This may have been posted already, if so let me know where. I wrote to Beverly and she said the registration is $597 for two. Here is the link:
Foretravel Conversions : Upcoming Events (http://www.foretravel.com/inc/motorcade-events-view.php?id=220)
I have attached a copy of the program that I got from her. Not sure we are going to attend, but would be interested in who from the Forum will be there.
It's scheduled at least a couple of weeks to a month too early for us to attend this year.
Thanks for posting the schedule - I think that's a first; making the schedule made available ahead of time - kudos to Bev! I so do wish they would stop differentiating "Men's" and "Ladies'" seminars and having all the really good technical stuff in the session titled "Men's" and fluffy decorating and crafts in the "ladies". Personal pet peeve, I know, but how about a coach technical basics session for the gals? I'll bet some would like to learn but are too intimidated by the "Men's session" title.
Now to come up with something fluffy for the guys to do in their "new" session :))
-M
Men's how to bake a cake with the MIX setting on the micro-convection oven! Now I bet that would be a big surprise coming out of the Men's session!
I for one was not impressed by the program. I would have liked to see a technical "boot camp" of sorts for our coaches. There is sooo much to learn. Most of the Foretravel specific seminars seem oriented toward marketing Foretravel coaches and services. I'm not going to pay $600 to sit through a bunch of sales oriented presentations. Like I said, I don't think we will be attending. If there was going to be a good Foreforums turnout (which does not seem to be the case) I might change my mind. At least I could learn from them!
They will be weighing coaches there. That is a first. You also get time with James Triana to ask questions of him. Silverleaf is there too. I had Dale out to the coach to adjust a couple things for me too in Mineola. As to the sales part, it is great to see the different remods David F has done. He has pictures and will tell you what is what and if they have done it or can do it. He is not pressured by jobs in the bay and running to and fro. Finally, I will say I have met some wonderful people from around the country at them. It is ten meals and entertainment and camping all rolled up too. 4 nights camping fee at close to 40 bucks with tax is 160 dollars. I figure it is usually 20 to 30 dollars a meal when the two of us go out to cheap places, so that is 200-300 dollars. Entertainment in the smokies is around 40-50 bucks a person. So that is also a factor as there is two nights of that.
I agree with the end and ladies stuff too.
We'll be attending our first Grandvention but not the pre-rally. In part to use the $100 off coupon given to us for joining the Motorcade Club but also because we love that part of the country. If the weather is decent we hope to head north afterwards via the Blue Ridge Pkwy..another favorite.
Our Michigander friends Roger & Karen Kirk will be attending both events.
~ Bill & Jan
George,
Since it's sponsored by FT, to a good degree it is designed that way. Showing the direction of the company, what's new, etc. It's more rally than technical convention. Lots of fun, too much food, a great place to meet other FTers.
We have only attended one FMCA chapter rally, the then-Cat/now-Diesel RV Club one last spring. It had quite a bit of technical content, which makes sense given it's charter - being for diesel-engined RVs and their owners. And of course Brett Wolfe being a key officer in the chapter. If you're looking for the opportunity to attend a rally with more technical focus, you might look into Diesel RV Club - Home (http://www.dieselrvclub.org) if you are an FMCA member (and as Brett previously posted, if not currently an FMCA member they are running a BOGO membership special with recruiting incentives).
BOGO ? Buy One, Get One FMCA Membership (http://www.fmca.com/members/member-recruitment/3641-bogo-buy-one-get-one-fmca-membership)
Michelle
FMCA F336308
We are going. It will be our first organized motorhome event of any kind. Figured we had to try one once!
Sorry to see that there appears to be little Foreforums interest but look forward to meeting all you good folks that do show.
Our mid Atlantic group has a tech talk every rally and much of the rally has discussions on that too. Learned a lot at rallies about my unit.
The GV is a great experience. I did not feel that last years was too Salesy. Lots of techno stuff. But as a good friend on here PM'd me, a GV maybe good to attend every other year or every 2 years..
And I think everyone enjoys looking at the new coaches!
Midge & I signed up this morning to be at the Grandvention. We always enjoy meeting other Foretravel owners. Hope to see you there.
Nanci and I also plan on attending both the GV and the prevenention. This will be our first GV. We look forward to meeting alot of people with a common interest. Also, I find just conversations with other owners offer alot of information.
Hope to meet alot of you there.
Jerry
Anne and I are going to the Grandvention and pre-rally. I am impressed that they are weighing coaches. That was a suggestion of mine at the Buddy Rally.
Audrey & I will be attending. We always have a great time at the the Grandventions. Meeting all the folks is really great. We try to make it a point to sit with different folks at each meal. I like John's analysis of the $ numbers.
Sadly we have made our last trip so we will not be at the Grandvention. We began the process last nite of removing ten years accumulation of STUFF from the FT so we can put it up for sale. ( There were a few surprises.)
Maybe we should have a contest to see how much STUFF you can pack in a Foretravel.
Gary B
I think I understand what you mean about stuff in a FT. I know when I moved coaches last time, I could not believe that much stuff was in there. I am sorry to see you hang it up Gary but understand too.
