As a former employee of the original Coachmen company I think I am qualified to reply. Some of what has been said is true but much is untrue. First the workers are NOT simply paid by the piece...its a base with a productivity bonus. It varies by company but all about the same. As for no jigs levels etc....totally untrue. there is a great deal of design built into the manufacturing process but keep in mind the materials used here have great variables unlike the auto industry. You can't compare a traditional home or even a modular to these as components are built in different places and assembled. The big thing to remember is all rv's are built with two things in mind....selling price point and profit. The average buyer is more impressed with their solid surface countertops and SS appliances then they are about how it is made and that is always in the companies mind. You want to add fancy appointments and sound systems and tv etc that money comes from someplace to meet the price point....construction....its that simple. One last point....the dealer is the last QC of the product and as such is paid a PDI fee....however many dealers don't bother to check a unit....fill the propane wash it and out the door. He is the equivalent of the punchlist guy a builder sends in to fix the screw-ups made while building your house. Can a better unit be built...for sure....but the public want fancy and cheap.
