FRVTA Readies for 27th Annual RV SuperShow

“This is a great opportunity for all RV Industry personnel here in Florida or anyone in the industry spending the winter in the state,” said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson. “If you didn’t have the chance to take your staff to the Louisville Show, this is an inexpensive way to expose your entire crew to all the new products and RVs available for 2012.”

Industry Day will include free coffee and donuts in the morning and a free lunch for all attendees. Registration forms can be found on the FRVTA website.

For more information on the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow contact the Florida RV Trade Association at 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, FL 33578, (813) 741-0488, or visit our web-site at www.frvta.org.

 

 

Space Drawing Held for Florida RV SuperShow

The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) held the space drawing for the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow on Aug. 2-3, according to a press release.

Conducted in the organization’s Riverview, Fla., office via phone and Internet, manufacturers drew approximately 10% more space for the 2012 show versus the 2011 show drawing. FRVTA said the “grandfathered drawing order” determined the order in which space was selected.

“We want to thank all our manufacturer members for their continued support,” said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson. “The SuperShow, as well as all our regional shows, provide our manufacturers and dealers with excellent opportunities to display their new products all over Florida. With a record attendance in 2011 of over 53,000, we are expecting the 2012 SuperShow to be even bigger and better than ever.”

The theme of January’s show, to be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, is “Take Another Look!” The theme “emphasizes the fact that RVs have changed so much over the last few years that people need to revisit RVing as a vacation option.” FRVTA said it is also an invitation to discover what so many people have already found out: that RVs offer freedom, flexibility and fun not found in any other activity.

Industry Day is set for Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will be treated to coffee and donuts in the morning and a free lunch. Public Days will run Jan. 11-15. The RV SuperShow hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving $1 off the cost of admission (not valid with other discounts).

For more information on the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow or to register for Industry Day, contact FRVTA at 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, Florida 33578 or visit the web-site at www.frvta.org.

 

FRVTA Sets Space Drawing for SuperShow

The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will hold the space drawing Aug. 2-4 for the mid-January 2012 Florida RV SuperShow, according to a news release.

FRVTA said that each manufacturer that has returned their contract with a deposit will be called during the drawing to pick a space in the show. The “Grandfathered Drawing Order” will determine the order in which space is selected.

The theme of the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow is “Take Another Look!” The FRVTA said it emphasizes that “people who haven’t been in an RV lately will be shocked to see all the new technology and comforts of today’s RVs.”

Industry Day for the show will be held Jan. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Attendees will be treated to coffee and donuts in the morning and a free lunch. Public Days will run Jan. Jan. 11-15. The RV SuperShow hours are Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-5p.m. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving $1 off the cost of admission (not valid with other discounts).

For more information on the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow or to register for Industry Day, contact the Florida RV Trade Association at 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, FL, 33578 or visit our website at www.frvta.org.

New Fleetwood Models Do Well in Tampa

Fleetwood RV Inc. said its latest models and products, including its 2011 Class A diesel models and the brand new 2011 Tioga DSL Class C diesel models, were well-received by consumers attending the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla. The show, which ran from  Jan. 12-16, had over 50,000 people cross the gates.

“A key component of our product development process is dealer and customer feedback, which helps us ensure that the products that we bring to market include the features they want,” Lenny Razo, national sales manager for Fleetwood RV’s Class A diesel product line, stated in a news release. “We are very pleased with the consumer reaction to our 2011 diesel models in Tampa and the tone it sets for the rest of the retail show season.”

Some of Fleetwood’s brand new 2011 models included the Class A diesel 36-foot Discovery and the Tioga DSL Class C diesel motorhome.

“Response to the Tioga DSL as well as the value-priced Tioga Ranger DSL, at the Tampa SuperShow was overwhelmingly positive,” said Mark Inkrote, national sales manager for Fleetwood RV’s Class C diesel product line. “These products went from concept to retail delivery in just four months. They really are a great example of how our organization can meet consumer demand quickly and accurately.”

For more information about Fleetwood RV and its full-line of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, call (800) 322-8216 or visit www.fleetwoodrv.com.

MCD Innovations Lauds Tampa Show Gains

MCD Innovations posted record sales at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla., last week, an indication of the public’s willingness to spend money on RV products again and increased consumer confidence in a renewed economy, according to a news release.

“The individuals I talked to were very interested in upgrading their current RVs with the American Duo Shade System,” said Peggy Grich, a company spokeswoman. “In addition, a number of people told me that they were purchasing new motorhomes and were planning to insist that MCD shades be included in their interior package.”

Grich also noted that many of the new RVs on display at the show already featured MCD shades that were installed during build at the factory, including Winnebago, Foretravel, Kibbi-Renegade, Newmar, Tiffin, Carriage, NuWay, Born Free, Newell, Excel, New Horizons, Fleetwood and Monaco.

