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Table of Contents Page 8-11 12-13
Welcome New Members Custom Feature with the Millers
A club magazine for Motorhomes of Texas owners, published biannually by the Motorhomes of Texas Owners Club.
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Nachogdoches
The oldest town in Texas
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Linda’s Tips & Tricks
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Pet Contest
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Rally Bound
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Motorhomes of Texas Offices: 2410 NW Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75964 800.651.1112 • 936.564.1112
Club Director: 20
Cortney Wisniewski - ext 207 cortneybw@motorhomesoftexas.com owners.motorhomesoftexas.com
RV Daily Report
Publication Staff: Cortney Wisniewski cortneybw@motorhomesoftexas.com
Inventory SPOTLIGHT
Emily Robertson emilyr@motorhomesoftexas.com
All in the Family
Contributing Writers:
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Gregg Gerber
Remodel Feature
Mike Martinkus
Changes for the better
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Testimonials
Chuck and Mary Miller David Robertson Emily Robertson Cortney Wisniewski
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Checklist Before you go! Crossword
Contributing Photographer: George Hooker
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From the Owners: David and Emily Robertson
Dear Owners Club Members, We would personally like to say “Thank you� to everyone who has, over the past twelve years, trusted Motorhomes of Texas with your business. Motorhomes of Texas is a family-owned, customer-oriented business with thirty-two loyal employees who each have a passion and a commitment to provide the best service in the RV industry. It is hard to believe how fast time goes by! We are truly blessed to have over 1,500 Owners Club Members. Each and every one of us at MOT strives to continue to provide the best motorhome sales, service, and parts experience for you. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and building relationships remain our driving goal since we opened the doors in 2003. The future looks very bright in the RV industry and at Motorhomes of Texas. In 2014, we saw a 33% nationwide increase in motorhome sales over the previous year. We feel confident that 2015 will prove to be another excellent year, and we are honored to be your dealer. We want to welcome all of you to our MOT family, and we hope you enjoy the MOT Owners Club Magazine. What a great opportunity for us to show how much we sincerely appreciate you as our customer and friend. It is our utmost promise to each of you to continue to be the best motorhome dealer in the industry and exceed all of your motorhome needs for years to come. Enjoy your coach and may God bless your travels. Sincerely,
David and Emily Robertson Owners
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About Us Motorhomes of Texas, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, specializes in sales, consignments, parts, remodel, and service of luxury pre-owned motorcoaches. Founded in the fall of 2003, Motorhomes of Texas was launched into the motorhome world by Texas-born owners, David and Emily Robertson. David and Emily Robertson both graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, in Nacogdoches, Texas. David received his B.B.A. in Communications and Business Marketing, and later pursued an M.B.A.; Emily received her B.A. in Secondary Education. On their own financially, as young newlyweds, David and Emily paid their way through college by starting their own landscaping business. This business would be the first stepping-stone toward a great career in the motorhome industry. On the momentous day that David would step into his first ever motorhome, he was landscaping at a customer’s house. That customer and great friend, Phil Cornelius, would forever impact David’s life. Phil spoke with David about his career as a salesman for Foretravel, and the wonderful experience of selling high-end luxury motorhomes. David was so impressed with the idea of selling beautiful, luxurious motorhomes that he decided to change careers and quickly became a colleague of Phil’s at Foretravel. This is the path that would lead to the creation of Motorhomes of Texas, a motorhome dealership of the highest caliber. David began his motorhome career in 1993, with Foretravel, working as their nationwide top salesperson for nine out of ten years in the sales department. At Foretravel, David’s experiences introduced him to high-end luxury motorcoaches and the importance of strong customer relationships. In 2003, Foretravel elected to seek out independent dealerships, which prompted David to turn to the owner of Foretravel, Ray Fore, to ask for his blessing in opening up his own dealership just down the road. Both David and Emily knew it would be a total leap of faith for Emily to quit teaching, as well as for David to leave an impressive career with Foretravel. It was their faith indeed that changed everything, and Emily’s famous prayer “God Be Big” would soon become a reality! Based on this fated turn of events, David and Emily actualized the vision of owning a motorhome dealership that would incorporate a business philosophy of first class service, trust, loyalty, commitment, and customer relationships that would feel like family. Within the first year, with only six employees, MOT sold over 100 motorhomes! And now, twelve years later, Motorhomes of Texas has become a prestigious name on a national and even international level, drawing customers from all corners of the U.S., Canada, Hawaii, and Germany. This is a vast testament of the dealership’s performance in luxury pre-owned motorhome sales, service, and superior customer care. David and Emily’s initial dream is now a reality! Exciting plans are taking place in the future, as Motorhomes of Texas prepares to add more space to the dealership. Expanding with an additional twenty acres, Motorhomes of Texas acquires the ability to increase motorhome inventory through a more sizeable consignment and retail motorhome sales facility. Also, Motorhomes of Texas Owners Club foresees hosting members and their coaches for fun and informative social events in the near future. The MOT Owners Club has reached over 1,200 loyal members! Motorhomes of Texas extends an infinite invitation to you to visit us in the oldest town in Texas, for superior service, remodel, or even the purchase of a new coach. We anticipate welcoming you to Motorhomes of Texas, where service isn’t a passion it’s an obsession. 44
