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Topic: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel (Read 762 times) previous topic - next topic

Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

I have been a member here for about 10 months and have been reading and absorbing everything I can about used Foretravels. I have spoken to Keith R. and a few others. The information here is invaluable. Thanks to all who post. I have moved up my retirement date and now find myself in the "seriously shopping" mode.
 I am looking for a 36 ft Foretravel. The vast majority of them for sale are in the 2000-2004 range. I looked at a 2002 U320 that was beautiful; but my wife is wanting something a little newer. I dont think I have seen a 36 ft foretravel for sale in the 10 months I have been looking that was made between 2010-2015. Maybe there were just not that many of them made. It seems that many stay with the older units to avoid the complexity of the 3 & 4 slides that come with the newer models. I have seen others say that these older units are Foretravel's "sweet spot".
Any comments, suggestions would be appreciated. I really want to go with a Foretravel but looking at the Allegro Bus 37AP and 36 QSP due only to availability. Thanks, Jim

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #1 –
Quote from: jberger78 –

 I am looking for a 36 ft Foretravel. The vast majority of them for sale are in the 2000-2004 range. I looked at a 2002 U320 that was beautiful; but my wife is wanting something a little newer. I dont think I have seen a 36 ft foretravel for sale in the 10 months I have been looking that was made between 2010-2015. Maybe there were just not that many of them made.

Welcome to Foreforums!

Unless it was a very specific custom build, Foretravel did not produce any 36' coaches in those years.  There were a few 38 ft Nimbus in that timeframe, followed by 2 new model attempts, the IC37 and the Realm FS450 in later years (all 37-38'), but only a handful of those exist.  Also, unlike the major RV manufacturers, Foretravel's production was a only couple of dozen coaches per year starting around 2008 or so.

While brochures from 2010-2015 model years are limited, we do have some info/specs in the wiki

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year
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: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #2 –
A newer coach is like that saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" that being said there is no sense in having a newer
coach just for the sake of it being "newer",the older ones are less expensive and it can be argued better built,take the money you
will save and keep it for a major repair.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #3 –
Jim, sent you a message
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Quote from: jberger78 –
I have been a member here for about 10 months and have been reading and absorbing everything I can about used Foretravels. I have spoken to Keith R. and a few others. The information here is invaluable. Thanks to all who post. I have moved up my retirement date and now find myself in the "seriously shopping" mode.
 I am looking for a 36 ft Foretravel. The vast majority of them for sale are in the 2000-2004 range. I looked at a 2002 U320 that was beautiful; but my wife is wanting something a little newer. I dont think I have seen a 36 ft foretravel for sale in the 10 months I have been looking that was made between 2010-2015. Maybe there were just not that many of them made. It seems that many stay with the older units to avoid the complexity of the 3 & 4 slides that come with the newer models. I have seen others say that these older units are Foretravel's "sweet spot".
Any comments, suggestions would be appreciated. I really want to go with a Foretravel but looking at the Allegro Bus 37AP and 36 QSP due only to availability. Thanks, Jim

Is 36 ft. a hard and fast stop? Why? And why a Foretravel. 2007-2008 was sort of transition years where the coaches changed from the U series to names, Nimbus, Phenix, and then the IH 45. They grew a bit in height and the interiors became more modern. These were replaced with the Spartan based chassis rigs I think in 2016. There are a number of 38 and 40 footers, with or without tag axles.

For other better built coaches from that era consider Country Coach.
As for construction of the chassis and box, all of common brand small rigs are not anywhere close. Engines are not as generous, brakes no way as good and often the ride is disappointing at best. Amenities and features are there with the newer stuff but they are built to a price point. The larger coaches are somewhat better.
My Foretravel is my 4th motorhome. The build is addictive. The change in comfort form the last Diesel is not easy to describe. Now that I understand the difference I need some mental help as I want more.  Newly retired I have to be more cautious.

Consider traveling to some of the dealers that specialized so you can shop and experience the models in one place. I spent 3 days at MOT. Ended up getting my rig at Premier RV in Oregon. They specialize in Country Coach. That site was the factory.
Oregon Motor Coach is also a Country Coach heaven. Both near the Eugene Oregon airport.
If interested tour and test drive video of my rig.

foretravel 2008 videos - Search Videos

Dennis







Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
These were replaced with the Spartan based chassis rigs I think in 2016.

Spartan Chassis' didn't start until the model year of 2018 (built in 2017) . There were a few 2018's that were build with the Foretravel Travelride III chassis.

quote author=Dennis H link=msg=496062 date=1745346360]
For other better built coaches from that era consider Country Coach.
[/quote]

Just needed to add that Country Coach is no longer in business. There last year was 2016
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #6 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Spartan Chassis' didn't start until the model year of 2018 (built in 2017) . There were a few 2018's that were build with the Foretravel Travelride III chassis.

quote author=Dennis H link=msg=496062 date=1745346360]
For other better built coaches from that era consider Country Coach.

Just needed to add that Country Coach is no longer in business. There last year was 2016
[/quote]

The last year for Country Coach was 2010 and there are very few of those. I think I have only seen one! I only know of one 2009 Rhapsody. Affinity and Magna the common flagship. Many of the CC's have Cats in the back. There are a few that are Prevost Bus conversions. I only mentioned CC as they did offer a number of smaller well-built coaches including a 32-footer.

This 2016 is on the Spartan Chassis.

2016 Foretravel Realm LV3Quad Slide Bath and a Half - The Motorcoach Store
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #7 –
I should have said the ih45's didn't start using Spartan chassis until 2018 with the TravelrideIII chassis.

The Realm models started life and was only built on  Spartan Chassis.

