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Friday, November 30, 2007

Major motorhome maker shuts doors, lays off all 600 workers

National RV Holdings Inc., shut down its headquarters and main production facility Friday, Nov. 30 and laid off all its 600 employees. The Perris, California-based company has lost money every year since 2002, a total of more than $80 million. Recently the company's stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange because it fell below trading thresholds.

Workers who received layoff notices Friday morning reported that they said "the layoff is expected to be permanent and the entire site will be closing."

National RV, Inc., is a producer of Class A diesel and gas motorhomes with the model names Surf Side, Sea Breeze, Dolphin, Tropi-Cal, Pacifica and Tradewinds.

In its most recent quarter, sales were reported down 42 percent, according to a financial report released in August. The company reported an $8 million loss for that quarter.

Dave Humphreys, the former President of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and the company's Acting Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are saddened to let go our excellent employees, especially so close to the holidays, and even more so because National's motorhomes have never been better than they are today. After evaluating our options, however, we ultimately determined that seeking protection in bankruptcy was in the best interests of creditors and shareholders."

posted by Chuck Woodbury at 11/30/2007 07:48:00 PM

81 Comments:

  • The gas crunch has made it impossible to RV without a big income. I don't get to see my grandchildren anymore as they live in Ohio. Every since they were born we made a trip from Texas to Ohio via the RV until two years age when we went by car. This is not satisfactory to an RVer, so we didn't go this past year.

    This year it is even worse. Guess we have given up RVing except to local places which isn't near the fun of exoploring something new.

    C.J. Henning, Texas

    By Anonymous karo, at 2:35 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • I sincerely hope that this is an isolated instance and not a forebarer of things to come. With gas prices as high as they are, travelling in my motorhome is weighed financially before a prolonged trip is undertaken. National is the parent of so many well known and popular brand RV's that Quality was never an issue. I wish the best to the fine craftsmen that were laid off.

    By Anonymous Fred, at 3:43 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • If the RV industry is to survive, they are going to have to find ways to build lightweight vehicles with smaller economical engines to off set high fuel prices. With the cost of campground soaring and fuel prices as high as they are you might better stay in a 5 star hotel and save money.

    By Blogger eeyore, at 4:10 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • Well King Of The Road and now National. That's two realitivly big RV manufactures. I hope this isn't a trend........
    Anybody else in trouble???
    MM

    By Blogger Mike McFall, at 4:21 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • Its no wonder that they should close thier doors. I had a Tradewinds thyat I could not get windshield coverage because if you went over uneven grounds the windshield would crack. I called the company , they would not recongnize the fault. But I could not get this rectified by the insurance company. When you buy a motor home you should have confidence in the vehicle and the company should stand behind the product they manufactor.

    By Anonymous misty, at 4:59 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • Timing is everything, huh? I bought a 2008 Sea Breeze by National just last month at the Pomona RVIA show. Only had it out twice and now I'm wondering who is going to honor my manufacturer's warranty.

    It really is a nice rig. I don't know why the company has had so much trouble. Feel terrible for all those employees and their families, especially at this time of year.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:12 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • iT'S TIME THAT THE RV BUILDERS TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THEY ARE CHARGING THE PUBLIC AND SEE THAT WE ARE ALWAYS UPSIDE DOWN AFTER WE PAY INFLATED PRICES FOR THEIR PRODUCTS. WHERE ARE THE MANUFACTURER WHEN IT COMES TIME TO SELL OR TRADE THESE IN? WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL RV'S AND NEVER, NEVER, NEVER HAD A GOOD EXPERIENCE WHEN WE HAVE HAD TO GET OUT OF IT. I AM NOT JUST TALKING A FEW DOLLARS BUT THOUSANDS LOST BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY ARE PRICED. HOMES ON LAND FURNISHED WITH QUALITY THINGS COST LESS THAN ANY OF THE RV PRICES THAT DEPRECIATE TO 1/2 OR MORE WHEN YOU DRIVE THEM FOR A FEW MILES. I THINK IT IS A CRIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE THE PUBLIC WHO ARE WANTING TO INVEST IN A RV AND FIND OUT THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO THROW THEIR MONEY INTO A BUCKET. SORRY FOR THE PEOPLE AT NATIONAL RV BUT WE HIT THE BOTTOM SOME TIME AGO BECAUSE OF OVERPRICING. I SUGGEST SOMEONE TRY TO MAKE A RV PRODUCT AND LET THE CONSUMER ORDER IT AND LEAVE ALL THE MIDDLE MEN OUT THAT TAKE THE PROFITS. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO PUT THE MONEY INTO SOOOO MANY HANDS AND THEN THE OUTCOME IS THIS?????

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:43 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • This is a real travasty to read about National RV closing their doors. WE own a 2005 Sea Breeze LX that we truly enjoy. It is to bad that they now have fallen onto hard times and had to close their doors and lay of so many employees.I guess this is the start of things to come in the RV world.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:57 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • To "By Anonymous":
    What, no comment railing about the high price of fuel or tires or service???

    By Anonymous weedpuller, at 8:43 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • I have to agree with the previous author. The inflated prices at dealers is so great that many of us can not afford a new rig. Even if a dealer advertises a motorhome with a discounted price, they are still making thousands of dollars on the sale. Lets start dealing directly with the manufacturer and cut out the middle man. Maybe then they will sell more units and not have to close the doors due to loss of sales.

    By Anonymous J. Bowers, Peoria, AZ, at 8:55 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • I live but 10 miles from National's factory, and my heart goes out to all the local families that will be hurting this Holiday Season, but not to the RV dealers that will get stuck with National rigs that they can't sell...
    That said, The monster sized, gas (or diesel) gulping motorhomes they were building have been destined to go to the Jurassic Park for RV's for years. As mentioned earlier, they were very overpriced, depreciated so fast that, even after 10 years of use, they couldn't be given away for the balance due on the 20 year loans that were used to sell them, and they cost a fortune to drive down the road, a price we, as a country, can no longer afford.

    Just as greed and overselling of unafordable loans caused the housing market to crash, the RV industry is now becoming a victim of it's own Love of Itself.