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Club Director From the Editor: Cortney Wisniewski Dear Motorhomes of Texas Club Members, What better way is there to seize the budding warmth of spring than to take a trip to one of your favorite RV parks or visit family out of state in your luxury motorhome? And at the end of the busy day full of adventures, cozy up on your couch or recliner with our inaugural issue of the Motorhomes of Texas Owners Club Magazine! Without our members we certainly wouldn’t be here, so this magazine is our way of saying so much more than just a simple “thank you.” This publication is our tribute to you, in which we hope to showcase your travels, your adventures, and you as our customers! We love serving you here in Nacogdoches, Texas, but we’d also love to see what you do with that motorhome out in the real world. We’ve put together something special just for you, our owners, that we hope will entertain, inform, and engage you. Please feel free to submit any ideas, questions, photos, or stories to us. This is your magazine, and we want it to be a tailor-made fit for you! Send your comments, inquiries, and submissions through the Motorhomes of Texas Owners Club website: http://owners.motorhomesoftexas.com under the “Submit Inquiry” page found in the menu on the left. Or send me an email! I look forward to hearing from you! Yours truly,
Cortney Wisniewski Owners Club Director CortneyBW@MotorhomesOfTexas.com 800-651-1112, ext 207
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Recipes For the Traveler This recipe is probably the easiest and most versatile recipe you’ll ever come across, plus there’s little-to-no clean-up involved after! It’s fun and quick, and can be changed to fit whatever mood you’re in, whether it’s the classic meat-andpotatoes or something lighter like seafood and vegetables. To give you a good idea of what we mean, here are a few meals you can make with some tin foil and a campfire: The Classic (may also be known as a ‘Hobo Dinner’) Place ¼ lb. ground beef in center of foil. Top with desired amount of 1-inch cubed potato chunks, sliced carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Seal the foil packet and cook over a low grill for about 30 minutes. Serves 1. The Vegetarian Spray foil lightly with oil. Combine three sliced yellow squash (thickness based on your preference), 4 to 5 quartered white button mushrooms, and half of a small yellow onion, sliced. Place in the center of foil. Season with desired amount of salt and ground black pepper. Top mixture with 3 to 4 pats of butter. Seal the foil packet and cook over a low grill for about 15 minutes for crisp and tender veggies. If you prefer well done, cook for 25 minutes. Serves 4 as a side, or serves 1 as a dish. The Oriental (Thai Coconut Shrimp) Spray foil lightly with oil. Combine ½ lb. peeled and deveined shrimp with ¼ cup coconut milk, a stick of chopped lemongrass, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, and a couple tablespoons of lime juice. If you prefer to be really authentic, use one finely chopped Kaffir lime leaf instead of lime juice. Season with chile garlic sauce as desired. Seal foil packet and grill over high heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Serves 1. Remember to have fun with these recipes and use your imagination! You can substitute everything here to better suit your preferences. For multiple servings, just repeat these instructions with every new packet. Instructions on making the foil packet: 1) Tear a long (about 2 feet) sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, or 2-3 sheets of standard aluminum foil. You’ll want to stack the standard foil sheets. 2) Spray the inside surfaces lightly with oil, if necessary, before placing ingredients. 3) Bring the lengthwise ends together and fold 2 to 3 times to create a seal. Don’t seal too tightly as you’ll want to leave some room for steam to circulate.
And for dessert… Try the Campfire Banana Split recipe. It keeps with the foil packet theme as the meals above, so just keep an extra sheet or two out for this. Since this recipe includes a banana, that makes this a healthy dessert, right? Peel a banana and make a cut along one side as deep and long as you prefer. Then stuff or tuck chocolate chips and marshmallows into the banana. It’s okay if they pile up on top, too. Wrap in aluminum foil and place on some coals or near a fire until everything inside feels warm and gooey. Enjoy your campfire cooked meals for the whole family!
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Bon Appétit!
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Legend has it, Nacogdoches (that’s pronounced NAC UH DOE CHUS), the oldest town in Texas, was originally founded by the Caddo Indians a long time ago. It is said that an old Caddo chief who lived near the Sabine River had twin sons, both exact opposites in appearance. When the sons grew to manhood and were ready to become leaders of their own tribes, the father sent the brothers away in opposite directions. His dark-haired son went three days eastward toward the rising sun. There he settled in Natchitoches (NAC E TISH), named after himself, in Louisiana. The other brother, the light-haired twin, was sent three days westward toward the setting sun and founded the settlement Nacogdoches, his namesake. The two brothers remained friendly toward each other until the road between the two communities became well traveled, forming a trade route. And so Nacogdoches flourished as a tribal settlement full of travelers and traders, snug between Banita and Lanana Creeks. Nacogdoches remained a Caddo Indian settlement until 1716 when the Spanish began to build missions in the area to establish ownership and the Christian Word in East Texas. It was under this Spanish expedition that Don Antonio Gil Y’Barbo came to Nacogdoches in 1779 and established a local government. Meanwhile, the French also began to explore East Texas from Louisiana, seeking trade opportunities with the Native Americans. Very soon, conflict arose over Texas land between the Spanish and French, and eventually the Mexican Government.
