Rand McNally’s RV GPS navigation will be featured as part of the new X1 family of infotainment systems in 2014 Winnebago, Itasca and Winnebago Touring Coach motorhomes.

The new X1S 6″ and the industry first, X1 DM 10.4″ Infotainment Systems are the two options chosen by Winnebago. With a 10.4″ display the X1 DM offers the largest integrated, in-dash OEM solution in the RV market today.

“Our Winnebago Industries motorhome owners expect the best from us,” says Russ Garfin,m product manager, Winnebago Industries. “We’ve partnered with the navigation industry’s best – Rand McNally – to provide navigation and routing information specific to RV travel, providing RV-specific stops along the way and enhancing the trip experience.”

Rand McNally’s RV software includes:
• Specialized routing and turn-by-turn spoken directions in the U.S. and Canada for 11 different classes of RV
• Navigation based on legal and physical restrictions, such as height, width, weight limits and propane restrictions, and the ability to favor right- or left-hand turns depending on motorhome class
• Warnings for speed limit changes, sharp curves, dirt roads, and other potential hazards
• Millions of points of interest including those specialized for RVs: RV Campgrounds with detailed amenities, RV dealers and maintenance facilities, dump stations, rest stops, travel centers, pet-friendly locations, and more
• RV Checklists/Maintenance Logs/Trails
• Rand McNally featured road trips, including Best of the Road®, Regional Trips, Scenic Tours and Weekend Getaways
• 2D/3D Maps with Junction View
• Multi-stop route optimization
• User-configurable warnings to assist in creating detours, choosing to permanently avoid road segments, and receiving warnings for upcoming hazards such as bridges and construction

“Being selected as the exclusive GPS provider by industry leaders such as Winnebago Industries and XiteSolutions North America recognizes the routing expertise and superior user experience that Rand McNally has developed,” says Dave Muscatel, CEO, Rand McNally. “The features of the X1 Family products, including our navigation, will add value to Winnebago Industries’ premier motorhomes, helping make the driving experience even more enjoyable.”

“We believe that our new X1 family of infotainment coupled with the power of Rand McNally’s industry best navigation experience will provide the ultimate in-dash tools for today’s RVers,” says Craig Smith, president of XiteSolutions North America. “Winnebago Industries’ choice to offer Rand McNally’s RV software as its exclusive navigation along with our new X1 products shows their commitment to bringing their customers a dynamic new motorhome driving experience and value.”

The new Winnebago Travato is built on the Ram ProMaster chassis.

At a recent dealer event in Las Vegas, Winnebago unveiled several new models, including a whole new motorized product line.

The Winnebago Touring Coach line joins Winnebago and Itasca to make up the three motorhome product lines of Winnebago Industries. Winnebago Touring Coach includes the very successful Era product, which is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, as well as the new Travato Class B product built on the new Ram ProMaster Chassis. The Travato is a new fuel-efficient entry into the Class B market with fuel economy of 15-18 miles per gallon.

To expand on the launch of the affordable Class A gas Winnebago Vista and Itasca Sunstar 26HE, the Vista and Sunstar lineup has expanded to include the new 31KE model. Offering the same value traits, the 31KE is intended for couples or families on the go with a U-shaped dinette, mid-coach TV and walk-around queen bed.

Winnebago Industries has also grown the recently launched Winnebago Minnie Winnie and Itasca Spirit family, with the new Minnie Winnie Premier and Spirit Silver models, providing upscale features and amenities, as well as eye-catching exterior deluxe graphics.

The Winnebago Forza is a new luxury diesel pusher.

Also new is the Winnebago Forza and Itasca Solei. Providing a new, full-featured luxury diesel pusher at what Winnebago promises to be an attractive price, the Forza and Solei are initially offered in two unique floorplans, and loaded with standard features, including a Cummins 340HP engine, Winnebago Industries’ exclusive SuperStructure steel construction, large pass-through storage and upgraded.

“It’s ‘Game On’ for Winnebago Industries,” says Winnebago Industries’ Vice President of Sales and Product Management, Scott Degnan. “We have changed up the roster with new and exciting products and our dealer partners were extremely enthusiastic in their response to the new lineup. We were #1 in retail sales in the U.S. for 2012 and with the new products we have unveiled this week, we see that momentum continuing.”

