Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Topic: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...) (Read 2373 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #25 – October 26, 2014, 11:09:10 am

I bought my Foretravel from Foretravel. Have been a motorcade member since I purchased it. Have been to one Grandvention and at least two local chapter events. Have had service at Foretravel and had interior updated from David Flanagan at Foretravel. Have also bought parts from Foretravel, personally and through service locations when I was a long way off from Nacadoches.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #26 – October 26, 2014, 11:15:00 am

Bought mine from a tip/find/link on Foreforums almost a year ago, (dealer in FL) joined MC club right away, spent a ton of cash fixing her up inside & out locally, with help from several very knowledgable (& wonderful) FT friends....have done 3 separate chapter rallies, hope to do a motorcade next year + the Grandvention (would have made it this year but been gone too long already!). Headed to FOT soon for the ladies' driving school & a good taste of Nac + FOT + MOT + whatever else gets in the way! Anxious to see where it all began, dream about a FT upgrade one of these days...right now it's "cheaper to keep her" as they say!

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #27 – October 26, 2014, 12:16:54 pm

Quote from: Tony Pasquale – October 26, 2014, 10:48:31 am

1-Is there a way to create a forum questionnaire/survey or possibly multiple ones that contain questions on particular build features which can be checked off or preference rated and include write in areas for participants to list features wanted not identified. This should be created by the forum moderators possibly by offering multiple surveys of feature for particular coach areas; Chassis, number of slides, interior features, etc., then creating one final online questionnaire for all to answer and submit to FT.

Tony,

This is key not just if FT were to ask the forum, but also as they are asking the existing owner base. A challenge is getting data representative of what would someone be serious about buying new.

So... ideas on how to do that? Anyone good at market research?

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #28 – October 26, 2014, 02:07:08 pm

We bought our first and only '89 from the PO who bought it as a "new" demo model from FT in Knoxville TN. I couldn't agree more with the Johnson's post on FT service. FT making such great coaches means they last. Why not have a user friendly web site and cater to us owners of older FT. If it was easy to log on and order stuff quickly and directly from FT I would make more improvements I'm sure. Being that we live in Michigan and still working full time we have never traveled to Texas but it is on the "to do list". We are hoping to attend the next GV in 2015 and want to meet up during the "Michigan Tour" at some point when that group tours our state. The DW and I really look forward to meeting other FT owners. Still looking for our first!

I also don't see the MC and Foreforums in competition with each other....I think it's a great complement to each other. As a newbie I see the MC club geared toward that new coach buyer and the Foreforums for the used buyers. As for us we look at the Foreforums as a MUST follow for any FT owner and the MC as nice to have option. Just my humble opinion.

Jeff

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #29 – October 26, 2014, 02:49:19 pm

Didn't take an accurate count, but there were way more 90s coaches than 2000s!

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #30 – October 26, 2014, 05:03:29 pm

Quote from: rbark – October 26, 2014, 02:49:19 pm

Didn't take an accurate count, but there were way more 90s coaches than 2000s!

There were a number of coaches 2006 and newer. As far as I have been able to to determine, only one of those newer coaches was a ForeForums member.

Also, of the 35 or so ih45's built, two were at the Grandvention. One was a 2012 on consignment for sale at FOT and the other was a 2015 model owned by a Motorcader member.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #31 – October 26, 2014, 05:22:18 pm

Well, need to make a statement for Foretravel of Tennessee, yes there was such a place, now an abandoned, weeded, scarred, trashed, hilltop on I 40 at exit 407. Bought my first three Foretravels there, a 94, U 240, a 95, U 240 and a 99, U 320. Bought my current 03, U 320 at MOT, a similar one in Tennessee had a faulty rear end. Hated to see that place closed.
I have had service at MOT, FOT, Foretravel of Florida, as well as Foretravel of California and Parliament and still do a lot of business with Tennessee RV. (never had service in Coeur d'Alene).

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #32 – October 26, 2014, 06:44:15 pm

Personally think Foretravel would be well advised to, as others have suggested, embrace new communications and sales technologies. From parts and service sales, service scheduling, to building brand enthusiasm through social media including Foreforums, the ways and means to accomplish this are readily available.

