One of the hallmarks of being a human being is the ability to change one’s mind. No matter what thing you think is defined by hard and fast rules, being able to look at a situation or a set of facts and make changes shows you’re not just a grumpy old guy. Though I can definitely be a grumpy old guy.
The reason I write that is that I have not been a big fan of large Class A diesel pushers for lots and lots of reasons. But looking at the $1.4 million Foretravel Presidential Realm Luxury Villa 3 changed my perception. If I suddenly completely lost my mind, I would be okay traveling in this.
What changed my mind
If you look at the websites for most RVs you’ll find that they’re heavily focused on decor and paint/graphics. Being the son of an engineer and someone who’s pretty geeky as it is, I want more. I like lots and lots of information when I consider everything. I can see the graphics for myself—but I don’t have x-ray vision to know what’s beneath those painted ladies.
Of course, now I own an endoscope – thank you, Nanci Dixon!
Like so many folks, I spend a lot of time on YouTube—which you can probably guess by the reviews I write here. There are a few content creators whose videos I watch regularly and, apparently, based on the number of followers they have, so do a lot of other folks.
So, seeing how the slide rooms operate, what’s behind the wet bay doors and all of that really make an impression on me. Watching how stuff moves and works matters more to me than how many colors are in the paint.
What I don’t understand is why some smart RV company doesn’t hire one of these creators to simply do walk-through videos of their products. By my watching, in this case, Matt Foxcroft’s review, it made me like this rig much more. And now I’m sharing it with you and RVtravel.com has a huge following.
But I also hope to share what’s under the skin and behind the scenes with you. So I do my best to figure this out, and that’s where we’re starting here.
Under the skin of the Presidential Realm
There was a lot that I learned about this particular brand. I have written before that most motorized coaches seem to be completely built without the recognition that RVs catch fire. That was demonstrated clearly in Marc & Julie Bennett’s video about RV fire.
Hey, there’s that YouTube again!
But Foretravel does seem to have the understanding that you can create a beautiful machine but also make sure that the people who buy it are safe in the event that something bad does happen.
So, this coach features a fire suppression system in the engine bay called the Fogmaker. Smart, as engine fires are a relatively significant reason these coaches burn. It’s not common, but when it happens that’s one of the primary places it starts.
But if you are inside and there’s a fire, Foretravel also includes a ladder to the outside so the kind of folks who have the means to spend $1.4 million on a giant bus like this are able to get out. Let’s be honest, there are only a small number of us who are agile enough to make it out the window and jump to the ground of something that’s two stories tall before the thing is completely engulfed with flames.
More safety features in the Realm
On the subject of safety, this also has a camera system that almost works like a camera floating above the rig and delivers a 3D view of the whole coach. You can monitor anything you’re towing, and this rig is rated to tow up to 20,000 pounds. Also, you can also see who’s in the lane next to you and doesn’t want to let you in.
But there are also Bosch sensors so if you do flip on your blinker, the rig will warn you that someone’s over there.
Sensors, too, work to accomplish active cruise control. That means you can set a speed but if traffic slows ahead of you, the motorhome will too, and maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you.
Amenities in the Realm Luxury Villa 3
Okay, enough nerdy stuff. Let’s face it, these coaches are absolutely beautiful. This competes well with things like the Newell and Prevost rigs.
Like those RVs, you don’t generally just go and buy one that looks like all the others. Instead, Foretravel sits you down with a licensed interior designer and you go over a bunch of colors, materials and all of that. And that’s why I don’t put much stock in the appearance of these rigs. My taste may be way different than yours, so we each get our own appearance and materials.
But we all do get things like an Aqua-Hot 600D heating system that heats the floors and uses the 150 gallons of diesel already aboard this beast to heat the water, too. Bonus, it’ll also keep the engine warmer when it’s just sitting so you don’t have those cold start issues that can be a part of diesel life.
The slide rooms in this rig are a work of art, truly. There’s a section of the floor that lowers when the slide comes in and raises when it’s fully extended. This means no carpeting and a completely flat floor. There’s also no flange on the outside of the slide. When it’s closed, it’s just a completely flush exterior.
Further, there’s a pneumatic bladder in the slide room that does an outstanding job of keeping road noise and the elements out.
Air suspension can do some leveling in the Realm
Speaking of pneumatics and hydraulics the air suspension on this coach can be coaxed into doing some of the leveling. That would make sense if you’re parked on a surface where you wouldn’t want to put the jacks down. But, of course, there are also hydraulic leveling jacks.
The bed in this is actually two beds—so each side of the bed is an individual bed. That way the person on that side can adjust the position of the bed (they raise and lower) as well as the firmness and such. Nice.
The shower in this features a shower miser system where the water coming in can be diverted back into the fresh tank until it’s hot enough, thereby saving water. A great boondocking feature. Of course that Aquahot system also provides a virtually unlimited shower experience. And, of course, there are multiple shower heads which have a massaging feature.
The cabinetry in the Realm is just beautiful. Even the cabinet interiors are finished well. There is carpeting in the cabinets, as well, to keep things from rattling. Further, the rods in the closets incorporate lighting in them. Such a nice touch.
