Navistar’s entry into the RV business through the purchase of certain Monaco Coach assets fits our strategy of leveraging our assets to expand our diesel business, serve the end customer through robust parts and service, and will complement our Workhorse chassis business,” said Jack Allen, president of Navistar’s North American truck group. “The Monaco brand is a market leader with a strong reputation and Navistar is pleased to add it to our portfolio of leading brands and businesses.”
Monaco Coach Corporation, which produced towables and motorhomes under the Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Safari, Beaver, McKenzie, and R-Vision brand names, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief earlier this year. The company stopped production prior to the bankruptcy, but Navistar said that the new company, named Monaco RV LLC, will resume production at certain facilities in the coming months.
According to information from Navistar, purchasing the Monaco Coach Corporation assets out of bankruptcy allowed the assets, inventory, and intellectual property to be acquired at a significant discount, while not assuming the liabilities of Monaco Coach. Facilities included in the purchase are located in Coburg (headquarters) and Harrisburg, Oregon; and Wakarusa and Milford, Indiana.
“Providing the RV market with the right vehicles at the right time will be Monaco RV’s first order of business,” added Mr. Allen. “Our management teams will spend these first few weeks ramping up the business at a pace commensurate with demand.”
Although the new company is not liable for any product sold by Monaco Coach Corporation prior to the purchase by Navistar, customer service representatives will be available to aid RV owners in obtaining service and support for their vehicles. Owners with questions should call (877) 466-6226 for assistance.
2009 Chevy Workhorse Type C chassis increases towing capacity
Workhorse Custom Chassis has announced that its 2009 Chevy Workhorse Type C motorhome chassis now offers more towing capacity than previous models, allowing owners to tow most passenger vehicles.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of the heavy-duty version of the Chevy Workhorse cab chassis has been boosted from 17,600 pounds to 20,000 pounds, while the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) has been increased from 14,050 pounds to 14,200 pounds, giving it best-in-class payload capacity, according to Workhorse officials. The 2009 model’s 20,000-pound GCWR allows up to 5,800 pounds of towing capacity, depending upon the manufacturer’s trailer hitch rating. These increases follow power boosts in 2008 models that increased the horsepower ratings from 300 to 323 and torque ratings from 360 pound-feet to 373 pound-feet.
Chassis features include an easy-to-read instrument cluster and redesigned radio/MP3 controls along with a front bumper step for cleaning windshields, conveniently placed cup holders, oversized map pockets, and a driver information cluster that includes an oil life monitor. Special safety features include daytime running lights and battery run-down protection with retained accessory power.
Providing peace of mind is Chevrolet’s 100,000-mile/5-year limited powertrain warranty. Free emergency roadside service also is provided for the same term.
For more information about this chassis, visit www.workhorse.com or call (877) 294-6773.
Newmar extends service to all RV owners
Newmar Corporation, based in Nappanee, Indiana, announced that it is extending service to all RV owners, regardless of the brand or type of motorhome they own.
The company, which manufactures Type A motorhomes and fifth-wheel trailers, is now offering service work to accommodate owners of RVs whose original manufacturer no longer is providing factory service support.
Services offered by Newmar’s Service Department include, but are not limited to, insurance repairs, electronic upgrades, and carpet/flooring replacement. To schedule an appointment, please call Newmar customer support at (800) 731-8300 or e-mail service writer Phil Stilley at pstilley@newmarcorp.com.
RV maintenance videos available on dealer Web site
Pedata RV Center has published a library of online videos demonstrating how owners can perform maintenance on various systems in their RVs. The series, titled “RV Maintenance Tips from Pedata RV Center,” includes information about nine common maintenance topics that RVers address on a regular basis.
The do-it-yourself videos cover general preventative maintenance and maintenance for tires, the LP-gas system, entrance steps, water heaters, roofs, furnaces, refrigerators, and batteries. Each video is four to seven minutes in length and includes a transcript that can be printed out to read again or save and refer to later.
The series can be found on www.pedatarvcenter.com. Look for the “RV Service” link in the left-hand column and proceed to the RV Service Video Library.
Roadmaster Inc. not affiliated with Monaco Coach Corporation
Roadmaster Inc., a manufacturer of towing products and suspension solutions for motorhomes, is not associated with the Roadmaster Chassis division of Monaco Coach Corporation, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2009.
Although the companies have the same name, that is the only similarity. Roadmaster Inc. manufactures tow bars, base plates, supplemental braking systems, suspension and steering parts, and other towing accessories. For more information about these products, visit www.roadmasterinc.com or call (800) 669-9690.