I've used Foretravel service and parts for all service and vast majority of parts I've purchased, but private purchase of coach. Often wondered how Foretravel regards the older coaches...necessary evil, their major competition, service profit center, or a visible emissary of quality and brand loyalty. I've never called Foretravel for tech help on a problem I didn't expect to have fixed at Foretravel, as a long time business owner I've got issues with doing so. Would, however, be happy to pay a yearly fee for available tech help, kind of like Coach Net, for my older coach and if it were possible to schedule service, buy parts and communicate online I would be far more inclined to utilize these services more fully. I expect other purchasers would find this a major plus, add the Foreforums asset and you've got a powerful inducement to ownership.

As to motorcade attendance, this primarily is an option for retired folks, this skews the age demographic.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #33 – October 26, 2014, 06:48:05 pm

Some few years ago, while I was at Camp Foretravel for service, I had occasion to speak with a group of people who were very involved with the Motorcade Club. One lady had just been elected President and I wanted to offer my congratulations, as we were acquainted previously from our Mid-Atlantic Chapter. I mentioned how thrilled I was with the "new" Foreforum and the wonderful help and information I was getting ... and all the super people I was meeting. Icicles. I was INDIGNANTLY informed that "those Forum people do nothing but BASH Foretravel, and hurt the company". I shut up and left after putting out the information that I could not disagree more, and that the enmity may have been more prevalent on the "old" Forum, but that it simply was no longer in evidence and certainly not encouraged. FWIW ... I haven't had opportunity to speak with her again. There may still be Motorcade Club members with the same mindset.... but that attitude of "exclusivity" sort of turned me off of the Motorcade Club, to tell the truth. There is no need for an "Us or Them" mentality ... it's all good.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #34 – October 26, 2014, 08:07:23 pm

We bought our u300 form a private party in Montana. Have never been to MOT and do all my own work and service. I use the forums as a resource and have met a lot of very helpful and nice members. I called FT and got my MC # and after reading the rules and regs decided not to take part in the club. I was a member of the Eagles International when we owned our Eagle and we hosted a rally and attended other rally's. Most of the membership were Eagles but as long as you were a FMCA member in good standing you could come to a Eagle rally with a SOB and were welcome.

So my question after reading these post, Can we go to any chapter rally that is held not being a MC member ?

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #35 – October 26, 2014, 08:15:08 pm

Quote from: Andy 2 – October 26, 2014, 08:07:23 pm

So my question after reading these post, Can we go to any chapter rally that is held not being a MC member ?

I think if it's advertised as a buddy rally you can. Otherwise, no. There is a long history, but Motorcade isn't an official FMCA chapter so it's not like in FMCA where if you're a member of FMCA you can often attend any chapter's events.

There was discussion a couple of years ago about trying to form a Foreforums FMCA chapter, but it ended with a woeful lack of people willing to be officers (as in only 1 or two out of the entire membership), and without committed, involved leadership there is no point in forming an FMCA chapter.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #36 – October 26, 2014, 08:37:18 pm

Thanks Michelle for the heads up. That is disapointing When I looked in the FMCA chapter section it shows the Foretravel International and I wondered if that was Chapter that we could join. Guess not.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #37 – October 26, 2014, 08:42:52 pm

Quote from: Michelle – October 26, 2014, 08:15:08 pm

I think if it's advertised as a buddy rally you can.

You may not attend a Motorcade rally as a "Friend" in a Foretravel motorhome. Attend in your SOB motorhome, join the club, or stay in a member's coach.

From the MC rules: ' "Friends" who attend must be invited by a Club member in standing (see Article V), must attend in a non-Foretravel motorhome, and be in compliance with all Club policies. '

I've not seen any "MC police" at any Foretravel events. However, compliance with the spirit of the rules is in order. I have enjoyed the Motorcade events. I've not felt tension between Motorcade and Foreforums. (I am sometimes considered "insensitive" to subtle issues, a.k.a. "clueless."

) I consider support of the brand, FOT, and MC to be of value to me. I consider the dues to be insignificant as a part of the cost of ownership. I generally get more in discounts than I pay for membership.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #38 – October 26, 2014, 09:04:17 pm

Here's Barry's post with links to the FMCA chapter discussions Foreforum rally discussion (split from 2015 Grandvention)

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #39 – October 27, 2014, 03:22:34 am

I bought my coach used locally.
I can't see any possibility that I would ever drive all the way to Texas for repairs.
I have purchased a few small parts from Foretravel. I find the phone system almost unbearable tp deal with.
I do all my own remodeling (extensive) and mechanical work. If I need engine or trans work I will probably go to Cummins or Alison direct or search out local talent.

