Airstream negotiates special rate for roadside assistance with Coach-Net

National Motor Club (NMC) and Airstream, Inc. recently announced a partnership agreement that will provide Coach-Net RV technical and roadside assistance to be included in the Airstream 2012 models.

The agreement also provides owners of earlier Airstream models the ability to purchase a membership at an Airstream negotiated rate. Legacy Airstream owners will be notified within the week of this special, limited time offer.

The program, that began mid-September, amplifies Airstream’s premium level of customer service, said Justin Humphreys, Airstream's vice president of sales.

Coach-Net’s 24/7 availability expands Airstream’s service and provides factory-trained reps to assist Airstream owners wherever they travel throughout the United States and Canada.

“We believe the addition of Coach-Net is a great way to round out our service offering and add support to our valued owners,” said Humphreys. “Whether they are on the side of the road, in a campground, or just have a technical question after hours, we want to give our owners peace of mind knowing that they have a respected, knowledgeable RV industry leader available to help.”

“Airstream is a great example of a partner who mirrors our commitment to service and quality,” said Mat Krzysiak, CEO of NMC. “As Coach-Net approaches its 25th year serving the RV industry, we remain focused on delivering a valuable service to our partners and peace of mind to their customers.”

About NMC and Coach-Net
National Motor Club (NMC) is a provider of emergency roadside assistance and other travel related services over its 55-year history. Through its Coach-Net line of services, NMC has served the RV industry for the last 25 years and is included with vehicle purchase in 70 percent of all new RV models. The Texas-based company, through its own operations, serves millions of members throughout the United States and Canada and is one of the largest independently owned motor clubs.

For more information, visit www.nmc.com or call 877.801.0333.

New website shows dealer cost on new RVs

Before RV enthusiasts head to their local dealership to make a purchase, they can now gather valuable research data on SeeDealerCost.com - a new website that aggregates pricing and product information for RVs, motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles, boats and personal watercraft (PWCs).

"SeeDealerCost.com doesn't sell RVs, motorcycles or boats, but we do provide hard-to-find dealer invoicing and pricing guidance to help consumers make a more informed purchasing decision," says Dave Taylor, Vice President of SeeDealerCost.com. "Our website is not just about revealing pricing information; we also provide a variety of product information such as standards, product specifications and optional equipment."

Not all makes of RVs are listed, but those that are show the suggested MSRP of the vehicles as well as the dealer invoice price. The service is free and no registration is required.

Here's an example of how the cost figures are presented for some Jayco Class C motorhomes.

Want to tailgate at the Super Bowl? How about $1,199 for a parking space?

Do you want to tailgate at this year's Super Bowl in Indianapolis? Be prepared to pay through the nose.

Park here game day for only $499.

Parkwhiz.com claims that the average price for a parking space at Bowl XLVI with enough space for tailgaiting is $184. But you can easily spend more.

A space in a dental lot on Russell Ave., just two-tenths away from the stadium can be yours for $1,199. That sounds way too expensive, but the good news is that's for four days, and there are restrooms on the premises. So, heck, if you stay the full four days that's only $12.50 an hour -- not so bad.

EZ Park of Indianapolis will rent you spot right across the street from the stadium for a mere $499. But that's only for the day of the game, and you must vacate within four hours after the game's final buzzer. Oh, yes, there are porta-potties are on site, so no need to fill up your own John due to mucho beer drinking.

If you don't mind a little walk, Newport Parking on North Alabama St., eight-tenths of a mile away from the stadium has a space for you for only $55. What a deal!

SOURCE: RVtravel.com

Would you believe it, a Prius RV? Believe it!

RVs keep getting greener and more creative. Would you believe a Toyota Prius camper? It's true. The fuel-efficient RV is built on a third generation Prius. A conversion company then adds a streamlined, fiber-reinforced plastic shell that expands the car's interior into a small camper.

The living area has room for a small coffee table with booth-type seating and underseat storage that can be converted to a queen-size bed, with an another permanent bed in the forward section above the cockpit. At its rear, the Prius RV features a shower/bathroom stall (we don't know how it could fit, but that's what the PR folks say). The vehicle debuted at the Tokyo Auto Show.

There's no word yet on price or when it might go on the market. But for anyone looking for a basic camper that gets great gas mileage, perhaps this will fit the bill.

Winnebago debuts two new tag-axle motorhomes to Journey and Meridian lines

Winnebago Industries, Inc., has introduced its new tag-axle 42E to its 2012 Winnebago Journey and Itasca Meridian Class A diesel lineup. It's the first tag-axle floorplan in the popular Journey and Meridian lineups.

This bath and a half floorplan features a full wall slide on the passenger side of the coach that includes a 40-inch LCD HDTV, Euro Recliner with pull-out table, buffet with extendable dining table and chairs, four-door refrigerator, pantry and residential-like bedroom wardrobe. The living area also offers a Rest Easy extendable sectional sofa, tray ceiling design and polished ceramic tile for an inviting, upscale look.

