NuWa Recommendation on Rv.net

[Shooterdad]

There was a post this morning on RV.net , the gentleman was asking for advice about the purchase of a new trailer. His choices were a new Montana or a new Da 339, overwhelmingly even the Montana owners said to go with NuWa. I am not in anyway taking away from the folks that own Keystone products, or the Montana line of trailers , I just wanted to let Mike know that his decision to continue production will not be in vain . People recognize the value in Nu Wa and even though they may own SOB they appreciate Hitchhiker quality and there commitment to there customers. Looking forward to the new models and the continued success of NuWa . Scott





Note: Title only was edited to give more information - Bryan

[thomasmnile]

Interesting topic on the 5th wheel board at RV.NET. A family that is wanting to go fulltime is soliciting thoughts on whether they should purchase a Keystone model or a NuWa DA 339 RSB. They're agonizing over the price, the NuWa being more (but not that much). So far, 6 responses; one Glendale owner, the rest are owners of various Keystone products. Their unanimous recommendation:
(The Envelope Please!) NuWa!! If that ain't a ringing product endorsement, I don't know what is. 

But then again, we knew that...........................

OK, Bryan so I didn't look both ways before crossing! Can you move or delete this post, it's redundant and repetitious too. Guess I wanted Mike Mitchell to know what SOB owners thought of his products.

[Donr827]

With that thread the value of our HH fifth wheel just went up 10%.
Don

[Lynndiwagoner]

That is a very interesting thread.   I would chime in but the Keystone owners are doing a good enough job

[RJOL]

Here's the thread, if interested...\

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/22541781.cfm

[Hut]

That says a lot. We also have owned a Cougar by Keystone which we were happy with at the time. When we were looking to upgrade we did look at Montana as well as others but this HHII LS was a perfect fit for us and we feel the overall design and materials by NuWa is superior. Quality is similar as we haven't really had any more or any less small problems. I assume the DA and Champagne should be even better.

[F4RIO]

Man what a slam dunk testimonial. I would have expected several folks to stick with their brand, it's just human nature, but this  overwhelming support for NuWa is amazing especially when it's on RV.NET. 

<Don>

[GlenH]

Yes,
Truly amazing. The Keystone and Montana owners actually saying NuWa is of better quality than theirs. 
Maybe the light has struck them over the head.

[Rob McDonald]

I have not posted much though I have been on this forum for nearly a year, as it seems all the questions/problems I have encountered I have found a solution to on the forum. But I could not let this thread pass. My wife and I "retired" last spring and we had talked for years about getting a RV and traveling/workamping. We spent months researching, looking, reading forums, going in and out of nearly every brand we could find within 500 miles of Houston, from Carriage, Excel, Teton, Keystone, KZ, etc. . We found a HH dealer in Buda with Marshall Rv. They handled the KZ line as well as NuWa. I had my mind set on a NuWa after months of the research, and mostly having to do with Mike being a part of this forum. I told my wife that anytime a CEO takes time from his schedule to keep tabs on the pulse of his customer base, something HAS to be right with this company. (Maybe Wall Street and Washington should take his lead). Well, we found an Escalade (I know, it's NOT a NuWa) that was just beautiful. Had all the goodies we wanted, the wood was gorgeous, the layout perfect, etc. ect. In fact, we even signed a contract on the KZ, put some money down and set a delivery date. But something just didn't feel right to me and my wife knew it. I kept looking at web sites, reading, comparing and it was driving my wife crazy. She finally got me to tell her what was bugging me, I just didn't "feel" right. So we went back to Marshall, Mark bad both the Escalade and a Champagne set up and hooked up side by side and he told us to take as long as we wanted to make sure we had the unit we wanted. So back and forth and back and forth we went. After almost four hours we are, needless to say, totally satisfied with the Champagne we purchased. And a trip to Chanute for some service work and a tour of the factory confirmed our decision even more. If not for being in Ruidoso for a workamping job in about a month, we would have made it to Yellowstone.

The campground we are in right now close to Altus, OK, Quartz Mountain, had two other Champagnes and a DA here about a week ago. Surprisingly none of them had knowledge of this forum. I gave them one of our cards with this link and told them they really need to check it out. We, too, are extremely happy to see NuWa resume production. Mike and crew, keep up the good work.

