Monaco Coach is bankrupt
It seems the Oregon based Monaco Coach will not survive this downturn. Their most recent Chapter 11 filing means that nearly all employees have been sent termination notices. The company, which operates out of Coburg, Oregon just north of Eugene, appears poised to sell off the remaining assets.Shares worth as much as $29.93 sold for as low as a shiny nickel this week.
Will new ownership come from outside Oregon? Will the company be completely scrapped? Will ex-employees struggle to find suitable employment around the Eugene area?
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March 5, 2009 |
Jenson Hagen | Comments (52 so far)
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Comments
Posted by: no name | Mar 5, 2009 7:40:03 PM
I interviewed there not long ago and realized then that exec management and ownership was completely oblivious to the risks from the macroeconomy. Yeah, around $100K is real good money in Eugene, but remember that scene from "Titanic" when the young tycoon is trying to buy his way onto a life boat and the deck hand throws the money in his face?
That said, Monaco was a good employer. They offered great benefits to the people on the line, they paid living wages, but they caught a lot of crap for the layoffs they made. Liberals can't have it both ways. Monaco tried to do the right thing and killed itself in the process.
Posted by: John | Mar 5, 2009 7:52:34 PM
No loss, except for all the employees, their families and vendors affected.
Posted by: Kurt Chapman | Mar 5, 2009 8:12:39 PM
Monaco Coach built a great product, paid good wages and hage pretty darn good benefits. Unfortunately their product was always a very high end, disposable income product. Minus the occasional touring band or artist that NEEDS such a coach, the rest were purchased by the very affluent.
I hope that they are able to weather the current economic situation, but have my doubts. Look for our friends at Harry & David to continue to fall as well.
Posted by: alcatross | Mar 5, 2009 9:47:40 PM
...then again, a reminder that one man's 'disposable income' (otherwise so often cited here as being a sign of an insufficient level of taxation) can be another person's 'living wages and pretty darn good benefits'...
Posted by: Gil Johnson | Mar 5, 2009 10:47:35 PM
I recently went to a big RV show at the Expo Center and was dismayed that almost all the manufacturers so were oblivious to changes in the economy. Virtually all the motorhomes and trailers featured there were humongous. There was one cool motorhome that was decked out with solar panels and a lot of other green effects, and ran on biodiesel, but even it was longer than the average TriMet bus.
One would think that at least a few companies in the RV industry would have had some foresight, or at least niche marketing sense, to put out a smaller scale RV. I've owned several small vintage trailers made from the late 50s to the early 70s, most of which one can tow with an ordinary four-cylinder sedan. But at this RV show, nothing like that was available new.
Monaco wasn't the first major RV outfit to file for bankruptcy. There were great deals to be had at the RV show on certain brands, which were sold without warranty because the company was folding. More bankrupcties are looming.
Maybe it's time for a transit agency to snatch up all this idle inventory and put them to use for this idea:
http://unconventionalfolly.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Unrepentant Liberal | Mar 6, 2009 7:50:11 AM
I'm glad they were good employers and paid good wages. Their product however, was emblematic of the giant financial bubble that was the basis for our economy and not something 99% of our population either needs or can afford.
Posted by: Sid Leader | Mar 6, 2009 8:46:30 AM
The reason I can loan my big brother all the money he and his little wife will ever need is that I understand the difference between a "want" and a "need".
Nobody NEEDS an R.V.
Sorry.
Everyone, especially at KXL, needs a teacher.
Posted by: Las Politistas Comegentes | Mar 6, 2009 12:31:30 PM
Posted by: Kurt Chapman | Mar 5, 2009 8:12:39 PM
Monaco Coach built a great product,
Please elaborate/educate on any acceptable use for their "great product".
At least they won't be defrauding the courts, like Freightliner.
Why do you all hold the workers to a different standard than the company? Another bye for the hobby breeding? If so, how can you criticize what an RV does to the environment? It's nothing like an extra kid, not counting all the bad choices they inspire their parents to make.
