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Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Why nobody from Foretravel of Texas can call or email me back after repeated attempts to reach someone?  What kind of operation are they running?  I'm trying to give them money!

Frustrated...

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #1
I have (just in the last few days) been on the phone to FOT arranging for a appointment in the remodel shop.  I have had pretty good luck getting through.  My technique is to listen to the voice recording, and write down all the extension numbers.  Then start with the department you want to reach and dial each extension, one after another.  If no one answers, move on to the other department extensions.  I usually get through to a real human by the 2nd or 3rd attempt.  At that point ask to be transferred to whoever you wanted to talk to in the first place.  It just takes a little patience!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #2
I guess that's my mistake.  I think I should call, dial 215 for remodels, leave a message and that should be it but I guess not ;)

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #3
Try ext. 250 - that is Luke, the Service Writer.  He is the one who does the scheduling, and he can hook you up with the Remodel Shop.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #4
Can someone post a list of extensions? It would be helpful to have them at hand before calling.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #5
Foretravel tech help has changed and not for the better. I used to rave on the advantage of owning a Foretravel was the ability to get almost instant help for any issue. No more. Everyone is pri-ty much on their own now. Like most SOB owners.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #6
I know the following extensions:  Parts-154,173,172///Billy Jack-161///Joshua -service writer-115///
Wayne Musser-114///Foretravel Tech Assistance 1-800-955-6226 option 5/// Foretravel after hours emergency # 936-556-0398 maybe still good.
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #7
Foretravel tech help has changed and not for the better. I used to rave on the advantage of owning a Foretravel was the ability to get almost instant help for any issue. No more. Everyone is pri-ty much on their own now. Like most SOB owners.
With the exception of this wonderful forum!
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #8
Brad, I am in agreement with you.

To Barry B's point on topics, look at Don's issue with the air dryer near Yellowstone.  Really, response in just a few minutes.!

There are experts here! If they don't know, I will bet they know how to get the information,  procedure, part, tech phone#.

Like indicated; people monitor this forum!
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #9
Foretravel tech help has changed and not for the better. I used to rave on the advantage of owning a Foretravel was the ability to get almost instant help for any issue. No more. Everyone is pri-ty much on their own now. Like most SOB owners.

I was at FT and was talking to the lady who answers the phone for the help line. She said that she had received 30 calls so far that morning.  It was about 11 am monday for James.  He no longer answers the phone but gets messages to return calls.  I think they prioritize them by who is stuck on the road first.  I doubt he could get thru that many calls in a day though. 
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: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #10
I have tried to reach James twice in the last few weeks. I have found that before I leave my message, it is good to ask if James is at work or not. Both times he was gone and my message would not have been addressed. When this happens FOT will transfer you to another person for tech support such as Jeremy. He may not know the answer to your question , but he is quick to find the answer and call you back!
John & Genni Kerbs
ex 1993 U280 40'
1997 U320 40"
Build #5171
Engine: M11 450
Floor plan: walk thru bath

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #11
I called yesterday, explained my question and had a call back by a tech very soon thereafter.
Eric
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #12
I have been in and out of FOT for the last two weeks with my coaches (recent purchase U320, and 1990 U280).  The U320 for after purchase rehab, and the U280 for check up before going up for sale.  I can report that the issues are from the service department being slammed with business.  They are extremely busy not only with Foretravel coaches, but with other brands as well.  Yesterday when I picked up my U280 to drive it back to Houston, there were 4 other brands in the service bays.  Word has spread that FOT does extremely good work and will work on brands other that FT.  They have been swamped for about 3 months now, but the situation is improving.  As of yesterday, they had only 5 coaches on the schedule for Monday.  I suggest that you call Luke-- he seems to always return calls.  It might take a day, but he will call back.  Try to call early in the day, between 7 and 8 local time, you will have a better chance of catching someone at their desk.

