Community Forums

soundsuperio · 07-06-2023, 01:32 PM

Contemplating a purchase of one of these. Any input into good points, trouble spots, or anything else would be appreciated.

spuds · 07-06-2023, 02:08 PM

The one thing to familiarize yourself with on a Foretravel is the slide bladder system. When you develop a leak in a bladder, which is roughly a 7-10 year lifespan item, it's not a DIY job. It involves either disconnecting and pushing the slide in or removing the slide with a forklift. I know pre-2002 the slide has to come out. For a number of years after 2001 the slides could simply be disconnected and pushed into the coach. Not sure on a newer model like the IH or Realm, especially a quad-slide, if there's room to push the slides in or not (particularly with the flat-floor mechanism). I haven't read of anyone yet needing a slide bladder on an IH since it's a very low volume (sub 25/30 coaches per year) model and the oldest one would just now be 10 years old, so there's no existing details.

Figure current pricing of $4-6K per slide, on average, and most RV dealers won't be familiar with this. It's typically a job for one of the shops in Nacogdoches. The bladders aren't a stock item and generally have to be produced to order by HWH.

Turbojack · 07-06-2023, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundsuperio

Contemplating a purchase of one of these. Any input into good points, trouble spots, or anything else would be appreciated.

I have a 2014 ih45. Here is my take.

The ih45 is Foretravel's top of the line coach. The newer Realm Presidential says to be equal to the ih45 but it is no where close. The 2020 ih45 I believe was the last year the ih45 was made. In 2018 Foretravel went to a Spartan chassis but it is said to be equal to the one made by Foretravel. The main difference between the two is FOT was all welded and the Spartan is bolted. I had talked to an owner who had owned both and he said he had not had the Spartan coach long enough to tell the difference yet.

I don't think I have gone through a 2020 to see what changes were made that make a big difference.

If I was to buy a newer coach, at the moment I would go with a 2020 ih vs a brand new Realm.

I do not know what dryer is installed but if it is a Bosh non vent I have heard some story's of problems that they are having with heat in the coach when dryer is running.

As to Spuds comments about bladders, I have one that I have patched and it is holding so far so have not gotten replaced. I know of a few people that have had to have the bladder replaced on their ih. There is a steep learning curve to the coach but I think it would be the same with any high line coach.

spuds · 07-06-2023, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbojack

I have a 2014 ih45. Here is my take.

The ih45 is Foretravel's top of the line coach. The newer Realm Presidential says to be equal to the ih45 but it is no where close.

If I was to buy a newer coach, at the moment I would go with a 2020 ih vs a brand new Realm.

Of these two options, I would agree. The IH was a Foretravel design. The original Realm and the newer Realm models are all MHSRV/RV One spec'd/designed. It's more like Foretravel is functioning as a contract manufacturer for MHSRV/RV One. The O'Banions originally did the Realm to offer something "proprietary" to MHSRV as an alternative highline coach (at the time, they did not have the American Coach dealership nor have they had Newmar).

Quote:

As to Spuds comments about bladders, I have one that I have patched and it is holding so far so have not gotten replaced. I know of a few people that have had to have the bladder replaced on their ih.

My comment regarding bladders is that unlike the sweep/bulb seal on most coaches, the slide bladder system is more complex. As turbojack knows, if the system can't pull vacuum on the bladder (to deflate it) due to a leak, it won't let you extend or retract the slide (unless you know how to fake out the system). You also have an additional air tank that maintains the bladder inflation. It does give you a smooth look to the sides of the coach, but other than Foretravel and Renegade's Ikon, I don't believe any other coach manufacturer uses that specific bladder system from HWH. Just be sure to understand it, and that if it fails you can't just take it to any RV repair shop - most have never seen anything like it.

tsonby · 07-06-2023, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

My comment regarding bladders is that unlike the sweep/bulb seal on most coaches, the slide bladder system is more complex. As turbojack knows, if the system can't pull vacuum on the bladder (to deflate it) due to a leak...

Just to add...I also purchased a 2014 IH45 this year in April from MOT. Before taking ownership they needed to replace a bladder on the rear DS slide. Seems like it took about a day. They had the slide partially out and the whole inside frame off to do it. No idea actual cost sine it was to be done before purchase.

Also agree about the learning curve part. I have had 4 other Class As all different brands and owned for over 25 years. The IH45 is by far more complicated then any others but so far well worth it in overall quality, build, fit/finish and ride/comfort. I always thought my Tiffin bus was best but this easily tops that.

Tom
2014 IH45 Fortravel
2020 F150 4x4

2013 Allegro Bus Tiffin
2002 Dutch Star Newmar