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.

 

Forest River’s Aviator Offers ‘Smart Technology’

Forest River Inc. will introduce the luxury Aviator travel trailer at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 National RV Trade Show, representing “a culmination of new concepts and design ideas,” according to a press release.

“When we sat down to design the Aviator over a year and a half ago, we wanted to bring to market a luxury travel trailer that would revolutionize this industry. Low maintenance, customer friendliness and a unique look were the criteria we used in developing this product,” says Kevin McArt, general manager for the new Aviator.

Features in the Aviator include an aerodynamic front cap with integrated windshield, contoured composite sidewalls and a maintenance-free fiberglass roof. Elkhart, Ind.-based Forest River also noted that the construction of the Aviator is wood-free.

“Not only is the absence of wood material a strong environmental commitment, but the implementation of aluminum and composite materials add higher strength tolerances and are impermeable to moisture,” said McArt.

Aviator is also the first RV unit in any segment to introduce Smart Technology. The base of the system is an incredibly powerful Sony tablet computer. “We’ve assembled a system of familiar components that when combined together deliver unparalleled access to information, entertainment and ease-of-use for our customers,” said Cody Schade, regional sales manager for the Aviator.

According to Schade, Mobile Onboard Smart Technology (MOST) allows customers to share a direct service link not only with the dealer network but also with Forest River. It provides a personal, interactive guide including how-to videos and tutorials, troubleshooting, and any question a customer may encounter on set-up, appliances, or other features.

“The result,” the Aviator team states, “is a more confident and educated customer, which results in fewer service situations and less maintenance at the dealer level.”

For additional information contact Regional Sales Manager Matt Maday at (574) 642-3119, ext. 215, mmaday@forestriverinc.com, or Cody Schade, at (574) 642-3119, ext. 273, cschade@forestriverinc.com.

Forest River’s Work and Play Names Tinley GM

Elkhart, Ind.-based Forest River Inc. announced today (Nov. 17) that Lawton Tinley will be the new general manager of the company’s Work and Play division.

According to a press release, Tinley brings “a wealth of knowledge, operational and sales experience, customer relations, team building skills and energy to Work and Play.”

Previously, Tinley served as general manager of Coachmen RV’s Georgia division from 1984 through 2008, which manufactured and sold travel trailers, fifth-wheels and sport utility trailers. The division was not part of Forest River’s asset purchases at the time of acquiring Coachmen RV.

In the release, Forest River stated: “Tinley’s contagious passion and enthusiasm, proven leadership skills and his product knowledge and strong dealer relation skills will undoubtedly add value to Work and Play and its valued dealers.”

 

Forest River Debuts Upscale Trilogy Fifth-Wheel

According to Forest River Inc. General Manager Jeff Babcock, the company’s new Trilogy fifth-wheel is “the only fifth-wheel on the market with radius walls, windows, entry door and roof” — construction techniques that can be sourced to Forest River’s acquisition of Dynamax Corp. earlier this year. “It utilizes the same radius sidewalls and roof that (Dynamax) has used on its motorized product for 15 years,” said Dewayne Creighton, general manager of the Dynamax division. “The construction is basically the same — just on a fifth-wheel frame — so the work force knows how to build it.” The new unit also comes fully equipped. “The only choices are the bed, refrigerator and color you want,” added Babcock. “Everything else is standard.” Currently available in a 38-foot floorplan with two others in the works, the unit offers 8 feet, 5 inches of headroom in the living room and 6 feet, 7 inches in the upper deck. Interior features include hard cherry raised-panel cabinet doors, solid-surface countertops with mosaic tile on backsplashes, walk-in closet, padded ceiling and Forest River-designed sofa and chairs. Additional features include six-point hydraulic levelers, 97-pound LP-gas capacity (under floor with remote fill) and 250 square feet of basement storage. MSRP is expected to be in the mid- to high $70,000 range.