[mmitc100]

I remember Mark telling me about your four hour side by side decision process.  I think you experienced the "I keep coming back to NuWa for some reason" phenomenum (??spelling help Debbie).  I really don't even know exactly what it is, but I have heard it for 30 years from customers at shows.  It's something about the quiet elegance and character of the woodwork, where the longer one let's the eyes and brain "ingest" what is in front of them the more they realize there is something unique about the complete package.  It's the awareness of my superficial versus substance example that catches so many folks.  The Escalade is a fine looking trailer and they are a good company.  But personally I don't view them as a "full timer" minded company.  Could I post your comments on the testimonial section of the website?    They have such value to potential customers, who can learn from your experience.   I'm getting an inventory of testimonials, so if I fail to get someone's posted that I asked permission of, please forgive me.   MIKE

I have not posted much though I have been on this forum for nearly a year, as it seems all the questions/problems I have encountered I have found a solution to on the forum. But I could not let this thread pass. My wife and I "retired" last spring and we had talked for years about getting a RV and traveling/workamping. We spent months researching, looking, reading forums, going in and out of nearly every brand we could find within 500 miles of Houston, from Carriage, Excel, Teton, Keystone, KZ, etc. . We found a HH dealer in Buda with Marshall Rv. They handled the KZ line as well as NuWa. I had my mind set on a NuWa after months of the research, and mostly having to do with Mike being a part of this forum. I told my wife that anytime a CEO takes time from his schedule to keep tabs on the pulse of his customer base, something HAS to be right with this company. (Maybe Wall Street and Washington should take his lead). Well, we found an Escalade (I know, it's NOT a NuWa) that was just beautiful. Had all the goodies we wanted, the wood was gorgeous, the layout perfect, etc. ect. In fact, we even signed a contract on the KZ, put some money down and set a delivery date. But something just didn't feel right to me and my wife knew it. I kept looking at web sites, reading, comparing and it was driving my wife crazy. She finally got me to tell her what was bugging me, I just didn't "feel" right. So we went back to Marshall, Mark bad both the Escalade and a Champagne set up and hooked up side by side and he told us to take as long as we wanted to make sure we had the unit we wanted. So back and forth and back and forth we went. After almost four hours we are, needless to say, totally satisfied with the Champagne we purchased. And a trip to Chanute for some service work and a tour of the factory confirmed our decision even more. If not for being in Ruidoso for a workamping job in about a month, we would have made it to Yellowstone.

The campground we are in right now close to Altus, OK, Quartz Mountain, had two other Champagnes and a DA here about a week ago. Surprisingly none of them had knowledge of this forum. I gave them one of our cards with this link and told them they really need to check it out. We, too, are extremely happy to see NuWa resume production. Mike and crew, keep up the good work.

[Don W]

Just several more reasons we feel good about our decision to go with a NuWa after over 2 years of looking and researching. Les than one week before I go and start the PDI process. Pricing places to store it so I will have a place when I return to park it. HOA does not approve of parking RVs in your driveway.

[Rob McDonald]

Mike, thanks for the response. You truly have an outstanding staff and we were so glad we made the switch. Have not regretted it one bit.

And I would be honored for you to use the testimonial. Thanks.

[LoneGranger]

phenomenon
Pronounced:  fi-'na-ma-non
A rare or significant fact or event. 
eg:  NuWa Industries of Chanute, Kansas, is an example of a business phenomenon.  For detailed information and proof, please check with owners of NuWa fifth wheels.  These roadies may be found in abundance on the NuWa Owners Forum.

Debbie   

I think you experienced the "I keep coming back to NuWa for some reason" phenomenum (??spelling help Debbie).  I really don't even know exactly what it is, but I have heard it for 30 years from customers at shows.  It's something about the quiet elegance and character of the woodwork, where the longer one let's the eyes and brain "ingest" what is in front of them the more they realize there is something unique about the complete package.  It's the awareness of my superficial versus substance example that catches so many folks. 

[mmitc100]

Ask for help of this forum and you get it.  Who needs "spell check" when you have Debbie?   MIKE

phenomenon
Pronounced:  fi-'na-ma-non
A rare or significant fact or event. 
eg:  NuWa Industries of Chanute, Kansas, is an example of a business phenomenon.  For detailed information and proof, please check with owners of NuWa fifth wheels.  These roadies may be found in abundance on the NuWa Owners Forum.

Debbie   

I think you experienced the "I keep coming back to NuWa for some reason" phenomenum (??spelling help Debbie).  I really don't even know exactly what it is, but I have heard it for 30 years from customers at shows.  It's something about the quiet elegance and character of the woodwork, where the longer one let's the eyes and brain "ingest" what is in front of them the more they realize there is something unique about the complete package.  It's the awareness of my superficial versus substance example that catches so many folks. 

