On our last trip to Elkhart we visited Carriage, DRV, and Heartland. Ultimately, we decide on the Carriage 36MAX1. Our closest Carriage dealer is located in Hamburg, so off we went to begin the “art of the deal”. The experience was not pleasant, actually it’s more accurate to say it was not productive. Their lack of product knowledge prevented us from having a productive conversation on options and price.
During out last trip to Elkhart another Carriage customer recommended Tiara RV sales located right in Elkhart. This was a great recommendation. After a few calls working with their sales rep, we ordered a 5th Wheel with more features and a much lower price than we would have gotten locally. Plus, they wanted us to schedule another trip and they would help us pick wood trims, colors, and fabrics right at the manufacturing plant. So back on the road again.
After crossing into Ohio we saw one of the Chevrolet CRUZE manufacturing plants. It’s huge, and behind the plant are acres of new cars.
Lunchtime at an Ohio turnpike rest stop and Sue’s getting out the chicken. I hope she doesn’t finish it all before I’m finished taking pictures.
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott in Goshen. The Carriage plant is only a few miles from here. Tomorrow at 9:00 we meet Deb from Tiara RV Sales to finalize our order.
A long assembly line of RVs. They start at the far end of this picture and move the units forward as they complete work at each location.
These are slide units ready to be installed in the main unit.
This fifth Wheel is nearly completed. Sue thinks she’ll be happy with this cooktop. A microwave/convection oven goes over it.
A few more picture of the inside of one that nearly completed. Our kitchen will look very much like this.
This is the outside of the unit we were just in. We had to pick the exterior color scheme but I don’t have a picture of the paint we picked. It’s darker than this model.
After we finished at the plant we drove to Elkhart to complete some paper work at the dealer after having lunch at the Daily Grind. Picking a place to eat in a strange city is always risky, but we use an app on our iphone called Urban Spoon. It’s free, and it’s a good tool to pick a restaurant with predictable food. Alter lunch we took a walk in the park right across the street.
Early in the 19th century Elkhart depended on water power to build its manufacturing base. This park showed some of the canals and pit stops used to power the plants.
A marching band on the banks of the river.
Unfortunately, one band member was out of step.
Tomorrow we will be leaving Elkhart for home. We can’t wait to tell Jaime and Beth all about our new home!!
