Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Z06Norway on September 04, 2024, 03:45:31 pm
Title: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Z06Norway on September 04, 2024, 03:45:31 pm
After a year+ lurking around, reading , seeing 100s of RV reviews , Andrew steele, AZ expert, and many more we are now ready to pull the trigger and I ended on Foretravel U320 38 foot form 2003-2005 I am negotiating with a salesperson at MOT, and wanted coach inspected and by many recomandations I asked if Keith Risch could do it, and was told he is not allowed there ? anyone know why ? more importantly salesperson mentioned a Bob Holcomb could do it ?
Any input advice ?
tia
Rune
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: John44 on September 04, 2024, 04:11:22 pm
Don't know why and don't know Keith but it sounds kind of ridiculus to me,tell them,no Keith no deal,a few like that and they will be calling him.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Joe Phebus on September 04, 2024, 04:13:43 pm
Keith is the best. Honest, thorough, incredible helpful and probably one of the most knowledgeable guys in the business. He did my inspection and my service work at MOT and now that he has his own when he started his own business, I've followed him there.
I don't know MOT's reasons, other than he is now a competitor in the service arena, but sales and service are separate entities. Would be a dealbreaker for me.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Tim Fiedler on September 04, 2024, 04:35:19 pm
Keith Risch has his own shop now (ex employee) and is a direct competitor to MOT
Tim Fiedler
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Michelle on September 04, 2024, 06:25:51 pm
Please keep the discussion to the issue of getting an independent coach inspection on a unit at MOT. An off-topic post was removed.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Elliott on September 04, 2024, 06:42:35 pm
You are targeting the most advanced (complex) years of the unicoach. Lot's of big ticket items that MOT will be happy to fix for you while having a proven track record of "shining up" the coach while it's on the lot . I would not buy it without an inspection you are 100% comfortable with. There is no debate about who is the best inspector out there and I'd hold out for his help if this is your first unicoach.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Caflashbob on September 04, 2024, 08:13:39 pm
Bob Holcomb is very experienced. He showed me Foretravels CAD machine at the unihome introduction in Nac in Oct 87.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Michelle on September 04, 2024, 08:18:19 pm
more importantly salesperson mentioned a Bob Holcomb could do it ?
Is this inspector affiliated with MOT?
One of the rules in real estate is never use the salesperson's recommended home inspector. Potential conflict of interest.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Barry & Cindy on September 05, 2024, 12:17:03 am
Michelle took the words out of my mouth. . .
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: John44 on September 05, 2024, 09:03:36 am
We will never know for sure unless someone from MOT tells us why Keith is not allowed,from what I know MOT does not do a comprehensive inspection on their coaches for sale,that being said MOT is in business to sell coaches and if I were them I would'nt care who inspected the coach,it's a moot point we could speculate on till doomsday.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: 06ts on September 05, 2024, 11:40:00 am
We all know who the best inspector is for a Foretravel coach. Glad Keith was able to inspect mine.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: stevej on September 05, 2024, 12:29:28 pm
Your question should be - can I have the coach inspected off site? If so, there's no longer a barrier. If not, you have a decision to make.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Z06Norway on September 05, 2024, 04:14:45 pm
Update: Bob is doing inspection on Monday or Tuesday, deal is signed, deposit paid fingers crossed
Also spoke to Keith or txt more correctly, and will visit him on pickup day . Not everyone travel 6000 miles to pick up an old lady :-)
sept 22nd or 23rd is my best guess for me flying in and take over my first ever US Coach, :-).