[JimB]

Well, I see on that thread that those folks bought the NuWa DA.    Definitely a slam dunk.

We looked at the Montana early on... because a NuWa dealer tried to steer us that way.  Needless to say, we walked away from that dealership.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[PandJ]

I'm SO glad that they bought a DA - they will love it!  One of the dealers that we went to tried to steer us to a Big Horn, but like you, JimB, we weren't having any of it!!!  I did hear later that that particular salesman was let go!

Patty

[Jeff Collingwood]

Do you suppose the salesmen get an incentive for selling a Montana that they don't get otherwise.....  a volume thing?  Otherwise he wouldn't care less what brand they buy.
...Jeff...

I'm SO glad that they bought a DA - they will love it!  One of the dealers that we went to tried to steer us to a Big Horn, but like you, JimB, we weren't having any of it!!!  I did hear later that that particular salesman was let go!

Patty

[mmitc100]

Spiffs are not uncommon in this industry and there is justification for a small "spiff" to motivate a sales person.  But large spiffs can be an attempt to "buy" loyalty, and I assume there are all kinds of games going on these days. .   More commonly the reason for salesmens effort to "steer" customers in a particular direction is two fold.  One, they tend to sell what they themselves are comfortable with, meaning that if it's too expensive for them, they struggle with understanding why other people would pay this much for something.  As well, selling something more complex (meaning substance over superficial) may not be comfortable for them, because they haven't done their homework.  It's a lot easier to say "Ain't it pretty, ain't it cheap; you wanna buy one?".   Thus they tend to "track" in the direction of least resistance.  I have watched this for years.  They try to put all customers into the same "window" and assume that price will motivate you.  Such an error, but one that is a major challenge for high end manufacturers.  Nothing irritates me more than to hear that a customer, who went to one our dealers to buy a HitchHiker was pressured to "brand switch" by the sales person.  Foolish sales person.  MIKE

Do you suppose the salesmen get an incentive for selling a Montana that they don't get otherwise.....  a volume thing?  Otherwise he wouldn't care less what brand they buy.
...Jeff...

I'm SO glad that they bought a DA - they will love it!  One of the dealers that we went to tried to steer us to a Big Horn, but like you, JimB, we weren't having any of it!!!  I did hear later that that particular salesman was let go!

Patty

[thomasmnile]

Spiffs are not uncommon in this industry and there is justification for a small "spiff" to motivate a sales person.  But large spiffs can be an attempt to "buy" loyalty, and I assume there are all kinds of games going on these days. .   More commonly the reason for salesmens effort to "steer" customers in a particular direction is two fold.  One, they tend to sell what they themselves are comfortable with, meaning that if it's too expensive for them, they struggle with understanding why other people would pay this much for something.  As well, selling something more complex (meaning substance over superficial) may not be comfortable for them, because they haven't done their homework.  It's a lot easier to say "Ain't it pretty, ain't it cheap; you wanna buy one?".   Thus they tend to "track" in the direction of least resistance.  I have watched this for years.  They try to put all customers into the same "window" and assume that price will motivate you.  Such an error, but one that is a major challenge for high end manufacturers.  Nothing irritates me more than to hear that a customer, who went to one our dealers to buy a HitchHiker was pressured to "brand switch" by the sales person.  Foolish sales person.  MIKE

Do you suppose the salesmen get an incentive for selling a Montana that they don't get otherwise.....  a volume thing?  Otherwise he wouldn't care less what brand they buy.
...Jeff...

I'm SO glad that they bought a DA - they will love it!  One of the dealers that we went to tried to steer us to a Big Horn, but like you, JimB, we weren't having any of it!!!  I did hear later that that particular salesman was let go!

Mike,

A question for you. If you look at the RV. NET thread, all of those Keystone product owners, recommended NuWa over the Keystone product. Several of them mentioned NuWa is a great product, but too much $$$. In educating myself, I learned that many RV owners will trade in and out of what they own several times (who knows how the current economic paradigm will change that). My wife and I wanted to do this one time and one time only. I would have loved to have purchased a factory fresh unit, but that wasn't in the cards financially. We did see great value in purchasing the Collingwoods' used rig, because though used, you hardly knew it, the layout suited us fine, and after looking at every 5th wheel out there, I was convinced I couldn't do better than NuWa (not to mention all the upgrades Jeff put in the rig  ). Is the perceived "value" of a lower price that great a lure over build quality and fit and finish? Not to be demeaning, but every Keytsone product we ever looked at was pathetic. If I could not have found a NuWa, my alternative choices would have been Carriage or Glendale. Beyond that, I didn't see a thing worth buying.



