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Topic: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info (Read 5051 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Looking for information on Foretravel (Phenix??) 38' coach with tag axle.

What years did Foretravel offer the 38' with a tag axle?

Is there a place where I can locate original brochures for the 38' model? I checked Foretravel, their brochure info is rather scarce.

Anyone in the forum with a 38 who can share info?

Searching on line, I came across posts re bulkhead separations on Foretravel?? Though, it seemed it maybe related to much earlier models?

Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Rd –
Looking for information on Foretravel (Phenix??) 38' coach with tag axle.

I don't believe the Phenix came in any shorter than 40'.  The Phenix was introduced in 2006.  There may be a couple of Nimbus (2007 and later) that were 38' with tag, but I think most 38' Nimbus units were non-tag.

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What years did Foretravel offer the 38' with a tag axle?

Definitely 2003-2005.  Not sure past that.  Most if not all 2002 38' units were non-tag, until FT discovered there were NCC issues on a 38' 2-slide U320 without a tag.

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Is there a place where I can locate original brochures for the 38' model? I checked Foretravel, their brochure info is rather scarce.

Yes!  The amazing forum wiki.  If we've come across a brochure or spec sheet, that's where you'll find it.

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

[ETA - Chuck, you're too darned fast for me!]

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #3 –
Thank you for quick replies.

I looked thru Foretravel and couldn't find a Phenix 38.  just wanted to make sure.  thanks.  I was told the unit is Phenix.  So it seems Nimbus is the only one w 38' and tag axle?    It seemed Nimbus 38s are much earlier years?  before 2014?  The unit does have 2 slides on driver side.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Rd –
I looked thru Foretravel and couldn't find a Phenix 38.  just wanted to make sure.  thanks.  I was told the unit is Phenix.  So it seems Nimbus is the only one w 38' and tag axle?    It seemed Nimbus 38s are much earlier years?  before 2014?  The unit does have 2 slides on driver side.

Nimbus was 2006-2013;ish, but again, most 38' Nimbus models are XT (no tag) ones.

38' U295/U320 from 2003-2005 would almost assuredly have a tag if there are 2 slides, but those were typically opposing sides, not same side.

Do your research carefully on 2008-2010 Nimbus models and delamination.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #5 –
We have a 2003 U320 38 ft with 2 slides and a tag axle.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #6 –
Yes, trying to get info as there seems to be some mixup!!!!    I was told the unit is a 2014 Phenix 38.  It does have a tag and 2 slides only on driver side with a 500 cummins and Alison 6.  Not sure if it is Alison 3 or 4.  Can the unit be identified from the coach number on front cap?  18482.  not sure if the pic is posted?

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_9482_d6e4e0c09bcc0427632e8a9ba7279ed8;topic=49730

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #7 –
With a 500 Cummins, it would have to be an Allison 4000 due to torque.

The front cap number is a Motorcade Club number, which runs with the person, not the coach.

It's a custom build, so it won't be in any brochure - if 2014 and with that headlight layout, it's definitely a Phenix.

Do check to see if it's an ISM or ISX.  Most likely an ISX.  If so, read up on the dropped valve issue with that engine - see if there's been any preventative upgrade work done to that engine.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Rd –
Yes, trying to get info as there seems to be some mixup!
See if you can secure a photo of the manufacturer data plate, usually located on the interior wall near the driver's left knee.

We can tell a lot more about the coach in question if we can view a photo of that plate.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Rd –
Yes, trying to get info as there seems to be some mixup!!!!    I was told the unit is a 2014 Phenix 38.  It does have a tag and 2 slides only on driver side with a 500 cummins and Alison 6.  Not sure if it is Alison 3 or 4.  Can the unit be identified from the coach number on front cap?  18482.  not sure if the pic is posted?
That's a Foretravel Motorcade club number.  From the 2024 membership directory, it's listed to Steve & Cari Charron in Gilroy, CA.  A quick search on Facebook for that name and Foretravel comes up with the ad which has quite a few pics:

=AZULHPnI1VztTivvD7rAcWlhG7OEhtaJNfchOyibOkwZJZGlCJLwF3jzfT7EkOkWyA2CehBY9OLcjsE1RwcYSETIeOn5KXMvfAasJezwIeDL5wcXv-09QLp5w9SGLVLjG3PfRAWAJLQRIIRaFKX1b4Lz9nVRR_PJJpa3ZgeppaThnQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R]BUY/SELL Diesel Pusher Motorhomes USA


Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #10 –
Thank you for great info..  With frame less (?) windows, res fridge w bottom freezer and a digital dash, these are relatively newer features generally (mid teens?). 

