United Shade Intros Roll ‘N Go for Toy Haulers

United Shade is introducing a new flexible vinyl enclosure for the cargo entrance of toy haulers. Called Roll ‘N Go, it will be initially offered exclusively to RV manufacturers, but it is expected to become an affordable aftermarket add-on as well, according to a news release. The Roll ‘N Go is an easy-to-use, heavy-duty, laminated scrim vinyl enclosure that provides easy access and configuration through multiple tent-style zippers. The white vinyl is tear resistant and offers ultraviolet protection. Made to withstand the elements, it features two clear vinyl windows, either or both of which can be unzipped and rolled up to provide ventilation through SmartWeave screens, which block ultraviolet light and glare. Either side of the tent-like enclosure can be quickly unzipped, rolled up and secured to allow easy personal access, as well as being completely rolled out of the way for full cargo exit and entrance. The heavy-duty vinyl protects the cargo entrance from the elements and insects, while the clear vinyl windows let in light and roll up for ventilation. “It’s a lightweight but heavy-duty enclosure with windows for the cargo entrance,” said Braden McCormick, president of United Shade, an affiliate of Dicor Corp. “It’s a good looking, easy-to-use and economical way to provide a barrier to weather, bugs and dirt. It’s the kind of solution our OEM customers are looking for and which we think a lot of RVers will appreciate. As an aftermarket item it would be quite affordable and fairly easy to install.” For more information call Braden McCormick, (574) 262-0954.

RV Industry Accepting Dicor’s ‘Dancing Tables’

Compact, adjustable wall mount and pedestal tables may be one of the new features found in RVs this year as a number of RV manufactures are integrating these amenities into their product lines.

Dicor Products introduced several versions of these tables at the National RV Trade Show in December and they garnered a lot of attention, Dwayne Nickel, director of marketing for Dicor Corp., parent company of Dicor Products, stated in a news release.

In fact, the adjustable tables were No. 1 on the 12-item list of what one RV trade writer  called “excellent examples of the RV industry’s ingenuity and innovation” in its “Louisville features innovation on display.”

“Everybody loved the tables,” said Nickel. “We called them our ‘Dancing Tables’ because of the multiple ways they can move, all of which provides a brand new level of flexibility for this common RV feature.” The tables are designed to make efficient use of space in smaller RVs while retaining the comforts of a larger dinette or table.

The wall mounted tables, typically used for dinettes, include the Quick-Flip Leaf Wall Table, which quickly deploys a flip-up leaf near the wall that extends the table 12 inches with one easy action. Once deployed, the table can also be moved from side to side along the wall mount for easier seat access.

The Up-Down Wall Table also slides from side to side as needed for comfortable seating and uses a hinging system that allows it to be lowered to bed height. The RV owner never needs to lift the full weight of the table when changing heights. The wall mount tables are all supported by steel and aluminum hardware for durability and safety.

The wall mount tables are flexible, complete table systems that also combine a choice of attractive aluminum single and double legs with table tops that fit the specific décor needs of manufacturers.

The Cosmo Round Table Pedestal provides the mount for another table system. The single, telescoping leg can raise and lower the table to two levels from 13 to 28 inches high, aided by a smooth, single-lever auto lift.

The Four-Way Directional Tabletop System can move the pedestal table top in four directions, side-to-side and lengthwise. The tables also use steel and aluminum hardware. “Additional table top systems may be offered in the future as we get a better feel for manufacturer desires in this area,” said Nickel.

“The various ways the tables move and extend make them adaptable to a variety of floorplans. The dinette can have a smaller footprint, for example,” said Nickel. “They make table adjustments quick, easy and safe for RVers and help them make better use of limited space in smaller RVs.”

Currently the tables are being integrated into prototypes for new RV models. “The manufacturers need a little time to work with them, but we expect them to be dancing in public before long,” said Nickel.

To see animated videos of the tables in action, go to www.dicor.com/amazingstuff and click on the table link at the bottom of the page.

Gregg Fore: New Trends Drive RV Innovation

Feedback from the 2010 National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., this past December has affirmed Dicor Corp.’s decision to introduce a record number of new products, Gregg Fore, president of the company, stated in a news release. His assessment: “What we saw at Louisville was an industry ready for some bold changes,”

Dicor Corp. is a leading RV supplier. Its four affiliated companies are Dicor Products, Seal Design, United Shade and Vixen Composites. RV manufacturers are presently integrating into prototype models several of the products Dicor Corp. introduced at the Louisville Show. From these test units, new choices for RV dealers and customers are expected to emerge that will address trends in the RV market.

