Real-World Manufacturing Insight From the Repair Side
At California RV Specialists, we offer a perspective few consultants can provide:
Real-world product performance insight from inside a working RV repair facility.
While products may be designed and assembled in the plant, we often see how those same products perform years later—after vibration, road use, weather exposure, owner use, service history, and warranty trends have had time to reveal strengths and weaknesses.
That perspective can be valuable.
We offer consulting support for RV manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners seeking insight into quality, serviceability, production consistency, field performance and continuous improvement opportunities.
For consulting inquiries call 209-263-7040.
Why Consider Outside Manufacturing Evaluation?
Sometimes the best feedback does not come only from inside the plant.
It comes from the field.
We help offer perspective informed by:
- Repair trends
- Repeating field failures
- Serviceability concerns
- Product durability observations
- Warranty pattern feedback
- Installation quality observations
- Consumer pain-point trends
Our goal is not criticism.
It is improvement.
Manufacturing Consulting Services May Include
Production Line Evaluation
Observation and review of manufacturing processes, assembly methods and opportunities for improved consistency.
Potential focus areas may include:
- Assembly process observations
- Installation methods
- Finish work consistency
- Fit-and-finish concerns
- Production flow observations
- Potential defect reduction opportunities
Quality & Serviceability Assessments
Evaluate how products may affect long-term repairability and owner satisfaction.
Possible topics may include:
- Service access considerations
- Repairability observations
- Failure trend discussions
- Quality consistency review
- Serviceability feedback
Continuous Improvement Support
Support conversations around opportunities involving:
- Process refinement
- Quality improvements
- Warranty reduction opportunities
- Production consistency
- Field issue prevention
- Continuous improvement initiatives
Continuous improvement frameworks and plant assessments are common drivers of productivity and quality improvements.
Field Failure Feedback & Product Observations
We may provide perspective around:
- Common field failures
- Product durability observations
- Installation-related failure trends
- Design improvement opportunities
- Product performance observations
Sometimes repair data reveals things production data may not.
Areas We May Consult On
Potential topics may include:
- Slide-out systems
- Roofing systems
- Suspension and frame-related concerns
- Sealant application practices
- Appliance installation observations
- Running gear related observations
- General fit and finish concerns
- Serviceability considerations
Why The Repair Side Perspective Matters
Products are often evaluated during launch.
We often see them years later.
That can offer valuable insight regarding:
- Long-term performance
- Durability in use
- Failure modes
- Repair access challenges
- Warranty exposure patterns
- Consumer ownership pain points
That perspective can help support product improvement.
Plant Walkthroughs & Production Observations
Potential consulting support may include:
- Plant walkthrough observations
- Production process discussions
- Assembly consistency observations
- Quality opportunity feedback
- Serviceability review
The goal is collaborative improvement.
Not just auditing.
Why Work With California RV Specialists?
We offer a perspective that combines:
- Real-world repair exposure
- Industry experience
- Consumer-facing insights
- Product performance observations
- Independent field perspective
- Repairability and serviceability focus
We understand both the owner side and the repair side.
That can be valuable to manufacturers.
Consulting Support For Manufacturers & Suppliers
We welcome discussions involving:
- Manufacturing consulting
- Production line evaluations
- Continuous improvement support
- Quality observations
- Product feedback discussions
- Supplier and component observations
- Serviceability consulting
If your team is exploring opportunities for product or process improvement, we would be happy to discuss it.
Expected Visit Duration & Billing
Expected Time & Scope
Typical on-site production facility visit and evaluation requires 2–3 business days (dependent on facility size, travel time and number of product lines reviewed).
A written report is provided when necessary, based on manufacturer request and scope.
Standard Billing Rates
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Retainer: Standard | $10,000.00 – $15,000.00 |
| On-Site Production Plant Walkthrough / Inspection | $2000.00 (Daily Flat fee) |
| Reporting / Documentation / Research / Recommendation Writing | $350/hour |
| Meeting with Leadership Team, Engineers, Product Managers & Service Departments | $350/hour |
| Optional Educational / Content Creation Add-On (Video, Articles, Social Media) | Quoted separately based on scope |
Travel Related Fees
| Travel Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Travel by Car | $350/hour + rental car reimbursement including fuel, insurance, parking & tolls |
| Travel by Air | $350/hour + First Class or Business Class airfare (direct, non-stop whenever possible) |
| Overnight Stays | $500/night + lodging cost |
Fee Examples
| Expected Visit Duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| California to Nearby States – 2 Day / 1 Travel Day | $10,000.00 + Reporting / Documentation / Research / Recommendation Writing $350/hour |
| California to Indiana – 2 Day / 2 Travel Day | $12,500.00 + Reporting / Documentation / Research / Recommendation Writing $350/hour |
| California to Indiana – 3 Day / 2 Travel Day | $15,000.00 + Reporting / Documentation / Research / Recommendation Writing $350/hour |
Confidentiality Assurance
All observations, recommendations, findings and documentation remain strictly confidential and will not be shared outside your organization.
Optional Media Opportunity (If Desired)
If a manufacturer wishes — Dustin can also create content during the visit (videos, articles, or social media educational pieces).
This is completely optional and would be arranged as a separate engagement.
Collaboration Beyond the Plant
This engagement also creates ongoing value for both sides. It builds working relationships that support future warranty repairs we perform in Lodi, California — and it positions us to assist in claims involving lemon law, misrepresentation, warranty disputes, dealer disputes, service negligence and other litigation related matters.
About Dustin Simpson
With over 25 years in the RV industry, Dustin has inspected and evaluated thousands of RVs — diagnosing structural failures, water intrusion, suspension issues, electrical failures, design flaws and component failures. He has worked directly with multiple RV manufacturers on engineering changes, design improvement feedback, recall related issues and production adjustments.
Dustin also serves as an RV Expert Witness with experience in California, Washington, Idaho and Texas. He continues to operate California RV Specialists (CALRV), an independent repair facility in Lodi, CA specializing in RV repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and real-world failure analysis — without manufacturer influence.
He also manages multiple digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Business, Yelp and CALRV.com — sharing RV knowledge and consumer education nationwide.
Let’s Start A Conversation
For plant consulting, production evaluations or manufacturing support discussions:
Contact California RV Specialists
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 263-7040
Email: ashley@calrvspecialists.com
When reaching out, please include the following information (if available):
- Manufacturing facility location / city / state
- Factory point of contact name and direct phone
- Number of models or product lines you would like evaluated
- Desired date range for potential visit
- Whether or not you would like a written report included
- Whether or not media / content creation is requested as an additional add-on
After initial contact, we will schedule a short discovery call to determine scope, expectations, timeline, confidentiality structure, and confirm pricing prior to travel.
Our goal is simple:
To help you build better RVs today, so fewer failures, fewer warranty calls, and fewer disputes occur tomorrow.