A couple of days ago THE WIFE and I toured the EVERGREEN factory In Middlebury, Indiana.
Very impressive. The TT’s are NOT mass produced, yes there is a production line but not what one envisions, they are hand built, by people and not robots. The “line” was about 6 iGos in various stages of completion same with some ASCEND. The various models are done in groups so that the technicians are doing the same job on each as they, not the TT progresses down the line.
One interesting fact is that the wiring is color coded unlike many other brands and the wiring is placed in plastic wiring runs and is not simply laid in the walls.
We witnessed “tank” testing where all of the tanks are filled with water and inspected for leaks in the water system likewise the “rain” test of the finished units.
I specifically asked about the seal around the windows, the window is constructed with a built in seal on both the interior and exterior parts that are then drawn together forming the water tight seal. I observed this.
Also saw the equipment used to pressurize the TT’s for water leaks
We also saw the aluminum framework being welded along with the foam insulation insertion all the way through the construction of the entire wall in the vacuum process. The roof is constructed in the same fashion. We were told that of the thousands of units produced only two have experienced delamination.
These guys are dedicated to producing a quality product as it was evident not only from their enthusiasm but the un harried pace of the “line”. The techs were working hard but are still doing a quality job. Pat and I were surprised at just how labor intensive the construction is in every respect, from the frame to building of all the cabinetry that is done in house. Human hands on every piece.
I took many pictures and will see if I can post some here. It was a very interesting tour and the area is crammed with RV manufacturers, they are everywhere.
Almost forgot, we went to the RV Museum in Elkhart, Indiana and it was worth the trip as all of the units displayed were in perfect condition. A dont miss. While there also see the STUDEBAKER Museum, WOW.
CCC and THE WIFE
31RLS
Jack Mayer said
03:01 PM Jun 25, 2012
The construction methods you observed are fairly typical of the RV industry. There are no automated/robotic production lines. All RVs are basically hand built.
The RV industry, in general, does not build a product to the same standards of the car and shipbuilding industries. Mainly because people want "flash" and not quality infrastructure. And at a low cost, relatively. SO you do get what you pay for, for the most part.
A couple of days ago THE WIFE and I toured the EVERGREEN factory In Middlebury, Indiana.
Very impressive. The TT’s are NOT mass produced, yes there is a production line but not what one envisions, they are hand built, by people and not robots. The “line” was about 6 iGos in various stages of completion same with some ASCEND. The various models are done in groups so that the technicians are doing the same job on each as they, not the TT progresses down the line.
One interesting fact is that the wiring is color coded unlike many other brands and the wiring is placed in plastic wiring runs and is not simply laid in the walls.
We witnessed “tank” testing where all of the tanks are filled with water and inspected for leaks in the water system likewise the “rain” test of the finished units.
I specifically asked about the seal around the windows, the window is constructed with a built in seal on both the interior and exterior parts that are then drawn together forming the water tight seal. I observed this.
Also saw the equipment used to pressurize the TT’s for water leaks
We also saw the aluminum framework being welded along with the foam insulation insertion all the way through the construction of the entire wall in the vacuum process. The roof is constructed in the same fashion. We were told that of the thousands of units produced only two have experienced delamination.
These guys are dedicated to producing a quality product as it was evident not only from their enthusiasm but the un harried pace of the “line”. The techs were working hard but are still doing a quality job. Pat and I were surprised at just how labor intensive the construction is in every respect, from the frame to building of all the cabinetry that is done in house. Human hands on every piece.
I took many pictures and will see if I can post some here. It was a very interesting tour and the area is crammed with RV manufacturers, they are everywhere.
Almost forgot, we went to the RV Museum in Elkhart, Indiana and it was worth the trip as all of the units displayed were in perfect condition. A dont miss. While there also see the STUDEBAKER Museum, WOW.
CCC and THE WIFE
31RLS
The RV industry, in general, does not build a product to the same standards of the car and shipbuilding industries. Mainly because people want "flash" and not quality infrastructure. And at a low cost, relatively. SO you do get what you pay for, for the most part.