Friday, January 30, 2015

Country Coach Musings



A few thoughts about Country Coach Motorhomes and the company I worked for....

When I think Country Coach, I think of the motorcoaches built during that 17+ years I was part of the team....and I recall  the owners I got acquainted with who bought those fine coaches.
I think of Bob Lee, now a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame. Why, just mention Bob Lee in most any RV industry circle today and he still will seem a bit “larger than life.” He founded Country Camper in 1973, working as a service manager at a Ford dealership during the day and building truck canopies in a garage at night. Country Camper grew and was incorporated in 1974. Country Coach became known as the leading manufacturer of highline Class A diesel pushers. Bob was a prominent voice within the recreation industry, having held various positions within the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), as well as serving as a board member of the Oregon Reinforced Plastics Association. In August of 2000, Bob Lee was inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame. It was fitting that over the years, at the company he founded there were several special edition "tribute" motorhomes named in his honor. In 2003 Country Coach unveiled a "First Avenue Special Edition" in the Allure and Intrigue lines. Fittingly paying homage to Country Coach’s founder, Bob Lee, the First Avenue editions were named for the street in Junction City, where the Lee family began building Country Coach motorhomes. Later the company would also launch “Founder’s Editions”  and "Bob Lee Anniversary Editions"….All again were built in recognition of one Robert Lee and his significant contributions to this great industry. 
Today at many RV Dealerships nationwide you can find pre-owned well-maintained Country Coach motorhomes available for purchase…If you’re looking for a Country Coach brand motorhome at attractive prices and boasting the inherent quality and class, call your favorite highline motorhome salesperson and inquire what they have to offer. Due to the superior craftsmanship of a Country Coach there are some real beauties out there still available to own.
Having worked with Country Coach, Inc for 17+ years myself, before the company closed its doors in bankruptcy, and in the industry now for well over two decades, I am a firm believer that Country Coach motorhomes have that something extra.
As I recall, Bob Lee’s famous quote to his employees at company meetings was, “Build it as if your own mother was going to drive it.” And they did. 

Find your next adventure behind the wheel of a Country Coach--it’s truly one of the world’s finest motorcoaches on the road today. 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Country Coach Corporation 2016 Allure Crane Prairie Update



Country Coach Corporation Update 
about its 2016 Allure Crane Prairie
... an Excerpt of an email received from Country Coach Corporation


"…As you know, we are building the first prototype Allure and it will be done and ready for testing late spring. I want to explain my plan for this coach, as I have been asked several times. I personally am funding the build and this prototype will belong to me... Building this prototype has piqued the interest of several potential funding sources, which is a very good thing. I can no longer wait for the EB5 funding that we have spent so much time and money trying to arrange, to come to fruition….The good news is, that time has allowed us to complete other projects and get our feet planted more firmly on the ground. We have also expanded and improved our service and parts operation which are very necessary components for a strong manufacturing company...." --Ron Lee, President/CEO, Country Coach Corporation  www.countrycoach.com



Visit countrycoach.com to learn more about the 2016 Allure Crane Prairie floorplan and to request the full message. As a 24-year cheerleader of all things Country Coach, it's a pleasure to read updates such as this from the new Country Coach Corporation.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Think Conservation When You Consider Dry Camping



*Over the years I've read several good articles from my Country Coach friends about getting the most out of your Boondocking experience. Here's a compilation of a few of their tips. 

The late Gary Wallstrom, a founding member of Country Coach Friends motorhome owners club and someone I considered a very good friend, actually contributed to this list of suggestions and took these photos.

It’s Important to Think Conservation When You Consider Dry Camping

Many motorhome owners love to get off the beaten path and “unplug,” slowing down the pace, enjoying nature or each other’s company unfettered by the distractions of a luxury RV resort.  For those boondockers, once the satellite dish is lined up, solar panels up, window shades in place, patio furniture set, and awnings extended, you can settle in until you absolutely must return to civilization to dump those holding tanks and take on fresh water. It’s important to think Conservation when you think Dry Camping. Living comfortably without electrical, water and sewer hookups takes some planning and paying attention to everyday chores. If you consume less water and electricity, you can linger longer in your chosen off-the-beaten-path location.

