RV Trader Insider - Official blog of RV Trader.com

Park and Play in the Bay!

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:07:00 +0000

Local RV Park:

Only ten miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Park is the closest RV Park to San Francisco. The park is just ten minutes away from the Larkspur Ferry and Golden Gate Transit Bus stop. Also in close proximity to the park is MUNI (San Francisco bus and cable cars) that can take you almost anywhere in the city! During the summer months, the rates for Marin Park are $50.00 + 10% tax for 2 people, plus $2.00 for extra persons (over the age of 5). The park also offers travel discounts such as AAA. If you enjoy RVing, this is the place to stay to enjoy San Francisco. While there are many great things to do in the area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a definite must-see!

What to Do:

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a great place to enjoy many different activities. Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, and remarkable views of Alcatraz Island are just a few of the attractions. In addition, Fisherman’s Wharf sports the Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco’s only aquarium dedicated to the marine animals that live in San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Pier 39 at the wharf is also home to some of California’s most lovable sea creatures. A group of sea lions, who have been endearingly coined “Sea Lebrities”, have been a hot tourist attraction at Pier 39 since 1989. Another marvel of the sea, The USS Pampanito also calls Fisherman’s Wharf home. The USS Pampanito sank six Japanese ships in the Pacific during World War II and damaged four others. Although the Pampanito is retired from battle, she is still open daily for visitors as a museum and memorial.

For the Adventurous Traveler:

For the more adventurous traveler the wharf also sports bike paths and tours, as well as guided electric bike tours across the golden gate bridge. Visitors can also take in awesome views of Aquatic Park, Cupids Arrow, McCovey Cove and the Bay Bridge from kayaks provided by City Kayaks. Advanced kayakers can even paddle around Alcatraz Island. The wharf also offers many sport fishing tour and charter boats that offer everything you need to catch a monster fish, including bait, equipment rental, and fishing licenses.

Time to Eat!

The fun of Fisherman’s Wharf isn’t just in the adventure. The wharf also holds some gems that everyone should visit for food and wine. From cafes and bistros to bars and grills, Italian to Vietnamese, and bakeries to seafood, the wharf has just what you’re looking for in a full dining experience. A few of the big names on the wharf include Alioto’s Restaurant, which has been owned and operated by the Alioto family since 1925, Beach Street Grill, home to the famous original Phyllis's giant burgers of Marin, and Castagnola’s. The wharf is also a great place for wine lovers. Cellar 360 and Wattle Creek Winery, among others, are great places to browse, sample, and purchase wine.

After an appetizing meal and a hearty adventure there is nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into something sweet. Fisherman’s Wharf has dessert for you too! Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Shop, Cold Stone Creamery, Ben and Jerry’s, Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Caffe, Mrs. Field’s Cookies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies are just a few of the big names on the wharf for sweet indulgences.

For anyone visiting the San Francisco area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a premier destination. For more information on any of the establishments mentioned in please visit http://www.fishermanswharf.org/

It’s time to pack up the RV and enjoy your stay at Fisherman’s Wharf!

EverGreen Ever-Lite Rated a "Best Buy" In Consumers Digest's June 2012 RV Industry Review

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Middlebury, Ind. - EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC. announced that their Ever-Lite travel trailers were rated a "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest. The recommendation appears in the publication's June 2012 issue and online at www.consumersdigest.com. The publication is highly respected as a valuable resource for information on buying a variety of products. 2012 marks 50 years of helping consumers "identify exceptional values in a complex and confusing marketplace."

"It is an incredible honor for us to be recognized as a 'Best Buy' by a publication as widely read and respected as Consumers Digest," said EverGreen CEO Michael Schoeffler. "This recognition by a major consumer publication further validates our mission of making the most lightweight, durable, and green travel trailers and fifth wheels on the market."

According to Consumers Digest, a Best Buy is a product that delivers exceptional value for a given amount of money and merits special attention from consumers based, in general, on its combination of eight criteria: performance, ease of use, features, quality of construction, warranty, efficiency, styling, and maintenance and service requirements. Best Buys in travel trailers, specifically, were selected based on quality of construction, features, use of space, durability and ease of towing.

EverGreen's unique use of durable, longer lasting, lightweight composite combined with vacuum lamination processes are featured prominently in the four-page review of the "Best Buys" for 2012 RVs in the June issue. Referring to the positive aspects of the RV industry coming out of tough economic times, Consumers Digest cited EverGreen's innovative use of composite materials as key: "One of the newest manufacturers (EverGreen) introduced lightweight fifth wheels and travel trailers that have shells and other components that are made out of composite materials." Consumers Digest also did its research on EverGreen's Ever-Lite products through interviews with experts and dealers in the field. "Independent composite material experts and RV service center experts whom we interviewed say EverGreen's claims hold, er...repel water," states Consumers Digest.

Dealers agreed with the service experts on the value of purchasing an RV built with composites. "Unchecked water damage can destroy a new trailer in a matter of months," said Jim Jussila of I-5 Uhlmann RV in Chehalis, Wash., who sells EverGreen and was also interviewed for the Consumers Digest article. "An all-composite trailer has the potential to outlast a conventional trailer by decades."

For more information: www.GoEverGreenRV.com, www.GoElementRV.com, www.GoiGoRV.com, GoAscendRV.com EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC 10758 County Road 2, Middlebury, IN 46540 Phone: 574-825-4298 Fax: 574-825-4299

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May Dealer Spotlight - PPL Motorhomes!

