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Airstream recently announced that it has increased production by 30 percent over the last six weeks to meet a growing wholesale and retail demand for its trailers.

Photo Credit: Airstream

According to Airstream, the RV industry has taken a major hit because of the economy. Airstream has not been immune from the downturn. However, in recent weeks the company has seen a strong uptick in retail and wholesale demand.

According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), overall RV sales in July ran at the strongest annual rate since October of 2008, signaling an overall industry turnaround. Airstream has grown its production backlog from an all-time low of three weeks to a high of 11 weeks, and as a result is expanding its staffing to support the production boost, something that the company has not done since late 2006.

Photo Credit: Airstream

“The RV industry tends to lead the general economy both in and out of recessions, so our growth spells good things for the economy as a whole” said Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream. “In the course of 78 years, Airstream has encountered numerous ups and downs, and as a result we feel that we are well-positioned to recover quickly. We are prepared to embrace what will hopefully be a very successful 2010.”

Airstream also reports that sales in its primary European markets of England, Germany and Holland are also experiencing a marked recovery.

Source: Airstream

Internet access is important to many RVers as having access to electricity, but how do you stay online as you travel across the country? RV campgrounds often have Wi-Fi services or network connections, but what about the great stretches of road between campgrounds?

A post on the site Slashdot.org asks the question of what is the best way for RVers to get roaming internet access.

The question comes from an RVer who runs a web-based business and needs a reliable service. Options for RV internet connections range from 3G data plans to satellite dish services. Which one is the best for RVers? The discussion reveals a number of options and their benefits and drawbacks.

Source: Slashdot.org

Photo Credit: Contoure

Contoure has introduced a microwave for Boat and RV owners designed to maximize kitchen space without sacrificing style. Complementing any design, the new, black CM11040BKT Spacesaver Microwave Oven with Trim Kit from Contoure increases counter space with a convenient, flush-mounted, built-in option.

Providing a streamlined appearance, the state-of-the-art, 900W Spacesaver Microwave Oven offers a generous 1 cu. ft. of cooking space, digital interactive display, electronic control and 10 power levels. Eight touch menu buttons automatically set the correct cooking times for certain foods, such as popcorn, soup and vegetables. Other features include jet defrost by weight and time, a handy kitchen timer and a +30 seconds selection.

Source: Contoure

The University of Alabama homepage reports on the work of a father-son engineering duo with a passion for RV travel and their idea for a hybrid dinghy pusher after the cost of fuel curtailed both families’ traveling plans.

Photo Credit: University of Alabama

According to the University homepage, Dr. Steve Shepard Jr., associate professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama, and his father, Dr. Steve Shepard Sr., a former faculty member and researcher at Mississippi State University, have created a concept for an electric-hybrid passenger vehicle with the ability to improve fuel economy and increase the acceleration of the motor home towing it.

In this concept, the dinghy consists of a hybrid SUV towed by the RV. When driven as a standard automobile, the SUV operates as a fully-functional hybrid vehicle. When towed behind a RV, the SUV switches into the hybrid dinghy pusher mode, where only the electrical portion of the hybrid-SUV is utilized. The hybrid dinghy pusher, known as a HDP, works by going into generator mode and storing energy when going downhill, and energy previously stored in the batteries is used to help push the motor home up-hill.

The previously stored electrical energy in the hybrid dinghy pusher can also be used to help accelerate the motor home more quickly from a stop or while just driving down the road. A conventional hybrid SUV is adapted to utilize its electric system to recycle energy when being towed.

The HDP’s on board motors provide propulsion during acceleration and act as electric generators during braking. The assistance provided to the motor home by the HDP is not meant to replace the propulsion provided by the motor home engine; it simply supplements it to improve acceleration and reduces wear on the RV engine. Unlike typical towed dinghies, motor homes towing an HDP would experience a decrease in fuel consumption and an increase in acceleration performance. According to Shepard, hybrid motor homes are just now coming onto the market, and they are expensive.

Besides being a cheaper alternative to a hybrid motor home, the greatest advantage of this new concept is that the HDP not only assists the motor home in transit, but it also provides the motor home owners with a hybrid vehicle to drive after arriving at their destination. Other advantages of implementing such a system are improved gas mileage, reduced rate of wear on brake components, and improved mobility for users of RVs and the dinghy.

Working with UA’s Office for Technology Transfer, the Shepards are in the process of securing a development partner to bring this cutting-edge technology to the market. UA originally filed a U.S. provisional patent application, which has since been converted to a full utility patent application.

Source: University of Alabama

The Dow Chemical Company has introduced an enhanced seasonal water system winterization product for recreational vehicles, vacation cottages, boats, pools and spas that is readily biodegradable, blended with renewable ingredients, and packaged in a container produced using proprietary Dow technology.

