(March 20, 2009) -- Show attendees will be able to register to win one of four Keystone RVs in the Live Your Dreams Sweepstakes. Other prizes include The Rally 2010 dry camping reservation, a one-year Good Sam Emergency Road Service membership, a one-year RV Handyman Club membership, a Woodall’s Campground Directory and a one-year Good Sam Club membership.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 20, 2009) -- Times are rough for the RV industry. Tightening credit and a lack of financing options are keeping new customers on the sidelines. Shattered consumer confidence is forcing many RV owners to cancel extended trips. But in a year when maintaining the current level of business is considered solid growth, industry officials are cautiously optimistic.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 20, 2009) -- “To make our customers feel more comfortable performing some of these checks themselves, we put together a video that walks through some of the basic fluid, belt and hose checks that every RV owner should perform before, during and after a trip,” says Clint Ethington, manager at Pedata RV Center.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 20, 2009) -- The third annual Binghamton Camper & RV Show comes to the Binghamton University Events Center today through Sunday, and the sponsor hopes the big drop-off in gas prices during the past year will boost interest and participation in family camping. "We just concluded our 37th annual Augusta (Maine) Camper & RV Show and for the first time this year one of our events is up in gate attendance (8.7 percent)," Robert J. Cole, president of America's Best Shows.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 19, 2009) -- Dealers across North America are scratching their heads today wondering what else can be done to prevent them from acquiring RV inventory, or selling units to consumers. Several leading lending institutions announced policy changes this week that make it nearly impossible for dealers to sell RVs from certain manufacturers, dealers across the country told RV Industry News.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 19, 2009) -- Dealers can easily find themselves owed tens of thousands of dollars, or more, from manufacturers for warranty reimbursements, incentives, and other spiffs that become virtually uncollectible if the manufacturer ceases its business operations. This challenging business environment means RV dealers should reevaluate their manufacturer business partners, and determine their exposure to risks from a manufacturer.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 19, 2009) -- Overall show attendance was increased by as much as 19 percent from previous years. In many instances, daily attendance numbers highlighted show-stopping traffic, with reports of up to a whopping 39.5 percent increase on the Saturday, marking the best Saturday ever in the history of the show.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 18, 2009) -- All-in-all, the winter regional shows brought out more than 30,000 interested RV enthusiasts to see what's new in the industry. With some show's attendance up and some slightly down, overall attendance was just about what it was last year for all the shows combined. This bodes well for a quick sales recovery once the national economic climate improves, said David Kelly.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 18, 2009) -- G. Bellinger Davis, Jr., the founder of Holiday on Wheels in Columbia, S.C., passed away Feb. 28. Davis established Holiday on Wheels in 1964 as a part-time venture to supplement his income as an elementary school principal. It ultimately became a full-time RV business.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 18, 2009) -- The Treasury Department will commit up to $15 billion to help unlock the secondary markets for small business loans, the Small Business Administration disclosed this week. By purchasing these securities, the Treasury Department will facilitate the ability of lenders to make new loans to small businesses by providing confidence that there will be a ready buyer for those loans in the secondary market.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 18, 2009) -- RV Sales of Broward announces the RV company will have a wide variety of campers and recreational vehicles available for sale and rent at this year's Tampa Equestrian Festival.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 17, 2009) -- One of the top apprentice awards went to Airdrie resident Casey Thompson for his work as a recreation vehicle service technician, employed by the Abraxus Construction Group.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 17, 2009) -- “Right now, anything would be a blessing — but I don’t think it will have much of an impact until the economy turns around and banks start lending again,” said Gary Flagg, president of Flagg Enterprises, which owns Flagship RV where sales are down by 40 percent.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- "NuWa will be a smaller company, so we will not be as much at the mercy of a volatile economy. NuWa will focus even more on product reliability and exceptional customer service. NuWa will have fewer dealers by choice, and these will be selected for their commitment to HitchHiker trailers and the exceptional customers, who seek our products."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- Mark Thompson, president of the company explains, “Our family has the vision to grow our company stronger and more dominate in our marketplace with the foundational strengths that have kept us a stable force in an industry that has endured many cyclical upturns and downturns. There is nothing but good old fashion hard work and integrity of our company’s commitment to do what is right and fair, regardless of the circumstances that have helped Thompson’s to prosper and grow.”

