RV Portals - RV Blog - RVInternetShopper.com

Shop for New and Used Rvs

RV Portals — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Class A - Diesel Motorhomes For Sale

New Class A - Diesel Motorhomes
Used Class A - Diesel Motorhomes

Class A - Gas Motorhomes For Sale

New Class A - Gas Motorhomes
Used Class A - Gas Motorhomes

Class B Motorhomes For Sale

New Class B Motorhomes
Used Class B Motorhomes

Class C Motorhomes For Sale

New Class C Motorhomes
Used Class C Motorhomes

Fifth Wheel Campers For Sale

New Fifth Wheel Campers
Used Fifth Wheel Campers

Fifth Wheel Toyhauler Campers For Sale

New Fifth Wheel Toyhauler Campers
Used Fifth Wheel Toyhauler Campers

Travel Trailer Campers For Sale

New Travel Trailer Campers
Used Travel Trailer Campers

Hybrid Travel Trailer Campers For Sale

New Hybrid Travel Trailer Campers
Used Hybrid Travel Trailer Campers

Travel Trailer Toyhauler Campers For Sale

New Travel Trailer Toyhauler Campers
Used Travel Trailer Toyhauler Campers

Truck Camper Campers For Sale

New Truck Camper Campers
Used Truck Camper Campers

Class B Plus Campers For Sale

New Class B Plus Campers
Used Class B Plus Campers

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

RV Portals — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:22:00 GMT

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

1982 Coachmen 21BH ~~$3,995~~ $3,695	2003 Coachmen Soa 248TB ~~$9,995~~ $8,995	2006 Palomino Maverick 8801 ~~$12,900~~ $11,995	2005 Fleetwood Pioneer 260FS ~~$17,900~~ $12,995
2002 Vanguard RV Palomino 827FB ~~$13,995~~ $13,495	2007 Starcraft TravelStar XLT 21DSD ~~$19,900~~ $13,995	2006 Sunline Transport M2675 ~~$19,900~~ $15,995	2009 Aerolite Cub 185 ~~$19,900~~ $16,995
2008 Dutchmen Zoom 723QBT ~~$23,900~~ $17,995	2009 Dutchmen 3 8B-DSL ~~$32,900~~ $22,995	2009 Keystone Outback Loft 27L ~~$29,900~~ $24,995	2003 Dynamax Cari Go 2510 ~~$36,900~~ $34,900
2001 Georgie Boy Pursuit 3205DS ~~$38,900~~ $34,900	2005 Coachmen Freelander 2890QB ~~$39,995~~ $34,995	2009 Carriage Cameo 37RE3 ~~$66,501~~ $49,995	2009 Dutchmen Grand Junction 37TRL ~~$70,725~~ $56,995
2008 Roadtrek 190 POPULAR ~~$84,502~~ $69,995	2008 Roadtrek RS ADVENTUROUS ~~$103,998~~ $86,900	2009 Fleetwood Bounder 35H ~~$133,756~~ $99,995	2008 Fleetwood Discovery 39R ~~$230,237~~ $169,995

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

RV Portals — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:22:00 GMT

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

1982 Coachmen 21BH ~~$3,995~~ $3,695	2003 Coachmen Soa 248TB ~~$9,995~~ $8,995	2006 Palomino Maverick 8801 ~~$12,900~~ $11,995	2005 Fleetwood Pioneer 260FS ~~$17,900~~ $12,995
2002 Vanguard RV Palomino 827FB ~~$13,995~~ $13,495	2007 Starcraft TravelStar XLT 21DSD ~~$19,900~~ $13,995	2006 Sunline Transport M2675 ~~$19,900~~ $15,995	2009 Aerolite Cub 185 ~~$19,900~~ $16,995
2008 Dutchmen Zoom 723QBT ~~$23,900~~ $17,995	2009 Dutchmen 3 8B-DSL ~~$32,900~~ $22,995	2009 Keystone Outback Loft 27L ~~$29,900~~ $24,995	2003 Dynamax Cari Go 2510 ~~$36,900~~ $34,900
2001 Georgie Boy Pursuit 3205DS ~~$38,900~~ $34,900	2005 Coachmen Freelander 2890QB ~~$39,995~~ $34,995	2009 Carriage Cameo 37RE3 ~~$66,501~~ $49,995	2009 Dutchmen Grand Junction 37TRL ~~$70,725~~ $56,995
2008 Roadtrek 190 POPULAR ~~$84,502~~ $69,995	2008 Roadtrek RS ADVENTUROUS ~~$103,998~~ $86,900	2009 Fleetwood Bounder 35H ~~$133,756~~ $99,995	2008 Fleetwood Discovery 39R ~~$230,237~~ $169,995

New 2009 Keystone Fuzion 363 Fifth Wheel Toyhauler Virtual Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:33:00 GMT

Keystone Fuzion 5th Wheel Toy Hauler is a must have for any NASCAR fan or motorcross fan.

Keystone Hornet Retreat - Full-Timer Travel Trailer RV Park Model

RV Portals — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:11:00 GMT

The Keystone Hornet Retreat Full-Timer Travel Trailer RV Park Model makes your camping rv park Not just a destination, it becomes Your retreat away from home. Check out this larger than life travel trailer that feels more like a park model. With its large ceilings and home like appliances, you will feel like you are in your home instead of in an rv.

Camping World March 10 Day Sale

RV Portals — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Camping World RV Sales of Tallahassee is having a 10-Day Sale going on until March 22, 2009. We have marked down all of our new and used inventory and we are offering a bonus of a Free Coleman Roadtrip Grill with every RV purchased during this once in a lifetime event. Don't let this pass you by. A special thanks to Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the FSU Seminoles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and to Fox for making this video.

Camping World RV Sales of Tallahassee March Madness

RV Portals — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:32:00 GMT

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Comes to Tallahassee, Florida

RV Portals — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:59:50 GMT

On Friday, February 20th, 2009, Ty Pennington and the Design Team from the hit ABC show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will surprise a deserving Tallahassee family of heroes, with the news that they will receive a brand new custom home in just 7 days! The builder and primary sponsor is Mydelton Parker Builders. Camping World of Tallahassee has become a sponsor of this wonderful event. Camping World RV Sales of Tallahassee will be donating a motorhome as well as sending 10 employees out to the home throughout the week.

ABC show chooses Kadzis' family home for makeover

By Angeline J. Taylor • Tallahassee Democrat Staff Writer • February 20, 2009

By noon Friday, Tallahassee resident Barbara Kadzis had experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of highs in less than 24 hours.

The high moment came around 9:30 a.m. Friday when she received a knock on her front door from Ty Pennington, host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

The mother of 10 learned that the ABC show had chosen her and her husband, George, as local heroes because they have adopted six children from overseas. The couple and the seven children who live at their home, including one biological son, will have their house dramatically reconstructed during the next week.

“I can’t say a big enough thanks,” she said as builders, members of the media, neighbors and others surrounded the family. “(We know) if you give, it will be returned to you. But the amount of this giving, at this time when people are losing their jobs, I can’t say a bigger thank you.”

County representatives along with employees of Comcast Cable, the City of Tallahassee and scores of sheriff’s deputies flocked around the residence at Queen Anna Drive in eastern Leon County — all an indication of the national network’s presence in Tallahassee.

But being selected for the extreme home makeover was bittersweet for Barbara.

Her husband, George Kadzis, was unable to be there. George, a prison dentist, had to be rushed to a local hospital Thursday night.

He suffers from an aggressive form of brain cancer and Thursday he could no longer walk. When asked about her husband’s condition, Barbara said she didn’t think his condition was life-threatening at this point.

“We don’t think it’s necessarily the end,” she said.

Barbara and George adopted six children with disabilities from China. They have one biological son. And Barbara has three adult children from a previous marriage.
They have a 2,200-square-foot home on Queen Anna Drive that intersects with Hill N Dale Drive off of U.S. Highway 90. The children have been sharing rooms in the three-bed, one-bath house.

(2 of 5)

Barbara shared how she and George started adopting their children. She said it started with an advertisement in the Tallahassee Democrat. George showed her a picture of a little girl and a notice of an informational meeting on overseas adoptions.

When asked why they adopted, Barbara said, “They needed a family.”

Family friend Trish Kurowski said Barbara and George were nearly finished raising their children.

“They have three grown sons,” Kurowski said. “They could have stopped at that.”

Instead, they adopted children with disabilities falling in line with Barbara’s profession as a special-education aide. She works at Kate Sullivan Elementary.

“They are extraordinary people,” Kurowski said. “They are the true definition of the word hero.

“If every kid had parents like Barbara and George, the world would be a much better place. They are the most selfless human beings.”

Kurowski didn’t sugarcoat George’s medical condition. “He’s deteriorating rapidly,” she said.

Barbara hopes to be able to stay close by the hospital until George can be released. It’s unclear whether the family will go away for a vacation — a norm for the show during the week that the family’s house is being renovated.

