Winnebago Industries’ Bob Olson Retires; Randy Potts Promoted
Winnebago Industries Inc. announced the retirement of Bob Olson from the position of chairman of the board effective February 24, 2012. Randy Potts, 53, will assume this role in addition to his current positions of chief executive officer and president…
Foretravel Founder C.M. Fore Passes
Foretravel Inc. founder C.M. Fore, an innovator in the motorhome industry, died on August 5, 2011, in his hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of 82.
Former Governor Discusses New Book At Madison Family Reunion
After two terms as the governor of Maine, Angus King packed up his wife and kids in their Newmar Dutch Star motorhome and set out on a five-and-a-half-month journey to see the United States. In his new book, Governor’s Travels: How I Left Politics, Learned to Back Up a Bus, and Found America . . .
2011 National Park Fee-Free Days
United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on selected dates throughout 2011 and encouraged all Americans to visit a national park this year.
Letterfly Mural Art Announces New Location
After 14 years as the resident artist at Lazydays RV in Seffner, Florida, and with more than 30 years of experience creating custom hand-painted art on motorhomes, towed vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers, Dave “Letterfly†Knoderer recently announced that he has moved his company to the new Letterfly ArtPark in Plant City, Florida.
Holiday Rambler Debuts Aluma-Lite Type C
Monaco RV recently unveiled the 2011 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite Type C motorhome. According to product literature, the easy-to-maneuver, fuel-friendly RV was designed especially for families and developed for today’s price points.
“RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer Receives Award
Gary Bunzer, a contributing writer to Family Motor Coaching magazine whose monthly “House Calls” column provides technical advice to motorhome owners, recently was honored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) with the 2010 National Education Service Award.
Alaska Travel Planner
The 62nd edition of The Milepost ($29.95 U.S., $34.95 Canadian; Morris Communications) is now available for travelers planning or about to embark on a motorhome journey to Alaska.
Earthroamer Brand Revived
Bill Swails, designer of EarthRoamer XV-LT and XV-JP Xpedition Vehicles, has teamed with former key managers to start a new company and relaunch the EarthRoamer motorhome brand.
Renegade Introduces Ikon
Bristol, Indiana-based Renegade/Kibbi LLC, which specializes in building motorhomes for the racing community, has expanded its product line with the IKON, a new model targeting the general RV market.
Buddy Gregg: Industry Icon
Buddy Gregg, founder and president of Buddy Gregg Motor Homes Inc., passed away on December 30, 2009, at his home in Frisco, Texas. He was 69.
Heritage Motor Coach Resort Announces Grand Opening
Developers of Heritage Motor Coach Resort and Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, celebrated the grand opening of the new resort on November 13, 2009.
Tiffin Motorhomes Debuts Compact Type A
Tiffin Motorhomes introduced the 28-foot Allegro Breeze Type A motorhome during the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past December. The new model is 17 feet shorter than the company’s top-of-the-line Zephyr but only 9.5 feet longer than a Chevrolet Suburban.
Newell Coach Models Styled By Designer Jason Hill
Newell Coach Corporation, based in Miami, Oklahoma, announced that it has begun production of its 2011 models, with retail deliveries scheduled for the beginning of 2010. The new models feature updated styling by …
Caravan Salon 2009 Enjoys Record Turnout
Organizers of Caravan Salon 2009, an international trade fair for recreation vehicles and camping equipment, reported record participation at this year’s event, held August 29 through September 6, 2009, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Fleetwood Names Indiana New Headquarters, Revamps Web Site
In July 2009, Fleetwood Enterprises’ motorhome division and Goldshield Fiberglass operation were purchased by private-equity firm American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV LP. On August 19, 2009, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from Fleetwood RV Inc. to celebrate the company’s plant reopening in Decatur, Indiana.
Pleasure-Way Passes Production Milestone
Pleasure-Way Industries, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, announced the completion of its 10,000th motorhome on May 27, 2009.
Great Outdoors Week Celebrated
Hundreds of recreation community leaders, allies, and affiliated groups gathered in Washington, D.C., to participate in meetings, events, and celebrations of the significant contributions of the recreation community during Great Outdoors Week 2009 (June 7-13).
Navistar finalizes Monaco acquisition
Navistar International Corporation announced on June 4 that a wholly owned affiliate of the company had completed the purchase of certain assets of Monaco Coach Corporation for approximately $47 million.
