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  • Whispering Hills RV Park Joins Jellystone Park Network

    The 45-year-old family owned and operated campground will reopen April 25
    as the third Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Ohio
    SHREVE, Ohio, April 2014 — Whispering Hills RV Park has been owned and operated by three generations of the same family since Wayne and Ruth Murray opened the park in 1969.
                
    But after having its own identity for 45 years, the 220-site park will reopen April 25 as the third Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Ohio.
                
    “It’s time to take the next step,”said Curt Murray Jr., grandson of Wayne and Ruth Murray. “By being part of the Jellystone Park network, we will be able to significantly increase consumer awareness of our park in Ohio and across the country.”
                
    Murray and his brother-in-law, Matt Smith, have already made significant improvements in anticipation of converting Whispering Hills to the Jellystone Park system.
                
    The improvements include replacing the existing swimming pool with a newly designed heated swimming pool with hot tub and spray grounds; doubling the size of the campground office and store; remodeling the cafe into a new arcade and lounge, and transforming an existing building into a climate controlled lounge area with fireplaces, a kitchen, TVs and restrooms.
                
    Future amenities will include a significantly improved free Wi-Fi network, a jumping pillow; a two-mile scenic walking path; mountain bike trails; as well as golf cart and mountain mike rentals.
                
    The 220-site park has long been a popular camping destination because of its natural amenities, which include a 100-acre forest with hiking and mountain bike trails and an 8-acre fishing lake with pedal boat and kayak rentals. The campground currently has nine cabins and five luxury cabins under construction.
                
    The park has a long tradition of having a natural attraction with its setting and the woods and the property itself. The previous manager, Roger Murray, son of Wayne and Ruth Murray, did an excellent job of keeping well maintained grounds and running a clean park with an excellent reputation.
                
    However, as part of the Jellystone Park network, Whispering Hills will significantly expand its offering of organized family activities.
                
    Jellystone Parks are famous for providing fun family activities and themed weekends that include everything from crafts and games to wagon rides, birthday parties with the bears and daily appearances by Yogi Bear.
                
    In addition to activities with Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith, Jellystone Parks offer themed weekend activities, such as a Chocolate Lovers Weekends with candy bar bingo, a chocolate craft and chocolate Slip N Slide; Mardi Gras themed weekends, with parades, cookouts and dances; and the increasingly popular Halloween themed weekends, which include costume and campsite decorating contests and trick or treating activities.

    Curt Murray said the changes will help Whispering Hills expand its existing seasonal camper base by attracting young families with children, many of whom will simply camp on weekends or for short periods of time.

    “Our goal is to diversify the makeup of the camper and focus on the weekend and the weekly camper, including young couples with families, and provide amenities for the kids,” he said.
              
    For more information about Whispering Hills Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Shreve, please visit the park’s website at www.whisperinghillsrvpark.com.
    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 81 campgrounds with more than 17,000 campsites and vacation rentals in 32 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

