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  • How to Identify which RVs are the Mostly Costly to Repair and Maintain in the Post-Recession Era

    By Staci Ritchie, Market Analyst for WholesaleWarranties.com

    The RV Industry has been one of the most rapidly changing businesses in the country over the last 10 years.  The incredible technology that goes into most coaches, combined with many manufacturers having gone out of business or having changed ownership, has left most RVers confused as consumers. With constant changes, it is difficult to determine what can be expected from a coach—how often will it breakdown, and how much will it cost?


    This RV market volatility has made the repair business more complex and costly than ever before, adding to the struggle RV owners face when planning and budgeting for possible repairs.  As one would expect, the reliability of modern RVs varies greatly across make and model. While some RVs are famously dependable, other RV models are durable but costly to repair when they do breakdown, and some RV models are simply notorious for needing frequent, pricey repairs.  The question is: how does a consumer determine which RVs tend to be more costly to repair and maintain than others?  This article seeks to explain the potential risks of RV ownership, along with helping to accurately estimate the long term liability of future repair for any given RV.

    Jeff Shelton, owner of WholesaleWarranties.com, a leading provider of discounted RV Extended Warranties, is an advocate for customers seeking information on RV breakdown statistics. Jeff states, “Finding accurate information on which RVs have the most common and costly problems can be next to impossible to discover through traditional methods.  I see more and more customers using online RV extended warranty providers like us to find out the warranty cost before they consider buying their desired RV.  Most won’t buy a vehicle that comes with a high warranty cost, since it’s in the warranty company’s best interest to incorporate accurate repair cost information into their pricing.  Whether the RVer chooses to protect their rig from breakdowns up-front with a warranty, or decides to risk it and pay for repairs as they come, most people are happy they got an idea of what to expect through our free warranty quotes.”

    What is the likelihood of major breakdowns for most RVs?

    It is impossible to tell how often any vehicle will experience a mechanical failure, but industry statistics do offer some insight for RV owners. The stats reveal that three out of every ten RVs will need some type of major repair by only their second year on the road, and nearly every RV by just their eighth. Along with more items to repair, RV repair facilities across the country have shown an increase in labor rates, with most charging $100 or more per hour. The cost of RV parts is even more shocking. As a nationwide average, the cost of parts for a given RV repair will average about double the cost of labor. Between the $100 for labor and $200 for parts, RV owners can expect an average of $300 or more per hour that the RV is being worked on. Unfortunately, many new RV enthusiasts neglect to include these high repair costs when crunching the numbers in their RV budget.


    If breakdowns are inevitable, what are the most common items that fail, and how much could it cost?

    Again, this would depend on the particular RV make and model, but the typical range owners can expect to pay for common repairs is as follows:

    Common Repairs

    Engine                           $1,400 – $30,000
    Transmission                $1,900 to $12,000
    Dash Air                        $700 – $3,800
    Fuel System                  $600 – $3,400
    Braking Components    $500 – $2,500
    Roof A/C                       $600 – $3,500
    Generator                     $400 – $4,000
    Refrigerator                  $600 – $3,500
    Waste System               $400 – $3,400
    Leveling System            $500 to $2,000
    Slide Outs                      $500 to $1,700
    Heating Assembly         $300 to $1,500

    Of course, some RVs will go years without any problems, while others seem to have some type of issue every time they hit the road.  For this reason, more and more people are using the internet to find out their risks by checking with RV warranty industry leaders such as WholesaleWarranties.com for warranty pricing as a guide.


    RV warranty expert Jeff Shelton encourages RV owners to contact his company for a price estimate, even if they aren’t positive they’ll purchase the coverage.  Jeff states, “Whether to pay for breakdowns ahead of time or as they come up is a personal choice.   It’s our responsibility to provide accurate, reliable information on the risk and coverage that a warranty does and does not provide, and let the individual make the best choice for their RV budget. I feel the days of pushy salespeople are over. RVers come to us with different mindsets. Some are comfortable with taking the risk of RV repair on and just want to get an idea of what to expect, while others would not RV without the type of protection we provide, and we are happy to offer our service as a trustworthy place to get breakdown cost assessments either way. We are happy to offer these services, and to educate RV owners on the surprising costs of RV repair.”  For more information on obtaining RV breakdown costs and information, or for help in setting up pre-purchase inspections, visit www.WholesaleWarranties.com.