Winnebago Industries plant tours resume
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a modern-day motorhome, you can see for yourself thanks to Winnebago Industries. The company, based in Forest City, Iowa, resumed its tours on April 6 …
Damon receives Department of Defense award
Damon Motor Coach, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, has received the Above and Beyond Award from the United States Department of Defense. This award is presented to employers that demonstrate exceptional support for national defense …
Georgie Boy Manufacturing, based in Middlebury, Indiana, has brought back its popular type A Cruise Master model for 2008. And the company is building it on a Workhorse UFO chassis, which is powered by GM’s Vortec 8.1-liter V-8 rear gasoline engine and boasts a 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating.
“The Cruise Master name has a lot of history as a touring coach, and we thought a motorhome built on the UFO chassis was perfect for rekindling this great brand,” said Mike Scheetz, vice president of motorized product for Coachmen RV Group.
New book focuses on full-timing
Motorhomers who are considering full-timing can gain a better understanding of the lifestyle and all that it entails in Fulltiming For New & Used RVers ($24.95, RonJon Publishing Inc.) by Ronald Jones.
New state park near Brownsville, Texas
Resaca de la Palma State Park recently opened to become Texas’ newest state park and the eighth link in the World Birding Center chain stretching the breadth of the Rio Grande Valley.Â
Marathon offers triple- and quad-slideout Prevost conversionsÂ
Marathon Coach is offering triple-slideout and quad-slideout converted coaches built using the Prevost XLII shell. The new triple-slideout XLII includes a second front slideout that adds approximately 35 percent more salon space for entertaining or everyday living.
Liberty Coach Wins 2008 Crestron Innovative Design Award
Liberty Coach, based in North Chicago, Illinois, received Crestron Electronics’ Innovative Design Award for the company’s use of the Crestron system in its Prevost Elegant Lady motor coach interior.
Gulf Stream Coach Unveils Type A Caribbean
Gulf Stream Coach has added the new Type A Caribbean, a full-featured, lower-priced diesel coach, to its lineup for 2009. The Caribbean is available in a 36-foot double-slideout floor plan and a 38-foot triple-slideout layout.
Outdoor Lovers Flock To Southeast Texas
Birders, anglers, campers, and nature-loving families come to the 1,600-acre Matagorda Bay Nature Preserve in southeast Texas to enjoy a wealth of wildlife and outdoor adventures in a pristine, off-the-beaten-track area featuring ocean and fresh water.
Go RVing Goes Interactive
Recognizing the changing communications climate, Go RVing has launched itself into the social media universe, engaging the consumer interactively with a new blog and games on GoRVing.com, plus content on popular Web sites including Facebook and Yahoo’s instant messaging.
First “National Get Outdoors Day” Attracts ThousandsÂ
June 14, 2008, marked the inaugural National Get Outdoors Day (NGOD). More than 50 official National Get Outdoors Day sites across the United States welcomed thousands of new faces to the joy and benefits of the great outdoors …
Fort Pierre To Deadwood Trail Re-Enactment
Are you a history buff? If so, you might be interested in viewing the Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail wagon train re-enactment that will take place in South Dakota from July 30 to August 15, 2008.
National Park Centennial Projects Begin
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The first round of national park improvement projects, funded by a combination of public and private funds under President Bush’s National Park Centennial Initiative, began this spring.Â
RV Toy Book
Family Motor Coaching readers who recall an article about RV toys in the September 2006 issue (“RV Toys: Not Just Child’s Play,” page 92) may enjoy a new book written by the same authors, FMCA members John Brunkowski and Michael Closen
Pomona Convention Featured On “American Rver”
Peggy and Jim Grich travel throughout North America shooting segments for their show, which is available via podcast at www.americanrver.com.
Winnebago Industries Rolls Out 400,000th Motorhome
Winnebago Industries, located in Forest City, Iowa, reached a major milestone in December 2007 with the production of its 400,000th motorhome.
Four Winds, Sprinter Combo
Four Winds International, a division of Thor Industries based in Elkhart, Indiana, has introduced a new type C floor plan for Chateau Citation, Dutchmen Dorado, and Four Winds Siesta Class brands built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis.
Fleetwood RV Adds To Product Lineup
Fleetwood Enterprises’ RV Group showcased several new motorhome models, plus two restyled coaches, at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past November.
Newmar Corporation, based in Nappanee, Indiana, hopes to cater to tailgating enthusiasts with its newest floor plan, the 4258 All Star, which includes two kitchens, two bathrooms, and numerous other tailgating amenities.
he new All Star tailgate floor plan is built exclusively on a Spartan Mountain Master ME (mid-engine) chassis.
Jayco Inc., touted as the largest privately owned RV manufacturer in North America, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2008.
The company, which began on a farm in Middlebury, Indiana, in 1968, initially produced a single-model fold-down camper with the help of 15 employees. Today Jayco operates manufacturing plants in Middlebury and Twin Falls, Idaho, building several types of RVs under 15 different brand names, and employing more than 1,700 people.