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:13:00 +0000

HAPPY 40^th ANNIVERSARY, PPL MOTORHOMES!

HOUSTON, Tex. -- PPL Motor Homes is currently celebrating their 40 year anniversary, according to a recent press release! Just this year, PPL Motorhomes has helped customers and sold RVs in 36 states, as well as fulfilled orders in Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, and Belize.

PPL Motorhomes General Manager, Diana LeBlanc states, "I've watched PPL Motorhomes grow from an office with only 2 employees and a typewriter to the largest RV consignment center in the USA! With over 30 years experience, I continue to eagerly share my passion of the RV lifestyle by providing a selection of over 450 consigned RVs at our Houston location."

LeBlanc credits PPL Motorhome's success to her dedicated and knowledgeable staff members who understand the needs of RV owners. "Our staff works hard to provide the correct services and products instead of simply taking orders," states LeBlanc. “We truly focus on a cohesive team environment which helps best serve our customers and provides the greatest experience we can offer.”

PPL Motor Homes over 85 employees at two locations, many with over 25 years of RV experience. In addition, PPL Motorhomes has developed a blog, RVNana.com and has recently opened a new RV Consignment center in New Braunfels, Texas, with over 100 RVs on consignment currently. This new center makes it even more convenient for South Central Texas customers to stop by.

"We want to thank our customers for our success because without them we wouldn't be here today," said LeBlanc. We are so grateful to work with amazing customers, and we can't wait to see what the next 40 years holds for PPL Motohomes."

Congratulations to 40 years! To visit their selection of RVs for sale, click here!

National Park Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:11:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again - when the sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and it's time to start exploring the great outdoors.

Looking for something fun to do? Get up & Go to your local national park! From April 21-29, all national parks are offering FREE admission!

Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, RVing, camping or numerous other outdoor activities, National Park Week is the perfect time to grab your friends and try something new!

Did you know there are nearly 400 national parks in the United States? Click here to find a park near you.

Grab your friends, family, and don't forget your RV, and have some fun during national park week!

Dealer Spotlight - Rich & Sons

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Have you ever had a dream? Did you try your hardest to make it come true?

Tony and Nick Staab, brothers and owners of Rich & Sons RV Headquarters, have done just that. While having an indoor showroom at their dealership was always a dream, only recently were they able to turn that dream into reality. On March 22, a ribbon-cutting marked the grand opening of Rich & Sons' new indoor showroom, complete with numerous daily seminars to demonstrate proper maintenance of RVs, accessorizing, and how to make the most of camping experiences.

Tony and Nick have been planning for years. They made a pact with their grandfather, Rich Hiser, who started the business, that they would one day offer customers the best showroom around. The new indoor showroom, located at 5112 S. Antelope Drive in Nebraska, is approximately 11,500 square feet and can hold an average of 18 units. The showroom allows units to be set up and showcased as they would look at an actual campground. Additionally, the new area allows units to be housed in a covered area in case of unexpected weather. Special heating and air conditioning units, along with indoor lighting, skylights, and other amenities, make this showroom a real dream come true.

Rich & Sons has been in operation for nearly 40 years, offering customers a huge selection of RVs along with excellent parts and customer service departments. According to Tony and Nick, "When you think of an RV dealership that has it all, we want you to think Rich & Sons."

Thanks to Rich & Sons for all of your hard work, and congratulations on the grand opening of your new showroom! To view RVs for sale, click here.

You Can't Buy Happiness, But...

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:39:00 +0000

Did You Know??

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Did you know that RV Trader has a mobile site, as well as an iPhone app?

RV Trader.com's mobile site, m.rvtrader.com, is available for RV buyers to search, shop, and purchase! An iPhone app is also available, which can be downloaded from the lifestyle section of the iTunes Store.

Find your next RV now! Click here to view a demo.

RV Trader Launches Tablet Site

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Norfolk, VA – April 3, 2012 – RV Trader, a division of Dominion Enterprises, has become the first RV classifieds site in the industry to create a tablet-optimized website. This unparalleled user interface taps into the very best that tablets have to offer.

With no application needed, users will experience full-screen photo viewing, searching, and refining, as well as pinch-to-zoom options – all within the browser. Although optimized for the iPad, this site can be viewed on other tablets as well. RV shoppers can easily find local RVs for sale through the site, as well as RV dealerships, prices, unit details and more - all with the swipe of a finger.

The launch of this tablet site comes at the perfect time. RV Trader.com is in the midst of record mobile growth. From December 2011 to January 2012, mobile pageviews increased 75% on RV Trader.com, and mobile visits increased 77%, pushing mobile to over 1 million pageviews. Approximately 10% of traffic to the RV Trader website is mobile, and of that 10%, 62% of traffic is coming from a tablet device, specifically the iPad.

According to Tim Custer, general manager of RV Trader, “We know this number will only continue to grow as more and more people access the internet from mobile and tablet devices than ever before. It is critical we continue to learn how customers are accessing classified information on the internet and offer them solutions to improve their experiences on our sites. The future of browsing is on the tablet, especially for RV’ers on the go.”

RV Trader.com also offers shoppers a mobile site option, m.rvtrader.com, and an iPhone app which can be downloaded from the lifestyle section of the iTunes Store.

To start browsing on your tablet or iPad, visit t.rvtrader.com today!