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From 1700 to the 1880’s, Texas land passed under nine different flags, each proclaiming ownership after the Mexican Revolution, Fredonia Rebellion, the Battle of Nacogdoches, the Texas Revolution, and finally, of course, the Civil War. Those nine flags included the Spanish, French, Gutierrez-Magee Rebellion (1812-13), The Long Republic (1819), Mexican Republic (1821-36), Republic of Fredonia (1826-27), Lone Star Republic (1836-45), Confederate Stars & Bars (1861-65), and of course the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America (1845-61; 1865-Present). Of the things most associated with Texas – oil, cattle, independent nation status – they all started in Nacogdoches. No one can separate the history of early Texas from that of the long ago Caddo chief’s son, Nacogdoches. In 1844, the citizens of Nacogdoches petitioned the new government for a charter to establish Nacogdoches University. The charter was granted in February 1845, and first operated in a temporary home until January 1858 when it moved into a building on Washington Square. The University Building is one of the finest architectural structures in Texas, and it is the only building still standing chartered by the Republic. After the turn of the century, local citizens began to lobby the state for a teacher’s college in Nacogdoches. In 1923 Stephen F. Austin Teachers College opened with an enrollment of 158 students. Over several decades the college grew in size and popularity until it achieved university status in 1969 with a student body of nearly 11,000. Over the next few decades, Nacogdoches continued to grow steadily to a population of over 34,000 citizens! Today, Motorhomes of Texas is proud to be located in this vibrant and historic city full of activities and sights for all ages to see. Apart from all the exciting places visitors can see and explore, such as the azalea arboretum, local the historic downtown city center, and a variety of fine restaurants and eateries, Nacogdoches also has a strong RVing community available to all our Motorhomes of Texas customers. There are plenty of nearby lakes and parks for quick trips or even overnight stays. Plus Nacogdoches also boasts not just our own prestigious
stays. Plus, Nacogdoches also boasts not just our own prestigious dealership but also the Foretravel manufacturer just down the road from us, which is very convenient for Motorhomes of Texas Foretravel owners. Nacogdoches is a warm and welcoming city for out-of-town RV owners who travel from across America to take advantage of the friendly world-class service center, remodel department, and sales team here at Motorhomes of Texas. Just as Nacogdoches was started from one son’s journey, Motorhomes of Texas also began from one man’s dream. David Robertson was first introduced into the world of motorhomes when he was working at a customer’s house for his landscaping business here in town. That customer just happened to be a salesman for Foretravel at the time, and he shared his wonderful experience of selling high-end luxury motorhomes. David was so impressed, he changed careers to work for Foretravel where he learned everything about luxury motorhomes, even becoming the top salesman for nine out of the ten years he worked there. While at Foretravel, he noticed a trending need for a consignment program for widow and widower customers to help sell their pre-owned coaches. David sought Ray Fore’s blessing to branch out and start his own consignment dealership, Motorhomes of Texas. Staring down a long road full of hard work, David began to feel the weight of the long arduous task set in front of him. One day in church, David was discussing his interest in a bit of property that used to be a rental service center off the Nacogdoches loop with his wife, Emily, and some friends. The building and land were in a great place near a vein of heavy traffic on an interstate highway that showed great promise, but David was faced with his first official hurdle in finding the owner of the property to begin negotiating a sale. There was still a lot to consider! But David was blessed that day, when who should be in that very group of friends but the owner of the property himself! Instantly, his path became clearer
and the finish line that marked the grand opening for Motorhomes of Texas seemed a little bit closer. And so Motorhomes of Texas came to be: The building was renovated; more land was cleared for a large lot to accomodate over 50 motorhomes; a secondary driveway was added; four service bays were attached to the pre-existing building; and everything was fenced in and gated for security. After months of hard work, MOT quietly opened its doors for a trial period in December of 2002. With only a small team of 5 employees, mostly family members helping out David and Emily, everyone worked at perfecting processes, fixing problems, and figuring out new systems that worked the best for their first few customers. Finally, after all the struggling and blind faith, Motorhomes of Texas officially opened its doors in March of 2003. The rest is history, so they say, and, while it took a lot of navigating obstacles to get here, Motorhomes of Texas continues to grow quickly. From that first year in 2003 with a timid goal of selling just 50 coaches (and subsequently surpassing that goal when MOT sold 100 coaches that year!) to a decade later in 2013 when MOT reached their highest number of coaches sold in one month at 22, Motorhomes of Texas has become a star among pre-owned luxury motorhome dealerships in America. When the company can boast repeat loyal customers from parts of Canada, California, Maine, and Oregon, to name a few, it is clear that MOT is on the right track — a testament of the Robertsons’ commitment to their customers in sales, service, remodeling, and parts.
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Calendar of Events See what’s happening in Nacogdoches! More events to come in our next issue summer 2015!