Four Winds International announced the addition of Mega Storage — enhanced exterior storage — on select 2008 type C motorhomes and some type A Windsport and Hurricane models.
Mega Storage is said to offer more exterior storage capacity than most type C motorhomes, as well as additional features. The extra-large rear storage compartment has conveniently located exterior doors on all sides for easy access.
Legendary television host Bob Barker of “The Price Is Right,” and the Barker Beauties, arrived at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, held June 15, 2007, in a Fleetwood diesel motorhome. Stepping out of Fleetwood’s 2007 Discovery and onto the red carpet, Mr.
What do 2006 Cy Young Award-winner Brandon Webb, professional bowling’s all-time money-earner Walter Ray Williams Jr., and veteran NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace have in common? They all enjoy traveling in recreation vehicles.
This year, Webb, along with his wife, infant daughter, and four dogs, arrived at the Arizona Diamondbacks spring training camp in an RV. Williams travels to PBA tournaments in an RV that allows him to bring his family and 30 bowling balls to each match without the hassle and expense of putting them on a plane.
Newmar Introduces New Models
Indiana-based Newmar Corporation unveiled its new King Aire Diesel Bus and Grand Star motorhome models during the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, in March.
The King Aire is built on a Spartan K3 chassis with an independent front suspension system and powered by a Cummins ISX 600-horsepower engine, coupled with an Allison 4000 MH transmission. The King Aire features the new Comfort Drive steering system, jointly developed by TRW Automotive, Spartan Chassis, and Newmar.
FMCA Convention Featured In RV Video Podcast
American RVer — a new television show produced in high-definition video and stereo audio and converted into a video podcast that is then uploaded to the AmericanRVer.com Web site — will feature FMCA’s 77th International Convention (held in Perry, Georgia, in March) as part of its May 2007 and June 2007 shows.
AmericanRVer.com offers a series of videocasts related to the RV industry. Its owners and producers are Jim and Peggy Grich, F342867, broadcast veterans and full-time RVers.
KOA Expanding Popular Free Camping Event
Kampgrounds of America’s popular Come Camp With Us Day event will be expanded for 2007. Since 2004, KOA has offered campers throughout North America a free day of camping at participating KOA campgrounds the second Friday in May.
In 2007 the event will be called “Come Camp & Care With Us Weekend,†and will be expanded to offer a free Saturday of camping on May 12 for those who stay as paid guests at participating campgrounds on Friday, May 11.
The event is intended to expose more people to the joys of camping by offering them a free night, as well as to encourage campers to both begin camping earlier in the spring and to consider KOA campgrounds close to home.
The second year of the “What Will You Discover? Go RVing” ad campaign, which combines TV, print, and Internet advertising with several new media outlets, began with a bang on February 14 with its debut on “American Idol,” TV’s highest-rated program.
The Go RVing spots are scheduled to continue on the hit FOX program, which airs at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, March 7 and 20.
Newell Coach Corporation, C47, of Miami, Oklahoma, recently collaborated with the Huntington Beach, California, design studios of Porsche Engineering to update the exterior design of Newell’s luxury motor coaches. Porsche Engineering is a division of the renowned German sports car company.
Newell engineers worked closely with Porsche designers to refine and finalize the design, which is distinctly European.
Tiffin Motorhomes, C1717, based in Red Bay, Alabama, has announced numerous changes to its motorhomes for 2007. New roof caps, a super-quiet cooled-air delivery system, ceramic tile, side-view cameras, added sleeping capacity, independent front suspension, and keyless entry lead the long list of standard and optional features consumers can expect to see in Tiffin’s 2007 models.
The company also is expanding its popular front-engine diesel chassis option, introduced in 2006, to a second model line.
Coach-Net, C4055, based in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, awarded Henry and Erika St. Jean, F99337, of Clearwater, Florida, $1,000 worth of free fuel from Flying J as the winners of Coach-Net’s second “Fueling the Passion” sweepstakes during FMCA’s 76th International Convention in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina, this past August.
“Erika and I have owned several motorhomes over the past 20 years, traveling through this beautiful country and Canada,” said Mr.
Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly CasinosThe second edition of Jane Kenny’s Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos ($16.95, Roundabout Publications) is now available for those who like to combine their love of RV travel with the thrill of casino gaming. The 272-page book includes hundreds of RV-friendly casinos throughout the United States that either provide a campground as part of their facility or allow free overnight parking.
Many of today’s new casino campgrounds provide RVers with upscale, modern facilities along with the restaurants, pools/spa, golf, and gaming typically found at casinos.
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