  • 22nd Annual Central Jersey RV Show & Food Drive May 2nd thru 4th

    Holmdel, NJ- April 15, 2014 —- The 22nd Annual Central Jersey RV Show once again expects to draw a record crowd in addition to collecting a record amount of food donations. The dates for this year’s Event are Friday May 2nd, through Sunday May 4th. Hours are 10am until 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday at the PNC Bank Arts Center. Located at exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway, the PNC Bank Arts Center offers RV enthusiasts plenty of free parking. There will be a huge selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels, gas and diesel motorhomes, big and small to fit all budgets.   The 3-day show will be held at The PNC Bank Arts Center located in Holmdel, NJ on the Garden State Parkway, Exit 116, 15 minutes from Outerbridge Crossing and Staten Island. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 7pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Please visit www.centraljerseyrvshow.com.
    Last year, over five thousand pounds of nonperishable food was donated in lieu of admission. “We are proud of our community and the increase in donations that we have received each year for such a worthy cause”, states Walter Hynes, General Manager of Scott Motor Coach RV Center.  The need is great and the donation of nonperishable food items in lieu of cash admission goes a long way. This food will be distributed throughout a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other feeding programs in our locality. The RV community, whether experienced RVers or those new to the RV lifestyle, have a history of helping people in their time of need. The efforts they put forth on May 2ndthrough 4th will help to provide food for low income children, the elderly, disabled, working poor households and families in crisis – almost 127,500 people served by the FoodBank each year.
    This Spring event is always looked upon as the premiere RV pre-season precursor of the Summer camping season. With Memorial Day right around the corner, low introductory pricing on the latest designs and best brands in the industry enable us to say “Good-bye Winter” and “hello to our favorite time of year!” Families get a chance to look through different RV types and pick out their favorite designs and features. They can work with experts to figure out budgets and financing that will allow them to experience their neighborhoods, state parks, landmarks and national treasures like never before.
    RVs aren’t just for camping anymore. Having an RV in the driveway is like having a guest suite when relatives come to call. In a class a, b, or c motorhome you can turn a family outing into a convenient way to keep costs down with your own kitchen, bathroom and changing room at the beach, and dazzle your friends with the ultimate tailgate party! Long distance trips to visit gramma don’t have to mean scrambling for clean bathrooms, motel rooms or a diner that meets your special requirements.
    And today you can keep your kids connected with a satellite dish, lcd TVs and home theaters, wi-fi, solar panels and off grid battery banks, while mom and dad dine by candlelight on a blanket in the sand. There is something for everyone in today’s RV. At the Central Jersey RV Show and Food Drive you can see it, walk through it, experience it and make decisions with the help of experts.
     For help with any of your RVing needs including service, repair, trade values or purchasing a new or used RV, you will find a knowledgeable and friendly group of avid RVers at this event. Scott Motor Coach RV Center has sold tens of thousands of RVs to customers not only in New Jersey, but throughout the 50 states, as well as in Europe, the Mideast and even as far away as Japan. Selling only the most respected RV brands, and dealing with manufacturers with solid financial stability and warranty procedures, these are the RVs families trust. With more than thirty years in business in Lakewood, New Jersey, Scott Motor Coach Route 88 RV Center offers the very best in RV selection, service and price. For more information, please go to www.scottmotorcoach.com.

  • Washington State Evergreen Show Opens April 11

    The Washington State Evergreen RV Show, dating back to 1983, is slated to run April 11-13 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.
    According to a press release, 10 area dealers will participate in the show, including Apache Camping Center, Blade RV Center, Clearview RV, Cruise America, Open Roads RV Center, Paul Evert’s RV Country, Poulsbo RV, Roy Robinson RV, Speedway RV Center and Valley RV Supercenter.
    Organizers report that hundreds of new and used RVs will be exhibited along with an expansive booth line for RV accessories and destination resorts inside the new Event Center Building. As a special feature for this year’s event, a fully refurbished 1976 GMC Eleganza II from Seaview RV & Storage will also be on display.
    Hours for the show are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Ultra-light Camping a Joy with Fully Equipped Features of Ascend Travel Trailer from EverGreen Recreational Vehicles

    Middlebury, Ind—One of the new ultra-light product lines expanded by EverGreenRecreational Vehicles for 2014 is the Ascend travel trailer. Now available in seven floor plans from 17-23 feet, the Ascend is a favorite among entry-level families as well as seasoned empty nesters. Those looking for a smaller travel trailer that is still packed with all of the amenities and features found on larger coaches will find it in the Ascend.
    Just because a travel trailer is smaller, lighter and easier to tow doesn’t mean it can’t be packed with all the key features for maximum comfort on remote camping trips. With the Ascend, campers aren’t required to buy a bigger tow vehicle. Smaller SUVs, crossovers, light trucks, minivans or even large sedans can pull the Ascend.