APRIL 1-30 Azalea Trails are open! 3 Tech Talk for Seniors 11 Red Dirt Mud Run 17-19 6th Big Thicket and West Gulf 17 18 MAY 1 1 1-31 10 16-17 19
Coastal Plain Science Conference in Nacogdoches Relay for Life The Helping House Kite Fest & Airport Open House Tech Talk for Seniors SFA Planetarium showing Two Small Pieces of Glass, 7:00 p.m. Azalea Trails are open! Gardeb Tour Trade Days Glenn Shephard seminar
JUNE 5 Tech Talk for Seniors 5 SFA Planetarium showing 13 13 20
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New Horizons, 7:00 p.m. Texas Blueberry Festival 2015 Millard’s Crossing Flea Market Trade Days
JULY 6 7 14 16-18 17 18
DIY Club Meeting Senior Discount Day Personal Finance Classes by the Financial Education Program Christmas in July Expo! SFA Planetarium showing The Little Star That Could, 7:00 p.m. Trade Days
AUGUST 4 Senior Discount Day 7 Tech Talk for Seniors 8-9 Millard’s Crossing Flea Market 13 The Pines Presents: Mike Ferris, 15-16 17
Grammy Award Winner for Best Roots Gospel Album Trade Days DIY Club Meeting
We could all use a little extra room. Save space by using an over-the-cabinet-door wastebasket for the bathroom. For more space, use square and rectangular storage containers instead of round ones. The containers sit next to one another and take up less space for maximum storage organization! Can’t keep track of where that remote is? Use Velcro on the backs of your remotes to keep them in one place. You can even Velcro your remotes to the side of a cabinet to save counter and drawer space! Display calendar events and fun photos on the inside of a cabinet door with Command strips. This will allow for quick access to important information and give the magnets on the refrigerator a break. Also, add Command hooks to the inside of your kitchen cabinets to hang your pot holders or other kitchen accessories. Prevent cracking and other damage to your fridge door’s rubber seal by cleaning the rubber with a mild cleaner and let dry. Smear a small amount of Vaseline on the rubber to keep it pliant for that tight vacuum seal. Want to kill two birds with one stone? At the end of a trip, empty all the ice from the ice maker bucket right into the commode! The ice will do a good job eliminating build up in the black tank, knocking against all the sides of the tank before melting, without the use of extra chemicals. Plus, you will have fresh ice at your next destination.
Linda Franklin is no stranger to the motorhome world!
Her journey began in 1976, selling motorhomes in Dallas, Texas. Linda fondly recalls her first sale, a 31 foot Foretravel with twin beds, describing the moment as something she will never forget! Over the next thirty-eight years, Linda would sell coaches and attend countless motorhome shows and rallies. For ten of those years, she enjoyed being a “full timer” while traveling and working in the motorhome industry. Like many of you, Linda personally understands the daily needs and upkeep a motorhome owner experiences. In 2012, Motorhomes of Texas welcomed Linda to the family. Everyone truly respects the knowledge and experience Linda brings to all of the rallies she attends as a MOT representative. In addition, each motorhome on the MOT lot receives a unique Linda makeover. Shopping in her very own closet of collectables, Linda chooses the perfect pieces to accent each individual coach. Throughout the years, Linda has acquired a myriad of helpful and creative tips and tricks that only a proper motorhome connoisseur would discover.
To keep items from sliding on countertops, use clear silicone sealer (do not use adhesive silicone) on the underside of those items. This trick can also be used to bond non-skid mats to decorative rugs or the welcome mat for wiping shoes. 19
Sit. Stay. Aww! We’re hosting a pet photo contest and giving away awesome
prizes! This section is all about you and your fur-baby as you travel the country in your motorhome. Every issue, twice a
year, will have a new pet contest and the winning submissions will be printed here in our magazine! Submit your pet’s photo and read more information about the contest at: owners.motorhomesoftexas.com/submit-photos/ The top two winning submissions will also receive
fun prizes for both you and your pet! So get to traveling – and don’t forget to capture those special moments with your pet!
Submit photos by May 15th to be eligible for prizes!
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two lucky winners to take home. He has also been known to give away a Motorhomes of Texas emblazoned cooler or a nice set of lawn chairs. Sometimes it’s another MOT reusable bag full of quality motorhome detailing products that Craig gives away, and he has even awarded popular electronics like a new Kindle Fire HD or flat screen television.
A few times a year, Motorhomes of Texas enjoys participating as a showcase dealer at several rallies from Texas to Louisiana. MOT rally representative, Craig Dorsett, organizes many activities at rallies including the motorhome open house tours and prize giveaways, and sometimes he even volunteers to host a game night. Motorhome rallies, such as the Cruisin’ Cajuns Birthday and Mardi Gras rallies in Rayne, Louisiana or the Country Coach Texans in the Austin area, are fun events and provide more than just entertainment. They are another way Motorhomes of Texas connects with the surrounding motorhome community. Craig likes going to these rallies and spending several nights in his choice of a luxury class A motorhome provided by Motorhomes of Texas. He will drive hundreds of miles to visit with various RV groups and spend days getting to know folks. Usually a rally will stretch over three or four days and are filled with food, dancing, and music! Craig usually prepares two Motorhomes of Texas reusable totes filled with MOT merchandise for
Attending these rallies oftentimes leads to rewarding opportunities. During one rally Craig attended in Bandera, Texas, he signed up to participate in a silent auction where MOT gave away a favored set of MOT outdoor chairs. All the proceeds for this auction benefited the Wounded Warriors Foundation and ended up raising over $4,000! Craig was excited and honored to be a part of that special fundraising event. In Rayne, Louisiana, at the Cruisin’ Cajuns rally, Craig ended up selling the motorhome he was staying in! The new owners were attending the rally with some friends, so it was really amazing that they were there to tour a MOT luxury coach and find a new home away from home. Craig was thrilled to be part of such an exciting purchase and to welcome new customers to the Motorhomes of Texas Owners Club. In 2015 Craig plans to attend several rallies, including the Cruisin’ Cajuns Mardi Gras Rally in February and the Crawfish Rally in April, both of which take place in Rayne, Louisiana. Also on the calendar is the South Texas Renegades Rally in May located in Tyler, Texas, and the Six State Rally in October, located in Conroe, Texas. Let Motorhomes of Texas know of other rallies and motorhome events in Texas to add to the calendar. Craig is always on the look-out for his next rally!
