LIFESTYLE Releases 3D Rendering of New Fiver

LIFESTYLE Luxury RV, a newly formed luxury fifth-wheel manufacturer based in Middlebury, Ind., has released a series of 3D renderings in advance of the launch of the company’s first model.

“Our team has been working around the clock for a product debut that will have an immediate impact on the industry,” said Greg Kitson, lead design engineer for LIFESTYLE, who is among several key employees that previously worked for now defunct Carriage Inc. “We’re excited about the opportunity to share just a small part of what our team has been developing for the 2013 model year.”

Kitson said the absence of Carriage product has left a void in the luxury-fifth wheel segment, adding, “LIFESTYLE’s new product line will fill this void and raise expectations for this segment.” The company is a division of Middlebury-based EverGreen Recreational Vehicles LLC.

In addition to the unit renderings, an initial list of features and benefits can be seen at www.LifestyleLRV.com. The company said that those familiar with the luxury fifth-wheel segment will quickly recognize several design and construction amenities, including double-stacked box steel tube frames, the dual-floor basement and full-wall slide with an above-the-frame slideout system. Initial production is scheduled for March 2012.

“This is just the beginning,” stated Elliott Bond, LIFESTYLE national sales manager. “We’re very happy with the progress we’ve made to date. We’ve not deviated from our core principle to offer the premiere luxury fifth wheel in the market with high-quality, year-round construction. Several innovative enhancements to the product have been made that we feel will bring immediate value to our dealers and retail customers.”

 

Redwood Launches Flat Freight Dealer Program

Syracuse, Ind.-based Redwood RV launched its Flat Freight program for dealers during last week’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., according to a press release.

“It’s a bold move,” said Tom Montague, general manager for Redwood RV. “We see Flat Freight as an investment in our dealers. We believe our dealers are the best in the business at what they do – selling high-end fifth-wheels. As a responsible manufacturer we wanted to do something to help make their job easier. We also felt it was important to reward our current Redwood dealers for a successful first year in business.”

The program provides U.S. and Canadian dealers handling the company’s Blackwood fifth-wheel – also introduced in Louisville – a $400 flat freight fee. Redwood said that it is also offering several other dealer programs, including level pricing, large territories, zoned freight, “No Internet Dealers” and MSRP only advertising policy.

“We’ve taken every possible step to help promote local shopping,” said Montague. “When dealers form lasting relationships with customers, everybody wins. Flat Freight is yet another tool to help our dealers set themselves apart from the competition.”

 

Forest River Adds Larry Meredith to Sales Team

Forest River Inc. has hired industry veteran Larry Meredith to oversee sales in the West Coast region for its Cardinal and Blue Ridge fifth-wheel division.

The Elkhart, Ind.-based company said in a press release that Meredith would be charged with “rebuilding and developing” the fifth-wheel lines.

Meredith joins Forest River with 35-plus years of RV sales and management experience. “We are excited to use his experience to develop Cardinal and Blue Ridge fifth-wheels on the West Coast and bring it back to the prominence it once had,” the release stated.

For additional information contact National Sales Manager Jay Cavitt at 574-389-3227 or Larry Meredith, West Coast sales, at 909-335-8337.

 

Starcraft to Debut Travel Star Fiver in Louisville

Starcraft RV will debut its all-new Travel Star fifth-wheel at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., offering a lightweight design capable of being hauled by half-ton tow vehicles.

According to a press release, the fully-loaded Travel Star fifth-wheel completes Starcraft’s towable lineup with two 27-foot floorplans and two more to follow.

Models feature a 30-inch by 72-inch entry door, four inches taller than normal, along with a STARMAXX drop frame front basement storage area with light and tool hooks and 75 cubic feet of storage – 25% more than other basement storage areas. Also included is the Arctic Package which offers an insulated, enclosed and heated underbelly. Dark tinted windows, 10-gallon DSI water heater, radial tires and an amber light at the entry step are other notable exterior features.

Inside, the standards include in-floor ducted heat with thermostat controlled heating, decorative lighting package, radius corner shower, multi-media sound system with AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 input jack and a 60-inch by 80-inch queen-size Evergreen mattress, which is 30% lighter than a comparable innerspring mattress.

Kitchens in the Travel Star fifth-wheel are designed with a three-burner range, 21-inch oven, deep oversized kitchen sink, residential faucet with pull-out sprayer and sink covers, deep storage drawers and under-booth dinette seats. The dinette area is set off by a  large picture window.

