Foretravel Owners' Forum

We understand that FOT can put a coating on your roof that prevents any white oxidation from running down the sides of your coach. We were thinking of having this done the next time we were at FOT for service. We wonder if anyone has had this done, and what it cost them.

I had the roof coating applied at Xtreme last year.  The cost then was just over $1,400.

FOT and Xtreme provide this , and its well worth the money IMO ...

It stops the white streaks down the side, makes cleaning the roof a quick process plus gives some added grip under foot when you are on the roof.  When we were at the most recent Grandvention FOT showed a new product that they were starting to use for this purpose and it looked quite good.  Cost tends to be in the $1500 range, either place will gladly take your money.

I have looked at both processes. FT quoted me $1600....their coating look superior and had a texture to it like a truck bedliner. Xtreme quoted me $1200...they have a 2 coat process which uses some fiberglass chips....I think theirs is smoother so maybe slippery.  Both coats protect and eliminate streaking down the side of your coach. I think the process is worth it and will probably have it done next year......spent my "max" for my coach this year already!

I have Xtreme painted roof- not slippery, but didn't look at FOT process. Happy with mine, interested if anyone on FoFum has done FOT version

Tim, what was your cost.....do you think it will clean easier than FOT textured finish? I heard FOT's is harder to clean.

We have the FOT coating and I don't find it difficult to clean. Just hose it off.  If there is some stubborn dirt, use a soft brush.  I would have the FOT coating again in a heart beat!  Money well spent! 

Peter, Tim, Steve any idea what this product is made up of please??
I gather it is not a rubber compound like an elastomeric, but hard as in paint but with an added "grip"
John H

Mine is easy to clean, fixed some cracks too, $1300

Just hung up with James Stallings...(What a great guy)  He has been using a single stage urethane with crushed glass coating, and that is what I and Tim have. He also mentioned that there is also a shark grip coating that has the added benefit of a small R value improvement.

James also asked me to mention that their website is under reconstruction and that it will be up and running in a couple of weeks.  So no updates on coach progress for a couple weeks more.

Fiberglass RV Roof Coating | Dicor Products | Official Website (https://www.dicorproducts.com/catalog/roof-products/restore-products/fiberglass-roof-coating/)

I guess this is something like it as it has fibreglass particles in it
John H

No idea, James at Xtreme the person to ask

I talked to both FOT and Xtreme in 2011 about their roof paint. The price was the same. I chose Xtreme.

FOT indicated that they wanted to use an elastomeric coating similar to that used on trailers. Their guy claimed that it would bridge cracks up to 1/16" so it could be applied with less prep. I don't want to rely on an elasotmeric urethane for water proofing. That's why Foretravel originally chose a fiberglass roof and not a rubber roof.

Xtreme repaired all cracks and even discovered a delamination that was repaired, extra cost, before applying the coating. The urethane they use has held the non-skid very well and I have had none of that nasty stuff running down over the edge.  The price was about $1300 in 2011 plus $300 for the delamination repair.

Very interesting discussion. I had some roof cracks about three years ago and investigated these issues, thoroughly. I got quotes from FOT, Parliament, TN RV, Stallings, and a local truck body shop that I knew did first class work. All except FOT were using a urethane paint with glass beads for non-skid and all prices were the same except for the price of the labor, every where from $125/hr to $ 85/hr. Skip to punch line, had to have FOT redo it a year later. Now it's fine.

I do not see anything about urethane as in elastomeric. It said  100% Urethane resin, so Kent what do you think that is?? I would not put a rubber roof compound on but do know it is good stuff. I rather like the hard sheen finish as it stays cleaner longer and should be easy to clean up.
John H

No idea, they did mention what it was but it has slipped my mind (since I already had a painted roof) .... I'd just call FOT and ask them what they are using instead of speculating.

The things I do remember about the product is that it had some thickness to it, and had an orange skin type texture if that helps, not bed liner like, maybe more like the chip guard you sometimes see on lower body panels.  I know several folks had it applied and are very happy with it.

