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Country Coach or Kevin

Yahoo Message Number: 100824
I'm planning a trip to Oregon from Southern California. We've never made the trip, so the reasons for going are pleasure as well as to have our rig inspected.

A little history of our rig (and us) is as follows: -My wife is a retired teacher and I'm a semi-retired teacher who purchased our first ever motorhome, although we camped for 20+ years with fold down and travel trailers.
-We had a 15 year hiatus from the RV world due to health reasons.
-while I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, I can do very little work myself because of back surgeries.

-My purchase of a 2001 Country Coach Allure (32' w/slide) with only 28k miles was made from a friend of a friend.
-The seller is a retired diesel mechanic with an excellent reputation in that area.
-The seller is the original owner with all documentation, but did not use the rig for the last two years.
-I made the purchase 14 months ago and prior to any trips replaced the original tires and the 6 year old tires.
-I had a reputable RV/Truck repair place go over all systems and replace all fluids. Belts and hoses were inspected and replaced as necessary.
-I felt this was necessary since it wasn't used for two years.

After one year of use by us and 5000 miles of relatively short trips, that were on average of 100 miles with one trip of 400 miles, I now would like to make sure all systems are functioning properly.  My concern is the age of the coach. I am very pleased that I ended up with a rare Country Coach, being a 32' with a slide. If you saw this coach, you would not believe its 14 years old, particularly because the furniture was covered in clear plastic since new. The exterior is nearly as good with the exception of the roof that has peeling near the front corners and slightly under the windshield.

Your opinions please- particularly about whether I should take it to the factory or Kevin Waite. I am particularly interested in others experiences.

Forgive the length of this post. I'm hoping to give the major points to give proper advice.

John & Carol Jones

2001 Allure 32'--#30672

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100828
How come there are so many spaces      between the paragraphs (or lines) of your post? That makes it      hard to follow. That having been said, I can't comment on your      coach but I can comment on mine and my experiences with the      current CC operation, Oregon Motor Coach, and Kevin Waite.
 I did one service call at the "factory" and was not happy with      that experience. It involved the Hydro-Hot. I can give you      details if you feel it is absolutely necessary.
 I have had significant work done at Oregon Motor Coach,      particularly the resealing of the slides. It also restored the      radiant floor heat that was non-functioning when we purchased the      coach. In all instances, we have been satisfied with its      service. Furthermore, service manager Jim Cooley has some great      farm fresh eggs for sale, $3 a dozen when we were last there.
 Kevin Waite is a superior talent and very honest businessman. He      has done excellent work for me, and has even suggested that I use      OMC for the occasional work that he felt he could not adequately      perform. I would not hesitate for a moment to ask him to do work      on my coach. He also has the advantage to us of a better "price      point," if you get my drift. It appears to me that the      relationship between Kevin and OMC is cordial, a significant plus      when thinking about how to deal with service providers. Kevin and      his partner (Brian?) even allowed us to stay overnight in their      garage whilst he did the Bus Kote on our roof. Superior people,      indeed.
 We purchased our coach in 2010, from the original owner (at a lot      that shortly thereafter declared bankruptcy...that is another      story). We have since driven it 10K or so miles, and it has never      been serviced by other than Kevin or OMC (except for the brass      replacement of a plastic drain valve on our Hydro-Hot, by R      Mechanic in Livermore, another first-class operation, by the way,      or a service visit to Cummins).
 For Country Coaches, I believe the age of the coach is not a      significant consideration. You have a superior product, and it      deserves the best attention from either OMC or Kevin.

Ken Harrison

2004 Allure 33' #31035

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100829
My apologies for the spacing. It didn't look like that on my iPad until I hit send. I can't figure out how to edit out the spacing to look normal. Sorry John & Carol Jones

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100830
We bought our CC in October and took it to the factory to take advantage of their $200 inspection, they were great and did a great job very glad we made that decision Darrell and Marsha
2007 Intrigue C13


---

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100836
My opinion is that you will receive excellent service from any one of these: Kevin Waite, Bob Vinson, or Oregon Motor Coach.
 Both Bob and Kevin worked for CC and know the coaches inside out. OMC has the greatest collection of ex CC employees anywhere.
Kevin hasn't worked ou our coach but he has given me some tech advice. Bob and OMC have worked on the coach and the only thing that would sway me from one to the other is availability. Bob goes to the southern CA desert area during the winter so if you go there he is the go to guy. Kevin stays in JC.
 I see no reason to go to the factory for anything as any of those listed above have full access to any part needed and can do anything needed to the coach. Your 14 year old coach is in much better condition and has better serviceability than some of the newer other brands.

