Dutchmen Debuts Entry-Level Trailer in Louisville

Goshen, Ind.-based Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. unveiled its entry-level Dutchmen 814RB travel trailer at last week’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, the new model features sleek styling with a radius front profile, colored front and rear exterior walls, upgraded graphics and a roomy floorplan.

Standard features include a stereo, microwave, antenna, refrigerator, spare tire, front window with rock guard and rear stabilizer jacks. Dutchmen, a Thor Industries Inc. subsidiary, said three more floorplans are planned for the series.

“The acceptance was phenomenal and orders were very strong. We wanted to create a smaller, value-priced trailer that still looked high end with all the equipment standard. We accomplished that,” said Steve Paul, vice president/general manager for the Dutchmen product group.

For more information on Dutchmen RV and its brands visit www.dutchmen.com or call 574-537-0600.

 

Travel Trailers Can Double as Ice Fishing Cabins

Long a sport for the winter-hardy, ice fishing — which just now is beginning for the season in far northern Minnesota — might soon also attract those who insist on warmth and (relative) luxury with their cold-weather walleyes, crappies and sunnies.

The Grand Forks (Iowa) Herald reported that what began not many years ago as an experiment in mobile fishing houses built on retractable wheels has blossomed into a business with many competing manufacturers. Many were on display at the St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show last weekend.

Sarah Coates Lange, general manager of Coates RV Center near Forest Lake, which sells Salem ice cabins, said winter anglers have provided a big boost to her recreational vehicle trade, which slows in winter.

“The ice cabins have been very, very popular,” Lange said. “They’re made to RV specifications, and we outfit about half the units we sell with air conditioners, so they can be used in summer as travel trailers.”

Manufactured by Elkhart, Ind.-based Forest River Inc., a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Co., Salem ice cabins range from 14 to 20 feet, with show prices from $11,000 to $16,500.

Other mobile winter-fishing house builders also were at the show, including Ice Castle of Montevideo, Minn., the largest manufacturer of ice “homes,” with sizes ranging to 24 feet and Custom Cottages, which builds “hunting, fishing, camping mobile shelters” of aluminum alloy frames and shells, also displayed at the show.

Lighter, less expensive and more portable fabric fishing shelters manufactured by Clam, Eskimo and Frabill (plenty of each were at the show) offer winter anglers more flexibility in their hunts for fish through the ice.

And Canvas Craft, headquartered in the northwest Twin Cities suburbs, was exhibiting fabric fishing shelters whose walls and ceiling include Thinsulate insulation. Noteworthy is its Northlander all-terrain trailer ($2,795), which converts from ATV hauler to ice fishing shelter, hunting blind or utility trailer.

 

Airstream, Deam Debut Sterling Concept Trailer

Airstream Inc. unveiled the Sterling Concept trailer, designed by architect Christopher Deam, during this week’s 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, the collaboration between Airstream and Deam continues a partnership that started more than a decade ago with the 2001 Airstream International CCD.

The most striking design feature of the Sterling Concept trailer is the use of anodized aluminum surfaces for the interior. Deam said he wanted to bring the “unmistakable appearance of the Airstream’s exterior to the interior of the unit and use a premium, lustrous material that provided plenty of light and reflectivity.”

He added, “The aircraft-like aesthetic and modern monocoque design required high precision, resulting in a product that is both aggressively modern and timeless.”

The Sterling Concept trailer features bright yellow woven vinyl flooring that has a soft, luxurious feel and is complemented by the white ultra-leather upholstery and classic mid-century Merimekko fabric used throughout the unit. All countertops and roof-lockers are edged with pure aluminum extrusions which harmonize with the aluminum interior skin and premium fixtures in the galley and lavatory.

“Airstream is the ultimate object of design,” said Deam. “The Sterling concept trailer project was a true collaboration with Airstream and forced us both to push the limits of what is possible. For a designer it is always great to work with a brand where you can exercise furniture and product design together with manufacturing – it is the ultimate.”

Deam said the Sterling Concept captures what is essential about Airstream travel trailers and imparts to it a modern flair, demonstrating Airstream’s continuing commitment to be a thought leader for the RV industry.

“This concept trailer represents a fresh take on Airstream, and we think it will appeal to people who are design-savvy and appreciate quality construction and unique, modern design,” added Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler.

 

Lance Grows Trailer Line, Debuting in Louisville

Lancaster, Calif.-based Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. is introducing two additions to the company’s new line of travel trailers during this week’s 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

Along with the 1575 trailer, Lance is showing a 1274 model, its smallest unit, and the 2385 floorplan, the largest in the lineup.

According to a press release, the 1274 travel trailer features a large slideout, pop-out tent sleeper and a dry bath. With a dry weight of 2,250 pounds, the1274 is an easy tow for vehicles with a 5,000-pound tow rating.

“The 1274 feels a lot larger than it is with the pop-out tent sleeper,” says Gary Conley, national sales manager for Lance Camper adding, “And with its length and weight, it’s a very easy trailer to tow.”

The 2385 is equipped with a large kitchen offering almost eight feet of counter space, along with a full-wall slide with a “Super Dinette” and private bedroom.

Offering a dry weight of 4,615 pounds, the 2385 can be towed by most V-8 powered SUVs and light-duty trucks.

“The full wall slide and enormous kitchen really make this trailer stand out,” says Gary. “For RVers looking for the quality they’ve come to expect from Lance in a larger package – this is it.”

 

Lance Camper’s New Travel Trailer Grows Sales

The new 1575 travel trailer from Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. has proven to be a popular favorite for both dealers and consumers, according to a press release.

The 1575 is one of the newest in the Lance travel trailer lineup. With a length of just over 15 feet, it features a residential queen size bed, Lance’s “Super-Slideout” dinette and a dry bath. According to Lance, the interior is open and “feels even more spacious with several large windows.”

