Major motorhome maker shuts doors, lays off all 600 workers

National RV Holdings Inc., shut down its headquarters and main production facility Friday, Nov. 30 and laid off all its 600 employees. The Perris, California-based company has lost money every year since 2002, a total of more than $80 million. Recently the company's stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange because it fell below trading thresholds.

Workers who received layoff notices Friday morning reported that they said "the layoff is expected to be permanent and the entire site will be closing."

National RV, Inc., is a producer of Class A diesel and gas motorhomes with the model names Surf Side, Sea Breeze, Dolphin, Tropi-Cal, Pacifica and Tradewinds.

In its most recent quarter, sales were reported down 42 percent, according to a financial report released in August. The company reported an $8 million loss for that quarter.

Dave Humphreys, the former President of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and the company's Acting Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are saddened to let go our excellent employees, especially so close to the holidays, and even more so because National's motorhomes have never been better than they are today. After evaluating our options, however, we ultimately determined that seeking protection in bankruptcy was in the best interests of creditors and shareholders."

New RV models, innovations showcased this week at huge RV trade show

The RV industry has been busy as demonstrated at the annual 2007 Recreation Vehicle Industry Association show in Louisville this week. Represented were hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of attendees from around the United States, Canada and China.

Many coach manufacturers updated their offerings for 2008, especially with their entry level gas Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes and toy haulers. Coach design has taken huge steps forward in recent years, and 2008 continues that trend. European influence can be seen throughout the industry, especially the compact Class C coaches based on the Sprinter chassis, now offered by several manufacturers.

Fleetwood RV has a number of new offerings. Its entry level gas Class A coaches have benefited from a complete facelift including full paint and interior appointments. In addition, its fifth wheel trailers and toy haulers continue to gain popularity.

Winnebago is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a number of special offerings. In particular is a new Class B touring coach for 2009 called the Era, built in a Dodge Sprinter van, which includes seating for four, a bath shower area, and a sofa bed in the rear. Winnebago continues to offer its Sprinter based class Cs -- the Winnebago View and Itasca Navion and the streamlined Navion IQ.

Coachmen RV is undergoing a design revolution. According to Coachmen, the company has hired new engineers who are taking a look at RV design from a new perspective. Show attendees applauded the new designs, which include a Sprinter based Class C motorhome, called the Prism and a new Class A, the Mirada 355 with a queen-sized day bed in the rear that coverts the space to a comfortable second living room with large flat panel TV.

Monaco Coach has also renewed some of its offerings. The entry level gas powered Monarch has been completely redesigned for 2008, offering upgraded interiors, full paint, and full-wall slide out. Also, the 2008 La Palma is now offered in a gas model mounted on the Workhorse UFO chassis.

Host RV is offering "America’s first triple-slide out truck camper" according to company representatives. This large truck camper expands on both sides and from the rear to make an extraordinarily spacious interior.

Pilgrim International has started building its RVs out of a new material called CosmoLite. Working closely with TekModo LLC, Pilgrim International debuted a display unit with floors, walls, roof and end caps completely Luan and free of plywood, comprised entirely of CosmoLite, a thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite. Pilgrim International and TekModo introduced the exterior surface SpectraLite enhanced with DuPont Surlyn -- the same extraordinarily impact resistant coating found on golf balls. This material offers improved strength to its RVs, and is rot- and water-resistant. This offering provides a wood free RV, according to company press releases is stronger, lighter and resistant to water and rot -- and environmentally friendly. Currently Pilgrim is incorporating this technology in the floor of its RVs, and plans to continue development in the future.

Ford Motor Company is offering two new gas chassis, a 24,000 lb GVWR and 26,000 lb GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) platform. These new chassis feature the Ford 362 h.p. V-10 engine and upgraded springs, axles, and drive train, according to Ford representatives. The increased rating will allow coach manufacturers to offer more amenities in its RVs or to allow for a higher cargo carrying capacity. In addition, the 2008 E-series Super Duty Class C motorhome chassis has been upgraded with a new exterior and a slightly increased GVWR.

Reese has added an electrically operated fifth wheel hitch slide for short bed pickups. The controller, which is mounted in the cab, unlocks the slide lock, so the driver doesn't have to get out of the cab. Once unlocked, the driver pulls forward, or backs-up to slide the hitch, which then automatically locks at the end of travel. In addition, Reese has added a gooseneck hitch which attaches to the 15K fifth wheel hitch bed rails and can be left in place while the fifth wheel hitch is in use.

