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 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

CrossRoads RV has announced it will step up production to keep pace with consumer demand by re-opening an additional production plant and increasing its workforce.

“Our dealers are reporting strong retail sales over the last several months and positive results from Fall shows. Although the rest of the industry may be experiencing a seasonal slowdown, we’ve chosen not to participate,” states Mark Lucas, President of CrossRoads RV. Re-opening Plant #2 will enable the company to shorten lead times and provide faster delivery of its products.

Plant #2 will be used to manufacture CrossRoads’ re-designed SlingShot travel trailers, Sunset Trail Ultra Light travel trailers and the newly introduced expandable floor plans. The company also plans to hire an additional 125 workers.

“Both dealers and retail customers are noticing and responding to the changes we’ve made across all product lines. We currently operate six production facilities totaling over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space and we will be using it all as dealers prepare for what should be a great spring selling season,” comments Nate Nickell, VP of Sales and Marketing.

Source: Crossroads RV

Fleetwood RV, Inc. has announced the launch of its limited edition 2010 Quest, a value-priced Class C diesel motor home built on the fuel-efficient Dodge Sprinter chassis. This limited production run of 150 units will be available at select Fleetwood RV dealers nationwide.

Photo Credit: Fleetwood RV

According to Fleetwood, the 2010 Quest is available in two 24-feet, single slide-out models: a rear bath floor plan with opposing sofa beds (24E); and a rear gaucho dinette with sofa sleeper and optional Queen air mattress sofa bed floor plan (24L). Low profile cap and overhead 26″LCD TVs are standard on both models. Customers can also select the optional cab-over bed with 19″ LCD TV and DVD player.

“The 2010 Quest combines the fuel-efficiency of our Icon and Pulse motor homes with the value pricing of our traditional Class C motor homes,” said John Draheim, president of Fleetwood RV, Inc. “The market’s response to Quest has been better than expected. Our entire production run sold out in two weeks, and dealers are retailing them as fast as we can deliver them.” “Our customers love the 2010 Quest,” said Loren Baidas, owner of General RV, located in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Utah. “Both models are equipped with a multitude of standard features and increased sleeping capacities – even without the optional cabover bed, plus its price point makes it difficult to ignore.”

Source: Fleetwood RV, Inc.

Freightliner Custom Chassis wants to help out RVers who have waited out the bumpy road of a rough economy with some free fuel.

Called “Fueled By Us,” Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) is offering a $1,250 USD fuel card with the purchase of any qualifying new motorhome built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. The Fueled By Us offer is available from Oct. 15 – Dec. 31.

According to Freightliner, the following manufacturers are participating in the Fueled By Us program: Damon, Entegra Coach, Forest River, Gulf Stream, Itasca, Jayco, Four Winds International (formerly known as Mandalay Coach), Newmar, Sportscoach, Tiffin, Triple E and Winnebago. FCCC’s Fueled By Us offer applies to new 2008, 2009 and 2010 model-year retail-sold motorhomes built by the aforementioned participating manufacturers on FCCC chassis.

FCCC manufactures diesel powered chassis and even offers the first-of-its-kind hybrid-electric version called ecoFRED, designed to increase fuel economy while delivering optimal power.

Qualified Fueled by Us participants receive a Visa debit card pre-loaded with $1,250 that can be used at any diesel fueling station across the country where Visa is accepted. For more information and details about the Fueled By Us offer, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com/fuel.

Source: Freightliner Custom Chassis