Posted by: Unrepentant Liberal | Mar 6, 2009 1:06:00 PM
"Great product." Quality workmanship and you could get anything you wanted to pay for.
Not my cup of tea, mind you, (I still camp in a tent), but great if you like that sort of thing.
Posted by: Prior Customer | Mar 6, 2009 2:31:47 PM
I bought one of their $250K plus rigs made in Indiana and the workmanship sucked! They did things in the assemby that labor should have been ashamed of. The warranty work must have cost them a fortune. Labor had it's head as deep in the sand as management.
Posted by: Ann | Mar 6, 2009 2:48:25 PM
Don't be too hard on the RV industry. Many of us have been hit with financial ruin and live in our RVs. I live in a fifth wheel made by Monaco and love my little "condo on wheels". Needless to say, I don't travel as much, but this is the least expensive way to live. People living in RV parks out of necessity is increasing for the well off and the poor.
There are many RVs out there for today's world. They are smaller and lighter. RV shows have been for the full timer. The shows haven't changed much, but the products have.
Posted by: Tony | Mar 6, 2009 3:03:38 PM
Monaco is just another example of reactive business planning. Communities need to begin to look at themselves and see how industry, government, education, and resources (people, natural, and financial) can be examined to determine the appropriate course of action for their economic future.
As long as the four are working opposite, or not in concert with one another, we will continue to see big and small business fail without the support of the community. Discovering what it is that keeps a community moving forward is vital, and will create long-term financal sustainability.
Posted by: karl | Mar 6, 2009 3:59:44 PM
Comrad Hagen this Good news. We can only hope company is completely scrapped. We need green jobs. Not jobs that contribute to pollution.
Posted by: Vincent | Mar 6, 2009 4:13:04 PM
Please elaborate/educate on any acceptable use for their "great product".
"Acceptable use"?
Posted by: billy | Mar 7, 2009 12:10:48 AM
Vincent Please elaborate/educate on any acceptable use for their "great product".
"Acceptable use"?
B I think he means acceptable to those un-accomplished Oregonians who value their own deluded view of the world over other people's jobs, other people's standard of living and other people's general well being. In other words: "we don't need no stinkin family wage jobs when we can have minimum wage green jobs." That is why they elect progressives.
B
Posted by: Jeff | Mar 7, 2009 1:43:51 AM
I worked for Monaco at the Coburg plant(worked is the key word) I got laid off with the 2,000 other people the only ones that are left is the office people. They did pay pretty good for not needing experience to work there. It was a good company to work for I'll miss it.
Posted by: D | Mar 7, 2009 9:30:12 AM
I just got laid off last Monday from Monaco. I can tell you the main reason the company failed is they did too much for the customer. That's right too much. Motorhomes that were several years old a customer could come in and get fixed for free. Many times I would look in the work history on the coach and there would be no history of the customers complaint and Monaco would fix it anyway. The customer would be in the lobby start bitching and get it free every time. Anyone that says this is not true is a liar.
Posted by: AW | Mar 7, 2009 9:12:34 PM
The problem wasnt in doing too much for customers. The problem was poor
workmanship by employees. Having to return to have a job done over, is costly
to the customer and the company.
I have waited for days for work that could have been done in
three hours, instead of five days. It was not free, it cost me
dearly.
A loyal Monaco Coach owner,
Posted by: Ted | Mar 8, 2009 10:52:10 AM
I think that Monaco is going down like they deserve. I bought one of their jewels to treat ourselves to something new in an RV. It has been babysitting Monaco and Lazy Days ever since. I am looking for the dealer to go under also. I can live with their junk, but it looks like they poisoned themselves. Mad customers tell other customers and then money isn't spend on more junk. Then bankruptcy. I can't say I am sorry for Monaco. They bought their own ticket for this ride.
Posted by: BG | Mar 8, 2009 11:06:14 AM
As a long time owner I can tell you that person that worked there is right. Anytime a customer at the Wildwood Fl Service center started to complain they got it for free. Do you really think after 3 years you should still get something for free that was never worked on prior. If you do you are wrong. The techs, the service writers and everybody else were great.
