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Alignment & Autostart, Service at FOT or MOT

October 08, 2010, 04:02:48 pm

Our 1997 U295 is due for maintenance and a few tweaks. I am considering whether to take it to MOT or FOT. Both seem to be competent and well respected. I expect there may be some services where each is a bit better than the other. It might be good to establish relationships with both companies. The previous owner had most of his work done at FOT. David Robertson's father is a friend who lives just around the corner in my neighborhood. There are competing histories to recommend both shops to me.

We have only been to NAC for service one time on the 1997 U295. That was immediately after the purchase in April, 2010. We left the coach with MOT for three weeks. They did OK with the subcontractor work at Herman Power for tires, and Big Truck Alignment for alignment. They didn't start on the rest of the work until the day we showed up to pick the coach. The service folk were having family issues, illness issues, and job change issues. They did the work but it was rushed because they didn't start until we showed up to take the coach home. I was a bit disappointed. I can deal with delays and problems so long as I am informed about what is going on. I was told the coach would be ready early in the afternoon. It appeared that they started to do the service after we arrived in the afternoon to pick up the coach.

I was also disappointed with the results of the alignment. The coach pulled/drifted to the right when we took it in. It still pulls/drifts to the right. The drift is present even when there is not a crown in the road. The only time the steering feels neutral is if there is a left tilt to the road, or a steady wind of just the right velocity is blowing from right to left. My expectations may be too high. The pull is very minor, but noticeable to me. None of my other six vehicles exhibit such a directional bias. I called Big Truck Alignment three times to inquire about the issue and never received a return call. I prefer not to do business with people who will not return my phone calls.

A couple of the more specialized issues that are of interest for the next trip to NAC are the alignment, and coaxing the generator autostart system to work. In addition, it is time for a 6 month/6000 mile fluid and filter service. Would any of you share opinions based on experience regarding a preference or recommendation?

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Re: Alignment & Autostart, Service at FOT or MOT

Reply #1 – October 08, 2010, 04:22:49 pm

I will say that this is an old issue. I would go to MOT for service. They had a short time when they had some turnover but the issue is they sold so many coaches in a month that PDI was an issue.  Their service department is second to none. You can not go wrong using them. I will not list the all the issues I have had at FOT as they were many. I accept that and understand that. I have had a few issues at MOT but the answer there was we will fix it and get it right and they did it at no charge.  They stand behind their work like no company I have seen.  SO I would say MOT but if you split the work between them you can determine for yourself the differences. Now, David Flannigans shop for major remodels is second to none.

Previous Threads
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10551.msg49783#msg49783

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10215.msg47083#msg47083

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Re: Alignment & Autostart, Service at FOT or MOT

Reply #2 – October 08, 2010, 04:53:56 pm

Be aware that, due to a service writer (no longer employed) allowing scheduling to go to h***, MoT is running a bit behind in schedule.  We had expected to begin a week's worth of stuff on Oct. 4th only to find we had not been put on the schedule by the aforementioned ex-employee.  Mike & Keith worked madly to straighten things out; and, that's why we are now scheduled to begin work (oh that word) on Oct. 25th.  This, unfortunately, can happen to any good business.  MoT is still our main squeeze!!

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Reply #3 – October 08, 2010, 05:17:56 pm

Hi JD,
  I'll add this. If at all possible, stay with the coach while it is with either MOT, or FOT. I have made the trip to FOT with friends. We both had appointments for the same day. I stayed with my coach. Work was accomplished on time. My buddies bring their motorcycles, and off they go. They are back three days later, when work was supposed to be finished. It wasn't. They wait two more days for some unsatisfactory, rushed work. The friends were not happy. We had two more days to relax in NAC. We enjoy the area. Same friends had same deal least week with MOT. Any business can have problems. But it seems to work better when you stay on top of the situation. I am happy we have FOT, and MOT, to choose from.

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Reply #4 – October 08, 2010, 05:50:40 pm

Specifically on the issue of alignment, Steve and I prefer Wayne's shop at FOT to a truck alignment place.  Wayne knows the chassis better than anyone.  You can talk to him about your specific issues and he will make sure to follow through.  He has done excellent work for us.

For the other services, our preference would be MOT based on our direct experience during service visits to both shops this year. 

I would also suggest the RV Mobile Lube service for fluids/filters if they are in your area.  They do excellent work and were extremely price-competitive when we last used them.

http://www.rvmobilelube.com/services_prices.php

Michelle

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Reply #5 – October 08, 2010, 06:01:26 pm

J. D. Please let me second Raymond's recommendation to stay with your coach, if at all possible. It's easy for me as I am retired. I, too, have had techs working on my coach because I was there, who were pulled off other coaches in the shop.
As far as service is concerned, I think it is a toss up. I have had nothing but excellent, prompt, accurate and courteous service at both places.

