Lazydays has added Mike Moccaldi as sales manager. He will join nine other industry veterans in managing a team of more than 100 sales consultants at Lazydays’ flagship Tampa RV dealership.

Moccaldi began his RV career as a sales consultant at La Mesa RV. He was subsequently employed by Camping World, where he served as internet sales associate and desk sales manager before being appointed as general sales manager.

“Lazydays is renowned throughout the industry as the ‘RV Authority,’ and I am excited to finally be part of the team here after years of competing against them,” said Moccaldi.

Ron Fleming, Lazydays vice president and general manager, noted that the Tampa dealership is expanding its sales operations to support recent growth and new opportunities.

“Mike’s rapid career progression reflects his superior RV knowledge and sales talent, and we are proud to bring that expertise to Lazydays,” Fleming said. “We have built a sales organization of the highest caliber, and I am confident that our sales management team will help us achieve even greater levels of success in the years to come.”

To learn more, visit www.lazydays.com.

The Ready To Roll program at Ready RV in Middlebury, Ind., took on a new face last month when 20-year RV industry veteran Bill Meadows joined the staff as the new shop manager.

 “We are very pleased that Bill decided to join our team,” said Ready RV President Mike McGee. “His 20-plus years of experience will be a great asset to us and we believe we will continue to grow our company at a rapid rate with his help.”

Ready RV is a subsidiary of Team RV Express which has been in the RV transport business for 10 years. The mission of Ready RV is to perform Pre Delivery Inspections on RVs so they are retail ready when Team RV Express drivers deliver them to dealerships throughout North America. The RVs are ‘Ready To Roll’ – or ready for retail sale—when they arrive at the dealership.

“The staff here has been very welcoming,” said Meadows. The 48-year-old father and grandfather most recently worked at Continental Coach in Shipshewana. He was there for five years and worked as the assistant production coordinator. He added that he was in charge of quality control, so that responsibility fits nicely with managing a PDI shop.

“Most of what I’ve dealt with is from the ground up so this is a different challenge but I think my experience will make it a little easier,” he said. 

He said he supervised as many as 70 staff while at Continental Coach and has been impressed by the quality of staff at Ready RV.

“Very capable and very competent,” he said of his new crew. “We have a few young guys who are like sponges and the other guys share their knowledge and are willing to offer sound advice.”

Meadows quickly embraced the concept of conducting PDIs for transport customers and transporting the RVs ‘Ready To Roll.’ 

“It’s a fabulous plan with a good staff at Ready RV,” he said. “I can see why dealers like this strategy. It frees up their shops for labor rate jobs.  They’re not tying up their shops with PDIs.”

BOLT Locks, Milwaukee, is unveiling a new Fifth Wheel King Pin Locking System, once again expanding its line of heavy-duty, weather resistant “Breakthrough One Key Lock Technology” offerings. 

The BOLT Fifth Wheel King Pin Locking System works in conjunction with BOLT’s 5/8-inch Receiver Lock, which is sold separately, to prevent fifth wheel trailer theft.

BOLT’s King Pin Locking System features a U-shaped black powder coated hardened steel collar that wraps around the Fifth Wheel King Pin and attaches to a BOLT 5/8-inch Receiver Lock to securely hold  the fifth wheel in place in the bed of the pickup. Together, the system acts as a visible theft deterrent, allowing the trailer to be secured with the owner’s truck key. 

The new BOLT King Pin Locking System is ideal for protecting camping trailers, construction trailers and horse trailers.

BOLT’s 5/8-inch Receiver Lock is a stainless steel pin featuring a double ball bearing locking mechanism with a weather-resistant lock shutter to keep out dirt and moisture. Once the vehicle ignition key is inserted into the lock cylinder, spring-loaded plate tumblers move up and down until they are matched exactly to that key. The first time the key is rotated, the cylinder is coded to that key.

Using just your ignition key – no matter how many BOLT locks are in play – helps reduce key ring clutter, thus reducing confusion on the road, and streamlining your towing experience.

“The Fifth Wheel King Pin Locking System was developed to expand the uses for our very popular  5/8-inch Receiver Lock,” said Erika Garcia, BOLT’s national sales manager. “Adding our new King Pin Locking System to our 5/8-inch Receiver Lock enables users to secure anything that is being towed with a Fifth Wheel type receiver, ramping up security for either work-related or recreational towing applications.”
      


