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Jon Wehrenberg
10-31-2007, 03:35 PM
It is a high probability that Thompson Coach has ceased operations. I have heard this from several sources that I consider to be reliable.

But to offset that (not related to the previous remark, but coincidental) Russel Coach of Knoxville is building their first motorhome. It is a two slide XLII that will be an all wood interior much like Royale was. I had a brief tour of the shell and a few minutes of discussion with Rob Russel's wife and the shop foreman. They are going to try to fill the void left by Royale's departure from the conversion market.
Five-O
10-31-2007, 06:27 PM
This news got my attention. Our first bus was a 2005 Royale we got from Buddy Gregg. We loved it and at times regret giving up the wood interior. That would be great news if someone could duplicate what Royale had. They were simple to use and just a great bus. We loved the "Jack and Jill" floorplan as they called it. If something like that was on the market now and had a track record I know that I would give them a hard look. I hope that this news proves true and they can get some units built to establish themselves.
Ray Davis
10-31-2007, 07:17 PM
It is a high probability that Thompson Coach has ceased operations

That would be a real loss. I liked what I saw in the Thompson coach, even though I couldn't afford new.

Has anyone tried to contact Thompson to confirm? I could talk to Steve Bennett, as he is selling on of Rick's demo units.
Joe Cannarozzi
10-31-2007, 07:26 PM
I agree Ray.

How long did they operate and how many did they convert?
dalej
10-31-2007, 08:02 PM
Five-O,

Glad to have you back! :)
Jon Wehrenberg
10-31-2007, 08:04 PM
I don't know the number of conversions, but Thompson started when the coach still had rivets. We had the chance to see his finished product and a coach in process. We liked all that we saw.

I also had an opportunity to drive a new one to Nashville, about 180 miles. What impressed me was the logic of his electrical control system. Rick Thompson applied a lot of common sense to the various systems and he seemed to think through all of the various things he monitored and controlled within the coach.
truk4u
10-31-2007, 08:23 PM
There's a nice Thompson on e-bay..
dalej
10-31-2007, 08:59 PM
Tommy, you had better quit looking already, or you better have Nancy at your side! :)
dalej
10-31-2007, 09:16 PM
Tom, I just bid 200,000 for that Thompson and I'm still out bid!
Ray Davis
10-31-2007, 09:54 PM
Come-on Dale. Be bold. Bid higher!!!
dalej
10-31-2007, 10:13 PM
I've got 6 days and a few minutes left Ray! :)
rickdesilva
10-31-2007, 10:43 PM
If the rumor about Thompson is true that would be a shame. We love our Thompson. Rick Thompson has been great with sharing info and promptly answers any question you ask him. Jon, keep us informed if you hear anything.
Gary & Peggy Stevens
10-31-2007, 11:02 PM
When Peg and I went to the Tampa Super RV Show the first of this year, we met and talked at length with Mr. Thompson, while viewing one of his XL2 Creations.

Actually we met Ben, at the Super Show, EVERYBODY rembembers Ben, RIGHT ??????

Anyway, the Thompson XL2 was quite an innovative coach. Jon is correct the electronics in his coach are unsurpassed in innovation and technology. Wish we too could afford one of his beautiful coaches. Sorry to see he has to leave the field.

Dale, I will bid $5K above your last Ebay bid, and I am a Certified Ebayer. :D

Gary S.
truk4u
11-01-2007, 08:38 AM
Dale,

Better go out to the garage and look at the big gator tears running down her windshield!:o I'm keeping an eye on e-bay for YOU....
dalej
11-01-2007, 08:41 AM
Look at the 2000 listed, its serial# is a Y for 99 right! would the body style be a XLII if its a 99?
dalej
11-01-2007, 09:58 AM
Can you guys check this one out for me, let me know what you think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50057&viewitem=&item=260177234024&_trksid=p3907.m29
Alek&Lucia
11-01-2007, 10:03 AM
I know he is asking around 380k for it.
MangoMike
11-01-2007, 10:04 AM
Dale,

The vin # is listed. Why don't you pay to get the CarFax report done to see if there's any surprises.

Nice Bus.

Mike
dalej
11-01-2007, 10:22 AM
It just wasn't looking like the seller had all the info on his bus right. 40 series and the vin/year didn't look right.
dalej
11-01-2007, 10:37 AM
I just talked to the guy selling it (not the owner) he was just going by memory from what the owner said.

Said 375, pretty firm
Coloradobus
11-01-2007, 01:23 PM
There was a Hoffmann conversion listed several years ago that had a "Y" in its VIN. That 40 foot conversion must have been an early 2000 shell, and the converter got it early.
garyde
11-02-2007, 12:22 AM
Dale. He will be 'Firm' until he is not 'Firm'. Keep bugging him.