    Engineered as an Ultra-light That Will Last
    Entry level or small ultra-light coaches generally skimp on amenities and quality construction to lower the weight. Ascend from EverGreen is engineered to be lightweight without compromising key appliances and essential equipment. 
    The first thing RV enthusiasts will notice about the Ascend is its unique shape. The distinctive curved front of the coach makes it aerodynamic, but also has weather-resistant qualities. Composed of a single piece of fiberglass material, the front seamlessly covers the entire roof of the travel trailer as well, allowing water to run right off rather than pooling and creating leaks.
    This fiberglass roof, as well as the rest of the exterior walls of the coach, is vacuum laminated over the lightweight DuraLite™ Double Welded Aluminum Structure. Welded rather than screwed, with full framing around all door and window openings, this frame is built to be tough, flexible and durable. Another weight-saving feature is the Ascend’s ComposiTek™ construction in the inner sidewalls. Composites are lighter than wood but four times stronger, and resist mold, mildew, and rot that can eventually destroy travel trailers made entirely of wood. The underside of the Ascend floor is also vacuum laminated with ComposiTek, creating an additional barrier from road grime and unwanted pests.
    Lighted and finished exterior pass-through storage is also aluminum framed and easily accessible from inside through the aluminum framed bed base with gas struts for added convenience.
    Roomy Inside, Yet Packed with Standard Amenities
    Available in bunkhouse, rear lounge, and rear bath configurations the Ascend is more spacious inside than you might think and filled with residential-style. The cabinets are screwed and glued, not stapled, with raised panels in the upper storage areas. Not only stylish, the cabinets provide lots of room for stowing camping gear—a shortcoming in many smaller travel trailers. Drawers are fitted with smooth ball bearing drawer guides that won’t warp or stick under the weight of a full drawer. 
    There’s plenty of light inside the Ascend due to integrated skylights in the living area and large, frameless bonded and tinted windows with pleated shades. Plenty of energy efficient LED lighting keeps the Ascend bright inside at night without depleting power sources. The floor is made of a comfortable padded vinyl that is warrantied against cold cracking.
    Queen beds with innerspring mattresses make campers feel more like they’re sleeping at home. The 19-foot trailers have an island queen bed. Another nice touch, not usually found in ultra-lights, is the double door refrigerator/freezer in the galley area with an optional microwave or three-in-one convection oven/microwave.
    In the bath, the separate shower is a nice standard feature not found on many lightweight travel trailers this size. A stylish neo-angle glass shower door is available as an option. The skylight over the tub provides additional natural lighting in the bathroom.
    Utilities and Step-up Features Never Overlooked in an EverGreen
    Some RV companies cut costs and weight on utilities or other features in ultra-light lines, but not in EverGreen. Ascend’s six-gallon gas/electric DSI water heater lets the owner choose the energy source. An Atwood on-demand tankless water heater is a great option not normally seen on travel trailers in the 17-23 foot long range. Dual 20-pound LP tanks with a cover and machine-crimped fittings help to supply plenty of propane for remote trips. For those who want to plug in, a marine-style detachable power cord with LED lights help to light the way.
    If campers are looking for entertainment, there’s a TV hookup with antenna, and the Ascend travel trailer is wired for a CD/ DVD player with interior speakers and the option of having an entertainment system that is compatible with USB powered music players like i-Pods and smart phones. The roof is wired for an air conditioner (optional 13,500 or 15,000 BTU) and a handy tank monitor system makes tracking all of these utilities a snap.
    Other options include a large power awning that covers the entire campsite and lightweight automotive style aluminum rims. The slide rooms come out square and true on four-point gear-driven slides, not the cable-driven slides seen on many competitor models in this weight class. One additional unique feature is EverGreen’s decision to place the water tank over the axles to reduce tongue weight and better balance the coach for smooth towing.
    A Real Travel Trailer Backed With a Real Warranty
    EverGreen backs up their craftsmanship with one of the best warranties in the business. The first year of camping is covered by a year of free roadside assistance, with a one-year limited and three-year structural warranty.

    Savvy RV consumers are increasingly investing in “The EverGreen Difference” as the company continues to dramatically lead the towable RV segment in sales. Of the top 15 towable RV manufacturers, EverGreen Recreational Vehicles LLC, along with its Lifestyle Luxury RV fifth-wheel division, was the fastest growing company in the industry for both registered retail sales and total increase in market share for the year 2013.