Winegard has added a line of automatic roof mount satellite dishes for use with DirecTV or Dish Network television service. These units, which should be available in December, use the DirecTV or Dish reflectors and LNBs, which allows full compatibility with its current HD satellites, and is designed to be easily upgraded as needed in the future. As an added benefit, since it uses the DirecTV or Dish reflectors and LNBs, they don't need to move between satellites when the user surfs from a channel on one satellite to a channel on another.

To watch all the great HD programming out there, Jensen and ASA Electronics are offering a wide selection of flat panel LCD televisions in 1080i and 1080p HD formats.

There are also flat panel mounts for all of these TVs, including hard mounts, swing-away mounts, swing-down ceiling mounts, and mounts which raise the monitor from inside a cabinet, all available from a number of vendors.

Lastly, Smart Light is offering a motion and light controlled RV patio/security light. The unit, which attaches to the side of the RV using the same mounting screws as most original lights, can be operated manually or set to automatic, using only the original power switch. In automatic mode, the light will activate when it senses motion, only after dark. As an added benefit, the light has a small blinking multi-colored LED which indicates to the user what mode the light is in, and what condition the coach batteries are in (when dry camping). An added benefit is the blinking LED may scare potential intruders away, but if not, they may run when the patio light comes on.

This is only a small sample of the offerings at this year's RVIA show, but is indicative of the strength and ingenuity in today's RV industry, and all the great things RVers have to look forward to in the future.

RVers Drive Wifi Hotspots

A new survey on wifi use and hotspots sheds interesting light on RVers use of this internet connectivity tool. The research undertaken by MultiMedia Intelligence, a marketing group, indicates that while Europe has by far the greatest "footprint" of wifi hotspots (42% of world's hotspots), the US tops the world's useage, with a whopping 53% of connections made projected for 2007. The group says companies like Starbucks and McDonald's who offer wifi connections to customers has a great deal to do with the American popularity of wifi.

Coffee and burgers aside, the group says that RVers are a driving force in the marketplace. While the growth in hotspot locations will continue to be in cafes, the greatest uptick in specific users locations will be "public venues and RV locations." Worldwide, the research indicates that 170,000 wifi hotspots will be operating by the end of the year.

Photo: JEM on flickr.com

Winnebago Rolls 22 MPG Motorhome

With fuel price concerns worrying Americans, Winnebago Industries is set to roll out a motorhome that claims 22 miles per gallon. Admittedly, the "Class B" (van conversion) motorhome won't be a hit with fulltime RVers, those who do want to get out and about while not breaking the fuel bank may find this the katzmaow.

The 2009 model ERA powers up on a small turbo-diesel engine, built on a Sprinter platform. List priced at $91,000, eager buyers will have to wait until after the turn-of-the-year to put their money down.

It's a Bird! It's a Toad? It Gets Nearly 300 MPG!

California buyers are rushing to put down deposits on a new aerodynamic hybrid that gets high fuel economy. While you may need to tow it on a dolly, this two seater may be just the thing to take with you when you want to explore the country. Visit our sister website, Dinghy Towing for the story.

Trade Group Signals Add to Industry Question Marks

While economy pundits like Blomberg are pointing to the RV industry sales dive as a bellweather for an economic recession (see "RV Manufacturers Hit the Skids") at least one industry gorilla doesn't share the view. The trade group, Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), says 'au contraire.' RVIA mouthpiece, Gary LaBella, takes a very positive view of the future of RV marketing. Pointing to its own statistics, the group holds that RV ownership is growing faster than the population with nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle owning households now owning an RV – an estimated 8 million vehicles. Statistics and studies conducted by the RVIA also suggest the growth rates in the RV marketplace are likely to continue in the long term – with the number of RV owning households rising to 8.5 percent by 2010.

Summing it up, LaBella says, “Demand for RVs will continue to grow during the next decade, due to favorable population trends and purchase intentions."

Train wreck or bullet train? Apparently the future will decide the fate of RV makers.

