Big Deal Prevost Car 08 Rally?

Nice idea resinmobileman. Done the trip many times.

There is a Big Deal Hotsy-Totsy Committee planning the Q08 deal, (BDHTCQ8) made up of Prevost Car, a converter, a rally master, etc. They keep notes and have agendas and all that stuff.

It seems that the only two things that they have agreed upon so far is the price range and the dates. Not all converters have come onboard yet, so y'all (trying to write like resinmobileman) are getting pretty fresh news here.

There are, of course, a lot of politics going on. Some other club that has been around for awhile has decided not to participate because they couldn't use their own stationery or collect the fees themselves.

My thinking about all of this is that it would be nifty to get a tour of the factory to see how the 80,000+ parts are bolted together. As to in-depth Q & Q and technical sessions, it doesn't really matter where their support is; they can come to our rallies? I've suggested a revolutionary idea to them and here it is, with my opinion added:

If you want to sell an idea to a geographically disbursed, but small groups of people, how about getting a bus, paint it up really nice, like with your company name on it and go to the various rallies and answer questions and show off your product on the public highways and at the rallies too? Y'know kinda like some bus manfacturers tell their customers?

The idea was shot down because it was, "too expensive."

Anyway, we're in the loop to hear the next step and have communicated same to BDHTCQ8. As soon as we hear back from them with some information, we'll post same right here.

Carole and I have been "on board" since the FMCA in Perry Ga this past March. In case any others did not get to go to the Prevost dinner you missed seeing thew first ever production Prevost, chassis #0001. It was a two mule drawn four wheel wagon with two leather covered bench seats! I thought it would be pretty neat to have some "rolling rallys" coming from different directions in the US of A. We could join up at designated points and all come together for a Canadian invasion of older Prevosts. I've Google mapped a route from Southern Pines NC and it measures out at 1,150 miles one way. My route went via I-73/74-US 220 to I-81 at Roanoke Va, to I-84 in Scranton Pa, to I-87 into Canada on their route AUT 15N, then Aut-30E, then Aut 20E, then Rte 173 S to Rte 277 and into Ste-Claire, QC, Canada. Somewhere along the routes we could all celebrate our Independence Day (some of us perhaps in Gettysburg PA on the 144th Anniversary of the battle, 3-4 July 1863) and then help the Quebecs celebrate their 400th birthday. How neat would that be? I doubt any of us will be around to help them celebrate their 500th birthday!

There are several possible layover spots on that route in/near Roanoke VA, Hagerstown MD, Scranton, PA, Albany NY, Saratoga Springs NY, Plattsburgh NY. I personally don't like motoring on I-95 anywhere and deliberately routed without using it (Carole and Kelly Jo had a really bad experience on it in May 2000. I came within inches of losing both of them). Anyway there are several other connecting Interstate routes that join up with or cross that route which could be used by POGgers coming from other states to meet up along the way. For example, Jon coming from Knoxville on I-40 can hook up with I-81 at Bristol and head north to a designated meet location. Someone from Ohio can use the PA Turnpike (I-76) and meet at a designated location near Carlisle PA. Same for I-80 near Hazelton PA; I-84 and I-87 near Newburgh NY; I-87 and I-90 in Albany; and so on. Anyone using I-95 can cross over to I-81 using I-270/I-70 out of DC to I-81 in Hagerstown MD. If someone wants to collaborate on the logistics I'll gladly work with them.

I think this may be a golden opportunity to show our strengths to Prevost, especially if we can work it out so that all of us arrive at Ste-Claire simultaneously!

Anybody have any shots back across the bow?

Looks like you have thought the route out pretty thouroughly. Now figure what the border people will do to a bunch of hotsh*ts in the fancy busses traveling trying to simultaneously arrive at the one destination.

I'll guarantee you that they will screw that group over with a fine toothed comb and hold up a large group of hotsh*ts just to be schmucks.

GUARANTEED !!!!

Hi to All. As one of the newest members, and not even yet owning a Prevost (however, I do expect that status to change within the next 30-60 days or so) I submit any comments with a bit of trepidation. Not sure I'm qualified to have a truly meaningful opinion.

However, that being said, I do believe that a healthy relationship between a manufacturer and end-user can benefit both parties substantially. It is my opinion, fo what it's worth, that Prevost Car should be treated with respect if we are to expect any in return and be thought of as a "legitimate" group to which they owe some loyality.

There is also much discussion as to the "other" group that may be in attendance at this event and whether POG members should "associate" with the likes. I, for one, prefer to form my own opinions based on how I am treated as an individual and not based on the perceptions of others.