The paint I have on the roof today is what Xtreme used a 3 years ago ... I guess thats the "single stage urethane with crushed glass coating" .. or the non marketing term is bright white urethane paint with sand thrown in :P  ... have had it on of several years and has worked great.

When the time comes to have the roof redone (if ever), I'll explore what is being offered and make my choice based on the product offerings / facts / etc available at that time.

I had thought that Bus Kote was the roof paint of choice.  http://www.nationwidecoatings.com/PDF-Work/Datasheets/Nationwide/7740%20Datasheet%20-%20MSDS.pdf (http://www.nationwidecoatings.com/PDF-Work/Datasheets/Nationwide/7740%20Datasheet%20-%20MSDS.pdf)

this is just an elastomeric rubber roof coating. I would not like it on mine
John H

There are a number of possibilities. I do not recall what FOT said they were using but because I didn't agree with their "no need to repair the small cracks" so I walked away. It could be single component, TDI urethane such as that used in Rhino Linings, it could be acrylic, EPDM, TPO or even Hypolon but none are as durable as a good automotive grade urethane. Some will even allow the growth of mold and mildew. I don't know for sure that the FOT product is not acceptable because overall I have a high regard for the products Foretravel uses, but I do know the properties of a coating do not eliminate the need to address any substrate cracks properly before application.

I know others have called the product used by Xtreme single stage but I'm pretty sure it is a two component MDI or HDI urethane, similar in quality to that used on the body but with a bit more elongation capabilities, non-chalking and almost total UV resistance. 

According to James Stallings it is a single stage product.

Peter, I could be wrong. It happened once before in 1993. :D :D :D

The term single stage was not used in the industry when I retired 5 years ago. I'm sure things could have changed. According to Google, single stage means no clear cote. If that is what James meant then that is certainly correct. There is no clear cote on my roof and no need for one. It could still be a two component product usually indicating a superior formula.

Our coach is at Xtreme now and they are going to do our roof along with other work. Looking forward to no more black streaks!

Are A/C units, skylights, Sat domes, etc removed for this coating? Maybe this is where some of the cost is...

We had ours done at FOT 2 years ago. We had significant cracks they repaired before applying roof coating, which we were told was a textured urethane paint. It is textured, as Steve said "orange peal", is high gloss, and is easy to clean with a soft brush.
I did have a crack reappear, which they fixed and re-coated this year at no charge.
I talked to Extreme and FOT before having this done and as I remember, neither remove all roof items (meaning they coat around them). However, Extreme does lift all cables and any tubings and hold them above the roof, so their coating goes under those and those items are reattached after the coating is dried. FOT does not do this; they did not move anything on the roof.
Also, because of the cracks on our roof, James at Extreme would not do the job because he did not have time in his schedule. He does need the roof surface to be danged near perfect before he can apply his urethane coating. He does two coats and adds the anti-skid into the 2nd coat. My impression was that the paint would look as good as what they put on the rest of the coach except for the anti-skid.
FOT's textured coating probably does cover and conceal some roof defects that James would not allow. Just my opinions and recollections...
I can't speak to costs because of the complications of the roof cracks and the added costs of repairing them.

I am really trying to understand what coating is best, FOT or Xtreme.  I want a great job, no short cuts. Costs are about the same, varies  slightly.

FOT.....I like to texture, hear it is easy to keep clean, told it has UV and some insulation benefits (very little). I know they paint around rooftop mounts but find it somewhat disturbing if they do not lift cables. I've seen a FOT job and thought it looks good.

Xtreme.....not sure what type of texture it is, hopefully is has some anti-skid protection and not smooth. Like the two coats approach and repair cracks. Great comments about Stallings and his approach/paint work. Not seen a Xtreme roof job.

Now.....decision time.  Are there any real negatives on either approach OR are they just about the same. Does is boil down to personal preference OR is one really better than the other......COMMENTS PLEASE, thanks.

Steve,

Call James and let him share the differences that make the Xtreme job the superior choice.

FOT does a good job, Xtreme is just superior in execution, choice of paint manufacturer and texture material (glass beads).

Painting around the objects on the roof is a good job.  Removing, painting and re-installing is superior.