We've attended one GV and enjoyed ourselves. They just never seem to be where we're going recently. Off subject but in line with Gary and his "stuff". Each summer we find a place where there's a nice grassy spot and take EVERYTHING out that isn't bolted down. Gives us a chance to sort and see what we must not have needed and see what we'd lost during the year. We have no problem running 2500 to 3000 lbs under max and have been doing this for 13 years. If we didn't use it during the past year we probably won't be using it this year either so it doesn't come back in.
We are going to attend the Grandvention in September, and look forward to seeing many Foretravel folks we have met along the way. Gary, we met at a rally in Brunswick, GA in April. Sorry to see you will not be there, but I fully understand. All the best to you and please keep adding your two cents to the forum.
Neal & Joanne Waldron
Here a couple of recommendations for those Foretravel owners passing through Knoxville on their way to the Grandvention.
1. We have covered a lot of ground in the last couple of months as we made our way from the Seattle area to Asheville, NC. The cheapest diesel we have seen east of the Mississippi has been on the east side of Knoxville off of exit 398 on I-40. There is a Pilot there and several other stations with RV friendly pumps. Today we paid $3.69.9 credit. Even a few miles away, in either direction, we saw significantly higher prices.
2. We had some service work done at Tennessee RV which is located off the same exit. This was once a FT dealer. James Holder, the Service Writer we worked with is very knowledgeable and actually owns a '93 Foretravel which he bought new. He has years of FT experience. The tech we worked with was Brad Armstrong. Again, very knowledgeable about Foretravels and has years of experience. I must say it was one of the best FT service experiences I have had. I highly recommend both of them. So if you need anything done on your way to the Grandvention, given them a try. I don't think you will be sorry.
brad is a great tech. He worked on my first two FT exclusively.
Brad has been a fixture since the Foretravel ownership days at the Kodak location. I'm still debating whether to go to the GV by myself as Beth will be at school during this time.
I will be attending this years GV and I am looking forward to meeting all from the forum.
I was wondering where and when the pre-rally is being held? Thanks, Tony
Recently I had work done twice at Tenn. RV and had a wonderful experience their service area is excellent. James and Curt service writers were very friendly and very accommodating. The work done by Brad and Mike the techs as mentioned above were knowledgeable and professional. I certainly recommend Tenn. RV to anyone needing some service.
Tony
No pre-rally. There is a post-rally-Lil Taste of the Smokies.
Motorcade page on FT's site has a South Central chapter rally right before the GV. Chapter rallies usually welcome all MC members, regardless of which chapter you belong to, but check with the rally contact(s) to be sure.
Foretravel Conversions : Upcoming Events (http://www.foretravel.com/inc/motorcade-events-view.php?id=229)
South Central Chapter Fall Rally
09/19/2013 - 09/22/2013
Sevierville, TN
Just prior to TN Grandvention
Wagon Masters: Cecil & Betty Ann Byers #10980
865-254-6411
Lyn & Mae Whitaker #12668
865-389-9313 lynandmae@aol.com
Short Motorcade trip event. I wonder if there will be lots of crockpots and grape jelly/BBQ sauce for those little Smokies :))
Thanks Michele will contact The Whitakers for info....
Thank you Brett
I have a goal of making this GV this year. It will be close and it might take me a couple days to drive there too but i hope to be there. DO not know when the 800 miles days will start up again. Maybe a change of pace and try the 150-200 mile days for a bit.
Tony,
The South Central group is holding a prevention rally starts Thurs. Sept.19 and ends on Sun. AM the 22nd. It will be held at the RV park behind the knifeworks store in Sivierville. I will post the name of the park later this afternoon. I have not stayed their, but the pics look really nice. It is right on the river.
Jerry
Tony,
Pre vention will be at Two Rivers Landing RV Resort.
FYI, For those planning on attending the SC MC Rally Prior to the Grandvention this was passed along to the chapter members.
Gary B
Dear Club Members,
Just a reminder for those of you who are still "fixin to", that the Fall rally in Sevierville starts 9/19. The wagon masters need to have all reservations in by 9/1 so that show tickets can be purchased.
The campground is Two Rivers Landing RV Resort -- 866-727-5781.
Call Cecil Byers 865-254-6411 to make reservations with the South Central Club.
Steve Crook
stevecrook@bellsouth.net
Peter,
The bro is signed up, just had a chit chat with Beverly, so see ya there and yes the Ford F150 has survived very well, thank you :o
Peter, I see you have not signed up yet, it is not that far from the lower corner of Ohio. :D
Dave M
I have been toying with that thought for sure . Have been there about a dozen times and have seen about all there is in that area . How ever , meeting all you folks would be just great . I'll see what and how things come together. Brad Metzger
Brad,
I oick up my coach at Tennessee RV on Monday AM and attend my first GV next week. Looking forward to it.
Hope Michelle finds the FoFums window sign that we can print out to identify ourselves...
There's a FoFum window sign? We'd like to identify ourselves that way as well at the Grandvention.
We were also thinking it'd be really nice to have a T shirt or baseball caps available for sale with an incription that shows we are forum members. Just thinking.
Looking forward to meeting all you forum folks.
I plan on being there too.
