RV Capital News |

NEW PRODUCT FEATURE: 2009/2010 Wildcat 31TS by Forest River Now Offering Electric Cabinets

2008-10-24T11:18:00.005-04:00

Being in retail and wholesale sales, we hear this question soooo many times coming from a shorter Mrs.: Why would they put those cabinets up so high, I can't even reach anything in them, they're useless. Our response, well ma'am, you can always bring a step stool along with you. Storage space is always at a limit with an RV, so who wants to lose the space lugging around a step stool? The inventive minds over at Forest River and Wildcat have definitely solved this problem, and have given us an excellent, marketable solution. Electric cabinets, yeah I said it, electric cabinets will now be offered on 4 floor plans of Wildcat which are still being determined. The model shown here is the Wildcat 31TS, but I was told that 3 more floor plans will have them. These cabinets are aluminum-framed and geared to hold up to 200 pounds, so don't worry about weight issues. If you have 200 pounds of flatware, you might want to consider paper plates. You can expect to see a retail price of these cabinets being anywhere from $385.00 to $455.00, but those are not exact or guaranteed. I just wanted to get the word out, because let's face it, these are great! Please visit our Wildcat page frequently to see if pricing is available.

Introducing the Prototype Floorplan from Heartland RV: Eagle Ridge 34RLSA

2008-10-17T15:03:00.008-04:00

Following up on the previous post about Heartland RV's new Eagle Ridge 5th wheel product line, we have the floorplan design of the first prototype model. Even though they are prototyping the model, they are ready to begin production on the units. The new floorplan will be called the Eagle Ridge 34RLSA, with plans of running production on two other floorplans at this time. I will get back to the blog with those 2 other new floorplans as soon as I hear that they are guaranteed to hit full production. Heartland's introduction into this market segment of high end looks and value with a low cost will certainly make a big impact. Heartland RV has became synonymous with successfully introducing very appealing products into each segment that they launch new brands. Visit RV Capital Wholesalers now to get a price on your 2009 Eagle Ridge 34RLSA by Heartland RV!

Heartland RV introduces new Eagle Ridge fifth wheel

2008-10-15T10:51:00.006-04:00

Heartland RV has recognized RV Capital Wholesalers as one of the select dealers to have the honor of stocking their new product line of high profile fifth wheels called Eagle Ridge. You might be familiar with Heartland's other popular brands: Landmark, Big Horn, Big Country, Sundance, Cyclone, Razor, North Trail, and North Country. In today's economic condition Heartland RV wanted to provide our customers with a full profile coach at a mid profile price without taking out any full profile features. Eagle Ridge product line features double, triple, and quad slide models to fit your camping style. All units come standard with the Eagle Ridge travel, comfort living, and entertainment packages that have everything you need to make your camping experience a pleasurable one. To see the details of the Eagle Ridge packages click on the link to see what each one includes.

The new Eagle Ridge by Heartland RV is in direct competition with Jayco Eagle, Montana Mountaineer and Challenger by Keystone RV, Cardinal LE and Cedar Creek Silver Back by Forest River. Looks may be similar, but when you compare features and benefits to the purchase price you will find that Eagle Ridge by Heartland RV is by far the better value. Heartland has packaged and made standard what other manufacturers still charge as options. The price might appear to be close but make sure you compare all the features that Eagle Ridge by Heartland RV has standard to get a true understanding of how much more value you get compared to other brands. To get your wholesale price for the new Eagle Ridge by Heartland, please visit RV Capital Wholesalers and receive the introductory offer we have waiting for you.

The Effect of the RV Industry on Elkhart, Indiana

2008-10-13T15:48:00.003-04:00

Undoubtedly, everybody can see the unemployment rate around the country is spiking. Across the entire economy, jobs are being cut whether its retail, wholesale, manufacturing or service segments. However, high gas prices along with a weakening credit and housing market has not hit anywhere as hard as it has hit Elkhart. With RV manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers slowly collapsing under the pressure of the market, our area has a staggering 9.3% unemployment rate. If that seems unusually high, it is the highest unemployment rate per capita in the United States. Almost everybody you talk to has been directly or indirectly affected by the struggling RV industry. However, the RV industry has always been cyclical, and it will rebound. It still remains a less expensive vacation option than flights, hotels, and rental cars.