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Business & Sales Manager Jason Haskins Dear Owners Club Members, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the over 1,000 MOT Owners Club members who have made this inaugural magazine publication possible. Your trust and continued support are the reason Motorhomes of Texas has been able to grow into the company it is today. We have seen tremendous growth over the last ten years within the sales department and are looking forward to everything 2015 will bring. In 2014 we added over 150 new members to the MOT family and have experienced a tremendous increase in demand for luxury pre-owned motorhomes. We have expanded our coach purchasing program and traveled to thirty-six states plus two trips to Canada to purchase motorhomes that fit the high MOT standards of quality. The outright coach purchasing program has given customers an additional outlet in selling their motorhome. Of course, Motorhomes of Texas remains your number one choice for consignment if a direct purchase is not the best avenue for the sale of your coach. Our new website launch and expanded marketing department have had an incredible impact on the presentation and staging of the coaches. Daily visits to the website have more than doubled since 2013 and are up tenfold since 2012. The online videos of each unit are unparalleled in the industry and have had rave reviews from customers and other businesses within the industry. We are already starting 2015 with an impressive boom that we are looking forward to for the whole year. May God bless you and keep you safe as you travel. Sincerely,
Jason Haskins Business Manager
FINANCE Questions and Answers Question: I live out of state and want to do business with Motorhomes of Texas, but I can’t afford the time to travel there. Do you have drivers to pick up or deliver my motorhome for me?
Answer: Yes we do! We try to accommodate all of our customers to ensure an easy and effortless transaction in every way possible. We have drivers who are available to come directly to you to pick up or deliver your motorhome!
Question: I’m interested in an older coach. What is the age cut-off for service contracts and financing older coaches? Answer: Motorhomes of Texas has financing available to well-qualified buyers on units 15 years of age or newer and service contracts are available on coaches as far back as 2000.
Question: So Motorhomes of Texas offers and sells service contracts. What does a service contract cover and how is it different from a warranty?
Answer: Motorhomes of Texas offers service contracts not only on coaches we sell but also on units not purchased from
MOT. Length of term and coverage levels available depends on the specific coach and possibly on the number of miles at time of purchase. Service contracts differ from warranties in that warranties are covered by the manufacturer for their specific line of motorhome only. Service contracts are purchased to protect pre-owned motorhomes, and are bought through a third party. MOT honors all extended service contracts on all pre-owned motorhomes, and is a certified warranty service center for Entegra and Newell motorhomes. 22
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2007 Newell 45’ (#C1776)
Motorhomes by Newell are created as custom, one-of-a-kind showcase art pieces and are built with state-ofthe-art luxury designs, highest grade of refined materials, and completely unique. Newell coaches don’t have floor plans to show the layout of the coach, but instead have blueprints straight from the manufacturers, built to order. Unlike any other coach in its class, Newell coaches are constructed on custom-engineered body frames and chassis to bring owners the most in luxury and comfort. You can be assured that there is no other Newell like this one. This 2007 Newell is 45’ with 4 slides and is in impeccable condition. With a 615 HP CAT diesel engine, a 10 speed ZF Astronic transmission, and a 20 KW PowerTech generator, this coach is exactly what Newell is all about. The rich black, champagne, and burgundy full body paint exterior hides a wealth of luxuries that are just begging to be tested out by a new owner: independent front suspension, steering tag axle, all wheel air disc ABS brakes, air ride suspension, automatic air leveling system, and a 300 amp 12v engine alternator. The slide rooms have pneumatic seals and flush mount windows for a modern, sleek look with tight weather-proofing. This Newell has a rear bath floor plan, which has its own sun roof with screen, to allow for an extra half-bath in the middle of the coach. 26
I N V E N T O R Y
Inside, the cabinetry is a creamy white with the iconic Newell radius edges, complete with a Lucite glass cabinet and crystal glassware; the Queen Island bed has a powered bed extension and lift for extra space; there is a custom computer desk and chair; the leather sofa hides a bed; and full privacy is a given with the powered Silhouette Shades throughout the coach. Additionally, this Newell has Aqua-Hot heating, which can provide hours of hot water, Vorad Collision Avoidance, stack washer and dryer, a drawer dishwasher, built-in coffee maker, and 4 air conditioning units. The living room boasts Marantz home theater sound, and both televisions inside are 42� LG flat screens with DVD and VCR capabilities. Newells are often thought of as motorized works of art, but this coach is more than capable of taking you and your family wherever you want to go in style. Every Newell is a leader in the ultra-luxury class, and this 2007 Newell is the perfect embodiment of traveling luxury. With modern designs, materials, and technologies used by Newell, this coach remains top-notch in design, engineering, and performance. No other coach offers more from the same year, and, as every Newell is a rare gem to find, once this 2007 Newell is gone – there will never be another one like it.
