Looking for pros,cons,stories,opinions,things to like and dislike about the motorcade expierence,thanks in advance.
This will be a live one. There are lots of threads that address this issue.
We joined and are Premier Members - for the extra $25.00. We feel it's part of the cost of owning a FT and like the idea that we can get answers from Mt T if required.
New owners, get the their first year's membership for free, plus the 10% discount on parts and labor at a number of different places. The company will also provide your numbers and install them on the coach.
Already am a member but looking for first hand info on the actual trips and excursions themselves.
We applied our first (freebie) year $100 discount coupon toward tuition for Ladies Driving School. Well worth the time and money.
Joining the Motocade Club is optional. You can choose to join and pay the dues and get the benefits or not.
You get access to all of the Club and Local Chapter sponsered events.
Motorcade events are groups of owners driving their coaches on a preplanned route, stopping at campgrounds where all the arrangements have been made in advance. Along the way there are tours, visits to historic places, places of interest and things like that. On some Motorcades there are optional side trips bu airplane, hellicopter or boats. Sometimes there are fishing trips. Each Motorcade is different. Motorcades last anywhere from a week to 7-8 weeks. There is a WagonMaster who is the leader of the band and a support crew as well who bring a trailer full of parts and on some a factory mechanic.
Each fall there is the GrandVention held in a different loaction each year. This is the annual gathering of the Club for a 4-5 day event. 2015s Grandvention was in Columbus, IN home to the Cummins World Headquarters. We got to visit the Technical Center and tour an engine factory. There were seminars, meals and entertainment everyday. Lots of fun, many new friends.
Local Chapter events are usually a week or so long, smaller groups, shorter trips, more informal. Sometimes they are in a single location. They are a great way to meet other Foretravelers near you.
With a Motorcade membership you get 10% off parts and labor at Foretravel on most work. There are other businesses in Nacogdoche that will give you a discount as well, you have to ask.
There is the Plus program that for an extra $25 gets you priority acces to technical support. It works pretty well. Without it you will still get technical support but the response time will not be as quick.
The most important part of the Motorcade Club to those who choose to join are the other people you get to meet. I know many who have been on several Motorcade trips and while where they go and what they see are really great it is the lasting friendships they make along the way that are most important to them. Travelling in a group gives many a sense of security and support. At the GrandVention last year, our first, we were made to feel very welcome and very included. It was quite apparent that the most important part of that event was seeing old friends and making new ones as we did.
Maybe that kind of travel is not what you want to do or you just don't know yet. The first year is free and there are discounts on events that you can use in the first two years. So it is a good time to try it out, meet some folks and learn. If you travel to Nacogdoches for service you will save enough to pay for your membership.
There are some on the Forum who will speak negatively about the Motorcade Club. They are free to not take advantage of these benefits. Decide for yourself. We are glad to be MC Club members for all of the benefits we have received and especially the friends we have made.
Send a PM to corndog254 (BJ Holden) BJ has been on many MC trips, to Alaska, the Maritimes, the Appalachian Trail and more and can give you lots of first hand stories.
Yes, and that discussion has caused problems for the forum.
Well said Roger and it was great to see you and Susan at the Granvention this year even if I did miss out on Susan's pie!
And you too, Tim. Just like the Forum, the MC Club is a great place for people to get together, help each other out, provide support in many ways and to make new and life long friends. Before the internet and the Forum the MC Club and a phone was how people got together to help each other out. Both provide a gathering place for folks with common interests to share our adventures and help each other. Best when it stays that way.
Maybe not this time. I hope.
First a disclaimer, I might be biased. I've been a Motorcade member for as long as I've owned a Foretravel. I keep renewing. I like the people I meet at Motorcade events. I'm the president of the California Chapter.
About the only negatives I see are that the club is not free, you need to own or have owned a Foretravel to join, and it's not for everyone.
The positives far outweigh any negatives.
We are members, but haven't had the opportunity to participate in any rallies. We do however support Foretravel and will continue to try and get to a function.