Don

'02 Intrugue 11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100839
I can second that opinion of Kevin Waite on all counts. Especially for a CC vintage from before the bankruptcy and restructuring of the company, Kevin is the guy. I have not visited either shop but I have had many parts needs and technical questions/troubleshooting issues on my 1998 Intrigue and Kevin has come though every time. The CC corporation does not seem to want to have much to do with any coaches built before the "new" company came to be, and their parts & tech guy is very slow to return messages (if ever).
If I ever find myself in Oregon my first stop will be Kevin's shop.

Mark M

1998 Intrigue #10661

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100841
Kevin is a good starting point for your visit. He can take care of many issues himself and will point you in right direction for projects he isn't equipped to handle. I'd call ahead to discuss your needs with Kevin.
 We've been here in Junction City for the last month having many items evaluated, repaired and remodeled. We started with Kevin, had Brian (Kevin's neighbor) do an inspection and some chassis repairs; moved on to Davis Cabinets for TV replacements, RV Glass Solutions to repair creeping window seals, had Bob Vincent modify some of our fluorescent fixtures to use LED tube bulbs (love the new LED tubes he uses!), some upholstery work at Millie's (via Premier), and are now at Premier RV for carpet replacement, tile installation, and a few more coach repairs.
 We are pleased with all these service providers and would highly recommend them.
 We haven't used OMC or the "new" Country Coach for any work so can't compare them with the others. I'm sure either of them or Premier could have provided "one-stop" service for most of our needs but we wanted to directly support some of the other small (and large) businesses in the area.
 The Junction City area is blessed with a wealth of highly qualified, reputable RV service providers that have survived the demise of the "old" Country Coach. There's probably no better place in the country to get your coach needs taken care of.
 If we were to restart the month of work we've had done here, I'd still start with a call to Kevin to discuss our needs and let him be our guide to others as needed.
--

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100842
I have no experience with anyone but premier and the country coach factory.
Both places treated us awesomely and with true professionalism. We originally went to the factory for the 200 dollar checkover, and decided we wanted something bigger than our 32' no slide intrigue. It came down to a 02 magna at premier with Damon as our salesperson or the 01 magna we actually wound up buying from country coach. I would not hesitate to go to either place for any repairs both places where great.

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100843
Tom Harsch,

Great write up and summary re: services in Junction City. These guys are  great. I would like to just add one more X-CC tech to your list in case you're  the Tucson area and that is Eric Olstrom at Premier Motor Coach Services/Tucson,  AZ. I have had a lot of work done their and also recommend them highly.

Safe travels.

Michael Title
05 Inspire #51381

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100853
Hi John,

I met you and Carol when I purchased some C.Coach items from you a couple of months ago.
Nice to hear you are following through with your planned trip to Oregon.

I have used Kevin Waite for many items, Bob Vinson for roof A/C, Brian Schack for chassis and semi major engine work. All are excellent, knowledgeable and fair with their cost..
I am headed up in June for additional work at Brian's shop for some work on my toad. His shop is next door to Kevin. I may see you there if you decide to use them.
Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100864
I too endorse Kevin, and honest and nice man. Recommend for those that want on the road tech support, signing up for his yearly support.

We had very good and competent work accomplished at OMC. Had price quotes to do some major renovations, that we've now decided to feather in over a few year period.

I visited CC, and enjoyed an un announced brief tour. No doubt they have the knowledge, and parts sources, but to me the shop still looked like it was getting back on it's feet. (Perhaps not a fair assessment, but was my perception.) This was about a year ago now. Sure wish nothing but the best for CC and the restart of building coaches. And will keep an open mind and visit them again when next in the area.

