Community Forums

TC51D · 06-14-2018, 05:19 PM

What is the difference between these units? Both have the same engine, transmission and chassis. And looks like steering as well. Are the only real differences the floor plan and cabinet quality?

djpauls · 06-14-2018, 05:31 PM

Yup. That is the only difference.

Good Luck!

TC51D · 06-14-2018, 05:33 PM

are you being funny? I'm asking a real question. I don't see the difference's?

Gordon Dewald · 06-14-2018, 05:36 PM

Which do you like the best. They are both good units.

Davidrvr · 06-14-2018, 09:41 PM

What year realm? Chassis is a big difference and trans retarder is a must... look at those an then post your questions

I didn’t like the quality of the Newmarket compared to my 02 U320 foretravel ... cabinets and doors seemed hollow and light..but that’s me..Realm? Just beautiful!!!

uncnavy2000 · 06-15-2018, 08:57 PM

The chassis are not the same, the realm uses the K3GT (now marketed as the K4). The Essex is on the K3. Take a look at the Spartan website and you can see a big difference between these chassis. The K4 has far more rigidity.

I have not owned a realm but really like their slides. They are far superior and on par with Newell.

1doodadd · 06-15-2018, 09:06 PM

I believe the slides fit better in the wall of the Foretravel better than the Newmar. Much nicer rounded corners flush fit and finish. I would say the Foretravel is better overall

Davidrvr · 06-16-2018, 08:54 PM

Reread my post above .. I did not like the quality of the Newmar we looked at. It’s a step down in my opinion to a foretravel

saddlesore · 06-16-2018, 09:34 PM

And on the Foretravel slides..
Foretravel uses an inflatable "bladder" to seal the slide (Flush sided without any of the "cheepie overlap seals of lessor coaches)..both for when retracted as well as when extended...AND no damn sharp edges to cut the H*** out of your head when getting into the basement storage areas..
GO
and LOOK at each...Only then can you "grasp" what the differences of build and component qualities are. (3 to 4 weeks to actually build the "cookie cutter" Essex, vs several months for the Foretravel build)

Mr_D · 06-16-2018, 09:56 PM

The Realm is more expensive than the King Aire. Your comparison should be between two. And, if Country Coach was still producing their semi-monocoque chassis like I have, you'd have to include it too.

1doodadd · 06-16-2018, 10:04 PM

saddlesore, My Beaver Marquis slides are similar to your foretravel whereas they are flush with the walls, recessed, when traveling but when they are extended they have the sharp corners. My seals are also interior as yours but no bladder, but still seal very well. I am very happy with the quality of my slides fit and finish, and am impressed with the foretravel quality and design also.

Davidrvr · 06-17-2018, 09:18 AM

Beavers were nice but not around anymore for support. Foretravel's are built above the rest..My 2002 U320 has 225k on the odometer and is solid as a rock going down the street.. last coach I had was Allegra Bus 99 with 50k.. it was a tattle trap.. fixed most of the hinges that had pulled out from traveling..Foretravel is insulated good and all around great Coach..If you have time you should do a factory visit and see how they are made.. exceptional!!

valentob · 06-18-2018, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The Realm is more expensive than the King Aire. Your comparison should be between two. And, if Country Coach was still producing their semi-monocoque chassis like I have, you'd have to include it too.

True, the MSRP is more than a King Aire. BUT go to https://www.mhsrv.com/foretravel-rv/?condition=1 and their prices start in the mid $700k to lower $800K even before negotiating. The Foretravel at these prices also come loaded so the comparison to an Essex I think is quite valid once you option out an Essex the same and figure your dealer discount off of the Essex MSRP.

uncnavy2000 · 06-20-2018, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valentob

True, the MSRP is more than a King Aire. BUT go to https://www.mhsrv.com/foretravel-rv/?condition=1 and their prices start in the mid $700k to lower $800K even before negotiating. The Foretravel at these prices also come loaded so the comparison to an Essex I think is quite valid once you option out an Essex the same and figure your dealer discount off of the Essex MSRP.

An Essex will be in the low to mid 500k range after discounts, while the Realm is near 800 with the same discount. I highly doubt the Realm is discounted much more than the 32% already advertised on MHSRV.

The Realm was more of a King Aire compete originally, as both coaches had the K3GT (now K4) chassis. Now only the Realm has the premium chassis.