Camping in national forests can be a year-round endeavor, but for many people Memorial Day weekend is the deadline to air out the tents, dust off the hiking boots and load up on the makings for s’mores.

The days are warmer and longer. It’s a perfect time to start reintroducing yourself to the fun and excitement and the calm and peacefulness national forests and grasslands have to offer.

Most of the recreation sites on the San Bernardino National Forest will be open for forest visitors by Memorial Day weekend.  “The forest is ready for the 2010 summer recreation season,” said Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans. “We encourage people to enjoy the outdoors while camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or a variety of other recreational activities on our forest.”  As always, forest officials encourage visitors to be aware of their surroundings and responsibilities when visiting the forest. “We want to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit while always remaining aware of the current situation outdoors and the potential for wildfire,” said Evans.

For the complete story, CLICK HERE. (Courtesy Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror)

RV Buddies says:

• Clean up after your dog and keep him on a leash unless it's an off-leash area
• Be "Bear-Aware"
• Respect your campground neighbors
• Leave your campsite cleaner than when you arrived
• Tread lightly so many generations to come can enjoy RVing too

Winnebago Industries announced its Circle of Excellence dealerships for 2010. Winnebago Industries established the industry’s first dealer excellence program in 1986 in order to recognize select dealers for excellence in customer satisfaction. This year, 109 dealers were honored with the Circle of Excellence award in recognition of their excellence in customer satisfaction as it relates to the customers’ sales and service experience with the dealer.

“Winnebago Industries is pleased to recognize 109 outstanding dealers with this year’s Circle of Excellence award,” said Winnebago Industries Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Martin. “Dealerships earning this award have proven their commitment to providing customers with a total RV experience – knowledgeable sales personnel, qualified service technicians and quality warranty and aftermarket service support. For RVers, that attention to detail and care is important and is key to establishing the highest levels of customer satisfaction.” Circle of Excellence scoring is determined by rating dealers in four categories:

• A Purchase and Delivery Satisfaction Study which is direct customer feedback after the purchase of a motor home;

• A Customer Satisfaction Study which surveys customers six months after their purchase;

• A Sales and Marketing Assessment that evaluates a dealership’s sales, market share, stocking levels and participation in product training and the Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club (WIT); and

• A Service Parts Assessment that evaluates a dealership’s warranty/parts inventory, service training and certified technicians, and traveling customer care. Dealerships earning the coveted Circle of Excellence status receive an award featuring three concentric circles that symbolize the interconnected relationship between the customer, dealer and Winnebago Industries. Since its inception 25 years ago, four dealerships have achieved Circle of Excellence status each year the award has been presented. They are: (the Winnebago Industries’ brand the dealership represents is listed in parenthesis.)

• Altman’s Winnebago, Carson, California (Winnebago)

• Lazy Days, Seffner, Florida (Winnebago/Itasca)

• McClain’s RV Superstore OKC West, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Winnebago/Itasca)

• PleasureLand, Inc., St. Cloud, Minnesota (Winnebago/Itasca)

Following is the complete list of the 2010 Circle of Excellence award winners, including 10 first-time award winners (indicated with an “*”).