John 44,
We participate in the Motorcade Club at all levels. I'll answer question in relation to the Motorcade trips and events. The directors of these trips 'scout' the trips a year in advance. We personally have appreciated that someone has gone before us and found campgrounds that are safe for our coach as well as found points of interest that if on our own would not have found. A detailed trip notebook is provided to each coach participant that has the route to the next stop well documented (often scenic), but again it has been traveled by a Foretravel coach. The daily events planned are designated and if you are not interested in those activities then you are not required to go...so choice is still in the equation. Free days along the way are also planned, so as to give the participant a day off to do as they please. The notebook contains other places of interest in and around the stops that are not scheduled, but to give the participant ideas for exploration on their own,
The first Motorcade we participated in was considered an event...i.e., we met at a campground outside of
Washington DC and had ten days to enjoy the Cherry Blossoms and venues and events in the area. That exposure to the club sold us...that was 10 years ago. Many of our close friends now are people that we met at that event. As many have said before, Foretravel people are great.
John 44, I encourage you all to join in during this first year of your membership and try out a chapter rally, an event, or motorcade and get a taste of club membership. We of course have friends here at home, but now have friends from coast to coast because we have participated and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Foretravel Motorcade Club.
I know I have only done the Buddy rally and GrandVention as well has chapter Rallies. The local chapters are great sources for information on your coach. We weighed all out coaches at one rally on all four corners and weighed out tow cars as well. We have a tech talk and cover the common things you need to know about your coach.
The trips are not a possibility for me as I still work and they are too long but they look to be great fun.
The ten percent discount and the premium membership are worth the cost alone and if you get to meet people and become friends, then all the better.
The first years' membership is actually just the remainder of that year, as all memberships renew on the first of the year. I suppose that someone who buys a Foretravel late in the year might choose to join in January, and thus get a full year's membership. We bought in March and joined right away. Close enough for us.
When we bought our coach, Nac was a long way away, and in the wrong direction, so it wasn't until this year that we got there for work. Our bill was over five coach bucks, after the MC discount, so our membership has been paid for for several years with just that one visit.
We've not been able to attend any of the trips or meetings, but some day schedules will match.
Bottom line: membership is well worth it.
I plan on renewing to support Foretravel. Tennessee RV offers the Motorcade discount for parts and service so financially it is good for us. They are less than 3 hours from home.
When we travel in the coach we prefer a less structured approach. I totally understand the need to plan an itinerary and schedule everything in advance with a large group, but that just isn't us.
We LOVE the Un-Rallys and have made some amazing friends. Foretravel folks are the best.
Having read the reports, I can understand why you love them! To me, the informal, come-as-you-are, potluck-style gatherings are the best kind. Love that Foreforums has helped so many make such great friendships :D
...well I like it all....local chapter rallies, Grandvention, + our amazing unscheduled unstructured 'un-rallies'....also looking forward to doing some Motorcades, signed up for one but had to "be a mom" to my 92 year old kiddo.... O:) ...was too long to stay away from her....now I have good help so staying away longer is an option but the coach is also getting all prettied up right now ($$$) so the Motorcades will have to wait just a little bit longer....sigh....
Yes, Roger, BJ Holden gave a wonderful off-the-cuff talk at Grandvention on the Motorcade experience & how much fun they are, + the camaraderie is second to none.....she's a real sharp cookie & a natural speaker, if you ever get the chance to meet her. I love having Bobbie & Jack Bradshaw along, they are just great people + if you have any issues at all, it's very comforting they are there in time of need, as they were for me at Grandvention!
Remember, even as it's these beautiful coaches that bring us together, once we're all rounded up, the people you meet really are "first class" & it's always a first class experience to travel & share adventures with your FT friends. Ain't nuthin' better....