Not cutting corners and attention to detail is a hallmark of Xtreme.

Here's the difference.  Earlier I called Xtreme to get the details of the product used and process.  James Stallings answered the phone.  I posted the results of the tel. conv. in this very thread.  I got to talk directly with James Stallings.  No smoke, no mirrors.  Try that with FOT.  And, the quality of work and products used are state of the art.

When FOT did my roof they lifted all the cables.

 Richard B.

I had Jame's do our roof in 2010,we have no more chaulking, but it will not stop the black streaks.

FOT will discuss the roof coating with you.  Just call Justin in the paint shop. He runs the shop and will give you all the details on what they use and how it is applied, just as James will do.  Both shops do an outstanding job. 

The key to any coatings performance is in the preparation of the substrate. That is my primary criteria to make that choice. Chances are you won't go too wrong with either one.

I find it interesting that those of you who have chosen Xtreme can say without any reservations how superior their paint job is  than Foretravel's, when you didn't have your roof done by Foretravel.  I appreciate your loyalty and enthusiasm for James but the facts aren't quite what you say.  First I have has almost two complete paint jobs done by Justin in Nac.  Both times the roof was painted and all the wires and cables were lifted or removed for the job.  Secondly any cracking to the fiberglass was fixed in my case at no charge because the coach was just over five years old.  In both cases the paint job was great.  Now I don't go knocking Stallings because I chose Justin.  The truth is both do a very good job that most would be happy with.  So stop the bashing and stay with facts.

No bashing.  I also love FOT and trust that they will be around a very long time.  There's nothing like competition to keep businesses on the straight and narrow.  Just saying...Xtreme is a small outfit and the owner talks to you every day when you're there...his wife daughter and son too.  BTW, James set up the FOT paint shop when FOT decided to go to paint from vinyl, so yes they got some of their manners from Jim as well.

Yes, please don't misunderstand. Foretravel is very reliable. Foretravel does most of the work on my coach. They paint the new million dollar coaches so you know they are good. Justin painted my coach for the PO in 2009 but I am from the paint and coatings industry and I am giving my opinion on who does  the best work. From what I have seen, Xtreme does better a prep job, addresses cracks better and uses marginally better paint and paint techniques on repaints. Again, just my opinion.

Okay...Mistery solved.  I called FOT.  The paint shop number is 936-559-5259, and usually will go to voice mail.  Justin's cell number is 936-559-3466 and he does answer the phone  ;D .  Here's the summary of our conversation.  The product FOT uses is a bedliner tintable eurathane, brand name Armor Liner.  It is tintable and he uses a white tint...no other additives.  It also has UV inhibitors as does the product Xtreme uses.

I hope this lends clarity to the discussion.

That is interesting.  Ever seen a truck with old bedliner?

Paint like Xtreme uses is repairable by sanding and re-coating.  Cracked up bedliner needs to be removed to repair and that will be a real challenge.

Rudy, how about a new bedliner??  They are doing fantastic stuff with the newer bedliner materials today, including being used to deflect the energy from ballistics and explosive blasts for the military.

The material does not look like bed liners.  its a semi polished white that lets you see the fiberglass sheeting underneath.  Again if you haven't seen why guess.  My roof looks immaculate like it just came off production.  In fact My son was working on the air conditioner service and commented how new and beautiful the roof looked.  No bare spots no overspray or missed spots due to wires or cables.  It appears very durable and stays very clean with no streaks after a rain.

Yup, Steve.  This is the real deal.  It appears to be a very good and tried product.  Likely "tougher" as it is designed to take a lot of punishment in truck beds.  Probably overkill  ;D for just a Coach roof...No pun intended with the deer stand thing...(roadkill)  :o

BTW, I should mention that Xtreme will apply the Armor Liner if you insist.  It's your dime anyway.

