Monaco's stated goal is to “build homes on wheels that are innovative, dependable and competitively priced - while offering a lifestyle for customers that exceeds their dreams.”  With the production of the 2011 Monaco Cayman 40 PBQ they have surely accomplished that goal.

At first glance you can't help but notice that the completely redesigned 2011 Monaco Caymen 40 PBQ is dripping with curb appeal. The lustrous new full-body paint is perfectly applied and looking at it was like looking into a 40-foot long mirror.  While we were preparing for our shoot, several people walked by and stopped in their tracks to either admire the paint job or themselves – we’re not sure which – but either way their actions spoke to the quality of the paint job and the fresh look Monaco has given the Cayman!

Underneath the beautiful exterior of the 2011 Monaco Cayman 40 PBQ is a Cummins ISC 360 horsepower diesel engine that powers along the new Roadmaster RR8R chassis.  Eight air bags work in conjunction with eight gas-charged shock absorbers to prevent road trauma from ever reaching the coach. Ride height sensors continually adjust the air pressure at each axle to maintain a level ride and eliminate nose diving, weight transfer and floating on curved roads.

Stepping aboard, the first thing you notice is the attractive, residential styling and spacious feel throughout the coach. Immediately our eyes were drawn to the stunning, matte finish full ceramic tile floor, which is standard on all four floor plans.  Monaco’s choice of tile was inspired.  It’s beautiful, yet practical for every-day RVing. Upscale yet easy to clean, and in between cleanings you won't notice every little piece of dirt.

The dashboards of all Monaco products are always nice – but the Cayman in particular is top-notch. The console to the left of the driver has all the necessary controls as well as a convenient cup holder. The console curves up into the dash like a well-crafted luxury car showing off a perfectly designed instrument cluster.  The center console features an LCD back up monitor with side cameras, radio and a wooden drawer at the bottom for storage.

The first of three HDTVs - a 26" Flatscreen LCD - is located in the overhead of the cab area. It's perfect for viewing when parked and you can't open the slides.

Moving back into the living area, the 40 PBQ features opposing leather sofas – one a 90" sofa bed and the other a 65" sofa. There is practical storage above both sofas overhead – but not so large that you might hit your head on a cabinet. Additionally, the cabinet size does not take away from the spacious living area.

While we were discussing our camera shots, we took advantage of the sofas’ comfort. This can be a mistake as you can fall asleep very easily on these comfy couches – especially after putting some miles on your feet at an RV show!  Nevertheless, we highly recommend them!

Aft of the main living area are the kitchen and dinette. The kitchen is really nicely laid out and features gorgeous solid surface counter tops with removable covers for the range and sink.  The range is a high-output, two-sealed burner cooktop and above it is a combination stainless steel convection/microwave oven. This is a full size residential unit with range fan and light built in.  The entire kitchen is framed by Newport cherry raised-panel cabinetry with doors that have hidden hinges.

Two of the kitchen’s additional features really stood out to us. From a décor standpoint, the backsplash behind the range features a beautiful pattern of hand-laid tiles. This breaks up the solid surface color and is a very elegant look. On a more practical note, to the left of the range is a short Corian strip that has been designed to catch any spills and prevent them from finding their way onto the leather sofa. It's clear that the designer of this kitchen meant for it to be used and enjoyed.

The kitchen also comes with a 12 cubic-foot two-way four-door refrigerator with ice maker. (A residential refrigerator option is available if you plan to full-time.)

Opposite the kitchen is a dinette that seats four. As an option, it can be upgraded to the ever-popular freestanding table with computer workstation/buffet that can seat two or four. This can be very nice if you telecommute with your laptop PC.

On the aft bulkhead, beside the dinette, is a 40” LCD HDTV wired with a surround sound home theater system.  The unit fits nicely into an AV cabinet with storage above and below the TV.

The walk-through bath has a large one-piece molded fiberglass shower with curved doors and skylight, and very upscale plumbing fixtures. The shower nozzle can slide up and down a pole to accommodate a person of any height.

