Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

10-26-2008, 13:24

I was at the RITV in Branson. Attended by approx 114 people approx 60 coaches. a 2009 show coach was there but was sold. The new owners allowed BB to use it as a show coach until they could bring in the another 2009. Attendees were from 25 different states. The event had lots of things in the Branson area but only one " owners forum" that was put together by the owners but attended by Rick Clayton of BB. BB appears to be shifting from the direct factory sales back to a dealer basis. Rick stated they were in nego with some of the largest dealers in the nation. ( Macy was not there)

BB awarded Gas cards for the Casino night and the poker run. Each paid out 6 to7 places and gas cards started at $250.00 and worked down from there.

All seemed to enjoy the event and sensed nothing but a positive response to the event. Branson has lots to do. I mentioned to Rick about the seminars and question answer sessions provided by BB at RITV in the past. He appeared to be on his own and did not have a lot of input from BB regarding past RITV.

Please contact him @BB and let him know the kind of things you would like at RITV. He appeared to be open to any suggestions.

john redden

91-PT40

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics Ã¢â¬â http://www.games.com?ncid=emlcntusgame00000001"> check it out!

10-26-2008, 15:53

Haven't heard much of any reports out of the RIV in Branson. I did
hear that there were only 62 coaches there. Got around half that
amount registered for the Lone Star Birds Holiday Rally in December.
Too bad. Spreading it around the country seemed like a good idea.
How about a report from someone that was there in Branson?

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

10-27-2008, 01:17

Bleakley doesn't show the BB logo any more. Weren't they full dealers?
Ross

10-27-2008, 01:50

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ross" wrote:
>
> Bleakley doesn't show the BB logo any more. Weren't they full dealers?
> Ross
>

I don't know about Bleakley but Holland, the oldest Blue Bird dealer is
no longer selling them.

Rich D. '99LXi43' CT

10-27-2008, 02:20

Rick, CCW's rep at the rally in Branson, told rally attendees that
Bleakley, Holland, and Parliament are no longer dealers. He
indicated the factory wanted to start with new dealers bacause of the
past history with current dealers. Rick indicated thay had decided
that a fresh start with new dealers would provide a more positive
approach to reestablishing Blue Bird as a premier product. He said
that CCW has a new large dealer on the west coast and I believe the
name of the dealer was Giant RV. He added that CCW is negotiating
with several new dealers who are expected to be on board within the
next few months.

The 2 new birds they displayed at the rally were, in my opinion,
clearly a step up from previous Birds in terms of exterior and
interior appearance and quality. The interiors are really
outstanding! These new coaches definitely represent a challenge to
Prevost conversions if CCW can get develop great dealers and a
stronger marketing program. Riok said the suggested retail price on
these 2 coaches was about $1.1 million.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "g_man1146"
wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ross"
wrote:
> >
> > Bleakley doesn't show the BB logo any more. Weren't they full
dealers?
> > Ross
> >
>
> I don't know about Bleakley but Holland, the oldest Blue Bird
dealer is
> no longer selling them.
>
> Rich D. '99LXi43' CT
>

10-27-2008, 03:24

Why would you drop the 3 biggest and oldest dealers?? Giant RV does
not handle any high end coaches other than CC. Does not sound like a
smart business move to me! I really do not think that BB is focused!
Those 3 dealers had well trained BB mechanics and also stocked some
parts for the older units. I doubt you could get a parts man at Giant
to order any parts!! For existing owners this is not a good move.

Bruce
1988 Bluebird FC35

10-27-2008, 06:10

Mike,

We bluebirder's are a funny bunch. You ask a question, and it is an opportunity to discuss some other topic. mmmmmm

Jim Riordan

mbulriss <mbulriss@...> wrote:

Haven't heard much of any reports out of the RIV in Branson. I did
hear that there were only 62 coaches there. Got around half that
amount registered for the Lone Star Birds Holiday Rally in December.
Too bad. Spreading it around the country seemed like a good idea.
How about a report
from someone that was there in Branson?

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

10-27-2008, 06:56

RIV - R.I.P.

Sorry, I had to say it.

It's like moving Oshkosh to Boise, Talladega to Hartford, The
Iditarod to Miami.

Mess with a good thing and you'll screw it up everytime.

Kurt Horvath
95 PT 42
10AC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, jim riordan
wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> We bluebirder's are a funny bunch. You ask a question, and it is
an opportunity to discuss some other topic. mmmmmm
>
> Jim Riordan
>
> mbulriss <mbulriss@...> wrote:
> Haven't heard much of any reports out of the RIV in
Branson. I did
> hear that there were only 62 coaches there. Got around half that
> amount registered for the Lone Star Birds Holiday Rally in
December.
> Too bad. Spreading it around the country seemed like a good idea.
> How about a report from someone that was there in Branson?
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> San Antonio, TX
>

10-27-2008, 08:47

Dear Lloyd,

Most every point you made is valid. CCW has had issues supporting the existing coaches. That said ...they are trying. It's far better than having no one pick up BB.

Not trying to stir up a hornet's nest but......I'm glad you got that off your chest and hope you feel better!

I too was at the Branson RITV. It was nice but, like you stated, it was not like other RITV's. Rick Clayton from BB was there and had tried to organize the event. I asked him why the question answer sessions and technical seminars were not available. He indicated to me that he was not aware that RITV's in the past had offered them. He was in effect offering a rally as he understood rallys to be. I do not think he understood the unique offerings of RITV of the past and the expectations of Bluebirders. Please send him your suggestions at BB. He seemed quite open to what I suggested. Given that he had no concept of past RITV, I think he did ok. It was different and not like other RITVs, but if you went to the Branson RITV expecting to see the same as past RITVs, you might question if you were realistic in your expectations. The RATS organization

(Wanderlodgeownersforum.com) moderated by Randy, John, and Rob is a great source of info on all BB. They have a get together a couple times a year. Very loosely structured organization and that's the way they want to keep it. However, you will not find a kinder, more helpful group of folks. Try them out.

My thought is that CCW needed an east coast facility and BB mfg plantoffered that for them. Theystatethat CCW is #1 inNG conversion of buses. I would think their market position is as good as any.I don't think they are expecting to make money on the new Wanderlodge initially. I think they feel a market continues to exist for highend coaches ( remember, in hard economic times, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer...why am I always on the losing end?)I am glad they are trying to deliver a new product in a market that is not conducive to any new products. Remember just this year Mfg, National, See Ya, and Western RV ( Alpine coach) went out of business.At least, we are in a better position than those coach owners.

I think other Bluebirders need our help and support. I think CCW needs it as well. Your points are well taken...now let's focus on the positive. You have a wonderful coach. You are blessed to be able to have it. Enjoy the process of trying to keep it top notch and run the wheels off of it.

john redden

91 PT-40

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics Ã¢â¬â http://www.games.com?ncid=emlcntusgame00000001"> check it out!

10-27-2008, 08:55

The RATS organization--'um, my idea, years ago- and this forum- most of you know the history~ and the original forum, started by 2 guys that needed information close to 8 years ago~

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Weatherford, Tx
Wanderlodgeforum.org, owner

Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites, no registration required and great graphics Ã¢â¬â http://www.games.com?ncid=emlcntusgame00000001"> check it out!