Future of Newmar??? & entertainment

[waterboy]

I'm at Camp Newmar and was talking to my service leader this morning, he told me that after the 3 weeks shut down that a large portion of the work force was going on layoffs for a unknown amount of time and the Miller running the company is out of touch and the future isn't too bright.
Then this afternoon we had entertainment as two service customers duked it out in the parking lot, seems that a DSDP pulled in spot 12 the wrong direction and plugged in the Newmar service brought back a Essex to spot 13 and remover the coach in 12 electric cord who acused coach 13 of doing it then the fight started and the police cars came and two angry men filed charges against each other. The dump part was the first punch was thrown by a 75 year old man against a 6'2",40 year old young man guess who won. The thing I learned is as you grow older you don't get into fist fight with younger phyical fit man.

[waterboy]

I'm at Camp Newmar and was talking to my service leader this morning, he told me that after the 3 weeks shut down that a large portion of the work force was going on layoffs for a unknown amount of time and the Miller running the company is out of touch and the future isn't too bright.
Then this afternoon we had entertainment as two service customers duked it out in the parking lot, seems that a DSDP pulled in spot 12 the wrong direction and plugged in the Newmar service brought back a Essex to spot 13 and remover the coach in 12 electric cord who acused coach 13 of doing it then the fight started and the police cars came and two angry men filed charges against each other. The dump part was the first punch was thrown by a 75 year old man against a 6'2",40 year old young man guess who won. The thing I learned is as you grow older you don't get into fist fight with younger phyical fit man.

[Nathan Focht]

It is a shame that two children are able to own coaches. I cannot imagine how sad my life would be that a plug would send my into a fight. I guess it is a good thing that it did not involve guns.

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">we had entertainment as two service customers duked it out in the parking lot </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! I couldn't resist posting on this one: First the Entertainment; It is a shame that should have happened. The younger guy should have walked away. It had to be obvious the older guy was losing it. It should have never gotton to blows. As far as The Future of Newmar: Not to be a homer, but I am sure the Service Leader meant, that the future not being bright, applies to all big ticket items. I will gladly take the bet that Newmar will be fine. Why? I don't know all the reasons, but I will give a few that are obvious. When the Millers started the company twenty years ago, their business model stated that they will pay cash for everything. No debt service. That is besides the Amish way of doing business. Newmar does not own any inventory (other then a few show coaches, which are sold after the show). Newmar only builds from dealer orders, not on spec. Many other companies are sitting on tons of Inventory. When the orders slow up, Newmar just closes the factory for a few weeks to allow orders to catch up. Their only debt service at that point, is the sales force and non factory workers. To boost business in a poor economy, Newmar has lowered prices and added more options in their low line units. They are now offering between $3000. and $10,000. to existing customers, (depending on what model you buy) to try to stir up some business. I can go on and on. I feel with their current business model, and aggresive campaigns in a poor market, Newmar will be one of the last companies still around after a huge shaking out. With all that I just metioned, and much more not metioned, I feel the current Miller is more in touch then most will think. Remember they are a very conservative family. Not chest beaters. Paul

[rebelsbeach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">and the Miller running the company is out of touch and the future isn't too bright. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The entire RV industry's future is rather bleak..... every manufacturer is affected by the state of this economy.

In regard to a "Miller" being out of touch, the "Miller" running the company has been mentored by his recently retired (and still around) Father, so I'll respectfully disagree with this one gentleman's point of view.

[Nathan Focht]

I have a morbid view of the market. Over the past weeks the industry has lost:

National, Travel Supreme, Alpine, Alfa, etc.

I see these as good news for us. Every manufacturer that folds give the surviving companies a fraction of the business they lost. Every time I read in this forum about a closing company I know that Newmar is that much stronger for it. The quality business models and solid products will survive so Newmar just needs to have both of those.

[Jetsmania]

Hi! Just to add this for those of you who do not know the Amish Ways this is direct from the Newmar website:

Learn about our mission.
Our mission is to honor God in all business activities; to be the best in product and service leadership to our customers; to be a conscientious and fair employer; to provide a reasonable profit to the owners.

Our Guiding Principles
The principles that our founders imparted upon us are the same principles that guide us today. They are the same principles that will guide us always. To reach our mission, we will conduct all of our business activities with our customers, employees, suppliers and financial institutions under the Christian principles of:

Courtesy
Fairness
Honesty
Integrity
Morality
Reasonableness
Reliability
Our Amish/Mennonite Heritage
Newmar is a company built on Christian principles. Specifically, we honor the beginning of the Mennonite faith in 1525 under the guidance of Ulrich Zwingli, and the founding of the Amish fellowship under Jacob Amman in 1693.

