Service in Nac

Topic: Service in Nac (Read 2020 times) previous topic - next topic

Service in Nac

October 05, 2018, 10:38:54 am

I need some advice. I had made an appointment, months ago, at MOT to have some regular maintenance work done and to have them give it a real thorough going over before we take the yacht into Mexico for a few months. Problem is, we have to now wait until the 15th to get in, and we don't really want to hang around til then.
I am considering calling the new Nacadoches Motorhome, to see if they can fit me in sooner, and then cancel ( again ) MOT. I know nothing about the folks who started the new company, other than what I've read in this forum. I realize it is my choice, but can you give me some feedback on whether I can trust these guys to be as knowledgeable and able, as I expect the boys at MOT to be? Thanks

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #1 – October 05, 2018, 10:54:05 am

What exactly do you want done? Some service jobs any shop could handle - other jobs require more specialized training/knowledge.

These guys sound like they know their way around Foretravel coaches, but I have no personal experience with any of them:

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #2 – October 05, 2018, 11:04:18 am

General service like generator, brake inspection, lube everything....BUT MOST IMPORTANT, a trained eye to "see" ANYTHING that I can be preventive minded about....i.e., leaks, etc

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #3 – October 05, 2018, 11:40:10 am

Quote from: GleamB – October 05, 2018, 10:38:54 am

I know nothing about the folks who started the new company, other than what I've read in this forum. I realize it is my choice, but can you give me some feedback on whether I can trust these guys to be as knowledgeable and able, as I expect the boys at MOT to be? Thanks

I really like MOT for our service in Nac. Both David and Seth, while MOT employees, have worked on our coach, and I was very happy with their work. I was disappointed to hear of their leaving. I haven't been to their new shop. They're both very FT knowledgeable, conscientious, and customer friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to use them, if I couldn't get in to MOT.
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #4 – October 05, 2018, 12:05:30 pm

Quote from: GleamB – October 05, 2018, 10:38:54 am

I need some advice. I had made an appointment, months ago, at MOT to have some regular maintenance work done and to have them give it a real thorough going over before we take the yacht into Mexico for a few months. Problem is, we have to now wait until the 15th to get in, and we don't really want to hang around til then.
I am considering calling the new Nacadoches Motorhome, to see if they can fit me in sooner, and then cancel ( again ) MOT. I know nothing about the folks who started the new company, other than what I've read in this forum. I realize it is my choice, but can you give me some feedback on whether I can trust these guys to be as knowledgeable and able, as I expect the boys at MOT to be? Thanks

When in NAC in August we stopped in at the new service location and met the entire staff. I have no negative issues at all with the folks running the place (no work done there for us as of this time).

The location and building are not the best, especially so if wanting to overnight in the coach one or more nights. It's on a very busy (noisy) divided highway. Very small building compared to MOT/FOT and defunct OTM. No waiting room to speak of if you want to hang around.

Now I fully understand that to keep costs down as they build the business this is a tradeoff as to building and location. And their service rates are indeed lower. And the staff was great to meet. I just would not really want to overnight in the lot more than one night - speaking only for my wife and I.

I don't recall reading any reports from other FT folks having work done there "yet"? When we visited one "some other brand coach" was in the service bay.

I have absolutely nothing at all negative to say about the folks working there building this new business, and wish them great success. And I would be likely to schedule normal one day service such as lube, oil changes, etc with them. For extensive multiple day service I will likely stick with MOT now that OTM is out of business. I could change my mind if on a tight time schedule, and as as more FT owners report on service provided at this location.

For what you are considering: "General service like generator, brake inspection, lube everything....BUT MOST IMPORTANT, a trained eye to "see" ANYTHING that I can be preventive minded about....i.e., leaks, etc", I would give them a call and discuss it with them. It sounds like one day service, and would probably work out fine.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #5 – October 05, 2018, 02:28:44 pm

What was OTM? When we made visits to Nac, we always went to Foretravel. I don't believe Motorhomes of Texas was in existence back then.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #6 – October 05, 2018, 03:55:06 pm

OTM was old town motorhomes

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #7 – October 05, 2018, 03:55:27 pm

Quote from: juicesqueezer – October 05, 2018, 02:28:44 pm

What was OTM? When we made visits to Nac, we always went to Foretravel. I don't believe Motorhomes of Texas was in existence back then.

