Heartland Streamlines Online Warranty Program

“This new program, designated Fast Track 2.0, expands the offerings of our original Fast Track streamlined online warranty website,” said Sean Andrews, director of dealer services for Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland, noting institution of the program is effective immediately.

Enhancements include:

• Heartland will manage all dealer warranty claims directly rather than referring dealers to individual component suppliers with the exception of safety or NHTSA-related issues.

• Simple step-by-step procedure for creating claims.

• Only one root cause flat rate code will need to be entered for each job along with the labor time to perform that job.

• Dealers will need to provide documentation pertaining to the claim’s complaint/cause/correction.

• Separate links will be accessible if miscellaneous items, parts or photos need to be added.

• In the event that additional root cause issues are needed for the claim, extra lines can be incorporated.

Heartland will continue to build the Fast Track 2.0 parts catalog with new pictures and part numbers based on model year and brand updates, noting, “Heartland now has over 20,000 photos in the Fast Track 2.0 catalog for ordering convenience.”

Heartland said that the Fast Track 2.0 enhancements coupled with the original on-line system, reflects the company’s continued commitment to dealer support and service after the sale. “The new program runs concurrently with Heartland’s one-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty,” Andrews said. “Dealer Fast Track 2.0 participation is optional. If dealers choose to continue direct communication with suppliers, they may do so.”

 

 

Heartland RV Reports ‘Brisk’ Sales at Louisville

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC reported that sales and new dealer signups were brisk at last week’s  National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“Sales were extremely good and exceeded our projections,” commented Coley Brady, vice president of sales. “In addition, we were able to sign many new dealers this year – a very positive response going into a show where attendance was such a big unknown. Although dealers are realistic about the current economic conditions, they’re obviously optimistic about their business’s future.”

Brady attributed the company’s positive results to several factors, including the introduction of an ultra-aggressive stick-and-tin price point travel trailer with the Trail Runner franchise, and innovations such as curvilinear ceilings on all Sundance and Greystone fifth-wheel models.

“We were really pleased with this year’s traffic in our display,” said Steve Lidy, Heartland’s marketing director. “Our booth was busy the first two days, and dealers really responded to our new products, including Torque toy haulers with an optional contemporary espresso interior and new lightweight Wilderness featuring a curvilinear ceiling. And talk about high energy … we had standing room only in Bighorn, as dealers crowded around the giant 55-inch TV in the new front living room.”

Brady added, “The Louisville Show usually sets the tone of the industry for the coming year. If that’s the case, Heartland is looking forward to a very good year, indeed.”

Heartland RV, headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., offers a variety of towables, including travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels and destination trailers. For more information, please visit our website at www.heartlandrv.com.

 

Heartland’s Prowler Hitting a Chord With Dealers

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicle LLC’s recent overhaul of the popular Prowler brand has “definitely hit a chord with North American dealers,” according to a press release.

“Prowler has experienced phenomenal growth over the summer,” stated Bryan Walczak, Prowler’s general manager. “We’ve signed some of the top dealers in North America, and fully expect that trend to continue.”

Walczak said the secret to Prowler’s success is simple. “We give dealers a reason to invest in the Prowler brand,” he said. “Prowler has eliminated forced-pricing packages on all travel trailers. Not only can you order any option combination on any travel trailer floorplan, but you may even upgrade to fiberglass laminated walls.”

He added, “Dealers and customers can finally achieve the perfect fit, and dealers may take advantage of a la carte pricing in its purest form. Prowler, quite literally, is the most flexible brand in the marketplace today.”

In addition, Prowler now boasts sport and mid-profile fifth wheels, as well as titanium, or Ti, cab-overs. Heartland said that titanium cab-over technology results in the best-balanced, best-towing fifth wheel in the industry.

“This cab-over technology adds 15% more living space, and you just can’t believe how well it tows. Plus, Prowler sport fifth-wheels are positioned at a travel trailer price point,” said Walczak.

Heartland RV, a division of Thor Industries Inc., offers a variety of towables, including travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth-wheels and destination trailers. For more information, visit www.heartlandrv.com.

 

 

Heartland’s Torque Revs up Toy Hauler Market

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC will be introducing its line of lightweight, sharply priced Torque toy haulers at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Available in both travel trailer and mid-profile fifth-wheel floorplans, Heartland said Torque will give dealers “an all-new option in the very fast growing toy hauler segment.”

“Torque is like nothing else in the RV industry,” said General Manager AJ Jones in a press release. “When looking at the current trend in toy haulers, many companies are building units that are higher-priced with heavier GVWR’s. That means that many manufacturers are only competing for shelf space in the higher price points. Torque offers a completely new approach, specializing in lightweight, inexpensive toy haulers.”

Heartland said it has emerged as one of the top-selling toy hauler manufacturers this year with its Cyclone/Road Warrior brands, which had increased market share by nearly 22% in the U.S. and 45% in Canada through September, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.

Jones noted, “It is the perfect time to release Torque, with the favorable momentum swing that we are enjoying in the toy hauler division. This is a product that will not compromise any of our existing toy hauler sales, it will only complement what we are already doing with different price points and weights never seen before.”

Initially, Torque will be offered in seven floorplans – three travel trailers and four mid-profile fifth-wheels – ranging in a variety of lengths and sizes. Prospective dealers will be able to see the all-new Torque product at Booth No. 5025 in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) during the Louisville Show.

 

 

Heartland Improves FAST TRACK Warranty Site

Responding to input from its national dealer network, Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC upgraded the company’s proprietary FAST TRACK warranty website to streamline claim entries and better service customers.

Launched in November of 2007, FAST TRACK was designed to allow Heartland dealers access to critical data as well as interface with the company’s parts/service/warranty personnel and database.

“Our dealers provided great feedback to our I.T. department on how the site could be improved,” said Sean Andrews, director of dealer services. “The new and updated warranty claims page will significantly speed up the entry and submitting process for our dealers.”

Andrews noted that the upgraded site, which launched in September, provides a step-by-step procedure for creating claims. Enhancements include:

• Only one root cause flat rate code will need to be entered for each job along with the labor time to perform that job.

• Dealers will need to provide documentation pertaining to the claim’s Complaint/Cause/Correction.

• Separate links will be accessible if miscellaneous items, parts or photos need to be added.

• In the event that additional root cause issues are needed for the claim, extra lines can be incorporated.

Andrews also reported that Heartland would continue to build the FAST TRACK parts catalog with new pictures and part numbers based on model year and brand updates. “We now have over 20,000 photos in our catalog for your ordering convenience,” he said.

Andrews added, “We are confident that the newly developed Fast Track system will enhance your partnership with Heartland. It is our goal to continuously improve our products and services company wide to offer the most competitive and profitable business relationship in the industry.”

 

Heartland Initiates Fast Track for Prowler Line

Heartland Recreational Vehicles has restructured management and realigned overall marketing strategy for its Prowler line of towables, recently naming Bryan Walczak to serve as general manager.

Initially set up as a stand-alone business unit, Prowler has been rolled into Heartland’s central operations at its headquarters in Elkhart, Ind. Coley Brady, vice president of sales, will now oversee Prowler sales and marketing along with the builder’s 13 other travel trailer and fifth-wheel brands, according to a news release.

“Essentially, it’s all hands on deck to make Prowler one of the most desirable brands in the industry,” said Brady, noting that Heartland had developed a 60-page product/feature book for its dealer body. “We have devoted additional marketing, engineering and sales resources to Prowler and are committed to re-establishing this iconic brand as one of the industry’s best sellers. The success of Prowler is integral to Thor’s long-term strategy.”

According to Walczak, the builder is intent on “aggressively capturing market share” by leveraging Prowler’s legendary nameplate with consumers while clearly defining and segmenting product lines for its dealer body.

“Because of the strength of the Prowler brand, dealers are able to capitalize on that instant name recognition with buyers,” said Walczak. “Our job is to support that demand with product that is value-driven – hitting distinct price points – and has that needed extra pop with innovative floorplans and awesome eye appeal.”

Heartland, a Thor Industries Inc. company, acquired the Prowler brand among a portfolio of 15 brands from Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2009. Heartland launched its “next generation” of Prowler towables at last year’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Walczak, who also serves as general manager for Heartland’s Elkridge and Big Country fifth-wheel lines, said one of his first priorities was to lift production levels to ensure Prowler was sufficiently stocked on dealers’ lots.

“We currently have six fifth-wheel and 17 travel trailers floorplans in production,” said Walczak. “Every one of our floorplans is currently available for timely customer delivery.”

The new Prowler lineup includes:

• Prowler Sport: Designed to meet the entry level, conventional-built travel trailer market, the Prowler Sport has MSRP’s starting at $15,950. Units are available in four floorplans ranging in length from 23 to 31 feet, most with a single slideout.
• Prowler: Targeting the core of the conventional-built travel trailer business, the Prowler is economically priced with MSRP’s starting at $20,450. The line offers seven floorplans, running from 26 to 33 feet, all with single or double sliderooms.
• Prowler Shadow Edition: The line offers an upgrade to aluminum-framed, laminated construction, with lengths running from 26 to 33 feet and MSRP’s beginning at $23,300. Seven floorplans are available with single or double sliderooms on all models.
• Prowler fifth-wheels: Ranging in length from 25 to 29 feet, the laminated Prowler fifth-wheel offers three floorplans, all with single slides and MSRP’s starting at $22,900.
• Prowler fifth-wheel Shadow Edition: A true mid-profile fifth-wheel entry, the Shadow Edition fiver has MSRP’s starting at $29,900 with lengths of 27 feet to 33 feet. Three floorplans are available with double and triple slides on all models.

Prowler is available in three distinctive décor choices. Other key standard features include upgraded cherry cabinetry, a “Prowler Paw” kitchen countertop offering more usable space, heated and enclosed underbelly, keyless entry and electric awnings. Popular options include an air-mattress hide-a-bed and free-standing dinette.

Heartland ElkRidge Express on a Fast Track

Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC’s recently introduced ElkRidge Express has created an aggressive new price point in the mid-profile fifth-wheel market, offering durable, laminated construction and a host of upscale amenities for the cost of a comparably featured travel trailer, according to a news release.

“The ElkRidge Express has been resonating with consumers because they can now get the convenience, safety and room of a fifth-wheel for the same price as a travel trailer,” said Bryan Walczak, brand manager for the Elkhart, Ind.-based builder. “We are finding that it meets the needs of two key demographics ¬– consumers transitioning from a travel trailer to a fifth-wheel and first-time RVers looking for a full-featured coach.”

Available in four floorplans ranging from 22 feet to 26 feet, all with single slides, the ElkRidge Express is sharply priced with MSRP’s of $22,000 to $23,000. Distinguishing features include laminated fiberglass sidewalls, camp kitchens, multi-view TV areas and the industry-first side-aisle dressing areas.

According to Walczak, the addition of the Express series bolsters Heartland’s core ElkRidge luxury fifth-wheel line, creating “one of the widest price ranges in the industry” and establishing ElkRidge as a “stand-alone brand.” Boasting nine floorplans, MSRP’s for ElkRidge models range from $31,100 for single-slide models to $44,400 for quad-slide units.

“The ElkRidge made its mark by bringing a full-profile, upscale fifth-wheel to market in the same price range as mid-profile units,” Walczak noted. “The Express is an extension of that value-driven strategy. With the introduction of the ElkRidge Express, dealers are finding they can stock deeper with one brand, and satisfy more customers. Ultimately, our dealers and customers are happier.”

Built in a dedicated facility, the laminated fiberglass ElkRidge features integrated remote control systems, high-ceiling slideouts, solid-surface countertops, European-style hidden hinges, true slam baggage doors, roller bearing drawer glides and camp kitchens. Packaged with rich, cherry interiors, ElkRidge also offers an 88-degree turning radius designed to accommodate short-bed pickup trucks.

Heartland Prowler Eyes Spring Selling Season

“Based on the positive response in Louisville and solid retail interest in the early January and February shows, it is obvious that dealers and retail consumers want Prowler in the marketplace,” Nick Eppert, Prowler general manager, stated in a news release. “We are focusing all of our efforts to fulfill our model lineup as quickly as possible and bring this legendary brand back to the marketplace in time for the spring selling season.”

The iconic Prowler nameplate was purchased among a portfolio of 15 brands from Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2009. Heartland, which was acquired by Thor Industries Inc. last September, emphasized that while the Prowler’s revival was based on its strong name recognition the new generation will “establish its own identity among consumers.”

“From the outset, our management has said that Prowler would not be a re-branded, re-badged clone product,” Eppert said. “The Prowler product will be autonomous from any other Heartland or Thor product currently in the market.”

He noted that Heartland’s investment in independent facilities and personnel would also eliminate the “normal constraints” involved in a product launch. “Having a dedicated facility to Prowler, we do not have production constraints and can deliver product to our dealers in a timely manner as the spring selling season approaches,” said Eppert. “Our ability to react to the market and offer more overall value will separate Prowler dealers from their competitors.”

Eppert reported the new Prowler line will consist of both wood-and-aluminum and laminated travel trailers, along with mid-profile fifth-wheel floorplans. “We will be hitting the heart of the towable market,” he said. “As with all of Heartland’s products, we will distinguish the Prowler with innovative, set-apart features and aggressive pricing that will promote franchise value for our dealers.”

Heartland RV Revives Titanium Technology

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC has revived the exclusive Titanium cab-over front cap fashioned by now-defunct Canadian builder Glendale International Corp., incorporating the distinctive, aerodynamic design into three of its top-selling fifth-wheel lines, according to a news release.

Heartland reported that it had acquired the Titanium’s intellectual property from Glendale last summer, including patents, trademarks and industrial design rights. Oakville, Ontario-based Glendale, which filed for bankruptcy in January 2010, dominated the Canadian fifth-wheel marketplace with its Titanium lineup.

