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brookside's avatar
brookside
Explorer
Nov 16, 2016

Buying an "Orphan"?

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?
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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. :(
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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