We had a sign for last year's GV - I have been meaning to search the forum for the file. I seem to recall Harvey N. printed some out for folks - maybe he has the file readily available?
We do have a logo (or should I say logos since there are a couple variations due to fabric/color customization) for Tshirts, polos, jackets, hats, tote bags, fleece throws, etc. on file at Lands End Business Outfitters, but there isn't enough time to get stuff made up before this year's GV. We promise next year we'll be on top of it.
Michelle
Michelle,
Not sure if this might be of help or not.
I had made up a sign of our own (8.5"X11"), using the same layout as our business card that we hand out in our FoFum recruiting.
We put it on photo stock, laminated it and often put it in the windshield.
It is done with Microsoft Power Point, which many of us travel with.
So, it's easy to edit to one's choosing.
Neal
Wish we had been in Boothbay and were headed to the GV right now, but we are still pursuing getting the house on the market. We are getting closer all the time, but not quite there yet. 37 years in one house sure makes closure difficult, but the renovations are essentially complete and we're down to the final dumpster stage. We will try to sell furnished, so there's likely to be one more agonizing phase before we are done.
I have attached (I think) the a slightly stripped down version - if you have powerpoint and wish to use, just delete our names and put yours in there - since my Motorcade Number is on top of coach front and rear, i took it out of the sign. Will laminate and proudly display in the windshield Next week at GV.
If anyone will be at GV and needs me to print one of these off for you, just send me a PM with the exact names you want on the card, I will make it up and bring it with me to GV.
:-)
i had every intentions of going, but I cannot be there. I was really looking forward to meeting you all.
I looked and didn't find it. Probably lousy naming/filing. :-[
I have the file and will print "generic" ones and bring them with me to the GV. If you want a "Custom" one with your name, Private message me on the forum with the names you would like on it and I will create it, print it and bring it to the GV if you like, you will just have to find me there!
Tim
OK, this time I hope I attached the .ppt file. i will make these up with your names if you don't have powerpoint
See you all at the Convention, got my place card from last year. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Drive Safe.
Just printed out this as full page, hope it shows up, Should be visable in the windshield ?
Finally got the go ahead to attend the Tenn. GV. Beverly said she would have a package waiting for me and to pick it up Tuesday when we arrive . That was really good of her to bend and make it happen for us late comers . This will be our first GV and expect to have a blast . Molly and Barney are all fired up . ;D ;D ;D Brad Metzger
See you there. Should be a good time.
Likewise John and Brad!
Really sad that I will not be able to be with you at the Grandvention. Please take and post lots of pictures.
Expect to pull the anchor about 10:00AM and head south on I-81 to a Wally world just south of Christianburg for the night . Then pull in the --GV-- Tuesday AM all fresh and ready to meet all my unseen [to date ] fourm friends . Sure am looking forward to this event . I was going to bring my camel, but decided at the last moment to let him stay home . Oh well , will have to get by with just Molly and Barney and one wife this time . Brad Metzger
Sitting here at River Plantation with about 50 other Foretravels. The place is filling up fast.
At Tennessee RV, see you around noon
Looking forward to meeting everyone. Pulled in yesterday around noon.
2.5 hours away at Interstate Campground in VA. Not much, but $20 a nite. See you around 11.
All ready to roll to the GV and this thing called ( FOG ) is standing in the way . Just have to wait it out . I am close enough to the interstate that I can hear the traffic which is going slower than what I would call normal , so --I sit and wait ,play with my political camel and wait some more . Here in Wytheville , VA. , it is in the higher section of this area , so fog is normal from time to time . Brad Metzger
see you when you get here, severe clear here in Sieverville!
How about some pictures for all of us that wish we could be there .. :D
Mark
Can you believe we saw Kenny Chesney tonight!!! :)) :D :))
and he was awesome! a lot of motorcader participation too
This is my first GV. Got to meet lots of folks who know about the forum . Some people don't go to it very often for lots of reasons . I did stir the pot to create interest and explained the bennies of it .Tim F gave me a laminated forum logo in full color which is perched in my windshield for all to see . I'll do what I can to help us grow . Beverly said there are 94 coaches here . That is a large number of Foretravel's to be surrounded by but got to admit , it feels great . Get the feeling sorta of like a family reunion . Brad Metzger
That was Kenny Evans singing last night. He was great.
Dick Amys spoke yesterday, saying the the surging in RV sales nationwide applies to trailers and Class C's. Class A's not so much. New FT coach sales were dead through the summer but have come back strong this month. Used FT sales have been on fire all year, especially late models, which don't last a month on the lot. He announced Motorhome Specialists as an FT dealer. They are expanding their shell business, building shells on Freightliner chassis for Lone Star for use as mobile medical and dental labs. Bloodmobiles may come.
FT is now only building IH's for inventory. Nimbus' and Phenix will only be built as customer orders.
Greg is reducing his responsibilities, aiming at a gradual exit. Lyle Reed is increasing his activities. Corey Rucker continues his ascendency. Right now FT's employment stands at about 160 employees.
