Florida RV resort talent contest has $5,000 prize

RVers who sing, dance and play musical instruments might want to consider staying at a Carefree RV Resort in Florida this winter. There could be a hefty payoff.

The RV resort chain, with 30 properties in Florida, will host its second annual Carefree's Got Talent competition in March. Participants who stay at any of the resorts during the winter snowbird season will have a chance to compete for a $5,000 grand prize.

Preliminary competitions will take place at each Carefree RV Resort property in Florida in February and early March. The winners will then advance to a final competition.

The talent competition will be followed by a rally on the evening of March 20, which extends into the next morning. The cost of the rally is $35 per RV and includes dinner on the 20th and breakfast on the 21st.

Last year’s competition brought together 1,200 snowbirds from all over the state. Kenny Channels from Riptide RV Resort in Key Largo took home the $5,000 grand prize by performing hits from George Strait and the Zac Brown Band.

Details on the talent show and the rally will be announced at each Carefree RV Resort after the first of the year. Only Carefree residents who stay at a park for three months or longer during the 2012/2013 season will eligible to participate. However, all are encouraged to attend the show and participate in the rally.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Carefree RV Resorts offers a variety of RV parks throughout Florida, Texas, New Jersey, California and Massachusetts. For more information, visit Carefree online at www.carefreervresorts.com.

SOURCE: Carefree Resorts news release and RVtravel.com.

Top RV parks announced by GuestRated.com

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec. 4, 2012 – Forty-two campgrounds, RV parks and resorts earned all around “A” grades in the fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey of campgrounds, RV parks and resorts. The top parks were announced Friday during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’  annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at 3,200 campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

“Consistently earning an overall ‘A’ grade from guests is difficult, and our 42 winners this year represent less than two percent of all of the nation’s campgrounds. But what is even more impressive is that nine of this year’s winners have also received this award for five years in a row,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey on behalf of ARVC.

The GuestRated.com national online survey program was launched in February, 2008 in collaboration with ARVC. Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by finding the park’s page on www.GoCampingAmerica.com.

The 42 parks earning “A” grades this year are listed below. They include:

• Acres of Wildlife Campground in Steep Falls, Maine, a four-time “A” grade winner, www.acresofwildlife.com

• Anaheim Resort RV Park, Anaheim, Calif., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.anaheimresortrvpark.com

• Ashland Resort, Northfork, W.V., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.atvresort.com

• Beaver Dam Campground, Berwick, Me., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.beaverdamcampground.com
  

• Buffalo Lake Camping Resort, Montello, Wis., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.buffalolakecamping.com

• Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Penn., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.buttonwoodcamp.com

• Camp A Way, Lincoln, Neb., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.campaway.com

• Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, Nathrop, Colo. a four-time “A” grade winner, www.chalkcreek-campground.com

• Cherry Hill Park, College Park, Md., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.cherryhillpark.com

• Cross Creek Camping Resort, Delaware, Ohio, a two-time “A” grade winner, www.alumcreek.com

• Custer State Park, Custer, S.D., a first-time “A” grade winner, http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/custer/
  

• D & W Lake Camping and RV Park, Champaign, Ill., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.dwlake.com

• Dogwood Acres Campground, Newville, Penn., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.dogwoodcamping.com

• Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort, Plymouth, Calif., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.49ervillage.com
  

• Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg, Penn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.gettysburgcampground.com

• Kalyumet Camping & Cabins, Lucinda, Penn., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.kalyumet.com

• Lake George RV Park, Lake George, N.Y., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.lakegeorgervpark.com

• Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, Nev., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.lasvegasrvresort.com

• Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Yankton, S.D., a first-time “A” grade winner, http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/lewis-and-clark/
  

• Magnolia RV Park & Campground, Kinards, S.C., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.magnoliarvparksc.com
  

• Meadowcliff Lodge & RV Resort, Coleville, Calif., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.meadowcliff.com

• Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, Walland, Tenn., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.mistyriverrv.com
  

• Moose River Campground, Saint Johnsbury, Vt., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.mooserivercampground.com

• Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Penn., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.mtnvistacampground.com

• Myrtle Beach Travel Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.myrtlebeachtravelpark.com

• Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.oceanlakes.com

• Pioneer Campground, Laporte, Penn., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.pioneercampground.com

• Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, Calif., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.pismocoastvillage.com

• Pontchartrain Landing, New Orleans, La., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.pontchartrainlanding.com

• Red Apple Campground, Kennebunkport, Me., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.redapplecampground.com

• Rivers Edge Campground, Connellsville, Penn., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.campriversedge.com
  

• Shadow Hills RV Resort, Indio, Calif., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.shadowhillsrvresort.com
  

• Snowy Peaks RV Park, Buena Vista, Colo., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.southhavenfamilycg.com

• South Haven Family Campground, South Haven, Mich., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.southhavenfamilycg.com

