Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________? (Read 599 times) previous topic - next topic

Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Hoping this question is not politically incorrect or one that starts a firestorm.  Feel free to PM, if that's the best way.

We will be in Texas for the first time, with a week to spend in Nacogdoches.  We would like to have an overall review/assessment done on our coach.  That will assure us we haven't missed something during our first year of full-timing.  Setting up an appointment will also allow (we hope) getting some routine things done. 

Should we go to FOT, MOT, or somewhere else?  The routine stuff is chassis/diesel.  We'll have put about 10,000 miles on the coach by the time we arrive.  The one non-routine task, if possible, will be replacing a cracked driver's side windshield — which was JUST replaced in February, but cracked while parked at the Perry, GA, FMCA event last week.

Thanks for any guidance or suggestions.  We also know we want to go back to Xtreme for headlight conversion and paint, but that won't be this year.
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #1 –
We had engines, chassis, and transmission service done at FOT this past week. Can't say that it was done any better or worse than anywhere else. One person mentioned to us to make sure that they used the proper oil. I asked, and they did. Several people mentioned that they have the service work done at Bernd Ramspeck's place. We were originally going to do so, too, but it took four days to get the cabinet work done, so we elected to have FOT do the service work, too, as it could be done while the other work was being done.

One advantage of using FOT is that all of the parts are there, so when the tech needs a framistat all he has to do is go over to the parts window and get it. I don't know if they stock all of the various windshields or not, but several were replaced while we were there.

Don't forget your Motorcade discount. Others can say whether other shops honor it, too, but FOT always asks about it.

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: LookingWest –
We will be in Texas for the first time, with a week to spend in Nacogdoches.  We would like to have an overall review/assessment done on our coach.  That will assure us we haven't missed something during our first year of full-timing. 

If he's available, hire Brett Wolfe to do an inspection a little ahead of time.  Make time to be with him and ask questions.  Then use that information to schedule appointments at your service location (or locations) of choice or do what you can yourself. 

If you need engine work beyond simple fluid/filter/belt changes, you'll want a diesel mechanic as the other locations don't do that sort of work.  We used Bernd's shop and were pleased.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #3 –
Judging from all the comments I've seen, you can't go wrong going to "Mecca" with your FT.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #4 –
Have FOT check the front cap before replacing the windshield. Sounds like the glue joints above and/or below the glass may be loose.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #5 –
Agree with Bobs comment on cap.  We had our windshield replaced last week at FOT.  They found separation of fiberglass at the windshield.  Simple repair but takes a day with clamps in place for most of it. 

Chassis check,  I have been very, very happy with Bernd.  I brought our new to us 97 270 to him in and asked him to go through it and make recommendations.  Ours had set for three years.  The only thing we have had to do on our 4,000 mile shakedown that was not on his list was the steering box but there were no leaks or indicators at the time.  Runs beautifully now.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P
 

Re: Need Assessment of Our Coach: FOT, MOT, or ________?

Reply #6 –
Thanks, to all!  I'll be on the phone tomorrow, seeing if our schedule matches the schedules of our friends in TX.  Always grateful for this Forum — thank you.


Richard & Susan
The selected media item is not currently available.Richard & Susan Peck
____________________
1999 40' U320 "Bob Patrick"
(2000 4010 U320 WTFE Floor Plan, Single Slide)
Build #5567  |  MC #17522