Starcraft Announces Launch of Revamped Site

Continuing its focus on providing the best experience for customers, Starcraft RV Inc. recently launched a redesigned website with new functionality, comprehensive product information and easy-to-use navigation, according to a press release.

“Our goal has always been to provide our consumers with a quality camping experience, and we recognize those experiences start the moment a consumer is looking to buy a camper,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing and sales for the Middlebury, Ind.-based Jayco Inc. subsidiary. “The new starcraftcamping.com is a direct reflection of that goal. Through the redesign and enhanced functionality, we hope our consumers will find that the site is easy to navigate, provides quality and comprehensive information, and makes the buying experience more enjoyable.”

The new starcraftcamping.com spotlights the company’s emphasis on families and the overall camping lifestyle. Featuring vibrant photography along with a buyer’s guide and model comparison feature, the website was designed to bring each visitor into the experience. The website is also responsive, designed to automatically adapt to all user devices, including desktops, tablets and smart phones.

“We understand that each Starcraft customer has different needs and wants in a product,” said Johnson. “The new website is designed to help consumers explore all of the options that fit within their budgets.”

The new look of the website also pays tribute to Starcraft’s 50^th anniversary. Marking five decades of providing durable and affordable campers, Starcraft wanted the new website to be a reflection of everything that makes up the RV company – both past and present.

“Celebrating 50 years of having positive impact on families is a huge milestone,” said Johnson. “We believe this new website and the special 50^th Anniversary microsite represent those achievements.”

New Starcraft Site Targeting Smartphone Users

In response to consumer shopping needs, Starcraft RV Inc. today (Oct. 29) launched a new mobile website, m.starcraft.com. According to a press release, the site is geared toward campers who use smartphones and mobile devices to research their next RV purchase.

Using “responsive design,” Starcraft’s new site detects the user’s mobile device, screen size and device orientation. The site then seamlessly adjusts for optimal viewing, minimizing the amount of resizing, panning and scrolling needed to view information.

Knowing that 47% of America’s smartphone owners use their device to research products, Starcraft focused on improving its mobile shopping experience. The new site is packed with a host of interactive tools that add to the experience, including:

• A menu button with dropdown navigation.

• Pinch-to-zoom capability on floorplans and photos.

• Easy-to-view standards and options.

• Collapsible specifications.

The site also features an interactive dealer locator that uses the phone’s IP address to launch the search. Users can opt to manually input their address. Once nearby dealers are located, the user can launch the phone’s mapping application by tapping the “Get Directions” button. Users can also “click-to-call”, making contacting dealers efficient and easy.

“We really wanted to make this site user-friendly,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing for Topeka, Ind.-based Starcraft. “We know more and more of our customers are using mobile devices to search the Internet. We want to make sure these customers can easily find and view up-to-date Starcraft product information on whatever device they prefer.”

Additionally, the site features tools for current owners, allowing customers to find a campground, contact roadside assistance or keep up on Starcraft’s latest social media posts.

“This new site puts Starcraft ahead of the game in mobile,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to see the response we get to the site and we plan on continuing to be as in tune with technology as our customers.”

To view the new Starcraft mobile website, visit m.starcraft.com on any mobile device.

Starcraft Expanding ‘Open House’ Display Area

Topeka, Ind.-based towable builder Starcraft RV Inc. will host an open house September 18-20 as part of the 5th Annual Elkhart County RV Open House Week. According to a press release, Starcraft will be displaying product from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2702 Ada Dr. in Elkhart, just off of County Road 6.

During the week, Starcraft will showcase 35 towable models from its 2013 towable lineup, 18 of which are new or redesigned. On display will be the new AR-ONE WideBody series, an addition to the popular AR-ONE, a lightweight, family-friendly unit. Also, the Travel Star EXP will feature two new floorplans, one with a slideout and another featuring a king-sized bed.

“With our display being one-third larger than last year we are very excited for the open house.” said Starcraft National Sales Manager Brent Froman. “We have several new price points being featured, so we have some big expectations for this year’s open house.”

Starcraft, a division of Jayco Inc., will use the open house as a platform to introduce many “exciting changes and brand new additions” to its camping trailer offerings, including a new Comet RT Off-Road series and new floorplans that will appeal to a broader camping trailer market.

Starcraft’s regional sales managers will be on-site during the open house hours Tuesday through Thursday to talk with dealers. “We enjoy the open house because it lets us reconnect with our current dealers, connect with new ones and show everything Starcraft has to offer for 2013.” commented Froman.

In addition to the units, Starcraft will also provide lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday for visitors.

Starcraft to Sponsor ‘Long Road Home Project’

Starcraft RV is sponsoring the Long Road Home Project, an event in which five U.S. veterans bike 4,200 miles for 90 days across the country to raise awareness of the difficulties often faced by service people upon returning home. According to a press release, the trek will begin July 15.

Topeka, Ind.-based Starcraft, a division of Jayco Inc., is donating the use of a Travel Star 285FB travel trailer that will accompany the riders and people aiding them as they cross the country. The Travel Star travel trailer spans a length of 28 feet and offers spacious interior space, sleeping up to six people. The trailer will allow the veterans on the Long Road Home Project journey the chance to recuperate and relax after their long days biking across the nation to achieve their goal.

These veterans, most all having served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, face hardships in their lives due to injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the struggle to raise awareness about the difficult military experience. Their goal is to bring awareness to the hardship faced by veterans, particularly following their service to the country and the adjustments of returning home. Through this journey, the Long Road Home Project also hopes to raise $75,000 to ease the transition of returning soldiers and help veterans live full, meaningful lives.

For more information about the Long Road Home Project, visit http://longroadhomeproject.com/.

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.

 

 

Starcraft to Unveil New Trailers at Open House

Starcraft RV will introduce two new products – the redesigned Travel Star travel trailer and the Launch – during its Sept. 20 –22 Open House located on CR 6 at Ada Drive in Elkhart, Ind. The event is running in conjunction with the 4th annual Elkhart County RV Manufacturers’ Open House, scheduled for Sept. 19-23.

According to a press release, the Travel Star travel trailer, featuring an optional upgrade package, is one of the “lowest priced, fiberglass travel trailers on the market.” The 2012 lineup is available in three floorplans, available to order now, with three more layouts to follow. Lengths run 28 feet to 30 feet offering seven-foot interior height and a 30-inch by 72-inch entry doors – four inches taller than comparable models, according to Starcraft. The Travel Star also is equipped with a Fastway Flip automatic jack foot, a Starcraft exclusive, and a STARMAXX front pass-through storage area with light and tool hooks.

The kitchens in the Travel Star line have been updated with a residential style faucet with a pullout sprayer, a deep oversized kitchen sink, covers for the sink with integrated drying rack, a storable kitchen cutting board and a double drawer with incorporated silverware dividers. The bedrooms were upgraded with two-tone wallboard and a pull-out laundry basket located under the bed. Exterior security light switches were added to the bedroom and living area and an amber light was also added at the entry step.

Starcraft is introducing the new optional Galaxy Package that features 23 upgrades, including colored front fiberglass cap, electric awning, front and rear power stabilizer jacks, electric tongue jack and key fob remote which controls the patio awning, porch light, security light, front and rear jacks and slideout room.

Other upgrades include slam latch pass-through storage doors, deluxe graphics package, aluminum rims, two 30-pound propane bottles with cover, reflective foil insulation in roof, floor and front wall, solid-surface countertops with under mounted sink, upgraded kitchen backsplash and raised panel cabinetry throughout.

The brand new Launch is a lightweight fiberglass travel trailer that is towable by most minivans and crossover vehicles. It has three floorplans, including a 15-footer with expandable bed, 17-foot model with rear dinette and 18-footer with bunks, all with dry weights under 3,000 pounds.

The Launch features a 78-inch interior height, fully decked roof with 3/8-inch decking, TuffShell vacuum-bonded fiberglass sidewalls, front diamond plate, patio awning, 14-inch radial tires, spare tire with carrier, four-cubic-foot refrigerator and freezer, 8,000 BTU A/C plus optional 13,500 BTU roof mount A/C, 18,000 BTU furnace, microwave and range hood, six-gallon water heater, 54-inch booth dinette with inside/outside dinette table, and screwed stile cabinetry with hardwood stiles.

Starcraft will showcase its full line-up of towables along with their new products at the Open House, which will run 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

 

 

Starcraft Rolling Out New Units for Open House

Starcraft RV will be showing new product Sept. 20–22 as part of the 4th annual Elkhart County RV Manufacturers’ Open House.

