First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Topic: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...) (Read 1006 times) previous topic - next topic

First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

August 30, 2012, 10:58:16 am

We have decided against 'dropping in' at the Grandvention. After discussing it at length, we think our time would be better spent at MOT and Encore w/ a tour of the FOT headquaters after the 26th. Question tho...how much time should we figure on spending at each place? a full day? a few hours? We would like to test drive a 36 & 40 footer along w/ seeing the difference between the bus style vs G-villa. Any advice would be appreciated.

Bill & Jan

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #1 – August 30, 2012, 11:31:21 am

I would say a half day at MOT and a couple of hours max at Encore (they usually have a much smaller inventory). Mostly a full day at FOT especially if you were going to do a plant tour. When you buy, 1 to 3 days depending on your comfort level to learn everything.

Consider video taping particular coaches you might be interested in to then review later.

If they don't have what you want - tell them what you are looking for. They all know people who could be interested in selling for various reasons but aren't willing or able to consign at the moment.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #2 – August 30, 2012, 11:42:44 am

I think you may spend about 15 minutes at Encore, unless things have changed dramatically since we were last there. For the past year or so, their inventory has been very sparse (with regards to Foretravels, esp.) and the coaches that were there were pretty rough. Bob McGrath (at Encore) was dealing with health issues, I believe. By all means, take a look ... But the pickin's were pretty slim this spring. Definitely tour the Factory. Be aware that Foretravel may set a higher price on their coaches on the lot, but they inspect their consignment coaches, as well as the trade-ins, and have required a high standard of repair.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #3 – August 30, 2012, 12:02:17 pm

Quote from: bill velting – August 30, 2012, 10:58:16 am

we think our time would be better spent at MOT and Encore w/ a tour of the FOT headquaters after the 26th.

FOT's tours are usually M-Th, around 9 or 10 AM (check with sales). The production facility works 4 days a week, so not much to see in Friday.

I think all 3 businesses are closed on weekends, although MOT can be available Saturdays by appointment IIRC.

Michelle

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #4 – August 30, 2012, 12:13:13 pm

The recommendations from Dave Head are a confirmation of my experience. I visited MOT twice on day trips from my home, which is about 3-4 hours away. There was plenty of time to visit MOT on a day trip, but not enough to visit MOT and FOT. Allow more time if you plan to do any test drives. The factory tour at FOT will take a couple of hours and essentially use up about half a day. Call ahead to verify that you can get a tour on the day you want.

We bought a coach from a private party at a location near our home. I spend most of two days inspecting the coach, driving it, getting appropriate approvals from the bride, etc. My inspection was not in depth. I visually inspected everything that I could easily reach. I did not hire an expert inspector. It is good practice to hire an expert to help you survey a specific coach before you close a deal.

As recommended previously, let sales people know your preferences. There are coaches that never show up in an advertisement. MOT sold a coach for us in about a week. I think they had an interested buyer before we put the unit on consignment with them.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #5 – August 30, 2012, 12:38:22 pm

When I traded my 93 back in for the 95, there were three bidders on it and MOT had it sold before I could bring it back to them...

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #6 – August 30, 2012, 12:45:18 pm

Thanks everyone. We'll make the necessary phone calls and allot plenty of time.
But...do you think going through FOT's manufacturing plant a prudent thing to do even tho we are not buying new?

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #7 – August 30, 2012, 12:54:14 pm

Bill the tour alone is well worth the visit. At least to us, we have gone through several motorhome factory tours just because we find it interesting.

D&D

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #8 – August 30, 2012, 12:59:14 pm

Sure - their processes haven't changed in years. The chassis is upgraded now with IFS and stronger. They have flat floor slides and flush windows but aside from that their design is the same.

Ask any of their people...

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #9 – August 30, 2012, 02:12:24 pm

Bill,
That tour is infectious. Once you go through the tour and see how they are made, I just don't think you will not buy a FT. I went through it probably 15 years ago and bought a FT for the first time about 2 years ago (fourth motor home). I enjoyed the tour and was impressed such that when the time came to buy another, I was looking for a FT (not SOB). So....., once you have done the tour, I feel certain you will buy one (as I did though some time later).

