RIV Report?

[Rob Robinson]

Great post John and if I might add that I believethe various Wanderlodge Forums could keep many existing birds running for years with or without factory support.Time after time I have seenmembersfind replacement partsor come up with a fix without factory support. In truth factory support has lessened over the years with various ownership changes, key personnel losses etc etc. Without a factory youmay not get a specific plastic googaw trim piece but the the hardcore necessary parts of a bird have never stymied the persistent BB membership. They will search to the ends of the earth for the right 'wangflanger valve'. Having said this I must add that without a BB factory individuals who are not mechanically inclined, or wish not to indulge, would be left at a disadvantage. Lack of support for these folks would reduce prospective buyers. The loss of a BB factory andno new BB product would mean the end of the BB line. Bottom line we need a BB factory and it's support if the brand is to continue but even without one we can keep existing BBs running. Anyone capable of doing a little wrenching shouldn't shy away from a BB with or without a factory.

2008/10/27 <"jvredden@aol.com">

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

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Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson

94 WLWB