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Aqua-Hot Heating Systems has announced after extensive testing, Fleetwood RV will offer innovative Aqua-Hot Hydronic Heating Systems on its American Coach and Revolution LE models.

Aqua-Hot sales and marketing manager Harold Ogden made the announcement. “This relationship gives us the chance to partner with a premier RV manufacturer,” said Ogden. “By working with an industry-leading company that produces superior motor homes, such as the luxury American Coach line, we can continue making the road a more comfortable place.” “

Aqua-Hot’s quality and brand name recognition with our owners is a tremendous asset and complements our product offering,” said John Draheim, president and COO of Fleetwood RV.

Source: Aqua-Hot Heating Systems

RV Business reports that the Allegro Breeze by Tiffin Motor Home has been chosen as ”Best of Show”. at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show.

According to RV Business, the Allegro Breeze was chosen because its features and design may indicate the future direction of motorized RVs.

The story also reports the Allegro Breeze is expected to be available around March 2010.

Source: RV Business

Winnebago recently reported improved financial results for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2010 and increased demand for RVs. Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 ended November 28, 2009 were $81.0 million, an increase of 16.7 percent, versus $69.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

According to Winnebago, “We are extremely pleased to see an increase in revenues, as well as posting a small gross profit in our first quarter,” said Winnebago Industries’ Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson. “As difficult as this recession has been for Winnebago Industries and the entire RV industry, we believe the worst may be over.”

Winnebago Industries’ sales order backlog was 1,521 motor homes at November 28, 2009, an increase of 350 percent compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This also represents an increase of 62 percent from August 29, 2009, the end of our fourth quarter. “The increased demand for our products is particularly noteworthy since it is seasonally very unusual to have a significant increase at this time of year,” said Olson.

“We have seen particular strength in the backlog for our Class A gas and diesel products. Due to the escalation of our sales order backlog, we have increased our production levels and during the first quarter of fiscal 2010, our employment grew by approximately 350 employees.”

Source: Winnebago

 Photo Credit: Airstream

Airstream recently announced that it is expanding its line of iconic travel trailers and touring coaches in an effort to welcome new consumers to the Airstream lifestyle.

According to Bob Wheeler, Airstream President and CEO “Our brand is synonymous with adventure. By providing products at a broader range of price points, sizes, and decors, we’re creating an opportunity for more people to answer the call of the open road.”

The new International Serenity (pictured below) promotes a tranquil atmosphere while Victorinox Swiss Army Special Edition (above)  captures the adventurous spirit of two iconic brands.

 Photo Credit: Airstream

The Interstate Class B motorhome’s all-new Sand Pearl interior sets a new standard for luxury touring while the brand’s first ever Class B motorhome built on a Chevrolet chassis will make its debut next spring.

 Photo Credit: Airstream

The incredibly popular International series will replace its Ocean Breeze variant with the all-new Serenity. Geared towards a design-savvy audience, every color, shape, surface, and texture contributes to an atmosphere of relaxed luxury and tranquility.

 Photo Credit: Airstream

Like all International models, the Serenity is equipped for your go-anywhere-any-time lifestyle with Internet hook-up, satellite pre-wire and optional solar package. The International is available in 16, 19, 23, 25, 27 and 28-foot lengths.

 Photo Credit: Airstream

Source: Airstream

During the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Jayco and SFC Smart Fuel Cell announced a joint research and market development alliance to study the feasibility of the utilization of fuel cell technology in North American recreation vehicles.

According to SFC Smart Fuel, in the past months, Jayco has tested the EFOY product series for a new lightweight, low energy consumption series of recreational vehicles.

The EFOY fuel cell series, consisting of three models with a charging capacity of 900 to 2,200 watt hours each per day, depending on individual power requirements, ensures 24/7 power availability in any season and weather.