ALASKA Great Alaskan Holidays, Inc., Anchorage (Winnebago/Itasca)
ARIZONA Affinity RV Service, Sales & Rentals, Prescott (Winnebago) La Mesa RV Center, Inc., Mesa (Winnebago/Itasca) La Mesa RV Center, Inc., Tucson (Winnebago/Itasca)
CALIFORNIA Altman’s Winnebago, Carson, California (Winnebago) Altman's Winnebago, Colton (Winnebago) La Mesa RV Center, Inc., San Diego (Winnebago/Itasca) Pan Pacific RV Centers, Inc., French Camp (Winnebago) Pan Pacific RV Centers, Inc., Roseville (Winnebago)* R. E. Barber Recreation Vehicles, Inc., Ventura (Winnebago) Stier’s RV Center, LLC, Bakersfield (Winnebago)* Village RV, Roseville (Itasca)
COLORADO Camping World RV SuperCenter, Fountain (Winnebago)
CONNECTICUT Crowley RV Center, Bristol (Winnebago)
DELAWARE Parkview Auto & Trailer Sales, Inc., Smyrna (Winnebago)
FLORIDA Camping World RV Sales, Midway (Itasca) Carpenter's Campers, Inc., Pensacola (Winnebago) Harberson RV - Pasco, LLC, Holiday (Winnebago/Itasca) Lazy Days, Seffner, Florida (Winnebago/Itasca) R.V. World of Nokomis, Inc., Nokomis (Winnebago) Suncoast RV, Inc., Cocoa (Winnebago/Itasca) Suncoast RV, Inc., Jacksonville (Winnebago/Itasca) Suncoast RV, Inc., Ocala (Winnebago/Itasca) Suncoast RV, Inc., Winter Garden (Winnebago)
GEORGIA Suncoast RV, Inc., Lake Park (Winnebago)
IDAHO Camping World RV Sales, Meridian (Winnebago)
ILLINOIS Barrington Motor Sales, Bartlett (Itasca) Camping World RV Sales, Island Lake (Winnebago) J & J Camper Sales, Inc., East Moline (Winnebago) Winnebago Motor Homes & Trailer Sales, Inc., Rockford (Winnebago/Itasca)
INDIANA Camp-Land, Inc., Burns Harbor (Winnebago)
IOWA Harrison RV, Inc., Jefferson (Winnebago) Lichtsinn Motors, Inc., Forest City (Winnebago/Itasca) US Adventure RV, Davenport (Winnebago/Itasca)
KANSAS Four Seasons RV Acres, Inc., Abilene (Winnebago) Olathe Ford R.V. Ctr., Gardner (Itasca)
LOUISIANA Miller's RV Center, Baton Rouge (Winnebago) Stevens RV Center, Inc., Lafayette (Winnebago)
MARYLAND Beckley's Camping Center, Thurmont (Winnebago)
MICHIGAN General RV Center, Inc., Birch Run (Winnebago) General RV Center, Inc., Mt. Clemens (Winnebago/Itasca) General RV Center, Inc., Wayland (Winnebago/Itasca) General RV Center, Inc., Wixom (Winnebago/Itasca)
MINNESOTA Bullyan Trailer Sales, Inc., Duluth (Winnebago) Pleasureland RV Center – North Metro, Ramsey (Winnebago) Pleasureland, Inc., St. Cloud, Minnesota (Winnebago/Itasca)
MISSISSIPPI Johnny Bishop, Inc., Columbus (Winnebago) Reliable RV Sales, Biloxi (Winnebago)
MISSOURI Trailside Campers RV Sales, Inc., Grain Valley (Winnebago)
NEBRASKA Leach Camper Sales of Lincoln, Inc., Lincoln (Itasca)
NEVADA Findlay RV, Las Vegas (Winnebago) Michael Hohl RV Center, Carson City (Winnebago)
NEW HAMPSHIRE Camping World RV Sales, Chichester (Itasca)* Hill's RVs, Center Conway (Winnebago)
NEW JERSEY Cedar Ridge RV Center, Branchville (Winnebago) Colonial Itasca, Lakewood (Itasca) White Horse RV Center, Williamstown (Winnebago)
NEW MEXICO Rocky Mountain RV World, Inc., Albuquerque (Winnebago) Sunland RV, Las Cruces (Winnebago)
NEW YORK Alpin Haus RV, Amsterdam (Winnebago) Meyer's RV Centers, LLC, Syracuse (Itasca)
NORTH CAROLINA Bill Plemmons RV World, Rural Hall (Winnebago) Bill Plemmons RV World, Raleigh (Winnebago) Tom Johnson Camping Center Charlotte, Inc., Concord (Winnebago) Tom Johnson Camping Center, Inc., Marion (Winnebago)
OHIO Colerain Trailer Center, Inc., Cincinnati (Winnebago) Dave Arbogast RV and Boat Depot, Troy (Winnebago)* General RV Center, Inc., North Canton (Winnebago/Itasca)* Lewis Auto Sales, Inc., Dayton (Itasca) Shafer Truck and RV Sales, LLC, Delta (Itasca) Town and Country RV Center, Inc., Clyde (Winnebago)
OKLAHOMA Dean’s RV Superstore, Inc., Tulsa (Winnebago) McClain’s RV Superstore OKC West, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Winnebago/Itasca)
OREGON All Seasons RV & Marine, Bend (Winnebago) Guaranty RV Centers, Junction City (Itasca) Olinger Travel Homes, Portland (Winnebago/Itasca) The RV Corral, Inc., Eugene (Winnebago) Triple A RV Center, Inc., Medford (Winnebago)
PENNSYLVANIA Car Care & RV Center, North East (Winnebago)* Harold’s RV Center, Inc., Bath (Itasca) Joe's Marine, Inc., Sayre (Winnebago) Media Camping Center, Inc., Fairless Hills (Winnebago) Tom Schaeffer's Camping & Travel Center, Inc., Shoemakersville (Winnebago)
RHODE ISLAND Arlington R.V. Supercenter, Inc., East Greenwich (Winnebago) Flagg RV Rhode Island, North Smithfield (Itasca)
SOUTH CAROLINA Camper Country, Myrtle Beach (Winnebago)
SOUTH DAKOTA Spader Camper Center, Sioux Falls (Winnebago)
TENNESSEE Cullum & Maxey Camping Center, Inc., Nashville (Winnebago)
TEXAS Billy Sims Trailer Town – Lubbock, Lubbock (Winnebago) Crestview RV Center, Buda (Winnebago/Itasca) Crestview RV Georgetown, Georgetown (Itasca)* Jack Sisemore Traveland, Amarillo (Winnebago) McClain's RV Superstore N. Dallas, Inc., Lake Dallas (Winnebago) Shady Pines RV Center, Inc., Texarkana (Winnebago)
UTAH Motor Sportsland, Inc., Salt Lake City (Winnebago)
VIRGINIA Reines R.V. Center, Inc., Manassas (Winnebago) Snyder’s RV, Virginia Beach (Winnebago)
WASHINGTON Poulsbo RV, Inc., Kent (Winnebago) R 'N' R RV Center, Liberty Lake (Winnebago/Itasca) Roy Robinson Chevrolet-Subaru & Motorhomes, Marysville (Winnebago/Itasca) Russ Dean Family RV, Pasco (Winnebago)
WISCONSIN Horn’s Sales & Service, Inc., Sheboygan (Itasca) King’s Campers, Wausau (Winnebago)
CANADA BRITISH COLUMBIA Fraserway RV Limited Partnership, Abbotsford, BC* Okanagan Travel Land, Summerland, BC
ONTARIO Forest City Motor Homes, Ltd., Thorndale (Itasca) Sicard Holiday Campers, Ltd., Smithville (Winnebago)
QUEBEC VR St-Cyr Ltee, St-Mathieu de Beloeil (Winnebago)* V.R. Daniel Emond, St-Nicolas (Itasca)*

