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Topic: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...) (Read 2373 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #75 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Open, but the "women's" craft session (bring your Bedazzler and your glue gun, gals ::)  ) is held opposite JT's; as if to be a subliminal suggestion that the "womenfolk" should not worry their pretty little heads  about technical things ;)  I jest, but that's usually how it works out.

I still think there should be a men's crafts and a women's technical session at a future Grandvention :)

I never delivered a coach without teaching the girls how to drive it safely.  Too dangerous with only an older guy around. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #76 –
They did hold a session with Bobbi Bradshaw who went over a lot of things about the running of the coach. Like how to tell the amps you are plugged into and the AC draws and most of the house systems.  That was during Jacks seminar and we had a number of women in James Triana seminar and have had more each year.
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: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #77 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Open, but the "women's" craft session (bring your Bedazzler and your glue gun, gals ::)  ) is held opposite JT's; as if to be a subliminal suggestion that the "womenfolk" should not worry their pretty little heads  about technical things ;)  I jest, but that's usually how it works out.

I still think there should be a men's crafts and a women's technical session at a future Grandvention :)
+1 ^.^d

At the five MC rallies I have attended, there seemed to be a lot of entrenched attitudes about the separate roles and interests of men and women. I think some "boundary crossing" may be in order, if done with appropriate confidence, style, taste, and discretion. Marilyn and I both participated in parts of the men's and women's "special sessions" at one rally. We have been invited to participate in rallies since then. :D
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #78 –
Just bought our first Foretravel at MOT, joined Motorcade Club last week. So no MC events yet.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #79 –
Bama Fan, these are the nicest people you will ever meet.  Rhonda and I just went to our first Grandvention. I told Beverly that if our churches were as welcoming to new people as this Grandvention  the churches would all be full.

Of course it's nice being new in an organization and not involved in the politics of it.

Did you buy the 42' at MOT?  Our kids were looking at that one as well.
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #80 –
We purchased our coach from PPL, have purchased many parts from FOT, would like to have used their service department but too far to travel so have done most myself.  Have been on one Motorcade event and had a great time.  Would like to do more, but still working.
Gordon Cole
2002 U320 36'

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #81 –
John, I am returning to your start of this thread.  From that, I offer

We, the owners and buyers, are the customers.  We are customers of FOT, MOT, Xtreme, Foreforums, Motorcade, other dealers and shops.  As customers, it is beneficial when there is peace and cooperation and happiness among these.  We need affordable quality coaches. Without that, our small group could dwindle and at some point become not so revelant, competitor coaches would take over.  As you or someone noted, an aging population and new coach costs going higher and higher could get us to too small a population to be what we enjoy now.

In part we manage through this by really enjoying the older or vinatage coaches.  Remodeling helps sustain our customer and services relationship, provides critical businesses.  We may not either afford or want to spend in the Real, Newell, IH45 range.

So, if Foretravel does a survey, if it were me, I would put it out via Motorcade and foreforums, even to the point of those two helping them....and perhaps some others...design the survey.

Just for me and Jackie, we would like a new coach which I think could be much below the IH or Realm price, much below.  Build it this way....no aqua hot, a slide but not with the bladder, air leveling, keep outside air bags, not sure if retarder so much better than jake brakes so another area to question cost, keep the chassis, structural integrity of our 2001, maybe raise the ceiling a couple of inches.  I do not think that describes a coach built by SOB already?

With engineering costs lower on a per unit basis versus the present production, and produce maybe only one, maybe max of two, models, would we get that FT coach at say $450k?

Just thinking, as John began, how to benefit us as customers and those that provide services and coaches that we all value, highly.  Keep it going. Keep that crucial mass by good relationships, affordable new coaches.

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

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #82 –
In 2009 a Foretravel Nimbus 36' with two slides had a MSRP of $470,000. That coach had a retarder, Hydronic heating, and air bladders in the slides. Maybe without those things, and considering inflation costs for six years, $500,000 may be feasible for a 36' coach. But at that price, it would not have a lot of the features that the 295 and 320 models have had in the past.
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #83 –
Larry, please do not think I am arguing for or against the price, value, quality, etc.  just trying to explore an idea of a revised 295.  What could be options for manufacturing?

But I checked prices of some new SOBs after you posted, just curious.  If all say it cannot be done, okay.  Maybe other options besides phenix and IH45.  I just playing around with what was said at the beginning of the thread....if FOT really is asking, what would I want?

