Adventure LP’S Limited-Edition Truck Camper Debuts
Erdman Epp, the founder of Adventurer LP, died July 28, 2018, just as the Yakima, Washington-based company began a production run of its 50th anniversary Limited Edition 901SB Truck Camper. The company, founded in 1969, continues to be run by Erdman’s son, James.
Only 60 units of the 901SB, which sleeps five, were built. It will fit both short-bed and long-bed trucks.
Adventure LP introduced many new features in the 901SB, including its exterior color, sterling gray, which is set off by black trim. Among the other highlights are channeled LED dimmable track lighting; frameless windows; an LCD touch-screen master systems control; a power bunk; padded triple-stitched leatherette seating; and undermount residential stainless-steel sinks.
For more information, visit www.amlrv.com.
Winnebago Acquires Boat Builder
Winnebago Industries announced in June 2018 its acquisition of Chris-Craft from Stellican Ltd., which had owned the recreational boat builder since 2001. This marks Winnebago’s entry into the marine market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Chris-Craft’s roots date to 1874, when 13-year-old Christopher Columbus Smith built his first boat. “The company’s strong brand, high-quality product line, and premium position in the marine market make Chris-Craft an attractive addition to our portfolio,” said Winnebago president and CEO Michael Happe.
Chris-Craft will operate as a distinct business unit, with headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, and Stephen Heese will continue as its president, according to a Winnebago news release.
Toy Dog Blazes New Trails Aboard Space Station
Seaman was the name of a Newfoundland dog that accompanied Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their 1804-1806 expedition across the western United States. In June 2018 the National Park Service and NASA sent a plush toy version of Seaman — Seaman Jr. — on a mission aboard the International Space Station to help mark the 60th anniversary of NASA and the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System.
While orbiting Earth, Seaman Jr. and his astronaut companions will survey and photograph part of the 3,700-mile-long Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. For opportunities to get a glimpse of the space station as it flies overhead, visit https://spotthestation.nasa.gov. Meanwhile, several stuffed toy pups similar to Seaman will trace the path of Lewis and Clark, stopping at various visitor locations along the trail and submitting blog posts. You can follow their journey at www.nps.gov/lecl/newfie-news.htm. According to the website, Seaman Jr. will be aboard the International Space Station through November 2018.
Active RV Upholstery Adds Furniture Line, New RV Bra Colors
Active RV Upholstery Center’s line of RV furniture is available in four colors, including brown.
Active RV Upholstery Center has begun offering a line of furniture designed specifically for RVs. The furniture pieces include recliner chairs, recliner loveseat/sofas, sofa beds, and triple recliner sofas. Color choices for the faux leather that covers the furniture are brown, tan, gray, and charcoal.
The Yuma, Arizona-based company also sells RV dash covers and sheepskin captain’s chair covers, as well as custom RV bras/masks for Type A motorhomes. Eleven new colors of RV bras/masks recently became available.
For more information, visit www.activervupholstery.com or call (800) 393-2169.
General RV Center To Open New Superstore
General RV Center, an FMCA commercial member, expects to open a new superstore on 20 acres approximately December 1, 2018, at Interstate 75 and Dixie Highway in Springfield Township, Michigan.
An artist’s rendering of General RV Center’s superstore in Springfield Township, Michigan.
Store manager Bill Brown said it would be a significant upgrade to the White Lake, Michigan, store. General RV had outgrown that site, which will close. The new store will have 16 service bays and more than 300 RVs on its lot. It also will add 30 jobs.
Family-owned General RV Center has 12 RV dealerships in six states and employs nearly 1,700 people. For more information, visit www.generalrv.com.
Freightliner’s Online Tool Helps In RV Search
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation has launched an online tool called “My RV Advisor” to help customers determine the Type A Freightliner-based motorhome that best suits their needs.
Users are first asked to choose a broad RV lifestyle category that describes them: fun seeker, road warrior, or luxury resorter. For seasoned RVers who know what they’re after, there’s a fourth “custom” option.
Then, users can refine their search according to desired motorhome length, power, weight capacity, fuel capacity, and other features. A list of motorhomes that match the selected filters appears, along with links to manufacturers’ websites and spec sheets for 2019 models. The tool also helps users find nearby motorhome dealers.
To try out the tool, visit www.myrvadvisor.com.
Dometic Partners With Habitat For Humanity
For the second year in a row, Dometic employees volunteered to spend a portion of a day building a Habitat for Humanity house. The “panel build,” which involved erecting the walls of a Habitat home, took place August 22, 2018, in the parking lot of Dometic’s headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. Building materials, tools, and safety equipment are supplied, as well as professional supervision.
Dometic employees worked alongside Maleka Beard, left, building walls for her Habitat for Humanity house.
In 2017, Dometic employees participated in such a project for one of their coworkers. This year, more than 50 Dometic workers pitched in to help build a home for a resident of Elkhart County.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build affordable housing. Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers.
Highland Ridge Rv Caters To Pet Owners
Highland Ridge RV has begun incorporating pet-friendly features into its Open Range, Mesa Ridge, Silverstar, and Highlander towable RVs.
Pet-friendly features are being incorporated into Highland Ridge RV’s towable vehicles.
The features include pull-out pet dishes for food and water; specially designed animal sleeping areas with bedding; no carpet (most models), including slideout areas; no floor registers (most models); and minimal use of cloth materials in seating areas to make it easier to keep up with pet hair and dust.
Highland Ridge RV is a subsidiary of Jayco Inc. For more information, visit www.highlandridgerv.com.
South Carolina RV Resort Plans 2019 Opening
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will be home to a new upscale RV resort that is scheduled to open in spring or summer 2019. Carolina Pines, a project of Sun RV Resorts, will begin taking reservations in fall 2018. It’s being built near the intersection of South Carolina routes 90 and 22.
Carolina Pines initially will offer 445 RV campsites with full hookups, as well as 50 cottage rentals. Both will have access to resort amenities, including a waterpark, walking trails, bowling alleys, mini golf, a yoga studio, and a dog park. More campsites will be added in a second phase of construction.
For more information, visit www.sunrvresorts.com.
RV/MH Heritage Foundation Reaches Debt-Reduction Goal
The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum was $5.5 million in debt in 2012 when Darryl Searer became president of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation. Many people thought the Hall would not survive.
But progress was made, and then four years ago the Kevin Clayton $1 Million Debt Reduction Challenge was started by Mr. Clayton, president and CEO of Clayton Homes. It met its goal in August 2018 — a year ahead of schedule — after a sizable donation by Dan Pearson, president of PleasureLand RV.
Mr. Pearson was among the 2018 RV/MH Hall of Fame inductees. Before the August ceremony, he listened as Mr. Searer told guests that thanks to pledges and contributions, the Clayton challenge was close to reaching its goal. Later, Mr. Pearson asked Mr. Searer how much more was needed. “I told him about $16,000,” Mr. Searer said, according to an RV/MH Hall of Fame news release. “He said, ‘Not any more. Send me an invoice!’”
Mr. Clayton began the debt-reduction challenge with a $200,000 pledge. Many others, from both the RV and manufactured housing industries, contributed over the years.
The foundation will be debt-free by year end, Mr. Searer noted. While erasing the debt is good news, ongoing support will be needed to maintain the building, he said.