Thor Motor Coach is 2011’s #1 Selling Motorhome Brand

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:48:00 +0000

Thor Motor Coach has been recognized as 2011’s top retailing brand of motorhomes in North America according to Statistical Surveys, Inc..

The company’s Class C motorhomes captured the #1 market position in 2011 and accounted for nearly 24% of all Class C sales. These results showed Thor Motor Coach’s Class C brands grew fastest amongst the top manufacturers with a 17.5% increase. In addition, Thor Motor Coach’s Class A motorhome brands lead the market in 2011, capturing 23.7% of all gas powered Class A sales.

Success at the retail level is only possible with a talented dealer network. The partnerships formed between Thor Motor Coach and its dealers solidify the foundation to develop innovative products with superior value.

“Reines RV and Thor Motor Coach have been partners for over 12 years. Finding the right motorhome manufacturer was an important factor for our long term success as an RV dealership. Thor Motor Coach’s products have always been known as “the best value” with a solid reputation for standing behind their motorhomes”, said Lindsey Reines, owner Reines RV in Manassa, Virginia.

Consumer focused programs such as “Gold Star Inspections” and “Concierge Connection” emphasize a commitment to quality driven products. These industry unique programs create unyielding partnerships with dealers and retail customers.

“You cannot be the top single brand retailer of motorhomes without partnering with great dealers. These alliances are essential, allowing us to provide our customers a superior ownership experience”, emphasized Jeff Kime, President of Thor Motor Coach.

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800) 860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write to: Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486, Elkhart, Indiana 46515.

About Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach, Inc is an operating unit of Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO), producing various motorized recreation vehicles that are sold throughout the United States and Canada. Thor Motor Coach RV brands include Class A Diesel; Astoria, Palazzo, Serrano, and Tuscany, Class A Gas; ACE, Daybreak, Challenger, Hurricane, Outlaw Toy Hauler, and Windsport, Class B+; Siesta, Siesta Sprinter, Citation, and Citation Sprinter, Class C Gas and Diesel; Four Winds and Chateau.

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noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Explore. Dream. Discover.

2012 Thor Motor Coach Line Up Impresses Shoppers at Florida Super Show

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN (January 30^th, 2012) Thor Motor Coach showcased a host of new motorhomes and features at the 2012 Florida RV Super Show in Tampa, January 10-15, 2012. With heavy traffic and so many new products featured, both new and seasoned RVer’s were impressed with the product offerings from Thor Motor Coach. Tampa provided a great kick-off for the motorhome market in 2012 as Thor Motor Coach saw a 40% increase in retail sales compared to the 2011 show.

“The Florida Super Show always gives us some indication of how the spring show season will go and it looks like it’s going to be a great year. The consumer reaction to our 2012 line-up was very positive.” explained Dana Simon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

The all new 2013 Palazzo rear diesel stole the show, drawing crowds throughout the event. The industry received its first look at the Palazzo when it was unveiled in November at the RV National Trade show in Louisville, KY. The Palazzo’s compact low-profile design makes it easy to drive while providing the amenities a premium motorhome shopper expects, as well as several they might not.

Palazzo’s Standard Equipment Highlights:

Chassis and Storage

• 34’ 6”, 300HP rear diesel

• Two slide-outs

• 10,000 lbs. hitch

• Auto-Generator start

• Low-profile slide tray

• Motorhome Mudroom™

• Tall Mega-Storage™

Pass-through compartment

Living Space

• Seating for eight in the living space

• Always-in-View™ TV slide system

• Home theater sound

• Bedroom TV

• Oversized shower

• Pull-out computer tray in the dash

• Brushed metallic residential

refrigerator and microwave

“The Palazzo, like the A.C.E., is a game changer creating a new segment in the market - attracting many buyers who thought a full featured rear diesel coach was out of reach. While talking with new potential Palazzo owners at the show, it was clear the market has been waiting for this coach,” stated Adam Gudger, National Sales Manager for the Thor Motor Coach Diesel Division.

The A.C.E. continues its success as a crossover class A motorhome. The recent additions of the 29.2 and brand new 30.1 floorplans were popular choices for shoppers. The 30’ 10”, 30.1 adds a second slide-out, larger shower, and more bedroom storage, in addition to the already well equipped offerings of the entire A.C.E. line up.

Making its Super Show debut, the 45LT (45’, 450HP) tag axle Tuscany was a big hit. The 45LT combines the best of luxury and value by offering a full wall slide, expandable sofa, half bath with washer dryer option, dual vanity master bath, fireplace, and Sony™ electronics at a price point far less than its competitors.

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write to: Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486, Elkhart, Indiana 46515.

About Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach is an operating unit of Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO), producing various motorized recreation vehicles that are sold throughout the United States and Canada. Thor Motor Coach RV brands include Tuscany, Astoria, Palazzo, Serrano, ACE, Four Winds, Chateau, Siesta, Citation, Outlaw, Hurricane, Windsport, Daybreak, and Challenger.

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RV Industry Partners Roll Out Consumer Promo

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

RV Trader, Jayco, RV America Insurance and the Passport 66 RV Club Promote RV Giveaway

Print January 30, 2012 by RV Business Leave a Comment

Jayco White Hawk trailer

Four RV industry players have banded together to sponsor and launch a national promotion that allows RV consumers the opportunity to win a 2012 Jayco White Hawk ultralight travel trailer. According to a press release, the sponsors include Jayco Inc., RV Trader, RV America Insurance and the Passport 66 RV Club.