Myddelton Parker Builders have partnered with the show for the event. The company’s owners stood with Barbara as she met the community Friday morning.

“Thank you for what you all have done,” Myddelton Parker co-owner John Parker said.

Parker said he hopes his company will build a “great home of love” for the Kadzis family.

1:18 p.m.

The Kadzis family of Tallahassee is celebrating its selection for the ABC show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" under a cloud of uncertainty as George, the father, battles brain cancer.

George Kadzis was taken to the hospital Thursday night. His brain cancer is aggressive, and his wife says she is hoping physicians can relieve pressure from a tumor so he can return home soon.

(3 of 5)

Ty Pennington, star of the show, designers, builders and other crew members knocked on the Kadzis family door this morning at their home along Queen Anna Drive, which is off Chaires Cross Road.

Barbara Kadzis, the mother, was overwhelmed that her family had been chosen to receive a new house.

“I can’t say big enough thanks,” she told members of the media and others during an interview with the family. “(We know) if you give, it will be returned to you. But the amount of this giving at this time when people are losing their jobs, I can’t say a bigger thank you.”

11:13

Democrat Staff Writer Angeline J. Taylor is waiting with other members of the media to interview the Kadzis family at their home on Queen Anna Drive, which is off Chaires Cross Road.

Dozens of police cars, media trucks and other vehicles are lining the road to the house, and neighbors are milling about to take in the excitement.

A large charter bus, resembling the one seen on the hit TV show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" is also along the street.

11:13

Democrat Staff Writer Angeline J. Taylor is waiting with other members of the media to interview the Kadzis family at their home on Queen Anna Drive, which is off Chaires Cross Road.

Dozens of police cars, media trucks and other vehicles are lining the road to the house, and neighbors are milling about to take in the excitement.

A large charter bus, resembling the one seen on the hit TV show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" is also along the street.

10:19

Here is the news release from Extreme Makeover Home Edition:

(4 of 5)

In keeping with the show’s call to honor everyday heroes across America, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition travels to Tallahassee, Florida on February 20, 2009 to tell the Kadzis Family, which includes a father with cancer and five physically challenged children adopted from China, that their hurricane-damaged home will be rebuilt and modified in seven days to meet their special needs.

Extraordinary compassion led George Kadzis, a prison dentist, and Barbara Kadzis, a lifelong teacher who herself was adopted, to open their hearts and home to special-needs children adopted from orphanages in China. The Kadzis family faces major challenges in their cramped, hurricane-damaged home. It is especially difficult to navigate for daughter Melody, whom was born blind. The other adopted brothers and sisters also have significant physical challenges. Julia is deaf, Martin’s right arm and hand are deformed, and Phoenix and Celeste are now having their cleft palates repaired. Aileen lost her birth father to cancer and her birth mother fled after his death.

Because Barbara and George Kadzis couldn’t speak fluent Chinese, and several of their adopted children could barely communicate in any fashion, the family turned to the universal language of music as an instrument to heal, communicate and transform. Chris, Barbara and George’s biological son, and Martin play the guitar and piano; Aileen plays the flute; Melody plays the zither, and Julia dances like she’s listening to every note, despite her inability to hear.

In addition, George is now battling brain cancer and his diagnoses has taken time and energy away from his desire to modify his family’s home. Now it is up to Ty and his designers to take over and make a better home to accommodate the children’s special needs and create a peaceful space for George.

While Ty and the designers, the local builder MyddeltonParker Builders, and hundreds of volunteers and workers are rebuilding their home, the Kadzis family will go on vacation.

(5 of 5)

The design team for this episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will feature team leader Ty Pennington and designers Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis and John Littlefield.

updated 10:15 a.m.

The Kadzis family, which includes a father with cancer and five physically challenged children adopted from China, will be receiving a new home courtesy ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Earlier post

This morning, the staff of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will reveal the Leon County family that will receive a new home courtesy of the Emmy-award winning show.

The show's host, Ty Pennington, is expected to knock on the front door of an area family's home

Employees of Myddelton Parker Builders will join Pennington before the family departs on their week-long vacation.

Hero Home Address:

Kadzis Family
8233 Queen Anna Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32317

Parking Information:

Construction/Trade/Volunteers/VIP:
Corner of Mahan Drive and Futura Drive (Summit East)

Mapquest to Parking

*Please note: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure you arrive to your scheduled shift on time. You will be shuttled from the designated parking area to the construction site. Everyone must go through the check-in tent prior to their shift.*

Media:
Corner of Mahan Drive and Futura Drive (Summit East)

*All Media will be shuttled to the construction site. All media will have to check in at the designated Media Check-in area. Live trucks can access the site through Queen Anna Drive. Prior to arrival you must contact Julie Roberts at 202.445.3404 (Tallahassee) to coordinate. Media credentials will be distributed at the media check-in tent and all media personnel must have valid press credentials and be registered with the public relations department.*

Spectator:
Corner of Mahan Drive and Futura Drive (Summit East)

The Schedule of Events

Friday, February 20 Day 1 (NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED)

Morning Door Knock!
Family leaves in limo for vacation

Saturday, February 21 Day 2 (NO SPECTATORS ALLOWED)

Furniture Move-Out, Clothes sent to Dry Cleaner
Construction Prep
Braveheart March at 4pm

Sunday, February 22 Day 3 (Change!! OPEN TO SPECTATORS FROM 8AM-8PM)

Demolition of the home and Foundation Prep

Monday, February 23 Day 4 (Spectators are Allowed)

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM SPECTATORS WELCOMED!!
Watch the house get framed before your eyes!

Tuesday, February 24 Day 5 (SPECTATORS WELCOMED)

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM SPECTATORS WELCOMED!!
Construction Continues Exterior Features Added

Wednesday, February 25 Day 6 (SPECTATORS WELCOMED)

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM SPECTATORS WELCOMED!!
Construction Continues Back yard prep and landscaping

Thursday, February 26 Day 7 (SPECTATORS WELCOMED)

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM SPECTATORS WELCOMED!!
MyddeltonParker Builders turns keys over to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Designers move in furniture and decorating begins
Exterior and Interior are cleaned in preparation for Reveal Day

Friday, February 27 Day 8 MOVE THAT BUS DAY!!! SPECTATORS WELCOMED!

8:00 AM Spectators are highly welcome and encouraged all day today starting at 8:00am. If you want to get a good view and witness the famous “MOVE THAT BUS” when the family arrives and the design team welcomes them into their new home, you need to arrive early.
10:00AM Arrival time is encouraged for spectators that want to be part of "Move That Bus". Don’t forget your positive signs welcoming the family home. Please keep in mind that this day will be long periods of standing so plan accordingly.
2:00PM - 3:00PM Join thousands of supporters as Ty Pennington and the design crew welcome the family home. MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED! Be on-set to witness the now famous "Move That Bus" when the family see’s their new home for the first time! TIME IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Come Watch Us

Can you come and watch us? Absolutely... we encourage it!

Bring your family, friends, enthusiasm and signs and watch this amazing process take place first-hand. Spectators are welcome on the site after demolition.

Come watch us starting Sunday, February 22nd at 8:00 a.m. and watch a custom home constructed in front of your eyes! Spectators can watch daily (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Sunnday, February 22nd, to Friday, February 27th, when Ty Pennington and his design team invite you to yell “Move that Bus” when the family arrives home and sees their new home for the first time!

Please take a look at the schedule and plan when you would like to visit. Our team, contractors and volunteers need all the support they can get!

Spectator FAQ's

Witness an extreme change and be part of an extraordinary one! Each spectator is asked to bring a canned food item or a gift card as their admission. The food items will help re-stock our local food pantries, and the gift cards (of any amount) will go to the family. We encourage you to be part of this extreme dream!

The spectator site will be open for guests of all ages from 8a.m. -8p.m. February 22nd – February 27th. Please be prepared for long periods of standing outside. We suggest bringing comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing. There are no covered areas for spectators but umbrellas are allowed.

Come out and cheer on the Extreme design team, and all of the volunteers that have been working around the clock to make sure this new home gets finished in time. Bring a sign with a positive message. Just make sure it’s short and visible from a distance!

Guests are encouraged to bring a camera or video camera to capture the memories of this extreme project. Photos of the progress will be posted daily at www.extrememyddeltonparker.com/

No blankets, lawn chairs or coolers are allowed, however; feel free to bring water and snacks. There will not be a concession stand on site.

Portable toilets are available for spectators close to the site.

FREE parking will be available with continuous shuttle service to take you to and from the extreme site. Shuttles with handicapped access will be available. Please visit www.extrememyddeltonparker.com/ for a complete map of the area when it becomes available.

Although Ty and the other members of the extreme team may be available to sign autographs, their first priority is designing a home for a deserving family so there are no guarantees.

For the safety of our spectators and workers, paramedics will be available and on site during the entire build.