RV Manufacturers Hit the Skids in 2007

Bloomberg reported that overall RV sales are down for 2007. “None of the five largest recreational-vehicle makers has posted a 2007 stock gain. Riverside, California-based Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. declined 33 percent and Coachmen Industries Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, fell 52 percent. Coburg, Oregon-based Monaco Coach Corp. dropped 35 percent, while Winnebago declined 37 percent. Thor, which hasn't had an annual loss since it was formed in 1986, slid 23 percent.” Read the article "Recession Signs Grow as Winnebago Leads U.S. RV Drop (Update2)" at Bloomberg.com.RV’s have been a traditional early indicator of a looming economic recession since they are largely based on discretionary spending. So far this year RV deliveries are down 11.1%. Still, industry analysts are optimistic, “Shipments will probably end the year down 10 percent, said Mack Bryan, vice president of administration at the RV industry trade group, which is holding this week's Louisville show.” I’ve been talking to RV salesmen and others in the RV industry and they confirm the slow-down in sales. So, if you’re looking for a good deal, this next year should see many RV dealers anxious to move their products and more willing to come down in price. Helping you make your best deal - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

"Autopilot" Motorhome Lawsuit

You may have received the e-mail about the new motorhome owner who set the speed control on her rig while motoring down the interstate, left the wheel to make a sandwich, and after the inevitable crash, successfully sued Winnebago for damages. Why the award? Because RV owner's manual failed to warn against such a dumb stunt.

This was but the top winner in the so-called "Stella Awards," issued for the most ridiculous lawsuit awards in the U.S. Some well-meaning friend sent us this year's Stellas, and it didn't take long to sort out this as one of those "How gullible are you" come-ons that nearly every email reading person on the planet receives. Yeah, it makes for a good campfire laugh, but sometimes it also makes us look stupid--for really believing this stuff.

We've found one of the better resources for separating the wheat from the chaff is found at www.snopes.com, perhaps the ultimate "urban rumor control" web site. We've checked out many, many e-mails with suspicious sounding "factoids," and found most of them so much baloney. By responding to this--sending refutations to our "source." We've had an added side benefit: We're now recognized as such a bunch of party poopers that we've been dropped off many e-mail lists. Saves a lot of time reading through a lot of rumors.

You've Heard of Slideouts--How About Slideups?

It was bound to happen: If there's no more room to go out the side of your RV, somebody was bound to start thinking of going UP. Imagine an SURV--toy hauler as some of us call them--with a "bump" on top of the rear hauling area.

What's the bump? In the case of the Keystone Outback travel trailer, the bump is a 6' 4" soft sided room that adds a second story to the unit. The company will be showing off the new innovation next Tuesday at a trade show in Louisville, Kentucky. No word on when the public may get a shot at it.

Keystone to introduce new lightweight trailers

The Laredo Division of Keystone RV will introduce an entirely new line of travel trailers at the upcoming RVIA Show in Louisville in late November. Named the Laredo Super Lite, the new models are designed to be towed by full-sized SUVs and half-ton trucks and will be available in several floorplans from 27 to 33-feet. The Laredo Super Lite is targeted at the consumer who desires higher end features and livability combined with lighter weight towing. Electric patio awning, high definition LCD television, air mattress sofa sleeper, 80-inch queen bed and a conventional full-sized slide room are some of the features of the new Laredo Super Lite.

The best little book about trailers you will ever find for such a low price -- Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy.

Thieves Target Windshield Mounted GPS Units--Is Your RV Safe?

RVers have always been conscious of their security --but now high-tech gadgets are making us more attractive to the "smash and grab" crowd. Those handy (and not so cheap) windshield mounted GPS (global positioning satellite) receivers that help you find your way are getting a lot of attention from the bad guys.

Near Washington DC comes this report: Montgomery County, Maryland burglars made off with 620 portable navigation units from cars during the first 8 months of this year. That was far more than the 189 units stole in the entire previous year. Philadelphia, PA reports a similar surge in swipings--88 in the same 8 months, versus only 33 for 2006.

Taking the unit out of its cradle may not help. If a brazen burglar sees the cradle, it seems he's apt to figure you just hid the electronic receiver somewhere in your rig, and may smash his way in looking for it. Take the cradle off the windshield? That's an idea, but sadly, that leaves the telltale suction cup signature mark on the glass. Best thing to do? Take the unit and the cradle out of sight, and clean up any suction cup print that's been left behind--a babywipe does wonders.

Yes, you can use the "security code" to "lock out" the use of the unit. There's a little satisfaction in that, but it doesn't pay you back much for your loss and the time and trouble to get your damaged vehicle fixed.