Old Town Motorcoach. Very near MOT. Now out of business.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #8 – October 05, 2018, 04:14:06 pm

OTM facility now owned by MOT, operating a RV (towable) subsidiary called RV Outfitters of Texas. Lots of competition in that space for sure.
Having franchised auto repair facilities I am very familiar with the services business model. Even with good parts margins, steady volume, reasonably priced trained labor, it is not easy to make a profit on a services only business.
Beau Reece has low overhead with no facility probably does okay, but others have opened and sadly underestimated how much cash can be consumed and how long it can take to get to positive cash flow Our minimum was 6 months total expense on hand in cash (that includes every expense without any income) we usually predicted 12-18 months to positive cash flow, 24 months to profit. That also assumed owner took $0 salary for first two years. Marketing in first two years was often $75-$100K per year alone The success rate was quite good IF there was enough capital to begin with and the owner could defer income from operations for 12-24 month Sadly, most that venture in this direction do not have a solid business plan, pro-forma financial model or sufficient capital to survive the first two years. So most end up like OTM. Good people, good location, good intention but bad outcome.

Tim Fiedler
Gen-Pro.biz
630 240-9139

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #9 – October 05, 2018, 07:44:09 pm

Ditto Tim.

As for your need, David and Seth are brothers, good people, did good work for me when at MOT. Bruce, the parts man at MOT delivery, which is where David and Seth were, went with them to form this new shop. I was sorry to see them leave. When you go to a small shop, some expertise is a bit more difficult.

I imagine they would do you good. I would trust them. If it were me, just my history, I would go to MOT and ask for a 24 point inspection.

I one year asked, can I just buy time for Mr. Risch to look at my coach, just check it over when I get annual service. No check list, no agenda. Etc. The outcome was troubling in what I would have missed or what was not looked at in normal annual service. I can give you details if wish, have posted those before. One was a major item, which I have well documented on bulkhead damage, gone unrecognized in two shops.

Due to a recent trip multiple experiences (hail for example, wind damage to awning), I asked a review. They did the 24 point check. Found quite a few things, I could have looked and hoped to find. But my time and experience are limited, couple of things I really am glad got found, would not have stopped me on road but some less than $100 fixes avoided later larger costs. I think any shop would find.....if you are willing to pay for the time.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #10 – October 05, 2018, 08:22:41 pm

Keith is really good.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #11 – October 05, 2018, 09:20:29 pm

Quote from: Saltfevr – October 05, 2018, 03:55:06 pm

OTM was old town motorhomes

Thank you! I don't believe they were around when we had our coach.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #12 – October 18, 2018, 11:56:21 pm

Interesting conversations here. Since opinions and service experiences are main themes, I thought I'd chime in (somewhat reluctantly, because I don't particularly enjoy being a "lone" negative voice). Also, I am interested in more service options, and I will be considering the new NMS in the future.
In April 2017 I scheduled service with MOT for three main jobs: install two new AGM batteries (one needed new cables to become a second house battery); install a new 80 amp Inteli-Power converter; and install a new Trimetric battery system monitor; along with a few minor simple repairs. I furnished new parts for these three jobs. They said my old converter was fine, no need for a new one, so we left that job off.
Results: when I returned home, I found that 1) as I had originally suspected, my old converter wasn't working so I had to install the new one myself (saved some labor cost); 2) the new cables they installed for the new 2nd house battery had loose clamps on the battery - never were tightened at MOT; and 3) the new Trimetric monitor didn't seem to be functioning properly - I did my own study of the installation instructions and found MOT had ignored the main requirement for wiring it in, so I reinstalled it myself.
I give kudos for MOT's response - they immediately refunded the full service charge for the Trimetric installation.
I have seen a LOT of positive comments about MOT service, but my experience burned me - I won't go back there.
Doyle (1995 U240)

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #13 – October 19, 2018, 12:24:23 am

My take on the above is,most everything Doyle wanted done could have been done in his town locally by a decent auto shop.I
can see someone going to Foretravel for some things if your going to be there anyway but it seems to me alot of Foretravelers
make a pilgrimage to NAC to have work done that they could have locally and get just as good service.Read the posts on the fuel line,think if I ever had any work done I will take a chair and watchem like a hawk and then test and look at everything they touch
and if they tell me I can't watch then I'll tellem,watch me leave.There is also alot of work that if you can wait and /or can help
forum members will be glad to help with all over the country.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #14 – October 19, 2018, 08:08:50 am

Thanks, John44, and I agree with much of your sentiment. In my 16 years of FT ownership, I've done most maintenance and repairs on my own, with lots of help and info from Foreforum contributors.
My three comments in response are:
I'm pushing 80 and no longer have strength/energy/resources/interest for what used to be routine work or doable with research and effort.
Most local shops (Waco) are not interested in or capable of properly servicing our type of equipment. I've found some, but not many, exceptions. Finding the exceptions ain't easy.
If a Foretravel specialty shop can't be trusted for such basic service, why in the world would I trust other facilities (who mostly never heard of Foretravel and don't offer much in the way of motorhome service) to be my choice for competent, timely service?

