National Parks Set Attendance Records
America’s national parks broke attendance records in 2014, with 292.8 million visits. That surpassed the previous record set in 1999 when parks saw 287.1 million visits. And, the record could soon be broken again as the National Park Service prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2016 with a major push to encourage more visitors.
Visitation in 2014 rebounded from a 2013 decline that included a 16-day government shutdown and many park closures in the Northeast to repair damage from Superstorm Sandy. Several national parks saw record-breaking visitation in 2014, including Joshua Tree, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, and Glacier national parks. The reopening of the Washington Monument, some 21 months after it was rocked by an earthquake and repaired, also added to 2014 visitation numbers.
The complete list of park visitation numbers and other visitor-related statistics are available on the National Park Service’s website, https://irma.nps.gov/stats/.
Book Highlights Camping Humor
A new hardcover book by FMCA members John Brunkowski and Michael Closen, F158241, captures both the fun and the funny aspects of camping and RVing. Camper & RV Humor: The Illustrated Story of Camping Comedy (Schiffer Publishing; $24.99) features 230 black-and-white and color photos of more than 290 postcards from around the world, all from the authors’ personal collection. The postcards and accompanying text tell humorous stories of early camping history, RV designs, road conditions, driving habits, campground issues, and more.
The book is available from online booksellers and directly from the publisher, www.schifferbooks.com; (610) 593-1777.
Lazydays Opens Airstream Store In Tucson
A new 2,000-square-foot store dedicated solely to Airstream products opened in January 2015 at the Lazydays RV dealership in Tucson, Arizona. The Airstream Store at 3200 E. Irvington Road carries the full product line of Airstream models, including touring coaches, as well as accessories, souvenirs, and branded apparel.
Nearly 200 people attended the grand opening, among them officials from Lazydays and Airstream. In addition, Airstream enthusiasts from across the country gathered for the Alumafiesta rally at Tucson/Lazydays KOA Campground.
Website Connects RV Renters, Owners
A new website, www.rvplusyou.com, is designed to connect RV renters to RV owners who, for a fee, will deliver and set up their recreation vehicles at destinations worldwide.
RV owners can log on to the website and create a free listing of their RV with photos, amenities offered, and locations to which they are willing to deliver. RV renters can search the database of destinations, and then click to see a list of owners willing to deliver their RVs at each location. Renters camp in the RV but do not drive it.
All parties involved are reviewed and rated by rvplusyou.com users. According to the website, the system handles all phases of the transaction, including the availability calendar, reservations, deposits, payments, and 24-hour support to renters and owners.
Spartan Chassis Introduces Free Maintenance Plan
Spartan Chassis Inc. has launched PremierCare, a free maintenance plan for its motorhome chassis.
The plan initially is available only for vehicles with Spartan chassis that are sold at Motor Home Specialists in Alvarado, Texas, but the program will expand at a later date, according to Spartan officials. The plan applies to the Foretravel Realm on Spartan’s K3GT chassis; the Entegra Coach Cornerstone on Spartan’s K3 chassis; and the Entegra Coach Anthem and Aspire, both of which are on Spartan’s MMGT chassis.
Through PremierCare, owners with a K3GT chassis can receive free scheduled maintenance for three years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first; the K3 chassis receives two years of free maintenance; and the MMGT chassis receives one year of free maintenance. Owners can schedule maintenance at more than 550 North American service centers. For more information, contact Spartan Chassis at (800) 543-4277 or visit www.spartanchassis.com.
RVIA President To Retire
Richard Coon, president of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association since 2006, will retire on September 30, 2015. A search committee convened by RVIA chairman Derald Bontrager, the president and CEO of Jayco, is expected to identify Coon’s successor by early summer.
An RVIA press release noted that Mr. Coon leaves the association in a strong financial position after successfully steering the organization and the industry through the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression.
Coon, 70, spearheaded initiatives to expand and improve technician education; create global opportunities for RV manufacturers and suppliers; create a unified North American RV market by harmonizing marketing efforts and RV standards between the United States and Canada; upgrade the RVing experience for customers; and improve relations with RV dealers and the campground industry.
Before becoming RVIA president, Coon was director of RV business for Cummins Power Generation, where he worked for 30 years.
Equine Motorcoach Adds To Product Line
Equine Motorcoach has introduced a Type A motorhome designed for horse enthusiasts who want to tow their horse trailers and stay on show grounds. The Equine RV has a tag axle that enhances the towing ability. The tow capacity is 30,000 pounds. When not towing, owners can use an air compression mechanism to lift the tag axle off the ground.
The 40-foot-long Equine RV is built on a Freightliner chassis with a 450-horsepower diesel engine. Features include an aerodynamic front cap, a full-body rear cap, a four-point automatic leveling system, a 12-foot slideout lounge, a 12-foot bedroom/bunk slideout, and LED TVs in the bedroom and living room. It can sleep up to seven people.
While geared primarily toward horse owners, the Equine RV also is suitable for dog show enthusiasts who travel with their animals and want to stay on show grounds. Ben Yates, Equine Motorcoach’s national sales manager, said the bunk bed area can be converted to a kennel.
For more information, visit www.equinemotorcoach.com; (812) 282-7718.
General RV Center Opens Tampa Super Center
General RV Center has opened a new “super center” in Tampa, Florida, bringing the number of General RV dealerships nationwide to 11. Motorhomes, other RVs, parts, accessories, same-day service, and RV insurance and financing are available at the Tampa store, located at 13396 E. U.S. 92, off Interstate 4. General RV Center markets itself as the largest family-owned RV retailer in the country. For information, visit www.generalrv.com; (888) 436-7578.
Angel Fire Opens RV Resort
Angel Fire Resort in northern New Mexico set a May 1 opening date for its new Angel Fire RV Resort, FMCA commercial number C13004. The 35-acre RV resort has 102 RV spaces, and it is expected to grow to 325 in later phases.
The RV resort has a private clubhouse; paved roads; oversized concrete spaces with pull-through access; 30/50-amp electrical pedestals; DirecTV access; bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities; Wi-Fi access; outdoor fire pits and hot tubs; a putting green, pickleball courts, bocce ball, and shuffleboard; and a dog park. The resort also offers access to golf, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, fishing, and more. Short-term and long-term space rentals are available. For information, visit www.angelfireresort.com; (888) 976-1541.
NASCAR Camping Network Launches
Camping Unlimited LLC and NASCAR have partnered to launch a national network of campgrounds for NASCAR fans and camping enthusiasts.
As of the end of March 2015, the NASCAR Campground Network had approximately 30 locations across the United States, including public and private facilities. President Adam DiPietro said he expects to have more than 100 locations by the start of summer.
Through a rewards program, people who join the network receive up to 50 percent off nightly rates at public campgrounds and have access to private “member only” RV resorts. Discounts at more than 3,000 outdoor activity providers also are available. On race days, network members can enjoy NASCAR events and activities in designated viewing areas. The annual membership fee is $99. For more information, visit www.nascarcampgroundnetwork.com or call (800) 400-6964.