Note:  Thread was edited only to remove thomasmnile's post outside the quote box. - Bryan

[PandJ]

The salesman that I spoke about in my other post also told me that "they don't like to sell hitchhikers because they have too many options"! Please bear in mind that this particular salesman was not good at his job , and like I said, I heard from another salesman for the same dealer only in a different location that he had been let go, so I'm sure that he was speaking for himself only in this case.

There were lots of Big Horns on their lot too and only two hitchhikers!  I'm wondering if maybe that prompted him to want to push the Big Horns.  We knew WAY MORE about the HH than either of the salesmen that we talked to.   That is why I love, love, love this  forum!!!  We had done our home work here and on the NuWa website, so when we were ready to purchase we knew EXACTLY what we were looking for.  AND it goes without saying that WE GOT IT!           

Patty

[Linda & Terry]

We had the same experience with the salesman at the dealer we went to in Fife, Washington.  Not only could he not answer any of our questions about the DA we wanted, but he tried to sell us a cheaper brand.  We were prepared to buy that day but were so turned off that we came home and phoned Darwin.  Now THERE was a dealer who could answer the questions  and really talk you through your option choices!  I wish he was still active.
Linda

[Pennsylvania Campers]

   When we went to look at the model HH that we finally bought the dealer also wanted to show us some cheaper units even though I had phoned to find out if they had that particular model HH in stock. I have also had some, but not all, truck dealers try to steer me to less expensive trucks. DW says its because I dress like a bum on weekends. Hey, I like to be comfortable.

  Gary

[mmitc100]

Americans; maybe all people want to believe they can buy quality for less.  That all products and services are similar.  That they can have it all.   Money is an important part of most everyone's life and we never have enough of it.  Thus it is logical that people will shop and search for value.  But their error is to assume that price is the main factor in creating value; it isn't.  It is one of the factors.  You hear me speak of intangible value and substance over superficial.  We have become a culture that focuses too little on substance and too much on superficial.   Too much on short term gratification and too little on long term.  And too little on the intangible values of a product or service, which require more depth of research to identify.  Thus it is natural that people are first drawn to lower price.  LCD TVs are a good example as they were initially little understood by consumers and falsely marketed by sales people and manufacturers.  The mass producers of Elkhart are becoming pretty good at providing value based on appearance and price.  And better in the reliability arena as well.  That makes them tough competition; tough enough that I know I will lose if I play in their playground.  But they have now learned to "sneak" into my playground by pretending to be what they are not.  Naive consumers eager to save money will eagerly listen to the smoke and mirrors sales pitch of RV salesmen who truly know so little about the statements they make.  People want to believe that the low price unit will match the reliability and performance and livability of the high end product.  Why do you think the mass producers "clone" all of NuWa's best floorplans?  It's because their dealers are listening to the customers who love those floorplans, but want the low price of the mass produced product.  It's human nature to want more than one pays for.  But consumers fail to understand the superiority of livability, and structural reliability and the intangible aspects of service and all that experience and passion that goes into the uppper end product.  And so they buy the low priced brand.  And they are either satisfied that they got what they paid for or disappointed in their decision.  Some have little else to compare to thus they assume what they are experiencing is what everyone experiences.  It is only by statements and sharing of experiences with those who made a different choice, that these folks have any clue that there might be something better for their next purchase.  Far more people never get that message than do, thus the mass producers continue to find plenty of customers.  This explanation is why the forum is so important to me.  It is the first time that I have been able to show evidence of how our customers feel about ownership, that is believable.  Consumers don't trust manufacturers, thus NuWa's efforts over all of these years doesn't have enough impact.     And remember that in fact many retail salesmen are not helping our cause, because they too have succumbed to the "lower price is most important" thought process.  They are more comfortable selling you something that they could afford and relate to.   It's an interesting psychology to observe and I have spent a career doing so.  For the first time I feel I might be able to take my story directly to consumers and have them believe.  I have unfortunately learned that dealers will not sufficiently do it for me, nor will they provide the shelf space that shows a commitment to the brand.   Interesting stuff to discuss.