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2007 Foretravel Nimbus 40’ (#C1721A)
Foretravel is a brand consistently known throughout the motorhome industry as one of the top leaders in both quality and value. When Foretravel began production on the 2007 Nimbus, the idea was to seamlessly weave a high luxury feel into a coach but at a value that was more economically friendly for interested consumers. The result was a bolder, bigger, and better-than-ever Nimbus boasting a “perfect marriage” of Foretravel finish and bottom-line value. With an upgraded interior to a more residential feel and an added optional 500 horse-power Cummins diesel engine, the Nimbus was touted as THE coach for comfort. Only available in 36’, 40’, and 42’ models, this Nimbus was completely redesigned with a taller exterior profile, at the time state-of-the-art slide rooms, all encompassing rooms that were hand designed to make you feel at home. This particular 2007 Foretravel Nimbus has the Waterford Quad floor plan, 40’ with 4 slides for optimal amount of space, and is decorated with the Style Savvy 072 interior design options, which show how the floor plan of the coach is laid out. This Nimbus does have the optional 500 HP Cummins engine with 6 speed Allison transmission, and less than 25,000 miles on the speedometer, which makes this coach practically brand new. The 12KW Caterpillar diesel generator also shows very little evidence of use with less than 800 hours of total time. 28
I N V E N T O R Y
The features and conveniences of this motorhome are countless. You can discover all the features of this motorhome on our website. Expect to see all the great luxuries the Foretravel name has become known for: all wheel air disc ABS brakes, HWH computerized air leveling system, lifting tag axle, 10 bag (8 outboard) air-ride suspension, transmission retarder and cooler, Girard roof-mounted and automatic patio awning, and dual-pane insulated windows. Some of the more specific luxury features found on this coach are the Villa leather 6-way power pilot and co-pilot seats, illuminated “Smart” steering wheel, home theater system in living room with Anthony Gallo recessed speakers, tile flooring in the kitchen and bath, Intellitec multiplex lighting, a J-lounge jack-knife sofa, California Queen Island bed, Hydro-Hot heating, and an outdoor entertainment package with a 31” flat screen TV and Bose surround sound. Foretravel’s brand of high quality luxury stems from every single minute detail, such as the pneumatic slide seals, the shower skylight, the floor-level accent lights, and the best grade of materials, from the wood to the ceramic tile. The next happy owner of this coach will surely enjoy being surrounded by all the conveniences and timeless comforts that create the perfect traveling oasis like this 2007 Foretravel Nimbus.
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All in the Family MOT Employee Events
There is more to Motorhomes of Texas than just a great place to work! With the opportunity to participate in exciting company events, the entire team at Motorhomes of Texas has fun while strengthening relationships, appreciating teamwork and leadership skills, and reinforcing core values that are the foundation of MOT. Just as MOT customers are treated like family, MOT employees treat each other like family and continuously grow closer together through the years. After all, a team that plays together, stays together, and in the end, works harder for customers.
2014 Golf
Each May, Motorhomes of Texas hosts an annual golf tournament known as the MOT Ball-Shankin’ Stroke-a-Thon at the Pineywoods Country Club in Nacogdoches. The tournament lasts all day and invites friendly competition between teams of employees for prize money. The winning team gets their names engraved on a plaque and their team photo displayed for one year in the employee lounge, and most importantly, bragging rights until the next year.
One team posing at the AMEN CORNER of the course.
MOT employees before splitting into teams. Linda Miller putting.
Paula Tobias shows off her skills.
One team figuring things out.
Jill Russell waits to be chauffered. Mike Martinkus waiting his turn.
Craig Dorsett and Mel Cordray cooling off in the shade.
Craig fishes for his ball while James Johnson watches.
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Stewart Canty on a long drive.
Judy Taylor and Emily posing.
Stewart and Mike relaxing. David Whitehead and Linda Miller waiting their turns.
Seth Whitehead feeling confident.
Keith Risch being goofy.
Allen Anthony and Mike Weaver observing. Emily and David Robertson.
James with his son Isaac Anderson relaxing after golfing all day.
2014 Bowling Much like the golf tournament, there is an Bowl-a-Thon which is held at the Texas Pro invites friendly competition, as well selected teams of employees for on a plaque and their photo in the employee lounge.
annual bowling tournament called the MOT Split Happens Bowl bowling alley in Nacogdoches. The Bowl-a-Thon also as plenty of trash talking, among randomly money. The winners’ names are engraved is proudly displayed for a year
Top Bowlers (right to left) Seth Whitehead, Stewart Canty, Blake Webb, Jesse Killingsworth. Stage 1: Craig demonstrates bowling.
Winning top individual Bowler Stewart Canty. Trevor Whitehead bowls against a split.
Team “Lucky Strikes”
Team “Alley Gators”
Stage 3: Laura Martenez commiserating. Stewart Canty’s top score.
Team “Bowl Movements”
Team “Bowling Stones”
Stage 2: Keith Risch and Bruce Oliver critiquing.
Team “Flaming Balls”
Team “Gutter Gang”
Team “8 Pound Balls”
2014 Christmas At the end of every year in December, Motorhomes of Texas hosts the biggest event for employees in celebration of Christ. Employees and spouses come together for a delicious catered meal, warm camaraderie, and fun. Before gifts are given, the year of business at MOT is reviewed and each department recognized and rewarded for their service and hard work. Next the employee of the month for December is recognized and awarded followed by the awarding of the Don Barnett award and prize money to the employee of the year. Finally, after the meal has wound down, gifts like iPads, jewelry sets, video game systems, and grills generously provided by David and Emily Robertson for the employees are randomly drawn for and given away. To finish off this exuberant night, games like Bingo and washers are played for more prize money, music is played, and dance moves are shown off well into the late hours.
