Why nobody from Foretravel of Texas can call or email me back after repeated attempts to reach someone? What kind of operation are they running? I'm trying to give them money!
Frustrated...
I have (just in the last few days) been on the phone to FOT arranging for a appointment in the remodel shop. I have had pretty good luck getting through. My technique is to listen to the voice recording, and write down all the extension numbers. Then start with the department you want to reach and dial each extension, one after another. If no one answers, move on to the other department extensions. I usually get through to a real human by the 2nd or 3rd attempt. At that point ask to be transferred to whoever you wanted to talk to in the first place. It just takes a little patience!
I guess that's my mistake. I think I should call, dial 215 for remodels, leave a message and that should be it but I guess not ;)
Try ext. 250 - that is Luke, the Service Writer. He is the one who does the scheduling, and he can hook you up with the Remodel Shop.
Can someone post a list of extensions? It would be helpful to have them at hand before calling.
Foretravel tech help has changed and not for the better. I used to rave on the advantage of owning a Foretravel was the ability to get almost instant help for any issue. No more. Everyone is pri-ty much on their own now. Like most SOB owners.
I know the following extensions: Parts-154,173,172///Billy Jack-161///Joshua -service writer-115///
Wayne Musser-114///Foretravel Tech Assistance 1-800-955-6226 option 5/// Foretravel after hours emergency # 936-556-0398 maybe still good.
With the exception of this wonderful forum!
Brad, I am in agreement with you.
To Barry B's point on topics, look at Don's issue with the air dryer near Yellowstone. Really, response in just a few minutes.!
There are experts here! If they don't know, I will bet they know how to get the information, procedure, part, tech phone#.
Like indicated; people monitor this forum!
I was at FT and was talking to the lady who answers the phone for the help line. She said that she had received 30 calls so far that morning. It was about 11 am monday for James. He no longer answers the phone but gets messages to return calls. I think they prioritize them by who is stuck on the road first. I doubt he could get thru that many calls in a day though.
I have tried to reach James twice in the last few weeks. I have found that before I leave my message, it is good to ask if James is at work or not. Both times he was gone and my message would not have been addressed. When this happens FOT will transfer you to another person for tech support such as Jeremy. He may not know the answer to your question , but he is quick to find the answer and call you back!
I called yesterday, explained my question and had a call back by a tech very soon thereafter.
Eric
I have been in and out of FOT for the last two weeks with my coaches (recent purchase U320, and 1990 U280). The U320 for after purchase rehab, and the U280 for check up before going up for sale. I can report that the issues are from the service department being slammed with business. They are extremely busy not only with Foretravel coaches, but with other brands as well. Yesterday when I picked up my U280 to drive it back to Houston, there were 4 other brands in the service bays. Word has spread that FOT does extremely good work and will work on brands other that FT. They have been swamped for about 3 months now, but the situation is improving. As of yesterday, they had only 5 coaches on the schedule for Monday. I suggest that you call Luke-- he seems to always return calls. It might take a day, but he will call back. Try to call early in the day, between 7 and 8 local time, you will have a better chance of catching someone at their desk.
My experience over the last two weeks has been an extremely positive one--everyone in the shop has been friendly, accommodating, and prompt. The service writers bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need. I both added and took items off of the work order after being in the bay with no issues at all. The work done was of the highest
Quality, and came in under budget. They had quoted 80-100 hours and completed the work in the fiberglass shop in a little over 60. Of course, I'm "almost" a local being from Houston, and they do see my coach on a regular basis for routine stuff. That said, I would never own another brand and it is because of the service at the factory. Great people !
Busy is good. There may be another split with a new RV maintenance operation in NAC (like MOT). It's interesting how a small area can become a center for a new industry.
Craig
I called James Triana with a question when we were trying to address the leak in the shower drain pipe that was not accessible from the existing Looky-Loo hole in the rear wheel well. I thought I was going to need schematics and floor plans and advice of that kind. Of Course, my call was answered by the Office Lady who manages the madness in that building (down the hill) because it was lunch time and James and Mark and whoever were all out. She was GREAT, and I left a message and my build number so the plans could be pulled up. I then thought of making a call to David Flanagan and wound up reaching him!!! I figured that they have pulled out enough showers for remodel that he would know how the pipes ran ... and sure enough, he did. I also got info on pulling out the Corian, in case we had to remove the entire shower pan (horrible thought!).By the time I found Mr Triana's call back message (which I missed!), we were already well past that issue and well on the way to completing the repair. BUT ... he DID return my call in a very timely manner. It was my fault that I missed the phone. I think the key is that I did get to speak with a real person in his area ... because the phone SYSTEM in the Service area DOES need improvement.