“We are excited to participate in this unique marketing consortium as a creative way to not only introduce consumers to the White Hawk, our newest line of ultralight trailers, but also the complementary products and services offered by our other partners,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing for Jayco, a Middlebury, Ind.-based manufacturer.

“While each partner plays a variety of roles within the RV marketplace, each one serves the needs of RVers on a nationwide basis” noted Tim Custer, general manager of RV Trader, a leading RV classifieds site. “Because each business is unique, yet influential in the industry, this will allow us to dramatically impact the reach of this promotion among RV consumers.”

In addition to the 2012 Jayco White Hawk Grand Prize, there will be weekly prizes awarded for one-year memberships to the Passport 66 RV Club, a national travel club for RVers provided by the Route 66 RV Network.

“The Passport 66 RV Club is a paid membership discount club that offers its members the opportunity to enjoy discounts on campground rates, parts/accessories, golfing, satellite services, RV washes, rental cars and more,” said Dave Francis, program manager for Passport 66.”

“The ‘Win a White Hawk’ promotion is the first time we have entered into a co-sponsorship effort of this type,” added Steve Freedman, president of RV America Insurance. “We’ve really enjoyed working with this group to not only create a promotion that will appeal to RVers, but also that delivers mutual value to all of the partner sponsors involved.”

To register for the drawing, RV consumers and enthusiasts can visit www.WinAWhiteHawk.com between Jan. 30 and June 15.

Looking to Save on Money? Go RVing!

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Consumers looking to save on vacation travel should go RVing, according to preliminary data from updated vacation cost comparison research by PKF Consulting. Commissioned by RVIA, the study shows that RV trips are the least costly.

PKF, an international travel and tourism consulting company, found that RVing is 28% to 59% less expensive than other types of vacations for a family of four. For an “empty-nester” couple traveling by RV, savings were 15% to 45%.

Even after taking certain factors into account, such as RV ownership costs and fuel prices, the study reveals that RV vacations offer more savings than those trips taken using a car or airline, and vacationing in a hotel or rental house or condo.

PKF analyzed vacation costs for two sets of traveling parties — a family of four, including two adults and two children; and a party of two adults. PKF calculated the costs for these hypothetical travelers taking seven types of vacations to popular destinations, including: Branson, MO; Cape Cod, MA; the Grand Canyon; Corpus Christi, TX; Orlando, FL; Lancaster, PA; Napa, CA; and Traverse City, MI.

The study analyzed popular RV types, including folding camping trailers, lightweight travel trailers, and compact motorhomes. Also studied were costs associated with an RV rental vacation, and a comparison of travel in a Type A motorhome against an upscale/luxury vacation. Vacation durations were 3, 7 and 14 days, and were directly related to the round-trip distances in highway miles between city-pairs.

PKF also analyzed how theoretical increases in fuel prices could affect vacation travel costs, and found that fuel prices would have to more than double for RV vacations to lose its economic advantage over other forms of travel.

Original source: http://www.rvia.org/?ESID=preleases&PRID=374&SR=1

Great West Vans 2012 Sprinter Legend ex

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

The All-New 2012 Sprinter Legend ex has many new features not found on any other Class B motor home. The standard Diesel Hydronic Heating and Hot Water System is sure to draw attention. This is very quiet, very efficient and with the new thermostat, it’s easy to set. Diesel consumption is less than 0.10 gallons per hour at peak output. The new 15000 BTU air conditioner, 3.6 KW generator and 6.0 cu.ft double door, 3 way, auto-switching fridge make the entire experience that much more enjoyable. The 200 watt inverter and 4, 6 volt AGM batteries provide a huge amount of power anywhere, any time.

The Sprinter Legend ex is built on the extended Mercedes-Benz chassis providing an additional 16” length. This allows for an 84” bed in twin-bed or Tri-fold Sofa floor plans. Alternatively, there is 55 cu.ft of additional cargo space and a full 12” of open clearance under the Tri-Fold sofa.

New options include solar panels, new attached macerator pump set-up, Wi-Fi and Cell phone boosters and new Alpine audio and navigation configurations.

Standard high quality features also include solid wood cabinetry, LED cabin lights, motion sensing LED outside lights, solid high impact tile floor, drinking water filter with separate faucet and programmable coffee maker. The simple but flexible bathroom creates a perfect changing area with privacy allowing others access to the front or rear parts of the cabin. The exclusive sliding side screen keeps the bugs out but lets the air flow.

Developed entirely with customer participation, there are 4 development models have been in service throughout North America for the last 8 months with fantastic feedback. All of Great West Vans development is conducted with experienced RV’ers totally involved keeping the process the focused. A different Class B from a company with a different attitude.

Advanced Thinking in Class B Motor Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Last year was all about development and listening to you, our customers. We were very fortunate to receive the advice and willingness to participate from so many customers that helped us move forward in so ways. We could not have imagined the results we have achieved without this help and we will continue to owe our appreciation to those involved.

For a manufacturer, there is nothing like being challenged in so many ways and being able to exchange a wide range of ideas to achieve something entirely different from what we were doing the year before. Because of this, we fully intend to continue this process and continue to explore new ideas, materials and features to provide the very best motor homes we possibly can. Being one of the smaller manufacturers gives us a distinct advantage in being able to make decisions quickly and at least try new ideas that come to us from all directions.

