Airstream Launches Interstate Model In Canada
Airstream announced that its popular Interstate Type B motorhome model will be available in Canada beginning in spring 2013.
The Airstream Interstate, built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, has experienced tremendous growth in the United States market, which led Airstream officials to discuss opportunities for expansion in Canada.
“The Interstate offers a unique blend of luxury, design, and performance that we are confident will do well in the Canadian marketplace,” said Airstream president and CEO Bob Wheeler. “We see tremendous possibility in this region and look forward to a very active spring, when our Canadian customers can hit the open road in the Interstate for the first time.”
The Interstate is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine and is available in two models. The Interstate measures 23 feet 1 inch in length, and the Interstate EXT measures 24 feet 4.5 inches long. Both have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 11,030 pounds and a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 15,250 pounds.
During the 50th annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, November 27-29, 2012, the company introduced a new nine-seat option for the Interstate at the request of many dealers.
For more information, including dealership locations in Canada, visit www.airstream.com.
Workhorse Custom Chassis Closing Operations
Navistar International Corporation has announced that it will close its Workhorse Custom Chassis (WCC) operation. Information about this decision was first revealed in the company’s second quarter report to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In the statement, the company reported that it had decided to discontinue taking orders for its Workhorse Custom Chassis business and would begin taking actions to idle the business, which was expected to occur in late 2012. This followed the company’s decision in the third quarter of 2011 to restructure the WCC operation, which included the closure of the Union City, Indiana, plant that housed WCC.
WCC was started in 1998 when investors, under the leadership of Andrew Taitz, acquired the assets of General Motors’ P-series motorhome and walk-in van businesses. The company began production in 1999. Navistar acquired WCC in 2005.
Homeowners Group Acquires Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort
Alan Newman wants folks to know that Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort, located in Newport, Oregon, is still around. And it’s getting better.
The resort, which was developed and operated by Outdoor Resorts of America/Outdoor Resorts Oregon until the company filed bankruptcy in March 2012, was purchased this past August by the resort’s homeowners association (HOA). Since then, the association’s board of directors has been operating the resort and making improvements to the property, which received little maintenance while the bankruptcy proceedings took place.
Mr. Newman, who has taken on the role of marketing director for Pacific Shores, said that the property still offers the natural beauty and spectacular views that made it such a popular destination for folks traveling in the Northwest, but it is even better now that those who own sites at the resort have a greater stake in its success.
“The attitude here has been unbelievable,” he said. “There’s so much to love about the place from a natural standpoint, and with the HOA now in control, we can improve upon some of the things that we didn’t like before.”
One of those is the rental program at Pacific Shores. Mr. Newman explained that in the past, when motorhomers would call to get a reservation, they had no control over which site they were assigned. And if two or more motorhomes were traveling together, there was a good chance they would not be parked in adjacent sites. The HOA has invested in a new rental reservation system that will allow travelers to choose from the available sites.
The HOA also has developed a tiered lot system, with in-season prices ranging from $60 to $90 a night, depending on the tier. The Oceanfront tier sites are located right on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean; the View tier lots have views of the ocean and forest; the Clubhouse tier includes lots surrounding the clubhouse area; and the Premium tier sites are spread throughout the property. Besides the rental program, lots are still available for purchase.
The new reservation system will go live on January 1, 2013, at the same time the resort’s new Web site comes online. The site, www.pacificshoresmotorcoachresort.com, will provide information about the resort and allow travelers to rent sites online.
Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort is located at 6225 N. Coast Highway 101 in Newport, Oregon. For reservation or sales information, call (541) 265-3750.
RV Lifestyle, Education & Safety Conference Moves To Colorado
The 2013 RV Lifestyle, Education & Safety Conference presented by the RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF) is scheduled to take place on the campus of the New Life Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 14 through 18, 2013. Previous conferences were held annually at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.
“This is our first conference held outside of Bowling Green,” said Walter Cannon, executive director of RVSEF. “Ultimately, we’d like to present two annual conferences: one in the east and one in the west so a larger number of RVers can have an opportunity to choose which location is best suited for them.”
The event will feature a large contingent of award-winning RV experts, authors, and educators, including the “RV Doctor,” Gary Bunzer; Randy Biles, Gary Motley, and Bruce Hopkins from Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA); and Mr. Cannon, an RV weight expert. Returning staff instructors will include Howard and Linda Payne and Mac “The Fire Guy” McCoy. The annual conference will present seminars and classes addressing a multitude of RV-related lifestyle, technical, and safety topics. The program also will offer a comprehensive “Behind the Wheel” driving program.
The RV Lifestyle Education & Safety Conference was developed for new RVers, full-time RVers, and yet-to-be RVers. At this learning event, representatives from RV and supplier manufacturers, retail dealerships, aftermarket service providers, and education assemble to promote all aspects of RVing. Enrollment is limited, so those who wish to attend are invited to contact RVSEF at (321) 453-7673 or visit www.rvsafety.com for more information.
AAA Digest Of Motor Laws Online
The AAA Digest of Motor Laws, a compilation of the traffic laws, licensing requirements, and motor vehicle regulations for the United States and Canada, can be accessed online at www.drivinglaws.aaa.com.
Using the site, motorists can pull up all of the driving laws and regulations for individual states or provinces, or they can choose one issue from the “Select A Law” section to find out the rules for each state and province.
The information shown on the Web site is nearly identical to what was published in the print issue, which no longer is available. Access to the Web site is free.
New Book Touts Inexpensive Outings In Florida
Looking to visit Florida, but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Then you might want to pick up a copy of Adele Woodyard’s latest book, Florida “Freebies” And “Cheapies”: 250 Daytrips For Little Or No Money ($9.95, Palm Print Press).
As the title indicates, Ms. Woodyard includes 250 places and attractions to visit in the Sunshine State that charge nothing or a minimal price. Included are 104 that are completely free (donations are accepted), and only 10 that have a $10 admission (plus tax). Readers will find information about air, railroad, and military museums; wildlife attractions; sites that highlight art, architecture, antiques, archaeology, ecology, gardens, and history; state and county parks; preserves; and more. It even includes information about parks that have full-facility campsites for overnight stays.
Florida “Freebies” And “Cheapies”: 250 Daytrips For Little Or No Money is available at bookstores, through online booksellers, or from Palm Print Press by sending in the order form (check or money order only) found at www.palmprintpress.com.
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