Photo: Jimmy_Joe on Flickr.com

Beach Campers Report Terror in Mexico

SignOnSanDiego.com, a web site of the Union Tribune newspaper reports that Americans are increasingly reporting robberies by paramilitary types along the Baja coast. While the site indicates reports are incomplete, and much of their information comes from tallies of internet sites, there are some solid reports of some scary incidents along the Mexican coastline.

In one account, the owner of a California surfer academy said his camping group was set upon by men wearing military clothing and ski masks. Pat Weber said he and his girl friend at first refused to come out of their motorhome--until shots were fired through it. Once outside he says, "They made us get down on all fours -- execution position -- and put guns to our heads." Weber's girlfriend was sexually assaulted by the gunmen, and the banditos left with $10,000 worth of high tech gear. The incident reportedly took place Cuatro Casas, 200 miles south of the US border.

The web site says many Americans say they have experienced similar situations but are afraid to report them to Mexican authorities, choosing to speak out once they get back to the states.

The owner of a tourism club in California says their organization has been calling on Baja tourism authorities to investigate and handle the situation, lest the Mexican state sees a decline in US visitors fearing they'll become crime victims. For the whole story, visit the news site.

Virginia Judge Says Lemon Law Works for Motorhome

Imagine paying $1,400 a month in RV payments for the last two years--and being able to use your rig only 17 days. A Virginia couple says they've lost track of all the things that have gone "wrong" with their new Mandalay motorhome--and other the 17 days they've been able use their rig, it's been in the shop.

Despite the warranty promises, the couple, Henry and Suzzane Reynolds haven't been too impressed with the treatment they've received. So they took Four Winds International--the coach manufacturer to court. Four Winds argued that since a motorhome is not really a motor vehicle (hang on, that's their argument) that they don't have to comply with Viriginia's lemon law that would require the company to give the Reynolds a new motorhome or give them their money back.

Enter Judge Jackson Kiser. After clothing himself with the robes of judicial authority, Judge Kiser reached the conclusion that Virginia's lemon laws do apply--at least to motorhomes. The Reynolds case will now advance to trial.

That doesn't alleiviate the payments, but at least the Reynolds may be one step closer to getting something done about their problem. And it may open the way to other motorhome Virginians with lemon problems to get the attention of manufacturers that they do have a responsibility to stand behind their products. Even if they won't help push when the engine won't start. For more on this case, visit the WDBJ website.

Park Service Free Admits to Military on Veteran's Day

The National Park Service is throwing the gates to military personnel and their families this Sunday, November 11. The NPS says all military personnel, active or retired, and their families will find entrance fees waived for them. The waiver amounts to a savings of anywhere from $3 to $25, depending on the park visited.

In a media release, NPS boss Mary Bomar said, “I hope that all service members take advantage of this fee-free day and spend Sunday in a park making memories with their families. I am part of a military family and I know firsthand that time spent together is extremely precious. National parks provide wonderful opportunities for families to connect with each other while they explore our country’s natural, historical, and recreational treasures.”

The free access day is one of only two granted by the service on a national basis. In September the parks throw open the gates to everyone on National Public Lands Day.

Antique Shows Not Limited to Furniture

Think antique shows, you probably don't think of RVs. But last week, 14 "vintage" RVs at Florida's Koreshan State Historic Site showed that history doesn't just come on legs, sometimes it comes on wheels.

Take for instance, that 1947 Westcraft Coach travel trailer: A young man came back from World War II and spent the next 10 years living in it before he finally settled down, married, and moved to a 'sticks and bricks' dwelling. Now 80 years old, the man still has the trailer--and a lot of memories to go with it.

More than 14 vintage rigs were displayed at an event put on by the Tin Can Tourists, a 500+ member organization of folks who celebrate those vintage RVs. The outfit sponsors rallys and shows to display these unique and memorable RVs. For more information on the club, visit their website. For more on the story, see the published account in The News Press.

Photo: EdTarwinski on Flickr.com

Superstar race car driver gets a new RV

Superstar NASCAR race car driver Jeff Gordon has a new set of wheels, a luxury motorhome from Marathon Coach in Coburg. The $2 million dollar RV was custom designed for Gordon and his family and is now headed for Florida, where the family's driver will learn the ins and outs of the rig. Race fans can expect to see Gordon’s new RV on the infield of races starting next season.

