Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: lmcinyv on September 14, 2015, 07:03:44 pm
Title: paying extra for tech support
Post by: lmcinyv on September 14, 2015, 07:03:44 pm
SO, can someone please tell me why I couldn't speak with a tech at the factory today? I was told that I did not have an extended membership or some such thing. I tried to call back to talk to the receptionist for clarification, but they seem to be gone for the day. I remember a year or so ago trying to call the factory and being told that we had to be motorcade members (our membership had lapsed - it is now current) in order to speak to the techs... don't remember anything about an extended policy. Today I was told that we would have to pay $25- the extended membership price to speak to the tech. Had I known 8 years ago that it would come to this I would have thought twice about the decision to purchase a ForeTravel.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 14, 2015, 07:12:23 pm
Extra $25 per year
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: FormerU320Family on September 14, 2015, 07:21:05 pm
Know it's REALLY frustrating when you can't get through to the person you want to talk with — and especially if you're in a jam (maybe you aren't) — but the Motorcade Plus membership seemed worth it to Susan & I when we purchased our coach. As Tim said, it's only an extra $25 annually. See this link: Foretravel Motorcoach - Technical Support (http://www.foretravel.com/page.php?id=17)
And this kind of expertise is invaluable: Foretravel Motorcoach - Tech Talk with JT (http://www.foretravel.com/page.php?id=34)
Don't give up! Hope the day gets better. You've purchased one of the finest coaches available. You didn't make a mistake choosing Foretravel. And there are a lot of additional service resources beyond the factory. When I was at Tennessee RV last month, there was a Nimbus in the service bay next to our U320. James Holder, manager of the RV service facility, is a Foretravel owner and Brad Armstrong, one of their RV Service Advisors, has deep Foretravel experience. 865 933-7213
Hope some of this helps!
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: lmcinyv on September 14, 2015, 07:29:20 pm
Thanks for the info. I am sure that you are correct about it being worth the $25. Just seemed ridiculous to spend additional money when you spend a lot of money to purchase a luxury coach to begin with - and - my question didn't seem like it was overly technical. I just wanted to know if I could attach mirrors on the sliding door between the bedroom and the bathroom area. I am in the midst of a remodel and thought I might like to add mirrors if the door slider frame is hung in the "meat" so that it could support the weight of mirrors.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: FormerU320Family on September 14, 2015, 07:36:54 pm
Wish I knew the answer re: the doors — and I'll be interested to hear what you learn — but a lot of members on the Forum have done an huge amount of work on their coaches (you know that, of course) and are better equipped than I am to answer.
Your specific question might be answered more quickly if posted in the "Foretravel Renovations" section? I've had a couple of non-engine/transmission/electrical questions answered there with good advice and information. Just a thought. Congrats on a great coach. As you said, a real luxury coach and wonderful road machines.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Michelle on September 14, 2015, 07:39:36 pm
The "Premium" level of Motorcade club membership was announced right after Motorcade Club renewals for 2015 were completed. There are mixed opinions on it.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Carol & Scott on September 14, 2015, 07:45:44 pm
As Michell says -
We have found over the last couple of years that Foretravel does have their idiosyncrasies, shall we say, one of them is their somewhat recent development of their "Premium" membership that does pay for telephone support. This topic has been discussed infinitum. We paid our $25.00 and hope we do not have to call. ;D
Sorry about your frustration. Many also call Motor Homes of Texas.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: lmcinyv on September 14, 2015, 08:05:30 pm
@Looking West... I will post my question in the Renovations section. I admit to not being very forum savvy - so I appreciate the help. Leanne
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Michelle on September 14, 2015, 08:06:35 pm
@Looking West... I will post my question in the Renovations section. I admit to not being very forum savvy - so I appreciate the help. Leanne
No worries Leanne! And Welcome - we're glad you're here!
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: lmcinyv on September 14, 2015, 09:53:56 pm
Thanks, Michelle!