I think if asked, with our budget, for a new, I hoped a refreshed and revised 295 might be an option, guess not from what I hearing here.
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #84 –
Been meaning to get my two cents in here, just haven't had the time.  Been too busy on the post GV Oklahoma MC event.
My coach came from a dealer in California in 2009.  I get service at FT, Xtreme, or Bernd depending on schedule and what I need done.
Here are some of my thoughts on the motorcades.  I'm throwing this in because I think there are some misperceptions out there as well as new folks that just don't know much about them.
Had a Lazy Daze for some years, never joined the owners club because group gatherings weren't my thing.  Did a couple rallies and a GV after getting the FT, but not much else.  Finally went on a 3-week motorcade in 2012 at the urging of a friend (Highway 93) and was astonished at how much I enjoyed it.  Went on another in 2013 (Appalachian Trial)  and did the Alaska MC this year.
They have all been great events.  The tour directors spend a lot of time scouting and setting up the itinerary.  They find things for us to do that I never knew existed and get us into places that would not normally be available to individuals.  Where I thought it would be burdensome and annoying to have so many other people around, I've found it has added a lot of enjoyment to share the adventures with new friends.  I've encountered no snobs, just a bunch of really nice people who made me feel very welcome. The length, usually around 3-4 weeks, gives enough time to see and do a lot and really get to know the other folks.  Alaska, at 7 weeks, is really special.  The scenery is so awesome and after 50 days of shared adventures many of the people that you do that trip with become lifelong friends.
I've heard some comments that they are too regimented but I've not found that to be true. They are very well run and you can participate in activities or not, as you choose.  It's a great way to get introduced to an area with all the logistics taken care of.  You can always go back later and spend more time in your favorite places after you know what's there.
I'm sure motorcades are not for everyone, especially if you are still working. But I would encourage anyone who has never been on a club motorcade to give it a try.  I'm really glad I did that first one and found out what it was all about.  I'm signed up for more next year and am looking forward to seeing lots of places I've never been, and reconnecting with the many friends I've made on past motorcades. I have a lot of other things I want to see and do in the world (e.g. I love bicycle tours), but the motorcades will keep me traveling around the country in my Foretravel much longer than I originally thought I would.
BJ Holden
'98 U320 36'
Motorcade #16754

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #85 –
Quote from: Michael & Jackie –
Larry, please do not think I am arguing for or against the price, value, quality, etc.  just trying to explore an idea of a revised 295.  What could be options for manufacturing?

Mike, I did not think that you were arguing. My post may have been ill worded. I was actually agreeing that a $500,000 may be feasible.

The $500,000 coach came up as a question to Mr. Reed at the Oklahoma Grandvention. He said that if enough customers were interested in such a coach, and were ready to commit to a purchase, they would consider the planning and investigation it would take to get it done. But, they would have to be preordered. That is my take on what he said. Maybe other Fofums in attendance at the Grandvention can expand on what I have said.

Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #86 –
Quote from: LTG –
The $500,000 coach came up as a question to Mr. Reed at the Oklahoma Grandvention. He said that if enough customers were interested in such a coach, and were ready to commit to a purchase, they would consider the planning and investigation it would take to get it done.
More importantly regarding the preorders, was the design and molds that would have to be constructed to make the coach. At least that was my take on what he said.
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #87 –
Lyle said they would need about five firm orders for a smaller coach to do the engineering and molds.  Smaller engine and transmission package and less slides. I think that would be a winner personally.
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: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #88 –
Bought my only GV (91 U280) from a local consignment lot.
Never joined MC.
Had roof repaired & coated at FT.
I don't know if I'm a hermit or a curmudgeon.
Bought parts from PPL mostly and did the work myself.
36' 1990 U280 GV

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #89 –
Quote from: John S –
Lyle said they would need about five firm orders for a smaller coach to do the engineering and molds.  Smaller engine and transmission package and less slides. I think that would be a winner personally.

I get so irritated when I hear management say things like that. If the customers will come to me I will sell them something. It's like saying to a Fireplace,"If you give me heat I will give you wood". That is not how America's markets work. The manufacturer needs to do the research on what the market wants and then make the investment to give the prospects what they want. I love what Foretravel has historically represented and the caring personality of their service staff but if they are to flourish they need to start marketing and improve their sales approach. I have 45 years experience in sales and marketing management. I'm sure there are many other Foretravel owners as or more experienced in different disciplines of upper management than me. What a resource for the management of Foretravel of Texas. Wake up guys. We can and would be happy to help keep Foretravel successful.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #90 –
Kent, I agree with you but I was just repeating the message that was said at the GV.  You think they would be all over this idea. There has to be more people who will buy a smaller unit then the IH right now.
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: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #91 –
Ditto what Kent said :)
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921
 

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #92 –
Larry, sorry late replying.

It would be really difficult to give up our 2001.  Folks that led me to it did us one great derived, thanks again Forum and friends.

I am probably dreaming but I would be a serious looker at what I suggested but by the time they get around to,it may just be too long for us.  And as Kent said, that a strange way to market, but even if they wanted a commitment before building, I would think on it.

As an aside, I looked at web for Fleetwoods and Tiffin and prices on new were in the $250k range, and these very nice appearing coaches.  I know some major differences, but thought that for another large number of coach bucks FOT could build what I would like, want.  Probably too comple. For my post I am trying to keep brief.

Thanks Larry and Kent and John for thoughts,

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