Echo’s Bandit Offers Sturdy, Spacious Garage

Targeting the entry-level toy hauler market, Echo RV Inc. introduced the wood-and-aluminum 280APH floorplan in its Bandit line at Louisville offering a 3,000-pound capacity ramp door and a 12-foot deep garage area. Sporting a dual axle platform with a 10,400-pound GVWR, the unit is capable of bearing 5,000 pounds in the garage while still maintaining a 5,500-pound dry weight for towability. “We even added metal strips that span the garage so we can set our D-rings with self-tapping screws,” said President Mike Scheetz, noting the rings have a 2,500-pound rating. “Our niche is to offer features not found on other entry-level units but still hit that killer price point.” Equipped with a full kitchen and 13,500 Btu ACs, the 280APH provides a comfortable living area with neo-angle showers, a 76-inch sofa, porcelain foot-flush toilet and 60-inch by 74-inch queen bed. With a choice of gray or white, the unit is also available with hung fiberglass sidewalls. MSRP: $21,038.

Echo Hires Phillips; Displaying at Open House

Elkhart, Ind.-based Echo Manufacturing LLC, a builder of lightweight travel trailers and toy haulers, announced the appointment of Charlie Phillips as national sales manager.

According to a press release, Phillips has more than 20 years experience in both wholesale and retail, most recently in the Midwest with a major manufacturer.

“Working for a small manufacturer like Echo is something that I always wanted to do,” said Phillips. “To get in on the ground floor and grow a company is exciting and challenging. I’m looking forward to the hard work and rewards”

Echo also announced participation in the annual Elkhart Open House slated for September 18-21 in northern Indiana. Echo will be set up at the corner of Beck Drive and County Road 17 on Elkhart’s east side, less than a mile away from the major manufacturers.

Joining Echo RV in its display will be park model builder Elkhart-based HL Enterprises Inc. and Columbia Northwest Inc., headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Pa. The display will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

For more information on Echo visit www.echorv.com or (877) 495-1546.

 

Pacific Coachworks Debuts ECON X Toy Hauler

Brett Bashaw, CEO/president of Pacific Coachworks Inc., today (Aug. 21) announced that the company has launched and is accepting orders for its all-new ECON X toy hauler lineup.

“We couldn’t have been more encouraged when the prototype came off of the scale weighing less than 3,400 pounds,” said Jeff Daily, general manager for the Riverside, Calif.-based builder, in a press release. “This product is ideal for a weekend out with the toys as the weight, pricing and specifications are unmatched in the industry and are ideal for the light-duty tow vehicle.”

The ECON X will be added to the already successful ECON line of lightweight trailers. Newly appointed Product Manager Beau Durkee said that the toy haulers will initially include front-kitchen and front-bed floorplans with new models planned including tandem axle units.

For more information on the ECON X toy haulers contact Durkee at (951) 686-7294.

Graham to Oversee CrossRoads Elevation Line

CrossRoads RV announced the hiring of Doug Graham as product manager for the company’s Elevation toy hauler line. According to a press release, Graham’s responsibilities will include all aspects of product development, market growth and dealer outreach for the Elevation brand.

“The explosion of consumer interest in the toy hauler market requires a strong focus from CrossRoads,” said Matt Thompson, general manager for Topeka, Ind.-based CrossRoads, a division of Thor Industries Inc. “Developing exceptional product and great dealer relationships is our primary goal. Doug’s love for toy haulers and his history of creating strong dealer relationships makes for a natural fit.”

An RV industry veteran, Graham has focused exclusively on the toy hauler market for the last four years. He will be based at CrossRoads’ corporate offices in Topeka.

Graham’s contact information is (574) 361-0985 (cell) or dgraham@crossroadsrv.com

 

 

Jayco’s 2013 Seismic Toy Hauler in Production

Jayco Inc. announced it has begun production of its all-new 2013 Seismic toy hauler, which recently earned a spot in the RVBusiness “Top 25 Debuts” list.