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Carol Savournin on September 15, 2015, 12:14:35 am
We paid the $25 for the Premium membership ... and I do not hesitate to call when I need info from James Triana or Mark Harvey. I have gotten very prompt call backs and they are pretty helpful when I need extra info to help with things like the recent replacement of the Turbo Turd. It was worth the little extra, in my opinion.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: John S on September 15, 2015, 06:09:02 am
I was told that James spends most of his day returning calls. I was at the factory last week and stopped in the office and he was on the phone. Sometimes he has 20 calls in a day. FT decided that they had to offset the cost somehow. That they support any motorhome, much less 20 plus years old is great but I feel your frustration. Lots of questions can be answered on the forum as many times been there done that. Also for a remod question, I have called David F too.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 15, 2015, 08:49:41 am
Hint on getting to David Flanigan at FOT - call and talk to a service advisor/writer and ask to have them connect with David and have David call you back. Usually you will get a call that day from David.
He does monitor his email, but I have to say his call back record from just an email is hit or miss, and he is often to busy to respond to email in a timely fashion.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Dan Stansel on September 15, 2015, 11:07:32 am
Once you pay the extra $25.00 the new amount becomes the norm. They should just build it into the motorcade membership and offer as benefit. Everyone would then be happy as they would not feel nickeled and dimed.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: speedbird1 on September 18, 2015, 07:32:24 pm
I find this paying for Tech Support very troublesome. I came from the aircraft world and was one of the Tech guys on the end of the telephone and we did it as regular duty. The airplanes, some of which were many years old all got the same service. the cost is already paid for in the initial profit when the thing is built, and supported later on by the sales of newer models. I live in Western Montana and there are no Foretravel centers anywhere now that they have retracted everything to Texas and that is 4 days away!! I do not want to join the club as I have no interest in any form of group travel and caravans. A local branch of the club, maybe, but they don't offer that. The discounts only work at the factory so why do it?? I have an oil pressure issue with my 1991 320 with a Cummins 400. I understand that it is probably an issue with the electronics behind the panel?? That system was made by Stewart Warner who sold it, and the buyers discontinued the system. That being the case I would expect better Tech support as they apparently are well aware of the issue, but you can't speak to them???? I have had a computer plugged in to the system and I have good oil pressure, and have changed the sender at the back with no change. Maybe I have too much for this part of the forum with two subjects, but I am sure someone will tell me?? Brian.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: John S on September 19, 2015, 06:39:11 am
There is a branch of the club in the pacific NW and other places accept the motorcade discount other then the factory too. A number of the old dealers and I also believe the CC agreement supports the discount in OR. Also RnR in Spokane is the old Factory dealership but do not know if they support the discount but they do understand our coaches.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Caflashbob on September 20, 2015, 12:52:44 am
I find this paying for Tech Support very troublesome. I came from the aircraft world and was one of the Tech guys on the end of the telephone and we did it as regular duty. The airplanes, some of which were many years old all got the same service. the cost is already paid for in the initial profit when the thing is built, and supported later on by the sales of newer models. I live in Western Montana and there are no Foretravel centers anywhere now that they have retracted everything to Texas and that is 4 days away!! I do not want to join the club as I have no interest in any form of group travel and caravans. A local branch of the club, maybe, but they don't offer that. The discounts only work at the factory so why do it??
I have an oil pressure issue with my 1991 320 with a Cummins 400. I understand that it is probably an issue with the electronics behind the panel?? That system was made by Stewart Warner who sold it, and the buyers discontinued the system. That being the case I would expect better Tech support as they apparently are well aware of the issue, but you can't speak to them???? I have had a computer plugged in to the system and I have good oil pressure, and have changed the sender at the back with no change. Maybe I have too much for this part of the forum with two subjects, but I am sure someone will tell me?? Brian.