Forest River Launches Vibe V-Nose Trailer Line

Forest River Inc. has launched its new Vibe by V-Cross line of lightweight travel trailers. The V-nose trailer was displayed for the first time at the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey and is one of the front-line new 2012 models on display at the sprawling Forest River Inc. exhibit this week during Elkhart County’s 4th Annual RV Open House. The micro-light 6500 series is the smallest unit – able to be towed by smaller SUV’s and minivans – while still featuring up to 70-cubic-feet of exterior storage, queen pillow top mattresses, full bath, convection microwave, flat panel LCD TV, 81-inch interior height, independent torsion suspension and a high gloss gel coat exterior and front cap. Targeting the more traditional sector of the market, the Vibe 800 series offers lengths up to 30 feet with deeper slideouts. Features include walk-around queen beds, multiple entries, along with spacious bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. Standards include hide-a-bed sofas, cognac maple cabinetry, neo-angle showers with glass doors, enclosed tanks and exterior showers. Both series offer aluminum-framed, laminated construction for lighter weight. 

XLR Introduces Upscale Thunderbolt Toy Hauler

XLR has completed the final phase of its rebranding strategy with the introduction of the all new XLR Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is a premium toy hauler built by Forest River Inc. All Thunderbolt models come standard with frameless windows, mid-profile and high-profile configurations, and unique floorplans with a choice of 10-, 12- and 14-foot extended living spaces. Thunderbolt offers many premium options, including the industry’s first “Man Cave Package” – a mobile entertainment center with a 32-inch LCD TV, Kicker stereo with dual subwoofers, neon blue ground effects lighting, a “kegerator,” and two sport rockers. Thunderbolt will also offer three full body paint options – Black Pearl, HD Sunset, and Rock Star Red. The “AMP IT UP Package” includes a new exclusive tiger stripe Corian countertop, deluxe high rise gooseneck faucet with a deep stainless steal undermount sink, and a laser cut custom backsplash. The Thunderbolt represents just one part of the XLR transformation, which also includes the XLR Hyper Lite, widebody Nitro and aerodynamic Viper.

Forest River Debuts 10th Anniversary Surveyor

After much anticipation, Forest River Inc.’s Surveyor 10th Anniversary Edition models will be showcased September 20–22 during this week’s Elkhart County 4th Annual RV Open House at the company’s expansive display at its Dynamax campus in East Elkhart.

According to a press release, Surveyor is a fully laminated lightweight product that offers 23 floorplans ranging in lengths from 20 to 35 feet and featuring non-slideout units, expandables, above-floor slideouts and flush-floor sliderooms. Dry weights for the 10th Anniversary Surveyor start at 3,100 lbs.

“Our 10th Anniversary Edition is the direct result of listening to our dealer network and travel trailer enthusiasts and meeting their needs,” said General Manager Kevin McArt. “We pride ourselves on developing cutting edge floor plans packed with features and benefits unsurpassed in the lite weight trailer market today. Our new Surveyor Select and Sport trailers are for anybody looking to optimize and enhance their RV experience.”

“Surveyor is known for its dependability in the market place as well as its superior construction,” said Sales Manager Mike Dolowy. “We provide our dealer network with a product they can feel comfortable in selling.

Upgrades include Lamilux 4000 “Cool Vanilla” gel-coat fiberglass, slam-latch baggage doors, crowned roof with aluminum truss rafters, Jensen LCD flat screen TV, hitch light, ball bearing drawer guides, black external trim, pass through storage compartment light, assist grab handles, tinted skylight/roof vents and the 10th Anniversary graphics package.

Other amenities include raised panel cabinet doors throughout with residential hidden hinges, outside shower, heated and enclosed underbelly, E-Z glide dinette table, detachable power cord, independent torsion axles, water filtration system, powered stabilizer jacks, Serta “Dreamscape” mattress and gas/electric DSI water heater.

“Innovation is the road to success in this industry and I feel that we have accomplished that,” said McArt. “We have received a lot of acclaim for our Vista Lounge concept as well as our rear drop-floor frame design in the SV305 model. Another notable feature is the Versa Track storage system that is utilized in our outside kitchen floor plans.

Surveyor towables are manufactured in Goshen, Ind., as well as Dallas, Ore. “Our West Coast operation has seen tremendous growth over this past year,” said McArt. “We are able to provide our West Coast dealer network with the same product that is manufactured here in Indiana without the added freight cost – and that is a huge advantage for those dealers.”