For the safety of everyone involved in the project, please refrain from smoking at the site.

Motorhome purchase incentive included in stimulus bill

RV Portals — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:16:32 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- In news that marks a substantial legislative victory for the RV industry, the RV Industry Association has learned that the conference committee final version of the $789 billion economic stimulus package includes a provision to specifically help the RV industry.

Demand remains high for luxury RVs, dealers say

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:26:00 GMT

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. -- To hear the dealers tell it, the nationwide crisis in the housing market has largely missed the home-on-wheels crowd, at least for those people willing and able to spend big bucks on luxury recreation vehicles.

"People are buying now rather than putting their money in the stock market," T.R. Fulks of Dream RV in Bradenton said Wednesday at the 28th annual Family Motor Coach Association rally at the Hernando County Airport.

"We have been as busy as last year," added Dan Wylie of the same dealership. The $5,000 to $100,000 market is the most active for his customers, he said.

Florida county approves plans for RV park's 136-site expansion

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:24:53 GMT

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Fla. -- The Lafayette County Commission on Monday approved a special exception for 136 RV sites for the Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground. Owners Frank and Susie Page will proceed with the purchase of 19 acres adjacent to the Rendezvous for the new sites.

Discussion followed regarding the impact on the dirt road of existing traffic during special events and the increased traffic due to the additional 136 sites. Questions were raised regarding nearby agricultural land use and other public safety concerns. According to County Inspector Bobby Johnson, the current regulations only address allowable space per unit, which is 1,200 square feet. Staff was directed to study the possibility of increased regulations and make a recommendation to the board.

Recession hasn't cooled the fun for RVers in Texas' Rio Grande Valley

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:23:10 GMT

DONNA, Texas — Tucked alongside the Rio Grande Valley's dusty freeway is the Victoria Palms Resort RV Park, an oasis from the nation's economic downturn. It's packed with retirees from the Midwest and Canada.

At Victoria Palms, retirees can lounge by the pool and listen to a 77-year-old DJ's collection of Bobby Vinton and Fats Domino, cruise palm-lined streets on bicycles, take dance lessons or perfect crafts in one of the many workshops. And like many of the Valley's more than 500 “Winter Texan” parks, it's 100 percent full.

Personnel at the parks worried the summer's high gas prices and the fall's plunging economy would make for a bad year. Instead, they find themselves turning people away.

Coachmen subsidiary donates RV in honor of 100 years of Scouting

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:21:52 GMT

ELKHART -- All American Homes has donated a Class C motorhome, valued at more than $83,000, to the "A Century of Values" team who will soon begin a cross country journey in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

"As a former Scout, I am proud that our company was able to support the Century of Values Tour and the heritage of scouting," said Rick Lavers, CEO of Coachmen Industries. "This sponsorship is a natural fit for our company and an association that we are proud to be connected with."

Tough time for Camping World Truck Series

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:20:31 GMT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Camping World will surely gain more exposure as the new title sponsor of NASCAR's venerable Truck Series and its continued support of Ron Hornaday's No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado.

The outdoors retailer, however, might not have many sponsors to compete with.

While the series again figures to

RVing was a player in Super Bowl XLIII

RV Portals — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:18:40 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- The Go RVing message was highlighted in several ways during the Super Bowl festivities, reminding footbal fans of the convenience and affordability of RV travel.

RVIA supplier member Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company added the Go RVing message to its popular Goodyear Airship, a “What Will You Discover” Go RVing” print ad appeared in the Super Bowl XLIII souvenir program, and as always, RV tailgating was a hit with football fans and media alike.

In the days leading up to the game,

Lemonis: Thor loan to FreedomRoads will strengthen both companies

RV Portals — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:13:02 GMT

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. -- Marcus Lemonis, president and CEO of FreedomRoads and Camping World, told RV Industry News today the $10 million loan to the company's owner is part of a long-term strategic initiative.

"The loan provides working capital to FreedomRoads, it is not restructured debt," Lemonis said. "FreedomRoads has no debt other than floorplan. We have no bonds or debt of any kind."

FreedomRoads sought working capital to help

Inauguration brings prosperity to RV parks near nation's capital

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:08 GMT

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Ronald Sorenson's 30-foot rented recreational vehicle rests on a gravel pad at Cherry Hill Park in Maryland, its sides emblazoned with images of President-elect Barack Obama and Sorenson's own poetry.

The one-time building contractor decided three weeks ago to make the three-day trip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., spending $17,000 to decorate the RV (with the owner's permission). He has been parked at the campground in College Park for a week awaiting the inauguration of the man he thinks will save the country.

It is supporters like Sorenson who are bringing an unexpected stimulus to Cherry Hill, which is now nearly booked during a month when business is typically dead. The relatively inexpensive housing option is enlivening a usually moribund camping season at other parks near Washington, D.C., and creating a ripple effect that is putting money in the pockets of campgrounds and their employees.

Inauguration parade route will feature rented RVs as "warming shelters"

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:16:25 GMT

YORK, Penn. -- After hours of spraying and wiping and rinsing, eight motor homes at AJ's RV Rentals are ready to hit the highway to take a front row seat in President-Elect Barack Obama's inauguration parade. AJ's worker Amanda Rhoads was happy to help make the arrangements.

"They are going to be placed along the parade route for emergency shelters for anybody who needs to warm up because its going to be super cold," she said.

The U.S. Department of Health is paying for the company to deliver the vehicles and pick them up Wednesday.

Tampa Show packs in potential buyers

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:14:25 GMT

TAMPA - Visit this year's RV SuperShow at the Florida State Fairgrounds and you might find it hard to believe the nation is in a recession.

Huge crowds poured into the fairgrounds Friday to see the latest in recreational vehicles. The five-day event runs through Sunday.

"I came in here Wednesday afternoon and I was shocked by how many people were here," said Frank Konigseder, vice president of Liberty Coach, a luxury RV dealer based in Chicago. "This show has been very positive."

RV loans included in bailout plan

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:12:54 GMT

WASHINGTON -- Loans to recreational vehicle dealers and consumers could be easier to come by if Congress authorizes the release of $350 billion associated with the financial rescue plan passed last year.

The new legislation would make RV loans insured by a government institution set up to protect banks from losses if borrowers default on their debts. The first $350 billion Congress approved as part of the so-called financial bailout gave similar protection only to auto, credit card and student loans.

U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Granger, pushed for the change in the new bill, adding "and other vehicles" to the types of loans included in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility.

Priority One Financial Services reports steady year in 2008

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:08:50 GMT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Despite a nationwide downturn in the RV industry and the departure of several key lenders, Priority One Financial Services reports that the percentage of loan approvals they generated last year is equal to 2007 totals.

The company actually works on behalf of RV dealers to submit loan applications to specific lenders based on the borrower's credit history and the lenders specific requirements. By outsourcing this important finance and insurance role, dealers can get more loans approved faster.

New Jersey dealers "ecstatic" about last weekend's show results

RV Portals — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:55:15 GMT

EDISON, N.J. -- Despite attendance being down 15 percent, New Jersey RV dealers are breathing a sigh of relief this week following a highly successful show in Edison.

"Traffic was down, but it was good and steady," said Jeff Haughton, show manager for Affinity Events."All dealers were pleased from a sales and traffic perspective. Everyone sold something, which is the happiest aspect of the event."

Haughton attributed the success to

The Daytona 500

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:38:40 GMT

The Daytona 500
Be at Daytona for the 2009 Daytona 500, the first critical, challenging and all-important race to start the next Sprint Cup Championship Chase. It's guaranteed to be a unique and thrilling experience for all NASCAR® fans, and you can see all the action as part of the President's Club tour February 10-16 at Deland, Florida.

The President's Club's 13th consecutive Daytona 500 tour will begin Tuesday, February 10 with a Welcome Dinner and Orientation at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, where you will have full water, electric and sewer RV hookups for your six-day stay. Sit back and enjoy chartered motorcoach transportation to all

Camping World Sponsors NASCAR Truck Series for 2009

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:36:11 GMT

Camping World Sponsors NASCAR Truck Series for 2009

Camping World is now the title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series, beginning with the 2009 season, replacing longtime series sponsor Craftsman. Craftsman is the only other Truck Series sponsor since the series was launched in 1995.

The Truck Series features 25 points events in 23 venues across North America. The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the

Workhorse rolls out new model at Tampa Show

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:32:57 GMT

Union City, Ind. -- Workhorse diesels are ready for takeoff. The RV public will get its first view of Workhorse's latest front engine diesel, the W20D, at the Florida RV SuperShow Jan. 14 to 18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa at the Workhorse display (booth 145) in the Expo Hall.

Show goers will also get the first public look at one of the first all-new Class A motor homes built on the Workhorse W20D — the 2009 Serrano from Four Winds International (Booth 895 by the West Midway). Small, aerodynamic and fuel efficient — the just over 32-foot Serrano boasts both diesel power and diesel amenities.