Premier has a good reputation. But I admit that I have reservations about their sales of used coaches, due to a series of post on IRV2 from Mr. D on a Magna he bought from them with an ISX that went south, as well as other problems with the coach. Yes, buyer be ware. But, he was specifically told that the coach had been gone over, and all was in great shape. They even had an oil analysis, that was from what I understand - not shared with him. That makes me a bit nervous. Not saying they did anything wrong, but I would do more due diligence before working with them. I also would respect them if they were to post to IRV2 a response of 'their perspective' vs what Mr D has reported. As their are two sides to any story. Mr D has shared his, and I do not doubt what he has posted to be accurate from his perspective. Would like to know how Premier feels about what is going on...

Bob Vinson gets good reports of service. I contacted him for some help on some work with our coach while he was in the desert. And after two times of him not following up with me, I decided he was not interested in our business. (Wish him well, and hope he was really swamped. But, being in business has obligations of good communication. I do not feel that happened this time with me.)

Me? I'd call Kevin and review what you want looked over, and any work you want done at the same time. On the items he may not be ready to help you with, I'd then make an appointment with OMC - top notch all the areas of customer service, and repair.

Best of luck,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100934
Cummins Northwest in Central Point on Hwy 62 east of Costco has a good service dept

Bill

07 Allure

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100936
Here is my take on this: I am sure all the outfits such as Kevin Waite, Premier in Junction City, Premier in Tucson, OMC, as well as Butch Williams in Florida can all do good work on Country Coaches. It is also good to know there are Country Coach experts outside the Junction City area. However, Ron Lee running the current Country Coach is the only one keeping the legacy of Country Coach going and is trying to restart production. I suspect if he does get production going, it can do nothing to help the value of our coaches. CC is also the only entity that keeps production records and fiberglass molds for our coaches. So while I have no problem with any of the other folks, I feel I am best served helping Country Coach stay in business. They have always provided excellent service and support, and we are bringing the coach up there this summer for some work.
Per Korslund

'95 Affinity 5259

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100938
I totally agree, we took our new to us coach to CC a few months back and received excellant service, let's keep CC alive Darrell and Marsha
2007 Intrigue. 12975

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100939
I too had excellent experiences with Kevin Waite and Bob Vinson. Recently had some coach modifications done in Junction City and through telephone support for a few years now.
I have sought out support with CC directly and rarely do I get a response.
Mark Laser

07 Inspire 51985

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100941
I want to add that I too have had excellent experiences with Kevin Waite.
 I will be participating in the MVPA (Spirit of '45) convoy this year and my CC will be our support vehicle. I will be towing a cargo trailer (6,500 Lbs) with my WW II Jeep that will be in the convoy. This will be a 8000 mile trip and Kevin has provide me with the spare parts that I will carry, just in case. The convoy will not wait if my 1998 CC fails during the 3,400 mile convoy. I will also carry a spare tire.  As far as I know, I will be the only CC in the RV "march" units.

The Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) will conduct a 95th Anniversary Convoy with  as many as 120 Historic Military Vehicles (lots of WW II) that will retrace the original 1920 Transcontinental Motor Convoy route -- along the Bankhead Highway. The MVPA 2015 Bankhead Convoy ("BH-15") will launch from Washington, DC on Saturday, 19 September and arrive in San Diego, CA some 29 days later, on Saturday, 17 October. The spirit of '45 group will be with us: www.spiritof45.com
Randy Parent, 32' CC

PS I also have had excellent annual service from OMC..great people thank you. 

Re: Premier RV

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100990
I had a few fellow CC owners, and a well known and respected CC/SOB Professional Broker make contact with me via Email.

I posted the below in my earlier post within this thread:

Quote
Premier has a good reputation. But I admit that I have reservations about their sales of used coaches, due to a series of post on IRV2 from Mr. D on a Magna he bought from them with an ISX that went south, as well as other problems with the coach. Yes, buyer be ware. But, he was specifically told that the coach had been gone over, and all was in great shape. They even had an oil analysis, that was from what I understand - not shared with him. That makes me a bit nervous. Not saying they did anything wrong, but I would do more due diligence before working with them. I also would respect them if they were to post to IRV2 a response of 'their perspective' vs what Mr D has reported. As their are two sides to any story. Mr D has shared his, and I do not doubt what he has posted to be accurate from his perspective. Would like to know how Premier feels about what is going on...

My intent was to primarily share a 'Do your due diligence' and form your own opinions on Premier. While at the same time be fair to Premier that there are always two stories:)!

