Fleetwood RV reopens plant in Indiana  -  Roaming Times article
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Fleetwood RV reopens plant in Indiana
 "Fleetwood RV has recalled over 600 associates and plans to create an additional 300 jobs at its Decatur headquarters by 2012" 

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DECATUR, Ind. (Aug. 19, 2009) - Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from recreational vehicle manufacturer Fleetwood RV, Inc. to celebrate the company's plant reopening in Decatur. 

Following the sale of Fleetwood Enterprises' motor home division and Goldshield Fiberglass assets to private-equity firm, American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV LP in July, the newly established Fleetwood RV has recalled over 600 associates and plans to create an additional 300 jobs at its Decatur headquarters by 2012.
  


  Click for a bigger picture
Pictured from left to right: AIP executive, Jorge Amador; Fleetwood RV CEO, Chuck Wilkinson; AIP executive, Paul Bamatter; AIP executive, John Becker; Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels; AIP executive, Dino Cusumano; City of Decatur Mayor, John Schultz; Fleetwood RV President & COO, John Draheim

 Under the company's new ownership, Fleetwood RV is consolidating its California and Pennsylvania manufacturing operations to Decatur. Plans call for $7.4 million in new investment toward building improvements, machinery and equipment and retooling. In addition, the company will relocate $8 million in equipment from its out-of-state operations.
  
This is the latest of several recent business consolidations into Indiana, including Dometic, a manufacturer of recreational vehicle accessories, which is consolidating operations from Sweden and Mexico to Indiana and expanding its facilities in Elkhart and LaGrange counties.”

  
"Indiana is determined to make opportunity from hard times. We're reaching out to companies like Fleetwood and saying, if you are consolidating, do it in Indiana. Jobs have been coming to Indiana from everywhere," said Governor Mitch Daniels.
 

Fleetwood RV is currently hiring manufacturing personnel and will continue to make significant staffing additions over the next three years.

"The decision to establish our company headquarters in Decatur was two-fold," said John Draheim, president of Fleetwood RV. "First and most importantly, was the high-caliber workforce in the area, and the second was the cooperation from the state and city to develop a plan that would be best for the company, the local community and the RV industry as a whole.

Fleetwood Bounder Classic class A motorhome exterior
Fleetwood Bounder Classic class A motorhome
"The right motor home at the right time - a high-function, high-value coach that appeals to a wide range of RVers"
 See RoTi 2010 Fleetwood Bounder Classic review
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Fleetwood Tioga class C motorhome exterior
 Fleetwood Tioga class C motorhome
"Comfy furniture, beautiful wood cabinetry..big towing capacity..with a heated basement for extended season camping"
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  The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Fleetwood RV up to $9 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The Decatur City Council approved additional property tax abatement at the request of the Adams County Economic Development Corporation.