Iowa town to propose tighter rules on RV street parking

It may soon be illegal for residents of Sioux City, Iowa to park an RV in front of their homes as city lawmakers consider new restrictive parking rules. Under a proposal to be presented to the City Council Nov. 5, those vehicles still may be parked on residential streets, but only for 24 hours and only twice every 30 days. Town residents have complained that RVs parked in the street create nuisances for neighbors and create possible safety hazards.

"It must have been the summer of the RVs," Rosanne Lienhard, assistant city attorney, told the Sioux City Journal. "We had a huge increase in complaints to the police department -- for RVs, slideouts, boats, trailers -- it was everything."

Current city law requires owners of motor vehicles who park on the street to move their vehicles daily. "A lot of people were doing that," Lienhard said. "That is not the intent of the law. That's why I wrote a much stricter code. It was not well defined before." Additionally, she said the current law does not define recreational vehicles. Under the new proposal, RVs and trailers are defined as "motor homes, travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer, campers, camper trailers."

Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor, which typically results in a $50 fine plus court costs and allows the police department to have the vehicle towed.

Couple escapes burning RV

A man and his girlfriend escaped unharmed from an RV that burst into flames Nov. 1 in Monroe, Michigan. The Monroe Fire Department reported the fire ignited inside the 1992 Jamboree motorhome while the couple slept inside. Around 1 a.m., the couple awoke to smoke and flames and they had to jump over the fire to escape. By the time firefighters arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. A space heater was cited as the cause of the fire.

RVer who sued for stepping in marmot hole loses award

A RVer who twisted her ankle by stepping into a marmot hole in a Wyoming RV park is not entitled to damages from the operator of the park, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 2. The court reversed an award that Pamela Tessman of Riverton had won in Hot Springs County District Court against the Fountain of Youth RV Park in Thermopolis.

According to the court decision written by Chief Justice Barton Voigt, Tessman was staying at the RV park in 2003 when she stepped into a marmot hole and twisted her ankle. Tessman sued in District Court in Hot Springs County and was awarded more than $259,000, which was reduced by 25 percent "for contributory negligence," the court ruling states.

In overturning the District Court award, Voigt stated that landowners do not have a duty to protect guests on their property from "a naturally occurring, known and obvious hazard."

RVing Down? Not if CalParks Reservations Any Indicator

Thursday California State Parks officials opened the phone lines to take reservations for next May--as in 2008. A record setting number of reservations quickly tallied up 8,472 to be precise. That's a big uptick from the same "opening day" for reservations for 2007--at that time a little over 7,000 reservations were made.

Over a 1,000 reservations were logged in the first two minutes. Apparently there's still a hefty interest in camping the Golden State. "Competition for popular California State Parks campsites is fierce," said Jim Luscutoff, who heads the Concessions and Reservations Division. "We understand those who did not get the reservations they wanted are disappointed, which is why we encourage our visitors to consider many of our other beautiful parks. There are 278 to choose from and each one has something worth experiencing."

Parks that were 90 percent full by close of business Thursday, in alphabetical order, were Bolsa Chica in Orange County, Carpinteria State Beach in Santa Barbara County, Doheny State Beach in Orange County, San Clemente State Beach in Orange County, San Elijo State Beach in San Diego County, and South Carlsbad State Beach in San Diego County.

Photo: California State Parks

Cabela’s to open in Reno

An outdoor store popular with RV enthusiasts is opening its doors in Reno on Nov. 16. Cabela’s is a destination unto itself, chock full of museum-quality flora and fauna exhibits, an aquarium stocked with freshwater fish, a fly-fishing stop, gun library, laser arcade and a restaurant. And then there’s the shopping -- everything from hunting and fishing gear to clothing for the whole family, Fido included.

The 125,000-square-foot store just west of Reno in Interstate 80 will include a two-story “Conservation Mountain” complete with running waterfalls and stream, a trout pound and wild game in their native habitats.

Cabela’s stores are prominent in the Midwest, and the Reno store marks the company’s farthest venture west so far. It is expected to draw three million visitors annually, and the adjacent Boomtown hotel-casino is gearing up for the influx of travelers. Boomtown boasts a 203-space KOA RV park, 318 hotel rooms, a Family Fun Center, three restaurants and free live entertainment.

Refeer Odor May Be More Than Forgotten Leftovers

If you open that RV refrigerator door and get a whiff of something fit enough to knock you over, it may not just be that lonely 10-day-old lasagna. A big ammonia smell can spell big refrigerator problems. Check out our sister blog, Low Tech RVing for the complete scoop.