The Workhorse W20D chassis is part of the signature pair of

Go RVing teams up with professional bowlers in 2009

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:30:13 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- Go RVing is again capitalizing on the ongoing popularity of professional bowling by continuing sponsorship of a four-man team of Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) bowlers.

"Team Go RVing” includes the sport’s all-time top title holder and money earner - and avid RVer - Walter Ray Williams, Jr., who is also an RVIA spokesperson, as well as Andrew Cain, Mike Machuga and Tony Reyes. The four bowlers will wear Go RVing patches on their shirts and throw specially-made balls emblazoned with the Go RVing logo.

Additionally, Go RVing is for the third consecutive year

RVIA begins its strategic planning process

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:28:25 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- The RV Industry Association's Strategic Planning Committee will meet Jan. 12 and 13 in Tampa to update and revise the association’s long-term goals and objectives that will help guide activities in 2009 and beyond.

Committee Chairman Gregg Fore called the session an opportunity to re-tool the plan in light of current challenging market conditions.

“The industry is facing new challenges this year, and it’s time to

RVIA encourages consumers to take "savecations" in 2009

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:25:52 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- As part of an ongoing effort to highlight the affordability of RV vacations in tough economic times, the RV Industry Association has broadly distributed the press release below to the consumer media outlining hot trends in travel for the new year.

RVIA members and dealers should feel free to adopt the same themes and language for their own local media outreach efforts, as well as to check out the affordability messages on www.gorving.com.

2009 Travel: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Flooding forces evacuation of Camping World campground in Tennessee

RV Portals — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:22:54 GMT

Flooding forces evacuation of Camping World campground in Tennessee

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. -- Campers had to pack up and move out of their spots at the Camping World campgrounds on Ringgold Road.

On Wednesday, the Chickamauga Creek began flooding the parking lot and campgrounds. Neither were visible because they were completely covered with water more than a foot deep in some places.

Employees heeded warnings from Paul Barys and began moving trailers from the lower parking lot as soon as they heard the rain was coming. "We had enough warning from weathercasters and we moved. We started yesterday morning," says Brent Harwell.

The employees have seen the area flood before, but it always comes as a surprise. "It is a shock to see when you are used to seeing three separate ponds and a creek and now it is all completely filled with water," Harwell says.

SOURCE: WRCB-TV

RV Dealer ShowRoom

RV Portals — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:12:00 GMT

Freedom Express Racing Edition Class C Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:05:00 GMT

Roadtrek RS Adventurous Diesel Conversion Van Camper Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:02:00 GMT

Roadtrek Class B Conversion Van Camper Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Keystone Outback Loft Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:58:00 GMT

Freedom Spirit Travel Trailer Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:40:00 GMT

Freedom Elite 5th-Wheel Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:36:00 GMT

Fleetwood Icon Diesel Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:32:00 GMT

Dutchmen Aerolite Zoom Travel Trailer Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:24:00 GMT

Itasca Cambria B Plus Class C Gas Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

RV Portals — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:10:00 GMT

RVDA encourages dealers to contact Congress to make RV loan money available

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:12:51 GMT

FAIRFAX, Va. -- The RV Dealers Association is encouraging RV dealers across America to contact their senators and congressional representatives to encourage them to make more loan money available to finance the purchase of recreation vehicles.

"Your dealership can help RVDA reach out to government leaders in both parties to help them understand the vital role the RV industry plays in the economic well-being of our country," RVDA President Mike Molino wrote in an e-mail to members. "RVDA members and their employees should also contact their congressman and U.S. senator on this important issue. Your association is teaming up with the American Recreation Coalition and with other recreation trade groups to present a unified message on the critical need to make wholesale and retail financing available for RV purchases.

Congressional representatives need to hear from their constituents, Molino said, so all dealership’s and their employees are vital to this effort. RVDA sent letters to President-elect Barack Obama and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson with the important message that banks and other financial institutions receiving aid under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and other initiatives need to make consumer loans available for RVs on an equal basis with loans for automobiles, educational expenses, and purchases with credit cards.

"Your letters and e-mails on this issue will also raise the industry’s visibility in Washington," Molino said.

Molino suggested incorporating these talking points into letters sent by dealers and their employees:

The year, a sharp drop in consumer confidence and credit problems that are rooted in real estate and sub-prime lending practices that the recreation community had no role in creating.
There are an estimated 12,332 RV-related businesses in the nation with a combined payroll of nearly $5 billion for American workers in the manufacturing, retail and service sectors – employment which totals some 150,000.
One out of every 12 American households owns an RV – a category that ranges from inexpensive pop-up tent campers to large, self-propelled motorhomes. Today, there are 8.5 million RVs in operation, three-quarters of which are towed units, not motorhomes.
Describe your personal story and detail what has happened to your business in terms of sales and jobs. Humanize the impact and talk about the pain of cutting back on jobs, benefits and expansion plans.
Include a clear “ask.” You, your employees, and your customers need help. You need the member to make sure that congressional support for businesses and consumers includes help for the RV and outdoor recreation industry. Ask the congressional member to write a letter to President-elect Obama making these points:
- Economic recovery depends heavily on a rebound in consumer confidence, and consumers who are credit-worthy and encounter barriers to financing purchases will make this rebound more difficult.
- Both banks and non-bank financial concerns being aided under Troubled Assets Relief Program and other initiatives need to make consumer loans available for all traditional uses, including purchases of recreational items including boats and RVs, on an equal basis with loans for automobiles, educational expenses and purchases with credit cards. Note the special importance of this provision to employment in the United States associated with the RV industry, where an overwhelming majority of the new units are US-manufactured.
- The Treasury Department should address the issues faced by recreation businesses in commercial lending – often referred to as floor-plan financing – which has exacerbated the challenges faced by recreation businesses across the nation as sales have slowed.

To view a copy of a letter sent by RVDA and RVIA to President-Elect Obama and Treasury Secretary Paulson, click here.

SOURCE: RV Dealers Association
December 15, 2008

RVDA joins coalition to help small business owners generate capital

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:10:30 GMT

December 15, 2008 16:45

FAIRFAX, Va. -- The RV Dealers Association has joined more than 75 net operating loss coalition partners in calling for federal legislation to extend the net operating loss (NOL) period for small businesses.

An extended NOL carryback period is a proven economic stimulus measure, one that can deliver vital help to our nation’s struggling economy. Because capital to continue operations (payroll, debt payments, etc.) is extremely tight, if available at all, the need to transform a future tax benefit into cash today is critical to maintain otherwise viable businesses.

In the past, Congress has used NOL carryback relief as a ready tool to help lift the economy out of recession. A temporary extension of the NOL carryback period would provide an immediate infusion of cash for those companies most in need. Under current law, businesses may carryback losses for only two years, generating a tax refund to the extent of taxes paid in those years. Losses that cannot be absorbed in these two years are carried forward, for use against future taxes that may be owed.

RVDA and the NOL Coalition strongly support enacting legislation at the earliest opportunity by working with President-Elect Obama’s transition team. "We hope to gain the incoming administration’s support for extending the carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs) to five years from the current two-year allowance for tax years ending in 2008 and 2009. It should also include alternative minimum tax (AMT) NOL relief by temporarily suspending the 90 percent limitation on the utilization of AMT NOLs for this period," said RVDA President Mike Molino.

A specific bill is expected to be introduced early in the next session of Congress.

SOURCE: RV Dealers Association press release

Georgia dealer avoids being scammed by using story authored by RV Industry News editor

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:09:42 GMT

December 16, 2008 16:08

BYRON, Ga. -- Mid-State RV Center reported today that the dealership was able to avoid being scammed by a "religious" organization that wanted to buy an RV for its overseas mission.

Rex Gambill, internet sales manager at Mid-State RV Center, thought something was fishy when the "buyer" changed his mind and, rather than having the unit shipped to his residence and then reshipped to the mission, he requested that it be shipped directly to an address in Accra-Ghana. The buyer provided contact information for a forklift company that would handle the overseas shipment.

Gambill said he remembered reading a story authored by RV Industry News editor Greg Gerber last year warning dealers of the scam involving Christ Church Ministries and Chabu Forklift International.

When he accessed the original story, he discovered that he was being groomed for a nearly identical scam. Last week, the customer "Wayne Doe," sent Gambill an e-mail explaining, "Hey Rex, I was talking to my partner about the unit and she made a very interesting point! We rather have the unit shipped to its final destination in Accra-Ghana Instead of having it shipped to my residence and have it reshipped again.We therefore contacted freight companies and finally settled with Chabu Forklift Int. They require some info: unit's dimension, weight, pick up location etc...please email them with these info so that they can give us the freight quote. Their email :chabuforklift@gmail.com Wayne Dickson."

