As mentioned earlier, this may be the year that the RV industry finally accepted the fact that new technology can improve the bottom line and improve production capabilities.
It is a well known fact that many warranty repairs are caused by electrical situations that can not be identified by the OEM, yet they wind up replacing component parts that may have been damaged due to customer negligence or faulty power.

Martin Perlot to the rescue. The talented engineering team at SilverLeaf Electronics has developed the pcOmniScope, a universal RV-C diagnostic tool that is affordable, universal, and easy to use.

RV-C is an electronic protocol based on proven automotive technology. It is created and maintained by the RVIA. RV-C allows coach components to communicate with each other and with diagnostic and control tools. Utilizing the RV-C protocol, coach components can share information and controls. A unit equipped with a RV-C network will have a single connector into which a technician can plug a service tool and download diagnostic information on every component.

The RVIA is in the process of approving the initial protocol documents and the first RV-C compliant products will be on the market in 2003. RV-C was created and maintained by RV manufacturers and component suppliers through the RVIA Technical Subcommittee on Multiplexing. It is non-proprietary and open to all RVIA members.

Perlot’s universal tool is an inexpensive adapter that turns your ordinary laptop into a powerful diagnostic system. One tool diagnoses every RV-C component and new component modules can be easily downloaded from the Internet. The software provides plain-language messages and screens that describe the problems found.

Fleetwood RV
 

With their backs to the wall, Fleetwood decided to fight their way out of financial distress and complacency in the marketplace. A unique split display of a travel trailer allowed the company to make a bold statement and show everyone, especially their dealer network that they mean business.

They didn’t put band-aids on problems. They went back to the drawing board and allowed their product managers to make the products that their customers wanted. The new products on display, in both the towables and motorized areas of their exhibit, all showed a re-dedication to the principles that allowed them to build a multi-billion dollar corporation.

The form, fit and function of all models showed creativity in design, quality in construction, and a new management team determined to recapture the business they have lost during some difficult years. The striking difference in the products introduced in Louisville was functionality and storage. Every conceivable place that they could put storage, they did. If it’s possible, somebody might complain that they have too much storage built-in, but today’s RV customer will quickly find a way to fill every cabinet, shelf, and cutout that they have provided.

Almost every product line was redesigned from the ground up. Testimony to the success of their game plan was the entry level Prowler towable lineup. This so-called entry level product does a great imitation of some well established higher priced competition.

Dealers were very pleased to see the dramatic statement made by Fleetwood on the show floor. These units will give loyal customers an excellent reason to trade-up and should produce some outstanding results during the spring show season.

Rexhall
 

Damon Motor Coach
 

Damon showed up at Louisville with a new name and a new motorhome to fill out the top end of their product line. Now known as Damon Motor Coach, the motorhome division Damon Corporation. This division showcased their most expensive unit to date.

The all-new Escaper LX-400 is the company’s first quad-slide unit, decked out with full body paint, and new styling inside and out. It will be their top-of-the-line diesel pusher and will also be available in a two-slide out unit.

Jon Krider, marketing director, said, "We decided to release the LX-400 Series because we wanted to offer more options to consumers purchasing vehicles in this price range." Built on a Freightliner® XC chassis with a powerful Cummins® ISL 400-HP engine, the unit includes independent front suspension and a side draft radiator.

The 2003 Escaper comfortably sleeps four people and offers features comparable to motorhomes costing $50,000 to $100,000 more.