RV News & Notes

Winnebago Industries Rolls Out 400,000th Motorhome

Winnebago Industries, located in Forest City, Iowa, reached a major milestone in December 2007 with the production of its 400,000th motorhome.

Celebrating the event with the company's most senior employees based on years of service were Winnebago Industries' chairman of the board and CEO Bruce Hertzke and president Bob Olson.

Winnebago Industries built its first motorhome, the Winnebago D22, in 1966. The company reached the 100,000th milestone in 1977; turned out its 200,000th motorhome in 1986; and completed its 300,000th coach in 1998.

The company will have more reason to celebrate in 2008 as it marks its 50th anniversary. Winnebago Industries began in 1958 as Modernistic Industries and built travel trailers for several years before entering the motorhome market. The company officially changed its name to Winnebago Industries in 1961 to reflect the county the company is located in and the river that runs through it.

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Rvers And Their Horses Welcome At Tennessee Facility

RV Chassis Master Inc., an FMCA commercial member formerly located in Clermont, Florida, has relocated to Elizabethton, Tennessee. The facility specializes in motorhome chassis service and repair, suspension, and performance enhancements for gas and diesel motorhomes, and also offers a large line of towing products. In addition to its RV service offerings, the facility caters to RVers traveling with horses. Amenities include 20 stalls, an indoor riding arena, an indoor hot/cold horse shower, outside paddocks, etc.

RV Chassis Master is a factory-authorized installer of BD Engine Brake, M&G Engineering tow braking systems, Roadmaster towing and suspension products, Bilstein and Koni shocks, Versahaul, and Safe-T-Steer products, among others. The facility is also a factory-authorized warranty and service center for Born Free Motorcoach, Onan, Generac, and Dometic.

Customers are welcome to fish, browse the company's store, watch movies in the customer lounge, or stroll the facility's three scenic acres. One full 30/50-amp hookup is provided for overnight customers.

RV Chassis Master is located at 2364 Highway 91 (Stony Creek) in Elizabethton; (888) 471-9291, 423-474-2068; www.motorhomechassis.com.

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2008 National Trails Day Set For June

On June 7, 2008, the American Hiking Society and hikers across the country will celebrate the 16th annual National Trails Day, a long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers.

The slogan for this year's National Trails Day, "Join Us on the Trail," is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside and connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, parks, and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer.

To begin planning for events in your area, visit the American Hiking Society's new Web site, www.americanhiking.org, which will allow hosts to register and promote their events and provide participants with information to help them locate events in their communities.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide, taking part in hikes, bike and horse rides, trail maintenance, paddle trips, and other activities. Event hosts include local hiking clubs, federal agencies, municipal parks, retailers, land trusts, and many other businesses and organizations.

The American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience. To learn more, visit the organization's Web site or call (301) 565-6704.

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Western RV, Alfa Leisure Name New Presidents

RV manufacturers Alfa Leisure Inc. and Western Recreational Vehicles Inc. recently announced the appointment of new presidents at their respective companies.

In late January, Alfa Leisure announced that Scott Degnan has been named president of the company. Mr. Degnan, who brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the position — most recently at National RV and previously at Fleetwood Enterprises — will manage the day-to-day operations of the company.

The company also announced the hiring of Niles Whitehouse as vice president of sales and marketing. Mr. Whitehouse has more than 15 years of experience in sales and marketing and will be responsible for growing the company's market share and working to increase the company’s exposure through print and online media as well as at trade and consumer shows.

Also in January, Western Recreational Vehicles Inc. announced that industry veteran Bob Wert has been named president of Western RV. Mr. Wert will report directly to the company's chairman of the board.

Mr. Wert has served in a number of capacities in the RV industry and has a 30-plus-year career spanning assignments at both Fleetwood Enterprises and Workhorse Custom Chassis. At Workhorse, Mr. Wert oversaw strategic direction for Workhorse’s products and services as a supplier to both the RV industry and commercial truck customers. Prior to joining Workhorse, he spent 25 years with Fleetwood Enterprises where he held a number of sales, marketing, operational, and corporate roles.

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Florida Traffic Information During Wildfire Season

The Florida Division of Forestry reported on January 4 that drought conditions are expected to worsen over the spring months, indicating a high potential for another active wildfire season.

Florida visitors who need the latest information about the effects of wildfires on travel conditions statewide can call the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) free 511 travel information service, which is available from cell phones and landlines statewide. The 511 service provides real-time traffic conditions and road closures on all interstate highways in Florida and on Florida’s Turnpike.

The system was used extensively on January 9, when a rash of accidents due to fog and smoke resulted in the closure of Interstate 4 in Central Florida. On that day, the Central Florida 511 system logged 7,813 calls, more than three times the 2,425 calls on the same date in 2007. The statewide 511 system experienced a 40 percent increase in calls the same day.

Safety officials advise that when traveling in low-visibility conditions, drivers should slow down, keep their headlights on low beam, and not use flashing lights unless pulling off the road. It is also recommended that drivers minimize distractions by turning off the vehicle's radio and refraining from cell phone use.

Florida’s 511 service is free and available on any phone in Florida, including cell phones from out-of-state area codes. Normal cell phone minutes apply.