Stewart (left) and Mel Cordray checking out the prize table.
Paula Tobias gifting David and Emily with a surprise gift from all the employees.
Delicious catered meal.
Employees and spouses socializing. Randomly selecting employees to Allen Anthony and Bruce Oliver get a gift white elephant style. after being recognized.
Relaxing with a round of washers.
Stephen Stolley getting dessert — a huge sopapilla.
More washers.
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Parts Manager Allen Anthony Hello MOT Owner’s Club Members! Welcome to the very first edition of the Motorhomes of Texas Owner’s Club Magazine! I would like to personally thank all of you for choosing Motorhomes of Texas for your motorhome service and parts needs. This past year proved to be a great year for the parts department as well as Motorhomes of Texas as a whole. Sales in our department have seen a significant increase due to updated, competitive pricing as well as word of mouth testimonials from valued customers. We strive to keep our pricing in line with what the market dictates, and we do try our best to price match competitor’s prices as well. We are eager and willing to do the best that we can to satisfy each and every customer! We are eager to see what the rest of this year holds in store for us here at Motorhomes of Texas. We know there will be many new and exciting challenges ahead of us as we head into summer! We look forward to seeing your smiling faces this year. Please do not hesitate to call us in the meantime for all of your part needs. With almost fifty years of combined parts experience, we can handle your parts needs! Remember that we can ship parts to wherever you may be and most of our in-stock parts will ship the same day that they are ordered. We can also drop-ship most parts directly from our vendors to your doorstep. We wish all of you warm and happy months, and many miles of safe travels!
Godspeed,
Allen Anthony Parts Manager
PARTS Questions and Answers Question: What brand of motorhomes does MOT carry parts for? Answer: We carry a large selection of motorhome parts on hand with an emphasis on Foretravel, Country Coach, and Newell. We do have access to or can usually find just about any part for any brand of motorhome on the road today.
Question: Do you have any used parts for motorhomes in stock? Answer: We carry a limited number of used parts such as microwaves, air conditioners or refrigerators. There’s a
chance we may have exactly what you need. Feel free to give the parts department a call or email and we will see what we do to help you out.
Question: Do you have any furniture available such as recliners, chairs, or sofas? Answer: We do have furniture items from time to time although it usually does not stay around too long as it is highly sought after. If you let us know what you are searching for we can keep you updated.
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Service Administrator Jill Russell Hello MOT Owners Club, I joined Motorhomes of Texas as the Service Administrator in January 2014. Once I began working here, I noticed several things about Motorhomes of Texas that intrigued me. I found I had joined a company that has strong Christian values, extremely loyal employees, and an owner passionate about building great relationships with his employees. Employees are empowered to do the right thing at all times. The family atmosphere we find at work every day makes MOT an amazing company to be a part of. The Service Department experienced a very busy fall, and the winter months have filled up quickly with customers seeking superior service and remodel. We pride ourselves on providing the most excellent motorhome service available. Continuing education in our field is always a priority for Motorhomes of Texas. Recently Keith Risch and Mike Rogers attended an RVIA troubleshooting clinic in Montreal, Canada and brought back with them the latest knowledge to help us service motorhomes. Also, we are excited to have recently added to our family new technicians to help meet the increasing demand that the future surely brings. In the next issue, I would like to add a section called Tech Tips. I encourage your input as to what our MOT Owners Club members find interesting. Please email your questions and ideas to jillc@motorhomesoftexas.com. Thank you for being a loyal customer of Motorhomes of Texas. Sincerely,
Jill Russell Service Administrator
SERVICE Questions and Answers Question: Will 220 volts harm my coach? Answer: As long as the plug is wired with 2 legs of 110 vac, a neutral and a ground, you will never have to worry about damage to your coach.
Question: Why do I get a sewer smell while driving my coach? Answer: There are several variables that can cause this issue. Be sure you are not driving with any vents open; this will cause
a vacuum in the tank, which will produce an odor. An empty P-Trap under the sink will also cause odor to permeate the coach. Also, faulty roof vents or vacuum breakers will result in odoriferous smells while driving.
Question: How long should tires last on a motorhome? Answer: According to manufacturers, tires should be replaced every 5 years because the adhesive of the tread begins to
break down. Some other points that should be considered are over and under tire inflation, exposure to sunlight, ozone, long periods of storage, and alignment checks. 34
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Changes for the Better: a peek inside the growth of Motorhomes of Texas’s Remodel Department Having a reputation for excellent service isn’t surprising to hear mentioned when describing Motorhomes of Texas. It’s easy to maintain and cultivate a growing customer base when a high standard for service is built into the business philosophy: “Service is not a passion. It is an obsession.” And it’s true! All 32 employees at Motorhomes of Texas strive to provide only the best service for their coach owners. MOT has grown significantly in the 12 years they’ve been open. MOT service technicians are highly qualified in upgrading motorhomes as far as TVs, furniture, and flooring while delivering the high-level of quality that’s always expected. MOT technicians’ capacity and knowledge for more extensive remodeling jobs can encompass custom cabinetry installations and repairs, the latest technology in entertainment, and even exterior detailing services. Motorhomes of Texas teams up with local experts for fiberglass work and full body paint jobs which are always quality controlled for perfection. With a mindset of “no job is too big or too small,” Motorhomes of Texas has finally proven itself diverse and resourceful enough to support a bourgeoning Remodel Department in their Service Department. In honor of this, we’re showcasing exactly the kind of impressive remodel jobs that can be completed at Motorhomes of Texas with their one and only show coach.