I once owned a Safari ,which was a part of SMC, which also manufactured Beaver coaches. At our annual rally's, there were always comments made by the Safari group that the Beaver group was elitist and felt that they shouldn't have to "share" a rally with the lowly Safari owners. All Beaver owners were "rich" and "exculsive" yadda, yadda, yadda....

Anyway, I eventually purchased a Beaver coach and was treated very cooly by a lot of my Safari friends. Seemed I'd gone over to the dark side.

But, I decided to attend a couple of Beaver rally's to see what these folks were all about. Yep, some were just as we thought.... much too good to associate with those "Safari people". BUT the majority were really good people, just wanting to have a good time. They were'nt the demons after all.

Now that I've sucessfully bored you all with this tale, my opinion is that POG should thoughtfully consider it's future relationship with Prevost, prove to ALL on-lookers that we have some dignity and deserve some respect, and not merely blow off this event as if it means nothing to us, because, to a certain degree, it should. This discussion alone demonstrates that POG matters to Prevost. A good relationship with them can certainly be beneficial. By acknowledging their invitation, perhaps they can eventually be persuaded to contribute to the forum, or participate in a rally.

OK, now you can let me have it .......

This previous post demonstrates good adult wisdom, an open mind and an ability to think in a positive and creative fashion. For some of this, it is a new experience to hang out with people like this! Thanks for joining POG! (If we can help with that new coach, just let us know).

Over the years, my beautiful wife and I have attended a number of different types of rallies, held by different clubs and organizations. Other than the fact that I am basically anti-social, we have had mixed reactions to the rallies. We think back and remember so-and-so were fun, this event was pretty neat, and so on. And, we also can recall some of the others that for us were, "No way we are going back to that one."

So, you're right, it's best to reserve judgement and attend lots of different rallies, whether they are converter or manufacturer sponsored, or a bunch of people who decide to get together and make up their own outfit.

A wise man once told me that no matter where you are, if you look hard enough you can find at least one good person.

Best advice I ever got.

Mr. phorner....I am shocked that you would think this group could show some dignity and that we deserve respect.

It is the other group that has dignity and demands respect.

We are a bunch of misfits and gearheads that no one else will hang around with. To amuse ourselves there are some here that drop mints in coke bottles and dance around in the resultant spray in long johns.

We present each other with awards called Anal Awards and Viagra Awards.

We are an all inclusive group that lets anybody in (unlike some other groups that won't let you join unless you actually own a Prevost) no matter what they have or don't have. All they have to do is pony up $100 and they are in. How exclusive is that?

The other group has a bunch of nice folks in it and some are in this group, so there is already some mingling of the two groups.

Unlike the other group, when we get together some of this group gets down and dirty including engaging in serious discussions usually not held in public about personal matters that involve plumbing. I'm pretty sure if POG members go we won't be able to show any dignity, unless you would like to bring some. I haven't got any.

Aw geez, see what happens when they cancel the Lawrence Welk reruns for August?

Just about anything shows up on the internet.

OK. For Jon:

http://www.jillian.ca/LENNOW.JPG

What a guy has to do.

No dignity...

But we do have a good time.



Attachment 1573


mm

Hey, I'm not saying that the basic philosophy should change a bit.... just that there could be a benefit to encourage a good relationship with Prevost.

I FIRMLY believe that a good time is of paramount importance at any rally.

Did I forget to mention that I have a 50 cal. cannon available? Kinda says you've ARRIVED at any event......

And my idea of formal attire is socks....

Speaking of formal attire, If you haven't yet been warned let me be the first.....

If you wear a tie, its as good as gone.

I like the idea of a cannon. With a screwed up head like it sounds like you have you are going to do real well here.

PS: I don't think we have any issues with Prevost (except that they weren't too bright treating us like ugly stepchildren), it is just that they think we actually need them. It would be nice if they would help us with seminars and such.

Well it seems that Prevost does now want people to be happy in their facilities.

The old fiberglass chair they used to have in the waiting room has been upgraded:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...3D10%26hl%3Den

No Slide Out though.

Your in like flin there Phorner, since your formal attire is socks, you and JPJ will bond well, his formal version is sandals with socks.:eek:

Now go get that bus so the abuse can start...:D

Respect - Wasn't that an Aretha Franklin song?:rolleyes:

Jon, was that dingy or dignity? And what's the difference. Anyway, I say lets all go out and buy Tux T-shirt and show up for the Prevost Ball!

We're back on the Quebec Rally 08:

UPDATE:

Thank you all for your comments. Here is what I have passed along:

We want to be open-minded, but the POG membership has some concerns:

1. It is difficult to make a commitment until we have more information about the rally itself. We'd like to see a schedule of the rally before making a commitment, either individually or as a group.

