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If you had to buy again today...

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
would you buy bigger or smaller? We are on a 5 year plan before traveling long term. We have just begun to look at rvs. There are many really good sized rvs.I know there is such a thing as toooo small, is there such a thing as being too big. For those who are long term travelers would you buy, if you could buy something different today, a smaller size, the same size or larger vehicle. Please share what size you have now.
130 REPLIES 130

accrete_
Explorer
Explorer
Greetings,
My wife and I've been full timing since 2011 and I've got a general-build question for those full time in their rig.

I'm thinking this Q is still in line with the OP's question as it is IMO a general sort of "What would you change" not only size, but in general-build??

If not? Sorry for the Segue : )

We started out buying a 5 yr old mobile suite 5th. What we noticed is that even after 5 years there was a bit of build-smell to it. So we went to a large RV show and with _smell_ in fore front, looked and smelled every RV. The only one that didn't have any noticeable smell was an Evergreen product. I know that is a 5th wheel, but my question is, is there a company out there, for the average Joe/Jill that is building motorhomes in a similar _green_ fashion without the formaldehydes/etc that off gas? We've been inside our Evergreen Tesla T3970 for over a year (after trading in the mobile suite) and the livability inside is like night and day. . . even though, arguably, the DRV Mobile Suite is a top-tier rv (and manufacturer).

Thom
Exploring the SW
In our TwoVanConvoy
Our adventure blog @ OverlandWith.Us



Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
rgatijnet1 wrote:
There are other factors that can affect the size. If you have unlimited storage space, then length is not an issue. If you want to park it in your driveway when not in use, then the length may affect your decision. Right now our current coach is the longest that we can legally fit in our driveway and it is plenty big enough for us to travel several months at a time. We have had larger and had smaller coaches and all have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no such thing as one size fits all. The best you can do is go to a large dealer, or an RV show, and look at various floor plans. We have always gone with the smallest coach that would suit ALL OF OUR NEEDS at the time, which may be different than your own needs.


can't wait for the shows to start around here...Went to three dealers this week and out of the three they had only one class a and the floor plan was not for us. Good storage area is a must.

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
Wow Mike thanks for sharing the site.

mike_brez
Explorer
Explorer
Here are two for sale in NC.
1998 36 foot Country Coach Magna #5499 Single slide
Gillig chassis with a series 40
02 Ford F250 7.3 with a few mods
2015 Wrangler JKU

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
wolfe10 wrote:
If you mean FORETRAVEL, a couple of good sites:

http://motorhomesoftexas.com/c#/coachesrv/all/default/all/all/all

http://www.foretravel.com/sales/sales.php

Both in Nacogdoches TX. Also, a reasonable number of FSBO Foretravels-- many also in Texas.

Here is a current discussion of mileages on Foretravels on the ForeForum, some with over 300,000 miles on them: http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26874.0


Yea thats what I meant to type. That is a new name for me as we don't have any dealers around here that well em. Very nice coach. I looked at that website today. Thanks for the help.

wolfe10
Explorer
Explorer
If you mean FORETRAVEL, a couple of good sites:

http://motorhomesoftexas.com/c#/coachesrv/all/default/all/all/all

http://www.foretravel.com/sales/sales.php

Both in Nacogdoches TX. Also, a reasonable number of FSBO Foretravels-- many also in Texas.

Here is a current discussion of mileages on Foretravels on the ForeForum, some with over 300,000 miles on them: http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26874.0
Brett Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38'FDDS
Ex: 1997 Safari 35'
Ex: 1993 Foretravel U240

Diesel RV Club:http://www.dieselrvclub.org/

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
When I buy I will buy a top shelf used coach. So a Foretrail will make the A list. Checked internet today where I could check em out. Closest rv is in TX. I am on the coast of NC. I have time. SO I will keep looking for one around here to look at.

RayChez
Explorer
Explorer
xctraveler wrote:
RayChez wrote:
Foretravel coaches are nice, just like the Newells, Prevosts and Wanderlodges by BlueBirds and the MCI coaches. Only one problem! Not everybody is on the 3% in this country. Most folks have to settle for the middle of the road. Unless you get lucky and hit the lottery. LOL!


Agreed, but there are some very nice used Foretravels out there at more reasonable prices.

