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New 2009 Keystone Outback Keystone RV Company just unveiled the new 2009 Outback light-weight travel trailer.

According to Keystone, the Outback has been totally re-engineered from the frame up. More aerodynamic profile combined with progressive graphics make have been implemented. Interiors have incorporated the newest residential styles using an eclectic butter- rum cream and auburn cherry cabinetry for a richer and warmer look.

Additional enhancements include 36-inch deep flush floor slides replacing 18-inch slides for increased interior roominess; U-shaped king dinette with 30 percent more seating area; air-bed sleeper sofa; and swivel mounted LCD TV. Currently nine floorplans are available including two Kargoroo toy-hauler editions.

Source: Keystone

Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. has announced the introduction of a new Crossover BaseCamp folding tent trailer product line called TOPO. TOPO debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake, Utah on August 8th and will be on display at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) convention December 2nd to the 4th, 2008. It is scheduled to be available to consumers January 1, 2009.

TOPO is a new generation of recreation vehicles that combines the best features of outdoor adventure tents with folding trailers. TOPO is designed to be lightweight and easy to use. Weighing less than 500 pounds, TOPO can be pulled by virtually all compact cars, minivans and crossover sport utility vehicles. It features a compact light weight design that is only 6’ wide and 10’ long in the closed position. When not in use TOPO Stores in a residential garage on end with available garage storage accessory.

The top folds open and custom outdoor adventure tent expands to a 15’ wide and 18’ long base camp that sets up in minutes. Inside TOPO are two large beds with comfort mattresses that are integrated into the top and bottom of TOPO’s body. TOPO provides off ground sleeping for four. One of the beds also converts into a sofa. The spacious family living area provides additional space for additional guests. Plus TOPO’s rear door converts into a kitchenette with camp sink, countertop and storage. On the exterior of TOPO is an aluminum roof rack that is compatible with Thule roof rack systems for bike racks, accessories or cargo boxes. TOPO offers the convenience of a tent, a trailer, a family room and seating all in one package.

TOPO partnered with the tenting industry leader, Therm-a-Rest®, to create an innovative extreme weather tent that sets up in less than ten minutes. The tent features collapsible tent poles, zippered doors and windows with screens, a water resistant floor and fresh air vents. Attractively priced – thousands less than traditional folding trailers, TOPO is the smart, light, easy to use, innovative crossover tent trailer designed for a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts who value innovative ways to enjoy and protect the environment.

Source: Dutchmen

With the merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio services, subscribers can access an expanded world of station options. Shakespeare’s Galaxy SRA-40 Satellite Radio Antenna is type approved by the engineering departments of both Sirius and XM, so RV owners can now have the best of both worlds.

It can connect to either Sirius or XM receivers. Housed in sleek, white ASA plastic, this compact antenna measures only 3.5″ in diameter by 1.35″ high. The SRA-40 easily installs on any surface up to 1″ thick. If direct access under the mounting surface is difficult, such as on RV roof tops, Shakespeare’s SM-30 Mounting Kit solves the problem. This versatile antenna also works well on boats and includes an SM-31 pedestal mount.

Shakespeare’s Galaxy SRA-40 comes with a special 25′ low-loss cable featuring a quick-disconnect, gold-plated TNC connector at the antenna’s base. It requires no separate power cable. The antenna’s single-cable design fits newer receivers, and a separate SRS-1 adapter retrofits to older, dual input models.

Source: Shakespeare Marine

The Durango RV Resort opened earlier this month in Red Bluff, California. The Red Bluff Daily News profiled the resort’s first customer and the amenities including WiFi, a offleash dog parks, and a sports complex.

The story also reports it took four years from the first concept for the Durango RV Resort to the finished park. According to the official site, the Durango is an upscale and “big rig friendly” RV resort, offering 174 spaces.

For towable RVs there are deluxe pull-through spaces 70-90 feet long that offer 16 foot wide angled concrete pads for easy parking and exiting. Eleven of the deluxe riverfront spaces overlook the Sacramento River.

Source: The Red Bluff Daily News and The Durango RV Resort

Urban/wilderness survival expert Brian Bawdy’s RV could be the “greenest” RV ever built.  The Wonder, Explore, Believe Mobile Base Camp is touring the country “to go off road and off grid: To be as pioneering, independent, self-sufficient and environmentally friendly as possible.”

Bawdy’s RV is a 2008 Lance Camper with special energy saving features, including a wind turbine, solar cells, and a way of harvesting rain to use for drinking water.

More details about he Wonder, Explore, Believe Mobile Base CampRV can be found on the official homepage.

KLS 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah features a video report on Brian Bawdy’s RV, including the rainwater harvesting technology.

Source: Wonderexplorebelieve.net and KLS 5 Salt Lake City UT.

Coachmen RV Group has recently revived its Shasta brand with a new light weight travel trailer. While the trailer resembles the classic Shasta’s of the late ’50s and early ’60s, it has successfully married modern technology with tradition. Shasta is one of the oldest brands of RV, and there are still thousands of people who proudly own and use their Shasta trailers from the 1950s and ’60s. There are also a variety of chat groups and clubs devoted to finding and restoring old Shasta trailers.