2. A price of $1500 for a rally is very high, unless there is something that is so compelling that it makes it worthwhile.

3. The rally, which is to coincide with the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Quebec, being back-to-back with the Fourth of July weekend, for US members, may create scheduling conflicts.

4. Are there other ways to provide Prevost information and fellowship instead of such a rally?

5. Some members do not wish to go to Canada for a rally.

BTW: There are some converters who are voicing exactly the same concerns to Prevost Car.

We have been told that the Committee will be addressing these concerns and 'they will get back to us.'

I'll take it as my assignment to post any tangible information as soon as we hear more.

Thanks again!

We are all likely to use any excuse to go to a rally just so we get to use our coaches. That is what this is all about. Seeing how the coaches are made is a great experience. Paying $1500 for a few meals and a factory tour does not compute.

Paying $1500 to hear a 3 day sales pitch from the company that makes the shell that we are all likely convinced is the best shell is like preaching to the choir.

The whole thing doesn't make sense because of the question relating to what you get for the money as an attendee, and conversely, what is Prevost attempting to accomplish that has not already been done? Do they expect to write orders for new shells? are they going to introduce a four slide coach with and upstairs and downstairs?

Seeing how the coaches are made is a great experience.

There are some things in life you are better off not seeing. ie Watching babies being born and coaches being made. I have experianced two plant tours of the Monaco Plant in Coburg, OR. I personally would not want one of their plastic wonders under any circumstances. Ignorance is bliss on this subject. :D Put me down for not wanting to deal with the nasty Canadian Border Gestapo. No one is allowed to take my coach apart looking for something I told them is not there. That NAFTA BS is a one way operation.
Boy aren't I in a good mood this AM.

Harry, I'm have a hard time telling your and Lew's writings apart anymore! ;)

HHH, I couldn't have said it better myself. Get A1 Jon to tell you about he and Di's experience with the Germans, - uh I mean Canadians.

On our last (and I truly mean our LAST) trip to Canada) the Canadian customs folks decided to give us closer inspection. We were pulled into the inspection area and told to get out of the coach.

Two went in, and one worked the outside. I'll save the details but after 1 hour I went in to find out what was going on and the house was a shambles. They had pulled out drawers and emptied them, the LR furniture was pulled away from the walls, cabinets had been opened and stuff removed, etc. When I got in the coach one of the two was attempting to pry a panel off. It was a panel with touch latches and to open it all you had to do was push on it and it would spring open.

These wizards caught us...they had two bottles of wine on the table and because I did not declare them (they never asked if we had any alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, arms, etc. They just sent us to inspection) we were fined about $7.00 but on the back of the receipt was a huge message stamped on it that said if we ever were caught with contraband they would seize our conveyance.

It took us 45 minutes to get things back in place enough so we could travel again.

After I cancelled almost 1000 ton of steel orders, and my suppliers cried to whatever Canadian agency handles customs I got a big apoliogy from some official with the promise to remove my name and license plate from the computer system, but I never bought steel from Canada or went back. Don't need the BS.

Jon and friends... My experience crossing into Canada almost exactly mirrors yours some years ago in our 33' winnabago . We were kept waiting over two hours while the inspectors found zip... not that we had anything to hide anyway. It seems most of our neighbors ( read that other nations ) don't care for us, so we have decided to never and I mean never go or spend money in a foreign land. Besides, there is so much of our country that still needs to be seen and so many places in need of our fuel,food,and entertainment dollars. I really don't mind the price of a rally being 1000 or even 2000. We can spend that at a weekend race just watching. As you said, a good excuse to use the bus is any excuse. sorry, no international visits for us.

Is the issue "where" you cross the border, or just "luck-of-the-draw"? Ken and Mike were among a group who went to Canada and back just last month, and I don't believe any of them had any issues at the border.

ray

I agree, see America first. This land is diverse and beautiful.

We drove to Calgary, Alberta in 1998 and had no problems crossing the border. They asked us a few questions and did not even come inside.:D
Canada was beautiful; Banff, Lake Louise, and the Calgary Stampede were something to see. I guess if I had a negative experience like you guys I wouldn't go back either.

We are planning a trip to Alaska next summer or maybe 2009; haven't decided if we will drive or fly. It is such a long way from south Louisiana (5000 miles one way). If we drive, we'll have to cross the border at some point so I guess we will make that decision when the time comes.

