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Earlier this month, at the 46th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Winnebago introduced the new 2010 Winnebago Via. The 2010 Via was selected as “Best In Show” by RV Business Magazine.

According to Winnebago, the new Via is the first of its kind and the most fuel efficient Class A motor home, estimated at 15+ miles per gallon.

“Winnebago Industries was the first manufacturer to introduce products built on the Dodge Sprinter Class C chassis and now we are the first to bring a Class A motor home built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis to the market,” said Winnebago Industries’ Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Bob Olson. “The new Via, and its Itasca counterpart, the Reyo, are innovative Class A coaches that combine design, space, efficiency and drivability into one compact 25-foot package. You won’t find another motor home like it in the market place, and I’m proud to say Winnebago Industries did it first.”

Despite its compact 25-foot length, the Via offers a front slideout room, a private bathroom area, fully equipped galley, and sleeping accommodations that are truly unique. In the rear, twin beds offer a flex bed concept that is easily converted into a queen bed for a larger continuous sleeping space.

Additional sleeping space is also found up front with the new Studio Loft. This new “spare” bed system neatly tucks into the ceiling of the coach when not in use and conveniently pulls down to create a second bedroom area.

The Winnebago Via will be available in the market in summer 2009.

Source: Winnebago

CrossRoads RV has reports that its all new SlingShot travel trailer was the lightest unit displayed at the 46th Annual National RVIA Show, December 4-7, 2008.

“The dealer response was overwhelming By developing a 30′ trailer, with a slide-out, weighing less than 3,700 pounds, we have created a new product segment in the industry.  Now smaller six-cylinder SUV’s and minivans are legitimate tow vehicles. By accommodating a much larger universe of tow vehicles, the SlingShot has become the best product launch in CrossRoads RV history”, states President, Mark Lucas.

The SlingShot units are a full 8′ wide, yet still weigh the least per square foot of living area versus any other unit in the industry. This was achieved by utilizing the latest in automotive and aerospace technology. The SlingShot features a total of five floor plans ranging from 19 feet to 30 feet in length, three equipped with a slide-out.

“Customers who already own a smaller tow vehicle have previously been forced to choose between a tent camper, tear drop or smaller floor plan with outside cooking facilities and limited floor space. These same customers can now tow a fully enclosed 26 foot travel trailer with sleeping room for six people. If you own a minivan because you have six people in your family, your travel trailer should accommodate your whole family,” states Larry Weaver, National Sales Manager for the SlingShot.

Source: Crossroads RV

Several RV manufacturers are working on designs for hybrid RVs in an effort to make RVs cleaner and more fuel efficient. While many of these plans are still on the drawing board, some have finally move to the prototype stage.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation recently introduced a prototype motorhome chassis that offers a glimpse of the greener RVs of the future at the recent National RV Trade Show.

According to Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation  preliminary prototype testing of the innovative ecoFRED™ chassis shows significant improvements in fuel economy compared with traditional gas pullers.

ecoFRED, so named because of its increased fuel economy and ecological/ environmental benefits, has the additional benefits of significantly less brake wear due to regenerative braking, leading to lower replacement costs. It also boasts better acceleration and increased towing capacity, and operates similar to driving an automatic transmission.

ecoFRED, which features a diesel engine coupled with an electric motor/generator and lithium-ion batteries, works in line with the transmission, enabling seamless operation incorporating both electric and diesel power.

The lithium-ion batteries featured on the hybrid system capture and store energy during the regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation. The batteries are constantly charged through the operation of the diesel engine, eliminating the need to plug into an electrical source. Both the diesel engine and the electric motor can provide power to the drivetrain. The sophisticated hybrid supervisory controller selects the most efficient mode of operation – diesel, electric or both – depending upon current operating conditions and driver demand.

Source: Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation

Winnebago Industries has introduced the new 2009 ERA. According to Winnebago, the 2009 ERA offers interior and exterior refinements in a boldly-styled package that delivers comfort, functionality and performance offered by none other than Winnebago Industries.

Built on an 8,550-lb. GVWR Dodge Sprinter chassis with a fuel-efficient 3L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel Mercedes engine, the ERA features an aerodynamic design with smooth lines and striking full body paint. The exterior is further enhanced with stylized, 16-inch aluminum wheels and full-length running boards.

A 5,000-lb. hitch and optional patio awning are additional highlights of this coach. Entering the ERA is simple. In addition to the front cab doors, on the passenger side, a sliding door opens easily for entry into the coach, while the rear double doors open up to 270 degree for great access to the back of the coach. This also allows you to easily remove the couch to transport larger items.

Up front, the 170XT/XL feature two companion chairs that make for a prime seating area, while the 170RT/RL feature one chair. All models have a moveable pedestal table that can be positioned by the sofa in the rear of the coach or up front. The cab seats swivel to face the companion seats and table to create a perfect seating area for playing games or dining.

The ERA features a Sony AM/FM stereo and CD with a wireless remote and iPod connector. You can also upgrade to include the optional Sirius satellite radio. A 15-inch LCD TV is standard on the 170RL and 170XL, and optional on the 170RT and 170XT.

Source: Winnebago

There has been a steady stream of news stories about tight credit hurting businesses and consumers seeking loans. How difficult is it to get RV financing?

According to a story on MarketWatch.com, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) reports that RV financing is still available to well-qualified buyers.  Buyers who have good credit and a healthy down payment can still get loans.