    To learn more about the entire family of EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, travel trailers and fifth-wheels, and find a dealer near you, visit www.GoEverGreenRV.com
    Write: EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC 10758 County Road 2,
    Middlebury, IN 46540
    Phone: 574-825-4298 Fax: 574-825-4299
    ###

  • Livin’ Lite RV Resurrects Iconic Coleman Camper

    Livin’ Lite Recreational Vehicles recently introduced an all-new line of Coleman “automotive” camping trailers designed to leverage the tenting community’s allegiance to the iconic brand while tapping into a growing demographic base wanting a popup that can be towed by the family vehicle.
    “We are targeting the 44 million-plus people that go tent camping,” said Scott Tuttle, president of the Wakarusa, Ind.-based Thor Industries Inc. divison, citing current figures compiled by the America Outdoors Association. “The Coleman automotive tent camper allows them ‘to get off the ground’ when the family goes camping. It’s for those people that have no interest in buying a pickup truck or large SUV. They want an RV they can tow with smaller fuel-efficient cars, like a Prius or even a Smart Car.”
    Tuttle emphasized that the Coleman name would spark instant brand awareness with the RV consumer, building a legion of loyal RVers through a longtime licensing agreement between Coleman and now defunct Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. The line was later resurrected by Pennsylvania-based FTCA Inc., which closed up shop in 2010.
    “Thor’s Dutchmen division had a contract with Coleman to build travel trailers,” explained Tuttle. “We were able to work out an exclusive licensing agreement with Coleman to build ultra-light automotive camping trailers.”
    The line includes four models offered in 6-foot, 8-foot and 10-foot lengths with most retailing for under $10,000. Built entirely of lightweight aluminum and composites, the Coleman camper is designed for longevity. Exteriors are available in a wide selection of colors, allowing the camper to be color-matched to a family’s car or minivan.
    “The 8- and 10-footers can sleep six people,” Tuttle said. “The 6-footer can sleep four and be towed by a trike motorcycle.”
    Tuttle reported that Livin’ Lite introduced the Coleman camper around 30 days ago. Currently, the series is sold exclusively in Camping World Inc. locations, which Tuttle said offers another tie-in to the camping community.
    “First off, Coleman is the No. 1 brand in tent camping,” he said. “And Camping World stores are a favorite destination for campers, where they can buy all their gear and accessories. It’s a perfect fit.”
    Tuttle noted that the Coleman line also represents an extension of the original business plan for Livin’ Lite, which entered the market 11 years ago with its ultra-light Quicksilver automotive camper.
    “We proved there was an untapped audience out there with our Quicksilver line,” he said. “It’s a demographic that, quite frankly, was overlooked. The popup segment has been dwindling for a number of years because units kept getting bigger, heavier and more expensive.
    “Builders got away from what was considered a bridge product – bringing campers into the RV industry. The Coleman camping trailer is a true entry-level product. There’s definitely a market, now we just have to build our dealer network.”

  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts Plan Easter Themed Weekends

    Some campgrounds are planning special Easter egg hunts for adults, while the Jellystone Park in Elmer, N.J. hopes to set a new world record with the largest Easter egg dying event in history
              
    Who says Easter egg hunts are just for kids?
                
    In addition to organizing traditional egg hunts for children, several Jellystone Park campgrounds across the country plan to celebrate Easter with special egg hunts for mom and dad. These include the Jellystone Parks in Austin, Minn. and Quarryville, Penn.
                
    The Jellystone Park in North Hudson, N.Y. is taking the egg hunt concept a step further with its own special event for grownups— an “adult beverage hunt.”
                
    Most Jellystone Park Easter themed events, however, are designed for the whole family and include egg coloring and decorating activities; bunny sack races; egg toss competitions; as well as hay rides and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Several parks are also organizing multiple egg hunts, including evening flashlight Easter egg hunts.
                
    The Jellystone Park in Elmer, N.J. is even planning to set a new world record for the largest egg dying event on Saturday, April 19.

    “Camping is all about family and friends and making memories, and what better memory than to set a world record,” said Brian Newcomb, general manager of the Jellystone Park in Elmer. He said the park is coordinating the event under strict guidelines established by the Guinness Book of World Records.

