How Does the Factory build them?

[threegr8katz]

Do they have several models built in the same building?

Do they build model x then y then z?

Do they build all the models all the time?


When you order one is it built for you or do they already have some planned and make changes to it and build it for you?

[Bama Rambler]

It depends on the company and the line. Some companies run several lines at the same time. Some run them in batches. That varies according to the price point of the line too.

Don't fool yourself. They don't build a unit for YOU! Not at this price point anyway. They build units and when you order one, your name goes into the que for a model with your particular choices and when they get enough of them they run a line.

In high end motorhomes they assign your name to a particular unit and it's assembled specifically for you.

[SaskCampers]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

It depends on the company and the line. Some companies run several lines at the same time. Some run them in batches. That varies according to the price point of the line too.

Don't fool yourself. They don't build a unit for YOU! Not at this price point anyway. They build units and when you order one, your name goes into the que for a model with your particular choices and when they get enough of them they run a line.

In high end motorhomes they assign your name to a particular unit and it's assembled specifically for you.

Not entirely true, we had the serial for our unit before it went on the line and we had asked for the wood look flooring that was not an option on the cherry and cinnamon color scheme as it was only available on the Tuscany scheme and FR built the trailer to our request with the special flooring. So the trailer was already going to be built, they just did it with the changes we asked for.

[Dave_Monica]

We visited the Rockwood plant in Millerburg, IN in Feb when we picked up our 5th wheel. They were producing V nosed Windjammers when we toured...I understood that the plant also produces the Rockwood 5th wheels, Rockwood Ultralites and Signature Ultralites. I think they produce a week to 2 week run of each style camper depending on orders.

I was told that they do not make campers for inventory...all are produced to specific purchase orders from dealers. We too had some things not normally available as an option. I seem to recall that the notification of a unit serial number to our dealer (RV Direct) was notification that it was about to be produced.

Strange that they don't produce the Flagstaff models on the same line as the Flagstaffs are identical outside of decor and graphics....I don't recall seeing anything other than Rockwoods.

Dave

[jimh]

we visited the cardnal plant abt 4 yrs ago. they were assembling the cardnal and the georgetown. all indications are that they make them to order. the parking lot is small and every so often, someone would drive in, visit the office, then pull a trailer away. i don't think we saw more that 1/2 doz parked while we were there. they seemed to leave abt as fast as they came out.
the workers were divided into groups and were responsible for the quality of their workmanship. the next group would also inspect the previous groups workmanship and correct if nescessary and charge the repair back to the group that made the error. each group determined the compensation of its members and has the athority to fire members that didn't perform.

dealers order for their stock as well as putting in special orders. don't know if dealers try and locate one like u want from another dealers stock or not (like auto dealers do).

[cfsoistman]

Originally Posted by jimh

we visited the cardnal plant abt 4 yrs ago. they were assembling the cardnal and the georgetown. all indications are that they make them to order. the parking lot is small and every so often, someone would drive in, visit the office, then pull a trailer away. i don't think we saw more that 1/2 doz parked while we were there. they seemed to leave abt as fast as they came out.
the workers were divided into groups and were responsible for the quality of their workmanship. the next group would also inspect the previous groups workmanship and correct if nescessary and charge the repair back to the group that made the error. each group determined the compensation of its members and has the athority to fire members that didn't perform.

dealers order for their stock as well as putting in special orders. don't know if dealers try and locate one like u want from another dealers stock or not (like auto dealers do).

So the Georgetowns and Cardinal come off the same line? Interesting. I would have thought that motorhomes would be on a seperate line from towables.

[jimh]

the two lines were right next to each other. don't know if the same employees work on both. there wasn't much going on with the georgetown while we were there (the motorhomes were there is different stages of assembly just no activity). the cardnals they were getting with it. i also found facinating that the landing gear had wheels on them. when one group was through, they got behind it and pushed it to the next group.
seems like they only ran one tour/day. may have been more but they aren't constiant.

[cfsoistman]

Originally Posted by jimh

the two lines were right next to each other. don't know if the same employees work on both. there wasn't much going on with the georgetown while we were there (the motorhomes were there is different stages of assembly just no activity). the cardnals they were getting with it. i also found facinating that the landing gear had wheels on them. when one group was through, they got behind it and pushed it to the next group.
seems like they only ran one tour/day. may have been more but they aren't constiant.

Thanks for the information. We took the Jayco Class "C" tour years ago and it was fastinating to see the process. They had a unit at each station and as you turned it was like it was evolving into thwe finish product. They have a similar set up where they push the units through the line by hand on a set of tracks sideways.

[crocus]

Our new Flagstaff was also built to order, as we ordered some seldom purchased options. We got a delivery date a month before it was built.