RV Trader Online Insider - Official blog of RV Trader Online

Great American Road Trip Starts On NBC

2009-07-07T16:11:00.001-04:00

Motorcycle fans have American Chopper and big truck fans have Ice Road Truckers. Now, RVers get a TV show with NBC's The Great American Road Trip, premiering tonight.

Photo Credit: NBC

According to NBC, The Great American Road Trip follows seven families traveling through different cities while competing in challenges that will lead one family to victory.

Along the way, the families and viewers will also discover quirky American landmarks ranging from the World's Largest Chair to the Muffler Men and Cadillac Ranch.

Source: NBC.com

Microwave Convection Oven Combination with Grill Expands Cooking Options For RV Owners

2009-07-06T15:00:00.001-04:00

Contoure Int. introduces the space-saving CMC12070S Microwave Convection Oven Combination with Grill. This innovative stainless steel oven provides microwaving, baking and grilling in a single unit.

Photo Credit: Contoure Int.

Saving precious space in tight quarters, as well as money and time, the advanced Contoure CMC12070S delivers three appliances in one. With all the convenience of a microwave, the convection oven also offers enhanced browning, baking and crisping.

The grill emits radiant heat to give food that hot-off-the-grill taste. Users can reduce cooking time even more by adding convection heat in combination with microwave energy.With 10 power levels and eight touch menus, the sleek Contoure CMC12070S has 1.2 cu. ft. of cooking space, a 12-1/2" glass turntable and kitchen timer with a 30-seconds-plus option.

State-of-the-art features also include convection baking, microwave cooking and combo-grill cooking settings, defrost by weight or timed defrost and a child safety lock.

Source: Contoure

Winnebago Adventurer Concept Hybrid RV Hits the Road for Summer Media Tour

2009-06-17T08:39:00.002-04:00

Winnebago Industries announced the industry's first hybrid RV, a 2009 Winnebago Adventurer, provided to Brad and Amy Herzog for their summer travel tour.

The Herzogs, spokespersons for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), will be traveling in this concept hybrid RV this summer as they promote the benefits of RV travel.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

According to Winnebago, The Winnebago Adventurer hybrid rides on a Freightliner Custom Chassis' ecoFRED chassis, the motor home industry's first hybrid-electric chassis featuring Eaton hybrid power components. This is a full hybrid system in that it utilizes two independent power sources (a diesel engine and an electric motor) that work in conjunction to optimally power the vehicle.

The Adventurer hybrid also features regenerative braking for less brake wear. With regenerative braking, the hybrid electric motor uses electricity to create torque, while also being able to reverse the process to use torque to create electricity. By reversing its electric engine to become a generator, electricity is fed back into the battery resulting in energy savings.

"We are excited to be the first RV manufacturer to begin active testing of this hybrid technology," said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. "This hybrid concept can bring many benefits including improved fuel efficiency in select driving environments, reduced noise and emissions, improved acceleration and reduced maintenance. We are proud to provide this hybrid concept vehicle to the Herzogs this summer for their tour as we continue to test the viability of hybrid technology in the RV industry."

Source: Winnebago

Newmar To Hold Klub Rally Locally To Support Economy

2009-06-12T13:30:00.006-04:00

Newmar Corporation reports it has decided to hold its 24th Annual International Kountry Klub Rally close to home.

The annual rally, originally scheduled for Perry, Georgia, has been moved and will be held August 3-8, 2009 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Photo Credit: Newmar

“Newmar’s decision to move the rally made sense given the current economic state the county is in,” said Barney Barnett, Newmar International Kountry Klub Director. “Newmar is located in Elkhart County and we wanted to do something to help support local business and drive traffic to the county.”

Photo Credit: Newmar

The Klub has over 360 confirmed reservations and expects to end up with between 500 and 600 total units at the fairgrounds participating in the rally. “Surprisingly reservations are coming in ahead of where we have been in years past,” said Barnett. “We are hoping this is a good sign and that our expectations will be exceeded.”

Photo Credit: Newmar

“Newmar is looking forward to this year’s rally,” said Matthew Miller, Newmar President and Chairman of the Klub’s Board of Directors. “We are confident the RV industry will turn around and we wanted to get together with our Klub members close to home for a week of fellowship and to show our loyal owners that Newmar and Elkhart County are open for business.”

