I own a 2021 Vilano, and the unit and service has been overall great. there has been small issues, but Vanleigh's tech support was super helpful to resolve.
Also sad to hear this. We own a 2016 Vilano 325RL. We are military family and sold our home while I finish my 20 year career. After 1 year full time, I’ve had very minor/next to zero issues. We also have taken a few 150-200 mile weekend getaways. The craftsmanship in my unit is great and after walking 2023 units double my units price I’m very happy with my purchase. Again sorry to see their final direction and love the channel.
We came so close to buying one . Watched all your videos too . But saw that others on UA-cam had nightmares with them . They really had a lot of big issues , with slides and leeks . Customer service was crappy . So it really doesn’t surprise me . We ended up buying and now living full time in a Riverstone legacy, with the rear kitchen . We couldn’t be more happier with it ! Close to the same price , and came with Dyson vacuum and washer and dryer too . I wanted white interior that was a must . I found that the sales men would try to steer me away from the white, because you see all the imperfections in the cabinetry in the Vanleigh . I got my white cabinetry in the Riverstone and have had no issues . Love it !!!
@@Joepro900 when’s the last time you googled the average historical mortgage rate? I’ll do the work for you. From 1990-present it is 6.01% If you go back further than that, the average is even higher. Today it’s 6.42 and trending DOWN. Google is your friend, not FOX “news” or even more disingenuous outlets.
@@Bum_Hip yes, interest aren’t average, google says a 30 yr fixed is 7.4%. While 15 plus years ago we may have seen higher interest rates, people live in todays world and the cost of everything is higher and discretionary income is lower. Unfortunately as individual budgets tighten, this type of news will become more common. Don’t bash one news outlet, as they all have their faults, I have yet to find a news source that doesn’t have an agenda…every major outlet is pushing an agenda.
We actually dropped them as a dealership months ago. Mainly due to their build quality coming in from the Manufacture. Beacons Paint was terrible, and had to be sent back multiple times. Vilano literally were coming with sinks falling in, and closet doors broken in half. Slide Interior trim split in half and tried to do a caulk job vs replace it. Just a couple examples. They weren't doing good quality control from the get for the past year or so. Not surprised they are closing up shop.
I feel really bad for all of their employees that will no longer have a job. I also feel bad for the current owners of their products, as it might become a challenge to get warranty work done on them moving forward. We've always liked the VanLeigh products and thought they made beautiful 5th wheels. I do know of many people who have had serious quality issues on their VanLeigh's over the past couple of years. I follow 2 full time couples on UA-cam who both have had so many serious quality issues like the frames coming apart, so I wonder if the cost of the warranty repairs might be why Thor made this decision.
Scott and Tammi of Til Further Notice have a VanLeigh 5th wheel and just contacted the factory directly and were reassured that warranty service and all will be continued for at least 3 years since they are still building units until March.
I live in Indiana less than an hour south of the area all the RVs come from. It is almost a ghost town. Long shutdowns over the holidays. More big players will fold before this recession is over, I figure. It will make for some good prices on RVs in the future if you are willing to take a risk on a unit that no longer has factory support. I bought a Americamp and they went out in 09. It has worked out well for me. I still have it and love it. Go to UA-cam university and learn how to fix things yourself.
Much better build quality in 09 vs a unit built in the past few years. I have looked at some of the new units over the past couple of years, not even close in build and overall quality of just 10 years ago.
I am getting to the point where I am thinking about buying an older quality RV and repairing it with all-new components. I had a unit that had warranty left on it and that was pointless during the pandemic, I ended up fixing it anyway out of pocket as they stated it would take months to get it repaired at an RV dealership. I do all my own work now. Blessings to the folks putting out UA-cam videos ;)
We saw our first Vanleigh in 2016 and were so impressed by the fit, finish, and quality of work. Can’t afford one, but sad to see them go to a giant company and be made cheaply, or in this case, closed. Sad.
The number of these units with MAJOR issues despite their prices is rather legendary. My guess is the factory got tired of repairing them over and over. People that drop $200k on a camper won't put up with that nonsense. They sure look pretty though.
Vanleigh had three tiers of product coming out of this facility. Beacon was the luxury brand comparable in price, maybe $10k or so over a Pinnacle. We have the middle tier, Vilano. Which we thought was comparable in quality feel as the Pinnacle in '18 and $30k cheaper MSRP at the time. The owners group has always had issues, we always considered Vanleigh "the best of the worst" in the industry. But the issues that are showing up on the owners group since Thor took over 2 years ago have definitely become much more alarming. Unfortunately you can't move this product to Indiana and still get the same quality feel because they use tiffin cabinetry etc to give you that quality feel that nobody else had for that price in a mid level 5er in the industry. If I am incorrect and someone else is comparable in the industry let me know, because we will be looking in the next couple years for a replacement. Also pour one out to the guys and gal at the Tishomingo Vanleigh service center. I've seen many people say that's the best service center they've ever been to. Quality work from Danny and the crew. 😢
Yes, Dannie from Tishomingo is amazing & ever since I drove my RV out to Mississippi back in 2019, I kept touch w/ him from time to time & he's given me RV advice as I was a new owner back in 2018.
All of this is true and I think competition for higher end RVs is also more competitive than it was, say, 20 years ago. Competition filters business models that are not as robust than others. RIP VanLeigh.
Thank you for the update, information, and your thoughts and conjecture about this. If I have not said this before, I really appreciate and enjoy your channel and content. The way you convey everything is exemplary. I live in New York state near Buffalo, so some things are a bit off as to how it would be here in our climate and terrain, but overall spot on. I keep wondering as to where all this knowledge that comes out in your videos, and your background (school, training, work). A video of some sort with that content would be greatly appreciated. Thank for your time.
This is pretty stunning news. I never thought that a brand like Van Leigh would go out of business. But I guess what it comes down to is the costs of manufacturing were too high and people just can’t afford to buy them.
@@michaelbeattie8106 yeah the cost of trucks and fuel are a huge problem but what does RV parks being full have to do with VanLeigh going out of business?
My business gut feeling is the Thor had their eyes on the motorhome line and not so much the Vanleigh RV towable division. These huge businesses (Thor) usually have a 2,5, and a 7 year business plan for short term business plans and look back at the acquisition, it has been barely over 2 years...... Just my spiderman sense.....
the simple fact is the market for 5th wheels as expensive as the VanLeigh were is a small market, and when the sales contracted, they got murdered. Six months ago I was delivering RVs, I moved 2-4 a week out of Wakarusa. Two months ago I was down to less than 2 a month, and quit the transporter job. The RV industry is gutted.
Caught me by surprise! But manufacturers have gone out of business before: priced too high,market changes ect. This is a warning to other high end manufacturers.
We walked through several models of Van Leighs at the Tampa show last year when we were looking for our new 5th wheel. This allowed us to walk through all levels if trim of the biggest manufacturers and we didn’t see the reasons for the larger prices, other than the name Tiffin. I’m hoping Tiffin motor coaches will continue to succeed though.
JD, I watched all of your videos back when you had the Vanleigh Beacon to review and I couldn’t believe all the problems you were having with it being brand new. I made a comment back then that Tiffin should stick to making motorhomes, as it was what they did best. I’m glad to see Tiffin shut this line down as other UA-camrs that have a Vanleigh are having problems too. The fact they were so far from Indiana might have some bearing, but I think a lot of the decisions to shut down was the high rate of problems customers were having with their brand new trailers.