The fully-equipped mid-coach galley features a pull-out island for more prep space. The unique wardrobe features a full-length clothes rod, his and hers three drawer units and an adjustable shoe shelf. The bedroom includes a queen bed in the slideout and dual nightstands. A new, power-adjustable king bed is optional. The private master bath in the rear of the coach features the company's spacious BIG Shower as well as ample storage, with a washer/dryer optional. A half bath sits mid-coach.

The 42E is built on our 44,320-lb. GVWR Maxum lowered rail tag-axle chassis that features 220 cubic feet of easy-to-access exterior storage and, says the company, "unsurpassed ride and handling." The 42E is powered by a 400 hp Cummins ISL 8.9L turbo-charged diesel engine.

The 2012 Winnebago Journey and Itasca Meridian 42E are making their retail market debut at this week's Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla.

Carriage foreclosure auction moved out to late February

After creditors forced the shutdown and sale of assets of Carriage RV, auctioneering firm, Myron Bowling Auctioneers, scheduled a February 9 selloff. In a "re-mark your calendar" move, the auction house says they've moved the date out to February 21.

The sale of everything from parts, completed rigs, equipment, and intellectual property rights will take place in Millersburg, Indiana before a live crowd, but bidders can also ring in their bids via the Internet. A public inspection will allow hands-on inspections on February 20th. The auction company has yet to publish a catalog of items for sale, but says it typically has one up on the web five days prior to the sale.

Carriage, who manufactured brands Cameo, Royals, Resort Vehicles, Domani, Carri-Lite, Cabo, and the Carriage line was quite popular among RVers. What with the intellectual property rights and "intangible assets", which includes the company name and brand names, phone numbers and Internet website up for sale, there is the potential that a successful bidder could resurrect the line from the death of financial insolvency and make Carriage live again.

Potential bidders, both at the site itself and those who would visit via the web, should be aware of the auctioneer's sales criteria. Cash, company check, or wire transfer are the only acceptable payments--credit cards will not be accepted. Online bidders will be required to have made a deposit prior to the auction day of at least 25% of their anticipated bid amounts. The auction company charges a buyer's premium.For more details, visit the website.

2012 Florida RV SuperShow starts next week

RIVERVIEW, Fla., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) will host the 27th Annual 2012 Florida RV SuperShow, Wednesday, January 11 through Sunday, January 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida.

The 2012 SuperShow will have representation from every major RV manufacturer as well as hundreds of accessory booths exhibitors.  "We will have more Suppliers' booths and every type, size and style of RV on the market," said Marketing Director David Kelly.  "With the addition of new entertainment and more seminars, we're anticipating record crowds this year.  We're also renewing the 2-day pass so the public will have two full days to see everything at the SuperShow at no additional cost."

With hundreds of RVs on display and educational seminars, the SuperShow is the place to trade-in your old RV or get all the information you need to get acquainted with the RV lifestyle.  And some of Florida's finest campgrounds and resorts will have booth exhibits to show attendees the best camping opportunities found anywhere.  Also a huge display of camping accessories and supplies will be found in the Camping World Store.

A favorite of all visitors to the SuperShow is the FREE entertainment.  From clowns and unicycle riders to Barbershop Quartets and BagPipe Bands, the SuperShow has enough entertainment to keep everyone busy the entire day.  And take advantage of the FREE shuttle service inside the SuperShow that will carry visitors from exhibit to exhibit.

Seminars are presented throughout the day at the SuperShow making it easy to attend the ones you want to see.  National RV Writer Bob Marx will host two seminars daily.  "Tips for Buying an RV" helps you decide which RV is right for your particular lifestyle and "Full Time & Extended RV Travel" explains how RV travelers deal with banking, bill paying, telephone communications, e-mail, mail forwarding, medical care and other concerns while on the road for extended periods of time.  Additional seminars include Basic RV Maintenance, Weight and Tire Issues and How to RV to Alaska.

The Super Rally celebrates its 25th year at the SuperShow.  This RV rally is opened to any and all RV clubs and the general public and includes a number of amenities including FREE admission to the SuperShow all five public days, meeting facilities for your club, FREE coffee and donuts every morning and seminars.  Three nights of entertainment and refreshments are also included and will feature "The Rivoli Revue" music by Kay and Ron Rivoli, a fun evening with Rick Arnold and turning back the clock with Malt Shoppe Memories.  There will also be a collection of antique RVs from the members of the Tin Can Tourists.

Admission to the SuperShow is only $10.00 for adults and that includes a second day admission for the cost of one day and children under 16 are FREE.  The SuperShow hours are Wednesday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day with seniors receiving$1.00 off the cost of admission (not valid with other discounts).

SOURCE Florida RV Trade Association