A resolution claiming June as Recreational Vehicle and Camping Month was recently signed by Governor Charlie Crist and the Cabinet of the State of Florida.  The proclamation is in conjunction with the national RV Centennial Celebration taking place in Elkhart, Indiana and was initiated by both the Florida RV Trade Association and the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

"It was great to be able to speak to the Florida Cabinet and thank them for the resolution," said FRVTA Executive Director Lance Wilson.  "We thought the resolution was a great way to kick off our promotion of the 100 year anniversary of the industry."  FRVTA will have displays at the three interstate Welcome Centers the week of June 7th to correspond with the national celebration in Elkhart, IN. The Tin Can Tourists will have "antique" RVs on display and there will be free drinks and popcorn for all travelers.

The resolution reads:

WHEREAS, the recreation vehicle industry is celebrating 100 years of American enjoyment of recreation vehicles, and

WHEREAS, 1 in 12 American homes own a recreation vehicle, and

WHEREAS, recreational vehicles allow families to build stronger relationships and explore the great outdoors, and

WHEREAS, travel in an recreational vehicle offers freedom, comfort and flexibility to see all of the United States, from historic landmarks to national and state parks, and

WHEREAS, Florida ranks third in the number of recreational vehicles shipments and is home to the largest recreational vehicle show in the nation,  the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida has more than 900 licensed recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds, with more than 120,000 licensed recreational vehicle sites, and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida constantly ranks as the nation's best and most popular recreational vehicle and camping destination, and

WHEREAS, more than 5 million people camp in Florida each year, generating more than $5 billion for the state's economy, and

WHEREAS, 20 percent of all auto visitors to Florida either camp or travel in a recreational vehicle, and

WHEREAS, the 100th Anniversary of the introduction of the RV into the American marketplace will be celebrated June 7, 2010 at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby proclaim June, 2010 as

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND CAMPING MONTH

In the State of Florida and encourage Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our great State's array of sun, surf, soft breezes and fresh air where the temperate climate allows for year-round camping and endless outdoor activities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee this 11th day of May, 2010.