Other upgrades include slam latch pass-through storage doors, deluxe graphics package, solid-surface countertops with under mounted sink and  reflective foil insulation in the roof, floor and front wall. Starcraft is also offering its Galaxy Package for Travel Star fifth-wheels featuring 17 convenient upgrades, including a colored front fiberglass cap, electric awning, rear power stabilizer jacks and a 32-inch LCD TV with DVD player. A key fob remote is also part of the package, which controls the patio awning, porch light, security light, front and rear jacks and slideout room.

 

 

First Winnebago-Branded Fifth-Wheels Roll Out

Forest City, Iowa-based Winnebago Industries Inc. has released a pair of mid-profile fifth-wheel units by its new Winnebago Towables division.

While the company has debuted other fifth-wheel units following its purchase of SunnyBrook RV Inc. late last December, the Lite Five is the first fifth-wheel to carry the Winnebago brand.

“It’s an entry-level mid-profile fifth-wheel catered toward the half-ton customer, yet offers a lot of higher-end features,” said Fred Hershberger, national sales manager for Winnebago Towables. “It features a gel-coat fiberglass exterior to create that ‘glass-like’ finish, a chamfered front end for better turning radius, heated and enclosed underbelly, laminated walls and floors and aluminum roof trusses to remove weight out of the coach — we’re really focused on reducing weight with all Winnebago Towables products.”

Built at its Winnebago of Indiana facility in Middlebury, Ind., the Lite Five is initially available in two 32-foot floorplans, depending upon sleeping requirements and the furniture/galley arrangement. The 28FWBHS features curbside rear bunks and galley opposite a dinette and sofa in a streetside slideout, while the slightly longer 30FWRES incorporates slideouts on both sides of the main floor; the curbside extension houses the dinette and a pair of swivel rockers with a residential-style sectional sofa opposite, just aft of the galley. Both floorplans incorporate an island bed with memory-foam mattress up front, with the bathroom located between the bedroom and living quarters.

Both Lite Five units also feature hide-away computer stations, double-door refrigerator, high-capacity furnace, a large oven and patio awning. MSRPs start at about $30,000.

Keystone Alpine Adds Features, New Floorplan

Befitting its reputation as the “next generation” fifth-wheel, Keystone RV Co.’s Alpine has introduced a number of new product enhancements heading into the 2012 show season.

According to a press release, changes include decors featuring “Ralph Lauren” fabrics, full paint exterior options, larger showers and a new front lounge floorplan with stadium seating.

“When we first introduced the Alpine 18 months ago, we made it our goal to continually stay ahead of the curve,” states Scott Parkhurst, Alpine/Avalanche product manager. “The features we now offer clearly set Alpine apart from any other RV on the market.”

One example, Parkhurst notes, is the use of “Ralph Lauren” fabrics. “I believe our interior designers have done an outstanding job of conveying Ralph Lauren’s unique sense of style,” said Parkhurst. “When you walk into an Alpine with ‘Ralph Lauren’ fabrics, you will instantly know you are looking at something special.”

Another new addition to the Alpine line is the choice of full paint exterior options. According to Parkhurst, Alpine owners can personalize their unit by selecting from three beautiful exterior color schemes.

The Alpine also features a new front lounge floorplan. The 3495FL floorplan provides generous living room seating with stadium seats on one wall opposite a full‐sized sofa sleeper, as well as a 40-inch LCD and fireplace at the head of the room. “We’ve also designed this floorplan to include a large gourmet kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and four-door refrigerator,” Parkhurst said.

Keystone’s Alpine/Avalanche recently reached a milestone when the division posted its 1,600th retail sale. The Alpine and Avalanche have become a Top 10 fifth-wheel brand in less than two years, and year‐to‐ date growth is pegged at 150%, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

Dutchmen Engineers 32-Foot High Profile Fiver

Measuring just 32 feet from tip to tail, Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc.’s Komfort 2820FRL is the smallest true high profile fifth-wheel on the market, according to a press release.

“The 2820FRL offers all the advantages of a true high profile fifth-wheel in a shorter package allowing easy access to more destinations,” said Rob Groover, general manager. “Our customers have been asking for all of the upscale amenities Komfort offers in a smaller package. We believe we have exceeded our customer’s request.”

Despite the smaller platform, the new Komfort floorplan offers a 6-foot 8 inch crowned ceiling throughout the bedroom along with a king-sized bed and walk-in cedar closet. The bathroom sports a 60-inch by 30-inch Ultra Shower with a glass enclosure.

“At Dutchmen, our passion as well as our marching orders continues to be focused on fresh innovations,” said Groover.