When planning a trip to Florida or after arrival, motorists can access real-time traffic information, traffic cameras, lane closures, and emergency alerts on the Internet by visiting www.FL511.com. Regional information is available at www.jax511.com, www.511tampabay.com, www.southwestflorida511.com, and www.southflorida511.com.

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Professional Tailgater Helping To Promote RV

Newmar Corporation, based in Nappanee, Indiana, has teamed with “Jay, The Tailgate Guy” DiEugenio to promote its newest product, the All Star Tailgate motorhome.

The All Star Tailgate was designed specifically for the tailgating enthusiast with two kitchens, two bathrooms, a grill, four TVs, and all of the amenities one needs to enjoy this lifestyle, making the partnership with a professional tailgater a perfect fit.

“Jay, The Tailgate Guy” is a professional tailgater who tours the United States and tailgates at NFL stadiums and other major venues such as the Super Bowl, the Rose Bowl, and the Daytona 500. When Mr. DiEugenio isn't at a sporting event, he can be heard on America’s only live national tailgate radio show at VoiceAmerica Premier Sports Network Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. PST. His media schedule also includes live morning shows in major media markets where he is tailgating. He is credited with two tailgating cookbooks in the series titled “I Got Your Tailgate Party Right Here!”

“This All Star is what every tailgater has been wishing for, with an extra bathroom, a built-in grill, and plenty of televisions to keep up on all the day’s games," said Mr. DiEugenio. "But the best part is the rear kitchen, with a roll-up wall that opens it up to the lot outside, prep counters and sinks, tons of fridge and freezer space; it’s made to order for the serious blacktop chef.”

"Jay, The Tailgate Guy" and the All Star Tailgate, which is becoming known as the “Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle,” finished off the NFL season at Super Bowl XLII on February 3. Following the Super Bowl, Mr. DiEugenio and the All Star were heading to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the official start of the NASCAR season.

For more information about the Newmar All Star Tailgate, call (800) 860-0086 or visit www.newmarcorp.com. To find out where "Jay, The Tailgate Guy" and the All Star Tailgate motorhome will be touring, visit www.YourTailgateParty.com.

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Damon To Enter Type C Market

Damon Motor Coach, a division of Thor Industries, has announced that it will add a new type C motorhome to its product line. The new motorhome is expected to debut this summer.

"Our dealers have been asking us to build a Class C for several years and now the timing is right,” Bill Fenech, Damon president, noted. “Currently there is an opportunity for a strong manufacturer to enter the Class C market, and we intend to make a huge impact by developing creative, innovative products with more features at attractive prices.”

Damon Motor Coach, located in Elkhart, Indiana, manufactures a full line of affordably priced type A motorhomes, including the Essence, Astoria, and Tuscany diesel pushers; the gas-powered Daybreak and Challenger; and the new Outlaw Toyhauler.

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Workhorse Unveils New 22,000-Pound UFO Chassis

Workhorse Custom Chassis has extended the range of motorhomes able to use its rear-engine-gas UFO chassis with the introduction of a version of the platform that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 22,000 pounds. Unveiled at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Florida, in January, the new 22,000-pound-GVWR chassis joins the 26,000-pound-GVWR chassis in the UFO lineup.

Advantages of a rear-engine chassis include less cabin noise and heat; reduced vibration, since there's no front-to-back driveshaft; less horsepower loss; and more pass-through basement storage. The lack of a “doghouse” front-engine cover in the cab also makes it easier to move around in that area.

The 22,000-pound-GVWR UFO platform retains the same GM Vortec 8.1-liter gas power plant mated to a six-speed automatic Allison transmission as the original UFO chassis.

The UFO chassis enables coach manufacturers to build on a completely flat floor from front to back, with no engine hump in either the front or the rear. With the addition of the 22,000-pound-GVWR UFO chassis, smaller motorhomes now can boast floor plans similar to diesel units, or go beyond what even diesels can offer, since manufacturers don’t have to put a bed and related furniture in back to cover the diesel engine hump.

For more information about Workhorse Custom Chassis or the UFO chassis in particular, call (877) 294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.

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Jayco Dealers Help Boost Education In Mexico

During Jayco's annual dealer trip in Mexico this past October, employees and dealers donated their time and supplies to a school in the Mayan village of Nuevo Durango, in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico, in order to provide better educational opportunities for the children of the poor rural area.

On October 30, 2007, 197 volunteers from Jayco and its dealers worked with The Friends of the Maya Foundation, a charity that acts as a link between Mayan communities and other organizations, to provide a Nuevo Durango school with some much-needed learning resources.

The volunteer effort was focused around four projects: a Jayco school kit that contained study tools and materials for 50 children; 24 bicycles to provide transportation for children who walk an average of 6 miles to school every day; painting and installing fans for the two-classroom school; and gardening to improve the green areas around the school. Jayco employees and dealers also built personal relationships with the families and children of Nuevo Durango during a party after the projects were completed.

The annual Jayco Dealer Trip is a sales incentive program designed to reward outstanding dealer performance and to strengthen the relationship between Jayco and its dealer network. The trip to the Mayan Region of Mexico was the 29th annual trip for dealers since Jayco started the incentive program in 1974.

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