They have done their homework and want the specialty niche that is Born Free. “Our pricing starts at $75,000 to $150,000. Most people who are looking at lower end coaches are paying $25,000. We get more high-end Rvers,” says Kolar. “Typically our customers have done their research and know what they want. They’ve talked to other Born Free customers and know what we have to offer them. They come in and say, ‘If it drives as well as I’ve heard it does, I’ll buy it’.”
We include Born Free RV in this chapter even though they don’t actually market any of their coaches as “class B” because they offer a new Built-for-Two 20’ Mini. It’s a Class C motorhome priced lower than most Class B units. The comfort of the drive, parkability, and fuel economy of this coach are unparalleled. It handles much like an SUV or Minivan. The 20’ Mini is available on a Ford or optional Chevrolet chassis and has many features found in larger motorhomes. The standard model includes the same quality oak cabinetry Born Free is known for, a 30” X 76” twin bed & Flexsteel sofa bed, a microwave oven, 3.6 Cu. Ft. refrigerator and freezer, 2 burner stove top, 6 gallon water heater, stainless steel sink, 16,000 BTU thermostatically controlled furnace, fiberglass molded shower with toilet and corner lavatory, 26 ½ gal. fresh water tank, 29 gal. gray water tank, 13 gal. black water tank, (3) tubular steel roll bars, tow package, with a 36-month/36,000 mile limited warranty on the manufactured motorcoach and a lifetime limited warranty on the fiberglass body. Optional equipment includes a 3.6 KW generator, 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner with heat strip, and an LCD TV/DVD with adjustable arm. Multiple furniture options are also available. The new Mini is truly Born Free Quality, at one of the lowest prices in the industry!
As far as service, satisfaction and quality go, Kolar considers Born Free a 10. According John N. Dodgen, Chairman and President, in a letter on the company website, “Over 96% of our customers indicated they would recommend a Born Free Motorcoach to others. Born Free has consistently performed well in independent RV ratings and reviews as well.”
Comments: This is a unique company building only 200 to 300 units per year. No doubt they will impress even the most discriminating buyers. If you plan to use your RV a lot and only the best will do then check out Born Free and their product lineup. All of the customers and dealers we interviewed were impressed with the quality of the product and customer service is a priority for the company. The only downside is that the cost factor is a bit high. Their business model is not based on volume but on building the best product possible.
Questions like the ones below are covered in our RV Comparison Guides:
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Which manufacturers are rated best? |
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What are the top selling brands in each category? |
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Should I buy a new or used RV? |
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How do I determine the overall quality of construction? |
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What is the depreciation factor when buying new? |
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How do I know if I am getting a good deal? |
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Should I trade in my old RV or sell it? |
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How do I select the right RV dealer for me? |
