2014 Redwood Rally

[rob_fla]

From all you that attended the 2014 Redwood Rally, any general feedback from the Rally, good news from the Redwood team, things learned at the Rally to be shared with the group?

[TNTBaker]

YES and WHAT about PICTURES??!! Gee Whiz people.

[rob_fla]

Some pictures would be nice along with some updates

[0nTheRoad]

We've all been too busy to post much other than quick snippets.

Rally ended yesterday, many of us still here. some leaving today, most others tomorrow.

Don't have time for a through report but here are a few tidbits...
Between 35-40 coaches, 2 wanna-bee's
Opened up with an update from Redwood/Crossroads
Q&A, many of the current issues discussed, rep from Lippert here discussed hydraulics/slides
Informal discussion on Owners Group...positive discussion followed up with discussion with Redwood/Crossroads management...also very positive...more on this when I have time.
Sessions by Lady E & Terry - very informative
Redwood factory tour & product update. Two new lines; Cypress [entry level] & Sequoia [mid level]. Saw a couple of the new Sequoias, nice but not Redwoods. Saw new 2015 prototype, some cool new features, lighting around island, new electronic systems control that looks like an iPad, new coached will be equipped with H-rated tires at some point + many more.

Gotta run now but more to follow...I promise!!

[rob_fla]

Good start, thanks

Looking forward to more !!!

[atom ant]

Cool,
That Ipod thing (Linc) has been around for a few years (at least in thought) for a while - here is the LCI video with guess who's manufacturer used in the demonstration. We asked for it, but it wasn't available yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rACPP3Sic8Y

[TNTBaker]

So... We are going to want this, naturally. I wonder if it can be added?

[Carol]

As a WANNA be, we want to thank everyone for welcoming us into your group, taking the time to show us your beautiful Redwoods and providing valuable knowledge. We look forward to being Redwood owners in the future.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by TNTBaker

So... We are going to want this, naturally. I wonder if it can be added?

Why of course

The LCI website shows a OEM version and RETROFIT version.

[TNTBaker]

Originally Posted by atom ant

Why of course

The LCI website shows a OEM version and RETROFIT version.

Uh ohhhhh.. I predict spending more money!

[piper guy]

We've just spent more than an hour crawling all over a new 39MB - this will probably cost much $$$. We love our RL, but the MB is totally amazing.
They will be having an option to delete the half bath and make it a huge pantry with an outside access door. We're waiting to see that, but there may be a very, very nice RL with everything but Gen and fully sorted out for sale to a happy new owner. Time will tell ..........

[travelin' texans]

That pad option was presented last year at the rally factory tour, but I don't believe they got too many attaboys about it, most of of us with glasses would have a hard time after dark to use it, couldn't turn on hall light without using pad so you wander around looking for your glasses in the dark to see to turn on the light. Saved me $$.

[Rick and Mindy]

I'm not quite sure of the value of that pad thingy! It doesn't seem any faster to me to open the slides or level my coach. My brother has SOB and he has a remote that you just push a button and his slides open and another button and his awning opens, no need to go from screen to screen to do the job. There may be other benefits that they are not showing at this time though

[Oriana]

Little follow on from Chuck's initial post on the Rally.

We started on the Friday morning with the Service Centre Manager Randy, Ron Howard and a couple of others walking around and visiting most of the coaches. Since leaving Vancouver we have a leak underneath the shower and our 3rd set of awning lights lasted a whole 10 mins. Ron came over to personally check things out and I asked if their was any chance we could get into the service centre Monday to at least get the shower fixed. His response was leave it with me as he would chat with Randy. Well we go 0700 Monday morning and they will fix the shower, try a permanent fix on the awning lights and any other minor items they can address.

Yet again, Redwood customer service and service centre step up to the plate to provide great service to us owners.

The Rally started with the Crossroads & Redwood President Andy introducing his team, discussing his vision and throwing the floor open for a Q & A. For corporate structure, although Andy is President of both, Redwood will not be under the Crossroads brands. Redwood will be a separate brand structure, with Redwood at the top, with Sequoia in the middle and Cypress at the entry point. Both Sequoia and Cypress brands are marked "by Redwood". Carriage is going to the Crossroads side and I believe will be above Rushmore, which is moving out of the Redwood production facility. During the factory tour we were advised the new Carriage will be slightly below Redwood.

Andy fielded many issues and concerns over the at least 2 hrs of Q & A. He is definitely a go to type of person. When asked about the special deal on upgrading to "G" tires he grabbed his cell and was about to call the supplier when he noted the supplier was present. Anyone with original Marathons can call Tiara RV in Elkhart for a special upgrade price. Apologies, as I didn't write down the number he provided.

On completion of the Q and A, Chuck and I met with Andy and Jim (President & GM) to explore their views on setting up an Owner's Club. We met with a number of owners prior to the Rally and recorded ideas regarding objectives for an Owner's Club. We outlined these to Andy & Jim, who seemed to be positive, subject to checking implications, costs, etc. We requested their assistance in obtaining club guidelines/bylaws, etc from other Thor Brand Clubs.

I missed the Lippert Reps presentation, but caught Terry Cooper's informative presentation on electrical, propane and water systems.

Saturday morning we had the factory tour with Jim leading out group. We saw some new features coming out for the Hershey Show. New bulkhead material, new countertops, with lighting in the edges and lights at the base. They have also upgraded the residential fridge with water and ice through the door. H tires will also be an option.

Will try and get some photos in the next few days.

Most importantly, it was great meeting other owners, we really have an excellent owners group. We will definitely return for another Rally. They have also selected dates for next year's Rally, which is also at Shipshewana. Great campground with excellent staff.

[0nTheRoad]

Next years dates... August 7-9 2015.

To echo Andy's comments on the Owners Club. The meeting we held with the owners present who wanter to learn more, a very good open discussion exploring the possibility of a club. Overall very encouraging and Redwood/Crossroads management was very excited about the possibilities.

I'll try to post the notes from the meeting over the next few days but I'm heading to South Dakota tomorrow morning to meet friends so my computer time will be limited for the next couple of weeks.

[ksaltman]

My bad, I didn't take 1 picture. Sorry .

I would throw out that the owner survey was very well received and is being reviewed at the highest level.

They really appreciated our efforts and are listening.....

[rob_fla]

We will put the dates for next year on the calendar and try to make it if at all possible.
Sounds like a great time was had by all and very informative too.

[Oriana]

Another couple of changes for the 2015.5/16's - docking station for charging tablets/phones etc incorporated into one of the electrical sockets and redesigned bed with foam topper on the mattress (ICool topper). I believe the drawers are also gone and the bed will lift up to reveal a storage compartment.

[johnboytoo]

Good move - the drawers are useless IMHO

[atom ant]

Had the lift up bed before, much prefer the drawers.