“The fact that so many new RVs come equipped with MCD shades from the factories certainly generated increased interest among participants. Many of those I visited with came to the MCD booth because they saw them in the new coaches, Class B’s and C’s and fifth-wheels,” said Grich. “We’re happy to see the RV industry turn around and are looking forward to a more healthy economy that allows the public to feel good about improving their lifestyles.”

MCD Innovations has been engineering and producing an array of sun protection products since 2003 in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in McKinney, Texas. The company supplies a wide range of innovative products including solar screens, wheel covers, vent/fan covers, skylight covers and mirror bras and covers to numerous RV OEMs, an ever-growing number of dealers and RV owners throughout the U.S. and Canada. MCD has also expanded into the commercial and residential markets with shade systems as well as merchandising shade products.

For information, visit www.mcdinnovations.com or call (800) 804-1757.

Tampa Show: Good Sign for the Rest of 2011

The Florida RV SuperShow set a new attendance mark with 53,117 people passing the gates of the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa when the show concluded Sunday (Jan. 16) — an increase of 4.7% over 2010.

”There was good attendance and good sales,” said Lance Wilson, executive director of the sponsoring Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA). ”We’ve had good attendance all along (at other SuperShows) but sales at some of the others have lagged a little bit.

”Everybody that I talked to was well into double-digits on sales and some dealers were into triple digits as far as sales are concerned.”

The show missed by fewer than 18 hours severe weather that swept across the Sunshine State spawning rain, high winds and tornado warnings, which hampered workers Monday (Jan. 17) as they were disassembling show displays.

”Thank heavens, it didn’t happen yesterday,” said Andy Baer, general manager of KZRV LP, Shipshewana, Ind.,  who reported strong sales during the five-day show.

Billed as among the largest RV shows in the U.S. with more than 450 vendors and 1,065 display coaches registered this year, the Florida RV SuperShow often sets the stage for the late-winter retail season.

”I’ve been coming to the SuperShow since 1994, and I’d have to say this was one of the best I’ve been too,” Baer said. ”And I’m not talking just about sales. It’s so nice to talk to people who are so very positive. It’s like someone flipped a switch. Everybody was very upbeat.”

”There was a lot of buying going on,” said Andy Cripe, a division manager for Keystone RV Co., Elkhart, Ind. ”I’m not going to say it was record-breaking, but it was sustainable. We saw real prudent buyers and even with the more stringent financing terms, a lot of people put cash down and bought.”

”Hopefully, this is a sign of what is going to happen in 2011,” said Matt Thompson,  Elkhart-based Thor Motor Coach  diesel division vice president, who reported that the company’s new A.C.E Class A motorhome sold particularly well. ”If it is (a sign), it should be a very good year for the RV industry. Thor Motor Coach did very well at the show as a company.”

Ed Kinney, Carriage Inc., Millersburg, Ind., vice president of sales and marketing, termed attendance and sales ”incredible.”

”The high-line fifth-wheel market was really hot,” Kinney said. ”The SuperShow always sets the tone for the year. For Carriage, it’s going to be an unbelievably great year.”

Based on Tampa and initial returns from other early winter shows, meanwhile, 2011 is looking pretty good for Elkhart, Ind.-based Forest River Inc.

“Taking into account the first two weeks of shows, Pittsburg was a good show and the Cleveland Show was the best we’ve had in years,” National Sales Manager Jeff Babcock told RVBUSINESS.com. “And the Tampa Show, finishing up this past weekend, ended up better than years past. So, it’s a great start, and we’re looking for a good year.

“We think it’s going to break loose here this year.”

Cold Weather? Southern Shows Undeterred

The cold weather did not deter visitors to the opening day of the 30th Annual All Valley RV Show on Thursday (Jan. 14) in  Mercedes, Texas.

The show at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds in Mercedes runs through Saturday and showcases some impressive homes on wheels, The Monitor, Mercedes, reported.

RV Show Chairman Warren Kinimonth said the event draws about 10,000 people — 95% Winter Texans — over the three-day schedule.

Evidence of that is a parking lot full of vehicles with license plates from places such as Iowa and Minnesota, including a notable number from Canada.

This year, the show has 90 RVs on display, as well as 85 booths of related items, ranging from campgrounds and mobile home parks to parts stores and even Tupperware.

Kininmonth said prices of these RVs and trailers range from $40,000 to as much as $300,000.

“The fancier they make them, the better they sell,” Kininmonth said. “Many of (the motorhomes) have the latest electronics, even surround sound, something uncommon to what people think are like.”

This is the first year the RV show has motorhomes on display and is the second largest show of its kind in Texas.

