Cyclone 3850 by Heartland RV

The Cyclone is one of the top selling 5th wheels in the growing Toy Hauler market. One of the reasons is because of their constant pursuit of bringing new and innovative features to their entire product mix. From the extremely large storage compartments, the much popular and very convenient docking center, to the patented 88-degree turning radius front cap. Heartland RV is constantly keeping its customers in mind when they are designing or improving a floorplan. This is no exception with the introduction of the Cyclone 3850. One of the first items that caught my attention was the use of extra large theatre-style seating that can be found facing the large LCD TV. This is a very unique feature that you will not find on anything else. Next, you take a look outside the sliding glass doors and you can notice an optional table with couch and bar stools. This feature allows you to spread out your activities throughout the unit so that the interior will not feel cramped. Entertainment will not be a shortcoming when you're taking this unit out for a weekend. Let us know what you think of this new floorplan by using the comment section below.

In Stock Clearance: Big Country 3075RL by Heartland RV

Don't miss out on this deal. We have a leftover Big Country 3075RL that is part of our inventory reduction sale. This model is selling for under $30,000 and is equipped with the following features:

• Sunset Decor


• Big Country Package - real edged countertops, ball bearing drawer guides, electric front jacks, shocks, raised refer fronts, roof ladder, surround sound, shower skydome, spare tire & carrier, awning, 12 gal dsi water heater, free standing dinette w/4 chairs, day/night shades, hide-a-bed sofa, courtesy kitchen light, ceiling fan w/lights, washer/dryer prep, fantastic fan w/rain sensor in living room.


• Value Package - fold-away entry handle, doorway assist handle, crank down rear stabilizer jacks, porcelain toilet, e-z lube hubs, range cover, 27" Color TV, high-output range with auto ignition, 22" oven, TV antenna with booster, 2 rocker recliners (where available)
  

Product Feature: 2009 Big Country 3550TSL Loft

It has been a little bit too long since my last post. We just received some information about a new unit that Heartland is beginning production on. Their Big Country line is introducing a loft-style unit to their product mix, and it is called the Big Country 3550TSL. This unit features a rear lounge area for kids or guests with a staircase leading guests up to an overhead loft area. The loft really opens up the entire rear lounge area and allows for even more sleeping capacity. The rear lounge is truly a lounge. The hide-a-bed sofa allows for sleeping if necessary, but is truly meant to give kids or guests their own living space. The base price MSRP for this unit will cost you a little over $40,000.00, but not if you make your purchase with RV Capital Wholesalers. You can visit the Big Country section of the Heartland website to view more pictuers of the interior of this great unit.

Pilgrim International Closes all Plants and More Worker Layoffs

Pilgrim International is the newest casualty to the slowing RV marketplace. It was announced over the weekend that Pilgrim has shut down all of its buildings in Elkhart County, 8 to be exact, and will cease all operations until further notice. The move came abruptly, although there were rumors circulating for quite awhile about their future. Company executives have said that they have NOT filed for bankruptcy or went out of business, but they have no timeline or certainty about if or when they will begin production again. With the shut down of Pilgrim, this brings the number of laid off employees to 3,400 in Elkhart County due to the RV industry. If you have bought a Pilgrim unit recently, you should speak with your local dealer about purchasing an extended warranty to make sure that your unit is covered. RV Capital Wholesalers were authorized dealers for the Cirrus and Legends line of 5th wheels and travel trailers.

More Bad News: 290 Employees Lost to Keystone RV Layoffs

It has been widely reported through many news outlets about Monaco Coach shutting down 3 plants and laying off 1,400 employees. Yesterday, it was announced by Keystone RV's CEO and president Ron Fenech, that 290 employees throughout Keystone RV would be losing their jobs. Keystone RV is the manufacturer of the widely popular Everest, Montana, Raptor, Fuzion, and Cougar lines. Much like the Monaco situation, employees were surprised by this because the move was effective immediately and without compensation. The main reasoning behind all of this is that dealers are trimming inventory to compensate for the lack of lot traffic. Fenech went on to say that the move was unprecedented because they normally do not have to adjust employment numbers, rather just weekly production rates. However, it was necessary in this market and the orders are just not coming in.

"I would say we have two things going on," Fenech said. "Retail sales are off some and on top of that dealers are reducing their inventory. Those two issues combined are creating a situation where you see a slowdown in our industry."

One key thing that Ron Fenech mentioned was a very prevalent underlying problem facing the RV industry that many people do not realize. Just as important as the gasoline prices, are the banks unwillingness or uneasiness to fund RV loans. We have seen many people be turned down, that in the past would have definitely been approved. They may not have had the best interest rates available, but they would have left our lot with an RV. The credit crisis has not just hurt people trying to get home loans, it has hit across many industries.

One of the chairmen from the RVIA was on the local news, and he was trying to show some confidence in the industry. He said that we have seen times like this, and we have rebounded from times like this. Election years are always slower years, couple that with the pullback in the economy and you will have times like these.

