Category: Uncategorized

  • SylvanSport Partners with Winnebago Outdoor

    SylvanSport Go-Easy trailer

    SylvanSport GO-Easy trailer
    SylvanSport continues to respond to growing consumer demand with the announcement of its new partnership with Winnebago Outdoor, the brand that celebrates the heritage of the Winnebago RV lifestyle with apparel, gifts and gear.
    According to a press release, SylvanSport’s GO-Easy, an “adventure” utility trailer, is now available at the Winnebago Outdoor store in Forest City, Iowa, and online at http://www.winnebagooutdoor.com/.
    This recent development is part of SylvanSport’s aggressive expansion plan. In response to the high demand for the company’s durable, lightweight Mobile Adventure Gear trailers, SylvanSport has added eight new dealers nationwide since December.
    “Partnerships with incredible outdoor recreation brands like Winnebago allow us to continue growing while pushing the limits of engineering and performance in outdoor travel equipment,” said Tom Dempsey, founder and CEO of SylvanSport. “The GO-Easy trailer is a perfect fit for all Class B Winnebago owners and this pairing is incredibly beneficial for all outdoor travelers.”
    SylvanSport was founded with the goal of creating gear to match the evolving desire of outdoor adventure. As the company has grown, so too has its technology. The GO-Easy trailer focuses on efficiency with the capability of carrying up to six bikes, or four kayaks, while being pulled by a vehicle as small as a motorcycle.
    “Our Class B Winnebago Touring Coach products, Travato and Era, are designed for adventure,” said Winnebago Director of Marketing Chad Reece. “SylvanSport’s Go-Easy adventure-utility trailer pairs naturally with these products and further enhances exploration on the trail, lake or river.”
    SylvanSport will continue to expand its dealership network, making its revolutionary gear available to all outdoor adventure seekers.
    This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.
  • 3 Tips to Optimize Your RV Dealership SEO and SEM

    Whether you’re a first time owner of a RV dealership or an experienced leader of a regional chain, good search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) can boost your bottom line; however, the algorithms used by Google and other major search engines are constantly changing, and that means today’s SEO playbook has little in common with the SEO habits of earlier years.
    Here’s what you need to know about how to make an impact and sell RVs online.

    1. Understand Your Market

    Your market is your most important guide when crafting your SEO. For RV dealerships, the most important question is whether you’re a purely local establishment or a regional presence. If the customers who typically buy a RV from your store are all in-town, there’s no sense wasting effort trying to market to other areas (unless you want to expand), but if your customer base is regional, you should make sure to factor that into your keyword and content choices. Make sure keywords related to your market’s towns and notable locations are mentioned on your site.

    2. Don’t “Keyword Stuff,” But Choose Strong Content

    In the early days of internet search engines, keywords were the only way to increase your search rankings. In response, webmasters began overusing keywords, even going so far as to include streams of invisible keyword text at the bottom of every page. Since then, search engines have implemented a variety of means for detecting and punishing pages that exhibit “keyword stuffing.”
    To avoid getting flagged as a keywordstuffer, never go out of your way to pepper your site with keywords. The best way to get your page noticed is to provide compelling content that encourages visitors to read it and share it with their friends and family. If your site is about RVs and written by and for RV fans, then the search engines will notice, no stuffing required. If you think your RV listings and other product information can’t meet this need by themselves, don’t hesitate to start a store blog. A blog that’s written by somebody with expert knowledge of RVs–and is noticed and shared by your customers because of it–can be a great way to drive high quality traffic to your site, and your search rankings will improve accordingly.

    3. Connect With Customers and Highlight Customer-Generated Content

    The current name of the game in SEO is high value links, and search engine algorithms put the highest value on direct grass roots referrals. For your purposes, that means social media and word-of-mouth engagement with your customers. A visitor who navigated to your site by clicking on a direct link from their social media feed is the current gold standard for search rankings. You should also use your customer’s content whenever possible to meet your SEO needs. Reviews are a great example, especially if you highlight your favorites on the product page. That text is now considered an integral part of the page by search engines, and since it’s written by a real person expressing real opinions, the search engine algorithm is likely to consider it high value content.

    Visit RVTrader.comtoday for more helpful tips about selling RVs online.
  • Check Out These February Events!

