Just had my first time experience with service here at the factory. Not even sure where to start, who to mention, what to say. But it was all great.
Starting with calling for appointments, canceling and re-scheduling, Camp Foretravel convenience, space, setting, meeting other owners, helpful hints, Mike showing up to say hello with a copy of his printed Nacogdoches visitors guide.
I was welcomed into Josh's my service writer office, my list was entered into the system, Patrick our tech had us in his bay a few minutes later, and the different departments went to work. We had to be the oldest, cheapest coach in the building that day. We had to have the smallest service ticket total. Patrick had arrived in the parking lot with rug covers to drive us into his bay for some electrical issues, he completed them quickly, and even replaced two burned out dash switch bulbs so fast I missed how to do it next time. Wayne took over in his front end shop, explained what was wrong, and happening, and did his magic. We were told our shocks and parts were fine, but we needed new steer tires to replace the old ones that were out of round, and had wandering tread. He showed me with his wheel speeder how my old tires set his machine to shaking, just like the steering wheel. A Foretravel is only going to be as good as the rubber touching the road he said. He called Power Tire where they send every one, and got our new tires on the way. New tires later today, and he said we will be happy.
David from the remodel shop explained what they could do for a re-model, and seemed to enjoy seeing a coach he helped build back in 1993. His lead wood shop man had built our beautiful cabinets in 1993, that still look new and work perfectly today.
We were out the door by 1 PM, for less than I expected, happier than I could imagine. I feel so lucky to be only 180 miles from the factory. But we have met a number of owners here from all over the country, and Canada, that have made the drive to have their service done.
Each and everyone we met has had a smile, said hello, been friendly and helpful, this is every one from Camp Foretravel owners, to the entire factory service staff, to parts counter and the cashier. Plus I think this is the cleanest shop, I have ever seen, as someone is always sweeping and policing the areas. We will be back for sure.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am looking forward to visiting the factory in July for the first time. Should be a wonderful time if it is anything like yours.
Regards, Mark
There is a huge team of people that will surely do all they can to make sure you get all and everything you want and need.
I had read that it cost about $1000 per day to have "free" Camp Fortravel parking. We were in and out in half a day, and got the half day rate. But they do smile and are good at what they do. Each tech knew what they were doing, and got things done quickly, with the correct tools, and parts were not a show stopper on my classic. I asked parts about taillights and headlights, they knew the part numbers, had them in stock, knew the price without using the computer! Guess it helps that they have only built about 6560 coaches, and used common parts for a number of model years.
Dave and Dolly, Your experience mirrors mine. I hope you did get to meet Cory Rucker, he was the fellow that kept all the rest running.
I was remiss not to mention Cory Rucker, and yes his place runs like clockwork. I visited with him today, and expressed my pleasure and experience with all that I shared on the forum. Cory watches everything, and manages a huge team with a smile. He said he remembered wiring the Grand Villas in the early 90's while he was in college. Another service writer that has helped me, getting here and then today is Billy Jack, another asset to the service department as well.
If Billy Jack takes his boots off, RUN!!!
Dave, that be funny. I understand but you explain your reasoning for the others...!!!
Please! Do tell! I have an appointment with Billie Jack tomorrow. I should know what preparations are required in addition to stocking up the checking account. :D
You've never seen the movie "Billy Jack"? Cult classic...
Nope! But I need no more details. Thanks for the clue. My wallet may not be the only entity in danger, especially if the boots come off.
Billy Jack - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Jack)
As I recall, the FOT Billy Jack is also a Martial Artist. Don't mess with him.
Kent is correct, and Billy Jack said he does not have to remove his boots. You have been warned, but he does have a nice smile and took great care of our second half day in service yesterday with our second list. Sitting on the free parking lot, seeing all the coaches, and hearing other owners talking about this and that being added, is hard on one's budget.
Interesting that my total invoice each day was within $ .45 of each other. Did not mater whether I spent more on parts or service either day.