Travel Channel Kicks off Extreme RVs TV Show

The Travel Channel premiered a three-hour block of Extreme RVs shows on Jan. 29 featuring an array of recreational vehicles and mammoth motorhomes including X-Factor producer Simon Cowell’s Anderson Mobile Estate; a 45-foot long, $320,000 Class 8 motorhome conversion on a Freightliner Coronado chassis from Middlebury, Ind.-based Show Hauler Motorhome Conversions; and the pop-top Cricket travel trailer that was inspired by NASA’s Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). According to the RVing Examiner,... Read more

Calif. County to Levy 10% Tax on Campgrounds

The Tuolumne County Supervisors in Sonora, Calif., will take up a proposal on Feb. 7 to expand the county’s 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) that is currently placed on hotels to include campgrounds, houseboats and RV parks. “This would not be an increase in the rate that the voters approved in 2010, but the expansion of the application of the TOT,” said Criag Pedro, county administrator. “The primary folks that would pay this are those that visit our community, and this is a great way that... Read more

VIDEO #3: Holod Visits Grand Rapids RV Show

Renowned travel cinematographer John Holod joins “Camping Week” sponsored by this weekend’s Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show in southwest Michigan. Holod travels the country in a state-of-the-art Born Free Motorcoach, immersing himself in the culture and surroundings he’s depicting. The RV serves as home, office and studio while he is on the road.  Read More →

Roadmaster Quiet Hitch Reduces Towing Sway

Roadmaster's Quiet Hitch Roadmaster Inc.’s Quiet Hitch stops “sway and wander” by eliminating any free play between the receiver and the tow bar for a solid, seamless connection, according to the company. In a press release Roadmaster noted that consistent pressure keeps the towing combination tracking straight through crosswinds, curves and sudden maneuvers — all with considerably less effort on the driver’s part. Quiet Hitch also reduces tire wear, as well as wear and tear... Read more

‘Feasty Boys’ Promote RV Tailgating With FOX

Cable TV cooking personalities Jon Mayer and Jim Stump, also known as “The Feasty Boys,” touted the advantages of RV tailgating in a live “FOX & Friends” report arranged by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) to kick off Super Bowl weekend on Feb. 3. Described as “the ultimate tailgating RV,” a Voltage fifth-wheel provided by Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. was showcased in a series of teases and a two-minute tailgate cooking demonstration by the Feasty Boys. “If you... Read more

Edmonton Show to Highlight Lightweight Units

Reflecting a growing trend among Canadian RV buyers, lightweight travel trailers will be showcased at the Feb. 9-12 Edmonton RV Expo and Sale at the Edmonton Expo Centre. The Edmonton Journal reported that Bill Burnett, president of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association of Alberta, said there are a lot more small trailers now than there were in years past that can be pulled by vehicles such as a minivan with 3,500-pound towing capacity. “The market is polarizing,” Burnett said. “There’s... Read more

GM to Offer 8-Speed Transmission on Pickups

General Motors will offer a new eight-speed automatic transmission in the next generation of full-sized pickups and SUVs it plans to launch in early 2013. Automotive News reports that GM is expected to begin producing its homegrown transmission at its Toledo powertrain plant by the end of 2012 for use in trucks, three people familiar with the plans said. Two sources said the same gearbox eventually will be offered on rear-wheel-drive Cadillacs, such as the ATS compact sedan GM unveiled at January’s... Read more

Palm Harbor Acquisition Boosts Cavco’s Sales

Cavco Industries Inc. reported a 189% increase in sales for its third quarter, ended Dec. 31, buoyed by a major acquisition. Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 totaled $114.6 million compared with $39.6 million the year prior. As previously reported, Fleetwood Homes Inc., a subsidiary owned 50% by Cavco and 50% by Third Avenue Value Fund, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Palm Harbor Homes Inc. during the quarter ended... Read more

Senator Pulling Controversial Virginia Park Bill

Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, has pulled his bill that would have required state parks to raise their camping fees to avoid competing with nearby private campgrounds. Reeves asked the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee to kill his bill because the director of the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has promised to look at the issue, The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, reported. Reeves, along with Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Louisa, and Del.... Read more

Dealer Daniel Castagna Loved Family, Traveling

Daniel Castagna Daniel Paul Castagna, Brookfield, Conn., the former owner of Crestwood RV and Marine Inc., died Monday (Jan. 30). Castanga, 69, was born Oct. 19, 1942, in Hartford, Conn., and lived most of his life in Eastchester, N.Y. He was the son to the late Armand Castagna. Castagna was a member of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church and also a member of the Newtown Ski Club. He was the owner of Crestwood RV and Marine in Tuckahoe, N.Y., for 38 years. He had a great love for his family. He loved... Read more

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