Newell Partners With Porsche Engineering On Exterior Redesign
Newell Coach Corporation, C47, of Miami, Oklahoma, recently collaborated with the Huntington Beach, California, design studios of Porsche Engineering to update the exterior design of Newell’s luxury motor coaches. Porsche Engineering is a division of the renowned German sports car company.
Newell engineers worked closely with Porsche designers to refine and finalize the design, which is distinctly European. It includes complex, molded-chrome trim that marries seamlessly with the Newell body. The jewel-like finish of the detailing has been made possible by recently developed state-of-the-art processes for plating molded parts.
The new design also features high-performance, Xenon gas-discharge headlights for enhanced night vision, and a large, one-piece windshield.
“This was our first major redesign in over 15 years,” said Karl Blade, owner of Newell Coach. “We knew that Porsche Engineering would give our coach the sophisticated look we wanted. It’s clean, refined, and contemporary, not what you’d normally find in a North American motor coach.”
When asked how customers are responding to the new design, Mr. Blade said, “Given how contemporary the styling is, and the generally conservative nature of this market, it’s surprising how quickly the new design has been accepted. The customer response has been uniformly enthusiastic.”
For more information about Newell’s redesigned coaches, visit www.newellcoach.com or call (888) 363-9355.
Beaver Brings Back Contessa For 2007
Beaver Motor Coach, a division of Monaco Coach Corporation, C2111, has reintroduced one of its most popular models after a three-year absence. The completely redesigned Contessa is now part of Beaver’s 2007 lineup.
One of the most significant improvements to the 2007 Contessa is the Roadmaster raised-rail chassis, which, according to company literature, provides better ride and handling than the previous Contessa model. The coach comes with eight outboard-mounted airbags, liftable tag axles on 42-foot models, and a cushion air-glide suspension, as well as full pass-through storage and easy serviceability. Other Contessa refinements include new Euro-styled front and rear caps, a larger Panaview one-piece windshield, Sony electronics, and tile aisleways.
The 2007 Contessa is powered by a Caterpillar C9 400-horsepower engine, with a Cummins ISL 400-horsepower engine as an option. The coach is available in six floor plans, ranging in length from 36 feet to 42 feet, all with quad slides. Beaver’s hallmark handcrafted wood cabinetry is showcased in this model, offered in a choice of white oak, rustic cherry, tight knot walnut, and maple. Four décor choices are available that highlight the exquisite handcrafted hardwoods.
Additional features include a color rear-vision system; an Aladdin Jr. coach information system; a 32-inch LCD TV in the front cockpit overhead area; a power generator slide-out tray; multiplex wiring throughout; an optional three-camera rear-vision system; and an optional Hydro-Hot heating system.
The 2007 Beaver Contessa has a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $264,461. For more information, visit www.monaco-online.com.
Health Tips For Senior Travelers
he Fit Traveler: Senior EditionToday’s seniors care about their fitness and will work for it. But fighting a winning battle for a healthy life doesn’t stop at home. It is also important to stay fit on the road.
For those 50 and older who spend their leisure time traveling, Kari Eide and Lissa Mueller created 21 recommended exercises that can be done by almost anyone, anywhere, at any time. All that’s needed is room to stand, a few common items (a chair or a doorknob), and a copy of their book, The Fit Traveler: Senior Edition ($17.95, Publishers Design Group), which comes with a stretch band.
Ms. Eide, a self-proclaimed “exercise junkie” for nearly 20 years, and Ms. Mueller, an A.C.E. certified personal trainer, certified aerobic instructor, and physical education teacher, also offer the following advice:
- Stand up straight. Having good posture doesn’t just make you look better; it helps blood flow in the body. Good posture also will help keep travelers from getting sore on long driving stretches in the motorhome.
- Don’t forget a stretch band. Resistance training is much easier with a stretch band. It also allows you to do a greater variety of exercises and customize the amount of resistance in a workout.
- Customize any workout. One of the best benefits of using a stretch band for resistance training is that it is easily customizable. Simply by changing where the band is held, the amount of resistance can be increased or decreased to suit anyone’s current fitness level.
- Know your limits. Those who have difficulty with any of the exercises should not push it. For example, if traditional push-ups are too taxing, try wall push-ups instead.