I purchased a montana High Country 373rd for 59,000 in 2020. Last year at the Tampa rv show, it was 89,000. That's called price gouging, these companies get exactly what they deserve.
Shocked. I have never even been able to look inside of one. ( In person I mean) Sad news for sure. Hope those employees are able to find work in their immediate area.
Sad day for sure in my search for a fifth I found this to be the best for your money at the high end. I think this quite often happens when another company purchase the firm. The great reset is continuing so this maybe a start to that. Great channel keep up the good work.
I'm sad to hear this 😢 I have friends that purchased a VanLeigh and just love it. We thought it was very beautiful and well built even too the point that we had considered one for ourselves sometime. We had a Sunnybrook few years ago and it reminded me of this. It seemed to outperform others in its class and same yr and as you know it went by the wayside.
All of the points you bring up are good. I would hope that in the future you could get actual comments and information directly from the parent company or one of your contacts that works/worked for the affected brand? Conjecture is not news.
I hope someone else steps up to this level because owning one of these was are goal rv. From the way they are built and crafted to the service they offered made this are forever rv in a few years
Wow. I just attended an RV last weekend here in San Antonio and was by far most impressed with a Vanleigh Beacon 5th wheel. After seeing the unit, nothing else compared, the quality is amazing and like you mentioned it has very luxury residential feel. Sad to hear about them going out if business. Yes they’re out of my price range but the quality is outstanding.
The RV industry does this all the time. A small company opens with high quality units and new ideas, one of the big companies buys them up, then either they run that company into the ground, or they just close it down. Nice way to eliminate the competition. Look what they did to Camp Lite. It is sad.
I came here to say the exact same thing. Thor did the same with Camplite, to a T. We were highly considering the 24bh camplite travel trailer due to how well they were constructed, up till about 2016 or so. Once Thor acquired them and started reducing the quality of the build, to pinch pennies, I knew the end was near.
100% I owned a camp lite and even tho the co pang maintained some autonomy, the larger company ended up killing that brand. They did the same with Fleetwood Coleman
I'm thinking the exact same thing! Anything out there in 2023/2024 with similar interior craftsmanship as the Beacon??? For the price, Vanleigh Beacon was comparable to DRV Mobile Suites but considerably less in weight and price.
Very sad but understandable. My husband and I really loved the van Leigh we walked through at an RV show last year. We were looking for a luxury fifth wheel to put on our lot in Show Low AZ.
We have Beacons, both 2022 models and absolutely love them.... Not sure how or if this will effect us. We love our RVs and are just getting ready to go Full-Time in the next few months. It may have an impact on resale value but since we have no intention on getting rid of our new rigs, I'm pretty sure we will be OK.
Plenty of people can afford them. Hell, the sales of $100,000+ EV’s and high end pickups (that are often used as inefficient grocery getters) has never been better.
It's not cost. It was the THOR decision to close the 5th wheel line. Keystone idled a few lines, Forest River has idled a few lines, along with about every manufacturer in Goshen, Middlebury, etc. Lippert builds the frames for most of everyone as they have the niche, National Accounts of buying power to buy steel. It had nothing to do with Indiana. Believe me, many people can afford a 5th wheel as Beacon, Vilano, or older Pinecrest.
This is probably not the only RV manufacturer that we’ll see close up over the next year or so due to the changing economy. I didn’t know that VanLeigh was a division of Tiffen.
My evergreen 5th wheel has been one of the highest quality trailers I have seen. Many standard features at a price that was too low. You see it in the fact they went out of business after winning tons of awards. That market is just a very difficult market to exist in.
Alpenlite was another very successful company that went out of business in 08 due to the economic downturn. There's many units on the road today which is a tribute to their craftsmanship.
An RV is something someone WANTS to have but not NEED 99% of the time. And when loney is right for a family they aren’t purchased anymore. I also wonder if more was going on behind the scenes with the company. They were recently bought by Thor and I can’t imagine they would have sold themselves to Thor anticipating this happening.
I Agree! I have hauled numerous Jayco Pinnacles in the $160,000 + category and they don't come close to the build quality of the Vanleigh RV. Many upper end Keystone products that I have towed always show some type of damage when these units get to their destination (Dealers). Just 14 days ago I purchased a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK from a family that used this unit less than 4 times due to a family tragic health (cancer) issue. I am truly blessed to now own a legend! The way the suspension system and TrailRide pin box works together is downright awesome. The sloped-back front cap reduced wind drag and my MPG was 2 MPG better than most other high brand 5th wheel that I have towed for the RV transport company that I work for..... Vanleigh RV was always thinking outside of the box and norm of other big box brand manufacturers. It is my understanding that THOR also owns Jayco (and Airstream, etc.) and I hope they don't siphon off the talent and build quality traits to their other brands. The only other builders that have this quality and have a higher price-point is LUXE and DRV, etc. I am saddened.
Newmar tried the 5th wheel market years ago . I really like the beefy suspension they had . They used tandem dual axles on the heavy units. But later they decided it was best to concentrate on their class A units. On another UA-cam channel they had a copy of the letter from tiffin that basically said they were going back to concentrating on the original business. I would imagine that for people that went out and paid cash for motor homes and travel trailers during Covid start traveling buy plane and cruise more , they’ll start dumping them on the used market. It will happen. Maybe not at once but there will be enough to drive the prices down. I knew this when this started.
Because of record sales of the past 2 years maybe we’ve reached market saturation. That with the already mentioned high fuel prices, high interest rates, lack of confidence in the economy are all major factors against the newcomer in the luxury fifth wheel market. I think the other consideration is the cost of the tow vehicle necessary to tow these trailers. Near or over 6 figures is the norm. You need a fairly high income to support that kind of expenditure. Like you said. A perfect storm. I really like their support of the product. If it were not for the aforementioned I think it would have caught on in the market they were competing in and eventually made them very popular!
Don't forget the high cost to even camp in the camper. Disney carges 260 a night for the top tier camp site. I'm seeing ones along the beach for 120-130night. Sadly you can still get a hotel room for around the same or 10-30 dollars more and get bed made and fresh linens every day.
@@Howard892 I have a good friend that was in the market to purchase an RV, he wants to be a snowbird. I have owned a few RVs over the years, I told him to start looking at places he would like to visit, or stay, and check out the prices to dock the coach. He about fell over! He started looking for a small condo, he discovered that was a better route to take, and less expensive. Needless to say, he is not in the market for an RV any longer.
@Michael Wright OH I'm from Florida and that's probably the main reason we are going to get out of the RV camping. It's beautiful weather now, but because of snowbird season not a spot to spare.
I bought a new VanLeigh Beacon Jan 19/2023. We looked at many brands and decided on this brand. Our last fifth wheel was a Carriage toy hauler that was of highest quality then went to a small Lance. That was great quality but way to small. The quality of the Beacon is comparable to the Carriage. Not worried about loosing value as I look at 17yr old Carriages selling somewhat close to their new prices now, because of great build quality. Sad news but life goes on.