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- Glen Cox of Carl Cox RV Sales on Old Highway 2 east of Belleville said not only was attendance up at the three-day show "but also our dealership sales are up drastically. "We had the best sales in the history of the show this weekend ... we've sold three times the number of units we normally do at this show."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- A Bakersfield man who bought an RV at the now-closed Dan Gamel dealership said he paid extra to be treated like a VIP. But now instead of feeling "very important, " he's feeling "very irate."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- "Baby boomers are definitely one of our biggest markets right now," said Casey Cross of McKee Auto & RV. "They're just getting ready to retire or just retiring, and they've been waiting for this their whole life."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 16, 2009) -- After growing up in Salem, Steve Dorn moved to Central Oregon in the 1970s. Dorn’s business, Steve Dorn RV & Marine in Redmond, was known for its slogan: “Dorn Good Deals,” Mike Dorn said. “After Steve died, his family came over and stormed the town,” he said. “We spread out and got in front of every business or lender that might have been affected by all this before they got in front of us.”

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 13, 2009) -- Steve Casement, with Casey's RV Sales, said buying interest at the show was similar to last year's as well. "We sold 29 units this year, compared to 31 units at the same show in 2008," he explained. "All the dealers I talked to were pretty happy with the show. They all reported decent numbers."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 13, 2009) -- Upon learning that 325 Country Coach International members were notified that their March owner’s rally was cancelled and their registration fees totaling $50,000 weren’t being refunded, Lazydays RV SuperCenter, the nation’s No. 1 single-site RV dealer, offered the members a complimentary rally in its place.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 13, 2009) -- An RV dealer in the northwestern region claims that Fleetwood bounced a $25,000 rebate check to the dealership this week, RV Industry News has learned. But, company officials say their hands were tied in that bankruptcy regulations required them to stop payment on all checks issued before the firm filed bankruptcy on Tuesday.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 13, 2009) -- “We get requests all the time from customers asking for help transitioning to menu selling, so we knew this would be a great place to begin”, says Mike Martin, Quantech Software general manager. “We have a lot of menu selling expertise both from attending training sessions all over the country and from working with hundreds of dealerships using our QMenus software.”

