SSI: Towable Sales Show 13.9% Gain During 1Q

Retail sales of towable RVs climbed 11.5% in March from a year ago while registrations were up 13.9% for the first quarter.

According to the latest report from Statistical Surveys Inc., results by category showed:

• Sales for the high-volume travel trailer sector grew 14.2% for the month and 16.3% year-to-date.

• Fifth-wheel registrations were up 6.8% in March and 10.2% for the three months.

• Folding camping trailer sales fell 10.7% for the month and 7.1% year-to-date.

• Recreational park trailer sales were up 16.4% in March, and 6.1% for the first quarter.

Forest River Inc. was the towable sales leader through March with a 37.6% market share, edging out Thor Industries Inc. which captured a 35.2% share. Jayco Inc. was No. 3 with a 12.7% share.

By segment, Forest River was No. 1 in travel trailer sales for the first three months with a 39.2% market share, ahead of Thor (32.7%) and Jayco (14%). Thor was the leader in fifth-wheel sales, capturing a 47.6% market share, followed by Forest River (31.3%), Jayco (9%) and Grand Design RV Co. (8.1%).

Forest River was the folding camping trailer sales leader year-to-date with a 61.4% market share while Jayco (16.6%) held the No. 2 position followed by Columbia Northwest/Aliner Inc. (10.5%). In the park model segment, Skyline Corp. was No. 1 with a 15.6% share, followed by Kropf Manufacturing Co. Inc. (10.5%) and Cavco Industries (8.7%).

This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.

Winnebago Shows New 2016 Lineups

Forest City, Iowa-based Winnebago Industries Inc. launched the company’s new 2016 motorhome and towable lines today (April 9) at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas as part of its annual Dealer Days event.

“Winnebago is the ‘real deal,’ and we’re proud to display the best and most comprehensive lineup in the company’s history,” said Winnebago Vice President of Sales and Product Management Scott Degnan in a press release. “With nearly 500 in attendance, we are seeing great response to new and redesigned products from what we consider the best dealer network in the industry.”

The Adventurer and Suncruiser, Winnebago’s flagship Class A gas models, have been totally redesigned inside and out. The exterior includes new front and rear molded fiberglass styling, as well as new lights, LED accent lights, aluminum finned grill and molded “blade-type” wheel trims with chrome accents. 

Inside, interior upgrades include a new contemporary dash, “pull-over” passenger work station with USB and 12-volt ports, new Xite G3 Infotainment system, tile flooring extending into the cab area, interior décor and  curb view window. The Adventurer and Suncruiser are a “fantastic alternative to a consumer who wants the look and functionality of a higher-end diesel, but on a gas platform,” the company said.

The iconic Winnebago design just became even more “cool” with the addition of the new “Daytona” full-body paint option to the retro-style Brave and Tribute motorhomes. This motorhome line is a great mix of the past and present with three distinctive Winnebago floorplans. 

Winnebago also introduced an all-new Journey and Meridian 38P four-slide floorplan. The 38P features an island wrap-around galley, large pop-up TV with Rest Easy sofa, large picture window on the patio side and spacious bedroom and bathroom with Winnebago’s largest shower.

A new Scorpion premium fifth-wheel toy hauler is joining the Winnebago lineup and offers a large 14-foot garage space for hauling toys. The garage portion of the Scorpion features a private half bath, sliding glass door, as well as facing sofas with an optional queen bed. The ramp provides a 15-degree clearance for easy entry. 

When not in use as a ramp, the door becomes a patio with an optional sliding patio railing with retractable steps. Inside the living area of the unit, the wide body design and radius ceiling provide a spacious interior with features such as a 55-inch TV, a large island with raised breakfast bar and much more. 

Winnebago’s brand licensing partners also have products on display, including two new Winnebago park model RVs, Winnebago RV covers, and Winnebago headwear and apparel.

This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.

