My RV Talk - RV Manufacturers http://www.myrvtalk.com en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:02:55 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.myrvtalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg My RV Talk - RV Manufacturers http://www.myrvtalk.com 2010 sunset creek 297 sl http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7339-2010-sunset-creek-297-sl.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:49:15 GMT I am looking to purchase a 2010 sunybrook sunset creek TRAVEL TRAILER 297sl gel coat sides it was a close out from a dealer 700 miles from my house i guess local dealer warranty work will be out of the question but it sounds like it is anyway. What are your opinions on this camper I am looking to purchase a 2010 sunybrook sunset creek TRAVEL TRAILER 297sl gel coat sides it was a close out from a dealer 700 miles from my house i guess local dealer warranty work will be out of the question but it sounds like it is anyway. What are your opinions on this camper ]]> RV Manufacturers buddym http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7339-2010-sunset-creek-297-sl.html Glacier Bay - factory tour http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7332-glacier-bay-factory-tour.html Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:39:58 GMT I thought I would post a quick review of our recent factory tour at Glacier Bay. I will apologize now that I didn't take alot of pictures - I was far too interested in learning and comprehending all the information that was being presented...

First of all, I have never been on a factory tour - thus had no idea what to expect. What I did find though... was an incredibly warm welcome and reception - and basically a complete "open book" to Glacier Bay's build process, design, and strategy.

Stan Imboden (The Transporter) greeted us upon our arrival and immediately took us to the "line". We started with a bare frame... He walked through all design considerations in their frames. Why they are built the way they are. Why they chose one design over another. I learned more about 5'er frames in those 15 minutes than I could have ever imagined.

We then moved to a unit that had the exterior framing in place, fiberglass was on, and was getting interior work. Stan walked us around the entire exterior and interior and was incredibly detailed with his explanations of all design/build components. The passion that he has for his products is obvious - and deservedly so - we were very impressed.

The final unit we walked through was going through final prep work and was expected to roll off the factory floor that afternoon. Again... we worked around and in the unit with a fine tooth comb talking about all aspects of "why" Glacier Bay does something they way they do.

We concluded the tour with about 30 minutes of "talk time" in Stan's office - thanked him immensely for his time - and went on our way.

Now the important part... my take aways / thoughts / reactions...

1. Our host: I could not have been more impressed with Stan's demeaner, openness, patience, and overall approach to explaining his product line to a "5'er rookie". Never once did I feel like I was asking a question that was too basic for him to make sure I understood the answer and was obsolved of any concerns.

2. Design / Layout: The attention to design / functionality / and serviceability of the Glacier Bay units was amazing!! Everywhere we turned there were aspects of the units that had me nodding my head in approval. From the low point drain plumbing layout... to the gate valve T handle placement... to gas struts on storage doors - - everywhere we turned we saw design elements that reflected a commitment to build a 5'er that was "user friendly" - with no compromise in quality.

3. Quality: Overall quality of construction was a surprise! I have watched with great interest Stan's pictures here on forum - and I had some idea of what I would see - and my reaction to it. However, that expectation was balanced with what I have come to expect from the RV industry today. In short... no more. The "fit & finish" of each unit was impressive. I didn't see cabinetry that was thrown in place and speed nailed. I didn't see messy caulk lines. I saw a real pride in workmanship from the line workers at Glacier Bay.

4. Customer experience: This is the real "closer" for me. I enjoy feeling like a person - and I relish the feeling like I am "connected" to the company with which I spend my money. Call it pride, call it brand loyalty, call it whatever you like... companies always say "We need/value our customers" --- but rarely does that statement ever flow through to the actual customer. I felt it at Glacier Bay. I admitted openly to Stan that IF we were to purchase one of his units... it wouldn't be until spring of 2011. That didn't sway his desire to spend time with us at all. One of the main reasons that I purchased a ProPride 3P was (as I told Sean), I felt like I had an open line of communication to him --- and he confirmed that. I got that same feeling from Stan. Each "ask" we had was answered... some to the affirmative... some to say "We won't do that. But to not just say "no", here's why...".

I know alot of people will talk about dealer networks, etc - and I am in no way impuning that business model. However, the Keystone dealer network has provided me with no value-add. From warranty work... to routine maintenance --- all I got was, "You didn't buy it here, we'll be able to work on your unit in four months." I thought that this practice was absurd... but it was supported by Keystone.

That being said... for those with similar experiences, who are looking for a different RV buying experience... I believe Stan's model may indeed be exactly what you are looking for.

After the tour, I sat in Stan's office - ready to begin filling out options paperwork, etc. Needless to say, I was surprised when he said, "Jeff - go home. Take your time. Look at other 5'ers / other mfgs. If you want a Galcier Bay... let's make sure that we get every design element, every feature, every add-on right. Let's take our time with this."

