Lee's blog

Lee Litchfield · 12-22-2009, 08:38 PM

I've started a daily blog last week on our website to help RVers keep up with what's going on in the RV market. It's from a dealer's perspective and should give you information faster, especially with Newmar. I plan on answering questions and would appreciate any comments on what you think of it. Is it beneficial or should I not waste my time? It's a lot of work and I would like the forum's opinions. Answering questions or responding to comments would seem to be easier than having to come up with a topic most every day.

A couple of examples of the blog to date: Today I reported on the new NADA RV Appraisal Guide having values unbelievably going higher instead of depreciating. Yesterday it was about Spartan Motors and a possible chassis and good engine shortage.

Here's the direct link http://www.leesrv.com/blog/ It can also be accessed
from the homepage. It's a big button towards the bottom of the page.

Lee Litchfield

69RoadRunner · 12-22-2009, 09:05 PM

I like it! It's great getting info like this from an insider.

**Route 66** · 12-23-2009, 07:17 AM

Lee, your posts have always been quite informative and I think the blog is a good idea.

Skipper 05MA · 12-23-2009, 07:37 AM

Lee, I went back and read them all. Very informative, objective and enlightening. Hopefully, you will find the time and subject matter to continue updating.

GaryKD · 12-23-2009, 05:15 PM

Lee's blog entry for 12/21 indicates Spartan may not be able to meet RV (Newmar) demand. I wonder if Freightliner may now carry some Newmar coaches? hmmmmm..............

bcbounders · 12-23-2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Lee's blog entry for 12/21 indicates Spartan may not be able to meet RV (Newmar) demand. I wonder if Freightliner may now carry some Newmar coaches? hmmmmm..............

Gary,

I believe that Lee's comment was only in regard to Spartan chassis that have the "more desirable engines"... i.e. pre-2010 emissions-qualified engines. Newmar only had a handful of those chassis left for building coaches... after that, they will only be building coaches with engines that comply with the new, stricter 2010 emissions requirements.

I don't think his statement applied to Spartan's ability to meet Newmar's demand.

GaryKD · 12-24-2009, 08:36 AM

Hi John,
Time will tell. You heard it here first.

Lee Litchfield · 12-24-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbounders

Gary,

I believe that Lee's comment was only in regard to Spartan chassis that have the "more desirable engines"... i.e. pre-2010 emissions-qualified engines. Newmar only had a handful of those chassis left for building coaches... after that, they will only be building coaches with engines that comply with the new, stricter 2010 emissions requirements.

I don't think his statement applied to Spartan's ability to meet Newmar's demand.

You may both be right. I am thinking that Spartan may not stockpile the old engines. That could open the door for Freightliner. Lee

**Route 66** · 12-24-2009, 02:16 PM

Well.................I'll have to ask Gordie at the Tampa show in a few weeks.

GaryKD · 12-24-2009, 03:09 PM

Hi Dirk,
Consider asking John Sammut directly at the Newmar executive meeting with the rally attendees.

soricobob · 12-25-2009, 05:04 AM

If Spartan can't meet Newmar's demand for engines then Spartan is in pretty bad shape.

GaryKD · 12-25-2009, 07:25 AM

Hi soricobob,
Spartan, Inc. is in great shape. Lee's blog may have "hit the nail on the head". Spartan may have a better deal with its' other businesses. Every company has a limit on its' resources. Every company must make decisions that are best for the company. It may be more of won't than can't.

**Route 66** · 12-25-2009, 07:45 AM

Spartan had a press release some time ago about the RV chassis business was too slow and not very profitable.

This was causing them to evaluate the direction they wished to take the company.

I, for one, hope their RV chassis business picks up and becomes an important part of their business.