We've had a great four days at the "Ladies Driving School" at Foretravel and Kristi is enthusiastic about driving. While here, we added the Air Force One braking system, fixed our entertainment system mess, upgraded to the five button thermostat, had our bulkheads done and replaced all of our airbags ($1750, including labor). We had all the work done at Old Town Motorcoach which I highly recommend. Not only were they able to take us right away, as opposed to scheduling us after Thanksgiving, but they saved us thousands (I had two other local estimates). There was no mark up on cost of parts (from what I could get on line), and the labor costs was $90/hr compared to $115. They didn't charge me for a couple minor issues, which I appreciated and they were generous with answers to many of my questions. Five stars!
So did they pull the basement Filon and confirmed no/minimal corrosion, or did this include repair of any lower structure issues as part of the bulkhead repair?
I firmly believe the day will come when Foretravel will regret they let Wayne go . What filled his position there is truly amazing ----but , it is their ball of wax .. Now the star shines at OTM which is good for us all . Brad Metzger
That's unbelievable Sven. The air bags alone should have been about $2400.00.............$720.00 for the bags and OTM's "Special" was
$200.00/bag for installation.
Good for you!
Good to hear,we are headed there nov 6 to have our air bags replaced, figured they had lasted 21 years so want to see if I can get 21 years out of new ones .
Trying sort thru the costs I wonder if this right?
The $1750 does not include the bulkhead, that was a separate $1500. Right?
Air bags at FOT when did ours couple years back were $160 each and $700 labor but actual bill then tax and such and if stubborn bag to cut out could add cost. Plus if you wanted the new fittings, added some. Think we paid about $2000
Air Force One I forget that price, have the Duo I think it is, is that around $500 installed in toad and coach?
(Wonder what M&G system would cost?)
If you are a member of Motorcade you cut the labor and materials by 10% unless that changed at FOT.
The bulkhead repair was $1500 and separate from the other work. Air Force One setup cost us $985 for parts and the balance (about 4-5 hours) was labor. FT wanted $300 more for the unit and more hours to install, bringing it up to around $2500. Similar result for MOT.
Airbags were quoted at $2700+ and $2800+ at the two other places. The special at OTM requires that the work be completed by March, according to Brittany, but she was unsure. Best to give them a call.
I feel a little awkward endorsing OTM right now, since I am enjoying the hospitality of FOT, by sitting in their lot. We did attend the driving school and I had a windshield and awing strap done there. We'll have to settle up with them on the $20/night when they get back to work on Monday. I think it is more important to share information with other owners when it could save them significantly.
Air Force One is listed on Amazon and Ebay in the range of $999.99 - $1800+, so I don't think OTM made much money on the $985 they charged me.
I don't think you should feel "awkward". You are Motorcade Club members in good standing. You both have just attended a (expensive) Club sponsored event, and dropped some bucks in the factory shop. I know that "technically" club members are limited to a certain number of "free" nights in the FOT camp ground (parking lot), but It has been
my experience that this rule is generally ignored. I'm guessing when you go into the office to settle up, they'll tell you to forget about it and "Have a nice day".
At least that's the way it would work if I was running that operation.
My awkwardness has to do with accepting hospitality, "earned" or not, and endorsing the competition.
On the other hand, it is hard for me to feel any loyalty to a company which charges a lot more money for their services, despite the overhead costs. As we used to say in "The Corps", loyalty is a two way street, and given a choice, I will lean toward fellow owners. I believe in competition and that business should go to the one that provides the best service and product. Fortravel has their service calendar filled through November, so I don't think they will suffer. Those that don't follow this forum will.
Quote from Chuck
["At least that's the way it would work if I was running that operation."
I nominate Chuck as new Chief Of Operations ! !
There may be some important differences in providers due to overhead
I hope all businesses of coach services provide their employees with insurance and such benefits if they are in it for the long term. Those that do I think will attract and keep employees.
Their costs though will be higher, ie overhead, and I fear good people these days lose their jobs over such overhead costs. Later customers complain when a provider disappears.
It is a conundrum though for the customer - how to support the business that provides such but you pay out more and maybe that is not feasible. I have no information on the benefits or not at these service companies but I am concerned for each employee.
In Nac one of the preferred places to work is the University due to state health benefits. The pay is less than at some places but if Insurance is not provided by the alternative paying a bit more, the University wins every time.
I know I am outside the conventional thinking here but I have lived and suffered thru such so am sympathetic to both views. I hope they all do well and that includes by their employees
Mike, unfortunately benefits are getting thin and it is rare to find any company that provides pensions, especially in the private sector. I've had friends who were "let go" shortly before they were to retire.
Any other ideas regarding benefits, would cross the line with regard to the rules of this forum, but you are right in that companies that provide benefits do add to their overhead and place them at a competitive disadvantage. I have no idea what benefits FOT may provide.
I think benefits can offer a competitive advantage as I think in many cases they can attract and keep the best qualified people.
In Nac one highly desired option is to have a spouse work for the state such as university and get generous health insurance for the family. The other spouse can then take a job that pays more but no benefits but their overall compensation is less than if they had benefits
I know all know that but it is a driver in Nac