Hi, my wife and I are looking at used motorhomes. Most of the motorhomes we have looked at are 2 or 3 years old. Our concern is that we don't want to buy a motorhome that was made by a company that is no longer in business. because we won't be able to get parts and service.
I have looked for a list of RV Manufacturers that have gone out of business recently, but I cannot find one. Can you help?
Alfa Leisure Ameri- Camp Bigfoot Chinook Country Coach Dolphin Extreme RV Heritage One RV Inc. Hi-Lo Trailer Co. King of the Road National RV Pilgrim International Sun Valley Inc. Sunline Coach Teton Homes Timberland Rv Trail Wagons TravelSupreme Weekend Warrior Western RV Inc
This year is predicted to be just as tough or tougher on the RV Industry than was 2008. There are several more RV Manufacturers that have stopped production temporarily, laid off hundreds of employees, sold off their RV divisions and even a few more that could possibly file for bankruptcy in the next few months.
If we have missed any manufacturers that have gone out of business, I am sure that our visitors will keep this list up to date by commenting on this article.
Good luck on your RV search and Happy RVing RVing Al
Don't Forget To Visit The Everything About RVing Stores. If It Has To Do With RVing And The Outdoors The EARV Stores Have What You Are Looking For!
We just came from a dealer who repaired the front hatch of our Titanium. According to them they are out of business. I do see that their website is still active with listing of 2010 model so I hope that they have made arrangements with their workers to keep running. It is well made, aerodynamic, and unless it's body work pretty confident that we can always get parts.
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Host Industries is not out of business by: Dave Hogue
I have been contacted by my customers that you list Host Industries as out of business. Please correct this mistake, as we are in business and have never stopped producing. I do not know where you got your information but please let it be known that Host Industries, Host Campers is alive and well.
Comment From RVing Al: Let me emphasize here that Everything About RVing never listed Host Industries or Host Campers as being out of buisiness. I e-mailed Dave today and explained to him that "This page was created in response to a question submitted by one of our visitors. Host Campers was never listed as being out of business on this page. However like a lot of websites our pages have a comments section where visitors can leave their personal comments about the topic of the page and that section of the page is clearly marked as "Comments". One of our visitors did leave a comment on the page that stated "Has anyone heard if Host is still in business? I've been told that they have shut their doors as well." Another visitor responded to that comment with "Host Campers is still open. We've been talking to them over the past few months because we're looking at buying one"".
The Bottom Line: Host Industries is still in business and Everything About RVing never stated anything to the contrary. Hopefully this clarifies the situation in everyones mind.
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Heritage One RV - Due West & Ground Control by: Anonymous
This company is out of business too. Their website and phone # is no longer working and they called their dealers to tell them. They built the Due West travel trailer & Ground Control toy hauler products. They were located in Nappanee, IN.
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The future of the RV industry by: Dave
I agree with a previous post about the future of the industry. It could be positive if Americans would take their right to vote seriously. I have heard comments from the present administration about the future of oil and part of the plan is to destroy the RV industry. In their eyes RVs are a luxury and should be eliminated because they use too much "fossil fuel".
My wife and I travel the entire country in our RV going from contract job to contract job. Our RV is our home. Please help us, and thousands of other people, keep our homes. AND our jobs. We need REAL representation in Washington. The future of our lifestyle is dependent on it. I don't care about party politics. I care about America. We need to keep America strong. No matter which party is in office. I spend a lot of money which helps the economy in a lot of places. Help us keep ALL of America strong by supporting the RV industry and those of us who love our RVs.
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RV Rating List by: Anonymous
I'm glad I found this site, it is well-informed. Thank-you for doing the research on RV Manufacturers that have gone out of business or are currently filing for bankruptcy. This is very helpful when buying a preowned RV (preferrably 5th wheels)for the first time. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how I could find out who the top rated manufacturers are and a list of the prices of their breeds. I am trying to get enough information together so we can approach the seller. Have you all noticed that the magic number for any unit, any year, any shape, any style seems to be $10,000? Please reply to greybanks@hotmail.com Thanks
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tiffin by: Anonymous
Hi
Tiffin is still in business and right now backlogged by about a month, if you are looking to order. Might find something on the ground though.
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factory Contacts by: Anonymous
Hi
If you purchase thru a dealership, such as General RV Center, they will supply you with a no recall letter.
Hope that this was helpful.
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Parts Delays by: Not a Happy Camper
Parts may be available for many different brands of RV's, but you will wait forever. Body parts, for example, for Newmar fivers are not stocked by the factory. We have been waiting for months. Our parts were ordered in early April and they are not yet made. Who knows if and when they will be built and shipped.