Under a new multi-year agreement, Navistar Engine Group will supply its advanced V8 turbo diesel engine to Tiffin Motorhomes. Beginning in June, MaxxForce 7 engines, manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama, will power Tiffin's new Allegro Breeze RV, manufactured in Red Bay, Alabama.

"We're always looking for new ways to offer more value to our customers, and we've done it again with this new high-end, smaller coach," said Bob Tiffin, CEO of family-owned Tiffin. "The Allegro Breeze is wonderfully maneuverable, easy to park and fun to drive thanks to one of the most powerful, durable and fuel-efficient engines on the market."

The V8 diesel pushers will be fully compliant with applicable EPA emissions standards. Tiffin will use 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 engines rated at 215 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. torque.

"MaxxForce engines fit perfectly with Tiffin's reputation of providing high value and low cost of ownership, while introducing innovative products," said Eric Tech, president, Navistar Engine Group. "We're proud to add another industry leader of U.S.-built motorhomes to our list of partners."

This past November, a concept model Allegro Breeze RV was introduced to dealers and news media at the annual Recreational Vehicle Industry Association's 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, and was awarded "Best in Show". At 28 feet, the Allegro Breeze RV is 17 feet shorter than Tiffin's top-of-the-line Zephyr RV, but only 9.5 feet longer than a typical full-size SUV. The Allegro Breeze GVWR is 21,500 lbs. The Allegro Breeze RV will begin appearing at Tiffin's network of dealerships in the U.S. and Canada in June 2010. Pricing has not yet been announced.

The MaxxForce 7 will be rear-mounted on Tiffin's own PowerGlide chassis. Introduced in 2008, the PowerGlide chassis quickly became a popular option, offering one-stop service for Tiffin owners at dealerships and the Tiffin service facility. The PowerGlide chassis for the Allegro Breeze RV is newly designed on a coach-ready platform.

Tiffin Motorhomes received one of three prestigious Quality Circle Awards presented by the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association to Class A motorhome manufacturers this year for design, reliability, quality, value and competitive price. For additional information about Tiffin products and services, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.

Navistar Engine Group, an operating unit of Navistar Inc., produces diesel engines for consumer and commercial automotive and industrial markets around the world. Its global MaxxForce brand line of engines offers models for a wide range of applications and for all global emissions standards. For more information CLICK HERE.

To read all about the Allegro Breeze CLICK HERE.

Centennial Charlie, the popular Official Ambassador of the 2010 RV Centennial, recently wrapped up a cross-country tour that took him to RV plants, consumer shows and RV dealerships in 19 states across the country. But Centennial Charlie’s time in the spotlight is not over, as he will next appear as the star of an amusing video co-starring the RV industry employees, consumers, and friends he met on his goodwill tour. The video will be shown during the one-hour program that is a centerpiece of the RV Centennial Celebration, set for June 7 at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart.

Centennial Charlie, who is inspired by the bear in Go RVing's 2010 "Ambassadors of Affordability" ad campaign, proved to be very busy at consumer RV shows this spring, according to show promoters. Dianne Seymour of Affinity Group said, "Centennial Charlie visited the Colorado RV, Sports, and Boat Show in March. He went white water rafting, rode a Boss Hoss motorcycle, enjoyed fishing, boating, four wheeling, camping and sightseeing.  He had a great visit in Colorado and we were honored to have him at our show."

Charlie was also very busy during his visits to RV manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers this spring. "Charlie had a great time visiting Winnebago Industries’ plant in Forest City," said Sheila Davis, Winnebago's public relations manager. "He helped build a motorhome from start to finish, welding the chassis, putting the floor in, helping install a roof, lowering a slideout room into place, and sewing seat covers!  Charlie also attended the Forest City community celebration, where he was very popular with local pre-school kids who read bear stories with him."

While visiting Little Dealer, Little Prices in Phoenix this April, Charlie pitched in around the dealership, working as a salesperson, an RV technician, and a parts specialist. "He even operated a forklift!" said owner Debbie Brunoforte. She added, "Although the customers thought he was cute, I heard some salespeople were miffed when he ate all the doughnuts before the sales meeting even started."

Charlie spent a few days visiting members of Congress in the nation's capital, and proved to be popular on both sides of the aisle.

"Centennial Charlie spent a whirlwind week meeting with key members of Congress and learning the 'bear' essentials of how things get done inside the beltway," said RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Dianne Farrell. "In addition to his largely ceremonial role as Ambassador for the RV Centennial, Charlie was quite an effective lobbyist promoting House and Senate Resolutions designating June 2010 as RV Centennial Celebration month."

Farrell reported that Centennial Charlie met with Minority Leader Boehner (R-OH) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), as well as Representatives from the Indiana delegation including Joe Donnelly (D), Dan Burton (R), and Mike Pence (R).

Whether heading to a demanding job site or a relaxing day at the lake, 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty customers can take advantage of segment-first technologies and conveniences to tow like a pro.

With vacation season approaching, more Super Duty customers will start towing boats, horse trailers and campers, all of which are among the top items towed by F-250 and F-350 customers. The ability to tow a camper, fifth-wheel, RV or bigger camper also rates highest among both conventional and fifth-wheel towers in terms of reasons for wanting maximum towing capacity.

The 2011 Super Duty delivers not only with best-in-class capability, but also with more confidence-enhancing towing features, helping Super Duty customers tow a wide variety of loads – for work or for fun – with greater peace of mind.

"The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has class-leading capability, but the key is putting it to work in a way that is easy and seamless for the customer," said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. "About 95 percent of our Super Duty customers tow. The wide array of standard and available technology in the 2011 Super Duty can help customers tow with more confidence."

Nearly 72 percent of Super Duty customers consider towing capability as "extremely important." The ability of the 2011 Ford Super Duty to tow maximum loads for work and recreation allows customers to work the truck hard during the week and on the weekend.

"The towing customer is the Super Duty customer," said Scott. "That's why it's so important to provide the 2011 Super Duty customer not only the most capability, but also the right technology to tow more confidently."

Trailer Sway Control added for 2011

Leading these new technologies is Trailer Sway Control, which uses Ford's AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™) to provide an additional level of confidence and control while towing. Ford's system – standard on all single-rear wheel models and dual-rear wheel pickups – uses sensors to measure wheel speed, throttle position, steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration as well as an exclusive gyroscopic roll-rate sensor.

The roll-rate sensor is key to the Ford system. Unlike competitors' systems, TSC uses real-time input instead of calculations to take countermeasures.

When the system detects the trailer yawing in one direction, it applies selective brake pressure on the tow vehicle's opposite side – called asymmetric braking. This helps reduce the sway. TSC also can reduce engine power as part of the trailer-sway mitigation strategy.

• Is designed to work even when trailers have no braking systems
• Requires no hardware to be added or adapted to the trailer
• Works with multiple trailer brake configurations
• Can assist when trailer sway occurs due to operation in gusty wind conditions or emergency evasive maneuvers

For further peace of mind, an available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by Ford's factory warranty, offers smooth and safe operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.

Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth stops at all speeds. If the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake algorithm kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. When towing trailers with electric brakes, Super Duty trucks equipped with the trailer brake controller can apply the brakes during a sway event to help stabilize it.

The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty also is the first full-size pickup truck to offer a factory-installed trailer brake controller that is compatible with most aftermarket electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. Electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems use an electric signal to actuate the hydraulic or "surge" brakes in the trailer. These systems are gaining in popularity among boat trailer manufacturers because they can be operated in a wet environment.

New engine and transmission deliver class-leading capability with control

The all-new Ford-designed, engineered and built 6.7-liter V-8 turbocharged diesel engine for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty not only has best-in-class horsepower, torque and fuel economy, it's also an enabler to the increased control towing customers will experience. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine's integrated exhaust brake increases engine exhaust back pressure when needed to help slow the vehicle and trailer while in tow/haul mode.

