Grand Design sells to Winnebago

[beemerphile1]

Yep, the guys that sold Keystone to Thor and then started Grand Design are now selling out to Winnebago.

For me it is very disappointing. Grand Design was started with the concept of selling a quality unit at a fair price. They also changed the way they worked with dealers.

We really need a company that will concentrate on providing a quality product to buyers. Once the concept is proven the other manufacturers would be forced to improve their quality.

Three companies, Forest River, Thor, and Winnebago will now sell over 80% of all RVs.

There is essentially one frame and axle company.

There are essentially only two appliance makers.

The lack of competition is causing the industry to be able to screw the customers. Here are you choices, sucker, like it or lump it.

[ramgunner]

Not necessarily. If you read some of the filings, at least on paper Winnebago recognizes what Grand Design brings to the table. This may not be another Thor-style takeover.

[fla-gypsy]

Winnebago already proved they know nothing about towables with their weak offerings. Now they will be able to ruin what appeared to be a good RV from the start. This is bad for the current owners and worse for those of us who planned a purchase in the next couple of years.

[minnow]

DallasSteve wrote:
...
Beemerphile, you say 80 percent of RV's are made by 3 companies. I see a lot of different makes on the road, but maybe many of them come from the same companies. Is there any website that has a list of RV names, sales, and the parent company?

Between Forest River and Thor, they have a huge presence. Have dozens of sub-brands. Go to each web site and look at all the brands they have.

Grand Design really pulled a fast one. It wasn't just a few months ago the owners swore up and down they they'd never sell out. I'd guess not much will change within the next 18 months or so, but after the full integration, things will change for sure. Already 2 of the three owners are basically out. They are on a 1 year contract as "Advisors" only working a few hours a week. I got that from reading the SEC filings on the merger.

[minnow]

MrWizard wrote:
I thought Fleetwood waa the giant conglomerate of RV Mfg
Being the GMC of RVs
Who bought them? Thor?

Fleetwood downsized considerably several years back. They don't even make any towables anymore-just motorhomes.

[TurnThePage]

Grand Design was at the top of my list. This will make me reconsider...

[goducks10]

Fleetwood is owned by REV Recreation Group.

[MrWizard]

I thought Fleetwood waa the giant conglomerate of RV Mfg
Being the GMC of RVs
Who bought them? Thor?

[run100]

Thor is huge and owns around 17 different rv manufacturers (brands). Take a look at the Thor website.

Looking at the Forest River site, they may even own more manufacturers now. They've grown quite a bit over the years.

[DallasSteve]

I sat in a Grand Design at a show last year and it was at the top of my list. I liked it a lot. However, if Winnebago jacks up their prices I will probably find something similar from another maker.

Beemerphile, you say 80 percent of RV's are made by 3 companies. I see a lot of different makes on the road, but maybe many of them come from the same companies. Is there any website that has a list of RV names, sales, and the parent company?

[mbopp]

Lots of talk on the Grand Design forum about this.

[donn0128]

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