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The Press Enterprise of Southern California features a profile of Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. founder John Crean, who died last week at the age of 81.

John Crean founded Fleetwood in 1950, building the company into a leader in the RV and mobile home industry.

According to the article, Crean was a hands-on manager who made sure Fleetwood RVs were built with quality.

In 1987, when an RV prototype did not meet with Crean’s expectations, he went to the factory and personally finished the job. Crean and his wife later took the RV out for testing on a road trip.

Crean’s son now runs Alfa Leisure, crediting his father for guiding him with sound business principles as he set up his own RV business.

GPS technology has revolutionized RV travel, giving drivers the ability to focus on the road instead of fumbling with a map.

While GPS technology is easier to use and cheaper than ever, some RVers only need a GPS a for a trip or two a year. The expense of a GPS is not worth having the unit gather dust till the next vacation.

Telematics Journal features a story on Nav-a-Trip, a web-based service that rents GPS units for short term use. Nav-a-Trip users can have a GPS sent to their home or office, use it for their RV trip, then ship it back for a fee lower than buying a unit.

The latest RV models offer all the comforts of home on four wheels. Step into a new Class A or Class C and you will find more space and features than ever offered before in an RV.

But what if bigger is not better for you? Some RVers want to travel in style, but have more modest standards. RV manufacturers have not forgotten the budget RVer, making new models to suit their needs.

One such model is the T@B Microlite Travel Trailer by Dutchman, profiled on WomanMotorist.com.

The design is that of a “teardrop” trailer, which dates back to the 1930s. While the style and shape might be inspired by the past, the construction and features are 100% modern.

The new teardrop trailers are bigger than their older cousins, yet take up a fraction of the driveway space of a larger fifth wheel trailer. Older teardrop trailers were made of wood. The new Dutchman trailers are made of sturdy AluFiber, a combination of wood and fiberglass.

Think the new T@B Microlite Travel Trailer is for you? Find one today on RV Trader Online.com

The Spokesman Review features a story on Work Camping or “Workamping” as it is sometimes called.

Workamping RVers exchange free RV parking for working a job at or near the campsite. RVers work part-time as groundskeepers, souvenir sellers, or at nearby theme parks.

The work in exchange for RV space and wages lets RVers enjoy national parks and other attractions for longer and cheaper. Other RVers enjoy the work as a way of giving back to the community and to help preserve the parks they love.

Are you a Workamping RVer? Do you have any advice or tips for other RVers who might want to try Workamping? Leave a comment below and tell us your story.

http://www.racingmilestones.com/news/01052007_2.shtml

The Central Kentucky Journal Online features a story on how winter is a great time to visit RV shows.

In the article, the RVIA is quoted on travelers choosing RV vacations for more comfort, less stress, and to stay close to home. With RVs equipped with satellite TV, internet access, and DVD players, an RV vacation is as far from “roughing it” as you can get.

RV shows give customers a chance to compare models and see them up close. With a changing RV market that includes buyers from all walks of life, there is more variety in RV models and styles than ever before.

Are you planning to attend an RV show? What will you be looking for? Leave a comment below and tell us your story.

What sounded like a great opportunity for leasing RVs has now turned into a criminal case.
The Orlando Sentinel features the story on how a company sold timeshares plans for luxury RVs, then collapsed and left buyers with losses adding up into the millions.

The RV leasing plan was supposed to give investors a chance to rent a large motor-coach style RV and to make some money back. Now 172 buyers say they have lost their money and the two founders of the company face fraud and racketeering charges.

Both executives involved with the business say they had noble intentions and maintain their innocence.

http://www.northfortynews.com/News/200701seniorPetTravel.htm

Happy New Year from RV Trader Insider!

Pantagraph.com features a story on an unusual RV park in Austin, Texas.

Pecan Grove RV Park is surrounded by pricey condominiums, but is home to offbeat residents who thrive in the park’s laid-back atmosphere.

Some Pecan Grove residents are full time artists and adventurers who enjoy cheap rent. Others are visitors from distant cities who find comfort in the sense of community.

Are you a Pecan Grove resident? Do you have any stories to share about living there? Do you have a favorite RV park that has a sense of community you enjoy? Post a message below and tell us about it!