    In the past some companies, such as Xplorer's by Frank Industries, tried to build practical sized motorhomes but, like Detroit did for so many years, buyers were told that they needed something bigger and bigger and bigger. Even National, that built many Toyota based Dolphin Class "C" motorhomes, soon fell victim to it's own hype that bigger was better...and lost money for years trying to prove that theory.
    National will just be one of many RV mfgs that will bite the dust in the next 24 months. A giant meteorite, in the form of high gas prices, has fallen and now all of the Dinosaurs will become extinct.
    Bob in Riverside, CA, proud owner of a Toyota Sunrader that gets 16 mpg!!!

    By Anonymous Bob in Riverside, at 9:28 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • One post suggested "SOMEONE TRY TO MAKE A RV PRODUCT AND LET THE CONSUMER ORDER IT AND LEAVE ALL THE MIDDLE MEN OUT". That is exactly what Lazy Daze RV does. Factory Direct sales only. No dealers involved. lazy Daze RVs are not necessarily cheaper to purchase than other brands.......that middle man profit does go into standard features that are sold as add-ons by other manufacturers. So the consumer ends up with a very high quality , well built RV for a similar price as other brands.

    By Anonymous Gary S, at 9:46 AM, December 01, 2007  

  • With all the good paying jobs moving offshore.
    And folks having to find a job at a much lower pay scale.
    The economy will keep suffering.
    My sympathy to the 600 people and their families that have lost their jobs.

    Lee Hubbard
    Central, Ok.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:48 PM, December 01, 2007  

  • Although this blog pertains primarily to motorhome rver's, I have a pickup and travel trailer and suffer the same problems. High fuel costs limit my rving to within 1 tankful. This is sad because it is so unecessary. It is time that the american people start to really evaluate our government and make changes. 2008 is around the corner; however, all of the candidates speak with silken forked tongue. Beware!

    My heart goes out to those individuals at National that are being laid off at xmas time. From personal experience, I know, it hurts!

    By Blogger JohnH, at 4:37 PM, December 01, 2007  

  • Maybe if they still made Dolphins with Toyotas or something similar, they'd be doing OK

    By Anonymous Chris, at 5:13 PM, December 01, 2007  

  • I also feel sorry for those who lost their jobs. However we've been RVr's for 35 years and now drive A 32 class "C" and gas prices have not affected our travels one bit. Actually in the last 4 years we have done close to 12,000 miles over the summers. If you can afford to buy the unit you should be able to afford the fuel to use it.

    By Anonymous mnsprk, at 8:02 PM, December 01, 2007  

  • Lay offs are always a sad thing especially this time of year. With the price of gas it is making RV travel harder on the average person, but it's hard to sit around a camp fire or have a picnic while staying at a motel. RV travel is still the best way to see country. It's easier to bring our pets and enjoy their company. I just don't like tying my dog to the bumper or the picnic table. Hey have you seen the great new leash out now called adaptoleash it's perfect for RV'ers that bring their pets along for the ride. No more getting tangled up. Now we can walk our dog or anchor him almost anywhere we want.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:49 PM, December 01, 2007  

  • I concur with those who noted National should have kept making small RVs on Toyota pickup chassis (or similar). Low gas prices were not going to last forever.

    The other thing I would note, based on a tour of a Fleetwood factory in Riverside, CA and discussions with people in the know, is that the RV industry's manufacturing processes are WAY behind the times.

    The coach portions are basically put together by hand, then inspected at the end of assembly and reworked to fix the defects.

    This is exactly the sort of labor-intensive production techniques that nearly killed several European car makers.

    The RV industry needs to learn much more sophisticated modular automated manufacturing methods to both lower the cost of production and guaranty product quality.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:16 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • We have an 85 dolphin, a Class-C, which we bought a few years ago. We find it a good thing, and my husband will keep it forever, if we can. Currently buying a new gas tank, but every 20-25 years something needs to be replaced we think.
    We think that a lot of this is due to the manufacturers building huge things, that are better than houses, like buying a time-share.

    Why do we need Corian countertops, when we don't have them in our houses? Why do we need 'Euro designer styling' that is not practical. The salesman said everyone wanted style, no one wanted practicality. Is that true? Does everyone want something less than a full-bed, do they really want a bed with the corner cut off at the knees, as the expensive Mercedes showed us was the thing to have?
    No. Make more of our good Dolphin Class Cs, with good refrigerators, good heaters, good planning, and good gas mileage.
    Now we go on the side roads (just went about 7,000 miles this summer) and with not going so fast, got 17 mpg, often, 14 always. It is the lead foot and the fancy toys to impress the neighbors in the park that are doing in the good RVs. The salesmen are trying to sell us junk and calling it style, or beat-out-the Joneses. Can we compete on quality, usefulness, mpg, why not?\\

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:09 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • my current comment didn't post &yet I hope), but as soon as I pushed 'send' I remembered why we haven't gotten a new coach from our nearest RV. They will do NO WORK, NO MAINTENANCE, NO REPAIR on an RV that is 10 years old, or older. With their selling 20-year mortgages in effect, what does that say about their product.
    They say that they can't warrant it, can't get parts, etc.
    How can we buy something that we won't be able to get parts for for half of its life, assuming the mortgage is the lifetime.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:12 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • Oh Great! We just purchased a Dolphin (used) and now where are we supposed to get parts that are dealer only?

    Anyone have any ideas? What if our windshield breaks? Are there other manufacturers with swapping parts? We're a bit new to these newer Class A's. We always had one when I grew up, but now that I own one, this is really scary!

    Now I won't even be able to resell it for a decent price...My heart does go out to all the employees at National...that hurts.

    By Anonymous Mark, at 7:25 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • I think some investment group will buy national and make a go of it if they lower the prices.And get back to customer satasfaction.bring back all the layoffs.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:14 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • Guess if they seek bankruptcy protection there is no paycheck either?

    Merry Christmas all

    By Anonymous astalavistababy, at 10:16 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • Sorry you don't invest in a RV, you buy a RV, just like you don't invest in a car you drive! They depreciate! Sorry to hear about National going under, but your going to see more RV companies going away before things turn around, just like in the housing market. We have already started going into a recession so be prepared, and watch what you buy as it will cost less this time next year, as they cannot seel what they have on hand.