People forget the cost and maintenance of the tow vehicle. Interest rates are rising on everything. There are still supply line issues of all sorts of components. Camp site rates continue to rise. Tiffin used to be a great company when Bob Tiffin had complete control. We know as we had two motor homes from him and his business ethic was legendary. But, we often wondered how long he could maintain that level of service to his loyal customers. When Thor bought them out we saw him struggle with different issues. He realized as the economy and landscape changed he would need to kinda re-invent the business. Since Covid everything has changed worldwide not just in the United States. No one could imagine how much impact it would have. I think we are in for some tuff times in the future. Sad to see.
backing to the drawing board, was looking to order in june when truck should arrive...42RDB was my choice for full time living...hopefully everyone can find a new job.
I would still buy....... just my .02.... I did. LazyDays has sent many of their skilled talent (techs) to the southern Tiffin-Vanleigh RV Plants for Factory training and repair classes. These Techs are not going away and either is the parts supply chains
Very sad. Have a 2018 5th wheel and quality is unmatched. Need to replace front door, cracking and love seat redo or replacement but still excellent quality.
I just don’t think people are willing to pay for luxury 5th wheels. Our economy is down, stock market is down, and prices are going up on everything, people just don’t have extra money to spend. It’s really too bad to hear about, what I believe is a great manufacturer going out of business. I think we’re going to see a slowdown in all RV markets, although if the country goes to crap, I feel owning an RV might be a very wise decision. When I had my Class A parked on my property, it always had a full tank of gas, propane and water. It kinda gave me a sense of comfort just knowing I had another home I could take anywhere in an emergency. Sort of like a luxury bug out vehicle if the zombies came.
Perhaps, if they had maintained their quality, yet built some units that didn’t require a 350 or higher dually they would have sold more units and stayed profitable
I’m sure not happy about this development. We purchased a Beacon in October of last year, it’s been in the shop since and we’ve not taken delivery yet. I’m praying they will be able honor warranty and that their parts chain doesn’t collapse.
I hate to hear this. When I was in the market for a new fifth wheel I looked at the Vilano and was very impressed. It wound up on the top tier of my wish list but at that time I couldn’t find one that had the front living room. I ultimately decided on a Pinnacle, which I own now. I’m very pleased with the Pinnacle but have since then liked the Vilano.
Many people believed that spending close time with their families in an RV would be great. It actually sucks. Loading and unloading tons of crap, $140 diesel fills, stuff falling apart when you look at it, blown tires, broken Chinese crap. You can see your money going down the drain, while hating the actual experience your paying for. Market is FLOODED with people DUMPING THEM OFF! Stay in a nice hotel.
And they won’t be the only one. RV’s aren’t selling and costs are coming down. You are seeing used RV’s forsake everywhere. In a market like this everyone starts selling the toys.
That is very sad, but i imagine more will follow. If they can weather the interest rate mess and shortage of help and supplies in the supply chain, they should be ok overall. Anyone could see that there had to be a back swing to the huge demand for RVs. I am just sorry we missed out on the upswing. I was so looking forward to RVing full-time. I think, though, a lot of people had a panic attack over covid and politics and just ran. I totally get that. I wish i could be here when the history and sociology books recall this time all the way around. We will be seeing the rebound around the world for a while more. Things happened so fast, adaptation was difficult... still is. In this case, perhaps we overly adapted, forgetting the inevitable back swing to everything in life. It reminds me of a tsunami more than a pendulum. I am concerned about newer businesses that have been innovative. I am so proud of them, but sadly, the world expects something for nothing. We just have to try to avoid extreme reactions in life, be it our personal lives, business decisions, or financial investments. Hold the rudder steady.
I had a similar situation when I purchased my cameo carriage fifth wheel. Right after I bought it they went out of business and honestly I thought I was buying quality but this thing has been a major headache ever since I have owned it. I feel bad for the ones that have bought this brand and are left holding the bag if anything goes wrong and we all know it will most certainly go wrong. The quality just isn’t there in any of them.
Not terribly surprised at the news. Our neighbors spent $250,000 for their Van Leigh toy-hauler, only to have it in the shop for a month a week after picking it up. Things like fuel leaks from the generator tank fittings, flickering lights due to wiring bundles not properly secured. Just small things that kept them from using it right away. The amazing thing was it was an identical layout as our Jayco Seismic Wave. On a side note the only segment of the rv market that is making money is class A's. Of course Tiffen deals mostly in class A's. So cutting out the part that is losing money isnt a bad decision business wise.
This is exactly why it's hard for me to get excited by new brands like VanLeigh or, say, Brinkley. I have to ask myself will they be around in a few years?
FYI: Thor purchased Vanleigh RV and Tiffin for approx. 550 million +/- in December 2020. I stopped by the temporary manufacturing facility at Brinkley(in Goshen, IN) as they are building their new plant. Brinkley will be around for a long time with the talent and financial support that they have. This may be an opportunity for Brinkley to fill the LARGE void that Vanleigh RV will leave in the market. Just my .02 The Tiffin group started making RV's in 1972, they have been around for over 50 years. The RV towable lineup started in 2015, etc. This being said, the 5th wheel models exhibited much of the $500,000 motorhomes DNA like woodwork, fit and finish, build quality, etc.
Kind of their own middle area between say Montana's and Grand Designs that fit both with full time and part time campers and Luxe and DRV. I suppose the market in that middle space wasn't that profitable, coupled with the location. It has been a some what young division, so I guess at some point something would have had to happen. Maybe they have known for a while but with sales during covid, they had hope something would take off. I thought you got a new fifth wheel after you tested the VanLeigh for six months? If that is the case it might have been for shadowing.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Vanleigh. They built the best.i We loved our Vilano, from 2016, and recently traded for a Montana Legacy CK, 2022, which is a joke when it comes to storage inside the rig, and quality of the cabinetry. We are actually looking to take a hit, and trade again within the first year. What is your opinion about going with another Vilano, or Beacon, (2022,2023) in terms of service, or should we look elsewhere. Thanks!
I feel bad for the employees first. Second we have owned 2 Tiffin Class A's and before seeing a Beacon I was expecting a lot but was sorely disappointed compared to what Bob expected out of the Class A side, but then but wasn't involved a bunch I guess. When they were bought out I think many expected changes, maybe not this drastic but it's no real surprise. Since the 2Tiffin Class A's we have owned 2 NEW Horizon 5th wheels and without sounding like a blow hard there is no comparison to the Beacon.
We own a 22 Beacon and based on the lack of quality and workmanship they got what they deserved. Every department that touched our coach SCREWED UP something. Including sending our rig down the road with NO brakes caliber bolts missing system full of air other bolts loose. Leaks, saw dust everywhere collapsed ac ducts. Open holes in gray tank valance hardware missing or stipped. Over spray under spray inside and out. 4 out of 5 awnings/troppers are Blake one is white. I can go on and all this after the dealership did 3 pages of work before we took delivery. All this points track of pride in their work, complete disregard for safety (brakes are important and we paid for the disc brakes) NO quality control or pride in their craftsmanship. Let this be a wake up call to the rest of the industry.
This is the result, I believe, of the change in the workforce during and after covid. Finding help now that will do a complete, quality job is almost impossible these days. Workers attitudes have changed, period, end of story. Very sad.