“The Travato is a real game changer,” says Will Jarnot, general manager, Pleasureland RV, headquartered in St. Cloud, Minn. “Winnebago has a hit a home run with an affordable, economical and versatile motorhome that hits a price point that will appeal to a large customer base, even as a second vehicle.”

“We’re excited about the new and unique floorplan the Forza offers,” says Nate McClain, owner of McClain’s RV, Dallas, Texas. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest in that price point for Class A diesel, so we’re ecstatic that Winnebago Industries has given us the Winnebago Forza.”

Winnebago Industries’ products also are premiering the all-new X1 family of Infotainment Centers from Xite Solutions North America with the RV GPS from Rand McNally. Not only is the Rand McNally RV GPS designed specifically for the RVer, it also includes the all-new six-inch X1S Radio or the industry-first 10.4-inch X1DM In-Dash Touch-Screen Monitor. Other key features include dual in-dash monitors, Sirius XM with content alerts, instant replay and more, iPod/iPhone audio integration, Picture-in-picture split screen, touch screen camera control with audio, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, as well as integrated compass and exterior temperature display.

Contour windows are another industry first for Winnebago Industries. Introduced in the Winnebago Aspect, Journey and Tour and Itasca Cambria, Meridian and Ellipse, Winnebago says they provide the most attractive window application available in an RV, with an integrated frame design that provides a precise transition between the vehicle body, window frame, and the glass for superior sealing, reduced wind noise, improved operation, and excellent protection of the window edge.

Key new product introductions announced for Winnebago Industries Towables include new exterior styling on the SunnyBrook Sunset Creek and Remington line ups as well as the all new Remington XLT which offers a painted wrap-around fiberglass front cap with blue LED accent lights, cool grey sidewalls trimmed in black, optional frameless windows and slam-latch doors, and new, richer finishes and wood tones inside.

The Winnebago Towable lineup also features new exterior styling on the Minnie, Ultralite, One and Lite Five as well as two all new Ultralite models with the 28DDBH that can accommodate 10, or the family friendly 31BDHS that can sleep up to 12.

A new Premium Roadside Assistance program was also announced for Winnebago Industries Towables, providing the Company’s travel trailer and fifth-wheel customers with a comprehensive 24/7 roadside assistance program.

Long one of the industry’s top recreational vehicle manufacturers, Winnebago has entered the mid-size vehicle transportation market with its new Metro Link bus.

Winnebago spent several years in the design and development phase conducting extensive research involving public transportation operators and industry experts. The result is what Winnebago calls a revolutionary approach to transit bus applications with several features specifically tailored to provide a much quieter, better functioning vehicle with reduced maintenance and improved durability. That durability is backed with a seven-year/150,000 mile structural warranty.

The Metro Link features a one-piece fiberglass roof, fully welded, tubular steel framework, high gloss fiberglass sidewalls and frameless windows that offer reduced long term maintenance. On the inside, the Metro Link offers fiberglass interior walls and a 78-inch center aisle height. Available in a number of passenger configurations, the Metro Link is highly customizable to meet the needs of the transit and paratransit industry.

“Winnebago Industries is excited to enter the bus arena with the introduction of the Metro Link,” says Winnebago Industries Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Randy Potts. “This project has been in development for quite some time and we are very excited with the outcome. The Metro Link completed extensive testing at the highly regarded Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pa. and surpassed expectations. With its improved functionality, low maintenance design and extremely quiet ride, it promises to be a game changer in the transit bus market.”

Distribution of the new Metro Link will be conducted by Metro Worldwide, a division of the Pritchard Family Companies. In business for over a century, Pritchard has had a working relationship with Winnebago Industries for over 25 years. Pritchard has a national presence in the distribution of commercial trucks where they have distinguished themselves as a leader in both volume and customer service.

“We are excited to partner with a quality company such as Winnebago Industries. They have designed a revolutionary product for the shuttle bus and transit industry, and we are honored to sell and service their products across the United States and around the world,” says Pritchard Family Companies CEO Joe Pritchard.

For more information on the new Metro Link, visit www.wgotransit.com.

What will Winnebago be unveiling at Dealer Days?

Winnebago Industries is planning to unveil what it is calling some of the most exciting products in the company’s history to its dealers at the upcoming Dealer Days Event in Las Vegas, April 29 – May 1, 2013.

