Hurricane Katrina Update from RVDA

Our officers and directors join us in expressing our condolences to all those in the Gulf Coast area affected by Hurricane Katrina. Our members are making us proud with their financial contributions, clothing drives, and other efforts to help. We considered setting up a fund but decided that the money can do the most good immediately if donated to the major charities that are on the front lines. President Bush cited the Red Cross and the Salvation Army as the two most involved right now.

Since the disaster struck, our staff has been trying to reach dealers and other industry members in and around the area affected most. If you have contact or information about the status of any dealer or industry member not listed, please let us know. Here is an update about the situation from those we were able to contact.

The following members are fine and doing business:

Aberdeen RV Center, Aberdeen, MS
Alexandria Motor Homes, Alexandria, AL
American RV, Olive Branch, MS
Bankston Motor Homes, Huntsville, AL
Blanchard Trailer Sales, Baton Rouge, LA
Bent’s RV Rendezvous in Metairie, LA
Camper Corral, Madison, MS
Camper’s RV Center, Shreveport, LA
Camping World, Hammond, LA
Cenla Camping Center, Alexandria, LA
Clay’s RV, West Monroe, LA
Country Roads RV, Cottondale, AL
Foreman RV, Carenco, LA
Hall’s RV, Albertville, AL
Innovative RV, Baton Rouge, LA
Jackie Edgar RV Center, Lafayette, LA
Johnny Bishop,Inc., Columbus, MS
Kite Brothers RV Center, De Ridder, LA
Madison RV Center, Madison, AL
Marlin Ingram RV Center, Montgomery, AL
Paw Paw’s Camper City in Picayune, MS sustained wind damage, including unit damage. The dealership is open for business. Another Paw’s Paw’s location in Saucier, MS, has reopened.
Performance RV, Huntsville, AL
Primeaux RV, Carenco, LA
Quick-MIle, Inc., Mobile, AL
RV Collision Repair, Theodore, AL
RV Repair and Sales, Hueytown, AL
S & S Apache Camping Center, Jackson, MS
Southhaven RV Center, Horn Lake, MS
Southern RV Super Center, Bossier City, LA
Stevens Mobile Home and RV Ctr., Lafayette, LA
Sunshine Camping Ctr., Daleville, AL
Syncro Corporation, Arab, AL
Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc., Red Bay, AL
Travel America RV, Pearl, MS
Truck Man RV, Richland, MS

The following sustained damage: 

Bus Supply Company, McComb, MS - sustained minor damage and is low on fuel and water.

Steve’s Mobile Home and RV Center was totally destroyed. Steve Bordelon, the owner, and his family are reported to be safe but their home was also destroyed.

Although RV Collision Repair’s business survived, their home did not.

We understand that Dixie RV in Hammond, LA, Country Creek RV in Hattiesburg, MS, Berryland Campers in Ponchatoula, MS, are open for business; however we cannot get through on the phone to confirm they are operating.

We still cannot contact these dealers in the disaster area:

Motorhome Rentals in Kenner, LA

Premier RV Leasing Group in Gulfport, MS

Reliable RV in Gulfport, MS

Southern Leasing in Metairie, LA

Again, if you have information on an RV dealer or member of our industry affected by the storm, please share it by e-mail to info@rvda.org, or fax 703-359-0152.

We are aware of the concerns of many dealers regarding the availability of product as manufacturers gear up to provide shelter for the victims and we are also aware of allegations that FEMA will be buying factory direct and cutting out dealers. We are investigating both these issues with the cooperation of RVIA.

To Help: Go to www.fema.gov for a complete list of helping agencies, or call The American Red Cross 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669)

RVDA recognizes that this is a critical time for the people and businesses impacted by Hurricane Katrina. RVDA understands there is an overwhelming need for emergency housing for the victims of this natural disaster, which include employees and families of our own members. Many dealers are working with FEMA and other relief agencies to provide shelter for hurricane victims and relief workers. A number of manufacturers report that they are producing product to FEMA specifications and intend to distribute that product through their dealer networks. Dealers are in the best position to prep and provide follow-up service for these units. RVDA salutes those manufacturers who are working closely with their dealers during this national emergency and listening to their needs. RVDA encourages anyone who has units available that meet the FEMA specification to contact an RVDA dealer member in the affected states. The specifications are as follows:

TRAVEL TRAILERS, MOBILE HOMES, PARK MODELS
30'-35' Manufactured length
Preference is for units with prices under $20K.
Must have AC/Heat
Must have Furniture
Must have Warranty
No Toy Haulers
No 5th Wheels
Must be brand new units under warranty.
A list of RVDA member dealers, by state, is available at http://www.rvda.org. Click on FIND A DEALER

  Workhorse Parts Hospitality RV
to tour RV sites nationwide

 Special motor home demonstrating aftermarket kits;
ordering convenience enhanced
 

With its new Hospitality RV and Web site, Workhorse Parts is making sure its customers can easily learn about new RV products before they buy. The average motor home owner spends more than $1,100 yearly on their motor home chassis in the aftermarket. For RV owners, determining what customizations are best for their particular use and situation has traditionally been difficult.

“We have plans to drive our customer hospitality motor home all over the country to rallies, campsites and dealers,” said Chuck Kosmin, president of Workhorse Parts. “There is no substitute for experiencing our air suspension or any of our other RV aftermarket kits first hand. Our goal is to make sure that when our owners customize their chassis, they know what they are getting and what it will do for their motor home.”

The 36-foot Workhorse Customer Hospitality RV is built on a Workhorse W22 chassis and is outfitted with all the Workhorse aftermarket customization kits, as well as logo merchandise and other items motor home owners can use to personalize their RV. Decals on the vehicle invite RV owners to knock on the door, come in, and investigate. There is even an 800 phone number on the back of the RV that connects directly to the Workhorse Parts representative driving the RV.

“We have already been called by people who are driving alongside us and want to talk shop,” says Darryl Gray, executive director, channel development. “Getting in front of our customers and hearing what they would like to have on their motor homes and receiving their feedback has driven most of our product offerings.”

For those who cannot go to a rally or regularly visit their Workhorse dealer, a redesigned www.workhorse.com Web site provides the opportunity to learn more about Workhorse Parts-approved RV kits. The site also allows RVers to contact Workhorse Parts for more information about aftermarket customization kits and talk directly to a Parts Interpreter.

“When someone buys a Workhorse chassis, they are buying a lifestyle,” states Gray. “Our goal with the Hospitality RV, Parts Web site and our other efforts is to make sure RVers can correctly evaluate the options and customize their RV to fit their unique situation.”

For more information, contact Adam Schuler at Workhorse Parts, 630-231-5400.

 Groundbreaking Ceremonies Held For
New RV/MH Hall of Fame

The groundbreaking was held for the new RV/MH Hall of Fame along the I80-90 Indiana Toll Road in Elkhart in early August.

Major gifts from Winnebago Industries, Thor Industries and Champion Enterprises assure that each phase of the new facility will be completely paid for when completed and no mortgage will be required. Additional gifts from many industry companies and individuals along with major support from the RVIA “Go RVing” Campaign have brought to $6.5 million the amount provided by donors to preserve the history and heritage of the Recreation Vehicle and Manufactured Housing industries and to honor the individuals who built the industries. An endowment gift from Roger and Waneta Reynolds will help to assure operational funding.
 

A caravan of dignitaries and units representing the major donors left the present Hall of Fame to travel to the new site off County Road 17 immediately adjacent to Indiana Toll Road exit 96. The 50,000 square foot facility will include a Hall of Fame gallery where individual leaders are honored, a 5,000 square foot archival library, a 5,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 100 seat theater, a 5,000 square foot Go RVing – World of Tomorrow exhibit, and over 20,000 square feet to display historic units of the RV and Manufactured industries. An additional 15,000 square feet to display additional historic units and a 15,000 square foot conference and convention facility will be added in phase II.

The conference facility will allow RV and manufactured housing industry companies and associations as well as other community organizations will be able to conduct meetings amidst the history of the industries.

The ground breaking was lead by James McGee, Chairman of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation and was attended by representatives of all major donors, the foundation board of directors, the architect, builder, and political leaders.

Those participating in the ceremony in addition of McGee included: Dave Altman, Vice Chairman of the Foundation and Chairman of the Finance Committee; Carl Ehry, Foundation President; Roger and Waneta Reynolds of St. Pete Beach, Florida; Bruce Hertzke, Chairman of Winnebago Industries and Campaign Chairman; Pat Cross of Champon Homes-Midwest representing Champion Enterprises; Ron Fenech, President of Keystone RVs representing Thor Industries; Ron Younkin of The Greenlawn Companies; Elkhart Mayor David Miller and State Senator Marvin Riegsecker.

  "BIG TENT Gets Bigger! At Quartzsite" 

RVers are marking their calendars for the 2006 show schedule in Quartzsite, Arizona. This tiny desert hamlet bursts at the seams when tens of thousands of RVs converge on Quartzsite for the big rock & mineral shows and the numerous swap meets and flea markets that take place there each winter season.

One of the largest and most popular of the local venues is the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show. This huge show takes place in the "BIG TENT", just 1/2 mile South of Interstate 10 on State Highway 95. The dates for the 23rd Annual Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show are January 21st through January 29th.

And in 2006 this huge event is expanding. Promoter Kenny King explained, "We turned away well over 100 exhibitors last year due to lack of booth space. In 2006 we are increasing the square footage of the main structure by 40%. This not only allows us to accommodate 128 additional booths, it increases our aisle width to 13' from 10'. This will really help in respect to traffic flow and safety."

  There is no charge for admission or parking at this spectacular event that is now billed as the largest consumer attended RV Show in the US! The attendance for the 2005 show was estimated at well over 150,000 and the numerous RV related exhibits included the "who's who" of the RV Industry. There were several hundred new and used RV's on display along with over a dozen service bays offering immediate installation, repairs & service on many of the items that were exhibited at the show.

The 2006 show looks like it will be even bigger with exhibit space selling at a record pace. For more information call 800-969-5464 or visit www.quartzsitervshow.com. 

Coast Distribution System Ranked #18 on Fortune's List of "100 Fastest-Growing Small Public Companies"

Coast Ranks 3rd among those Small Public Companies for its Stock Performance for Achieving a Three-Year Annualized Return of 142.5 Percent

The Coast Distribution System, Inc. (AMEX: CRV), one of North America's largest suppliers of aftermarket replacement parts, accessories and supplies for the recreational vehicle and marine industries, announced Fortune Small Business Magazine (FSB) has ranked The Coast Distribution System as: 

• The 18th fastest growing small public company on this year's FSB list of the top 100 fastest-growing small public companies in the U.S.; and 
• The 3rd highest among those 100 Small Public Companies in terms of stock performance, for achieving an annualized return of 142.5% for the three years ended December 31, 2004.

"We are pleased to be ranked among the top 20 fastest-growing small public companies on the FSB 100," stated Thomas R. McGuire, Chairman and CEO of Coast. "During the last three years, our stock performance has mirrored our operational performance, as we increased our top and bottom lines through operational improvements, market share growth and new sourced, propriety products." 

This year's FSB 100 was featured in the July/August 2005 issue of Fortune Small Business. To compile the list, Fortune identified companies with annual revenue of less than $200 million and a stock price of more than $1.00, and ranked them based on the past three years' earnings growth, revenue growth and stock performance. The complete FSB 100 is located at http://www.fortune.com/fortune/smallbusiness.

About The Coast Distribution System 
The Coast Distribution System, Inc. (www.coastdistribution.com) is a eading supplier of parts, accessories and supplies for recreational vehicles and pleasure boats in the U.S. and Canada. Coast supplies its products to its 15,000 customers through 17 distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Coast is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CRV.

Webb Wheel Aftermarket Business Unit
Expands Production Capabilities

The Aftermarket Business Unit of Webb Wheel Products has recently completed plant upgrades to both their Cullman, AL and Siloam Spring, AR facilities offering their customers the most consistently reliable testing, machining, product identification and shipping processes of any U.S. brake drum manufacturer.

The addition of new CNC machining cells increase the company’s capacity to produce aftermarket brake drums to meet the close tolerances and controlled microfinish required by Webb’s exacting quality standards. Additional robotic equipment at machining, painting and palletizing work stations provides for uninterrupted work flow. The manufacturing facilities are supported by customer service and sales personnel dedicated to the Aftermarket Business Unit.

Webb Wheel Products, Inc., headquartered in Cullman, Alabama, is a Marmon Highway Technologies company that manufactures hubs, brake drums, rotors and spoke wheels for medium and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and buses. Marmon Highway Technologies companies are members of The Marmon Group, an association of more than 100 companies that operate independently within diverse business sectors. Member companies have collective revenues of more than $5 billion.

GVW Holdings Completes Sale of Workhorse
and Uptime Parts to International

Grand Vehicle Works Holdings Corporation announced the closing of its sale of two subsidiaries, Workhorse Custom Chassis, LLC, and Uptime Parts, LLC, to International Truck and Engine Corporation (NYSE:NAV).

Plans for the sale were first announced in July. Terms of the cash deal were not disclosed. Based in Highland Park, Ill., GVW Holdings will continue to own and operate Autocar, LLC, a leading manufacturer of severe service vehicles, and UCBC (Union City Body Company), a contract assembler of “step van” bodies.

GVW Holdings has a history of success in developing companies into market leaders in niche transportation industries and will now focus its innovative vision and management techniques on the development of Autocar.

“This sale will allow the GVW Holdings management team to rededicate and refocus all of its efforts and vision on Autocar and to create the same success we achieved at Workhorse,” said Andrew Taitz, chairman of GVW Holdings.

Workhorse, located in Union City, Ind., is a major manufacturer of chassis for Class A motor homes, buses and walk-in trucks. Uptime Parts, located in West Chicago, Ill., and Reno, Nev., supplies replacement and aftermarket parts for the RV, truck and bus markets Workhorse serves.

International produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets.

For more information, contact David Feltman at GVW Holdings Inc., 847-780-0204.

TengoInternet Adds New Customers in Texas

TengoInternet, the oldest and largest wireless Internet service provider for the outdoor hospitality industry, announced that the company has gained five new customers in Texas.

The new customers are Stone Creek RV Resort in Schertz and Safari Mobile Home and RV Park in League City. Texas, the company’s home state, now boasts 44 TengoInternet locations.

“With the Fall season approaching, campgrounds want to have wireless internet installed and ready for use by their guests, particularly the Winter Texans. TengoInternet remains focused on our customers needs by helping them maximize their WiFi amenity, delivering excellent service, and providing flexible contracts,” said Eric Stumberg, president and CEO of TengoInternet.

TengoInternet currently provides broadband wireless access service for campgrounds, hotels and apartment complexes throughout the U.S. For additional information, visit www.tengointernet.com.

Cavco Steps Up Park Model Production

Rising real estate prices have prompted growing numbers of consumers to search for more affordable options in vacation homes.

And, increasingly, working professionals, families and retirees are discovering the merits of investing in recreational park trailers or ‘park models’ and setting them up on leased or purchased campsites in campgrounds and RV parks in Arizona and across the United States.

While condos and site-built homes in resort areas typically cost $200,000 or $300,000 or more, park models generally cost less than $50,000, with the average price being in the $33,000 range. Most park models are placed on campsites, which can be leased for $1,500 to $5,000 per year, depending on location. However, some consumers also place their units on private property and use them as vacation homes, subject to local zoning requirements.

“We’re seeing steady growth in demand for park models,” said Tim Gage, vice president of Cavco’s Specialty Division.

Unlike mobile homes, which are a form of low-cost, permanent housing, park models are 400- square foot movable resort cottages that are designed exclusively for part-time recreational use. Typically upscale in appearance, they often include bay windows and lofts as well as walnut, oak or maple cabinetry. And they can be left on a permanent campsite for an entire season.

Rising consumer demand for park models is also being supplemented by growing demand from campground operators, who use park models primarily to accommodate travelers who do not have RVs but want to enjoy the recreational lifestyle.

The popularity of park models is driven by the economics of the campground business. “Park model cabins help campgrounds diversify their revenue base,” Gage said. “They provide campground operators with a way to increase revenue in their parks because they can rent them out to people who don’t have an RV, but want to be able to experience the camping lifestyle.” Consumer and campground operator demand for park models is so strong, in fact, that Cavco this month has begun park model production at its 210,000 square foot Litchfield plant, which the company has traditionally used for manufactured housing production. Cavco has traditionally manufactured its park models through its 50,000 square foot-Specialty Division factory, which is located in Phoenix.

“We needed the additional park model production capacity, and the Litchfield plant will enable us to increase our park model production by 300 to 500 units per year,” Gage said.

Rising demand for park models has also prompted Cavco to consider producing park models at a 120,000-square foot manufacturing facility in Seguin, Texas, near San Antonio, so that it can better accommodate consumers, campground operators and RV resort developers across the Sunbelt, the Midwest and the Eastern Seaboard.

“Building park models in Texas will make us more competitive because we’ll be able to cut our shipping costs for our customers in the eastern half of the United States,” Gage said, adding, “The Texas facility would also enable us to better serve campground and RV resort developers with nationwide operations.”

While a specific timetable has yet to be determined, Gage said he anticipates Cavco to begin park model production at the Seguin facility in the near future.