I've had the displeasure of working on these coaches I kept thinking the next one I worked on would be better...never happened and all the people who I worked with that had worked on a Beacon or any other Vanleigh would say really? Now you know why they went under. All sorts of problems I am not kidding
Thor cut quality to Vanleigh almost immediately to increase profits. I've heard of numerous issues with 21-22 models. Bob and the rest of the family stepped back and let Thor make the changes. Thor also owns DRV which is a direct competitor with Vanleigh and yes, they have their own issues. Vanleigh was building a "high end" unit with the same components you'd find on a 50k fifth wheel, putting full body paint on it, and listing the units for 150k in some cases. You can't do that especially when the quality isn't there. I went inside a Vilano and Beacon and there wasn't a dollar difference on the furnishings, interior, etc. except the full body paint on the Beacon. Being in MS/AL has nothing to do with supply chain issues or anything of the sort. Tiffin has been building them there for 50 years. What Tiffin doesn't make in house they outsource locally in the area and the essentials (frame, pinbox, etc.) all come from Indiana. Hate to see Vanleigh close, but hopefully it keeps Tiffin afloat.
My husband and I had wanted Thor Outlaw A class toy hauler. But our group posts nothing but problems with it. We have a 98 Southwind A class and just going to keep it. Still under 40,000 miles. Never any issues. Just updating flooring. Seems like they cut corners
@@charitizzle6028 new rvs are terrible unless you spend big bucks and get something like a Newell or Prevost. They may look nice but it's lipstick on a pig
Unfortunately, the RV manufacturers of 5th wheels and large bumper pulls are likely going to have a tough time going forward and the choice of product will likely become limited for consumers. $80k +/- for a truck, high fuel prices, the push to electric, high interest rates, camp grounds charging high rates, expensive storage costs, and many boon docking sites being closed all make it difficult for families to afford to own an RV to go camping or travel. Driving 600 miles to the coast of Tx cost more than the week at the RV park. Small campers will probably become the norm so electric vehicles can pull them. With high rents, high home prices and rising interest rates families living in a RV was a relatively low cost way to live vs. being able to afford purchasing a home. I feel for the all the folks that have lost their jobs from this closure and wish them all the best.
RV sales are in the tank….no one can afford them. Look at the HD trucks to pull a heavy RV. It’s disturbing as to why people excepted these prices on RVs and Vehicles.
I'm very curious who, if anyone is going to honor the warranty. I have a beacon and it's in service for warranty as we speak. Waiting for. Vanleigh to send the correct parts.
I wonder if with the recession and costs for products going up Thor realized they’d have to price Vanleigh to a point where it’d be direct with luxe and Thor didn’t want that. To me it’s kinda the situation with say genesis cars versus Mercedes’, Bmw etc. even though the genesis is a great product at a sloth frog cheap price, once you cross a certain threshold the brand now matters. And when the people have the money they will pay that little bit extra for the name. Luxe definitly holds a “look at me” name and are incredibly customizable
I was shocked when reading the news article last night…not sure why, they’re a quality brand but have incurred as many (if not more) supply chain and QC problems as other manufacturers. Idk if joining Thor has anything to do with their closing or not.
Just 14 days ago I purchased a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK from a family that used this unit less than 4 times due to a family tragic health (cancer) issue. I am truly blessed to now own a legend! The way the suspension system and TrailRide pin box works together is downright awesome. I do pull it with a GMC Denali Sierra 3500 dually. The sloped-back front cap has MORE of a slope that many other brands AND reduced wind drag and my MPG has been 2 MPG better than most other high brand 5th wheel that I have towed for the RV transport company that I work for..... Vanleigh RV was always thinking outside of the box and norm of other big box brand manufacturers. JD I have hauled many brands that you have reviewed on this channel and also Matt's RV towable channel and NONE, absolutely NONE compare to the Vanleigh RV towable RV's. I am saddened to hear from you and I also got a call from my Vanleigh Sales rep friend from Minneapolis today telling me this. After hearing this and watching your video, I put in a Call to Alabama to ask about part support on us existing owners, etc. Vanleigh/Tiffin assured that they are and WILL have parts for many years to come and they will NOT turn their back on the loyal customer base. I pull many RV's as I work for a Large(privately owned) RV Transport Company from Wakarusa/Goshen, IN and I have seen the Pinnacles and Keystones in the $160,000 fall apart when I reach many of the dealer destinations. The Vilano, and Beacons fair much better than all other manufacturers that I have towed in my retired, part-time job as a RV transporter. It is sad to see them go, I don't believe I will ever see a Jayco or Keystone with this build quality. The only other MFG that builds to this quality in this price-point is Forest River RIVERSTONE. Last year my wife and I drove down to Minneapolis to look at the build quality of the Riverstone and the Vanleigh RV (Beacon, Vilano,) The Vanleigh was a hands down winner.... Why? You cannot get a 39 foot or 43 foot Riverstone in many scenic State and National Parks because of the length. Just my .02 friend. Nice chatting again on your channel..... James From Duluth, MN.
I own a 2021 Vilano, and the unit and service has been overall great. there has been small issues, but Vanleigh's tech support was super helpful to resolve.
Also sad to hear this. We own a 2016 Vilano 325RL. We are military family and sold our home while I finish my 20 year career. After 1 year full time, I’ve had very minor/next to zero issues. We also have taken a few 150-200 mile weekend getaways. The craftsmanship in my unit is great and after walking 2023 units double my units price I’m very happy with my purchase. Again sorry to see their final direction and love the channel.
We came so close to buying one . Watched all your videos too . But saw that others on UA-cam had nightmares with them . They really had a lot of big issues , with slides and leeks . Customer service was crappy . So it really doesn’t surprise me . We ended up buying and now living full time in a Riverstone legacy, with the rear kitchen . We couldn’t be more happier with it ! Close to the same price , and came with Dyson vacuum and washer and dryer too . I wanted white interior that was a must . I found that the sales men would try to steer me away from the white, because you see all the imperfections in the cabinetry in the Vanleigh . I got my white cabinetry in the Riverstone and have had no issues . Love it !!!
My linen white cabinets in my beacon fifth wheel are perfect
Just the beginning.
We love our 5th wheel beacon .it is SO BEAUTIFUL ,
Recession, high fuel prices, high interest are the economic realities. RIP Vanleigh Beacon
And people dropping dead because of poisoning.
Historically low unemployment, EXPANDING GDP last quarter, and historically average interest rates. Lamest recession ever.
@@Bum_Hip average interest rates? When’s the last time you took out a mortgage?
@@Joepro900 when’s the last time you googled the average historical mortgage rate? I’ll do the work for you. From 1990-present it is 6.01% If you go back further than that, the average is even higher. Today it’s 6.42 and trending DOWN. Google is your friend, not FOX “news” or even more disingenuous outlets.
@@Bum_Hip yes, interest aren’t average, google says a 30 yr fixed is 7.4%. While 15 plus years ago we may have seen higher interest rates, people live in todays world and the cost of everything is higher and discretionary income is lower. Unfortunately as individual budgets tighten, this type of news will become more common. Don’t bash one news outlet, as they all have their faults, I have yet to find a news source that doesn’t have an agenda…every major outlet is pushing an agenda.
We actually dropped them as a dealership months ago. Mainly due to their build quality coming in from the Manufacture. Beacons Paint was terrible, and had to be sent back multiple times. Vilano literally were coming with sinks falling in, and closet doors broken in half. Slide Interior trim split in half and tried to do a caulk job vs replace it. Just a couple examples. They weren't doing good quality control from the get for the past year or so. Not surprised they are closing up shop.