Starting at the Florida RV Super Show, we are offing 3 all-new Sprinter Legend motor homes with new materials and features. At the top of the line is the 2012 Sprinter Legend ex which has as standard, the Espar Diesel Hydronic heating and hot water system. This system requires less space, is very quiet and provides endless hot water. The diesel is provided directly from the Sprinter’s fuel tank and in 6 months of customer testing, has shown to have little to no impact on fuel economy because it is expected to use 0.90 gallons per hour at peak output but it will not need to run for an hour continuously even if the hot water is running all the time.

Functionality has been a huge factor in the development process. The Sprinter Legend and Legend e have 5.0 cu.ft. single door fridges which are 3 way, auto switching making it simple to use continuously. The Legend ex has a 6.0 cu.ft double door fridge which is also 3 way auto switching. You should always be able to carry a gallon of milk in the fridge. They are also off the floor so you don’t have to bend down to pull something out. This is a small point but important.

Last year we also received many calls from customers asking about the length of the bed. With the extra 16” in the length of the Sprinter Legend e and Legend ex, we can offer a bed length of 84 inches or an additional 55 cu.ft of cargo space. Under the powered Tri-Fold Sofa there is over 12” of clearance right through the cabin, great additional storage.

We will soon be starting to build the first 2012 “Activa”. This all-new model will be built on the shorter Mercedes-Benz 3500 Sprinter chassis and will contain some really neat features. Designed for people who have a length restriction where they live or have more of a travelling desire as opposed to planning to camp, this model will offer flexibility for a wide audience. Diesel Hydronic Heating will be standard and a new efficient way to utilize the available space. The counter will be where it belongs on the camping side of the model and the fridge and microwave will not be on the floor where it makes functionality not so functional. We will be using the 3500 chassis from Mercedes with dual rear wheels because we believe that single rear wheels on a Sprinter does not provide the stability in cross winds and poor road conditions that most RV’ers would expect. The ride is also better and the towing capacity will be 7500 lb’s.

The addition of the Activa will allow us to offer 4 all-new models using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Great fuel economy, the cleanest diesel vehicles on the planet and the safest with the very best stability control systems available today. We try really hard to take forward the Mercedes-Benz customer service philosophy and provide the Mercedes experience. In regard to the pricing, because we know you will want to know, the answer is, less that you would expect. Take us for a test drive, you will see the difference.

A Different Approach

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:45:00 +0000

At the 2010 Louisville RV Trade Show, one of our dealers asked me, “Why would anyone buy our motor homes”? This was not to say that we didn’t have great motor homes but this was a question that needed to be answered. We had made small steps in improving the Sprinter Legend model but in 2011, we made a huge leap forward with our secret weapon, customers!

We developed what has become the Great West Vans Customer Development Program where customers participate in every step of the build process of new models and where we are making ‘on the fly’ improvements, we involve current customers to obtain their feedback and advice. We have thrown out the idea of making new model introductions in any particular way such as model year changes in favor of constant improvement. Great ideas don’t come just on a yearly basis.

In February of 2011, we started a conversation with a customer who needed more space to carry two very high-tech bicycles in a Sprinter Class B motor home. No other manufacturer wanted to discuss this need but we are always willing to spend the time and hopefully listen. This led to us to consider every aspect of the Sprinter Legend with an experienced RV owner and we discovered many new possibilities, some of which had never been tried in a Class B before.

Imagine, opening your doors to customers and taking their problems, suggestions and ideas as a challenge, turning a something most would avoid and turning it in to an opportunity. Most would think this would drive a person crazy, maybe, but the benefits from an open attitude far out way the cost and the craziness.

Now we have 3 Sprinter Legend models, the Sprinter Legend with many new upgrades and new options, the Sprinter Legend e built on the extended Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and the Sprinter Legend ex which now has for the first time in a Class B motor home, a Diesel Hydronic heating and hot water system. We also found a way to up the air conditioner to 15000 btu’s and the generator to 3.6 kw which is quieter and much more able to handle the air conditioner. These are features only available on a Great West Vans model.

This coming summer will be interesting as we believe we collectively received 30 phone calls last year in a four week period from people in southern locations who asked one question, how big is your air conditioner? Now we can tell the story that it’s bigger at 15000 btu’s (which sounds big), quieter (which it is), more efficient and comes in a motor home that has exclusive Hydronic heating and a big generator. We all know the sales process is about starting a conversation and engaging the buyers in building value and removing the objections. The customers who have participated in the development last year have given us the opportunity to build a motor home that addresses the common concerns from both those new to Class B motor homes and those with years of experience. So we are really looking forward to 2012.

For the last year we have also responded to Internet enquiries in 4 to 8 hours, started a conversation with a prospect and pushed those that were ready over to a dealer to close. Over 30% of our sales in 2011 came from retail customers who we had passed on to dealers, much higher than expected but it has shown that the Class B buyer is looking for more service, more attention, better materials, fit and finish and most importantly, someone who is willing to listen. In this regard we hope that other manufacturers keep doing things the same old way, responding to customers in 3 to 4 weeks or never, we like it. The other interesting thing is that we have sold every unit we have produced, before it was produced and shipped for the last 16 months.

We will be looking at representation in a number of locations this year. Our focus is on the retail customer, to help make our dealers more successful. This might be a different approach, but it works and we very much enjoy talking to customers.