The particulars of the case, in case any other dealers are being set up for the similar scam are:

Customer e-mail address is hopeshelter@adexec.com. They likely claim to represent:

Christ Church Ministries or The Hope Shelter
57 Christ Church Ave.
Accra-Ghana
West Africa 00233

The buyer wants RV dealers to work with the following shipping company to arrange for shipping:

CHABU Forklift International
45 Legon Street
Legon-Accra
Ghana, West Africa 00233

Last year's scam used a contact name of Ken Dickson at Chabu. This year's scam has dealers working with Wayne Dickson.

To access the original story involving a Pennsylvania dealer nearly scammed by the group, click here.

In a humorous conclusion to this story, Gambill said that when he called the buyer on the scam by e-mailing a copy of the original article, the buyer responded, "Holy S@%t Rex! I've already wired them a registration fee of $200."

Dealers who think they may have been victimized by this company, should report the transaction to their local police department as well as their state's attorney general's office.

Florida community passes RV parking law that officials say will impact only 35 vehicles

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:08:59 GMT

December 17, 2008 09:57

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. -- The City Commission unanimously passed an ordinance regulating boats, motor homes and trailers Monday despite grumbling from some residents who believe it is intrusive and unnecessary.

The ordinance states:

If a recreational vehicle is 35 feet or less in length, it can be parked in any yard within 10 feet of the side lot line or in a driveway with the vehicle positioned perpendicular to the house. Owners must have a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet.
People with circular driveways can park them any way they wish.
No more than one RV is allowed on a front yard.
If an RV is longer than 35 feet, the owner must have a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet and a minimum lot width of 75 feet. It also must be parked on a side or rear yard no closer than 5 feet from a lot line. A 6-foot fence or hedge must partially hide it from view.

RV owners who have land that makes complying difficult may apply for a variance. Enforcement starts July 1, however, warnings, not tickets, will be given to first offenders.

The rules would affect less than half of the 70 RVs in the city, city officials said.

SOURCE: St. Petersburg Times

RVIA encourages manufacturers and suppliers to contact elected officials about improving lending situation

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:06:57 GMT

December 17, 2008 14:55

RESTON, Va. -- The RV Industry Association sent an e-mail to members today advising them of efforts to improve the wholesale and consumer credit market, and encouraging them to contact elected officials to ask for their support.

Sent by RVIA President Richard Coon, here is the text of his message:

"With this week's Congressional debate on the wisdom of auto industry bridge loans and an emerging consensus on the obligations and requirements the car manufacturers must meet if such loan packages are to be offered, I wanted to update you on RVIA's efforts to improve the economic environment for the RV industry," Coon wrote. "The political and economic situations are quite fluid, and there have been various federal government actions and interventions both prior to and following the October enactment of the rescue bill and the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP" and the recent creation of the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility (TALF).

"What is RVIA doing? Staff, in conjunction with our government affairs consultants, member companies, and stakeholders in the recreation industry, has explored various programs and legislative/regulatory initiatives the association could undertake to lessen the current economic crisis for RVIA members. Of the identified possibilities, three specific actions have been selected for immediate legislative/regulatory action," said Coon.

First, he noted, credit markets are not functioning normally, which dampens vehicle sales from a shrinking pool of willing buyers. The Treasury Department recently announced plans to use TARP funds to infuse capital into specialty lenders and nonbank institutions to improve the availability of car loans, student loans and credit card loans, he explained. RVIA has asked Treasury to include RV consumer and dealer floor plan loans in this liquidity facility.

Second, part of a stimulus plan to be considered next year permits the deduction of sales and excise taxes for new car purchases. RVIA has begun to ask Congress that this proposal be modified to include RV purchases as well, or alternatively, request an incentive for the purchase of diesel motorhomes that operate on B5 and/or B20 biodiesel.

Third, to help ensure the availability of credit, the U.S. Treasury Department should require that banks and nonbank financial concerns receiving TARP funds use this newfound liquidity to actually make consumer and business loans available, Coon said. "Action is needed, perhaps stronger than mere urging, to require that a portion of the remaining TARP funds be used for consumer and business loans," he explained."Economic recovery depends heavily on a rebound in consumer confidence, and consumers who are credit worthy and that encounter barriers to financing purchases will make this rebound more difficult.

"Your assistance in supporting passage of the above three legislative/regulatory proposals is requested. Please contact your Congress members today by going to www.rvact.org and sending an e-mail letter," Coon encouraged. "Once at the site, simply input your zip code and the names and e-mail addresses of your Congressional delegation will appear along with a sample letter which should be customized with your company-specific information. The website sends your letters directly to your members of Congress."
In addition to writing letters, the American Recreation Coalition (ARC) has also helped to facilitate communications between RVIA and other ARC members who are working on economic stimulus proposals, brain stormed RV industry stimulus ideas and shared a web based instruction guide on "How to Tell Your Story to Members of Congress" which will be utilized by RVIA when the association asks members to schedule visits with Congress to discuss the three economic stimulus proposals, said Coon.
Further, Coon suggested those people with a strong interest in following government actions to restart the economy, to access an online chart prepared by RVIA’s government affairs consultants at Sonnenschein, which summarizes information on the already-enacted rescue bill, as well as TARP and TALF. Visit www.sonnenschein.com click on "practice areas," then select "financial crises; special situations," and print the chart in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

Those interested in exploring such actions at an even deeper level can follow developments at no cost on the Sonnenschein firm's website as they arise. People can request a password (allow several hours for password to be assigned) by clicking here.
In addition to the items discussed above, RVIA is pursuing several initiatives that do not require legislative or regulatory intervention. Among these initiatives is the concept of a Recreation Loan Guarantee Insurance Corporation that could seek private insurance on RV loans similar to private mortgage insurance on home loans with less than 20 percent down payment.

"As qualification standards for RV loans become more stringent, more borrowers are finding themselves qualified only for sub prime loans, so RVIA is reaching out to sub-prime auto industry lenders to get them more familiar and comfortable with the RV industry," Coon explained.

Moreover, RVIA has joined a coalition which is advocating for a temporary extension of the Net Operating Loss (NOL) carry back period, which, if granted would provide companies with an infusion of cash. Under current law, businesses may carry back losses for only two years, generating a tax refund to the extent of taxes paid in those years. Losses that cannot be absorbed in those two years are carried forward for use against future taxes that may be owed, Coon explained. "Legislation allowing companies to carry back losses to earlier profitable years would simply convert a future tax benefit into cash today, when it is most needed. Congress has previously used NOL carry back relief as a tool to help lift the economy out of recession," he added.

In his e-mail, Coon include a short list of what appears to be the most useful federal government loan programs available to RV manufacturers and suppliers. RVIA has reviewed loan programs administered by the Small Business Administration, the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, Energy, Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency to compile this list which can be accessed by clicking here.

"At the same time RVIA undertakes the above initiatives, just like your company is undoubtedly adjusting business practices with a sharp eye on the bottom line, RVIA is doing the same and reducing budgeted expenses," Coon wrote. "Ten RVIA staff positions were eliminated in September. The annual meeting planned for Dana Point, California in March has been canceled and will be held instead in Washington, DC in conjunction with RVIA Committee Week. The Strategic Planning Committee will meet in January to prioritize association activities and explore new income sources. RVIA is going to become leaner and more innovative during these challenging economic times.

"While difficult challenges remain for the RV industry and the economy as a whole, RVIA is working to address discrete initiatives that will help the industry rise to these challenges," said Coon. "Together we will weather this storm and come out of the current economic downturn even better prepared to meet the recreation needs of American consumers. Your input is not only welcome but more critical than ever. Please help by contacting members of Congress today!"

SOURCE: RV Industry Association.

Bank Of America Is Doing Layoffs All Wrong

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:04:18 GMT

Leadership
Bank Of America Is Doing Layoffs All Wrong
Tara Weiss 12.16.08, 11:34 AM ET

Layoffs are painful for any staff. Drag them out over the course of several years, and the workforce runs the risk of paralysis.

Someone should tell that to Bank of America. The company announced last week that it would eliminate between 30,000 and 35,000 jobs over the next three years. The cause: the merger with Merrill Lynch, which created redundancies in jobs, and the recession.

Many if not most employers are facing layoffs these days. But usually they'll go for a quicker execution, like less than a year.

Bank of America officials direct inquires to a press release on the topic and decline to comment. The release says that an analysis of the situation will be completed by early 2009 and that "as many reductions as possible will be made through attrition."

Perhaps that's one reason the downsizing will last so long. No matter the reason, it will inevitably cast a pall over the workforce for years.

Anxiety runs high when layoffs are announced. Managers are distracted from running the company by having to focus on figuring out who stays and who goes. Then they dread delivering the bad news. Meanwhile, employees are terrified of receiving the pink slip. Rumors abound, and every closed-door meeting incites gossip. Production suffers.

"The company is guaranteeing that for the next three years employees will be focused on something other than work," says Manny Avramidis, senior vice president for global human resources at the American Management Association.

