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Topic: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas  (Read 693 times) previous topic - next topic

I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

We will be fully retired and empty nested in a couple years.  I want to trade the SPrinter in for something  slightly bigger.  I've looked at all the great coaches of the 80's and 90's and pretty much settled on the pre-1995 Foretravel.  I like the raked front and the mid-coach door.

Of course all the cool kids have a diesel pusher but what about the front engine gas models?  People are giving them away.

I have a Ford Excursion.  Not long ago everyone wanted the diesel but today most owners agree the V10 is better overall for power, quiet and long term cost of ownership.

The problem I'm seeing with the gas  Foretravels is that most of them have been unloved for the last 15 years or so.

But otherwise, it's an idea I'm willing to explore. 

So, what are the pros and cons of gas versuse diesel?  What years were gas engines still offered?  What engine did they use?  Are they fuel injected?  How bad is the MPG?

Thanks

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #1 –
Opportunity [considering purchase of 1987 gas pusher Grand Villa]

Quote from: wolfe10 –
And, the gas PUSHERS were probably the "least good" Fortravel ever made.

Overheating was a significant issue, as was poor MPG.

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Opportunity [considering purchase of 1987 gas pusher Grand Villa]

Yup, I would NOT consider one-- one of the few bad models they ever built.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #5 –
Toyota and Honda are producing small motorhomes for '25. Hybrids too! You have to think they will be good to go right out of the box plus excellent fuel economy. Betting none of the bad construction that domestic RVs have plus no possible MBZ diesel engine problems. See them on YouTube.  This is going to be the market as I see it.

I put a mechanical turbo diesel 7.3 Ford V8 in our 28 foot SOB. It got 12 mpg and was pretty fast. That might be a solution. Poor fan ducting can make for overheating problems. Lots of front engined SOBs that don't overheat.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #6 –
I like the raked front and mid door of the 95 and earlier models as well. Aside from the problems with gas engines, I think Foretravel built far more coaches with diesel engines than gas engines during those years so you have more to choose from.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #7 –
Gassers work too hard just trying to move . Like at 90% duty cycle. 6-7 MPG.
 The diesels  are well under worked and return 7-11 MPG.  No contest INHO. Ive had both . Gas is fine for light weight  campers.  The new Ford Godzilla engine is a huge improvement from any of their prior engines.
  For any old RV, the diesels are a huge advantage over any of the gassers from the same era.
 Sole exception may be the GMC /Olds / FWD  little RV .  7-10 MPG maybe .       

 Maybe your RV mission is short transit and  cost effective coach .  But you can put in a lot of money to keep it moving and still have a $5000 coach when you sell it .  You will not get your money back no matter what you pick . 
 Another consideration is the age requirements for some RV parks .     

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #8 –
Well I have to brag about the 95 vintage if you're considering the Grand Villa. Reason is that particular year came with great wide open access to the front for wipers, AC components and anything else up there.
  Along with wide open engine access specific to 1995 Grand Villa's.  It's a handy feature for the DIY changing of fluids , filters , and components.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #9 –
Nitehawk has a great Grandvilla for sale,unbelievable paint job,located in Wisconsin,can contact him here.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #10 –
You do not want a Gas engine model.
Also I would stay away from the 8.2 Detroit Diesel model.

91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #11 –
And why not the 8.2? Ask James Holder about his two coaches.
How about me? We took our coach six times to Texas for the winter and not one single "hiccup" from the drive train. Averaged around 9+ MPG while towing our 2006 Saturn Vue. This engine purrs like a lion and starts like a Thoroughbred on Derby Day.
Startup in the spring, after sitting for almost six months in an uninsulated pole barn, starts before one revolution of the starter or engine.
Our coach is in storage until spring (30 miles away) and We paid for storage for the winter. Why? Because when spring comes we want to do a bang-up job of making the coach beautiful and clean for any buyer that comes along. One that we want to know that the new owner will give our "baby" the loving care we gave it.
The fuel tank is full. The coach is winterized. Inside locked storage, on rotten granite floor. Right next to all the property owners coach and other toys.
Overpowered? No, but adequate for our needs. Without our 5,000# + Vue this power is more than adequate. With the Vue attached we like to travel at 58 MPH. Scenery is awe inspiring and appreciated at that speed. Relaxation while driving is wonderful. No feeling wrung out from stress speed induces. Will our coach go faster? OH YES!! I wasn't watching and MPH crept up to 67 MPH!!! Boy did I get that back down quickly! At 82 I just am not comfortable with high speeds in an eleven ton vehicle pulling a 5,000#+ towed.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #12 –
The 8.2 Detroit is a medium duty 4 cycle diesel found in many school buses, dump trucks, etc. It had problems with head gaskets and like the Ford/International 6.9/7.3, larger head bolts were the fix and they are pretty reliable. But, some specialty tools and mechanics who know how to work on them are a bit more limited. While not a big powerhouse, they are known for excellent fuel economy and being very smooth. Check with other owners/forums.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ftsa&q=8.2+detroit+diesel+problems&ia=web

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #13 –
Ya'll can stop now.  I'm convinced. :-)

I just had to ask.

Re: I want a Grand Villa, not ruling out front engine and gas

Reply #14 –
Quote from: hertfordnc –
Ya'll can stop now.  I'm convinced. :-)

I just had to ask.
Thanks for tuning in. If you have any further questions, you know where to come for answers!
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird