Yellowstone Adds Entry-Level SLT Floorplans

Yellowstone RV, a division of Gulf Stream Coach Inc., is capitalizing on the growth of its Canyon Trail and Sedona fifth-wheel brands with the introduction of three new SLT Series floorplans.

According to a press release, the new models offer the same basic chassis and several of the features in the upgraded Canyon Trail and Sedona XLT and Advanced Profile Series, including: vacuum-bonded laminated wall construction; “champagne” color gel-coat exterior; roomy interior ceiling height in the bedroom and sliderooms; and the same level of interior fit and finish.

With lengths ranging from from 29 feet to 31-feet, 6-inches, and dry weights well under 8,000 pounds, SLT floorplans are perfect for towing by half-ton pickups.

“Our dealers are helping more and more value-minded campers discover the advantages of pulling fifth-wheels versus conventional travel trailers,” said Yellowstone RV National Sales Manager Mike Spencer. “First, the hitch point itself makes towing and handling less stressful and more aerodynamic with better fuel economy.  Second, the shorter overall length makes towing and parking maneuvers far easier. Thirdly, the SLT has enormous pass-through basement storage provided by our unique fifth-wheel chassis design.”

He added, “The SLT value formula means families who already own half-ton pickups can hitch up and go, without a costly investment in a new tow vehicle. That puts budget-minded campers thousands of dollars ahead. And once SLT owners set up camp, they can enjoy the conveniences, luxuries and four-season livability that have made the Canyon Trail and Sedona brands breakthrough best-sellers to full-timers and occasional campers alike.”

For additional information contact Spencer at (800) 811-0302, ext. 5158, or via email at mspencer@yellowstonervs.com.

Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Trailer Marks 15th Year

Nappanee Ind.-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc. is marking the 15th anniversary of its ligthweight Ameri-Lite travel trailer with the launch of the brand’s first  8-foot wide floorplan, according to a press release.

“For our 15th anniversary we introduced the first 8-foot wide Ameri-Lite, the 218MB,” said Randy Baskerville, national sales manager for Ameri-Lite.  “We have also increased the Ameri-Lite curb appeal with an aerodynamic radius front wall and a distinctive new silver metal option, which has further accelerated the quick retail turn rate of Ameri-Lite trailers on our dealers’ lots.”

He added, “Ameri-Lite is the leader in generating retail sales leads through our website also because it attracts so many different customers, including first-time RVers, young families on tight budgets, casual campers looking for quick, easy getaways and experienced campers who love the combination of lightweight construction and high-value features.”

In a posting on the Ameri-Lite site an owner commented, “This camper is amazing. Small and compact but so big.  It has all the things you would want while away from home.  It’s the perfect size to pull with my 2006 Chevy Trailblazer.”

Baskerville noted, “Every time I see an Ameri-Lite from 1997 on the road, I smile with pride, because I know we’ve maintained the same philosophy through our record-breaking fifteen year run. Ameri-Lite owners benefit from a lower purchase price, lower fuel costs, easier, less-stressful towing and set-up, a less expensive tow vehicle, a better warranty and more trailer for the dollar.”

For more information on the Ameri-Lite line of 14- to 25-foot travel trailers, contact Baskerville at (574) 320-2630 or rbaskerville@gulfstreamcoach.com

 

Olympic Medalist to Visit Gulf Stream’s Event

A U.S. athlete who won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in London will be making a surprise visit to the Gulf Stream Coach Opening Night event on Sept. 17 for the Elkhart area RV manufacturers Open House later this month.

The athlete, whose identify is being kept secret until the event, will be attending the party at the Gulf Stream Country Club in Nappanee to meet guests, speak about the experience of committing a lifetime to Olympic competition and the success of winning Olympic medals.

According to a Gulf Stream news release, the presence of the star of one of the most competitive and most compelling stories of the London Games adds a significant note of excitement to the evening’s agenda that already includes Chef Stanley’s Famous Steak, Shrimp and Eggroll Dinner, Casino Night Games, Monday Night Football and an extensive display of Gulf Stream Products “Under The Stars.”

Dealers who have yet to confirm their attendance at the Gulf Stream Party on Sept. 17 can contact their Gulf Stream Sales representative or visit www.gulfstreamcoach.com/gold.pdf for an invitation and directions to the event, as well as information on the rest of the Gulf Stream Coach Open House activities.

As a follow-up to the Monday night events, Gulf Stream will maintain its product display in Nappanee and provide an extensive display in Elkhart at the corner of County Road 6 East and Northland Drive throughout the Open House, Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 18-20.

 

Dennig Will Head Gulf Stream Lightweight Sales

Gulf Stream Coach Inc. has named Tim Dennig as national sales manager for the Nappanee, Ind.-based company’s lightweight trailer brands, according to a press release.

“Tim Dennig has built an impressive career centered on lightweight towable sales management, including experience with Gulf Stream several years ago,” said Gulf Stream President Dan Shea.

Shea said that Dennig would head up sales for Gulf Stream’s StreamLite, Gulf Breeze, Matrix, Northern Express and Capri brands of lightweight travel trailers. The lines, featuring laminated sidewalls and aluminum-frame construction, are built at the company’s facility in Etna Green, Ind.

“Dennig’s position also gives him responsibility for sales of the VISA by Gulf Stream,” Shea added.

The ultra-lightweight VISA trailer features an aerodynamic one-piece laminated fiberglass roof that extends from the front hitch to the back bumper. Offered in seven floorplans from 17 to 23 feet, the VISA has generated strong sales in the United States and Canada, according to Gulf Stream.

“I’m very excited to represent such a well-respected family of brands,” said Dennig. “Like all Gulf Stream products, these brands have an excellent reputation for quality, comfort, attractive styling, innovation and light weight. In fact, we’ve been able to add six new dealers in the two weeks I’ve been here, and the whole industry is talking about the VISA by Gulf Stream – one of the most exciting and successful towable products brought to the market in years.

Dennig attended Loyola University in New Orleans, and has lived in the Elkhart, Ind., area for over 30 years. He will work at the Nappanee headquarters and can be reached at 574-773-7761, ext. 5146, or at tdennig@gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

Gulf Stream Party Kicks Off Open House Week

There was no question Monday night (Sept. 19) that Elkhart County’s 4th Annual RV Open House Week was off and running, based on a quick “kick off” social hour visit to Gulf Stream Coach Inc.’s “Casino Night” party in the Shea Pavilion at the company’s Nappanee, Ind., manufacturing complex.

True to the growing tradition of Open House Week, this was a social venue as much as a business venture.

And, much to the dismay of anyone in the industry attempting to maintain a conservative diet, it included a traditional buffet of steak, shrimp and eggrolls from Chef Stanley Lau, a longtime friend of the company who’s been cooking at special Gulf Stream events for nearly 45 years – dating back to the early years of the company and a longstanding friendship with late Gulf Stream founder Jim Shea, Sr.

Gulf Stream President Dan Shea said he was “very excited” by Monday night’s turnout, which totaled more than 100 dealer personnel, during an interview with RVBUSINESS.com and RVNN.TV.

“I think we were anticipating about 65 to 80 dealers today and we’re well over a hundred, and it’s still only 7:15 p.m.,” said Shea, whose company had set up about 45 units in Nappanee and another 60 at two different Elkhart Open House Week locations – one at the corner of County Road 6 and Northland Drive “We’re very excited about it and it’s been very well received by the dealers. Word is getting around town that

more and more dealers are referring other dealers to us. So, we’re very excited.”

In the big picture, Shea added, it looks as if Open House Week will take another step forward this year in terms of attendance. “Definitely,” he noted. “I’m sure that by sometime tomorrow we’ll have had more dealers at this open house this year than any other in the past… It’s kind of good to see the launch of the year a little bit earlier and, in working with the dealers, they’re excited to see the new products now rather than in Louisville. It allows them to plan for their year a little better because a lot of the (retail) shows have been earlier in January and February in (various) markets, and sometimes that first week in December’s just a little too late.”

 

Gulf Stream Adds Open House Display Sites

Nappanee, Ind.-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc. announced Friday (Sept. 9) that it had dramatically expanded its activities during Elkhart County’s upcoming Open House Week. In addition to previously released information detailing the company’s planned program at its corporate campus, Gulf Stream also will showcase its products at two other display sites during the Sept. 19-23 dealer-oriented events.

The primary center of activity for Gulf Stream is their sprawling campus in Nappanee, where Gulf Stream is hosting a Monday Casino Night party that kicks off the “Elkhart Extravaganza” at the Gulf Stream Country Club Pavilion. More than 40 towable units will be available for dealer inspection on the golf course grounds adjacent to the Pavilion, Monday through Thursday.

“Our Nappanee facility offers the best-possible experience for visiting dealers, with a country club setting, acres of carefully landscaped grounds, nighttime lighting, the adjacent Pavilion/club house and plenty of parking,” said Dan Shea, president of Gulf Stream Coach.

“As attractive as our Nappanee location is, though, we want every dealer visiting Elkhart to see the exciting things that are happening at Gulf Stream Coach,” Shea continued. “To do that, we’re setting up ‘Camp Gulf Stream’ at the corner of County Road 6 East and Northland Drive to give dealers a taste of what we have to offer.  Our ‘camp’ will be convenient for dealers and prospects who are exploring the competitive offerings of various manufacturers.”

Gulf Stream will also be staging an additional fleet of units just minutes away from ‘Camp Gulf Stream’ to enable dealers to see the widest possible variety of products.  The company is offering a complimentary shuttle service to take dealers to and from their sites and those of other manufacturers.

Dealers who would like complete information about Gulf Stream Coach activities during Open House Week can request an agenda from their Gulf Stream Coach sales representative or by emailing pcampbell@gulfstreamcoach.com.

Gulf Stream to Showcase Innsbruck in Hershey

Gulf Stream Coach Inc.’s innovative 408TBS Innsbruck travel trailer will be prominently displayed in the Stoltzfus RV space (#513) during the Sept. 12-18 Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey.

According to a press release, the floorplan features eight-foot interior ceilings, three generous slideouts, 1 1/2 half baths and residential refrigerator and furniture. The release states “the 408TBS is a breakthrough in value and design that captures all the fun and adventure of camping in a lodge-style trailer that’s spacious, comfortable and impeccably crafted.”

“It’s no wonder Stoltzfus RV chose the 408TBS to anchor the center aisle of their display,” said Randy Baskerville, national sales manager for Innsbruck. “It’s a top-selling floorplan that never fails to impress retail customers. Mom and Dad love the huge Master Suite; kids love their own bedroom, half bath and entertainment center; and the whole family loves the generous “Great Room” main living area, with its double-width slideout and full-scale family-friendly kitchen.”

Gulf Stream will also be showing new products and floorplans at its own have display space (#513) at the Hershey show. For more information on the Innsbruck brand, visit www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com or contact Randy Baskerville, national sales manager, at rbaskerville@gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

Gulf Stream Enduramax Offers Refined Interior

Following an extremely successful introduction at last year’s Hershey Show, Gulf Stream Coach Inc.’s Enduramax toy hauler is responding to its growing customer base with a fresh new upscale interior décor.

According to a press release, while hard-core off-roaders love the rugged, go-anywhere, do-anything flexibility of the Enduramax design, prospective customers expressed interest in a bit more luxury and residential-level comfort in the décor.

That’s why Enduramax is back at the Sept. 12-18 43rd Annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show displaying how it has turned the toy hauler category that started as a boys-only domain into a family affair, with richer fabrics, upgraded cabinetry, family-friendly sleeping accommodation and top-of-the-line electronic entertainment options.

Hershey Show attendees will be able to see the newest example of the award-winning Enduramax floor plan 3912, which was featured on HGTV coverage during last year’s event. Also new are the sophisticated full-paint graphics.