I am going to go to Quebec City to tour the Prevost Car facility next summer. I want to see how Prevosts are made (I'll pass on the Big Deal Rally 2008, too much money). I want to see the chassis/frame construction and how they do slides. So I guess I will have to endure the border officials at some point, hopefully it will go smoothly.

Au revoir!

Ray, To answer your question from my perspective this was a random event.

We were located so close to the border that buying steel for example was no different than buying steel in Pittsburgh. I used to fly up routinely to meet with our suppliers or to meet with potential customers.

We drove into Canada in our car or bus often and a typical border crossing involved a few questions about where you were born or the nature of the visit.

I have no objection even to being singled out for a detailed search. What forever changed my opinion about a visit to our neighbor to the north was the surly attitude of the inspectors, their complete disregard for our property, and their apparent opinion that we were smuggling something even though we never got the usual questions, but instead were told to proceed to the inspection area.

It's bad enough we have to be inspected going into California in case I have a colony of fruit flies, or inspected in the middle of New Mexico in case I have a bus load of illegal aliens. I don't need the shabby treatment I got visiting a foreign country.

My friend traveling with 6 other RV's to Alaska had to stop at the Canadian border. He was singled out and it went like this. Do you have any guns with you. No. Do you own any guns. Yes. Where are they? at home. Where do you keep them at home? In a closet. Do yuo have any guns with you. no. They proceeded to tear his coach apart on a search. Found nothing. Then asked Have you ever been arrested? yes once for a long time ago for DUI. You will not be allowed to enter Canada without a letter from the Prime Minister allowing you to enter. My friend told the other RV's to go on their trip and he would go home. After a sound scolding they told him he could join the others on the trip. Which he did very reluctantly. Mexican authority's are not that brash. NAFTA is a bad joke on us. All this 5 years befor 9/11.

I gotta agree. We have no burning desire to cross borders at this point.

Too many great places we haven't spent enough time exploring right here in the good old USA.

If I wanted stress and hassles, I would have stayed working.... the pay was much better !!

I have crossed the border into Canada 3 times, 2004, '06,'07 in my bus and I havn't had any problems at all, with the Canadian officials. Luck of the draw I guess. I did have an issue with one of the American guys back in 2004. Just returning from a 3 month trip to Alaska, and just after a "mad cow" incident in Canada, I had about 20 pounds of red meat confiscated and dumped in the trash can. Anything that wasn't in it's original wrapper from the super market. Of course I had vacume sealed all my meat before leaving home, so nothing was in the original wrappers. I agree with Jon, you don't mind being singled out and searched, as long as the guys show respect for you and your "stuff".

Still keeping an open mind for Quebec City in '08,

Ken

Well, well, well.. Mr Phorner (strange name, huh?) has the avitar of his new coach but hasn't posted any large pictures for the membership to see. If you don't, mr P, you will be in deep doo doo. Time to stop drinking the champagne and get to the important things.

Yeah, yeah, Lew, I've already been chastised.

Ya see, I wanted to see to it that SOMEONE SPECIAL got the first peek at the new home before I put them out there for public consumption.

So, once a certain individual, who shall remain nameless, has been privy to the FIRST PICTURES (and I can figure out how to post them), I'll be happy to oblige.

Hold yer horses.....

Ray: Did I miss something in a previous post about a new Marathon coming to the Ray Davis Clan Soon? I think I saw a new signature, I did, I did. What is this ?? Mango, Jdub, and now Ray? Something is in the water? Marathon is on the move in POG:cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rfoster

Ray: Did I miss something in a previous post about a new Marathon coming to the Ray Davis Clan Soon? I think I saw a new signature, I did, I did. What is this ?? Mango, Jdub, and now Ray? Something is in the water? Marathon is on the move in POG:cool:

---

the heck with Canada, I noticed Ray's new sig line as well--wow Marathon is taking over, we feel lonely in our Millennium!! So Ray, spill, new bus or just teasing us??:D

Well, it's coming soon. If all goes well I will be picking up a 2002 XL2 Marathon on October 8-9th. (just in time to miss POG4). Still have not seen the coach in person, but have looked at a thousand pictures. Am heading out to Dallas on October 8th, and have agreed with seller, that if all is as advertised, I will finish the paperwork there, and take delivery on the 9th.

Thanks to JPJ for hooking me up with Tommy Spirito on the financing. That worked wonderfully well.

My bus is for sale with Steve Bennett at California Coach. I'm "sorta" in the two bus club, but sorta not. The previous owner has graciously agreed to become lienholder on my current bus, and take the remainder of the purchase price when my bus sells!


Ray

Ray you rascal, your really putting some pressure on the Truk!:o I hope it all works out for you, sounds like a great deal with the previous owner helping out.

