Newmar Sold

[Busskipper]

What will it mean?

[Mile_High]

Beyond the entry level Forza DP, Winnebago doesn't make anything bigger right now. The Horizon was on pause with the transfer back out of Junction City Oregon back to Forest City, and that is it. No Journey, Tour, Grand Tours in the lineup for the last year. Maybe Newmar will fill that spot for the higher end DPs.

Winnebago had to diversify or die, and they have been between Grand Design, Chris Craft and now Newmar. They could learn some things from each other I think. Winnebagos available documentation of build is not duplicated by any other builder that I have seen.

[Dutch_12078]

irishtom29 wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
So, the workers are not going to do shoddy work because the management is different.

They will if new management wants shoddy work; picks up the pace say. Nicer work takes more time and how much time a task is given is a management decision.

According to various reports and interviews, Matt Miller will remain on as President of the Newmar division and will also become a Winnebago VP. Newmar will continue to operate as a distinct business unit with its own management team.

[stvdman]

IMO, It will mean filling holes in the Winnebago D/P lineup and possibly becoming cost competitive with their competitors.

After seeing all the current D/P offerings in the $200-$325k range last week in Hershey, PA, they both need help in that price point. They are being seriously challenged from 2-3 other Manufacturers.

After scratching the surface of 6 different manufacturers, I came away targeting the Fleetwood Discovery line-up.

Look forward to the "new" offerings from Winnebago over the next couple years.

[scbwr]

We've had our Newmar Bay Star for over a year and we are very impressed with the quality and plan to keep it for many years.
Winnebago is still one of the better rv manufacturers but they can be inconsistent. We purchased a 2014 2201DS Minnie travel trailer new, and it was a very nice trailer. For the first couple of years, the Minnie line got high praises from purchasers, and then there were reports of some shoddy workmanship. I haven't followed the market, but I think they still make some good trailers, but you have to watch out for some lemons that get through the factory.

When looking for a used gas motorhome, Winnebago was on our short list with Newmar and Tiffin. I would still consider a Winnebago, but some of their lower/cheaper motor homes are definitely lower quality. In contrast, our Newmar BS is their entry level motor home but built to a high quality standard.

Time will tell what Winnebago does to the Newmar quality standard.

[two_travelers]

Well, the Newmar we had was the worst motor home ever. We were constantly repair something. After a year and half we sold at a loss and bought another Winnebago. Hope that Winnebago quality does not degrade to that of our Newmar.

[irishtom29]

dougrainer wrote:
So, the workers are not going to do shoddy work because the management is different.

They will if new management wants shoddy work; picks up the pace say. Nicer work takes more time and how much time a task is given is a management decision.

[dougrainer]

rk911 wrote:
is newmar currently using parts from Lippert?

lci Has taken over probably 70% of the RV supply chain. So, Newmar has to buy some components from LCI. Doug

[rk911]

is newmar currently using parts from Lippert?

[dougrainer]

Remember 1 Thing!!!!!! Newmar is a smaller maker of Class A gas and Diesel(with a new Super C). They have a limited production facility. They have a Loyal worker base. Very little turnover. So, I fail to see how quality would suffer. They have a 1 year warranty. They use the same appliances as other OEM's. So, the workers are not going to do shoddy work because the management is different. So, for at least until the 2022 model year, there should be no concerns. Doug

[camperdave]

Winnebago bought Grand Designs 3 years ago. How is that going? Would think this would be similar.

As mentioned above, probably all will be fine till the next crash, then all bets are off anyway.

[dodge_guy]

In the sort term I don’t see any issues. In the long run...... as history has shown with other deals it may not be good!

[obiwancanoli]

I find it personally interesting, as Winnebago and Newmar were my two final considerations when buying my Class A DP... While I haven't been privy to some of the negative issues of Winnebago noted above, it will be interesting to see how they blend their product line. I bought my Newmar because of their reputation for quality, the DP availability with a 35 footer, and pricing at the time. And though I've considered trading up, I'm curious how this acquisition will guide my interest in the coming years...

[Dale_Traveling]

In the short term (5 years or so) I don't think we will see a difference. A bit like Thor and Jayco (Entegra) but that has only been two years so far. Beyond year 5 there's no telling what may or may not happen.

The problem is if we have another 2008 and how it effected the RV industry. If that happens both Winnie and Thor may cook and eat both golden geese to save the parent corp.

[Dutch_12078]

Of course we don't know the financial arrangements of the sale, so it's possible that it's mainly a stock deal where the Miller family can spread out the proceeds as best fits their tax situations. And Matt Miller is staying on as president, presumably with a decent salary and benefits.