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #10 – August 30, 2012, 02:40:34 pm

OK, we'll make sure to take the FOT plant tour. But...if and only if, there is assurance we won't be spending more on a coach than we initially budgeted!! ie RV envy

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #11 – August 30, 2012, 02:44:44 pm

Is there a nice RV park locally anyone would recommend? We too are thinking of going down soon. Only a tad over three hours from us but would like dedicate an overnight stay.

Nice to know the tour will be beneficial to us as someone interested in a preowned, older model.
Bill

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #12 – August 30, 2012, 03:12:33 pm

"Camp Foretravel" is adjacent to the factory. It is a paved lot with 50A electric service and water hookups. There are dump stations in the campground. It is free for visitors who are there on business with Foretravel. It is $20/day for folk not on Foretravel business. If you are shopping or touring the factory, I would figure it is Foretravel business.

We have stayed there several times while our coach was in for service. The coach goes into the service bay during the day. We get it back overnight so we have a place to stay.

Check with MOT regarding their policy for staying on site.

Do a Google Maps search for "Foretravel of Texas." If you zoom in and look at the satellite view, you can see the campground on the west end of the service facility.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #13 – August 30, 2012, 05:14:07 pm

Yeah, and I was second place.....

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #14 – August 30, 2012, 05:24:28 pm

I'm sure you have an idea of the general specs of the coach you want. So, given what is listed on the MOT & FOT websites you can probably estimate how much time you will need to go thru those coaches. Let me suggest you add time to look at a few others that might not fit your specs. You may be surprised at what else you find & like. Your "requirements" might be adjusted. Ours were.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #15 – August 30, 2012, 08:07:37 pm

And a winner anyway...

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #16 – August 30, 2012, 10:32:20 pm

MOT will let you stay there too. They have 50amp hookups too.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #17 – August 30, 2012, 10:42:38 pm

MOT's lot is very cramped and crowded. FOT has room for about 50 coaches and a security guard patrol all night long. MOT locks the gates, so if you want to go out for dinner you are stuck.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #18 – August 30, 2012, 11:07:06 pm

Quote

MOT locks the gates, so if you want to go out for dinner you are stuck.

That was not my experience. They gave me the gate code. We drove our Honda in and out as we liked.

best, paul

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #19 – August 31, 2012, 07:22:21 am

I have the gate code as well. There is no problem getting in and out.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #20 – August 31, 2012, 10:05:04 am

No one mentioned maybe the best part of a visit to MOT, or FOT is just seeing the huge number of different coaches. We have walked the lots, seen so many paint jobs, options, and gathered ideas.

The other amazing thing is looking into the service bays at either locations and seeing all the type of work that is being performed.

A call to either location will confirm the camping on site where you get to meet other owners, gather first hand info, and get maybe private coach tours, to me that is priceless before buying your Foretravel. We were shown several coaches and helped by those parked for service who knew about some unlisted trades and consignment coaches.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #21 – August 31, 2012, 10:27:15 am

Allow at least two full days. A third may be good if you can.

Beyond that, to bbtx, Mary Ann, Dick L., Bill V, I owe all of you some replies to your private messages. I tried to send those via the Forum but something caused an inability to send. Will try again. But if you each will send me your email addresses, it will be easier and help me coordinate meeting some local folks, events and your questions of sight seeing, services available, and the question of some optional RV parks. Plus I will get my phone number to you, trying again by the private messages and email.

SO purpose of this message to you as a group.....in addition trying to respond to your questions, and the offer for the help you each sought, there are some events in Nac in Sept. I might offer you while here, such as a college Division 1 football game on September 29.

Mike

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #22 – August 31, 2012, 10:41:54 am

For those that may not know, Mike and Jackie are the warm welcome committee, that make everyone welcome. They made us feel like family.

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #23 – August 31, 2012, 12:54:29 pm

Likewise

Re: First visit to Nac, how much time to allow? (was Re: Grandvention in Mineola...)

Reply #24 – August 31, 2012, 12:59:27 pm

I generally stay at MOT because of service being performed. Have stayed at both. FOT generally has more coaches occupied and hence more social opportunity.

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