I can see that in the future I may not want to tackle some of the work I have done. I may sell my sticks and bricks and relocate when I retire in a few years. I that case I would consider purchasing a newer model and giving my current Coach to my Son.

I would welcome more members here that own NEWER Foretravels. There input about the newer models would be very interesting to read and learn. The good and the bad.

I was a MC member for the 1 year free membership. I didn't see anything that made me want to continue as a member.

I find this Forum to be all I need. GREAT advice, friendly people, NO SNOBS, no time for that!

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #40 – October 27, 2014, 07:37:35 am

We bought our FT off the classified on the forum in Jan 2013.

We are MC members and feel that the cost is worth it.

Have used FOT for both parts and service and will use them in the future. Have not used MOT or Extreme but will probably use Extreme in the future.

Could not afford a new FT and the newer designs are more for luxury travel than RVing. We tend to go to smaller, remote campgrounds and spend time in the great outdoors.

Have most engine work done at Cummins and body/interior work (that I don't do myself) at FOT.

Attended Ladies Driving School last year and plan on attending the Grandvention next year. We're experienced and independent RV'ers. Group travel is not our style but did visit with the Alaska Motorcade folks this summer in Whitehorse.

Foreforums is one of the best things about owning a FT.

Rich

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #41 – October 27, 2014, 08:36:51 am

We purchased our coach a year ago from a lovely CA couple who upgraded to a newer coach. They are very active in the Motorcade Club and recommended it highly. We joined and have attended one rally where we were warmly welcomed. We've not yet had service done at FOT -- they were our 1st choice to replace our fuel lines but they were booked until Jan 20th when we called in Sept. We are looking forward to the upcoming Ladies Driving School, and to spending those days at Camp Foretravel. My sincere hope is that FOT will continue to appreciate the customer feedback that ForeForums provides, and to see that we members are among the brand's most active ambassadors.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #42 – October 27, 2014, 08:38:57 am

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #43 – October 27, 2014, 08:59:09 am

John, we did have the fuel lines replaced last week at MOT. We were afraid to wait until Jan. Thanks.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #44 – October 27, 2014, 09:34:59 am

Anne and I bought our "perfect" coach privately in Georgia, but had a 30 item punch list by the time we got home. Our first FT service visit cost $5,600 and we haven't looked back. Flanagan's group has done extensive interior mods over time, while Xtreme has done our exterior mods. Most of our parts and service have been through FT. Just joined the MC immediately(we were long term Airstreamers and were Wally Byam Club members for many years) and have been to a number of Grandventions, chapter rallies and MC events over seven years-whenever they fit into our full-timing schedule.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #45 – October 27, 2014, 10:37:28 am

If FOT is booked to Jan call MOT and see if they can fix your fuel lines. That is silly they are booked out that far. There is no real excuse for it. I can understand a few weeks but a few months is not acceptable.

THis morning Lyle Reed was talking and was shocked when people were complaining that the wait for service was 6 weeks when they called. So he asked how many had been told that and lots of hands went up. He said he would look into it. It is not a surprise to any of us who have been there for service that their times are stretching out and they are not full up in the bays and it loos like they have less techs in the service department too.

Some of the discussion on our forum about service times. We were also told 3 months. Hopefully, Lyle were take some action.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #46 – October 27, 2014, 10:39:41 am

I talked with Lyle today and he said he started looking into wait times at service when he got back to Nac last weds from the GV.

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #47 – October 27, 2014, 11:09:22 am

Thanks for update, John

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #48 – October 27, 2014, 01:12:56 pm

Bought ours at MOT, have had work done both at FT and MOT. We've been MC member for 10 years and have attended one MC event (Ladies Driving School). Still working so it's tough to attend most of the events.

Jimmy
1998 U295 36'

Re: Observations on MC club and FT from Grandvention (split from Re: 2014 Grandvention...)

Reply #49 – October 27, 2014, 02:48:18 pm

Appears to this feller, Having been there, have had a steering gear leak repaired, yes I was scheduled for all new FSD shocks and was worked in, a very fine job was done and very acceptable price.
Also been there with no appointment, got the same 6 week story, and from Dave F, 2-3 months at best, I am still running a business so my free time is limited.

IF FOT was active in keeping up with reasonable service appointments, acting like they were appreciating the business, there would be much less need / demand for MOT and Xtreme at the table, but they seem to be doing very well, any wonder why ?
JDAO

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