Henderson’s Line-Up truck and RV shop celebrates 50 years
(Daily Courier: Business Buzz. Story by Linsay Cathey, Business Reporter, The Daily Courier).
Robert Henderson wants people who own recreational vehicles to have the proper balance of safety and handling when operating their coach.
The owner of Henderson’s Line-Up, Brake and RV, a family-owned truck and RV repair and maintenance shop in Grants Pass celebrating 50 years in business, even visits other dealerships across the nation to share his knowledge.
KEVIN LAUNIUS/Daily Courier – John Henderson, left, Barbara Henderson and Robert Henderson are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Henderson’s Line-Up Brake and RV.
“Rather than hoard the knowledge, the best thing to do for the industry is to teach and train people,” said Henderson, who has worked with nearly 100 technicians nationwide that he either visited or taught at the shop’s Motorhome Steering and Suspension Institution.
The local shop first entered the family when Floyd Henderson, Robert Henderson’s father, purchased the “The Line-Up Shop” in 1961. The shop was attached to their home.
“I often say my mother fed me with a brake spoon,” joked Henderson. “As a young man, I would clean tools, run errands and help my dad with whatever he wanted.”
Floyd retired from the shop in 1977. Its original location was on Sixth Street across from Les Schwab in north Grants Pass.
It moved several times before landing at its current location at 417 Henderson Lane, off Redwood Highway near Bi-Mart.
“He retired in his late 50s to do some RV traveling himself,” Henderson said. Floyd died two years ago at the age of 90.
“He’d still be down here helping today if he could,” Henderson added.
Because there were limited products to solve problems customers were experiencing, Henderson and his brother, John, began SuperSteer, a parts manufacturing business, in 1990.
SuperSteer offers a number of parts and products, mostly made in the United States, that enhance the steering and stability of pickups, motor homes and large trucks.
“We have a unique coil spring line that’s specific to the weight of the coach,” Henderson said. “The biggest part of our business is outside sales, in addition to the service center.”
Throughout the years, Henderson developed tools such as the Road Performance Assessment and Seven Common Denominators of Good Motor Coach Handling.
“We like to know what the coach is going to do before an emergency happens,” Henderson said. “The RPA assessment allows customers to make informed decisions and know what to expect out of their coach and what to improve.”
Henderson has nearly 35 videos on the shop’s website that show their products, installation, and the RPA test.
“We are definitely taking advantage of the Internet opportunity,” Henderson said, adding that many of his customers have portable computers they use when they travel, and can utilize the resources.
Henderson, who owns Henderson’s Line-Up, Brake and RV with his wife, Barbara, admitted the shop could be busier in a larger city, but they simply enjoy Grants Pass.
“When customers come in, they get a welcome packet that features great things to do,” Henderson said. “We want to make it a real experience for customers and let them experience the fun and beauty around here.”
For more, call us or visit www.hendersonslineup.com.