For more information, visit www.boltlock.com or call 844-972-7547.

Keller Marine & RV and Top Line Dealer Management Solutions have teamed up to create a new ordering and logistics platform.

Keller has been in the RV business handling web site development since 1999. Top Line has been building dealer management software since 1992 and in 2007 entered the RV dealer software development business.  

Top Line is a completely integrated dealer management system that allows dealers to manage inventory, service labor and parts. Keller is a full-line RV and marine parts and accessories distributor.

“We at Keller Marine & RV are excited to team with a dealer management software company that is built on a robust platform, and yet is open enough to integrate with industry suppliers.  Unlike some other DMS vendors we have spoken with, Top Line is really out to make their dealer customers stronger. With them, it is about what is best for the dealer, not about what makes Top Line the most money,” said Michael Keller, the company’s sales manager. “Dealers using Top Line Software have been able to measure productivity and leverage those measurements to change their business processes and increase profits.”

Steve Fretz, owner of Fretz RV located in Souderton, Pa., is a Keller Presidents Club dealer and Top Line user. “The combination of Keller Marine & RV and Top Line Software is hard to beat.  It allows my parts people to instantly determine parts availability, compare prices with other vendors, and with one click place the item on order. Combine this software with Keller Marine & RV’s ability to ship my orders complete and correctly without damage and you have an incredible parts logistics system.  I could not be happier with both of these companies.”

For more information, contact Michael Keller michaelt@kellerrv.com or steve@toplinesys.com   at Top Line Dealer Management Solutions.

JR Products has hired to additional sales staff members to boost the company’s customer service.

Raymond Ethridge and Sharon Thrift have been added to the company’s lineup.

“Although they both come from entirely different career backgrounds, they fit our company mold of being customer focused and team oriented,” said Brian Roba. “They will have an immediate positive impact on our company, our customers and our industry. We are very excited to have them in our JR Products family.”

Thrift has nearly 28 years of RV industry experience and most recently worked for Lightning RV Supply as a territory manager.

“I have had the opportunity to work on both the dealership side and the distribution side of the RV industry,” she said. “I am continually striving to achieve the best for my customer and company. My true passion is customer service, helping customers manage inventory to grow their business.”

Ethridge is a native of San Diego and had a successful eight-year career in the NFL as a receiver with the San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. He also spent one season in the Canadian Football League with the B.C. Lions.

“After retiring from pro football, I owned a successful mortgage business, and then decided to return to my first love, sports. I helped connect players and organizations in mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said. “I wanted athletes to see that there is a chance for accomplishment and success once the playing days are over. My connections and network can really make a difference.”

Lippert Components will be extending its spring axle warranty to six years and its torsion axle warranty to 11 years effective Jan. 1.

“We’re proud to offer the industry leading warranties on spring and torsion axles,” said Scott Mereness, president of LCI. “At LCI, we’re always looking for ways to be the best supplier in the industry. We stand by our axle and running gear product, and through this new warranty, we’re illustrating our commitment to providing the highest quality products and our continued dedication to new product innovations. We want all retail customers to feel safe and confident knowing they are riding on LCI’s axles.”

LCI began manufacturing axles in 2004, and today ships more than 16,000 axles per week.

LCI boasts several industry leading manufacturing processes and features, such as waterproof connections on all wiring, standard zinc plated hardware, an integrated one-piece spindle, ultrasonic weld testing, powder coated finish and complete traceability and serialization on all axle components.

“At LCI, we want to be great partners with our customers,” said Bob Boone, LCI’s director of sales for running gear. “Our new warranty program shows that we stand by our product, and more importantly, stand by our partners. In the end, we view all of our LCI customers as partners.”

LCI representatives will be on hand to answer questions at this year’s NATDA show in Nashville, Tenn., starting Friday, Sept. 9. This announcement follows the news that Redneck Trailer Supply will now carry LCI axles and running gear product. Both companies will be displaying at the NATDA show in booth 1000.

For more information, visit www.lippertcomponents.com.

Riverside Travel Trailers, Peru, Ind., will be giving away a Ford F-150 Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Edition pickup as part of its Elkhart Open House Promotion.

