chastho
arkansas
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Joined: 07/27/2005
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The Texan wrote:Rich_in_Florida wrote:rotts4u wrote:From a pure financial standpoint I would bet on Tiffin. Family owned with little to no debt and it is usually the overhead from high interest financing of the business that dips into cash flow and then forces these high rolling fast growth companies to file chapter 11 or 7.
Interesting point. Have the younger Tiffins committed to take it all when the older Tiffin(s) retire to Tahiti? The younger Tiffins took them to the brink of bankruptcy a few years back when Bob did retire, the 1st time. He had to return and take back control, in order to save the company. I would not bet my money on Tiffin RV being a survivor, when Bob is gone. And where did you get that info? Surely you would not make a statement like that without the facts to back it up. What year was that and how much money did they lose? Was that over a one year period or two or five?
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JTHarley
Northeast, Michigan, USA
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Joined: 02/27/2003
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My guesses and they are guesses would be:
Winnebago
Tiffin
Newmar
Holiday Rambler
Fleetwood
Their balance sheets seem strong, (Tiffin is privately held) they all make a good product with a loyal following but in these economic times any mistake by manufacturers can spell disaster!
Jim , MJ & Spirit of Sambuca Bear
2006 Winnebago Vectra
Jeep Liberty Toad
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bmerpaw
1000 Islands Ontario Canada
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We agree with Deen, Newmar
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stevelv
FullTimers at Last!
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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I think it will be any of the companies that can turn to B and B+ manufacture with a product that will satisfy 80% of today's Class A owners with a roomy but fuel efficient design.
You don't honestly think that they will be building mass market 40' Class A's in 10 years do you?
RV Park Finder
Fulltimers
2002 Beaver Santiam 38DST + Banks + 99 Jeep GC
DH,DW,Jake and Indie
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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I would not count on any of the present manufacturers being around in 10 years.
And, I no longer have plans to replace my motorhome.
But, to answer the question, I would buy a Newell.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
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texasbaskets
Frisco, TX
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Joined: 10/06/2003
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stevelv wrote:I think it will be any of the companies that can turn to B and B+ manufacture with a product that will satisfy 80% of today's Class A owners with a roomy but fuel efficient design.
You don't honestly think that they will be building mass market 40' Class A's in 10 years do you?
Yes, but the companies building a variety of products (motorized and towables) stand to make out better in the long term IMHO. Sorry to say, that would leave outfits like Tiffin in a difficult market and maybe others.
This stuff runs in cycles. Manufacturers and customers will adapt before too long and bring some new products to market but I don't think they will be Class B's. If I was saddled with that choice, I would tow a popup with my mini-van instead.
The bottom line is, roomy and fuel efficient can't yet be used in the same sentence but give it time.  
Michael, Kay, Hans (our Mini-Schnauzer co-pilot) and Prissy (Hans' Malti-Poo co-pilot)
'05 Coachmen SportsCoach SE 372DS a.k.a. "Mana's Cabana"
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nodine
Knoxville, Tennessee
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The companies that are able to adapt to consumer changes without going deeper into debit.
Bob
2006 Monaco Diplomat 40PDQ
2006 Honda CRV toad
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Onthroad
Cedar Creek Lake, Trinidad, Texas
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Joined: 02/01/2007
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Who will survive? Very few if any, the motorhome market of the last several years is history. The price of fuel will not go down and our RV lifestyle will have to change like the Rv'ers in Europe to smaller class models. Fleetwood will survive because of all the different models they offer. I do not believe they will be any large class A Mfg. in 10 years except for commerical buses. We've bought our last one.... Sad I know...
2006 Discovery 39L DP
Toad-2006 Jeep Liberty
M&G Braking System
Blue OX Tow Bar
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sootslayer
Central Pennsylvania
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Joined: 07/02/2007
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Hopefully Newmar. I'm please so far and not much being said about them and they are still answering the phone...
Hank
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D & M
Laurel, MD
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Joined: 03/04/2005
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As a guess that's based on a review of a good balance sheet, a diverse product line, and fifty years of experience, I'd say Winnebago will still be around.
Dave  & Mary
Isabel (a cuddly little Boston)
Buddy (The Beast) another Boston
2005 Itasca Suncruiser 35A
2003 Jeep Liberty
If it's listed in the Yellow Pages, the government shouldn't be messing around with it.
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