  • LIVIN LITE Super Bowl Tailgating Trailer Featured on FOX NEWS

    LIVIN LITE Recreational Vehicles, located in Wakarusa, IN, was recently featured on FOX NEWS during their Super Bowl Sunday coverage. The company’s Game Day tailgating trailer, featuring custom graphics for the big game, was on location at FOX’s downtown studio in Manhattan, N.Y. to show why it truly is “the ultimate tailgating experience.”
    In the first aired segment, LIVIN LITE National Sales Manager Mike Tribble shared about the Game Day trailer, and it’s many unique features. With the three large swing up doors open, the 70″ flat screen TV with sound system and two bar areas each with their own 60” TV and Xbox system were on display. Of particular interest were the two portable leatherette sofas, kitchen area with large four door refrigerator/freezer, stainless steel grill, stainless steel kegerator, and his & hers bathrooms. In the second segment, the tailgating trailer was featured with celebrity chef and author Eric LeVine, who who’s book  “Small Bites Big Flavor” is a best-seller, and who was named International Catering Chef of the Year.  Chef LeVine shared tips and recipes for the perfect tailgating Super Bowl party.


    The Game Day trailer features LIVIN LITE’s standard “no wood — no rot” all-aluminum and composite construction so this 28’ unit weighs in at a mere 4,500 lbs which can be pulled by most SUVs. Each trailer can be customized in a variety of painted aluminum exterior colors ready for your team’s graphics. Keep your eyes out, too, for a Race Day trailer the company has in the works for the upcoming NASCAR season!

    For more information on LIVIN LITE’s new Game Day trailer or any of their other ultra-lightweight products, visit their website at www.LIVINLITE.com or call 574.862.2228

  • LIVIN LITE Introduces new BEARCAT Offroad Campers

    LIVIN LITE Recreational Vehicles, manufacturer of ultra-lightweight, all-aluminum and composite constructed automotive campers, travel trailers and toy haulers is taking their units off-roading. “99% OF THE WORLD IS UNPAVED – Get Out There and Experience It!” is the mantra behind LIVIN LITE’s new line of BEARCAT Offroad Campers. With a wide variety of models available, including travel trailers, automotive tent campers and toy haulers, there’s an affordable BEARCAT Offroad Camper to meet every lifestyle and budget need! 

    These ultra lightweight campers are designed for the rugged terrain that offroad adventurers crave, featuring all-aluminum and composite construction, including the interior cabinetry, along with increased ground clearance and rugged, all-terrain tires.  Consumers can choose from different accent colors on the exterior of their BEARCAT, providing a better match with their particular ATV or dirt bike.

    If you are the kind of camper who loves to get away from the masses, and enjoy looking to take your camping off-road, be sure to visit LIVIN LITE’s website at www.LIVINLITE.com to review the latest information and photos on the exciting BEARCAT line of offroad campers.

  • Winnebago Announces new Travato at Chicago Auto Show

    FOREST CITY, Iowa, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading United States (U.S.) recreation vehicle manufacturer, announced the appearance of the Winnebago Touring Coach Travato(TM) in the Chicago Auto Show, February 8 – 17, 2014.  The Travato is appearing in the Ram Truck display at the Show, and was also featured in a private media event on Wednesday, February 5. 

    The Travato is the newest Class B motorhome to join the Winnebago Touring CoachTM lineup.  At 20′ long, the Travato is unbelievably agile, while still offering a full-feature RV experience that is perfect for the adventurous explorer.  Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, the Travato is value-priced with estimated fuel efficiency of 16-18 mpg.  With swivel cab seats, LED ceiling lights, standard touch-screen navigation, a split dinette, and an abundance of features, the Travato delivers a whole new level of Class B value, style and living. 

    About Winnebago 
    Winnebago, “The Most Recognized Name in Motorhomes(R)”, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities.  The Company and its subsidiary build quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach, SunnyBrook and Metro brand names.  Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since 1996.  The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO.  Options for the Company’s common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.  For access to Winnebago Industries’ investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit, http://www.winnebagoind.com/investor.html.