    The Elmer park is also working with a local pilot, who will fly over the campground on April 19 and drop hundreds of plastic eggs over an open field. “Inside the eggs will be tickets for prizes,” Newcomb said.

    While most Easter themed events at Jellystone Parks are scheduled for Easter weekend, several campgrounds are scheduling their Easter-themed events several weeks before and after April 20.

    For example, the Jellystone Park in Waller, Texas is having Easter themed events on the weekend of April 5 – 6. Meanwhile, in the state of Wisconsin, Jellystone Parks in Caledonia and Fort Atkinson, are scheduling Easter themed events on the weekend of May 16 – 18 while the Jellystone Park in Sturgeon Bay is planning its Easter themed events the weekend of June 6 – 8.

    Some Jellystone Parks are scheduling multiple days or multiple weekends of Easter themed events. These include the Jellystone Parks in Cherokee and Marion, N.C. and Luray, Va., which are scheduling Easter events from April 14 – 20, and the Jellystone Park in Cosby, Tenn., which has four Easter themed weekends planned for April.

    Following is a list of several Jellystone Parks across the country that are planning Easter themed activities along with the dates of those activities:

    Alabama
    — Elberta, www.jellystoneALgulfcoast.com, April 18 -20
    Delaware
    — Lincoln, www.delawarejellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Georgia
    — Bremen,
    www.gajellystone.com, April 4 – 6, 11 – 13 and 18 – 20
    Illinois
    — Millbrook, www.jellystonechicago.com, April 18 – 20
    Indiana
    — Fremont, www.jellystonesbest.com, April 18 – 20
    Kansas
    — Lawrence, www.kansascityjellystone.com, April 18 – 19
    Kentucky
    — Cave City, www.jellystonemammothcave.com, April 18 – 20
    Michigan
    — Frankenmuth, www.frankenmuthjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    — South Haven, www.southhavenjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Minnesota
    — Austin, www.beavertrailsjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Mississippi
    — Pelahatchie, www.jellystonems.com, April 18 – 20
    Missouri
    — Eureka, www.eurekajellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    New York
    — North Hudson, www.adirondacksjellystone.com, May 2 – 4
    North Carolina
    — Cherokee, www.jellystonecherokee.com, April 14 – 20
    — Marion, www.jellystonemarion.com, April 14 – 20
    — Tabor City, www.taborcityjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Pennsylvania
    — Harrisville, www.pittsburghjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    — Mill Run, www.jellystonemillrun.com, April 18 – 20
    —Quarryville, www.jellystonepa.com, April 18 – 20
    South Carolina
    — Swansea, www.columbiajellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Tennessee
    — Cosby, www.greatsmokyjellystone.com, Each weekend in April
    — Horn Lake MS (Memphis area), www.memphisjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    Texas
    — Burleson, www.northtexasjellystone.com, April 17 – 19
    — Canyon Lake, www.jellystonehillcountry.com, April 18 – 20
    — Fredericksburg, www.twcjellystone.com, April 18 – 20
    — Tyler, www.jellystoneatwhisperingpines.com, April 18 – 19
    — Waller, www.lonestarcamping.com, April 5 – 6
    Virginia
    — Gloucester Point, www.jellystonegp.com, April 18 – 20
    — Luray, www.campluray.com, April 14 – 20
    — Natural Bridge, www.campnbr.com, April 18 – 20
    Wisconsin
    — Caledonia, www.jellystone-caledonia.com, May 16 – 18
    — Fort Atkinson, www.jellystonefort.com, May 16 – 18

    — Sturgeon Bay, www.doorcountyjellystone.com, June 6 – 8
    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 81 campgrounds with more than 17,000 campsites and vacation rentals in 32 states and three Canadian provinces. 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

  • First Travato Completed in Winnebago’s New Lake Mills Assembly Facility

    FOREST CITY, Iowa, March 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading United States manufacturer of recreation vehicles, has completed the first Travato from the new Lake Mills Assembly Facility.