One person mentioned paying dearly. Come on. You stayed there for free, Your electric was free, your water was free, to dump was free. By the way your talking I'm positive everything was free. All you had to do was it was "always a problem" and you got it for free. You know it and I know it.
Many times people recall the one or two bad issues and forget all the good things Monaco Coach is about.
Say it anyway you want Good Will killed Monaco Coach.
Posted by: Dr. Graham's Crackers, Army and Xtian Drug Treatment | Mar 8, 2009 11:58:59 AM
Say it anyway you want Good Will killed Monaco Coach.
And their bell-ringers piss in a bottle for 1/2 the take!
Posted by: RushIsALimpDickedDrugFiend | Mar 8, 2009 12:15:18 PM
Posted by: karl | Mar 6, 2009 3:59:44 PM
Comrad Hagen this Good news. We can only hope company is completely scrapped. We need green jobs. Not jobs that contribute to pollution.
WunderBlunder doin' the Lars twitter again. Nuke it! He thinks you're soft compared to Kari and Carla that have learned to nuke whatever slimes out of his IP address on sight, and he's been too timid to follow-up. You have to stand up to bullies.
Tell your parents to send you to the Carribean for two weeks next year. It was nice your taking some time off. The orignal pseudonym is a reference to their sex life, no?
You tolerate that kind of comment spam and, guess what? Carshlock is emboldened to repeat his comment spam. Keep indulging and maybe you can get Terry Parker and Richard-less wonder to empty their copy buffers as well! What sense does it make to put a person's real name in the spam filter, but not blacklist an IP address that has done nothing but post pure comment spam, every time? WunderBlunder has never made any statement of opinion or taken a position on anything! He simply shows up, pastes in a statement from right-wing talk radio, and leaves. Do you think those flash ads that say, "What do you think about Sarah Palin? Click to vote", are real? If it has political content can you not see that it's pure spam?
Posted by: Kate | Mar 9, 2009 9:15:15 AM
My parents own a Monaco. They bought the extended warranty. Since Monaco has filed for bankruptcy, does this mean that their warranty no longer exists? If not, are they entitled to any money back that they paid for the extended warranty?
Posted by: Frank | Mar 10, 2009 11:57:01 AM
Extended warranty should be from an independent insurer. If the insurer is solvent your folks are Ok.
Posted by: Sylvie | Mar 11, 2009 10:15:20 AM
I am the warranty Manager at an RV dealership in Quebec, Canada. Frank is right, extended warranty is usually from an independent insurer so no worry to have there.
One good thing to remember though is that the only waranty no longer available on the Monaco's RVs is the 1 year given by Monaco itself. All additional warranty given by Monaco's sub-contractor is still valid; like the appliances that generally have a 3 year coverage, the frame, axles and suspension between 1 to 2 years coverage, ect...
Go through the documents that you got when you purchased your unit, this will help you figure out what is still covered or not or take the model and serial number out of your appliances, furnace, a/c ect and contact there manufacturer directly.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: Jim | Mar 11, 2009 11:26:20 AM
My wife and I just bought a new 2009 Monaco Camelot 42 foot motor home a few weeks ago. I just talked with the salesman at DeMartini RV in Grass Valley, CA, and he confirmed that Monaco would not approve any warranty work while they are under reorganization. He did say that most components are under separate warranties from the different manufacturers. He encouraged me to buy the "extended care" insurance program which is offered through a company called Prizm, which sounds like an excellent idea. Other than driving it home from the dealer, we haven't used the rig yet, so don't know if there are going to be any warranty issues. From what I understand, there almost always are some problems with a new rig. DeMartini has a good reputation and still has a full service department that can do any work on the rig. Only problem is we;ll have to pay them for it. One of the big reasons we went with Monaco is that we heard the stories of great customer service when you took your units to their Coberg plant, even years after the warranty had run out. We got the motor home for about 34% below MSRP. We thought we were getting a super deal. If we had waited another month, we probably could have gotten it for a lot less. Oh, well, such is life!