For more information on Surveyor’s 10th Anniversary Edition Select and Sport models, please visit Forest River’s website www.forestriverinc.com/Surveryor or Surveyor’s facebook page titled “Surveyor by Forest River.”

 

Prime Time Introduces Avenger Travel Trailers

Prime Time Manufacturing, a division of Forest River Inc., has expanded its product offering with the introduction of the all-new entry-level Avenger travel trailer.

Dealers and retail customers are having their first look at Avenger during this week’s Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey. Two models will also be on display for industry insiders at the Forest River display Sept. 20-22 as part of the Elkhart County 4th Annual RV Open House.

Avenger is the fifth brand to be introduced by Prime Time and represents the final stage in the company’s strategy to offer a full range of towable products.

“When we started the company two years ago, the goal was to be a full-line towable manufacturer,” said Jeff Rank, president of the Wakarusa, Ind.-based manufacturer. “In our mind, that meant having five products that served five distinct markets. Avenger completes that goal and now our customers have a choice of Prime Time products ranging from entry-level travel trailer to luxury fifth-wheel.”

Standard interior features for Avenger include glazed cherry hardwood cabinet doors, Armstrong “Tough Guard” linoleum with a five-year wear warranty, extra large slide rooms, 87-inch U-Dinettes and dual pots and pans drawers with full extension drawer guides. Exterior features include “2X2 construction,” enclosed underbelly, gas/electric DSI water heater, outside shower and Super Lube axles.

“When we were designing Avenger, we examined every feature and every component to maximize value to the end user,” said Product Manager Joe Luther. “We also wanted to build Avenger with a much higher standard of quality so we implemented processes and construction upgrades far superior to typical ‘stick and tin’ products that will provide our customers a fantastic ownership experience.”

MSRP for the new Avenger starts at $15,995.

For information regarding the Avenger, please consult www.primetimerv.com or call (574) 862-3001.

 

Shasta to Roll Out Oasis Trailer at Open House

Middlebury, Ind.-based Shasta RV, a division of Forest River Inc., will be unveiling its new Oasis travel trailer during Elkhart County’s 4th Anuual RV Open House Week, running Sept. 19-23.

According to a press release, the unit will be on display at Forest River’s expansive display at its Dynamax campus in east Elkhart.

Shasta RV said the new Oasis offers RV enthusiasts an upscale, modern interior and floorplans ranging in length from 19 to 30 feet, two of which also feature outside kitchens.

“We went with a very rich, modern-looking interior,” said Brad Whitehead, Shasta president. “It has cinnamon maple cabinetry, Beauflor residential-style vinyl flooring with a bright tile pattern, and a lot of contrasting wall vinyls that combine to offer a warm, comfortable living area.

“We’ve also incorporated some manufacturing techniques into this product that really have helped it to be extremely competitive in its segment,” Whitehead added. “It’s very light and priced right — but it doesn’t look the part. A lot of times, people think lightweight and low price means that the good looks have to go away. That’s not the case here.”

Designed to meet the towing limits of an array of lighter vehicles, the Oasis tips the scales at approximately 4,600 pounds for a 25-foot unit without a slideout and about 4,700 pounds for the same model with a single slide.

With an approximate retail MSRP beginning in the range of $11,000, the Oasis also is available in a “black package” that features all exterior accessories — from its awning arms to the LP-gas bottle cover, fender skirts and aluminum rims — in black.

 

Forest River Offering Private Label Credit Card

Forest River Inc., a manufacturer of recreational vehicles and cargo trailers, has selected TD Retail Card Services to develop and administer a new private label credit card that will be offered by its dealers to support non-motorized vehicle sales.

According to a press release, under the agreement, the Mahwah, N.J.-based business unit of TD Bank, N.A., will direct all facets of the program for the vast network of independent dealers that sell Forest River’s line of travel trailers, destination trailers, hybrid campers, pop-up campers, toy haulers and other vehicles.

The new Forest River Inc. credit card will offer consumers various financing options, including deferred interest and equal payment programs.

Headquartered in Elkhart, Ind. Forest River, Inc. is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

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