1999 Foretravel U320 The process of remodeling this coach was a lengthy one, but the end product became a model show coach for Motorhomes of Texas. This show coach only made it to two rallies before it was purchased. If any coach could illustrate the skills and abilities of the Motorhomes of Texas Remodel Department, it would be this one.
Before & After: Old flooring is removed and replaced with sleek new tile and lighter contrasting grout for a more modern appearance. The earthy tones in the tile are reflected in the new leather upholstery of the sofas and desk chair. The driver’s side couch is reupholstered and a whole new J-lounge sofa is installed on the passenger side.
Before & After: Driver and passenger seats are reupholstered to match sofas. Surround sound speakers are updated. Light fixtures are updated. Not shown is the entry step well replaced with new tile. 36
Before & After: Kitchen backsplash makes the kitchen more of a focal point in this coach. Tile is also brought through to the kitchen and carried into the bathroom.
Before & After: Above the desk, overhead doors are replaced with mirrored insets and a flat screen TV is installed. Valances are also recovered with the same material as the couches.
Before: Exterior entertainment is created with the addition of an outside TV. Access panel is cut out of the coach passenger side and the TV slides out on a frame. Not shown is the cabinet that was built to hide the TV.
After: Cut panel closes flush to the coach exterior when closed. At the push of a button, the TV slides out and swings on its frame for instant outside entertainment.
Motorhomes of Texas Service Department takes great pride in all types of remodeling aspects. Regardless of how extensive your wish list or what the motorhome make and model is, MOT is the right choice for the job. 37
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RV Checklist
“Before y o u go!”
Winter is still ongoing in parts of the country, so it’s important that RVs in colder regions stay fully winterized until the danger of below-freezing temperatures is no longer a threat to your motorhome. As for the warmer parts of the country, we are starting to see blue skies and more sunshine! That means it’s time to start looking forward to lovely spring and summer trips, and it’s important to be prepared. Before setting out, review this basic checklist to help prevent unpleasant and costly repairs:
Chassis
Check that fluid levels are in operating range. Check chassis engine starting battery for clean connections, proper state of charge, and terminals are tightened. Check that all lights and flashers are working. Check that the horn is operating. Check that all brakes (foot and parking) work. Check wheel lugs for proper tightness. Check and set tire pressure. Before you leave, start the engine and check that all gauges are working.
Generator
Check for cleanliness (this affects efficiency). Service the air cleaner as required by the owner’s manual. Check oil level and change as necessary. Check starting battery for clean connections, proper state of charge, and terminals are tightened. Keep governor and choke linkage clean. Ensure that proper maintenance has been performed as specified in owner’s manual.
Dash A/C (air conditioning)
Run dash air to see if it cools sufficiently. Make sure the blower is moving air efficiently. Look for condensation from the evaporator - a good amount dropping means things are working properly. Check and clean air filters; check if cooling unit coils are clean and free of debris. Inspect belts for dryness and/or cracking and check that the condenser fan is in working order.
Roof A/C
Run A/C unit to check that there is a good charge, the blower is working well, and that it’s cooling properly. As with the dash, a good amount of condensation dripping underneath or off the roof is a good sign that all is working well. Check voltage in the outside panel. Most systems are designed to operate at 120 volts, give or take 10% (108 - 132 volts).
Refrigerator
Check that both the gas and electric are functioning. Check that there are no obstructions in the ventilation system in the back and inspect any cooling fans if applicable. Check to see that control knobs are not stripped causing a faulty thermostat reading. Make sure house batteries have clean contacts and that terminals are tightened. Turn on your refrigerator about twelve hours before filling with food to allow for appropriate cooling time.
Exterior
Wash and/or wax your coach. Make sure awnings are washed and fully dried before rewinding. Check and inflate tires to correct pressure. Check windows, doors, vents, seals, and sealants. Reseal worn sealants if necessary and clear all vents of debris. On the roof, inspect for punctures, tears, or signs of deterioration in seams, moldings, and solar panels. Reseal seals if necessary. Connect RV water hose to city water connection. Sanitize fresh water tank, pump fresh water through system, drain and refill tank. With water heater powered off, flush hot water tank. Reinstall plug and check for leaks. Check operation of waste water system termination valves. Drain and flush tanks, and then add chemical. Extend and inspect all flexible hoses and cords to check for any signs of wear or damage.
Tow Bars
Hook up and double check tow bar. With car hooked, check vehicle lights, the parking brake, that transmission is in proper gear, and the spare key is accessible before locking the vehicle.
Remember! It’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or a certified
RV technician before ever attempting to work on your RV. Get expert advice on your RV by visiting our website at www.MotorhomesOfTexas.com or calling us at 1-800-651-1112.
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Motorhomes of Texas Has Gone to the Apps!
Introducing the New Industry-Leading App By Motorhomes of Texas You’ve asked for it and now you’ve got it! With the free Motorhomes of Texas app for both mobile and tablet, you can browse, read specs, and even watch videos of all our inventory right now on your iPhone or Android device. Even schedule service appointments, order parts, and contact us directly, either by phone or email! Download your free app today!
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LONGVIEW, TX PERMIT No. 9
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