  • Jellystone Park Employees Include College Students from Around the World

    MILFORD, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2014 — People who camp at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts often get more than a chance to interact with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo and Ranger Smith. 
                
    They also get to engage in fun family activities with college students from Europe, Africa, China and the Caribbean.
                
    “We have more than a dozen parks that supplement their local employees with foreign college students,” said Michele Wisher, director of marketing for Jellystone Parks. “They can really enhance the camping experience and give our guests a chance to meet people from all over the world.”
                
    “Our guests just love them,” said Robert Yaquinto, who along with his wife Diane, are national supervisors for Legacy RV Resorts, which owns five Jellystone Parks in five states, including Cherokee, N.C.; Milton, Penn.; Pelahatchie, Miss.; Waller, Texas;  and Warrens, Wis.
                
    The students are pre-screened by Chicago based CCI Greenheart, which specializes in recruiting foreign college students for temporary work assignments in many positions, such as amusement parks, grocery stores, water parks, ski resorts, concessions, as well as RV Resorts and Campgrounds.
                
    “You can hire the students off CCI’s job board or you can Skype with them.  But we like to prescreen them in person when possible,” Yaquinto said, adding that he and his wife, Diane, have hired students from all over Europe, the Middle East and China.  “Last year we hired students from Turkey and Jordan.  We also hired from the Ukraine.”
                
    In late January, the Yaquintos traveled to the Dominican Republic to interview students there. They also plan to travel to China in the spring, where they will interview student job applicants in Chanchun, Haikou and Guangzhou.
                
    Altogether the Yaquintos plan to hire about 100 students for the 2014 summer travel season.  Robert Yaquinto said they travel overseas because they cannot hire enough local college students to fill their labor needs, which peak between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
                
    Campgrounds are eager to hire high school and college students to fill these jobs during the summer season. Early school start dates in many areas of the country make it impossible for campgrounds to keep their labor force intact for as much as a third of the summer travel season.  Most campgrounds are also located in rural areas where there are not enough high school or college students close by to fill temporary work assignments.
                
    But Yaquinto said foreign college students do more than satisfy labor needs.  They also enrich the experience for campground guests in many ways.  “Everyone wears a name tag in our parks with their name and their country.  Our guests see that and want to talk to the students,” Yaquinto said.
                
    “The students are usually working in areas of the campground that allow them to interact with our guests, such as in our recreation department, snack bar, or by the pool since they often work as life guards or pool attendants,” Yaquinto said, adding, “When we do Karaoke events these students will sing songs in their native languages and our guests just love it.”
                
    The students also benefit from their experience of working and interacting with Americans.  “They just don’t want to improve their English, “Yaquinto said, “They want to learn about our customs.  In Texas they learn about boots, cowboys, and barbecues.  We try to provide them with a wide range of field trips during their stay so they can attend ballgames, museums, national monuments, and of course shopping malls!  The students also participate in campground potlucks and cook dishes from their native countries.  Our other employees also benefit from getting to know the foreign students. Two years ago we had some of our local lifeguards in Missouri travel to the Ukraine during their Christmas vacation to visit some of the students they had met that summer.”
                
    Yaquinto said he also likes to hire students from many different countries to further enrich the cultural experience for the students.  Students are given flags from their country to display outside their cabins, which gives an international feel to the campground.  “Sometimes two or three students from different countries will share the same housing and have different flags posted outside,” he said.
    About Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts

    Launched in 1969, the Jellystone Park system is the second largest chain of campgrounds in the United States, boasting 80 campgrounds with more than 15,000 campsites in 30 states and Canada.  Its Camp-Resorts are among the best campgrounds in the industry with a quality reputation for being fun, friendly, clean and service-oriented parks.   Additionally, each Jellystone Park is themed with Yogi Bear elements providing instant recognition and consumer appeal.  It is truly a place “Where You Camp With Friends.”® Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are franchised through Leisure Systems, Inc. (LSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Park River Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.campjellystone.com