I owned a Volvo B10M, mid engine layout, handled great stainless steel body and panels... no rust ever ! It was built with a lift in the rear so I could fit my race car and tools back and we lived up front.. approx 42 feet
ah me rambling,... thanks all for input , look forward to this adventure
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: propman on September 05, 2024, 05:18:51 pm
38' tandem axle with two slide outs .... you had me at 38" :-) Unless something crazy out of the ordinary it is probbaly in very good shape for what they are letting it go for. I'd prefer Keith over anyone but I am sure you will be ok on a long run. Good Luck & Enjoy.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Dmueller on September 05, 2024, 05:22:03 pm
The B10M looks like a nifty machine, very interesting! Best of luck with your new Foretravel.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Carol Savournin on September 06, 2024, 09:04:32 am
In my personal experience with MOT ... and our experience took place in 2011 ... if this is a coach THEY own, they will have done a bit more to "comprehensively inspect " a rig that they are advertising for sale. If it is a consignment coach, they will spiff up the interior, perhaps fluff a pillow, and then tell you "This baby is ready to go!"
An independent inspection is a real necessity, whether you have a done deal already, or not. If you have already signed on the dotted line, you will have a plan going forward on how to manage your coach bucks for the maintenance coming up.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Hmoran on September 07, 2024, 06:13:43 pm
We are new owners of a 2005 U320 (June 2024) We have owned multiple coaches over the last 24 years and were fortunate enough to get Keith Risch to fly to Deerfield Beach Fl. to do the inspection, worked out very well he did a great job!!
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: jammoto on October 21, 2024, 09:40:55 pm
How did it go with Keith? Was he able to inspect the before or after you purchased?
I am also in a similar position, planning to fly to Nac to purchase a u320 soon and am looking for an unbiased inspection by a 3rd party.
Update: Bob is doing inspection on Monday or Tuesday, deal is signed, deposit paid fingers crossed
Also spoke to Keith or txt more correctly, and will visit him on pickup day . Not everyone travel 6000 miles to pick up an old lady :-)
sept 22nd or 23rd is my best guess for me flying in and take over my first ever US Coach, :-).
I owned a Volvo B10M, mid engine layout, handled great stainless steel body and panels... no rust ever ! It was built with a lift in the rear so I could fit my race car and tools back and we lived up front.. approx 42 feet
ah me rambling,... thanks all for input , look forward to this adventure
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: jammoto on November 06, 2024, 11:23:11 pm
MOT did not allow Keith or Bob to do the inspection. So I just purchased the coach and took it straight to Keith afterwards. Fingers crossed
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Elliott on November 08, 2024, 10:38:01 am
MOT did not allow Keith or Bob to do the inspection. So I just purchased the coach and took it straight to Keith afterwards. Fingers crossed
Wow Bob now too? At least when it was just Keith they could hind behind the guise of some sort of bad relationship with an ex-employee. Now it just looks like they don't want competent inspections being done. Super shady.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: M Cordray on November 08, 2024, 12:59:27 pm
I don't usually post here, but I see there's been a lot of questions and comments about our inspection policy, and I wanted to give an official response.
We welcome third-party inspectors to come to our lot and perform inspections, but we do have a few requirements. Specifically, we ask that the inspector is both insured and certified by a reputable organization, such as NRVIA. We've had instances where inspectors without proper experience or qualifications showed up, and our staff ended up having to explain things like inverters or slide-out systems. This can be time-consuming and, frankly, counterproductive for everyone involved.
Our policy is designed to protect not just the buyer and the seller, but also the integrity of the motorhomes we sell here at Motorhomes of Texas. Whether it's a home, car, or RV, it's always in everyone's best interest to ensure that anyone working on or inspecting the vehicle has proper insurance and expertise.
I also want to share a bit of advice: before committing to an inspection, consider taking the time to visit the coach in person. Many times, we've seen inspections come back with positive results, but when buyers see the coach up close, something about the layout or features just doesn't feel right. In these cases, the only one who benefits is the inspector.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, feel free to reach out to me directly via email.
Thanks
Mel Cordray Sales Director, Motorhomes of Texas melc@motorhomesoftexas.com
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Elliott on November 08, 2024, 01:18:38 pm
We welcome third-party inspectors to come to our lot and perform inspections, but we do have a few requirements. Specifically, we ask that the inspector is both insured and certified by a reputable organization, such as NRVIA. W
Mel I think we all know that an NRVIA certification doesn't go very far in the world of Foretravels, particularly the Unicoaches. They're very unique coaches with a specific set of things to worry about. That's the reason everyone wants Keith to do their inspections.
