Foretravel parts department

Topic: Foretravel parts department (Read 1600 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel parts department

May 25, 2021, 06:27:57 pm

Since we purchased the 2000 U-320, I am sure we will need some items to upgrade. Also, not familiar with how the parts department is set up there. With our Prevost, I could email them a request with the appropriate part number and they would fill the order and notify my via email when it was ready. Can I expect this type of service?

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #1 – May 25, 2021, 07:14:41 pm

I've called them twice in the last month. Once for information and once for parts. The info needed was given (supplier contact for parts they don't carry) and the parts were ordered while on the second call, for replacement dash AC switches. No issues, easy to work with. Just have your coach number handy and they can look it up. Having a motorcade membership also gets you a 10% discount.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #2 – May 25, 2021, 08:20:00 pm

What is the motorcade membership?

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #3 – May 25, 2021, 08:35:12 pm

Cost you 100.00 per year.. You get a discount by being a member plus gives you a "preferred" status when calling for tech advice and so on. Beverly will sign you up with the motorcade club.. Different clubs have Rally's thru out the year. IMO the parts discount can carry the cost of membership. Calling parts you will be asked to leave a message and phone number. They have been prompt in returning my call. I've missed some things but others will add.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #4 – May 26, 2021, 02:49:39 am

I haven't been so lucky with the FT parts desk. Called. No call back. Emailed Zack Spain and email was returned (must be a de-funked email or Mr. Spain is gone) Emailed another person (parts.texas@foretravel) with a picture showing what I wanted. (a trailing link mount on the drive axle and suspension bushings) That was on 4/27. I have yet to hear back.

I can likely find the bushings elsewhere. Not so much the Trailing arm mount. I think that picture should be pretty easy for them to work with. So I'm not sure how to make it any easier for them.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #5 – May 26, 2021, 07:26:39 am

I emailed them yesterday. We will see.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #6 – May 26, 2021, 07:45:16 am

Big Dog, what would cause you to need to replace the trailing arm mounting bracket? I assume it was broken, but how?

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #7 – May 26, 2021, 07:59:28 am

I would think a welding shop or a welder could make that part or repair it

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #8 – May 26, 2021, 08:00:09 am

I've never had a problem with Brad in the parts department answering when I call or promptly call them back if I left a message. If they had the parts they were properly shipped out.

Keith

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #9 – May 26, 2021, 08:46:00 am

From the FOT website:

BRAD LANGFORD
Manager
bradl@foretravel.com
Ext 173

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #10 – May 26, 2021, 09:13:32 am

I've had excellent experience with the parts dept. Prompt and courteous service!

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #11 – May 26, 2021, 09:39:41 am

Quote from: erniee – May 25, 2021, 08:20:00 pm

What is the motorcade membership?

FORETRAVEL

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #12 – May 26, 2021, 09:47:08 am

Ernie

Suggest you call instead of email. Calling has produced dependable results. Their voicemail and phone system is archaic, I try t just get through to anyone live. A bit of a hassle sometimes, but that has always gotten me parts.

In watching them, people at the counter get their time, and then phone calls. Not sure what the process is re emails.

Let us know how that works emailing them please.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #13 – May 26, 2021, 09:58:52 am

Quote from: Geodmann – May 26, 2021, 07:45:16 am

Big Dog, what would cause you to need to replace the trailing arm mounting bracket? I assume it was broken, but how?

I have no idea how something like that could be damaged and not have a lot of other stuff around it tore up as well. That mount is very thick and very out of the way. There is a very, very small crack in the corner nearest the camera in between the U-Bolt and the axle housing. It was found by Arizona Spring when they did an alignment. They said it was not an issue that was in danger of immediate failure and it's not a weight bearing piece. But should be replaced.
Arizona Spring suspected that there was an unseen flaw in the metal and/or the U-Bolt was over torqued.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #14 – May 26, 2021, 10:32:20 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – May 26, 2021, 09:47:08 am

Ernie

Suggest you call instead of email. Calling has produced dependable results. Their voicemail and phone system is archaic, I try t just get through to anyone live. A bit of a hassle sometimes, but that has always gotten me parts.

In watching them, people at the counter get their time, and then phone calls. Not sure what the process is re emails.

Let us know how that works emailing them please.

Tim, A phone call was the first thing I did after MoT parts told me that mount was a Foretravel specific item and would be cheaper to order directly from FT.

My call was pushed to a voice mail system where I gave my landline and cell number. Days later, after no reply. I emailed Mr. Spain with all my personal/coach info along with that picture and that email was returned. I verified that the email matched what is on Foretravel's web page. So Mr. Spain is either gone or the contact info on the web page is incorrect. I emailed someone else with all the info and that picture. That Email was delivered but not acted upon.

