With new battery system, Liberty Coach goes green
(March 19, 2010) -- The newest Liberty Coach Prevost H3-45 Triple Slide-out now features brand new, environmentally friendly battery technology with the introduction of a lithium iron phosphate battery system. Because fewer of these new batteries are required to power the various on-board electronics and other systems in a triple-slide coach, there is a tremendous weight savings as well.
Ford to design its own diesel engines for pickup truck market
(March 19, 2010) -- The Ford F-Series Super Duty equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine with 390 horsepower averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models, Chris Brewer, F-Series chief engineer, told the Oakland Press.
Missouri RV park joins the Jellystone network
(March 19, 2010) -- The move to join Yogi Bearâs Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts is the latest move for Garry and Debbie Ingram, who have transformed Shoalâs Bend RV Resort into a family friendly campground
Minnesota RV park under water as river floods, state park may close
(March 19, 2010) -- With the Minnesota River expected to crest on Tuesday, Shakopee Police Captain Jeff Tate said Thursday afternoon that the Shakopee Valley RV Park campground is already under water.
Attorney general asked to block release of FEMA trailers
(March 19, 2010) -- In a letter sent to Holder Thursday, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said flooding the market with more than 100,000 FEMA units could cripple the RV market.
Space sale underway for 2010 National RV Trade Show
(March 19, 2010) -- Although the 48th National RV Trade Show is still months away, RV manufacturers should already have RVIAâs exhibit space offering in-hand, and the deadline for manufacturers to request show space is March 26.
New York lawmakers seek info on campsite closures
(March 19, 2010) -- The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has been asked to release information on whether campgrounds and other facilities it oversees could be targeted for closure or reduced operations in Gov. David Patersonâs budget proposal.
Waffle House RV rolls into Columbus, Ga.
(March 19, 2010) -- Not many recreational vehicles draw attention like the one you'll see Kevin Upchurch driving around Columbus, Georgia, this weekend.
KOA's Value Kard program reaches 400,000 members
(March 19, 2010) -- In 2009, the average number of nights stayed at KOA campgrounds by Value Kard Rewards members increased 5 percent as well as a 9 percent increase in the average number of camping trips taken by members.
Minnesota River floods Shakopee RV Park
(March 19, 2010) -- Shakopee Police Captain Jeff Tate reports that the Shakopee Valley RV Park campground is under water. The Minnesota River will continue to rise in Shakopee over the weekend.
Arizona denies cityâs request to take over state park
(March 19, 2010) -- The Arizona State Parks Board opted not to let Lake Havasu City become âPlan Bâ for Lake Havasu State Park, while several proposals from other communities with struggling state parks saw approval.
Campers may again be allowed to drink around the campfire in Nebraska state parks
(March 19, 2010) -- Members of the Nebraska State Game and Parks Commission indicated Thursday they were sympathetic to appeals to change the policy that generally bans consuming alcohol in state parks.
Circus RV park successfully tests Airstreams
(March 19, 2010) -- About a year ago, KOA Kampgrounds came up with the idea to let campers rent Airstream trailers like hotel rooms. One of the places the trailers are parked is Circus Circus on the Strip.
Ultra Vans attract fans
(March 19, 2010) -- A club gathered in Port Orange, Fla., shares a passion for Ultra Vans.
RV starts on fire as its new owner drives it home
(March 19, 2010) -- While returning to Loveland,Colo., a man who had just purchased an RV from a private owner noticed an engine problem. The vehicle began to smoke, then the engine started on fire.
Roadtrek enjoys gains as Class B market jumps 33 percent
(March 19, 2010) -- Hanemaayer said he is pleased Roadtrek continued to dominate the Class B segment with 44.6 percent of the market in 2009. In addition, when all types of motorhomes were combined, Roadtrek ranked as the No. 11 motorhome manufacturer right on the heels of No. 10 Newmar Corp.
Emotions are mixed over proposed Alabama park bill
(March 19, 2010) -- A new bill in the Alabama state legislature would cut rental fees in half for state residents.
Go RVing sponsors bowling's version of March Madness
(March 19, 2010) -- Go RVingâs sponsorship of the 4th Annual Go RVing Match Play Championship includes three 30-second ad spots, on-screen billboards, prominent lane signage that can be seen by multiple TV angles, and Go RVing branded pin-sweeps.