Members of our Forum, we can be proud . Today at this GV in Tenn. we were represented well by Tim Fiedler and John S. Each stood up and gave a short presentation about our Forum telling of what it's purpose is and of the enjoyment each member receives from it . This kind of effort is the very thing that will make it grow . Some folks were interested as questions were ask of me as well . Brad Metzger
You are very Kind Brad, thanks for the comments.
GranVention today featured a lot about weights, tires, and Michelin factory reps. Final presentation was James Triana with his usual encyclopedic knowledge of all things Foretravels. I suspect 70% of the questions were related to leveling and slide rooms. Nice to have this resource available to us all!
The leadership from the Motorcade club was very interested in our numbers per John S. over 2500 stung) since the club is looking to find a way to increase the number of members. I sent them to talk to John S. ........ :-)
Show of hands indicated about 50% of the attendees were members. After our little impromptu talk, both John and I talked to quite a few prospective members, and of course current members who reinforced the value of this forum.
I was passing out our ForeForum cards to anyone who showed the slightest interest...
It was nice to see all the Foreforum cards in the windows and windshields.
everyone driving a FT should sign on. So many nice people, so much good info.
This GV event is my first one . I have noticed a feeling that is in the air being surrounded by Foretravel's . Not the same as being at FOT or any other place . I think it's because folks that come her do so expecting a good time and some fun .People are quick with a smile here , quick to say hello etc. just plain feels good . Then there is the food , and lots of it . This is a hard to beat thing . :) :) :) Brad Metzger
Thanks Michelle. Lots of interesting things going on here. I tried to give you, Steve and the FoFums founders your "props".
FT doesn't "get" social networking or "virtual" communities vs. physical communities yet. The old school Motorcade club which is all about physical communities is "aging out" and as that happens the attendance at motorcade events and rallies keeps dropping. Hopefully FT will embrace virtual communities going forward and realize the broader reach and appeal of virtual digital interaction vs. physical interaction.
I agree with Tim after participating at the GV these last couple of days.
Understood that in the end it is the physical communities that travel together, but I believe the information dissemination and promotion mechanism going forward for FT and the Motorcade must embrace the digital and virtual reality of this quickly changing world.
The quicker the better to save a good club.
Thursday nite at the Grandvention, outing to Wonder World
Interesting theory, Tim, and certainly everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Consider, however, that the declining attendance at FT motorcade events and rallies might have more to do with overall FT
ownership population, FT owner
financial wherewithal and the basic elements of personal motivation
N-Ach,
N-Aff, and
N-Pow.
The highly mobile FT
ownership population is declining because the company went from producing in excess of 300 coaches a year in the late 90's to near zero in 2004 and 2005 and now back to what?..... a target of 25/year? That means that as the population of owners "age out" as you say, fewer total coaches are available to attend and since many FT's are held for longer and longer periods of time, fewer total owners are highly mobile and can attend functions, half a continent away.
The
financial wherewithal dynamic is particularly important because the newer model year coach owners tend to be the most influential in determining the content, scope and cost of motorcades, events and rallies. From what I have seen, the long term members have certain things that they have enjoyed in the past and they generally seek to maintain that level of enjoyment. Conversely, new owners, particularly new coach owners, are the spark for innovation and change. As the sponsorship has declined and the costs have risen on motorcades, events and rallies, the gradually declining older owner population has been priced into reduced participation, if not out of participation.
The
N-Acheivement, N-Affiliation and N-Power motivational behavior factors are more complex to understand but a widely recognized theory regarding the
primary motivational factors (in any person's desire to participate in any social setting), be it virtual or physical, work setting or casual setting......says that a majority of the current FT Motorcade Membership will never be attracted to a "virtual, digital interaction" vs. a "physical interaction". They are mostly in a "face to face", "physical presence interaction", N-Aff motivational mode (derive pleasure from pure social interaction). Many will never try, nor trust nor ever want "virtual, digital" interaction. Only the "digital savy Newbie's" that have never heard of or have limited knowledge of FoFums will be attracted. And that isn't FT's fault. That is simply human nature. So it isn't relevant to blame FT for that. Some of the individual FT Motorcade Chapters have put a great deal of energy and manpower into developing good "virtual, digital interaction" mechanisms, and yet they have not been highly successful in increasing information exchange or participation in their Chapters.
When a group such as FoFums reaches critical mass, by virtue of its digital nature, the members are not intimidated or averse to "virtual, digital" interaction and, just like in a business workplace, there is a greater set of common purpose and a greater mix of N-Ach and N-Pow motivational behaviors that help to spur on even greater participation. Rather than being averse to it, we welcome the broader reach and appeal of virtual digital interaction vs. physical interaction.
The FT Motorcade Club has a "difficult row to hoe" from my perspective. As the population of FT's declines and if the function pricing continues to reduce the number of available participants, the club's nature will gradually change. It isn't too much of a stretch of the imagination to see it becoming more like the Newell and Prevost Clubs that are much smaller in terms of participant numbers, but highly flashy and expensive affairs, with a lot less heartfelt enthusiasm for the social interactions with FT Principals and with fellow FT owners.
It might be interesting to explore this further in a separate thread, if others have ideas on how to preserve and promote the highly positive aspects of the Motorcade Club. Last I knew, Greg and Bev were welcoming input and ideas.
