“Where In The World Is Your RV?” – ENTER TO WIN!!!

Where in the world is YOUR RV?  We want to know!  

Send us a photo of your RV in fun and interesting locations.  From there, it’s up to you and other RV Trader.com fans to vote for the best photo for the “Where in the World is Your RV?” contest.  Each week the entrant whose photo receives the most fan votes will receive a $25 KOA camping gift card and Value Kard Reward Membership; and that photo will become the profile picture for the RV Trader® Facebook® page for the following week.

The “Where in the World is Your RV?” promotion will run for four weeks beginning on July 1 and conclude on August 4.  RV followers can submit a photo of their RV “in action” on vacations or other outings anywhere in the world.  The following week, all RV Trader Facebook fans will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite photo submitted the previous week, using the “Where in the World is Your RV?” Facebook voting app.  The week’s winning photo will be determined by the highest number of votes and will be announced every Monday, when it will be featured as the cover picture for RV Trader’s Facebook page.

For more information, please visit the RV Trader Facebook page. 

B&W Trailer Hitches Garners Governor’s Award

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that B&W Trailer Hitches, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trailer hitches and aftermarket truck and trailer accessories, was chosen as the 2013 Governor’s Award of Excellence winner.

According to a press release, the Kansas Department of Commerce described Humboldt-based B&W Trailer Hitches as a company that “believes that investment in employee development helps it manufacture better products and has committed extensive resources to worker training programs. The company relies upon innovative technology for its advanced manufacturing, and training helps workers gain technical expertise in many areas.”

They added that “B&W also encourages its employees to participate in local and regional leadership training programs. The company and its employees remain active members of the Humboldt community, especially in their support for the local school district. In addition, B&W works closely with the city to develop land for local retail stores and attractions.”

Award qualifications included:

• Business expansion in Kansas.

• Successful employee retention and recruitment practices.

• Employee training/educational programs.

• Capital investment in Kansas.

• Support of local activities including school activities, community events, economic development and leadership programs.

Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George stated that “Kansas is fortunate to have so many successful businesses generating economic growth and creating great jobs. We will continue to work towards ensuring that Kansas provides these companies with the best business environment possible.”

Source:  http://www.rvbusiness.com/2013/06/bw-trailer-hitches-garners-governors-award/

EverGreen Rolls Out Series of Product Videos

Video reviews of the features and benefits of EverGreen RV LLC’s travel trailer and fifth-wheel products are now available on its YouTube channel and website at GoEverGreenRV.com. According to a press release, the series of videos, dubbed “RV ReView,” will be released over the course of the next few weeks. The first video in the series posted online covers the Sun Valley travel trailer.

The entire group of videos is a comprehensive look at the amenities, construction materials and design practices. A few of the topics discussed in the “RV ReView” series are EverGreen’s ComposiTek construction used in the Ever-Lite and Ascend travel trailers, as well as the vacuum lamination process used on all EverGreen RVs to build wall, floor and roof panels.

The videos also help viewers get a closer look at EverGreen’s DuraLite double welded aluminum structure, a construction practice utilizing six sided double-welded aluminum frame construction in the walls, roof and floors with header framing around all doors, windows and baggage openings for added strength and less flex.

Other topics covered are EverGreen’s TPO roof construction, screwed and glued raised solid panel cabinetry, and other standard features such as the warrantied no-crack padded vinyl flooring. In the first video released about the Sun Valley travel trailer, special attention is paid to the variety of floorplans available and the line’s lightweight construction.

“The videos in the ‘RV ReView’ series give a hard, detailed look at our products and our construction practices,” said EverGreen Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doug Lantz. “Consumers will receive a real ‘inside look’ at how our travel trailers and fifth-wheels are built.”

Source:  http://www.rvbusiness.com/2013/06/evergreen-rolls-out-series-of-product-videos-2/

KOA’s Rogers’ Undercover Boss Show to Reair

If you missed the escapades of Kampgrounds of America CEO Jim Rogers on a CBS airing of “Undercover Boss” last January, you’ll have another chance to see him in action when the episode reairs on June 21 at 7 p.m. in the Central and Mountain time zones, and at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.

