New coach by 2020

[lady puffin]

Apparently Foretravel listened to folks and are starting the first build of the new IC-37. Due out by late 2019 or early 2020. Currently not much more info on it, but should be forthcoming in the near future. Can't wait to see what it looks like.

[valentob]

Foretravel Motorcoach - Available Coaches is the link to their new coach, ic-37.

[Conchdog]

Looking forward to checking this out!

Should I expect it to be built on the Spartan K1 chassis?

Thanks,

Chris

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Conchdog

Looking forward to checking this out!

Should I expect it to be built on the Spartan K1 chassis?

Thanks,

Chris

I suspect that it will be a Foretravel "altered" outboard air bags K3+ with disc brakes all around at a minimum.....

[valentob]

It definitely will not have the wimpy 6.7 diesel. Rumor is that it will at least have the L9.

[Conchdog]

That all sounds awesome!

Thanks!

[valentob]

Quote from Foretravel President Mr. Lyle Reed in Spring 2018 Foretravel Motorcader Magazine: "Foretravel has its new model year in the works as well as our new model the ic-37, a.k.a. the Iron Colt ... As its name implies, it will be a 37' motorhome built on a Spartan chassis. While smaller in size (height and length), it will be a Foretravel in all other respects and have a straight-forward audio/video system. The 2-large slide model will be equipped with a 400 hp Cummins engine with an optional 450 hp available. Its MSRP is estimated to be in the low $500s."

[spuds]

K1 chassis in Jayco's Embark (and likely brand twin Entegra's Reatta) is a rear radiator design. Hope FT is able to change that to side radiator before implementing it if they use the K1. With the engine HP reported, it's more likely a K2.

[valentob]

With the Cummins L9 engine the chassis will most likely be some variant of the Spartan K2. Looking forward to more info being made available on their website. I believe they are working on the prototype now so they are probably waiting to make sure everything goes together as planned before posting specs.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by valentob

With the Cummins L9 engine the chassis will most likely be some variant of the Spartan K2. Looking forward to more info being made available on their website. I believe they are working on the prototype now so they are probably waiting to make sure everything goes together as planned before posting specs.

As for the engine, I would bet on a 11 liter variant , such as the M-11 .... FT isn't one to under power a motor coach, even on a 37 footer non tag.
There are a good number of 36'/38' non tag coaches with a 400/450/500 hp M-11 engines. (model 270/295/320/Nimbus/Phenix respectively)

[spuds]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

As for the engine, I would bet on a 11 liter variant , such as the M-11 .... FT isn't one to under power a motor coach, even on a 37 footer non tag.
There are a good number of 36'/38' non tag coaches with a 400/450/500 hp M-11 engines.

I believe the last M-11 based Foretravel would be a pre-2010 EPA powered model, likely a 2010 Nimbus.

Based on Cummins' current offerings, Spartan would most likely use the L9 in a single axle chassis of that size. ISX12 might be possible, but it's a nearly 1000 lb heavier engine and would require a bigger cooling package (and possibly a different and heavier transmission due to torque). Since a bedroom slide adds a lot of weight as well, one would have to watch the rear axle weight of an ISX12-powered non-tag coach.

[valentob]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

As for the engine, I would bet on a 11 liter variant , such as the M-11 .... FT isn't one to under power a motor coach, even on a 37 footer non tag.
There are a good number of 36'/38' non tag coaches with a 400/450/500 hp M-11 engines. (model 270/295/320/Nimbus/Phenix respectively)

The M11 has been replaced by the X12 which has been redesigned as of this year and is 600 pounds lighter. I imagine Foretravel might have that as an option in the future but will require an redesigned larger radiator to keep it cool. Yes, that would be an option that I would definitely sign up for!

[spuds]

Originally Posted by valentob

X12 which has been redesigned as of this year and is 600 pounds lighter. I imagine Foretravel might have that as an option in the future but will require an redesigned larger radiator to keep it cool.

It would also require the heavier Allison MH4000 transmission. Certainly a powerful combo, but it does add up to a significant weight gain over the L9/MH3000. Worth consideration in a single rear axle coach with slides. FT learned this with the 2002 addition of a bedroom slide to their 40' U320 models, hence the tag axle on a 2-slide 2003+ 40' (and in some cases 38') U320.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by spuds

It would also require the heavier Allison MH4000 transmission. Certainly a powerful combo, but it does add up to a significant weight gain over the L9/MH3000. Worth consideration in a single rear axle coach with slides. FT learned this with the 2002 addition of a bedroom slide to their 40' U320 models, hence the tag axle on a 2-slide 2003+ 40' (and in some cases 38') U320.

Our '02 40', single LR slide has a tag...love it.
Just a really "out there" thought.....
The joint venture (Paccar/Cummins) engine could be a "bolt in" option, and it is lighter and easier to cool than the 12x...
I put 300k on a Paccar 485hp in a Pete..After they got the electronic's sorted out,(1st year engine) it did a fair to middling job.


And I do not see FT going to a rear radiator... Nor I do not see FT going to a lighter/smaller transmission due to FT consistently using the 4060r Alison.

If it ends up just being a "gussied up" version of an Entegra/Thor/Fleetwood/Winnabago....(similar to FT's boondoggle with the class "B" Mercedes vans)

Those of us who own Foretravel's will just walk away from the purchase, and possibly the brand.