Producing more electricity isn’t a problem but running the generator as little as possible is the goal. Save diesel fuel and reduce outdoor noise and odor; use the batteries less, and minimize generator run.

1-Turn the inverter off at night or when leaving for a side trip. This can usually be done at the remote panel or by the SilverLeaf. If your coach has a residential style refrigerator then this isn’t an option for you.

2-Run your generator in the morning and again in the evening to coincide with large loads incurred with cooking and hair drying. Operating the microwave, coffee pot and hair dryer on the inverter requires substantial 12VDC currents from your domestic batteries.

3-Plan activities around generator run times and you can dramatically reduce 12V consumption and the amount of time needed to recharge batteries. Your generator engine favors running with a substantial load where it actually performs better.

4) Solar Panels are an excellent way to extend run time off the inverter. If your coach is not equipped with solar panels, any other qualified service center can order them in and handle installation for you.

5) Eliminate wasted power further, by unplugging the satellite receiver when not in use as it continues to draw power even when turned off. This isn’t easy to do or even practical for many coaches but worth mentioning.

6) Turn off all unused interior lighting (don’t forget the exterior entry light when you retire at night).

7) Unplug the refrigerator ice maker and icemaker/ freezer in the basement if your coach has one.

8) Unplug any unnecessary clocks, radios, charging units or power supplies that you can do without; and of course don’t use electric space heaters.

9) Consider converting your coach halogen bulbs to LED fixtures. LEDs require less current draw which extends battery life. The biggest benefit is that LEDs require very little power to operate. Several service businesses can do this conversion for you if you don't wish to do it yourself. Many are business partners of Country Coach Friends Inc, so members can enjoy a discount on the job as well....just by showing their member card.

Water is the most limiting factor for extended dry camping. A few simple tips can greatly reduce water consumption.

1-Keep your showers short; save the long hot shower for when you’re back on city water. Take “Navy” showers (only use the water to get wet initially and then again to rinse off; turn off the water when soaping up or shampooing).

2-Convert to a shower head where you can adjust the flow or shut it off completely to maintain a constant water temperature while turning the water on and off. Do you have one of those sunflower showerheads? Though they are great when  on city water, they can easily flow at full capacity of your water pump (as much as 5-6 gallons per minute!).

3-To state the obvious, don’t let water run while brushing teeth or while washing and rinsing the dishes. It's amazing how much water goes down the drain when the water's left on during these routine tasks.

4-One RVer suggests, taking the leftover water from cooking pasta outside to water a plant. If no plant to water, then you should put it in the tank that fills up slowest. For most, that will be the black tank but if your coach doesn’t have an old fashion drop toilet you may find that it’s the black tank that fills up first.

5-Does your coach owners manual state you can safely lower the flush volume on your toilet. If so this will conserve water (but remember that insufficient flushing volume may cause some toilets to clog and become inoperable).

Many RVers will tell you that dry camping is one of the most rewarding uses of your Country Coach. By following these very simple suggestions you will be consuming less water and electricity, thus being able to linger longer off the beaten path.

Go Boondocking with your friends--it's really some of the Best of Times!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Country Coach Friends Incorporated - 2015 Owners Club Rallies for the Fun of it!



Country Coach Friends Motorhome Club Slates Two Rallies for 2015

The Country Coach Friends Inc. Club (CCFI), an international chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) with business partners nationwide, announced its 2015 events schedule with rallies in Texas and Oregon planned.

"My wife Juanita and I have made many life-long friends through our rallying with motorhome clubs over the years. Country Coach Friends is the friendliest club we’ve ever belonged to, so I was happy to step up and take my turn as President and am excited for the 2015 rallies we’ve got planned," John Malabicky, President said. "At a CCFI rally you can expect five days of fun, friendship and pure enjoyment of this great motorcoaching lifestyle."