"Have no doubt - as Mayor, you don't sleep at night when worrying about people needing jobs but this is a giant leap for us on the way to recovery. We are grateful to Fleetwood RV," said Decatur Mayor John Schultz.
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LATEST FORUM ITEMS FLEETWOOD RVs
titleauthorcomments 
Re: 2010 Fleetwood Quest class C motorhomeAnneWe also have a 2010 Fleetwood Quest RV,and just love it. good price,good RV, good job Fleetwood!!!See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Icon class C motorhomeGraceWe bought one of these last month and love it, We're spending the winter in Arizona and we'll be touring around. This is the perfect RV for us.See RoTi item
Re: 2010 Fleetwood Quest class C motorhomeHank LThe Quest looks real nice, very similar to the Icon but lower price. I'm going to compare them.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood DiscoveryjltJust purchased a used 2007 fleetwood discovery 39V, the problem is there was not any manuals, we need a cat 330, a tracvision dome manual, a coby dvd 938, a 39V coach manual would sure help. email jackie.touchstone@suddenlink.netSee RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Terra LX class A motorhomeRetiredSeniors(one w/postpolioWe just bought a 2008 Terra 33L and would like to know what recalls, complaints, or things to look out for by others.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Icon class C motorhomeRickVery nice this is classier than the fleetwood class c's i've rented. Good deal for a $100k. We're looking to buy a c and I'll find a dealer and look at this.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Bounder Classic class A motorhomeGary DishmanWhat braintrust came up with the idea for the kitchen in the very front of the coach? Makes as much since as putting the toilet in the navagators seat.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Pulse and Icon modelsGeorge WilliamsAccording to the brochure, the 2010 Icon is rated for 3,500 lbs carrying capacity. The hitch capacity is also 3,500 lbs. Don't know about both being at capacity at the same time though. No statement is made about that. I own an 09, and am happy with it, though I haven't yet pulled the car. Part of the reason is that at that size we though we would run with the MH alone. We did that this past summer and it was great! We have the diesel, and ran out at 17 to 18 MPG. I run about 60 MPH. Seldom higher than that. Sure beats the 35' V-10 (with Banks pkg), which produced 6 to 8 MPG, (gas).See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood RV reopens plant in IndianalelandIf fleetwood want honor the warranty on 2009 travel trailers who do they think will buy anything with fleetwood on it?See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood RV reopens plant in IndianaSeanI really like Fleetwood RVs, I've had 2. I think they're a major part of RVing history along with Winnebago and I'm glad to see them come back to life.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Jamboree class C motorhomeBryan GrahamI had a Jamboree for 2 years in the 90s. We went everywhere in it and it gave us very few problems. We're looking at the new models now and I think they really do incorporate all of the experience they've gained over the years. Fleetwood are a good company and the Jamboree is a great class C.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Terra LX class A motorhomeMikeWe got an '09 Terra LX 34B and really enjoy it. What minor issues came up after delivery were quickly dealt with leaving us with a nice unit for all sorts of trips. Great weight capacity. Very comfortable.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Bounder Classic class A motorhomeHomerI have owned a Bounder, one the very best coaches I have ever owned out of 7 class A's. Fleetwood just seems to give you every thing you need and want in a Bounder. Dependability above all else. See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood American Tradition luxury motorcoachLadyofLeisureI have an American Tradition and the 43 Ft Full Wall Slide is just awesome! I love the full bath in the back with 1/2 bath. We have a 2001 AT and we are thinking about putting the TV on extention brackets. I would love to design my own . . . lots of idea stiring and show them what I would like to change.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood American Tradition luxury motorcoachRobertIt's hard to believe, on a truely luxury motorhome, and this was is, that they still put the tv up over the front. It hurts your neck after awhile and not one seat is in a position where you have a straight look at the tv.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Southwind class A motorhomeCoveman6bought a 2007 Fleetwood Southwind 37C. Now have 9000 miles and love it. Again same start up problems. Like buying a car 20 years ago. My dealer made all the difference in the world. I agree with Michael's comment. United RV is the tops. Great people family owned. I have no stake in this company and no personal relationship just one satisfied customer. Fleetood can be a pain to work with but having a good dealer means everything. The coach performs very well. Expect to go slow up mountains but you can spend the extra little travel time counting how much money you still have in the bank since you did not buy a diesel. One thing I am not happy about is I discovered after purchase that it was a 2007 unit on a 2006 Ford chasis. Watch out for that when buying See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Tioga class C motorhomeSnowbirdThanks everyone, because of the information you all have shared, I am even more excited about RVing and the Tioga; which, was my first choice when I decided on full-timing (next year when I will retire). See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Tioga class C motorhomeJimWe have a 2006 Tioga SL, 30U model. After all the items that needed fixing from the factory were repaired, it's now a nice rig. I think the rear bedroom slideout should go the opposite way as with both of them out it leans about 3 degrees left on a level surface. Ours has shower only, no tub. Works for us.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Tioga class C motorhomesnowbirdI haven't gotten a rig yet, but I am interested to know if anyone has a Jamboree 30u or Tioga 30sl. I've seen floor plans featuring shower with tub and I would like to know if they are 'sufficient' for bathing.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Bounder Diesel class A motorhomeCatWe have had a 2007 Bounder for 18 months and 14,000 miles. We love it. Good power plenty of room, great to drive,alot for the money. Had some small problems Fleetwood and dealer took care of them. I would buy again.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Bounder gas class A motorhomeRobert CarrI bought a Fleetwood in February. Incredible buy. Good price and it's been trouble free so far apart from 3 minor items (2 electrical and one for a water valve sticking). The dealer is still in business and I'm getting excellent service.See RoTi item