    By Blogger G William, at 11:11 AM, December 02, 2007  

  • Our sympathy goes out to those who lost their jobs and those who just bought an new RV from a defunct company!
    The price of fuel is just one of many reasons we are discussing these issues.
    My wife and I have been retired and full time RVers for 10 years. I have gained inside knowledge of the RV industry during this time. Having been in sales myself, having a relative in sales and good friends that own a dealership,
    we know for example that the average "dealer profit" or "markup" on a motor home is 100% (keystone)! That means if a dealer orders a motor home for $100,000 the SRP "suggested retail price" will be around $200,000 plus "ADP" (additional dealer profit) and other charges like "PDI"(predelivery inspection). Haave you ever wondered why they need to charge you to wash the rig and look it over to make sure everything works before they give you the tour and hand you the keys? The answer: MORE of YOUR money in THEIR pockets!
    The "average" mark up or profit margin on a trailer (tongue pull or 5th whee) is 33%. So when you see a sticker price of $60,000 you will be safe in assuming that the dealer paid around $40,000 and wants to make around $20,000 for a phone call to order it if it's not on the lot, wash it before delivery and give the salesman 25% of the dealers "net" profit, which could be between $4,000-$5,000!
    Don't complain about how you've lost thousands and are "upsidedown" on your rigs value, DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Figure out how much you can put down and what you can "afford" in payments. Then when you walk in to negotiate the price on the rig you want, TELL THEM what you are willing to pay based on the above information. If there is a trade involved, KNOW WHAT IT'S WORTH! Check the NADA or KELLY BLUE BOOK on line or at a bookstore for average "wholesale" or "trade-in value". Of course, selling it yourself is ALWAYS better, but if the "hassle" isn't worth saving possibly multiple thousands of dollars then trade, but remember to ALWAYS talk in terms of the "difference" you are willing to pay. Don't talk about all the things you like about your rig, or all the money you've spent on it, THEY DON'T CARE!!! If it is clean they will sell it and make a BUNDLE! Even if you buy something at at a couple thousand over dealer cost it will depreciate. Example: We bought a new 2001 35' 5th wheel with a $68,000 SRP. for which we paid $52,500. We could sell it now for about 73% of what we paid, or a 12-14 thousand dollar loss. But is it a loss?
    For the last 10 years we have moved if we got tired of the weather, neighbors or scenery. We go north and south each year on 1/3the cost of property taxes we WERE paying in California! Living in our RV is more energy efficient than a house! Our trailer is our "home" and won't hold it's value like a stick house, BUT, we live in some of the most beautiful real estate all year round with a variety of things to do and see, as well as a continually growing base of new friends!
    Even with the increasing fuel prices, this lifestyle is still a kick and more than affordable for most who use their heads!

    By Blogger R. Kirkpatrick, at 12:50 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • We just returned from the Louisville meeting where we had such a nice visit with several of the National RV Reps, 2 of which were "higher ups". We are so saddened to here that only 2 days later they received their pink slips. Their new line, "Riptide", was introduced and was a product they should be proud of. Having and loving our own "Pacifica" makes their pain hit closer to home.

    By Anonymous Marilyn & Mark, at 1:09 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • Sorry to see anyone lose a job or business. However ther is more to this than gas prices! After visiting several RV factories, we are not surprised that National and King of the road bit the dust. Their quality wasn't there like some others yet to fall. Yes prices are inflated with many hands in the pot and buying direct from the builder is not a bargan either.
    The old saying of "buyer be ware!" is, and always will be true.
    Fuel prices are 3X higher than 10 years ago, but adjusted for inflation aren't much higher than they've been before. With all the alternate fuels being developed, I have high hopes for continuing the RV lifestyle for MANY years to come!
    This period of time we're in will also pass, and cycle around just as EVERYTHING does! I'm optomistic about this subject and this resilient country!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:12 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • It is always sad when something like National shuts down and everyone is laid off. That is the real story. I've been there! However, it seems that many of the comments are about "poor me, what do I do now". If you want to complain about fuel prices and how now you can't go where you want, in the manner you want, then sell your RV, whatever type it is and get a toyota, honda, etc. and go for your 35mpg. Also, my inlaws had a Toyota class C RV. It was fine if 45mph and a very snug fit for two is what you want. Just don't try to tow anything. RVing is prioritizing where you spend your money. Budgeting for such a vehicle (trailer or motorhome) is a collection of portions of a budget, i.e. entertainment, travel, recreation and so on. Do what you need to do, but enjoy yourself doing it.

    By Anonymous BlueRibbon, at 1:17 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • I recently traded a 33' gas unit for a 45' pusher. An RV is definitely not an investment in terms of sound financial management. But our RVs have been the best possible "investment" for my family life. I hate to see the layoffs as I experienced the same thing a few months ago. I look at things differently - as they say: Buy stock low and sell high. Buy a house in a down market and sell later. If fuel get higher and RVs get cheeper, I will figure out some way to upgrade.

    By Anonymous A.D.O., at 1:44 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • We rented a Hymer motorhome in Sweden this June. Only 6000 pounds weight and built on Ford diesel chassis with a 5 speed manual. We averaged aabout 17 mpg on $7 gallon diesel fuel. It was a rear bed cut at the knees and cozy bath (not for anyone over 200 lbs. All the utilities and hot water, heat etc. Only a 6 cubic foot three way 12 v, propane abnd 220volt. Plenty of stores under the bed including a portable table. Not rated to tow. This would be a low status rig in our park, but we would consider one for here, easy enough to park that towing is not relevant, use like a car.

    Dan_Brosnan@msn.com

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:42 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • If all the people that love the life of travel with RV's,autos air or whatever would contact their corgressmen and demand action to explore for the known reserves of oil just within the borders of the US we would'nt be short of fules.
    National RV is one of the oldest makers of motor homes,and there will be maney to follow if we don't get working on self reliance. Desert travler

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:41 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • I have recently bought and sold a brand new Monaco coach due to bad quality control. The chassis was exellent but the house was diabolical. I wish I had never sold my old Monaco coach which was so well built and never gave me any problems. I often wonder if Kay Toolson has ever driven one of his own RV's. You have a lot of very angry customers Monaco. Some careful strategic planning will help you avoid going the same way as National. Listen to the talk on the street. I am really sorry to hear about the job losses.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:20 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • Stop whinning about paying to much for your rig.Need to due your homework first.New RV will loose at least 50 % or more when you sign papers.RV'S are not a investment,they depreciate 2 times a year.If a saleman tells you a rv is a good investment,you better run as fast as you can,away from this person.Last camping trip,couple was so happy they just bought a new RV around $175.000.Dealer refinanced their home to pay for rv.new 30 year loan,they told us that their payment will stay the same.This scared us both.couple were so happy with their new investment????
    We will stick to housing purchases.with this housing market,will retiree early.

