8 propane heat source. Seems like 3 out of the 4 Aqua Hot units had issues one is totally out of service even after Aqua Hot repair guy made a visit. Haven't heard of anyone having issues with their propane furnace. Extra space needed for 320's diesel capacity, 50 gallons more to accommodate greater overall fuel burn.
  Most I have done in over 20 years have replaced a $95 circuit board for the hot water tank.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #11 –
I would encourage you to look at the other differences in particular coaches rather than fixate on aqua hot or propane.  Double pane windows are a plus.  The easy repairablitity, maintenance and troubleshooting of the stone ax reliable non computerized Cummins 8.3 is a major plus for me.  (But!  if you're not doing your own maintenance then the lack of a computer interface means many repair places will be clueless without that diagnostic interface) No problem towing, mountain passes included.  The 320 has more HP, for those folks who want to have the fastest turtle in a mountain race.  :)  If your usage will include cold weather living, then the care and feeding of the aqua hot starts to make sense.  The propane heaters will do the job, but they are noisy and go thru propane at a good clip.  But if you're not going to be in the cold, then the AH seems an unnecessarily complex and somewhat finicky device to maintain.

Horses for courses.  Look for a well maintained coach sold by a knowledgeable owner.  Watch out for rusty undercarriages and engine compartments.  You don't want one. Research thoroughly based on your priorities and buy once. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #12 –
Quote from: dsd –
But they do have a much larger propane tank taking up space. U320s have a 19 gallon propane tank. We really re glad we ended up with a 320. 3610 but now believe a longer coach wouldnt make much difference so added length wouldnt be an issue. The 320 does weigh more.
Preferred coach model to use pros and cons
Wouldn't a larger propane tank be a good thing when boondocking?

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Billdean06 –
Wouldn't a larger propane tank be a good thing when boondocking?
I filled up our U320 propane tank when we bought it in 2015 and refilled it last Aug. and it only took 8 gal. A bigger tank would not help our situation. The only thing that uses propane is the stove and boondocking is all we do.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #14 –
We had a 1996 u295 36' for over 15 years until this last summer and it had propane and It worked great and easily to repair. The big propane tank lasted a couple years if you don't use a lot of heat. We live and camp in Montana in the summer and need some heat in the mornings in the spring time camping. However when using it when it's cold 0-32F the windows will freeze up some with single pane windows. We also had solar, so we were mainly Boondockers. 
THE only problem with a Foretravel is that we could not go down very many dirt roads because of the airbag suspension, does not like washboards, and pot holes can brake your front windshield. We have always had to camp somewhere less off road and then take our tow vehicle which is a jeep exploreIng.
If you are coming from a tow trailer you may not be happy with where are you can go.  Just my thoughts.

Now we have a 1999 36' u320 with solar, with all the 320 upgrades so we will have to see how it goes. Either one will limit you on which gravel roads that you will travel. At least for us.

The difference between the 8.3 and the m11.  We had been towed twice with that 8.3 due to engine issues. Just because the 8.3 is a manual pump does not mean that it is simpler than a computerized M 11. But I guess time will tell.
With all that being said, we still love the luxury of our for travel !
James and Suzi
1999 U320  36, Cummins M11
Build 5544  Motorcade #17268
Ronan, Montana
2020 Jeep gladiator

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #15 –
I have been looking at a 2002 Foretravel U295 4020 AGDS. Don't really know what all that means but so far just looking at pictures on the internet I like what I see. I am still in the "what is all that stuff phase" but it looks like a quality coach. Certainly when I am ready to buy one I would get it inspected and the fluids tested. My list of needed things on a coach seems to keep getting longer. I like insulated windows too!

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #16 –
Aquahot requires a bit of maintenance, but the more you use it the less maintenance mine seemed to require.

Diesel fuel burn is negligible, endless hot water a plus.

Whatever you do, make sure the coach has dual pane windows - especially if you are using propane -

propane creates water inside the coach and single pane windows will sweat or frost up, not to mention heat loss.

bigger maintenance item is slide room, you will have more space and more maintenance with a slide room

As others have said, the prior maintenance on the coach is important, brakes, airbags, steering box, front end parts, tires, refrigerator all can dent the pocketbook and are all things that will need replaced on a 25 year old coach if not already done.

