Lancer Camper. Inc Sold Out

jimh425 wrote:

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'd have thought they would have all left long ago, and California would look more like - well, Michigan or Kentucky.

Interesting how you worked Michigan and Kentucky into the discussion, but I don't think we'd probably agree on any measures that "prove" California is better. In any case, what difference does it make where Lance happens to be.

I only mentioned those two states because they were brought up by others as examples. I'm not trying to prove California is better than anywhere. I was born here and as far as I am concerned the more people that leave the better. But the idea that a business like this can substantially improve its profit merely by a change of scenery is generally a fantasy. Sure if they were currently operating in downtown SF or SJ, but Lancaster?

SidecarFlip wrote:
My view is, reduce the supply chain distance and reduce your built in costs. Why I said they will relocate to Indiana, Ohio or (long shot), Michigan because all their suppliers are here or at least the ones that incur the highest freight charges.

I would not be at all surprised if the State of Indiana isn't already wooing them to relocate to the 'RV Capital of the United States' with tax incentives and / or real estate tax abatements.

There might be a small argument for being near Elkhart, as the supply chain for some appliances might be shortened by a few days. I suspect that someone like Lance has the leverage to run a JIT supply chain with no ownership until pulled for assembly though, so it may not contribute anything. If Lance isn't doing this, it would be a more productive pursuit than a speculative move to wherever. Skilled workers are clearly not required in the RV business - just look at the products.

Tax breaks are another thing entirely and are the reason than companies with nervous feet might walk. Many local communities are beginning to wise up to this though, as are the Feds. A local jurisdiction can only give away so much before there is nothing left, and the competition to do so has ruined some already.

My view is, reduce the supply chain distance and reduce your built in costs. Why I said they will relocate to Indiana, Ohio or (long shot), Michigan because all their suppliers are here or at least the ones that incur the highest freight charges.

Plus here, the have 'Amish Craftsmanship' (a joke) instead of Mexican Craftsmanship (another joke).

I would not be at all surprised if the State of Indiana isn't already wooing them to relocate to the 'RV Capital of the United States' with tax incentives and / or real estate tax abatements.

No one will know until they announce their intent. How it works but I see that happening and happening rather quickly.

Kayteg1 wrote:

jimh425 wrote:
... In any case, what difference does it make where Lance happens to be.

JOB ETHICS.
I retire from construction in San Francisco area.
We did charge high, but we did work efficiently and with excelent quality.
I moved to Las Vegas and hired contractor for pool construction.
The gunite shell contractors neglected removal of loose dirt from excavation before concrete pour. The crew was 7, so no lack of man power.
So jeopardizing $20,000 job over few minutes of preparation is standard operating procedure in this city.
The walls are 2" off plumb, go in wave lines and the pool is 5" shallower than spec.
I even made complain to Contractor licence board and they consider that "Industry standard"
So what would be camper build "industry standard" in Nevada?
You think contractors charge less for the job than in San Francisco? Think again.

Sounds to me like you need to leave Lost Wages and locate elsewhere.

BradW wrote:
Anyone know the percent of lance tc vs lance towables sold each year?

In my view, Lance got into pull behinds for market share and capital gain. The TC segment will always be a small part of the RV industry as a whole.

I would imagine that Lance / REV will push the trailer aspect even harder in the future.

jimh425 wrote:

BradW wrote:
Anyone know the percent of lance tc vs lance towables sold each year?

That would be interesting considering a lot of consolidation seems to be happening in trailers/fifth wheels.

I'm just wondering if Lance got bought out for their TCs, towables or both?

jimh425 wrote:


Sounds like you have a different standard than the area where you moved to in Nevada. That doesn't make them unethical.

Sounds like you'd accept TC with gaps in the roof and no caulking when it is build in certain area?

Kayteg1 wrote:
I even made complain to Contractor licence board and they consider that "Industry standard"
So what would be camper build "industry standard" in Nevada?

Sounds like you have a different standard than the area where you moved to in Nevada. That doesn't make them unethical.

jimh425 wrote:
... In any case, what difference does it make where Lance happens to be.

JOB ETHICS.
I retire from construction in San Francisco area.
We did charge high, but we did work efficiently and with excelent quality.
I moved to Las Vegas and hired contractor for pool construction.
The gunite shell contractors neglected removal of loose dirt from excavation before concrete pour. The crew was 7, so no lack of man power.
So jeopardizing $20,000 job over few minutes of preparation is standard operating procedure in this city.
The walls are 2" off plumb, go in wave lines and the pool is 5" shallower than spec.
I even made complain to Contractor licence board and they consider that "Industry standard"
So what would be camper build "industry standard" in Nevada?
You think contractors charge less for the job than in San Francisco? Think again.

BradW wrote:
Anyone know the percent of lance tc vs lance towables sold each year?

That would be interesting considering a lot of consolidation seems to be happening in trailers/fifth wheels.

HMS Beagle wrote:
I'd have thought they would have all left long ago, and California would look more like - well, Michigan or Kentucky.

Interesting how you worked Michigan and Kentucky into the discussion, but I don't think we'd probably agree on any measures that "prove" California is better. In any case, what difference does it make where Lance happens to be.