Hi, I am the CEO to Cortes Campers.

[CortesCampersCEO]

Originally Posted by Raspy

I did have a trailer with Furrion electronics and it seemed they were cheap and unreliabale. But I can't say they all are.

In your quest to make a leap forward, I'd like to see quality and efficient modern equipment, instead of the conventional stuff that is readily available and barely adequate. And a battery monitoring system that people can understand without having to take a course on battery management, in order to go on vacation.

I keep using Oliver as an example, but it's because I had one and worked on it quite a bit. I knew it stem to stern and made improvements on the systems in it. They do beautiful bodywork. Have beautiful frames. And they stand behind the trailers absolutely. But they are very conventional in their electrical systems. Old school. Not innovative. That leads to maintenance issues, difficulty understanding how things work, lower efficiency, and a less than a satisfying experience from what might be expected. Those things are your opportunity, more so than convincing people that Oliver's bodies are inferior because the company owns a chopper gun.

Maybe my biggest gripe with conventional electric systems in trailers is the outdated charging systems with separate inverters and switches to isolate them. Automotive fuses placed down by the floor and on and on. A much more sophisticated system is the simple inverter/charger, such as what Victron makes, with a resetable circuit breaker panel. And, of course, lithium batteries with MPPT charge controllers. The inverter/charger is automatic and manages the system. A good example of this is what Black Series does with their electrical panel. Not perfect, but it's beautiful and easy to use.

As far as wood stoves go, I have tried that in a boat, and we heat with wood at home. It is extremely dirty and messy. As a fuel, it takes up a lot of room. And the stove needs a lot of attention to put out consistent heat, while taking up a lot of room to make it safe from starting a fire. Wood heating is for a very limited purist of some sort, and definitely not for the general public that might be interested in buying a trailer. Maybe a sheep herder trailer, but not a modern fiberglass travel trailer. I tried coal too, but it brings its own set of problems. Some Australian caravans use diesel to heat either with hot air or radiant heat in the floor. Either is nice, but the tried and true propane heaters, while being low quality, are hard to beat for convenience and not taking up valuable interior space.

Thank you Raspy!
We do have an Rv electronics division and we do have two new volt gauges that are for people that don't understand electronics. I will try to post a video tmoro.

[CortesCampersCEO]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

To add regarding wood heat...

Rules generally prohibit transport of fuel wood due to invasive species, so unless you're burning dimension lumber, you have to source it where you're camping. That often means junk species and small diameter leftovers, along with a lot of work to make it small enough for a camper-sized stove.

I've heated with wood at home for 25 years, and I love it, but the growing scarcity of quality fuelwood and ever encroaching air quality restrictions are making it harder every year.

Hi Jon,
I was just wondering if there was some RVIA rule or something like that against.

Thanx,
paul

[CortesCampersCEO]

Originally Posted by Bonnie RB

Paul, Your question asking about Furrion, that the Cortes facebook blog mentions the 17 is coming (in March 2020) and is still coming in (February 2021), that a Thor trailer is shown in the opening title shots of the Cortes window video on the Cortes website, that the window video shows an unfinished interior, that the interior height is not only not known, but apparently isn't published so that we can look it up, lead me to seriously doubt the long term viability of the trailer side project to the boat building sideline of the lighting (grand?)parent company.
I want to give the benefit of doubt to you and to Cortes, but I see too many cautionary signs that have me skeptical.

Hey, I thought Madonna was going to be a one hit wonder so who really cares what I think.

Jon MB

Hi Bonnie RB,
Thanks for bringing to my attention that our Facebook page is incorrect. I personally do not participate in any facebook stuff, but I will have it fixed. Yes, we have been working on this for a year now. The reason there are no interior pictures yet, is because we have no interior We are anxiously awaiting for the Furrion appliances to show up any day now that we show on our website. We are not making stick built cabinets. Our entire interior is molded around the appliances. We hope to have the interior molds done in a couple of weeks after receiving the appliances.
Believe it or not we do an RV. It is a 2021 Chateau by Thor. We are using it at Intellitronix to install our electronic prototypes, such as our two in circuit breaker/load shed combo box. If you visit our Intellitronix website and look at our RV section, it will make more sense to you.

