turbo24 wrote: Let's hope all these closings will lead to QUALITY in the survivors in the MH
business world. Quality is about 30+ years behind in this business.
JMHO
Dream on. Quality does not sell 99% of the RV's.
Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.
----------------
2007 National Surf Side 34DE. Full timing since 1/06/08
2007 Toyota Matrix Da Toad
This is another indication of what the price of fuel is doing to this Country.
We hear about the big company's, but there are many more small business's closing up at a faster rate putting many more people out of work...
bagman wrote: I agree that most likely Thor, Forest River, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Damon, and Tiffin will survive. I do feel that Coachman is in jeopardy. Chuck/Bagman
It's just one more closing, of MANY yet to come. What surprises me to no end is the fact that people, even those in high places, do not realize how essential it is to have affordable gasoline (and diesel). What we're seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. We can NOT do anything about the fact that the bulk of the population lives from paycheck to paycheck. The huge and rapid increase in the price of fuel can only result in a sad change in the lifestyle of the bulk of the population, which includes potential RV purchasers.
So,....who will be next?
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
bagman wrote: I agree that most likely Thor, Forest River, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Damon, and Tiffin will survive. I do feel that Coachman is in jeopardy. Chuck/Bagman
Chuck, I would be more optimistic about Tiffin in the long run if I felt that the company were less dependent on the reputation of and good will generated by Bob Tiffin. My understanding is that things did not go well when he tried to step away in the past. If I were a betting man, I would put my "long-term money" on Winnebago and Monaco (and likely the others you mentioned).
Bill
Bill & Ann
2007 Tiffin Phaeton 40QDH
2007 Jeep Liberty
Our "Cat Rescue Girls", Sadie and Aimee
Bill, I think Tiffin will be ok, however I think these motor home manufacturers will have to come out with much more fuel efficient class A's, C's, and what I will call a crossover, a blend of class A and C. I just read somewhere that Monaco is working on a MH like this and I was at Damon's plant #9 just last Thursday afternoon and they are introducing a crossover fuel efficient motor home next month! Just suppose that you have a class A that gets an average of 8.0 MPG and you regularly drive it from Michigan to Florida and back for a total of 2,400 miles and diesel cost $4.25/gallon. Now see how much that trip would cost if you were driving a lighter weight 31-33' crossover/blended A/C that got 16 MPG on #2 diesel. It is a huge difference and for some folks, that difference is substantial. I'll tell you right now the wealthy or rich folks don't care, because another $500.00 - $1,000.00 spent is no big deal to them. But, I know a member of this forum that is a multi-millionaire and it is a big deal to him! I'm not a rich dude, but it is also important to me. I strongly believe that Tiffin has to get off their duff and come out with such a crossover/blended motor home. The technology is there as well as light weight materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, composite plastics, and kevlar! I really don't need solid wood cabinets and just replacing the typical RV mattress with a Select Comfort will save weight. I bet these manufacturers could easily cut 2,000 pounds off a typical 34-36/ class A. Chuck/Bagman.
I agree with bagman that we could cut the weight off the typical Class A and that would translate to fuel savings. But what would be the cost of that savings in weight? If you drive up the cost of the MH by say $50,000 with the use of exotic materials then how long will it take you to recover the savings in fuel? There is a cross over point out there somewhere but where is it?
"No one can guarantee success, only effort."
Bob & Fran
2005 Coachmen Sportscoach Elite 40 ft DP
2003 PT Cruiser
Featherlite Car Hauler
FMCA F324606
Badeye, I don't think we are talking about a $50,000.00 premium! Just by changing out the mattress for a Select Comfort, exchanging steel wheels for aluminum wheels, the cabinets, and replacing steel framing with aluminum framing would generate a big weight savings. Chuck.
Tom N wrote: Alfa Leisure had a reputation for exceptional quality and workmanship.
I'm not sure this was true, and most here had guessed that ALFA was the next to go.
I agree, but still hate to see any one go under!
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor Life Member
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
51st yr of RV'ing
bagman wrote: I agree that most likely Thor, Forest River, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Damon, and Tiffin will survive. I do feel that Coachman is in jeopardy. Chuck/Bagman
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