Adam Gudger to Lead Thor Motor Coach Diesel Division

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN - Thor Motor Coach announced the promotion of veteran sales executive Adam Gudger to the position of National Sales Manager for the diesel division. Gudger brings with him eleven years of diesel motorhome sales experience.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, Adam and his family recently relocated to Northern Indiana in 2011 to be based out of the Thor Motor Coach sales headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.

“I am elated to have the opportunity to work for the best company in the RV industry. Our intense focus developing the most innovative and value driven products is really paying off. There is no doubt our dealer partners are going to reap the benefits of these efforts in 2012 and beyond.”, explained Gudger.

“Adam’s energy, knowledge, relationships, and most importantly his passion makes him a natural fit to lead the Thor Motor Coach Diesel Sales Team.” stated Dana Simon, V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

The Thor Motor Coach Diesel line-up includes the Serrano, Astoria, Tuscany, and the all new Palazzo rear diesel motorhome.

Adam Gudger can be reached at 574-584-3646 or AGudger@TMCRV.com

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

Thor Motor Coach is a subsidiaries of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

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RV Trader.com Powers “Real-Time” Inventory on Keystone RV Websites

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:16:00 +0000

November 30, 2011, Norfolk, VA – RV Trader.com, a division of Dominion Enterprises, announced today its partnership with KeystoneRV.com to launch real-time inventory search on Keystone’s consumer websites. This new search tool will allow a dealer to upload inventory, product photos and prices only once, then sync the inventory to both KeystoneRV.com and RV Trader.com. It will enable the consumer to quickly and easily locate the exact Keystone model they want, resulting in faster turn-around times for the online consumer and increased sales for the Keystone dealer.

According to the general manager of RV Trader.com, Tim Custer, “We are glad to be able to provide this integration to KeystoneRV.com, which provides additional benefits to our dealers and Keystone customers.”

“Many of today’s RV shoppers prefer to utilize the web for research and product knowledge,” said Jim Mac, Keystone communications manager. “This new tool makes it easy for the customer to do just that. Not only is this new web enhancement a win for the consumer, but it requires no additional administrative effort on the part of our dealers. By integrating the RV Trader.com system, we have eliminated duplicate data entry. In today’s business climate, this is something our dealers feel is important,” commented Mac.

RV Trader.com developed this new web feature jointly with KeystoneRV.com, and it will be exclusive to Keystone and Keystone dealers through 2011.

About Dominion Enterprises

Dominion Enterprises is a leading marketing services and publishing company serving the automotive, recreational and commercial vehicle, real estate, apartment rental, employment, parenting, travel, and daily deals industries. The company’s businesses provide a comprehensive suite of technology-based marketing solutions including Internet advertising, lead generation, CRM, website design and hosting, and data management services. The company has more than 60 market-leading websites reaching more than 20.9 million unique visitors monthly, and more than 280 magazines with a weekly circulation of 2.4 million. Headquartered in Norfolk, Va., the company has 3,300 employees in more than 186 offices in the United States, Canada, England and Italy. For more information, visit www.DominionEnterprises.com.

About Keystone RV Company

Keystone RV Company is the nation's largest producer of travel trailers and fifth wheels, with manufacturing facilities at its headquarters in Goshen, Indiana, and Pendleton, Oregon. Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Jackson Center, Ohio, the world's largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses. For additional company information, visit www.Keystonerv.com.

The Hot-Selling A.C.E. gets a Big Brother…

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN (November 23, 2011) Running full-speed ahead and building on the success of the A.C.E., last year’s RV Business “Best of Show” recipient, Thor Motor Coach shows off the new Palazzo motorhome at the Louisville National Trade Show on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.

Palazzo, defined as “Palace or impressive private residence”, boldly summarizes the design of the new Thor Motor Coach Class A Diesel Motorhome. The Palazzo intends to follow in the footsteps of its gas market predecessor the A.C.E., and revolutionize the diesel entry level motorhome arena.

The Palazzo’s foundation is a 26,000-lb GVWR Freightliner rear diesel chassis providing more than 5,000-lbs of cargo carrying capacity. Although the exterior dimensions are less than most mainstream diesel products; the innovative exterior storage is clean, well-lit, and easy to access, all the while trumping the competitions volume by thirty-percent. The patio area is completely covered by the awning, and slide rooms do not take away from living area or storage access. The interior of the coach has eliminated the typical diesel cockpit wind noise, the living area is not fully traversed to get to the bath, and cabinet and wardrobe storage is immense with oodles of innovative nooks and crannies.

The story of the Palazzo cannot be fully appreciated until it is experienced. There are no words to describe the feeling you get when you combine these new-age features that give the Palazzo an absolute edge in the diesel motorhome market. Common references include:

Diesel Competence…
Jumbo Storage…
Get it in the barn…
Riding on Air…
Straight Lined…
Low-profile…
Single-step Entry…
Proven Power…
Campsite Friendly…

Visibly Better…

Half-the-way Entry…
Space-ACE…
Beauflor™ residential engineering flooring…
Residential Style Kitchen…
Expansive Spaces…
WARNING: Adult Rated…Oversized Shower

“Outside of the box thinking, plus an understanding of what will make a dealer successful with today’s diesels, are the reasons we created the Palazzo. The Palazzo is designed to blur the transition from a gas buyer to a diesel. No longer will price or cost of entry distinguish what customers think they can or cannot afford in a diesel.” explained Dana Simon, VP of Sales and Marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

Bring your cameras; Thor Motor Coach is inviting all dealers and press to stop by their show space in the South Wing, Hall 1 to experience the Palazzo first hand during the 2011 RVIA National Trade Show in Louisville, KY.

