The April 2020 issue of RV News magazine is now available. To start reading it before it shows up in your mailbox, click here.
Stories in this issue:
6 Spurring Growth Beyond Iowa
Winnebago Industries has added market share as it’s added companies, although not all of them have been in the RV industry. Following 2018’s acquisition of Chris-Craft, the Forest City, Iowa-based OEM added Newmar Corp. to its portfolio last fall.
14 2021 Type As Receive Technology, Supplier Upgrades
Manufacturers have made numerous changes to motorhome designs for the 2021 model year. Many of the additions and modifications were spurred by a revamped Ford gas chassis and new electronics.
24 “Reframing” the Type A Gas Motorhome Market
Ford’s F-53 chassis gets numerous upgrades and enhancements for 2020, not the least of which is a new gas engine.
26 New Type A Gas Chassis Moves Closer to Reality
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. is aiming for the Type A gas market with its new front-engine chassis—which is already available to OEMs with diesel power.
32 Mapping Out Future Growth
Palm Desert, California, set the stage for Winnebago’s 2020 Dealer Meeting in early March. The company detailed its product, partnership and expansion strategies for 2020 and beyond.
40 Supplier Profile: Cool Down Quietly, Heat Up Fast
Airxcel’s Coleman-Mach and Suburban lines have new HVAC solutions for OEMs. A new ducted quiet AC and easy furnace core replacement are just two recent product additions aimed at making RV living more enjoyable and maintenance easier.
48 Dealer Profile: The Destination Design Dealer
Lloyd Bridges Traveland in Chelsea, Michigan, is adding a second dealership location just a few short miles from the original flagship store. The company has devised a plan to sell hundreds more RVs each year without the usual expenses of a second location.
54 Supplier Profile: Tuff Enough Tops
OEMs are getting on the PVC roofing bandwagon. Dicor has developed a new roofing membrane and adhesive system that is changing the way manufacturers are topping off their units. Its 15-year warranty adds appeal to dealers and consumers.
62 Planning for Succession Success
Passing an RV dealership from one generation to the next requires complex planning and management. It’s not an easy process, but some methods are more successful than others.