The 2003 truck was purchased at the famous Mecum Auto Auction this past June in Indianapolis.

“It only has 1,500 miles on it, and the plastic is still on the seats and carpet” said Jerry Sell, general manager. “We purchased it because it exactly matched our new silver and black RPM toy hauler line.”

The truck is equipped with custom Harley Davidson emblems and wheels and a custom fiberglass bed cover. It is valued at $33,000.

“Dealers will receive one chance for every unit they purchase during the open house,” Sell said. “We are limiting the chances to the first 250 units sold, and dealers do not need to be present to win.”

SylvanSport is expanding its 17,000-square-foot facility by adding a new 50,000-square-foot building in Brevard, N.C.

SylvanSport’s growth can be largely attributed to the success of its growing RV dealer network, both domestically and internationally. The expansion is being undertaken in order to meet increasing demand and continue to create new, innovative products.

The expansion project has been a year in the making, working with the Transylvania Economic Alliance, Transylvania County, city of Brevard and various organizations and boards to obtain a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation and secure the use of a vacant land parcel, owned by the city of Brevard.

With company history and community connections in Transylvania County and the city of Brevard, the goal for SylvanSport was to keep light manufacturing, jobs and taxes here at home.

“An enormous amount of work has gone into this project from different organizations,” says Mark Tooley, chairman of the Transylvania Economic Alliance. “We are especially thankful to the leadership at SylvanSport for their passion and desire to grow, in Transylvania County.”

At SylvanSport’s current location, production levels are able to satisfy current demand, but as their reach expands, especially into international markets, the need for more space is inevitable. The Golden Leaf Foundation grant and support of the various local agencies is helping to keep SylvanSport growing in Transylvania County.

“Our entire team at SylvanSport is grateful for the community leadership in Transylvania County. Strong global demand for SylvanSport products has driven our rapid growth. This project will help to ensure our bright future in the North Carolina economy”” says Tom Dempsey, founder and president of SylvanSport.

For more information, visit www.SyvlanSport.com. 

Two RV manufacturers have issued recalls this week.

Winnebago Industries is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Itasca Cambria, 2015-2017 Winnebago ERA, Travato, Fuse, Aspect, and Vista RVs, and 2015-2016 Itasca Sunstar RVs manufactured May 6, 2014, to April 22, 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The affected vehicles have a power cord connection to the automatic transfer switch that may not be properly tightened.

A loose power connection may cause a buildup of heat at the connection, increasing the risk of a fire.

Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the power cord connection, replacing the ATS box and switch, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-800-537-1885.

In addition, Outdoors RV Manufacturing is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Glacier Peak fifth wheel travel trailers, according to NHTSA.

The affected trailers have a pin box that may flex resulting in metal fatigue and possibly the separation of the fifth wheel trailer from the tow vehicle.

If the fifth wheel separates from the tow vehicle there would be an increased risk of a crash.

ORV has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the pin box, reinforcing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on Aug. 26, 2016. Owners may contact ORV customer service at 1-541-962-1866 extension 222. ORV’s number for this recall is 2016-001.

ARC Representation, of Omaha, Neb., has added two industry veterans to its staff.

“ARC’s growth continues with the addition of two these well-known professionals to our staff.  We are proud to have two such well respected members of the RV community as part of our team,” said Raymond Padgett, managing partner of ARC Representation. “This brings us considerably closer to our goal of nationwide coverage. We are already looking for applications for the Northeast and Northwest (our only remaining territories).”

Joe Riexinger started his career in the RV industry in the early ’70s. Over more than 40 years in the industry working for dealers, distributors and manufacturers he has gained a great deal of experience helping dealers sell product. 

“For the past 10 years I used my extensive experience working as a sales and technical trainer for Cequent Performance Products and most recently for the RVIA. educating sales and service personnel,” Riexinger said. “I’m looking forward to putting that experience to use with ARC’s training initiative, helping dealers see how to best sell and merchandise product.”

Riexinger will be covering the Southeast for ARC.

The second addition is Doug Benson, managing the states of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. With 35 years in the industry (over 20 of which was with Coast Distribution), he has assisted dealers of all sizes and successfully helped increase sales for their parts and service departments. 