Check back next week for the launch of the Palazzo Website, http://PalazzoRV.com

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

Thor Motor Coach is a subsidiaries of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

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Thor Motor Coach’s Ron Davidson to head up Customer Service

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:56:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN (November 23, 2011) Thor Motor Coach has named Ron Davidson the new Vice President of Quality Control and Customer Service.

“Ron has been a valuable member of the Thor Motor Coach team. His attention to detail and his dedication to improving the daily quality of our products made him the obvious choice.” said Jeff Kime, President of Thor Motor Coach.

Davidson has served on the Thor Motor Coach staff for 7 years in various quality related positions along with 20 years experience in the motorhome industry.

“I look forward to the challenge of this new opportunity, and feel the combination of customer service and quality are the core of our success. Building on the strengths of the “Shield of Protection” including programs like Concierge Connection, Access 24-7, Rapid Response Parts and Gold Star inspection, we will lead Thor Motor Coach into the future”, commented Ron Davidson.

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

Thor Motor Coach is a subsidiaries of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

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Thor Motor Coach Introducing 11 New Floor Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN (November 22, 2011) – Thor Motor Coach announced plans to introduce several new floorplans for the 49^th Annual National RV Trade Show which takes place Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, Kentucky. In an effort to further increase momentum, Thor Motor Coach will showcase the all new Class B+(Plus) Citation 27SB, Challenger 37DT, and the Tuscany 45LT. These new floorplans have an abundance of upgrades demonstrating the significant push of product development being undertaken at Thor Motor Coach.

Citation 27SB: A fuel efficient B+(Plus) with more exterior storage:

· Glazed cherry or maple cabinetry

· Mega-Storage™ oversized exterior storage compartment

· Onan RV MicroQuiet™ 4000-kilowatts generator

· Patio plus entertainment package

· 32” HD LCD TV

· 30" residential microwave

· Optional solid surface kitchen countertops

· Over-sized 36” wide shower

· Standard U-shaped dinette

Challenger 37DT: Roomy class A gas motorhome with features usually found in diesel pushers:

Large, roomy feel in every room due to the increased 82” ceiling height
32” Sony™ LCD TV and home theater

· Expandable sectional sofa maximizes seating and comfort

· Premium Comfort-Fit by Villa furniture throughout

· Optional electric fireplace

Side-hinged baggage doors provide easy access to the gigantic pass-though basement storage
Large U-shaped dinette
Roomy bathroom with double sink vanity

· Plumbing for combo washer & dryer

Tuscany 45LT: 45’ 450HP Tag axle diesel pusher that’s all luxury:

· Smooth riding Freightliner Chassis with 450HP ISL Cummins Turbo Diesel with 1250-lb, ft of torque

· Residential 12” x 24” polished porcelain tile

· Expandable sectional sofa maximizes seating and comfort

· Premium Comfort-Fit by Villa furniture throughout

· All new redesigned Euro-styled dash

· Dual vanity master rear bath

· Optional stackable washer and dryer

· 40” HD Sony™ LCD TV and home theater

· Hand crafted, solid wood entertainment cabinet with built-in fireplace

Thor Motor Coach will be displaying an astounding 11 new floorplans not seen before at the RVIA show.

“The future is really bright, and we are working diligently to bring products to market that our dealers and customers demand. We are committed to spending the time and resources to provide the most innovative motorhomes here at Thor Motor Coach,” promoted Dana Simon, Vice President of Sales at Thor Motor Coach.

For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800)860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

Thor Motor Coach is a subsidiaries of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

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Thor Motor Coach’s Serrano in Top 10 and Growing

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Elkhart, IN (November 15, 2011) – The Thor Motor Coach Serrano has moved into the “Top 10” best selling diesel motorhomes as of August 2011, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI) of Grand Rapids, Mich. The diesel powered Serrano has increased by 20% in overall retail sales, which equates to a market share increase of 18.3%.

“Our fuel efficient Serrano continues to be a hit with motorhome enthusiasts and has had great appeal with consumers looking to buy gas or diesel models”, according to Adam Gudger, Thor Motor Coach’s Serrano Product Manager. “We have recently introduced 2 great new floorplans which include a 34-ft bath and a half model and a 33-ft model with a full wall slide with an option for a stackable washer and dryer.”

The 2012 Serrano product offering includes 5 floorplans ranging from 31-ft. to 34-ft. Built on the reliable Workhorse W-series chassis, the Serrano’s power comes from a Navistar MaxxForce diesel engine rated at 230-hp with 620 ft-lb of torque. With a gross vehicle weight rating starting at 20,500-lbs, consumers will find the Serrano has a great power to weight ratio. Lower weight overall weight, plus big torque output, equals a smooth running motorhome aimed at conserving fuel.

“Consumers are looking for a fuel efficient diesel with the power to handle mountainous terrain and the Serrano provides these diesel benefits for the price of a typical high-end gas unit”, added Gudger. “Users are getting significant fuel economy increases compared to gas motorhomes while the 36% increase in torque keeps the engine running quieter and more efficiently than comparable gas powered models”.