“We’re taking our league-leading lineup to the next level,” says Winnebago Industries’ vice president of sales and product management Scott Degnan. “We will showcase not only new floorplans, but entirely new product lines, and honor the best dealer network in the industry for their great achievements throughout the year.”

Unfortunately, Winnebago is keeping everything top secret. The only hint Winnebago has dropped is the snippet of an image at the top of this post.

Forest River‘s Prime Time brand saw a massive sales spike in February, 2013 – up 55% compared to February, 2012. So impressive were sales that Forest River says Prime Time was the second best selling combined travel trailer and fifth wheel in the United States that month.

“Prime Time is very thankful and appreciative of the tremendous support given to us by our dealers,” says Jeff Rank, president of Prime Time Manufacturing. “We made some bold commitments early on about who we wanted to be as a company and dealers embraced our innovative business model. Over the last three years, the strong partnerships we’ve forged are obviously now paying huge dividends for us and our dealers.”

According to Statistical Surveys, in the fifth wheel segment Prime Time was the number four retailing brand for February with a market share of 5.9%. Travel trailer registrations show that Prime Time was the third best-selling brand for the month with a market share of 4.1%.

“I’m very happy for our company and our employees,” says Rank. “It’s always fun to win and jumping up to the number two retail position in February is very rewarding for our team here at Prime Time.”

Airstream has unveiled photos and information of its new Land Yacht concept, which is a product of a collaboatino between Airstream, cabinetry maker Tecnoform S.p.A. and the design studio Officinia Italiana Design.

“The resulting interior is truly yacht-like and incorporates elements from the world’s finest luxury watercraft,” Airstream says in a release.

The Airstream Land Yacht’s contemporary look was created by Tecnoform’s engineering department in partnership with Mauro Micheli, the long-time designer for Riva Yachts.

Its unique floor plan has a number of carefully placed design elements that create what Airstream calls a sleek and sophisticated look in the cabin. The unit, capable of sleeping up to five people, has a bedroom in the front, a bathroom amidships and a rear social space, which includes a galley that can be hidden when not in use. The Land Yacht’s powered bed lift reveals access to hidden storage. The unit features three power awnings, with remote control. The quiet ducted air system provides powerful air conditioning to meet internal climate preferences of the user.

The 28’ Airstream Land Yacht concept features high-luster teak and white wood inlay boat-deck flooring, LED panel lighting elements, Corian solid surfaces and plush Ultraleather.

Airstream Land Yacht Concept Specs

Exterior Length: 28′
Exterior Width: 8′ 5″
Interior Width: 8′ 1″
Exterior Height w/A/: 9′ 9.5″
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs.): 7,600
Fresh Water Tank w/drain valve (gal.): 39
Black Water Tank (gal.): 39
Gray Water Tank (gal.): 37
Water Heater w/electronic ignition (gal.) (XT): 6
A/C w/heat pump (BTU) (2): 15,000 lounge, 13,500 bedroom
Furnace (BTU): 25,000
LPG (2 – 30 lb. steel tanks): 60
Deep Cycle Battery (lead acid) Group 24: 2
Sleeping Capacity: 2-5

With the peak summer season around the corner, Thor Motor Coach is showcasing it’s new Windsport 34J Bunk House Class A motorhome.

“This ingenious bunk bed floorplan provides a superior overall living environment compared to other bunk bed models in the market,” Thor says in a release.

According to Thor, the floorplan design removes the bunks from the camp side of the coach, allowing parents and grandparents time outside, under the patio awning, without disturbing the kids. This move opens up space for an optional exterior kitchen in the basement. The exterior sink comes equipped with an integrated sink, portable grill, refrigerator and generous countertop area.

Flexibility to convert from a sleeping area, to a sitting area, or a full length wardrobe adjusts the as the family grows. A pair of LCD TVs allow for personalized viewing in each bunk. Once converted to a sofa, the top bunk TV can be removed and located across the hall for family viewing.

In the living room, the seating is centrally located, while an optional overhead bunk provides full size sleeping accommodations above the cockpit seats, bringing the overall all sleeping capacity to eight.

The exterior is finished with Thor Motor Coach’s HD-MAX exterior standard along with optional full body paint packages. Side-hinged slam latches on most exterior baggage doors make accessing the basement storage a snap, while the no-maintenance rotocast storage trunks are simple to wipe clean. A 32″ LCD exterior TV located under the patio awning is now optional.

