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Topic: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence (Read 1524 times) previous topic - next topic

Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

This is my 3rd trip to Tennessee RV for various things. I have been thrilled with every visit. James Holder is awesome. He goes way back with Foretravel and owns one himself. He is such a wealth of knowledge and is patient with all of my newb questions. His team gets the job done. I always learn so much when I come here.

Dave was my tech this trip. He has 20 years of experience working on Foretravel's. I knew all would be well when I saw him take his shoes off to go in my coach.  ;D

They are not satisfied until the customer is satisfied. I was also impressed  that the owner, sought me out by name to thank me for my repeat business. He owns two Foretravels.

I am thrilled that they are only 3 hours away from me.

You have come here for service with confidence.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #1 –
When we were having problems with our 8.2 DD turbo-charged V8 a number of people told me to contact James Holder at TN RV.
I finally did, and what a gold mine I found!!
I got all kinds of info and help and suggestions. He is very busy but takes the time to answer my questions & emails.
James has had a number of vehicles with the 8.2 DD and really likes them.
He is currently going thru his 1984 40' GV and restoring/upgrading it.
You can't go wrong with TN RV and James Holder. They were once a Foretravel dealer.
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: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #2 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
When we were having problems with our 8.2 DD turbo-charged V8 a number of people told me to contact James Holder at TN RV.
I finally did, and what a gold mine I found!!
I got all kinds of info and help and suggestions. He is very busy but takes the time to answer my questions & emails.
James has had a number of vehicles with the 8.2 DD and really likes them.
He is currently going thru his 1984 40' GV and restoring/upgrading it.
You can't go wrong with TN RV and James Holder. They were once a Foretravel dealer.

He also has a deisel Oldsmobile. 😄
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #3 –
My coach has a sticker that says "Foretravel of TN,Sales,Service,Parts. 1 800 627,8386. Wonder if James Holder sold it to the original owner?

Jim
'92 Grand Villa 36' w/8.3Cummins mechanical
ORED
Build#4062

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #4 –
Jeff & Sandy.
It is really great to learn that TN RV is still taking good care of Foretravel owners. James Holder has been a big asset to that business and to all Foretravel owners in the area. Good to hear that Roger is still doing his thing as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
I bought my first three Foretravels from Jack Patterson at Foretravel of Tennessee (predecessor of TN RV). I know their service shop well. They also have an outstanding body shop out near the "Smokies" ball park at exit 407 (near old site of Foretravel of Tennessee).
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #5 –
When it was Foretravel, I used them exclusively. When they ba ame camping world I stopped. I hate that they lost Brad.  I might have to try them again.
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: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jim Sizemore –
My coach has a sticker that says "Foretravel of TN,Sales,Service,Parts. 1 800 627,8386. Wonder if James Holder sold it to the original owner?

Jim

Mine too....as the story goes from my PO (21 year owner) he bought the coach while at Michigan International Speedway from someone that had the coach there from Foretravel of TN as a demo.
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #7 –
As I recall, Foretravel of Tennessee had a gold sticker they attached near the ladder on the rear of the coach much like the one Foretravel of Texas uses. This went on all new coaches they sold. I have forgotten just when Ray Fore closed this operation. Could it have been as late as 2006?
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp –
I have forgotten just when Ray Fore closed this operation. Could it have been as late as 2006?

Between fall of 2003 and spring of 2004  Kodak

Ray sold the company in January 2005 press release .
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: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John S –
When it was Foretravel, I used them exclusively. When they ba ame camping world I stopped. I hate that they lost Brad.  I might have to try them again.

Agree about Brad but glad James is running the service department. Dave, the tech that worked on my coach has been working on FT's for 20 years.

The last time I spoke to Brad he had lots of good things to say about you John. He said that quietly, you know more about taking care of a FT than anyone he knew.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #10 –
I won't mention any names but a person I spoke to said Camping World was a disaster and it was a happy day when they terminated the relationship. He said all they cared about was adding accessories to new coaches that we sold.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #11 –
Brad is a good guy.  I might have the see the f they can do my next service needs.  I liked the guys who worked there and they were very giving in explaining stuff.  I know I helped Brad when he changed out my radiator one time. They were down a couple guys so I said I will help you. Alan said fine but don't get hurt. You said if I do it is on me.
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: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Horace B. Cupp –
Jeff & Sandy.
It is really great to learn that TN RV is still taking good care of Foretravel owners. James Holder has been a big asset to that business and to all Foretravel owners in the area. Good to hear that Roger is still doing his thing as well. Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
I bought my first three Foretravels from Jack Patterson at Foretravel of Tennessee (predecessor of TN RV). I know their service shop well. They also have an outstanding body shop out near the "Smokies" ball park at exit 407 (near old site of Foretravel of Tennessee).
I also had dealings with the "old" Foretravel of Tennessee. All my experiences with the old and new have been super. James Holder (and his 2nd chair (?) Curtis have been very good. And Brad is great - but Jimmy Branson if he is still there, is just as good in my opinion.

My most recent experience was with the body shop near exit 407 - again great service above and beyond what was expected.

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #13 –
Tennessee RV is now Lazydays RV and James Holder is long gone.  Does anyone know where he is at these days?  He was working in Alcoa but is he now at Ricky's RV in Sevierville, TN? 

The site of the former 'Foretravel of Tennessee' is now a Buc-ee's. 
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #14 –
Just as an FYI, from personal experience, Lazydays in Knoxville is a no go for me. Terrible experience there after James left.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344
 

Re: Tennessee RV Service - patronize with confidence

Reply #15 –
Lazydays (at least in Tennessee) also has a 15 year rule. They have to get approval from the Service Manager to work on a coach over 15 years old. 
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com