Many employees will start looking for a new job. "No one likes to stay on a sinking ship," says Susan Lill, a human resources consultant at Align HR. The problem is that the company's best performers--the staffers they want to keep--will be the first to leave. And since they're so good at their jobs, the competition will rush to bring them aboard.

However, Jim R. Sowers, head of human resources effectiveness at the HR consulting firm Mercer, sees opportunity in Bank of America's approach--if it's handled just right. He says the bank's decision to take three years can give managers time to analyze their businesses to see which they should continue to grow and which they should divest. That can be more constructive than "flipping a switch and making 30% of the company go away."

But taking time won't ensure a successful restructuring. It will only stand a chance if managers give employees as much information up front as possible. The C-suite can't say often enough that the company is restructuring rather than just "pulling the trigger and letting thousands go," Sowers says. The salient message needs to be: We have a plan.

To avoid losing its most valuable people, Sowers says, Bank of America must select its top performers right away and let them know that they're in for the long haul. Managers must take no more than a few months to decide who they want to keep long-term, who they want to stay on during the transition and who will be let go immediately. Those asked to stay on should be given a retention bonus. Letting the staff know its fate as soon as possible will keep anxiety to a minimum.

When a company undergoes layoffs over a long period, the survivors are likely to get too little attention. Their career paths will have been thrown off, and they'll likely end up doing more work for the same salary. Susan Lill says that Bank of America will only succeed in the future if it treats its survivors better than ever.

In short, she says, "Love and nurture them. Make sure people know they're valuable."

Otherwise they too will flee once the market turns around.

Is the Media to Blame for Making Economic Crisis Worse?

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:01:53 GMT

Last update: 12:05 p.m. EST Dec. 16, 2008

NEW YORK, Dec 16, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- - New Poll Conducted by Opinion Research Corporation Says Yes -

An overwhelming 77 percent of Americans believe that the US media is making the economic situation worse by projecting fear into people's minds. The majority of those surveyed feel that the financial press, by focusing on and embellishing negative news, is damaging consumer confidence and damping investment, making a difficult situation much worse.

Richard L. Scheff, a national expert on corporate liability and white collar crime issues, warns media that they could potentially be exposed to liability despite apparent constitutional protections:

"Although statements by the media are protected by the First Amendment, the survey results demonstrate that the public believes that the press bears some responsibility for the lack of confidence in the economy. One would hope that these media would act less out of self-interest in these times of national crisis. I could see creative lawyers attempting to pierce constitutional protections by constructing theories of liability for losses they may allege were driven by irresponsible news releases," said Mr. Scheff, vice chairman and partner with Philadelphia-based law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads.

The US survey of 1000 adults was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, on behalf of Park Lane Communications, and is statistically representative of the total U.S. population. The survey question asked was: "Do you think the financial press is making the economic crisis worse by projecting fear into people's minds?" While the overall response indicated that 77% of Americans answered YES, here are some highlights of note:

    Household Incomes:
    $25k - $35k - 79% answered YES
    $35k - $50k - 88% answered YES
    $50k - $75k - 76% answered YES
    $75k - more - 78% answered YES

    Demographics:
    85% of young adults (18-24 yrs old) answered YES
    77% of males and females alike answered YES
    65% of blacks answered YES

ORC Corporate Overview

Founded in 1938, Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) is a leading global market research firm with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific region. ORC helps clients achieve success within their markets and with their customers, employees and other stakeholders by providing fact-based, action-oriented intelligence and advice. ORC is known as a leader in providing both custom and omnibus research and is the official partner of CNN for the CNN/Opinion Research Poll(R).

    Press Contact:
    Phil Nourie / Park Lane Communications
    212-922-1226 or pnourie@parklanepr.com

SOURCE Park Lane Communications

The Media and Your Money

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:58:47 GMT

Tuesday , December 09, 2008

By Bill O'Reilly

As we've pointed out, the left-wing media is spinning many policy issues negative until Barack Obama takes office next month. Then positive stories will begin to appear. Just wait and see.

By ramping up the negative, the media can provide Obama with a cushion on the economy, Afghanistan, Iraq and other difficult problems. After all, if Bush screwed things up so bad, nothing will be Obama's fault until at least 2015. That's the strategy.

By the way, President-elect Obama has nothing to do with any of this. He just continues to be the beneficiary of an ideological press that loves him.

However, by spinning the economy negative, the media is now hurting you.

Take a look at this headline in Monday's New York Times: "In String of Bad News, Omens of a Long Recession." That's what The Times puts out there nearly everyday.

But some understand what's going on. Times columnist David Carr's headline Monday is: "Stoking Fear Everywhere You Look." Carr, with whom we've had some disagreements, puts forth that the media's relentless negativity on the economy is frightening the folks. Thus the media itself is actually hurting the economy.

That's not to say the economy isn't a disaster. It is. That's on President Bush and both political parties, as "Points" has pointed out time and again. But there is some good news that is largely unreported.

According to the Maxim Group, which analyzed early Christmas sales, Americans actually spent more this year in a recession than they did last year in the days following Thanksgiving. That should have been page one news everywhere.

According to our BillOReilly.com poll, about 70 percent of you have been hurt by the recession. Thirty percent have not been. I think that reflects the nation as well.

So what should we do?

Well, those of us who have secure jobs should buy local, help the small business folks in your town. Also, we should tip generously this Christmas season and give as much to charity as we can.

For those who are getting hammered, keep the faith. Work hard, save as much as you can, and consider other options if you are in danger. If you have to drive a cab, drive one. If you have to take a pay cut, take it. Things will get better, so just try to break even right now.

Finally, tell the kids what's happening. Many American children are greedy and selfish, unaware of how hard it is to make decent money in a competitive society. This recession should be a great learning experience for all of us.

And that's "The Memo."

Tuesday , December 09, 2008 By Bill O'Reilly
You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the FOX News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com

RVDA encourages dealers to contact Congress to make RV loan money available

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:41:55 GMT

FAIRFAX, Va. — The RV Dealers Association is encouraging RV dealers across America to contact their senators and congressional representatives to encourage them to make more loan money available to finance the purchase of recreation vehicles.

Congressional representatives need to

Is the Media to Blame for Making Economic Crisis Worse?

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:34:17 GMT

Last update: 12:05 p.m. EST Dec. 16, 2008

NEW YORK, Dec 16, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ – - New Poll Conducted by Opinion Research Corporation Says Yes -

An overwhelming 77 percent of Americans believe that the US media is making the economic situation worse by projecting fear into people’s minds. The majority of those surveyed feel that the financial press, by focusing on and embellishing negative news, is damaging consumer confidence and damping investment, making a difficult situation much worse.

Richard L. Scheff, a national expert on corporate liability and white collar crime issues, warns media that they could potentially be exposed to liability despite apparent constitutional protections:

"Although statements by the media are protected by the First Amendment,

The Media and Your Money

RV Portals — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:17:08 GMT

Tuesday , December 09, 2008

By Bill O’Reilly

As we’ve pointed out, the left-wing media is spinning many policy issues negative until Barack Obama takes office next month. Then positive stories will begin to appear. Just wait and see.

By the way, President-elect Obama has nothing to do with any of this. He just continues to be the beneficiary of an ideological press that loves him.

However, by spinning the economy negative, the media is now hurting you.

Take a look at this headline

Camping World Re-Aligns Operations to Adjust to Market and Retail Traffic Patterns

RV Portals — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:22:34 GMT

Consolidations Announced in Four Markets, New locations for 2009 unveiled.

October 6, 2008 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Camping World, the nation’s largest and fastest growing RV and outdoor retailer, announced today that it will consolidate locations in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and New York to improve their cost and expense structure, which will better position the company for sustainable returns in today's marketplace. Concurrently, Camping World announces first quarter of 2009 scheduled openings in Vacaville, Ca and Flagstaff, AZ.

The retailer’s most strategic development is the Camping World RV Sales - Avondale, Arizona consolidating with the Mesa on Main Street location. Now operating as Camping World of Phoenix, this location was recently awarded the Fleetwood Enterprises, exclusive Motor Home RV Sales and Service dealer in virtually all of Arizona; giving customers a full service location for their camping needs.

Additional consolidations include: Colorado RV Outlet in Golden (RV Sales) and Camping World RV Rentals moved to nearby Camping World of Denver location. Snellville, Georgia-RV Sales and Rentals combined with Camping World of Atlanta both East (Oakwood) & West (Woodstock) locations with the retailer offering two additional Georgia stores in Macon and Savannah. The Hamburg, New York-RV Sales and Rentals will now be serviced by four Camping World locations in the New York market.

“Although our stores continue to outperform the marketplace being down around 9% in this soft economy, seasonality coupled with territory penetration and customer overlap by larger Camping World locations forced us to make these strategic decisions,” said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman & CEO of Camping World. “We owe it to our lenders, associates and stakeholders to operate at the highest level of profitability in all markets including new 2009 locations and to make Camping World stronger for the long term”.

