Holiday Rambler RV celebrates 60 years, introduces three new models

1954 Holiday Rambler travel trailer

LISLE, Ill., November 15, 2012 – Navistar RV, a subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE), will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its Holiday Rambler brand at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) National RV Trade Show, November 27 to 29 in Louisville, Ky.

It will also introduce three model-year 2014 vehicles. The new Presidential will reestablish Holiday Rambler’s presence in the luxury fifth-wheel category, and the company will continue to build and sell motorhomes with the reintroduction of its Augusta B-plus class B vehicle and its new Vacationer, an entry-level class A gas coach.

“We are very pleased to mark the 60th anniversary of Holiday Rambler, a preeminent brand in the history of recreational vehicles,” said Bill Osborne, president, Navistar RV. ”

The first Holiday Rambler was a travel trailer introduced to the public in 1953. In 1961, the brand’s introduction of aluminum body framing ushered in an era of lighter, stronger and more durable RVs. This aluminum frame (Alumaframe) became the standard for RVs for 40 years. Holiday Rambler was also responsible for many firsts, including built-in refrigerators, holding tanks and aerodynamic radiused corners. As Holiday Rambler moved into motorhomes, it was the first with tag axles, and its kitchen slide-out revolutionized interior engineering in the field. Holiday Rambler was sold to the Monaco Coach Corporation in 1996, now a part of Navistar.

“While we are proud of Holiday Rambler’s rich history, we aren’t stuck in it,” Osborne added. “We continue to introduce new designs, exciting new options and features.”

THE NEW PRESIDENTIAL is a maneuverable and roomy fifth-wheel that offers the appointments of a luxury motorized RV. A wide body design, combined with a unique chassis platform, provides industry-leading exterior storage with both front and rear pass-through storage. Premium construction methodologies include a 100-percent gel coat exterior (no metal skirt), thicker laminated walls, composite structure panels, frameless windows and arched roof trusses.

Notable interior features include Lane-brand leather furniture, a fireplace and pull-out desk, flatscreen TVs in the living room and bedroom, a walk-in shower and tiered bathroom vanity with vessel sink, and available dishwasher and stack washer/dryer. Storage is plentiful, with a full-size pantry, and custom dinnerware and glassware drawers.

The new Vacationer SE offers customers the high-end features of a diesel coach — Smart Structure chassis system, ergonomically designed cockpit, soft-touch ceiling and generous pass-through storage — at the lower price of a gas vehicle. The new Augusta B-plus is a maneuverable and compact motorized RV with maximum space and inventive design features including a Murphy bed that folds away to allow for a larger living area.

SOURCE: Holiday Rambler news release and RVtravel.com.