Opinions on short 34' pusher

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Opinions on short 34' pusher

April 22, 2024, 03:23:44 pm

Greetings friends, we are a family of 4, kids are 11 and 13. We took a long road trip with a thor axis and loved the experience. It was our first exposure to a "class a". We've had travel trailers in the past and have camped quite a bit. In short, I can't see going back to a trailer as the drive is so much more comfortable in a motor home. After a lot of reading, I think a 34' foretravel would be a great fit for us. We primarily would use it for road tripping and staying at both the destination and the journey but not a full time living solution.

I think 34' is the largest I would consider as it's nimble enough to get around (we live 4 hours from any interstate) yet the Floorplans with dinette and a couch would provide enough sleeping arrangements.

I welcome any other perspectives or opinions on our direction. There is currently a very nice 34' at MOT but 80k is more than we are looking to spend. Unless it turns out that's the price for a quality MH. Again, I welcome your thoughts.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #1 – April 22, 2024, 07:02:29 pm

I recommend first looking at the differences between U-270, U-295, and U-320. See if a U-270 34' is really what you want.

I would also consider the 36 footers, as there are many many more 36 than 34' Foretravels. Bigger selection = opportunity to pick the cream of the crop.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #2 – April 22, 2024, 07:08:26 pm

I know there was a old thread comparing 270/295/320 differences.

I am currently unable to find it.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #3 – April 22, 2024, 07:16:46 pm

What's the difference?

New to Foretravel...

Lurking for awhile and have some questions

Greetings Foretravel Owners

Looking to purchase FT

Comparing coaches

Models

Decision time

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #4 – April 23, 2024, 07:34:54 am

Thank you, I believe I've seen most of those. I would prefer nothing larger than 34' which is contrary to some of the other perspectives here. However, that is how I'm going to push forward for now. Therefore, that limits the model to U270 to the best of my knowledge. What draws me to FT is the constant discussion of how well they ride, even on a 34'. They also seems to be built much better than others in this range.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #5 – April 23, 2024, 08:10:27 am

I would shop for the best coach for the money regardless if it is 34 or 36 feet much better selection,try and drive a 34 and a 36,
you cannot tell the difference.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #6 – April 23, 2024, 08:18:02 am

Not much difference between the 34 foot and the 36 foot in size but the 320 and Aquahot and the bigger engine is nice as well. I have had both a 34 foot and 36 foot and I would buy the best one I found.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #7 – April 23, 2024, 10:08:11 am

I too was doing exactly what you are doing. So I started reverse engineering and between CAPs fuel pumps and 3060 retarder issues im sure glad I didnt end up with a 270 34 and that started off as my first choice. IMO you will never be able to tell the difference between a 34 and a 36 unless you use a tape measure. Search what the differences are and then find a coach that meets your requirements. The single biggest issues with the U320 are increased empty weight, and less fuel economy. If you plan to tow make sure you find out what the differences are in tow rating. Yes they all can tow whatever you want, but is it legal. There are haters of the aqua hot and people who swear by them. Yep they are more work but for me have provided more benefits to run. I do think your choice of a Foretravel is good but im biased and freely admit it. Since our purchase I now would consider a 40' but would have weight concerns. Our 3610 has ended up being a good choice for us. I think the offset of 450/4060 combination seals the deal for me. Make sure you drive a 320 before you make a final choice. You may change you expectations.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #8 – April 23, 2024, 10:29:32 am

Quote from: UPtravel – April 22, 2024, 03:23:44 pm

There is currently a very nice 34' at MOT but 80k is more than we are looking to spend. Unless it turns out that's the price for a quality MH. Again, I welcome your thoughts.

.
We too, looked at this coach and asked if MOT could send us more photos. A salesman obliged with a whole cache of 'em including those showing significant rust on the chassis and engine compartment. Looks as if the coach had spent a lot of time on the beach/coast. I could only imagine the condition of electrical connections/components.

Besides that, it is way over priced, IMHO.
.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #9 – April 23, 2024, 11:24:21 am

On this Forum, Zack and Ginny just listed their 36' 1998/270 for half that price, in Longview, TX

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #10 – April 23, 2024, 02:58:17 pm

Buy the 34', very few 34' Foretravels were build and fewer are for sale. One of the most popular lengths. You don't mention the model year for some reason. $80,000 is beyond logical for an older 34'. Way too high. Check this inexpensive coach out https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=47770.0. Be open to 36'.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #11 – April 24, 2024, 02:23:30 am

We were fixated on a 34 because anything larger, coming from a 27 foot class C seemed intimidating. We ended up with a 34' U270 with some upgrade and premium options which we absolutely love. It fits the bill for us as full-timers and is an all around great rig. The U270 lacks the Aqua-hot and some other "whistles and bells found on the U295 and U320, but in my mind there is a argument to be made for less of that as more complexity brings higher cost of repairs and more maintenance.