    By Anonymous earlyretiree, at 6:52 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • The closing of National RV does not surprise one bit. My present RV is a 2004 National Tropical. We like the rig, but as with all RVs you will have many small problems. Dealing with National's dealer in Houston Texas and trying to get help and information from the National factory has been the worse experience in my life. With the treatment I got, they deserve to be closing. I say good luck.
    gwiree

    By Anonymous gwiree, at 7:54 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • I have owned travel trailors and 2 class A Motorhomes. The last is a 2004 TropiCal. Dealing with their dealer ( DeMontrond Rv ) in Houston and trying to get help or information from National has been the worse experience in my life I really like my rig, but like most you have small problems. National just did not care. This closure is no surprise to me from the treatment I recieved
    G Wirey Montgomery,TX

    By Blogger G Wirey, at 8:02 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • We have a 2001 SeaView by National. We've had some serious problems since buying it, and getting the corrective parts has been a nightmare! It's not the product (the RV itself), it's the service and parts department that is taking this company down. Maybe they just need a total reorganization to get back on track.
    Judy

    By Blogger Judy, at 8:49 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • We have a 2001 Seaview by National and have had several serious problems with it. In ordering corrective parts, it has been a nightmare! I don't believe the problem is with the product, it is with the parts and service departments. I'd say an over-haul of the company would be a good idea.
    Judy

    By Blogger Judy, at 8:53 PM, December 02, 2007  

  • I would not be surprised to see many more manufacturers begin having financial problems in the next few years. The high gas prices have certainly changed our RV plans, and out plans to upgrade to a larger trailer have been put on hold. We will be using our trailer for mostly local trips, as for longer trips its much cheaper to drive a hybrid car and stay in nice motels. Some of the RV parks charge as much as inexpensive motels do now. The "golden age" of RV'ing may be over for all but the very wealthy.

    By Anonymous furby88, at 7:49 AM, December 03, 2007  

  • RVing can still be reasonably inexpensive, particularly if you stay within a few hundred miles of home, and stay parked several days at your destination. This is particularly true if you live in the parts of the West where there is still free or low-cost boondocking. (Provided it stays legal.) In this case, it is still cheaper than even a mid-priced motel. RVs and the RVing lifestyle aren't going to comletely disappear for quite some number of years.

    But it doesn't make any sense to do long distance travel with a full-size RV anymore. At 8 mpg and $3 a gallon; a 6000 mile trip across the country and back will cost $2250 just for gas, not counting campgrounds at $25-$40 a night. And, its almost a certainty that the gas prices are going to go to $5 or $6 pretty soon, its just a question of whether it will be in 2 years, or 10 years. For really long trips, it's much cheaper to take a small car or fly - get used to it - barring a miracle its not going to change.

    As far as saying "If you can afford to buy the unit you should be able to afford the fuel to use it" - These people aren't impressing me by how rich they are, and how they think they're so much better off than the rest of the people on this site. Maybe if they flew a private jet and stayed in $1200-a-night penthouse suites, I might be almost impressed. Some people think that being wasteful is a sign of status. What will they do if even fairly modest gas rationing, say 50 gallons per month, per licensed driver, goes into effect? It could happen, sooner than you think.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:35 PM, December 03, 2007  

  • The whole country is on its way into the toilet. It is too bad another American business is now gone while Washington sits on its hands and collects outragious lobby money. The worst puchase I ever made in my life was a new Monaco gas coach. Everytime it went out of the driveway something went wrong with the house. Spent 3 months in the shop and even a trip back to the factory, no help. It has only gone 20,000 miles, It is a '99 bought new 2000. I could go on and on, but the factory does not really care. Their QC is terrible and if you didn't notice they have bought up a lot of the other manufacturers. It is about time we go after Washington and fix so the people get some help. We have the best politicians money can buy. We need a whole new fresh start. Just wait and see what the Bush Administration has in stre for us in 2008 before his term is up. Our pockets will be inside out and you will need to have a college degree and speak spanish or chinese to get a job at a fast food place, in the good ole USA.

    Good Luck America
    Along time trucker and RV'er

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:41 PM, December 03, 2007  

  • Many of the comments here pointed to the price of fuel as a big factor in the RV slump. I don't buy it.

    Certainly the price of fuel matters but the RV industry has been riding a wave of record sales since 2002. This coincides nicely with the housing bubble driven by sub-prime mortgages.

    I hate to say it, but the party is over folks. Foreclosures on single family homes are the big news these days. Lenders have taken a big hit and are bracing for a long period of very tight lending rules.

    While everyone needs a roof over their heads, nobody "needs" an RV. RV sales have long been one of the earliest indicators of an upcoming recession. Recently ALL of the largest RV manufacturers have posted the first decline in their stock prices since the buying frenzy started. New unit sales are down about 11% and Wall Street has taken notice.

    Now, specifically in the case of National RV, they have been losing money the entire time that the rest of the RV industry was making hay. Clearly some other force has been at work bringing National RV down while all the rest were flying high.

    By Anonymous Texas Tom, at 6:27 AM, December 04, 2007  

  • Sorry Folks, particularly the Stock Holder and Employees of National RV.

    Our memories are very short, particularly the Upper Management of National RV. Bob Lee, tried to make the point earlier that National RV had some grave problems to deal with, and told him to get lost, so to speak, and now months (year later) he put together a group to Salvage Country Coach from Management and from the Bankruptcy Courts. Folks with High Fuel Costs, and higher Coach prices, we will read more about the RV Industries in days and months to come. Sorry.

    By Anonymous Ron L. (Oregon), at 9:30 AM, December 04, 2007  

  • The news of National RV is a stinging deep down home feeling. Especially, with regard to the timing. 600 employees being forced re-structure their lives while wondering how they are going to eat and pay the bills until a new opportunity is found. My heart goes out to them.
    NEVERTHELESS,
    with the price of petroleum products fueling the inflation of just about everything else, the RELATIVE cost to take home with us on the road strikes a proportionate balance without regard to ones income. Irrational as it may seem, We're still RV'ing!
    All the best to everyone,
    DocScott

    By Anonymous DocScott, at 1:23 PM, December 04, 2007  

  • The handwriting is on the wall for many manufacturers. For those of us who are committed to RVing we must adapt to rising expenses.

