Would appreciate your views and opinions between the two motor homes. Storage space, closet etc. counter space , drive, cummins vs cat. retarder vs 2 stage jake brake, general thoughtfulness concerning ease of maintenance. quality of interior materials etc. We have enjoyed our 86 37 tag sportscoach which has been very dependable for us since 1994 with 135000 miles. We have liked it to the point where we would like to continue to full time as we have for the last few years. Do not miss the house at all. No slides for me so we will be having at least one, maybe 2. Will have to put an oven in too. Thanks. Tom

I'll assume it must be a Beaver Marquis, not a Patriot. Having owned a 98 Patriot it is not as nice as a Foretravel. In those years there is not any difference in Cummins/Cat. I would prefer a two stage Jake over a retarder because of the heat in the transmission going down a mountain after getting hot going up... not a deal breaker. There is a vocal Foretravel group where Foretravel is the only MH worth owning. Assuming a Beaver Marquis which like the Foretravel uses outboard airbags the ride and handling will be much the same. My biggest concern in those years they did not have a tag axle and being on the heavy side for only one rear axle. By 2003 they will have a tag and a much better rig for FT with unlimited CCC.*For what it's worth, a 2003 Monaco Exe recently sold on Cranky Ape for $90K with 50K miles.

Foretravel had a tag axel on some models as early as 1998. And, Foretravel is still in business and provides maintenance, repairs and parts for older Foretravels. Of course, the Foretravel factory is in Texas and a long way from Canada.

for us Foretravel hands down. Best support in the business.

It's unlikely you would go wrong with either model.If you look at the Beaver Marquis larger than 40' they would have a tag axle while in the 40' Marquis and Patriot Thunder it would have a single axle in the rear.I believe they all have a C-12 with HP from 425 to 505 or so depending on the year. The C-12 has an excellent engine break either 2 or 3 speed again depending on the year.They have 8 (on the 2 axle models) airbags mounted outboard so ride and handling is very good. Not sure how many with the tag axle.Support is excellent and there is an active owners group so that's not an issue.Good luck with your decisions.

I am a Foretravel owner so I am somewhat prejudiced but the retarder is WAAAAY better than a two stage jake. Once you drive with a retarder you will not be without one.

2000 era, Beaver or Foretravel | Good Sam Community

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LOG
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Foretravel had a tag axel on some models as early as 1998. And, Foretravel is still in business and provides maintenance, repairs and parts for older Foretravels. Of course, the Foretravel factory is in Texas and a long way from Canada.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Mar 11, 2014
I'll assume it must be a Beaver Marquis, not a Patriot. Having owned a 98 Patriot it is not as nice as a Foretravel. In those years there is not any difference in Cummins/Cat. I would prefer a two stage Jake over a retarder because of the heat in the transmission going down a mountain after getting hot going up... not a deal breaker.
There is a vocal Foretravel group where Foretravel is the only MH worth owning. Assuming a Beaver Marquis which like the Foretravel uses outboard airbags the ride and handling will be much the same.
My biggest concern in those years they did not have a tag axle and being on the heavy side for only one rear axle. By 2003 they will have a tag and a much better rig for FT with unlimited CCC.
*For what it's worth, a 2003 Monaco Exe recently sold on Cranky Ape for $90K with 50K miles.

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2000 era, Beaver or Foretravel

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