Meeting customer demand

“Many dealers as well as manufacturers we spoke to told us the products we introduced are the kind of choices needed to take advantage of the emerging trends in the industry,” said Fore. “At Dicor, we certainly believe that one of our core competencies is staying ahead of the trend curve by looking at what’s working in other markets and then adapting what we find to RVs.”

“Accordingly, our United Shade affiliate has introduced a number of new window fashions as well as new motorized shade and screen choices,” said Fore. These new high-style choices include bamboo shades, faux wood shades and cordless cellular shades.

The trend toward smaller, more lightweight RVs, where floorspace is at a premium, also made Dicor Corp.’s series of adjustable and extendable table hardware a big hit with show visitors, said Fore. They work particularly well in the confines of smaller RVs, especially when the table top can be adjusted up or down or extended from side to side and even swiveled if need be. “Everybody loved the tables,” said Fore. “We called them our ‘dancing tables’ because of the multiple ways they can move, all of which provides a brand new level of flexibility for this common RV feature.”

A more fuel-efficient, weather tight RV

Fore said that two of the biggest breakthroughs came from Seal Design’s new Touch-N-Seal closed cell insulating foam and Seal-Tite sealing product. “The closed-cell, spray-in foam has not been used in the RV industry,” he said. “The more we examined it, the more we were convinced it is perfect for RVs. It’s relatively easy to spray in, solidifies quickly, seals tightly and insulates better. It’s also lighter than fiberglass insulation, while bolstering the structural integrity of the unit. It contributes to a lighter, more fuel efficient and weather tight RV. Also, for manufacturers, it takes up just five percent of the space required for storing fiberglass. It got a big response at the show.”

The Seal-Tite product is a caulk replacement that manufacturers can more efficiently and effectively apply to exterior doors, windows and other exterior protuberances, while providing a much longer lasting and stable seal. Seal Design research shows that Seal-Tite can replace dozens of different SKUs common in RV plants.

“Both these products address what has been an historic issue with some RVs — leaks and water damage,” said Fore. “The industry has gotten better at addressing this issue, but we think these products are a big step forward. We have to remember that the newer, younger RV buyer is not going to be comparing his purchase with a previous generation of RVs, but with his own experience of other quality products. We need to keep stepping up our efforts to meet these expectations.

“These kind of trends and products are things the industry will be continually evaluating and moving forward on,” Fore concluded. “Sometimes we get too comfortable with the status quo. At Dicor Corp., we expect all our companies to be leaders in their fields, and that means developing new solutions from their own expertise and from the expertise they find in other industries. Inspiration can come from many sources, and we hope to help our customers capture a whole new generation of RV buyers with some inspired choices.”

Click here to visit a website and watch videos promoting Dicor products.

Lebryk Named Dicor Aftermarket Manager

Dicor Corp. has beefed up its aftermarket, service and marketing operations with the addition of long-time industry executive Larry Lebryk as aftermarket manager.

Among Lebryk’s principal duties will be assisting with Dicor Corp.’s aftermarket planning and execution, including establishing a strong aftermarket program for Dicor’s United Shade affiliate, according to a news release. He will also work with customer service personnel to provide more efficient service, and will assist with other marketing and show activities as needed.

“Larry brings a great depth and breath of experience into our service, and we are particularly pleased to have that experience focused on our customer service and aftermarket operations,” said Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp. “We are very successful with our aftermarket roofing and wheel products, but there are many new products coming on board that we think have excellent retail potential. Larry gives us more resources for evaluating those opportunities and developing distribution strategies. His experience with web marketing and social network outlets such as Facebook will be especially helpful in beefing up our approach to the aftermarket.”

Lebryk most recently worked in marketing and communications for Girard Products of San Clemente, Calif., coordinating and planning new product introductions and developing a web presence for the acceptance and sales of new products.

Prior to that he worked in Elkhart for 17 years with Atwood Mobile Products, becoming director of marketing services/aftermarket services/international sales. At Atwood, Lebryk took on a broad range of responsibilities that included development of Atwood’s website and web sales, literature development, aftermarket and trade show management, product management, account management, and management of the Tech Service Call Center and warranty departments.