According to a press release, Starcraft will display units off of C.R. 6 on Ada Road in Elkhart from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days. The Topeka, Ind.-based towable builder is a subsidiary of Jayco Inc., headquartered in Middlebury.

Starcraft said it will be showcasing its 2012 products that encompass the company’s full towable lineup, including the new Starflyer series – the most basic camping trailer offered by Starcraft – to its affordable luxury Lexion fifth-wheels.

“We’re excited to host an open house to showcase our 2012 models for our current and future dealers,” said Starcraft National Sales Manager Brent Froman. “We feel this is our most exciting look and lineup yet and we’re eager to have it on display.”

Starcraft also plans to use the open house as a platform to introduce many exciting changes and brand new additions to its Travel Star line. These new products and upgrades have been designed “to enhance the Travel Star line’s consumer appeal and repositioning strategy” for the 2012 model year, according to the release.

Starcraft’s regional sales managers will be on-site during the open house hours Tuesday through Thursday to talk with dealers and attendees. “This open house will give us a chance to reconnect with our current dealers, connect with new ones and show them everything Starcraft has to offer for 2012,” said Froman.

 

Starcraft RV Unveils Starflyer Camping Trailer

As part of its focus on providing products that offer owners economical and memorable camping experiences, Starcraft RV has announced the introduction of a new camping trailer, the Starflyer. The 2012 Starflyer is designed to help consumers move up from tent camping in an enjoyable yet affordable manner, according to a news release.

“The Starflyer is an entry-level camping trailer that is perfect for the first-time buyer,” said Jim Jacobs, general manager for Topeka, Ind.-based Starcraft RV. “We work very hard to provide our customers with pure, simple camping products. This camping trailer is a prime example of providing the basic essentials without high impact on the family budget.”

Easy to set up and take down, the Starflyer is offered in both 8- and 10-foot floorplans. The unit is light weight (the 8-foot model starts with a dry weight of 985lbs), and can be easily towed by most family vehicles. Standard equipment on the 2012 Starflyer includes domed, fiberglass roof with no center seam; corrosion-resistant frame; aluminum exterior sidewalls; and mildew-resistant aluminum ceiling. In addition, the unit has prepped access for 110-volt power; pre-wired for battery hookup; 12-volt lighting; booth dinette with inside/outside dinette table; non-sliding cushions for dinette with reversible EZ-clean vinyl backs; lots of interior storage and two (2) rear stabilizer jacks. Backed by Starcraft’s one-year warranty, the well-built, entry-level Starflyer fits well within Starcraft’s line of camping trailers.

“Our goal is always to provide our consumers with a quality camping product at an attractive price,” said Jacobs. “The new Starflyer is a fantastic introductory product for the family that is just starting out on their camping adventures.”

Starcraft RV manufactures and markets towable RVs under the Starflyer, Comet, Centennial, Travel Star, AR-ONE, Autumn Ridge, Lexion S-Lite, and Lexion brand names. For more information on Starflyer and other Starcraft products, call (800) 945-4787, or visit www.StarcraftCamping.com.

Hoosier Official Touts RV Industry in Speech

Becky Skillman, Indiana lieutenant governor, touted job creation in the RV industry during a speech in Elkhart, Ind., on Thursday (Dec. 16).

Speaking to an audience of mostly female business executives sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Skillman said she is glad to see the RV industry as part of Elkhart county’s full revitalization efforts. Indiana is seeing new life in the RV industry with companies like Nexus RV LLC, Jayco RV and its subsidiary, Starcraft RV, in Elkhart county, she said. These companies are investing in Elkhart, expanding and creating new jobs for Hoosiers.

In 2010 the state’s economic development corporation (Indiana Economic Development Corp.), has received commitments for more than 22,000 new jobs and more than $4.3 billion in private capital investment, noted Skillman. This year is becoming the strongest year-to-date for new job commitments since Gov. Mitch Daniels and Skillman assumed office in 2005.

Skillman is contemplating a run to succeed Daniels in 2012. He cannot run for a third conseucutive term, due to term limits in Indiana.

Indiana has been among the leaders in private sector job growth in 2010. According to the latest numbers from the U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana’s job growth was at 2.1%. That’s more than two times the national average, she said.