This forum remains the most valuable resource for most of our various interests, preferences, and ownership experiences regarding Foretravel motorcoaches. My thanks to all of you.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #15 – October 19, 2018, 08:15:29 am

I think these shops that are very busy, bounce these techs from job to job not allowing them to complete one job before they start another for a quick estimate. I have my coach at one of the popular shops it's been there since Monday still don't have a hard estimate for the work discussed. We'll see what happens today

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #16 – October 19, 2018, 08:15:51 am

Looks like your doing great to me,hope at 80 I'm able to use our coach.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #17 – October 19, 2018, 08:28:58 am

Personally, this forum is a blessing to all who own a Foretravel. Members are always willing to lend a helping hand or give some much-needed advice! Having traveled all over the US and Canada, I am always amazed at the number of people who never heard of a Foretravel. Like others have stated, I have had good and bad service everywhere. I also do most of my own work, but there are times you have to suck it up and pay the piper! I keep a list of repair shops that did a great job and others marked, don't go back.
Sometimes the best repair shop is in the small town, who not only still has pride in their work, but charges a fair price as well.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #18 – October 19, 2018, 09:37:22 am

Quote from: Doyle3131 – October 18, 2018, 11:56:21 pm

I have seen a LOT of positive comments about MOT service, but my experience burned me - I won't go back there.

Doyle,

I personally HATE taking any of my vehicles to ANY shop for ANY kind of work. I will always do my own maintenance work on my vehicles unless it is something that I cannot physically handle, or it is too technically complex for me to tackle. If I am forced to seek professional help, I grit my teeth and worry about everything that is done. I watch the work as best I am allowed. When I leave the shop I go over everything that was done, looking for mistakes, and (sadly) usually I find some.

Your experience at MOT illustrates the fact that getting your coach worked on in ANY shop is a crapshoot. Even the most highly respected, most experienced shop can do a bad job. They get in a hurry, they give a "new guy" a task that he should know how to do (but doesn't), they don't pay attention to the customer's desires and instead do what they think he/she wants them to do, etc.

We had a similar experience at MOT, but in our case it was a brake job. I detailed the experience here, so anyone who cares can read the thread. (Right Front Brake Pads Dragging) I didn't make a big noise about it, because like you I thought MOT did everything they could to make it right. And they DID finally get it right, but only after their most senior maintenance tech stepped in and took over the job.

On the other hand, we had a very expensive interior remodel job done at FOT which took over a week in the shop. That experience could not have gone better! The work was first-class, the techs bent over backwards to meet our requirements, I was kept "in the loop" the whole time, and the end result was absolutely satisfactory.

Does this mean I will never go back to MOT? No...but it does mean I will think very carefully about having any work of a technical nature done there. If there is a alternate choice of shops available, MOT will not automatically get my business. Once burned...

As Foretravel owners we have a very limited selection of shops/mechanics who are familiar with our coaches. I personally feel they should be supported and encouraged to remain in business, even when they make mistakes. Any good shop will occasionally screw up. How they correct the error must count heavily in the matter. What they do to try to insure the same mistake is not repeated is also very important.

As members of this Forum, we should be diligent about reporting our experiences, good and bad, at different shops. By doing so, we encourage superior performance. We should give new shops a chance to prove themselves. We should hold the older established shops to high standards. We will all eventually reach the age when we can't do the work ourselves, and when that time comes we will have to depend on the "professional" service facilities. I just hope there are still some around when MY time comes!

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #19 – October 19, 2018, 09:55:25 am

Very well said. Thanks.
Doyle

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Reply #20 – October 19, 2018, 10:01:28 am

Chuck, you have me motivated to start training my 55 year old son to keep mine up when that time comes.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #21 – October 19, 2018, 10:01:53 am

When I still had a house I was able to do more of my own maintenance and repairs. As full timers since 2009 not so much. Plus at this point in life I simply prefer to hire out the heavy and dirty work anyway.

So as full timers we do what we can to check on service facilities in advance, and then hire out "most" of the work.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #22 – October 19, 2018, 10:07:52 am

Just said this on another post but in a few months will be in the Millington TN area,will have a covered barn and can take on some
work,you 70 year olds and up can be the gophers.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #23 – October 19, 2018, 10:08:40 am

After having new tires put in in Houston I saw that the back rotor was scared up from the pad either wore out or broken off. Over the next 4-6 months, 4 shop visits, 3 of them different & around $4000.00 I ending taking coach to MOT and they finally fixed the brakes correctly.

At one Houston shop that works on firetruck brakes said they work on your type of brakes all the time. Turns out their way of working on brakes is if there is problem with the brake instead of repairing/ replacing the part they just go and replace the complete brake assembly.

Re: Service in Nac

Reply #24 – October 19, 2018, 10:13:01 am

Think the key word there was "fire truck",When a city or town takes in a fire truck the shops start salavating dollar signs.

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