    We purchased a 31' Alpenlite 5th whl in late 2006, along with a 1 Ton Dodge Ram (Cummins)and averaged 13.5mpg over 6000 miles and 3 months. With fuel prices trending higher, we cut our hwy speed, stayed longer in one place, used Passport America & Camgrounds USA to cut costs along with one night a week at a Walmart, free parking at some Indian casinos & a little boondocking thrown in. It made a huge difference. We'll do what is necessary to keep our 5-6 month on the road lifestyle.

    By Anonymous Kritter Kat, at 1:46 PM, December 04, 2007  

  • I find it interesting so many complain about the high cost of a nice rig. We recently purchased a used 40' pusher with a few miles on it for FAR less than the cost of a new one. Just one thought on how to upgrade.

    As far as the cost of a new rig...I'm more concerned about the little things in life like the escalating cost of health care (no complaints about the cost of a trip to the Dr. or the gouging from the pharmacutical companies); or of the tremendeous additional cost of funding the retirement plans for all of you non-working RV'ers. How do you think your kids and grandkids feel knowing everytime the buy anything from eggs to a new car a substanitial part of the cost funds your monthly check.

    And I'm sure none of you complained about your paycheck being to high and contributing to the cost of products and services you provided while working. I'm sure none of you cut the price of your homes when selling them because the cost had skyrocketed over the years - you took the money, ran and let the butiers worry about the payments. Things get more expensive because things get more expensive. Sell your RV and move in to the home or get over it. Plan better; take shorter trips and/or stay longer before moving on; look for the deals. It's just a fact of life.

    Mike L., Tampa, FL

    By Anonymous Mike, at 8:16 AM, December 05, 2007  

  • This really makes me mad. We just bought a motorhome less then a year ago, and now we have no one to cover it. Gotta love the law. Get yourself in trouble and the people pay, while they file bankrupcy and go free. What are we suppose to do now. We bought it because we thought it was well made, maybe I was wrong. I hope not, because I can't afford to trade it off when I owe up to the eyeballs on this one. Way to go National. Stick it to the workers and the customers.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:27 PM, December 05, 2007  

  • We bought a new 2004 SeaBreeze LX. The first year, it spent 7 months in the shop. Every trip out something else went wrong. Another couple we know had their SeaBreeze only 6 months and got rid of it. Worst investment of our life. Got rid of it this year... just in time.

    By Anonymous Rich, at 2:48 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • What kind of grandparent loves his/her motor home more thant hey love their grandchildren? Surely a short visit by auto from Texas to Ohio can't be so grueling that a grandparent could not visit family! And what about bargain airfares? I am sad for these people for whom an object is more important than family.

    By Anonymous Astonished, at 4:56 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • It makes me sick to know that the RV manufactures are going out of business.It also makes me mad to find out that because all of this, it could have been prevented by making better products and having better quality in what they manufacture. I have a 2004 winnabago adventure and had to go to the factory 3 times had to find good dealers to try and fix problems and oh bye the way these so called dealers have tech's that could not even fix last weeks news paper. so there is so much wrong with the rv world Its not a wonder that they all don't go under.
    I am working for a place that sell's motor home and one of the sales man said to me i can get you a great deal on a national motorhome that was 2 days ago. now i am reading about national going under i can see how he will give me a great deal.I do not trust and one cause all they want is the all mighty dollar,they really do not care about who they sell to. yes i hate for people to loose there jobs its not fair and if the rv manufacturing plants would take care in what they build then we all would profit. And to comment on the person that said if you buy a motorhome then you should be able to buy gas, well if the USA goverment would be for the american people then they would stop these high prices and if they would stop the companies from moving over seas we could enjoy live like it should be.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:13 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • I am sorry for the employees at National to have lost their jobs at this time of year. However, they still have their skills and I think if they look on this as an opportunity for change, they will come out ahead.
    I own a 2003 Cougar 5'er. I June my wife & I travelled from New Mexico to Montana to visit relatives. We considered the price of gas & towing costs, so we took my slide in truck sleeper (beds only, no kitchen, furnace, sink, etc.). The cost of gas was high but we made decent mileage, about 12 mpg.
    The real cost was for the motels my wife insisted we "visit" on the way. The average price was over $100. By the time we returned home, I had the money expenses on hand to see which way was cheaper.
    Taking a car (30mpg) & sleeping in hotels vs. truck (8~12mpg) w/trailer cost about the same. The dollar expenditure is a wash. We took two trips this summer, one in the car and the other in the truck. Regardless: the cost averaged out as a wash when you factor in hotels vs camping and fuel costs.
    Summary: I will take the trailer for all future trips. More comfortable sleeping, better food since I can stay on my diet (limited fast food), and knowing I have facilities where ever I am located. Side trips can be a problem if I don't plan carefully; but RV'ing is the better way to go. Besides, I can take all the needed items I want and be very comfortable.

    By Anonymous Harried Harry, at 5:17 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • Whether you are financially secure or not to RV at these fuel prices is criminal! Anywhere from $300-$1200 a week to travel will eventually bring the RV industry to a halt. This is just the beginning. Our beautiful rigs will be like dinosaurs. We need an energy policy like Brazil who are laughing at the rest of the world while we send billions of dollars to our enemies who want us dead. Wake-up America!

    By Anonymous DonL, at 7:03 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • We have owned a 2001 Tradewinds for 31/2 years and put about 68,000 miles on it in that time. I have stopped at Perris and Lakeland a couple of times for parts but other than a wood trim piece for the slide that we broke (and could have been repaired we have only needed parts that could have been purchased from the original vendors so I am not overly concerned about parts other than collision parts if we have an accident and that will be an insurance problem.

    Our Tradewinds has been a great coach and we will continue using it. Sooner or later the assets will be sold and become available as surplus parts.

    I do not blame the manufacturers for building what we all wanted, bigger, bigger, bigger.