Any comments? Thanks.
Posted by: James and Louise Kelley | Mar 12, 2009 6:53:59 PM
MONACO YOU LET US DOWN AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS.
WEALL TRUSTED YOU.
Posted by: Farada L. Nagel | Mar 13, 2009 1:36:15 PM
We bought a Monaco motor home from Turning Wheel RV in Ocala, Florida and took delivery last in May. Believing Monaco to be a high end, quality coach, to our surprise and disappointment, there was an amazing amount of sloppy workmanship in the coach we bought. We are now stuck with a motor home that still has warranty issues and Monaco isn’t picking up the tab.
We had two Bounder motor homes in the past and were well pleased with the quality of their workmanship and performance. The only reason we didn’t buy another Bounder was that all their floor plans have changed and we couldn’t find one that we felt we could live with.
My opinion is that somewhere along the way motor home designers lost their minds. In an attempt to make larger, fancier coaches they designed out basic practicality, particularly storage. The two 34-foot Bounder motor homes we owned in the past had more inside and outside storage than many of the much larger, fancier ones. Also as they made them bigger and fancier they also came with a much bigger price tag. Of course Fleetwood has also filed for bankruptcy too.
Now it’s sad to say that those of us who bought within the last year are stuck with products that are substandard to what they were in the past.
Posted by: Jon long time former employee | Mar 13, 2009 2:29:42 PM
I use to work for Monaco years ago. Between 96-99,. I remember how we started making just a few coaches a week, to later at the end making up to 15 coaches a week. Later, friends that still worked there when I left told me they were making at least 20 a week. Of course that all changed by the end of 2008. When I worked there, I always use to wonder who is buying all of these expensive coaches? Well obviously the rich and senior citizens or those people that sell there homes to buy one. But still, I use to think, how long can this really last? Then boom! the economy goes hay-wire and now luxery is not such a great thing anymore. It just goes to show that the finer things in life are not always as important than the simplicity things of life. I am truely amazed how this company never considered making cheaper or more inovative ways to build affordable motorhomes. I'm sure there's tons of reasons for the fall of Monaco, but I do believe that one of them could have been some degree of greed; demanding continual high profits and not to mention building more and more coaches a week; no wonder they went into debt.I'm sure management was not going to let up on thier salary being tampered with either. I have nothing againts the company in general, they were good to their employees and my heart goes out to them.
Posted by: Jon long time former employee | Mar 13, 2009 2:35:32 PM
I use to work for Monaco years ago. Between 96-99,. I remember how we started making just a few coaches a week, to later at the end making up to 15 coaches a week. Later, friends that still worked there when I left told me they were making at least 20 a week. Of course that all changed by the end of 2008. When I worked there, I always use to wonder who is buying all of these expensive coaches? Well obviously the rich and senior citizens or those people that sell there homes to buy one. But still, I use to think, how long can this really last? Then boom! the economy goes hay-wire and now luxery is not such a great thing anymore. It just goes to show that the finer things in life are not always as important than the simplicity things of life. I am truely amazed how this company never considered making cheaper or more inovative ways to build affordable motorhomes. I'm sure there's tons of reasons for the fall of Monaco, but I do believe that one of them could have been some degree of greed; demanding continual high profits and not to mention building more and more coaches a week; no wonder they went into debt.I'm sure management was not going to let up on thier salary being tampered with either. I have nothing againts the company in general, they were good to their employees and my heart goes out to them.
Posted by: Lee Coleman | Mar 14, 2009 10:54:36 AM
There is a silver lining to all this. Monaco's owner was a leading contributor to Republican causes. Lots of money was donated to Kevin Mannix and his several quixotic campaigns. The records might reveal that Monaco contributed to Sizemore and other nut jobs.
Posted by: bg | Mar 22, 2009 8:47:04 AM
The Obama government has killed Monaco. By vasilating on the bank crisis, going from week to week saying they are going to do one thing and then the next saying something else, they are prolonging the crisis and causing the banks to be frozen in time. Without money this industry is dead and the longer the money problem goes on, the more will fail. Could this be what Obama wants???
