rw39mb

[JerryL]

Bottom line, it's all about the money, and making them last until the warranty runs out. My first RV, a 1991, was one of the most solid units I have ever had, a Kountry Star. The only thing I ever did to it was change the toilet. Today's RVs are all about the bling, with almost zero lasting quality. In reality, redwood is no different, they just want you to get past the first 2 years, with minimal impact on them.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by JohnEileen

Dave,
What you are saying about the turn over if employees in the RV industry may be true, but growing up in Syracuse, IN I had friends who's parents worked their whole life for the same RV manufacturer. I am not sure why it has changed now to the point people are not staying with the same company. With Redwood being very new to the scene perhaps they have not developed the loyalty with their workers that some of the older companies had...or maybe times have just changed. I know it is a lot harder to maintain quality if things are in a constant state of change and I wonder how all these new brands within the Redwood factory will play into the quality of the Redwood. Sequoia, Cyprus and Redwood on the same line or were they planning to build the new models at a different facility?

Eileen

I question if people are taking pride in their work or if the company is encouraging it.

I had suggested to some of the upper folks at Redwood a few years ago that they have a couple of trailers sitting around that they use for incentives for the employees. If an employee did their job well, they could be put into a drawing where they could use an RV for a weekend for their family to enjoy. This would also let the employee see first hand how these trailers are used and they could in all probability see improvements that are needed.

I came up with the idea when I found out from talking to the workers that none of them had ever used a Redwood and very few had ever been camping due to their income level. The company didn't like my idea and I think found it kind of naive. I believe for the amount of investment compared to the possible return made it a viable proposition.

But then again I'm not in the RV business and only playing "Monday morning quarter back".

[rob_fla]

Similar to the dealer / retail side of the RV business, most RV sales people have never spent a single night in a RV, never towed or drove a RV.

Also the service side of the business is the same too, many of the techs that are repairing RVs never have spent a night in an RV.

[piper guy]

Dave and Rob - what you are suggesting is common in the boat industry. Carver Yachts and Cruisers, both in Wisconsin , have been doing that for as long as I can remember. They both keep several different boats on Lake Michigan and allow employees to use them provided they critique the boats. One of the reasons that those two manufacturers are considered tops in their markets.

[Rick]

I was the GM for Cruisers from 2004 until 2009. I can vouch for the employee use program. Turnover was also very low except when mandated by the economy. Owner KC Stock has a great little company up in Oconto Wisconsin.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by Rick

I was the GM for Cruisers from 2004 until 2009. I can vouch for the employee use program. Turnover was also very low except when mandated by the economy. Owner KC Stock has a great little company up in Oconto Wisconsin.

Great to hear Rick....some of my ideas do work

We've let our employees take advantage of the equipment sometimes. We've allowed them to take home a computer for the weekend, printing wedding invitations or using a company car for a vacation. This just helps with the moral and for the most part the employees are appreciative.

[TnB]

Dave,

RW would have to provide the truck also since you can't assume that all factory workers drive duallies.

Also some workers who drive compact cars may not want to handle 50 feet of vehicles on the highway. Using a parked trailer in the company parking lot wouldn't be much fun though.

The boat company may let its employees use the boat on Lake Michigan, but not pull it down the road on a trailer.

Just some considerations on the incentives.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by TnB

Dave,

RW would have to provide the truck also since you can't assume that all factory workers drive duallies.

Also some workers who drive compact cars may not want to handle 50 feet of vehicles on the highway. Using a parked trailer in the company parking lot wouldn't be much fun though.

The boat company may let its employees use the boat on Lake Michigan, but not pull it down the road on a trailer.

Just some considerations on the incentives.

Tom I agree, one size doesn't fit all.

[mhs4771]

Just an FYI, I contacted Lippert to question the difference between the 18K and 21K Tri-Glide. Seems the only difference is a heavier Air Bag on the 21K.

[piper guy]

Michelle - in that case you may be ok with the 18k. If memory serves, there was a discussion on an earlier thread about the tank placement on the 39MB and the fact that the pin weight was actually less than our RL'S.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Just an FYI, I contacted Lippert to question the difference between the 18K and 21K Tri-Glide. Seems the only difference is a heavier Air Bag on the 21K.

Oh thank you - thank you - thank you Michelle! I was really hoping it was something like that. That pin box is extremely stout, even the 18,000 lb one, compared to that thin steel pin box Lippert normally puts on, so I figured it had to be rated down for other reasons.

Probably similar to the Mor-Ryde pin box that has different ratings based on the rubber shear, even though the frame of the pin box is probably the same.

[lwg]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Just an FYI, I contacted Lippert to question the difference between the 18K and 21K Tri-Glide. Seems the only difference is a heavier Air Bag on the 21K.

This might also explain why some people run different pressures than others when towing. I've found I prefer it a little lighter than others have mentioned and I have the 21K rating. Just an observation.

[atom ant]

Ah, very good point

[hoosierguy]

I think the Trail Aire Tri-Glide bladder optimal pressure is a function of the pin weight and the pin weight is a function of how heavy or light the trailer is loaded and where that load is located in the trailer.

The pin weight on my 36RL is in the range of 3000 to 3200 lbs. I have found that the trailer seems to ride the best with about 60 to 65 psi in the bladder. Other folks on the forum are running pin weights up to 4000 lbs and bladder pressures in the range of 75 to 90 psi. Lower pin weights/lower bladder pressure; higher pin weights/higher bladder pressure. It's the same correlation as tire pressure on you tow vehicle and trailer. The higher the load, the higher the tire pressure needs to be.

[mhs4771]

Just thought I'd post an update: Our 2016 Redwood 39MB arrived in Florida yesterday. We went over to visit it this morning and she really looks great, but see RW is still making changes on the Fly. No drawers under the bed, front half now lifts up with storage, livingroom ceiling fan now has a light in it and a wall switch. We were hoping to swap some of our LEDs, but looks like most are now different. But on a good note, no Westlake tires, we got the GY G114 H tires on the 17.5 wheels.
So just a word to the wise, Brochure weight is listed at 13996, ours left the Factory at 15848 and we still need 80 Lbs of propane and our Satellite Dish.
We start the big move Saturday.

[rob_fla]

Wow, Factory Weight of 15,848 lbs. that is one heavy Redwood !!!!!

[markw]

I think I would question that weight until I see it on a scale.

Mark

[Shane Wood]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Just thought I'd post an update: Our 2016 Redwood 39MB arrived in Florida yesterday. We went over to visit it this morning and she really looks great, but see RW is still making changes on the Fly. No drawers under the bed, front half now lifts up with storage, livingroom ceiling fan now has a light in it and a wall switch. We were hoping to swap some of our LEDs, but looks like most are now different. But on a good note, no Westlake tires, we got the GY G114 H tires on the 17.5 wheels.
So just a word to the wise, Brochure weight is listed at 13996, ours left the Factory at 15848 and we still need 80 Lbs of propane and our Satellite Dish.
We start the big move Saturday.

Ladies
You may want to swing by Peter built on the way to pick your new baby up
Congrats

[atom ant]

Wowzers! but does that already include W/D and generator?

[Dave&Ginny]

Congrats Girls! Post some pictures