His industry experience also includes serving as assistant vice president for sales promotion for Coachmen RV, and participation on several Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) committees and the Recreation Vehicle Aftermarket Association (RVAA) board. In recent years he has served on the Affinity Group selection panel for RV Dealer of the Year.

Coast Begins New RV Healthy Roof Program

The Coast Distribution System has launched its RV Healthy Roof marketing program for RV dealers.

The “Is Your Roof Healthy?” program provides the dealer the opportunity to offer a free RV roof inspection to customers, according to a news release from the Morgan Hill, Calif.-based distributor. The marketing program is designed to drive traffic to dealerships by providing a free roof inspection coupon. The dealer has the option of sending the coupon out in an e-mail blast or by mailing postcards to their database of customers and prospects. Dealers also receive a poster to display in their dealership advertising the free inspection.

The program is aimed at educating the RV owner on the importance of RV roof maintenance and helping dealers promote their services. Coast has partnered with Dicor Corp., a leading supplier of roofing technology, and RVP/Coleman, a leading manufacturer of RV air conditioners, to make this program a success. Participating dealers use a checklist when performing the roof inspections. At the end of the inspection, the dealer reviews the checklist with the RV owner and makes recommendations if maintenance is required.

Consumers can visit the RV Healthy Roof “Is Your Roof Healthy?” website to find a participating dealer. The website also provides roof maintenance tips and product information. Consumers can also sign up to receive periodic email updates with tips and product promotions. Visit the RV Healthy Roof “Is Your Roof Healthy?” program website at www.rvhealthyroof.com.

The Coast Distribution System is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of recreational products and outdoor power equipment. The company has seventeen strategically located distribution centers in the United States and Canada, offering same day shipping for most products. Coast supplies products to the independent RV, marine, outdoor power equipment, and pool and patio wholesalers and dealers.

Dicor Corp. Unveils New Vixen ‘Panelogics’

While Dicor Corp. executives had freely discussed the company’s new Vixen composite panel technology for several months leading up to the National RV Trade Show, they had steadfastly refused to unveil the new sidewall prior to the annual trade show. Not surprisingly, the buzz surrounding the new panels created quite a crowd at the Dicor Corp. exhibit inside Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center.

“We haven’t necessarily reinvented anything,” Gordon Frost, general manager of Dicor Corp.’s new Vixen Composites division, told RVBUSINESS.COM. “Perhaps a better description would be that we’ve enhanced existing technologies and combined technologies together into what we call ‘panelogics.’ The process is all custom-designed; there’s nothing quite like it out there.”

According to Frost, one very distinguishing feature of the Vixen product is that the company has worked tirelessly to ‘design out’ the potential for human error in production.

“The amount of control and automation that we’ve applied is phenomenal,” he noted. “We do have employees, but we’ve tried to keep employee ‘touch’ down to basically loading raw materials and unloading the finished product. It’s a highly technical manufacturing process.”

“First,” added Dicor President Gregg Fore, “we don’t use any wood. Not all of the products in use today use wood, but many do. All (of them) that we’re aware of use a seamed substrate, where there’s a seam every four feet. Those seams have a tendency to visibly show through in certain situations — especially where there’s a drastic temperature variation between hot and cold — where substrates butted up to one another.

“We hope, by producing a more homogenized panel, to eliminate that, or at least to decrease it considerably.”

Vixen sidewalls, by the same token, supposedly aren’t as susceptible to high temperatures or darker colors. “Today’s (other available) products have served their customers very well,” he added. “But as the customers used them, they noted some shortcomings. We’ve worked with the customer to address those, and we expect that our product will provide better and longer-term cosmetics on the exterior of an RV.”

Dicor Corp. Completes Its Elkhart Relocation

Elkhart, Ind.-based Dicor Corp. announced today (Dec. 15) it had completed its inter-city relocation following completion of an estimated $6.1 million investment in equipment and improvements to new facilities at 2965 LaVenture Place.

The move included corporate offices and manufacturing and warehouse facilities for Dicor Corp. and three of its affiliates: Vixen Components, Dicor Products and Seal Design.

Another affiliate, United Shade, will expand operations into Dicor Corp.’s old site on Airport Parkway. This will include United Shades’ subsidiary, Window Expressions.