Gulf Stream will be showing the new Enduramax along with other new products in Space #533 at “America’s Largest RV Show” in Hershey, Pa. For more information on the Enduramax brand, visit www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com or contact Jerry Sell, national sales manager, at jsell@gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

 

Gulf Stream to Show New Visa Line in Hershey

Nappanee, Ind.-based Gulf Stream Coach Inc. will be displaying 23 towable units as part of the upcoming 43rd Annual Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show in Hershey, including the company’s new eco-friendly Visa travel trailer line.

According to a press release, Gulf Stream will show 12 units at its own space (#533) and 11 other models in the Stoltzfus RV display (#513). The event, hosted by the Pennsylvani Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association(PRVCA), is set to run Sept. 12-18 with Industry Days on Sept. 12-13 and Public Days Sept. 14-18.

Gulf Stream reported that all Visa trailers boast green certification, meeting the standards developed by Elkhart, Ind.-based TRA Certification Inc. As stated in the release, Visa is a “preferred choice of eco-conscious campers who know that sophisticated composite construction and advanced materials can preserve natural resources and reduce fuel expenses.”

The newest Visa 17RWD floorplan is compact but comfy; light but solid; streamlined but spacious. Capable of being towed by most minivans and smaller SUVs, the new Visa delivers the “jump-in-and-go” kind of getaway camping so popular with young couples. A growing numbers of veteran RVers are also choosing Visa for quick, spontaneous trips.

For more information on the Visa brand, visit www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com or contact Steve Jacobs, national sales manager, at sjacobs@gulfstreamcoach.com.

 

Gulf Stream Offers Woman’s Touch in Interiors

Gulf Stream Coach has relied on the skills of two female designers, Lynn Donat and Kathy Miller, to create interiors that are comfortable and attractive in the Nappanee, Ind.-based company’s towable offerings.

According to a press release, Donat and Miller are behind the upholstery, bedding, flooring, window treatments and colors chosen for every Gulf Stream Coach products. Their efforts enable Gulf Stream trailers and fifth-wheels to reflect current residential design trends in the high-demand environment and limited spaces of recreational vehicles.

” ‘Homey but luxurious comfort’ is the look we’re striving for,” Miller and Donat said. “RV owners want a refuge that suggests a touch of luxury and elegance for themselves, their families and friends. We work to establish a seamless, uncluttered look with soft classic lines, radius corners, subtle fabrics and leathers, and traditional glazed wood cabinets.”

Earth tones and natural colors dominate the palette, according to the two designers. Sophisticated details like antique patina for metals, dimensional sink backsplashes, and beveled glass cabinet inserts enhance the appeal of soft fabrics and warm wood grains. Solid-surface countertops are high-demand options because they are both stylish and practical.

“RV owners want to enjoy a home-like atmosphere, but also expect rugged durability on the road and in camping environments. Our ‘luxury homes’ have to endure bumpy roads, extreme temperatures, wilderness campsites and active outdoor activities. Those facts of camping life enter into every design decision we make,” Donat said.

“Weight is another factor. We are constantly looking for fabrics, countertops and other materials that reduce the weight and improve the fuel mileage of our trailers,” Miller added. “At Gulf Stream, smart, eco-friendly, weight-saving materials are an integral part of the design process. Ease of care is yet another. People on camping vacations don’t want to spend extra time cleaning.”

The relatively small, multi-function interiors of travel trailers add unique factors to the design work, according to Miller. “We’re using design tools to establish separate living spaces, but the spaces have to work together too – all in just a few hundred square feet. RVers often entertain friends and family, so the main living space has to be inviting, comfortable and practical for guests. By contrast, bedrooms and children’s bunks are private refuges. Of course smart use of all available storage space throughout the RV helps keep the living areas organized and uncluttered.”

“It’s unusual for all the design choices for a traditional home to be made in advance,” Donat added. “But due to the way trailers and fifth wheels are constructed, all design and décor elements are a part of the product delivered to the retail customer. The choices we offer in our décors have to appeal to many individual preferences. We work hard to accommodate the style sense of the widest possible range of owners.”

 

 

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