A few years ago when I ordered a couple of those pesky push/push closet latches. Everything went smoothly.

Bottom line is that I nor anyone else should be 0 for 3 in even making contact with a parts department.

I have had the displeasure of setting up and running a parts department at a new motorcycle dealer. It's hard work that never seems to back off. restocking, inventories, customer requests, service department requests, floor displays. (and the very occasional recalcitrant customer)
But job one was ensuring that every customer was served and felt like their business was appreciated. Because their business WAS appreciated.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #15 – May 26, 2021, 11:57:55 am

Whenever I have visited the FOT parts window (in person) getting what I needed was always quick and painless. Whoever I talk to (behind the counter) knows what I'm asking for, and where to find it.

I have always wondered how much of the FOT parts inventory is actually listed on the parts department computers, and how much resides in the collective memory of the employees. If everything is loaded on the computers, how hard would it be to set up a online parts order and purchase system? I know nothing about such things, so I ask out of ignorance - not to be critical.

If I want to order a part for our 2011 Kia Sorento I can go online and find literally dozens of places across the country that have the part in stock. I realize that Foretravel is not a national network of dealers, but it has been in operation for a long time. The parts department should have a pretty good idea what parts are on the shelf. What is it about the Foretravel parts operation that precludes offering a similar online method of looking up, ordering and paying for commonly needed parts?

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #16 – May 26, 2021, 01:07:42 pm

I've had good call return call experience with Brad as well. I imagine the days work load and traffic makes call back vary but again Ive had good results with Brad. I try not to do the email route.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #17 – May 26, 2021, 01:13:21 pm

Personally never have any luck with them. For me, certainly not worth $100.00 I paid the 1st year.

I find everything needed somewhere else, faster, and most the time cheaper for the same product.

I did get a gold Foretravel emblem for the front from them. Was like $45.00 plus shipping for a sticker. I only bought it, because previous owner was German, and put a big Mercedes sign on the front, needed something to cover the holes.

That deal took 2 calls, and finally a call back a week later.

Not bad mouthing them, glad you had a good experience. Just not for me.

Their motto when I worked for them was "Whatever we paid, double the price". That still sticks with me.

Cheers
Chris

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #18 – May 26, 2021, 01:16:48 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – May 26, 2021, 11:57:55 am

I have always wondered how much of the FOT parts inventory is actually listed on the parts department computers, and how much resides in the collective memory of the employees. If everything is loaded on the computers, how hard would it be to set up a online parts order and purchase system? I know nothing about such things, so I ask out of ignorance - not to be critical.

Not as hard as it might seem. The hard part is making a microfiche or it's equivalent. Then loading it on a server. And it wouldn't even need to be complete. I.E. Since we know or can easily find out the make and model of our engines, Transmissions, Faucets, Toilets. Etc Etc. Those are easy enough to look up at their respective manufacturers web page or RV store chain.

The important parts to list are those that are one off custom made parts for our Foretravels. Such as the swing out step door, The trailing arm mount I'm after. Bay doors, Emblems Stuff like that.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #19 – May 26, 2021, 04:02:40 pm

I sent an email yesterday about the exterior entry door seal which is split and looks bad. Got an email today and with some measuring on my part- the new seal will be heading to me.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #20 – May 26, 2021, 05:42:19 pm

Ernie,

For future reference, there are a couple of Parts Manuals in the files. While specific to a couple of years, you can look and see if your coach build number is covered by one of them (start with the 2003, and if your build number is earlier than shown, look at the 2000).

Build number is shown in the "Start" column - that will be the first build number to use that specific part.

Part number, if not a "P" (which I think means "proprietary"), might contain an OEM part number you can search on for other sources. This is hit or miss, but it's worth a shot. Sometimes you'll have to play around in a Google search, removing dashes, including a description, etc.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=593

If anyone else has Parts Manuals in PDF form, please consider uploading them to that album (or send me a PM if they are too large to upload).

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #21 – May 26, 2021, 06:17:17 pm

Thank you, Michelle.
I just received an email from UPS stating I have a delivery tomorrow afternoon. I'm impressed.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #22 – May 26, 2021, 09:53:04 pm

I've had pretty good luck calling. In general I've found their prices reasonable. Also have been pleased with Southwest international prices for Cummins OEM parts.

FOT did my windshields and resolved a problem with front cap while replacing windshields.

Re: Foretravel parts department

Reply #23 – May 27, 2021, 03:17:47 pm

Resent my request yesterday and had success. lt403 who was at FT saw them working on the request.
So that is good news. Now they just have to build it.
I guess it was just one of those times that I ran across a few cracks and my stuff fell into it.

Probably some sap named "Murphy" was behind it all.

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