Are budget RVs really possible?

[Jim Owens]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Jim March wrote:
> beancounterman wrote:
>
> > I note the conversations about the Drainmaster vs. Dupree valves,
and
> > the "cheapening" of the 450 LXi, with some interest.
>
> -sniiiip much discussion of coaches costing $800,000plus-
>
> You know...there's just got to be a way of producing a good durable
> comfortable rig that doesn't cost more than a good-sized house with
land.
>
> That's not saying there isn't a "millionaire's market", I'm sure
there is ... but damn!

Jim,

This issue came up a while back on the original wanderlodge.org site.
Someone had posted images and a description of a late model conversion
based on one of Blue Bird's commercial chassis. Nicely done but with a
few concerns about tank capacities, etc.

Consensus at that time was that Blue Bird's business plan is based on
low volume sales of high-end coaches in the $750K+ range with the
M380's thrown in to compete with Monaco, et.al. (which some thought
was a mistake - diluting the brand image, in other words.) Yet some
thought that BB could earn more revenue in the long-run building
coaches more in line with the FC's and SP's -> selling lower cost
coaches in enough volume to actually make money. Manufacturing
capability and flexibility issues combined with high costs associated
with manufacturing complexity (too many parts & processes) limit a
coach builder's response to changing market conditions and demand.

Wanderlodges are great creations with a loyal following. They do
depreciate in value over time but that offers those of us with a more
typical net worth to get in on the fun. Another series of posts
considered to total number of 'Birds built. Seems to me the total is
about 6,000 coaches total - they really are rare 'Birds. But, happily,
nearly every coach ever built is still out there (and NOT in a
junkyard)!

I'll get down off my soapbox now. Thanks for staying around this long.

Jim Owens 77 FC33SB (Gas)
Lake of the Ozarks, MO