That said, I wish we had been open to a 36 foot and not ruled it out because of our fixation on finding the smallest FT available. Interior storage on the 34 is more than adequate, However, once I got to see some 36 footers post-purchase, I was amazed at how much more basement storage that those extra couple feet provides, while hardly being able to discern a difference in size between our rig and a 36. Basement storage in the 34 is cramped with the the compressor, HWH boxes, hydraulic pump, etc. If we had to do it again, we'd probably go with the 36. The fact that its not as rare probably would have given us some more room for negotiation when settling on a purchase price.

I would look at and drive both before you completely rule out the 36 foot.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #12 – April 24, 2024, 09:47:24 am

A lot of the Aquahot discussion depends on where you use the coach. The aquahot is quiet and efficient and would probably heat a small house. In a short coach it would use valuable space.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #13 – April 24, 2024, 11:17:52 am

Keith Risch has a nice 2003 36' u295 for sale right now on the Facebook Foretravel owners group page. Over your price range but foretravels aren't cheap, remember you get what you pay for.

Keith

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #14 – April 24, 2024, 12:48:56 pm

Quote from: UPtravel – April 22, 2024, 03:23:44 pm

There is currently a very nice 34' at MOT but 80k is more than we are looking to spend. Unless it turns out that's the price for a quality MH. Again, I welcome your thoughts.

That's about the right price range if you want something with a slide. Probably $10-20k more for 2003+. More like $40-$50k for a nice unit without a slide, and that should net you a U320.

Knowing what I know today, I personally wouldn't buy my first Foretravel from MOT. A lot of trash goes through there and if you don't have a well-trained eye experienced in Foretravels, you can end up with a nightmare coach. Remember that MOT represents the seller and is just consigning whatever coach someone doesn't want to deal with selling themselves. I'd tell Keith Risch what you're looking for and wait for one to come through his shop.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #15 – April 24, 2024, 02:05:16 pm

Quite a few coaches over the years have found new homes here via Foreforums. One can place a "wanted" ad that will stay active for 6 months from the most recent post date (be sure to include your contact info).

We sold our coach to another member without advertising it - we saw that they were looking and we were planning to sell within 6 months so we reached out to them.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #16 – April 24, 2024, 04:13:10 pm

Quote from: Elliott – April 24, 2024, 12:48:56 pm

Knowing what I know today, I personally wouldn't buy my first Foretravel from MOT. A lot of trash goes through there and if you don't have a well-trained eye experienced in Foretravels, you can end up with a nightmare coach. Remember that MOT represents the seller and is just consigning whatever coach someone doesn't want to deal with selling themselves. I'd tell Keith Risch what you're looking for and wait for one to come through his shop.

I respectfully disagree. We bought our first Foretravel from MOT and I feel our salesman kept our best interests in mind. He didn't sugarcoat anything and made us aware of any issues that might be of concern - that was exactly what I was looking for as a first-time buyer.

I'm sure people consign coaches to dump their problems, but people also consign at MOT specifically because they move a lot of Foretravels (more than anyone else?) and get a lot of traffic. Not taking anything away from Keith - I've never met him and his reputation among this community is second to none - but my experience with MOT was fantastic. I'll liikely shop both places my next time around.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #17 – April 24, 2024, 05:07:05 pm

Quote from: stevej – April 24, 2024, 04:13:10 pm

I respectfully disagree. We bought our first Foretravel from MOT and I feel our salesman kept our best interests in mind. He didn't sugarcoat anything and made us aware of any issues that might be of concern - that was exactly what I was looking for as a first-time buyer.

I'm sure people consign coaches to dump their problems, but people also consign at MOT specifically because they move a lot of Foretravels (more than anyone else?) and get a lot of traffic. Not taking anything away from Keith - I've never met him and his reputation among this community is second to none - but my experience with MOT was fantastic. I'll liikely shop both places my next time around.

So I too bought my first FT from MOT. And that was when Keith still worked there so I was able to get a great PPI before buying.

I have a stronger mechanical understanding of the pre-IH45 coaches than most and knowing what I know now, I would never trust your average RV inspector, much less a salesman, to certify a FT as "healthy". They just aren't qualified. Don't get me wrong, I too had a great buying experience at MOT. They really do a good job with the whole process and my salesman was great to work with (Jeff Bowser) but he'd also be the first to tell you he's great at sales, not RV inspections.

I'm not saying they're all bad there... I know a lot of owners that are happy with their MOT coaches. I'm saying unless you know what you're looking for, you're better off buying one Keith knows or that is from a well-known member of this forum. Otherwise you're rolling the dice while paying a premium price for the coach. It'll still work out in the end either way you go - it's just a matter of how many coach bucks it takes.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #18 – April 24, 2024, 07:43:45 pm

We had a 2006 34' Nimbus and now have a 2004 36' 295. There has been no noticeable difference in maneuverability or tracking down the highway, both perform super.

They are both really designed for two people. The jackknife sofa bed isn't a comfortable alternative for a bed and neither had a dinette that is convertible.

