Visit to Smith Center and Decision

[Jim & Bona]

Two weeks ago we made our long awaited Road Trip to Kansis to visit the factories of the two fifth wheel manufacturers on our short list. This was preceded by almost two years of visiting dealer lots, RV Shows, and lurking on the forums. Our goal was to find the optimal, for us, combination of Durability, Quality, Liveability, and Price for fulltiming after retirement (in the near future). We were well hosted and given fine factory tours with all (well, almost all) of our questions answered at both places. Steve Ellenberger took pains to see that we saw everything we needed and chased down answers to all our questions at PI. In the final analysis, we happily decided to purchase a 35FLR built to our requirements. We'll be selecting our dealer soon. Both of us are glad we made the trip and would highly recommend it to anyone who really wants to see how well these Excels are put together.

I would add that when we told both companies which brands we were considering, each spoke well of the other and commented that the other company is a good competitor with a fine product. Hats off to both for excellent product offerings, outstanding customer service, and professional behavior.

[Jim & Bona]

Two weeks ago we made our long awaited Road Trip to Kansis to visit the factories of the two fifth wheel manufacturers on our short list. This was preceded by almost two years of visiting dealer lots, RV Shows, and lurking on the forums. Our goal was to find the optimal, for us, combination of Durability, Quality, Liveability, and Price for fulltiming after retirement (in the near future). We were well hosted and given fine factory tours with all (well, almost all) of our questions answered at both places. Steve Ellenberger took pains to see that we saw everything we needed and chased down answers to all our questions at PI. In the final analysis, we happily decided to purchase a 35FLR built to our requirements. We'll be selecting our dealer soon. Both of us are glad we made the trip and would highly recommend it to anyone who really wants to see how well these Excels are put together.

I would add that when we told both companies which brands we were considering, each spoke well of the other and commented that the other company is a good competitor with a fine product. Hats off to both for excellent product offerings, outstanding customer service, and professional behavior.

[Jim & Bona]

Edit to my message above: It was actually last week we made the trip. Old Timer's Disease is winning!

[ChiefJohn]

Congrats Jim & Bona and welcome to the Excel Family! I'm sure you will be very pleased with your new coach--now it's just the waiting for it to be built and delivered.

[rockintom]

Jim and Bona,
Congratulations on getting the FLR. We love ours! Let us know if you have questions, as we have been FTing in ours for 2 years now. We researched seriously in rigs for about 4 years (yes we're anal retentive!)before picking it out and thought Excel was the best bang for the buck. Good luck and stay in touch. Tom

[Jim & Bona]

Now we've done IT! Went over to the "local" Excel dealer two weeks ago and ordered our 35FLR. It's hard to believe that I've been lurking, and asking questions, on fifth wheel forums for almost three years. How many dealer lots and walkthroughs - can't count that high anymore. But, even though we live within 40 miles of Elkhart, Indiana, both of our finalists build their trailers in Kansas and happen to be family owned. It's interesting that I was cleaning up some old email files last week and came across a couple of Q&As I posted on the old Excel Yahoo forum, back in mid 2004. Guess I can't make a fast decision. Anyway, we know that our Excel will give us the best value for our $$$. We found the ideal combination of durability, livability, and quality here, not to mention an outstanding Customer Service reputation.

Thanks to everyone for helping us along the path. Kim, our dealer, told me yesterday that our birthing date is June 11! I'm guessing two weeks for delivery back to Michigan and dealer prep - June 25 should be a Big Day. (And The Adventure Begins!)

[ChiefJohn]

Congrats Jim & Bona!! We can now "officially" welcome you as a family member and I've updated your moniker.
John

[rockintom]

Jim and Bona,

Congrats on the new FLR, our favorite and current floorplan. I think we've PMd each other in the past. We took about FOUR years to make the decision. Maybe overkill, but it has worked for us. As I mentioned before, if there are any FLR questions don't hesitate to call on us. We have 2 years FT in "Journey". Our email address is in our profile! Happy Travels and hope to meet up with you soon. We are in the Elkhart Campground now. Tom