For more information about Cavco’s park model business, please call Tim Gage at (800) 622- 8260 or on his cell phone at (602) 763-5488, or visit the company’s website at www.cavcoparkmodel.com.

Annual Survey Reveals RV Customers Pleased with Onan Products and Services

As the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) summer rally kicked off in Minot, N.D., Onan, the industry leader in RV power generation products and services, announced that for the fourth year in a row, the company has received high marks from consumers on its customer satisfaction survey. Completed each year at the spring FMCA rally by RVers with Onan generators, the survey inquires about customer loyalty, perceived product value, product quality and customer service.

This year’s survey was completed by 289 Onan generator-owning RVers and of those folks, 91 percent rated the overall value of their genset as “excellent” or “very good.” Ninety-five percent stated they would recommend an Onan generator to someone else and 92 percent said they would likely purchase another Onan generator in the future. Also, another 87 percent said that they are likely to purchase other Onan products and services as well.

“This is what Onan generators and our other products and services have always been about – the customer,” said Garry Enyart, director of RV business for Onan. “We have seen similarly high results for several years now and we’ve decided that while our generators are known as ‘the quiet one,’ we’re not going to be when it comes to these satisfaction results.”

In addition to the high marks received by the brand in general, RVers also gave favorable reviews to Onan’s products and services. Onan generators received a 93 percent overall quality rating and another 81 percent of people who had visited an Onan Coach Care Center for RV maintenance or repair in the last year were also pleased with the service.

“This annual survey is an important report card from our customers to ensure that Onan is continuing its efforts to improve the quality and performance of its RV gensets,” said Enyart. “Our customers expect Onan to deliver superior products and service and we strive relentlessly to make sure we meet those ever growing expectations.”

Of those who completed the survey, 95 percent owned a type A motorhome and 4 percent had a type C. Generator sizes in the RVs ranged from 4 kW to larger than 7.5 kW with 72 percent of the generators being larger than 6 kW. The survey results were compiled by PGA Marketing Research.

Workhorse introduces first gas chassis with a six-speed automatic transmission 

Workhorse Custom Chassis continues to demonstrate its leadership position in the motor home market with the introduction of the first six-speed transmission on a gas motor home chassis.

For its 2006 W20, W22 and W24 platforms, Workhorse is upgrading from a five-speed transmission to Allison’s sixspeed transmission. No other gas motor home chassis offers a six-speed transmission. Workhorse has equipped the W24 with the Allison 2100 MH Series transmission, while the W20 and W22 have the Allison 1000 MH Series automatic. Both transmissions will be factory-filled with Castrol TranSynd™ synthetic transmission fluid in 2006.

The six-speed transmission, coupled with General Motor’s Vortec™ 8.1L engine, provides unsurpassed passing and merging acceleration.

“Another great feature of the six-speed transmission is that it has two overdrive gears. This allows an RVer to go down the highway at reduced RPMs, providing a quieter and more comfortable ride,” said John Buttrey, vice president of engineering for Workhorse.

Castrol TranSynd synthetic fluid provides motor home owners with two immediate benefits. First, the transmission warranty is extended to five years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is the most extensive transmission warranty available for a gas-powered platform and will give the motor home owner added peace of mind. Second, the maintenance interval for changing transmission fluid doubles to 48 months or 100,000 miles. This will save the motor home owner time and money by reducing scheduled maintenance.

“The six-speed Allison transmission is part of Workhorse’s commitment to deliver the best possible mix of components to the market,” said David Olsen, president of Workhorse. “The incredible warranty is a testament to its quality and durability. No other gas-powered motor home chassis has this feature.”

RVers also will enjoy the transmission grade braking built into the Allison. This helps slow the coach when it’s descending steep grades, making the ride feel safer and more secure while extending brake life.

Country Coach, Inc. Provides Luxury Motorcoaches for President Bush

Country Coach, Inc. - At the request of The White House and Caterpillar Inc., Country Coach Inc. of Junction City, Oregon provided two luxury motorcoaches for President George W. Bush and his senior staff at the Caterpillar factory in Montgomery, Illinois on August 10.

Caterpillar, Inc. hosted President George W. Bush as he signed HR3, the Transportation Equity Act, into law. The measure sets funding levels over the 2004-2009 time frame for critical infrastructure projects.

Country Coach, with the assistance of its dealer Al’s Motorhomes of Rockford, Illinois, provided a 42’ 2006 Intrigue 530 for the use of the President, and a 40’ 2006 Inspire 360 for the use of his senior staff.

