‘52 Space-Queen: One Weird Travel Trailer

1952 Space-Queen Editor’s Note: This posting comes courtesy of Weird RVs. The 1952 Space-Queen RV was way ahead of  its time, which, now that we think about it, has still not arrived more than a half century later. The two-story travel trailer was built for only one year. The manufacturer, Gemco Engineering & Manufacturing of Cincinnati, did not stay in business long. The trailer was 26 feet long and eight feet wide. The center bedroom compartment raised to a height of 19 feet.... Read more

Travel Survey: Vacation is a U.S. Birthright

It’s been said that, to Americans, a vacation is a birthright, and the results of the new “Portrait Of American Travelers” survey clearly confirm this. This new  survey reveals that, the Great Recession notwithstanding, American travelers took an average of four trips for leisure purposes during the past 12 months (comparable to the average number taken in previous years). But they were far more resourceful in their pursuit of affordable fares and rates on those trips. The survey,... Read more

Monaco Unveils Vesta Class A Motorhome

The 2011 Vesta by Monaco RV LLC Monaco RV LLC and Navistar International Corp. brought dealers and the industry press together Wednesday and Thursday (July 28 and 29) for the first Monaco Dealer Congress since the Coburg, Ore., motorized and towable RV manufacturer was purchased last year by the nation’s largest truck maker. And with the senior managements of both companies in attendance Thursday at Navistar’s massive Melrose Park, Ill.,  Engine Plant, the two firms dramatically unveiled the... Read more

Attorney Addresses Goodyear Suit Outcome

Editor’s Note: Mark C. Tanenbaum, a South Carolina attorney, sent out this news release about the recent court decision regarding Goodyear tires. A personal injury claim filed by a Florida man against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. resulted in one of the largest judgments ever awarded in Pasco County. Judge Stanley Mills found Goodyear liable for a 2004 crash that caused serious injuries to John Schalmo and his family. In August of that year, Mr. Schalmo was on the road in a year 2000 motorhome... Read more

Sun Communities’ Q2 Revenues Rise 4.8%

Sun Communities Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities, today (July 30) reported second quarter results ending June 30. Highlights: Total revenues were $66.3 million, up $3 million or 4.8% over the second quarter of 2009. Funds from Operations (”FFO”), excluding certain items, was $0.66 per diluted share, an increase of 6.5%. Same Site Net Operating Income increased 3.4%. Home sales increased 50.7%,... Read more

Donati Getting Back in the Motorhome Biz

Claude Donati Newly formed motorhome manufacturer Nexus RV announced it has temporarily located its corporate offices in Innovation Park at the University of Notre Dame in Northern Indiana. The company plans to produce motorhomes in Northern Indiana or Southern Michigan, according to a news release. “As we finalize many of the details in our initial phase, Innovation Park offers many great resources,” said Claude Donati, president.  ”The environment here is conducive for a thorough... Read more

El Monte RV Meets Summer Rental Needs

Until this summer, El Monte RV Rentals’ locations across the country found themselves turning away late July  customers hoping for August rentals. This year, thanks to the firm’s new purchasing strategy, lucky last-minute  rental clients will be driving away in rented RVs, according to a news release. Keeping adequate rental inventory at more than 50 locations is always a bit of a chess game, according to Joe  Laing, El Monte RV Rentals director of marketing. “We know which areas will... Read more

BLS: Recreation Employment Rebounding

Chart courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics Courtesy of Derrick Crandall, president of the American Recreation Coalition (ARC), comes this interesting fact: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in the recreation field is doing markedly better than other leisure and travel segments. Look at the accompaning chart to track how employment in the fields of air transportation, recreation and lodging have evolved over the past year. In general, recreation employment retreated less during... Read more

Oil Spill Displaces BR Wholesale Personnel

An oil spill, estimated by federal officials to be more than 1 million gallons, occurred Monday (July 26) approximately 500 yards  from the BR Wholesale Inc. corporate office and warehouse facilities in Marshall, Mich. The spill has forced several BR Wholesale  team members to evacuate their homes and reside in area hotels until it is determined that it is safe to return. “It is a tragic event that has happened to the Marshall community and to our team members in the area,”... Read more

Court: Liquidate Fleetwood Enterprises Inc.

It’s been 16 months since Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., the former Riverside, Calif.-based RV icon that employed thousands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. On Thursday (July 29), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved its plan to dissolve the rest of its assets, giving it permission to hand out whatever is left over in cash to the people it owes, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. “This does bring us to a bittersweet point in this company’s history,” said Craig Millet, Fleetwood’s... Read more

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