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Topic: Praise for MOT (Read 1391 times) previous topic - next topic

Praise for MOT

I got to say, thanks James and Keith for answering my call for help so quickly, and also walking me through the troubleshooting process.  You know, I bought a used coach for 40k 5 years ago from MOT, and these guys still willingly help out with after hours problems.  MOT sure has treated me good over the years.  Not many companies around like that anymore.
Mike Brady
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #1 –
The forum helps after hours too.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #2 –
And I understand FOT used to be like that, also.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #3 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
And I understand FOT used to be like that, also.

Are you seriously suggesting that a business has an obligation to support, in the form of free advice, nighttime calls, a coach they built in 1989? Twenty eight years ago? That has most likely been bought and resold numerous times?  Now eligible for antique license plates in Tx.?  How does this pay the bills, support their employees, make a profit?  Does this mean you won't be buying a new Foretravel?

Yes, they mark their parts up,no, even at that it's most likely a break even service to even stock and sell parts.  Do you buy from them?  Might bear in mind that without Foretravel there would be no MOT or any of the others as well for that matter.  I know  I'm in the minority here but these expectations seem unrealistic. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #4 –
Times change, Chuck. Back quite a few years FOT courted folks that either had a Foretravel coach or were contemplating purchasing one. So it was in FOT's best interest to "play nice" with these potential customers. I believe it was called CUSTOMER RELATIONS.
The cost of this service was--at the time-- undoubtedly figured in as one of the costs of doing business. (overhead)
I know that the friendly help given by so many of the folks at FOT has been commented on by the posters here and it was what helped make Foretravel so great. We now have that same camaraderie displayed here on the Foreforum every single day, and this is what keeps so many folks looking to buy Foretravel coaches.

Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #5 –
Trying not to stray off topic but a good portion of the questions asked can be answered by the asker by just doing 5 minutes of
research here or on a search engine.Most of the common problems have pages of answers.We just had the suggestion about
posting in the correct catagory well here is another suggestion and this would save alot of space,for any question or reply that
is just for one member USE THE PERSONAL MESSAGING,I for one have had to ask many times what the person is even
asking or replying to and that takes another entry.Just my humble suggestion.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #6 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Times change, Chuck. Back quite a few years FOT courted folks that either had a Foretravel coach or were contemplating purchasing one. So it was in FOT's best interest to "play nice" with these potential customers. I believe it was called CUSTOMER RELATIONS.

Yes, times do change and attitudes  as well. I expect Foretravel responded to the results of their efforts to court future customers and, most likely realized that the problem is, they are competing with their selves.  Said another way, one of their problems is that they built coaches too well....they last forever given  competent care, and by and large service can be done by any competent mechanic....especially with such a level of support as is available on this forum.  I expect they also realize that it is unlikely (but not impossible) for an  owner to jump from a GrandVilla or other vintage coach  into a new IH45, and no amount of romancing will change this.

Foretravel's CUSTOMER SERVICE is apparent to me every time I step  into my coach.  It's built in to a coach that, while not flawless, was constructed with incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship.  It's long life and performance very close to new is continually impressive. 

Might also consider that Foretravel most likely scans this forum occasionally.  All the predictions of down the drain, misdirection, employee loss, going "T.U." are unlikely to endear them to owners of older coaches.  I for one am happy to be able to get support at any level when I need it, and hope  they continue to provide the same.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #7 –
+1 chuck -

FT is challenged - hand but;t high end coaches in small volumes do not leave a lot of room for economic mis steps.

Born Free suffered under  Non family ownership and closed its doors. Is that what we wish of Foretravel? The bulk of the folks on this forum have coaches that are valued below $150,000 and I suspect the majority are valued below $75,000. The fact that we have an on-going concern to support these fine coaches (along with this amazing forum) is too all our benefit.

Dane Miller saved Foretravel from bankruptcy and probably closing the doors. When Dane got ill, he divested of his NASCAR race team and his BioMed holdings. I suspect his heirs still own Foretravel and probably have less patience than Dane with on-going capital infusions to keep Foretravel Solvent. So for the last few ears since Dane's passing we have seen quite a few changes. My suspensions are that all of them aimed at keeping Foretravel going so it would not go the way of Born Free.