Source: Newmar Corporation

RESOURCES

RV Dealers easily Combine Online And Print Advertising With RVTraderOnline.com’s Direct Publishing Feature

2009-06-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

RVTraderOnline.com, the Web site of RV Trader magazine and a division of Dominion Enterprises, now offers dealer advertisers the option to directly publish their online classified listings in participating RV Trader magazines throughout the country.

Adding print advertising is just a few clicks away. RV dealers simply log on to their RV Trader Inventory Management Tool, provided free of charge to all RVTraderOnline.com dealer advertisers, and click on the Add Magazines tab.

After selecting which RVs from their online inventory they wish to publish in RV Trader magazine, they select the magazines they wish to publish in by market. Dealers also have options to advertise all their inventory in print or advertise in all RV Trader magazines with just one click.

“We are giving dealers a turnkey option to increase their reach and market penetration with media other than the Internet,” explained Tim Custer, RV Trader general manager. “Our research shows that print advertising is a great way to supplement online advertising. On average, dealers who advertise in our print magazines and on RVTraderOnline.com receive 57 percent more leads than dealers who advertise online only.”

Source: RV Trader Online

RV Industry Study Predicts RV Shipments To Begin Recovery In 2010

2009-06-11T14:43:00.001-04:00

The RVIA reports that the RV industry’s shipments are projected to total approximately 169,500 units in 2010 — a 24 percent increase from the 136,500 predicted for 2009.

Photo Credit: RVIA

According to a new forecast by RV industry analyst Dr. Richard Curtin, released at Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) Annual Membership Meeting on June 9.

Seasonally adjusted shipments reached their low point in the first quarter of 2009, and gains are expected over the next two years as the negative financial factors that caused the steep drop in RV sales will slowly give way to improved conditions in the market.

Dr. Richard Curtin, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, who produces the closely-watched monthly Index of Consumer Sentiment, briefed RVIA members on his analysis of the industry’s future at RVIA’s annual Committee Week, held June 8-11 in Washington, DC.

Source: RVIA

GO Mobile Adventure Gear By Sylvan Sport Named The Coolest Camper Ever

2009-06-08T16:18:00.003-04:00

Photo Credit: Sylvan Sport

National Geographic Adventure named SylvanSport’s “GO Mobile Adventure Gear,” the “Best of Adventure Gear 2008,” calling this multi-mode trailer “the coolest camper ever.”

According to SylvanSport, this precision-engineered “backpack on wheels” enables you to haul all your gear and indulge in every adventure without compromising what gets left behind.

Photo Credit: Sylvan Sport

‘GO’ easily morphs from a low-profile high-capacity trailer, to a rugged hefty-toy-hauler, to a comfortable camper that can be pulled behind almost any vehicle. This super spacious camper, with its Hyper-Engineered aluminum frame, weighs only 700 lbs. and can haul up to 800 lbs. of gear.

Featuring 24 cubic feet of waterproof gear storage (9 cubic feet lockable), ‘GO’ cruises with kayaks and canoes stowed securely, plus racking systems for bikes, boards and other fun gear.

Photo Credit: Sylvan Sport

With its huge capacity, ‘GO’ frees up space inside and on the roof of your tow vehicle. Its enhanced torsion suspension provides smooth load control to help protect your stuff during the journey.

Photo Credit: Sylvan Sport

‘GO’ easily deploys its Kelty tenting system with all components already on-board—no extra tools, no PhD in physics required. And you choose from multiple sleeping configurations—all of which feature spaciousness and all-weather protection.

Source: Sylvan Sport

Warm Weather Brings More Business To Idaho RV Dealers

2009-06-06T20:13:00.001-04:00

A story from KIDK CBS reports Idaho RV dealers are experiencing more business as the summer season gets stared.

According to the story, customers are determined to get outdoors with their RV rather than stay home. The urge to make memories and have fun in the warm weather is stronger than economic worries.

Big discounts from RV manufacturers are also drawing customers to RV lots. Current RV owners are keeping maintenance departments busy.

Source: KIDK.com

Navistar Affiliate Completes Purchase of Certain Monaco Coach Assets

2009-06-05T12:30:00.002-04:00

Navistar International Corporation has announced that an affiliate has completed the purchase of certain assets of the recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturing business of Monaco Coach Corporation.

Photo Credit: Navistar

“Navistar’s entry into the RV business through the purchase of certain Monaco Coach assets fits our strategy of leveraging our assets to expand our diesel business, serve the end customer through robust parts and service, and will complement our Workhorse chassis business,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American truck group. “The Monaco brand is a market leader with a strong reputation and Navistar is pleased to add it to our portfolio of leading brands and businesses.”

