Friday, January 18, 2008
A NEW QUAD-SLIDE PREVOST
RV News
Marathon Coach, Inc. announced recently that it has completed coach #1123, the industry’s first quad-slide luxury conversion of a Prevost H3-45.
The quad-slide project was a two-year cooperative effort between Marathon and Valid Manufacturing, the company’s Salmon Arm, British Columbia-based H3-45 slide-out provider.
Featuring a visually stunning European-inspired design, the interior of coach #1123 exudes both warmth and opulence. Luxurious upholstery in light muted tones provides a dramatic contrast to the combination of rich, dark tinted walls and wood flooring in the salon. Similarly, the coach’s distinctive exterior, which boasts a shell motif with a look of inset mother-of-pearl accents, is also accentuated throughout the interior in the form of mother-of-pearl tile backsplashes behind each vanity, and as backdrops for hand-cut diamond-patterned valances.
With the added space of four slide-outs, the expanded salon in #1123 accommodates a stylish oversized reclining club chair, a large leather ottoman, and a dinette table with a removable leaf for comfortable living and entertaining; the bedroom suite is transformed into a spacious, yet cozy retreat that includes plush seating and additional storage.
Marathon Coach, Inc. announced recently that it has completed coach #1123, the industry’s first quad-slide luxury conversion of a Prevost H3-45.
The quad-slide project was a two-year cooperative effort between Marathon and Valid Manufacturing, the company’s Salmon Arm, British Columbia-based H3-45 slide-out provider.
Featuring a visually stunning European-inspired design, the interior of coach #1123 exudes both warmth and opulence. Luxurious upholstery in light muted tones provides a dramatic contrast to the combination of rich, dark tinted walls and wood flooring in the salon. Similarly, the coach’s distinctive exterior, which boasts a shell motif with a look of inset mother-of-pearl accents, is also accentuated throughout the interior in the form of mother-of-pearl tile backsplashes behind each vanity, and as backdrops for hand-cut diamond-patterned valances.
With the added space of four slide-outs, the expanded salon in #1123 accommodates a stylish oversized reclining club chair, a large leather ottoman, and a dinette table with a removable leaf for comfortable living and entertaining; the bedroom suite is transformed into a spacious, yet cozy retreat that includes plush seating and additional storage.
COUNTRY COACH ADJUSTS WORKFORCE
(Jan. 18, 2008) -- The manufacturer reduced staffing by fewer than 200 workers to better align plants and ensure the company was well-positioned.
Country Coach
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. - Country Coach, a 35 year manufacturer of luxury motorcoaches, continues to shape its workforce to meet the demands of its dealer network. In the fourth quarter of 2007, in contrast to reports of more expansive reductions, the Company reduced staffing by fewer than 200 workers to better align plants and ensure the Company was well-positioned to grow into the New Year.
In line with the company's commitment to be fiscally responsible, the New Year’s sales opportunities are providing reason to grow. Beginning immediately, the Company is hiring back 65 employees to serve dealer and customer demand. Largely fueled by new products developed over the prior nine months, this increase in both general assembly and skill position allows Country Coach to continue to be the World's Finest in providing a new array of floorplans and features.
Company President and CEO Jay Howard commented on the staffing moves. "Country Coach is committed to providing a high quality, innovative motorcoach. At the same time, we are dedicated to providing long-term stability to both our investors and our employees. Making the right adjustments to keep our company healthy serves both our loyal team members and our investors to the best of our abilities." Mr. Howard also comments that the current increase is an immediate need, with multiple southern dealers showing an improved initial Country Coach sales pace for January.
Country Coach
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. - Country Coach, a 35 year manufacturer of luxury motorcoaches, continues to shape its workforce to meet the demands of its dealer network. In the fourth quarter of 2007, in contrast to reports of more expansive reductions, the Company reduced staffing by fewer than 200 workers to better align plants and ensure the Company was well-positioned to grow into the New Year.
In line with the company's commitment to be fiscally responsible, the New Year’s sales opportunities are providing reason to grow. Beginning immediately, the Company is hiring back 65 employees to serve dealer and customer demand. Largely fueled by new products developed over the prior nine months, this increase in both general assembly and skill position allows Country Coach to continue to be the World's Finest in providing a new array of floorplans and features.