There's no button to push; the diesel powertrain calibration automatically increases the engine exhaust back pressure when needed, making it seamless to the customer.

The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission has SelectShift capability and several enhanced customer-driven features, like Progressive Range Select, Manual Mode and tow/haul mode, that are useful when towing.

Progressive Range Select allows a customer, through a toggle on the shift lever, to reduce the range of gears while in Drive. When the customer "taps" down into Range Select mode by pressing the toggle switch on the shift lever, the display shows the gears available for the transmission to shift to, and also continuously updates the current transmission gear.

Customers also can switch to Manual Mode and use the same shift toggle to select the gear desired. The torque converter aggressively locks up while in this manual mode and holds the gear to provide manual transmission-like control, yet is smart enough to downshift if the driver comes to a stop and forgets to downshift.

The enhanced tow/haul mode provides better control when hauling a heavy trailer load, especially when going down grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors that better predict the driver's need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control. Manual Mode delivers greater control when low gears are needed, like pulling a trailer out of a boat ramp.

Another significant control strategy is Hill Start Assist, which is a sensor-based system that will hold the brakes for up to 2.5 seconds to prevent rollback when stopping or starting from rest on an incline. The system employs a digital accelerometer to measure slope incline and activates automatically when the incline exceeds 3 percent.

New productivity screen can aid towing novices

Helping customers of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty take full advantage of this leading capability is the class-exclusive available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel. Of particular use to towing customers are screens that allow trailer tow customers to

• Name and delete trailers; log mileage for guess-free maintenance intervals. It also tracks mileage and remembers the gain settings for multiple trailers
• Access information on features such as Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), tow/haul mode and electric-over-hydraulic brakes
• Select the type of trailer connection and view a checklist of conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck options

Three distinct checklists can be accessed, and include the following prompts

• Ball coupler connected and locked?
• Tongue jack raised?
• Mirrors adjusted?
• Electrical wiring connected?
• Lights functioning correctly (running lights, left/right turn and brake lights)?
• TBC gain setting adjusted?
• Wheel chocks removed?
• Safety chains connected?

More ready-to-tow conveniences added; more towing options from inside the bed

The 2011 F-Series Super Duty also offers customers more ready-to-tow options from within the cargo box with an available factory-installed class-exclusive fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package. This package is warranted by Ford and includes an integrated, patent-pending under-bed frame-mounted crossmember for added strength. It is compatible with either type of hitch accessory kit through Ford Custom Accessories. It's available for $370 MSRP, significantly less than many aftermarket installations.

Five laser-cut holes in the pickup box provide access to the fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch attachment points. The attachment points are finished with trim bezels and closeout covers to maintain a flat cargo bed. A seven-pin connector is integrated to the pickup bed inner wall on the driver's side to allow for a clean installation.

Additional driver aids and conveniences

Conventional trailer hookups are made easier with the rearview camera option. After shifting into reverse, a full-color image from the tailgate-mounted camera is displayed in the rearview mirror or on the available navigation system's 6.5-inch screen.

Also available are class-exclusive PowerScope™ trailer tow mirrors that adjust, fold and telescope almost 3 inches at the touch of a switch; this option includes integrated clearance lights and turn signals, plus heated glass with manually adjustable spotter mirrors.

"The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers class-leading towing capability that the customer can manage seamlessly and confidently, which is a combination our competitors can't match," said Scott.

To learn more about the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty CLICK HERE.

If there ever was an RV adventure, this is it. With only two launches remaining, you had better make plans soon to see thes last launches of America's space shuttles.

NASA is getting hit up for extra launch passes, and mission stickers and pins are flying off the shelf. Another Twittering crowd is descending on the space center. Even science fiction writers want in on the action.

Welcome to space shuttle Atlantis' 32nd and final voyage.

When Atlantis blasts off last Friday — only two more missions remain before the shuttle program ends.

Besides equipment for the International Space Station, Atlantis holds two big tool bins that are crammed full of shuttle and station memorabilia: flags, medallions, bookmarks and the like.

Three miles from the pad, the firing room where launch controllers will give one final "go" is decorated with photos of Atlantis launching, flying in space and landing over the past 25 years. The collage includes patches from each mission, including the last, which depicts Atlantis sailing into the sunset.