Today, there are a number of theological tenets that distinguish the Amish and Mennonites, including:

A Christian nonconformity, exemplified by an outward separation from the world, is of value, such as choosing to avoid modern amenities for personal use.
Membership in the church and a declaration of one's faith on a voluntary basis and as an adult. This declaration signifies a devotion to Christ and the principles found in the Bible.
The pervasiveness of the Bible. Both Amish and Mennonites adhere to simple obedience to the Scriptures and avoid liturgical ritual in their worship.
A strong sense of community, which means helping one's neighbors, worshipping together and bearing the burdens of others.
Forgiveness towards others. Peace with one's neighbors, whether down the road or across the oceans, is the preferred approach.
The separation of church and state.
We are proud of our Christian heritage...and proud to say that we apply the principles discussed here to our RV manufacturing process.


Can anyone say that Newmar does not follow this? Paul

[RoadRohrers]

I've seen a lot of angry owners in a couple of different manufacturer's facilities. But I have never seen it lead to physical violence, though it is stressful being there (not going as fast as it should, spent lots of money on this @#$% machine and it is broken). Fortunately, in my experiences the frustration mostly led to happy hour, some longer than others.

PS: Not sure why the younger should have walked away. Perhaps the elder should have exercised some of the wisdom which comes with age.

[kayjay]

I too wonder if Newmar is going to make it. I've had my 2007 Mountain Aire model 4523 for 1 year now. I've put 11,000 miles (NASCAR trips)on it in one year and it is back in the shop for a reoccuring problem with the Dometic fridge, among other things that have not been repaired since it was delivered.

The fridge cools fine in advance of travel, but once I'm on the road after a couple of hours it will not maintain temp. The temp rises from around 33-34 to over 50 and does not cool down again until I'm parked overnight.

I've asked repeatedly for the fridge to be replace or if perhaps there are other 2007 4523's with similar Dometic problems and all I get from the dealer is that Newmar does not want to replace the fridge and that Newmar has them performing experimental repairs. Not accepting this for a suitable answer, I called customer service at Newmar (Jeff Johnson) who in turn got a service tech from Dometic on the phone. After a 1/2 hour conversation neither would commit to replacing the fridge and I was asked to bring it back to the dealer again for more experimentation. It's been there all week and I will pick it up tomorrow. I have no confidence they've repaired it this time. I'll find out on the way to Daytona next week.

Now, for why I think Newmar might not make it. I received, like most of you, a letter from Mahlon Miller with new model year brochures and rebate coupons if I were to buy a new coach. I took this as an opportunity to write to Mr. Miller for his help. I explained the problem and that my coach always draws lots of attention where I travel, but I'm about to the point that I can no longer reccommend Newmar to those who stop to ask about it. I asked for Mr. Miller's person intervention and assistance and told him I would remain a loyal customer if he would just service what he sold and that I didn't need rebates. I left three contact numbers and my email address and asked if he would call or have a representative call me at their convenience. I faxed the letter on June 19, 2007 and it is now June 27 and I haven't heard a peep from anyone. I know that Mr. Miller must be busy, but I am too. I run a $500 million dollar company as well. Clearly, Newmar's handling of my problems is not consistent with the mission statement above.

The price of diesel will not curb my travel, but I'm about ready to move on to a luxury coach line that will be serviced. That's a shame for Newmar becuause I was really starting to like the new King Aire. I'm a very unhappy and frustrated Newmar customer.

[Nathan Focht]

Kayjay,

I obviously am not privy to your situation and I hope they resolve it to your liking. My experience has been the exact opposite. Though we have had our share of issues (mostly with the Cummins engine) Newmar has addressed and fixed every issue.

To your point I believe that things happen and no business is perfect. It is how a company handles the problems that decides my loyalty. I will buy another Newmar and recommend them to people weekly but that is based on my good experience.

Please let us know if you ever hear back on your letter if you do not mind.

[MT flyfisher]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kayjay:
I too wonder if Newmar is going to make it. I've had my 2007 Mountain Aire model 4523 for 1 year now. I've put 11,000 miles (NASCAR trips)on it in one year and it is back in the shop for a reoccuring problem with the Dometic fridge, among other things that have not been repaired since it was delivered.

The fridge cools fine in advance of travel, but once I'm on the road after a couple of hours it will not maintain temp. The temp rises from around 33-34 to over 50 and does not cool down again until I'm parked overnight.

I've asked repeatedly for the fridge to be replace or if perhaps there are other 2007 4523's with similar Dometic problems and all I get from the dealer is that Newmar does not want to replace the fridge and that Newmar has them performing experimental repairs. Not accepting this for a suitable answer, I called customer service at Newmar (Jeff Johnson) who in turn got a service tech from Dometic on the phone. After a 1/2 hour conversation neither would commit to replacing the fridge and I was asked to bring it back to the dealer again for more experimentation. It's been there all week and I will pick it up tomorrow. I have no confidence they've repaired it this time. I'll find out on the way to Daytona next week.