“We recognize the market for sport utility trailers is more sophisticated today than ever before,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing for Middlebury, Ind.-based Jayco. “Consumers want more than a garage attached to a sleeping area. Our goal is to provide a fifth-wheel which offers top-level amenities yet still provides room enough to carry whatever toys a family might want to bring along.”

The spacious, versatile on-board garage can convert into a bunkroom, patio deck or dining space. In addition to hauling ATV’s and motorcycles using the in-floor mounted D-rings, families can pack bicycles, games, canoes and other traditional outdoor gear. The garage can also be converted into workspace for crafters who sell their wares or dog show owners who need a grooming station.

Johnson also noted the list of “set-apart” features built into the Seismic, stating, “Everything about the look of the Seismic is different.”

Innovative features include a contoured front cap, three premium paint schemes, contemporary modern décor and residential-style furniture. “The unit has a modern feel to it and features many contemporary conveniences,” Johnson said. “We believe today’s consumer will appreciate the styling.”

Blending form with function, Seismic’s deluxe kitchen offers toe-kick lighting, high-end vinyl flooring, pendant lighting and high-gloss, solid-surface kitchen countertops with undermounted stainless-steel sink. Owners will enjoy a good night’s sleep in Seismic’s main bedroom with a 312-coil, 60-inch by 80-inch deluxe mattress with 2-inch top-side pad. A decorative headboard, added air conditioning ducts, 22-inch LCD HDTV and walk-in closet complete the suite.

The Seismic is equipped with a 102-inch wide-body construction on Jayco’s I-Class cambered structural-steel I-beam frame. The unit also has a one-piece underbelly cover with exposed fuel tanks and a one-piece seamless rubber roof with 3/8-inch plywood roof decking. Reflective foil insulation in the living room, bedroom and slideout floors, combined with Jayco’s Polar Barrier insulation package, help Seismic maintain interior temperatures for the ultimate stay.

“We wanted to make the entire experience more enjoyable for the owner,” Johnson said. “From towing to set up to take down, we made sure Seismic delivers.”

For more information visit www.jayco.com/seismic.

Keystone’s Raptor Captures Sales in Louisville

In the midst of a strong Louisville Show, Raptor 384PK toy hauler’s patio-kitchen floorplan proved to be one of Keystone RV Co.’s top sellers, according to a press release.

The floorplan  features an industry-first elevated side patio complete with pull-down kitchen, refrigerator access, LCD TV, awning and deck railings in addition to the rear cargo ramp for loading quads, motorcycles or other toys. According to Raptor Product Manager Jim Rzepka, sales of the floorplan far exceeded expectations. “Our dealers loved the kitchen patio outdoor living zone and stepped up big-time by placing a record-setting number of orders. We were thrilled,” he said.

Goshen, Ind.-based Keystone said that the dual ramp and patio system is a feature Raptor innovated based on conversations with its dealers and existing owners. Other toy hauler brands offer a patio which can be set up on the rear ramp door, requiring partial disassembly of the patio in order to load or unload toys. The 384PK is different in that it has both a rear cargo ramp door and a separate side patio door.

Another unique feature of the 384PK floorplan is the angled front bedroom queen bed. According to Rzepka, by angling the front queen bed, Keystone was able to utilize otherwise wasted space in the front cap — creating an additional 12 inches of room at the foot of the bed. “This opened up the bedroom and allows us to better create a feeling of spaciousness. Kudos to our design team for the idea and to our production team for implementing it,” said Rzepka. “Twelve inches might not sound like a lot, but in an RV it is huge.”

The 384PK was not the only hit in the Raptor product line. Raptor scored big with its new SE fifth-wheel. Now available in three floorplans, the Raptor SE toy haulers are lighter in weight and lower priced than other Raptor models. “With the addition of the SE models our dealers can now offer a full range of Raptor products at various price points,” said Rzepka. “As the No. 1 selling toy hauler for seven consecutive years, every buyer can now find a Raptor at a price that is within their budget.”