The lavatory next to the shower features a solid surface countertop, under-mounted flush sink and the same hand-laid tile backsplash as in the kitchen.

Across from the lavatory and shower is a private toilet compartment. It features a ceramic toilet with sprayer and another sink with the same high-end tile treatment, plumbing fixtures and countertop.

Typically, the aft bedroom is an after-thought – pun intended. Not in this case. This bedroom, or luxury suite as it could be called, impressed both cast and crew. The fabrics and pillows are plush and very upscale without being over-stated. Of particular note is the padded headboard, which is stunning to look at, yet practical for propping up to read a book or watch TV. And on those nights when you don't want air conditioning but just a bit of a breeze – there's a ceiling fan to accommodate your whim.

Speaking of watching TV, the third HDTV – a 26” LCD model - is across from the bed atop a nice chest of drawers.

The back wall features a mirrored wardrobe and closet for an optional stackable washer/dryer. The doors are thoughtfully designed with louvers at the top and bottom, which create a chimney effect and keep the space humidity-free when in use.

RV Buddies was duly impressed with the Monaco Cayman 40 PBQ.  We also liked the full-wall slide 36 PFT model for its living area and 40" HDTV. There’s another 40' model with bunk beds if you travel with children.

Many options are available to personalize your coach including an outdoor entertainment center with, yes, a fourth HDTV - a 40" LCD - to keep you entertained while barbequing.

If you opt for the residential refrigerator, an optional 10Kw generator is available, but only two house batteries are standard with no mention of additional batteries or extra inverter power.  Make sure you ask about that.

And don't forget to personalize your coach after you take delivery. Our first suggestions would be to install automatic fire control systems and one solar panel per house battery. (That's a good rule of thumb on average.) From there, enjoy the road. The 2011 Cayman is designed to do just that!

For 2010, Winnebago re-styled their Class A Itasca Sunstar / Winnebago Vista inside and out. The new approach features three distinct floorplans, some beautiful updates and a variety of options at an affordable price.

The manufacturers are putting a lot into their smaller products, nd Winnebago is at the forefront of the trend.  No longer do you have to buy the highest-priced product to get the features that you want.

RV Buddies developed an appreciation for a lot of nice features when we took a close look at the Sunstar 30W – a very livable coach that is fairly compact in size, measuring in at just under 31.'

The bold new front cap styling and available full body paint make an excellent first impression. Upon entering the coach, you can’t help feeling you have stepped into a much larger coach.  The layout is open and spacious. Of particular note is the stunning new dashboard in the cab area.

In the living area, the standard "U-shaped" dinette can be replaced with a optional table, chairs and 40" HDTV. This provides eye-level viewing of the 40" HDTV directly opposite the sofa. Viewing is easy and comfortable with this setup, and 40" is huge in a coach of this size!

The galley is set nicely in the corner of the living area so that the chef can whip up a feast while still enjoying the party.

Aft are the bath areas, shower split from the sink and toilet, and then a private bedroom with short queen bed – all exceptionally well designed to make best use of the available space.

There are two other plans available, the 26P, which provides a very short and efficient layout, and the 32K, which is large enough to offer bunk beds – perfect for the family who wants to get out and see America!

The Sunstar starts at just under $90,000. There are a wide variety of plans to option out your dream coach to fit your needs exactly.

Last year RV Buddies named the Damon Avanti the “RV Buddies Coach of the Year.” Following the announcement that the 2010 model would be smaller, we were anxious to see what the 2806 had in store for us. Would it just be smaller? Could it meet the Avanti standard of luxury and quality? What new surprises would be revealed? RV Buddies took a close look and discovered the answers to these questions and more.

The 2010 Avanti rides on the new Freightliner MC-L chassis with Cummins ISB 6.7 liter diesel engine and Allison transmission.  The overall length is a reduced 28’9” and the width is 94".  Remarkably, Damon has sacrificed nothing by going smaller.

