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Topic: Windshield Replacement FOT (Read 810 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield Replacement FOT

Just got my coach back from FOT. I had both windshields replaced, one an insurance claim and the other was cracked when I purchased it. The Good Sam insurance adjuster agreed to use FOT, however, with FOT you pay the bill and get a reimbursement from insurance carrier less deductible. I knew this might cost me a little more, but I figured that the people who built the coach would be my choice for replacement. Turned out to be the right call.

While replacing the windshields, they noticed a problem with attachment of front cap. Something they had seen before, but not very common on my style of coach. They fixed that and then suggested I replace my broken windshield washer nipple. I had dreaded this job, but turned out a rather simple procedure for them (driver side). The replacement has a metal nipple! So in essence I resolved three issues, one of which I didn't know about and could have affected the longevity of the glass replacements. I'm glad I took it back to the mother ship and Alan in the service department was good to work with throughout the process.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Windshield Replacement FOT

Reply #1 –
I watched a windshield replacement at the mothership when I was there last Fall. They really know what they are doing. I was impressed.
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: Windshield Replacement FOT

Reply #2 –
Can you let us know exactly what the bracing problem was and how they fixed it,would be good to know.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Windshield Replacement FOT

Reply #3 –
I was not there. Because of Covid 19, FOT actually picked up my coach and delivered it. The driver informed me of the repair.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Windshield Replacement FOT

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
I was not there. Because of Covid 19, FOT actually picked up my coach and delivered it. The driver informed me of the repair.


Wow!  Now that is service!
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Windshield Replacement FOT

Reply #5 –
Update: I talked with James at FOT this morning. He was doing a customer satisfaction follow up by phone. I can now answer the question about bonding of the front cap. James said that when FOT removes a windshield, the technicians pull and push on the front cap at the attachment points. If there is movement, usually where it bonds to plywood near windshield wipers or at top of cap to roof structure, they stop the replacement until they make that repair. The repair on mine was at the top. This is not a prevalent problem with the Unicoach according to David in the service department.

That's the difference in my opinion between a mobile repair service or going to Nach or another facility familiar with Foretravels. Not a big deal if it spends an extra day in the shop to do the repair. That's not to say the mobile services aren't very good at what they do - they do it every day. They also come to you, which is super convenient and involves the least down time. Specialization almost always creates efficiencies not possible with generalists. They might also know to look for loose attachment, but repair of that does not fit the service model very well unless it's so bad that it threatens any warranty on the repair. That's based on my assumptions, not actual experience in talking with mobile techs. Maybe others on the forum with more experience can better compare the two services.

I've made a lot of good and bad decisions on my motor home. This time I just had a "hunch" to hassle with returning it to FOT. Glad I did.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.