Jayco Rattling Market with Seismic Toy Hauler

“We recognize the market for sport utility trailers is more competitive today than ever before,” said Sid Johnson, director of marketing for Jayco. “Consumers want more than a garage attached to a sleeping area. Our goal was to provide a fifth-wheel that offers top-level amenities and features yet still provides room enough to carry whatever toys a family might want to bring along. We wanted to make the entire experience even more enjoyable for the owner, from towing to set up to take down.”

The Seismic features a 102-inch wide body on Jayco’s I-Class cambered structural-steel I-beam frame. The unit has a one-piece underbelly cover with fuel tanks exposed, a one-piece, seamless rubber roof, 3/8-inch plywood roof decking and reflective foil insulation in the living area, bedroom and all slideout floors. The Seismic also comes with Jayco’s Polar Barrier insulation package while the garage area features Jayco’s in-floor mounted D-rings.

The exterior offers a contemporary feel with a contoured front cap design. Customers can choose from a standard graphics package or one of three premier paint packages. The Seismic is offered in two mid-profile and four full-profile floorplans.

“Everything about the look of the Seismic is different,” said Johnson. “The unit has a modern feel to it as well as many contemporary conveniences; something which we believe today’s consumer is going to appreciate.”

Interiors feature modern décors enhanced by warm colors on the walls, residential-style furniture and cabinets. Washington Glazed Maple cabinetry sets off the main living areas with aged Paulownia charcoal-stained cabinetry in the garage area – both with brushed or weathered black hardware and raised panel doors, giving the unit a more residential feel with room separations.

Standard interior equipment include radius cornered walls and cabinets, ball bearing drawer guides, recessed halogen and pancake lighting, hidden cabinet hinges, hardwood slideout fascia boards, decorative wood moldings and louvered window treatments.

The deluxe kitchen sports high-end vinyl flooring in the kitchen, toe kick lighting, pendant lighting in the kitchen, and high-gloss solid surface kitchen countertops with under-mount stainless steel sink. The Seismic’s main bedroom has a deluxe 60-inch by 80-inch mattress with 312-coil and 2-inch pad top side, decorative headboard, added air conditioning ducts, 22-inch LCD HDTV and walk-in closet.

Other standard amenities include 12-volt electrical system with deluxe 120-volt, 80-amp power converter, 10-gallon Atwood water heater gas/electric DSI auto-ignition, 15,000-BTU A/C Whisper quiet feature, louvered-directional ceiling vents, auto-ignition furnace with black digital wall thermostat, water heater bypass system and winterization kit, and Uni-Dock utility center.

In addition, the Jayco Co-Pilot Warranty offers the original purchaser a two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. And all Jayco products have been Green Certified by TRA Certification Inc, an independent third-party certification agency. Jayco products have earned top-level certification through the use of sustainable materials, environmentally-friendly production methods, energy-efficient components and reduction of waste.

 

CrossRoads Says Toy Hauler Will ‘Elevate’ Sales

CrossRoads RV is targeting the growing 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton tow vehicle market with the introduction of its Elevation toy hauler, according to a press release.

Initially available in two travel trailer and three fifth-wheel floor plans with more planned, the full-featured Elevation features lightweight engineering and a sleek design that “sets it apart from every other same old toy hauler in the market today.”

“The elevation has been a project driven by passion,” said Matt Thompson, general manager for the Topeka, Ind.-based company’s toy hauler division. “Nearly everyone involved are riders of some sort.”

The 35-foot full-profile Elevation weighs just over 9,500 pounds and is equipped with triple slides, a bath-and-a-half and 10-foot garage. The unit will be displayed at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky., at CrossRoad’s Booth No. 1001 in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

Headquartered in Topeka, Ind., CrossRoads RV is a division of Thor Industries Inc. For further information visit www.crossroadsrv.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.