Rockwood Factory Tour

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by jking46

Workers are running because, at the end of their allotted number of campers produced in one day, they're done.
Smaller units like hybrids and mini lites, maybe 30 to 40 per day.
Bigger units like Ultra lites 20 to 30 per day.
Faster you work, quicker you go home.

Sort of my point. That is the business model that management chose. They could have slowed down the line a little and produce higher quality products and not burn out their employees.

How many times have we read in these forums about nails, staples and screws missing the backers? How many broken welds have been mentioned? In the video saw a guy jumping to weld a joint, no way he does a proper weld 100% of the time.

That do your task and go home model can work in some vocations but not in most. I knew a few postal letter carriers. They could blow through their route and then get paid for the full day. In my neighborhood we receive a lot of misdirected mail.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by Bluepill

OSHA could have a field day at that place if they wanted. In addition to safety issues already mentioned, doing arc welding near other workers who have no eye protection is a serious no-no. I found that out when I was young, hanging around a friend who was cutting with an arc. I woke up in the middle of the night with extreme pain in my eyes and had to be taken to the ER for anesthetic and lubricant eye drops.

Warren Buffett should be ashamed.

When I was a little kid Westinghouse used to have a turbine plant near Philly. They had a family day every year and we could watch the welders. We had to watch through dark glass. At least they were concerned about safety and quality construction back then. Not sure what happens today wherever they moved to.

[Locky]

Wife and I did the tour in April and the video is pretty accurate except it seemed even more faster paced when your right there.

[mlawler506]

Went there in May 2018. The assembly process is fascinating. The units are on a dolly so they can.be moved sideways.
The place is crowded with workers literally running from place to place. A large portion of the workforce is Amish with a strong work ethic. They are interested in doing the job right. What seems to differentiate Flagstaffs from Rockwoods is the decals. Looking forward to my unit being built in the second week of June.

[itat]

OP here. Although the video depicts some practices that need to be changed to improve quality, I can also say that I’ve seen videos of other (non-FR) plants that looked much worse.

I bought my Rockwood Signature used and it’s had very few issues. None required that it go back to the dealer much less the factory. And I’m not all that handy.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by itat

OP here. Although the video depicts some practices that need to be changed to improve quality, I can also say that I’ve seen videos of other (non-FR) plants that looked much worse.

I bought my Rockwood Signature used and it’s had very few issues. None required that it go back to the dealer much less the factory. And I’m not all that handy.

Actually I appreciated your posting that video. The only reason Ivsaw it was because my wife wanted a trailer. We looked at about 7 or 8 brands and most were a big step down from our motorhome in quality and comfort.

We did like the Grand Design and the Cougar but they lose important creature comfort functions with the slides in. Like being able to access the bathroom or using the sofa. That is not an issue with most buyers but will be for us. They were also approaching the limits of our 2018 F150. My max payload is 1,525 pounds before we add passengers, etc. and max tow capacity is 7,600 pounds.

(Leased the truck before she wanted a trailer.)

Someone here suggested we look at the Rockwoods. On paper they look good, still have to see some in person. They looked promising so I was wondering how owners feel about the Rockwoods.

Based on the video I would reject them but I don’t recall seeing many complaints from owners.

Bobby