  • Winnebago Debuts Exciting New Products at Tampa SuperShow

    FOREST CITY, Iowa, Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading United States (U.S.) recreation vehicle manufacturer, is highlighting their Winnebago, Itasca and Winnebago Touring Coach lineups, including the retail debut of several  exciting new products at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, January 15-19, 2014.
    Room with a View – the Winnebago Vista 36Y
    As you would gather from its name, one of the Vista’s best features is the magnificent vistas available from the large front cab windows, or with the large, passenger side picture window looking out from the impressively attractive and functional galley island.   This triple slide floorplan also features a StudioLoftTM drop-down bed in the cab area, new sofa with integrated recliner, three hidden TVs, walk-through bathroom and a luxurious bedroom.  The 36Y floorplan is also available in the Sunstar product line.

    Travel without reservation – the new Winnebago Destination
    The Destination is Winnebago’s first full-size, luxury fifth-wheel that combines motorhome styling and high-end residential appeal. Exterior features include unique styling, including the aerodynamic exterior front cap design with an air dam for increased wind deflection and optional rear cap with automotive sport styling.  Inside, you’ll find all the comforts of home, along with custom hardwood cabinets, entertainment center with massive 50″ TV, and an optional fireplace, complete with hearth. The luxury doesn’t end there. The master suite features 6’9″ ceilings, an optional “Reflection” Entertainment System that “hides” the TV when not in use with no moving parts, a “Flex Bed” system that adjusts the head of the bed for watching TV from a reclining position and a full-size, cedar-lined, walk-in closet with four large radius shelves.  

    Unlike any other- the Winnebago Trend and Itasca Viva!
    Winnebago will be displaying the all new Trend and Viva! Class C motorhomes built on the fuel-efficient Ram ProMaster chassis with comfortable living space for up to six people at an unbelievable price.  Both 23-foot floorplans feature a powered StudioLoft bed that fits tight to the ceiling to conserve space during the day.  Sleek Euro body styling, efficient LED lighting, available soft, easy-to-clean Ultraleather furniture and the industry’s first, three-point seat belts in the dinette are also highly attractive features.

    Diesel lover’s dream – the Winnebago Forza and Itasca Solei
    The Forza and Solei are new Class A diesel pusher models that not only offer incredible diesel pusher affordability; they can fit in a garage with a 12-foot door.  Built on the Freightliner XCS chassis with a Cummins 340-hp diesel engine, the Forza and Solei feature polished Corian galley countertops, coffee-glazed cabinetry, upscale entertainment features and energy-saving LED lighting and fit in the largest segment of the Class A diesel market.

    A new level of Class B value, style and living – the Travato
    The Travato also built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, has fuel economy of 16-18 mpg highway.   The newest Class B member of the Winnebago Touring Coach lineup, the Travato is 20-feet in length and is agile while also providing a unique floorplan that makes every inch count.  The Travato features a flip-up, rear double bed that allows for large storage items – perfect for bikes or other gear.  The Travato is the first Class B to feature three-point seat belts in the forward-facing galley seat.  Other features include swivel cab seats, efficient LED lighting, touch-screen navigation, fully functional galley, deep wardrobe and a rear wet bath, while the innovative Flex Bed system provides more sleeping space for additional campers.

    Family-friendly in more than one way – the Winnebago Minnie Winnie and Itasca Spirit
    The Minnie Winnie and Spirit product line also now features a new 31K floorplan that offers a single slide with U-shaped dinette and lounge sofa/bed.  This Class C features a split bath, walk-around queen bed and large rear trunk storage compartment.  The 31K and 31KP are available in the Minnie Winnie, Minnie Winnie Premier, Spirit and Spirit Silver model lines and is now available in a new champagne sidewall color.

    Great escapes – Winnebago Outdoor Adventures 
    Another key Winnebago highlight at the SuperShow is the debut of Winnebago Outdoor Adventures.  Formerly known as WIT Club Tours, this RV travel and adventure service has successfully provided planned travel opportunities with experienced, trained professionals to our WIT Club members for over 25 years and is now open to all RVers. 

    About Winnebago 
    Winnebago, “The Most Recognized Name in Motorhomes®“, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities.  The Company and its subsidiary build quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach, SunnyBrook and Metro brand names.  Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since 1996.  The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO.  Options for the Company’s common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.  For access to Winnebago Industries’     investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit,http://www.winnebagoind.com/investor.html.