“We are honored to support the President as he signs this important legislation,” said Country Coach president Jay Howard. “Every improvement made to America’s national transportation system means an improvement to our customers’ way of life.”

Country Coach continues to work closely with Caterpillar, Inc. to provide high performance powertrain solutions, as well as to bring ACERT® reduced emissions engines to the high end RV market. To date, Caterpillar’s ACERT® Technology has reduced on-highway diesel emissions in trucks and buses by nearly 90 percent since 1988 and will reduce emissions another 90 percent by 2007.

Auto Emissions Report Ignores Safety Concerns

Environmental Defense released an updated report on August 10 advocating higher restrictions on automotive greenhouse gas emissions. In the view of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, this is no different than demanding higher fuel economy standards. Such increases, however, have a lethal effect on traffic safety by reducing vehicle crashworthiness. As CEI and others have shown, the federal government's fuel economy program have had precisely this effect.

“Higher fuel economy standards increase traffic deaths, as the National Academy of Sciences found in its 2001 study on the federal fuel economy program. The environmentalists who are supporting CO2 standards have steadfastly ducked the safety issue in the past, and they are continuing to do so now,” said CEI general counsel Sam Kazman, who handled CEI's litigation against NHTSA on this issue.

CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government. For more information about CEI, please visit their website at www.cei.org.

Creative Mobile Interiors Buys Land for
New Headquarters

Creative Mobile Interiors, a luxury motor coach modification company in Grove City, Ohio, recently purchased six acres of land just south of Columbus. The land is a half-mile up the road from the company’s current headquarters at 6497 Seeds Road, and includes 517 acres of interstate frontage at the intersection of I-71 and London-Groveport Road. The company plans to build a new headquarters and operational facility on the property, which will allow it to consolidate the four separate plants it currently leases. Groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for the second quarter of 2006, to allow time to design a versatile and impactful building.

“We are truly thrilled to be one step closer to moving into our very own facility,” said CMI President and Founder Owen Connaughton. “At this major milestone in the company’s progress, we’re so appreciative of our loyal employees, our caring customers and the officials of Grove City, who have gone the extra mile to ensure a long and prosperous future for us here.”

CMI was started in a 4,500 square foot shop in Columbus’ west side. It moved into its current facility in April of 2002. Since then it has added a stand alone service facility, a plant that focuses on 21-foot Sprinter van conversions and a plant that builds cabinetry for Jackson Center, Ohio-based Airstream. CMI can be reached at (614) 539-4600, or at www.creativemobileinteriors.com.

DTI Announces the Addition of
Several Product Lines

DTI RV Parts & Appliances has announced they have added several new product lines. Sea Tech quick connect plumbing fittings and tubing, Go Power inverters and solar battery chargers, Nordic remanufactured cooling units, Marinco Park Power detachable electric systems and JCJ vent screen protectors.

Trey Miller, VP Sales & Marketing commented, “These lines were added due to overwhelming dealer requests. We feel that these products fit well with our current mix and we look forward to long mutually beneficial relationships with each of the new manufacturers.”

DTI RV Parts & Appliances is the leading wholesale parts distributor in the Recreational Vehicle Industry. Supplying over 60,000 parts, appliances and components from over 250 brands and manufacturers to dealerships and service centers from locations throughout the United States. www.dtiparts. com.

Winnebago Recognizes 20/20 Vision
Winners for 2005

At Winnebago Industries’ annual Dealer Days event in Las Vegas, Nevada, 129 dealers were recognized as achieving the 20/20 Vision status. To be honored as a 20/20 Vision winner, each dealership provided exceptional customer service to Winnebago Industries motor home owners traveling outside of their home area.

To achieve 20/20 Vision status, a dealer must perform warranty repairs on 20 different transient customer motor homes, or perform 20 percent or more of the total warranty claims for customers to whom they did not sell. Those dealers achieving the 2005 20/20 Vision winner status were recognized at the Company’s Dealer Days event in Las Vegas, Nev., held July 24-27, 2005.

“At Winnebago Industries, we place a strong emphasis on transient care,” said Winnebago Industries Director of Service Steve Evenson. “Each 20/20 Vision winner has worked hard in providing exceptional service to those motor home owners traveling. We appreciate their dedication in helping them get back on the road and back to the enjoyment of their Winnebago Industries motor home.”