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Gulf Stream by: Anonymous
My Parents have a pending law suit with Gulf Stream for the past three years, finally got a court date and just told by their attorney that Gulf Stream is filing bankruptcy and no longer in business. Cowards. Parents bought a new RV three years ago and never took possession because of mechanical issues. I can't believe that these big companies and the people who work for them, draw in innocent people who work hard and dream for something all their lives and when they finally get it, it's a lemon. Don't know how they (Gulf Stream) can look in the mirror each morning. Then as cowards, take the easy way out by filing bankruptcy and going out of business leaving those who bought their RVs with heart ache and emptiness. COWARDS.....
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WHICH MOTORHOME? by: Searching?Anonymous
Currently looking to buy a motorhome to live in permanently,so with all these comments which motorhome brand is the best to buy.Would love to hear anyone's views.Thanks for now.
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What about Tiffin Motorhomes by: Anonymous
Does any one know their balance sheet?
Are they in good shape?
Their service has always been praised, but will they be here in 2 years?
Any comments from past owners of a Tiffin (Allegro) motor home?
I am looking to buy a new Bus or Phaeton.
Leon
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Monaco by: Anonymous
Monaco coach is long gone. Its now running under Navistar as Monaco RV. worked for both and got laid off from both. Dont know how much longer Monaco RV will be open putting out lots of unsold units.
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Gulf Stream by: Anonymous
Are they still in business? literature on their webpage looks outdated and emails were returned.
Comment From RVing Al: Well I cannot tell you for sure what the status is of Gulf Stream. Their website is up and as you said it is out-dated.
I called their 800 number during normal weekday business hours to see if I could talk to someone and I got their automated phone system and tried to connect to both Sales and Service and all the phone did was ring.
I then called a third time and followed their instructions to stay on the line to talk to an operator and 10 minutes went by and no one picked up.
So if anyone from Gulf Stream Coach Incorporated would like to let us know their current status they are more than welcome to leave a comment on this page.
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And some old brands are comng back! by: Anonymous
A custom trailer manufacturer here in Denver is bringing back the Westcraft brand from the late 1940s. I saw a custom Westcraft nearing completion to be used as a mobile cigar lounge that was simply breathtaking! It is not shown on their website yet but there are other wonderful examples of their work to be seen at www.TimelessTravelTrailers.com
Comment From RVing Al: Although this comment is off-topic I am leaving it here, because I visited the website Timeless Travel Trailers and I was very impressed by the travel trailer restorations they have done.
It appears that they also custom build new vintage-looking travel trailers.
Happy RVing
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Berkshire by Forest River by: Gladys
Does any one have any information on the Berkshire by Forest River.Is Forest River still manufacturing motorhomes or have they gone bankrupt like a lot of companies?
Comment From RVing Al: Forest River Incorporated is still very much in business. For more information on Forest River and their products you can visit The Forest River Website.
Hope this helps
Happy RVing
RVing Al
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Buying Parts by: Anonymous
Well RV owners This is a challange for all RV'ers even the repair shops,with unemployment high that means production also has dropped.
What does that mean to all of us? When the repair shop like my self would order parts from the Factory or Dealers ETA may be 1 week, now I have had to wait as long as three months, which effects us all..
Customer has to wait, repair shop is waiting for parts which extends how many jobs completed in a week which in turn makes the money not flow in
because we have already paid for the part and are waiting to recieve it so we can get paid by customer.
I think it will be a long time before we if ever see the past robust RV Days... If ever! Pray that we all do! 28 years in this industry and just hanging on Day to Day and Month to Month.
Chuck
Thanks Chuck Very Well Said!!!! RVing Al
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Factory contacts??? by: Anonymous
Does anyone know if I would be able to contact a manuf rep.?? If I buy online and bring to Canada I need a letter from the manufacturer that there are no recalls on the unit. This looks like my shopping will be severely limited. The Ebay sale prives are 1/2 what they are here(Sask)
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Extreme RV Still in Business by: Chris
I understand that Extreme RV is still in business. The company has been renamed Extreme Warrior RV. Has anyone tried to buy on of their products in the past few months.
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Monaco Just under a new name by: Anonymous
I am sitting on a higher end coach (Monaco) where the floor is getting ruined by the main slide. Monaco goes Chapter 11 because of all their silly corp. spending. Now taken over by Navistar they are back to sponsoring Nascar Trucks under Monaco RV as opposed to Monaco Coach Corp.
We could sell our junk at all.
Shame on these RV companies that leave a 4 time owner out in the cold.
Just venting.
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Did Glendale RV go Under by: Anonymous
Have heard that Glendale RV company in Canada, maker of Titanium RV's closed their doors after workers refused to give up job concessions.
Is this true or rumor?
Comment From RVing Al: According to RVBusiness.com Glendale RV filed for bankruptcy on January 19th and all of the members of their Board Of Directors resigned at that time. They are not currently manufacturing any RVs.
I am not going to add them to the official Out Of Business List until we find out what happens with their bankruptcy.