I will let Ron Fenech's statement conclude this post. "Once we get past the election year, if and when the economy picks up, you will see a very quick rebound of the RV business," he said. "I say that because our industry has become kind of an integral part of millions of RV users' lives. And Americans like their free time and like to vacation and RV-ing is a very affordable and pleasurable way for them to vacation."

RV Capital Wholesalers Blog Clearance Special: 2008 Sierra 355RLT by Forest River

Just like with all the posts prior to this, I also had mentioned we would be putting product specials or incentives on the RV Capital Wholesalers Blog. Our first RV blog special is for a 2008 Sierra 355RLT by Forest River. This unit is clearance priced and has all of the most popular options included. Just because this unit is clearance priced, you do not get short-changed with any of our services. You still will receive your included dealer prep service, 12V deep cycle battery, and RV starter kit at no additional charge. Your brand new 2008 Sierra will come packed with the following options for the low, out-the-door price of $33,210.00, not including a $500.00 delivery allowance:

Decor - Sandstone
Sierra Signature Package (FW)
"one-touch" Dometic Electric Awning
Fantastic Fan in Bathroom
Water Filter System
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Hide-a-Bed w/Air Mattress
King Bed IPO Queen Bed
La-Z-Boy Recliner IPO Standard
2nd La-Z-Boy Recliner IPO Standard
Free Standing Dinette w/4 chairs
15k Air Conditioner IPO 13.5k
Wire and Brace only for 2nd AC
Fantastic Fan w/Switch
10 gal G/E Water Heater w/DSI
Washer Dryer Prep w/ 50 AMP Service
Heated Holding Tanks
Spare Tire Kit (16")
Slide Room Awnings (Main, Bed, Third)
Aluminum Wheels
Equaflex Suspension Equalizer System

RVIA to Spend Big on Ad space for Beijing Olympics

The RV industry is down, there is no denying it. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is trying to do something about it. In one of their biggest moves to help the struggling industry, they are purchasing 116 ad impressions worth of commercial spots in this year's Olympics in Beijing, China. Now we all know where our RVIA fee goes when you purchase your new units from RV Capital Wholesalers. I have to applaud the actions that the members of the board are taking for the industry as a whole. Chief Marketing Officer for RVIA said, “We expect these high-profile ads to elevate consumer awareness of the RV lifestyle just as the retail show season kicks off." Well I certainly hope so because the RV lifestyle certainly is a great one, and much less expensive than staying in hotels on vacation. Check out the TV schedule provided by RVIA's website to see when you can catch one of the Go RV'ing ads throughout the Olympics.

Product Feature: North Trail 32QBBS by Heartland RV

The last product featured on RV Capital Wholesalers' blog was also a Heartland RV product. This time I wanted to feature a new floor plan from the North Trail product line. The North Trail is a very nice lightweight travel trailer that features many construction methods you will not find in other brands of similar price. Just like with the other product lines in the Heartland lineup, North Trail has quickly garnered much attention from retail customers. The North Trail 32QBBS is still a lightweight unit, yet it features full slideouts with the same depth as it's heavier couterparts that are not in the lightweight profile. North Trail has also chose to implement the more sophisticated flush floor slide system and do away with the lightweight AccuSlide for this model. What this all means to the customer is a much roomier living area, which you will need for all the guests you can fit in this quad bunk setup. One very creative touch that should be pointed out is the bar that is accessible through the bunk room as well as the kitchen area. This is not a feature that may make or break a deal, but it certainly makes you believe that they are truly trying to separate themselves from the competition over at Heartland RV. Of course the 32QBBS still features the same lightweight strength construction standards as all the other floorplans. You should definitely check out these units, and be sure to contact us with any questions or comments.

Monaco Coach may have good news for local economy

These days, a lot of news coming from the RV industry has not been very good news, such as the FEMA issues with formaldehyde. Monaco Coach, which is one of the most well-known manufacturers of Class A motorhomes has had to make some changes to its structure based on steadily-declining motor home sales. Earlier this summer it was apparent that high fuel prices had finally affected the local manufacturer, because they announced a layoff of around 200 employees. Apparently these layoffs were not enough to keep them from packing up and leaving Elkhart, for good. Monaco abruptly laid of 1,400 employees and announced they would be moving their manufacturing to achieve a more centralized organizational structure. This move by Monaco has left many people worried about their future because of the ripple effect that this change could have. Custom Chassis Products is the supplier of the chassis' used in all Monaco diesel pusher motor homes. It has been rumored for a few weeks now that the International Truck & Engine joint-venture chassis plant would also be going with Monaco. However, John Nepute, President of Monaco released a statement stating that they are working on some plans that may leave this plant and its jobs intact. This would be great news for our local economy that is tightening up after an already slow economy. With news that Hummer's consumer lines of H2 and H3 Sport Utility Vehicles are probably going to be discontinued, we needed some good news like this. Let's just hope that this plan to keep Custom Chassis Products in town is a success.