Appreciation and Positive Thinking

[maverik/gypsy]

I am currently sitting in Autumn Woods, Rochester, MN. The HITCHHIKERS Club is holding their fall gatheing. My EXCEL was the only one in the park. As they broke up and were leaving, three riggs stop at mine and inquired about the EXCEL. As one person said, several people last night sat by the campfire and discussed how sharp the Excel looked (---probably thanks to Tom, Virgil, and Linda for motivating my better half to shine up the rigg---we spent a week on it ) and they were IMPRESSED with the Reputation of the KANSAS Manufacture with its product and SERVICE.

Now to the rest of the story (Paul Harvey)

When I arrived at camp Saturday night I scanned our Excel forum and lo and behold, there seemed to be a lot of negatism about our Manufactor. (and then this morning I received unsolicited Positive Beliefs about my EXCEL ).
This got me thinking about what was going on I can speak with ease about what I am saying because I too have had my share of problems, but, they have all been systematically presented and corrected. I have learned that when one literally hooks up their house and drag it down the highways, the twisting, bending and punishment WILL take a toll on the unit. I have owned 3 SOB and have yet found one without need for attention, both major and minor. Therefore, my approach is to first accept the inevitable reality and meet each problem one day at a time.

Also, I am hoping all of us EXCEL owners who have made a substantial investment to consider the fact, that when one goes public with disparing negative remarks that trigger comments like lawyers, lemon laws, etc., this behavior only hurts the manufactor who we all are dependent upon for Service AND is a sure way to reduce the VALUE of our monetary investments.

There are ways to collectively share our problems---through this forum-- and to present them to PI.

I believe I own one of the best, high quality FIFERs on the market. The journey perfecdting my TV and FIFER has been rewarding. Give it the credit due and it will perform for you. My intent with this writing is to ask all of us to be considerate to the BOTTOM LINE---a sound investment in living a Life Journey in the good old USA. Maverik

[maverik/gypsy]

I am currently sitting in Autumn Woods, Rochester, MN. The HITCHHIKERS Club is holding their fall gatheing. My EXCEL was the only one in the park. As they broke up and were leaving, three riggs stop at mine and inquired about the EXCEL. As one person said, several people last night sat by the campfire and discussed how sharp the Excel looked (---probably thanks to Tom, Virgil, and Linda for motivating my better half to shine up the rigg---we spent a week on it ) and they were IMPRESSED with the Reputation of the KANSAS Manufacture with its product and SERVICE.

Now to the rest of the story (Paul Harvey)

When I arrived at camp Saturday night I scanned our Excel forum and lo and behold, there seemed to be a lot of negatism about our Manufactor. (and then this morning I received unsolicited Positive Beliefs about my EXCEL ).
This got me thinking about what was going on I can speak with ease about what I am saying because I too have had my share of problems, but, they have all been systematically presented and corrected. I have learned that when one literally hooks up their house and drag it down the highways, the twisting, bending and punishment WILL take a toll on the unit. I have owned 3 SOB and have yet found one without need for attention, both major and minor. Therefore, my approach is to first accept the inevitable reality and meet each problem one day at a time.

Also, I am hoping all of us EXCEL owners who have made a substantial investment to consider the fact, that when one goes public with disparing negative remarks that trigger comments like lawyers, lemon laws, etc., this behavior only hurts the manufactor who we all are dependent upon for Service AND is a sure way to reduce the VALUE of our monetary investments.

There are ways to collectively share our problems---through this forum-- and to present them to PI.

I believe I own one of the best, high quality FIFERs on the market. The journey perfecdting my TV and FIFER has been rewarding. Give it the credit due and it will perform for you. My intent with this writing is to ask all of us to be considerate to the BOTTOM LINE---a sound investment in living a Life Journey in the good old USA. Maverik

[ChiefJohn]

AMEN maverik/gypsy!

[juneau92]

I'm new here, and not an Excel owner (yet). I realize that in these and other forums that problems definately do arise. It also is nice to hear positive remarks from folks (like yourself) who are so satisfied with, and proud of their product.

Though, objectively, Maverik, you might feel somewhat different if your Excel frame had a crack in it.

Either way, lets not make little of what folks have to say who are having real problems, and try to sweep what they say under the rug, by remarking of their "negative" comments.

And Chief John, you shouldn't be making comments like "AMEN maverik/gypsy!"

Best to get to the bottom of the problems, else we see and hear of more, and, as you say, "reduce the VALUE of our monetary investments."

Alan

[Bob Wilson]

Thank you Alan.

[MakinSmoke]

Well, there are those who state their negative comments, receive feedback and move on. I enjoy reading their posts as they are usually fair and balanced and their purpose seems to be to inform others and receive feedback.