Hope This Helps
RVing Al
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Curtis by: Ian
I own a old Curtis conversion van and can't find any info on them anyone who can help can email me at iscoleman@hotmail.com
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Host Campers by: Anonymous
Host Campers is still open. We've been talking to them over the past few months because we're looking at buying one.
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Many thanks to Tim re: warranties by: P&VB
Thanks for the positive info on the warranties on our RVs - which we dearly love and enjoy. Even our cats enjoy going camping. Our 2007 Roadrunner is a joy to own and we expect to use it quite often - We are finally retired... Bought it new and know if we continue to keep up maintenance on roof and all components, we should have many years of great experiences. We've been campers since 1976 and have had a number of "learning experiences" teaching us to correctly take care of our RV. Your comments answered a number of questions, as the dealership we bought the RV from is also going out of business. Yet, there are local companies who will be continuing the maintenance and giving us the help we need from here on out. HAPPY CAMPING TO ALL.
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sun valley rv by: Anonymous
Hi there-I was wondering if anyone knows where Sun Valley Manufacturing was situated ? Iam interested in buying one of their trailers that a fellow has for sale near where I live. It is a 2006 model, Roadrunner. I have never heard of this manufacturer, and would like some info on the quality of their product. Anbody outhere have any knowledge or experiences with this product? Thank You krannies@shaw.ca
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Western RV by: Jerry Jasinski
At least a few years ago I read that Western RV purchased the tooling that was used for the classic GM motorhomes that was built in the 1970's. They had plans to resurrect it, and that sounded a like a good idea to me.
It saddened me to see that they made the sbove list of RV manufacturers that have gone under.
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Host Campers by: Anonymous
Has anyone heard if Host is still in business? I've been told that they have shut their doors as well.
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1976 GMC by: Zhillsfitz
I have a 1976 GMC Eleganza class A motorhome and can still get most parts. The best help is the GMC International Club which publishes a parts conversion list to help owners find current parts. If we can keep coachs over 30 years old going then you can keep RVs made in this century going.
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Why can't I post? by: Anonymous
I have an Adventure Timberlodge and think it is a great RV. I am saddened to hear that they have made the list. My kids love the RV and they have always been helpful when I had questions regarding my rig. Sorry the other commentator had some bad dealings. There are pros and cons to every manufacturer you just have to find what is right for you and your family.
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Adventure MFG. a.k.a. Timberland by: Anonymous
I have an Timberlodge 295sky and my kids love it. It is too bad they went out of business. I was always able to get parts from them as needed, but again as the other authors wrote most parts used in Rv's are industry standard and can be replaced aftermarket regardless of the original manufacturer.
My RV is not substandard (that person must have had a bad experience w/ Adventure) in fact I have relatives who paid 10's of thousands dollars more for their RV (manufacturer beginning with an 'F") and have had more problems including leakage. The "F" manufacturer refused to help out right.
The market stinks for RVs and many people are just giving them back to the banks rather than lose their homes, I guess. I am trying to sell mine because we really don't use it at all and am having a hard time.
No one wants to give any RV loans out, I guess they need the government cash for their future bonuses or some lavish parties, so they draw the line at RV loans.
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Finding Parts for Your RV by: Dave K
Who ever the manufacturer, just make sure they use standard parts. For example a ford undercarrage will use standard ford replacement parts in most cases. Make sure the RV itself uses standard 3" valves for sewer valves. Tanks can be replaced there are plenty of after market companies for that. Most of the interior can be replaced by RV shops. My 87 Terra van by Turtle Top is long out of business. But I have had no problem finding parts for the Ford. The sewer valves I replaced with 3" Valterras and work better then the original. I had to replace a grey water tank, found one with no problem. So overall I think you would be ok even if they did go out of business.
Dave
www.getacampsite.com
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Timberland Rv by: Anonymous
Adventure Mfg D.B.A. Timberland Rv went out of business Feb 09. Brands included Timberlodge, RPM, Riverside and Sky. Another one bites the dust. Just an FYI
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GOOD! by: Anonymous
They should all be out of business. But luckily for them there's still a few people that have to learn 1st hand how substandard their produts are!
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Been there done that! by: Anonymous
Our present Rving experience has been a nightmare! From the brand new unit we bought; to doing business with C.W. The consumer gets screwed coming & going! I urge anyone considering Rving to save their $ & do anything else, unless you have $ to burn & enjoy getting screwed at every turn.
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File a claim with bankruptcy court by: RVing Al
If Fleetwood were to permanently shut down prior to the repairs or during the repair process; you would be out of luck and end up paying for the repairs out of your pocket.
The only reoourse you would have at that time is to file a claim with the bankruptcy court. You would be in line along with all of the other creditors that are still owed money. This would not be a good situation for you.