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 13, 2009) -- SBA Associate Administrator for Capital Access Eric Zarnikow will help small business owners get answers to their questions about what the Recovery Act means for the nation's small businesses. The Recovery Act is a national effort to grow the U.S. economy by stimulating job creation, freeing credit markets, and investing in small business.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 12, 2009) -- At the conglomerate's troubled GE Capital unit, the rating was dropped to A from A+. The financial arm is facing write downs from its consumer and commercial loan businesses, as well as from its real estate assets.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 12, 2009) -- Many local RV dealers say they're finally starting to see some relief. Alexander RV's CEO, Kevin Alexander says sales have doubled since this time last year. Alexander says people are really interested in used inventory, because of their price. Other dealers agree there's been a lot more traffic on the lots with people interested in buying.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 12, 2009) -- "I don't see credit freeing up for 12 to 18 months because there is such an issue with asset values," said Rob Snow, of Carillon Capital Partners. One participant in the meeting said the current federal proposals will no little, if anything, to help the RV industry. "It feels like we are left on our own to live or die as an industry in a mess we didn't create," he said.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- Workshops for owners and GMs will focus on cash and personnel management strategies to stay competitive. Sales manager workshops will cover essential techniques for making more sales in a tough market. There will also be important workshops on acquiring inventory financing and sessions that can help dealers get more buyers qualified. Educational workshops and the Expo will include a special focus on new products and services dealers can use to help build profits. RVDA will schedule a series of dealer-manufacturer brand committee meetings.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- "How to Dominate the RV Internet: An Interactive Guide for RV Dealers to Increase Website Traffic, Leads and Sales" went on sale yesterday, Morgan said. Buying the book also gives readers access to a "members only" website where they can watch video tutorials and tap into web optimization tools. Buying the book ensures that readers receive Morgan's regular newsletter to help them stay informed about new trends in web marketing and sales.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- A man stealing an $86,000 conversion vehicle from Middle Tennessee RV Sales leaves a stolen Oldsmobile Cutlass behind.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- The Recreation Dealers Cooperative Association announced the resignation of Ron Wheeler, who has lead the REDEX Buying group for more than 10 years. The management reigns will be handed off to John Mancinelli. As executive director, Mancinelli will be working directly with the REDEX board and its members.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- Christopher D. Peterson, 27, 122 Reeser Road #50, was arrested and charged on Tuesday March 10 by the Johnson City Police. He is charged with 32 counts of auto burglary and two counts of theft over $10,000. The burglaries, police say, took place between Jan. 1 and Jan. 12, 2009.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- Statistical Surveys recently announced retail sales performance for new RV registrations for calendar year 2008. During this time period, Lazydays gained national market share in each category that it represents; class A diesel motorhome, class A gas motorhome, class C motorhome, travel trailer and fifth wheel.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 11, 2009) -- An RV Clip is an animated slide show accompanied by spoken text and music. Each clip features photographs of the RV for sale, panned over for a video-like effect. A voice-over describes the RV’s features, its location and selling price, all set to upbeat background music.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 10, 2009) -- In a new "Bottom Rung" list, credit ratings agency Moody's names 283 American companies that it says may file for insolvency in the medium term.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 10, 2009) -- LazyDays owner Don Wallace helped fifth grade students at Yates Elementary School sweep the awards for their district in a statewide Stock Market Game simulation.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- Sun Coast RV sells five units on opening day. Because consumers can't get financing, sales may be down at RV show in Florida. But Camping World isn't sitting around waiting for something to happen. Manager Joe Andrick suggests the company is in the process of creating its own bank.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- Dealers say they haven't noticed much of a downturn in the local RV market, although most RVs are sold in the late winter months. Most dealers at the show said they registered strong sales in 2008 and are crossing their fingers that 2009 won't affect them the way it has hit the rest of the industry.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- Dave Shepherd, sales manager at Pik-a-Dilly RV Centre in Brandon, told CBC News that current sales figures are higher than they were last year at this time. He believes it is the big bargains that are bringing in buyers.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- "I'm happy, and it takes a lot to make me happy," said Kevin Bostrom, regional vice president of Camping World. "If I had a tail, I'd be wagging it," said Jim Kring, show director.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- John Downing of the Rock Island/Quad Cities KOA campground was pleasantly surprised by the business his booth received, considering the lackluster national economy. "We've seen a really nice change," he said. "There's lots of enthusiasm. A lot of people are interested in buying, so we're extremely happy."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- "We are well up from last year. We're up about 20-percent over last year’s numbers. That's astounding. I've also been involved in another RV show in the northeast and that was very strong also,” said James Kring, the show’s manager.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 9, 2009) -- Channel Blade’s ePro Mobile helps RV dealers and OEMs capitalize on this mobile search trend. Salespeople now have the ability to immediately access inventory, review specials, compare RV models and answer buyers’ questions in seconds -– wherever the opportunity may arise.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 6, 2009) -- Over the 11-day stretch that encompassed both shows, Burlington RV sold 43 units and that included 11 motorhomes. They sold $20,000 in parts and accessories, and cleaned out their old parts, excess furniture and other "clutter" in the process by hosting a rummage sale at the dealership. "The real miracle in the whole thing was that financing was approved for all but one deal, and we had a backup buyer for that unit," said Wegge. "Of the 43 units we sold, all but one were in stock units. We really reduced our inventory and started the season on a very positive note."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 6, 2009) -- "Right now, the American people are facing a lot of stress. They're not buying, they're worried about bills and jobs and this and that and the other thing," Johnston said. "We're saying now is the time to escape to the great outdoors. Sitting by a campfire and enjoying your family, even if you're only 20 miles from home, is a great way to forget about your worries."

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 5, 2009) -- Jerry Robinson is the co-owner of "New Horizon RV" in San Mateo, Florida. He knows his customers are on tight budgets, so he chose to specialize in RVs that will not bust your pocketbook. A few years back, he had to choose -- sell camping trailers or high-end motor homes. He chose camping trailers.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 5, 2009) -- The company says business has never been better. “A lot of people would rather remodel the coach that they love rather than buy a new one,” said Brenda Lee, vice president of Oregon Motorcoach Center.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 4, 2009) -- Qualified customers purchasing an RV at Camping World of New Hampshire in Chichester will also receive an "Ultimate Race Weekend" package. The package includes an RV parking spot at the track and two tickets for all three days of the race weekend.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 5, 2009) -- According to show manager Dianne Seymour, last year's event drew about 30,000 people. This year, with roughly 175 exhibitors and a busy demonstration schedule that includes such topics as fly-fishing for women, eco-friendly road-tripping and camp cooking made easy, Seymour, who has been plugged into this event for more than twodecades, says she expects just as many attendees this year.

[Read the rest of this article...]

(March 5, 2009) -- MiniCo Publishing will launch a survey of RV and boat storage professionals March 16. Results from the survey will be reported in the company’s "2009 RV & Boat Storage Expense Guidebook" scheduled for publication in May.

[Read the rest of this article...]