For what it's worth, Google says last Country Coach was 2016.

2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #8 –
Quote from: turbojack –
For what it's worth, Google says last Country Coach was 2016.

I believe that was the one-off Bob Lee had built for himself when he claimed to be resurrecting production.

We are aware of several of 2010 Magna units.  Those later CC's were built when National owned the company.

Regarding Foretravels.

The Fore family sold the company to a small group of investors led by Lyle Reed in 2005 after Foretravel nearly went bankrupt.  What was built 2005 and prior was under different leadership than 2006 going forward.

Nimbus - 2006 was a rebadged U-series.  All new model in 2007 and major tweaks in 2008.  Most recent one I've heard of is a 2013; just a handful built 2011-2013.

Phenix - 2006 all new model.  Major tweaks after that. 

IH45 - 2012 all new model (released in late 2010).  This was the company's primary focus once released.

Realm - 2015 all new model on Spartan chassis.  Designed/spec'd by the O'Banion family of MHSRV (Motorhome Specialists) dealer in Alvaredo, TX

Later, the Realm Presidential replaced the IH45 and the Realm was rebadged the Realm FS605, both O'Banion/Blue Compass influenced/designed/spec'd.  There were a couple of IC37's built around 2020 and a couple Realm FS450's (basically a redone IC37) a year or two ago.  There are also 2 (I think) Sprinter-based MicroVilla coaches, one in black and one in white from that experiment in the market.  And one super C on the S2RV chassis that went over like a lead balloon.
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: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I believe that was the one-off Bob Lee had built for himself when he claimed to be resurrecting production.

We are aware of several of 2010 Magna units.  Those later CC's were built when National owned the company.

Regarding Foretravels.

The Fore family sold the company to a small group of investors led by Lyle Reed in 2005 after Foretravel nearly went bankrupt.  What was built 2005 and prior was under different leadership than 2006 going forward.

Nimbus - 2006 was a rebadged U-series.  All new model in 2007 and major tweaks in 2008.  Most recent one I've heard of is a 2013; just a handful built 2011-2013.

Phenix - 2006 all new model.  Major tweaks after that. 

IH45 - 2012 all new model.  This was the company's primary focus once released.

Realm - 2015 or 2016 all new model on Spartan chassis.  Designed/spec'd by the O'Banion family of MHSRV (Motorhome Specialists) dealer in Alvaredo, TX

Later, the Realm Presidential replaced the IH45 and the Realm was rebadged the Realm FS605.  There were a couple of IC37's built around 2020 and a couple Realm FS450's (basically a redone IC37) a year or two ago.  There are also 2 (I think) Sprinter-based MicroVilla coaches, one in black and one in white from that experiment in the market.  And one super C on the S2RV chassis that went over like a lead balloon.

And somewhere there was the "Foremost".

Foremost Foretravel - Search Videos
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
And somewhere there was the "Foremost".

Foremost Foretravel - Search Videos

Yeah - a project that's been going on for well over a decade, IIRC.
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: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel Which is the best?

Reply #11 –
I'll admit to being a bit biased but to me the best Fortravels are the 2007-08 and up with the Allison 4000R and ISM-500 engine, and the independent front suspension. Add the 12.5K Onan, Hydronic heat, 3 or 4 AC with heat pump, and you are set. The early 650HP concerns me a bit with reliability and the later ones have Emissions stuff. For the smaller coaches the ISL is good but the beef is missing. I like the full height interior the cabinetry is very classy, well built. There are minimal bells and whistles and al the equipment is still off the shelf supportable. My only regret is not having the IFS. Ther other awesome great feature is the house battery bank being in the center between the frame rails. Easy Lithium as there is no fear of them freezing. I also like the fuel tank being inside also being kept warm for winter use. The transmission retarder and disc brakes are icing on the cake.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
I'll admit to being a bit biased but to me the best Fortravels are the 2007-08 and up

As long as the fiberglass issues have been taken care of by Xtreme.  There are known delamination concerns in those years, particularly around the slide openings and towards the rear end caps.  We've seen them in for repair every time we've stopped by Xtreme in the last decade +.  The first one was in 2012.  There were 2 in when we were there in February of this year.

If it's been fixed, then you're good.  If not, you'll want to have someone familiar inspect it.  It's an upwards of $30K repair.
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: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #13 –
I think about Delamination all the time. No sign of it yet. I took delivery March of last year. Whatever happens I'll just have to accept or deal with it. Storing and using it outside in winter just raises the worry.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #14 –
Here is a nice looking 2007 40-foot 3 slide with the ISM 500 and 4000 series trans with a tag.
My only thought is it only has 2 ACs and 8K generator. The 8k generator in a way is nice in that it is a variable speed unit, very quiet.

2007 Foretravel Nimbus 340 4030 | Motorhomes of Texas
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
And here is a 2013 40 footer, 4 slide. ISL 450 and Allison 3000 as ISM no longer available. 3 AC and 12.5K generator.

2013 Foretravel 40' Nimbus 440 | Motorhomes of Texas

Or this one
2013 Foretravel Nimbus 440 | Motorhomes of Texas

I wonder if that was the end of the 4000 tranny?
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: Choosing & finding my first Foretravel

Reply #17 –
Quote from: craneman –
I wonder if that was the end of the 4000 tranny?
The 4000 series Transmission is still current and is commonly used in all the larger engine applications including Prevost. It is my guess that Prevost also keeps the engine HP down to avoid not stressing that transmission. If you look at some other coaches that had the CAT C15 you would see the other transmissions were often used. Prevost also runs a lower rear axle ratio, some are 5.70.
What is rare is having the transmission retarder.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148