[jquarles]

This has been a great thread to follow for sure. I am not sure how many parts could be cheapened. Most of the "bolt on" parts are standard RV stuff like Suburban heaters, thermostats and fridges. Most of the "hand built" parts are what make TM's special, light and unlike the other TTs out there. As someone said earlier, it's a niche market.

I work in aerospace and we are in the niche market business of custom products. One thing we have to strive for is efficiencies in production. A less efficient assembly line and easily double your labor costs. That may be a better place to look. I have seen dramatic cost savings in some plants by utilizing Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma and Just-In-Time principles. Doesn't work everywhere, but it can sometimes really help. I haven't been to this plant, but I did take a tour of my boat sponsors manufacturing plant and was really shocked at how inefficient it was.

Anyway, those were just a few of my humble thoughts off the top of my head