    As announced in November 2013, Winnebago expanded manufacturing for the Company’s Winnebago Touring Coach (Class B) motorhomes to a new Lake Mills Assembly Facility.  The Company celebrated the completion of the first Travato rolling off the line today. 

    “Our employees have done a great job; they’ve worked hard to install new equipment, set up the production floor and train new staff,” said Chairman, CEO and President Randy Potts.  “It’s a real celebration to see the first Travato motorhome roll off the line and the timing for ramping up this production couldn’t be better as we prepare for the busy spring and summer selling season.” 

    The TravatoTM is the newest Class B motorhome to join the Winnebago Touring Coach lineup.  At 20′ long, the Travato is extremely agile, while still offering a full-feature RV experience that is perfect for the adventurous explorer.  Featuring the Ram ProMaster chassis, the Travato features a unique floorplan with a rear double bed that is designed to flip up, out of the way to allow for large items like bicycles to be stored inside, while making them easily accessible through the large double doors at the rear of the coach.  With swivel cab seats, LED ceiling lights, standard touch-screen navigation, a split dinette, and an abundance of features, the Travato delivers a whole lot of fun for less.  

    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.wgo.net/investor.html.

  • Tour One of America’s Most Iconic Brands – Winnebago

    FOREST CITY, Iowa, March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Annually more than 10,000 visitors come to Forest City, Iowa, to get the inside story of one of America’s most iconic brands – Winnebago®. Come see for yourself why Winnebago is the best selling brand and most recognized name in RV’ing with a free factory tour.

    Founded in 1958, “Winnebago” became a household word when the Company became the first recreation vehicle manufacturer to build motorhomes in an automotive-style assembly line system. Winnebago builds its Winnebago, Itasca®, and Winnebago Touring CoachTM motorhome brands in one of the most technologically advanced RV manufacturing facilities in existence today.

    “If you haven’t been on our tour – you are missing out,” said Winnebago Chairman, CEO and President Randy Potts. “The tour not only shows you how our motorhomes are built from start to finish, but also the technology and innovative designs that set our motorhomes apart from the rest.”

    The tour starts at the Winnebago Visitors’ Center with a 20-minute video that offers a preview of the manufacturing process. After the video, the tour bus, manufactured by Winnebago Industries, departs for a drive-through tour of the grounds. Tour goers are also able to do walk-in tours of three buildings: the Chassis Weld facility, where the raw chassis is prepared to become a home on wheels with the front cab and basement storage added; the Stitchcraft facility that builds quality chairs, window valances, sofas and other innovative furniture pieces that are only found in our motorhomes; and our main production area named Big Bertha.

    Equivalent in size to eight football fields, Big Bertha features three production lines. Visitors will see the magnitude of this building thanks to mezzanines that provide a bird’s eye view.

    Before or after the tour, visitors can also visit the Winnebago Museum which is located in the upper level of the Visitors’ Center. The museum chronicles the Company’s 56-year history, as well as the design and construction of the Company’s motorhomes.

    During the spring and summer months, the Visitors’ Center also features some of the latest models of the Company’s Winnebago, Itasca, and Winnebago Touring Coach motorhomes, as well as Winnebago Towables, right off the assembly lines. Visitors can also see one of the first motorhomes built by Winnebago Industries, the classic 1967 Winnebago D22, as well as a 1959 trailer. The Visitors’ Center is also home to WIT Club, the company’s product owners club and Winnebago Outdoor Store, which offers a variety of Winnebago branded apparel, gifts, and wearables.

    Tours of Winnebago are free, and all ages are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Visitors’ Center is accessible to those with disabilities; however the factory tour does include three staircases.

    Tours, which last approximately two hours, are offered twice daily at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday from April through October, and at 1 p.m. in November. If your group is larger than six, reservations are recommended.

    For more information, please call 641/585-6936, visit: http://www.winnebagoind.com/company/visit-us/ or email info@winnebagoind.com .

  • Winnebago announces launch of an innovative RV lifestyle website

    FOREST CITY, Iowa, March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Winnebago Industries (WGO) announced the launch of the RV industry’s first lifestyle website.  The site, www.winnebagolife.com, nicknamed goLife, brings a fresh perspective to the RV industry.