Did you buy your 1991 u320 new or used
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: speedbird1 on September 20, 2015, 11:40:53 am
Bob, I bought it used from FT in Texas and Tyle Fore gave us a great deal on the older Grandvilla that we had. The parts guy Mike Grimes is worth a lot as are the tech guys, but I am not going to be bulldozed into joining a club that I am not interested in, and then paying more to get tech service, that is robbery. The main views all seem to say similar things although a lot of folks would not have a problem with a dues increase and no extra fee. maybe the beanie counters should listen?? If I had bought a new model and one year later I have to pay extra to get someone to speak with me I would be very peeved. It is not a question of how much money I have, but one of principle. I see someone mentioned that James is on the 'phone all day answering tech calls. that is his job, and just the same as I did when working for an aircraft manufacturer. The R&R folks in Spokane are still favorable to Foretravels, but the older knowledge is going away. Keith Woodward is the guy to talk to over there. They changed my old troublesome Prosine inverter system and fitted a far better one. They did the job quicker than they quoted and did it well. They did not mention the club or offer any discounts. This extra fee is not a trend that needs promoting. Having said all that we have a terrific coach, and just want to give it the care and attention that it needs from time to time. Brian.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 20, 2015, 01:03:02 pm
Bob, I see someone mentioned that James is on the 'phone all day answering tech calls. that is his job, and just the same as I did when working for an aircraft manufacturer. This extra fee is not a trend that needs promoting. Brian.
If Foretravel had spent any time at all producing parts and workshop manuals like the aircraft manufacturer you worked for did, James would not have to spend nearly as much time on the phone. So now, customers are being forced to pay a fee for the factory's lack of planning. With aircraft, autos, buses, each model is documented with revisions noted in the next publication with affected serial numbers listed. Our included documentation frequently leaves some engines out and does not include the correct part number. For instance, when the U300 changed from a rear radiator to a side radiator, the hydraulic pump belt listed is very incorrect and can easily be responsible for engine damage. I don't think many would mind spending a few $$ ordering a set of manuals when they purchased a new or used coach.
My GM bus had a thick parts catalogue with exploded views including part numbers and specs for the parts as well as a very comprehensive shop manual with complete detailed instructions on servicing.
Throwing the brake, rear axle, wheel, etc., literature in a binder is not a shop manual. The schematics are fairly good but so much is left out.
We love our coach but are very disappointed in the support. Anyone without a mechanical background and on a fixed income is in a precarious position without this forum. So many wives' tales and unscrupulous/incompetent service shops are out there ready to prey on the uninitiated
Pierce
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: speedbird1 on September 20, 2015, 01:36:00 pm
Hi Pierce, I have to agree with you that the manual situation is pathetic. I, like most of you, have a big White box full of manufacturers brochures and not much else. The coach, much like an airplane, is made up of a lot of contractors parts, and needs comprehensive manuals to sew the whole lot together and make a complete system. Very lacking from FT. But with this forum at least we can get answers from others experience. Thank you all. I have an airplane that is now un-supported by the manufacturer who does not now exist. There is a product support organisation, who do not have any manufacturing behind them, and they do charge an annual fee for their services as well they should, or they would not exist. Not the case with FT. Brian.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: propman on September 20, 2015, 05:39:49 pm
I like my FT & I hope to upgrade once or twice .... God provide health & prosperity. I am glad FT and MHT are in business & I am here to support them just as long as I own a FT. $25 extra is nothing (for me) relative to other annual expenses for my FT. It makes me feel good to know that they will pick up the phone, if i ever need any help .... but, first & foremost, i am lucky to have my FT friends, here on the forum.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: fkjohns6083 on September 20, 2015, 08:48:06 pm
The $25 for tech support is OK, if you can get it. I have found that on our 91GV, there just isn't much info/support to be had. If I have a component problem, I'm mostly on my own. The parts dep't at FT is very good, and they will tell you that there just aren't replacements for some things. As previously stated, if I couldn't do a lot for myself, I would not own a rig like this. Have a great day ---- Fritz
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Caflashbob on September 20, 2015, 11:38:05 pm
I certainly am not defending the $25 fee but the current owners of Foretravel did not sell anyone a coach before 2007?
Most if not all brands pass on telling you anything on a 15 year old product.
Most went out of business instead.