Rally dates and locations for 2015 include:

• May 12-17, Buckhorn Lake Resort, Kerrville Texas

• Aug 17-21, Deschutes County Fairgrounds & Expo, Redmond, Oregon*
*This will be the Fifth Annual Friendship Rally held in Oregon where all Country Coach Motorcoaches were originally built.

Country Coach Friends Inc. was founded on friendship and extends an open invitation to all motorcoach owners (and vendors) to attend a CCFI event. During its rallies, attendees are presented with informative technical seminars about their coach and it systems along with top notch entertainment, outstanding meals other scheduled events and side trip opportunities. Usually a vendor display offers many shopping opportunities, and there is often a coach display for those shopping for a new motorhome.

For information on the club and its rallies, call Jerry OConnor, VP of Events & Promotion, (775) 742-4627, email countrycoachfriendsinc@gmail.com or visit http://www.countrycoachfriendsincorporated.com

Monday, January 19, 2015

Looking for Country Coach Parts and Other Brand Parts?

 (February 2024)

Here are 2 excellent Parts Resources....and Country Coach Friends Incorporated is a great club to contact regarding the recommendations of other Motorhome owners....where they go for their parts, service and renovations. 


PREMIER RV OF OREGON is one Motorhome Parts Resource (Junction City OR) Premier RV Services is happy to announce the availability of Parts, too. Call to order your Motorhome parts: 541-998-2640.  Parts Department open 8am-4:30pm, M-F, PST. www.PremierRVServices.com
________________________________________________________________________

OREGON MOTORCOACH CENTER has 1000s of Parts in Stock. TELEPHONE: 541-762-1505.   Looking for those hard to find Country Coach and Monaco parts? OMC Parts has thousands of parts. 10% discount to CCFI members. Specializing in Country Coach, and all major highline brands, Chassis Parts, Interior Parts, Exterior Parts, Specialty Parts, Hard-to-find Parts, Obsolete Parts, also fifth wheel trailer parts, camper parts. The owner of Country Coach brand and proprietary Country Coach materials. 


The Country Coach Company Bob Lee Built



Bob Lee:  RV Industry Pioneer and Company He Built

*Originally written and printed in FMC magazine, this article doesn’t scratch the surface of the contributions of Bob Lee to the RV industry. It is however, a small means of saying “thank you” to Terry and Bob for the wonderful Country Coach experiences I have enjoyed. My favorite life lesson from Bob was first heard at a plant wide meeting. He talked of growing up on a farm in southern Oregon, and how when they planted seed they would just hang the empty gunny sacks over the fence poles at the end of the rows and how over the years there got to be a lot of gunny sacks on their fence poles. He said they got so used to those gunny sacks they never even noticed them. But none the less they were eyesores. He encouraged me (us) to go back to our departments and look for our gunny sacks, to remove those things and to strive for excellence in everything we turned our efforts too.”  I never forgot and I think of it yet today as I move through my professional and personal life.

The RV Industry has had its share of ups and downs over the past several decades, and the same can be said of RV pioneer Bob Lee of Junction City, Oregon. His tenacity and perseverance over four decades of the RV industry’s cyclical highs and lows as well as in his own adjustment to health issues which demanded he downshift are commendable (and if you know Bob Lee, then you know slowing down is not something he easily agreed to). Bob’s passion for the recreation vehicle industry and his enjoyment of the Country Coach lifestyle are unstoppable. 

His is an inspiring story of the pursuit and achievement of the American dream.