Yes Michelle, the first un-rally was impromptu, in honor of Jeff & Sandy, a welcome celebration to the FT world...every one of us a forum member, started a great tradition...this year's 2nd un-rally was also casual, named "The Big Chill" as we'd all been fighting the world's battles & needed to chill out...next year's is already in the works for Charleston, hosts are Hans & Marjet....it really is a nice cozy way to get to know some great people better in relaxing settings....not sure but we may have to call this one Doggie Heaven....
Wait a minute, Ms. Dani! Can't you swing one of these gatherings into Nacogdoches for the 50th FT Parade and FoFum First Reunion? You promised. Cmon. Floor it!
We have had several Forum Folk stop by our place in the woods near Hastings, MN. Every time is special and always fun. Let us know if your in the neighborhood. Water, 50 amps and nearby dump station. Our own little un-rally. Dani, BJ stopped by a couple years ago on her way home from the Alaska Motorcade. She wanted to try out a canoe up in the BWCAW.
As ex Foretravel club manager, I have a great respect for what the club does. Many fond memories, and friends made. It is not for everyone, but great for some!
Gadget will be there!
Trent
Actually we bought our coach in Nov, got the remainder of the year plus the next on our membership! Haven't made a motorcade....yet. Still in the future.
That was our experience as well but we bought at the end of September. Seemed like a very fair deal to us.
The Motorcade sounds like a wonderful method of traveling safely in a group with others who share common interests. My only question has to do with the numbers that are affixed to the top/front of the coach. My questions is: Is this a requirement or is it optional?
The reason I ask is that if I purchase a new or pre-owned Foretravel, I'm going to be a bit apprehensive to affix decals to the exterior of a new (or new to me) coach. I'll ask if it's possible to place a placard that displays the membership number on the dash when participating in Motorcade events?
When we were MC club members, we felt the same way about the numbers and did not install them. We taped them to the inside of the windshield in order to attend a Grandvention (you are required to display them for any MC event, there are even rules about placement, IIRC). When questioned we just said we hadn't had time to put them on the coach. Otherwise they lived in a cabinet.
I think it is a requirement. If you are in a motorcade they need to be able to identify you. They are not hard to remove with a low setting on a heat gun.
I believe the minimum number of coaches in a Motorcade trip is 14. Many will have more and the trip managers need to keep track of every one. They want you to have a CB radio too. Now that everyone has a cell phone maybe not but half way to Alaska that may be the only way to call. They don't always travel in a convoy either. Usually when they are going from point a to point b departure is no later than some rime and arrival is no later than some time. So you travel at whatever pace is comfortable for you.
I think it's a requirement.
As were name badges to be worn at rallies.
I supported the so cal and north cal local chapters while I sales managed the ca store in the late 80's.
Everyone enjoyed the gatherings.
Had 115 coaches dry camped at the LA Rv show at dodger stadium in November 1988. Giant barbecue in the parking lot.
Made it into a buddy rally as it was not a motorcade or chapter rally but a sales rally.
What fun. Miss those old days a lot
Yes the numbers, properly affixed, along with the name badges are a "requirement". Unless you are with a group traveling for many days, a Motorcade, I don't think anyone will push for adherence to the rules.
When I bought my then five year old coach, the numbers had already been removed. Although they were originally affixed at the factory when brand new, they left no lasting sign of ever having been there. I went about four years without asking for my own set of numbers and having them applied according to the directions.
I do not believe that the MC decals placed on the nose and tail of the coach are mandatory. I like to see them as it helps identify fellow MC members - many of which are also members here. I also use them as a visual identifier for visitors. I tell them look for # 17212 - our MC #. ;D
According to the rules book "In order to participate in Motorcade Club activities, Club Numbers and emblems (logo) must be applied in their Proper location on the front and rear of your motorhome. See article VII-Sec 1.
JohnH
While I understand the need to keep "gate crashers" I believe that many times the rule can be rediculous. We were new to MC and new to FT, had put the numbers up where they were supposed to be but had trouble getting the MC name thinging up. Got to our first rally and the two guys at the gate didn't want to let us in since we didn't have the name thing displayed. They knew who I was and could cross-check my displayed number, name, and registration on their clip boards but they tried to hold firm of not letting me in. Wonderfully friendly group who need/want more members but some are a bit too big for their britches. ::)
For the few years I ran without numbers, I was only told a couple of times they were required. They let it slide. But these were chapter rallies, not Motorcades with many coaches from all over and for weeks at a time.