According to Dicor Corp., much of the space in the 98,000-square-foot LaVanture Place building will be dedicated to the manufacture of Vixenite and other composite sidewall products. Vixenite, a first-of-its kind composite sidewall material by Vixen Components, was introduced earlier this month at the 48th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“This facility, and the proprietary manufacturing process we’ve developed for Vixenite, gives us the capacity to meet demand very effectively,” said Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Corp. “It is further evidence of our commitment to combine first-rate customer service with innovative, long-term solutions for the RV industry. It will also help us serve other industries we are assessing.”

“This move keeps us on track with the development plan we laid out early in the year,” Fore added. “While the relocation is an important milestone, it is only one step of our planned progress for the future.”

Dicor Corp. Finalizes Sale of Alta Resources

Elkhart, Ind.-based Dicor Corp., a leading supplier of products to manufacturers for recreational and conversion vehicles as well as aftermarket products for RVs, announced today (Dec. 9) it has finalized an agreement for the purchase of the primary products of the company’s Alta Resources affiliate by American Technology.

Alta Resources is a supplier of OEM and aftermarket wiper systems and fluid containers through a partnership with Trico Corp. and also is also the leading supplier of wireless remote control systems and its Slide-Lock product for RV slideouts. American Technology, also headquartered in Elkhart, is acquiring these products while also introducing the Genesis line of remote motor controls, a new generation of remotes for RV and related industries.

Other products previously marketed by Alta Resources, including table hardware, steps and TV brackets, will become part of the product line of Dicor Corp.’s affiliate, Dicor Products.

“Alta Resources has been a valued member of the Dicor Corp. family since its founding nearly 13 years ago,” said Gregg Fore, Dicor Corp. president. “The Alta Resources personnel as well as the products that will now be part of American Technology have proven to be top performers in the markets they serve. Alta Resources has been associated with American Technology for more than 10 years, so we believe this move should be a perfect fit for the people and products, making for a smooth and successful transition.”

Fore said the agreement effectively enhances Dicor Corp.’s ongoing capabilities. “This transaction gives us additional resources to support the numerous innovations coming out of our other companies,” he said.

In addition to Dicor Products, Dicor Corp. affiliate companies include Vixen Components, Seal Design and United Shade.

“The acquisition of the Alta Resources product lines is in harmony with our core competencies and our strategic plans for product and market expansion,” noted Steve Haines, American Technology chairman and CEO. “We welcome the opportunity to expand Alta’s market, and appreciate our long association with Dicor Corp.”

Dicor Products Touts Diverse RV Offerings

A truckload of new offerings from Dicor Products is ready to impact tomorrow’s RVs with functional and stylish improvements that will continue to help make RVs quite different than your father’s RV, or even your older brother’s RV.

These offerings range from cabinet aesthetics to wheel treatments to new, lightweight plywood that can help improve gas mileage and protect the environment, according to a news release. Dicor Products is one of several companies affiliated with the Dicor Corp., a leading supplier for the RV industry.

These and other products from Dicor Corp. brands are on display in the Dicor Corp. booth, No.260, North Wing Lobby, at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville today through Thursday.

“We are extremely excited about this year’s show,” said Gregg Fore, president of Dicor Products and the Dicor Corp. “We have never introduced so many new products at one time. We continue to actively listen to our OEM partners, and this represents our latest effort to deliver what they need to make better RVs.”

A few key examples:

• Innova all-new curved cabinet doors. Curved cabinetry is a stylish new look in RVs that has been drawing consumer interest. Innova will enable RV manufacturers to offer attractive curved cabinets that are as much as 60 percent lighter than conventional solid-wood, raised-panel doors. The curved doors can also be fitted with end caps, which allows them to be installed on existing flat-faced cabinets, giving OEMs an economical way to provide a new, contemporary style.
• Cor-Lite plywood. This exceptionally lightweight and smooth plywood material is about half the weight of conventional plywood and MDF, while retaining similar sturdiness. It comes in 4 X 8 foot sheets in six thicknesses ranging from 2.7 mm to 22 mm, and can be applied anywhere plywood, MDF and lauan are currently used. Core-Lite’s smooth surface makes it especially effective for cabinets and other finished uses. Made from poplar wood, it is an environmentally friendly, non-rainforest product.
• Traktr Chrome composite wheel liners. The latest addition to Dicor Products’ popular wheel cover line for OEMs and the aftermarket, this is the first technological advance in motorhome wheel liners in 20 years. Made by a Tier One automotive supplier, it is lighter weight and will not peal, pit or rust, and provides superior impact performance, abrasion/dent resistance.
• Extendable pivoting wall table. Imagine being able to pivot a wall-hung table away from you while you slide in behind it. That’s what this does! It also has a flush-fit leaf that easily extends the table another 14 inches, and it also easily drops down out of the way. This is one of a number of new, ingenious, adjustable table systems being introduced.
• Electric single slider step with LED footboard light. A very slim profile makes this step easier for manufacturers to integrate into units. It stays open at campgrounds and automatically retracts with the engine ignition or with emergency manual retraction. A bright, colored LED light strip is embedded in a rubber safety grip for entry/exit safety at night. A two- or three-step option with quiet flip motion is also offered.