Amateur video captures drug bust in Texas
(March 19, 2010) -- An off-duty border patrol agent spotted the car on FM 491 and tried to pull it over, but when the driver refused to stop, the chase was on and ended at an RV park.
Industry members gear up for centennial celebration
(March 19, 2010) -- Message board participants have already posted terrific ideas for celebrating the industryâs 100th Anniversary, reporting on events they have planned, and unique ways to use the official RV Centennial logo on company web sites, marketing materials, and even on celebratory cakes.
Priority One hires new marketing coordinator
(March 19, 2010) -- In her position as marketing coordinator, Laura Smith will be responsible for creating marketing pieces for Priority Oneâs dealerships and dealer leads, forming the companyâs brand standards and building a new website.
Warm weatherâs good for sales in upper Michigan
(March 19, 2010) -- The unseasonably warm temperatures are putting everyone in the mood for spring and those who run RV businesses can vouch for that.
Mechanic dies working under a 30-foot RV
(March 19, 2010) -- A 58-year-old man in Lakeland, Florida, was killed Thursday after the recreational vehicle he was working on rolled over him.
San Diego campground encourages GPS use to find Easter eggs
(March 19, 2010) -- Sacred Rocks Reserve will hold its second annual Geocaching Easter Egg Hunt March 27, where parents and kids use handheld GPS navigation devices to find hidden treasures outdoors. They'll even provide a refresher course on GPS navigation.
KOA reports record reservations for annual fundraising weekend
(March 19, 2010) -- âWe are just getting underway with our marketing for this event, and we already have nearly 30 percent more reservations than we had at this time last year,â said Gast. âWeâve got guests that now make this special event the official start of their camping season every year."
Canadian retail sales jump in January, but core inflation also rises
(March 19, 2010) -- Canadian retail sales in January rose a robust 0.7 percent. This small upward surprise occurred despite new car sales being much weaker than expected by dropping 2.3 percent. In addition, the February consumer price report rose a greater than expected 0.4 percent in the month.
ADP webinar shows how successful dealerships found $140,000
(March 18, 2010) -- Ethington found four specific areas where the dealers in the highest group outperformed the rest of the market. Then, using the performance numbers of the highest group, Ethington found that the low end dealers lost $140,000 dollars per location based on their performance in the four areas of emphasis.
Texas dealership to carry Entegra motorhome line
(March 18, 2010) -- âWe are proud to welcome Motor Home Specialist to the Entegra Coach team,â Jacobs said. âThey have been the number one selling motorhome dealer in the state of Texas for three consecutive years and they will be a great asset not only to Entegra Coach, but also to our growing network throughout the U.S. and Canada.â
Federal appeals court delivers mixed ruling on Forest River pay case
(March 18, 2010) -- The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that Forest River could reduce commissions by 50 percent for employees who leave the company. But the court let stand a lower court decision that awarded triple damages to an employee after the company failed to pay commissions within 72 hours of termination.
Georgia welcomes second Jellystone Park April 1
(March 18, 2010) -- While Trail's End Resort and Marina has gained distinction as the only one in the country to offer floating condos, the resort is working intensively to double its number of campsites and develop a full-slate of fun family activities and themed weekends in anticipation of joining the nationâs second largest campground chain.
Illinois city tightens RV parking rules
(March 18, 2010) -- The two ordinances adopted by Gurnee trustees Monday take effect immediately. One requires RV owners to register their vehicles with the village and the other limits where RVs and haul trailers can be parked.
Ohio reseller finds itself in the national spotlight for buying FEMA houses
(March 18, 2010) -- Greenlawn Homes, a Columbus, Ohio, company, has been thrust into the national spotlight as one of the largest resellers of manufactured houses built for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Navistar receives EPA certification for 2010 MaxxForce DT engines
(March 18, 2010) -- âWe anticipate receiving additional EPA certifications for our other engine families in the days and weeks ahead as our manufacturing plants begin to ramp-up for full production of our 2010 line-up of trucks and buses," said Younessi.
Calif. considers smoking ban at state parks
(March 18, 2010) -- California lawmakers on Thursday will consider what is believed to be the nation's most far-reaching smoking ban in state parks.