Neal
Hey Neal'
After reading your post, it crossed My mind to think that maybe someday there will be a FT "club" for those with coaches built before the Nimbus, Phenix-IH era and for those with these types of coaches and on. As later and newer technology become part and parcel of the newer coaches, many of the tech. discussions may not apply to the majority anymore! Your thoughts?
Ed
Interest thought Ed. I had the comment that we don't discuss the IH much. He said he did not want to post problems with it either. I said that is why we don't talk about it much since owners are not posting. So, if you are an owner of one of the new IH coaches, many of the systems and manufacture items are the same as the Phenix and Nimbus. We do post on those so jump on, the water is warm.
In the panel discussion yesterday afternoon we learned that free one year memberships in the Country Coach Club were being given to new coach buyers, in an attempt to get more Country Coach owners converting to FT from their bankrupt company. Hmmm. Many comments were made concerning ways to use the club in supporting coach sales. People wanted more club labeled clothing. FT was willing to support this, but only with pre-orders, not with a large inventory. Makes sense.
Overland Insurance was promoted by the membership as a good broker for RV insurance, since they reimburse the club 10% of sales. They have a good reputation.
Members wanted FT pre-rallies before FMCA rallies. The Southeastern Chapter is conducting one before the Perry, GA FMCA rally next March.
Greg stated that FT was not talking to any other potential dealers beyond Motorhome Specialists.
Good post Neal, lots of great points. There are nice folks here at the GranVention and you can tell they are worried about the declining membership numbers and the declining participation in the motorcade events. The "ask Foretravel" session yesterday had a large number of questions that centered on the sales and advertising efforts at FT stressing the club as an ownership benefit to prospective FT owners.
We all try to do our bit by encouraging new to FT owners to get to Beverly Koonce and register for their free one year membership. Actually I find the club dues quite attractive over the 7+ years I am a member since I almost always spend $1500 - $3000 a year in maintenance and parts at a dealer that honors the 10% Motorcade discount, saving me anywhere from $150 and up on my $75 investment. Plus I do read the magazine, although this is my first GV and second Motorcade event overall.
Just like Newspapers, Magazines, Musicians and TV/MOvies are having to re-invent themselves in the digital age, so will man of these affinity clubs. Greg Amy's also noted that FT has a sponsorship to a certain degree of the Country Coach club (FT gives away a CC membership with each new coach sold, or at least that is what I thought was said yesterday) since CC does not have any "factory" to affiliate with and the thought was this was a good way to expose CC owners to the benefits of FT. I hope that one works out for FT, the more the merrier.
FWIW, the maximum number of coaches that FT ever made in a year was stated to be 220, but I cant remember where I heard that over the last few days. Greg Amy's said it was difficult to compete in the $400K market with the FT chassis costs being what they are today. If they used a SPartan of Freightliner DP chassis, they would have to compete with factories that are turning out 15 coaches a day, with much higher automation (lower labor content) and 10 - 20% lower material costs, which is why FT is not trying to move down market pricing wise.
Anyway, thanks for the input back, and my post was more my personal observation being at the event - a lot of us with "first timer" GV badges are on FoFums, but there are a fair amount of folks here with Multiple GV attendance that are by there choice not engaged in the digital age and virtual social communities.
Good event, lots of nice people. Would like a coach open house time, have shown my residential refrigerator to a few members, along with the resonator.
I have a Phenix and have thought about how it would be nice to see more discussion on the newer coaches on this Forum. Seems this board is dominated by older coach owners that do not contain items that mine and newer coaches do. Therefore other than interested reading, not always relevant to my coach.
As far as GV attendance. It is simple with me, still in my working years so can't take the time to attend. How about trying to do a Motorcade event over a weekend? That would allow us owners juggling work hours to attend. And make it more kid friendly too, as I have kids at home still.
Great point, this is my first GV since always working up till now. Tuesday - Friday makes it easier to get space for the event in the RV park, but kept me from going until this year. GV a good experience overall.
I too would love to see more on the ewer coaches, but there are so many of the older ones, and relatively fewer of the newer ones, it becomes an issue.
As one member here stated in their post: "The financial wherewithal dynamic is particularly important because the newer model year coach owners tend to be the most influential in determining the content, scope and cost of motorcades, events and rallies" I felt that as a new owner of a new Foretravel slightly offended. The owners of the newer coaches make no demands directly on the content, scope, and cost or motorcades and rallies. This is done exclusively by the management of Foretravel. Lets all remember, this is a company who business is making RV motorhomes. They (Foretravel) cannot subsidize these events referred here simply to please their customers. We should be grateful the company does go through the effort and time putting on these events; knowing they also could discontinue them at any time due to the economic times we are in currently. Maybe we should look at member generated events; events that could be held at Foretravel or the immediate area. Would it not be great to invite for once the technical staff of Foretravel to an event where there would no cost to the company?
Anny,
Along your line of thought- I think it will be an idea to consider a gathering of FT owners of all ages of coaches, and whether [financed by members or the Factory], to have Techs from the Factory assigned to meet with members who own coaches built before the Nimbus,Phenix and IH and another set of techs for those that have the later coaches. Then I think many more "meaningful" topics with Q and A can be brought out.