“Over the years, I have found that product knowledge and training is one of the main keys to the success of a dealership. I like ARC’s common sense approach to imparting that knowledge.  Making sure the dealer’s personnel is comfortable discussing products not only helps them sell more, but it ensures a satisfied, repeat customer.”

Riexinger’s first day is Sept. 12. Benson will start Oct 1.

ARIES Automotive has released a new sales and product education program called ARIES B2B University. This free online program is available to all ARIES dealers and their employees. It offers helpful tips on marketing ARIES products and helping customers understand what advantages the ARIES line offers them.

ARIES B2B University helps the company communicate to its dealers the ins and outs of the ARIES line, going beyond basic product descriptions and classic marketing materials.

ARIES B2B University is made up of eight courses with over 35 lessons, covering our various products and dealer resources. Each lesson is comprised of a video and a short test. After passing certain increments of tests in any course, participants will be rewarded with a Product Specialist Certification, as well as various prizes. More importantly, dealers and their employees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to advance the success of their business.

ARIES B2B University is free to all ARIES dealers and can be accessed online, using dealer login credentials. It is also open to the dealer employees, allowing multiple users to have their own individual profile under the same account.

Dealers can go to http://b2b.ariesautomotive.com/ to log in and get started.

Stoett Industries of Hicksville, Ohio, recently submitted its Nautilus retractable shower door to stringent flammability testing. 

Nautilus is designed for motorhome showers where space is at a premium and reducing weight on the coach is important.

The testing was conducted by NTA Inc. of Nappanee, Ind. Two standards – one for the U.S. and one for Canada – were used.  In the U.S., Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302, measures the flammability of interior materials.  For Canada, Standards and Regulations division, Technical Document 302 does likewise.

Passing the tests requires that the specimen does not demonstrate a burn rate greater than 4 inches per minute or, that if it burns for less than 60 seconds that the flame does not travel more than 2 inches.  

Both the Nautilus core material and a Nautilus assembly were tested.  Each passed easily, demonstrating a burn rate of 0 inches per minute and flame travel of 0.00 inches. One test comment summarized the result: “Specimen ignited but self-extinguished prior to entering time zone.”

“Stoett and ABC Marketing are excited to share these test results with our customers,” said Justin Foster of ABC Marketing (which represents Stoett Industries to the RV industry). “It

 gives them a certain peace of mind in knowing that our products are manufactured to the highest of quality with safety in mind.”

For more information, visit www.stoett.com.

Winegard Promotes Grant Whipple to President

Winegard Co., a Burlington, Iowa-based supplier of antenna and satellite systems in the U.S.A. since 1954, has promoted Grant Whipple to president of Winegard Co.

Whipple was named president after a 12-year tenure of increasing responsibility at the company, including most recently as general manager of Enterprise Antenna Solutions and as director of sales and business development for Winegard’s global sales team.

Before being named president, Whipple’s management contributed significantly to Winegard’s growth and sales across the entire company, including the design, launch and distribution of more than 20 new antenna solutions. Whipple was also integral to helping achieve significant market share in the RV satellite marketplace.

In addition to serving as general manager and directing the sales and business development initiatives, Whipple’s positions with the company since 2004 have included, consumer electronics product and sales manager; national sales manager, and regional sales manager for mobile products.    

Between 2010 and 2015, he was the principal strategist behind the addition of Winegard’s consumer electronic distribution channel and created partnerships with the largest national and multinational retailers in the consumer electronics industry. In addition, he spearheaded the company’s launch into e-commerce and was instrumental in the development of Winegard’s suite of digital TV antennas, wireless, satellite DBS, and VSAT antennas.

Whipple is known throughout the company for his ability to foster a dynamic and achievement-oriented culture. He helped transform the company’s business model using lean management principles and is widely known for building strong relationships with suppliers, resellers and internal teams. All research and development initiatives along with new product design and development efforts will also be led by Whipple.

Other recent transitions include:

Tom Faludy, senior advisor at Winegard Company since 2014, will act as interim general manager over the consumer products business unit while continuing in his overall advisory capacity.

