Louisville Showed me

I just got back from the annual RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) show in Louisville-KY. This is the annual manufacture showcase of New RVs and prototypes that will be shown to their exisiting and New dealers. About 90% of all RV manufacturers will display there newest and best selling models at this annual event.

This years show was much smaller do to the failure of some major players in the industry like Fleetwood & Monaco Coach, who filed for bankruptcy in the spring of 2009. Monaco, reopened under a new name (Monaco LLC - now owned by Big Boy NaviStar) did have a small display and a sampling of coaches. Fleetwood, now owned by AIP, also showed up with a display about 1/5 the size of years past. Forest River and THOR showed the largest displays and the most brands.

The theme of this year's show was basic RVs and Classic styles. Many travel trailer manufactures have come out with Retro style small trailers. Lightwieght was also a big theme.

On the motor home side, Basic class A coaches could be found at many manufactures. I found that the GeorgeTown Class A, by Forest River, seemed to be the best buy. They have two series, a base model, or Standard, and a more Luxury model, LE.

Newmar showed great as usual. The all new 2011 Mountain Aire was beautiful and we designed. They downsized from a 45' to a 43' and reduced the engine size from 450hp to 425hp. But the price was reduced as well, shaving over $50,000-$75,000 off of the retail price. (around a $440,000 MSRP nicely loaded).

Winnebago industries probably had the biggest change in their diesel motor home lines, and all for the better as I saw. They had very innovative floor plans and great features, backed with a solid reputation. This is the year for them to Shine in the Luxury Diesel RV Market.

-John H.