Are budget RVs really possible?

[Jim March]

Mike, I hear you, but remember I've shown you a
drivetrain/frame/suspension/cab/controls package that *retails* under
$50k brand new. Buy wholesale, figure at least a good chunk less.

Not saying it's "easy" mind you, not at all. But it's doable.

Jim

Mike Hohnstein wrote:

> Sure, I can go with that. First, start a company to do make the
> product. Design the product and set up the manufacturing procedures.
> Oh, you will need some kind of distribution net work or a way to get
> your production to the end users. Oh, it's a motor vehicle that
> people are going to ride in, I'll bet there are some hoops that Joan
> Claybrook and her friends at the highway safety hand wringers group
> will want you to jump through, for the children of course.
> Let's see, how many will we need to build, uh better buy some trucks,
> and some materials to build the coaches with, wow, that's a lot of
> stuff to pay for before I sell a damn thing. Better go to the banker
> and see if he believes I can do this thing, that seems like such a
> piece of cake. You mean they have to look good so people will buy
> them? Doesn't any one see that they are FUNCTIONAL? and priced real
> well? I don't get it, why am I bankrupt? Get the picture Jim? Ever
> been to Elkhart IN? The place if full of great RV Ideas, most sink,
> some swim. Winnebagos been swimming a long time, it's not a product I
> would want, but there are a lot of people who are content with their
> stuff and those products made by them and their peers. You need to get
> busy and build what you want and maybe you might be able to make a
> couple on the side and use the "profits" for your retirement. I went
> through the home built deal a couple of times, still have one of the
> rigs, I could have bought used product for less money but I got the
> EXPERIENCE, and that's worth a lot to me.
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> 83FC35
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jim March
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:34 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Are budget RVs really possible?
>
>
> 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.
>
> Lemme show you two items:
>
>
> http://www.trucktraderonline.com/caddeta...683729.htm
>
> That's a brand new commercial truck chassis with cab, diesel, 220hp,
> made for HEAVY loads, auto tranny, good fuel economy. Japanese import,
> $50k.
>
> And here's a group building travel trailers with all the goodies,
> aluminum tube frame and aluminum skin, complete and self contained -
> 30ft long by 102" body no slideout goes for $30k:
>
> http://www.santektrailers.com/salesoptions1.html
>
> Now can somebody explain to me why Santek or somebody like them
> couldn't
> build "industrial strength ClassCs" under $100k that would kick the
> rump
> off of idiotic Winnabago or similar crap?
>
> Jim