Whatever statements were made re. coach model and age I'm pretty sure was not meant to hurt anyone's feelings. We're just so fortunate to own such a well built house on wheels. In spite of our issues- when we hear the problems of other Brands of coaches- we're really doing well!
Ed Pan
Well we have James T here and he covers all the coaches. In resort areas it is harder to get 100 spots near peak time on weekends. The samboree was here before us and they left over the weekend too. Our chapter events are shorter and done Thursday evening thru Sunday morning.
One thing that Foretravel is aware of is that there are many repeat buyers in the club. Some have owned as many as 14 coaches. I know I am on my third and was thinking how I would design a fourth. The issue is still finding good techs.
The reports of the Tennessee GV remind me of our experiences at FT regional rallies.
We have not attended a GV. We have attended three Mid-South rallies. We especially enjoyed our first meeting. It exceed my expectations for fun, fellowship, and education. We've returned for more fun, fellowship, education, and opportunities to share experience. As a result of some conversations at our last rally, we have signed up the Motorcade North to Alaska 2014.
I observed lots of interaction among people who had coaches of all sizes and ages. Many interests, and a uniformly good attitude, prevailed among the attendees. IH-45, Phenix, Nimbus, Unihome, Unicoach, ORED, OREG, etc., are all interesting and most owners share an adventurous spirit.
Join Motorcade if you can. Go a FT rallies as an owner or a wannabe. A buddy rally for a wannabe is possibly the best introduction to FT ownership and possibilities.
It concerns me that some owners do not want to post questions on their newer coach 's, the problem trying to separate / drive a wedge between the "Haves from the Have nots" , Am guessing the Haves will be a very lonely following considering the numbers of coach's.
So why not just post your concerns, there just might be a bright bulb with a have not coach that can lead you to happiness. :o
Even the Provost owners fess up to having problems and ask for help, So don't be bashful.
JMDAO
I would say as a new owner, that if there was a question I needed to ask, I would. I see many topics here about older coaches and how to save money repairing them. Well, right now we do not repair ours, have no need to consider using any service other than FT. I do appreciate the small details like one member mentioning using GasBuddy for fuel prices. This was great and now I use it too.
I also sense a slight rumble at times about the pathway Foretravel new owners have gone. Well, I feel that in 2005 Foretravel itself suffered a cardiac arrest. If it was not for the new owners performing CPR on the company, then the patient would be dead and buried. Now, since the patient (Foretravel) is recovering, certain changes do have to come for its health. So, lets all support our FT and speak high praises for new and old FT alike.
I wonder if the coaches under warranty will not bother with posting. Longer term owners are more likely to want to participate with the group advice.
However it would be interesting to see some of their concerns on the forum.
There is a saying you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. Some folks are just plain not into social networking including online forums. Others are not inclined to do repairs on their own. I know that I myself pestered James Triana for two years prior to learning about this forum.
Maybe a change is necessary. I see everyone posts their year of coach below their name. Maybe we need to stop doing this so everyone feels equal here. When I look at the forum, I see what appears to me about 90% of the participants with coaches from 1988 to 2005. Maybe, by stating the age of our coach, we are sending a message that this forum is really for older (still great) coaches. Just a thought!
No. Posting year and model helps us give answers relevant to their coach. Without that information, many technical answers will not be possible or accurate.
Brett
Amen
Thanks guys, you helped me prove my point. If change is suggested, there is a negative reaction to it here in this forum. Lets leave this forum as is since it is really more about technical issues and several wonderful people who know as much about Foretravels as there is to know. Who knows, if we see the company go out of business one day, we will need these technical people to repair our coaches. Time to get back into the closet and get quite. Sure glad we have slide outs in our coach, many more places to hide! :))
I think Brett and Tim's point was about information - the more the better.
This forum can and should be all things FT related - see the "mission statement" on the welcome page. This is not about either/or - let's head down the path of inclusion. That path is the one this forum needs to continue to choose and it is the path that the Motorcade needs to start down. Just one more opinion.
I would like to think we are all here for the same reason, the honest and open support we get from each other no matter what model or year our coach is or for a lot of folks what they would like to have. Like John said, many are on their second or third coach or more. If you own one and are thinking about a newer one, what better place to hear about experiences of newer coach owners.
We bought our coach at 10 years old. When our coach is 15 years old we may decide to keep it for as long as we can or update to a newer 10 year old coach. At that point, a 2006 would be a Nimbus or Phenix (if my model years are right.) They are taller, longer, heavier, generally with more slides and more complex than what we have now. More posts from owners of newer model years would give us a feel for how well these are working out, if there are any common issues and other experiences. I pay attention to posts about 2005 and newer coaches because it gives me an idea of where I might go if it comes to that.
Anny said the 90% of the posts were from owners of coaches from 1988 - 2005. Barry B. Will likely confirm that 90% of all Foretravels on the road today are in that age range. So this forum is a good cross section of all owners. We all experience problems and have questions. Different answers for different years and even models within the same years.
So join in all of you Nimbus, Phenix and IH45 owners. We want to hear from you. Someday your coach will be 10 years old too.