So I'm posting again, to be clearer that Premier has an earned good reputation. As was pointed out to me in various emails, these forums are not the place to have this dialog. Premier and Mr D talking this over between themselves, is appropriate, and hopefully they'll shake hands and be on agreement.

I appreciated the emails from all, and it is fairer to let this process take place. For both Mr D, and Premier.

Best to all, be safe, have fun,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Premier RV

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100991
I was talking to a CC owner, who will remain nameless, the other day.  When he got his new coach he took it to Newport to check out his coach and hadn't driven over 20 miles or so when a cylinder started missing.  Well it all worked out, but the old CC had to pickup the Coach in Salt lake City a second time as the power dropped off and he needed to get home!  They returned the coach after it had spent time at Cummins Northwest in Coburg, Oregon.  It has special programming  and runs great at lower Altitudes but at high altitudes has a drop off in power.

All that being said, he is very happy with the coach and this was not his first new CC.  Its now 7 years old and has had no further issues.  So whether its a preowned coach or a new coach there is always the chance for difficulties.  I had a radiator failure and charge air cooler failure within  6 months.  So it can happen to anyone.  Buyer beware, and be prepared.

TWI 2004 intrigue 11731.

Re: Premier RV

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100992
Smitty !! Ido not have a horse in this race nor have I ever Been to premier How ever the blame is Cummins 650 hp engines as this is becoming a problem not just in motor homes !! The problem seems to be the in the valves and cummins should step up And deal with it.
Denny Parker
06. Intrigue

Re: Premier RV

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 100998
Yep, things can happen, new or used:)!

And yes Cummins is the one that has not stepped up to fix what seems to have been a design problem. They have a 'fix' that requires new parts in the way of a turbo and other plumbing. I've shared my opinion a few times on IRV2 Cummins and probably the CC section too - that I feel that Cummins is primary on this. They contributed a good hunk of change to them on an out of warranty engine. But it sure seems that after decades of building a great reputation, you now read several times in the last say 10 years or so - where they are not stepping up and taking accountability for problems that they caused by either faulty design or parts. Stuff happens, it is how a company steps up to the plate that shows their character. IMO, Cummins character/culture seems to have shifted in the wrong direction.

Best to all, and also to Mr D and Premier!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017

(Not the best writer, as many of that know my posts - I ain't quite as shall I say 'crisp' in my postings as others. (Wife says I talk long winded too:)!) That is the only reason I reposted, as I wanted to be fair to both Premier and Mr D.)
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Premier RV

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101003
Smitty and all others:

More  info has come to light that totally leaves Premier out of it!! Cummins  says the moisture is normal for a unit sitting and the iron (rust) would  come from internal components rusting (a very good reason to change the  oil just before storing it for the winter!).
Also, the oil filter was changed, cut open and no metal particles/shavings were found in it.
So, even with the oil report and a going over at Cummins it STILL would not have been an indication of pending problems!!

Re: Premier RV

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101005
Thanks for the update sir. Get some miles on that rig soon:)!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Premier RV

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101017
Just got word of another ISX failure, this time it was a 600 HP unit. Kind of interesting because the 600 seems to be less prone to the problems.

Deen

09 Magna 6999

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101039
Hi - Saw this thread late. Sorry. I've had Kevin work on our vehicle on location and was very happy with the level of service. He' nice to deal with and stays in touch with customers. Service is everything in this business. On numerous occasions I've had to reach out for technical advice and he's there. He's good on sourcing "hard to find" parts too.
My vote goes to the small business owner. It never hurts to call Kevin and discuss what you want done. Kevin will provide an honest evaluation of the repair situation and what's required to remedy it. You can't ask for anymore than that. Being that he's been in this industry for many years has has the connections to extend services when, where and as needed. Good luck and travel safely.

Best - Scott

Re: Country Coach or Kevin

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101068
Hi Guys,

I would like to welcome you to the Country Coach seen.
What part of South Carolina are you?  I live in Charlotte area, NC.  My good friend had you coach for years.  I know that coach very well.  We convoyed up and down the east coast for years.  Good Coach.  Feel free to give me a call, 704-675-0260.  I can share his contact information, and share some of my own experiences.  He was the reason I switched to country coach, and am very happy I did.

Thanks 
Bob

03 Allure 3 Slide Tag  #30814