That’s interesting you dropped them due to quality. I’m curious what lines you currently carry that have better quality? Asking for a friend.
We bought our 41FLB in April '22. Minor issues here and there, but love it. Glad we got it when we did!
I feel really bad for all of their employees that will no longer have a job. I also feel bad for the current owners of their products, as it might become a challenge to get warranty work done on them moving forward. We've always liked the VanLeigh products and thought they made beautiful 5th wheels. I do know of many people who have had serious quality issues on their VanLeigh's over the past couple of years. I follow 2 full time couples on UA-cam who both have had so many serious quality issues like the frames coming apart, so I wonder if the cost of the warranty repairs might be why Thor made this decision.
Same!
Scott and Tammi of Til Further Notice have a VanLeigh 5th wheel and just contacted the factory directly and were reassured that warranty service and all will be continued for at least 3 years since they are still building units until March.
Good for them. 100k rv for 250+. That's the craziest thing
I live in Indiana less than an hour south of the area all the RVs come from. It is almost a ghost town. Long shutdowns over the holidays. More big players will fold before this recession is over, I figure. It will make for some good prices on RVs in the future if you are willing to take a risk on a unit that no longer has factory support. I bought a Americamp and they went out in 09. It has worked out well for me. I still have it and love it. Go to UA-cam university and learn how to fix things yourself.
Much better build quality in 09 vs a unit built in the past few years. I have looked at some of the new units over the past couple of years, not even close in build and overall quality of just 10 years ago.
I am getting to the point where I am thinking about buying an older quality RV and repairing it with all-new components. I had a unit that had warranty left on it and that was pointless during the pandemic, I ended up fixing it anyway out of pocket as they stated it would take months to get it repaired at an RV dealership. I do all my own work now. Blessings to the folks putting out UA-cam videos ;)
We saw our first Vanleigh in 2016 and were so impressed by the fit, finish, and quality of work. Can’t afford one, but sad to see them go to a giant company and be made cheaply, or in this case, closed. Sad.
Sorry to hear this news. Really love our 2019 Beacon
I think others will go down also. Doesn't matter if you're in Indiana.
The whole industry should have seen this coming post Covid.
It's just started.
The number of these units with MAJOR issues despite their prices is rather legendary. My guess is the factory got tired of repairing them over and over. People that drop $200k on a camper won't put up with that nonsense. They sure look pretty though.
Vanleigh had three tiers of product coming out of this facility. Beacon was the luxury brand comparable in price, maybe $10k or so over a Pinnacle. We have the middle tier, Vilano. Which we thought was comparable in quality feel as the Pinnacle in '18 and $30k cheaper MSRP at the time.
The owners group has always had issues, we always considered Vanleigh "the best of the worst" in the industry. But the issues that are showing up on the owners group since Thor took over 2 years ago have definitely become much more alarming.
Unfortunately you can't move this product to Indiana and still get the same quality feel because they use tiffin cabinetry etc to give you that quality feel that nobody else had for that price in a mid level 5er in the industry.
If I am incorrect and someone else is comparable in the industry let me know, because we will be looking in the next couple years for a replacement.
Also pour one out to the guys and gal at the Tishomingo Vanleigh service center. I've seen many people say that's the best service center they've ever been to. Quality work from Danny and the crew. 😢
Yes, Dannie from Tishomingo is amazing & ever since I drove my RV out to Mississippi back in 2019, I kept touch w/ him from time to time & he's given me RV advice as I was a new owner back in 2018.
All of this is true and I think competition for higher end RVs is also more competitive than it was, say, 20 years ago. Competition filters business models that are not as robust than others. RIP VanLeigh.
Thank you for the update, information, and your thoughts and conjecture about this. If I have not said this before, I really appreciate and enjoy your channel and content. The way you convey everything is exemplary. I live in New York state near Buffalo, so some things are a bit off as to how it would be here in our climate and terrain, but overall spot on. I keep wondering as to where all this knowledge that comes out in your videos, and your background (school, training, work). A video of some sort with that content would be greatly appreciated. Thank for your time.
This is pretty stunning news. I never thought that a brand like Van Leigh would go out of business. But I guess what it comes down to is the costs of manufacturing were too high and people just can’t afford to buy them.
Trucks. gas ... rv parks full
It's the recession.
@@jamesbechthold8858 of course
@@michaelbeattie8106 yeah the cost of trucks and fuel are a huge problem but what does RV parks being full have to do with VanLeigh going out of business?
My business gut feeling is the Thor had their eyes on the motorhome line and not so much the Vanleigh RV towable division. These huge businesses (Thor) usually have a 2,5, and a 7 year business plan for short term business plans and look back at the acquisition, it has been barely over 2 years...... Just my spiderman sense.....
Wow, I’m glad I found this out. We are looking at a 5th wheel and beacon was our first choice.
Go ahead and buy...... We just picked up a beautiful Vilano with Onan generator, etc.... Love it!.... Don't be afraid..... just my .02
But what about warranty issues.
@@rodraphael Tiffin is covering the 1-3 year warranty on all new units.... People shouldn't be afraid....
@@rodraphael Tiffin is covering it with their 1-3 year warranty on all new units....
the simple fact is the market for 5th wheels as expensive as the VanLeigh were is a small market, and when the sales contracted, they got murdered.
Six months ago I was delivering RVs, I moved 2-4 a week out of Wakarusa. Two months ago I was down to less than 2 a month, and quit the transporter job. The RV industry is gutted.
Caught me by surprise! But manufacturers have gone out of business before: priced too high,market changes ect. This is a warning to other high end manufacturers.
I think you will see more of this across the manufacturers.
We just discovered these 5ths. Going to Hershey next month and have a short list of rvs we want to see. Hoped to see a Beacon or two there as well.
We walked through several models of Van Leighs at the Tampa show last year when we were looking for our new 5th wheel. This allowed us to walk through all levels if trim of the biggest manufacturers and we didn’t see the reasons for the larger prices, other than the name Tiffin. I’m hoping Tiffin motor coaches will continue to succeed though.
JD, I watched all of your videos back when you had the Vanleigh Beacon to review and I couldn’t believe all the problems you were having with it being brand new. I made a comment back then that Tiffin should stick to making motorhomes, as it was what they did best. I’m glad to see Tiffin shut this line down as other UA-camrs that have a Vanleigh are having problems too. The fact they were so far from Indiana might have some bearing, but I think a lot of the decisions to shut down was the high rate of problems customers were having with their brand new trailers.
I purchased a montana High Country 373rd for 59,000 in 2020. Last year at the Tampa rv show, it was 89,000. That's called price gouging, these companies get exactly what they deserve.
This is Sad .. one of the few QUALITY Brands out there .
Shocked. I have never even been able to look inside of one. ( In person I mean) Sad news for sure. Hope those employees are able to find work in their immediate area.
I would not want those employees. They are the one putting together these lousy products.
Sad day for sure in my search for a fifth I found this to be the best for your money at the high end. I think this quite often happens when another company purchase the firm. The great reset is continuing so this maybe a start to that. Great channel keep up the good work.
I'm sad to hear this 😢 I have friends that purchased a VanLeigh and just love it. We thought it was very beautiful and well built even too the point that we had considered one for ourselves sometime. We had a Sunnybrook few years ago and it reminded me of this. It seemed to outperform others in its class and same yr and as you know it went by the wayside.