In most markets, Camping World operates from a department store business model offering RV Sales, Service, RV & Outdoor Accessories and Rentals in one location. Customers will now experience this model by servicing at the larger anchor stores in surrounding markets.

About Camping World
Camping World is the world’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles and provides outdoor enthusiasts over 8,000 RV parts and accessories, service and collision centers along with other products and services to enhance the RV and outdoor lifestyle. Today the company serves RV enthusiasts with well over 100 RV Lifestyle retail locations.
In addition to retail, finance, service and most recently rental of recreational vehicles; Camping World also provides complementary products and services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle. This includes: the President's Club customer loyalty program, in-store Performance Centers like the Tow Center of America, campground reservations powered by Reserve America, Banking and Insurance, RV tours, Service and Collision centers, Detail and Refurbishment centers known as the RV SPA, and RV View Magazine.

Diana Ardelean/SVP of Communications
Camping World/Camping World 847-229-6425
dardelean@CampingWorld.com

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:52:09 GMT

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. -- Camping World announced a retail distribution agreement Wednesday with Little Guy Worldwide that launches lightweight teardrop camper trailers into the recreational vehicle mainstream.

Little Guy Worldwide, the world's leading distributor of lightweight teardrop camper trailers, headquartered in Canton, Ohio, has a worldwide dealer network that spans the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Teardrop camper trailers were

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:52:09 GMT

Teardrop camper trailers were

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:52:09 GMT

Teardrop camper trailers were

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:48:48 GMT

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. -- "A wide range of rumors have swirled around our company in recent months," said Richard Lavers, CEO of Coachmen Industries, Inc. "During that time, we have consistently responded that we would make an announcement if and when there was something to say, but in the meantime, we were focused on managing through the worst economic crisis our country has endured in our lifetimes.

"Today, we are pleased to announce that

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:48:48 GMT

"Today, we are pleased to announce that

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:48:48 GMT

"Today, we are pleased to announce that

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:29 GMT

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. -- Coachmen Industries Inc., the maker of Viking travel trailers and manufactured houses, rose the most in 28 years in New York trading after the company said it plans to sell most of its recreational-vehicle business to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. for undisclosed terms.

Coachmen gained

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:29 GMT

Coachmen gained

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:29 GMT

Coachmen gained

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:35 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 15, 2008 – Twenty one campgrounds and RV resorts have earned all around “A” grades in the nation’s first consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks.

The top rated parks were announced at the Nashville Convention Center on Saturday during an awards ceremony hosted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Nearly 13,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the 2008 online satisfaction survey, which evaluated guest experiences at independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

“Camping and RV enthusiasts didn’t hold back when it came to telling us which parks they liked and which ones needed improvements,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey.

MacKinnon added that GuestRated.com provides guest satisfaction surveys for more than 4,000 parks affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, or roughly half of the nation’s private parks.

“The results of these online surveys

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:35 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 15, 2008 – Twenty one campgrounds and RV resorts have earned all around “A” grades in the nation’s first consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks.

The top rated parks were announced at the Nashville Convention Center on Saturday during an awards ceremony hosted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

“The results of these online surveys

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:40:35 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 15, 2008 – Twenty one campgrounds and RV resorts have earned all around “A” grades in the nation’s first consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks.

The top rated parks were announced at the Nashville Convention Center on Saturday during an awards ceremony hosted by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

“The results of these online surveys

Fleetwood closes Indiana manufacturing plant

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:53 GMT

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind.-- Employees of the Crawfordsville Fleetwood Travel Trailers Of Indiana plant were informed in a meeting today their plant will be closing in January.

According to a release from the company, Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., based in Riverside, Calif., the production of travel trailer and fifth wheel models currently built in Crawfordsville will be relocated to plants in Edgerton, Ohio, and Pendleton, Ore.

The move affects 109 employees at the Crawfordsville location. How or if other Fleetwood plants in Indiana would be impacted wasn't specified.

The company's move is part of an

Fleetwood closes Indiana manufacturing plant

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:53 GMT

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind.-- Employees of the Crawfordsville Fleetwood Travel Trailers Of Indiana plant were informed in a meeting today their plant will be closing in January.

The move affects 109 employees at the Crawfordsville location. How or if other Fleetwood plants in Indiana would be impacted wasn't specified.

The company's move is part of an

Fleetwood closes Indiana manufacturing plant

RV Portals — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:35:53 GMT

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind.-- Employees of the Crawfordsville Fleetwood Travel Trailers Of Indiana plant were informed in a meeting today their plant will be closing in January.

The move affects 109 employees at the Crawfordsville location. How or if other Fleetwood plants in Indiana would be impacted wasn't specified.

The company's move is part of an

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

RV Portals — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:03:20 GMT

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

WASHINGTON – Despite current economic challenges, 60 percent of people who will travel during the holidays strongly feel the time and money spent is a small price to pay to be with people they love, it was revealed in a unique survey quantifying why people take trips during the holidays.

Respondents to the Harris Interactive survey of 2,256 adults conducted last week for the Travel Industry Association credited four reasons as significant and valuable for hitting the road to visit family or friends at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are:

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

RV Portals — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:03:20 GMT

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

RV Portals — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:03:20 GMT

Despite economic challenges people plan to travel over the holidays

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:25:07 GMT

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RESTON, Va. -- RVing was a hit on popular network morning shows this week, as news crews took time off from Presidential politics and Halloween features to highlight the RV lifestyle.

RVIA spokesperson and adventurer Brian Brawdy appeared Thursday morning (Oct. 30) on ABC’s Good Morning America to showcase his eco-friendly Lance truck camper and spread the word about affordable, family-friendly green RVing. As an avid RVer and dedicated environmentalist, Brawdy’s tips on what people can do to be more “green” are always popular. Brawdy made a point to note that 20 percent of RVs offer “green” features like solar panels as he talked about how RVing allows him to get off the beaten path and explore America.

On Oct. 29 edition of NBC’s Today Show, Al Roker spoke with a family of six - the Loud

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:25:07 GMT

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RESTON, Va. -- RVing was a hit on popular network morning shows this week, as news crews took time off from Presidential politics and Halloween features to highlight the RV lifestyle.

On Oct. 29 edition of NBC’s Today Show, Al Roker spoke with a family of six - the Loud

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:25:07 GMT

RVs were a hit on morning shows last week

RESTON, Va. -- RVing was a hit on popular network morning shows this week, as news crews took time off from Presidential politics and Halloween features to highlight the RV lifestyle.

On Oct. 29 edition of NBC’s Today Show, Al Roker spoke with a family of six - the Loud

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:22:32 GMT

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- ILOG today announced that Camping World is using ILOG Rules for .NET, a key offering in ILOG’s Business Rule Management System (BRMS) product line, to improve responsiveness to changing business conditions while reducing development costs.

Using ILOG Rules for .NET, Camping World has been able to reduce the time it takes to change policies from weeks to hours and substantially decrease the information technology (IT) resources required to create, modify and monitor business policies.

By using ILOG’s BRMS to categorize revenue from products that do not have a stock-keeping unit (SKU) number such as memberships, rentals and fees, Camping World has used ILOG’s BRMS to extend their business analytics to a broader range of products to better measure revenues and understand successful programs.

Camping World serves its customers with more than

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:22:32 GMT

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

Camping World serves its customers with more than

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:22:32 GMT

Camping World reduces IT costs and manages change to computer system

Camping World serves its customers with more than

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:19:31 GMT

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

CYBERSPACE -- Unlike pro teams sports whose athletes travel together in transportation provided by their employers, pro golfers make their own arrangements. And, other than hoping to post low scores, travel is the biggest concern for PGA Tour players. Some players still fly commercially, others fly privately or have partial ownership in corporate jets.

Several seasons ago, Jeff Gove joined a small corps of pro golfers who prefer the comforts of home while traveling. With his wife, Heather, and the couple’s two small children, the Goves travel tournament to tournament in the family’s motorhome.

“When I was on the Nationwide Tour full-time in the late 1990s, I was driving everywhere,” says Gove. “So one day I mentioned to my wife, ‘Hey, let’s go look at a couple of these.” Gove’s wife wasn’t keen on the idea, with her only reference, according to the nomadic golfer was, “Grandma’s Mini-Winnie.” (a small Winnebago).

Once the couple investigated

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:19:31 GMT

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

Once the couple investigated

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:19:31 GMT

More PGA players prefer RVs as homes on the road

Once the couple investigated

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:15:47 GMT

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

WASHINGTON -- Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association (TIA), today released the following statement on President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory:

"America's travel community congratulates President-elect Obama and pledges our support to the new Administration as it tackles two of the most daunting challenges facing America today: improving the U.S. economy and strengthening America's image in the international community. Travel is uniquely

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:15:47 GMT

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

WASHINGTON -- Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association (TIA), today released the following statement on President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory:

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

RV Portals — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:15:47 GMT

Travel industry stands ready to help Obama America's image abroad

WASHINGTON -- Roger Dow, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Association (TIA), today released the following statement on President-elect Barack Obama's historic victory:

What do the 2008 Election Results Mean to the Economy and the RV Industry?

