Workhorse Custom Chassis
 

The long awaited debut of the Workhorse diesel was realized this year. The company that revolutionized the gas chassis marketplace is destined to make a similar mark on the diesel side of the business. The new R Series rear engine diesel chassis is designed "to create a total driving experience," said Alan Farash, Workhorse vice president of engineering.

"Workhorse has combined state-of-the art vehicle dynamics and performance with proven next generation technologies to create a rock solid foundation for a truly integrated vehicle system," added Farash.

As with other exhibits this year, it may well be the year of technology in the RV industry with more manufacturers willing to incorporate technological advancements that are required to meet the growing demands of today’s RV buyer.

The R Series incorporates the advanced ArvinMeritor suspension that uses two air springs positioned slightly ahead of the front axle which allows the coach to ride virtually 100 percent on air, just as it would with four.

Another technology marvel incorporated into the chassis is Onan’s Coach Command. This system consolidates a number of motorhome functions into a single control panel that informs, controls and even entertains. Coach Command also diagnoses and alerts the driver to system faults, provides information about service assistance and can communicate diagnostics to the service center before the customer arrives.

As they did with their gas model introductions, Workhorse will take their story directly to the consumers and the dealers and let the market decide what they want after they have all the information they need. The educated consumer that turned into a dynamic market force with the W22 with 22.5" wheels is just the recipe that Workhorse intends to duplicate with the new R Series diesel product line.

Some industry veterans second guessed this manufacturer the first time around. I don’t think that will happen again, especially after their incredible success in the RV industry.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

One of the country’s largest and most respected consumer companies is quietly rolling along to success in the RV industry. With a complete line of RV and motorcoach tires, they have stepped up their marketing programs and presence at industry trade shows.

The company has also launched a detailed RV related web site at www.goodyear.com/rv. The site allows consumers to learn about tire storage, inflation pressure, loading and sizes. You can also learn about tire construction and determine which tire suits your style of driving and RV usage. Finally, the site also contains information on OEM partners who build products that are shipped with Goodyear tires and also provides other links to RV related web sites, including John Anderson’s RV Safety Organization (www.rvsafety.com). Goodyear is a strong supporter of RV safety and education and contributes to the success of the RV Safety Organization.