2008 Fleetwood DiscoveryGreg PWe have a 2008 Discovery. When I bought this coach it was 10 months old and I was told by the first owner that he'd had some minor problems that had all been resolved. He told me what they were but I don't really remember. But I've had it good. Really nice coach.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Terra LX class A motorhomeDrewThe Terra we ordered came with the wrong counter tops. They wanted us to take it anyway and have it fixed by someone else. We bought a Winnebago instead and like it a lot..and a king bed as well.See RoTi item
2007 Fleetwood DiscoveryRich PLike this coach very much. bought it in 07 and a few problems as with all coaches but manufacturer and dealer sorted them out. Don't know why there is critisim of fleetwood, my experience (2 rvs) has been good.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Terry Premier Travel TrailerGayleI like the styling outside and the layout shown with the rear kitchen. The longest version of the Premier has 2 slides but I like the shortest version best. Fleetwood RVs really seem to be getting better.See RoTi item
2006 Fleetwood Southwind - stress cracksLybsWe have found stress cracks in the body of our 2006 Fleetwood Southwind. WE were able to get one fixed because it was obvious that it was caused by overtightening screws holding the hot water heater in place. We have taken pictures of the ones in the back of the unit where the ladder is attached but Fleetwood is saying that it is not structural. That seems to be a pretty common statement. Are there others with similiar problems?See RoTi item
2008 Fleetwood TerraErik JWe have a 2008 Fleetwood Terra. Great motorhome. We really looked at a lot of motorhomes and options and decided on the Terra. Never regretted it. Don't buy into any of the negative stuff about Fleetwood, they make a good product. Sure, we've had a few problems, but minor and taken care of. I really recommend Fleetwood.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood Pulse and Icon modelsPete JI did a test drive of a Icon over the weekend. The mercedes diesel handled very well. Really liked it and really thinking about it.See RoTi item
2006 Fleetwood Bounder dieselRon HoffmanWe have a Bounder - a 2006 diesel. We've really like this coach. We had a bounder before and then upgraded to a diesel. The difference is incredible. Like the interior and most things. A few problems during the warranty, mainly electrical and with the generator, but these were all fixed. Since then we've had problems with one slide and this sticks occasionally despite being fixed more than once. When it sticks I need to keep running it in and out until it works ok. So far we've always managed to work it but there is obviously something still not right.See RoTi item
2002 40' Fleetwood American Dream Steve AWe bought a 2002 40' Fleetwood American Dream new and had 27,000 miles on it when we sold it. All warranty items were dealt with fully and our dealings with the dealer and Fleetwood were outstanding. We had cherry wood interior and the nautical exterior and it was a very beautiful RV. The keyless entry and compartments worked very well. Overall I can only say it was an outstanding RV and I would recommend American Coach.See RoTi item
Re: 2008 Fleetwood American TraditionCathieThe 42F with the full wall slide and 43' length is awesome!See RoTi item
2005 Fleetwood ExpeditionMurray SteinWe've had 2 main problems since new, a circuit board defect and a chassis batteries problem that left the batteries flat after about 2 or 3 weeks of non use. Both of them and a few minor problems were sorted. We love the Expedition and would recommend it.See RoTi item
2006 Fleetwood TiogaConnie VogelWe have a 2006 Tioga and we love it, it's just what we hoped for. The only criticism with the 2006 model is last summer I'm not sure the air conditioning was good enough on really hot days. I hope this has been improved on the new models.See RoTi item
Re: Fleetwood sells folding trailer divisionHalTravel trailers, I think will be the next important focus for the RV industry because of obvious factors like the cost of fuel and also because of the poor track record of RV Coaches and the fact that they have disappointed so many people. I hope that Fleetwood, once they consolidate will concentrate more on quality control.See RoTi item
2003 Fleetwood American DreamRobert SmartWe bought a 2003 American Dream from Tom Johnson Camping in NC. They were fabulous in solving initial problems. American Coach at Rally in CA we visited in CA did an outstanding job. Really like American Coach. This motor home is a keeper.See RoTi item
2007 Fleetwood Bounder 38NMikeyI have an 2007 Bounder Model 38N, and love it. This is our first fleetwood and would not hesitate getting another one. Very minor problems that were fixed promptly by the dealer. Got a great deal and well worth the price for the features. See RoTi item
2006 Fleetwood Fiestawillie I have a fleetwood fiesta with the 8.1 Vortec had it towed twice nobody could find the problem. I found that the spark plugs were bad, 15,000 miles on it, still don,t know why they fouled. Called the workhorse chassis hot line, guy on the phone helped me trouble shoot the problem. Two different shops could not find it?See RoTi item
2005 Fleetwood Discoverysuperdutydad12@aol.comI have a 2005 discovery that I bought oct of 2007 (second owner). The jack hoses were backwards (jacks must never have worked right, I fixed myself because no-one else would), there is rinkling of the roof membrane and the cruise control acts like it is a loose connection somewhere. The slides are tilting and act like they are not going to make another trip in. I have to hold my breath everytime this happens. I have called Fleetwood, Dealer, Gearbox and Freightliner and everyone blames the other. I would not advise anyone to buy a Fleetwood until some changes are made. These units cost way, way to much to have these problems.See RoTi item
RE: 2008 Fleetwood Discovery 40xJerryWe had the same problem with Lazy Days. All they want to do is sell you a coach and have you go away. They can make the TV work different from each other and it will not cost you any thing. You need to write letters to the CEO's of Fleetwood and coustomer relation dept and lady days. And tell them all what trouble you are having and not getting the problems fixed. Then they will fix them. Ask Fleetwood to pick up the coach to have it fixed.See RoTi item
2008 Fleetwood Discovery 40XDiscovery ownerWe have a 2008 Discovery 40X wth just over 12,000 miles on it. We love it and the dealer. NO major problems that were not resolved.See RoTi item
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