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Not to add any negativity nor to say any derogatory remarks towards a company that is closing it's doors during this slow economic period we are going thru, but "Bentz Sleepers" left the "Owner-Operators" behind quite some time ago.

For the last few years, Bentz has become one of the most expensive places to purchase such equipment and/or products from for the "Owner Operators". Quality of product has gone down, price of product has continually increased. One does not see ICT, Alumibunk, AA Sleepers, nor other equipment providers having dire financial troubles during this down turn. As a matter of fact, AA Sleepers has since moved into a larger facility during this time.

I tired to speak with Keith Bentz several times over the years via e-mails about his price increases that have steadily climbed over the years to no avail.

So, this closing is of no surprise for this previous customer. Bentz is not leaving the market geared towards the "Owner Operators" tomorrow, they left this market a long long time ago.

Thank You

Wyatt Earl

Wyatt,

I have to disagree.My bentz on my 05sterling was the best truck I ever owned.I would buy another one tomorrow. I guess taht is over tho.
Ray

Historically, downturns in the economy have come and gone. Companies weather the storm or they don't. You have to ask yourself why and the root of the problem is in the "Margains". I constantly ask my self why companies continually raise their prices during good time and can't lower their prices during bad times. If everyone would consider to do this then everyone would ride the peaks and valleys accordingly. Some companies based on the products they offer could advertise, (Such as Domino's Pizza) that they are out to help the little guy. Inturn the hopr would be the volume of business out there would come their way. Reduce the margains on products and make up for it in volume, even increase employment!

TO R EPPLING
THE KEY TO YOUR STATEMENT IS '05. IN '05 THEY BUILT A GOOD PRODUCT FOR A FAIR PRICE. NO MORE. I HAVE TRIED TO NEGOTIATE AND HAVE ENDED UP @ AA DUE TO THEIR WILLINGNESS TO DEAL WITH THE O/O. MY 05 IS A REAL GOOD UNIT. TOO BAD THEY COULDN'T KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

"SHOCK" I love my SST100 and enjoyed the"72" incher on my fl70. I hate to hear it for Keith, Jonesy, and the whole gang. May they always have each other and the memories of all whome they have met and helped. God bless them.

We are so sad to hear Bentz is closing. When we walked through their doors for the first time back in 2002, we were instantly treated like family...and we were the "little guy". Our needs were to customize a Sprinter van, not a big semi. Keith, Richard, and Charall were wonderful. Their product was exceptional, a quality product. You get what you pay for, whether at Alumajunk or Bentz. We liked everything about the business. We wish them luck in their next adventure.

WELL ITS NO SURPRISE TO ME A FORMER EXPEDITER I HAV HAD TO GO BACK TO HAULING GENERAL TRACTOR FREIGHT UGGGGHH WE ALL KNOW IN OUR HEARTS EXPEDTIE IS GOING TO SLOW DOWN MORE YET LESS LOADS MEANS LESS NEW TRUCKS SOLD LESS CUSTEM EXPEDITES BUILT FOR EXPEDITE OWNERS MIKE H.

Yep, some of you are right on the money, Bentz made a really good product that everyone wanted, so what did they do ?? they raised their price, the materials are less expensive than say, alumibunk, or others, but it seems Bentz wanted more than a fair share for their sleeper, they did it to themselves. I think the other sleeper manufactures will get the massage and use less weight components in the future. Bentz can take what they made, off us, and retire very well

WOW! Another one bites the dust!

As a service truck application specialist for class 7 and class 8 formats. So many times I have pushed the envelope in design formats, so many times have I attempted not just to meet, but exceed DOT requirements. I am very sad to see this happen for one of many reasons but the most important is this.

A product manufacturer has two ways to work with customers. The first way is this is our product, here are our colors, ain't it pretty, and no there's not a damn thing you can have or modify. The second format is this is our product, these are the colors, and no we have never thought of that. But if you want give us a few days and we will take a closer look at it.

I specifically remember somewhere around 2003 on the phone with Keith Bentz asking what is possible and then his response of "Joe...design it and get it to me so I can build it for you." I never expected that comment and even though that project did not materialize on every other time I had a question or concern it was way to easy for me to get Keith Bentz on the phone. To the point where I backed off and took him for his word - let the project materialize and I will then give him the design I need. Having all of the information on the internet much like Iowa Mold Tooling Company made my life a lot easier at 3AM trying to work a problem out. The information for Bentz Transport Products on line made a big difference as it helped format placement of several applications.

This level of flexibility for pushing the envelope further then the norm has won my respect for Bentz Transport Products in their willingness to consider different formats. Much the same way when I have had situations dealing with Peterbilt and never got anywhere out of the cookie cutter but Kenworth would always take a suggestion and be open to the idea.

At a time in the service industry history where the accounting departments have done such an excellent job of de-nutting the Field Service Personnel of service based organizations. The trucking industry has lost a very good supplier of a very good product and I can only hope that this would be a temporary closing. As too many companies have become complacent in working with customers. Of which a few of these customers may just help them indirectly improve their products in the long run. Therefore I can only wish the best.

I have owned and driven trucks with Bentz sleepers and have been very pleased with their product and service. We have always been treated with respect and have always been told the truth. We have seen a lot of comments and speculation - no one really knows what goes on in an operation of that size - we can only guess.

We wish the best for them and all those involved in their operation.

I really loved the 07 Sterling 960 express cruiser with the 96 inch Benz sleeper.Benz changed the entire concept of the sleepers on the expedite trucks.It is a shame,but it shows the sign of the times.A great concept for Benz,while it lasted.

In the fall of 2005, Bentz worked with us and built us the best damned looking sleeper on the road and we love it. We will drastically miss the continued support they provided WHENEVER we did have any minor problems. FedEx CR3167 will continue to proudly display the BENTZ logo. Richard, Keith, Charla and crew will missed in our lives. We wish them the very best. There is life after sleepers, as there is life after driving.

I have had several opportunities to meet and do business with Keith and Charla. Firstly, you won't meet two nicer people in this world. Secondly, Bentz Transport Products provides premium CUSTOM built products at competitive prices. Bentz always puts their customers first and never over- promise or under-deliver. Bentz designs and builds custom quality products that meet OEM standards. Bentz also has made tremendous investment in materials, tooling, etc... to meet OEM standards and become a leader and innovator in the aftermarket conversion industry.

I always look forward to doing business with Keith and Charla, as they do treat their customers like family and they truly appreciate their customer's valuable business.

I wish the Bentz's the very best in the future and will always treasure our great friendship!

Bob Bomak
Edmonton Kenworth

I think bentz made a very good product. The last time I was there I wasnt treated the best so.All I needed was screens for windows and they really gave me the run around.They charged me an outragous price and made me give them the old screens.They got so big they didnt seem to be customer friendly anymore. I hate to see them go out of busn. so. I will never buy alumi junk so.

I dont know now because my dad was just about to buy t kenworth t660 from cherokee kenworth . so does this mean that the whole bentz company is closing.