Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Peterson Industries, Inc. has been a pillar of the RV industry and our community for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1966 by Vaughn & Leonard Peterson, the Excel brand has survived crisis upon crisis and always bounced back. Beginning with the fuel shortages in 1974, when people stood in line for hours just to get gas. Followed by the interest crisis of 1979, when interest rates jumped to a staggering 21%.
Next, we had a fire in 1983 that burned our main plant to the ground. Operating out of 5 locations around Smith Center, we produced our 1st unit within 30 days after the fire.
Then came 9/11 and the softening of the RV markets during the Gulf war.
And finally, the greatest recession to hit America since the 1930’s, caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis that began in 2007 and lasted for a staggering 6 years for the RV industry. Coming into the 2007 recession, Peterson Industries was positioned quite well to sustain a moderate downturn. This however, was in no way “moderate”! The recession began with approximately 15 RV manufacturers building in the “high end” market, until finally there were only 2 left. DRV and Excel.
After a diligent search seeking a buyer or investor proved fruitless, I am so sorry to say that the last 7 years has left Peterson Industries undercapitalized and unable to continue.
Therefore, we regret to inform you, our valued family members that Peterson Industries is closing our doors, effective immediately.
On behalf of Vaughn, Duana, Bryan, Curtis, and all the employees, we want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your loyalty and for giving us an opportunity to be a part of your lives.
Words cannot express our gratitude… We will miss you all so very much!
Sounds like they tried to hang on as long as they could.
We're beginning to see long established restaurants and retail establishments close in the area. Most of the owners indicate the cost of doing business has risen so much in the last several years and sales volumes have not increased enough, it's not possible to continue to stay in business. One restaurant had been in business for over 45 years.
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"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
This is a double shame because the Excel was a quality built trailer.Sad for the small town where they were located and the all the people there.Excel supported other businesses as well as their own employees.
Bryan Tillett, the President / GM, knew the business and knew RV’s. They did some innovative things. It was not, IMO, for lack of a good product or marketing.They also had built a new, large repair facility to expand their business reach to other brands.But Smith Center was just not a destination.I say all this because, yes, it is a shame and sad for the families who made a living there.The consolidation of the business and the lack of a recovering and growing economy finally caught up with their best efforts.