I am noticing something that concerns me.   There are several other forums out there and some I don't even know of.   Because this forum is so successful, it holds the focus of many HH owners, who thus don't particiapte in other forums.   And thus other HH owners and more importantly prospective buyers, who are not aware of this forum are puzzled why so little HH owner activity on other forums.  And they assume the worst, and they don't seek out this forum or consider our products.  It is my hope that more positive activity might occur on some of these other forums, so NuWa's name is out there more often and so that others realize what you know;  there is a better forum for sharing of knowledge, and there just might be a product that is a better investment, because of the intangibles that come with it, and the experience and passion that goes into it.   We have enjoyed recently a rising tide of sentiment toward our company and product, because of the commitment to customers during the shutdown decision.  People and even to some extent dealers are not taking us as much for granted and are realizing that we might truly be different.  I hope to continue that momentum.   MIKE

Spiffs are not uncommon in this industry and there is justification for a small "spiff" to motivate a sales person.  But large spiffs can be an attempt to "buy" loyalty, and I assume there are all kinds of games going on these days. .   More commonly the reason for salesmens effort to "steer" customers in a particular direction is two fold.  One, they tend to sell what they themselves are comfortable with, meaning that if it's too expensive for them, they struggle with understanding why other people would pay this much for something.  As well, selling something more complex (meaning substance over superficial) may not be comfortable for them, because they haven't done their homework.  It's a lot easier to say "Ain't it pretty, ain't it cheap; you wanna buy one?".   Thus they tend to "track" in the direction of least resistance.  I have watched this for years.  They try to put all customers into the same "window" and assume that price will motivate you.  Such an error, but one that is a major challenge for high end manufacturers.  Nothing irritates me more than to hear that a customer, who went to one our dealers to buy a HitchHiker was pressured to "brand switch" by the sales person.  Foolish sales person.  MIKE

Do you suppose the salesmen get an incentive for selling a Montana that they don't get otherwise.....  a volume thing?  Otherwise he wouldn't care less what brand they buy.
...Jeff...

I'm SO glad that they bought a DA - they will love it!  One of the dealers that we went to tried to steer us to a Big Horn, but like you, JimB, we weren't having any of it!!!  I did hear later that that particular salesman was let go!

Mike,

A question for you. If you look at the RV. NET thread, all of those Keystone product owners, recommended NuWa over the Keystone product. Several of them mentioned NuWa is a great product, but too much $$$. In educating myself, I learned that many RV owners will trade in and out of what they own several times (who knows how the current economic paradigm will change that). My wife and I wanted to do this one time and one time only. I would have loved to have purchased a factory fresh unit, but that wasn't in the cards financially. We did see great value in purchasing the Collingwoods' used rig, because though used, you hardly knew it, the layout suited us fine, and after looking at every 5th wheel out there, I was convinced I couldn't do better than NuWa (not to mention all the upgrades Jeff put in the rig  ). Is the perceived "value" of a lower price that great a lure over build quality and fit and finish? Not to be demeaning, but every Keytsone product we ever looked at was pathetic. If I could not have found a NuWa, my alternative choices would have been Carriage or Glendale. Beyond that, I didn't see a thing worth buying.



Note:  Thread was edited only to remove thomasmnile's post outside the quote box. - Bryan

[bobr]

the problem with the sales people is a complete lack of training. the more complex a product is the more training is required to sell it. unfortunately at most dealerships there are a number of different brands available and customers are drawn first ot the cheapest line they see and untrained salespeople take the path of least resistance and sell the cheap stuff. they think that they will never see the customer again so this one commission is all they will get from them and do what is easiest to get that commission. it is up to the buyer to do some research in advance or they will not get what they would have opted for armed with all the pertinent information. that is a situation that will not change and the best thing that can happen to the quality brands is to advertise their web sites and on those web sites point prospects toward an owners forum like this. there is no better research tool available to prospective customers than this and more people need to be exposed to it. jmho   bob r

[Jeff Collingwood]

I agree that as a NuWa Owners Forum user that I have stopped participating in the other RV forums.  Before, when I did, a lot of what I saw made me upset.  Our forum had the content and the atmosphere that I longed for.  I just about never log onto RV.NET anymore as it is a waste of time for me.  But I see your point, if I am not explaining my feelings for my HH to the RV.NET people who may be searching for the right 5er, it may hurt sales for HH to some degree.  Now if that is the same for the other 2000 users here, then there is something to it.  I will try to get on RV.NET more often  (I spend so much time here that there is not much computer time left).
...Jeff...