    By Blogger Jeff & Sue Cousins, at 7:04 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • Our RV problems are simple. We have demanded huge outrageous behemoths from the manufacturers with 500 horse power engines, 2 plasma TV's, 4 slides, two bathrooms, surround sound and on and on. We really need to get back to basics. Smaller fuel efficient engines, slower highway speeds, well designed aerodynamic bodies made of lighter weight materials. This can be done and I personally think the RV industry will be forced to go this route to stay alive. Sure they will still make the high end stuff for the well off and it will sell. This was evidenced by the poster that believes if you can't afford the price of fuel, don't buy an RV. However, remember the fuel gestapo has not reared their heads yet. They will start policing anything that uses more that 1 gal per 15 mile. Rving does not require all the stuff we demand or carry around, most of it is pure show off.

    By Blogger Homer, at 7:32 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • Wow! So much anger from the RV community. We orginally had a small 5th wheel to "get away" and de-stress. We never considered it an investment in anything but our mental health. The joy of RVing was such that we decided to sell the house, buy our 1997 TropiCal and live in it fulltime. That was about 7 years ago and we have never regretted it. Since it was not under warranty, we have just have taken care of problems ourselves. Just like we did with the house. We workamp so we live free and travel infrequently.

    The National line of motorhomes was absolutely the BEST in terms of fulltimers. They "got it" when it came to closets and storage. We have never been able to find another line of motorhomes their equal in terms of cost + floor plan and I for one, mourn the loss.

    By Anonymous L. Jordan, at 7:59 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • Just take a moment to compare. Flying is ugly since you're just part of the herd sharing bad air and hoping to get there. Many hotels aren't much better--bed bugs anyone? Greedy government and politicians have perfected telling lies and steeling your money to get votes. Take a cruise or a European vacation--what do you get besides less money? At least with an RV you get to see America with your family. The cost of fuel is a problem that could easily be resolved by getting rid of the "green" socialists who oppose energy independence in the USA. For example, the wind farms off the east coast were killed by lear-jet liberals who didn't want to see them in the distance!

    By Anonymous Steve, at 8:11 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • I must say that although I agree with a lot of the comments made after reading each and everyone, I still would not trade the RV world for all the tea in china. I have been RVing for about 10 years. My first RV was a piece of crap a 1990 Rockwood Driftwood 33" It had a 460 Ford engine that ran hot often. But at 29 married with three kids at the time, my kids loved the RV. the trips out of town, camp fires, hiking, picnics, quite time talking, ect. You can not get that at a hotel or traveling by car. I live in Washington DC, now at 39 I own a 1998 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 38ft Diesel Pusher. Absolutely wonderful. Now kids are older but still make trips with us as they did when they were young. My son who is now 20 and in college often calls me to find out where we are going so he can meet us to enjoy the out doors. So I say to you people, no need to complaining if you are not going to do anything about the problems ie gas, workmanship, cost of rigs, etc. Just look at the benefit of what this lifestyle offers you. The most kindest, pleasant, wonderful people I have ever met have been in the RV world. Come on most of you have to have had this experience. The question is how much is it worth to you and your children, grand children, great grand chldren etc. To me it is priceless. Sorry about the employees, but like the housing industry everybody is suffering so the RV Industry is no exception.

    By Anonymous AZ, at 9:07 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • It's sad to lose ones job, however the market eventually gets saturated for rigs that cost 3 times average household income just to get into!

    For all you railers out there, the company's assets should cover the mandatory 5 year warranty support.
    AND even if it didn't, that doesn't release the owners from doing their own homework regarding the stability and quality of workmanship that company offers.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:37 AM, December 08, 2007  

  • I used to work for an RV Dealership before I retired 3 years ago.This Dealership sold National motor homes , up to about 5 years ago. The dealership sold a fair amount of the class A's .I don't know exactly how many but National said they had to sell more or loose their National Line of motor home to sell. So our Dealership had to start selling another line of Motor Homes.No Big deal for our dealership. But this is what happens to companies that get over hungry for money.National should have known what was coming down the road,and not be so Stuck up. I do feel sorry for the workers at the plant. But I don't feel nothing for the company.They got what they deserve.

    By Anonymous Kodiak, at 12:58 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • They're just the 1st, in a long line of mfg's that will discover that if you build crap, you'll eventually fail to fool enough people to stay in business!

    By Anonymous RV Tech, at 5:17 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • My heart and prayers for the 600 people who must suffer for this!

    This is just one more result of something that this country needs to realize: fuel prices are NOT the fault of foreign oil...the rising (and risen) prices are because A) Speculators in the stock market are going crazy (and making tons of money doing it), and driving the price per barrel up as a result, and B) Domestic drilling and production restrictions MUST be lifted!

    That said, if ever there was an industry that CRIES OUT for government regulation, it is the Petroleum Industry. Some type of regulation from the beginning of the process all the way up to the stock market trades needs to be instituted...Big Oil and it's traders are responsible for gas prices...the RV Industry and we consumers are simply paying the price!

    Having been in the refining process for 30 years, I have literally seen huge storage tanks completely full when "oil shortages" existed, and supplies "reduced" when gas prices were low. Go figure!

    By Anonymous JLB1PI, at 5:26 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • Lots of good commments have been posted. It seems to me the reason bloated motorhomes and 5th wheels became so popular is simply because we consumers bought them! We aren't all mindless sheep, buying what the dealers tell us to. We want convenience and luxury! For many of us, a 40 foot pusher is preferable to a 22 foot Toyota Sundowner. No buyers, the manufacturers would/will change their product line in a hurry. If the Dodge/Mercedes class C's start selling in significant numbers because of their better economy, you can bet you will see more makers and more choice in that market segment.

    Cheap mortgage rates and the refi boom allowed many people to get into the rv lifestyle or upgrade that otherwise might not have done so. With cheap and easy financing gone, you can expect to see some retrenchment in the higher end. But there are still going to be lots of boomers retiring with decent sized pension accounts in the next 20 years to keep demand up.

    I for one cannot afford a new coach of the size I would like, so I will continue to upgrade with preowned rigs. We have gone from a C to a gas A to a diesel pusher over the past 7 years. I considered a 5er but since we like to park and explore it makes sense for us to tow a Honda at 8-10 mpg and unhook and enjoy 28-30 mpg when we get to our destination, rather than 12-15 in a diesel 3/4 ton truck. My point: Everyone has their own desires and expectations. We tent camped for 30 years. Still backpack once or twice a year, but we'll continue to rv as long as there is fuel available, even at $5or 6 a gallon.

