Newmar parts prices have gone insane!

[ARD]

Although I spoke with @Neal already, I didn't want all of you to think I dropped the ball. The price for the parts Neal was interested in have gone up since the last time he purchased them; however, they are still $200-$300 less if purchased here as opposed to calling in.

One afternoon, 4 Dutch Stars arrived, and I was in the middle of them. Turns out they were nephews of Mahlon Miller, and did I get an earful. According to them, morale is in the dirt, and retirements can't come quickly enough. Two sticking points are that Casey is bringing in lots of new management from Whirlpool or as they said, the washing machine company. The other is how Newmar has gotten involved with NASCAR.

I can confirm this one. Morale is on the floor. It is quiet, cautious and corporate. They all understand they can be replaced by a cheaper, less experienced hire any day. With many seasoned techs nearing retirement, I wouldn't be surprised to see a real dip in service skill before long.

The craftsmanship that once defined Newmar, especially the gorgeous Amish woodwork just isn't what it was. Too many new vendors, not enough pride. The heart's been traded for headlines and NASCAR hype.

Lots of new owners here at the Service Center this trip. My guess is that's where the focus is now...on people who don't know how special Newmar used to be. And that's the real loss. They've gone corporate and once family turns corporate, it's hard to get the soul back.

I think this thread has probably run its course. I'll leave it to you @Neal since you started it.

 

[Holdmybeer]

The unfortunate reality is when businesses go public family and morale don't add up to dividend yields. When those don't add up things happen. Ordinarily not good things.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I did not intend to turn this post into a Newmar bashing. I just found it interesting to hear from family members who, of course, are biased.

A saying we have in the Texas ranching business is you should always ride for the brand. Bashing Newmar doesn't do anything to uplift or add to the Newmar brand.

Jus say'in.

 

[ARD]

I did not intend to turn this post into a Newmar bashing.

My post wasn't intended to bash Newmar. It was simply an honest observation of trends I've noticed over the past couple of years. I've been coming to the Mothership regularly for eight years and simply confirmed what others have noticed.

That said, if someone is looking for a production line coach, I still believe Newmar is the best choice. Entegra is no longer building Class A coaches with Tiffin taking over the Cornerstone, and Newmar still allows a level of customization that sets it apart.

We all want to see Newmar continue to succeed and open discussions like this help everyone make better, more informed decisions. However, we are off topic, so lets get back to parts.

 

[Neal]

No one is bashing Newmar. If you don’t recognize the situation it can’t be corrected. Things have changed for the worse. It’s a fact. It’s unfortunate and we all hope change is ahead that can put Newmar back on course for what we all bought this brand for and love. The owners and Newmar community is a big part of that. The great people that build and service our coaches are also who we love. To see their heritage being stripped away and morale destroyed cannot go unrecognized. Sometimes the wrong leadership comes in as we’ve seen in the military and corporate environment and that usually finds a way to a correct path forward. Hiding the facts don’t offer opportunity for correction.

 

[redbaron]

Love Newmar.

Not a fan of Casey and his methods of running the company.

Don’t often purchase parts from Newmar directly,, but it is interesting to know that prices in person are more reasonable.

This most likely has to do with the “free shipping”