All of the points you bring up are good. I would hope that in the future you could get actual comments and information directly from the parent company or one of your contacts that works/worked for the affected brand? Conjecture is not news.
I hope someone else steps up to this level because owning one of these was are goal rv. From the way they are built and crafted to the service they offered made this are forever rv in a few years
Hate to see them go but they really did build some nice fifth wheels
With interest rates so high, people have been priced out of many markets, RVs included. Luxuries in a recession get pushed to the back burner.
Wow. I just attended an RV last weekend here in San Antonio and was by far most impressed with a Vanleigh Beacon 5th wheel. After seeing the unit, nothing else compared, the quality is amazing and like you mentioned it has very luxury residential feel. Sad to hear about them going out if business. Yes they’re out of my price range but the quality is outstanding.
We love our Beacon fifth wheel it’s off the chain beautiful
This makes me so sad to see such a beautiful RV going away. It’s not many that build a Fifth wheel like a VanLeigh.
Vanleigh was horrible everying on falls apart after a month
@@marshaclifton1535like most rvs do, give examples or it didn’t happen.
A sad day and a sign of things to come. Hopefully my RV builder "Forest River" continues to say in business through these tough times.
The RV industry does this all the time. A small company opens with high quality units and new ideas, one of the big companies buys them up, then either they run that company into the ground, or they just close it down. Nice way to eliminate the competition. Look what they did to Camp Lite. It is sad.
I came here to say the exact same thing. Thor did the same with Camplite, to a T. We were highly considering the 24bh camplite travel trailer due to how well they were constructed, up till about 2016 or so. Once Thor acquired them and started reducing the quality of the build, to pinch pennies, I knew the end was near.
100% I owned a camp lite and even tho the co pang maintained some autonomy, the larger company ended up killing that brand. They did the same with Fleetwood Coleman
I'm thinking the exact same thing! Anything out there in 2023/2024 with similar interior craftsmanship as the Beacon??? For the price, Vanleigh Beacon was comparable to DRV Mobile Suites but considerably less in weight and price.
Very sad but understandable. My husband and I really loved the van Leigh we walked through at an RV show last year. We were looking for a luxury fifth wheel to put on our lot in Show Low AZ.
We have Beacons, both 2022 models and absolutely love them.... Not sure how or if this will effect us. We love our RVs and are just getting ready to go Full-Time in the next few months. It may have an impact on resale value but since we have no intention on getting rid of our new rigs, I'm pretty sure we will be OK.
Yup, you are correct..... If you keep it for the long-haul, it is no different from any other brand.
Sign of the times hold on to your socks because it’s going to get worse
Cost. Nobody can afford them. Move to Indiana. Or build your own frames and parts.
Plenty of people can afford them. Hell, the sales of $100,000+ EV’s and high end pickups (that are often used as inefficient grocery getters) has never been better.
It's not cost. It was the THOR decision to close the 5th wheel line. Keystone idled a few lines, Forest River has idled a few lines, along with about every manufacturer in Goshen, Middlebury, etc. Lippert builds the frames for most of everyone as they have the niche, National Accounts of buying power to buy steel. It had nothing to do with Indiana. Believe me, many people can afford a 5th wheel as Beacon, Vilano, or older Pinecrest.
So after you get a 1200 + truck payment. You have a 1500 rv payment lol plus house payment. You better make 1millon plus
@@crazyprepper5400 most all people who buy these toys pay cash.
@@crazyprepper5400 House paid off; I'm retired military and my wife is an Oncologist RN.
This is probably not the only RV manufacturer that we’ll see close up over the next year or so due to the changing economy.
I didn’t know that VanLeigh was a division of Tiffen.
My evergreen 5th wheel has been one of the highest quality trailers I have seen. Many standard features at a price that was too low. You see it in the fact they went out of business after winning tons of awards. That market is just a very difficult market to exist in.
Alpenlite was another very successful company that went out of business in 08 due to the economic downturn. There's many units on the road today which is a tribute to their craftsmanship.
An RV is something someone WANTS to have but not NEED 99% of the time. And when loney is right for a family they aren’t purchased anymore. I also wonder if more was going on behind the scenes with the company. They were recently bought by Thor and I can’t imagine they would have sold themselves to Thor anticipating this happening.
I Agree! I have hauled numerous Jayco Pinnacles in the $160,000 + category and they don't come close to the build quality of the Vanleigh RV. Many upper end Keystone products that I have towed always show some type of damage when these units get to their destination (Dealers). Just 14 days ago I purchased a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK from a family that used this unit less than 4 times due to a family tragic health (cancer) issue. I am truly blessed to now own a legend! The way the suspension system and TrailRide pin box works together is downright awesome. The sloped-back front cap reduced wind drag and my MPG was 2 MPG better than most other high brand 5th wheel that I have towed for the RV transport company that I work for..... Vanleigh RV was always thinking outside of the box and norm of other big box brand manufacturers. It is my understanding that THOR also owns Jayco (and Airstream, etc.) and I hope they don't siphon off the talent and build quality traits to their other brands. The only other builders that have this quality and have a higher price-point is LUXE and DRV, etc. I am saddened.
Newmar tried the 5th wheel market years ago . I really like the beefy suspension they had . They used tandem dual axles on the heavy units. But later they decided it was best to concentrate on their class A units. On another UA-cam channel they had a copy of the letter from tiffin that basically said they were going back to concentrating on the original business. I would imagine that for people that went out and paid cash for motor homes and travel trailers during Covid start traveling buy plane and cruise more , they’ll start dumping them on the used market. It will happen. Maybe not at once but there will be enough to drive the prices down. I knew this when this started.
It is already happening
Because of record sales of the past 2 years maybe we’ve reached market saturation. That with the already mentioned high fuel prices, high interest rates, lack of confidence in the economy are all major factors against the newcomer in the luxury fifth wheel market. I think the other consideration is the cost of the tow vehicle necessary to tow these trailers. Near or over 6 figures is the norm. You need a fairly high income to support that kind of expenditure. Like you said. A perfect storm. I really like their support of the product. If it were not for the aforementioned I think it would have caught on in the market they were competing in and eventually made them very popular!
Don't forget the high cost to even camp in the camper. Disney carges 260 a night for the top tier camp site. I'm seeing ones along the beach for 120-130night. Sadly you can still get a hotel room for around the same or 10-30 dollars more and get bed made and fresh linens every day.
@@Howard892 I have a good friend that was in the market to purchase an RV, he wants to be a snowbird. I have owned a few RVs over the years, I told him to start looking at places he would like to visit, or stay, and check out the prices to dock the coach. He about fell over! He started looking for a small condo, he discovered that was a better route to take, and less expensive. Needless to say, he is not in the market for an RV any longer.
@Michael Wright OH I'm from Florida and that's probably the main reason we are going to get out of the RV camping. It's beautiful weather now, but because of snowbird season not a spot to spare.
I bought a new VanLeigh Beacon Jan 19/2023. We looked at many brands and decided on this brand. Our last fifth wheel was a Carriage toy hauler that was of highest quality then went to a small Lance. That was great quality but way to small. The quality of the Beacon is comparable to the Carriage. Not worried about loosing value as I look at 17yr old Carriages selling somewhat close to their new prices now, because of great build quality. Sad news but life goes on.
