Fleetwood RV Unveils ’16 Bounder to Rallygoers

 

2016 Bounder motorhome

Fleetwood RV will have the first national showing starting today (June 11) through the weekend of the redesigned gas-powered 2016 Bounder motorhome during the company’s national rally at its factory in Decatur, Ind.

The owners of some 400 Fleetwood motorhomes are expected to attend and see a full array of Fleetwood and American Coach motorhomes.

”This is the first time we’ve had our national rally in Decatur,” Steve Hileman, director of product and marketing, told RVBUSINESS.com. ”Customers can effectively see every Fleetwood floorplan, every model.”

Hillman reported the rally includes after work-hours tours of Fleetwood’s factory, noting, “They can get in all the nooks and crannies and see every part of the plant.”

A number of suppliers, including Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC), will be on hand and Fleetwood will offer a variety of seminars that will include driving instruction and a confidence course.

”A local hospital is a sponsor and will be providing staff to do health and wellness seminars,” Hileman said.

Bounder motorhome interior

As for the Bounder, after three decades in production rallygoers will see what’s pretty much an almost all-new coach. ”Bounder is celebrating its 30th anniversary and it’s been substantially revised with lots of new features,” Hileman said.

Available in five 33- to 37-foot floorplans on a 22,0000-pound GVWR Ford chassis, external storage has been increased between 35% and 50%, depending on floorplan. ”There’s a lot more pass-through storage,” Hileman said.

With new front and rear caps and a new dash with dual monitors, Bounder also has been equipped for the first time with a multiplex electrical control system. ”Bounder always has been about simplicity and value,” Hileman said. ”A simple multiplex system was a natural fit.

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.

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.

Winnebago Brave / Tribute Named RV of the Year

The retro-looking, thoroughly modern Winnebago Brave (along with its sister, the Tribute) has been named RV of the Year by RV Business magazine.

Though the days of Flower Power have long passed, Winnebago decided to revive its classic 1960’s RV with features that incorporate the technologies of today.

The new Brave breathes new life into the celebrated design. Beyond its stylish appearance, the Brave is loaded with versatile floor plans — ideal for weekend getaways or extended trips. The Brave features a state-of-the-art sliding dash rearview monitor with Rand McNally RV GPS and a powered patio awning as well as the StudioLoft bedding system for added sleeping space.

“Speaking for RV Business,” said Editor Bruce Hampson, “we felt it was important to recognize authentically original thinking on this kind of a scale because Winnebago has boldly stepped into a place in terms of marketing and product design that no motorhome manufacturer has gone before. The Brave/Tribute is a highly appealing and marketable new coach.”

Find out more about the Brave here.

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

Move Over S’mores, We’ve Got the Wolf’em Stick!

Have you heard about the Wolf’em Stick?  It’s a great new camping product that we think you will love.  This awesome little contraption lets you bake refrigerated biscuit dough (or any other dough) into a biscuit cup that you can fill with all of the delicious toppings that you can think of! It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and family around the campfire and it’s a great change-up from the typical toasted marshmallows and S’mores. There’s zero preparation, plus they’re easy to use and clean up—a real benefit when camping or picnicking.

Making a Wolf’em is super easy—instead of having a cooking fork, the Wolf’em Stick has a wooden cylindrical cooking head.  You spray the cooking head with non-stick cooking spray, wrap biscuit dough around it, and put it over the campfire. Turn the stick with its convenient rotary handle and you’ll soon have it baked to golden brown perfection.  Remove the baked biscuit cup from the stick and fill it with something yummy.  The results are so tasty you will just want to wolf‘em down—hence the name!

Here are a few of our favorite recipe ideas that work great with this new cooking tool:

• Pie filling: Canned cherry or apple pie filling topped with canned whipped cream.

• Pudding: Snack-size chocolate or vanilla pudding topped with canned whipped cream.

• Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, raspberries, or peaches with a little yogurt or whipped cream.

• Breakfast: Bacon or sausage with scrambled eggs.

• Tacos: Taco meat, grated cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.

• Hearty trail favorites: Chili, beef stew, or rice and gravy.

• Spreads: Coat the inside with peanut butter and jelly, honey, or a chocolate-hazelnut spread.

You can even go gourmet by combining vanilla or chocolate pudding with cherry or apple pie filling. You’re only limited by your imagination! 

Making Wolf’ems is a fun way to spend time around a fire. The treats are yummy, but the time you’ll spend with your friends and family is even better.  The next time you head out in your RV, make sure you take a Wolf’em stick with you!

This article was provided by www.wolfem.com.

Finding the Right Trailer Tire

Image provided by BigBrandTire.com.

When it comes to traveling with your trailer or mobile home, safety should be your top priority. Since the tire is the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road, it greatly affects steering and handling, and therefore your safety. Your driving experience will be completely different if you choose the wrong tires for your vehicle. Read on to find expert information on choosing the right tires for your trailer.

Trailers vs. RVs

Trailers are vehicles that are towed behind an SUV or truck, whereas an RV is self-powered. Steering capability is the main difference between the two. Trailers require special trailer (ST) tires while RVs often utilize light truck (LT) tires.