"The interior space of the 2806 defies is short length" says Mark Summers, Host and Producer of RV Buddies. "The floor plan can't even begin to convey the interior of this coach. You have to see it to believe it."

What is unique and makes this coach’s interior possible is the full wall slide – a new trend in shorter coaches to maximize interior space. But the Avanti stands out from the competition in the way the space is utilized.  Given the shorter length, the love seat is gone, but the huge U-shaped dinette remains. The kitchen remains efficient with a European-styled covered sink and range.

Just aft of the dinette is a large buffet counter with 26" HDTV. This area is perfect for meal prep or the staging of food for a party or other gathering with family and friends. It is truly unique and is a huge part of what makes this interior so spacious and functional.

At the back of the coach is a private bedroom with a nice double bed, tucked in the slide-out facing a second 26" HDTV for bedside viewing.  There is also a smallish door in the corner of the closet – and when you open it, it reveals a cavern large enough to accommodate plenty of clothes!

One feature we would change is the framed picture at the head of the bed. While beautiful, it's impractical and won't survive anyone who props up in bed to read or watch TV.

As anyone who follows RV Buddies knows, we like our creature comforts. The final surprise in this floor plan is the bathroom. It takes up about 8 feet of length down the passenger side of the coach, allowing for a full-sized shower, macerator toilet, room to change clothes and pamper in full privacy with doors to both the main cabin area and the private bedroom.

The cab retains the trademark Damon European-style dash – a standard only seen in mega-dollar coaches.  “Damon has set the bar high for other manufacturers to try and emulate," Summers says.

The Damon Avanti 2806 succeeds in providing a lot of high-end features in a shorter package than previous models. For anyone looking for a smaller, more maneuverable, efficient diesel coach without compromise, this is an excellent place to start shopping.

Is it the coach of the year? You'll have to wait a bit to find out when we make our announcement in the coming weeks – but we can assure you that the new 2806 rates as one of the best coaches of 2010.

Returning this Friday to the Fairplex in Pomona, California, RV enthusiasts from all over the southwest look forward to this show every year. The show is slated to show the newest products the industy has to offer.

The 57th Annual California RV Show, sponsored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), will kick off Friday (Oct. 16) at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., offering consumers access to the newest and best in RVs and RV products.

Set to run through Oct. 25, the California RV Show is the largest consumer show on the West Coast, according to RVIA Express.

This year’s show theme is “It’s All About Fun” and highlights that with an RV you take your resort with you. With many American families looking to save money on vacations, show promoters have been working to highlight the fact that RVing is still less expensive than flying or driving, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. RVing also provides quality family time.

Seminars at the show will help attendees select the right RV and provide tips for full timing and extended RV travel.

One of the most popular seminars from previous shows that will be continued this year is ”Yes, You Can Drive an RV,” while ”green” RVer and RVIA media spokesman Brian Brawdy also will be featured in a special green camping display at the center of the show.

“Despite the tough economic conditions, I think we are going to have a wonderful show,” said Marsha McInnis, RVIA’s Western Region show director. “Enthusiasm is high among exhibitors and consumers alike.”

The show’s website, www.carvshow.com, continues to be a popular place for RVers to visit and find show information as well as tips on how RVers are adjusting to higher fuel costs, how driving an RV is different but not difficult, how RVs have less of a carbon footprint than air/hotel travel, and more – all designed to support RV sales and show attendance.

CLICK HERE for a $2.00 COUPON and SAVE !!!

1910-2010: The RV Industry Celebrates 100 Years of Exploration and Innovation

A century ago, the popularization of the automobile, improving roads, and America’s passion for exploration gave rise to mass-produced, manufactured recreation vehicles, and the RV industry was born.  In 2010, RVIA and the RV industry will mark this centennial with an array of special activities celebrating the 100-year journey of a uniquely American product.

In 1910, there was no TV, no air conditioning and no phone, but there were RVs. Through war and peace, booms and busts, fuel lines, fads and the cyber revolution, the RV lifestyle has endured and is still going strong, even in today’s challenging economic times.