I doubt they agreed to support the older coaches for free or at all.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Bob & Sue on September 21, 2015, 12:42:36 am
When I was at Tennessee RV last month, there was a Nimbus in the service bay next to our U320. James Holder, manager of the RV service facility, is a Foretravel owner and Brad Armstrong, one of their RV Service Advisors, has deep Foretravel experience. 865 933-7213
I have owned a number of motorhomes in the last 20 years and after having Tennessee RV do some work for me on a Monaco and them also having done some work for the previous owner of the Foretrave that I now own.............................................I realize that Tennessee RV is definitely Hillbillyville. For what they charge the quality of their work should be much, much better. I live about 20 minutes from both Buddy Gregg and Tennessee RV and I wouldn't take anything to either of them to have any kind of work done. I have seen a number of jobs concerning body and paint work from both businesses that didn't look as good as a high school body shop class could do. Both are total rip-offs!!
There's a lot of talent here in East Tennessee, but they're not working for $10.00/hr at Tennessee RV or Buddy Gregg's.
$25.00 a year is cheap to get tech help when the tech knows you're going to buy your parts & labor elsewhere.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: MRpotter on September 20, 2019, 05:51:42 pm
Just called today to speak with tec support. Needed an answer to one, (what I think is a very simple question) and was told that in order to speak with the tec support staff, I have to be a club member and incur the associated $95.00 cost. All I can say is WOW.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: wolfe10 on September 20, 2019, 05:56:34 pm
Call MOT= Motorhomes of Texas.
They have good tech support and free.
Motorhomes of Texas - New & Used RVs, Service, Parts and Financing in... (http://www.motorhomesoftexas.com/)
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: MRpotter on September 20, 2019, 05:59:53 pm
Just called today to speak with tec support. Needed an answer to one, (what I think is a very simple question) and was told that in order to speak with the tec support staff, I have to be a club member and incur the associated $95.00 cost. All I can say is WOW.
I received an answer to a question by sending an e-mail and waiting a few days. But then again I remember a large self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) being to price of admission. And my ever frugal way around that was a self addressed double post card from the Post Office. Amazing how many vendors inserted the post card in an envelope . . .
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: DavidS on September 20, 2019, 07:03:58 pm
Just called today to speak with tec support. Needed an answer to one, (what I think is a very simple question) and was told that in order to speak with the tec support staff, I have to be a club member and incur the associated $95.00 cost. All I can say is WOW.
I hear ya.. try getting a part number lately with the club membership..
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: D.J. Osborn on September 20, 2019, 09:08:17 pm
I don't have any inside information but I'm convinced that something very bad is going on at Foretravel. I suspect the company will disappear within a year. Again: no inside information--just too many recent disturbing developments.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: amos.harrison on September 20, 2019, 09:19:18 pm
David,
How do you see your comment as helpful?
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on September 20, 2019, 10:04:57 pm
Well Brett, if true it is a heads up warning. If not, it's his opinion. Since the thread was about declining service at Nac, it's appropriate imo. Last year we went to the ladies driving course. Learned a lot. But one thing that struck out at me was the brain drain at Foretravel. Few guys left from the old days. That is a problem for guys with older coaches that depend on them for their knowledge.
I called Foretravel the other day for tech advice on the AC install. No one answered the phone so I left a message. They did call back pretty quick but by then I was asleep for the 12 hour night shift I was going to the next 3 nights. So they are still there, still in bizness, and hopefully will be for sometime.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Chuck Pearson on September 20, 2019, 10:09:25 pm
Just called today to speak with tec support. Needed an answer to one, (what I think is a very simple question) and was told that in order to speak with the tec support staff, I have to be a club member and incur the associated $95.00 cost. All I can say is WOW.