Based on the Tech Data and MSDS the TBLA is a top grade HDMI, two component urethane formulation. It probably is a great product but I did not see anything in their literature that indicated that it is an elastomeric product with crack bridging capabilities. It has a suggested application rate resulting in 15 to 20 mils DFT (Dry Film Thickness). That's not thick enough to bridge any substantial substrate cracking. It also lists UV inhibitors not UV blockers. This is a red flag for longevity on a motorhome roof. I want a coating that will last at least 10 years. If UV is inhibited not blocked some UV will get through the coating to the bond line breaking down the bond to substrate over time. The coating used by Xtreme on my roof was opaque, 10 to 12 mils thick and fully pigmented with UV blocking TiO2 and non skid. I still marginally pick the Xtreme formula but they both look pretty darn good. IMHO

Justin, who runs the FT paint shop, spoke at the Buddy Rally last week.  He didn't address roof cracks at all, but did describe his roof treatment as bedliner-like.  He distributed samples, which looked just like bedliner to me, with real thickness to it and an orange peel rough but shiny surface.  FWIW, he was giving a 10% discount for people signing up for paint work during the rally.  The Club discount has never applied to paint, but Justin said he has not increased prices in 5 years.

Seems about 90% of the issues here are opinion driven, my coach lives indoors 95% of the time, so it does not suffer from many of these issues.
I have had many upgrades at Xtreme and a very few at MOT, the next will be at Xtreme, as I say, its opinion driven.
Why my favorite saying is the warm & fuzzy thing, if your happy I sure am.
Dave M

I have the Xtreme coating and it has anti-skid and is easy to keep clean. Have not had any issues with it so am happy.  Can't comment on the FOT version.

Keith

OK, been off the forum busy, busy.

However, having read this and talking to James back in December and now continuing to read this thread, I've got to add just a bit.
Spent years working on custom and mainstream car finishes. but decades ago..  later boats, paint and gelcoat.  Lessons learned was products change but pricing of them and 'workmanship' does not.

I would recommmend researching the products first.  2 part mixtures last longer than 1 part coatings. (not talking about clear coat 2 stage paint but 2 part mixes of part A mixed 'with part B...............thats 2 part coating)

2 part coatings, especially the linked long strand poly paints, (if I remember the terminology) are incredebly long lived.  10 yrs. or more.  In the marine industry, Awlgrip is the leader.  Sterling is another.////called linear polyurethanes I believe.

Used both in years past with good success and both can be applied by brush!!! by an amatuer!!! (following directions of course) with wonderful finish at the end.

From afar, I would put my $ on the man who puts his name on the paper.  A man who signs off on the job as 'his'.  James has been stellar in my interactions with him and his family/crew.  FOT has been, (forgive me if necessary) to be limited, not the men working, but the directives they get form up above them... corp. decisions seem to show their decisions on the floor and again...this is only coming from my gut.

They are both wonderful businesses and we are better off with both but if it's a project like this...I would choose a company that put's a signature on the paper.  james gets my business if I need this kind of work...  It is his 'business' not a paycheck.

After reading all these comments my take away is: research the coating yourself, contact FOT and Xtreme to discuss the job and then go with whoever YOU feel most comfortable with. Both products apprear to be great, both vendors are quality contractors. The choice is YOURS based on your evaluation of product and quality application. The End.

Exact-a-mundo!  You have earned a Karma :)

Michelle

One thing I forgot to mention.  Hopefully, if you decided to paint your roof you do not create another maintenance issue to have to repaint or repair in the future.  Hope its not like painting a fence.....once you do it, you have to repaint it in the future.

My coach is stored inside and always will be. I have not had any roof issues or leaks and don't want to create any........ so, no "self-inflicted" maintenance issues, right!!??

Steve, I think storing the coach inside makes a huge difference but if you winter for a few months or travel for months at a time then the roof painting might be a bigger benefit.  I have not done mine yet either but one day I probably will. I do not think it is a self inflicted issue but it will help prevent cracks and does have some beneficial properties. 