“Think about how far we’ve come in the past 100 years in terms in technology, yet the reasons to RV remain the same,” says RVIA President Richard Coon. “RVing has been able to thrive and grow because people still enjoy the freedom that it provides.”

The industry will celebrate its centennial in 2010 with a series of events that showcase today’s innovations and new products while emphasizing America’s century-long love affair with RVs.

“Recognizing and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the RV industry is a unique opportunity to tell our story to the media and public,” says Coon.

The roots of RVing are as old as pioneers and covered wagons.  But 1910 is the year that America’s leading RV historians — David Woodworth, Al Hesselbart and Roger White — cite as the beginning of what has become the modern RV industry.

“The first motorized campers were built in 1910,” says Woodworth, a preeminent collector of early RVs and RV camping memorabilia. “Before then, people camped in private rail cars that were pulled to sidings along train routes. The year 1910 brought a new freedom to people who didn’t want to be limited by the rail system. RVs allowed them to go where they wanted, when they wanted.”

Hesselbart, archivist for the RV/MH Heritage Museum in Elkhart, Ind., also pinpoints 1910 as the birth of the RV industry. “Camping has been around for centuries, but 1910 is when the first auto-related camping vehicles were built for commercial sale.”

Known as “auto campers” or “camping trailers” a century ago, these vehicles were a forerunner of today’s modern RVs.

“There were one-offs [individual units] built prior to 1910,” says White, an associate curator for the Smithsonian Institution. “But 1910 is a good benchmark for the industry.”

“The 1910 RVs offered minimal comforts compared to today’s homes-on-wheels,” says Woodworth. “But they did provide the freedom to travel anywhere, to be able to get a good night’s sleep and enjoy home cooking. One notable exception to today’s RV was the bathroom. In 1910, it was usually either yonder tree or yonder bush.”

Hesselbart points out that one brand of auto camper in those days was equipped with a bathroom onboard. “Pierce-Arrow’s ‘Touring Landau’ had a potted toilet,” he says.

A version of today’s Type B van camper, the Pierce-Arrow “Touring Landau,” was unveiled at Madison Square Garden in 1910.

In addition to Pierce-Arrow, there were several other companies or auto-body builders producing motorized RVs. These companies and innovative products were featured in a Popular Mechanics issue in 1911, but Woodworth says the motorhomes highlighted in the article were actually built in 1910.

Camping trailers made by Los Angeles Trailer Works and Auto-Kamp Trailers also rolled off the assembly line beginning in 1910.  Hesselbart says the earliest RV on display at the RV/MH museum is a 1913 trailer, ancestor of the contemporary travel trailer.

Photos of 1910 RV models appear in White’s book on the history of RVing and exist in both Woodworth’s and Hesselbart’s libraries.

To mark the centennial, RVIA is creating a special 100th anniversary logo and commemorative decal that everyone in the industry will be invited to use in their own promotions and marketing.  RVIA is planning an industry party on June 7 during the 2010 Committee Week in South Bend, Indiana, to which media and political guests would be invited.

RVIA will soon announce details of an RV caravan led by Woodworth with one of his early RVs, as well as a menu of celebration and promotion ideas for dealers, campgrounds, clubs and shows to use on their own.

“Celebrating our centennial will create excitement and pride throughout our made-in-America industry and provide an opportunity for manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and campground owners to unite under one banner,” says Coon.  “For 100 years, we’ve been helping Americans explore their scenic treasures and heritage more comfortably, affordably and enjoyably.  That’s something to celebrate.”

NBC’s Great American Road Trip has been a boon for the RV industry. The season finale is scheduled to air Monday, August 24 on NBC. Check your local listings for times.

The joys of family RV travel received great exposure this summer with NBC’s prime time reality show Great American Road Trip, featuring seven American families traveling in motorhomes on a cross-country road trip competition. The show’s two remaining families – the Cootes and the DiSalvatores – are in the running for a $100,000 prize to be awarded during the show’s finale, set to air at 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 24 on NBC.