A host of new and innovative TV mounts will also be introduced, and Dicor Products will present its stable of roof and flooring products. “People are amazed at how much ‘stuff’ comes through us,” said Fore. “And everything is researched and tested before we put it out. These are all category-leading products.

“Some of them, such as the Innova doors and table mounting systems, offer a dramatic change that RVers will quickly notice in terms of style and functionality. But all address core functions of an RV and collectively create a better RVing experience for the RV user. These are the products that will give RVers plenty to look forward to.”

For more information visit www.dicor.com/amazingstuff.

Vixen Composites Intros Vixenite at RV Show

Newly incorporated Vixen Composites is introducing an innovative new composite sidewall panel called Vixenite that offers many advantages for RVers and RV manufacturers. Vixen Composites is an affiliate of the Dicor Corp., whose affiliated companies are leading suppliers to RV manufacturers and the RV aftermarket.

A Vixenite panel and other Dicor products are on display in the Dicor booth No.260 in the North Wing Lobby of the Kentucky Exposition Center at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville today (Nov. 30) through Thursday.

According to a press release, Vixenite composite panels are manufactured in a highly controlled, fully automated, continuous process that eliminates common variables that contribute to dimensional and performance inconsistencies and failures. The flat, composite panels can be produced at any length desired in widths up to 120 inches, with a 0.19-inch thickness and more thickness options to come. Vixenite panels are lighter than wood-based panels and can be supplied in any automotive paint color and clear coat. There are no discreet layers, no wood, no substrate seams, and excellent thermal and mechanical properties.

Panelogic unique proprietary process

“This is an amazing and unique proprietary process that has been more than two years in the making,” said Gordon Frost, general manager of Vixen Composites. “What our team has essentially done is take existing technology and chemistry and put them together in a revolutionary new way that yields a better composite product.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit to RV manufacturers, dealers and consumers is Vixenite’s ability to hold up to the rigors of RVing without running the risk of difficult and costly wall replacement or repair due to wall panels bubbling, separating and internal delamination. Its structure is virtually a solid fusion of proprietary materials that are processed at over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, extreme heat situations will not create the thermal effect in Vixenite that causes it to post cure, thus avoiding panel damage. Also, the manufacturing process ensures a consistent, quality finish for RV manufacturers to work with.

Frost is part of a team assembled by Vixen with extensive experience in the field of composites. Prior to his association with the Dicor Corporation, Frost worked eleven years for Owens Corning — Fabwel Division/Crane Composites. During that tenure he served as Technical Director/Technical Leader, Manager of Research and Development, and Application Engineer. He also received the Slayter Award for Innovation for his work in developing the CTEC all-composite, wood-free, high-gloss exterior RV sidewall panel. He holds multiple U.S. patents and is Six Sigma Black Belt trained.

In-line finishing process

Another example of what Vixen’s manufacturing approach can do is a patent-pending coatings technology to ensure automotive finishes. The finish is applied in-line with no VOC’s or HAP’s, thus meeting and exceeding EPA guidelines for airborne pollution. Finishes are instantly cured with ultraviolet lights for an automotive-quality result. There is no fading, no chalking and no added lead time. This means Vixen Composites can help RV manufacturers produce full-body paint more efficiently.

”The line automation and in-line finishing procedure shortens manufacturing time considerably when compared to other composite processes,” said Frost.

Making a better RV

“Overall, the equipment is designed for dimensional and process flexibility, which, combined with our expertise in composites, allows us to address and meet many of the existing flat panel composite challenges,” said Frost.

“As a company affiliated with Dicor Corporation, we at Vixen are dedicated to working with each of our manufacturing customers in whatever way is needed to make composites work better for their particular applications.”

For more information visit www.dicor.com/amazingstuff.

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