'Excel Exception'

[ChiefJohn]

Merry Christmas everyone! First, I’ve enjoyed this forum and being part of the Excel Family for almost 5-years. That said I’m very happy to report that we have found a home for our ‘Excel Exception’ and are looking forward to our new adventures in a motorhome. Too many problems over too short a time span for us to continue coping with on a daily basis. I sincerely hope that PI gets a handle on their QC process and start producing the quality of fifth-wheels for which they are known. If their factory quality was half as good as their Service Center personnel, they would be at the top of the fifth-wheel market. Then again, maybe my 2005 Excel was an 'exception' to the norm?

[Squirrel]

CheifJohn, sorry you had so many problems with your 2005. You sure must have had the exception. The Squirrel had bought a new 2005 Excel RT and we had NO problems with it for the three years we owned it. That means we had NO warranty work at all done on our unit. It was never in the shop and there was no repairs done. That is why we bought our 2008 Excel. We have had only two minor problems. Our dealer took care of them right away and gave us GREAT service. I hope you don't have any problems with your new SOB. You surely must have gotten the exception.

The Squirrel

[rockintom]

Chief,

We are so happy for you with the beautiful new MH. Please don't be a stranger around here as we have the utmost respect for you and your thoughts. I understand your concerns with QC issues on your MKO and have faith the folks at PI will get it under control quickly. We wish you a Merry Christmas and God Bless you. You and your family have been through a lot lately and deserve to get out and have some fun and really enjoy life!! rockin'

[MonacoMama]

Chief...I am very excited and happy for you & Marilyn! I can only wish you very few and minor problems with your new motorhome - if you have any at all.

I notice it has a few of the same components that we have on our Diplomat so please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have with your new coach.
Congratulations!

[greg0rn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefJohn ....Too many problems over too short a time span for us to continue coping with on a daily basis. I sincerely hope that PI gets a handle on their QC process and start producing the quality of fifth-wheels for which they are known. If their factory quality was half as good as their Service Center personnel, they would be at the top of the fifth-wheel market. Then again, maybe my 2005 Excel was an 'exception' to the norm?....

Chief, very well said.

But then, how do you propose to control quality in the manufacturing process? So many uncontrollable factors (unions, drugs, mid-management, profit demands, others?!?). I do not know any more. My background is different, by the way.

My experience is similar to Squirell's - very few problems over the years with our Citation Supreme. In fact, it has always been a pleasure to hitch and go for miles, with Cummins purring and Pressure Pro doing its job. But now our family demands a bigger trailer. We are focusing on Excel as a replacement for its legendary quality. Are we making a mistake? Citation closed its plant by the way.

I do not know any more.

[KU9L]

Chief,

It was you who inspired me to join this forum a few years back and to keep pursuing our dream to consider an Excel and a HDT if we ever went full-timing. Now that we have been full-timing for over a year I am proud to say that those early days are still influencing us. Although we still do not have our HDT/MDT yet, once we settle a few estate issues with the old family farm it will finally be a reality.

Please continue to stay in touch with us all on a frequent basis, this is truly home away from home for those of us full-timing & workamping too young to retire!

David M & Sheila J Knapp

[ChiefJohn]

David,
Thanks buddy -- I remember well those days, when you and Shelia were preparing to pursue your dream and now you're living it! PI has the capability to produce the best fifth-wheel on the market. As I've shared with the folks in SC, they have to tighten the QC processes. I 'ain't going no where'! We're only changing our mobile abode -- too many 'buddies' on the forum to just fade away! Besides, who would control the 'Rock"!

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Chief, Congratulations on your new MH, I sure hope it will fit your needs and hope you do check in on us from time to time. And you are right about being Rockin's check valve!

[ChiefJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodhicker Chief, Congratulations on your new MH, I sure hope it will fit your needs and hope you do check in on us from time to time. And you are right about being Rockin's check valve!

Thanks buddy -- I'm going to hang around here as long as 'Mandy' will let me -- remember, 'she has majical powers' which I'm scared of ! We have a 'meeting of the minds' on the MH and will know for certain when we get back to GA and sign the papers Marilyn is very happy with our new mobile abode and we're looking forward to heading to the Keys. I owe Virg and Miss Jo a dinner . Virg will probably ask for 'boiled peanuts' and crayfish! Also hoping to meet up with Dave and Shelia.

[Jim & Bona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg0rn Chief, very well said. But then, how do you propose to control quality in the manufacturing process? So many uncontrollable factors (unions, drugs, mid-management, profit demands, others?!?). I do not know any more. My background is different, by the way. ....

Controlling the manufacturing process and maintaining consistently high quality standards is accomplished on a consistent basis by numerous World Class Companies. Unfortunately the RV Industry has not yet seen the need (read Seen the Light) to make the disciplined effort to give us the same consistent level of quality that we see so many other places in our everyday lives. Consider what would happen if we encountered the same degree of random failures with bridges, automobiles, aircraft, toothbrushes, etc.

I have discussed this with Bryan and can share that he sincerely wants to give us the most reliable fifth wheel trailers economically feasible. What remains to be seen is whether PI will be the Leader to break the old RV Industry paradigm. Personally, I think Bryan and his team can do it for us.

Stay tuned.

[ChiefJohn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim & Bona Controlling the manufacturing process and maintaining consistently high quality standards is accomplished on a consistent basis by numerous World Class Companies. Unfortunately the RV Industry has not yet seen the need (read Seen the Light) to make the disciplined effort to give us the same consistent level of quality that we see so many other places in our everyday lives. Consider what would happen if we encountered the same degree of random failures with bridges, automobiles, aircraft, toothbrushes, etc. I have discussed this with Bryan and can share that he sincerely wants to give us the most reliable fifth wheel trailers economically feasible. What remains to be seen is whether PI will be the Leader to break the old RV Industry paradigm. Personally, I think Bryan and his team can do it for us. Stay tuned.

We'll see what the folks at PI do in the following months. Unfortunately, I've heard the same "we're going to improve our QC" for the past 5-years? Feedback from recent Excel purchasers does not support "improvements" in the product.

[motojavaphil]

Chief,
When I had my Excel and you were the Admin here I felt very welcome and thank you for that. I still hang around here and I am sure you will being the great person you are. MM has not run me off as yet and I still feel welcome by the others.
Now that you have switched to the darkside I'd like to welcome you. If I can be helpful with Motorhome stuff, just yell. What a cool Christmas gift!
Phil

[ChiefJohn]

Thanks Phil -- I feel like I've known you for several years from our interaction on this forum. We had a Discovery MH for several years and decided to quit RV'ing. Then I retired and we missed traveling and meeting fellow RV'ers. Purchased our Excel and, other than continuing issues, have been very pleased with PI.

We are purchasing a Sportscoach Legend (40') -- deal will be finalized on 26 Dec, once we get back to GA.

[Excel Worker]

I know Bryan has really been pushing us to do better in the way of making our fit and finish really tight, we have a great crew here. He has implemented a new Quality Control, that starts from the frame plant and goes to finish. I think alot of issues are going to be clearing up immediately.

Joe, Saw Dept.