I didn't know FT offered this level of customization?  I know Newmar offers some customization on new deliveries.  Didn't know any other mfr offer customization.

Can anyone share any info on the type of slides FT utilizes?  I know Newell has this type of slide.  I think Newmar tried these many years back, but for whatever reason didn't pursue. 

Any known issues with this type of slide?  Are they difficult to work on by the owner, or you have to have the factory people repair them?

Thank you

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Rd –
I didn't know FT offered this level of customization? 

Foretravel offered custom floorplans for a number of years, at least as early as 2002.  Since 2005, they've only built 25 or so coaches per year, and especially starting around 2010 all were custom in some way.  There were no "pick this cabinet/floor/upholstery" from a set grouping.  Every coach is different.

Quote
Can anyone share any info on the type of slides FT utilizes?  I know Newell has this type of slide.  I think Newmar tried these many years back, but for whatever reason didn't pursue.

Any known issues with this type of slide?  Are they difficult to work on by the owner, or you have to have the factory people repair them?

The slide mechanism is HWH and is unique in that it employs air bladders to seal the slideout.  They're basically like a large bicycle tube that runs the perimeter around just inside the slideroom opening.  They do wear out/eventually leak, since they're rubber.  Unless you are very handy, they are not owner-replaceable.  Iin the era coach you're looking, you have to disconnect all electrical and plumbing and push the slide into the coach to access the slide bladder.  Forum history shows typical life expectancy of 7-10 years.  Cost for a shop to replace is on the order of $4-5K per slide. 

Renegade uses or used the same slide in their Ikon.

There is a strong possibility this is the only 2014 Phenix in existence, since once the IH45 was introduced in 2012, the Nimbus and Phenix were custom order only.

You might ask for photos of the basement bays to see what storage is left after accounting for batteries, AquaHot, HWH controls/compressor, etc.  I noticed in the FB ad link Keith posted that there aren't any photos of the bays.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #12 –
On the issue of the slide air bladder maintenance, what are the signs of a bladder issue?  Slide out of alignments, other signs?

Looking at the specs, I see the chassis is listed as a Foretravel.  Can anyone share any general info on this chassis?  I see there is a NHTSA recall for a loose ball joint for that time frame.  I recall spartan had similar issues with ball joints.  Did Spartan make the chassis for Foretravel back then?  I  think the new Foretravels are all on Spartan. 

I believe Powerglide chassis is actually made by Freightliner, though, the mfr claims it as their own.  Just curious if FT and Spartan had similar arrangements?

Also, back in the days of lifting tags, some chassis had issues with stress cracks in the rear end due to lifting tags.  Any issues with the Foretravel Chassis with lifting tags in this regard?

Btw, can anyone recommend someone in  Foretravel to get some more specific questions answered?  Their tech support only talks to registered owners.

Thank you.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Rd –
On the issue of the slide air bladder maintenance, what are the signs of a bladder issue?  Slide out of alignments, other signs?

No "ready" light when you try to move the slide, sound of air leaking, aux compressor running continuously.  The slide is still functional if the bladder has failed, there's just no seal.

There are ways to fake the system so you can move a slide in or out if the bladder has failed.  The issue will be no water/air/bug-tight seal, so you'd generally want to keep the slide in, shove insulation cord in the gap, and use low-tack duct tape or wide painter's tape to cover the gap on the outside of the coach until you can get it repaired.

Quote
Looking at the specs, I see the chassis is listed as a Foretravel.  Can anyone share any general info on this chassis?


It was built entirely by Foretravel.  There aren't a lot of drawings available, but somewhere in the Media section or in one of the brochures in the wiki I think there's a picture of the general idea.

(ETA - here in the wiki 2007 Foretravel Specifications , click on the "Commercial Flyer for Conversions" pdf)

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I believe Powerglide chassis is actually made by Freightliner, though, the mfr claims it as their own.  Just curious if FT and Spartan had similar arrangements?

No.  Until 2019 (TurboJack can correct me if I'm wrong on the year), and with the exception of the early 1990's Oshkosh-based units, Foretravel fabricated their own chassis.

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Also, back in the days of lifting tags, some chassis had issues with stress cracks in the rear end due to lifting tags.  Any issues with the Foretravel Chassis with lifting tags in this regard?

No

Quote
Btw, can anyone recommend someone in  Foretravel to get some more specific questions answered?  Their tech support only talks to registered owners.