Wow indeed. Expecting personalized free tech support on a coach built in 1993. The fact that it is available for the absolute pittance of $95.00 is what is amazing to me.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: John44 on September 21, 2019, 06:25:16 am
Could'nt find the question,what was it???/
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: bbeane on September 21, 2019, 07:48:20 am
Let's see, senior tech to answer questions all day, with wages, benefits, and taxes 150k plus a year. I can certainly see why the company wants to recoup some of the cost. I wouldn't mind paying FT direct, just don't need to belong a club just not my thing.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Pamela & Mike on September 21, 2019, 08:01:19 am
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: jor on September 21, 2019, 08:40:11 am
Quote
The fact that it is available for the absolute pittance of $95.00 is what is amazing to me.
I'm with Chuck. I think the availability of phone tech advice is pretty unusual. I haven't called for a few years but have taken advantage of the parts discount. Just saved $60 on the six pack I just bought. jor
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 21, 2019, 09:17:23 am
We dropped some serious coin at the FOT remodel shop not long after we purchased our coach. At that time the remod shop was allowing 10% Motorcade Club discount on parts and labor. We saved enough to pay the club dues for 10+ years, so I'm still money ahead on our membership.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Old Toolmaker on September 21, 2019, 09:37:16 am
Let's see, senior tech to answer questions all day, with wages, benefits, and taxes 150k plus a year. I can certainly see why the company wants to recoup some of the cost. I wouldn't mind paying FT direct, just don't need to belong a club just not my thing.
I received a response to my e-maill with the information I needed. It just feels wrong.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 21, 2019, 09:42:11 am
We dropped some serious coin at the FOT remodel shop not long after we purchased our coach. At that time the remod shop was allowing 10% Motorcade Club discount on parts and labor. We saved enough to pay the club dues for 10+ years, so I'm still money ahead on our membership.
"Perception is everything"
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: "Irish" on September 21, 2019, 10:26:53 am
Having had eight relatively new or new RV's over the last 30 years I can say Foretravel is the best when it comes to stocking parts. My last unit (6 years old) had a clearance light fail, and the factory did not respond, the dealer sold my the mismatched replacement and I could not get the correct one on line. Having said that - parts is the only extension that answers, Service is always to voice mail. Must be a busy place! Hope it stays in business, hope it continues to support our older rigs!
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: DavidS on September 21, 2019, 11:02:27 am
Let's see, senior tech to answer questions all day, with wages, benefits, and taxes 150k plus a year. I can certainly see why the company wants to recoup some of the cost. I wouldn't mind paying FT direct, just don't need to belong a club just not my thing.
Hate to beak the news.. your already in the club and part of it. The sweet part? This club is free and full of benefits... welcome to foreforums!!
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: D.J. Osborn on September 21, 2019, 11:48:35 am
I shared my opinion based upon observations of various changes at Foretravel over the past several years. None of those changes appear to indicate the company is "healthy"; they instead appear to indicate a company that is struggling to keep its "head above water" and is becoming more and more a shadow of what it used to be. If my sharing my observations and opinion offends you then I apologize. I'm simply practicing what I believe is a sound principle of "sharing what I know and learning what I don't."
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Tom Lang on September 21, 2019, 12:20:16 pm
I've been a Motorcade Club member for as long as I've been a Foretravel owner, over eleven years. Yes, a lot has changed. I actually bought my coach from a Foretravel dealer in California.
I would be a MC member if the club only offered rally events and Motorcades. Tech support and a discount at FOT are very nice added benefits.
In the distant past, I've made good use of tech support. I remember being on the phone with James Triana, each of us looking at the same pages on my schematics. Invaluable.
And after Grandvention, we're heading for FOT to have David F install MCD shades at discount.
But my friends at our California Rallies, Grandventions, and Motorcades are what the MC is all about for me. We so much enjoyed the Alaska Motorcade this past summer that we have signed up for the Heart of America Motorcade next summer.
As for FOT involvement, yes times are a changing. The Motorcade Club is now a separate non for profit organization. The club is now selling ads in the Motorcader magazine, including ads from FOT competitors. And FOT is no longer selling coaches to end users, once again selling through dealers.