Those dealers achieving 20/20 Vision status for 2005 are:
ALABAMA
Emerald Coast RV Center, LLC, Dothan
ALASKA
A & M Motors, Anchorage
ARIZONA
La Mesa RV Center Inc., Mesa
York RV Service & Sales, Prescott
La Mesa RV Center, Inc., Tucson
La Mesa RV Center, Inc., Yuma
ARKANSAS
Crabtree RV Center, Inc., Alma
CALIFORNIA
Venture Out RV Centers, Inc., Bakersfield
Altman’s Winnebago, Baldwin Park
Altman’s Winnebago, Colton
La Mesa RV Center Inc., Davis
Range RV, Hesperia
Sky River R.V., Paso Robles
Hansel R.V. Center, Petaluma
Village RV, Inc., Roseville
La Mesa RV Center Inc., San Diego
Wayne Merritt Motor Company, Inc., Scotts Valley
R. E. Barber Recreational Vehicles Inc., Ventura
COLORADO
K & C RV, Inc., Colorado Springs
Nolan’s RV Center, Inc., Denver
Mattas Marine & RV, Grand Junction
K & C RV, Inc., Longmont
DELAWARE
Parkview Auto & Trailer Sales, Inc., Smyrna
FLORIDA
Suncoast RV, Inc., Cocoa
Palm RV Centers, Fort Lauderdale
Francis’ Ft. Myers Truck/Auto/RV Land, Fort Myers
Mark’s RV & Boat Sales, Fort Myers
Johnson Chrysler Plymouth, Inc., Fort Pierce
Harberson Swanston, Inc., Holiday
Suncoast RV, Inc., Jacksonville
Emerald Coast RV Center, LLC, Midway
RV World of Nokomis, Nokomis
Suncoast RV, Ocala
Holiday on Wheels, Inc., Panama City
Carpenter’s Camper’s Inc., Pensacola
Lazy Days RV Center, Inc., Seffner
Suncoast RV, Winter Garden
GEORGIA
John Bleakley RV Center, Inc., Douglasville
John Bleakley RV Center, Inc., Unadilla
IDAHO
Seventh Heaven Recreation, Boise
ILLINOIS
Brown & Brown Chev. Hyundai, Inc., Bradley
INDIANA
Ben Davis Chev. Olds. Buick & Pont. Inc., Auburn
Camp-land Inc., Burns Harbor
Total Value RV of Indiana, Inc., Elkhart
Stout's R.V. Sales, Inc., Greenwood
Stevens RV Center, Lafayette
IOWA
Johnny Ketelsen Rec. Veh., Inc., Hiawatha
KANSAS
Adventure RV & Truck Center, LLC, Wichita
KENTUCKY
Summit Rec. Vehicle Sales, Inc., Ashland
Northside RV’s Inc., Lexington
Youngblood’s RV of Paducah, Paducah
LOUISIANA
Berryland Campers, Ponchatoula
MAINE
McKay’s RV Center, Holden
Stateline Auto RV & Marine, Lebanon
MARYLAND
Recreation World, Inc., Annapolis
MASSACHUSETTS
Diamond RV Centre, Inc., Hatfield
MICHIGAN
TC-RV, Inc., Traverse City
MINNESOTA
Gag’s Camper Way, Inc., Mankato
MISSISSIPPI
Reliable RV Sales, Gulfport
MISSOURI
Trailside Campers RV Sales, Inc., Grain Valley
Wheelen R-V Center, Inc., Joplin
Reliable Imports & RV, Springfield
M. B. Thomas Winnebago, St. Louis
MONTANA
Pierce RV’s, Billings
McCollum Modern RV’s Inc., Great Falls
Rangitsch Brothers, LLC, Missoula
NEVADA
Michael Hohl Motor Company, Carson City
Findlay RV Center, Inc., Las Vegas
Wheeler’s Las Vegas RV, Las Vegas
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Campers Inn, Inc., Nashua
NEW JERSEY
Willingboro Chrysler Plymouth, Inc., Willingboro
NEW MEXICO
Chisolm Trail RV, Albuquerque
Rocky Mountain RV World, Inc., Albuquerque
Sunland R.V., Las Cruces
NEW YORK
Alpin Haus Ski Shop, Inc., Amsterdam
Meyer’s Campers, Inc., Caledonia
Continental Recreational Vehicles, Inc., Farmingdale
Meyers Campers, Inc., Hamburg
Eddy’s Long Island RV Center, Medford
Meyers Campers, Inc., Syracuse
NORTH CAROLINA
Todd’s RV & Marine, Inc., Hendersonville
Young RV Sales, Kings Mountain
College Park, Raleigh
Bill Plemmons RV World, Rural Hall
Howard RV Center, Wilmington
OHIO
McNulty Motors Inc., Englewood
Tom Raper, Inc., Fairfield
Moores’ RV, Inc, North Ridgeville
Ruff’s RV Center, Willoughby Hills
OKLAHOMA
McClain’s RV Superstore Oklahoma, Oklahoma City
Dean’s RV Superstore, Inc., Tulsa
OREGON
Big Country RV, Inc., Bend
Porter’s RV, Coos Bay
The RV Corral, Inc., Eugene
Triple A RV Center, Inc., Medford
Olinger Travel Homes, Inc., Portland
Roberson Motors, Inc., Salem
PENNSYLVANIA
Spitler, Inc., Montoursville
Tom Schaeffers Cmpg. & Travel Center, Shoemakersville
Virginia RV Sales, Inc., Yorktown
RHODE ISLAND
Arlington RV Supercenter, Inc., East Greenwich
SOUTH CAROLINA
Holiday Kamper Co. of Columbia, LLC, Columbia
Suncoast RV, Inc., Greenville
Sonny’s Camp-N-Travel Mart, Inc., North Charleston
Page 5 – Winnebago Industries 20/20 Vision Winners
TENNESSEE
Crowder RV Center, Inc., Johnson City
Suncoast RV, Inc., Louisville
Cullum & Maxey Camping Center, Inc., Nashvillev TEXAS
Ron Hoover Companies of Donna, Inc., Donna
Demontrond Auto Group, Inc., Houston
McClain’s RV Superstore N. Dallas, Lake Dallas
Billy Sims Trailer Town, Lubbockv Camper Clinic Inc., Rockport
Crestview RV Superstore, Selma
Ancira Motorhomes, Inc., Temple
UTAH
Wasatch Front Winnebago, Ogden
VIRGINIA
Reines R.V. Center, Inc., Manassas
Snyder’s RV Inc., Salemv Snyder’s RV, Viginia Beach
WASHINGTON
Uhlmann RV, Inc., Chehalis
Poulsbo RV, Inc., Kent
R ‘N’ R RV Center, Liberty Lake
Roy Robinson Chevrolet, Marysville
Russ Dean Family RV Center, Pasco
South Side Motors, Inc., Tacoma
WEST VIRGINIA
Little Valley RV Supercenter, Prosperity
WISCONSIN
Van Boxtel RV Supermart, LLC, Green Bay
CANADA
ALBERTA
Woody’s RV World, Red Deer
ONTARIO
Earlton Camping Centre, Ltd., Earlton
Leisure Mart and RV Canada Corp., Ottawa 