According to a press release, the rebroadcast was initially scheduled for June 7, but was removed from the schedule for that date by CBS on June 6.

The original showing of the KOA “Undercover Boss” episode in January easily “won the night,” ranking first in households watching; first in actual viewers; and first among both adults in the 25-54 age group and the 18-49 age group.

Ratings for the episode were up 20% over the “Undercover Boss” episode that aired the previous week. The KOA episode was the third-most-watched episode of the 12 shows in the award-winning reality show’s recently concluded fourth season.

“Undercover Boss was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to both receive totally unfiltered feedback from employees and our franchisee partners, as well as promote KOAs new Deluxe Cabins, destination attractions, KOA Care Camps, and outstanding guest service to over 9 million viewers,” Rogers said. “We showed North America the great diversity of KOA’s outdoor hospitality.”

The show also provided a bump for KOA.

Reservations across the 485-campground KOA system were up 17% for the weekend of Jan. 11-13, compared to the same weekend last year, and reserved nights at the four KOA properties featured in the episode were up 169% over last year.

KOA’s popular KOA.com website also benefited, with a 128% increase in visits versus the same weekend last year. The initial showing of the “Undercover Boss” episode also set records on KOA’s mobile website, which saw an increase in site visits of 391% over the same weekend in 2012, and an increase in total visitors of 1,218%.

“The effects of our participation in the show will be felt by KOA and our industry for a long, long time,” said Rogers. “You just can’t buy that kind of exposure for your brand.”

Source:  http://www.rvbusiness.com/2013/06/koas-rogers-undercover-boss-show-to-re-air/

Winnebago Industries Introduced Winnebago Forza at The Rally

—Forza debuts at first retail event —

FOREST CITY, Iowa, June 14, 2013 – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, Introduced the Forza™ for the first time to retail consumers at The Rally, the Camping World/Good Sam event held in Syracuse at the New York State Fairgrounds being held this weekend.

Thousands of RVers and enthusiasts were on-hand for the event where the Winnebago Forza made its debut.  The all-new, pleasantly priced Forza is built on the Freightliner^®XCS straight-rail chassis which provides a solid foundation with a Cummins 340-hp diesel engine and Allison^® six-speed transmission delivering the power.  Diesel pushers are known for storage and the Forza ups the ante with its Smart Storage^™ design that pushes capacity even further.  Inside, are fine amenities such as polished Corian^® galley countertops, coffee glazed cabinetry, upscale entertainment features, and LED lighting. 

Arnold and Jean Bye from Waunakee, Wisconsin loved the new Forza.  “We are looking for a small diesel with a queen bed in the traditional position so we could use it without putting the slides out. We love the mid entry. We have a 40’ now and we want to downsize – this is perfect for us.  We can get 8 people around the sectional table. The side swing doors allow easy access to great storage for a small unit. I also love the passenger seat with the table for all my maps and the laptop.

Forza standard features:

• All-new Class A Diesel pusher series
• Two floorplans – the 34T and 38R
• Attractive price
• Loaded with standard features

o   Powered driver and passenger seats in leatherette

o   Radio/rearview color monitor system with 6-inch touch screen

o   Powered mirrors with defrost/side-view cameras

o   Powered MCD visor shade for the front windshield

o   MCD blackout shades in the coach area

o   Soft vinyl ceilings

o   LED ceiling lights

o   Vinyl tile flooring throughout

o   Polished Corian galley countertops and tiled backsplash

o   Home theater sound bar with DVD/CD player

o   Full-coach water filtration system

o   6,000-watt Cummins^® Onan^® diesel generator

o   2,000-watt inverter/charger

o   Roof A/C with heat pump

o   Hydraulic leveling jacks

o   Dual-glazed coach windows

o   Heated holding tank compartment and winterization package

o   Powered patio awning with LED lighting

o   Exterior wash station

o   Low profile allows unit to fit through 12-foot door opening while having amazing storage of up to 228 cubic feet (38R)

• Available features:

o   Fireplace, +Lounger, powered StudioLoft^™(34T only), stackable washer/dryer, automatic HDTV satellite antenna system, satellite radio, and Ideal Rest^®Noveau^™ air sleep system

About Winnebago Industries, Inc. – “The Most Recognized Name In Motor Homes^®“, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company and its subsidiary build quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach, SunnyBrook and Metro brand names. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since the award’s inception in 1996.