And as for the insurance, correct me if I'm wrong here, but while the consignment coaches are on your lot, they are typically not covered by the owners insurance policy or your own? If true, seems like an odd place to all of a sudden start worrying about it.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Michelle on November 08, 2024, 02:08:08 pm
And as for the insurance, correct me if I'm wrong here, but while the consignment coaches are on your lot, they are typically not covered by the owners insurance policy or your own?
I would expect Mel is referring to liability insurance carried by the inspector. Should an inspector that is not an MOT employee damage a coach (or MOT property), it would be his/her business liability insurance that covers the damage/repair, not MOT's or the coach owner's policy.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Elliott on November 08, 2024, 02:15:53 pm
I would expect Mel is referring to liability insurance carried by the inspector. Should an inspector that is not an MOT employee damage a coach (or MOT property), it would be his/her business liability insurance that covers the damage/repair, not MOT's or the coach owner's policy.
Sure, I understand that and it's totally reasonable. But my understanding is that when you put your coach on consignment at MOT, your insurance typically quits covering it at all and MOT doesn't provide any coverage either. I haven't consigned a coach with them, so that's why I'm asking for confirmation. But if true, whether or not an inspector is insured is a far smaller concern than the random people test driving your coach. It just seems like a convenient rule to have when the last thing you want is good inspectors wiping the lipstick off the pig on your lot.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: John44 on November 08, 2024, 04:56:50 pm
Mel,your post did nothing to address the banning of Keith,part of the post is you moaning that a motorhome salesman had to explain a slide.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: M Cordray on November 08, 2024, 05:45:41 pm
All I was doing was explaining our policy for inspections. I didn't make the post to stir the pot. I thought it would be best to get the correct information out to people. Every company has policies and procedures and this is ours in respect to inspections. The Keith thing is set in stone. He is an previous employee and the decision was made years ago in regards to him doing inspections. The insurance thing is easy. Who should be responsible if something is damaged or someone falls off the roof during an inspection?
MOT, and myself have sold many members of this forum over the years and we enjoy filling a special niche in the market by stocking older Foretravels. I am sure at some point that business model won't work any more as they get older which will be too bad because they are great motorhomes.
Feel free to email me are call me at the dealership anytime
Thanks Mel
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Michelle on November 08, 2024, 06:00:16 pm
I thought it would be best to get the correct information out to people. Every company has policies and procedures and this is ours in respect to inspections.
Mel,
Thank you for posting and clarifying. It's much better for the forum to hear from MOT directly than for there to be speculation and hearsay. The latter only lead to misunderstanding and misinformation.
Michelle
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: jammoto on December 03, 2024, 01:13:00 am
dm sent
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Dennis H on December 03, 2024, 06:57:57 am
I am looking for an inspector for a U320 at MOT, who did you end up using, IM me with details pls. Also curious how it went.
Which one are you looking at? Maybe I can offer some insight. Ask them to take a lot of detailed pictures. Videos showing things in operations such as watching the slides open and close. Leleving system. Start-Run engine and generator. Close up roof, under carriage, basement, Battery and equipment compartments. A lot can be determined before the trip.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: JDandDD on January 22, 2025, 07:48:55 pm
I don't usually post here, but I see there's been a lot of questions and comments about our inspection policy, and I wanted to give an official response.
We welcome third-party inspectors to come to our lot and perform inspections, but we do have a few requirements. Specifically, we ask that the inspector is both insured and certified by a reputable organization, such as NRVIA. We've had instances where inspectors without proper experience or qualifications showed up, and our staff ended up having to explain things like inverters or slide-out systems. This can be time-consuming and, frankly, counterproductive for everyone involved.
Our policy is designed to protect not just the buyer and the seller, but also the integrity of the motorhomes we sell here at Motorhomes of Texas. Whether it's a home, car, or RV, it's always in everyone's best interest to ensure that anyone working on or inspecting the vehicle has proper insurance and expertise.