Dowfrost RVR seasonal freeze protection fluid is a ready-to-use solution that provides protection against bursting of potable water systems when exposed to freezing temperatures and contains proprietary corrosion inhibitors to help prevent rusting and corrosion of plumbing system components in seasonal equipment. It will be available on store shelves beginning September 2009.

Dow also features a webpage on how to safely winterize your RV water system.

Source: Dow Chemical Company

Winnebago Industries has begun shipments of the Company’s new 2010 Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo have now begun with initial deliveries arriving at select dealers throughout the U.S.

Photo Credit: Winnebago

“The culmination of an extensive development process, the all-new Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo are ground-breaking motor homes in every way,” said Winnebago Industries’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “With innovative new features and construction, contemporary design, and record-breaking fuel economy, the new Via and Reyo are truly motor homes for the future.”

The first Class A diesel motor homes built on the fuel efficient Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Via and Reyo are 25-foot, fresh, innovative and fully equipped motor homes that are slated to provide the highest fuel efficiency currently available in a Class A motor home, along with superior handling and maneuverability.

Source: Winnebago

As the economy show signs of recovery, the RV industry appears to be making a modest comeback.

The Southbend Tribune reports on RV manufacturers expanding production and how startup RV companies are offering new models. RV industry workers hope to find new opportunities with the rebound.

According to story, the RVIA reports RV shipments for June were the highest since August 2008 with shipments for 2010 predicted to increase as high as 24 percent.

The recovery of RV sales seems to be strongest for manufacturers of towable RVs. One example is Evergreen Recreational Vehicles, a company that offers environment-friendly towable RVs.

Photo Courtesy of Evergreen RV

Source: The Southbend Tribune

Photo Credit: RVIA

Camping has traditionally meant getting away from modern comforts to get closer to nature. Some campers do not want to part with their cellphones, MP3 players, and other luxuries and are bringing them along for the ride to the woods.

They are bringing their tech-gear out to the woods and seeking out a more comfy outdoor experience. The Washington Post reports on the trend of “glamping”, a term used by camping purists who prefer unplugged trips to the wilderness.

According to the Washington Post story, park owners are making living outdoors easier for their guests by offering ready-to-go tents, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV connections. Outdoor equipment manufacturers are following the glamping trend by offering gear with built in alarm clocks and MP3 players.

Source: The Washington Post

RV communities are found all over the United States, many near slow-paced scenic areas or quiet vacation spots. One unique RV community is located in one of the busiest places in the country, and it is anything but quiet.

The Los Angeles Times reports on the community of airline employees using RVs and trailers at Los Angeles International Airport.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the RVs are used by airline employees ranging from mechanics to pilots and offer inexpensive accommodations when working far from home.

The RV community is located in Lot B of LAX, an area set aside by the airport and features its own security and management, including its own mayor.

A photo/audio presentation by Mel Melcon of the Los Angeles Times shows the unique pace of life in the Lot B community.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

Designed primarily for ATV towing, the Paiute from Evergreen Off Road Campers provides comfort without boundaries. This all-season, impact-resistant camper employs durable WeatherMax fabric from Safety Components.

Photo Credit: Evergreen Off Road Campers

“We chose WeatherMax due to its strength, weight, abrasion resistance and breathability,” said Nick Spence, executive manager of Evergreen Off Road Campers, LLC. “The fabric has been tested in extreme rain, snow and sun with very admirable results.” “It’s also mildew-resistant, making it a good fit for hunters and fishermen since many times an outdoorsman will break camp during inclement weather. The camper needs to stay in good shape for the next trip,” Spence said. “This fabric provides all the quality required by the most discriminating outdoor enthusiasts.”

Photo Credit: Evergreen Off Road Campers

Whether storing, hauling or towing, the Paiute is dimensioned to fit anywhere a standard ATV will. The camper’s independent torsion suspension delivers a tall ground clearance. It also features over 6′ of head room and two large beds. Below the cabin is the ISS (Integrated Storage System), where fuel, water or a toolbox can be safely transported.

Evergreen Off Road Campers offers many accessories to augment the camper in various environments, including a zip-on Weather Skirt to enclose the entire underside of the cabin and a 10′ x 12′ attachable wall tent. “Many of our accessories also utilize WeatherMax materials due to the quality and properties of the fabric,” said Spence. WeatherMax fabric from Safety Components offers twice the strength and six times the abrasion resistance of acrylic. Made from solution-dyed SaturaMax yarns with a revolutionary HydroMax finish, the fabric is highly water-resistant yet breathable, eliminating the growth of mildew.

Source: Evergreen Off Road Campers