“Our RV became our home away from home. I would do it again in a second,” said Amy DiSalvatore about her family’s experience on the program.

Over eight episodes this summer, the show followed seven families from diverse backgrounds as they traveled iconic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles in their own motorhomes, through cities large and small, while competing in a medley of humorous challenges.

“Great American Road Trip provided terrific exposure for the RV industry just as American families were focused on summer travel,” said Gary LaBella, RVIA vice president and chief marketing officer. “The competing families all found the experience of RVing to be rewarding and fun, with many families who were sent home saying that the trip itself brought them closer together, and that family bonding was the real prize. That’s a great message for the show’s viewers.” he continued.

El Monte RV, a national RV rental company, provided the motorhomes used in the Great American Road Trip. The units are Bounder type A motorhomes built by Fleetwood Enterprises. RVIA’s Public Relations Department worked with the program’s producers on content and messaging.

Meanwhile, as Great American Road Trip finishes its run for the summer, an animated program prominently featuring an RV recently premiered on the Nick at Nite cable network. Glenn Martin DDS follows the adventures of an RVing dentist, Glenn Martin and his family. (Parents watch this before you allow your kids to watch! Some content may not suitable to all families.)

After learning that his favorite childhood park is about to be destroyed, Glenn takes his family on a cross-country road trip to protest the demolition. Although the protest is unsuccessful, Glenn and his wife Jackie realize the RV trip has brought their family closer together and they decide to keep traveling. The half-hour program airs at various times on Nick at Nite throughout the week. Check www.nickatnite.com for the schedule.

RV Buddies had a chance to tour Newmars Class A motorhomes in New Mexico. There is an extreme attention to detail. The dash area in particular is a  true drivers areas - with a wrap around feel you will enjoy mile after mile. It's no wonder that they are posting gains. There is always room for quality in any economy.

If you are in the market for a new Class A coach or fifth wheel, put Newmar on your list. And for your entertainment, enjoy the pictures of their top of the line King Aire - a coach in league with the likes of Country Coach and Newell. This is a New York penthouse on wheels. Look at the beautiful, yet subtle ceiling treatment. And, oh that amazing dash layout!

From their press release:

Statistical Surveys in Grand Rapids, MI published its June 2009 retail sales data to its subscribers late last week. The data confirmed that the strong gains in Class A Motorhome market share posted by Newmar Corporation through March 2009 continued through June 2009.

Newmar, a manufacturer of Class A Motorhomes and Fifth Wheels, posted a 22.5% market share gain in Class A Motorhome registrations during the first six months of 2009 when compared with the same time period in the 2008 calendar year. This was the largest gain in market share among the top ten Class A Motorhome manufacturers.

“By purchasing Newmar motorhomes in stronger numbers during the first six months of this year, the RV consumer appears to be giving our products their stamp of approval,” stated John Sammut, Newmar’s vice president of sales and marketing.

The two Newmar products most responsible for these market share gains were the Ventana Diesel Pusher and Canyon Star Gas Motorhomes. The Ventana brand earned a market share increase of 92.9% during the first six months of 2009 as compared to June 2008 year to date. Newmar’s Canyon Star Gas Motorhome displayed a 54.5% increase in market share for that same period.

“The dramatic changes that we made to the interior designs and the innovative floorplans we created in all our products for the 2009 model year were instrumental in helping Newmar earn the market share gains we’ve seen so far this year,” said Newmar’s Director of Sales, Pat Terveer.

Newmar was established in 1968 and is privately owned and has a dealer network that spans across the United States and Canada.

The time has come. All the designs are complete, and I'm anxious to get started. So RV Buddies went on a road trip - to Applied GMC in Fremont, California.