Again, I urge you to get the repairs done ASAP. I cannot predict what the situation will be like 8 weeks from now. I personally hope that Fleetwood gets through this financial crisis, but again like anything in life there are no guarantees that they will.
I wish you the best of luck.
RVing Al
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Fleetwood by: Anonymous
Hi again,
I realize that Fleetwood is under Chapter 11 at this time. They state that they are continuing to do service, etc. I'm concerned that when we take the machine down to Indiana (for up to 8 weeks), what happens if they "lock" the doors then?
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Fleetwood Is Already In Bankruptcy by: RVing Al
Greetings,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Fleetwood Enterprises Incorporated filed for bankrupcy on March 10. They also closed down their trailer division. Fleetwood is still operating all of their other divisions.
To find out where you stand on the problems with your motorhome, you need to contact Fleetwood Corporate Headquarters at (951) 351-3500. They are the only ones that can tell you if your repairs are going to be covered.
If you are told that they are going to be covered, you should get them done immediately.
We have a 2008 fleetwood motorhome that needs the walls replaced due to cracking. My question is, if Fleetwood does go bankrupt, what recourse do we have then? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Left over Motorhomes by: Brad
What happens to the units that were in production when these companies closed their doors? Anyone know how to buy them?
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Owners of RV's with failed companies! by: Tim Brand
Good day to all, I live and work in Indiana, at an RV dealership. I can offer those of you without a company to call help. The units you now own are made up of parts, that are made by several different Companies. Every piece of your unit is available from the maker of that part. The marker of a product covers that product for a select Warranty..Most of the part makers have a longer warranty thando the RV makers. The maker of the part will ask you for a couple of things. Date you bought your camper,tell them the type of coach you have and explain that they are no longer in business. They should then ask you for the model# and serial# and if necessary a product code(dometic uses these). If you can take your unit to a reputable dealer, usually the parts maker will pay some or all of the labor for the repair necessary. Depends solely on the type of warranty that company offered on their product.
Now for interior trim and cabinet, door stuff. Companies that have failed are forced to liquidate their parts inventory. Look on the net under things like Rv parts, or trim, etc. There are also a couple companies that make after market replacement items. Wheel skirts,compartment doors,locks,windows, etc. They can also assist you. Most windows are/or where made by HEHR brand. Single panel glass is available from a glass company. Windshields are available thru a aftermarket company called coachglass.They will require the small numbers printed on the corner of the glass. This will give them the shape and size,and or color. They will also ask if you need the window molding. I suggest this be done on any replacement,as the original is usually to streched to be used. They will not sell directly to an owner but you can provide your local shop with this information to help things along. Seals all over your coach are also available but harder to get. The major seal providers usually will not sell in amounts less than 250 or 500 feet. Most slides only take less than forty, for these you will have to work with your dealership or find a place that already has it that will sell to you by the foot. Seals on the roof,around windows and doors are available from a dealer, as they use these every day. Pay attention to your roof sealants also. This is the most neglected part of the coach which cause's the most damage. Wall panels rot,ceiling panels and roof decking rot,and if left unchecked, even the floor, if the leak is enough for water to puddle on the floor. This includes window molding and doors out of adjustment. If you have any questions or need help, I make myself available 8am to 6pm Mon-Sat. Eastern time.
Call 765-447-5111 or direct at 765-491-6009.
I still love my job and what I do to bring familys back together. Tim
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Fleetwood filed chapter 11 on March 10, 2009 by: Anonymous
Looks like Fleetwood is going the same route as Monaco. Monaco has been de-listed from the stock market.
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Fleetwood filed for Bankruptcy by: Anonymous
The Riverside recreational vehicle maker files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and says it is in talks to sell itself as it battles to survive a prolonged sales slump.
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fleetwood by: Anonymous
i work for f/w dealer and want to know about f/w stopping trailer production
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still going by: Anonymous
i work at play mor and we are not closed.
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Monaco and Country Coach not producing RVs by: RVing Al
Thanks for the update on Monaco. Right now both Monaco and Country Coach have ceased producing RVs due to financial problems. But both of these companies are still seeking new sources of financing.
I am not officially adding them to the RV Manufacturers Out of Business list until I am completely sure that they have called it quits. Both of these manufacturers have been around for years and I hope that they get the financing that they are seeking.
So for right now I am going to keep Monaco and Country Coach on the endangered RV Manufacturers list and hope that some sort of financial miracle happens to keep them off of the extinct list.
Happy RVing
RVing Al
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Monaco by: Anonymous
The word today is that Monaco laid off the remaining employess that they had working. That means Monaco Coach Corp. is out of business as well?
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about buying a rv that's company has went under by: Anonymous
hi.I am from elkhart the trailer capital of the world and my experince is that you may have to pay to have it repaired but anything in the rv you should have no problem finding the parts.