Outlaw Toy Haulers from Thor Motor Coach Continue to Impact RV Market

According to Statistical Surveys, a revitalization in retail sales for Toy Haulers has created many new options for those searching for an RV with garage capabilities.  Thor Motor Coach (TMC) continues to drive sales with its motorized toy hauler, the Outlaw.  Expanding its claim as the ultimate residential motorhome, TMC has recently released new floor plans and valuable camper conveniences aimed to fit today’s busy lifestyles.

A new 37RB extends the Outlaw Toy Hauler’s desirability by adding a second slideout with a permanent Denver Mattress® queen size bed. This dedicated bedroom provides a good night’s sleep and privacy from other guests towards the front of the coach and even from those up in the loft bedroom.  Now the kids can have their space, while mom and dad get a bed that no longer has to be converted to sleep.  This 37RB Toy Haulers keeps all the amenities of a traditional Class A motorhome, with the highly sought after garage in the rear.

Known as the “Ultimate Tailgating Partner”, the “residential edition” 38RE definitely fits into a very unique category with an ultramodern bedroom featuring 9-foot coffered ceilings where the garage is customarily located. The 38RE was awarded the 2015 Top RV Debut by RVBusiness© and after taking a closer look, you can understand why. It has an immense living area, perfect for traveling and relaxing. The inventive rear “Patio Deck” folds down to reveal the best entertaining option in the market with an exterior kitchenette, 50-inch big screen TV, and Bluetooth radio.

Whether you are interested in the Class C 29H Toy Haulers or any of the Class A Outlaw RVs, you will find Thor Motor Coach’s Rapid Camp® on all units. Rapid Camp is a wireless control system allowing owners to set up camp quickly at a distance of up to fifty feet away from the motorhome. Features that can be operated include the leveling jacks, slideouts, generator, patio awning and patio light.

All Outlaw toy haulers and motorhomes include an overhead bunk in the cockpit area with Class A units featuring an electric drop-down version of the bunk. When lowered, the bunk provides a comfortable sleeping space for two. When in the raised position, it is camouflaged into the ceiling and a great place to secure personal items while you’re away because it’s operated by a separate key.

The Outlaw is attracting buyers from many diverse backgrounds.  “We’ve found people are using this type of coach as more than just a toy hauler for hauling ATVs and motorcycles,” said Joel Grimm, Gas Division National Sales Manager for Thor Motor Coach.  “Owners are using the garage as a space for their animals, their antiques and anything else that needs significant hauler capacity. We have even found a number of full-timers using the garage as their mobile office.”

To find the Outlaw Motorhome that was made to fit you, visit http://OutlawRV.com  or http://ThorMotorCoach.com

Top 4 Things to Look for in an RV Warranty Provider

The argument surrounding whether or not to purchase an RV Extended Service Contract, commonly referred to as an RV Extended Warranty, has been around as long as the product itself.  There are firm believers on either side of the debate. Some RVers wouldn’t travel without coverage, while others wouldn’t pay a dime out of pocket to have it. Why is there such a difference in opinion? As you might expect, not all extended warranties are created equal.  So how does a consumer decipher between the many plans available to ensure they get the best coverage for their vehicle?  Industry experts recommend looking for the answers to the following questions:

1)      Who is the Insurance Carrier backing the policy?

The insurance provider backing the RV Warranty is the company that ultimately guarantees the solvency of the program.  In most expert opinions, making sure that the warranty policy is backed by an insurer is an absolute must.  If you purchase a policy without insurance carrier backing and the policy provider goes out of business, you could be stuck with a warranty that is absolutely useless! Ensure that the policy you are looking to purchase is not only backed by an insurance carrier, but that the carrier is in good financial standing. A great way to determine this is to ask the seller for the AM Best Rating of the underwriter.  AM Best is a company that verifies the validity and financial status of insurance carriers on an A to F rating scale.  Companies with an A or even B+ rating should provide sufficient standing.

2)      Who is the Policy Administrator?