    Show Dates Website
    Arkansas RV Show Feb 12-14 http://dgattractions.com/DG_Attractions.html
    Coastal Bend Boat & RV Expo Feb 12-14  http://www.coastalbendboatandrvexpo.com/   
    West Palm Beach RV Show Feb 12-15 http://events.frvta.org/west-palm-beach-rv-show/
    Northeast RV Show, NY Feb 12-15 http://www.rocklandexpo.com/northeast-rv-show-exposition.htm
    Austin RV Expo Feb 18-21 http://www.austinrvexpo.com/
    Vermont State RV & Camping Feb 19-20 http://www.eastcoastshows.com/rv-vermontstate.html
    Nashville Super Show Feb 19-21 http://www.bkproductions.biz/nashvillervsupershow
    Maryland RV Show Feb 19-28 http://www.mdrv.com/RV-show-RVs-dealer-Maryland-MD-trailer-camper-motorhome.php
    Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show Feb 19-28 http://indianapolisboatsportandtravelshow.com/#
    Hot Springs Feb 26-28 http://dgattractions.com/DG_Attractions.html
    Birmingham RV Super Show Feb 26-28 http://www.bkproductions.biz/birminghamrvsupershow
    Fredericksburg RV Show Feb 26-28 http://www.fredericksburgrvshow.com/
    Oregon State Salem RV Show (spring) Feb 11-14 http://www.salemspringrvshow.com/
    CNY RV & Camping Show March 3-6 http://www.cnyrvshow.com/cny-rv-show.html
    Eugene RV Show March 4-6 http://www.eugenervshow.com/
  • A Full Timer’s Fifth Wheel


    There’s no doubt full-time RVing has come a long way in the past several years.  RVs have gotten bigger, technology has improved, and more people are coming to grips that they can give up that 3000 sq. ft. house for a 430 sq. ft. RV. 
    For Terry and Evada “Lady E” Cooper, full-time RVing isn’t just a lifestyle – it’s a profession.  Terry is a RVDA/RVIA Master Certified Technician and professional RV instructor.  He also happens to be President of the National RV Inspectors Association.  Lady E is a gourmet chef who has made RV cooking her passion – writing cookbooks and maintaining a blog dedicated to full-time RV living.

    For several years, the Coopers have teamed up with Redwood Luxury Fifth Wheels to help design and develop Redwood’s line of full-time fifth wheels.  Terry provides the production team at Redwood with valuable insight on the design and construction of their fifth wheels, and every Redwood kitchen gets Lady E’s stamp of approval.  Redwood’s partnership with the Coopers has produced a unique symbiosis that normally isn’t found in the RV manufacturing world.  Having full-timers help in shaping the design and direction of Redwood’s fifth wheels has made it stand out among its competitive crowd, and has earned it the reputation of “a full-timer’s fifth wheel”. 
  • 2017 Crossroads Cruiser

    Let’s face it – most fifth wheels today are cookie-cutter.  Most of them have the same colors (brown, light brown, and a slightly darker shade of brown), floor plans, appliances, etc. and SOMEHOW every single one of them is the best.  Now that’s hard to believe.   
    The Crossroads Cruiser doesn’t claim to be the best fifth wheel ever made, but you sure wouldn’t know that if you talked to the folks that owned them.  For many of these people, their fifth wheel is their chance to make memories with their most cherished loved ones, and they’ve trusted us to help make those memories happen for them.  We never take for granted how personal it is to build someone’s dream.  Every nail, every weld, and every piece of wood is a promise from us to you that we hold this honor in the highest regard.
    In the end, it’s not the fifth wheel that makes those starry August nights around the campfire so memorable, or the rainy days in May when you thought you could plan the perfect weekend…and it still turned out to be a perfect weekend – just wetter.  It’s not the fifth wheel that makes those memories, but ask around and you’ll find that it sure doesn’t hurt. 
    You won’t hear us going on and on about all the things you would expect in a fifth wheel, but we would be honored to tell you about some of the things you wouldn’t.  Give us a try – it’ll be worth it.

    Find the Crossroads Cruiser at your local Crossroads dealer, or learn more at CrossroadsRV.com  
  • WinnebaGo Life Celebrates Second Anniversary


    Winnebago Industries, Inc., a leading United States recreational vehicle manufacturer celebrates the second anniversary of its lifestyle blog, WinnebaGoLife (http://winnebagolife.com/). GoLife offers original stories, photos and video of lifestyle, travel, gear and Winnebago products.

    “GoLife has made incredible strides in its first two years by setting very high editorial standards, and that has led to impressive year over year growth in visitors,” said Editor-in-Chief Don Cohen. “With a strong lineup of expert contributors, and new content being added nearly every day, we see a very bright future for GoLife.”

    “We are very pleased with GoLife’s growth in readership,” said Winnebago’s Director of Marketing Chad Reece. “With a growing audience and a strong list of contributors, GoLife will continue to be the place to find high-quality RV lifestyle content.”

    Contributors include: Cohen, Adam and Jenn Norrell, Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, Brad Herzog, Damon Bungard, Heath and Alyssa Padgett, James and Stef Adinaro, and Peter and Kathy Holcombe. Each GoLife contributor brings their own unique personal perspective, ranging from the fishing and hunting expeditions of Bungard, to the National Park travel adventures of the Holcombes.

