Friday, January 25, 2008
NEW LEADERSHIP AT ALFA LEISURE: WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
RV Business
Friday, January 25, 2008
Ontario, Calif.-based motorhome and fifth-wheel manufacturer Alfa Leisure Inc. has named Scott Degnan president and Niles Whitehouse as vice president of sales and marketing.
Degnan brings with him nearly 20 years of industry experience, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing for Perris, Calif.-based National RV Inc. and previously with Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. Whitehouse has logged 15 years in sales and marketing.
“Alfa Leisure is fortunate to have Scott and Niles step into these key leadership positions,” said Johnnie Crean Jr., CEO. “Their energy, determination and industry savvy will certainly help realize much success for Alfa and our dealer partners.”
Alfa Leisure said that Degnan will manage the day-to-day operations of the company. Whitehouse’s duties include directing the sales and marketing processes to grow market share and oversee print and online media.
“I am looking forward to guiding this remarkable company back to the industry prominence it once enjoyed,” Degnan said. “ Johnnie and Alfa have introduced countless innovative ideas and features over the years, and there is much more on the way.”
In 2005, Alfa Leisure was purchased by Nogales Investors, a $345 million dollar private equity firm based in Los Angeles. Alfa Leisure is the firm’s only RV company at this time.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Ontario, Calif.-based motorhome and fifth-wheel manufacturer Alfa Leisure Inc. has named Scott Degnan president and Niles Whitehouse as vice president of sales and marketing.
Degnan brings with him nearly 20 years of industry experience, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing for Perris, Calif.-based National RV Inc. and previously with Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. Whitehouse has logged 15 years in sales and marketing.
“Alfa Leisure is fortunate to have Scott and Niles step into these key leadership positions,” said Johnnie Crean Jr., CEO. “Their energy, determination and industry savvy will certainly help realize much success for Alfa and our dealer partners.”
Alfa Leisure said that Degnan will manage the day-to-day operations of the company. Whitehouse’s duties include directing the sales and marketing processes to grow market share and oversee print and online media.
“I am looking forward to guiding this remarkable company back to the industry prominence it once enjoyed,” Degnan said. “ Johnnie and Alfa have introduced countless innovative ideas and features over the years, and there is much more on the way.”
In 2005, Alfa Leisure was purchased by Nogales Investors, a $345 million dollar private equity firm based in Los Angeles. Alfa Leisure is the firm’s only RV company at this time.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
INTERIOR SQUARE FOOTAGE GOING UP IN TRAVEL TRAILERS
RVIA has approved increasing the maximum allowable size for
travel trailers from 320 square feet to 400 square feet for member
manufacturers, effective January 1, 2008.
Although towable RVs under current federal law can be up to
400 square feet in the set-up mode, travel trailers had been
restricted to 320 square feet through the RVIA standards program.
Units beyond 400 square feet are considered to be manufactured
housing by the federal government and required to meet standards
set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
“The 320 square foot limit was put in place
in 1987 based on towing capability available at
that time; but with better technology and more
powerful tow vehicles that limit is no longer
valid.” said RVIA Vice President of Standards
and Education Bruce Hopkins.
“As a result, the increase in travel trailer size is being permit-
ted by the RVIA Board of Directors for RVIA members as an asso-
ciation variance to the existing 320 square foot parameters of the
NFPA 1192 RV Standard,” he continued.
The new allowable size for travel trailers will result in a square
footage overlap with park trailers. Manufacturers building travel
trailers between 320 square feet and 400 square feet will have the
option to declare these products “travel trailers” or “park trailers”
for the RVIA membership program. This declaration of how the
products will be classified must be made prior to inspections.
travel trailers from 320 square feet to 400 square feet for member
manufacturers, effective January 1, 2008.
Although towable RVs under current federal law can be up to
400 square feet in the set-up mode, travel trailers had been
restricted to 320 square feet through the RVIA standards program.
Units beyond 400 square feet are considered to be manufactured
housing by the federal government and required to meet standards
set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
“The 320 square foot limit was put in place
in 1987 based on towing capability available at
that time; but with better technology and more
powerful tow vehicles that limit is no longer
valid.” said RVIA Vice President of Standards
and Education Bruce Hopkins.
“As a result, the increase in travel trailer size is being permit-
ted by the RVIA Board of Directors for RVIA members as an asso-
ciation variance to the existing 320 square foot parameters of the
NFPA 1192 RV Standard,” he continued.
The new allowable size for travel trailers will result in a square
footage overlap with park trailers. Manufacturers building travel
trailers between 320 square feet and 400 square feet will have the
option to declare these products “travel trailers” or “park trailers”
for the RVIA membership program. This declaration of how the
products will be classified must be made prior to inspections.
LAYOFFS AT WINNEBAGO
RV Business
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Motorhome builder Winnebago Industries Inc. is expected to lay off workers at its Forest City, Iowa headquarters as high fuel prices and consumer worries about the economy continue to dampen sales, a company official told the Associated Press today (Jan. 24).
"Wholesale and retail markets for motorhomes industrywide have been depressed because of the economic factors going on right now," said spokeswoman Sheila Davis. "Two major economic factors are interest rates and consumer confidence and both of them have been negative for us for awhile."
According to the AP, Davis said she could not release the exact number of layoffs or a time frame but said they are expected "fairly soon.” The company employs 3,300 workers.