Bob was born in the Klamath Falls, Oregon area in 1939 into a farming and logging family. After high school Bob joined the U.S. Navy training as a jet mechanic. He left the service in 1962 and went to work in the Los Angeles area for North American Rockwell, where he was hired as an equipment buyer with the Apollo space program. In 1968 he left the aerospace program and with two friends started a camper manufacturing business in Oregon. “We left our families and took off up I-5 having no idea where we were going to get off,” Bob reminisced. They ended up in Junction City and began what would become Monaco. In 1972 Bob left Monaco to start his own company. He went to work days for Kendall Ford as an RV service manager and in the evenings he built camper canopies in a rented garage with his partner Lowell Swartz. Eventually he built his first small motorhome which sold for $10,500. He was on his way!

“Being a guy with a little ingenuity, it wasn’t too hard,” Lee said about those formative years. “It’s like building a house—once you learn how, it’s easy.” The business was known as Country Camper back then, named after his daughter’s little Barbie doll camper. The company incorporated in 1974. When the demand for slide-in campers waned in the late 1970s, Bob says he decided he wanted “to be in the high end of the RV market as that wasn’t as volatile.” In 1984 the company was renamed Country Coach. It grew to span over 42 acres of industrial land turning out hundreds of motorcoaches per year. “Building hundreds, not thousands per year, allowed Country Coach to focus on the quality upon which the business had been founded,” Bob noted. “I always told my employees, “Build it as if your own mother will be driving it, and they did.”

Lees in 1984
Country Camper’s humble beginnings of two employees building slide-in campers grew to a corporation encompassing over eight city blocks in Junction City, Oregon and employing 1500+ employees at Country Coach’s peak manufacturing years. Country Coach’s product lines encompassed both front and side door entry diesel pusher motorcoaches from 32’ in length to 45’, with up to 4 slide rooms. Country Coach built  at least twelve different Class A models (and even briefly a Class C Max), along with the custom-tuned DynoMax chassis. Over his 40 year career, Bob Lee founded a motorcoach company that became one of the industry’s premier manufacturers of luxury diesel pusher motorcoaches.

“There were definitely some challenges to overcome,” said Terry Lee. “When we had the gas crunch in the late 70’s/early 80's, we also built trailers and park models too; we even put our employees to work fabricating stove inserts.....anything to survive the industry downturn.” Terry worked in the company and served as corporate secretary and treasurer for the first 20 years of the company’s history. The Lees, along with brothers Ron and Lenard in early years and in later years, Bob and Terry’s daughters Kenda and Brenda, ran a family operation.

For many years, Bob and Terry logged 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year on their motorcoach, traveling to industry shows and rallies, where they’d park beside Country Coach owners. “Motorcoachers are the best source of information as to what is most important to have designed into their home on wheels,” Bob always said. So he and Terry would listen, gather ideas; and then take that input back to his Country Coach team. The next model year debut usually found many of those motorcoachers’ suggestions incorporated into the new coach designs.

Recognition of Bob’s accomplishments came from many avenues. Country Coach was presented the Oregon Governor’s Award for Corporate Excellence in 1984, the Private Industry Council’s Outstanding Employer Award in 1987, the U.S. Senate Productivity Award in 1988, Oregon’s Private 150 Award in 1994, and by RVIA with a “Distinguished Service to the RV Industry” award in 1995. He was later inducted into the RV/MH Heritage Hall of Fame in 2000. Bob served this industry with gusto, holding positions of leadership for nearly 30 years on the Commercial Council for Family Motor Coach Association, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, and the Oregon Reinforced Plastics Association. He also chaired the Annual RVIA Manufacturers Shows, held each year in Los Angeles, CA and Louisville, KY, for many years.

Bob was one to share the credit with brother Ron Lee (VP of Engineering and Manufacturing for many years), Ed Read (then VP of Production), as well as the entire engineering, design and manufacturing team for the old world craftsmanship and significant product innovations Country Coach brought to the industry. Those innovations included a coach systems monitor with speech processor; air leveling for the motorcoach; HVAC control technology; and hydronic heating coach systems, as well as introducing code-compliant custom bus conversions built on a production line. Bob noted that “although extremely proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of this great industry’s evolution,” he and Terry “have treasured the many friendships they have formed over the years.”