    “We have assembled an extraordinary team of talent who actually travel, camp and live in Winnebago products.” said Cohen. “We’re telling authentic, entertaining, and inspiring stories that everyone, from experienced RVers, to people considering buying their first RV, will enjoy. In the past two years we’ve posted 250 articles, 1,500 photos, and 45 videos — all of which have been custom created for GoLife.”

    In addition to the site, RV owners and enthusiasts can also follow WinnebagoLife on Flipboard, Facebook and Twitter.  There is also a monthly GoLife Newsletter featuring the latest stories, ideas and company news. Readers can sign up at http://winnebagolife.com/signup.

    About Winnebago Industries

    Winnebago Industries, Inc., “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 builds quality motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheel products.  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://investor.wgo.net
  • 5 Easy Tips for Cooking On The Open Road

    The convenience of RV travel can’t be beat, and a traveling kitchen is the cherry on top. Whether you own an RV or are a prospective buyer perusing RVTrader.com, knowing how to make the most of your kitchen and eat well on the road is essential. Below is a rundown of the basics.

    1. Make a List and Check It Twice

    Make a meal plan and shop ahead of time. Even if you don’t typically meal plan at home, the limits of the road may sideline your dinner plans. If your travels take you to remote sites where your only neighbors are moose, chances are you aren’t going to find a store to pop into to grab what you’re missing for fajitas.

    2. Organize and Lock It Up

    Organize the cabinets before you take off. With limited counter space, it’s extra important to prep your supplies before you’re famished. Make friends with bungee cords for things left out, and get ready to be creative with your storage. Potholes and hairpins curves don’t mix with fruit left on the counter. You’ve been warned!

    3. Reinforcements from Home

    Bring things that will make your life easier in your traveling kitchen, but make sure you only bring these essentials. You won’t have room for all of your gadgets and tools, so be sure to pack a good skillet, a chef’s knife and a small cutting board.

    4. Just Add Spice

    One of the easiest and most affordable ways to perk up your cooking is to make friends with fresh herbs and dried spices. They are a great way to infuse flavor and depth into your cooking without adding fat. They won’t take up too much room and you’ll use them every day while on the road. Don’t forget other cooking basics, too, such as good-quality olive oil, kosher salt and a black pepper grinder.

    5. Go Local

    Save room in your plans for nights off! After all, travel is perfect for expanding your food repertoire. Almost every destination has something unique to offer up in the food realm. Dinner choices run the gamut, from famous restaurants to state fairs to roadside farm stands. Go where the day takes you, and if you need help, grab the ear of a local. Most folks are happy to share their hidden culinary favorites and old standbys.
    Make sure you never miss a post! For more helpful tips delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
  • Keystone Montana Named 2016 RV of the Year



    keystone’s one-of-a-kind front kitchen
    montana named 2016 rv of the year;
    to be featured on national tv
    Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO) today announcedthat its Keystone subsidiary’s Montana 3820FK front kitchen fifth wheel was named RV of the Year by RVBusiness magazine, the industry’s leading publication.  During a year in which towable RV sales reached record highs and RV manufacturers introduced hundreds of new products, the Keystone Montana 3820FK stood above the rest.
    Keystone RV President Matt Zimmerman stated, “To know that the staff of RVBusiness walked literally hundreds of floorplans, from towable RVs to luxury motorhomes, and in the end chose Montana as RV of the Year is a tremendous honor.  We at Keystone take RV design seriously and believe we have the best team in the industry. This award motivates us to do even more going forward.” 
    The combination of a spacious front kitchen, automotive windshield, flowing floorplan, and well thought-out details, makes the Montana 3820FK a show-stopper.  “With a plush, wraparound booth dinette located beneath the front automotive windshield, there is nothing else like it on the market today,” noted Montana product manager Jason Gill. “Add to this the expansive, central living area with entertainment center, opposing slides with sofas, and the theater seating and you have a coach that is both innovative and incredibly spacious. Customers have been standing in line to see it at the RV shows this year!”   
    Thor President and CEO, Bob Martin, added, “As a Company that prides itself on product innovation and continually working to exceed the expectations of our dealers and consumers, we are very proud of this honor for Keystone and the Montana.  With a broad stable of new products, it’s not surprising that we are seeing strong early results in the retail selling season.”
    While the Montana 3820FK floorplan is new, the Montana brand itself has been Keystone’s flagship luxury nameplate for some time.  According to Statistical Surveys, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Montana has been the number one selling luxury fifth wheel for 15 consecutive years. Just this past month, Montana shipped its 90,000th coach. 
    In addition to the upcoming cover story in RVBusiness, the presentation ceremony for this prestigious award will be showcased on the nationally distributed RV lifestyle program Rollin’ On TV. Filmed at the RV Hall of Fame and Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Indiana, the ceremony was hosted by former Elkhart and current Big 10 Newtwork personality Allison Hayes and Trailer Life magazine technical editor and video producer Jeff Johnston. With an audience of 32 million homes, this special edition of Rollin’ On TV is set to air in mid-February with more information to be found on the show’s web site www.rollinontv.com
  • 4 Social Media Tips for Your RV Dealership