2009 Everest Platinum Edition by Keystone RV: 305T, 340I, 345S

2008-10-07T15:27:00.005-04:00

Manufacturers are finding some very good ways to encourage customers to make a purchase these days. Keystone RV is no exception to this current situation. Last year Keystone RV offered a $2,500 package of options for its Everest 344J and Everest 345S models that included electric stabilizer jacks, 15" bedroom TV, and 12 cubic foot refrigerator. This was a great deal for customers, and they definitely took advantage of the free options; it was hard to keep them on the lot. So here we are in the 2009 model year and market conditions are much more difficult and different than last year. Keystone realized this and made this year's Platinum Package even more enticing to customers. Only available on the 305T, 340I, and 345S, the new platinum package consists of the following free options:

High gloss fiberglass exterior

Back up camera and monitor

Central vacuum system

Fireplace

19" bedroom TV

Trail-Air pinbox

Pillowtop mattress

Portable icemaker

All of these FREE options add up to a retail value of $6,800 which is drastically higher than last year. However, just like last year, they are only doing a limited production run of these special packages. Keystone advertises that they are only building around 100 per floorplan.

Heartland RV Sales Event: Lowest Prices Ever

2008-10-03T16:30:00.005-04:00

I am here to announce that RV Capital Wholesalers is reducing the prices on Heartland RV 5th wheels to levels they have never been before. There will be additional savings of $500.00 to $2,000.00 instantly on all makes of Heartland 5th wheel products. This includes the following brands: North Trail, Sundance, Sundance XLT, Cyclone, Razor, Landmark, Big Country, and of course the very popular Big Horn. Like all good things, this will not last forever so place your deposit before October 15th to get your instant savings. I promise you that we have not and probably will not have this sale opportunity again. Visit RV Capital Wholesalers to custom build your Heartland RV 5th wheel today and see what your savings will be!

Inventory Reduction Sale: 2008 Everest 344J Platinum Edition

2008-09-25T10:58:00.006-04:00

When the Platinum Edition Everest was first unveiled after the Louisville show around the first of the year, they were a great buy. Now, you can get an even better deal than before. We have one Everest 344J Platinum Edition left, and we have it priced to move. This unit is equipped with the following options:

Royal Onyx decor

Summit Package

Electric Awning

26" LCD TV

Aluminum wheels

Carbon monoxide detector

Double insulation in the roof and floor

Exterior shower

Washer Dryer prep

Water purifier

Security lights

2 solid surface sink covers

12 cubic foot refrigerator with black glass doors

15" LCD TV in bedroom

Electric rear jacks

Central vacuum

Wire and frame for 2nd A/C

Fireplace

High gloss fiberglass sidewalls

Slide awning package

End table

Ottoman with storage

2 Bar stools

2 cloth recliner/gliders

Desk chair

Our out-the-door price on this unit is $42,997.00. Pick-ups will also be given a $500.00 discount off this price to offset traveling expenses.

RV Dealers' New Entrance Door is the Web?

2008-09-23T11:28:00.010-04:00

I was reading an article in the RV Industry News that discussed a very real trend of RV dealerships across the nation. It is very evident in just about every RV dealership that you talk to that lot traffic is down. There just are not as many walk-in customers. To some this seems to be an alarming trend, and as bad is it sounds, there is a little more to the story. The truth of the matter is that people are researching products before they ever step foot in them. Many RV dealers, including our dealership, track our average hits and bounce rate through our site. All of our site statistics are up, which means that people are still shopping, just not the same type of shoppers. Most of these customers come into the dealership with an informed opinion on a product and already know what they want. This means that the customers that are walking in, are walking in with a purpose, and that is to finalize a transaction. So this article was exactly right, that it seems the new entry door to your dealership is your website.

Cyclone 3850 by Heartland RV

2008-08-28T15:12:00.006-04:00

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

2008-08-20T16:40:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-20T11:14:00.007-04:00

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

2008-08-13T09:22:00.003-04:00

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

2008-08-08T09:36:00.008-04:00

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

2008-08-07T10:09:00.007-04:00

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

2008-08-06T14:02:00.006-04:00

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

2008-08-04T16:40:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-01T10:47:00.004-04:00

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.

The Right Time to Buy an RV?