New parking regulations on the horizon in one Wyoming city
(March 18, 2010) -- Among the changes being considered by the Casper City Council in Wyoming, recreation vehicles couldn't be left on streets for more than five days in a row during any given 30-day period unless their owners pay a $25 application fee, get permission from the city and pay $300 each year for a recreational vehicle parking space.
Winnebago Industries sales jump 247 percent, backlog rises 246 percent
(March 18, 2010) -- Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 ended Feb. 27, 2010 were $110.5 million, an increase of 247 percent, versus $31.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009. However, the company reported an operating loss of $1.9 million for the quarter, versus an operating loss of $18.6 million for the same period last year.
Forest Service continues discounts for seniors and people with disabilities
(March 18, 2010) -- USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced Wednesday his decision not to implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses. The chiefâs decision means seniors and people with disabilities will continue to receive a discount at Forest Service campgrounds run by private concessions.
Dutchmen Zoom stolen from Montana dealer's lot
(March 18, 2010) -- Bozeman Ford and RV reported today that a 2008 Dutchmen Zoom, model 723QB, was stolen from their lot.
Go RVing Ambassadors increase awareness of camping
(March 18, 2010) -- "The new creative has obviously brought a lot of attention to camping," LaBellatold the South Bend Tribune. "It's catchy. It's meant to stand out in the clutter of television advertising."
Arizona parks system's future in doubt
(March 18, 2010) -- Arizona's parks system is limping into the next fiscal year with few assurances it will exist after June 30, the result of lawmakers reducing its budget by nearly 80 percent since 2007.
Spartan Motors honors its top suppliers
(March 18, 2010) -- The supplier awards, now in their eighth year, recognized the top four percent of Spartan's more than 300 suppliers for their ability to perform on time and on budget.
A common post-Hurricane Ike question: When will Dellanera RV Park reopen?
(March 18, 2010) -- The Park Board of Trustees, which owns and operates Dellanera, plans to use Federal Emergency Management Agency money to rebuild 62 sites with full utility connections and 20 with partial connections at the park.The park could reopen in September.
Owner orders Texas campground to be sold
(March 18, 2010) -- Emerald Glen RV Park will auction off its 150-space, 20-acre campground near Longview, Texas, Apri 23. Subject to credit approval, the winning bidder may qualify for assumable financing.
Arizona delays closing Roper Lake State Park
(March 18, 2010) -- The Arizona State Parks Board agreed Wednesday to delay closing Roper Lake State Park for 60 days beyond its scheduled March 29 closure date.
Judge allows Giant RV's case against Monaco execs to proceed
(March 18, 2010) -- A federal district judge denied a motion to dismiss a case filed by Giant RV against two Monaco Coach executives, which clears the way for a trial at a later date.
Reverse Backing Systems introduces heavy duty camera
(March 18, 2010) -- The MS-702RST system offers a waterproof night vision camera with a 7-inch color display to monitor what is behind the tow vehicle. It also offers a heavy duty trailer connectors to add additional waterproof cameras on a trailer or boat.
Prairie Sales partners with FMCA to give away Tempachairs at rally
(March 18, 2010) -- With the start of the RV season just around the corner, Prairie Sales and the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) are sponsoring a giveaway of Tempachair heated chairs during the upcoming 83rd International Convention in Albuquerque, N.M.
Leading economic indicators point to slow recovery
(March 18, 2010) -- âThe indicators point to a slow recovery this summer. Going forward, the big question remains the strength of demand," said Goldstein. "Without increased consumer demand, job growth will likely be minimal over the next few months."
State park alliance helps protect vital leisure resources
(March 18, 2010) -- âBuilding state parks creates jobs and operating state parks stimulates outdoor recreation and tourism spending. That translates to a huge boon to our local economies,â said Elton. âIn 2009 visitors to state parks across America helped create a $20 billion economic impact, which is an incredible return on investment given that the overall budget expenditure nationwide is less than $2.3 billion.â
Consumer prices edge up 0.1 percent in February
(March 18, 2010) -- The February Consumer Price Index report suggested very limited inflation pressure in the system along a number of fronts. Overall, prices were unchanged in the month and compared to expectations of a 0.1 percent rise and a 0.2 percent increase in January.