    By Anonymous L&K, lovin' our Safari Sahara, in California., at 8:20 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • Come on guys & gals! The comment here about the oil traders and oil companies makes the most sense regarding the price problem. The proclamation by some that the RV industry is doomed and going to die off is a bit of a harsh assessment, I think. Those of us that have RVs today will certainly have to be prudent in the amount of driving we do because of the price situation, for sure. Use 'em all that you can - and enjoy those wonderful RV experiences. Coming down the pike will be redesigned RVs and powertrains that will revolutionize this industry - and we can buy 'em when they are available. We're talkin' just a few years here, so hang on. I can imagine rigs that will get 25-30 mpg coming up, which, essentially, would make us go as far, or much farther, on $6 per gallon fuel as we currently go for $3 per gallon. This would then be the equivalent of traveling and paying $2.50-$3.00 presently - even with $6 per gallon on the future pumps. I know, that's not a buck fifty like lots of us remember, but, get real here! At $6 per gallon on the pumps, our government would have to step in and do something in order to save our economy, anyway. I think technology will pull this thing off for us, just wait and see. In the meantime, yeah, more judicious trips will have to be planned by many. Don't worry so much about the "rich" folk out there. They will never get the 25-30 mpg out of their $2 mil Prevost busses at 45', but, they can afford their own fuel at about any price - so be it! They earned their money so let them enjoy spending it as they wish.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:51 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • Let's calculate the cost of having your RV in the driveway and bet optimisticaly that it runs ten years, (our Eagle 23 foot Ford V10 is 7 years old with 96,000 miles to date. With depreciation and repairs and a loan the 40 footers can cost $2000 per month simply parked. Quit whing about fuel and environmentalists, gas will soon be $6 bucks and nothing government does will help, only screw it. Downssize, park or quit RV but don't look for any Federal relief, that is fantasy.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:35 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • To the Buyer of the orphaned Dolphin: I just bought a brand new Dolphin in March of '06. Most of the complex systems including the workhorse chassis are OEM sourced. That goes for fridge, generator, heaters, water heater and propane systems. These same parts are used in just about every other builders products. Indeed I just had a Workhorse chassis problem that GM addressed in a timely and in an excellent manner. No need to call National at all. Spares may not be a problem. But buyers of brand new rigs may have trouble with a claim on the coach body including slides.

    By Anonymous jchog1, at 11:07 PM, December 08, 2007  

  • I had a 1999 36-ft Dolphin for about six months. It was a nice roomy rig but was having problems that meant I was constantly taking it into the shop. My first RV was an education, to say the least. Although I'm sure I lost money, I'm glad I traded it. I got a 25-ft B+ by a different manufacturer. I'm trying to adjust my thinking to liking the smaller rig. Aside from it being a little "cozier" than I might like, it's been terrific. I can even park it on the street so I don't have to tow. And I hope I'm saving a bit on gas.

    Good luck to the employees of National. It was an inventive company, coming out with some interesting advances in RV technology. Hopefully, they will reorganize and maybe make a more energy-efficient product in the process.

    By Blogger Geo, at 7:51 AM, December 09, 2007  

  • My wife and I recently joined the motorhome set this past summer when we purchased our 28 foot Itasca class A (used). There were two things that prompted me to get back into RV'ing: first I calculated the cost difference for fuel (using a spreadsheet) comparing our motorhome vs. our fully loaded family car for a given trip, second I had a conversation with a class C owner at a gas station and asked him what he thought of the gas prices going up and he replied that "he enjoys RV'ing and is not about to change his lifestyle because fuel prices go up."

    The employees at National are in a tough situation and hopefully they will be able to land on their feet. As far as the company is concerned, for whatever reason they were unable to keep quality up, costs down and listen to the "voice of the customer." This is a fact of business life and will probably be repeated before the current "speedbumps" in the economy are behind us.

    In an earlier post someone mentioned Toyota as an example of high quality and consumer confidence. The latest news points to problems at Toyota such as the company resting on its' lauriels and having quality problems much the same as Detroit did some years ago. Well guess who's making a comeback after losing its' top dog spot to Toyota? That's right good ole GM.

    My point is that the good companies will survive and customers will get a good product at a fair price. We as consumers need to do our homework before we make a major purchase like an RV. Buying an RV is like buying a car, you have to know that dealerships are there to move inventory and your best defense is knowledge. In the end things will change for the better. I'm a "the glass is half full kinda guy."

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:21 AM, December 09, 2007  

  • We seem to be talking about three issues here…The lack of quality in many RVs, the ignorance of many buyers of RVs, and the type of fuel that RVs require.

    How about a discussion about how to solve these three issues?

    One of the letters addressed the second point, the ignorance of many buyers of RVs. Go back and read R. Kirkpatrick ‘s comments. His advice is right on the money. Another piece of advice along the same lines…Spend the money necessary to join the RV Consumer’s Group. http://www.rv.org/
    Read their advice. Check their ratings before buying a new or used RV. Be an educated buyer. Don’t whine after the fact about buying an RV from a manufacturer that is KNOWN to have a record of poor quality control or lousy dealer backup. Better yet, don’t buy from a manufacturer who USES a dealer network. Your prices are automatically inflated when buying through a dealer. Consider buying a RV from a manufacturer who only sells direct to the public. A good manufacturer will authorize repairs at any reputable RV service center, anywhere in the country. Why have to rely on dealership service only?

    Consider seriously how you will use your RV. Just how much RV do you need? How often will you use it? Will you fulltime in it or just use it a few times a year for vacations or weekends? Will it need to accommodate family and friends or just you? How much carrying and towing capacity do you need? Does the RV you are considering actually fulfill these requirements? These considerations should make a huge difference in the type and size of RV you will end up with. How important to you are the issues of appearance and name? Where will you stay when you travel? Do you feel the need to make an impression when you pull into an RV “resort”, or will you be boondocking? Does it have to be new, or would a used RV in good condition make more sense?

    Most importantly, remember…
    AN RV WILL NOT APPRECIATE IN VALUE. IT WILL DEPRECIATE. These words should be engraved on your brain when you consider purchasing an RV. Do not put your financial future in jeopardy by spending more than you can afford or by financing if you can buy with cash. If you plan to fulltime, will you have enough money to change your mind if your situation changes and you can no longer stay in your RV?

    The other two issues, lack of quality in many RVs and the type of fuel that RVs require, should generate separate discussion.