Thanx again for your input!

Paul

[TucsonBill]

Originally Posted by gyuill

I don’t think I want a camper with that name.

Graham

Named after the Sea of Cortes? After the legislative houses in Spain and other countries?
Maybe named after the famous French impressionist artist Eduoard Cortes?
Cortes in Spanish means polite or courteous. Like: Mi amigo es muy cortes.

[Raspy]

Here's a clue. Their logo.

[John in Michigan]

Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, 1st Marquess of the Valley of Oaxaca

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

If you can design & build a trailer where I can spend more time camping / enjoying than I spend making repairs and doing maintenance, you’ve got my interest
We are planning a 3 week trip to Iowa in May and my list of maintenance / repair items I need to do before the trip is three pages long .
It may take awhile but the problems with poor materials that are poorly installed eventually bite you in the A_S

Love to see that 3 page list Steve-O.

[Jack Walter]

You might want to look at the overlanding market as well - I've been using Engel fridge/freezers for years without a single issue and carrying it around in the back of a Land Rover. ARB and Snowmaster are a couple of other makes - basically most of the good stuff comes from Australia where camping gear gets put to the ultimate test. A chest type fridge freezer mounted on a set of pull out ball bearing slides is the standard solution to refrigeration needs in this crowd and they operate on 12V and 120V right out of the box with a current draw of about 1.5 amps. A single solar panel can run one of these and never draw down the battery. I don't understand why more trailer manufacturers aren't using these.

[Daniel A.]

Does the roof support the weight of an air conditioner ?

[Drobbins]

Originally Posted by CortesCampersCEO

Hello everyone,
I want to introduce myself. I am the CEO of a new camper company called Cortes Campers.

Sincerely,
Paul Spivak
CEO Cortes Campers

Look at how the Jeep 2 & 4 door wrangler sales exploded. Many of these folks are into camping. The camper would be designed around short 2 and 3 day weekend use off the grid. I don't know how big the niche is, but there is definitely a demand for this camper I am about to describe:



Tongue weight 200lbs max
Loaded weight under 2,000lbs
No frills, just basics - sleeps 2, ladies like a toilet.

I see your future plans have a 15' model - see what you can squeeze into 10'.

A outdoor kitchen area that can be the back opening or a small slide out shelf under an awning. Many folks are moving up from a tent and already have stoves, coolers, fridges, etc. so coming equipped with the appliances should be an option.
Storage for fold out chairs and canopy
Ability to stand up in it at least in one area.
Place to get muddy shoes and clothes off without contaminating the sleeping area.
31" diameter tires with decent approach and departure angles for trail use.
An area on the tongue for a small generator or solar option.
A rear rack receiver for bikes or firewood.
A heater as an option.
A place that a window AC unit can go if staying at a campsite with electric.


Priced under $10K

Similar to the WEE Roll DIY campers only lighter weight and with some built in features. Look at their price points on 5 x 8 that can be 6' interior also.



Basically, something to sleep in and not "live" in. What do you think?

[JonRaw]

I have to wonder ACZ06 and his 26 posts:

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...rchid=10767149

most of which are either badmouthing chopped fiberglass or trying to drum up interest in Cortes Campers has anything to do with this post:

Originally Posted by CortesCampersCEO

Hi Bill,
I'm also from Pittsburgh

The only reason there no molded fiberglass dealer network is not because of the pricing. Look at our prices vs Oliver. The reason is, there so much demand that why should they share in the profits? We did our homework before we started this and found out that is are NO dealers and there is a HUGE backlog. That's why there is no dealer network.

You're not far from us. You should consider going on our website, filling out the form to become an exclusive territory dealer, sign the NDA and you will be surprised to see how much money you can make on each trailer that you sell. We're right up the road from you!

