Tom_M
New Hope, MN
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Joined: 04/24/2011
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Kim is male. I met Kim a couple of times back when Born Free had annual factory rallies. He's a great guy and was the greatest support person. A great loss for Born Free owners. I purchased my '05 Born Free in 2010. It is my first and only motorhome and has been great. My only major problems have been Ford related.
Tom
2005 Born Free 24RB
170ah Renogy LiFePo4 drop-in battery 400 watts solar
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
Minneapolis, MN
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whemme
Spencer, IA
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Joined: 08/26/2004
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Kim Olson like all other former Born Free employees have moved on and found other jobs. The original factory is not producing any motor homes but the last I knew, pontoons for pontoon boats were being made there. I live 75 miles from that factory location and travel by it occasionally in my travels around the state of Iowa. The last time I had contact with Kim, he told me that he was considering starting up a website to source and sell common Born Free replacement parts and when and if he did that, he would advertise this on the Born Free Leap’n Lions RV Club’s website. So far he has not done this and so far it looks unlikely. The club’s website’s forum offers sources of some parts in both the Coach Modifications and Technical Library sections.
2002 Born Free 26' RSB Motorcoach
2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS Toad
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wandering bark
Florida
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Joined: 07/16/2015
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The Wandering Bark is still rolling and in great shape. Bought it in 2010, new, and it's been dependable and no motor or body problems at all. New A/C, refrigerator and tires, and pending a new awning, is about it. But after 10 years, that's great. Sooner or later may need something new, but its yearly checkup for fluids, underside inspection, et cetera hasn't turned up anything in the basic design or construction. Wish I could make it to rallies and be a Leapin' Lion, but I work still, and travel in it full time. I miss some of the friends I made at the early rallies and wish you all well. If I had to buy another coach, and if I couldn't find another Born Free, I would definitely choose Winnebago over any other coach. Of course, I'd search for another Born Free first. Stay safe, y'all, and have a wonderful year. Donnis in the Wandering Bark
PS: If you find Kim, tell him I said "Hi!"
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bobndot
USA
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Joined: 08/21/2007
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I'm confused. This thread started in 2015 and we are still looking for Kim ?
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Tom_M
New Hope, MN
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Joined: 04/24/2011
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whemme wrote:...The original factory is not producing any motor homes but the last I knew, pontoons for pontoon boats were being made there... I traveled through Humboldt last August. My Born Free was home sick. Sadly the place is completely vacant.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/4JnLvaJ.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/oxJgz8s.jpg)
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tarnold
georgia
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Joined: 03/01/2010
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What system are you using to pull your smart?
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Tom_M
New Hope, MN
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Joined: 04/24/2011
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I installed a Roadmaster base plate and use a cheap Reese tow bar. The car only weighs 1800 lbs so I don't use a braking system.
![[image]](https://www.reeseprod.com/ProductPhoto/500/63180.png)
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whemme
Spencer, IA
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Joined: 08/26/2004
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I am 79 years old and own a 2002 Born Free 26’ RSB coach. Probably my last motorhome since what I have still works well. If something needs fixing I just spend the money to fix it. If I ever wanted to upgrade, I would seriously consider a Lazy Daze. This coach is only available factory direct just like the Born Free was for many years.
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countrykids
Minnesota
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Joined: 08/04/2004
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Bill, my wife and I are both 78 with a 2004 RSB which we purchased the August before their closure. We had some maintenance work done at the plant in Sept so had a chance to meet many of the people including Kim.I think of those fine folks every time I climb in the unit and still have the company phone in my cell directory.
It may be that the world has changed enough that a company making a low volume high quality product can’t make it any more. If so, We are glad we have ours.
We did get a chance to meet a granddaughter of the founder. She knocked on our door at a campground in southern Kansas and we had a very nice visit. I don’t believe her dad was involved in the company.. we had an extra Born Free hat which we shared with her.
Susan and Bob
2004 Born Free class c
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Skid Row Joe
Texas
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Joined: 04/26/2006
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Does anyone know if Kim Olson, Customer Service Rep. at Born Free for 30+ years, is still in the RV business?
I'm trying to find out where I can source parts for my Born Free coach, since they're out of business since May 2017.
Kim Olson knew everything about these coaches, and where to source parts for them.
If so, please post the RV firm he's now with.
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