But there are the few "contrarians". Those few tend to be contrary even on postive posts. Their posts seem to have a punitive motive rather that an information sharing theme. I do not enjoy them.

I surely want to know about negative issues and I want them reported completely and accurately but as for the contrarians, they annoy me and I try to ignore them. I get enough of this kind of negative droning on the evening news.

[D and J]

Many members of my family work in the automotive business. I find it hilarious when folks equate the cost of a vehicle to it's presumed worthiness. Go check out some Ferrari or Porsche forums sometime. . .these folks spend 75-300K on vehicles, and have the privilage of letting them spend two weeks of each month sitting in the dealers repair shop!!

My TV (Toshiba) stopped working last week. Let me go find someplace to complain about it. Of course, it got beat up bouncing down our wonderfully maintained interstate highway system.


Nevermind, I'm just going to replace it with something lighter.

[Bob Wilson]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I find it hilarious when folks equate the cost of a vehicle to it's presumed worthiness. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi D and J,

Why laugh at folks who believe that quality costs. Imagine a prospective owner comparing a Montana and an Excel ... one costs more than the other, so why go with the more expensive one? Presumably one would pay more because they think one is better suited to their use.

As for Ferrari and Porsche, most owners are buying maximum performance (speed, handling, braking) and prestige rather than reliability ... if they wanted reliability they'd buy a Honda.

[M&S Norrell]

Maverik/Gypsy - I am not sure if the original thread was intended for me or not (since it wasn't name specific), but I felt compelled to respond to it (just in case it was...)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I can speak with ease about what I am saying because I too have had my share of problems, but, they have all been systematically presented and corrected </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

What EXACTLY does that mean? How do you "systematically present" your problems? In a speak easy?

This is a forum and last time I checked, we were living in a democracy. I had no idea I was supposed to be censoring my experiences with our BRAND NEW RV.

D&J - I believe you should get what you pay for. I spent over 3X the amount on my rig then on other RV manufacturer's brand and it wasn't because I liked the colors or the floorplan better. On PI's own website they say...
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">No other RV in history can match the Excel Limited Edition for home-like amenities and uncompromising quality. </span>
That is what we were willing to pay additional monies for!

Virgil, I'm w/ you. If you don't agree w/ anothers comments, you can always ignore them. I have done this may times.

All in all, I think the majority of my comments have been "politically correct"; this seems to be what Maverik/Gypsy is looking for. After all, I wouldn't want to jeoporadize the service you expect or devalue your unit.

I thought the point of the forum was to bring other Excel owners and prospective owners together to openly discuss their units, good/bad or otherwise. I think I have done a fair job at commending PI where I think they need commending.
Hence, my previous post:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I realize that this is not indicative of every Excel unit... Not that I would have chosen a different brand (because the good far outweighs the bad (at this point) - in comparision to the "other" brands), but I wouldn't have held our unit to such "perfect" standards. ...But in defense of PI, and as so many owners have said, they took care of everything with out any hesitation. They even came down to the Texas Gulf Coast and picked up the unit and took it back to the factory to do the necessary repairs, and then shipped it back to us.)
SO...in conclusion, be prepared to not have a "perfect" unit (haven't met any "perfect" people yet either Spin); but be assured that Peterson Industries will take care of your unit. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Edited because I forgot to sign it...

Sue
2007 35MKE
2008 F450

[Dutch_man39]

Thanks Alan and Sue for your comments! This forum should be more than a cheer leading section for Excel.

We're planning to buy our first fifthwheel in the near future for fulltime use. We therefore want to do our homework and get the most value for our hard earned money.

I hope we can continue to learn about Excel products on this forum, both the good and the not so good. I think we're all smart enough to know that all RV's will have problems from day one of ownership and don't have to be reminded of that everytime a problem is posted.

What I'm looking for is the extent of the problems experienced and how the dealer/manufacturer fixes them and then takes steps to prevent these problems in the future where possible.

I hope Excel owners will continue to post their comments on the good, the bad and the ugly about Excel products so we prospective owners can learn more as we go about our research.

Thanks!


Bill

[HB Phil]

In the first place, I believe that about 400 Excel trailers are produced annually, year-in;year-out. Given that there are thousands of units out there, the comparable low number of complaints that we see on this page is remarkable.

Secondly, we have witnessed that in the face of a serious problem, Brian T, President, stepped up to the plate, accepted responsibility and is personally working with the owner to straighten it out - no legalistic posturing and disclaimers like we have all become accustomed to in these litigation crazy days.

It seems unfair for Peterson Industries that a prospective 5th wheel buyer just "tuning into" this internet website could be misguided by a only a couple of dissatisfied owners (among 1000's of happy owners) who appear to me to be grasping to make a case that the faults in their units indicate a systemic, Peterson Industries-wide, problem.