Anyone familiar with the cult of GMC motorhomes knows that there are few high end shops that cater to this amazing futuristic marvel. One of course is in Florida, known as the GMC Coop. That facility is run by a man by the name of Jim Bounds. If you are on the Eastern portion of the United States, you will be familiar with his mad scientist-like obsession with these coaches. But it doesn't stop there, do visit his website and check out the CRUZ project. If that doesn't push boundaries, very little does. Jim also has an affinity for sound - and pretty much any machine coming out of his facility will have, as a requirement, a state-of-the-art audio and video system. (Or as close as the new owners budget will allow Jim's vision to design in!)

But we're on the West coast. So RV Buddies visited the other top shop of the land - Applied GMC. This shop is also run by a Jim, Jim Kanomata. This shop is located in Fremont, California - just a bit inland of the San Francisco Bay area.

After an uneventful 350-mile drive up from LA through the California Central Valley to the Bay Area - on a holiday weekend, no less, I arrived at Applied GMC – which was tucked away in the back of a non-descript industrial complex.

Rounding the corner to the building you see a parking lot full of old GMC coaches owned by customers - some showing their age, others in great condition for their age. In the back corner, a classic Cortez rests in dissaray, rusty, aching for some TLC.

Jim and I sat down and discussed the overall plan for the coach (video is being edited), and got to specific details for the chassis.

Before we sat down to cover the project coach, Jim gave me a tour of the facility. First off, it's huge. Second, it's like my desk. I know where everything is if no one moves anything on me! Applied GMC is the same - Jim knows where everything is. And there's a lot of everything. He has large quantities of the hardest to find GMC parts. And when an odd request comes up, he goes as far as coordinating a large buy with the other GMC gurus around the country to make sure the community is taken care of.

Wandering around the building was like touring a museum of old and new. There were several pallets of air bags, hundreds of feet of stainless tubing ready for custom exhaust systems, rare body parts, a complete wet bath compartment, gear sets, engines, and the list goes on and on.

It became clear that Applied GMC is seriously in this business. Several coaches were in the shop - one getting a much-needed upgrade to its air conditioning system courtesy of Vintage Air.  The bottom line here - RV Buddies appears to be in good hands with Applied GMC!

Before the coach arrives at Applied GMC, it will be stripped down to its original "Transmode" origins. Getting it there should be interesting. The suspension is leaking severly on the left, and the engine overheats. It's tempting to attempt the drive up in the cool of night - then if need be, a tow might come into play - but hopefully not.

Upon arrival, the drive train is to be pulled and some frame work can be done.  New positions for the black and grey tanks have been engineered, and the frame will be modified in the rear to increase the departure angle. Also, over the years there have been a few tugs at the under-carriage, and those will be repaired.

Starting with the rear end, the plan is for all discs, the quadra bag suspension, and the new anti-dive rear suspension. That one sentance sounds simple, but the price tag - well, nevermind that!

On the front end, the tranny needs a rebuild, new gear ratio, heavy duty control arms with new disc brakes, variable ratio power steering and... While we're at it - how about a new crate engine! So essentially, the coach will be brand new with 2009 technology. A new dash and gauges only seem appropriate. So that will be done during this phase, along with a new steering column and steering wheel.

Jim had submitted a bid to us a few months ago, and after meeting and revising a few things, he is reviewing the numbers. His quote is due to RV Buddies within the week. So it looks like a go. Cross your fingers, this should be a fun project!

Motorhome and Accessories  Exhibition  Rolls Into Bowling Green as part of FMCA Convention

Hundreds of motorhomes and a variety of accessory merchandise will be assembled in Bowling Green in mid-July in a display of recreation vehicles at Bowling Green State University.  The motorhome exhibition, which will take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2009, is part of a convention of an international motorhome owners' club, the Family Motor Coach Association, based in Cincinnati.

On Monday, July 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a special viewing of only the motorhome exhibits will take place.  Hours for viewing motorhome and booth display exhibits are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Some 18 motorhome manufacturers and five Ohio dealers will be bringing new motorhomes to Bowling Green for convention attendees to tour. Plus, approximately 230 companies will display their wares inside the air-conditioned space of the Charles Perry Field House, encompassing nearly 75,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space.