“We are enthusiastic about this research and market development alliance which has the capability of providing our customers with a reliable power and zero-emission solution for their Jayco RV”, says Derald Bontrager, Jayco’s president and chief operating officer. “Reliable, comfortable and environmentally-friendly power supply is a significant concern for RV owners and the EFOY provides an excellent alternative: The fuel cell does not generate smell or noise, is small and lightweight, fully automatic and always available”.

Source: SFC Smart Fuel Cell

Photo Credit: RV Trader  
 
RV Trader has released an iPhone application that puts more than 45,000 new and used RVs at shoppers’ fingertips. The free RV Trader application can be downloaded from the lifestyle section of the iTunes Store by searching the key phrase “RV Trader.”

The new RV Trader iPhone app is GPS-sensitive, allowing RV shoppers to quickly find nearby RVs for sale. The search tool allows users to search for RVs by type, new or used condition, price range, and model year in a specific zip code or by location. The application also saves the user’s recent searches and vehicles viewed to make finding RVs even easier.

Photo Credit: RV Trader
 
“We are excited to provide for our customers the convenience to search the over 45,000 RVs for sale on RVTraderonline.com by downloading the iPhone App. The usage trend for mobile devices continues to grow and we will continue to develop solutions to enhance the results our customers can expect to receive by being a part of our dynamic marketplace,” said Tim Custer, general manager of RV Trader.

Photo Credit: RV Trader
 
The RV Trader application lets users view multiple RV and dealer locations on enhanced Google maps and quickly access driving directions. Each RV listing provides a detailed description along with multiple photos of the RV for sale. YouTube and manufacturer videos appear on select listings.

When shoppers have found the perfect RV they can save the RV listing to their wish list, call or e-mail the RV seller, map out directions to the RV, or send the RV to a friend.

Source: RV Trader

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. has announced an expanded three-year agreement for the design, manufacturing and assembly of custom chassis in support of Fleetwood RV’s high-quality brand of Class A diesel recreational vehicles, including American Coach products.

Tom Gorman, COO of Spartan Motors, said, “This agreement extends a strategic partnership made up of two strong brands that together, produce a quality product that exceeds customer expectations. This brings us to a pivotal point in our business relationship with Fleetwood RV, where we can now focus on product differentiation and maximizing opportunities in the marketplace for both companies.”

Source: Spartan Chassis

Newmar Corporation recently announced a redesign of its Mountain Aire Diesel Pusher Motorhome.

According to Newmar, the new Mountain Aire will make its first appearance at the National RV Trade Show Dec. 1-3 in Louisville, Ky. The 2011 Mountain Aire Diesel Pusher Motorhome is expected to set a new standard when it comes to luxury RVs.

The new product will offer amenities not yet seen on motorhomes in its price range. “This new Mountain Aire is going to redefine luxury motorhomes,” said Kyle McCrary, Newmar’s director of luxury products. “We’ve taken a Newmar legend, redesigned it, and set it apart from the competition by combining elegant styling with luxury features at an exceptional price.”

Source: Newmar

Winnebago Industries, Inc. recently received notification that its Winnebago brand earned the prestigious Quality Circle Awards from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers’ Association (RVDA).

Photo Credit: Winnebago

The Itasca brand also received Honorable Mention. These awards are scheduled to be presented at a ceremony conducted at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY on November 30, 2009.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

“It is a tremendous honor for us to receive the Quality Circle Award again this year,” said Winnebago Industries’ Chairman, CEO and President Bob Olson. “To have earned this award since 1995, an accomplishment no other motor home or travel trailer manufacturer in the industry has been able to attain, is a real tribute to the hard work and diligence of our employees who are dedicated to building high quality products, while providing first-class programs and services to our dealer partners.”

Source: Winnebago

Photo Credit: RVIA

The Los Angeles Times features a story by Rosemary McClure about her travels with Darby, a wheaten terrier, on a trip in search of dog-friendly RV parks.

According to the story, 50% to 75% of RVers travel with a pet. RV park owners are responding by offering pet-friendly campgrounds.

Some parks are even building special areas where dogs can roam unleashed and climb doggie-agility courses.

Source: The Los Angeles Times