Perhaps the only people in town who refuse to fuss over Atlantis' last flight are the six astronauts who will ride the rocketship into the history books. That's because NASA's future is fuzzy. Hope persists that Atlantis will ride yet again, launch director Mike Leinbach noted Wednesday.

"The six of us are calling this the first last flight of Atlantis and I think that's appropriate because we really don't know what she's going to do next," explained commander Kenneth Ham.

Shuttle managers prefer calling it Atlantis' "last planned flight."

What they mean is that when Atlantis returns from its 12-day trip, it won't be dismantled and head off to a museum. Instead, NASA will prep the shuttle as usual for a possible rescue mission for the very last flight, Endeavour's in November.

Assuming no rescue mission is needed — and none has yet — just about everybody at NASA would like to launch Atlantis anyway with a load of supplies. After all, it will be primed to fly with a fuel tank and a set of boosters. NASA's top officials would like a heads-up from the White House by the end of June.

"One last hurrah," is how longtime astronaut Jerry Ross puts it.

Ross, now a NASA manager, is one of only two people to fly in space seven times — five on Atlantis.

At a news conference last week, Ross rattled down the list of Atlantis-by-the-numbers: 31 flights, 282 days in orbit, 116 million miles, 4,462 orbits of Earth, 185 crew members.

The upcoming mission will tack on 12 days, 186 orbits, 4 million miles and four astronauts.

Atlantis made its debut in 1985 as the fourth in NASA's vaulted space shuttle series, and went on to launch NASA's Venus-bound Magellan, Jupiter-bound Galileo and Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. It flew seven times to Russia's old Mir space station and 10 times to the International Space Station. It carried out the finalHubble Space Telescope repair mission last May.

"This is never going to be routine, and it's something I'm really going to miss seeing," Ross said.

Nonetheless, Ross said it's time the space shuttles stop flying. Like everyone else at NASA, he wishes there wasn't such a big gap between the last shuttle mission and the first manned flight of the next program, whatever and whenever that proves to be.

Adding to the Atlantis fanfare, NASA invited 150 people to take part in a launch-day tweet-up at Kennedy Space Center. It's only the second such affair; the first was in November. NASA expects the group to reach nearly 200,000 people via Twitter updates as they witness Atlantis' grand finale.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, meanwhile, scheduled its Nebula Awards conference in nearby Cocoa Beach to coincide with the launch.

Flight director Mike Sarafin expects the mission to be conducted with "a little bit of reverence." Other than that, there will be no difference in how it's managed, he noted.

The Atlantis crew will perform three spacewalks to replace batteries and install spare parts at the space station, which NASA plans to keep running until 2020.

"Whether it's the last, last flight, time will tell," said astronaut Michael Good, who will perform two of the spacewalks. "But I don't think it's going to hit us until sometime after we land, to realize, hey, that was it."

For more NASA information on the shuttle launches CLICK HERE. Photo courtesy Nasa.

This is a great step forward and will pave the way for research and development of future RV chassis. Read on and see our future. This is great and exciting news!

Navistar delivered to FedEx the first full-production eStar - Navistar’s all-electric commercial truck. The company is currently taking orders for the eStar and intends to deliver 400 units by the end of 2010.

The eStar all-electric truck is the first medium-duty commercial vehicle to receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification as a clean fuel fleet vehicle as well as California Air Resources Board certification as a zero emissions vehicle.

This Class 2c-3 electric truck—the first in its category - has a range of 100 miles per charge, making it ideal for many urban applications. When it returns to its home base at the end of the day, it can be plugged in and fully recharged within 6-8 hours.

“For businesses, municipalities and other organizations that demonstrate their environmental commitment, the eStar provides them with a smart option,” said Shane Terblanche, general manager, electric vehicles, Navistar. “We have brought the eStar to market to meet the needs of responsible customers who strive to have a positive impact on the environment through energy efficiency.”

FedEx showcased a prototype of the eStar electric truck during last month’s “Charge Up Route 66” tour that began in Chicago and ended in Los Angeles as part of the Fortune Brainstorm Green Conference. FedEx will evaluate the performance of the eStar vehicle in its fleet as it operates in the Los Angeles area.