RV buyers can often get loans through their dealer, provided by RV financing lenders, local banks, credit unions and fiance companies.

Source: MarketWatch.com

RV owners love the RV lifestyle, but just like everyone else, they’re concerned about today’s sagging economy and looking for ways to save money and cut costs.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s fall/winter survey, RVers are adjusting to the economy by traveling closer to home and staying longer in one place. By having their “homes on wheels” with them, RV owners say they can stretch their dollars by saving on costly airfares, hotels and restaurant meals.

The latest Campfire Canvass fall/winter survey of RV owners by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, reveals that 29 percent plan to travel more this fall and winter than last year; 56 percent plan to travel the same amount as last year; and 15 percent plan to travel less than last year.

Sixty-two percent of survey respondents say they’ll travel to destinations closer to home, while 38 percent say they’ll stay longer at the same destination.

One of the biggest reasons why RV travel appeals to families is because of the value that RV vacations offer. Eighty percent of the RV owners surveyed say RV vacations cost less than other types of vacations. The survey shows that 60 percent of RVers plan to take more mini-vacations (1-4 days) this fall/winter compared to last year.

Because RVs have full kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, RV owners can get away at a moment’s notice. And they don’t have to worry about hotel reservations or the hassles of flying such as long security lines and costly baggage fees.With an RV, everything is onboard and ready to go.

According to a new study comparing vacation costs by PKF, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, family RV trips are, on average, 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations, even with today’s higher gas prices and factoring in RV ownership costs.

Forty-three percent of the survey respondents said they’ll use their RVs to attend festivals and fairs this fall/winter; 33 percent will use their homes-on-wheels for foliage tours; and 30 percent for antiquing and flea market trips.

Source: RVIA

The classic VW Van is a symbol of low-impact travel and minimal living on the road. Many VWs still roam the highways, still providing the simple life for their devoted owners.

According to CleanTechnica.com, a new camper takes inspiration from the VW Van, but add its own eco-friendly and high-tech twist on the faithful traveler.

According to GreenTechnica, Verdier Solar-Powered Camper gets power from a 170 watt solar system. It also comes with a state of the art sound system, GPS, and other luxuries that you would not have found on a VW back in the 1960s.

The story also reports that the van is not for sale yet, but reservations are being taken for 2009.

Source: GreenTechnica, Inhabitant, and Verdier

The New York Times profiles RV owners turning their recreational vehicles into eco-friendly vehicles for travel and to promote sustainable living.

According to the New York Times story, these RVers are often do-it-yourselfers who retrofit their vehicles to get more mileage-per-gallon. Biodiesel or vegetable oil is the fuel of choice for stretching their fuel dollar and reducing emissions.

Among the RV owners profiled in the story is Brian Brawdy, who drives his “Wonder Explore Believe” custom Lance Camper that uses solar power, wind, and even captured rainwater.

RV manufacturers are responding to the interest in “green RVing” and studying how to incorporate energy saving features into future RV designs.

One interesting statistic in the story: 18 percent of RVers use solar power.

Here is Brian Brawdy explaining the features of his “off the grid” RV.

Source: The New York Times

The Winnebago homepage features details and images of the 2009 Winnebago Outlook. According to Winnebago the 2009 Outlook offers new features on each of its floorplans, with improvements to the popular 31C and 29B i model. In 2009 31C is modified to include a bed slide in the rear and a large wardrobe and chest of drawers.

These modifications complement the other highlights of the 31C floorplan that include an in-line galley, private bathroom with a curved wall for an attractive look, and a large, rear storage compartment. The Outlook also returns the double slide 29B that has a front lounge-area slide as well as a rear bedroom slideout and an efficient L-shaped galley.

The 29B and 31C offer an optional front entertainment center that features a new 32-inch LCD TV. If you prefer the sleeping space the front bunk affords, choose the optional 19-inch LCD TV that swivels for viewing throughout the coach. In the bedroom, there’s a new, optional 19-inch LCD TV that can be detached from its location in the bedroom and mounted on an exterior bracket for outdoor viewing.

Whichever TV you choose up front, the new, optional video selection system is a must have – you can watch DVDs in the lounge or in the bedroom as well. In the dash area, check out the new Sirius satellite radio “Plug and Play” system that’s optional in 2009. The “Plug and Play” system allows you to control the Sirius radio through your in-dash radio and then remove the receiver for use in your car.

Both floorplans feature the with one hand for quick conversion into a comfortable bed. Additional items found in the interior upgrade package include: rope lighting, decorative pictures, a Titanium Touch refrigerator insert, sink covers, throw pillows and more. While there is much to talk about on the inside, the exterior of the 2009 Outlook is just as striking with new graphic designs, and new for 2009 – optional full body paint. The Outlook also has larger coach batteries in 2009.

Source: Winnebago

The Progressive Insurance homepage offers advice on making sure your RV is properly insured.

According to Progressive, “Some people make the mistake of adding their RV onto their car insurance policy, only to find out too late that the car policy doesn’t cover a lot of things that can go wrong in an RV,” said Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager, Progressive.

“An RV is much more than a car—it’s a house on wheels. So an RVer really needs a specialized policy that covers more than what standard car insurance covers.”

As the number one brand of RV insurance sold through independent insurance agents in the country, Pelfrey says Progressive has seen its share of oddball claims over the years, as well as everyday mishaps that may be excluded from standard auto coverage

Source: Progressive Insurance