Looking at older coaches

TechWriter wrote:

Skid Row Joe wrote:

I would advise you to consider the Foretravel brand from Nacogdoches, Texas. As a former big bus driver, you're going to feel the unibody difference that Foretravel uses on their DP superstructures going back to the mid-1980s. There are very nice used Foretravel DP units on the market that represent a tremendous value when you take into consideration all the build quality that goes in the renowned Unihome construction of their units. You might pay a little more for less features on a Foretravel, but the unmatched quality will be your reward going forward. They may fit your budget, once you do the build and quality comps. versus lesser brands that utilize the rail 'n frame build.

When I was looking for a used DPs, Foretravels were on my short list because of their quality fit and finish, large Cummins engines, and their transmission retarders (a $$$ option).

However, I decided they were overpriced and not the best bang for the buck because . . .

Foretravels are "under-slided". Other brands tend to have more slide outs than a Foretravel (up to 2005).
Older Foretravels have a proprietary chassis which can make nationwide servicing problematic.
1988 - 2005 Foretravels can suffer from "bulkhead separation" where in effect the chassis rusts out.

Though none of these drawbacks are deal killers, you should be aware of them before buying.

Foretravels are not "underslided." The OP is financially looking for coaches that aren't 'slided' for what he's spending. Foretravels are not underslided. So, that's a non-issue.

The OP lives IN TEXAS. Therefore, the servicing isn't a problem.

I'm not aware of any "bulkhead separation." In fact, I've never heard of this in 30+ years. Can you provide some evidence here to back up your assertions?