“More than just friends,” that's how long-time Country Coach motorcoach owner Ted Wright described Bob and Terry Lee. "In 1989 I retired and moved to Scottsdale, AZ and bought our first Country Coach. That began a lifetime affinity for Country Coach. Back then Bob Lee was known for his BBQ and he pulled a cooking trailer and hosted parties for Country Coach owners. We traveled with Bob and Terry to several coach rallies over the years and visited often in Junction City, OR. I’ve seen the interaction between Bob and hundreds of his employees. On several occasions, when I walked through the Country Coach plant, I was amazed that every employee greeted him with so much respect and obvious admiration. I know it broke his heart when the original Country Coach closed its doors in late 2009 (*see author’s note below). His success as a leader in the motorcoach industry is undisputed," Ted said.

Past Country Coach motorcoachers Jack and Jan Gossett share a similar story. "We have been friends of Bob and Terry Lee for 30 years since we went to the factory in Junction City in the early 80’s to see how a Country Camper was built. We were sold and ordered one when we got home. A few months later, we went to Oregon to pick up our new coach and lo and behold, Bob was there to meet us with our new coach in front of the airport door and we stepped into it and a wonderful life of RVing. When we retired from our jobs in 1985, we went to work for Country Camper visiting dealers and showing new product at RV shows across the good ole USA and even a visit in Canada. We enjoyed our time with Bob and Terry over the years, parked beside each other at motorhome shows, rafting the Willamette River with the dealers, decorating coaches at a show or just sharing a glass of wine and tasty salmon that Bob barbecued."

Another hat the Lees wore was event planners. Bob and Terry enjoyed planning and presenting several special adventure rally events like the Indy 500 rally and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta rally. Terry noted, “Bob and I would put together a high-end adventure rally agenda for a smaller group of Country Coachers and we always had as much fun as they did. It was a great way to deepen friendships while enjoying our Country Coach motorcoaches.”

Bob also built a high-end luxury RV resort in Indio, California, Desert Shores Motorcoach Resort. He later launched Oregon Motorcoach Center, a service and coach renovation facility in Eugene, Oregon, with his daughter Brenda Lee and co-owner son-in-law Pat Mason. Bob and Terry were and are avid Club supporters.  Bob and Terry were Founding Members of Country Coach Friends Inc. Club (a new chapter of FMCA) which formed in 2011.

Bob was fond of saying, “Country Coach was and is a family--the vendors with whom we did business, the community where we live and built motorcoaches, the employees, and the people who bought our coaches.” His pride in the Country Coach brand, his lifelong interest in the industry’s growth and development, and his genuine passion for people are all nearly tangible, and are among the reasons people still constantly inquire about Bob and Terry Lee.

These days Bob and Terry are enjoying a slower pace and quieter times with their children and grandchildren. Industry pioneers, successful entrepreneurs, and close friends to many Country Coach owners--the Lees have earned their place in the hearts and memories of Country Coachers nationwide. Motorcoachers still gather at rallies and talk about the friendliness of Bob and Terry when they'd join them at Club rallies or Family Motor Coach Association rallies across the country through the years. Many still keep in contact with the Lees and visit whenever their travels bring them to Oregon. Country Coach Friends truly are lifelong friends!

[*Bob Lee sold Country Coach to National RV Holdings, Inc in November, 1996. He continued to serve as Chairman Emeritus in an advisory capacity at Country Coach for several years. In November 2009 due to unfortunate economic factors, the company was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy and closed its doors.  Bob Lee opened Oregon Motorcoach Center in Eugene, Oregon and it is still one of several wonderful service centers that visitors to Oregon have to choose from for their motorcoach care..  In January 2011, Country CoachCorporation (CCC), a service and parts facility, opened within buildings on a portion of the original Country Coach campus in Junction City, Oregon. CCC Owner Ron Lee (Bob Lee’s brother) plans to build motorcoaches in the future. Bob and Terry Lee are not involved in Country Coach Corporation.]