Company President and CEO Jay Howard commented on the staffing moves. "Country Coach is committed to providing a high quality, innovative motorcoach. At the same time, we are dedicated to providing long-term stability to both our investors and our employees. Making the right adjustments to keep our company healthy serves both our loyal team members and our investors to the best of our abilities." Mr. Howard also comments that the current increase is an immediate need, with multiple southern dealers showing an improved initial Country Coach sales pace for January.
FEMA OFFERING TO BUY BACK TRAILERS
RV Business
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responding to concerns about formaldehyde in trailers issued to hurricane survivors, said Thursday (Jan. 17) that it would offer refunds to people who bought them after their initial use.
The Associated Press reported that the federal government began selling trailers in 2006 through online auctions and to victims of the intense 2005 hurricane season. Sales were suspended in July last year because of the fears about formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems.
FEMA said that 10,839 travel trailers and park models were sold by the federal General Services Administration at an average price of $6,936, and that 864 trailers were sold directly to hurricane victims.
The agency said it would e-mail buyers to notify them of the refund option. Buyers have 60 days to request a refund, FEMA said.
U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt, who is presiding over formaldehyde cases filed on behalf of 723 people, met with attorneys on both sides Thursday in New Orleans.
Henry Miller, a lawyer for FEMA, said the agency has received only 20 formaldehyde-related claims that it considers "legally sufficient."
FEMA said the trailers won't be used as temporary shelters for disaster victims until safety concerns are addressed.
In late December, government scientists began measuring formaldehyde levels in hundreds of FEMA trailers. Preliminary results are due next month, and a final report is expected to be released in May.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responding to concerns about formaldehyde in trailers issued to hurricane survivors, said Thursday (Jan. 17) that it would offer refunds to people who bought them after their initial use.
The Associated Press reported that the federal government began selling trailers in 2006 through online auctions and to victims of the intense 2005 hurricane season. Sales were suspended in July last year because of the fears about formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems.
FEMA said that 10,839 travel trailers and park models were sold by the federal General Services Administration at an average price of $6,936, and that 864 trailers were sold directly to hurricane victims.
The agency said it would e-mail buyers to notify them of the refund option. Buyers have 60 days to request a refund, FEMA said.
U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt, who is presiding over formaldehyde cases filed on behalf of 723 people, met with attorneys on both sides Thursday in New Orleans.
Henry Miller, a lawyer for FEMA, said the agency has received only 20 formaldehyde-related claims that it considers "legally sufficient."
FEMA said the trailers won't be used as temporary shelters for disaster victims until safety concerns are addressed.
In late December, government scientists began measuring formaldehyde levels in hundreds of FEMA trailers. Preliminary results are due next month, and a final report is expected to be released in May.
Monday, January 14, 2008
LONGTIME SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RV INDUSTRY LEADER PASSES
RV Business
January 14, 2008
Dave Altman, founder of prominent Southern California dealership Altman’s Winnebago and a respected voice in the RV industry, died early Saturday (Jan. 12) following a bout with a cancer. He was 63.
Altman's involvement in industry affairs included serving as president of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association’s (RVDA) board of directors (1977-78) and most recently as chairman of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc.’s board of directors in Elkhart, Ind. Last August, Altman emceed the induction ceremony at the newly constructed facility for 12 new members to the Hall of Fame roster before a dinner crowd of 450.
Altman’s Winnebago currently operates Southern California retail centers in Carson and Colton, while the company’s original Baldwin Park location, founded by Altman in 1971, had been slated for eminent domain closure by the end of the year, according to Dave’s brother, Joe Altman, vice president and general manager.
Joe Altman had been maintaining regular blog postings regarding his older brothers’ condition since he was first hospitalized on Thanksgiving morning for emergency brain surgery that wound up involving a cancerous brain tumor.
Saturday’s blog entry included: “For his family, the lights on earth became a bit dimmer, but the stars in the sky have never shined brighter. The prayers and kind wishes of everyone made Dave’s final days with us filled with great peace. Those prayers are also giving those of us who survived Dave the strength, courage, and tranquility to continue.”