And I doubt that there are many 3% who could buy new! last Time I looked they were building nothing for less than $800k and that was 4 years ago.


What I meant by the three percent are the one's that are always on the news that don't pay any taxes. (millionaires)
2002 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser
330 HP Caterpillar 3126-E
3000 Allison Transmission
Neway Freightliner chassis
2017 Buick Envision

xctraveler
Explorer
Explorer
RayChez wrote:
Foretravel coaches are nice, just like the Newells, Prevosts and Wanderlodges by BlueBirds and the MCI coaches. Only one problem! Not everybody is on the 3% in this country. Most folks have to settle for the middle of the road. Unless you get lucky and hit the lottery. LOL!


Agreed, but there are some very nice used Foretravels out there at more reasonable prices.

And I doubt that there are many 3% who could buy new! last Time I looked they were building nothing for less than $800k and that was 4 years ago.
Paul
2012 Phaeton 36QSH on Freightliner Chassis with a Cummins 380 pushing it. 2011 Cherry Red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with US Gear Unified Tow Brake System. Check out my blog
FMCA 352081 SKP# 99526

RayChez
Explorer
Explorer
Foretravel coaches are nice, just like the Newells, Prevosts and Wanderlodges by BlueBirds and the MCI coaches. Only one problem! Not everybody is on the 3% in this country. Most folks have to settle for the middle of the road. Unless you get lucky and hit the lottery. LOL!
2002 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser
330 HP Caterpillar 3126-E
3000 Allison Transmission
Neway Freightliner chassis
2017 Buick Envision

Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Explorer
Chowan wrote:
Thanks for the link. They look top shelf. Is that your opinion of Foretravel?


Yes, I agree with xctraveler, Foretravels are top shelf. Their large sales showroom (manufacturing plant?) is down the street from Motorhomes of Texas in Nacogdoches.

One one thing I've noticed about Foretravels, Newells and some others, is that the steps that pop out, the front cover will tilt down risking damage as it could scrape a rock or high ground at the entrance door.

Prevost coaches do not have steps that pop out. All the steps are inside. This is achieved by positioning the entrance door lower in the chassis. I do have a portable step if we are 'sitting high' which you would need with any coach. So, our steps stay clean and debris free (sand, rain, etc., while rolling down the road).

MM.
Mr.Mark
2021.5 Pleasure Way Plateau FL Class-B on the Sprinter Chassis
2018 Mini Cooper Hardtop Coupe, 2 dr., 6-speed manual
(SOLD) 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach, 45 ft, 500 hp Volvo
(SOLD) 2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42 ft, 425 hp Cummins

xctraveler
Explorer
Explorer
Foretravel are indeed top of the line. They are almost all custom built from the ground up. Only recently have they added a basic chassis (Spartan?) to their line to get the price down out of the stratosphere for new builds.

We looked at used Foretravels at length 4 years ago but could not find one to satisfy our requirement for no more than 36 feet. This requirement, as I may have mentioned, is to be able to fit in our son's driveway in the Blue Ridge area of Virginia, also DW says it is as much as she wants to handle on the road. Otherwise we might very well be traveling in a Foretravel today.

We are very happy with our Phaeton and have no regrets!!
Paul
2012 Phaeton 36QSH on Freightliner Chassis with a Cummins 380 pushing it. 2011 Cherry Red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with US Gear Unified Tow Brake System. Check out my blog
FMCA 352081 SKP# 99526

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks for the link. They look top shelf. Is that your opinion of Foretravel?

Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Explorer
Chowan, the consignment store in Nacogdoches, TX, carries a lot of consigned Foretravels.

Take a peek... www.motorhomesoftexas.com

MM.
Mr.Mark
2021.5 Pleasure Way Plateau FL Class-B on the Sprinter Chassis
2018 Mini Cooper Hardtop Coupe, 2 dr., 6-speed manual
(SOLD) 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach, 45 ft, 500 hp Volvo
(SOLD) 2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42 ft, 425 hp Cummins

Chowan
Explorer
Explorer
st687 wrote:
If I had to buy another coach,I would look for a used Foretravel U320
38ft. with 2 slides,it would be the perfect coach for the wife and I.


I have nt seen too many Foretravels in my neck of the woods but they look like a nice coach.