The new company, named Monaco RV LLC, will be a wholly-owned affiliate of Navistar Inc., Navistar’s principal operating company, and headquartered in Coburg, Oregon.

“Providing the RV market with the right vehicles at the right time will be Monaco RV’s first order of business,” added Allen. “Our management teams will spend these first few weeks ramping up the business at a pace commensurate with demand.”

Source: Navistar

Lightweight RVs Help RV Dealer Boost Sales

2009-06-04T09:30:00.003-04:00

The Houston Chronicle features a story on Larry Troutt, an RV dealer in Houston, Texas and how his dealership is weathering a tough economy for RV sales.

According to the Houston Chronicle story, Troutt has dealt with rough economic times in the early 1980s at his father’s travel trailer business.

Troutt's RV dealership, Topper’s Camping Center, specializes in lightweight RVs. Lighter RVs have grown in popularity thanks to their fuel efficiency. Topper’s Camping Center achieved the highest volume in light-weight camper trailer sales out of 75 dealers in the state of Texas last year.

The Internet plays a key role in bringing customers to Topper's Camping Center's rural location. Customers use the Internet to find the RV they want before they arrive.

Source: The Houston Chronicle

Thetford hosts Brian Brawdy and the GREEN RV in Ann Arbor and at the OWAA Conference in Grand Rapids

2009-06-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

Nationally-recognized Green RVer Brian Brawdy will be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 12 to tour Thetford Corporation’s world headquarters and manufacturing facilities.

He will then join Thetford officials at the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) convention in Grand Rapids, June 13-16, to promote both the state of Michigan and a green RV lifestyle to hunters and fisherman.

Brawdy is known as an outdoor adventure expert and environmental pioneer. He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, The New York Times, ABC, CBS, NBC, WGN, Fox, The CW and other media outlets across North America.

Thetford Corporation has teamed up with Brawdy for a new product introduction initiative. Committed to developing high-quality green products, Thetford recently introduced a new line of Design for the Environment (DfE)–recognized RV care products.

Source: Brian Bawdy and Thetford

Thetford Introduces New Line Of Green RV Cleaning Products

2009-05-28T10:25:00.000-04:00

Thetford Corporation has introduced a new line of Design for the Environment (DfE)–recognized RV cleaning products. According to Thetford, this eco-friendly line meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) DfE program's rigorous criteria without sacrificing performance.

Safer for humans and the environment, the five-product line includes UltraFoam Black Streak Remover, UltraFoam Awning Cleaner, Wash & Wax, Mildew Stain Remover and Hard Water Spot Remover.

Non-toxic and biodegradable, it's packaged in bottles made out of recyclable plastic that contain 25% post-consumer recycled content."Since RV cleaners are used outdoors, they must meet even stricter requirements than household products," said Mary Burrows, Thetford's manager of chemical development. "We will continue working with the EPA to produce more environmentally-responsible products in the future."

Source: Thetford

RVers Considered Trustworthy With Credit For RV Purchases

2009-05-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Due to the rough economy, finding credit for big purchases is a challenge for both consumers and businesses.

A recent story on Bankrate.com reports that RVers could have an easier time finding the financing they need, a hopeful sign for a recovery in RV sales.

According to the story, The American Bankers Association has released a report saying RVers are considered very trustworthy when given access to credit lending. Because of their reliability, RVers are preferred above all credit seekers.

Better access to credit should help RV buyers and dealers, along with beneficial tax provisions in the recent economic stimulus package.

Source: Bankrate.com

The 2009 Winnebago View Offers Both Power And Economy

2009-05-26T15:30:00.003-04:00

The New York Times feature a profile of the 2009 Winnebago View. Winnebago describes the 2009 View as offering both power and economy.

According to the Winnebago hompage, the foundation of the 2009 Winnebago View is the popular Dodge Sprinter chassis that provides fuel efficiency, drivability and maneuverability. The View features an 11,030-lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) Dodge Sprinter chassis with a fuel efficient 3.0L V6 Mercedes Benz diesel engine.

The View provides an excellent turning radius (23.5 feet), independent front suspension, ABS four wheel disc brakes and five-speed tip shift automatic transmission that’s designed to be one of the smoothest, most reliable transmissions on the market. In 2009, the trailer hitch rating increased from 3500/350 lbs. to 5000/500 lbs. so you can tow a boat, jet skis or ATV with ease.