Steve, I would not worry about paint maintenance with quality products used by any of the pro's.  Foretravel's from 2002 still look as beautiful to me as the day they were made and I'm sure the products used by other shops are equal.  These paints used today are to be trusted.  I do lean towards 2 part paints (Part A mixed with Part B and you have only so long to apply it) as the chemistry affords quality not available in paint just out of the can/my experience.
When I mentioned Awlgrip, a marine paint, I painted my boat with it in 2000 and it looks almost as good now. Certainly, no chalking, which is the issue I think with our coaches up to year 2001, as the roofs were 'gelcoat'.  My coach's gelcoat roof is beginning to chalk up now, so I'm considering sanding and painting it with Awlgrip and adding non-skid particles when I can get to this project, but the materials, quality of workmanship at any of the pro's and their currrent prices are all worth looking at. I'd put price last in my consideration and as you say, do your own homework, especially on materials.
Cleaning and waxing... or coating with floor polishes etc. each year, is lots of time and some money and so are storage units. I truly feel, a good paint job on the roof can easily give you easily, a decade of trouble free service from that part of your coach.

If the roof is prepared correctly before painting and applied correctly, either of these coatings should last at least 10 years without maintenance, probably a lot more. Its root formulation is basically the same as high grade aircraft paint.

Well - as with most threads on this forum this one has been most interesting.  I believe that a major consideration in this process is the "Prep" as has been mentioned before.  I spoke with Juston earlier today and expressed my concern shared on this board -  Re:  Prep and coating characteristics / application.  He assured me that their prep is significant and effective.  We also have our Zip Dee awning that must be adjusted, a small damaged area on our living area slideout that must be repaired/painted and a couple of other minor things that need attention. 

I must admit, based on the comments here Extreme appears to be the place to go - however - I feel that both of the coating processes, if performed properly, will yield good results and it will be easier for me as some of the other minor stuff can be accomplished concurrently with the coating process. 

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Love this forum.

Scott, I can't argue with your conclusion. Your pretty darn safe with either one. Foretravel didn't stay in business for over 40 years by putting out bad work. 

Will be pulling into Nac on 5/5 this Sunday PM and meet with Justin early Mon. AM.  The coach should be ready to leave Thurs. PM.  We will leave the coach there and stay with Son Jacob in Tomball while the repairs/coating is completed. 

How long has it taken for Extreme and FOT to complete the roof coating including prep time?  It appears that we should stay with the coach so....Just wondering.

FOT needs two days. And you have to spend one night out of the coach. I would drive ba k to tomball Monday afternoon and then return on Tuesday afternoon.    Just my thought.  We did stay in a hotel when we had ours coated.  We had the dog and cat with us so that was an adventure.  La Quinta is not a nice motel in Nac!

La Quinta!  Spanish for: "The hotel behind Denny's"...

The DW & I stayed at the La Quinta in Nac last August on the way to Houston. I can't remember a worse hotel stay (and there have been plenty). The rooms were sufficient and we could keep both dogs, but the humidity was horrendous. When we got up in the morning, water was running down the windows, the carpet was "squishy", and my wife had to dry her clothes, which were hanging on the chair, with a clothes dryer.

Went to the front desk to tell the lady that the AC wasn't working properly. Her response was that it was normal that time of year. Her apartment did the same.

The only other bad thing was that FOT didn't give tours on Friday's ???
However, MOT was glad to spend some time showing us our first FT to ever set foot into b^.^d

Top re-coated at Nac.  Looks good.  Happy with their work.  Prep was good.  Found some cracks behind the front cap and also in front of the rear cap.  Sanded entire top, filled in cracks at the fiberglass shop and put the new coating on.  Spoke with both Justin and the Plant VP and shared concerns expressed here regarding prep work and coating qualities.  I was assured that I would be pleased with the finished product and I am.  No more chalking and the top should last longer than me.  HAHA

I'm trust you meant they ground and re-glassed the cracks and did not just route them and fill them with caulk or body filler.

Kent - I understand they sanded, cleaned out cracks, filled with resin and covered the cracks with fiberglass tape and more resin. 

That's the right way and I am glad to hear that's what they did to your roof.

Me too.  ;D

Scott, how's the new coating with this rain?  No white runoff from the roof I hope! 

No white run off.  Yesterday AM cleaned the bugs off and washed the ol' girl with WWA.  She looked great for a few hours b/4 the rain came. 

Ah, that is why it's raining, you washed your coach!    Good to hear about no white milk down the sides!