Posted by: johnny sutton | Mar 22, 2009 9:19:10 AM
I worked for Monaco in Wildwood fl. I can only say that
the entire staff from the office personal to the techs were only concerned that the repairs were done to customer satifaction only, no effort in quality was ever to be sacraficed.
Monaco coach co. was the most rewarding employer I have ever experienced.I will forever miss my job and all the wonderful people I had the pleasure of working beside.
Posted by: Sylvie | Mar 25, 2009 5:48:13 AM
I'm the dealer from Canada and yesterday we looked for requested axles warranty through Lippert directly, as usually done, and we got the "bad" surprise to being told that the warranty they give is to R-Vision, not the owner and that we needed to contact R-Vision. ah! ah!
They say that the warranty service they provide to the dealers and owner is part of an agreement with R-Vision. Did someone else had the same "surprise"?
Please let me know.
Posted by: john McLaughlin | Mar 25, 2009 9:46:38 AM
I worked for Monaco for five years in the IS department and had contact with all segments of the business, here and in Indiana and Florida at times, and I can only speak to the quality of the employees and that was very good to excellent. I am sixty years young and now I am unemployed and because Monaco was their own health insurer I am also without health care even though I have paid all my COBRA premiums. What is wrong with this picture? It isn't the workers who deserve better. I can't say how this came to be as I wasn't at that level but I can say it wasn't because of the workers on the line and in service - they were always trying to make Monaco a better product. Someone should seriously ask how the workers could end up without health care insurance when they have done everything right?
Posted by: Franky Speaking | Mar 28, 2009 9:03:34 AM
I feel for the employees. I got caught up in the automotive down turn in which no one appeared to care. Now, Michigan is will pay the price for not attending to business. Monaco Coach is the same mentality; the employees will suffer, but the management walked away with full pockets and lots of disposable income. In American Society only the workers get hurt.
Monaco was cranking out so many versions of the same thing with fit and finish problems, high warranty claims it is not a big surprise to those that follow manufacture trends. That is the real case with Monaco; the fit and finish just wasn't there, coupled with high warranty claims, and the rest is history.
I visited the Indiana Plant, and final inspection and test was substandard. The real inspection was left to the dealerships and customers. Not Good Business! The customer's time is valuable as well, and it should not be waiting for months for parts and service. That is what really killed the company.
Low warranty and repairs; good for business!
Posted by: Joe | Mar 28, 2009 8:29:32 PM
As a former employee in Indiana, I agree, the units were substandard. Anyways, Monaco has screwed everyone out of any cobra benefits. Horrible people.
Posted by: Jan | Mar 29, 2009 9:25:20 AM
We are full-time RVers and need to buy a new rig for health reasons. I have fallen in love with the 2008 and 2009 Monaco Monarch motorhome. Comments on this site sound pretty unfavorable but I wonder if similar comments would appear about other manufacturers if I could find comment sites for them. For instance, my second choice would be the Fleetwood Southwind. When we bought our Winnebago new 5 yrs ago, we drove it off the lot and have had no warranty issues with it at all. Comments here imply that this might not be the case with the Monarch. Any comments or suggestions about whether we should buy the Monarch if we can get a great deal and how we could deal with the warranty issue?
Posted by: long time | Mar 29, 2009 10:55:27 AM
i worked at the coburg plant and i will say that like any place you have good workers and you have bad ones.most of the time i found that the workers wanted to do the right thing but were not allowed to, production was the word of the day and the lack of individual accountability.i know of a few times that leads wanted to fire someone but not in this day of liberalism.after a while of seeing poeple who should be fired a person some times gets discouaged and loses there edge.
Posted by: monoconot | Apr 5, 2009 12:19:04 PM
Traded my Phaeton for top end Monoco last year. Worst RV choice I have ever made. the quality was skin deep and it seemed every mile produced a new problem of larger magitude. I took a it, but am now back driving an Allegro Bus - Tiffin has it all over Monoco and it's easy to see why they are gone.
