Excel roof line

[Charles S.]

As I understand it, Excel is no longer making 5th wheels with the "low" roof line in the back, but are going to the more common way of roof making, namely using a slanted roof from front to back. If this is true, why was it done, and is it a good thing? I might have bought one of the last RT models made with the old style roof.

Charles S.

[MakinSmoke]

Personally, I wish they made all fifthwheels like a toyhauler, same heighth all the way back. That allows for a lot more storage above the slides plus more windows up high.

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles S. As I understand it, Excel is no longer making 5th wheels with the "low" roof line in the back, but are going to the more common way of roof making, namely using a slanted roof from front to back. If this is true, why was it done, and is it a good thing? I might have bought one of the last RT models made with the old style roof. Charles S.

Charles S. , Welcome to the Excel Forum. Have you been lurking for awhile or just pick up your RT? I really can not answer you on the roof, I guess I never wondered, I knew Excels where different and sort of figured the unique roof line was part of their signature.

[ExcelRVGuy]

This is an interesting topic. There is only ONE reason we changed roof profiles.... MARKETING! In fact, I still believe that the old roof line is the best way to build a 5th wheel. The way we use to drop our profile in the rear saved an average of 300 cubic feet of interior space that did not have to be heated and cooled. It also forced the warm air down to where you are living.

The problem was that 2 or 3 of our major competitors began telling people "You're going to look at an Excel??????? Why.... they are still using the same profile that was popular back in the '80's" and unless I was there to explain the advantages, we were losing sales!

So, sometimes we have to do things for the sake of marketing and selling.... Like it or not, without sales, we don't survive.

Thanks for the great question.

Bryan

[lyncjim]

The only thing that hurt was fact that now ht is above 12 ft . If Air is what puts new roof above 12 ft could that problem be solved ? Jim Lynch 2006 33rso limited

[camperguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyncjim The only thing that hurt was fact that now ht is above 12 ft . If Air is what puts new roof above 12 ft could that problem be solved ? Jim Lynch 2006 33rso limited

Jim...I also prefer not to have the roof height over 12 ft.
I looked at a SOB new model travel trailer that has the A/C built into an interior room dividing wall. It would be easier to service and you would be carrying the 100# of A/C weight lower to the ground.

I like the new Excel roof line. I also recently had a dealer mention the '80's look of the non-current Excel models.
I think the new design should be easier and faster to build, and make for a stronger roof.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExcelRVGuy This is an interesting topic. There is only ONE reason we changed roof profiles.... MARKETING! In fact, I still believe that the old roof line is the best way to build a 5th wheel. The way we use to drop our profile in the rear saved an average of 300 cubic feet of interior space that did not have to be heated and cooled. It also forced the warm air down to where you are living. The problem was that 2 or 3 of our major competitors began telling people "You're going to look at an Excel??????? Why.... they are still using the same profile that was popular back in the '80's" and unless I was there to explain the advantages, we were losing sales! So, sometimes we have to do things for the sake of marketing and selling.... Like it or not, without sales, we don't survive. Thanks for the great question. Bryan

Bryan,

I think another factor is...with the high ceiling.......it gives the perception of a larger coach and to someone just coming into the market...they think bigger is better. I've walked into high roof models and the initial feeling is WOW! Folks tend to buy on emotions!

We have been in a climate for the last two weeks when the temps get down in the mid to lower 40s and a high of the mid 90s. Our unit is so well insulated we just keep the door closed during the day and not even had to run the air and by 7 PM just open the door. Nice. This may be one of those time....when I feel being a little old fashioned is good. rockin'

[ExcelRVGuy]

We happen to be in a unique time right now. We are using old roof molds to build new roof profile coaches until our supplier has time to rebuild their molds.

There is a small window of time here where if a customer needs/wants the old roof profile we can still build it.

We have a L30RSO in production right now with the old profile because the customer has a 12' garage door and the new profile absolutely would not work for him.

I suspect this window will close within another month or so.

Bryan

[rockintom]

Bryan,

So I don't have to go look it up....what the heighth of the new roofline?