The daily fee for viewing motorhomes and booth displays is $7.00 per person; children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Save $2.00 on a day pass by bringing a nonperishable food item to benefit the Bowling Green Food Pantry. A Daily Passport that provides admittance to the exhibits, seminars, and daytime and evening entertainment is available for $55.00 per person.  The admission fee on Monday covers admission on Tuesday as well.

Public parking will be available at Bowling Green State University in Lot 1 off Willard Drive. From Interstate 75, take Bowling Green Exit 181. Turn west onto East Wooster Street and then turn right on Thurstin Avenue; turn right on Merry Avenue and then right again on Willard Drive and follow the signs.

Convention attendees will be able to view the latest features and innovations that are available in motorhomes.  Some of the displays will feature production-line units, and others will demo custom-built coaches for uses ranging from family camping to transporting high-tech business equipment, or for use as conference coaches.  A great variety of motorhome styles and a broad price range will be represented.  In addition, the Charles Perry Field House will overflow with RV accessories, components, supplies, campground information, and more.

Motorhomes are a popular travel option.  According to a recent consumer study conducted by the University of Michigan, U.S. ownership of RVs has reached record levels. Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households now owns an RV.

In addition, the potential for future growth in RV ownership in general in the United States is considerable.  Sales of recreation vehicles are expected to increase as baby boomers move into their prime RV-buying years.

Industry officials believe that the advantages of RV travel in today's climate will help to drive market growth.  Families want to spend quality time together and prefer the greater freedom, flexibility, control, and comfort RVs provide. Younger consumers and empty-nesters are both realizing the advantages of RVing over other forms of travel.

The RV exhibition is just one element of the Family Motor Coach Association motorhome owners convention.  Approximately 2,600 families will travel from across North America in their motorhomes to take part in the event, and some 8,000 people will be on hand. The convention will include seminars on topics relative to RVing; topflight professional entertainment; and various social events.

The Family Motor Coach Association offers to its members benefits the likes of mail forwarding service, trip routing, accidental death insurance coverage, a medical evacuation program, group rates for an emergency roadside assistance plan, a fuel discount program, and much more, along with its monthly magazine, Family Motor Coaching, which is filled with helpful information for the motorhome enthusiast.  The organization's national office is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and can be reached toll-free by calling (800) 543-3622 or on the Web at www.fmca.com.

July rally at the home of Workhorse® almost here. IT'S LAST CALL for the July rally of the Workhorse Chassis Motorhome Club (WCMC) in Greenville, Ohio — next to the home of Workhorse®!

Registration deadline is July 1 for the July 14 to 17 rally at the Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville, home to one of the largest county fairs in the country. It is also right down the road from Workhorse's manufacturing facility in Union City, Ind.

Rally events will kick off with an opening reception at the historic train depot in Union City. Now the home for the area arts association, the depot also highlights Union City's railroad history. Five railroad lines once converged at this town astride the Indiana-Ohio border, making this small spot on the map one of the main transportation hubs in the country.

Wednesday events will include several seminars, including Workhorse chassis maintenance, as well as a trip to the KitchenAid® manufacturing facility in Greenville. An evening catered dinner will top off the day's activities.

Thursday will feature tours of the Workhorse plant and a cookout picnic on Workhorse grounds featuring games and other entertaining pastimes. An ice cream social will greet club members' return to the fairgrounds Thursday evening.

Club members can also count on the fellowship around coffee and doughnuts each morning.

So come and join fellow Workhorse owners for some fun and an education about how your motor home platform is made! You must be a WCMC member to attend. More information about WCMC and how to join may be obtained by clicking here.

Rally fees include a three-night stay:
$130 for two people and a coach.
$105 for one person and a coach
$50 for each additional person in a coach.

If you have questions or need a registration form, contact Dave or Linda Laird at 765-378-1204 or 765-278-5348.

Make checks payable to WCMC and send checks and registration form to:
David Laird
4651 E. 150 N.
Anderson, IN 46012