People forget the cost and maintenance of the tow vehicle. Interest rates are rising on everything. There are still supply line issues of all sorts of components. Camp site rates continue to rise. Tiffin used to be a great company when Bob Tiffin had complete control. We know as we had two motor homes from him and his business ethic was legendary. But, we often wondered how long he could maintain that level of service to his loyal customers. When Thor bought them out we saw him struggle with different issues. He realized as the economy and landscape changed he would need to kinda re-invent the business. Since Covid everything has changed worldwide not just in the United States. No one could imagine how much impact it would have. I think we are in for some tuff times in the future. Sad to see.
backing to the drawing board, was looking to order in june when truck should arrive...42RDB was my choice for full time living...hopefully everyone can find a new job.
I would still buy....... just my .02.... I did. LazyDays has sent many of their skilled talent (techs) to the southern Tiffin-Vanleigh RV Plants for Factory training and repair classes. These Techs are not going away and either is the parts supply chains
Very sad. Have a 2018 5th wheel and quality is unmatched.
Need to replace front door, cracking and love seat redo or replacement but still excellent quality.
I just don’t think people are willing to pay for luxury 5th wheels. Our economy is down, stock market is down, and prices are going up on everything, people just don’t have extra money to spend. It’s really too bad to hear about, what I believe is a great manufacturer going out of business. I think we’re going to see a slowdown in all RV markets, although if the country goes to crap, I feel owning an RV might be a very wise decision. When I had my Class A parked on my property, it always had a full tank of gas, propane and water. It kinda gave me a sense of comfort just knowing I had another home I could take anywhere in an emergency. Sort of like a luxury bug out vehicle if the zombies came.
Perhaps, if they had maintained their quality, yet built some units that didn’t require a 350 or higher dually they would have sold more units and stayed profitable
So sad! I really liked that line!
We have a 2008 international pilgrim. Great but they had loan recalled by bank in 2009 resulting in them going out of business.
I’m sure not happy about this development. We purchased a Beacon in October of last year, it’s been in the shop since and we’ve not taken delivery yet. I’m praying they will be able honor warranty and that their parts chain doesn’t collapse.
Cancel your order. You are screwed
Another site said the warranties and services will continue. Maybe you can confirm that?
I hate to hear this. When I was in the market for a new fifth wheel I looked at the Vilano and was very impressed. It wound up on the top tier of my wish list but at that time I couldn’t find one that had the front living room. I ultimately decided on a Pinnacle, which I own now. I’m very pleased with the Pinnacle but have since then liked the Vilano.
Let’s go Brandon
Many people believed that spending close time with their families in an RV would be great. It actually sucks. Loading and unloading tons of crap, $140 diesel fills, stuff falling apart when you look at it, blown tires, broken Chinese crap. You can see your money going down the drain, while hating the actual experience your paying for. Market is FLOODED with people DUMPING THEM OFF! Stay in a nice hotel.
This is gust the beginning. There will be more closing in the future.
And they won’t be the only one. RV’s aren’t selling and costs are coming down. You are seeing used RV’s forsake everywhere. In a market like this everyone starts selling the toys.
That is very sad, but i imagine more will follow. If they can weather the interest rate mess and shortage of help and supplies in the supply chain, they should be ok overall. Anyone could see that there had to be a back swing to the huge demand for RVs. I am just sorry we missed out on the upswing. I was so looking forward to RVing full-time. I think, though, a lot of people had a panic attack over covid and politics and just ran. I totally get that. I wish i could be here when the history and sociology books recall this time all the way around. We will be seeing the rebound around the world for a while more. Things happened so fast, adaptation was difficult... still is. In this case, perhaps we overly adapted, forgetting the inevitable back swing to everything in life. It reminds me of a tsunami more than a pendulum. I am concerned about newer businesses that have been innovative. I am so proud of them, but sadly, the world expects something for nothing. We just have to try to avoid extreme reactions in life, be it our personal lives, business decisions, or financial investments. Hold the rudder steady.
I had a similar situation when I purchased my cameo carriage fifth wheel. Right after I bought it they went out of business and honestly I thought I was buying quality but this thing has been a major headache ever since I have owned it. I feel bad for the ones that have bought this brand and are left holding the bag if anything goes wrong and we all know it will most certainly go wrong. The quality just isn’t there in any of them.
This is just the beginning.
I'm a full timers now for 10 years. I'm NOT ever going to pay 100k or more for any camper.
You forget about the West Coast manufacturing locations. And price gouging has been occurring in many markets.
Not terribly surprised at the news. Our neighbors spent $250,000 for their Van Leigh toy-hauler, only to have it in the shop for a month a week after picking it up. Things like fuel leaks from the generator tank fittings, flickering lights due to wiring bundles not properly secured. Just small things that kept them from using it right away. The amazing thing was it was an identical layout as our Jayco Seismic Wave.
On a side note the only segment of the rv market that is making money is class A's. Of course Tiffen deals mostly in class A's. So cutting out the part that is losing money isnt a bad decision business wise.
For 250 000 I would have an amazing used Prevost without the frame breaking, the slides leaking, etc etc.
😅😅 All fifth wheel have the same generator... what kind leak u mean ?
Is these toy hauler u said trully inspected by ur self ?
This is exactly why it's hard for me to get excited by new brands like VanLeigh or, say, Brinkley. I have to ask myself will they be around in a few years?
FYI: Thor purchased Vanleigh RV and Tiffin for approx. 550 million +/- in December 2020. I stopped by the temporary manufacturing facility at Brinkley(in Goshen, IN) as they are building their new plant. Brinkley will be around for a long time with the talent and financial support that they have. This may be an opportunity for Brinkley to fill the LARGE void that Vanleigh RV will leave in the market. Just my .02 The Tiffin group started making RV's in 1972, they have been around for over 50 years. The RV towable lineup started in 2015, etc. This being said, the 5th wheel models exhibited much of the $500,000 motorhomes DNA like woodwork, fit and finish, build quality, etc.
It’s a happy day. Not a sad day.
Pardon me. Your ID 10 T is showing.
I really wanted to get one of these.
Kind of their own middle area between say Montana's and Grand Designs that fit both with full time and part time campers and Luxe and DRV. I suppose the market in that middle space wasn't that profitable, coupled with the location. It has been a some what young division, so I guess at some point something would have had to happen. Maybe they have known for a while but with sales during covid, they had hope something would take off.
I thought you got a new fifth wheel after you tested the VanLeigh for six months? If that is the case it might have been for shadowing.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Vanleigh. They built the best.i We loved our Vilano, from 2016, and recently traded for a Montana Legacy CK, 2022, which is a joke when it comes to storage inside the rig, and quality of the cabinetry. We are actually looking to take a hit, and trade again within the first year. What is your opinion about going with another Vilano, or Beacon, (2022,2023) in terms of service, or should we look elsewhere. Thanks!
Rut Ro … RV Companies are in Big Trouble. FJB.
Won’t just be manufacturers going under loads of dealerships going to disappear as well
I heard they were shutting downmarket temporarily for their class B line then bringing it back? Is this true?
I feel bad for the employees first. Second we have owned 2 Tiffin Class A's and before seeing a Beacon I was expecting a lot but was sorely disappointed compared to what Bob expected out of the Class A side, but then but wasn't involved a bunch I guess. When they were bought out I think many expected changes, maybe not this drastic but it's no real surprise. Since the 2Tiffin Class A's we have owned 2 NEW Horizon 5th wheels and without sounding like a blow hard there is no comparison to the Beacon.