Workhorse RV Stabil-Air Suspension 
True Air Suspension on Workhorse Chassis is a First for the
Class A Gas Motor Home Market
 

Workhorse Parts unveiled an all wheel air-bag suspension to the motor home community at the GNAR RV Rally in Redmond, OR last month. An aftermarket customization kit, the air suspension kit is built to fit the Workhorse W20, W22 and W24 chassis.

“This system was designed and tuned specifically for the Workhorse chassis,” said Stoney Steenekamp, Lead Engineer for Workhorse Parts. “It gives Workhorse customers another customization option for their motor home.”

A Firestone IntelliRide ™ intelligent air spring system monitors conditions of the road and makes adjustments to the ride. Four air bags are outboard-mounted to help resist rocking and body sway. Nose dive during breaking is almost unnoticeable. The system can automatically level the motor home at the push of a button at a campsite or in parking lots, allowing owners to raise the motor home for greater ground clearance or lower the motor home for lower height clearance.

A Workhorse Custom Chassis motor home outfitted with the aftermarket air suspension was driven to the GNAR RV Rally to allow interested users to try the system out for themselves. The reaction from the ride & drive attendees was extremely positive at GNAR and from the installs that have already been completed.

“My wife was utterly amazed at how it felt,” said air suspension owner Eric Schroeter. “She and the kids sat at the kitchen table and played one of my daughter's games (she is 4 years old) and they didn't have to worry about pieces flying around. Nor did they have to go chasing after milk cups!”

“Feeling is believing, with this system,” says Steenekamp, “we plan on giving test drives all over the country. We have had extremely positive reactions from those who have driven on it and we are making ride and drives available to all who want to experience this air suspension.”

The air suspension system is available for installation as well as from the Workhorse website www.workhorse.com.