Since completing a highly successful 30-year career in 2010 with the Scott Fetzer Co., as executive vice president, Faludy has held concurrent independent directorships at publically held Coast Distribution System Inc. and privately held Jayco Corp. Currently, he serves on the boards of: the Ryan Family Group in Melbourne, Australia (which includes Jayco Australia), and Tecnoform S.p.A., in Bologna, Italy. In addition, he is the International Group Leader and Advisor at LCI, Elkhart, Ind., and Advisor at Cal Spas in Pomona, Calif. Faludy has served RV Industry Association as a member of the Board, and as co-founder and chairman of the GO RVing Coalition. Faludy was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame in 2006

Jason Helling – has been named product manager, Mobile Satellite, for the Consumer Business Unit.

Helling will oversee all satellite product operations for the development, production, introduction, and success of the RV, trucking, and consumer markets.

A seasoned veteran in the manufacturing and electronics industries, Helling received a wide array of experience making him particularly well-equipped to make significant and immediate contributions upon joining Winegard in 2005, as a product engineering manager.

During his tenure Helling has played a significant role in bringing Winegard’s popular TRAV’LER, RoadTrip, Carryout, Wingman, Rayzar, FlatWave, and DISH Playmaker RV antennas to market.

Keith Larson, director of sales & marketing RV market, has had his role changed to be solely focused on the RV market. Larson’s new responsibilities now focus on all sales and marketing objectives for both the RV OEM and RV aftermarket channels. Larson has helped Winegard record double-digit growth in the RV channel, played a critical role in the launching of new RV products, and implemented Winegard’s dealer training program which has trained more than 7,000 dealer technicians and installers at more than 1,500 dealerships.

For the second year in a row, industry-leading suppliers have joined forces to present the Supplier Showcase at 3104 County Road 6 in Elkhart, Ind., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 20-21.

“After a successful first endeavor in 2015, we are excited to expand the Supplier Showcase as we more than double the exhibiting attendees to 18 brands,” said John Hawkins, aftermarket sales manager of BAL/Norco RV Products. “We hope to build on last year’s success and complement our OEM partners by displaying new products and programs to RV dealers attending the Open House Week.”

The Supplier Showcase has expanded suppliers to now cover categories from towing to appliances and from sanitation to electronics such as Winegard’s new ConnecT.

“We invite dealers to stop by and see our new Winegard ConnecT Wifi extender product and enter to win one of three free ConnecT’s at the Showcase.” said Keith Larson, director of sales and marketing. “We will also have great opportunities on the Rayzar Z1 and Playmaker, displays both designed to help increase sales through their dealership.”

Participating for the second year in a row, Demco Towing Products will set up its demo trailer containing all of its product lines and retail display offerings.

“Demco is thrilled to be part of the 2nd Supplier Showcase. We felt like last year was a great start and gave us another chance to show our products to our current and prospective customers.” said Doug Northcutt, national sales manager. “We will be introducing a new fifth wheel hitch this year at the Showcase along with the complete line of tow bars, Kar Kaddys and fifth wheel hitch products.”

Erik Guldager, national sales manager of ADCO Products states that it will be displaying its award-winning covers and vinyl products as well as signing up dealers for their highly successful Premier Dealer program. Guldager added “In addition, we will have information and handouts available for current ADCO Premier Dealers and the next phase of the program.”

First-time attendee Cequent Towing plans on presenting its new Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution Systems during the Showcase.

“We are very excited to have the new Reese Steadi-Flex line in the marketplace.” said John Walsh, vice president of sales and marketing. “Sway is nothing to joke about. When your family’s safety is on the line, Reese is the name you trust. It’s that simple.”

Suppliers at the event include:

