Factory tour worth the trip?

Jay_and_Kat

I'm betting everyone's going to say "YES! GO!" but I'm asking anyways. As it's a 4.5hr drive to get near nuCamp for me, that means an overnight stay nearby as well, so I kind of want to make sure it'll be worth the drive.

Thinking about calling to arrange for a factory tour and I've got a few questions. I'd call today, but I suspect that as it's Saturday, the office is closed.

Can you ask "technical" questions about the camper during the tour?

About how long is the tour?

Can you stick your head in to get a closer look at some things?

Thanks all!

(PS. Sorry about the triple post, I do NOT know what happened, but my original post was eaten in the process)

gkreitzburg

Yes, It is not a long tour; and you are able to ask technical questions - it was a tech who gave us the tour earlier this year.

Also, we stayed here: https://www.amishcountrylodging.com/berlin-treehouses — it was very nice - there was a bald eagle's nest about a hundred yards down the hill behind our cabin. There is some decent shopping in the area, if you like Amish stuff.

pthomas745

I'm sure the factory tour is well worth the trip. And, if you come back with pictures or a video, they can be very useful when trying to explain how the trailers are built, what is behind the walls, etc. There are many threads of factory tour photos that have been invaluable through the years for general knowledge and very specific information. Do it! Take pictures!

Factory Tour Threads and Photos

Can't tell you how many times the photo below (no idea where it came from) has helped owners in the trailers over the years.

Jay_and_Kat

@pthomas745 it's the "knowing what's behind the walls" that's the main driver of my wanting to go. Our house was bought as a new-build and we watched as it went up, with the OK from the builder to go in during construction. Well, we took TONS of photos once they started framing the inside walls and running plumbing and electrical, so now when we're putting something on the wall, we can reference our photos and realize "yeah, be careful there, the plumbing to the second floor is right next to that stud."

Plus, I'm hoping they'll have a suggestion (other than "bring it on down!") to possibly repair the water damaged plywood in the hot water compartment we posted about. Or tell us "as long as it's dried out and feels solid, it's OK, it's not structural."

tphaggerty

there is a small cafe bakery just down the street from the factory called Amish Country Donuts and Cafe. They have the biggest donuts I've ever seen and they are great! Worth the trip just for the donuts! The tour is great too. We were the only ones on it and I pestered the guide with some many questions and suggestions, it took us an hour and a half to get through it.

StepheninDen

I was bringing my T@B in for service 3 years ago and went on the tour while they were working on it. The tour was wonderful, especially if you’ve had time to get to know your T@B and have specific questions/projects/ideas you want factory insight on. That said, I’m not sure I would make a 4.5 hour drive absent going to the service center or U-Camp. At the time, the merch was pretty weak too.

On my way out I stayed at McDonald’s Farm (via Harvest Hosts) by the highway in Zanesville, which was very nice.

Jay_and_Kat

@tphaggerty that is not a donut. That is a life ring taken off a lake freighter and painted to LOOK like a donut! That thing is a bloody meal by itself!

@StepheninDen I'll agree the drive is going to be a beast, both ways. I'm definitely going to be asking if they've got any suggestions on repairing the water-damaged plywood in the Alde compartment (and being able to see that area of the camper with nothing there, get some photos, maybe figure out a way to DIY it), get a feel for how the wiring and plumbing is run in case we need to work on it, that sort of thing.

I do wish I was going to have more time on Monday, I'd LOVE to go to the Age of Steam Roundhouse not far from nuCamp, but having to work on Tuesday, the sooner I get home, the better. Maybe next year we'll take the camper down that way and go.