Foretravel Factory Tour

We took the Foretravel Factory here in Nacogodoches yesterday. We have been to some other RV factories (Monaco, Newmar, Tiffin, Winnebago) and are always interested in learning more.

We arrived at the dealer showroom and met our sales guide, Lance and another couple (Kathy and Rick).

Lance took us to three different warehouses where the coaches are made. Foretravel is one of the highest rated RVs in the industry.

When we began our initial search a couple of years ago, they were rated very highly. They make a quality coach. They are also pricey. I saw a coach in the parking lot with a license plate frame that said "Rancho Costalota". :)

Each coach is custom made. It has a uni-body frame and weighs a lot (46,000+ lbs).

It is an expensive coach, probably just below the Prevost line. We looked at many that were in the $750,000 price range. Entry level Foretravels are in fact used, older Foretravel coaches.

Some of the things we liked were:

• Air bag leveling system. They don't use hydraulic or electric jacks. All four wheels stay on the ground and it levels internally.
• Slide outs. There is no lip to cover up the outside of the compartment. The slideout moves flush with the side of the coach and it uses an inflatable seal around the outside of the slide out and inside the wall. Very clean.
• Storage bays. Most of doors rise vertically next to the side like big tour busses and Prevosts. The basement is large and can carry a lot of stuff.
• Combined dump tanks. I didn't know they made a 135 gallon combination black and grey tank. The grey drain can be rerouted to be dumped by itself directly.
• Vistor hookups. We were very impressed with the RV parking facilities for those that want to stay overnight. We asked and were able to stay two nights with water and 50 amp hookups. The dump station is 100 yards away. Very convenient!

It was a very nice tour and took about 90 minutes. We had to sign waiver forms, but they allowed us to walk all around the work area and talk with the technicians and installers. And I was able to take all the pictures I wanted. :)

Like everyone in the RV industry, Foretravel has been affected by the economic downturn. Currently Foretravel employs about 160 people and makes about 2 coaches a month. I was impressed that they are able to keep that many people with the number of coaches they build.

If you get the chance, I recommend coming by for a factory tour. It was well worth the effort.

Thanks for checking out the Roadrunner Chronicles today!