Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 21, 2025 ...

Wanted: qualified PDI tech

January 27, 2013, 02:07:01 pm

Hi everyone,

We are heading to FL later this week to visit family and check out a FT for purchase.  If we like what we see and think it necessary, I'd like to have the unit inspected by a qualified RV tech.  The unit is currently being stored in the north Tampa area. 

We'll only be down there for 4 days so the scheduling could be of short notice. 

Also, what is the going price for a thorough inspection these days?

Thank you in advance,

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #1 – January 27, 2013, 02:32:37 pm

Bill. Parliament Coaches in Clearwater was a qualified Foretravel facility for years. Dave Mitchell was the owner and knew about all there was to know about Foretravels, understand he is over at LazyDays, now. Check at Parliament or at LazyDays. Believe the latter is listed in Steffner, Florida or maybe San Antonio.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #2 – January 27, 2013, 02:47:00 pm

I don't know - but Parliment Motor coach is near St. Pete Airport, worked on mine this fall and are a service center. Usually prices are around $100 per hour or a little less.

Might give MOT a call and see what they charge as a point of reference

If you don't have something already lined up and they are not selling the coach you might try Parliment

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #3 – January 27, 2013, 02:47:43 pm

Most of the Senior techs remained at Parliment through the tough times and are still there.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #4 – January 27, 2013, 04:21:28 pm

I'll give Parliament a call in the morning.
Any other suggestions?  Even a private party who has done inspections in the past?

My main concern is the AquaHot system.  The unit has been serviced regularly but unused for the past couple of years.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #5 – January 27, 2013, 04:27:10 pm

Worry about tires batteries, refrigerator and anything else not used in last two years. Check bulkhead, figure 10% of purchase price in year one for "stuff" and you will be fine

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #6 – January 27, 2013, 04:31:12 pm

Bill,

With your Aqua Hot system having sat unused for two years, simply have Parliament perform an Annual Service on the burner to square away the diesel burner and then check the electric element is pulling 12.7 amps AC to verify the 120 AC side.

Annual service should include verifying the heater tank is full of coolant and the overflow bottle is very near the hot line when the heater cycles off at temp.

You would want Parliament to use the Dometic thermostats to turn on each of the three interior zones to make sure the thermostat are talking to the heater.

Perhaps all of this could be a condition of the purchase.  All the best.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #7 – January 27, 2013, 04:40:07 pm

Thank you Rudy et al

I was looking at the proximity of the coach and it seems a to be closer to Ocala than Tampa...in case there's a reputable dealer/service center there.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #8 – January 27, 2013, 04:47:09 pm

Bill,

Go to Aqua-Hot Heating Systems for RV, UTV, RTV, click on Service Help at the top of the page and then on Florida to see Authorized Service Centers in Florida.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #9 – January 27, 2013, 05:23:34 pm

Don't try to save money on Orr purchase cost......cheap at any price

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #10 – January 27, 2013, 05:40:42 pm

Bill, if you are flying into Tampa, look in the classified section on the forum, there is a 98 u295 for sale by Redtractor, this unit has been maintained by a long time Foretravel tech,it is the only one I have seen with the generator mounted on air bag's it is a CAI model with Aqua hot.

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #11 – January 28, 2013, 04:05:14 pm

To Bill: We are indeed going to check out red tractors 40' U295.

To Tim: I'm not familiar w/ the acronym "Orr"

To Rudy: We did as you suggested and googled Aqua Hot service locations.  There is one nearby in Ocala!  TY

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #12 – January 28, 2013, 05:47:07 pm

Damn Siri, PPI, "per purchase inspection" did not mean

Quote Selected

Re: Wanted: qualified PDI tech

Reply #13 – January 28, 2013, 07:22:47 pm

FWIW,  based on what I have seen from Red Tractor's posts, I doubt that you can with anything he has owned.

Quote Selected