• ADCO Products – Produces RV Covers & soft-goods for all types of motorhomes, campers, trailers, and pop-ups.
• BAL RV Products (Norco Ind.) – Makers of Accu-Slide rooms, NXG trailer frames, leveling jacks & stabilizing products (chocks, tripods, Lock-Arms, etc.).
• Bulldog – Produces gooseneck hitches & couplers, trailer couplers, & jacks for the RV, utility, & specialty markets.
• Coleman Mach - Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps available in Ultra-Low, Low & Medium Profiles that provide Indoor Comfort in the Great Outdoors.
• Demco Towing Products – Manufacturer of Victory Series Tow bars, Kar Kaddy tow dollies, & Hijacker 5th wheel hitches.
• Equal-i-zer Hitch (Progress Mfg.) – A 4-Point Sway Control™ hitch for trailer towing.
• Fastway Trailer Products (Progress Mfg.) – Maker of jacks, hitches, ball mounts & breakaway cables.  
• Fleming Sales / Outdoors Unlimited – Supplier of Sidekick camping & tailgating grills with accessories. Introducing several new products, including a hitch assembly for the Sidekick grill, new camping items, & bumper grill arm assembly.
• Maxx-Air - Ventilation Solution products that includes rain-free vent and fan covers & multi-speed ventilation fans...providing Fresh Air - Rain or Shine.
• Thetford and Norcold  – World leaders in RV sanitation & refrigeration solutions.
• Reese – Founded in 1952, Reese is a pioneer in heavy duty towing & trailer control products.
• Suburban - LP furnaces, tank and On-Demand water heaters & cooking appliances that make your recreational vehicle feel Just Like Home.
• Tekonsha – Producing intelligent, electric trailer brake controls & breakaway systems since 1964.
• Torklift International – Maker of hitches, camper tiedowns, locks & stabilizers for all RVs & towing vehicles.
• Winegard Company – The leader in television-reception products for RV, marine, truck, tailgate & home.

The suppliers invite attendees of the Elkhart Open House to stop by and take advantage of a Grand Prize drawing for a $1,000 cruise gift card as well as giveaways (while supplies last) and lunch with refreshments on Tuesday and Wednesday.

For more information, download the PDF at www.norcoind.com/bal/suppliershowcase.pdf

RV dealerships and truck dealerships face a set of challenges when staying compliant with OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations and an upcoming webinar will touch on a variety of issues relevant to dealership personnel.

At noon ET on Thursday, Sept. 15, the Mike Molino RV Learning Center will present a free KPA webinar that will analyze regulations that affect various types of dealerships and provide tactical advice on ways to mitigate the risk of non-compliance.

Join KPA's Glorianna Corman, senior risk management consultant, as she shares her expertise in the areas of OSHA log compliance, forklift regulations, waste disposal, fall protection, and AC and DOT compliance. The webinar will equip dealership staff to understand the unique risks they face and explain effective ways to stay on the right side of the law.

For more information, contact Allyson Lewis at alewis@kpaonline.com or 866-356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org or 703-591-7130.

To register, click here.

Tiffin Motorhomes is debuting the new 2017 31 BR Allegro Breeze during this week’s Hershey RV Show in Hershey, Pa.

Tiffin said it first developed the Breeze to meet the needs of the consumer who was looking for a smaller diesel pusher to travel and camp in destinations that would be prohibitive for larger motorhomes.

The new Allegro Breeze is Tiffin’s smallest diesel pusher. But the size does not limit its functionality. The 31 BR has three slide-outs in the motorhome, giving the Breeze a roomier feel. Undoubtedly the most important slide-out is the bedroom slide, which allows the bed to be situated at a more comfortable height.

By situating the bed in the slide-out on the driver’s side, space for a large closet to the rear of the coach is now allowed giving this small unit cavernous storage space compared to other smaller motorhomes.

The galley in the kitchen is the biggest galley Tiffin has through the Breeze product line and hosts an upgraded pantry – again, allowing more storage. The 31 BR also boasts a full size dinette with computer work station, something Breezes in the past could not accommodate. 

Winnebago will be offering test drives on select diesel motorhomes at this year’s “America’s Largest RV Show” in Hershey, Pa.

There is no cost for test drives, but those interested are encouraged to sign up at Winnebago’s display in space B2.

Highlighting this year’s diesel lineup is the Grand Tour 45RL. At 45 feet, it is the largest motorhome Winnebago has ever built and offers many of the finest amenities found in today’s residential homes. Available interior features include heated floors, quartz countertops and an 11-speaker premium cab sound system.

Another new diesel floorplan on display at Hershey is the Forza 38W. With triple-slides, two baths and fixed bunk beds, this floorplan offers five unique sleeping spaces for family and friends. Other amenities include a standard electric fireplace, entertainment wall and dinette with picture window.

In total, 49 motorized and 24 towable products will be on display highlighting products across the entire lineup of Winnebago motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels.