In addition to Forest City, Winnebago operates plants in Charles City and Hampton. The cuts are expected at Forest City, Davis said, adding she hasn't heard any discussion of layoffs at the other locations.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Motorhome builder Winnebago Industries Inc. is expected to lay off workers at its Forest City, Iowa headquarters as high fuel prices and consumer worries about the economy continue to dampen sales, a company official told the Associated Press today (Jan. 24).
"Wholesale and retail markets for motorhomes industrywide have been depressed because of the economic factors going on right now," said spokeswoman Sheila Davis. "Two major economic factors are interest rates and consumer confidence and both of them have been negative for us for awhile."
According to the AP, Davis said she could not release the exact number of layoffs or a time frame but said they are expected "fairly soon.” The company employs 3,300 workers.
In addition to Forest City, Winnebago operates plants in Charles City and Hampton. The cuts are expected at Forest City, Davis said, adding she hasn't heard any discussion of layoffs at the other locations.
RECALL: NEW HORIZONS 5TH WHEEL TRAILER (ATWOOD)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NEW HORIZONS / FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER 2007
Manufacturer : NEW HORIZONS
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V021000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 02, 2008
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 77
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH ATWOOD SEALED BURNER RANGES, THE RANGE AND SLIDE-IN BURNER TUBES LEADING FROM THE GAS MANIFOLD TO THE BURNER HEADS HAD A DEPRESSION OR ¿KINK¿ IN THE EXTERIOR BEND RESTRICTING PROPER AIRFLOW AND GAS MIXTURE.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Remedy:
NEW HORIZONS IS WORKING WITH ATWOOD TO HAVE THE TUBES REPLACED ON THESE RANGES (PLEASE SEE 07E030). OWNERS MAY CONTACT ATWOOD AT 1-800-348-7418 OR NEW HORIZONS AT 1-800-235-3140.
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.
NEW HORIZONS / FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER 2007
Manufacturer : NEW HORIZONS
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V021000 Mfr's Report Date : JAN 02, 2008
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 77
Summary:
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH ATWOOD SEALED BURNER RANGES, THE RANGE AND SLIDE-IN BURNER TUBES LEADING FROM THE GAS MANIFOLD TO THE BURNER HEADS HAD A DEPRESSION OR ¿KINK¿ IN THE EXTERIOR BEND RESTRICTING PROPER AIRFLOW AND GAS MIXTURE.
Consequence:
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Remedy:
NEW HORIZONS IS WORKING WITH ATWOOD TO HAVE THE TUBES REPLACED ON THESE RANGES (PLEASE SEE 07E030). OWNERS MAY CONTACT ATWOOD AT 1-800-348-7418 OR NEW HORIZONS AT 1-800-235-3140.
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: COACHMAN (FREIGHTLINER)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH ELITE 2007-2008
Manufacturer : COACHMEN RV COMPANY, LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V019000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 20, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 116
Summary:
ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES 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:
COACHMEN IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR COACHMEN AT 1-800-453-6064.
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.
COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH ELITE 2007-2008
Manufacturer : COACHMEN RV COMPANY, LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V019000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 20, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 116
Summary:
ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES 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:
COACHMEN IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR COACHMEN AT 1-800-453-6064.
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: DAMON (FREIGHTLINER)
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DAMON / ESCAPER 2004-2005
Manufacturer : DAMON CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V017000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 21, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 73
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES 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:
DAMON IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR DAMON AT 937-596-6849.
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.
DAMON / ESCAPER 2004-2005
Manufacturer : DAMON CORPORATION
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V017000 Mfr's Report Date : DEC 21, 2007
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 73
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES 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:
DAMON IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR DAMON AT 937-596-6849.
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.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
TRAVEL SUPREME CLOSED TODAY, PLANS TO REOPEN ON MONDAY: WHY?
RV Business
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Luxury motorhome and fifth-wheel builder Travel Supreme Inc. unexpectedly closed down administrative and production facilities on Wednesday (Jan. 23) with plans to reopen on Monday.
A sign on the Wakarusa, Ind.-based manufacturer’s office door indicated that the company would return to operation on Monday. The gated product yard, which was locked Wednesday afternoon, housed around 15 fifth-wheels and a few motorhomes.
Officials, including President Glenn Troyer, were unavailable for comment when calls were placed to the company by RVBusiness.
A representative for a dealership that handles Travel Supreme’s towable and motorhome lines said that “the situation is truly not as bad as what people are hearing.”
He added, “All the bills are current. It’s our understanding that they will reopen on Monday.”
Travel Supreme is a family-owned company founded in 1989. The company recently expanded its motorized line with the introduction of the more affordable Avalon diesel pusher motorhome during last November’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Luxury motorhome and fifth-wheel builder Travel Supreme Inc. unexpectedly closed down administrative and production facilities on Wednesday (Jan. 23) with plans to reopen on Monday.
A sign on the Wakarusa, Ind.-based manufacturer’s office door indicated that the company would return to operation on Monday. The gated product yard, which was locked Wednesday afternoon, housed around 15 fifth-wheels and a few motorhomes.
Officials, including President Glenn Troyer, were unavailable for comment when calls were placed to the company by RVBusiness.
A representative for a dealership that handles Travel Supreme’s towable and motorhome lines said that “the situation is truly not as bad as what people are hearing.”
He added, “All the bills are current. It’s our understanding that they will reopen on Monday.”
Travel Supreme is a family-owned company founded in 1989. The company recently expanded its motorized line with the introduction of the more affordable Avalon diesel pusher motorhome during last November’s National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.