Now, for why I think Newmar might not make it. I received, like most of you, a letter from Mahlon Miller with new model year brochures and rebate coupons if I were to buy a new coach. I took this as an opportunity to write to Mr. Miller for his help. I explained the problem and that my coach always draws lots of attention where I travel, but I'm about to the point that I can no longer reccommend Newmar to those who stop to ask about it. I asked for Mr. Miller's person intervention and assistance and told him I would remain a loyal customer if he would just service what he sold and that I didn't need rebates. I left three contact numbers and my email address and asked if he would call or have a representative call me at their convenience. I faxed the letter on June 19, 2007 and it is now June 27 and I haven't heard a peep from anyone. I know that Mr. Miller must be busy, but I am too. I run a $500 million dollar company as well. Clearly, Newmar's handling of my problems is not consistent with the mission statement above.

The price of diesel will not curb my travel, but I'm about ready to move on to a luxury coach line that will be serviced. That's a shame for Newmar becuause I was really starting to like the new King Aire. I'm a very unhappy and frustrated Newmar customer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As stated in the original post, some owner's apparently think that Newmar still offers service worth fighting for.

Hope you get to feel that way soon too.

[rebelsbeach]

kayjay, WELCOME to iRV2 and more especially to the Newmar Owner's Forum....

Not certain how long you've been following the iRV2 Newmar Forum, but as a former '07 Essex (and '07 London Aire) owner I can wholeheartedly sympathize with your Dometic issues.

If your refrigerator is a Dometic "side-wise" NDA-1402 I can assure you that you're not alone....
The folks who purchased my Essex have been through at least four or five REFRIGERATORS since they bought it from the dealer where I traded it and I personally went through a cooling unit, a thermocoupler AND finally a new refrigerator before they got the coach.

Fellow iRV2 member "Route 66" (Dirk) is presently enduring his "own" issues with this model of refrigerator and they've now determined the fans behind the unit to be the latest "fix" they're trying.
Dirk reports that when they "hot wired" the fans to run all the time, the temps went low....

That was what they had tried with me as well and for me it seemed to work....

My London Aire had a residential refrigerator and as such this was one issue I didn't have with the LADB.


Also.... for your information, Mahlon Miller is not active in the day to day operations at Newmar.

[kayjay]

I'll keep you posted and if they've finally repaired the fridge this time I'll be happy to let you know. I do have my doubts though.

My point was, if they truly tout customer service, like they espouse in their mission statement a simple phone call would have gone a long way. You don't ignore good customers when times are tough. You do everything to keep them. Newmar could have replaced my fridge three times now on what they have spent on experimental repairs. I say experimental because the Dometic engineer said he has no clue what is wrong with my unit.

By the way if anyone else has experienced the same problem I could sure use some help because Newmar and Dometic have not a clue!




<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nathan Focht:
Kayjay,

I obviously am not privy to your situation and I hope they resolve it to your liking. My experience has been the exact opposite. Though we have had our share of issues (mostly with the Cummins engine) Newmar has addressed and fixed every issue.

To your point I believe that things happen and no business is perfect. It is how a company handles the problems that decides my loyalty. I will buy another Newmar and recommend them to people weekly but that is based on my good experience.

Please let us know if you ever hear back on your letter if you do not mind. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Jetsmania]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">By the way if anyone else has experienced the same problem I could sure use some help because Newmar and Dometic have not a clue! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Kayjay! Welcome to the forum! Glad to see you joined up with us. We had a '07 MADP 4528. Great coach. Had the same reefer and same problem. After some back and forth with Newmar and Dometic, they finally admitted that our reefer was designed to have a roof top vent on it. It was not designed for sidewall venting. It shows that in the install instructions. I tried a few times to tell them that we needed fans installed to create a draft to cool the reefer (of course I knew about the fans because of Bob's (Rebelsbeach) problem. They resisted at first then all of a sudden they overnighted 2 fans in a kit designed for our unit. Kinda of funny going from not needing fans,to they already had a fan kit ready to go. As soon as they went in it solved our problem, for awhile. Then we started to have the problem again. It turns out that the fuse put in by the Mobile Tech was to small and was blown. Once we had the correct fuse the problem was solved. The fans are mounted in the top vent cover to pull the air up. We only had a overheating problem (before the fans) in warm weather climate. The reefer was fine in the 70's. Also make sure they make the hole in the white drain hose that goes from the freezer into the refrig a little bigger. Otherwise it will backup with water and freeze up. Any other issues please ask. If you want to talk directly send me a Private message and i will send you my cell number. Keep us posted on how you make out and also on your Nascar travels. We have always wanted to go to a race. We have never been yet. Paul