Altman was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl, father Gary, and mother Lillian. He is survived by his wife Marla, daughters Tina and Debbie, son Steven, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, six sisters and a brother.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, Calif.
January 14, 2008
Dave Altman, founder of prominent Southern California dealership Altman’s Winnebago and a respected voice in the RV industry, died early Saturday (Jan. 12) following a bout with a cancer. He was 63.
Altman's involvement in industry affairs included serving as president of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association’s (RVDA) board of directors (1977-78) and most recently as chairman of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc.’s board of directors in Elkhart, Ind. Last August, Altman emceed the induction ceremony at the newly constructed facility for 12 new members to the Hall of Fame roster before a dinner crowd of 450.
Altman’s Winnebago currently operates Southern California retail centers in Carson and Colton, while the company’s original Baldwin Park location, founded by Altman in 1971, had been slated for eminent domain closure by the end of the year, according to Dave’s brother, Joe Altman, vice president and general manager.
Joe Altman had been maintaining regular blog postings regarding his older brothers’ condition since he was first hospitalized on Thanksgiving morning for emergency brain surgery that wound up involving a cancerous brain tumor.
Saturday’s blog entry included: “For his family, the lights on earth became a bit dimmer, but the stars in the sky have never shined brighter. The prayers and kind wishes of everyone made Dave’s final days with us filled with great peace. Those prayers are also giving those of us who survived Dave the strength, courage, and tranquility to continue.”
Altman was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl, father Gary, and mother Lillian. He is survived by his wife Marla, daughters Tina and Debbie, son Steven, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, six sisters and a brother.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, Calif.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
RECALL: ALFA LEISURE (FREIGHTLINER)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
ALFA / GOLD 2003-2008
ALFA / SEE YA 2007
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V016000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 04, 2008
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 602
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
ALFA LEISURE IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 1-800-373-3372.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
ALFA / GOLD 2003-2008
ALFA / SEE YA 2007
Manufacturer : ALFA LEISURE,INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V016000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 04, 2008
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 602
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
ALFA LEISURE IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR ALFA LEISURE AT 1-800-373-3372.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL: NEWMAR (FREIGHTLINER)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NEWMAR / DUTCH STAR 2004-2005
NEWMAR / ESSEX 2004-2005
NEWMAR / MOUNTAIN AIRE 2004-2005
Manufacturer : NEWMAR CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V015000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 12, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 126
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER VCL OR XC CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-343) AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NEWMAR / DUTCH STAR 2004-2005
NEWMAR / ESSEX 2004-2005
NEWMAR / MOUNTAIN AIRE 2004-2005
Manufacturer : NEWMAR CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V015000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 12, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 126
Summary:
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER VCL OR XC CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
Consequence:
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy:
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-343) AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
RECALL: FLEETWOOD (INVERTER)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FLEETWOOD / BOUNDER DIESEL 2008
FLEETWOOD / DISCOVERY 2008
FLEETWOOD / EXCURSION 2008
FLEETWOOD / PROVIDENCE 2008
FLEETWOOD / REVOLUTION LE 2008
FLEETWOOD / EXPEDITION 2008
Manufacturer : FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V013000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 21, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 376
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (FET) BOARD BUILT BY MAGNUM ENERGY, INC., THE CIRCUITRY INSIDE CERTAIN INVERTERS CAN CAUSE AN INOPERATIVE CONDITION RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE INVERTER.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING OF THE INVERTER MAY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE INVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 71221. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FLEETWOOD / BOUNDER DIESEL 2008
FLEETWOOD / DISCOVERY 2008
FLEETWOOD / EXCURSION 2008
FLEETWOOD / PROVIDENCE 2008
FLEETWOOD / REVOLUTION LE 2008
FLEETWOOD / EXPEDITION 2008
Manufacturer : FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V013000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 21, 2007
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 376
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (FET) BOARD BUILT BY MAGNUM ENERGY, INC., THE CIRCUITRY INSIDE CERTAIN INVERTERS CAN CAUSE AN INOPERATIVE CONDITION RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE INVERTER.
Consequence:
OVERHEATING OF THE INVERTER MAY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE INVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FLEETWOOD AT 1-800-509-3418.
Notes:
FLEETWOOD RECALL NO. 71221. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
