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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

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