Standard features on all 34J Class A Bunk Houses include an Onan RV 5,500 watt generator, 50-amp service, dual 13,500-Btu air conditioners and a gas/electric water heater.

Visit Windsport-RV.com for more information.

Thor Motor Coach has announced that Statistical Surveys found Outlaw Toy Haulers to be the best retail selling Class A toy haulers in North America.

According to Thor, Outlaw Toy Haulers are attracting buyers outside the original market for which it was created. Thor says more and more customers are finding these Toy Haulers are not just for hauling toys, like motorcycles and ATVs.

“Outlaw Toy Haulers are the best choice for people wanting maximum flexibility in a self-contained motorhome with space for just about anything,” Thor says in a release. Thor suggests a number of possible uses for Outlaw Toy Haulers:
• Dog grooming studio
• Mobile dental office
• Mobile office area
• Medical examination rooms
• Hunting lodge
• Mobile blood drive unit
• Family with pets or bicycles
• The ultimate tailgating & party RV

Recently introduced, the 37MD model extends the Outlaw Toy Hauler’s desirability by adding a second slide room, which is dual-purposed as a second living area or dedicated bedroom. This functionality is the result of input from consumers looking to own a motorized toy hauler for hauling both people and toys, but also want to have a single motorhome that can be converted for full-time camping. A sliding glass door separates the garage from the front of the coach and includes a powered shade for privacy.

The 37LS model features a super-slide in the front of the coach for an unobstructed living area. The toy hauler’s oversize booth dinette can easily accommodate four people for dinner, while the front captain’s chairs swivel to make visiting others on the large hide-a-bed sofa a snap.

Either model can be equipped with an electric drop down bunk over the cockpit area. This bed slides down to provide a comfortable sleeping space for two, when not in use it can be slid up and out of the way, camouflaging itself into the ceiling.

Outlaw Toy Haulers can be converted into a roomy hangout by expanding the garage and ramp door into a place for entertaining. An optional patio railing system forms a terrace off the rear of the coach, while optional fold-down sofas will accommodate seating for six inside the garage.

Full details on all Outlaw RV Toy Haulers can be found at: http://OutlawRV.com/

Citing a report from Statistical Surveys, Inc., Winnnebago says that its Era model was the number one selling Class B motorhome model in North America in 2012.

In the motorhome retail registration reports issued for December of 2012 for the U.S. and Canada, the Era model was listed as the top selling Class B model in calendar 2012, with market share of 16.0% compared to 7.6% for calendar 2011. Winnebago’s volume growth was 167% above retail registrations during calendar 2011 compared to industry growth of 28%.

“We have worked hard to develop a great Class B product, and the Era model growth reflects the product development successes we have had to date,” says Winnebago Industries’ Vice President of Sales and Product Management Scott Degnan. “Despite our success, we are not content to rest on our laurels. We are preparing to launch an exciting new product segment into Winnebago Industries’ Class B lineup at our upcoming Dealer Days event scheduled for April 29-31, 2013 in Las Vegas. We will continue to look for innovative changes that will enhance our products and anticipate even more excitement as we go forward. We congratulate our loyal employees for their dedicated service and our great dealer partners for making the Era a huge success in the Class B arena.”

According to a study done by Statistical Surveys, Inc., Winnebago is the largest motorhome manufacturer in the United States. In fact, the retail reporting service noted that Winnebago sold the most units and experienced the largest volume of growth in motorhome retail registrations in 2012.

In the U.S. motorhome retail registration report issued for December of 2012, Winnebago Industries was listed as the top selling manufacturer for Class A and Class C motorhomes in calendar 2012, with market share of 20.6% compared to 19.0% for calendar 2011. Winnebago Industries’ volume growth was 16.1% above retail registrations during calendar 2011 compared to industry growth of 7.3%.

In the U.S. Class A market segment, Winnebago Industries is also the top-selling market leader with 22.2% for calendar 2012. In addition, the company also led the U.S. Class A gas market segment with 24.2% market share, grew U.S. Class A diesel market share to 19.4% and U.S. Class C market share to 18.5% for calendar 2012.

“We are passionate about developing and delivering innovative new products of the highest quality backed by best-in-class support after the sale,” says Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Product Management Scott Degnan. “These dynamic retail statistics both confirm and continue to fuel that drive.”