The new model and many other industry firsts will be shown at the Dutchmen “Discover the Difference” Open House Sept. 20‐22 at the RV Hall of Fame. For more information on Dutchmen RV, a Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary, visit www.dutchmen.com or call 574‐537‐0600.

 

Heartland Introduces Silverado by Bighorn Line

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC has created an aggressive new price point in its high-volume Bighorn luxury fifth-wheel line with the launch of the Silverado by Bighorn series. The builder will be showing three all-new floorplans during next week’s Elkhart County 4th Annual RV Open House as part of Thor Industries Inc.’s expansive display at the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

“Heartland was the largest and most significant acquisition that Thor has made,” said Brian Brady, president and CEO for Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland. “Our mandate is to continue to aggressively and responsibly grow our business. Consequently, offering Silverado as an extension of Heartland’s incredibly successful Bighorn line of upscale fifth-wheels makes compelling sense for our dealers.”

Kary Katzenberger, general manager, added, “We designed the Silverado by Bighorn to satisfy those consumers that recognize the inherent value in the Bighorn brand, but are looking for a lower price point. With base MSRP’s running from $39,000 to $49,000, the Silverado by Bighorn represents the best value in the full-profile luxury fifth-wheel category and offers our dealers a tremendous investment opportunity.”

For the Open House, Heartland will be displaying models ranging in lengths from 35 to 41 feet with plans to add a 33-footer to the mix. Units offer laminated fiberglass sidewall construction, three or four slideouts, Heartland’s patented 88-degree turning radius and oversized external baggage compartments with slam-style doors.

The interiors are smartly appointed with several upscale standard features, including solid-surface countertops, royal maple cabinetry with decorative glass inserts overhead, a residential size stainless steel, under-mounted sink and a spacious bathroom with glass shower surround.

“One of the really unique features is the creation of a walk-around bedroom suite area,” said Katzenberger. “We were able to build in a large closet area in the front cap along with under-bed storage and a washer-dryer hook-up for a stackable laundry set.”

Heartland also incorporated a dresser that is narrower and taller than conventional units, allowing for a picture window in the bedroom. Windows are also built into the bedroom slide for cross ventilation.

Heartland said that representatives will be on hand during the Open House to show the new Silverado by Bighorn units along with Heartland’s full line of travel trailers and fifth-wheels. For additional information on the Silverado by Bighorn contact Katzenberger at 574-514-4531.

 

Dutchmen to Debut Front Kitchen Infinity Fiver

“At home, most people tend to entertain in the kitchen. Why not in a luxury fifth-wheel?” said Rob Groover, general manager for Infinity and Komfort. “Through advanced engineering and design, we have produced the ultimate front kitchen flooplan that makes all that possible.”

The Infinity 3870FK offers five sliderooms, seating for six, a spacious 12-cubic-foot refrigerator, 6 foot 8 inch crowned ceiling and a 32-inch HD TV.

“We completed the 3870FK Infinity with a lower level great room with an additional 40-inch HD TV, as well as a bedroom that sports a king-sized bed and a spacious bathroom,” Groover said.

Dutchmen will be holding its “Discover the difference” Open House Sept. 20‐22 at the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Ind. Dutchmen RV is a Thor Industries Inc. company based in Goshen, Ind. For more information  visit www.dutchmen.com or call 574‐537‐0600.

 

Redwood Fiver Floorplan Meets Full-Timers’ Needs

Syracuse, Ind.-based Redwood Residential Vehicles has improved upon one of the industry’s best selling fifth-wheel floorplans with its introduction of the 36FL, according to a press release.

By making innovative changes, Redwood said it has developed a front living room model with unique features that better meet the needs of the full-time consumer.

“The 36FL is uniquely Redwood. We’ve taken one the best and made it better,” explains Tom Montague, general manager for the Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary.

The 36FL kitchen has been expanded by moving the slideout to the off-door side and adding the industry’s largest moveable dinette table capable of accommodating six adults.

The living room is also improved by relocating the entertainment center directly across from the living room chairs for more comfortable TV viewing. The entry way is larger and enhanced with a grand staircase and two hand rails.

Other improvements include an 80-inch sofa, pullout desk, and fireplace. Redwood also offers an optional sliding patio door for customers who stay in one area for extended periods of time.

Redwood focuses exclusively on building full-time residential fifth-wheels with models ranging from 34 to 42 feet. All units include an industry exclusive two-year limited protection and five-year structural warranty.

For more information visit www.redwood-rv.com.

 

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