So, has anyone heard if they opened this morning?

Rusty

Not exactly.....But I got an email from Joe Reed at 3:48 AM my time in CA that he would send the tracking number for my parts when the "parts department gets in". So far no confirmmation. Will post when I get something.

WALT

OK guys it is 11:36 est any body know if they are open yet ? been looking at those TS coaches real hard. Need to make a decision soon , if not i will go with 2008 TIFFIN PHAETON 40

George, some personal observations based on several factors..... just my personal observations.

First of all, your profile seems to indicate you spend a lot of time in the South.... The locations you list are all "southern" locales.
Inasmuch as any major issue might necessitate the return to a factory for repairs, and given that TS is in Indiana, that would be something to consider.... Tiffin is located in Alabama.

Secondly, from purely a "business" standpoint, there are apparently some issues at TS and I'm not sure I'd feel especially "warm and fuzzy" about what is going on, especially given the old "nobody's talking" mode they're in.
I also happen to have personal knowledge of a NC dealer's inability to deal with TS on some warranty parts and service issues, to the point where he strongly considered, (and may have by now) dropping TS products.

As far as everything I've read, which is basically everything I can Google or get my hands on regarding Tiffin, they're doing rather well...

If I ever buy another coach it'll be hard for me as a Floridian to buy anything but a Tiffin at this point.

Heard from someone at the factory this morning. The owner had a meeting with the employees. He gave a ra ra speech and was very upbeat about everything. Said we are going to survive this. We are not going under. This employee was impressed and beleived him. They are going through the factory and letting go of a lot of people now. Dead weight, as this person called it, which is a good thing. Production is still working. Thats all I know.

If they call me, I could give them my list of who to dump. But I assume they already know who to get rid of, so won't meed my help.

BREAKING NEWS
Travel Supreme Production Up and Running
RV Business
Monday, January 28, 2008

Travel Supreme Inc. said today (Jan. 28) that it is back in production but may not remain at full employment due to continued softness in the recreational vehicle market.

The Wakarusa, Ind.-based builder of luxury fifth-wheels and motorhomes closed down last Wednesday and told its around 230 employees not to report back to work until today. Management, including President Glenn Troyer, met privately this morning before talking to personnel.

The Travel Supreme news was a double whammy for the small, rural town in Elkhart County. On Friday, Coburg, Ore.-based Monaco Coach Corp. informed workers at its Wakarusa facility that it would be laying off around 200 people. Other RV companies in the manufacturing-heavy area are reportedly also scaling back on production.

The industry as a whole is feeling the combined effects of volatile gas prices, a meltdown in the finance sector and plummeting consumer confidence. In a report released today by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), wholesale shipments were down 9.5% last year compared to 2006.

Travel Supreme is a family-owned company founded in 1989. The company recently expanded its motorized line with the introduction of the more affordable Avalon diesel pusher motorhome during last November’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Excerpt fro RV Business

Travel Supreme Inc. said today (Jan. 28) that it is back in production but may not remain at full employment due to continued softness in the recreational vehicle market.

This was posted in another forum this afternoon

A friend called Travel Supreme today and they told him as of now you cannot order a new coach and they are restructuring and will know more in 8-10 weeks. They are not fully staffed.

quote:

Originally posted by george henry:
OK guys it is 11:36 est any body know if they are open yet ? been looking at those TS coaches real hard. Need to make a decision soon , if not i will go with 2008 TIFFIN PHAETON 40

With a softening economy, there's no guarantee Tiffin won't end up in financial difficulties.
Sounds like TS is back up and running, I'd buy whichever coach you like best.

George, I'm with Jet. Go find the coach you like best and don't let this stuff deter you from the one you really want. Both are great coaches.

Regarding Travel Supremes difficulties, I found this quote on another RV forum. I can't vouch for it's accuracy, I am only passing it along for what it's worth.

They only opened to finish production of the fifth wheel trailers and MH's that are already in production. The Service Dept. is closed, only 2 people in parts for COD orders and a phone tech for service support. Rumor is when production is finished they will close the doors unless an Investor comes forward or a Buyer for the business. Sad to see this fine Company close it's doors or on the verge of closing.

I'm suspicious of Tiffin....they keep stalling their bath and a half floorplan while others have been out for a couple of years...nobody is "bullet proof" in the current situation. Lookout for dealer closings!

quote:

Originally posted by Jetjam:

quote:

Originally posted by george henry:
OK guys it is 11:36 est any body know if they are open yet ? been looking at those TS coaches real hard. Need to make a decision soon , if not i will go with 2008 TIFFIN PHAETON 40

With a softening economy, there's no guarantee Tiffin won't end up in financial difficulties.
Sounds like TS is back up and running, I'd buy whichever coach you like best.

JMO...
In my research I concluded that the Phaeton at 208" wheel base would handle poorly and in looking at the units I believe that they are not made as well as TS.

BTW...

Got an email from Jacob at TS today that my doors had shipped. I am waiting for a tracking number but my hopes are up.

WALT

quote:

In my research I concluded that the Phaeton at 208" wheel base would handle poorly

Without driving it? That's SOME research..... Got any lottery numbers by chance?