“FedEx is continually looking to connect the world more responsibly,” said Mitch Jackson, Vice President of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability at FedEx. “Navistar’s purpose-built electric truck has the potential to assist in making our business more environmentally sustainable and reduce dependence on foreign oil, while ensuring FedEx the reliability necessary to meet our commitment for superior customer service.”

The eStar all-electric truck transitioned from concept to reality in August 2009, when President Barack Obama visited Navistar’s manufacturing plant in Indiana to announce a $39.2 million federal stimulus grant to build electric trucks. Less than one year later, Navistar has completed testing and validation, developed and delivered prototype vehicles, and received EPA and CARB certifications. Today, the eStar meets all Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Navistar is now taking orders and building these all-electric trucks.

“With the first eStar trucks coming off the production line today, Navistar is fully capable to support our customers through select dealers networked in our initial launch regions,” Terblanche added. “No other commercial electric vehicle competes with the eStar in terms of capacity, size and application.

We believe that customers will love the eStar because of its capabilities as an electric vehicle and not have to change their fleet usage in order to meet the truck’s performance.”

Unlike other electric trucks that are reconfigured models of fossil-fuel trucks, the eStar truck has been purpose-built for electric power, creating an advantage with a low center of gravity (the battery is between the frame rails, not mounted on top) and a 36-foot turning radius. The eStar is engineered with superior aerodynamics, a walk-through cab and a quick-change cassette-type battery that can be swapped out in 20 minutes, enabling around the clock operation. It is capable of carrying payloads up to two tons.

With zero tailpipe emissions, each eStar truck can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 10 tons annually. Drivers will be able to experience the ultimate in ergonomic design as the windshield provides nearly 180-degree visibility, the low-floor design provides easy loading/unloading and the noise level is nearly non-existent, which makes this nimble vehicle ideal for urban areas facing noise challenges.

“As the electric vehicle capital of the world, I have no doubt that Navistar chose the best possible location to make the eStar, a first of its kind clean technology truck,” said Mitch Roob, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Recently formed Prime Time Manufacturing has delivered the 1000th travel trailer from its production facility in Wakarusa, Indiana.

The towable builder, a division of Forest River, Inc, recognized the achievement with a brief ceremony and luncheon attended by over 130 production workers, vendors, and Wakarusa town officials.  Many of the production employees have been with the company since its inception in September of 2009.

Special guests included the management staff of Tom Raper RV with headquarters in Richmond, Indiana, who were presented the keys to the milestone unit – a Tracer 3000 BHD.  Dave Bane, president of Tom Raper RV, applauded all of the Prime Time personnel for quickly bringing to market products that have made a significant impact on the bottom line of his dealerships.  “Both the Tracer and LaCrosse have proven to be very innovative, well built, and quite popular with our retail customers.

We love Prime Time’s aggressive approach to product development and are proud to take delivery of their 1000th production unit,” commented Bane.  Tom Raper RV is Prime Time’s largest volume dealer with three locations in Indiana and Ohio.

During the ceremony, Prime Time president Jeff Rank announced plans to introduce the company’s first line of fifth wheels called Crusader.  “We will begin production by the end of May and expect to be hiring a significant amount of additional employees within the next few weeks.  The management team at Prime Time understands the fifth wheel market and we look forward to making Crusader an industry leader.”

Navistar, based in Warrenville, Illinois, makes International brand commercial trucks, IC Bus branded school and commercial buses, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, Monaco brand RVs and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans.

Speaking at the Reuters Manufacturing and Transportation Summit in Chicago, CEO Daniel Ustian said Navistar's RV making unit, created when it purchased the assets of bankrupt motorhome maker Monaco Coach last year, was already operating at a break-even level in what he characterized as the worst of times.

He said it was already a "$400 million, $500 million" a year business for Navistar but he could see it tripling in size as the RV market recovers.

"We believe it will get to be a $1.5 billion business," he said.

Among the markets in which he sees growth is South America, where commercial buses built on Monaco's one-piece bodies could help Navistar make good on its goal of becoming a player in the global commercial bus market.

And Ustian said he believes there is a growing RV in market in places like China, with its burgeoning middle class and sprawling new highway system.

"They have small RVs there now," he said. "they're pretty sparse. So I think ... there's an opportunity."

Navistar stock is publically traded on the NYSE.