We have been looking for small, around 20', travel trailer and came across one we like, the Evergreen I-Go. When I tried to google the company, I found they went out of business, how sad for the workers and owners of their product.The deals are attractive, but I realize that there will be no factory support and only dealer support. Has anyone dealt with this? I am really torn as to whether to go with it or choose something else especially since quality control at the factory can be poor.Thoughts? Maybe simply play it safe and go for a company in business paying a little more?

To me it would depend on the deal and the known quality of the product. If you figure that the warranty is only good for a year in most cases, then it may not be that big of a deal. If you bought it now and didn't really use it much until next spring, you've already lost half the warranty.

If its what you like,go for it, dealer service stinks any way.

I too have an "orphan and love it. Some companies that went "belly up" made quality products.Check around the internet to find out what other owners report.

Factory support on what?Lippert made the frame. Atwood, Suburban, and/or Dometic supplied 90% of the components. Evergreen only deaigned the floor pland and assembled components from outside suppliers. I simply do not see a problem.

Things like delamination and/or issues with the slide. I came across an issue with slides, electrical and windows. Quality control seems to be a lost art/science these days with the majority thus my concern.Thanks for the all of the opinions!

Buying an "Orphan"? | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Nov 16, 2016
To me it would depend on the deal and the known quality of the product. If you figure that the warranty is only good for a year in most cases, then it may not be that big of a deal. If you bought it now and didn't really use it much until next spring, you've already lost half the warranty.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
If its what you like,go for it, dealer service stinks any way.
cmcdar
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
I too have an "orphan and love it. Some companies that went "belly up" made quality products.

Check around the internet to find out what other owners report.
donn0128
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
Factory support on what?
Lippert made the frame. Atwood, Suburban, and/or Dometic supplied 90% of the components. Evergreen only deaigned the floor pland and assembled components from outside suppliers. I simply do not see a problem.
brookside
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
Things like delamination and/or issues with the slide. I came across an issue with slides, electrical and windows. Quality control seems to be a lost art/science these days with the majority thus my concern.

Thanks for the all of the opinions!
SoundGuy
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016
brookside wrote:
... but I realize that there will be no factory support and only dealer support.

Without factory support there is no dealer support either because there are no parts or supporting technical service available from a factory that no longer exists. Contrary to popular opinion recreational trailers are NOT assembled from 3rd party sources to the extent that some would have you believe and if you happen to need one of those in-house manufactured parts you're toast. But hey, go ahead and find out the hard way ... heck, the pundits who say it's no issue buying an orphan won't be there for you either so what do they care? :R

I wouldn't do it. :(
donn0128
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
SoundGuy wrote:
brookside wrote:
... but I realize that there will be no factory support and only dealer support.

Without factory support there is no dealer support either because there are no parts or supporting technical service available from a factory that no longer exists. Contrary to popular opinion recreational trailers are NOT assembled from 3rd party sources to the extent that some would have you believe and if you happen to need one of those in-house manufactured parts you're toast. But hey, go ahead and find out the hard way ... heck, the pundits who say it's no issue buying an orphan won't be there for you either so what do they care? :R

I wouldn't do it. :(

OK, giess Im stupid. So explain to me Exactly what you think a MFG does in house that cannot be fixed or sourced via the internet?
Cabinets? Naw, there simple wood boxes.
Skirts? Nope, bought from a third party.
Stove? Again third party
Refer? Third party
Water heater furnace and AC unit? Third party.
Siding? Nope, sorry, third party.
Furniture? Third party.
Frame, axles, wheels, tires? Nope, third party
Lets be honest here. Mfgs buy most everything from someone else and only make in house the wall framing and cabinets. Maybe or maybe not the cabinet doors.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
If you ask me they are all orphans once the warranty runs out! The basic trailer build for all types of trailers is the same. Similar to how houses are all built the same by different builders. All the appliances are offered by the same manuf. that offer them in current new models. The only thing special about how manuf build trailers is how they are assembled.

I would't sweat it. Check it out real good like any new/used trailer. And go from there.

Good luck!
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Nov 16, 2016
I love my 1993 Cobra Sunrise. There has been no Cobra since about 94. It works for me just fine.

The roof it getting bad but, that would be true on any unit this age with a rubber roof.

If it is in good shape, and you like it, that is what matters. Any used TT is a risk. No matter who made it.
noteven
Explorer III
Nov 17, 2016
1 orphan truck camper and 1 orphan travel trailer bought and sold in the last 10 yrs.

3 orphans in the fleet right now.

All 5 from "higher end" OEM's - bought gently used. All have worked out well.

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