If it's specific to this coach, you might be able to purchase a set of schematics/owner's manual for it from Parts.  Unfortunately, they have closed the door on technical support.  You could also try someone in sales (since they recently started selling "certified" coaches through the factory, but no idea who their salesperson or people are these days.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Michelle –
........  You could also try someone in sales (since they recently started selling "certified" coaches through the factory, but no idea who their salesperson or people are these days.


Thank you kindly Michelle and others for very helpful info.    I think there was Mike(?) at MHS, whom I am told is very knowledgeable, but I hear he is not there, or retired.  I'll look into the manuals.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Rd –
Thank you kindly Michelle and others for very helpful info.    I think there was Mike(?) at MHS, whom I am told is very knowledgeable, but I hear he is not there, or retired.  I'll look into the manuals.

Are you thinking of MOT (Motorhomes of Texas)?  They have hired a number of former Foretravel employees.

MHS (Motorhome Specialists in Alvaredo TX) only sold the Realm and some used IH-45's and would NOT be a reliable source for pre-Realm Foretravel information.  They are now part of Blue Compass, the only dealer for new Foretravels (and not a reliable source of information)

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #16 –
For 2014 the engine choices were ISL or ISX. If it has the ISX in 500 HP trim it will have the 4000 series transmission.
For the slides I added vacuum/pressure gauges to monitor that they are actually working. I had a problem with water intrusion for the large driver's side living room slide. Turn out the center lift brackets needed to be raised to take out the center drooping of the slide box when open. Hydraulics, cylinders and valves can take some maintenance. Real challenge is that for outside storage power is needed to maintain the air compressor for the air seals.
If you are serious that you want a Foretravel consider joining the Motorcade Club if they let you. That gets you tech support and parts-service discounts. You give them the coach number, and you have most anything you need.
38 feet with tag and 500HP would be a wonderful machine.

https://1drv.ms/i/c/9b02084a888884a6/EaaEiIhKCAIggJvGmgQAAAABhaRKGjrgPGxTP1xaF6hXhg?e=tdEC83

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
... Real challenge is that for outside storage power is needed to maintain the air compressor for the air seals.

Hello Denise,

Curious about your comment above, is this the case for the slide 'out' scenario?  Or , power is needed regardless of slide in/out for the air seal to maintain pressure?

When the air seal bladder is up to pressure, typically, how long do they maintain air pressure?  Days, weeks, hours?  Is it best, or required to keep the air pressure at all time?  Even when the unit is stored?

I have not looked at a Foretravel up close yet.  I'll be looking at a couple of Nimbus and Phenix in the next few weeks.  The photo you included re the air pressure gauge, I am assuming these components are located in one of the basement compartments?

The gauges seem like a sound idea.  I see you are using liquid filled gauges, good choice for vibrations, etc..    btw, curious as to why slide #2(?) has different air pressure than the other three?

When looking at any FT unit, is there a practical way to determine if the air seals are maintaining the pressure, for what ever reasonable amount time required?

From your photo, I couldn't determine if there was a place where I could attach a temporary gauge in order to monitor the air pressure levels, just for testing.

Finally, I see a beige color dial which appears to be a heating thermostat setting unit?  I see from the literature, the basement compartments are heated, is this the temp control for basement?


I had previously looked at FTs some, but now, the closer I look, even at the older units, I've a  better appreciation of them.  Thank you every one for your help.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #18 –
Power is needed to maintain the slide bladder pressure regardless of whether the slide is in or out.  There is an auxiliary air compressor that runs as needed to maintain that pressure and also for the leveling system.  The air bladder is what keeps weather and bugs out.  It's basically a heavy duty bicycle tube that, when inflated, expands to fill/seal the gap between the exterior wall of the slide and the slide opening in the coach sidewall.  The system deflates it and pulls vacuum to get it out of the way when the slide is being moved in or out.  It is mounted in a channel in the coach sidewall.

If a slide bladder develops a leak, the aux compressor will run continuously (or close to it - very frequently) and you can sometimes hear the hiss of the leak. 

You can disable the compressor operation for leveling IF you are on a level site and dump the air (dumped all the way down so you don't risk a corner dropping down over time).  If you are on a non-level site and aren't air-leveled and keeping the leveling system on, you risk torquing the chassis and cracking a windshield.

Re: Foretravel 38' /w tag axle info

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Rd –
1.Finally, I see a beige color dial which appears to be a heating thermostat setting unit?
2.  I see from the literature, the basement compartments are heated,
2a. is this the temp control for basement?

Not Dennis but
1. that thermostat should turn on an exhaust fan if the temp in that electronic bay gets too hot.
2.  This is correct
2a. refer to #1

Mike