The RV Warranty Administrator is the company that processes the claims, and acts as the point of contact for you or your repair facility when seeking payment for a breakdown.  The company that handles the claims can have a huge impact on your policy’s ease of use.  You will want to take a look at the size and reputation of the RV Warranty administrator.  Resources such as the BBB and other online reports can be a helpful indication of the kind of claims service you can expect. Keep in mind that large administrators will inevitably have at least a handful of unavoidable complaints, but if problems seem to be the norm, it could certainly be a red flag towards avoiding that particular policy.

3)  What type of RV Warranty Coverage is being offered?

The most important portion of your program research should be an understanding of what is and is not covered by the Extended Warranty policy you are looking to purchase. RV Extended Warranty Policies are an investment in the protection of an RV’s value and performance. So what do you look for in coverage? Be sure that you are provided with a full copy of the actual policy you are purchasing, and determine what level of coverage is being offered. Look for key terms such as Comprehensive, Exclusionary, Powertrain or Coach Only, and determine the best type of coverage for your desired risk.

4)     What is the reputation of the Contract Provider?

The RV Warranty Contract Provider refers to the individual, company or dealership that is offering the Extended Warranty Policy for your RV. It is the ultimate responsibility of the RV Warranty provider to perform their due diligence in offering the most accurate coverage information for programs that have excellent performance standards and reputation. Always look for the reviews of current clients as a way to gauge the service you can expect to receive from a given provider, as well as a quick search on quality control sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google+.

As with any purchase, ample research is the best way to make sure you are purchasing a policy that is worth the paper it’s written on. Trust in the company providing you with coverage can be just as important as the policy they issue. The questions above are a great way to garner a given provider’s knowledge of the industry and the plan they are recommending, so you can purchase a policy with confidence.

This article was provided by Wholesale Warranties.

Winnebago Outdoor Announces the Sponsorship of the Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Space

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE:WGO):,Winnebago Outdoor, the brand that celebrates the heritage of the Winnebago RV lifestyle with apparel, gifts, and gear, is the title sponsor of the Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race.

The race is scheduled for June 6 and features canoe, bike and run portions. Participants will complete a 7 mile canoe or kayak race on the Winnebago River, bike 12 miles in a loop through Pilot Knob State Park and finish with a 5K race along the Hynes Spur Trail in Forest City.

“It is our goal to grow the race and showcase the outdoor opportunities in Forest City,” said Winnebago’s Director of Marketing Chad Reece. “As a company, we also feel our products are a great fit for those with an active, outdoor lifestyle.”

Registered participants will receive a Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race themed t-shirt and motorhomes will be on display for spectators and participants to view the day of the race.

The race is organized by the Forest City Parks and Recreation Department. Registration is available online at http://forestcityparksandrec.com/programs/event-registration/

About Winnebago Industries

Winnebago Industries, Inc., “The Most Recognized Name in Motorhomes®”, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of recreation vehicles, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities.  The Company builds quality motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products, and transit buses.  Winnebago Industries has received the Quality Circle Award from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association every year since 1996.  The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York and Chicago Stock Exchanges and traded under the symbol WGO. Options for the Company’s common stock are traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. For access to Winnebago Industries’ investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.

Roadtrek’s Zion Offers Versatile, Roomy Interior

Built on the Ram ProMaster chassis and perfected by Roadtrek, the Zion is a versatile and luxurious coach that will have you fulfilling your bucket list locations in no time.

The Zion is the first in Roadtrek’s lineup to offer an open concept floor plan allowing you to pack all your outdoor adventure toys, from bikes to kayaks in the spacious center aisle.

The beautifully designed ivory and charcoal interior leaves the coach with an open and bright feeling for an upscale look you are sure to love.

The coach is packed full of features, including a permanent bathroom with shower, spacious galley with microwave and propane stove, large 5 cu.f.t refrigerator, automatic propane heating system, comfortable sofa and bed and abundant storage. With the ability to comfortably seat five and sleep three, the Zion the perfect coach for all your travel needs.

To find out more about the Zion, visit www.roadtrek.com.

Let’s Rally!