You know becoming a member of the two bus club includes the occasional airstrike!:D

Congratulation, I'm really happy for you....

Congratulations Ray, and to think last winter you were not interested in a new bus. Thing sure can change fast.

I guess your now in the 1 1/2 bus club, from what you said. :D


Enjoy, it looks like a beauty. You have started something new here, catalog bus buying. Ha,Ha.;)

Ray,

Congratulations!

Glad to see you didn't let the Marathon recall scare you off! Were you able to get one of the early appointments to get the recall fixes done?

Can't wait to see the pictures.

I have to admit, we were originally a little scared off by the recall but after a lengthy conversation with Mango, plus countless emails to JDUB and Truk, we decided to go ahead anyway. I sure hope we made the right decision! We have serious reservations about selling our Vogue as it has turned out to be a heck of a bus but the XLII kept staring back at us everytime we looked at it.

I never thought we'd be a member of the OBC let alone the TBC. We used Tommy also as he is close and treated us very well. As a result, he has a new source for business in Marathon Coach so he has had a good couple of weeks. Our thanks to JPJ and this great site.

Don't forget the pictures!

Richard Beecher
2002 XLII Marathon

OK, Truk. Now you should start feeling bad.

It seems like anyone that wants a bus can find one. In fact it appears so easy that even a Texan can find a new bus.

Are you and JIm and Gary all going to form the no bus club or are you going to get your butt in gear and start looking. Just a clue here....they aren't free and you will have to dig up some of that buried cash in your back yard.

Richard: What's this? Another new Bus owner at POG with a Marathon. Pictures are required to remain in good standing. Otherwise a hazing may be in order.

All jokes aside- Congratulations on your new coach. I know you and the Ms are excited. Can't wait to see it.
You can't hide money.:cool:

Roger and Jon,

We looked at Parliament, Liberty, and Marathon XLIIs plus a bunch of XLs. I'm still having trouble getting the XL look out of my head, it is truely a classic. I would love to keep the Vogue but can't justify doing so.

This all started when an XLII Parliament was parked next to us one morning in Tampa while we were there for some service. Barbara says 'that's a nice looking bus, I like it'. Of course I said, 'well, let's ask them if we can see the inside' which turned out not to be our style. We had now started the process and there seemed to be no looking back. We learned a lot in our search and had some great help from the POG group.

Jon, don't be to hard on Truk, at least he has been busy helping the rest of us buy new busses. As for Jim and Gary, well, I can't htink of a better time to be looking at "Certified pre-owned busses" as there are now some good ones out there. Roger, ever thought about opening a pre-owned bus division at Parkway?

Not for lack of trying but we won't be in Branson due to our schedule. We'll get some pictures out soon.

Richard

Richard,

I think Truk is slowly disappearing from the ranks of this august group. He is falling in love with his "plastic palace" and privately he is mentioning things like costs per square foot, and how he can't tell the difference when he is asleep.

Why can't he be like the rest of us and lose his coach through fires or other natural disasters. To lose his interest in a Prevost from smelling the formaldahyde in the walls of his "sticks and staples" is almost a crime.

Damn, Truk is in Nashville with the plastic truckster for just a day or two of music and and A-1 puts an airstrike on him when the suns in his eyes!:eek: Now you boys just haven't RV'd until you smell the resin, balsa wood, glue and staples.

Just topped off today with 18 gallon of propane, see how far behind you weenies are, you were just yaking about how to use propane for fuel savings and the plastic truckster is already there!

OK, gotta go, someone at the door wanting a tour of the ResinMobile and some advice about adding corn silk to their fuel system.

I have been away from the group for a couple weeks, we start almond processing in California during the last week of August and my 140 processors have keep me busy day and night keeping them going.

I read all the comments about the 08 rally and would like to attend. A $1,000.00 or more is a lot but I agree with Jerry, let's wait for the program.

1. If I were Prevost I would invite everybody I could think of and search my database for names and address. Invite owners as customers not as members of a group. Some owners are not members of any group. Invite them by mail, have their local Prevost service writer’s call to personally ask them to come, do all the marketing you can for the event.

2. Have things on the program for everyone, manufactures like me, technical, shopping for my wife, maybe golf, history, French class, what ever is great in Quebec.

3. Present every attendee with a coupon good for an oil change, fuel filter etc. service at a Prevost center value maybe $500.00. I would want everyone coming to the centers for service after they left the plant, great profit area for Prevost and good way to maintain client contact.

Ray,
You will love your new coach, good job.

We are going to Vegas the 21st for the truck race, still spots on motor home hill if anyone is looking for something to do.