August 25, 2014

Mor/Ryde, Elkhart, IN

We set the alarm for 6AM.  I began prepping the inside while Monte took a walk over to the garage to find out which bay we would be entering and at what time.  When he returned I knew by the sheepish grin on his face that I wasn’t going to be happy with what he was going to tell me.  It appears there was a misunderstanding-we thought our appointment was for today and Mor/Ryde thought we were arriving sometime today with an appointment for tomorrow. 

BUT, a short time later one of the techs knocked on our door to say that we should get ready because they were going to be able to squeeze us in today. 

 

After Monte backed into one of the bays, we walked over to the office just in time to join a tour of the facility given by Gary. 

Mor/ryde fabricates and installs independent suspension systems, pin boxes and many other RV related items but we were surprised to learn that is only a small part of their business.  In the last few years they have branched out manufacturing items for other industries including the military. 

Our tour began in a room with samples of some of the specialty items including railings, cabinetry, TV mounts and easy reels. 

 

Next we toured the newest facility completed just a couple of months ago where most of the products are fabricated. 
Although Mor/ryde uses several automated machines to fabricate their products they have increased their workforce to almost 600 employees.   

We were really impressed with the Box On Demand that can create a shipping box of any size and dimensions. 

 

Another cool machine we liked was the Bendi Landoll, the world’s first 180 degree articulating mast, front wheel steered design forklift that can stack pallets or loads in aisles as narrow as 56”.

Plastic wrapper.

Bubble wrapper.

Slide Zilla-

The final part of the tour took us through the shop.

 

Laser die cutting machine.

Robotic arms lifts the heavy sheets of metal to place on table in preparation for laser cutting.

 

 

Thin laminate used for cargo doors.

Scrap metal.

Clever way to cut down on waste when cutting foam-image projected on foam.  All templates are stored in computer and can be selected and projected in seconds.

The reason we came to Mor/ryde was to have the independent suspension checked out that they had installed two years ago. 

 Back in February, Monte drove into a culvert that was not clearly marked. 

 

Our truck just didn’t have enough power to back the rig out of the culvert but luckily a stranger came along with a 4 wheel drive pick-up truck and helped us out. 

 

When Monte called Mor/ryde to describe the damages, they said in order to properly diagnose the extent of the damage they would have to inspect the rig.  We had already committed to volunteering at Little Manatee River State Park in Florida so we had to put off our trip to Indiana until now.

After inspecting the rig it was determined that there was damage to the system which resulted in having to have the front hanger assembly replaced and replacement of two damaged springs.

Rear Axle Spindle-Looks OK 

Rear Spindle Removed From Hanger

Rear Hanger Exposed and Ready to Straighten 

One of the Rubber Springs Torn and Damaged 

Old Front Hanger Removed with Bent Brackets

New Hanger Assy. Built and all components reinstalled.

Ready to mount to RV-Frame 

Rubber Spring Metal Bent-(Replaced)

Monte called our insurance company to report the incident.  They contacted our rep Gary for details about the damage and to request pictures e-mailed. 

When it was determined that we would definitely be spending the night inside, Monte set up our tripod mounted satellite dish.  We knew from our last stay two years ago that we would not be able to receive a signal with our TV antenna.   Dish is smiling at the sky!

I sat outside for a little while until the thunder and lightning forced me inside. 

I decided to clean and polish the chrome hubs. 

All by myself (Happy polish time)