The exterior has the classic appeal of the old Shasta trailers, including the Z side graphic design available in 4 colors, and trademark silver wings that made a Shasta instantly recognizable. Standard baby moon hubcaps also provide a tribute to the past. Optional 5-spoke aluminum rims are available to add a modern twist. With either wheel selection, the tires are filled with NitroFill nitrogen gas that runs cooler and can extend tire life up to 30%.

The new Shasta Airflyte is constructed with aluminum framed, vacuum-bond laminate sidewalls and a one-piece fiberglass roof. This makes for a very lightweight trailer that can be towed by both contemporary and classic vehicles. The trailer’s base weight starts under 2,500 pounds. Coachmen designers consciously worked to keep the weight down so that they could accommodate those Shasta aficionados who want to pair their classic car with their travel trailer.

While the outside of the trailer reminds people of a by-gone time, the spacious interior boasts a full 6-feet 5-inches of headroom and modern amenities. For instance, the galley has a portable electric cooktop and a 1.2-cubic-foot built-in microwave.

Shasta Airflyte offers three different interior decors: Classic Red, Tangerine Dream and Ocean Spray. The ceiling skylight lets in even more natural light and opens for ventilation. A retractable screen and night shade on the skylight let you control how much light comes in. Also included is the Cool Cat heat pump for air conditioning and heat which is located in the lower cabinet and ducted throughout the unit.

Source: Coachmen

Fleetwood Enterprises’ RV Group recently announced the launch of its Power Bridge Chassis, a brand new diesel chassis platform, during the Family Motor Coach Association’s (FMCA) summer rally in St. Paul, Minn.

Power Bridge Chassis is an integration of Fleetwood’s superior bridge-beam framing technology and Freightliner’s outstanding chassis construction. Highlights include 242 cu. ft of basement storage space (select models only); smarter, more functional features; and an industry-leading ride.

“The idea for Power Bridge was born out of the proven technology used on our Liberty Chassis,” said Paul Eskritt, President of Fleetwood’s RV Group. “It is a major re-design that offers our diesel customers a wide range of features intended to exceed all of their expectations, as well as change the way they RV … for the better.”

Power Bridge Chassis is available on all 2009 Bounder Diesel, Expedition, Discovery, Providence and Excursion Class A diesel motor home models.

Source : Fleetwood Enterprises

Tiffin Motorhomes has introduced the entry-level Allegro models, raising the ceiling to a spacious 7-foot level, matching the other four Tiffin lines.

The added 6 inches from 2008 models opens a world of comfort, according to Jerry Williamson, Tiffin’s national sales manager. “This expansion enables design of a much more livable coach, with additional cabinetry above and below counters, improved TV placements and larger windows,” Williamson says.

The Allegro is available in five floor plans ranging from a double-slide 30-ft. gas-powered model under $100,000 base retail to a 35-ft. quad-slide with a diesel-powered front engine with a base retail of $134,050. Most 2009 Allegros will sport 22-in. wheels, designed to provide improved handling, a smoother ride, and greater weight capacity. A limited number of 2009 Allegros will be available on 19.5-in. wheels.

Additional new features of the 2009 Allegro include: LCD TVs standard throughout, MCD powered windshield shade replacing a curtain, outside vented microwave/convection oven and a Tiffin-exclusive sliding heat reducer cover for the shower skylight. Tiffin was one of only five motorhome manufacturers to receive the RVDA’s coveted Quality Circle Award for 2007. Tiffin has been honored with the Quality Circle nine of the 12 years it has been presented by the RVDA.

Source: Tiffin Motorhomes

The Temecula Valley News features a story about Dennis and Georgie Rhein and their mission to enjoy a frugal RV vacation.

The Rheins set out to see if it is possible to take an RV Vacation on $100 a day, a tough task with rising gas and food prices.

To meet their goal required careful planning and a destination not too far from their home. Stocking up on food and supplies and looking for bargains on campgrounds helped stretch the Rheins budget.

Source: The Temecula Valley News

Livin’ Lite Recreational Vehicles, manufacturer of the Quicksilver line of ultra lightweight Automotive Campers, was recently named Roaming Times “Green RV of the Year”.

Roaming Times, the popular destination of thousands of RV enthusiasts, recognizes and highlights innovation in the RVing industry with this choice. Roaming Times says “Our selection was influenced by zero formaldehyde, no rotting or rusting, low cost and the ability for the camper to be pulled by an ordinary car.

According to Livin’ Lite, the Quicksilver line opens up the RVing experience to a whole new generation of energy-conscious campers. ” In what has been a depressed RV economy, Livin’ Lite is poised for growth by offering “Green Friendly” RVs to consumers who embrace the GO GREEN movement.

With more and more families choosing fuel efficient cars and minivans over traditional trucks and SUVs, Livin’ Lite is positioned to offer those families an affordable opportunity to enjoy the RV lifestyle. “Our Quicksliver line of fold-out Automotive Campers are designed specifically for automobiles and minivans.” reports Mike Kinzel, GM of Livin’ Lite.

Unlike other ultra lightweights on the market that can be towed by cars, the QUICKSILVER can sleep up to six (6) people comfortably, features 6’-4” of headroom, and is built out of all aluminum and composites – making it both wood and formaldehyde Free! “You will not find even one splinter of wood in a QUICKSILVER,” says Kinzel, “Making our product Green Friendly on a number of levels – both in terms of construction materials and the incredible fuel savings our owners experience as they can go camping without having to use large trucks or SUVs to pull their camper.”

Source: Livin’ Lite