  • Winnebago Vista 36Y

    RVers on the lookout for value, performance and comfort should check out the new Winnebago Vista 36Y floorplan (and its sister, the Itasca Sunstar 36Y).
    The 36Y provides stunning panoramic views, courtesy of its large front cab windows and huge passenger-side window that looks out from the galley island. This spacious triple-slide floorplan also features a StudioLoft drop-down bed in the cab area, new sofa with integrated recliner, three hidden TVs, a walk-through bathroom and a luxurious bedroom.
    Even better, like every Vista, the 36Y offers ample storage (145 cubic feet in this case), along with a long list of standard features that have made “Vista” equal “value” for discerning RVers.

    Learn more about the Vista here.

  • Winnebago Industries First on Ram ProMaster Chassis

    Winnebago Industries has launched the first motorhomes in North America built on the Ram ProMaster chassis: the Winnebago Trend, Itasca Viva! and Travato Winnebago Touring Coach.
    Known as the Fiat Ducato in Europe, the ProMaster is the best-selling motorhome chassis in the world, with nearly 50,000 coaches built on it annually.
    According to Product Manager Russ Garfin, “the low, wide, gasoline-powered chassis allows us to build motorhomes that offer outstanding fuel-efficiency, ride and drivability at a very attractive price.”

    Other features of the new chassis include front-wheel drive, lower windshield and door windows for exceptional visibility, flat cab floor and swivel seats, and more than 35 safety and security features.

    For more information, click here.

  • 2014 Tampa RV Show Heats up with New Motorhomes

    Thor Motor Coach, North America’s #1 Motorhome Manufacturer will have several new motorhomes on display at Florida’s upcoming 2014 Tampa RVShow. Show gates open to the public January 15th, 2013 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Axis and Vegas models have created the hottest new segment in the motorhome market, the RUV (Recreational Utility Vehicle) with its audience eagerly awaiting it debut at this RV show. These new RUV’s are compact, fun to drive and easy to maneuver, while permitting living and storage spaces not found in an automotive based SUV.
    Other Sizzling new models being shown to the public for the first time at the 2014 Tampa RV Show include, the Tuscany XTE 40GQ is designed with an abundant living room and plenty of space to cook or entertain.  The Hurricane and Windsport 32N adds a full wall-slide, all-in-one bath and King bed.  A fresh Challenger 35HT model is sized-right with triple slides and sectional sofa, while the 28F Chateau Class C model, contains a full walk-around King bed and inventive L-shaped dinette seating.
    For more information about the 2014 Tampa RV Show visit http://blog.thormotorcoach.com/rv-show/2014-tampa-rv-show/
    Thor Motor coach products will be displayed in four distinctive areas throughout the show:
    • Space #665, Dream RV will represent the Windsport Class A RVs and the Vegas RUV. 
    • Space #670, Camper’s Inn of Leesburg is showing the Siesta B+ motorhomes. 
    • Space # 220, Camping World RV of Tampa has the Axis RUV, ACE, Hurricane, Miramar and Challenger Class A motorhomes, as well as the Chateau, Citation B+ and Freedom Elite Class C RV’s.
    • Space #840, Lazy Days RV will be representing the Four Winds Class C motorhomes, Outlaw toy haulers, Palazzo diesel pushers, and the luxurious Tuscany XTE/Tuscany diesel motorhomes.

    For additional information on Thor Motor Coach visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com or call 800-860-5658.
    About Thor Motor Coach

  • Augusta RV Luxe Sneak Peek

    The all new high end luxury fifth wheel – Luxe by Augusta RV will be unveiled the 1st Quarter of 2014.  “From the structural design to the interior and exterior fashion trends applied, no detail was ignored.  The Luxe concept was engineered using consumer’s wants and needs but the inspiration and innovation came from high end residential housing, condos, and apartments.  By combing all of these elements, the Luxe has been outfitted with a high end residential look and cutting edge technology,” said Josh Bowerman – National Sales Manager for the Luxe. 


    Click the video below to view a sneak peek of the Luxe or click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DUZDz8eS-k