RV Manufacturer Quality Control
Posted 03-01-2014 at 06:22 AM by DSL417
There is something purely wrong in this industry...the practice of quality control during motor coach production. Regardless of manufacturer or price point, it seems that identification of quality issues continues to rely on end buyer identification of problems at and shortly after delivery. This apparently is compounded by how the manufacturers and dealers interact on these issues.
First, you can't tell me that the dealers are not aware of these issues when they deliver the coach. They have to go through the coach at delivery to protect themselves. If they don't, then issues, particularly dings and dents, wold be theirs to fix. So, at least for Jayco/Entegra, they have a checklist (and my guess is the same for all manufacturers). This would suggest that there is some barrier to interaction between the dealer and manufacturer to taking care of issues before delivery. Neither can be so stupid as to think that the customer won't identify the silliness of the kinds of issues we find during the first year. This is compounded by getting the coach off the books of the dealership and into the paying hands of the consumer. It is further compounded by the separation between sales and service. These compounding areas are wasily solved by dealer management improving processes and having a customer view and focus, end to end.
Second, how can coaches leave the factory with the kinds of issues we continuously see at delivery. Obviously, the lack kind of manufacturing QC processes that lead to the kinds of issues we see are not getting the job done. On the spot QC at the individual tech level has to be integrated into the assembly line processes. QC of individual products and then the end coach at the back end of manufacture has been proven bankrupt. Why has the industry not embraced modern and proven quality control practices, including the use and practice of 6 Sigma. Focus on piece work in the industry may be a strong contributing factor. Assembly line worker departure before 1 PM to second jobs or farms can't be the focus of workers when bonus structures are based upon post coach delivery issues ID'd over the year. Continuous feedback on quality improves the product.
I, for one, believe that FMCA and other consumer groups (like Owners Clubs) need to take up the issue and apply pressure to manufacturers to improve QC processes. Until we do, we will continue to get the kind of delivery we all experienced and has been documented repeatedly in this forum.
First, you can't tell me that the dealers are not aware of these issues when they deliver the coach. They have to go through the coach at delivery to protect themselves. If they don't, then issues, particularly dings and dents, wold be theirs to fix. So, at least for Jayco/Entegra, they have a checklist (and my guess is the same for all manufacturers). This would suggest that there is some barrier to interaction between the dealer and manufacturer to taking care of issues before delivery. Neither can be so stupid as to think that the customer won't identify the silliness of the kinds of issues we find during the first year. This is compounded by getting the coach off the books of the dealership and into the paying hands of the consumer. It is further compounded by the separation between sales and service. These compounding areas are wasily solved by dealer management improving processes and having a customer view and focus, end to end.
Second, how can coaches leave the factory with the kinds of issues we continuously see at delivery. Obviously, the lack kind of manufacturing QC processes that lead to the kinds of issues we see are not getting the job done. On the spot QC at the individual tech level has to be integrated into the assembly line processes. QC of individual products and then the end coach at the back end of manufacture has been proven bankrupt. Why has the industry not embraced modern and proven quality control practices, including the use and practice of 6 Sigma. Focus on piece work in the industry may be a strong contributing factor. Assembly line worker departure before 1 PM to second jobs or farms can't be the focus of workers when bonus structures are based upon post coach delivery issues ID'd over the year. Continuous feedback on quality improves the product.
I, for one, believe that FMCA and other consumer groups (like Owners Clubs) need to take up the issue and apply pressure to manufacturers to improve QC processes. Until we do, we will continue to get the kind of delivery we all experienced and has been documented repeatedly in this forum.
Total Comments 7
Comments
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As I head towards the Summer FMCA reunion, I will endeavor to try to identify how to bring this up as an agenda item for the conference.Posted 03-01-2014 at 06:23 AM by DSL417 
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PDI and services offered
Dave,
Always enjoy reading your comments on the general forum. I've got a lot to learn as a wannabe owner but I think you are touching on something that is lacking in the industry as a whole. I read the comments from OP with regards to their PDI's and it makes me wonder why Entegra specifically, is not addressing the process. I think Newmar is on the right path by offering factory delivery as an option. Venturing to guess a measurable percentage of new Entegra Coach owners would welcome that option. The benefits to Entegra and their customers would far outweigh the challenges.
I don't know about effecting Industry changes, but I would think it's something that Entegra should listen to, or reconsider.
It's also something I am going to bring up in our tour of the factory this summer. Thanks for being such a proactive owner.
tomPosted 03-19-2014 at 03:52 PM by bevandtomH
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I appreciate your comments about poor QC at the factory level. I am getting back into RVing and have been looking at a 2008 Hoiliday Rambler Neptune with 18000 miles. The web is full of horror stories about any Monaco product. Have you heard any good comments about this Holiday Rambler unit? Thanks.
Posted 03-25-2014 at 05:50 PM by charles hard
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I have a 2011 Monaco diplomat 29,000 and so far so good. had a few minor problems nothing major... although I will ne trading it in for a 2014 newmar dutchstar...
Posted 04-20-2014 at 12:02 AM by cenge
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2013 Holiday Rambler Vacationer owner
I have had nothing but problems with this unit for the five months we have owned it. Terrible build and little satisfaction from HR and dealer (RV World Nikomis,FL) Would never recommend buying an Allied Recreation Group vehicle.Posted 09-28-2014 at 03:02 PM by unmudbug
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Does anyone know how good the Ford 460V8 & transmission might be on a mid 90's Holiday Rambler Endevor?
Posted 05-11-2019 at 07:30 PM by wwearp
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I owned a Thor Fourwinds 5000 class A back in the 90's. It was powered by a Ford 460 V8. Very reliable and I remember being very happy with the it's performance.
Posted 02-12-2020 at 09:23 AM by Rxd4d