- Secure the band. Several exercises in The Fit Traveler: Senior Edition require securing the stretch band to an anchor point. When this is done, make sure it is tied tightly. If the band comes untied suddenly, it could cause injury.
- Track all workouts. When traveling, it is easy to lose track of what exercises you have been doing. A good way to remedy this is by keeping a journal. Record how much cardiovascular warm-up was done, which muscle groups were worked, and how many repetitions and sets of exercises were completed. This not only keeps track of workouts, but challenges you to improve.
- Watch what you eat. It’s easy to overindulge when traveling. Although travelers are often at the mercy of what is available, they still can make some healthful food choices while on the road. For example, choose fruits or sorbets for dessert, select fat-free salad dressing, or have a salad to start the meal and order an appetizer as the main course.
- Watch how much you eat. Eat only when hungry, regardless of what time of day it is. Eat only until your hunger is satisfied, not until you are stuffed.
- Keep a food diary. Just like a workout journal, a food diary will help keep track of how much you’ve been eating on the trip. This is also a good way to keep track of restaurants you like and want to visit on your next trip.
These tips should help seniors better manage their workouts and overall health while traveling, allowing them to keep up a healthy lifestyle, even away from home. Following the exercise routines included in the book and remaining conscious about eating promotes an awareness of the body “” and this is healthful at any age.
The Fit Traveler: Senior Edition can be purchased at bookstores, through online booksellers, or at www.thefitnessboutique.com.
Vehicle Systems Changes Name To Aqua-Hot
Vehicle Systems Inc., C2723, based in Fort Lupton, Colorado, has officially changed its corporate name to Aqua-Hot Heating Systems Inc., to better represent the company’s core business and product line and to draw upon its significant brand identification.
Vehicle Systems Inc. introduced hydronic heating to the motorhome industry in 1989 with the launch of the Aqua-Hot system for diesel-powered coaches.
Along with the name change, the company has adopted a new corporate logo and consistent visual identity for all of its heating systems. In addition, all products manufactured by the company will now be named Aqua-Hot with a numeric identification based upon Btu rating. This includes the Hydro-Hot, which will be renamed the Aqua-Hot 450 D.
For more information about Aqua-Hot hydronic heating systems, call (800) 685-4298 or visit www.aqua-hot.com.
Questions About Driving Between Alaska And Canada Answered
Travelers with questions about driving through Canada north to Alaska can find information about border crossings, passports, driving routes, and road conditions by visiting www.northtoalaska.com. The newly updated North to Alaska Web site also offers driving tips; a driving distance calculator; maps of the routes between the United States, Canada, and Alaska; and other planning tips.
Beginning in January 2007, all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document, or Alien Registration Card.
Currently passports are not required when driving between the United States and Canada. Travelers must provide either a passport or a copy of their birth certificate and current government-issued photo identification to drive through Canada.
But as early as January 1, 2008, all persons traveling between the United States and Canada by land or sea (including ferries) may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Here are several tips to keep in mind when driving between the United States and Canada.
- Identification is required for all minors traveling in your party.
- Persons under 18 not accompanied by both parents must carry a letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel to Canada.
- Be prepared to show proof of insurance and vehicle registration or rental papers.
- Dogs and cats may be transported through Canada as long as you have proof of current rabies vaccination. A health certificate is also recommended, as U.S. border officials may request it when entering from Canada.
North to Alaska is a marketing consortium composed of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, Travel Alberta, Tourism British Columbia, and Yukon Tourism that encourages U.S. residents to drive to Alaska through Canada.
Conquest Motorhomes Moves Into New Production Facility
Conquest Motorhomes, a division of Gulf Stream Coach Inc., C2697, has moved into a new 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The facility is located on Gulf Stream’s main 250-acre campus in Nappanee, Indiana, and underwent $4.3 million in upgrades.
According to the company, the new plant offers increased production capacity, quicker delivery to dealers, a dedicated research and development area, logistical efficiencies, and improved quality.
For more information about Conquest Motorhomes, visit www.gulfstreamcoach.com or call (800) 289-8787.
