2004-2007 Foretravel vs Monaco signature

A few years ago, I took a tour of the Monaco factory and was not impressed, particularly with the way the windows were installed, relative to the wall frame location. Meaning the window cut out was not directly supported by framing. Secondly, in looking at the coach frame its self, it is relatively flimsy. Grabbing a piece and flexing it, I was surprised it does much to support the wall. The structural strength is derived from the end cap frames, but everything in between was thin and flimsy. While I have not seen the interior wall construction of an FT, I do know what a good quality wall should be made from, and Monaco is not it. (The wall frames on my coach are 3 times thicker)

Why buy a rig you're going to have to remodel??? We too, looked at Foretravel but my wife liked the floorplan and layout of the Executive so that's what we bought. I love the quality that went into building the coach. Not much difference in the Exec vs Sig.

IMHO, you'll be happy with the build quality of either coach. 04-07 will be out of warranty anyway, so I wouldn't worry about "support".... Buy the one who's floorplan you like....you won't be wrong....Dennis

Since I was looking in 2009 for something I would be comfortable in since I would be the only driver and had never driven anything that big, I was scared of all the size, etc. I also checked around about repair expenses, what is different between diesel and gas, etc. I had worked at a limo company that had a diesel Mercedes limo and it was cantankerous depending on weather, temperature outside, etc. Some of the drivers loved it and some hated it. It never worked right for me when I had to take it for repairs.

I love my Brave and since I am 62 I don't plan on buying another one so I am fixing up this one. I already had MOT change the dinette benches to having a drawer underneath so I wouldn't have to get the husband to move, pull up cushions, pull up top then dive in. It never failed it was always the bench he was sitting at that I needed something from there.

Just like when I remodeled my first house, I had lived in it for a few years and figured out a better way to utilize the kitchen. I have figured out a better way for the bedroom closet and dressers. I can't wait since we will also put in new TV's, fridge, micro/convection oven and cook top. It will be my late Christmas present to me so I can have fun next year.

John S. wrote:

lizbard wrote:
John S. - Foretravel has 50 amp plugs out front in their parking lot where people stop in. I don't know if they are stopping to visit or for repairs. I know they have the stories in the paper how they have rallies several times a year and their parking log is full.

I looked at gas and diesel and the reasons I did not buy a used Foretravel is 1. not being familiar with diesels, 2. expense of maintenance since DH had health problems and wasn't able to help me with simple maintenance, 3. cost.

I am having Motorhomes of Texas help me rebuild the inside of the coach this winter. The carpenter who built my kitchen cabinets in 2006 had worked for Foretravel for over 15 years. I saw his quality of work at another house. Unfortunately, he is busy or I would have him help me redo my Brave.

Many FT Owners will stop in for a free night at the factory. There is a huge remodel business being done. I have had mine totally redone inside too. Love it more than the new ones.

MOT as it is called is a great place for repairs too. I know all the guys there and they are second to none in repairing. There is noreason to be worried over a diesel. I will say that the top line monocos are nice too. They are just not the company they were and for me that is reason enough not to look at them. If I di not buy another foretravel I would look for a newell or a Bus COnversion from Liberty or Millennium.

A used U320 would be my choice

lizbard wrote:
John S. - Foretravel has 50 amp plugs out front in their parking lot where people stop in. I don't know if they are stopping to visit or for repairs. I know they have the stories in the paper how they have rallies several times a year and their parking log is full.

I looked at gas and diesel and the reasons I did not buy a used Foretravel is 1. not being familiar with diesels, 2. expense of maintenance since DH had health problems and wasn't able to help me with simple maintenance, 3. cost.

I am having Motorhomes of Texas help me rebuild the inside of the coach this winter. The carpenter who built my kitchen cabinets in 2006 had worked for Foretravel for over 15 years. I saw his quality of work at another house. Unfortunately, he is busy or I would have him help me redo my Brave.

Many FT Owners will stop in for a free night at the factory. There is a huge remodel business being done. I have had mine totally redone inside too. Love it more than the new ones.

MOT as it is called is a great place for repairs too. I know all the guys there and they are second to none in repairing. There is noreason to be worried over a diesel. I will say that the top line monocos are nice too. They are just not the company they were and for me that is reason enough not to look at them. If I di not buy another foretravel I would look for a newell or a Bus COnversion from Liberty or Millennium.

The reality is that if both are in the same condition, you can't really go wrong with either rig. The Signature is the top of the line Monaco and was manufactured with all high end components. The Foretravel, regardless of model, also is made with all high end components.

My suggestion is to focus on:
1. Maintenance history/condition
2. Floorplan

Assuming you can get a price you are happy with on either rig, those criteria should be your main concern. There's no reason whatsoever to worry about the history of the Monaco brand and their financial woe's.....

John S. - Foretravel has 50 amp plugs out front in their parking lot where people stop in. I don't know if they are stopping to visit or for repairs. I know they have the stories in the paper how they have rallies several times a year and their parking log is full.

I looked at gas and diesel and the reasons I did not buy a used Foretravel is 1. not being familiar with diesels, 2. expense of maintenance since DH had health problems and wasn't able to help me with simple maintenance, 3. cost.

I am having Motorhomes of Texas help me rebuild the inside of the coach this winter. The carpenter who built my kitchen cabinets in 2006 had worked for Foretravel for over 15 years. I saw his quality of work at another house. Unfortunately, he is busy or I would have him help me redo my Brave.

I live in Nacogdoches, TX where the Foretravel RV's are made.

I get my 2002 Winnebago repaired at Motorhomes of Texas where they do repairs on all Class A's, not just Foretravel. They also sell the used ones. I have used the other RV places here for repairs on the coach, but they only sell trailers and at times when I asked a question made me feel dumb. The guys at Motorhomes of Texas are not like that. Give them a call at 936-564-1112. www.motorhomesoftexas.com

You are talking two foretravels in those years. The U 320 will hold its own against any coach out there for pure driving and quality of construction. THe end of your model years they went to the Phenix and that is another step up. Much bigger engine in the ISX and more of them are all electric in that year. Also there are not as many of them either. I will say this that there is a land office business being done in remodeling older FT. Mine is an 01 and I have completely redone th inside. I do not have to do the engine aquahot inverters etc as they were great to start with. Put in a house fridge last winter too. I looked at Monoco and FT and CC when I was looking and settled on FT. The best thing is that FT is stll up and running and in business and supports and will remodel your coach and they have the shop to do it too and it is not too expensive.