We already have YouTubers that have an RV channel signing up with us. They're going to make a ton of money by just showcasing our campers on their YouTube channel and then their followers could be customers that go to their new website and after taking the order, we then ship the camper directly to the customer. There is no need for a huge inventory, etc.

We are not doing anything like anyone has done before. We are not only using much higher quality fiberglass, that will make the camper stronger AND much lighter, we are also using Vacuum Infusion to make the fiberglass. That process eliminates so much labor, you will wonder why isn't everyone doing it. The simple answer is, If it's not broke, why fix it?

The whole "You can make a fortune just by showcasing our campers" leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

As for the name, aka 'Cortesgate' yeah can't argue with what many others are saying. I certainly wouldn't have chosen to name my new endeavor after such a controversial historical figure.

Also, I thought your comparison of AOC to Hernan Cortes was humorous:

Originally Posted by CortesCampersCEO

What negative response? Sorry if we somehow inadvertently offended someone. We are not named after AOC in NY. Her last name is spelled Cortez, not Cortes. We are named after the Christian Conquistador that landed in Mexico in the early 1500s and was sickened when he saw the Aztecs were committing RITUAL HUMAN SACRIFICES. Because of Cortes, this practice was ended and he is also responsible for converting them to Christianity. Our plan is to do the same to the RV manufacturers out there by using ZERO wood. Would you buy a new car or truck if it had plywood in the floors? If nothing else we are going to raise the bar for all other RV manufacturers. It will take some time, but stay tuned!

Compare you to AOC?

Compare you to a Conquistador?

I would also point out that not everyone is a fan of forced conversion to Christianity so there's that. There are still quite a few of us non Christians around and some of us buy RVs.

Anyway good luck on your Crusade (against the current molded fiberglass RV industry)!

[JonRaw]

Originally Posted by TucsonBill

Named after the Sea of Cortes? After the legislative houses in Spain and other countries?
Maybe named after the famous French impressionist artist Eduoard Cortes?
Cortes in Spanish means polite or courteous. Like: Mi amigo es muy cortes.

Right from the 'about us' on their website:

[CortesCampersCEO]

Originally Posted by JonRaw

I have to wonder ACZ06 and his 26 posts:

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...rchid=10767149

most of which are either badmouthing chopped fiberglass or trying to drum up interest in Cortes Campers has anything to do with this post:



The whole "You can make a fortune just by showcasing our campers" leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

As for the name, aka 'Cortesgate' yeah can't argue with what many others are saying. I certainly wouldn't have chosen to name my new endeavor after such a controversial historical figure.

Also, I thought your comparison of AOC to Hernan Cortes was humorous:



Compare you to AOC?

Compare you to a Conquistador?

I would also point out that not everyone is a fan of forced conversion to Christianity so there's that. There are still quite a few of us non Christians around and some of us buy RVs.

Anyway good luck on your Crusade (against the current molded fiberglass RV industry)!

Jon,
Where you get forced Christianity out of a camper, I have NO idea. I am going to try to stay out of religion and politics, however I need to correct you about our so called "Crusade against fiberglass campers". To set the record straight, our so called Crusade is not against molded fiberglass campers, it is against the ENTIRE RV industry. Especially the stick built ones. The molded fiberglass campers are much better than the stick built ones.

I hope that makes you feel a little better...

[Daniel A.]

Its great that someone wants to bring competition to the molded world with a different idea or idea's. Personally I welcome this new manufacture to the market place and wish them much success.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Osos1

Love to see that 3 page list Steve-O.