I also want to share a bit of advice: before committing to an inspection, consider taking the time to visit the coach in person. Many times, we've seen inspections come back with positive results, but when buyers see the coach up close, something about the layout or features just doesn't feel right. In these cases, the only one who benefits is the inspector.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, feel free to reach out to me directly via email.
Thanks
Mel Cordray Sales Director, Motorhomes of Texas melc@motorhomesoftexas.com
Yeah, yeah yeah. This sounds like a BS excuse. You know those two guys are the most experience experienced on earth. You know it yourself. Now you're sitting here, bowing out BS of why you won't allow them on your yard. John D
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: JDandDD on January 22, 2025, 07:51:59 pm
Mel I think we all know that an NRVIA certification doesn't go very far in the world of Foretravels, particularly the Unicoaches. They're very unique coaches with a specific set of things to worry about. That's the reason everyone wants Keith to do their inspections.
And as for the insurance, correct me if I'm wrong here, but while the consignment coaches are on your lot, they are typically not covered by the owners insurance policy or your own? If true, seems like an odd place to all of a sudden start worrying about it.
Very well said, sir. It's all about the money, baby.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: JDandDD on January 22, 2025, 07:57:33 pm
All I was doing was explaining our policy for inspections. I didn't make the post to stir the pot. I thought it would be best to get the correct information out to people. Every company has policies and procedures and this is ours in respect to inspections. The Keith thing is set in stone. He is an previous employee and the decision was made years ago in regards to him doing inspections. The insurance thing is easy. Who should be responsible if something is damaged or someone falls off the roof during an inspection?
MOT, and myself have sold many members of this forum over the years and we enjoy filling a special niche in the market by stocking older Foretravels. I am sure at some point that business model won't work any more as they get older which will be too bad because they are great motorhomes.
Feel free to email me are call me at the dealership anytime
Thanks Mel
I think you were also doing a disservice to your customers by not allowing those two guys in there. It is such a complex Coach most text. Do not know what they're looking at in that type of build. Most inspectors have never been in Foretravel before in their life. Just my two cents, sir. You gotta give the customers what they want, especially when it's the best.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: John44 on January 23, 2025, 04:27:04 am
Read thru all the posts again,the forum consensus is that Keith is the most well known inspector and for some reason the dealer with the most Foretravels does not want him inspecting coaches they have for sale,the only reason given is he was a employee at one time,repeating over and over again that that is their policy is not the best explanation.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on January 23, 2025, 07:37:06 am
MOT made a business decision, as is their prerogative. You may not like what Mel said he said but he showed up and posted here so props to him.
Keith is awesome.
Decide with your wallet.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: JDandDD on January 23, 2025, 09:07:01 pm
MOT made a business decision, as is their prerogative. You may not like what Mel said he said but he showed up and posted here so props to him.
Keith is awesome.
Decide with your wallet.
Agreed
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: juicesqueezer on January 25, 2025, 04:18:21 pm
Keith is da man and I believe my coach was one of the last ones he did as an employee of MOT. Too bad it turned out like it did! If I purchased another Foretravel, Keith would be the man doing the inspection and this would be my third if I did! Sadly miss this life style and the many friends I have made on this forum over the years!
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: propman on February 28, 2025, 07:55:55 pm
I suggest we shut down this discussion. For the most part, we are not doing Keith any favors. Thank God, and I believe he has enough business to put food on the table. As for MOT, they are not the only show in town, albeit they do a fairly good job of contributing to keeping a good product in the marketplace. We all know enough about both sides of the story, and it is not our place to pass any kind of judgment one way or another. At the end of the day, it's a free country, and a private business can operate how they want and be judged by their customers. And no matter what, a dealer is a dealer—I don't care how good they are. Shop at your own risk.
Title: Re: An inspector mentioned here is banned from MOT ?
Post by: Michelle on February 28, 2025, 07:58:16 pm
Good point - the question has been answered. Topic is locked. I'll spend some time later splitting out the discussion of other inspector options to its own topic.