ST vs. LT

While there are many differences between ST and LT tires, it’s important to know how they are different so you’re able to choose the best option for your trailer. Special Trailer (ST) tires have a three to five-year lifespan and are made specifically for hauling heavy vehicles like trailers. Meant for speeds less than 65 mph, ST tires have stronger sidewalls to reduce the risk of rollover. ST tires have some of the highest load ratings based on inflation pressure, meaning their specific design is meant to haul heavy items with the lowest risk of giving out. Since ST tires also employ stronger sidewall technology, they are great for hauling trailers around corners and when turning. These specifications make ST tires a solid choice for your trailer. Light truck (LT) tires can also be used for vans, SUVs and trucks, and therefore are made with more general specifications.

Weighing your Vehicle

Before you even start looking at tires, you must first determine the weight of your vehicle. Don’t just weigh your trailer by itself; remember that you will be traveling with personal items inside. The tire’s capacity should be able to safely haul your trailer and anything inside.

Terrain and Climate

Another important consideration to take into account is the terrain and climate where you will be hauling the trailer most of the time. If you travel in a snowy, mountainous terrain, the type of tire you put on your trailer will be different than if you’re mostly driving through a hot, desert area.

Measuring

After you’ve determined whether you need ST or LT tires, choosing the correct measurement is the next step toward getting your trailer on the road.

Width

Section width is the distance from the widest part of the tire’s inner wall to its outer wall. This is where the tire’s treads are, and is the first number in the model number for a tire. For example, model number ST175/80-R13 would have a section width of 175 millimeters.

Aspect Ratio

The measurement of the sidewall is also known as section height. This is the length of the tire from the wheel to the tallest part of the tire. Aspect ratio is the second number in a tire’s model number. For example, model number ST175/80-R13 would tell you that the aspect ratio is 80% of the section width of 175 millimiters, or 140 millimeters.

Internal Construction

How a tire is made can affect its hauling capabilities. The letter after the aspect ratio in a tire’s model number indicates its internal construction.

• R: Stands for radial construction, meaning the tire’s body plies branch out from the imaginary center of the wheel.
•  D: Stands for diagonal or bias ply construction, meaning the tire’s body plies crisscross.
•  B: Stands for belted construction, meaning the tire’s body plies crisscross as bias ply does and then are reinforced with belts.

Wheel Diameter

Wheel diameter is the measurement of the diameter of the wheel. In our example tire model number ST175/80-R13, the 13 measurement indicates that the wheel is 13 inches across.

For more in-depth information on how to measure tires please refer to this excellent tire measurement guide.

Safety Tips

You’re nearly ready to go! Once you have chosen the right tire and correct measurement for your trailer, there are some safety concerns for you to be aware of. Make sure to check the tire’s inflation to ensure its pressure is properly aligned for it maximum hauling capacity. The most common cause for tire failure is the tire not being fully inflated. Set yourself up for success by ensuring the pressure is correct.

Always keep a spare tire when traveling and keep the cap on the valve stem to prevent contamination. If you see cracks or bulging on the tires, it may indicate a weakness and should be replaced. It’s a good idea to replace the tire every three to five years, regardless of how much use they’ve seen. Tires are considered baled when the tread is 2/32 of an inch deep or less. A crack of this size would also indicate a need to be replaced. Remember that tire pressure changes with temperature, so if you’re traveling at a time of year with major weather changes, check the pressure periodically to ensure you’re always ready for the road. 

For more information, please refer to this tire maintenance guide which includes more detail on how to check tire pressure.

Maintenance & Storage

To ensure the longest life of your trailer’s tires, proper maintenance and storage will make all the difference. When washing the tires, use a mild soap and water. Avoid certain tire care products containing alcohol or petroleum distillates, as they can contribute to tire deterioration. Inspect the tires regularly for bulges, cracks or punctures. Store the tires with minimal weight on them to reduce air pressure, and keep them in a cool, dry place. If you’re storing them for an extended period of time, tire covers are a good way to protect them from the sun and other elements. Make sure you know your tire’s warranty requirements should you need to replace them or have an issue.

This article was provided by BigBrandTire.com.

EverGreen Zooms into Motorized Market with Imperial Class B Motorhome

After successfully making a name in the towable RV segment, EverGreen Recreational Vehicles is taking on the Class B Motorhome market. The new Imperial is a unique concept with the look and automotive luxury of an executive limousine. EverGreen’s entrance into the motorized segment has been well received and continues to grow.

EverGreen’s innovative approach to the class B resulted in a motorhome 10-inches wider than average class B vans, but still fits in a standard parking spot. This gives the Imperial more versatility to transition effortlessly from tailgate parties to touring to overnight stays. Choose from two unique Imperial models, each with a walk-through center aisle layout.

Both the 245WS and 245TS have a fully equipped galley kitchen with Corian^® countertops, refrigerator and microwave for easy food preparation. In the living area the seats are made of soft touch leather vinyl to be stain and water resistant, yet also soft and comfortable. When it’s time to rest, the couch converts to sleep two adults.

The Imperial is designed for tailgate entertaining. Two flat panel HD television/monitors, one in the front and one in the rear, are available along with easy connections for laptop computers. The rear television rotates and doubles as an outside tailgate feature with rear stereo speakers. Tables fold out for comfort and fold away when not in use. The dash-mounted DVD, navigation and back up camera are convenient whether traveling or parked.

Built on the award winning Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis, Imperial is powered by the V-6 Mercedes Benz 3.0-liter common-rail direct injection (CRD) turbo diesel engine. This power train provides powerful, smooth, clean and quiet performance with the added benefit of exceptional fuel economy—up to 24 MPG on the highway.

For more information: www.GoEverGreenRV.com

EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC 10758 County Road 2, Middlebury, IN 46540 

Phone: 574-848-7621 Fax: 574-848-7626