Both floorplans can be enhanced in 2009 to include the optional swivel cab seats for additional seating space. A 19-inch LCD TV is standard on both the 24H and 24J. Both the 24H and 24J also feature our exclusive BenchMark Full Comfort Dinette. The BenchMark dinette features innerspring seats that flip up for easy access to storage, as well as folds down for additional sleeping space.

The exterior also accommodates the optional generator. A 3,200 watt Cummins Onan MicroQuiet diesel generator is available or an optional 3,600 Cummins Onan MicroQuiet LP generator.

Source: The New York Times and Winnebago

RESOURCES

RV Safety In Severe Weather And Storms

2009-05-26T15:00:00.001-04:00

An RV can be a cozy shelter from rainy weather during a vacation, but what should you do if the weather becomes dangerous?

What can RVers do to protect themselves against tornadoes and severe storms?

Examiner.com features a story on protecting your RV and family from dangerous weather.

According to the story, RVers should know where to find shelter if the weather gets too rough. The story also features tips on purchasing a weather radio and what to do if you get caught in a severe storm.

Source: Examiner.com

Increasing RV Rentals Offers Hopeful News For The RV Industry

2009-05-22T13:00:00.005-04:00

WSBT 22 reports that more travelers are renting RVs for Summer vacations, a optimistic sign for the future of the RV industry.

According to the story, RV rentals are up over the last few weeks along with more traffic on RV dealer lots. Industry experts are encouraged by increasing interest in RVing, hopefully leading to more signs of recovery throughout 2009.

A study commissioned by the RVIA found that RV vacations were 27% - 61%less expensive that vacations requiring airfare and hotel accommodations.

Here is video from the story.

Source: WSBT 22

Victorinox Swiss Army Partners With Airstream To Create A Special Edition Airstream Trailer

2009-05-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

In celebration of their 125th Anniversary, Victorinox Swiss Army has announced a partnership with Airstream to produce the first “Victorinox Special Edition Airstream” travel trailer.

These two iconic brands have created a masterfully engineered and aesthetically striking 19-foot trailer, production of which will be limited to 125 units and which embodies their shared qualities and philosophies: precision, functionality, reliability and a classically elegant design.

Whether you are a traveler embarking on a cross-country road trip, or an avid collector with an affinity for superior design, the “Victorinox Special Edition Airstream” travel trailer will inspire the adventurer within.

“From the onset of this collaboration I have been struck by how fortunate I am as a designer to have such a masterfully designed and precisely engineered pallet from which to work. Because of this, tapping into my creativity and maintaining my inspiration was easy. When you enter into the trailer, the design cohesion between the two brands is both intuitive and natural – it’s comfortable and truly defines a luxe camping experience,” said Scott Swaebe, Director of Visual Merchandising for Victorinox Swiss Army.

Like the legendary Swiss Army Knife, the details of the trailer are precise, clean and sure to last a lifetime. From the solid surface countertops, to the cutting-edge cabinets and hardware, to the luxurious custom bedding ensemble with embroidered wool blanket, all housed within the iconic Airstream aluminum shell. And to ensure consumers are fully equipped, a collection of Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, kitchen cutlery, Swiss Army Knives and accessories are included to enhance any camping adventure.

“It’s rare to find another brand that so closely represents the Airstream values of outdoor adventure in style,” said Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream. “Victorinox is clearly such a company and we were thrilled to collaborate on this very special travel trailer. Whether it’s a Swiss Army knife or an Airstream, it’s something you buy to last a lifetime.”

Only 125 very fortunate adventurers will have the opportunity to purchase one of these numbered Special Edition units available beginning June 15, 2009. The commemorative, serialized plaque bearing the famous cross and shield emblem is sure to delight Airstream and Victorinox Swiss Army collectors alike.

Source: Airstream

The Duck Creek RV Resort Opens In Muskegon, Michigan

2009-05-18T16:00:00.002-04:00

The Muskegon Chronicle reports on a new upscale RV park opening in Muskegon, Michigan.

The Duck Creek RV Resort is located in Muskegon across from the entrance to Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park.

According to The Muskegon Chronicle, the new resort will feature 157 sites with paved pads for RVs and full hookups for utilities.

Other amenities include a heated, duck-shaped pool, clubhouse with a game room, laundry facilities, large playground, a camp store, and shower facilities.