But I also was thrilled to see no junky Samsung appliances in here. Instead, the refrigerator and washer and dryer are Bosch products. No, I’m not a fan of Samsung appliances.
Lastly, there are actually a good amount of windows in here.
In summary
From a technical standpoint, I just love this coach. I know something at this price point should be a good product—and this one is. The attention to detail is incredible and, yes, the paint on the outside is absolutely beautiful. Not my style, mind you, but having restored a bunch of classic cars I admire paint mastery even when the style isn’t one I like myself.
What I think Foretravel, and every other RV manufacturer, should do is hire some of these really good content creators to create video walk-throughs of their rigs and show some of these behind-the scenes or under-the skin features and benefits.
RV companies should inform the public about what they offer
It’s very rare that an RV company has a good YouTube presence. The one I can think of that does is Escape trailers. In fact their videos are a reason I’ve subscribed to their channel, and also put in an order for an Escape 23. Doesn’t mean I’m going to get one, but I want the option.
Or a smart RV company can invite a good writer to their factory to take pictures and tell the story, as well. Not everybody watches YouTube. But everybody should be informed.
I would love to read your comments and suggestions over on our new forums, where you can weigh in and start or join a discussion about all things RV. Here’s a link to my RV Reviews Forum.
Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. You can find his writing here and at StressLessCamping where he also has a podcast about the RV life with his wife.
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
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##RVDT1081
An important factor with rigs this size is Mileage. Please write about Mileage.
With all due respect there are no federal fuel mileage tests for vehicles of this size. These things are huge beasts that are very heavy and shaped like bricks. The fuel mileage is going to be terrible.
If you can afford to buy this RV, you can afford to buy insurance and gas for it no matter how poor the mileage. That’s why only NASCAR racers and Hollywood actors own them!
Tony,
So I’m curious as to the “lots and lots of reasons” you aren’t a fan of Class A diesel pushers?
As a fan of such rigs (and owner of one – but not a Foretravel), I’d be interested to hear your differing viewpoint.
Thanks,
Scotty
For me it’s all the places it can’t go, mileage, and maintenance. I think of these rigs when I’m waxing my Class C.
Ready for a very long list?
1. Extreme maintenance cost is frequently exaggerated. Clearly you cannot compare a DP to a towable, and DP do cost somewhat more than gasser motorhomes. If you can do the basic maintenance on a car, you can do it on your DP. I’m a mechanical moron and have been able to learn and do my own maintenance on each of my three DP’s. I grant that cost is more because of more oil, larger air filter, two fuel filters, but not “extreme.”
2. Mechanics that can work on DP’s, should a breakdown occur, are all over. When traveling you surely see Freightliner and other trucking dealer/repairs shops all over…no? And ALL vehicles gas or diesel, have all kinds if electronics systems in them that can require very specialized diagnostic and repair tools now-a-days.
3. Yes, we tow toad, but with a towable, setup, you also have to tow.
4. If the MH is in the shop, owners still have that car they tow around as a driving vehicle, right?
5. I can point to blue “carnival lights” all over the insides and outsides of many towables and electric fireplaces with marbles and fake flames, shiney backsplashes, etc. in many towables.
6. DEF systems have been an issue, and not just in X15. Fortunately, a programming fix is now available.
7. Your relatives have short driveways. 🙂
8. More site planning is generally needed. Same for huge TT’s and 5ers around these days.
Having owned many TTs, a 5er, a class C, two gassers and 3 DP’s over the years, I can make up lists of pros and cons for each. Thank goodness we live in a country where many choices are available!
Absolutely incredible. If I had the money, I could have one of these, but I’m not sure how the Interior Designer would feel when I tell them as long as it’s pet friendly and easy to clean, I don’t care what the interior looks like (my wife, on the other hand, will have LOTS of opinions on that….). That 20k towing ability opens the possibility of a big trailer for a jet ski and a car. Or, as we once saw on a trip through California, a monster rig like this flat-towing a Ford Transit based Class B.
Even if I won the lottery and could purchase such a vehicle my lifestyle and upbringing would prevent me from taking this out in the open air for fear a bird would crap on it and get it dirty. Just the way I am. After spending that much I’d be afraid to use it. Lol
Exactly what I was thinking. While we have room next to our house, I would have to have an overhead built to keep the birds from taking over the roof.
We looked at a 2004 Foretravel a few months ago (because it was there) and really liked it. The interior was dated but the quality was still there. Even THAT one was out of our price range!
I would have to win a HEFTY lottery ticket to be able to buy this, license it, insure it, and do the necessary upkeep. Ahh, but it’s nice to think about.
I think I would hire a driver, and maybe a maid… A second door with a wheel chair lift would be a good option.
Out of my price range, but I am really curious as to why no cargo capacity is listed? Is this also by design?
This goes back to these motorhome companies not specifying this information.
However, I will say that these large Class A chassis tend to be very, very capable and I’m not as concerned about the CCC in a diesel pusher with this chassis as I am in something with the Sprinter chassis, for example. Still, the information is quite relevant and, as usual, almost impossible to find out. It’s a sad state of affairs.
A phenomenal machine, for sure. Now to go buy that lottery ticket…