Posted by: monoconot | Apr 5, 2009 12:19:05 PM
Traded my Phaeton for top end Monoco last year. Worst RV choice I have ever made. the quality was skin deep and it seemed every mile produced a new problem of larger magitude. I took a it, but am now back driving an Allegro Bus - Tiffin has it all over Monoco and it's easy to see why they are gone.
Posted by: carey | Apr 5, 2009 5:25:38 PM
There is a lot of grousing about Monaco with the down turn and loss of sales, leading to loss of jobs. Before this crash, all was well. Now, we have to point a finger. Well, I have had 2 Executives and my current one is a 2003 that I custom ordered and still very much enjoy for its quality. Any specialty item will have initial quality issues. I had a 65 foot motor yacht before this, and it took about two years to get the kinks out. That was for something costing a lot more than an RV and with a great reputation as well. So, put things in perspective and help us dig out this economy with a positive attitude. I, for one, always got great service and a fine design. I truly hope they keep rolling.
Posted by: ProudRepublican | Apr 6, 2009 7:20:48 PM
It's funny how everyone loves to complain about the republican party for this economy, check your facts and you'll find this bank mess originated from Clinton repealing the Seagall act of 1931 allowing banks to go unregulated. He's on time magazines list for people most responsible for causing this disaster. Obama's not helping. Monaco coach made a quality product, but nothing is perfect and mistakes happen. Liberal Democrats love to pass the buck so when their worn motor coach develops a problem they complain to everyone to say "I paid good money for this, they better fix it for free!" Never thinking who will really pay, (laid off workers) It's easy to think this "big" company can afford to pay for these repairs even way beyond any reasonable warranty time. Is it really fair to make someone fix your problems when it's not a defect but wear and tear. Owners need to take some responsibility for themselves. If your shoes wore a hole in them after a year would you bring them back to the cobbler and demand a repair or else you would "raise hell" and contact the better business bureau? It seems like in this day in age people become more and more inconsiderate of the others around them and care only of themselves. Just merging on the highway nowadays proves it to me, people don't slow to let you in , instead they floor it just to slam on the brakes to block you, and smiling about it. I'm not saying people should lower their standards for quality, but if there is a problem under warranty, be reasonable with the service people, as they are people just like you. If the problem is out of warranty don't expect the manufacturer to "pay up". The warranty has terms for a reason, it's to cover workmanship and manufacturing defects, not worn or broken parts. As a previous post stated Monaco went out of their way to make their customers happy often making repairs out of warranty when they really shouldn't have. Unfortunately many people took advantage of this policy and they are partly to blame for the companys demise. I believe it's a free country and people have every right to drive a large motor home, there are emmissions standards in place to prevent excess pollution and I think most people would be suprised to know that a toyota prius does more harm to the environment during it's life than a 43' monaco coach does.
Posted by: Cwayne | Apr 15, 2009 8:20:41 PM
I own a upper scale Monaco product. It isn't perfect but is far better than any other motor coach I have owned.
When I bought it there were a lot of people involved in making it and they all make good wages doing it. The Allison Transmission people - the Caterpillar people that made the engine - the Goodyear people that made the tires - the Eaton people that made the axel - the people that made the 25 gallons of paint on it. - You get the idea. A good product that caused employment for a lot of people and has provided a lot of enjoyment to us as owners.
I worked hard and long for the money to pay for this machine but it was my choice and I'm happy to have made it and am glad that I could be part of employing so many people all around the country. Now that the coach is no longer new we continue to cause employment for people that service it and that work at the campgrounds we frequent.
We have traveled from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from Canada to Mexico and have loved every minute of it. You ought to try it - you might like it.
This is a reward that a hard working American can earn if properly motivated.
The only thing I regret is that I liked the coach so well that I bought some stock in the company and that stock now appears to be worthless.
The kooks that denigrate motorhomes as not being "green" need to stop being jealous and get a life.