I am not trivializing the seriousness of the problems reported by these owners. However, I am seriously questioning their seeming attempt to misconstrue their problems as a systemic Excel-wide quality control problem.

"The wheel that squeeks the loudest gets the most grease" and the internet is a way to amplify our squeeks.

But let's not misuse this power to concoct unfair allegations of systemic failures from a relatively small number of reports of problems occurring in a relativley small number of units among the 1000's produced.

[M&S Norrell]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">But let's not misuse this power to concoct unfair allegations of systemic failures from a relatively small number of reports of problems occurring in a relativley small number of units among the 1000's produced. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not all the units are still under warranty and therefore PI wouldn't necessarily know about private repair work. This forum offers PI to opportunity to see if some items in their RV are experiencing time/stress related weaknesses, or reoccuring problems so that they can possiby improve their rigs.
We own a general contracting company that builds commercial/petrochemical buildings. We more than welcome the good, bad and ugly as a method to continuously improve. We have NEVER been sued, and can't imagine EVER getting to that point w/ PI!
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> What I'm looking for is the extent of the problems experienced and how the dealer/manufacturer fixes them and then takes steps to prevent these problems in the future where possible. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Excellent point - and as you should be able to tell from this forum; PI (IMO) goes the extra mile to support their rig owners. I have not heard of any other manufacturer SO inclined to maintain a good relationship with their customers, AFTER the sale!
And that's my FINAL ANSWER
Sue
2007 35MKE Ltd.
2008 F450

PS If I was a prospective buyer, I would check out all the other manufacturer's forums and would present the question (if answer not found already in the forum)... Do you have any serious issues with XYZ brand rigs or with XYZ manufacturer? The majority of buyers are intelligent enough to use sound judgement when evaluating negative feedback. Hopefully you will hear honest opinions---or maybe the moderator will dump your question - if so - that should give you the answer.

[juneau92]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HB Phil:
In the first place, I believe that about 400 Excel trailers are produced annually, year-in;year-out. Given that there are thousands of units out there, the comparable low number of complaints that we see on this page is remarkable. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not true, since most of those thousands of Excel owners you mention have never even heard of this website. You make it sound like every Excel owner is a member here, and only a few have had any problems.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Secondly, we have witnessed that in the face of a serious problem, Brian T, President, stepped up to the plate, accepted responsibility and is personally working with the owner to straighten it out - no legalistic posturing and disclaimers like we have all become accustomed to in these litigation crazy days. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I guess it depends on what you call "Stepping up to the plate". Personally, if I owned an Excel 5th wheel that had a crack in the frame, to me "stepping up to the plate" would be for P.I. to buy the unit back, rather than patch it. This is just me, though.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It seems unfair for Peterson Industries that a prospective 5th wheel buyer just "tuning into" this internet website could be misguided by a only a couple of dissatisfied owners (among 1000's of happy owners) who appear to me to be grasping to make a case that the faults in their units indicate a systemic, Peterson Industries-wide, problem. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

As a prospective owner, I've noticed most folks here are happy with their product. Still, I also want to know what problems folks are experiencing. Unfair? No. Once again, most of the "thousands" of Excel owners you mention have never heard of this forum.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am not trivializing the seriousness of the problems reported by these owners. However, I am seriously questioning their seeming attempt to misconstrue their problems as a systemic Excel-wide quality control problem. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do hope you are not trivializing. Problems with the frames are serious, whether they are "systemic" or not.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"The wheel that squeeks the loudest gets the most grease" and the internet is a way to amplify our squeeks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank goodness for the internet, and our "squeeks", both big and small. It's all about keeping consumers informed.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">But let's not misuse this power to concoct unfair allegations of systemic failures from a relatively small number of reports of problems occurring in a relativley small number of units among the 1000's produced. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's that word, "systemic" again. No one here has stated that any of the few problems folks have posted about on these fine trailers is systemic.

[HB Phil]

We are all very interested in problem reports and in Peterson Industries actions to address them.

However, IMO it is an inacurate and unfair exaggration to classify the problems of a few rigs as an indication of systemic problems.

BTW in the case of one recent problem that I know of, the President of PI accepted responsibility and has undertaken repairs for free on a rig that is out of warranty.

In view of the customer service response that I have seen in these cases, it appears unseemly to me to hold a thinly veiled class action litigation gun to the head of PI - irrespective of the fact that those making these insinuations don't have a leg to stand on.

Never-the-less it is unfair to PI that a prospective buyer could take these unsupported claims of systemic problems at face value and be deterred from purchasing an Excel.