The All Valley RV Show is sponsored by the Rio Grande chapter of the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association.

***

Management at Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. is upbeat following early season retail shows in Cleveland and the shows now underway in Tampa, Fla., and Pittsburgh, Pa.

“The results we’re getting from the early shows is the traffic has been very, very good and the sales have been very good,” Steve Paul, Dutchmen vice president and general manager, told RVBUSINESS.com. “We’re very upbeat about what we’re seeing.”

“The weather was cold the first two days at the Tampa show,” he said. “Wednesday traffic was very, very good and actual sales were pretty brisk. Dealers were excited by the response from customers to their products.”

He said sales have been “all over the board,” from ultralights to larger park models.

“Everbody is looking to warmer weather on Saturday and Sunday. That will bring the people out,” he said.

Record Attendance at Florida RV SuperShow

Despite cold temperatures, a record number of people — 12,912 to be exact — walked through the gates Wednesday (Jan. 12) for the opening day of the 26th Annual 2011 Florida RV Supershow at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa Fla.

And early sales matched the crowd, according to several manufacturers who spoke to RVBUSINESS.com this morning.

”We’re doing fantastic,” said Ed Kinney, vice president of  sales and marketing for Carriage Inc., Millersburg, Ind., ”We had record sales. If I told you the numbers, you’d call me a liar.”

”It was a slow start today (Thursday) because it was cold,” said Lance Wilson, executive director of the sponsoring Florida RV Trade Association. ”It was in the 30s this morning, but things picked up. People are here now and the sun is out. The only thing that keeps people away is rain, and we don’t have any of that.”

Wilson reported that the final count had 1,065 coaches on display at the show.

In addition to Carriage, other manufacturers also reported brisk sales early on in the show, which runs through Sunday.

”It’s a buying crowd,” said C. David Hoefer, chairman of Earthbound RV LLC, Marion, Ind. ”We had our first sale an hour after the show started on Wednesday.”

”The traffic is not only good in terms of quantity, but it’s quality traffic,” said John Sammut, Newmar Inc. vice president of sales and marketing. ”We had a good day yesterday selling several motorized units — both gas and diesel.”

Opening day, during which senior citizens received a discount, was capped by a FRVTA-sponsored dinner on the fairgrounds attended by about 800 people representing manufactuers and suppliers, who dined on roast beef, shrimp and key lime pie.

Show organizers expect more than 50,000 people to attend the show through Sunday. Last year’s attendance was 50,753.

50,000 Expected at Florida RV SuperShow

More than 800 dealership personnel are expected to attend Industry Day Tuesday (Jan. 11) as the 26th Annual 2011 Florida RV SuperShow gets underway at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.

”We usually get between 800 and 900 people,” said Lance Wilson, executive director of the sponsoring Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA). ”Dealers are registered from throughout the country. A lot of them are down here for the season because there’s not a lot going on up north, and we get a lot of Florida guys who might not have gotten to the Louisville Show.”

Industry personnel are admitted free to the show grounds on Tuesday.

With weather reports of sunny skies through the week, FRVTA expects more than 50,000 people to attend the show which runs Wednesday through Sunday. Last year’s attendance was 50,753.

Wilson said that the number of display units will increase 10% to 12% over last year. The show will feature more than 85 brands and 450 vendor booths.

”I think we will be just short of 1,200 units on display coaches,”Wilson said. ”I don’t know the exact number because we are still shoehorning people in.”

An 850-coach rally also is being staged at the fairgrounds.

Wilson said it is difficult to predict this early in the year how the RV market will perform in 2011. ”There’s a lot of optimism,” he said. ”The good news for us is that retail lending is loosening up a little bit. We are hearing positive feedback from the dealer lots.”

Industry Day hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when free donuts, coffee and lunch will be served. Hours on Public Days are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving $1 off the $10 cost of a two-day adult admission. Children under 16 are free.

RV Industry Invited to ’11 Florida SuperShow

Watch today’s Featured Video #2 to learn more about the Florida RV SuperShow.

The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will host the 26th Annual 2011 Florida RV SuperShow Jan. 12-16 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.

RV Industry Day will take place on Tuesday,Jan. 11, and all industry personal are welcome to attend for free, the FRVTA stated in a news release.

“This is a great opportunity for all RV Industry personnel here in Florida or anyone in the industry spending the winter in the state,” said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson. “If you didn’t have the chance to take your staff to the Louisville Show, this is an inexpensive way to expose your entire crew to all the new products and RVs available for 2011.”

Industry Day will include free coffee and donuts in the morning and a free lunch for all attendees. Registration forms can be found on the FRVTA website.

For more information on the 2011 Florida RV SuperShow contact the Florida RV Trade Association at 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, Florida 33578, (813) 741-0488, or visit our website at www.frvta.org.

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