I for one am grateful for having both MC and FOT as valuable resources.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: U295 Owner on September 22, 2019, 10:51:13 pm
No one mentioned that they have a new tech support guy - Ronnie Blackmon. He admitted, the other day, that he has mighty big shoes to fill. To bad FOT didn't double-box him with JT for a year or so to ease the learning curve. Nis job is, literally, like drinking from a fire hose.
Another issue is the lack of quality control in the FOT shop. Lots of corners got cut on our coach...to the point of being deplorable.
Larry
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: jcus on September 23, 2019, 12:08:41 am
No one mentioned that they have a new tech support guy - Ronnie Blackmon. He admitted, the other day, that he has mighty big shoes to fill. To bad FOT didn't double-box him with JT for a year or so to ease the learning curve. Nis job is, literally, like drinking from a fire hose.
Another issue is the lack of quality control in the FOT shop. Lots of corners got cut on our coach...to the point of being deplorable.
Larry
Larry, curious what problems did you have with your 1995 U295 at the shop?
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: U295 Owner on September 25, 2019, 11:35:09 pm
Jim, I hate to launch into this diatribe...but you asked. This was in regard to our new (to us) 2002 42' U320. We had FOT do a headlight conversion instead of XTREME (please don't make that mistake). FOT was unable to match the color shade on the conversion...and, yes, it has the original FOT paint colors. FOT left the passenger-side fog lamp just hanging there. When we insisted that they remedy it, they still left it adjusted so that the lens stares up and to the right. FOT pressurized our coach to find and fix leaks, and left us with a severe living room slide leak. We had new carpet installed, for which FOT had to remove seats and disconnect accelerator pedal. They forgot to reconnect accelerator which caused a check engine light. They fought and fought to force us to go to Cummins and have it checked. Eventually, they caved in and ran diagnostics, which found the unhooked accelerator pedal. We weren't around one evening when they pulled the coach out. A/C was running. FOT didn't level the coach when they parked it, which caused zone 2 A/C to dump a HUGE amount of water on the new carpet before we came back and found the situation. I leveled the coach and the downpour stopped. It took about 2 weeks of fans constantly running to dry it out. As far as my wife is concerned, they ruined her new carpet. FOT denied any responsibility to level a parked coach (the lot has considerable slope). There is more, but I'm getting tired of writing. Anyhow. quality is NOT job one at FOT.
Larry
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: jcus on September 25, 2019, 11:51:12 pm
Jim, I hate to launch into this diatribe...but you asked. This was in regard to our new (to us) 2002 42' U320. We had FOT do a headlight conversion instead of XTREME (please don't make that mistake). FOT was unable to match the color shade on the conversion...and, yes, it has the original FOT paint colors. FOT left the passenger-side fog lamp just hanging there. When we insisted that they remedy it, they still left it adjusted so that the lens stares up and to the right. FOT pressurized our coach to find and fix leaks, and left us with a severe living room slide leak. We had new carpet installed, for which FOT had to remove seats and disconnect accelerator pedal. They forgot to reconnect accelerator which caused a check engine light. They fought and fought to force us to go to Cummins and have it checked. Eventually, they caved in and ran diagnostics, which found the unhooked accelerator pedal. We weren't around one evening when they pulled the coach out. A/C was running. FOT didn't level the coach when they parked it, which caused zone 2 A/C to dump a HUGE amount of water on the new carpet before we came back and found the situation. I leveled the coach and the downpour stopped. It took about 2 weeks of fans constantly running to dry it out. As far as my wife is concerned, they ruined her new carpet. FOT denied any responsibility to level a parked coach (the lot has considerable slope). There is more, but I'm getting tired of writing. Anyhow. quality is NOT job one at FOT.
Larry
Quote
Bummer, thanks for info. For now think I will stick with MOT and Nac. Motorhome Service. Both have treated me well. Used to go to FOT for parts, but twice they said the part I needed was obsolete, and not obtainable, I then called MOT, and they had it in stock, go figure.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: John S on September 26, 2019, 12:50:08 pm
Since we no longer own a FT this is one of the reasons we dropped the Motorcade club. Sadly they are not building anything that we would want to buy. Smaller is not 37 foot
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: gracerace on September 27, 2019, 11:22:10 pm
There is a branch of the club in the pacific NW and other places accept the motorcade discount other then the factory too. A number of the old dealers and I also believe the CC agreement supports the discount in OR. Also RnR in Spokane is the old Factory dealership but do not know if they support the discount but they do understand our coaches.