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RVers Embracing Independence, Camaraderie

When the open road started calling Henry and Gloria Jannenga, they answered.

“We started in January of last year,” said Gloria Jannenga. “We bought the RV in December 2011. We went to the beach and literally stayed at the beach for about a month. It’s just a fun way to live.”

According to a report by the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle, the Jannengas have put their 2009 Georgia Boy Pursuit, a 36-foot Class A motorhome, to good use since. The trip to Hunting Island, S.C., was a test to see how much they’d like it. They’ve made trips to several parts of the country since then, including putting 12,000 miles on it about 12 months ago when they visited Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

The Jannengas are among a growing number of Americans who are taking to the open road and purchasing RVs to get the most out of the experience, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

“The RV market continued to gain ground in the first quarter of 2013, with total RV wholesale shipments reaching 79,422 units through March, an increase of 11.2 percent over the 71,444 units shipped during the same time frame in 2012,” according to RVIA’s March 2013 survey of manufacturers.

“RVing is becoming more and more popular because it’s a convenient, comfortable and affordable way for families to spend quality time together and build memories that will last a lifetime,” said RVIA president Richard Coon in a news release from the RVIA. “RVs provide families with the ability to take whatever kind of vacation they want, and it won’t break the bank.”

Source:  http://www.rvbusiness.com/2013/06/rvers-enjoying-independence-and-camaraderie/

Winnebago Industries Offers Rand McNally Navigation in 2014 Model Motorhomes

Award-winning navigation available via XiteSolutions North America’s all new 10.4″ Dual Monitor Infotainment System

FOREST CITY, Iowa, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO), a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, has selected Rand McNally as its exclusive provider of mapping and routing services for its 2014 motorhomes. Rand McNally’s award-winning RV GPS navigation will be featured as part of the new X1 family of infotainment systems from XiteSolutions North America, available in Winnebago, Itasca and Winnebago Touring Coach motorhomes. Winnebago Industries has chosen the new X1S 6″ and the industry first, X1DM 10.4″ Infotainment Systems. With a 10.4″ display the X1 DM offers the largest integrated, in-dash OEM solution in the RV market today.

“Our Winnebago Industries motorhome owners expect the best from us. We’ve partnered with the navigation industry’s best – Rand McNally – to provide navigation and routing information specific to RV travel, providing RV-specific stops along the way and enhancing the trip experience,” said Russ Garfin, Product Manager, Winnebago Industries.  

Rand McNally’s RV software includes:

– Specialized routing and turn-by-turn spoken directions in the U.S. and Canada for 11 different classes of RV

– Navigation based on legal and physical restrictions, such as height, width, weight limits and propane restrictions, and the ability to favor right- or left-hand turns depending on motorhome class

– Warnings for speed limit changes, sharp curves, dirt roads, and other potential hazards

– Millions of points of interest including those specialized for RVs: RV Campgrounds with detailed amenities, RV dealers and maintenance facilities, dump stations, rest stops, travel centers, pet-friendly locations, and more

– RV Checklists/Maintenance Logs/Trails

– Rand McNally featured road trips, including Best of the Road®, Regional Trips, Scenic Tours and Weekend Getaways

– 2D/3D Maps with Junction View

– Multi-stop route optimization

– User-configurable warnings to assist in creating detours, choosing to permanently avoid road segments, and receiving warnings for upcoming hazards such as bridges and construction

“Being selected as the exclusive GPS provider by industry leaders such as Winnebago Industries and XiteSolutions North America recognizes the routing expertise and superior user experience that Rand McNally has developed,” said Dave Muscatel, CEO, Rand McNally.  “The features of the X1 Family products, including our navigation, will add value to Winnebago Industries’ premier motorhomes, helping make the driving experience even more enjoyable.”