“This model offers a lot of value in an RV,” says Gary Conley, national sales manager for Lancaster, Calif.-based Lance. “Add to that the small size, and it’s no surprise it’s become an overnight success.”

The 1575 sleeps four and has a dry weight of just 2,480 pounds making it an easy tow for many of today’s smaller SUVs and light-duty pickups.

For more information, contact Norm Jacobson at 661-949-3322 or email at NormJ@LanceCamper.com.

 

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.

CrossRoads Rolls Out Cruiser Aire in Louisville

Topeka, Ind.-based CrossRoads RV has introduced the Cruiser Aire towable line, available in five travel trailer and four fifth-wheel double-slide floorplans, all designed for towing by half-ton trucks or SUV’s.

The latest series in the company’s popular Cruiser brand ranges in length from 24 to 32 feet, offering full-depth slideouts and weighing from 4,500 pounds to 7,000 pounds. MSRP’s start at around $23,900 nicely appointed.

The aluminum-framed units are equipped with many standard features that other RV manufacturers offer only as options, including:

• 60-inch by 80-inch deluxe memory foam mattress.

• LED Lights throughout the interior.

• Oversized pass-through storage.

• Cathedral ceilings throughout the unit.

• All double-slide floorplans.

Rudy Boals, national sales manager, noted, “We are excited to offer a product families are able to afford and tow with the half-ton truck or SUV they drive on a daily basis. The Cruiser product is a brand customers have come to know and trust we are entering into the lightweight market with a new spin by introducing double-slide floorplans focused on the lightweight buyer. Our ongoing collaboration with dealers and retail customers has brought a whole new sense of style in the Cruiser Aire.”

The new line also carries CrossRoads RV’s 2 + 5 warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship for two years from date of delivery and a five-year structural guarantee against floor, walls, and roof defects.

The all-new Cruiser Aire will be displayed at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show Louisville, Ky., at Booth No. 100 in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

 

TrailManor Bought, New Firm Starts Production

A newly formed company has purchased the assets of TrailManor Inc. and gone into production to revive the lightweight trailer brand.

According to a press release, TrailManor Manufacturing Company LLC was created to ensure that “TrailManor will be here for years to come with quality products, great service and unforgettable camping experiences.”

Bob Eickhoff, a long-time sales representative for TrailManor who formed the new company, noted, “Our new organization makes the TrailManor brand much stronger.”

The company is now producing TrailManor trailers in a Jacksboro, Tenn., plant, located near Knoxville, with plans in 2012 to open an additional manufacturing facility in Hartington, Neb. The company’s general offices will be located in Hartington.

Eickhoff noted that several positive changes have been made under the new company to support TrailManor owners and dealers. He said that instead of having parts centralized at the TrailManor plant, there will be dealer locations across the country that will stock parts, speeding access to needed components. TrailManor is also rolling out the Sport line of smaller, value-priced trailers, which features units ranging from 16 to 24 feet.

Eickhoff said that he thanked dealers and owners for the patience they have shown during the transition, which began in September.

“We are very fortunate to have dealerships and TrailManor enthusiasts who have cheered us on, and we look forward to bringing them exciting new products,” he said.

To learn more about TrailManor’s innovative, super-lightweight trailers, visit www.trailmanor.com.

 

Cruiser RV to Launch Enterra Trailer in Louisville

Howe, Ind-based Cruiser RV LLC will be introducing a new line of Enterra travel trailers at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.

According to a press release, the Enterra will give dealers another option in the luxury lightweight market. The new line will offer floorplans ranging from 28 feet to 35 feet 5 inches in length. Standard features include:

• Aerodynamic fiberglass front cap with two-tone paint.

• Barreled ceilings with 7 feet of interior height.

• Solid surface countertops with stainless under-mount sink.

• 32-inch LCD TV’s.

“With our recent expansion into a second production facility in LaGrange, Ind., it was a perfect time to introduce the Enterra,” noted Jay Mohamed, vice president of sales and marketing. “The new facility is exactly what Cruiser needed and will allow us to build both our ViewFinder and new Enterra lines there and open up roughly 35% production capacity at our plant 1 facility, where our Fun Finder X, Fun Finder XTRA and Shadow Cruiser lines are manufactured.”

Along with the expansion and new product line, Cruiser RV has added three new sales managers to represent the ViewFinder and Enterra lines – James Anderson, Tim Dunn and Zach Weaver.

“We are extremely excited to have James, Tim and Zach on the Cruiser RV team. They all bring a wealth of knowledge in the lightweight market and will be huge assets in the growth of both product lines,” states Mohamed.

Cruiser RV will display the Enterra along with Fun Finder X, Fun Finder XTRA, Shadow Cruiser and ViewFinder in Booth No. 3001 in the North Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

 

 

Lance Announces Winner of 1575 Travel Trailer

Lancaster, Calif.-based Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp. announced the winner of a Lance travel trailer awarded during last month’s California RV Show.

According to a press release, Phil Feeney, age 69 of Oceanside, Calif., was the grand prize winner of a Lance 1575 travel trailer.

“This is the second year that a Lance product has been the grand prize”, says Gary Conley, National sales manager for Lance. “The response is always excellent and we’re looking forward to participating again in 2012.”

The 1575 is the newest in the Lance travel trailer lineup. With a box length of just over 15 feet, it features a residential queen size bed, Lance’s “Super-Slideout” dinette and a dry bath. “The interior is open and feels even more spacious with all the large windows,” said Conley.

The 1575 sleeps four and has a dry weight of 2,480 pounds, allowing it to be towed by many of todays’ smaller SUVs. “A lot of folks have wanted to RV and a coach of this weight makes it easy for them with their existing vehicle”, adds Conley.

 

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