Updated I-75 Book Available
Along Interstate-75The 14th edition of Dave Hunter’s Along Interstate-75 is now available ($23.95, Mile Oak Publishing), providing travelers with the most up-to-date information about the stretch of highway that runs from Detroit, Michigan, to the Georgia-Florida border. Mr. Hunter personally drives I-75 several times a year, recording the many changes along the highway and at each exit.
This 208-page book includes 39 full-color, 25-miles-per-page strip maps for those heading north and south. Each map shows every fuel, food, and lodging facility found along that stretch of highway and also includes parallel “escape” routes should interstate traffic become congested.
The book also includes side trips that can be explored just off the interstate; stories, special reports, and things to see in the areas in which you are driving; information about traffic laws, speed traps, campgrounds; useful phone numbers; and more. Other listings include the best traffic radio reporters along I-75, how to tune them in on your radio, and when and how to bypass Atlanta and Cincinnati. Finally, the book includes a list of resources for trip planning, along with a travel log.
Along Interstate-75 is available at all major bookstores, through online booksellers, and at www.i75online.com, or by calling (800) 431-1579.
Coachmen Concord Redesigned
The Concord type C motorhome from Coachmen Recreational Vehicle Company has undergone a radical transformation for 2007 with a host of innovative and user-friendly features.
This low-profile coach with aerodynamic styling is said to be easy to drive, making it ideal for RVers seeking a touring vehicle. The laminated curved sidewalls and entrance door combine with bold exterior graphics to give it a distinctive look. The new rear perimeter cap integrates LED running lights, and the acrylic exterior grab handle is lighted for safety. The back end features a raised departure angle, enhancing rear ground clearance. All floor plans are equipped with a heavy-duty, 5,000-pound tow hitch with a seven-way plug. Full-paint exterior graphics are available as an option.
The Concord is built on a Ford chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,050 pounds and powered by a 6.8-liter gas engine that delivers 305 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Two of the three Concord floor plans offer a 6.0-liter Ford diesel engine as an option, which provides 235 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
The Concord also sports abundant exterior storage. The storage boxes are one-piece rotocast compartments with drains to facilitate cleaning.
A redesigned patio entertainment center now comes with a remote control for convenience. Coachmen’s exclusive Water Works Panel and No-Mess termination system are two user-friendly features. The holding tanks on the Concord are heated for multi-seasonal camping.
Inside, the cockpit features an innovative plastic molded headliner in place of the traditional vinyl headliner. Interior space is maximized with a cutaway cab area that makes stepping from the cockpit to the living area easier. The Concord’s entertainment center features a state-of-the-art electronics package consisting of a 26-inch LCD TV, a Bose Wave Radio, and a DVD player.
Living area features include hardwood cabinet doors with hidden hinges, plush short-shag carpet, designer lighting, and stainless-steel appliances. A hide-a-bed sofa is standard on all floor plans. Full-extension ball-bearing drawer guides make for easy access to stored items. Skylights in the hallway area brighten the coach, and the redesigned all-in-one command center allows easy monitoring of all coach functions.
The Concord can sleep two to four people, depending on the model. The 275 DS and 300 TS floor plans come with a queen-size bed and a dresser with a TV shelf in the bedroom. On the 275 DS, the hide-a-bed can be replaced with an optional U-dinette. Each floor plan is offered with one, two, or three slideouts.
The base manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Concord starts at $77,300. For more information, visit www.coachmenrv.com.
New Book Follows One Snowbird Couple’s Journeys
Travel Tales: An Old Retiree, His RV, His Dog, and His WomanTravel Tales: An Old Retiree, His RV, His Dog, and His Woman (not necessarily in order of preference) Hit The Road ($14.99, Tate Publishing LLC) by Ken Halloran, F258171, engages readers in a format that has become quite common to folks today: e-mail correspondence.
The humorous, 252-page book follows the snowbird journeys of Ken and his wife, Georgia, as they embark on their winter travels from their home state of Michigan. Ken, who retired in 1998 after a 32-year career at General Motors, chronicles the events for family and friends through e-mail messages. Each chapter covers a particular journey, from 2000 through 2005, where he details the discoveries, mechanical difficulties, new friends, incredible sights, and ultimate freedom that traveling by motorhome offers.
Travel Tales is available at bookstores, through online booksellers, or from www.tatepublishing.com.