The new infotainment system provided by XiteSolutions North America, XSG2-X1DM, is an industry first, providing a 10.4-inch in dash monitor with a secondary monitor for more viewing options. It features all of today’s popular entertainment features plus, outside temperature and compass display, on-screen camera management and more. XiteSolutions North America X1 family of Infotainment Systems and Rand McNally’s OEM software program are distributed exclusively through RiverPark, Inc. based in Elkhart, Indiana.

“We believe that our new X1 family of infotainment coupled with the power of Rand McNally’s industry best navigation experience will provide the ultimate in-dash tools for today’s RVers,” said Craig Smith, President ofXiteSolutions North America. “Winnebago Industries’ choice to offer Rand McNally’s RV software as its exclusive navigation along with our new X1 products shows their commitment to bringing their customers a dynamic new motorhome driving experience and value.”

About Winnebago Industries, Inc. – “The Most Recognized Name In Motor Homes^®“, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company and its subsidiary build quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses under the Winnebago, Itasca, Winnebago Touring Coach, SunnyBrook and Metro brand names. Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since the award’s inception in 1996.

About Rand McNally – Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Products and services include: Road travel review site bestoftheroad.com; America’s #1 Road Atlas;  RVNDTM GPS for RVers; IntelliRoute® truck routing software and navigation devices; TPC 7600 and TNDTM 760 mobile fleet management solutions for the transportation industry; and leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. randmcnally.com

IntelliRoute and Rand McNally are registered trademarks and TND and RVND are trademarks of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally.

About XiteSolutions North America, Inc. – XiteSolutions North America develops integrated in-vehicle entertainment and information systems for the automotive, recreational vehicle and commercial markets. www.xsna.ca.

Contacts 
Winnebago:
Sheila Davis
641-585-6803
sdavis@winnebagoind.com

Rand McNally:
Amy Krouse
703-860-2677
akrouse@randmcnally.com

SOURCE Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Unity Twin Bed

Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, The Unity “Twin Bed” is quickly becoming a hot seller for Leisure Travel Vans. The Unity U24TB’s unique floor plan boasts twin beds in the rear of the coach that can be filled in to create a bed wider than a residential king-size bed. The bedroom is complete with ample interior storage space, a private dry two-piece lavatory and a stand-up residential shower.

The Unity U24TB was developed with ultimate convenience and comfort in mind, for those that want a non-slide compact coach. The front driver’s and passenger’s seats swivel 180 degrees to allow viewing of the large pullout 29” LED TV located in the galley. An optional entertainment package features a removable bedroom TV that easily mounts to an exterior location.

Other notable features include 60 cubic feet of exterior storage with a large pass-through rear storage compartment, front seating/dining area complete with seat belts for two added passengers (four total), a new standard power patio box awning and a pullout pantry. 

Technological advancements the Unity U24TB include a 6” GPS and back-up camera and optional side-turn cameras with iPod/USB hookups. The interior offers European styled curved wood cabinetry, sleek modern Ultraleather and Corian’s Private Collection countertops throughout the coach.

With an estimated 16-18 mpg, the Unity U24TB has a starting MSRP of $115,050 USD.

For pictures, videos, virtual tours and more please visit:

www.leisurevans.com/unity

Why Leisure Travel Vans?

From the European-inspired designs to the highest level of quality materials and craftsmanship, Leisure Travel Vans are a unique breed of RV’s. The new “Why Leisure” video campaign attempts to shed some light on what goes into creating a Leisure Travel Van, from start to finish.

Manufacturing RV’s since 1965, Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Leisure Travel Vans’ parent company) has a long history in the RV industry. Although the products have changed over the years, the commitment to building a quality coach has gone un-wavered.  When you buy a Triple E RV/Leisure Travel Van, you can be rest assured that you are buying from a company that is committed to its products; past, present and future.

Leisure Travel Vans success can be attributed to many factors, ranging from a history of innovative and unique designs (www.leisurevans.com/astepahead) to a dedicated and talented employee base. Vertically integrated, the company produces its own fiberglass parts and woodwork components, right down to the upholstery of the interiors. Top quality materials are prevalent throughout the coaches, such as Ultraleather upholstery and solid cherry and maple wood cabinetry.

The campaign consists of 8 short videos along with a full-length company video. The videos can be viewed at the following link:

www.leisurevans.com/why