Tim Fiedler

Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Doug W. –
Just an observation from the boondockers at Quartzsite. 12  Foretravel coaches last few weeks,  4 Aqua Hot rigs, 8 propane heat source. Seems like 3 out of the 4 Aqua Hot units had issues one is totally out of service even after Aqua Hot repair guy made a visit. Haven't heard of anyone having issues with their propane furnace. Extra space needed for 320's diesel capacity, 50 gallons more to accommodate greater overall fuel burn.
  Most I have done in over 20 years have replaced a $95 circuit board for the hot water tank.


Quartzsite is where I am at now. It would sure be nice to meet up with a few Foretravel owners! I need a lot of teaching on these coaches. I usually stay on dome rock road but I was afraid of all the homeless and illegal aliens coming through there this year. I am at the arm pit of the rv world here at 88 Shades now. I hate it!

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #18 –
Ok I'll bite !
What's 88 shades ?
I gotta know
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Billdean06 –


Quartzsite is where I am at now. It would sure be nice to meet up with a few Foretravel owners! I need a lot of teaching on these coaches. I usually stay on dome rock road but I was afraid of all the homeless and illegal aliens coming through there this year. I am at the arm pit of the rv world here at 88 Shades now. I hate it!

Go here. You would find lots of folks willing to help.
Quartzsite late '23 to early '2024
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #21 –
As far as engine HP goes, the older engines without DEF, smog control bigger mufflers etc are the equivalent of todays engines that are about 50 hp larger. Our 36' 270 loaded towing a toad positively purs in the hills !
Love the simplicity of the propane furnace which heats the storage bay but probably not quite as well as the aqua hot in freezing temperatures.
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #22 –
Quote from: Gold Nugget finder –
so we were mainly Boondockers. 
THE only problem with a Foretravel is that we could not go down very many dirt roads because of the airbag suspension, does not like washboards, and pot holes can brake your front windshield. We have always had to camp somewhere less off road and then take our tow vehicle which is a jeep exploreIng.
If you are coming from a tow trailer you may not be happy with where are you can go.  Just my thoughts.



And that's what I don't understand about the "boondocking" fascination. I'm not against it, Just don't fully understand it and it's not for us.  A Foretravel is not a very high clearance vehicle. So one can't get very far off grid to begin with. Many thousands worth of solar panels, special chargers and lithium batteries will not change the water issue. Barring the water limitations, I could stay in the boondockes for moths with the factory batteries and diesel genset.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #23 –
Quote from: Billdean06 –
I have been looking at a 2002 Foretravel U295 4020 AGDS. Don't really know what all that means but so far just looking at pictures on the internet I like what I see.
Start here.  Lots of info on the floor plans, what was available/offered by model, etc:

Getting to know your Foretravel [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Snowbirding in luxury

Reply #24 –
"And that's what I don't understand about the "boondocking" fascination. I'm not against it, Just don't fully understand it and it's not for us.  A Foretravel is not a very high clearance vehicle. So one can't get very far off grid to begin with. Many thousands worth of solar panels, special chargers and lithium batteries will not change the water issue. Barring the water limitations, I could stay in the boondockes for moths with the factory batteries and diesel genset."

A person who spends a lot of time off the grid has switched to using the term "off-the-grid" or OTG to refer to staying in places where there are no hookups in use. That could be a parking lot at a store, or a campground that only has basic sites available. He reserves "boondocking" for going well off the road, usually needing a 4WD vehicle to get there (he has a travel trailer).

We checked out three BLM "campgrounds" near Carlsbad a month or so ago. Didn't take the trailer, just the truck for a bit of a day trip. One was literally a big parking lot right off the highway. Just pull into the gravel lot and set up. No indications of where one site ended and the next one began. The other two had designated sites, but rougher roads. We met a MH towing a small car coming out of one of those two as we were going in. Two motorhomes, each with toweds, meeting at that spot would have been interesting, but doable. In both cases, going slow (walking speed or less) would have been fine.