* RnR is NOT the old factory store. A couple of people who worked at the old Liberty Lake store work there. It is nothing like Foretravel proper was. I was a service adviser at RnR for a couple of years.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: bigdog on September 28, 2019, 02:12:14 am
I have no issue with a $25 yearly charge for tech support. Imagine if your business was fixing a product and you spent all day on the phone helping people avoid using your shop services. I bought my coach used when it was 17 years old. FT hasn't likely made much money on my coach in a very long time. Every part that has been used to fix our coach in the last 4 years, Was not a FT specific part that had to be ordered from them. I have ordered one or two closet push/push latches from FT.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Michelle on September 28, 2019, 10:43:32 am
I have no issue with a $25 yearly charge for tech support. Imagine if your business was fixing a product and you spent all day on the phone helping people avoid using your shop services.
Conversely, imagine dropping tens of thousands of dollars in service and remodel over the years, plus being a proponent of the brand, then being told no tech support unless you coughed up an additional fee (no matter how small or under what guise (like "club" membership))
Leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 28, 2019, 11:09:02 am
I agree with both points of view. Frankly I think the club membership needs the tech support angle and the Parts/Service discount angle to keep the membership numbers up, considering the relatively low participation rate of the total membership in the Motorcade events (which is the other major benefit) Since I think both points of view (free tech support or chargeable tech support) have merit I think there could be policies easily implemented so that one could qualify for tech support in a number of ways, including as a loyalty benefit for annual spend in service, examples: First off - 4. Any coach 5 years old or less gets free support automatically regardless of where purchased
Join the club
Buy a used (over 5 year old) coach from FOT- 1 - 4 years free based some established criteria using cost of coach and age of coach
Annual Spend - Spend "X" dollars at Foretravel Parts/Service/Remodel - earn a free year membership in Motorcade club
Discretionary - Management should give significant latitude to the tech support gatekeepers to help out as needed to maintain the perception of a quality brand and amazing customer service.
I look at it this way - if FOT would ever cease operations, I would want another company to pick up parts and technical support for our coaches, and it would be unreasonable to expect that company to support a fleet of legacy coaches across the nation without recovering in some way the cost of providing that technical support. And having James T or someone else doing that full time is a costly expense to FOTm as it would be for any other successor company. As an example, look no further than Oregon Motorcoach in Salem OR. They purchased a significant portion of the Country Coach parts inventory when CC ceased operation and picked up some of the best technicians. (They are far better known for their country coach work than their FT work, which is acceptable but not on par with MOT.) Oregon Motorcoach has a policy of providing CC phone tech support to anyone who calls in, but almost exclusively on a chargeable basis at their normal shop rate. In this way those legacy orphan Country Coaches can enjoy near factory level support, albeit at a fee, A nice alternative to self help or the user forum when needed. So i feel that the idea of paying FOT some compensation (club membership, "earn in" based on service spend, benefit provided with purchase of coach, direct invoice etc.) to give technical support on a 10 - 30 year old is reasonable. As in so many of the things at FOT today, management does not seem to be in tune with the market or the Foretravel owners.
Title: Re: paying extra for tech support
Post by: bigdog on September 28, 2019, 11:48:38 am
Conversely, imagine dropping tens of thousands of dollars in service and remodel over the years, plus being a proponent of the brand, then being told no tech support unless you coughed up an additional fee (no matter how small or under what guise (like "club" membership))
Leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.
A valid point as well. As Tim F suggested, FoT could and should have loyal customers coded in their computer. Those folks get free tech support. Guys like me who have never used FoT services should pay a fee of some sort. To be honest, I have never had to call FoT tech support because I have Foreforum tech support.