As part of the towable lineup, the Minnie 2500FL and 2500RL travel trailers will be featured. The 2500FL offers front living space with the convenience of dual entry doors and the 2500RL offers rear living space that houses a dinette, sofa and galley kitchen.

In the Class A gas category, the Vista LX 35F will offer a new washer and dryer and residential refrigerator option. Other popular Winnebago products at this year’s show include the Fuse, View, Navion, Adventurer, Travato and Era.

RV Care recently presented its first live webcast for RV owners.

The RV Care Network is Canada’s largest network of top independent dealers with 61 locations from Vancouver Island, B.C. to St John’s, Newfoundland.

For the first event, close to 280 people signed on to learn about “Getting Your RV Ready for Winter Storage” with webcast host Derek Paterson and industry expert Art Dack, both from the RV Care Network.

The 80-minute presentation addressed exterior and interior preparations as well as the added value of protecting RVs from Canada’s harsh winter climate with ADCO RV covers.

Throughout the webcast the chat box was busy with participants asking questions and sharing their own experience. Some great prizes were given away and more than 150 people registered for a coupon to save $100 on the purchase of an ADCO RV Cover, sponsored by RV Care.

“It’s great how technology allows us to reach out and interact directly with RV owners, live, wherever they are. Some people even mentioned in the chat box they were at the campground for the weekend, enjoying the RV lifestyle,” Paterson said after the webcast. “Our goals were to provide them with helpful information to protect their investment while boosting sales in the RV Care stores leading into the fall and winterizing season.” 

“This was our first attempt at hosting a live webcast,” stated Earl Manning, VP & general manager of RV Care Network. “Dealerships are already reporting a jump in visits and calls since the webcast from people looking for ADCO covers and other supplies. We’re very pleased with these early results and are already talking about what’s next. We have great partner suppliers that we can work with to bring more helpful information to RV owners, while reinforcing the value of buying from one of the RV Care dealerships across Canada.” 

A replay of the RV Care Live Webcast, along with information about the national network’s Fall Retail Event, is available through the RV Care website at www.rvcare.ca

Sys2K, which recently partnered with Arrow Distributing on an Integrated Partnership combining Dealership Management Software and Parts Distribution, will attend Arrow’s annual Exhibitor’s Showcase on Jan. 24 in Biloxi, Miss.

“Streamlining the parts ordering and receiving process is a key component to helping RV dealers run a more profitable parts department,” said Andy Mullin of Arrow Distributing. “We are continually working on similar partnerships to be able to provide dealers these valuable tools to help them experience true efficiencies while accomplishing their overall business goals. To help us and our RV dealers, Sys2K will be in attendance at our annual Exhibitor’s Showcase on Jan. 24 and 25. Having Sys2K in attendance will be a much anticipated addition to our show. In addition to educating dealers of the full potential of our new partnership, they will also be able to inform new dealers of the benefits of their system.”

This integration will allow parts departments to look up availability as well as order parts directly from their Infinity software. This saves the users time, as they do not have to leave the DMS to place orders and re-key information onto the distributor's website.

Along with a streamlined user experience, this integration will also allow for an improved response time, better performance, and the benefits of a single work station for all of the dealership's needs. 

To learn more about the Arrow Distributing Exhibitor’s Showcase, visit www.arrowdist.com or call your local Arrow Distributing location.

Troy Nusbaum – formerly of Keystone and Crossroads divisions of Thor Industries­ – has been named director of OEM sales for Elkhart, Ind.-based Dicor Corp.

His responsibilities will include enacting customer strategies across Dicor affiliates: Dicor Products, United Shade, Vixen Composites and Seal Design.

“Nusbaum brings more than 14 years of sales management and marketing experience to the newly-created position, as well as valuable lessons learned while working for some of the largest manufacturers in the RV industry,” said Anthony Wollschlager, Dicor chief operating officer. “His knowledge of product development and management processes will help broaden and strengthen Dicor’s relationship with OEMs.”

“We are pleased to have Troy join our staff,” says Gregg Fore, Dicor president. “His years of experience and knowledge of the RV industry from the OEM perspective will surely mean great things for Dicor and our customers moving forward.”

Nusbaum is an Elkhart native, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hillsdale College in 2002 before starting his career in the RV sales arena. He currently resides in Goshen with his wife and two young sons.