• Sunny Brook RV Resort, South Haven, Mich., a five-time “A” grade winner, www.sunnybrookrvresort.com

• The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course, Borrego Springs, Calif., a three-time “A” grade winner, www.springsatborrego.com

• The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Grapevine, Texas, a five-time “A” grade winner, www.vineyardscampground.com

• West Canada Creek Campsites, Poland, N.Y., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.westcanadacreekcampsites.com

• Willow Tree Resort, Longs, S.C., a four-time “A” grade winner, www.willowtreerv.com

• Wine Country RV Resort, Paso Robles, Calif., a first-time “A” grade winner, www.winecountryrvresort.com
  

• Wishon Village RV Park, Shaver Lake, Calif., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.wishonvillage.com

• Yellowstone Holiday Campground, West Yellowstone, Mont., a two-time “A” grade winner, www.yellowstoneholiday.com

Fleetwood RV shows off motorhome changes for 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky, Nov. 29, 2012 -- Fleetwood RV, Inc., a leading producer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, has highlighted new floor plans for three of its Class A Diesel models, the Discovery, Expedition and Excursion, at the 50th Annual RVIA National RV Trade Show in Louisville.

The Excursion, a low-profile, mid-entry diesel pusher, offers new 35B and 35C floor plans, which feature a wrap-around galley with counter extension, a mid-coach 18 cubic foot residential refrigerator and an extendable dining table credenza with ample storage. The bedroom features a wardrobe slide-out and a 32 inch Sony LCD HDTV.

The popular 40X floor plan is now available in the Expedition which includes a mid-coach 40 inch Sony LCD HDTV entertainment center. The coach offers multiple furniture options, including an L-shaped sofa, a side-aisle single bathroom and an available king bed.

The high-end Discovery 40E floor plan offers a bath and a half with a "Super Shower," a Villa L-shaped transformer sofa, a large galley Corian backsplash and spice shelf and ultra-wide pantry storage and display cabinet. The 40E also includes a freestanding dinette with a hide-away 46 inch Sony LCD HDTV and an available king bed.

SOURCE: Fleetwood news release and RVtravel.com.

Feds list free access days for 2013

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Interior has published its list of free entrance days for 2013. On those days regular gate fees will be waived for public lands.

January 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 
Agencies participating include National Parks, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service.

April 22 - 26, National Park Week.
All National Parks.

June 8, Great Outdoors Day.
All US Forest Service locations.

August 25, National Park Service Birthday.
All National Parks.

September 28, National Public Lands Day.
Agencies participating include National Parks, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the US Forest Service.

November 9 - 11, Veterans Day weekend.
Agencies participating include National Parks, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service.

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.

China beefs up RV tourism

CHINA -- Chinese officials looking for tourist dollars have designed five new tour routes for motorhome use though the Yangtze River Delta area. One of the most densely populated areas of the planet, the delta is home of Shanghai, China's most populous city of 23-million inhabitants.

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The newly-designed routes will shepherd visitors to major tourism sites and at end of day, to appropriate RV parks. Government authorities are working on plans to build RV-appropriate infrastructure along the routes. Plans call for 400 to 500 RV parks to be built by the year 2020, including dump stations, fuel pumps, and electrical connections. High-level RV resorts with "recreational activities" are planned for Shanghai. Tourist attractions along the routes are in the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

Officials hope that by 2020 the region will see upwards to five and a half-million motorhome tourists. Most of the estimated 8,500 motorhomes in China are owned by private companies who rent them out for about $240 a day.

Source: Global Times

RV products on display at new Dicor Facebook page

What does a Norman Rockwell painting, a table dancer, R2D2, a roll top desk, tan and black lager, and a thermos bottle have in common? They’re all part of a whimsical and fun Facebook page started by Dicor Corporation. The online site provides a sneak preview of new products at the Dicor “Center of Amazing” booth during the National RV Trade Show in Louisville.

For RV manufacturers, the page previews new Vixen FRP sidewall and external panel options, new tan-colored EPDM roof material, a table with a four-way moveable top, and an exclusive robotic window sealing system that promises amazing manufacturing gains as far as leaner inventory, production efficiency and consistent quality.  These and other new offerings are from what Dicor calls its “Center of Amazing” research and innovation.

RV dealers who don’t usually visit the Dicor booth can view some of the attractive new products at this year’s display, including a heat-reducing roof coating, specialized lap sealants, roof cleaning and coating systems, shade repair and cleaning products, and more.

The page also shows the new roof care and repair videos that Dicor Products is currently producing as part of its expanded consumer communications.

Videos and iconic pop culture photos of robots, tables and people, among other things, liven up the page while highlighting product features. New postings are made daily.

“We want it to be a fun place for people to visit, and encourage the informal exchange of ideas and feedback between us and our visitors,” said Gregg Fore, Dicor Corporation president. “It’s another channel of communication for those interested in what we do.”

The new Facebook page is at Facebook.com/theCENTERofAMAZING.