WOW!!

Some will say this is nothing more than a "commercial" for Glacier Bay... though not intended... that may be. I am not saying other mfgs / dealers can't replicate what has thus far been an exceptional process....

I just believe in highlighting companies / experiences that are very positive...

Stan,
Thank you again for your time!! We'll be talking soon... :phone: ]]> RV Manufacturers busch2fan http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7332-glacier-bay-factory-tour.html Looking at a few of these floor plans, Windriver http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7288-looking-few-these-floor-plans-windriver.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:24:33 GMT Looking at these three floorplans... Build appears to be nice.... These are built by the same folks that build the Nash and Arctic Fox. Owned by the Nash family. Well insulated. 230RKS 250CKS 250RLS here: Outdoors RV Mfg: Wind River: (http://www.outdoorsrvmfg.com/windriver/) I am sure no one has any personal information on these since they just began production with 2010 models... Looked at several Nash and Arctic Fox TTs and they are extremely nice, but extremely heavy and the SilverFox edition of the AF, are pretty pricey. Looking at these three floorplans...
Build appears to be nice....
These are built by the same folks that build the Nash and Arctic Fox.
Owned by the Nash family.
Well insulated.
230RKS
250CKS
250RLS

here: Outdoors RV Mfg: Wind River:

I am sure no one has any personal information on these since they just began production with 2010 models...
Looked at several Nash and Arctic Fox TTs and they are extremely nice, but extremely heavy and the SilverFox edition of the AF, are pretty pricey. ]]> RV Manufacturers DanT http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7288-looking-few-these-floor-plans-windriver.html Heard of Frontier RV made in Longview Tx? http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7283-heard-frontier-rv-made-longview-tx.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:09:35 GMT Does anyone know about the reputation for Frontier RV, made in Longview Texas? It's not to be confused with the model line with the same name, made by KZ. The link shows a bear bones unit (not impressed with the color combo) but with additional discounts it may appeal to some, IF the company is still in business and has a good reputation. If you know anything about Frontier, please let me know. I gather their 'Tazor' line may be equivalent to an Outback.

Frontier RV Tazor 26 RL Kemp Texas | 2009 Fifth Wheel, Marshall's RV Centers, Inc. - Marshalls RV Centers Inc. ]]> RV Manufacturers JPT51 http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7283-heard-frontier-rv-made-longview-tx.html 2011 Jayco Skylark http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7276-2011-jayco-skylark.html Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:45:46 GMT yesterday we got in our first Jayco Skylark (http://www.jayco.com/php/products/lite.weight/trailer.php?id=247) .... it is one of a new, very lightweight line of campers that they are introducing this year .... it is an interesting little unit that is designed for two people (table can be made into a second bed) and can be towed with a small vehicle .... the one we got in weighs 3,074 lbs .... it has a most interesting looking new TV antenna and a wall mounted heat pump instead of a floor furnace and roof air conditioner .... two burner stove top with convection microwave .... its going to have a niche market and has generated favorable comments from folks who have looked through it Jim yesterday we got in our first Jayco Skylark .... it is one of a new, very lightweight line of campers that they are introducing this year .... it is an interesting little unit that is designed for two people (table can be made into a second bed) and can be towed with a small vehicle .... the one we got in weighs 3,074 lbs .... it has a most interesting looking new TV antenna and a wall mounted heat pump instead of a floor furnace and roof air conditioner .... two burner stove top with convection microwave .... its going to have a niche market and has generated favorable comments from folks who have looked through it

Jim ]]> RV Manufacturers JEBar http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7276-2011-jayco-skylark.html Got any feed back on one of these? http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7269-got-any-feed-back-one-these.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:11:36 GMT Found this 2006 with 10,000 miles for ~$80K. I know they are out of business now, but this looks to be a very nice unit...I have been inside one of the early build of this particular Alfa.... Air suspension and all the other bells and whistles...:jawdrop: Found this 2006 with 10,000 miles for ~$80K. I know they are out of business now, but this looks to be a very nice unit...I have been inside one of the early build of this particular Alfa....
Air suspension and all the other bells and whistles...:jawdrop:
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]]> RV Manufacturers DanT http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7269-got-any-feed-back-one-these.html Keystone Cougar http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7249-keystone-cougar.html Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:25:27 GMT Ok, I know I'm bad :oops: Went to RV.NET and seen pictures of a frame failure on a Cougar. He was right that no one was hurt as I know the passes he went over. Scary! I hope this is not going to become the norm for trying to make fivers lighter. BTW, even tho I don't have a fiver now, I'm still going to check my frame.:mech: ]]> RV Manufacturers JBTAZ http://www.myrvtalk.com/rv-manufacturers/7249-keystone-cougar.html