What happened to Brad Metzger is outrageous. Yes, the sales staff is challenged (you get what you can afford to pay for?)  The Web site is lame and the marketing is non existent. All of those things take money, which I suspect is in short supply, even if the current CEO (a railroad executive) has demonstrated skills in those areas, which may or may not be the case.

I suspect the best things we can all do for the valuation and on going support of our coaches is to keep perspective on how good we have it that our manufacturer is still there to pick up our calls and sell us parts. (Alfa See, Beaver, Country Coach and a host of other SOB owners would die to have our level of factory support). Spend a little $$ at Foretravel - service, parts, whatever. Maybe pay those Motorcade Dues if you see value.

Should Foretravel make other products? Probably.. Takes money - takes vision, and takes time. And if you are short cash, you better hit the bulls eye first chance. High Stakes. Retreating into the uber high end market was the only choice for a company with very high overhead, high manufacturing costs (low automation and low parts buying leverage due to lack of volume). Not sure that with the current volumes Foretravel is sustainable, but time will tell.

Buying or becoming Born Free would satisfy a lot of the folks here on the forum that have the financial wherewithal to buy new, but if Born Free couldn't make a go of it by running out of cash, how could adding another company with very similar operating economics and cash challenges be good for Foretravel.

IF and when FT sells or goes out of business - (unless MOT buys the remains and decides to carry on the brand - remember, David Robertson is a FT alumnus) we will likely look back to this period fondly as the time we actually had factory support.

Realistically, I do not see enough assets or good will that would draw much if any investment in FT should a fire sale or bankruptcy occur. Consider that Dane Miller's heirs probably have been trying to sell FT since before his passing, and no buyer has emerged.

Guess what I am saying is, I agree that FT (Like ME!!!!) has many faults, but I am willing to give them a lot of slack on these issues since the alternative of them going out of business hurts me, the value of my coach and this entire community.

Kind of like a life partner. You know what you have. A few things drive you crazy. But if they die you miss them like crazy and forget most of the stuff that drives you crazy.

I am not predicting FT's demise, actually the opposite, I am rooting for a long life. I do spend $$$ at FT when they can sell me parts or re-model. I also had some service items (such as windshield replacement) done at FT. Sadly, for most of my other CB spend it goes to MOT, Extreme, Bernd and likely in the future Old Town.

Others may disagree, and that is what makes this forum and this country a great place to hangout!
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #8 –
To add to the above posts,there are alot of parts at FOT that are priced just as cheap as Amazon or Ebay!!
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #9 –
When James Trianna goes to MOT I will know all is lost !
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #10 –
We have purchased many items from Foretravel that were less expensive than other places, including manufactures.  Ramco(mirrors), ZipDee(awnings) and MCD(Shades) to name a few.  It may not always be that way; but it was when I was pricing.  Many time an OEM gets a much larger discount from another manufacturer than a distributor, just like a stocking distributor may get a larger discount than a non-stocking distributor.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #11 –
FT faces a tough decision, and I feel for mgmt. I founded a high-end business based on quality and service, never varied, did well. I decided to retire, sold the business, assuming my work-ethic & reputation would continue, wrong, the company sold again and is now a "minor league player".  When such greats as Country Coach, Beaver, and later, Alpine went under, owners were upset, to say the least! But over the years, most are proud of their choices and have forgotten how they felt "jilted".  ^.^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: Praise for MOT

Reply #12 –
Constructive criticism has its place, and I do firmly believe most, if not all, of the comments made here on the Foreforum are meant to be constructive and/or are just expressing concern about a company we all are thankful for.
Our location, age, financial condition, and type of usage we subject our GV to means that we will most likely never purchase a newer coach from FOT, or even be at their facility to buy something.
This does not mean I/we cannot be ambassadors for the product/company. Every time someone comments on our coach we expound on the quality, durability, and design of a Foretravel product. ^.^d
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #13 –
"Are you seriously suggesting that a business has an obligation to support, in the form of free advice, nighttime calls, a coach they built in 1989? Twenty eight years ago? That has most likely been bought and resold numerous times?  Now eligible for antique license plates in Tx.?  How does this pay the bills, support their employees, make a profit?" Any owner of a Newell has this exact service at no cost, 24/7/365. I'm guessing that the cost of this service is built into the sale price of new coaches. Makes for a pretty impressive sales point. That said, I still bought a Foretravel.