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Reply #6 – October 08, 2010, 06:25:13 pm

My 2 cents worth,
Yes, stay with coach, main reason I believe, so you can make a decision as the choice shows up, I have had a few modifications done and there seems to be a few points where you need to make a choice, if you are out playing what ever you play, your coach gets side tracked until they can get a decision from you.
Most things do not wind up being a simple thing, seems usually a decision needs to be made as to placement, color/shade, upgrade or what ever, but there are choices along the way unless your just changing oil.
FWIW
Dave

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Reply #7 – October 09, 2010, 01:13:25 am

I have only had minor work done at FOT but none of it fixed my problems. I had to redo much of the work myself after I got it home. They told me I needed a new HWH Hydraulic pump. I ordered one and installed it for $700 and it turn out all I needed was a cutoff switch on a rear lift that was installed at the FMCA Convention in Albuquerque for $125.00. A cooling issue was diagnosed as needing a new radiator for $4000 when what was really wrong was the radiator neck where the cap connected was dented. I did not spend the $4000 but I did spend $1000 to have a perfectly good and clean radiator removed and rodded. I paid $200 to have the windshield recaulked to solve an air noise vibration and it turned out that the air was leaking up around the dash from behind the grill. I solved that problem with a can of expanding urethane caulk.

I really liked the guys in the FOT service department. They were very friendly and accommodating, but I expect them to know more than I do about my coach. I have not had anything done at MOT but expect to very shortly.

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Reply #8 – October 09, 2010, 08:10:54 am

We have had a great deal of work done at FOT.  Most of it involved the Remodel Shop and David Flanagan, but there have been mechanical issues, also. 4 guys spent most of one day troubleshooting the Mickey Mouse wiring changes some nitwit had done to our dash air conditioning ... and many more hours putting it right again.  We questioned them later on the hours billed and were told,"Oh, we can't charge you for just figuring out something crazy like that. Just the fixin'."  No kidding.  Other shops certainly would!  There have been issues when we needed work done over (like a leak around the shower skylight that wouldn't quit) and they went at it until it was good with no extra charge. The greatest bonus for us has been the "over the shoulder" education that we have gotten as first time Foretravel owners.  These guys have taught us patiently  all sorts of things that we could do on our own, preventive maintenance, what to look for, listen for, etc.  We were complete novices, and they took pity on us.  THAT was worth a LOT.  We have visited MOT for parts and talked to their folks on the phone.  They are another wonderful resource, with guys who will talk and teach and help and explain ...  and we are having work done on our "new to us" coach right now (.... I hope .... after reading Jeff and Suzanne's post!)  For me, FOT is really the guys in the shop ... not the guys in the plush offices.  I love to stay in Camp Foretravel and I truly love greeting the men work there.  Feels like "home" every time I go back.  Of course ... the "free" parking seems to cost me about $1800.00 per day .........

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Reply #9 – October 09, 2010, 08:57:39 am

MOT also reviews the bill and only charges the reasonable time for the job. I watched them spend a whole day well into the evening working on an Aquahot and they charged the guy the hour to fix it not the nine to diagnose it.  They have done similar things with me as well.

I have not had the same experience with FOT but tom each their own. I will say that Cory has made the shop run much better than it did before but the lack of qualified techs there makes it a bit of a gamble. 

Wayne is second to none as is David's remodel shop. The rest I am not so sure about. 

Though to their credit if you bring it up to them Alton will take care of it now.  I had a friend in with his coach as I was across the street and they told Alton not to "rig" this fix.  He was upset and said they do not do that well they showed him their last three fixes and he took care of them and redid them free of charge. They will work with you.  I prefer MOT but to each their own.

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Reply #10 – October 09, 2010, 09:10:02 am

I will add that we also stay with the coach and wait ( with regular visits to see how things are progressing in the shop) until things are completed. Since I have now sold my home, this coach is where I live and my biggest investment.  I'm not gonna go gallivanting while it is in the "hospital".  Of course ... when we left the thing in FOT for 3 weeks while we had extensive remodeling, reupholstering, etc performed by the "Flanagan boys", I trusted them completely and was not disappointed.  I had chosen the fabrics and finishes and just let them do their thing with a happy heart.    Because of the fine reviews that MOT has been given by the people on this forum, we have no hesitation going to them for any kind of service.  The 3 or 4 guys there that we have met and spoken and dealt with have been outstandingly nice.  One parts guy even offered to run over to FOT and see if they had a part I needed, since he was headed there anyway.  The big difference in these two shops seems to be the guys that sign their checks in any given era.  The pendulum swings.  Most folks here have been back and forth, I think.  That is why I place my trust in the men with the wrenches in their hands ... not necessarily the ones in the clean shirts and shiny shoes.  Half of the techs have worked at both places, anyway!  It is like two huge families that live down the street from each other, each with 27 kids.  Different parents, but they all play ball together, hunt, fish, run their dogs and go to church together. 

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Reply #11 – October 10, 2010, 03:03:12 am

A six month, 6,000 mile filter and fluid change might be good for your car, but seems too soon for a Foretravel.  Many here do that service at 12 months.

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Reply #12 – October 10, 2010, 03:46:17 pm

I was critical of the FOT shop in my earlier post so I thought I should add that the Dave Flannigan gang in remodel and Justin's bunch in the paint shop are the best I have ever seen. The reupholstery work done by Dave and crew to Jeff and Carol's U225 made the upholstery job I had done in Oklahoma City look like a bunch of clowns did mine. The work done by Dave on my "New 2 Me" U300 at FOT looks as good or better than the interior in a new coach. The exterior paint job and design rivals any new coach that I have seen. In these two areas, FOT is hard to beat. It may cost a little more than some places, but the value is in the quality of the work.

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