My experience over the last two weeks has been an extremely positive one--everyone in the shop has been friendly, accommodating, and prompt. The service writers bend over backwards to make sure you get what you need.  I both added and took items off of the work order after being in the bay with no issues at all.  The work done was of the highest
Quality, and came in under budget.  They had quoted 80-100 hours and completed the work in the fiberglass shop in a little over 60.  Of course, I'm "almost" a local being from Houston, and they do see my coach on a regular basis for routine stuff.  That said, I would never own another brand and it is because of the service at the factory.  Great people !
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #13
Busy is good. There may be another split with a new RV maintenance operation in NAC (like MOT). It's interesting how a small area can become a center for a new industry.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #14
I called James Triana with a question when we were trying to address the leak in the shower drain pipe that was not accessible from the existing Looky-Loo hole in the rear wheel well. I thought I was going to need schematics and floor plans and advice of that kind. Of Course, my call was answered by the Office Lady who manages the madness in that building (down the hill) because it was lunch time and James and Mark and whoever were all out.  She was GREAT, and I left a message and my build number so the plans could be pulled up.  I then thought of making a call to David Flanagan and wound up reaching him!!!  I figured that they have pulled out enough showers for remodel that he would know how the pipes ran ... and sure enough, he did.  I also got info on pulling out the Corian, in case we had to remove the entire shower pan (horrible thought!).By the time I found Mr Triana's call back message (which I missed!), we were already well past that issue and well on the way to completing the repair. BUT ... he DID return my call in a very timely manner.  It was my fault that I missed the phone.  I think the key is that I did get to speak with a real person in his area ... because the phone SYSTEM in the Service area DOES need improvement. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #15
There may be another split with a new RV maintenance operation in NAC (like MOT). It's interesting how a small area can become a center for a new industry.

Are you indicating there is another RV business opening up in the Nac area?
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: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #16
Bernd Ramspeck is working in Nac and does lots of engine and chassis stuff. Move there from Luftkin.
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: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #17

I knew about Bernd, but I recall his business is primarily diesel drivetrain/chassis, not specifically an RV service center.  The way I read WDR's post it sounded like an RV service business was possibly opening up.
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: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #18
I know he was working on roof AC units when I was in Nac in July.  He is actually an engineer who is doing repairs with his crew.  His expertise is in refrigeration.
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: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #19
I don't believe Bernd does remodels, but he does do more than drive train. In my case fuel lines, AquaHot, air bags, in addition to M11 valve adjustment. Of course, also generator. Probably more.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #20
Two points:
1-FOT has always returned my calls, sometimes the next day, but always.

2-Bernd is like a breathe of fresh air to this gear head, easy to understand why he is so popular.

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #21
I'm very disappointed in FT.  I've owned three coaches and went down there to buy one on display, but had to run to China and asked Tyle if I needed to leave a deposit.  He said no need just call when you return.  It was sold when I returned.  I called the sales manager after my return and he treated me like garbage.  I'll never buy another coach there.  I also called over a month ago because of a couple of technical issues.  I haven't heard from them yet.  I talked to one of the tech's about the issue of the forum and we discussed the issue of not getting called back.  He just didn't understand why people were upset.  Really?!  Does there manure not stink or what.  I gave up!  No more.  Newell here I come!
Could be anywhere in the world!

Bruce

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #22
I have left 4 different messages with no call back.  Each time I was assured that they would call me within 2-3 hours.  After 4 weeks I just gave up and stopped leaving messages.
Kearn
'92 U300 40 ft.  WTBI  6V-92  #4130
GMC Yukon toad
'08 Casita Spirit Deluxe 17ft

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #23
Same here. Left a message about a Foretravel (questions) and no call either. Guess too busy.
Currently have a Carri Lite.. Planning on a Foretravel soon.

Re: Why doesn't FOT return my calls? (was I don't understand)

Reply #24
I placed a call to FOT technical twice within the last week and received a return phone call within the same day on both occasions. One questions required a follow up. They called back with the information the next day.
Previous coach - 2007 Phenix 45'