“We acquired all the patents, so we will be the only company offering this highly innovative design,” said Coley Brady, vice president of sales for Heartland. “Everyone familiar with the industry – trade and consumer – recognizes the Titanium cabover cap as one of those engineering advances that really impacts the market. We will be offering the Titanium front cap in our luxury Bighorn fifth-wheel brand along with the Road Warrior and Cyclone toy hauler lines.”

“Essentially, a 32-foot trailer offers the same living area as a 37-footer because the nose of the trailer can accommodate a bedroom and wardrobe,” Brady said. “And because there is approximately 15% less trailer to tow, it significantly cuts down on sway while improving gas mileage for the tow vehicle.”

Heartland is going into full production this month with the Bighorn Ti32, Road Warrior 30C and Cyclone 300C, all providing 37 feet of living space in a 32 ½-foot towing length, along with the Cyclone 370C offering 42 feet of living area in a 38-foot length. The two toy hauler lines will be equipped with Heartland’s Superslide, which affords 7 ½ feet of headroom, and the Bighorn model will be available with a standard royal maple wood grain or optional antique, hand-rubbed glazed pecan.

Brady said the new lines debuted to strong dealer response from Heartland’s dealer body at the recently completed National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

“We made the decision to incorporate the technology into existing lines versus coming out with a completely new brand,” Brady said. “Our dealers recognized that the Titanium models add tremendous franchise value, offering a sought-after, salable feature in brands that are already strong performers.”

Brady noted that consumers were also excited about the reprised Titanium front cap, including Tony Lane, owner of the online-based Titanium RV Owners Group. Lane, who resides in Tillonsburg, Ontario, noted that the Heartland design successfully “carries on the Glendale Titanium tradition.”

“The Heartland model will be my eighth since 2002,” Lane said. “The Titanium is the most stable trailer that I have ever towed, which is important because I put a lot of miles on my RV. The one thing I really notice is that you never get sucked in when you pass a semi. It also has a very comfortable, spacious living space.”

Heartland’s MPG in HGTV Special Spotlight

Heartland Recreational Vehicle LLC’s retro-styled MPG ultra-lightweight travel trailer will be showcased as part of a one-hour TV special on HGTV filmed during last September’s Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show in Hershey, Pa.

The eco-friendly MPG, sporting aluminum-and-fiberglass construction and an aerodynamic teardrop design, caught the eye of host HGTV Chi-Lan Lieu who toured the annual consumer event searching for the hottest trends in today’s RV market, according to a news release.

The special is set to air Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. EST on the popular cable channel.

“One of the things that stands out with the MPG is its true teardrop shape,” said Ryan Wiese, sales representative for the Elkhart, Ind.-based builder. “It gives the trailer a very unique look and offers a lot more headroom than the competition because the rear end is rounded versus slanting down. But what really struck a note with HGTV is that we are bringing a full-featured, competitively priced laminated trailer to market that can be towed by most crossover vehicles and mini-vans.”

With a dry weight under 3,000 pounds, the aluminum-and-fiberglass MPG is available in eight 19-foot floorplans, six featuring a single slideroom and two offering a hybrid design with tent extensions. Originally targeted to attract a younger, more active buyer, Wiese said the demographic had broadened since the brand’s debut at the 2009 Louisville Show.

“Experienced RVers are seeing the MPG as a getaway or everyday unit to complement their larger trailer,” he said. “They also recognize the brand’s overall craftsmanship and styling. The MPG really has opened up a new market for our dealer body because its appeal has proven to be across-the-board.”

Equipped with a one-piece, seamless fiberglass roof, the MPG is available with an optional high-gloss, platinum fiberglass package that creates a distinctive, contemporary look enhanced by a choice of four colorful exterior graphics. Floorplans are designed to be versatile and maximize interior space with a spacious kitchen pantry and two models featuring fold-up bunk beds and a larger baggage door.

The MPG is also packaged with a host of standard amenities normally representative of higher-priced trailers such as A/C, microwave, two-burner cooktop and an AM/FM CD/DVD player equipped with an iPod connection and compatible with discs from digital cameras. Other key set-apart features include retro-style aluminum wheels, optional TV, 15-inch tires and rear bumper with a hitch receiver and built-in sewer hose storage.

“In just one year, the MPG has proven to be one of the hottest sellers in one of the hottest segments of the travel trailer market,” said Brian Linn, brand manager. “I think it was MPG’s striking design – a unique blend of contemporary and retro – that attracted HGTV for its upcoming special. But ultimately it’s Heartland’s ability to offer affordability without sacrificing structural integrity or those sought-after features that has made the MPG a big hit with consumers, and a tremendous value for our dealer body.”

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