Community Forums

vickinbobyo · 02-11-2013, 12:26 PM

we are looking at two different Foretravels,both 36' two slide, 2003 U320,U295.Rv consumer group cd doesn't rate their handling very high,which I don't understand because the suspension seems to be the same as the 38'/40'.Does anyone have direct experience in such a coach. I had a 1997 40' CC Magna and have driven a few CC's.Any help would be greatly appreciated, we live in California and the coaches are in Texas.

Mike & Nancy · 02-11-2013, 01:37 PM

What is the wheelbase on the 36's your looking at???

John S. · 02-18-2013, 04:33 AM

I had a 34 foot and a 36 foot Foretravel and put on over 200k miles. Handles fine. Now I have a 42 foot tag. It is a bit better in high crosswinds but other than tht not much difference. Go for the 320 if you can. You will love the ISM.

sadrand · 04-04-2013, 11:50 AM

Rv Consumer bases its handling ratings mostly on the ratio of the length of the motorhome to the wheelbase. Anything under 60 gets one of the less desireable ratings and only 70 or higher gets a recommended rating. That's a tough goal for a 36 footer. The 2003 U295 has a 228" wheelbase which divided by 432 (36 ft) gives you 53, which is below 60. By comparison, the 40' 2003 U295 has a 276" wheelbase which when divided by 480 (40 ft) give you a 58 therefore a higher rating. There are definitely driving issues with longer rear overhangs and short wheelbases on motorhomes, but 228" wheelbase isn't bad for a 36 footer and there are other things that affect the handling as well. I would suggest taking a good, long, test drive. Get on the interstate and let some trucks pass you etc. It will also be interesting to hear what others with a Foretravel 36 footer have to say.

parmm · 04-06-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vickinbobyo

we are looking at two different Foretravels,both 36' two slide, 2003 U320,U295.Rv consumer group cd doesn't rate their handling very high,which I don't understand because the suspension seems to be the same as the 38'/40'.Does anyone have direct experience in such a coach. I had a 1997 40' CC Magna and have driven a few CC's.Any help would be greatly appreciated, we live in California and the coaches are in Texas.

I would suggest to you that no one from RV Consumer has ever driven a 36 foot Foretravel. It is said of the Foretravel chassis that it has the best manners of all the motorhome chassis on the market regardless of which wheelbase. My older, airbagless, Foretravel handles as if it is planted in the lane.

Motorhome magazine said in a review "During our exclusive preview and test-drive of the coach, we noticed that the effect of passing 18-wheelers was hardly noticeable, and body roll was tightly controlled even on winding roads. The motorhome stayed steady while deliberately wandering off the pavement onto deeply rutted dirt shoulders." That was a review of the 1991 Foretravel U225. Mine is a 1994 model year and I can say the same of my Foretravel today even though it is 19 years old. I have head that the newer Foretravels that ride on air handle even better!!! To find out what other Foretravel owners say, please visit www.foreforums.com.

Genset · 06-10-2013, 08:07 PM

I am in total agreement, my Foretravel, 2001, 36' 320 with the ISM Cummins is by far a very fine handling and riding coach. With all air bags out against the outer wall, it is very stable and very good on the economy, by far the most money I have spend has been my wannado tings, like Ceramic Floor, Fancy big TV (2), Xtreme $25,K paint job plus many other fibergalss changes, none were needed, I just wanted them.
My toys have no budget on upgrades etc, so I enjoy as it is a great coach.
Dave M

Genset · 06-19-2013, 03:32 AM

The more I read this crapo, I agree with Parmm's comments, No one from the reporting on the Foretravel, has not ever driven one, and most likely never seen one.
Just goes to show the broadcasting of negitive reporting, by non qualified boiler plate writers who feel the need to fill up their page with some crap.
I laugh at such renderings by nicompupes.
After my 4 RV's Nothing comes close that I have experienced comes close to my 2001 36' 320 Foretravel in handling nor performance nor braking with the retarder.
Dave M