Marathon offers triple- and quad-slideout Prevost conversions
Marathon Coach is offering triple-slideout and quad-slideout converted coaches built using the Prevost XLII shell.
Marathon Coach Inc., based in Coburg, Oregon, announced that it now is offering triple-slideout and quad-slideout converted coaches built using the Prevost XLII shell. The company completed its first triple-slideout XLII conversion, #1160, in September 2008.
The development of triple and quad slideouts on the XLII shell was a multiyear cooperative project between Marathon Coach and Valid Manufacturing, the company’s Canadian-based slideout provider.
“The Prevost Le Mirage has a long history in the industry, and there are many customers that are big fans of the classic, stainless-steel look of the XLII,” said Marathon president Steve Schoellhorn. “Marathon is excited to now offer the option of a third or fourth slide. It’s amazing how much extra living space the additional slideouts provide.”
Marathon’s new triple-slideout XLII includes a second front slideout that adds approximately 35 percent more salon space for entertaining or everyday living. In addition to coach #1160, Marathon has numerous triple- and quad-slideout conversions currently in production.
For more information about Marathon Coach custom-built triple- and quad-slideout coaches, visit www.marathoncoach.com or call one of its sales and service facilities in Oregon (800-234-9991); Grand Prairie, Texas (800-448-8881); or San Antonio, Florida (800-437-8295).
Oregon Coastal Railroad DVD
Take a sight-seeing train trip through the Pacific Northwest without ever leaving the motorhome by watching the “Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad” DVD, available from Pictures & Words Productions.
The 42-minute video takes viewers from Garibaldi, Oregon, to Rockaway Beach and back, highlighting scenes of Tilamook Bay, the Pacific Ocean, calm lakes, and lush Northwest greenery. The train is pulled by a 1910-vintage Heisler steam locomotive, and the video includes a look inside the cab as the crew operates the machinery. As a bonus feature, the DVD also provides a behind-the-scenes tour of the shops where the steam-era railroad equipment is restored, repaired, and maintained for use on the railroad.
The “Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad” DVD is available at www.trainvideosandparts.com for $18 plus $3 shipping. It also can be purchased at the railroad’s gift shop. For more information about excursions on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, visit www.ocsr.net or call (503) 842-7972.
Forest River Acquires Coachmen RV
Forest River Inc., based in Elkhart, Indiana, has agreed to purchase Coachmen Industries’ RV Group for approximately $42.2 million, according to a letter sent to shareholders by Coachmen president and CEO Richard Lavers on November 25, 2008.
In the agreement, which had not been finalized at press time pending approval by Coachmen Industries shareholders, Forest River will acquire the real estate, fixed assets, and equipment of Coachmen RV, including its Middlebury, Indiana, manufacturing complex, the Viking manufacturing plant in Centreville, Michigan, and the Michiana Easy Livin’ Country RV dealership in Elkhart, Indiana. Also included in the purchase are the finished goods, work in process, and raw materials held by Coachmen RV along with the group’s accounts receivable. The letter also states that Forest River will offer employment to nearly all sales staff and production workers at the three locations, as well as many members of management.
Following the acquisition, the Coachmen name will be used by both companies. Forest River will continue to use the Coachmen brand name, model names, and logos for the motorhomes and towable units, while Coachmen Industries will retain the name for its systems-built housing and specialty vehicles divisions. The agreement also stipulates that Coachmen Industries is prohibited from making or selling any recreation vehicles for five years, and the company can never use the Coachmen name on any RVs it may build in the future.
Free roadside assistance in Kentucky
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has developed a program to help motorists in need of help while traveling many of the state’s roads.
The Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) Patrol is designed to aid motorists and assist with incidents management. The service to motorists is free, although if a tow truck is required, the motorist is responsible for payment. The patrol operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and patrols all of Kentucky’s interstates, many of its parkways, and several roadways.
Roadside emergency services that are available for free include gasoline and oil; adding air or changing a flat automobile tire; providing a jump start for dead batteries; and other minor automotive repairs. Each patrol unit is equipped with a 2-ton jack; an air compressor; a battery jump pack; a fire extinguisher; an automated external defibrillator; drinking water; impact wrenches; auto fluids; first-aid kits; and more.
Motorists in need of the SAFE Patrol should call (877) 367-5982. For more information about the program and to see a list of all the roadways the service covers, visit www.highwaysafety.ky.gov/safe_patrol.asp.