One of the filters that I used in deciding what brands to consider was how active the oweners' forum was. Initially I said that the brand had to be still in business, but after being on the Wanderlodge forum I realized that knowledgeable owners can be even more helpful than the factory.

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #14 –
I agree with both your comments Tim and David...  Several years ago when we owned our first Foretravel, we used both FOT and MOT for service.  Had good experiences with both. 

Before we had bought our first one, we looked at MOT & FOT.  While FOT "showed" us their used coaches (we could not afford the half million up, then prices), they had given us their best shot - a tour and two free hats!  MOT also was proud of their inventory, treated us well AND had coaches in our price range.  We got a good one from 'em.

Since then, we've had another MoHo (Country Coach), several Airstreams and now, we have our second Foretravel.  We looked all over settling on a private seller known to the forums and have worked with MOT on servicing it (they also had some nice coaches but this one suited us perfectly). 

The reason I am (and was), hesitant in going to FOT in the future is because our experience looking at used coaches with them was absolutely terrible - the salesman could not be bothered with us and treated us as if we hadn't a clue actually telling us that if we wanted additional info on a coach we were interested in, we could go to the office and ask to see if they had any (between him answering messages on his phone).  I thought we were at the "office"!  We were clearly wasting his time and not worth his effort.  The showroom appeared vacant of people, it just seemed like a shell of what was once there.  I got the distinct feeling that they were "skeleton crewing" it (on a Tuesday mid-morning) and that the energy level of all was low. 

MOT on the other hand was alive, well and busy as heck, enough so they are expanding their operation.  Everyone was helpful and available.  The difference was like night and day.  They will be taking care of our annual service needs...  and other issues when they occur.

I hate seeing this from Foretravel - it was exciting to go to Nac to check out all that was available, especially to visit the factory but what a let down that was...  Seems as if through ownership attrition, the vision is fading.  Well, at least I still have one of the hats...

Good for Motorhomes Of Texas for keeping the flame burning!

I am sad to see what appears to be a big change occurring at FOT - can't shake the feeling that a buyout of some sort is on the way and I hope it is a good one that can turn the company around.  I have noticed a significant change in company personnel from about five years ago...

Bill Jackson & Kim Sweeney
2013 27' Lazy Daze RK
2002 U320 PBDS 36' Build 5941 (Sold)
1999 U320 40' (Sold)
2005 Country Coach Intrigue 40' (Sold)

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #15 –
Back to original post...I too appreciate a center like MOT taking the call regardless of coach age.  It is my coach, current to me, and it will endear me to buy again if I get that kind of support regardless of brand.

As for using the forum rather than a call for help, that is good, I imagine it works well for many and in many circumstances allows that.  Some of the members, like me, though may benefit greatly from a personal dialogue, phone, whether to a service center or a Forum friend.  I invariably do better, and confident too, with a back and forth dialogue if a complicate problem if I am stuck beside or on the road in a park.



Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #16 –
I too am appreciative of a personal dialogue on some of the issues we have encountered. We are at MOT now having a few things seen to. We come here about once a year for service and some upgrades. Very knowledgeable staff.
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Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #17 –
Mot has been there for us whenever we need them. They have bent over backwards to help and I appreciate it. David af at FT is also cut from the same mold.  He will do it till it is right.  Service at both places ebbs and flows but at least at MOT if they do not get it right they make it right with no arguement.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon
 

Re: Praise for MOT

Reply #18 –
We haven't had as much work done in Nac as many others, but we've been to FOT, MOT, and OTM. FOT built a new cabinet around our residential refrigerator. We were told that it would take a couple of days (took a week) and wouldn't cost as much as if they had to start from scratch since I had a temporary cabinet already built. Cost was well over a CB more than what we were led to believe. The cabinet is beautiful and so far no one has been able to tell what is 24 years old and what is two years old. MOT changed oil and filters on both engines, fixed the thermostat for the front a/c, and replaced the leaking oil pressure sender. Put the wrong oil in the Detroit. When it was called to their attention (thanks to the experts here) they immediately sent a refund check for that part of the work. Haven't told them that the thermostat repair hasn't held up. I think the real solution is a new thermostat, but I don't think they are available. OTM did a small job quickly and at a reasonable charge.

Haven't been to Bernd or Extreme yet.