While the Serrano shines on the outside, a host of new interior features make it feel just like home. The new MCD solar and blackout roller shade with ClearView™ technology, helps keep solar light and heat out of the coach during the day while providing complete darkness for sleeping at night. Custom hardwood fascia for the slide rooms adds a touch of elegance in the living area and bedroom while optional heat pumps for the air conditioners take the chill out of the interior on cool mornings and brisk evenings. Three new exterior paint packages along with two eagerly awaited interior decors packages complete a subtle, but substantial, transformation in the Serrano.

For more information on the Serrano Class A RV check out http://Serrano-RV.com or other products from Thor Motor Coach motorhomes by calling (800)860-5658, visiting http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or writing Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486., Elkhart, Indiana, 46515.

Thor Motor Coach is a subsidiaries of Thor Industries, Inc. Jackson Center, OH (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

Fleetwood RV Debuts 2 New Loyalty Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Decatur, Ind.-based Fleetwood RV Inc., a leading producer of Class A and Class C motorhomes, announced two new programs to reward customer loyalty.

"Our customers foster a sense of community and family," said John Draheim, president and CEO of Fleetwood RV, in a press release. "We value their loyalty, and for this reason, we have introduced two new programs -- the Owner Loyalty Program and the Owner Referral Program."

Current Fleetwood RV and American Coach motorhome owners can receive up to a $10,000 instant discount savings at the point of purchase of a new Fleetwood RV or American Coach motorhome through the Owner Loyalty Program.

With the Owner Referral Program, current owners can earn a $500 referral bonus for each referral that subsequently purchases a new Fleetwood RV or American Coach motorhome. Additionally, the referral also qualifies for an instant discount savings of up to $10,000 at the point of purchase of a new Fleetwood RV or American Coach motor home.

Both programs run through March 31, 2012, and the savings discounts apply to the purchase of an eligible new 2012 or older model year Fleetwood RV or American Coach motor home currently in-stock.

Program details are available at http://WelcomeToFleetwoodRV.com.

Courtesy of RVBusiness.com

RVTrader.com Launches $9.95 Ad Placements for Private Sellers

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Leading U.S. RV marketplace debuts options for private owners selling their RVs

RVTrader.com, the country’s leading recreational vehicle marketplace and a division of Dominion Enterprises, has announced the launch of its $9.95 ad placement service for RV owners. For the first time, RV owners can post an ad for only $9.95 with four photos for two weeks on RVTrader.com.

RV Trader will help thousands of RV owners turn their personal RVs into cash quickly and effortlessly. More than one million visitors come to RVTrader.com every month to view over 75,000 RVs listed for sale across the U.S.

In addition to the $9.95 ad option, other ad placement options will also be available. These options include a “Top of the Line” ad for 12 weeks for $74.95 or one year for $99.95. The one-year ad option - an option that previously was unavailable - allows RV owners to post up to 20 pictures of their RV. “Top of the Line” package buyers will also receive premium placement on the site’s homepage as well as on search results pages. For no charge, any RV owner who places an ad also gains exposure on RVTrader.com’s mobile website and iPhone application.

“We are excited about the new ad placement options on RVTrader.com. RV owners will now be able to place an ad for their RV at a huge discount – more than 50% off previous ad packages. Not only are we hopeful this will increase the number of new consumers visiting the site, we also hope to see former sellers coming back to post new ads as well,” said Tim Custer, general manager of RVTrader.com.

For more information or to place an ad, please visit http://www.rvtrader.com/sell.

About RVTrader.com
RV Trader, a division of Dominion Enterprises, is the nation’s leading RV marketplace connecting buyers and sellers to new and used recreational vehicles. With over 75,000 RVs available, RV Trader remains the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell RV’s! For more details, visit http://www.RVTrader.com.

About Dominion Enterprises
Dominion Enterprises is a leading marketing services company serving the automotive, recreational and commercial vehicle, real estate, apartment rental, employment, parenting, travel, and daily deals industries. Headquartered in Norfolk, Va., with 3,300 employees nationwide, the company provides a comprehensive suite of technology-based marketing solutions, more than 60 market-leading websites, and 280 magazines. For more information, visit http://www.dominionenterprises.com.

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Marathon Coach Marks 1200th Bus Conversion

noreply@blogger.com (Trader Online) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Coburg, Ore.-based Marathon Coach Inc. announced that the company has completed its 1,200th luxury bus conversion. According to a press release, the milestone represents a bus industry record.

Built on a Prevost H3-45 chassis with a single salon slideout, the 1,200th unit is an “Executive/VIP” style coach that was custom ordered by a private individual to entertain friends and family.

Marathon said the custom coach is a “one-of-a-kind blend of beauty and technology.” Elegant interior features contrast light and dark laminates in warm tones, granite flooring in the entry and galley, and striking carved wood valances. Seven Italian leather recliners are positioned comfortably in the salon, each with its own independent sound system, lighting and storable tables.

The large private meeting room to the rear of the coach features two large sofas that face a large expandable table. When sleeping quarters are needed, the push of one button activates a sequence of events that lowers the table, raises and moves the sofas, and then folds the sofas down over the lowered table to form a large, comfortable king-sized bed.

The coach is equipped with the finest in theater systems including multiple LED backlit HD TVs stationed conveniently throughout the coach. Lighting, shades, audio, video and temperature are all controlled through Crestron remote controls. Cutting-edge iPhone interfacing allows for remotely monitoring and controlling the coach’s systems anywhere in the world.

The coach is also equipped with Marathon’s patented TechLink electrical system that eliminates miles of wiring while making countless “smart home” capabilities possible.

Source: Motorhome Magazine