Foretravel coaches looking for info to purchase.

[Rusty Kramer]

Hello FT community.
I have owned a 2000 36' Monaco Dynasty since 2015 so not totally new to Motorhomes. I do all my own maintenance so I have been in, on, under, and on top of the old Dynasty.
Looking to upgrade to a larger coach 2 slides and more storage than I have now.
2001 to 2004 model years? $150,000 budget. It appears that they were built on 3 model levels. 270 290 and 320 in that era?
I see a few 38' tag axel coaches for sale. Can anyone tell me about these. Do they drive and handle as well/better than a single axel 40'?

Any input on what to look for, what to look out for etc. I read some about Bulkhead separation. Monaco DPs have issues. Everything does. I am just trying to educate myself the best I can before I actually travel to look at coaches.
Thanks to you all in advance for any info.

[lucy460]

Hello! We just bought a 2014 Foretravel IH 45 from Motorhomes of Texas in Nacodoches, Texas. They have some older models and there used to be a 38’ there too. The brand of Foretravel is wonderful. We looked at Newell also, but we’re more impressed by Foretravel. MOT is just down the highway from the manufacturing plant for Ftravel. Most if not all of the service people at MOT come from the factory. We absolutely love our “home”. Roomy, lots of storage, great fit and finish. Excellent workmanship. This is our 3rd coach. Last one was a Monaco Diplomat it was fun at the time, but as it aged, not so much. Ftravel is an excellent next step. I can refer you to a very knowledgeable sales guy if you just want to talk and find out more. I won’t get anything from the referral but you will get a world of information. Mike Phillips 936-371-1030. Tell him Miss Lucy sent you! Happy and safe travels!

[Turbojack]

Welcome to the Foretravel Family Miss Lucy.

I am on my 4th Foretravel and the IH45 had the biggest learning curve of any of the ones I have owned before this one. The one problem that I have had is very few people know the systems of the newer coaches. I have now a few years in on my IH45 so if you have any questions ask away or if you would like my phone number just send me a PM.

[becks]

Welcome Lucy, we also used Mike for our purchase from MOT and highly recommend. Good luck shopping.

[andy29847]

Those model Foretravel RVs have had problems with bulkhead separation. It is expensive to fix. A good inspection is a must.

Foretravel Motorhome Bulkhead Separation | All Things Foretravel

[Turbojack]

Rusty, If you go to foreforum you will get a lot of answers to these questions. There are a lot of owners with this age coach on that forum.

As far as tag. Foretravel ended up going with a tag since their coaches were getting so heavy since they were adding tile and slides. A number of drivers think the tag is better. I went from a 36' U295 to IH45 and the IH45 drives way better but they are two different animals and don't know if the tag had anything to do with it.

As far as U270, U295, & U320. The U270 was the bottom. It had only 2 house batteries, 1 furnace, and less trim. U295 had 3 house batteries, 2 furnaces, and some more lights. U320 was top of the line. Has bigger engine, along with transmission to handle the power, Aqua Hot or like for heat and a few other upgrades.

[Rusty Kramer]

Thanks for the input so far greatly appreciated! Turbojack, I think the long wheel base and tag both help the drivability a lot. I would really like to drive a 36' FT to see if it is more stable than my 36' Monaco. It's not terrible but a little tiring on a long day.

[WS6_Keith]

We have a 2003 FT U320, 38' with tag. Very stable, tows great, good power (ISM 450hp). Had a right front blowout at 70mph on the highway and she just went straight, no crazy driving needed...I'm pretty sure the tag is to thank for that. I'm glad to have it.

[hypoxia]

I'm currently living at MOT (two weeks now) while they repair all of the stuff that needs fixin on the 2014 Newell we just acquired. They are busy with a bunch of Foretravel and Newell as well as other brands of coaches. They are suffering with a shortage of technicians just like the rest of the country. Their techs do a good job, they are just swamped with work. A bunch of them came to MOT from Foretravel which is a mile or two from MOT.

We're hoping to be on our way soon but have to return eventually to have the windshield replaced, the new one was delivered smashed.

It is interesting to see what modifications the owners of these high end campers make. Ours had the flooring replaced as well as a new couch, office desk, co-pilot seat, etc. done at Newell recently so it's like new inside. The salon area was completely changed which fits us well.

[Col. Klink]

Originally Posted by andy29847

Those model Foretravel RVs have had problems with bulkhead separation. It is expensive to fix. A good inspection is a must.

Foretravel Motorhome Bulkhead Separation | All Things Foretravel

They don't give any year or model information in that link. Are all Foretravels prone to this issue?

[andy29847]

Originally Posted by Col. Klink

They don't give any year or model information in that link. Are all Foretravels prone to this issue?

I believe that it is only the U models (U295, U320, etc.).

[WS6_Keith]

Originally Posted by Col. Klink

They don't give any year or model information in that link. Are all Foretravels prone to this issue?

From my memory, it was pre 2000 or 2001 units that had issues, but any of them could have if not properly maintained. One water leak left unchecked and you've got a basement/bulkhead issue to deal with.

[Rusty Kramer]

Hello again, Just wanted to update I found a 2006 Dynasty one owner coach, it was too nice to pass up so it is now in my building.
Thanks for the information I think the FT coaches are excellent.