Elkhart County has attracted investments and new jobs in the RV industry as well as in the manufacturing of the next generation electric vehicles. Daniels recently joined executives from THINK North America to announce the company’s investment of $43 million and their plans to create 400 new jobs.

Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources took possession on Thursday of 15 electric vehicles made by Think at the Elkhart plant, housed in a former RV supply factory on the city’s east side.

Site Selection Magazine just ranked Indiana’s business climate as the eighth best in the nation – putting Indiana in the top 10 every year for the past three years.

Hoosier Newspaper Covers Louisville Product

Editor’s Note: The Goshen (Ind.) News published this summary of products made by Northern Indiana-based RV firms that were shown at the 48th Annual National RV Trade Show.

New and improved were the two popular words at the recent Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) trade show in Louisville, Ky.

Elkhart County companies involved in making recreational vehicles used the show to promote their products to dealers. Here are a few of the new offerings that were at the show.

Newmar Corp.

Newmar Corp. of Nappanee unveiled its Ventana LE.

The Ventana LE will retail for $30,000 less than the company’s Ventana motorhome.

“Yet, we haven’t sacrificed eye appeal or popular features to hit this price point. When customers see the Ventana LE for the first time, the value will be obvious. We anticipate market share growth for our dealers and Newmar with this exciting product introduction,” said Pat Terveer, director of sales.

The Ventana LE features an aluminum-framed sidewall and roof construction on 16-inch centers. The motorhome is powered by a Cummins ISB 340 horsepower engine on a Freightliner chassis. The motorhome comes in 36-foot and 38-foot lengths.

Dometic Group

Dometic presented 17 new products at the show, including:

• QuietZone Ducted AC that the company says increases airflow by 26% while decreasing noise and vibration.
• AlumaRoom, a snap-in-place patio room that features flexible windows and water funnels.
• Breathe Easy Air Purification that the company says can reduce volatile organic compounds by 57% and formaldehyde levels by 41% within a six-hour period.
• 9500E Power Lateral Arm Awning, a rafterless, remote-controlled awning with a wind sensor and pitch adjustment and other features.
• The LW3000 Plus portable digital inverter/gasoline generator. The company stated the unit can run for up to 10 hours.
• The SlideTopper cover that automatically rolls out to cover a slideout.

In addition, the company has added the Better Homes & Gardens mattress collection from Serta to its product lineup.

Starcraft RV

Starcraft of Topeka introduced the AR-ONE travel trailer and the Travel Star Expandable Sport 187TB lightweight travel trailer.

The company said the AR-ONE is an entry-level trailer with three floorplans in 14-, 15- and 16-foot lengths.

The trailers are designed to be towed by most minivans and SUVs and crossover vehicles.

The Travel Star has three tented bunks, laminated roof and sidewalls, microwave oven and large kitchen window.

Another introduction was the 12RT Camping Trailer. It features a sofa, porta-potti and has a 5-by-8 foot cargo deck.

Jayco Inc.

Jayco Inc. of Middlebury introduced 8- and 10-foot Jay Series Sport camping trailers. The trailers come in two floorplans and feature E-Z Lube axles, reversible dinette cushions, an ice box and 10-gallon freshwater system.

Jayco also introduced the Skylark travel trailer with the 21FB floorplan. Upgrades include a fiberglass skin and roof, new graphics, black extrusion and baggage doors and aluminum split rims.

The Eagle 330RLTX travel trailer has been added to the Eagle lineup. The trailer features dual hide-a-beds in opposing slideouts, a side aisle leading to a bedroom and a large bathroom in the front of the unit.

Shasta

Shasta, based in Middlebury, redesigned all its products that were shown at the RV show.

Shasta’s Revere travel trailer family features a one-piece seamless, fully walkable rubber roof and aluminum exterior skin. The trailers are built on structural steel I-beam frames that include an integrated A-frame.

The Revere trailers have seven-foot interior ceilings and a 5/8-inch tongue-and-groove plywood floor.

The Revere also comes in the LE line, which has a lower price.

Shasta’s new ultra-light lineup carries the Freeport name. The trailer has welded aluminum framing with R-9 insulation and a vapor barrier and heated/enclosed underbelly.

The Class C lineup is labeled Cynara.

The Class C’s feature fiberglass roofs and 2-inch laminated, vacuum-bonded sidewalls with aluminum frames.

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