Sad to hear this. Love our Beacon
Does it mean lowering the prices on the units left on the market or higher prices because they will become collectibles??
We own a 22 Beacon and based on the lack of quality and workmanship they got what they deserved. Every department that touched our coach SCREWED UP something. Including sending our rig down the road with NO brakes caliber bolts missing system full of air other bolts loose. Leaks, saw dust everywhere collapsed ac ducts. Open holes in gray tank valance hardware missing or stipped. Over spray under spray inside and out. 4 out of 5 awnings/troppers are Blake one is white. I can go on and all this after the dealership did 3 pages of work before we took delivery. All this points track of pride in their work, complete disregard for safety (brakes are important and we paid for the disc brakes) NO quality control or pride in their craftsmanship. Let this be a wake up call to the rest of the industry.
This is the result, I believe, of the change in the workforce during and after covid. Finding help now that will do a complete, quality job is almost impossible these days. Workers attitudes have changed, period, end of story. Very sad.
I've had the displeasure of working on these coaches I kept thinking the next one I worked on would be better...never happened and all the people who I worked with that had worked on a Beacon or any other Vanleigh would say really? Now you know why they went under. All sorts of problems I am not kidding
I'd like to see alliance or drv buy them to keep it going
Not surprised. Reviews on quality were bad too.
Thor cut quality to Vanleigh almost immediately to increase profits. I've heard of numerous issues with 21-22 models. Bob and the rest of the family stepped back and let Thor make the changes. Thor also owns DRV which is a direct competitor with Vanleigh and yes, they have their own issues. Vanleigh was building a "high end" unit with the same components you'd find on a 50k fifth wheel, putting full body paint on it, and listing the units for 150k in some cases. You can't do that especially when the quality isn't there. I went inside a Vilano and Beacon and there wasn't a dollar difference on the furnishings, interior, etc. except the full body paint on the Beacon. Being in MS/AL has nothing to do with supply chain issues or anything of the sort. Tiffin has been building them there for 50 years. What Tiffin doesn't make in house they outsource locally in the area and the essentials (frame, pinbox, etc.) all come from Indiana. Hate to see Vanleigh close, but hopefully it keeps Tiffin afloat.
JD can you please refresh my memory and explain why Tiffin sold the 5th wheel division to Thor?
I'm sad!!! I was planning on buying a Beacon in a few years. Maybe they will be back. I'm praying they will.
From what I heard you are lucky you never had the chance.
@@josephalberta1145 Why?
@@melendyladyboykin2482 Among others check out Midlife Detour in UA-cam. Problem after problem after problem with these RVs.
@@josephalberta1145 Ok. Thanks.
Domino effect will happen. First the Employees then Suppliers and the businesses they supported. It will be felt by many.
What does this say for the RV industry in general if a major player like Tiffin shudders it's fifth wheel division?
And that's what happens when owned by Thor. It's easier to just shut it down and push your other brands.
My husband and I had wanted Thor Outlaw A class toy hauler. But our group posts nothing but problems with it. We have a 98 Southwind A class and just going to keep it. Still under 40,000 miles. Never any issues. Just updating flooring. Seems like they cut corners
@@charitizzle6028 new rvs are terrible unless you spend big bucks and get something like a Newell or Prevost. They may look nice but it's lipstick on a pig
Unfortunately, the RV manufacturers of 5th wheels and large bumper pulls are likely going to have a tough time going forward and the choice of product will likely become limited for consumers. $80k +/- for a truck, high fuel prices, the push to electric, high interest rates, camp grounds charging high rates, expensive storage costs, and many boon docking sites being closed all make it difficult for families to afford to own an RV to go camping or travel. Driving 600 miles to the coast of Tx cost more than the week at the RV park. Small campers will probably become the norm so electric vehicles can pull them. With high rents, high home prices and rising interest rates families living in a RV was a relatively low cost way to live vs. being able to afford purchasing a home. I feel for the all the folks that have lost their jobs from this closure and wish them all the best.
They made a product that consumers were not willing to purchase. With the economy, there was no path forward.
As the owner of a Beacon, what are the implications of this as it relates to component parts specific to Van Leigh? Are we out in the cold?
Honestly I don't know. Perhaps you purchased it through a dealer that provided a warranty.
Per my direct communication today with Tiffin-Vanleigh RV, your support will not be affected.
Reason ....overpriced for todays needs
Everything is for now.
@@markadams5823 ya thats why they done
RV sales are in the tank….no one can afford them. Look at the HD trucks to pull a heavy RV. It’s disturbing as to why people excepted these prices on RVs and Vehicles.
I'm very curious who, if anyone is going to honor the warranty. I have a beacon and it's in service for warranty as we speak. Waiting for. Vanleigh to send the correct parts.
I wonder if with the recession and costs for products going up Thor realized they’d have to price Vanleigh to a point where it’d be direct with luxe and Thor didn’t want that. To me it’s kinda the situation with say genesis cars versus Mercedes’, Bmw etc. even though the genesis is a great product at a sloth frog cheap price, once you cross a certain threshold the brand now matters. And when the people have the money they will pay that little bit extra for the name. Luxe definitly holds a “look at me” name and are incredibly customizable
I was shocked when reading the news article last night…not sure why, they’re a quality brand but have incurred as many (if not more) supply chain and QC problems as other manufacturers. Idk if joining Thor has anything to do with their closing or not.
Just 14 days ago I purchased a 2018 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK from a family that used this unit less than 4 times due to a family tragic health (cancer) issue. I am truly blessed to now own a legend! The way the suspension system and TrailRide pin box works together is downright awesome. I do pull it with a GMC Denali Sierra 3500 dually. The sloped-back front cap has MORE of a slope that many other brands AND reduced wind drag and my MPG has been 2 MPG better than most other high brand 5th wheel that I have towed for the RV transport company that I work for..... Vanleigh RV was always thinking outside of the box and norm of other big box brand manufacturers. JD I have hauled many brands that you have reviewed on this channel and also Matt's RV towable channel and NONE, absolutely NONE compare to the Vanleigh RV towable RV's. I am saddened to hear from you and I also got a call from my Vanleigh Sales rep friend from Minneapolis today telling me this. After hearing this and watching your video, I put in a Call to Alabama to ask about part support on us existing owners, etc. Vanleigh/Tiffin assured that they are and WILL have parts for many years to come and they will NOT turn their back on the loyal customer base. I pull many RV's as I work for a Large(privately owned) RV Transport Company from Wakarusa/Goshen, IN and I have seen the Pinnacles and Keystones in the $160,000 fall apart when I reach many of the dealer destinations. The Vilano, and Beacons fair much better than all other manufacturers that I have towed in my retired, part-time job as a RV transporter. It is sad to see them go, I don't believe I will ever see a Jayco or Keystone with this build quality. The only other MFG that builds to this quality in this price-point is Forest River RIVERSTONE. Last year my wife and I drove down to Minneapolis to look at the build quality of the Riverstone and the Vanleigh RV (Beacon, Vilano,) The Vanleigh was a hands down winner.... Why? You cannot get a 39 foot or 43 foot Riverstone in many scenic State and National Parks because of the length. Just my .02 friend. Nice chatting again on your channel..... James From Duluth, MN.