Roger
I would hope no one here would form an opinion of a member upon reading the year/model of coach folks put in their signature - the primary reason we encourage it relates to helping with technical answers. For example, if you ask an HWH question, the systems are somewhat different depending on whether you have a 1995, a 2002, or a late-model coach with Active Air. Slide mechanics are different even from 2001 to 2002 to 2003. Knowing the year and model of coach really helps when it comes to getting efficient and accurate response.
All FTs are welcome here, as are folks considering FT of any year. Of course, there exist fewer newer coaches in these days of lower production volumes (on the order of maybe only 10-25% as many per year), so it's to be expected that there will be more questions about older coaches - there simply are many times more of them in existence.
It makes the most sense that Motorcade activities are not being influenced by recent coach buyers but much more by those who are actually active in helping the club research, organize, run, and lead the activities. There's a core group that do this (you see their faces and names time and time again in the Motorcader magazine) and I know anytime we've been talking to them, even casual conversation, it's been very clear that they would welcome any and all help on that front. So if you think you have some great ideas - volunteer to help (and not just help make suggestions, but take on some portion of the work it takes to put on an organized activity ;) ). That's a great way to help influence the club towards activities and events you'd personally enjoy participating in.
And Mark attended Granvention. Inclusion is our goal, old or new, motorcade or not, I was just responding to the motorcade leadership wondering how we had 2500+ members vs. the current Motorcade membership
Another Amen!
I too was wondering how you could have 2500+ members. Did Foretravel since its conception build 2500 Motorhomes? Of course not. I am sure the membership here is like any other online forum. Many interested people will sign up to see what the forum is about. They might not even be interested in a class A motorhome but found the site through Google hits on another subject matter. I really do not think numbers in forums really tell the true membership base.
On another angle what are you proposing when you compare your base membership to the member of the current Motorcade membership? Do you propose that the Motorcade be disbanded? Should we allow the membership of this forum be in control of future events of Foretravel since you have a bigger membership base? I am would like to understand more here.
I think Foretravel has built well over 2000 coaches. Look at your build number and see. The new lian star are starting at one and they delivered 4 and have eight more on order. They built over 200 in a year some years.
Talking with Erwin Sharp, he said they would have 75 coaches on the Alaska trip and sometimes run two groups a week apart.
Anny,
Thanks for the post, not sure anyone wants to be in control of anything. FT build numbers are in excess of 6000, so even at 2500+ we do not represent a majority of Foretravel owners, but we do come on the radar screen of the motorcade club that had 94 coaches represented out of the same number of total units produced.
Actually, I was not suggesting anything, only offering an observation. Many people may not find the motorcade events cost effective. Others may not have the time to attend when scheduled. Others still are not "joiners". I for one would love to see every FT owner on the forum and ant the Grandvention. It would appear from my participation in both the Forum and at the GrandVention that the Forum is gaining traction and the Motorcade club/events are losing members and momentum. Motorcade leadership must of come to the same conclusion based on their interest in our membership. The leaders of Motorcade and the club are great folks and I admire their efforts and dedication.
In the end, anything that advances the brand and ownership experience is in all of our best interest.
Thanks for pos, we love to hear from late model coach owners.
And Anny, the member numbers come from the statistics on the home page of the Forum
Back before the dues were raised the motorcade club had 1800 members. That number has fallen to the 800 of so today. No one is proposing that the club be disbanded but it would be nice to see them use some social media. I spent some time with Greg Talking about the benefits and areas where they might join us. For instance the fuel and tire deal. That would have been a great thing for the club to do. There needs to be some changes made to the MC club. Beverly talked about that their were issues and we all needed to become more involved during the chapter reports. An updated web presence and site for all of FT would be a great start. I have more likes on my photo page on Facebook than the club has on their page. Posting more information on chapter rallies might help too but it needs to be more than just the dates.
Dues were raised in 06 or so.
Thanks for all the information guys. We got a round up here to attend to for the next two weeks. So I will be back after that time and hopefully 2000 head of beef will behave. Thanks for all the good help. From the sky country of Montana! Take care.
Anny,
Sorry for the delay in responding. We have several irons in the fire and too little time.
Please do not feel offended, as that certainly was not my intent. In fact, I tried to choose words so as to avoid offending anyone.
For over 15 years, we have participated (as often as possible, but long for more) in the FT Motorcade Club, in ALL of its various forms; motorcades, events, GV's, rallies, pre-rallies, driving school and other activities. We have carefully chosen ways to be positive contributors and have thoroughly enjoyed as well as appreciated FT's role, the Motorcade club and the many benefits. Not the least of which has been the discovery and nurturing of long-term, close friendships that we would never have had without FT's and the Club's influence.
That said, we also recognize certain realities in the club's evolution. Since we all hope to see FT thrive for many decades to come, we understand the necessary relationship of club events and activities to the FT business goals. Simply put, the club fosters a myriad of new (and turnover) sales and service opportunities. Obviously, the business focus needs to be on the highest probability customers. And that is all that I was making for a point. FT is not going to sell many new $600K to $1M+ coaches to owners of 10 to 20 year old coaches. More likely the new coach target is owners in the 1 to 5 year old coach range (or other-brand owners). Thus, without any direct or overt owner action, the FT sponsored events will migrate toward what the newer (say 1 to 10 year old) coach owners enjoy and express interest in (the 5 to 10 year old coach owners are equally important for the remodel and service businesses). Thus their considerable, even if silent, influence.