Source: The Muskegon Chronicle and The Duck Creek RV Resort

Powerful Pumping System Makes Emptying Tanks A Breeze

2009-05-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

Messy, leaky hoses, spills and odors are no longer part of emptying a holding tank. Making the unpleasant task more sanitary and uncomplicated, Thetford Corporation offers Sani-Con, a holding tank emptying system with a macerating pump. Once connected to a RV's dump valve and 20-amp power source, this system makes the process extremely simple, even easier than pumping gas.

Providing more power, flexibility and convenience than any other product on the market, Sani-Con can pump holding tank waste as far as 150' away and 20' uphill. Its heavy-duty, space-saving hose is 21' long and retracts to just 7'. Due to its high-performing motor, Sani-Con needs a hose that is only 1" in diameter.

A convenient nozzle has a stairstepped and threaded design to fit and lock into virtually any sewer receptacle, eliminating the need for adapters. The nozzle's easy-grip handle helps prevent the hose from dropping into the soiled area near the dump port, further keeping the entire operation sanitary. Its threaded cap keeps the user and RV compartment clean during transport and storage.

Source and Photo Credit: Thetford

In Spite of Recession, Managers of the 21st Annual Manufacturers' RV Show Expecting Solid Attendance at May Event

2009-05-04T14:00:00.000-04:00

The 21st Annual Manufacturers' RV Show is scheduled for May 15 - 25th 2009 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California.

According to GoodTimes Promotions, Mike Nohr, manager of the show, is anything but worried about the outcome of this year's mid-May event.

A combination of dealers offering steep discounts, buyers eager to take advantage of the deals and the long-term cost savings of an RV vacation has created an environment Nohr believes will prove to be a boon for his show."We're hearing about a lot of people who are looking to the future," Nohr said. "They want to make a modest investment on an RV now so they can recoup those costs in the coming years."

A survey conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association found that 45 percent of RV owners are considering purchasing another RV this year because they appreciate the value they get compared to the more traditional vacations."Who knows where the economy is going. I've heard it's supposed to get better soon, but I'm not going to bet my vacations on it," said Scotts Valley resident Anthony Leimas, who plans on attending the May show to shop for a toy hauler. "With an RV, I know we'll always be able to afford to go on a nice vacation -- recession or not."

Consumers can expect to choose from hundreds of new and used models at the show -- which runs at the Alameda County Fairgrounds from May 15-25. The event drew more than 20,000 people last year."This year, I expect to see more serious buyers and less looky-loos," Nohr said. "Consumers know they won't see these kind of prices probably ever again in their lifetime."

Source:GoodTimes Promotions Photo Credit: RVIA

2010 Camp Lite Trailer By Livin' Lite is 98 Percent Recyclable

2009-04-28T14:20:00.001-04:00

Livin' Lite Recreational Vehicles has come up with an RV that pushes the idea of a “green RV” to a new level. According to Livin' Lite, their new 2010 line of Camp Lite trailers aren’t just gas efficient (weighing in at a miniscule 1,500 lbs), the RV itself is 98% recyclable.

To make such a recyclable RV, Livin’ Lite has made the Camp Lite entirely out of aluminum and composites.

That means an aluminum frame; aluminum rims; aluminum flooring; aluminum sidewalls with aluminum interior and exterior skin; aluminum roof trusses laminated with aluminum interior and exterior skin; aluminum cabinetry with aluminum framing, and more.

Inside the Camp Lite is a 12’ bunkhouse floorplan with a dinette that converts to a bed, allowing it to sleep four comfortably, with an interior height of 6’-5”, a full compliment of base and overhead cabinets – made of all aluminum, and loads of storage space.

Other features include European-style, lightweight composite windows; fully laminated construction for extra strength; LED exterior lights; sleek diamond-plate accents – and which comes in multiple exterior colors – including camouflage for outdoorsman.

Source: Livin' Lite Recreational Vehicles

First EverGreen Eco-Friendly Travel Trailer Delivered to Summit RV of Ashland, Kentucky

2009-04-20T13:30:00.003-04:00

EverGreen Recreational Vehicles recently annouce the first of its Ever-Lite travel trailers was delivered to Summit RV of Ashland.

Photo Courtesy of Evergreen RV

According to President of EverGreen, Doug Lantz and the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kevin Slater, traveled to Summit RV from their Middlebury, Indiana manufacturing headquarters, to present a special award signifying the first true eco-friendly recreational vehicle in the field on April 16, 2009.