RV Portals — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:24:05 GMT

http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/48f7b94a8845f8a3?p=4911aa02ea3b17f9&flv=yourState%3DUS

What do the 2008 Election Results Mean to the Economy and the RV Industry?

RV Portals — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:24:05 GMT

http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/48f7b94a8845f8a3?p=4911aa02ea3b17f9&flv=yourState%3DUS

What do the 2008 Election Results Mean to the Economy and the RV Industry?

RV Portals — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:24:05 GMT

http://www.clearspring.com/widgets/48f7b94a8845f8a3?p=4911aa02ea3b17f9&flv=yourState%3DUS

Full time RVers see entire country as their home

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:20:50 GMT

DOVER, Fla. -- Michael Dautel's life was a model of success. He was married, held a $200,000-a-year job with a fiber optics company and owned a four-bedroom home in a pricey Atlanta suburb. There was just one problem. He hated it. "I was living in an airplane and hotels," said Dautel, 58. "I decided I'd had enough of that rat race." So when his fourth marriage ended in divorce in 1999, Dautel put all his furniture into storage. He bought a

Full time RVers see entire country as their home

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:20:50 GMT

Full time RVers see entire country as their home

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:20:50 GMT

Leisure travel remains stable as business travel declines

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:16:49 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Travel Industry Association (TIA) today released its annual travel forecast indicating that an uncertain economic climate is leading American and global travelers to change their behaviors. Although leisure travel is stable, business travel is projected to decline and the United States is likely to be hit hard by a further decline in international arrivals.

"Consumers are responding as we might expect during an economic slowdown," said Dr. Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for the Travel Industry Association. "But travel should

Leisure travel remains stable as business travel declines

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:16:49 GMT

Leisure travel remains stable as business travel declines

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:16:49 GMT

Fleetwood announces exchange offer for 5% debentures

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:04:48 GMT

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it is commencing a registered exchange offer for its existing $100 million principal amount of 5% convertible senior subordinated debentures.

Holders have the right to require Fleetwood to repurchase the debentures at par on December 15, 2008. The exchange offer proposes terms for new senior secured notes due 2011 that are guaranteed by certain Fleetwood subsidiaries, together with the issuance of common stock. Separately, the company announced it has received notification from the New York Stock Exchange of non-compliance with the NYSE's minimum share price standard.

Fleetwood announces exchange offer for 5% debentures

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:04:48 GMT

Fleetwood announces exchange offer for 5% debentures

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:04:48 GMT

General Coach consolidates Canadian operations into one entity

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:02:00 GMT

HENSALL, Ontario -- General Coach, with locations in Hensall, Ontario and Oliver, British Columbia, have formed one company, General Coach Canada, with head offices located in Hensall, Ontario. This consolidation strengthens the company’s position in today’s marketplace and to best serve its long-standing dealer networks and loyal consumer base.

With more than 58 years of solid Canadian craftsmanship, General Coach is one of the longest-tenured RV manufacturers in Canada. “This move will

General Coach consolidates Canadian operations into one entity

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:02:00 GMT

With more than 58 years of solid Canadian craftsmanship, General Coach is one of the longest-tenured RV manufacturers in Canada. “This move will

General Coach consolidates Canadian operations into one entity

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:02:00 GMT

With more than 58 years of solid Canadian craftsmanship, General Coach is one of the longest-tenured RV manufacturers in Canada. “This move will

RVIA works to address industry credit issue

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:59:53 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- With the credit crunch adversely affecting the national economy and the RV industry, RVIA is working to help RV dealers and consumers find viable financing options.

Leading the way is a joint effort by RVIA and RVDA inviting banks and finance companies that are currently doing business in the automotive industry - but not the RV market - to the National RV Trade Show to learn more about the RV industry. Automotive and RV industry finance and insurance consultant Jan Kelly is helping plan the event.

The centerpiece of the effort is an

RVIA works to address industry credit issue

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:59:53 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- With the credit crunch adversely affecting the national economy and the RV industry, RVIA is working to help RV dealers and consumers find viable financing options.

The centerpiece of the effort is an

RVIA works to address industry credit issue

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:59:53 GMT

RESTON, Va. -- With the credit crunch adversely affecting the national economy and the RV industry, RVIA is working to help RV dealers and consumers find viable financing options.

The centerpiece of the effort is an

When it comes to credit scores, is 750 the new 650?

RV Portals — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:55:12 GMT

NEW YORK -- Just a year ago, a credit score of 650 seemed like a sure bet to land favorable financing rates to buy a car, purchase a house or receive a credit card.

However, today's environment of nearly frozen credit markets and shrinking economy has changed all of that, placing a premium on credit scores well above 700.

“What used to be called good credit is no longer considered good enough,” said Todd Huettner, owner of Denver-based financial firm Huettner Capital. “Prior to a few months ago, there was no difference between a score of 620 or 820 for most loans.”

The stricter lending standards have

RV Portals - RV Blog - RVInternetShopper.com

Shop for New and Used Rvs

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

Check Out These HOT RV Internet Specials

New 2009 Keystone Fuzion 363 Fifth Wheel Toyhauler Virtual Tour

Keystone Hornet Retreat - Full-Timer Travel Trailer RV Park Model

Camping World March 10 Day Sale

Camping World RV Sales of Tallahassee March Madness

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Comes to Tallahassee, Florida

ABC show chooses Kadzis' family home for makeover

1:18 p.m.

11:13

11:13

10:19

updated 10:15 a.m.

Earlier post

The Schedule of Events

Come Watch Us

Spectator FAQ's

Motorhome purchase incentive included in stimulus bill

Demand remains high for luxury RVs, dealers say

Florida county approves plans for RV park's 136-site expansion

Recession hasn't cooled the fun for RVers in Texas' Rio Grande Valley

Coachmen subsidiary donates RV in honor of 100 years of Scouting

Tough time for Camping World Truck Series

RVing was a player in Super Bowl XLIII

Lemonis: Thor loan to FreedomRoads will strengthen both companies

Inauguration brings prosperity to RV parks near nation's capital

Inauguration parade route will feature rented RVs as "warming shelters"

Tampa Show packs in potential buyers

RV loans included in bailout plan

Priority One Financial Services reports steady year in 2008

New Jersey dealers "ecstatic" about last weekend's show results

The Daytona 500

Camping World Sponsors NASCAR Truck Series for 2009

Workhorse rolls out new model at Tampa Show

Go RVing teams up with professional bowlers in 2009

RVIA begins its strategic planning process

RVIA encourages consumers to take "savecations" in 2009

Flooding forces evacuation of Camping World campground in Tennessee

RV Dealer ShowRoom

Freedom Express Racing Edition Class C Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

Roadtrek RS Adventurous Diesel Conversion Van Camper Virtual RV Tour

Roadtrek Class B Conversion Van Camper Virtual RV Tour

Keystone Outback Loft Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Virtual RV Tour

Freedom Spirit Travel Trailer Virtual RV Tour

Freedom Elite 5th-Wheel Virtual RV Tour

Fleetwood Icon Diesel Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

Dutchmen Aerolite Zoom Travel Trailer Virtual RV Tour

Itasca Cambria B Plus Class C Gas Motorhome Virtual RV Tour

RVDA encourages dealers to contact Congress to make RV loan money available

RVDA joins coalition to help small business owners generate capital

Georgia dealer avoids being scammed by using story authored by RV Industry News editor

Florida community passes RV parking law that officials say will impact only 35 vehicles

RVIA encourages manufacturers and suppliers to contact elected officials about improving lending situation

Bank Of America Is Doing Layoffs All Wrong

Is the Media to Blame for Making Economic Crisis Worse?

The Media and Your Money

By Bill O'Reilly

Tuesday , December 09, 2008 By Bill O'Reilly You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the FOX News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com

RVDA encourages dealers to contact Congress to make RV loan money available

Is the Media to Blame for Making Economic Crisis Worse?

The Media and Your Money

By Bill O’Reilly

Camping World Re-Aligns Operations to Adjust to Market and Retail Traffic Patterns

Consolidations Announced in Four Markets, New locations for 2009 unveiled.

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

Camping World to sell lightweight teardrop camper trailers

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

Coachmen to be sold to Forest River

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

Coachmen stock rises most in 28 years on announcement of sale

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

21 campgrounds receive A-rating in national satisfaction survey

Tuesday , December 09, 2008 By Bill O'Reilly
You can catch Bill O'Reilly's "Talking Points Memo" and "Pinheads & Patriots" weeknights at 8 and 11 p.m. ET on the FOX News Channel and any time on foxnews.com/oreilly. Send your comments to: oreilly@foxnews.com