And the (1 to 10 year old) group of owners will likely be less focused on cost conservation, thus the Motorcades and such gradually become more expensive than fixed income retirees feel comfortable with.
Now coming full circle back to my original premise to Tim, because there is such a large population of greater than 10 year old FT coach owners, "The financial wherewithal dynamic is particularly important..................". Motorcades that cost less than $2K, with less than $500 misc. expenses, back when we first started participating, have become well over $6K and the travel "to and from, plus miscellaneous expenses" add another $4K, so it is no wonder that many of our friends are saying "The motorcades were fun, back when, but we just can no longer afford them." If our friends even remain Motorcade Club members, they stick to the chapter rallies, which (at least in the Northeast and Southeast Chapters) are very high on volunteerism and cost/scope control. But Club participation overall, as others have pointed out, is dwindling as a large FT population (MY OPINION -- older coach, >10 year old) participation decreases due to the financial wherewithal bind against the high cost Motorcades and events.
I hope that this clarifies my wording and intent, ...............and sorry for the confusion.
Neal
Neal
More well thought out input
Tim
Neal, I would say age is as big an issue as finances. There are some older members who have all the financial horsepower to buy a new big coach but the last time around went for the 38 foot double slide nimbus. In fact it is a coach with more storage than the 45 foot IH and made for long trips. Also, late model coaches are selling very strongly. I talked to Corey about a customer who came in bought a new IH and was parked next to me. He had a pile of stuff in the Living Room that there was no cupboards for.
I have read some very good thinking here . What I feel is key here is , --do not draw a line in the sand --! We are one club . Lets keep it that way . Age of coach , of owner or wealth , should and can not be a divider of our club . We need reasons to stay whole as a group and not find a place to drive in a wedge . There are a number of folks in the 10 year and even older coaches that could write a check and buy a new IH with no sweat . So it goes back to ,"don't judge a book by it's cover ". Let's find ways to be happy ,enjoy each other. After all very few of us are getting younger. Brad Metzger
Agree very much with Brad. I only wish I could have been at this GV as it was only 6 hours driving time. How old of a coach or car one drives is no indication of a person's wealth or inclination, status or otherwise. We all have something in commmon; we are Foretravel enthusiasts. I might add that likely not all Foretravel owners are Foretravel enthusiasts. This is partially the reason some owners do not belong to either the Foreforums or the MC.
I'd just as soon let the MC do its thing and the Foreforums do theirs. Should there be a meeting of the minds down the road: all the better.
What were the dues raised from? We had our free year in 2005 and then started in 2006. I don't think dues are too high and enjoy the Mag and would attend the rallies more often if they were where we are. Not their fault, we just keep moving and scheduling before finding out where they are.
Dues are $75 a year. I get that back 3x - 5x in parts/maintenance discounts each year .
They can be higher in other areas. In Florida they add 20 bucks.
The part that is added is your chapter dues. I know I have a lifetime of dues with the discount I have received already. To answer your question though, they were 35 dollars plus the same chapter dues. The old forum had people up in arms on it when they raised them but they were the same for a long time. I agree with Brad the club is a great benefit. How often do you get to sit down and have dinner with Greg Amy's and Cory and James T. I had one meal with each of them and they were very receptive to my questions and I asked a lot. I came away very impressed by all of them and what they are doing. The club is a great way to meet management and build rapport and when you need James or Corey they already know you. The ability to have James walk over yo your coach and ask him a question is great too. All in all I found the friendships I made in the club, both at the national and chapter level to be outstanding. I know people wonder at the pricing but it was catered meals three times a day with refreshments available all the time. There were shows every night but the chapter dinner and you could choose a show for that if you want. Last time we were there I had our chapter go to the Dixie stampede. All in all it was a very busy time but well worth the time and money.
Re the Forum and coach years, I wish we could get more of the newer owners posting. I'd love to read about what's going on with the late models.
jor
We have quite a few Nimbus and Phenix members. Not as many IH but that model just came out. I talked to the owner of the first IH. He is on the forum but does not post much. Foretravel was driving his coach back to Nac for him to address a few warranty issues.
For us the Foretravel Club, with all it's activities (Rallies, Motorcades, Grandventions), is a great way to meet and get acquainted with folks from all locations, areas of experience, occupations, and financial status. Fantastic!!!
Absolutely concur. Fantastic!
The entire Granvvention at Sevierville was a total blast for me, being able to meet and chat with the entire gang from Fortravel, all who are an unbelievably talented in their field, just makes one aware of the capability contained within the company. But the very biggest surprise was humor from Beverly and her broken hydraulic bra, hope she outlives that comment :o
Total happy event with fantastic folks, thanks to all.
Dave M
I laughed pretty hard at that one too
This was my first GV. I thought it was great. Met alot of great foretravel owners and made some new friends.
Hope to have the opportunity to be there next year.