2008-07-30T15:54:00.003-04:00

Recently when following up with some sales leads, I have come across customers stating their intention to wait to buy their RV. The comments are generally something like this, "We have decided to wait to make our deposit because we are waiting for dealers to lower their price." The main problem with this idea is that our company already offers a no-haggle bottom dollar price. We do not build high profit margins hoping that we will make a large profit, and if we don't get that deal then we will lower our price. Secondly, the main problem with this idea, is that the commodities used in manufacturing these units are NOT getting any cheaper any time soon. I definitely understand the mindset that if you wait, then you may get a better deal, but in this case, you are more likely to end up paying a higher price by waiting. Almost every manufacturer has began to institute a material surcharge this week that is necessary to battle rising costs of lumber, steel, and rubber, not to mention delivery costs of these supplies. By understanding the marketplace in this economy, you will definitely serve yourself better in the long run by purchasing sooner rather than later.

Landmark Oakmont by Heartland RV

2008-07-28T16:57:00.012-04:00

In the first post of our newly created blog, I mentioned that one of the things that we wanted to feature were new floorplans that the RV manufacturers will be unveiling. Heartland RV has added a new member to it's lineup of high-end luxury 5th wheels with the Oakmont. The Oakmont joins the Augusta, Pinehurst, and Cape Cod in the Landmark family and carries on the knack of "wow"ing customers when they take a look inside. One of the key features of the Oakmont is the den-style layout that separates the living room at the front end of the unit, from the kitchen and bedroom areas. This type of den-layout has been missing since the 2007 lineup of Landmark and Big Horn units. Taking on the role of the big brother to the ever popular Big Horn product line, the Landmark features many of the same engineering ingredients, but overshadows the Big Horn in terms of exterior styling and interior styling. With the robust lineup, the Landmark looks to carry on the current success of Heartland RV and Big Horn into the upcoming year. Please visit Heartland's website for pictures of the new Oakmont.

Internet RV Sales versus Traditional Dealer Lots

2008-07-28T16:38:00.003-04:00

I was reading an article from RV Industry News yesterday at our dealership, and it definitely caught my attention. The article was titled, Internet Intrigue, and was published in the June/July issue of RV Industry News magazine. To sum up the story, it was about the new battle brewing within the RV retail industry between the traditional brick and mortar dealers and the new online retailers.

The reason this article caught my attention, was well, because I am a part of one of the online retailers that were deemed evil by dealers not joined in the internet transition. We were not mentioned in the article, sadly, but I am the lead salesman for RV Capital Wholesalers. What is being deemed as a new thing in the industry, really is not. There are just many more people realizing the necessity. It seems that some dealers have stopped in their tracks to shout, Hey you can't do that, where we hit the ground running with the idea and said, Hey we HAVE to do this. Trying to slow down the internet these days is like trying to stop a speeding train.

I think we have opened up the RV market by allowing more people to be able to afford these units. Granted we are in a down economy right now, so numbers are lower than usual, but it has opened up doors for more people. I don't know how many times, I have had a customer call in pricing a Sundance mid-level fifth wheel, and see the price, and say, well how much to jump up to a Big Country or Big Horn. Well, they end up getting the Big Country or Big Horn because they can get a high-profile unit for the cost of a mid-level unit at a local dealer.

I am sure I will have much more to follow up on this subject, but I would love to turn this post into something a little interactive and find out what your opinions are. Many people have already purchased units over the internet and we have received comments from them. But I would still like to know some people's main problems or concerns with the situation or buying process.

Welcome to RV Capital Wholesalers' Blog

2008-07-24T16:18:00.005-04:00

How are you doing? Many of you know me already, but I wanted to take out the time to introduce you to our new blog for www.RVcapitalwholesalers.com. We have created this blog for many different reasons, but we really wanted a way to deliver a personal experience with our customers, as well as RVer's all over the world. The great thing about this blog is that we will not only be using it as a medium to quickly relay special deals and incentives to customers, but we will also use it to bring new information to you in the form of:

New floorplans we receive from the RV manufacturers
New parts that are available to the RV market
New gadgets that we think you would find interesting
Technical tips for maintaining your RV
Monthly statistics about RV sales throughout the industry

and of course we would like to bring breaking RV news to you throughout the industry as soon as it hits the press. We are not pinpointing one subject, we would just like for you to subscribe to our posts so that you can receive frequent tidbits of information about the RV industry and our company. Please subscribe now, and I will be posting several posts within the upcoming week!