    Even if you feel like selling RVs is more your thing than computers and tablets, it’s important to stay on top of your social media game if you want your RV dealership to flourish. Social media is an excellent way to bring in newer, younger customers that are constantly connected, and to gain exposure with potential customers who might not see your brick and mortar dealership or the traditional ads you place. If you want to know how to use social media to boost business, the how-to guide below can help.

    1. Use Facebook to keep people up-to-date about inventory.

    Facebook is a great tool because it allows you to share photos, videos, and messages with people interested in your dealership. To show customers what they can buy, upload photographs of the RVs you have for sale. Create albums for different types of RVs, or organize the albums by date to show what is currently available. Sharing your inventory will get people excited and make them more likely to come into your shop.

    2. Promote products with Vine videos.

    Vine is a video-sharing platform where users can post 6-second video clips to their followers. Use Vine to showcase new products, or to share deals that you want to promote. You can stand in front of RVs and explain the product or deal customers can expect, boosting excitement and giving people a better sense of your business’ personality.

    3. Target the right audience via Twitter.

    Twitter is an effective tool for sharing up-to-date information with people who are interested in RVs, or people who are in your local area. To find the right followers (who can then become sales leads), follow other RV dealerships or RV-related organizations in your area. Then, see what users follow their account, and follow them. Chances are many will follow you back, and you can join their conversation by re-tweeting their Tweets, replying to them, and tweeting your own cool industry news.

    4. Make your photos awesome with Instagram.

    With photo-sharing platform Instagram, you can also find followers by seeking out related businesses and following their followers. One of the best things about Instagram for a RV dealership is that it allows you to entice customers visually– and it has excellent photo editing and filter options, so you can make all the pictures you share look great. Take pictures of inventory or happy people making purchases (with their permission), and people will want to check out the amazing RVs you sell in person.

    Want to know more about using social media and other ways to boost business for your dealership? Contact us at RVTrader.com.
  • Check Out These Upcoming RV Events!



    Looking for an RV show to head to this month? Check out these awesome upcoming RV events:
    Indy RV Expo
    Jan 9-17

    Florida RV Supershow (Tampa)
    Jan 13-17

    Valley RV & Camping Show
    Jan 15-17

    Boston RV & Camping Expo
     Jan 16-18

    Fort Myers RV Show
     Jan 21-24

    Alabama RV Super Show
    Jan 22-24

    Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show
    Jan. 28-31

    Atlanta Camping & RV
    Jan 29-31

    Arkansas RV Show
    Feb 12-14

    Coastal Bend Boat & RV Expo
    Feb 12-14

    West Palm Beach RV Show
    Feb 12-15

    Northeast RV Show, NY
    Feb 12-15

    While at the Florida RV Supershow (Tampa), please visit our partners:

    OEM BOOTH # URL
    Augusta RV 800A West Midway http://augusta-rv.com/
    Coach House 835 Midway http://www.coachhouserv.com/
    Crossroads RV/
    Redwood RV
    805 West Midway http://www.crossroadsrv.com/
    Evergreen RV/
    Lifestyle Luxury RV
    755 & 760 North Midway http://www.goevergreenrv.com/
    Fleetwood RV 505 Midway http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/
    Grand Design RV 740 North Midway https://www.granddesignrv.com/
    Heartland RV 704 & 710 North Midway,
    815 West Midway
    http://www.heartlandrvs.com/
    Jayco/Entegra/Starcraft 825 West Midway http://www.jayco.com/
    Leisure Travel Vans 575 East Midway http://leisurevans.com/
    Livin’ Lite Corp 700 North Midway http://www.livinlite.com/
    Monaco
    Holiday Rambler
    615 Midway http://www.monacocoach.com/
    http://www.holidayrambler.com/
    Newmar 605/765 North Midway http://www.newmarcorp.com/
    Nexus RV 660 East Midway https://nexusrv.com/
    Pleasure-Way 130 Expo Hall http://www.pleasureway.com/
    Roadtrek 140 Expo Hall http://www.roadtrek.com/
    Skyline RV 702 North Midway http://www.skylinerv.com/
    The RV Factory 702A North Midway https://thervfactory.com/
    Thor Motor Coach 220 Lakeside East
    515 Midway
    875 Midway
    https://thormotorcoach.com/
    Winnebago Industries 635 Midway ,750 North Midway http://winnebagoind.com/