A bright spot in the RV manufacturing world, the start up EverGreen Recreation Vehicles LLC is just 90 days old and has already revolutionized the industry with innovative, eco-friendly Ever-Lite travel trailers. The trailers are the first all composite-construction, lightweight, formaldehyde-free, recyclable travel trailers ever produced. Summit RV received the first EverGreen Ever-Lite travel trailer one week ago.

Photo Courtesy of Evergreen RV

President of Summit RV, James Bradley, is excited about the new EverGreen environmentally friendly product line. “We’re really excited about Ever-Lite campers for several reasons. We like the idea of selling green and taking care of the environment. We’re also excited that the trailer is so lightweight it can be towed by a variety of vehicles. The concept of doing away with wood and eliminating any concerns of rot or decay and a longer lasting, more durable trailer is another benefit that drew us to this product,” said Bradley.

“Although we’re out on the cutting edge of green, sustainable innovation with our new Ever-Lite travel trailers, we’re still servicing our dealer partners with a traditional twist. We are so pleased that Summit RV, James Bradley and his team have taken on our Ever-Lite product line that we came down to mark this historic event for our company in person. These are exciting times. We’re proud to have Summit RV as a partner as we retool our industry with greener, lighter weight, more fuel-efficient products,” concluded Lantz.

Source: EverGreen Recreational Vehicles and RV Trade Digest

The Wilson Thrasher Intake Manifold is Big News For RVers With 5.9L ’03–‘07 Cummins Turbo Diesels

2009-04-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

If you use a 2003 to 2007 Dodge truck with the Cummins 5.9L engine to tow your RV, the Wilson Thrasher intake manifold is designed for you.

According to Wilson Manifolds, the Thrasher manifold improves EGTs (Exhaust gas temperatures), improves torque, and improves fuel mileage on the Cummins 5.9L engines.

Depending upon the state of tune, the Thrasher can generate in excess of 300 extra ft-lb of torque, or with lighter throttle use, the equivalent in fuel savings.In contrast with the OEM arrangement, this new induction system provides greater equality of air-fuel distribution, especially in the cruise zone of 2,000 to 2,100 rpm.

As a result, the Thrasher generates not only amazing gains in both torque and fuel economy but also improves horsepower output, lowers exhaust gas temperatures, reduces exhaust emissions, and improves drivability.

Check out the results from the strict disciplines of the dynamometer graphs below. One graph demonstrates the gains in both torque and horsepower of the Wilson Thrasher manifold when compared with the OEM manifold, both of which are tested with a standard ECU. In the other, both are tested with an aftermarket ECU.

What is more, the greater the power improvements made to this engine, the greater the performance or economy benefits of the Thrasher. In simple terms, the Thrasher requires less accelerator pedal action to pull, tow, or cruise; therefore, it uses less fuel

Source: Wilson Manifolds

Newmar Corporation Doubles Class A Motorhome Market Share

2009-04-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

In spite of the challenging conditions testing the U.S. economy and the RV industry, Newmar Corporation recently announced it has doubled its Class A motor home market share in January 2009 when compared to January 2008.

This, according to Statistical Surveys data recently released.According to the data compiled by the Grand Rapids, MI based company, Class A motor home retail registrations in January of this year showed a 61% decline vs. the numbers a year prior. In the face of these declining numbers, Newmar experienced an increase of its Class A motor home market share from 3.2% in January 2008 vs. 7.6% in January 2009. Newmar’s market share growth was 136.3%.

“Although one month’s worth of data does not make it a trend, this is welcome news and a good sign for Newmar and its dealers,” said John Sammut, Newmar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Newmar will continue to work hard through the 2009 calendar year, but this certainly is a strong start to the year for our company.”

Newmar‘s growth in market share came from both the gas and diesel motor home segments of its Class A motor home business.“The improvements made to the interior and exterior designs of Newmar’s 2009 motor home product line up appear to be having a positive impact even in a declining motor home market,” added Pat Terveer, Newmar’s Director of Sales. “Developing great looking product at a great value will continue to be our company’s focus.”

Source: Newmar Corporation

Using Solar Power or a Generator With Your RV

2009-03-26T15:03:00.001-04:00

If you are parking your RV in the wilderness, far from any convenient power source, you can still get power from solar panels or a generator. But which is the better choice?

The RV Home Yet? blog features a story exploring the advantages and trade-offs of solar panels and generators.Solar panels are quiet and earth-friendly, but can be pricey. Generators are cheaper, but can disturb your peace and quiet.

The story also features a handy guide to generator courtesy, so generator users and non-users can enjoy the outdoors and co-exist peacefully.

Source: RV Home Yet?