I stand by my post and it’s accuracy
I remember when American made vehicles had huge quality issues and I also remember that when consumers pointed out these short comings they were attacked for seeing the elephant in the room
Fiberglass trailers even though better built than stick trailers , which is not much of a compliment , still have a long way to go
IE . I’ve had several piece of equipment on my FG trailer come loose / fall off because they were attached with cheap plated Chinese self drilling screws
( stabilizers , propane tray , screen door)
Expecting a superior FG trailer while still using the same failed methods employed in most of the trailer industry doesn’t make sense
I don’t care about the color of the drapes or the flooring or the pin stripping or if the wheels are shiny or the A/C makes noise etc etc

What I do care about is quality, reliability, dependability and good design

[Bill in Pittsburgh]

I read with wonderment how the name of this enterprise would be associated with the terrible atrocities that occurred five hundred years ago. Even though these atrocities will forever remain a blight on history, connecting this name of a RV manufacturer to these atrocities is a stretch at best for even the most active imaginations and serves to hijack this thread from a CEO reaching out to inform and get information from the end users for their intended product to give us a better RV.
Just my humble opinion.

[John in Michigan]

Bill in Pittsburgh, I would agree with your statement except that the CEO of Cortes Campers entered post #88 in the thread "Cortes Campers, new company?" which resulted in extensive blowback! Here is the post:

"What negative response? Sorry if we somehow inadvertently offended someone. We are not named after AOC in NY. Her last name is spelled Cortez, not Cortes. We are named after the Christian Conquistador that landed in Mexico in the early 1500s and was sickened when he saw the Aztecs were committing RITUAL HUMAN SACRIFICES. Because of Cortes, this practice was ended and he is also responsible for converting them to Christianity. Our plan is to do the same to the RV manufacturers out there by using ZERO wood. Would you buy a new car or truck if it had plywood in the floors? If nothing else we are going to raise the bar for all other RV manufacturers. It will take some time, but stay tuned!"

Don't need to imagine anything here.

[Raspy]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

What I do care about is quality, reliability, dependability and good design

Me too. That's why I bought an Oliver and then later, a Black Series.
They each are ahead of the game in some areas and disappointing in others. Each are striving for quality and usefulness. I got to know each one much better after the purchase than before. I have enjoyed each one very much.

An overall look at the industry reveals some companies are on a learning curve and trying to do better, while others are trying to build cheaper and cheaper, and get away with it. Some driven by purists and some by the bottom line. Some base success on customer loyalty and quality, while others on a shiny new look and low price, but with no substance behind the curtain.

It is hard for a new startup to be successful. They have to decide which camp they are in and then do it better than the competition. Eventually the competition itself hands the new guy an opportunity. This by either pricing themselves beyond reach, or cheapening their product to the point of damaging their reputation. The new guy exploits the found weakness, or invents a new set of rules to make himself look better. It's nice to have all of these companies competing for our dollars. It's nice having lots of options.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

Bill in Pittsburgh, I would agree with your statement except that the CEO of Cortes Campers entered post #88 in the thread "Cortes Campers, new company?" which resulted in extensive blowback! Here is the post:

"What negative response? Sorry if we somehow inadvertently offended someone. We are not named after AOC in NY. Her last name is spelled Cortez, not Cortes. We are named after the Christian Conquistador that landed in Mexico in the early 1500s and was sickened when he saw the Aztecs were committing RITUAL HUMAN SACRIFICES.

Thanks for going to the trouble of finding that post.

[Raspy]

It's revealing to watch a new upstart make their case. Reading between the lines can be interesting. They may have the greatest idea ever, but they have to avoid the mine field, while introducing themselves, of digging a hole they can't get out of. Or letting their zeal trip them up.

I think it's better to simply let the facts about the product speak for themselves. To introduce new ideas with sound reasoning and be willing to let concession relations build your case. Get some customers on board with actual products sold, and let them begin to praise your ideas. Eventually, if you really have something, and can stay on message, momentum will build. Religion, and possibly unfortunate metaphors do not improve mechanical design, but they do start arguments. They do turn off a percentage of the potential customers so desperately needed in a new business. The bottom line is stay on message. Talk about trailers. Talk about the great things they can offer if done right, the fun to be had, the adventure. Join your customers in their concerns. Show your target audience out having fun in your trailers. Cause others to want to join them.