Ford TC

Interesting side article in the current issue of AutoWeek magazine. It mentions the minimal amount of body shops (less than 10%) that are actually qualified to repair aluminum and the increased insurance rates that companies may be charging on the new Ford aluminum trucks. Im not knocking Ford's idea. Im just saying what the experts at AutoWeek are warning.

The QC issues in auto manufacturers products seem to be things you can't see, things that are getting people hurt or killed. I really don't think the auto industry is any better than the RV industry.

I didn't say Ford or any auto manufacturer doesn't have QC issues.
I can assure you that my truck will outlast my caulked and wood screwed together foam box of a TC. Especially considering that I use the truck for everything. If I used and abused my TC the same way, I bet it wouldn't last even 5 years, if that. Are you seriously comparing, excuse me, RV design and QC with that of auto manufacturers? If Lance or Northwood sold half as many units as Ford does trucks, they'd fail.

If you look at behind the skin of some of these "quality" brand campers, it's a little scary what they consider quality. I've had to fix or make right multiple things on my "absolute Northwood quality" camper. If I had as many assembly/fit and finish issues with my truck within the first year as I've had with the camper, it would qualify as a lemon. But, since apparently I'm supposed to "deal with it, it's a camper". I do.

Ford isn't going to put their name on an endorsed, licensed product that has shoddy assembly and quality control. That's all I'm saying.

I just read on the Ford website that there will be engineer input.

RZAR66 wrote:
because strict quality control and American auto manufacturers go hand in hand.

Not all manufacturers, but Ford isn't a typical American auto manufacturer.

joeshmoe wrote:
Is it safe to say that we will finally have engineers at least associated with this project? Can't imagine Ford putting their name on this without strict quality control.

Ya because strict quality control and American auto manufacturers go hand in hand.

Is it safe to say that we will finally have engineers at least associated with this project? Can't imagine Ford putting their name on this without strict quality control.

Interesting that Camplite is turning out a fiberglass shell for this Ford Camper. Wonder if their will be an option on their non Ford campers for fiberglass?

the bear II wrote:
Thinking back to the photos of the new aluminum ford truck that burnt up during testing in Death Valley a month or so ago... First thing that came to my mind is "Oh great now there will be a bigger puddle of melted aluminum on the side of the road".

Yes, because all production models are sure to spontaneously burst in to flames and melt.

Thinking back to the photos of the new aluminum ford truck that burnt up during testing in Death Valley a month or so ago... First thing that came to my mind is "Oh great now there will be a bigger puddle of melted aluminum on the side of the road".

Looks like more than just TC's. Travel trailers, tent trailers and 5th wheels too. Also Looks like Livin lite is abandoning their all aluminum philosophy for this deal with Ford.