    By Anonymous Sharon N., at 12:03 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • Cost of fuel has definitely had an impact on the RV industry. We can all reduce the use of our RV's, but that isn't going to help the manufacturers trying to unload their new units. I don't own oil stocks but before we all blame them for the rising costs of oil, consider the devaluation of the dollar. The Canadian dollar is at record levels against the US dollar and the Euro is at about 1.50 to one of our dollars. Our over $8.9 trillion national debt is making companies re-think about trading in dollars. Considering all this, it now takes more US dollars to buy a barrel of oil.

    By Anonymous blazingc5, at 12:06 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • I have a '99 30 ft Seabreeze 5th wheel---quite happy with it---the quality and extras make it a bit above the norm.
    A lot of bitterness in some of these forums putting blame on the RV industry. Lets put the blame where it belongs---since the Bush administration invaded Iraq the price of oil has doubled and the social structure and economy of the country has gone to hell in a hand basket. The national debt goes up by a billion dollars a day to finance Bush's war machine while social programs such as national health care and child care continue to be ignored. Corporate America and the oil companies get this guy elected and then carry on as usual.
    We can put a billion bits of information in a little thing the size of your finger but we refuse to look at any alternatives to the internal combustion engine. Yes our rigs are getting bigger and consume a lot of fuel but if we put our minds to it we could come up with alternatives that will meet the needs of all of us.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:33 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • My wife and I have always admired National's motorhomes, and I have been impressed by their quality, technology, and craftsmanship. I believe the RV spirit still resides with the consumer, and if the manufacturer listens to and supports the customer, then they will support the brand. I am hopeful that that we have not seen the last of the National brand. I also extend best wishes to all who recently lost their jobs at the plant, and pray that they quickly find new jobs and better situations very soon.

    J.C. Frinak, Texas

    By Anonymous Jim, at 4:26 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • All good things come to an end. My wife and I have a 35ft 2005 National Dolphin, which we love. We have taken several long trips, but with gas prices up, we stay in new england. We drive 55mph, minimize carrying excess weight, keep tires inflated and are able to get 10-11mpg. We love camping and feel we will continue to do so. I thank the people at National RV for the great product they made. We hope and pray that the displaced employees find a new position very soon.

    By Anonymous stripes, at 4:33 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • If everyone on this blog would write or call their congressman about the high prices of gas or fuel, we would see the prices go down. Everyone has been convinced by the government and wall street commodity brokers that it is a supply and demand issue and we have to live with it. Bullsh*t, look at the outrageous profits the oil companies are making and all the profit taking the commodity brokers do. It is interesting that the congress can call the credit card executives down to washington, but seem to be impotent when it comes to oil or drug companies. I will enjoy my MH and continue to call my congressman every week until eternity.

    By Anonymous bfred, at 5:00 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • We own an 06 32' National Dolphin gasser and have been very impressed with the quality throughout the entire coach. The lighting fixtures, solid walls and ceiling, cabinetry, and insulated storage bins are just a few of the nice touches. Perhaps, just perhaps the company put to much into the cost of building the coaches which cut down on profit adding to the financial problems.

    By Blogger bigring, at 9:14 PM, December 09, 2007  

  • A fool and his money are soon parted.

    For under $150 you can get the kind of information needed to purchase a safe and reliable RV by joining//www.rv.org.

    Those who pay too much and/or buy a poorly built RV and then whine about being in over their heads have no one to blame but themselves.

    Sign me a happy wannabee.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:54 AM, December 10, 2007  

  • I think most of you are not aware that National RV was doing well until Kemlite sold them faulty materials with which to build their rigs, EVEN AFTER Kemlite had just settled a lawsuit with Jayco for giving them the same junk. National RV had to recall all those motorhomes and took a HUGE hit in cash flow for that. They are still in the middle of their own lawsuit with Kemlite for that whole mess. That's what really screwed them up. If it weren't for Kemlite, then the company would still be in business and doing OK.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:02 AM, December 12, 2007  

  • National could move to Mexico with Fleetwood. haha
    And to the employees who've been put out of work by National or any other company: I'm sorry but just remember "God does not close a door that He does not open another one." probably even a better one.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:31 AM, December 14, 2007  

  • I own a 2006 sea breeze lx, and i bought it for the configuration of the kitchen. I'm not the least surprised that they "abandoned ship" I had many issues with them, but fortunately i have an extended warrenty. All of the parts are the resposibility of the manufacturer and thank goodness they do respond to your needs.NATIONAL NEVER DID!!!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:38 PM, December 18, 2007  

  • I am glad to know that Bob Lee of CC got his company out of the way of National. I had heard that National was financially having problems and pleased that Country Coach is "divorced" from them.
    So sorry to hear that 600 craftpersons is laid off permanently; especially before the holidays. Good luck to all of them!

    By Anonymous fjohn56, at 12:30 PM, December 19, 2007  

  • The RV industry is going....


    Green!
    Big rigs do take up a lot of gas to move, but the do save in other areas (for the average rv'er) - less water, less heating fuel, etc. Even the larger rigs - done right - can be economical and "green"...

    my generations and the 20 and 30 sonethings are still looking for the open road. We are looking at the new green movement in RVs - solar panels, highly efficient smaller RVs that are well built and fuel efficient (especially diesel, which will run on biodiesel - the most promising alternative fuel). these rigs are very green ways to go, and will continue to thrive.

    I feel for the workers and their families, but big - luxury rigs are dinosours, and if they don't evolve, then they will die.

    The RV world is changing, but it will survive - and be environmentally sound.

    By Blogger Kim, at 8:33 PM, February 04, 2008  

  • My wife and I lost our home in the witch creek fire in Ramona CA on Oct. 21st 2007. We purchased a 2003 Dolphin, we absolutely love it.

    I sold motor homes and cars earlier in life after a major car accident which caused me to leave construction for a period, I know the mark-up is great profit. I personally think the dolphin motor home is one of the three best on the market, or was on the market. I would like to see someone pick up National RV line and start over and sell them right out of the factory they are made at. If it happened quick enough, they could hire back all some of the 600 emlployee's that are not currently employed somewhere else.

    My sincere condolences to all the 600 who lost their jobs.

    My prayers are with you and your families.

    Pastor Mark

    By Anonymous Pastor Mark, at