To show the ease-of-use incorporated into the system Doug Swarts, president, and Dan Sloand, production/customer service manager, were all decked out in tuxedo’s and white gloves. The company has designed a system that now lets RVers empty their holding tanks as quickly, efficiently, and as cleanly as pumping your own gas at the local filling station.

Every major RV manufacturer sent representatives over to learn more about the system. Still working under non-disclosures until all paperwork is certified, the company has developed an impressive prospect list that will be looking for ways to incorporate the system into future models.

Swarts said, "It’s just like pulling out a hose from a fire truck. All systems are pre-connected, pre-stored and ready to go. There’s no stooping and fumbling to plug it into the RV. Just place the waste nozzle in the sewer port and open the lever. It’s so clean you could even do it with white gloves on!" I guess that explains the fancy tuxedo’s and white gloves that attracted so much attention over in the South Wing this year.

Travel Supreme
 

If it doesn’t work the first time, try and try again. That was obviously the mindset of Spartan Motor Chassis with their unique ME2 mid-engine diesel platform. After a false start with Mountain High Coachworks a few years ago, the chassis reappeared in Louisville this year under a Travel Supreme motorhome.

Travel Supreme has developed a reputation for quality motorhomes and was one of the first manufacturers to show a quad-slide unit at last year’s show. This year they got everyone’s attention with the ME2, that shifts the engine and transmission to the center of the coach and more effectively distributes the chassis weight. This improves the vehicle’s performance by offering a more stable ride with reduced sway, tighter cornering and improved maneuverability.

The motorhome, with a rear garage, was shown with a Mini Cooper automobile but can also be used for motorcycles, ATV’s and golf carts.

The reputation and stability of Travel Supreme could be just what this platform needs to get recognized and appreciated in the RV industry.

Gulf Stream
 

The industry’s largest privately held manufacturer, located in Nappanee, IN, continues a tradition of innovative design and construction methodology. This year was no exception. They had the ultimate "show-stopper" with the new Atrium Class-A luxury coach. If you didn’t know it had wheels, you might think you were home. The Atrium name comes from a front curb side slide out that is virtually all glass. There are six large windows in the side walls and four sky domes built into the top of the room.

Traffic was constant in the coach that got everyone’s attention as they entered the South Wing. The diesel pusher provides 7’ interior ceilings, which allows for residential size overhead cabinets made of all hardwood. The sun room slide out gives the RV’er the best and most innovative slide design available today. The motorhome incorporates the Gulf Stream dualzone living theme with a large master bedroom, complete with chair and ottoman just aft of a large master bath set up.

The company also introduced the Stream- Lite, a new line of lightweight towables with nine new floor plans.