Posted by: BB | Apr 17, 2009 7:36:24 PM
I owned a 2002 Monaco high end coach built in Indiana. It was personally delivered to me in Arizona. It had a 4" X 4" hole in the front cap. Monaco prided themselves in warrantying their work. Unfortunately they had to or no one would have bought the product due to poor quality in workmanship. I went over every inch of this motor coach. I had 143 (yes one hundred and forty-three!!!!!) problems listed. Yes, Monaco attempted to take care of these problems. I had the coach at the service department in Elkhart, IN and Harrisburg, OR so many times I lost count. I kept immaculate records and documented EVERYTHING. This coach was completely redecorated at Monaco's cost (due to their lying at time of purchase that I couldn't custom order the interior). The kitchen, water closet and vanity area tile was completely replaced - warranty! The entire coach was re-painted in 2007 - warranty! The washer/dryer was replaced - warranty. The woodworking needed extensive repair/replacement in every area - warranty. I literally spent 5 years in and out of the Monaco service department - warranty.
During my first visit in the service department at Monaco (Elkhart) I spoke with upper mangement about their lack of quality. They were concerned about quanity not quality. They wanted to make as many and sell as many that they could regardless of the lack of quality workmanship. They gave bonuses for production not quality!!!! They figured they made so much profit on one of the coaches it would cover the warranty work. WRONG!!!!
The smartest thing I did was sell my stock when it was up. The second smartest thing I did was sell my coach in October 2007 when diesel was over $4/gallon.
I could see their management was going to run the company into the ground. Between poor management and the sinking economy it's a wonder they didn't go under sooner. Monaco management should have listened to their customers. It's sad their employees are paying the price.
Posted by: Arkadaş | Apr 24, 2009 8:02:16 AM
I interviewed there not long ago and realized then that exec management and ownership was completely oblivious to the risks from the macroeconomy. Yeah, around $100K is real good money in Eugene, but remember that scene from "Titanic" when the young tycoon is trying to buy his way onto a life boat and the deck hand throws the money in his face?
Posted by: Steve | Apr 28, 2009 2:33:04 PM
I have a Monaco Dynasty with extended warranty from Prizm. During my regular service visit, the dealer advises the power converter is shot. ONE MONTH LATER the dealer is still waiting to get approval to replace the part. Prizm insist the inverter can be repaired but the dealer can't find anyone to repair it. FInally they found a place 350 miles away that will "look at it and determine if they can fix it or not". I called Prizm and they basically hung up on me. I have submitted two calls to customer service supervisors and no return calls. If you go to Denver BBB, you will see numerous complaints against Prizm. My advice is to BEWARE of them I think they are following in the footsteps of Monaco.
Posted by: Glenn Gibb | Jun 6, 2009 5:08:58 PM
It really hits home home regarding the financial crisis when you read some of the blogs on Monaco and Fleetwood as to how they treated their employees well and provided a lot of good jobs with good pay and benefits. One thinks that these are only two of the companies that have suffered hardship. How many other companies have suffered similar fates. So very unfortunate.
I have long been an RV enthusiast and I know companies like these have evolved by people that are passionate about the products they design and build. I can only imagine how hard it is to see it all go down the tube. It's encouraging nevertheless to hear that they may be on the road to restructuring and resuming operations.
I certainly hope so.
Posted by: Chris Whitrow | Jul 13, 2009 11:46:44 AM
Junk! Bought the thing last summer , the dealership told me to bring it in the spring . The lino on the floor all peeled up due to lack of glue , Sewer valves never did work properly , walls are coming loose , all sorts of trim falling off . The workmanship was terrible .
And of course , no warrenty . I've have barely even used this trailer yet and it's falling apart .
On another note , I have a 31ft 2009 Traillite for sale hardly use ......
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Posted by: Torridjoe | Mar 5, 2009 7:00:39 PM
Sad. The RV market is abysmal right now. As I noted yesterday, the NYSE had also delisted the stock, for the reason Jenson cites. I'd heard they'd laid most but not all off, but that shutdown was also an option. Sounds like it became the only one.