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Factory visit not what I expected
Yahoo Message Number: 105439
I'm a wannabe.  I visited the factory last week for the first time.  This post is mainly intended for other wannabes considering a factory visit.

I was expecting to be able to see one of everything.  Looking back, I don't know how this expectation got into my brain.  There were actually just three models in the showroom on the day I visited: a 24FD, a 24TK, and a 32 foot Kodiak.  None of these models were high on my list based on looking at the web site and reading this group.  I was able to see two other models that were in the process of being built, but it's not the same.

My suggestion to anyone considering a visit is to call first and make sure you can see what you're most interested in.

A few other random observations:

Lead time: it's currently 3-4 months from order to pickup.

Crowds: I visited on a weekday morning.  No other prospective buyers showed up the entire time I was there.  Maybe it was because of the near-record high temperature.

Pressure: none.  Everyone was very friendly and helpful; there was absolutely no sales pressure.

Photos: I was allowed to photograph the 24FD and 24TK, but not the Kodiak or any of the coaches under construction.  (The photos are just to help my memory.)

Kodiak: It's very classy, with lots of leather and dark wood.
Way out of my league.  It does have two interesting features not in any smaller models: a built-in Xantrex ProSine 2.0 2000W inverter/charger and a Swan Industries San-T-Flush black and gray tank flusher.

New for 2009: they're using thicker aluminum in the roof.

Owner's manuals: I wasn't allowed to look at any (without putting down the deposit).
Re: Factory visit not what I expected
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105441
Quote
I was expecting to be able to see one of everything.  Looking back, I don't know how this expectation got into my brain.  There were actually just three models in the showroom on the day I visited: a 24FD, a 24TK, and a 32 foot Kodiak.  None of these models were high on my list based on looking at the web site and reading this group.  I was able to see two other models that were in the process of being built, but it's not the same.
Hmm, they usually have about 5 different models under the showroom roof.  I wonder if they are building the 2009 models and have sold some of the 2008 models.  They probably want the 2009 models done before the Pomona show in October.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Factory visit not what I expected
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105442
Quote
I'm a wannabe.  I visited the factory last week for the first time.  This post is mainly intended for other wannabes considering a factory visit.

I was expecting to be able to see one of everything.  Looking back, I don't know how this expectation got into my brain.  There were actually just three models in the showroom on the day I visited: a 24FD, a 24TK, and a 32 foot Kodiak.  None of these models were high on my list based on looking at the web site and reading this group.  I was able to see two other models that were in the process of being built, but it's not the same.

My suggestion to anyone considering a visit is to call first and make sure you can see what you're most interested in.

A few other random observations:

Lead time: it's currently 3-4 months from order to pickup.

Crowds: I visited on a weekday morning.  No other prospective buyers showed up the entire time I was there.  Maybe it was because of the near-record high temperature.

Pressure: none.  Everyone was very friendly and helpful; there was absolutely no sales pressure.

Photos: I was allowed to photograph the 24FD and 24TK, but not the Kodiak or any of the coaches under construction.  (The photos are just to help my memory.)

Kodiak: It's very classy, with lots of leather and dark wood.
Way out of my league.  It does have two interesting features not in any smaller models: a built-in Xantrex ProSine 2.0 2000W inverter/charger and a Swan Industries San-T-Flush black and gray tank flusher.

New for 2009: they're using thicker aluminum in the roof.

Owner's manuals: I wasn't allowed to look at any (without putting down the deposit).
We are also wannabes and visited the factory last Friday (about 105 degrees)....and we had exactly the same reaction to everyone there and also to the couple of models they had for us to look at.
 Of Course, we're looking for a gently used re-sale so going to the factory to look at shiney new ones is a little hard - but less "sticker shock"....!
Re: Factory visit not what I expected
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105443
I bet you are right about the show.  Usually when we have visited there are so many models under roof that you can barely walk between them.  Could be a sign of the times too.  We don't get to visit very often now that we live out of state.  When we lived in Pomona, and later Upland, I practically lived at the showroom.  Some people go on picnics and to the movies in their spare time.  I visited Lazy Daze.  :-)

Dick
Re: Factory visit not what I expected
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105445
Quote
  I was expecting to be able to see one of everything.  Looking back, I don't know how this expectation got into my brain.  There were actually just three models in the showroom on the day I visited: a 24FD, a 24TK, and a 32 foot Kodiak.  None of these models were high on my list based on looking at the web site and reading this group.  I was able to see two other models that were in the process of being built, but it's not the same.
 Hmm, they usually have about 5 different models under the showroom roof.  I wonder if they are building the 2009 models and have sold some of the 2008 models.  They probably want the 2009 models done before the Pomona show in October.

Art
I think Art is correct (as usual).  When we were there at the end of June there were at least five, and I think six, models to look at.  -- jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
 
Re: Factory visit not what I expected
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105461
When we bought "Miss Daisy" in April 2009 she was a 2007 30ft  show/floor model.  The other show/floor models were 2008 and also for sale.  I would guess they are producing 2009 models to replace the sold units and it takes some time. I believe there were at least 6 units plus the Kodiak on the floor when we were there.