Tuesday, April 28, 2015
PACIFIC COACHWORKS BUYS NORTHLAND INDUSTRIES
From RVBusiness.com and RVDailyReport.com:
Perris, Calif.-based Pacific Coachworks Inc., which has been manufacturing RVs since 2006, has finalized the purchase of assets and intellectual property of Northland Industries in Nampa, Idaho, the company announced today (April 28).
Terms of the transaction were not released.
“When we learned about this opportunity there was no question as to whether or not we were interested,” said Brett Bashaw, CEO of Pacific Coachworks. “Idaho is home. I have lived there, it is where my parents reside, and where our plumbing, irrigation and fencing supply company Silver Creek Supply is located. Pacific Coachworks has established many partnerships with RV dealers in Idaho and neighboring states. This new location will help enhance those relationships as well as develop new ones. It’s a perfect fit and we are really excited to get started.”
Pacific Coachworks’ products include the Econ, Mighty Lite, Tango, Panther, Sandsport, Powerlite, Rage’n, Pacifica, Blaze’n, Sea Breeze, and Surf Side.
Northland Industries had been building three models of truck campers for more than 50 years and, more recently, a 17-foot single-axle travel trailer. Calls seeking comment from Northland officials were unsuccessful.
Pacific Coachworks was acquired by Michael Rhodes and Brett Bashaw in 2010. Since then the company has focused on revamping its models, increasing production and further developing its relationships with RV dealers. Not only has Pacific Coachworks accomplished its goals, after only three years into new ownership the company exceeded its manufacturing space and relocated to a factory that nearly tripled its capacity. A year and a half after relocating, growth continued and the facility in Nampa presented itself.
The acquisition comes on the heels of the manufacturer having recently reported record sales for its 2015 first quarter, ended March 31. Pacific Coachworks reported the total number of units produced grew 75% compared to the same period last year and total sales increased over 80%. Sales increased in both the domestic and foreign markets.
“Despite adding a second production line merely six months ago, we still can’t keep up with the demand for our products,” Jeff Daily, general manager for Pacific Coachworks, said at the time. “This is definitely a good problem to have and we are looking at all options including expansion to ensure we meet our dealers and their customers’ needs.”
Monday, April 27, 2015
FIVE RV RELATED RECALLS FROM NHTSA FOR APRIL 27, 2015
SUMMARY:
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2015 Bighorn, Cyclone, Edge, Elkridge, Landmark 365, Road Warrior, and Torque fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, a rivet for the quad entry steps may shear and fail, causing the steps to give when being used.CONSEQUENCE:
If the rivet shears causing the quad step to fail, the step user may fall, increasing the risk of personal injury.REMEDY:
Heartland has notified owners, and dealers will replace the defective rivets with bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2015. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-20.SUMMARY:
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016 Big Country, Bighorn, Cyclone, Edge, Elkridge, North Trail, Prowler, Road Warrior, Sundance XLT, Torque, Wilderness and 2015-2016 Landmark 365 fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism chain may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion.CONSEQUENCE:
If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash.REMEDY:
Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032. Heartland's number for this recall is 99-01-21.SUMMARY:
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015 Georgetown GT335, FR3 FR30, Pursuit 31BD, and 29SB, and 2016 Cardinal CAF3825FL and Tracer TRT270AIR and TRT3200BHT fifth wheel and travel trailers. In the affected vehicles, the screws that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism cable may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion.CONSEQUENCE:
If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash.REMEDY:
Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will replace the slide room mechanism cable attaching screws, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2015. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0437. Forest River's number for this recall is 51-0331201501.SUMMARY:
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2015 Keystone Sprinter trailers, models 252RLS, 269RLS, 295RKS, 298RLS, 299RET, 31BH, and 313BHS, and 2015 Dutchmen Denali trailers, models 2461RK and 262RLX. In the affected trailers, the studs that are used to attach the wheels to the axle hubs may break.CONSEQUENCE:
If the wheel studs break, the wheel could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.REMEDY:
Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel hubs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2015. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 15-230.SUMMARY:
Highland Ridge RV (Highland) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Roamer, Mesa Ridge, Light, 3X, and Journeyer travel and fifth wheel trailers manufactured March 6, 2015, to March 26, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the screws that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism cable may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion.CONSEQUENCE:
If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash.REMEDY:
Highland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the slide room mechanism attaching screws, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 27, 2015. Owners may contact Highland customer service at 1-260-768-7771.