We all frequently look up numbers when we see an an unfamiliar coach. It is helpful to know who these people are when we introduce ourselves as members, not as strangers.
We are not members, yet, but seems like a great group! I'm still fried from when we unknowingly pulled into a Airstream convention; everyone was wearing the Wally Byam berets at the entry, all waved, until someone noticed WE HAD NO NUMBERS! Hands went down, eyes were averted, and I could feel the "vibe". We bailed, too "cluby" for us! :o
This is coming from the point of view of an outsider and no disrespect is intended.
I can understand the need to know that specific coaches are a part of a rally, event or a long group trip. However, not having an alternative method to somewhat permanent decals does seem to have its share of drawbacks. It seems like having some identifying factor that's easily removable when not needed, while being fully visible in the windshield during events would suffice for this purpose.
I'm sure some seasoned motorhome travelers can answer this: How do other organizations differentiate participating coaches to those who are just tagging along? Is this type of designation specific to the Motorcade Club or is it a standard for other groups as well?
This brings up another question: What do the numbers designate?
Yes, I'm still learning!
I took a Fantasy RV tour and they had stuff they wanted me to put on the front and back of the coach but I taped it in the front window as we were not moving during the Balloonfest. At the GV they have a listing of numbers when you come in for parking and have laid out where to park and the parkers only have a number. It is how the mobile techs find you as well. In some years there are a number of coaches that look alike so the number helps me find a friend. It seems some have opinions on them and others do not really care. I would say putting them in the windshield for an event should be enough but the club wants them on the front and back cap. I can see on a motorcade to know who is coming in and who is parking with the group.
This number thing is not unique to Mororcade. It might have started with airstream, and other clubs do the same. It solves a lot of issues with nearly identical units.
I for one don't mind having the numbers there. For One thing, another MC member can greet me by name when he rings my doorbell. We all have the directory.
Gee Andy, I hope putting a MC ID on your coach doesn't dissuade you from joining for a year to try it out. Unless you put your Gadget Guru likeness on the front of your Foretravel (when you finally buy one) how else are we going to know that it is you! 😀
There must be some display gadget for this.
+2. Numbers are free from the club they go way up high where you have to look forward to seeing him and frankly that real estate is not that important from an aesthetic standpoint, and the only people that can identify me via the number other motorcade club members that have the directory For me the numbers ate a non issue and I do have them on my coach.
As for what they designate it is a sequential number based on when you join.
So if you maintain your membership and change coaches your number stays the same and moves with you Not only do they produce the numbers for free, but in the past if you were in Nacogdoches they would also put them on your coach. They are also capable of color coordinating different colors based on your coach color scheme
I was thinking something on the level of an LED display that can be turned on or off for a rally or meet up. But, I have to say, I like your idea better!
*SNORK* I just pictured a city bus with the revolving "destination" lettering :-X
(now who's going to clean the wine off my laptop?)
Ya, the city bus image was what I was going for. 🚍
I love having Motorcade numbers on my coach! We have been to very few Grandventions, only a few Chapter events, and never on a Motorcade trip (although we have signed up for several and then life intervened). But, as John said, it helps tech or others identify your coach in a large parking site at an event ... we can look up the identity of a coach we see parked somewhere or heading down the road, and then contact them later ... usually through this Forum!! I have Foretravel Motorcade numbers on my coach, FMCA numbers on a plaque, an Escapee number ... I am proud to be members of these groups! I will admit that I have been to a Grandvention where I was totally on the fringes of some of the long-standing and cherished procedures. Lots of "Kumbayah" and some holding of hands and singing the goodbye song in a circle... and it can feel a bit "clubby". But I was never made to feel like an outsider because I chose not to participate in certain activities. 99% of the folks were warm and friendly and inviting and open. The few who might be otherwise are easily identified and avoided. I am totally good with having numbers on my coach!!
