Industry Problem

[Crazy Horse]

Just a word for anyone thats thinking about purchasing a new RV (camper, motor home, travel trailer), and wanting an oven. There is a big shortage going on right now on ovens. The reason for this shortage is due to the lack of production of a specific valve that is used in them. I've been told that these valves will be on backorder from the manufacturer till sometime this summer. Many of the RV manufacturers have already liquidated their oven inventory. If you want an oven you'll probably need to purchase an RV that's already built and sitting in inventory on someones lot.

 

[Fireman]

Aint that just GRAND!



Fireman

 

[KBalzuweit]

That problem was about 4 weeks ago and gone. I pull for these daily all over and they are coming out of the factory at full steam now. I was told they are little behind on some orders due to that problem and the holidays, but hey its winter in most of the country. Too cold to camp for me.

 

[Crazy Horse]

If you are moving any inventory from the rv manufactuers, it's stock that has been built proir to the shortage, or product with a high potenial for problems



There where a few ovens becoming available from the manufactuer with about a 50% failure rate. One rv manufactuer sent a recently recieved supply of ovens back to the factory due to problems.



During the sema show rv manufactuers where told by the oven manufactuers that these valves would be flowing in a month or so. Well it hasn't happened yet.



I've been told 1st hand by three rv manufactuers they won't be able to supply any ovens till, "at the earliest April or May".

 

[KBalzuweit]

I picked up a unit the other day direct from a manufactuer and I talked to them and they said that the problem is now fixed and they are back to normal. Maybe some smaller guys may be the last to get new stock. The unit did have a oven it also. It also had a production date of 01/04. I would say that if there was a failure chance with a propane stove that they would not ship out a trailer. Just think of the liability that would have.



Karl

 

[Crazy Horse]

I don't think Keystone is one of the small guys. Word today is they will be putting convection microwaves in eveything, till the shortage problem is rectified.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Here is a story from last week-looks like it is still a problem:

http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2004/01/14/business.20040114-sbt-MICH-B8-RV_industry.sto

 

[jimnance]

It's still a problem. I have a unit on order that has been delayed by the shortage. I'm supposed to find out what my options are tomorrow. Word is that they may offer a combo Microwave/Convection oven as a no extra cost option to replace the oven.



This is a real problem for them. The manufacturers don't want to stop production because they don't have ovens. They can't warehouse these RV's. They've got to keep them rolling off the line.