Our opinions of course... but my wife and I agree the 36 is perfect for the two of us....
I hope this helps
Tyson

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #19 – April 29, 2024, 07:09:47 pm

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. At this time, I'm going to continue to try and find a 34' model. Certainly the parks around us can only accommodate smaller motorhomes and we would (at this time in our lives, with the kids) travel to them most often. Please feel free to DM me if anyone sees or knows of a 34' model for sale.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #20 – April 30, 2024, 08:44:08 pm

Thought I'd drop my comments her since we were in a similar situation in 2016-17 when we began to look for our Foretravel. We had been camping many years prior and owned a 5th wheel prior. With retirement on the horizon we wanted a diesel pusher since our goal was to "move" and explore.

Our criteria was a no-slide 34' or 36' Foretravel. What we wanted was "simple" and "comfortable". There's no question that any Foretravel will meet the "comfortable" criteria. With the kids it will be a bit of a challenge as Foretravel was never really a brand that contemplated sleeping more than 2, although all models have a coach that will make into a double bed and, yes, there are mod's that can be done to expand sleeping by adding a second couch instead of a recliner or modify the dinette area. Heck, there's even a family on the forum that have like 6+ kids and make it work. But those are family decisions so back to the coach.

When you remove the slides you also remove one of the most common service/$$ issues....search the forum for slide issues. And, yes, the Aquahot system is wonderful but also try a search for Aquahot issues. The U270 coach, both 34' and 36' had propane hot water, heat and propane electric fridge. Virtually all also had a 120v ice maker separate from the fridge. These are all simple systems that can be easily repaired anywhere on the road.

The 34' and 36', at least in our year (2000) had the Cummins ISC 350 diesel engine. Our 34' is among the largest power to weight ratio Foretravel's made. We've traveled over 40,000 miles since we bought "Ole Red" in 2018 and pull a 4 door Jeep Wrangler as well as all the "stuff" it takes to be on the road 4-6 months a year and have never had a "power" issue anywhere in the country from the flatlands of Kansas to the Rocky Mountains.

Foretravel's are amazing quality vehicles and, yes, they will bring a premium price despite their age. THE KEY IS TO BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT'S BEEN DONE BEFORE YOU GET IT. You can search all my posts here on the forum to learn more of our experience but I will say here, as I've said before, unless you buy a 20 year old coach that's had ALL the big stuff done (and that's RARE) you need to have a budget that is equal to at least what you pay for the coach going in. And I'm not talking about the kind of upgrades you'll see we've done (solar/lithium, interior, etc).

What I can promise is that if you buy a Foretravel with eyes wide open and have the budget to buy, and the budget to keep it on the road commensurate with the number of miles you plan to travel, you'll never regret the purchase...and you'll be able too get back at least your original purchase price even if you keep it another 20 years.

Glad to answer any questions you have.

Randy and Karen
Sarasota, Florida

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #21 – April 30, 2024, 11:33:27 pm

Randy & Karen, Ditto on your choice and why, which took good care of us for 20 years, 150,000 miles corner to corner, without expensive problems, across US & Canada.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #22 – May 08, 2024, 11:49:38 pm

As Michelle posted on the forum it would be difficult to go back to a non aquahot coach.

Why? Propane furnaces when thermostat says to heat turn on their fans first to prevent any possible propane internal leaks from causing a fire. Extremely rare btw. So it blows cold air first. Lowering temps more.

Furnace lights the flame. Unit blows hot air. When the thermostat says it's hot enough the flame shuts off but the fan continues until the furnace cools off. Then the fan cuts off.

Fairly noisy fan. 5-6 degree temp swing

Aqua hot has a 3 degree swing. Quiet. Fan does come on then as the hot boiler fluid runs through the heat exchanger heat comes out.

When the thermostat cuts off no overrun. Three zones on aqua hot. 2 on propane.

Heated tank bay on aqua hot. No prep needed for fairly serious cold weather.

Some are hard sleepers and/or keep their temps really low or high and do not notice the temp swings.

Less or no condensation on inside of windows in cold temps with aqua hot.

Propane tended to be very drying. Aqua hot was not as dry.

As Michelle posted those who have had both would rarely go back to propane.

So a 36' with aquahot would be something to highly consider

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #23 – May 10, 2024, 06:32:59 am

Quote from: UPtravel – April 29, 2024, 07:09:47 pm

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. At this time, I'm going to continue to try and find a 34' model. Certainly the parks around us can only accommodate smaller motorhomes and we would (at this time in our lives, with the kids) travel to them most often. Please feel free to DM me if anyone sees or knows of a 34' model for sale.

You might want to see if you can go and look at the actual sites at some of the parks. Many of the ones we have been to have listed the site as a 40' max and we end up with way more space. I think they may be listing for a 40' trailer and leaving space for the truck? I've been into plenty of spots that could accommodate a much larger coach. You can always hang the rear end off the edge of the space as well. I've setup in a few spots where the back few feet were hanging over the edge. There is a good bit of distance between the bumper and the rear axle that you can let hangover the edge of the space.

Re: Opinions on short 34' pusher

Reply #24 – June 21, 2024, 01:00:22 am

I've been looking for a nimbus 34-38ft myself. I'd prefer the shortest unit possible, capable of towing 15k. Finding a clean coach priced even within 10% of book value has been impossible though. Does anyone have a recommendation of where I might look? I'm after a pre-def, pre-dpf cummins unit and that's really my only criteria outside tow capacity

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