Only problem I have with the numbers is they don't stick very well. When we got our coach, the old numbers on it were a large, blocky style with lots of surface area. They were stuck on GOOD! The new style numbers sent to me by the Club are all frilly and delicate looking, with thin little sections of vinyl. I did my best to apply them to a clean surface, but after three years they are already peeling off in several places. I wish the Club would go back to a more "manly" design. End of rant.
We are going on our first motorcade trip this August ! Looking forward to it . We have been to our local chapter rallies and to some Grandventions . We have enjoyed all that we have been too! We have also been to another chapter's rally and was very welcomed and loved it too. We just happen to be in their area when they were having a rally. Enjoyed meeting everyone ^.^d and the activities. And of course, we were well feed!
Ellen - upon your return Mary and I, along with others I'm sure, would be interested in your experience as a 1st timer. Please share.
Sure ! But we are going to Colorado and it is beautiful during Aug. and Sept. I know we have two train rides and two rafting trips .
Discounts, adventures, rallies, a "hot line" (for a little more cash), --- what's the downside? Compared to the cost of operating a DP coach, the price is trivial. Try it out.
The vinyl graphics that stick to your coach will not harm the finish. (That's my experience with a "Level 1" paint job.)
We've been to several rallies, and we toured Alaska on a Motorcade experience. The events have generally exceeded our expectations.
We consider our participation in Motorcade and Foreforums valuable enhancements to our RV and "travel adventure" experience.
As far as Audrey and I are concerned the Motorcade Club including Motorcades, Rallies, and the Grandvention, and this forum, ARE the primary reason to own a Foretravel for all the great reasons noted above. The common thread being the Motorcade people. Absolutely the greatest. The quality of the Foretravel is just a big bonus.
Great thread. ;D
Well a down side to me would be that anyone with a directory has all your info and then posts it in a public forum like this forum member. If I want someone to know my full name address and phone number I will be giving it to them personally.JMHO
...
For us, that's a minor inconvenience at worst. It seems as if half the world already has our mailing address, and the robo-calls keep coming despite our being on the national "do not call list" from the beginning. I'm not concerned about that information appearing here one additional time.
Foreforums is not public. One needs to be a member and signed in to see more than the first line or so of a post.
When we were MC club members, we opted to use our mail service address and not include our e-mail in the listing. I know we didn't share the latter (and were spared when the club list was used to spam for the Country Coach travel group and later the gentleman with the mold lawsuit).
That said, I would
strongly recommend that if someone is asking for contact info/MC number ID, etc., and you have that info, be considerate and respectful of the "searchee" and PM the info to the person requesting it rather than posting it on the forum. You can post to let the forum know that you've done so, just don't post the info for those who don't have a direct "need to know".
My sincere apologies for the post, I understand and will respect this foreforum, It is much too important to harm anyone. George
The problem is, you might not know that someone is trying to find you so you can give them your information. That was the case in the coach I bought. It had been sold and the buying couple only had one person with knowledge of the coach. That person passed away and when I bought it from the widow she was not familiar with any of features or records.
Someone on the forum, from the Motorcade numbers I posted, let me know who had previously owned it. It turned out to be owned by Ron Hawkins the owner of a RV service center and when I contacted him he was very glad to give me all the information he had on the coach. Without that information it would have made it much more difficult to understand updates and change outs that had occurred.
Having just Motorcade members having access to my information will not bother me as I would (pay it forward) as the saying goes and help someone who had a similar issue.
[repaired quote - Michelle]
Did I miss something,Georges only post is #20,why apologise for that?
FYI--when I asked to have FOT install my numbers about 3 years ago, I was charged for the service. Not free as I was expecting from some of the posts here.
Rich
They did mine for free but charged me for the other 2 coach bucks worth of stuff they did.
They installed our numbers for free about 3 years ago. We also left a few scheckles there.