2014 was a great year full of exciting RV shows and events! RVTrader.com was pleased to be able to attend and exhibit at a long list of events this past year. These events included: Florida RV Supershow, Houston RV Show, America’s Largest RV Show, California RV Show, RV Dealers International Convention, 52^nd Annual National RV Trade Show, and the Good Sam Phoenix Rally. We look forward to continuing to go to even more shows and meeting more successful RV Trader buyers and sellers in 2015!

Looking for an RV show to head to this month? Check out these awesome upcoming RV events:

WA State EvergreenRV Show

Monroe, WA

April 10^th-12^th

Recreational VehicleIN Council Hall of Fame RV Show

Elkhart, IN

April 23^rd-26^th

RV SuperSaver Show

Ft. Myers, FL

April 24^th-26^th

Great News for RVers: AAA Sees Gas Prices Falling for Summer Travel

Lower gas prices may be on the way for U.S. consumers by this summer if refinery maintenance ends smoothly and crude oil remains relatively cheap, AAA said in a news release.

As reported by the St. Augustine Record, the travel company’s release said it is even possible that gas prices will return to near $2 per gallon in some areas, as long as there are no unexpected problems in the meantime. AAA does not expect the national average to rise above $3 per gallon this year.

“There is a real hope that gas prices could drop significantly in time for the busy summer driving season,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “The overall outlook looks good for drivers, and with any luck we will avoid the types of problems that often lead to higher gas prices at this time of year.”

Many refineries have completed seasonal maintenance, though unexpected problems could still occur. Many refineries and wholesalers will switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline by May 1 to meet EPA clean air regulations.

The cost of crude oil is likely to be the most important factor influencing gas prices over the next few months. At the close of Friday’s formal trading, WTI settled at $49.55 per barrel — 68 cents higher than the week before. Many experts believe that crude oil prices may drop further due to abundant supplies, but international conflict, declining production or other issues could result in higher prices.

This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com

Don’t Miss Out On Mobile

Heidi Cohen, author of Actionable Marketing Guide, has put together a great guide to help us all embrace the new mobile generation. Her article, “55 US Mobile Facts Every Marketer Needs for 2015,” will help you see this as the year your inventory goes past just being digital. It’s time to make it mobile!

From Cohen’s article, it’s clear to see that mobile is here to stay. It’s time to unchain yourself from the desktop and start getting all of those mobile leads that you’ve been missing out on!

Here are a few exciting statistics that show how mobile advertising is taking over in 2015:  

• $28.48 billion will be added to US mobile advertising budgets in 2015
• 146 million consumers shopped on mobile devices in 2014
• 81% of buyers research products on their mobile devices before purchasing
• 40% of visits to RVTrader.com are on mobile devices

Go mobile and get ready to watch the leads roll in. Call 877-354-4068 or contact your RVTrader.com rep to start taking advantage of mobile advertising today.

To view the rest of the mobile facts from Cohen’s article, visit http://heidicohen.com/2015-mobile-marketing.

Champion to Produce Winnebago Park Models

Champion Home Builders Inc. has entered into a licensing agreement with Winnebago Industries Inc. for a line of park model RVs. The license agreement between Winnebago and Champion was brokered by Winnebago’s exclusive North American licensing agent, Brandgenuity.

“We are very excited about this unique licensing opportunity and see the park model RV business as a natural extension of our Winnebago brand,” said Chad Reece, director of marketing at Winnebago. “Based on their history of innovative, quality products and customer satisfaction, we feel that Champion Home Builders is a great choice to carry the Winnebago name into the park model RV space.”

Champion Home Builders will be introducing the first Winnebago branded park model line this April at Winnebago’s Dealer Days in Las Vegas. Each park model will be custom designed and authentic to the Winnebago brand, with features and designs that maximize space and storage and that are manufactured with high quality craftsmanship. The line will be sold at Winnebago dealers as well as Park Model RV dealerships in the United States and Canada.

“We are honored and excited to be working with one of the most iconic Made-in-America brands,” said Dick Grymonprez, director of park model sales at Champion Home Builders. “Champion’s Winnebago branded products will provide our customers with the quality and affordable design choices they want when creating their dream vacation home.”

This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com