KZ to manage/ build Livin Lite and more??

[solds88]

[p]Some interesting reading. [a href="https://rv-pro.com/news/k-z-brings-livin-lite-fold"]https://rv-pro.com/news/k-z-brings-livin-lite-fold[/a]  [a href="https://rv-pro.com/news/livin-lite-leaves-wakarusa"]https://rv-pro.com/news/livin-lite-leaves-Wakarusa[/a]  [a href="https://rv-pro.com/news/k-z-breaks-ground-80750-square-foot-lamination-facility"]https://rv-pro.com/news/k-z-breaks-ground-80750-square-foot-lamination-facility[/a]  [a href="https://rv-pro.com/news/thor-quick-move-k-z-rv-expansion"]https://rv-pro.com/news/thor-quick-move-k-z-rv-expansion[/a]  A lot more articles to read on the RV Pro website.[/p]

[peislander]

Interesting. K-Z is another Thor subsidiary. Given K-Z's emphasis on smaller & lightweight models & laminated construction it perhaps makes more sense for them to manage Livin'Lite than the Cross-Roads division of Thor that managed Livin'Lite after the aquisition & move to Topeka. I wonder if the failure of the Livin'Lite 5th wheel models had anything to do with this change?

[billmoore]

This might be why it was announced on the LivinLite Facebook page this morning that the Quicksilver VRV line will no longer have aluminum exterior side walls. Now laminated sides...

[pinstriper]

Ave et Vale, Camplite !

[aggie79]

And to think it was just a little while ago I was concerned with having wood cabinets in my future CL. Aluminum is gone from the cabinets first, then the roof, then sidewalls (in VRV).  I wonder how much longer will the floor and framing be aluminum?

[drdave]

[quote source="/post/19123/thread" timestamp="1456981640" author="@aggie79"]And to think it was just a little while ago I was concerned with having wood cabinets in my future CL. Aluminum is gone from the cabinets first, then the roof, then sidewalls (in VRV).  I wonder how much longer will the floor and framing be aluminum? [/quote]Definitely the floor first.   

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1456973273" author="@pinstriper" source="/post/19117/thread"]Ave et Vale, Camplite !
[/quote]That about sums it up for me!  

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1456981640" author="@aggie79" source="/post/19123/thread"]And to think it was just a little while ago I was concerned with having wood cabinets in my future CL. Aluminum is gone from the cabinets first, then the roof, then sidewalls (in VRV).  I wonder how much longer will the floor and framing be aluminum? [/quote]The aluminum is still there.  Here is the explanation from the Facebook page:

" It is still the exact same aluminum exterior. Prior standard construction was screwed 49" wide vertical sheets, or an optional for screwless that utilized 3M VHB tape. Now standard construction is to run the aluminum metal horizontally and laminate the wall... another added bonus is the 2.7mm Azdel under the metal that adds an additional R-Value of 2!"

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1457009874" source="/post/19126/thread" author="@djsamuel"]The aluminum is still there.  Here is the explanation from the Facebook page:

" It is still the exact same aluminum exterior. Prior standard construction was screwed 49" wide vertical sheets, or an optional for screwless that utilized 3M VHB tape. Now standard construction is to run the aluminum metal horizontally and laminate the wall... [font size="4"]another added bonus is the 2.7mm Azdel under the metal that adds an additional R-Value of 2!"[/font][/quote][font size="3"]Azdel is a low density polypropylene + fiberglass foam core material. Thermal resistance data is scarce, but the major distributor claims 3X better wood. Wood varies, but is around R1/inch. Fiberglass batt house insulation is R3-R4 per inch with some high density foams claiming R6/inch. 2.7mm is 0.1 inch. Using R3/inch (3X wood) and 0.1 inch I'd believe R0.3, NOT R2. But when your selling who's counting?  [/font]

[pinstriper]

[quote timestamp="1456973273" author="@pinstriper" source="/post/19117/thread"]Ave et Vale, Camplite !

That about sums it up for me!   [/quote]It's literature. Google it !

[christianm]

[quote source="/post/19104/thread" timestamp="1456958029" author="@peislander"]Interesting. K-Z is another Thor subsidiary. Given K-Z's emphasis on smaller & lightweight models & laminated construction it perhaps makes more sense for them to manage Livin'Lite than the Cross-Roads division of Thor that managed Livin'Lite after the aquisition & move to Topeka. I wonder if the failure of the Livin'Lite 5th wheel models had anything to do with this change?[/quote]All-

It has been an eventful week in the industry, to be sure! 

Given K-Z'a specialty in smaller, lightweight units...there's plenty of reason to feel hopeful about upcoming changes (or lack thereof) to the brand. I haven't had a chance to talk to many folks over at K-Z yet, but am choosing to stay positive! 

The change was made due to CrossRoad's/Redwood/Livin Lite president Andy Cripe's resignation about a month ago. While he was with our company, he oversaw all three companies out of the same headquarters. Since he resigned, CrossRoads and Redwood have been absorbed by Keystone RV, and Livin Lite by K-Z. The new President of CrossRoads is JUST overseeing CrossRoads and Redwood, which is why Livin Lite is moving to KZ. 

As I know more info, I will update you guys ASAP :-) 

For the time being...Let's all send positive vibes towards KZ and hope that they are interested in maintaining the Livin Lite so many of you guys know and love!   You've been vocal about the things about the product that are most important to our owners, and that can do nothing but help! 

[dh50]

Wished Livin Lite had been absorbed by Keystone instead, a non-Thor entity.

[daplumbr]

[quote timestamp="1456958029" author="@peislander" source="/post/19104/thread"]Interesting. K-Z is another Thor subsidiary. Given K-Z's emphasis on smaller & lightweight models & laminated construction it perhaps makes more sense for them to manage Livin'Lite than the Cross-Roads division of Thor that managed Livin'Lite after the aquisition & move to Topeka. I wonder if the failure of the Livin'Lite 5th wheel models had anything to do with this change?

All-

It has been an eventful week in the industry, to be sure! 

Given K-Z'a specialty in smaller, lightweight units...there's plenty of reason to feel hopeful about upcoming changes (or lack thereof) to the brand. I haven't had a chance to talk to many folks over at K-Z yet, but am choosing to stay positive! 

The change was made due to CrossRoad's/Redwood/Livin Lite president Andy Cripe's resignation about a month ago. While he was with our company, he oversaw all three companies out of the same headquarters. Since he resigned, CrossRoads and Redwood have been absorbed by Keystone RV, and Livin Lite by K-Z. The new President of CrossRoads is JUST overseeing CrossRoads and Redwood, which is why Livin Lite is moving to KZ. 

As I know more info, I will update you guys ASAP :-) 

For the time being...Let's all send positive vibes towards KZ and hope that they are interested in maintaining the Livin Lite so many of you guys know and love!    You've been vocal about the things about the product that are most important to our owners, and that can do nothing but help! 

[/quote]Thanks for the update. Whew! I'm going to be in Middlebury this weekend. I guess I should swing through Shipshewana and leave those positive vibes 

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1457009704" source="/post/19125/thread" author="@djsamuel"]That about sums it up for me!    

It's literature. Google it ![/quote]I did and hence my answer.  Hail and farewell.

[djsamuel]

[quote timestamp="1457050623" source="/post/19151/thread" author="@gwbushhog"]Wished Livin Lite had been absorbed by Keystone instead, a non-Thor entity.[/quote]Keystone is owned by Thor.