    The goLife website will have continuing features that include stories on owners’ lifestyles, in-depth articles featuring the company’s latest vehicles, a product showcase for apps and travel accessories, stories and pictures from owners, and a look ahead to new trends in the industry.

    “For years, Winnebago has been an innovator in recreational vehicle product design,” said Kelli Harms, Winnebago’s Marketing and Sales Promotion Manager. “With our new goLife website we plan to continue that innovation by bringing unique stories and fresh ideas that readers won’t find in today’s RV publications and websites.  Traditionally, manufacturers’ websites are all about specifications and features, but that’s only half the story.  We think that taking our readers behind the scenes with owner stories, in-depth interviews with Winnebago executives and designers, fun travel destinations, and unique product highlights will complete the other half of the Winnebago story.”
    Chad Reece, Director of Marketing explains, “Historically, the RV industry is slow to change.  Many of the traditional ways our customers used to learn about our products are now less important.  Today, by the time customers walk into a dealer, they already know a lot through on-line research.  Our goLife website, along with other social media tools, will be invaluable in helping our customers learn about our products and, of equal importance, share the fun and excitement that our Winnebago owners experience.”

    “And to best communicate the Winnebago and RV lifestyle, we’ve done something pretty innovative,” Harms continues, “we’ve reached out to one of our Winnebago owners to be our editor/blogger-in-chief.  Last year Don and Terry Cohen traveled 25,000 miles in their new Itasca Navion.  Don created a personal website to share their adventures and insights with their friends.  Don’s been a successful entrepreneur for four decades and has written, photographed and produced award-winning videos for years. As the goLife editor, he brings a true – ‘been there, doing that’ approach.”
    “It’s a dream assignment,” says Cohen. “A year before we bought our Navion, I was all over the Internet learning about RVs.  While I viewed hundreds of sites and videos, I didn’t see many that were very well written or produced.  I’m super excited that the new goLife website is going to add some long overdue sophistication to the RV industry. We know full well that there are a lot of misperceptions about RVing and I think our goLife site is going to be a fresh voice in getting people to think differently about RVing as a fun travel option.”

    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.

    For more information, contact:
    Sheila Davis

  • 2013 Year-end Statistics Show EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC the Fastest Growing Company Among the Top 15 Towable RV Manufacturers

    Middlebury, Ind. – EverGreenRecreational Vehicles and its LifestyleLuxury RV division announced today that the year-end numbers from the independent StatisticalSurveys, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan show that EverGreen is the fastest growing company of the top 15 manufacturers in the towable RV segment for 2013. The company showed the highest growth statistics for both unit growth, at 85.5 percent and market share growth at 60.4 percent, among the top 15 towable RV manufacturers. The momentum for EverGreen was significant as the firm’s top position in the towable segment moved from 74.7 percent of unit growth with market share growth of 52.2 in September to the current numbers—an increase of over 10 percent in the fourth quarter alone. 
    “We’ve shown significant momentum throughout 2013 and it continues in 2014,” stated EverGreen President and COO Mark Boessler. “We attribute our leading position to attracting and partnering with the best dealers in the business. Our entire manufacturing and sales team must also be commended, as we now have 10 unique brands to choose from. Our dealers are profiting from both our innovative designs and the variety of price points we are hitting.”
    Boessler also noted that EverGreen’s policy of providing its dealers with true protected trade territories and rejecting the industry norm of selling similar brands in the same marketplace is also key to dealer success. 
    “We understand that our dealers have a dramatically higher rate of success and capture far more market share in their territories, without having to deal with cloned products being sold right across town,” Boessler added. “We encourage dealers interested in our way of doing business, or those who are looking to replace a current line, to give us a call.” 
    To learn more about the entire family of EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, and Lifestyle Luxury RV, visit www.goevergreenrv.comor www.lifestylelrv.com
    Contact your EverGreen or Lifestyle Luxury RV representative today.
    EverGreen: 574-825-4298
    Lifestyle: 574-825-5578

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