Are you indicating there is another RV business opening up in the Nac area?
Bernd Ramspeck is working in Nac and does lots of engine and chassis stuff. Move there from Luftkin.
I knew about Bernd, but I recall his business is primarily diesel drivetrain/chassis, not specifically an RV service center. The way I read WDR's post it sounded like an RV service business was possibly opening up.
I know he was working on roof AC units when I was in Nac in July. He is actually an engineer who is doing repairs with his crew. His expertise is in refrigeration.
I don't believe Bernd does remodels, but he does do more than drive train. In my case fuel lines, AquaHot, air bags, in addition to M11 valve adjustment. Of course, also generator. Probably more.
best, paul
Two points:
1-FOT has always returned my calls, sometimes the next day, but always.
2-Bernd is like a breathe of fresh air to this gear head, easy to understand why he is so popular.
I'm very disappointed in FT. I've owned three coaches and went down there to buy one on display, but had to run to China and asked Tyle if I needed to leave a deposit. He said no need just call when you return. It was sold when I returned. I called the sales manager after my return and he treated me like garbage. I'll never buy another coach there. I also called over a month ago because of a couple of technical issues. I haven't heard from them yet. I talked to one of the tech's about the issue of the forum and we discussed the issue of not getting called back. He just didn't understand why people were upset. Really?! Does there manure not stink or what. I gave up! No more. Newell here I come!
I have left 4 different messages with no call back. Each time I was assured that they would call me within 2-3 hours. After 4 weeks I just gave up and stopped leaving messages.
Same here. Left a message about a Foretravel (questions) and no call either. Guess too busy.
I placed a call to FOT technical twice within the last week and received a return phone call within the same day on both occasions. One questions required a follow up. They called back with the information the next day.
I am curious if those that didn't get a call back just asked to speak to a tech or left a detailed message. I always leave the unit number and a detailed explanation of the problem and always get a response in reasonable time.
I said I was interested in getting a quote for and scheduling service. I reached someone today.
I don't call James T, I send him an e mail with my build number and my question, I send it at the end of the day and will get a return e mail the next morning, or a note to call him,has worked every time.
Do not like and will not own an aluminum skinned motorhome. Too tender. Gen on every moment you are in the coach or be plugged in. Nice coach. Not so much as an Rv. Different design idea.
I dunno, My U320 4200 is pretty close to this. We've been working on it but it has a mad 12v power thirst ;) But don't a bunch of the Newell's have windows you can't open? Yeah, that's a definite generator running situation. At least so far this summer we haven't used our a/c much at all.
Yes my guru buddy pointed out the beautiful flush mount glass on a new coach that only pivots open from the bottom.
Why would you want to open a window when you have air conditioning?
Advantage of the original Foretravel design was the white gel coat exteriors ability to not soak up heat. Like every boat in the harbor.
I would not own a Non laminated fiberglass side wall coach myself. Preferable non painted.
Sold a few SOB's where the customer ordered them as "plain wrap" no external graphics. Cooler. No fading.
Sold a lot of Foretravels by having the customers touch the gel coated wall in direct sunlight then walk over to a painted coach and touch that sidewall.
Also don shipe the old factory rep taught me to kick the side wall with a flat against the wall foot.
In shows that was fun as you got people poking their head out of the entry asking what happened.
I always mentioned at that point to make sure that you had no rocks on your shoe bottom.
Don did that demo with his cowboy boots on and he was a big guy. Fun.
I have scraped countless small branches against white Foretravel side walls in use.
Would make it much harder to use a painted coach in my opinion and actual use.
But we like the non gen running dry camp ability of our hard to damage gel coated u 320.
Probably the best Rv made. Not the best luxury coach. We are still rver's. Different idea.
It's used already IMO.
Looked at a newer country coach beautifully painted a while ago up close. The owner had terribly scratched up the front paint removing bugs with a stiff bristle brush of some kind.
Looked terrible. Wash off easily off the max guard 29 gel coat. Mine has damage like rock chips on it. Unless the sun is exactly sideways they are invisible. Two years to see them.
Tough coach.
Do not have the Newell in a hail storm. Like an airstream. Minot had a hailstorm at an FMCA rally and totaled 1500 trailers out of 4000 their. The salesman for the dealers loved it. They called me at 7am to gloat.