Camping World will be integrated into four episodes and is also the exclusive sponsor of the “Rock My RV with Bret Michaels: Epic RV Giveaway Contest.” The Grand Prize of the Contest is a RV custom built and designed by Michaels and his team. Camping World provided the grand prize RV for the contest. The contest begins on June 3 and runs through June 15.

“We are excited to be working with the Travel Channel to bring additional exposure to the RV lifestyle,” said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World. “This new and unique series provides an opportunity to reach out to a new audience of customers who we know are active travelers today and showcase some of our products and services.” The integrated episodes will feature the Camping World retail accessory store, collision center, and installation of various products from top vendors such as Dometic, Select Comfort, Winegard, Atwood and more.

“I am pleased to report that space sales at the time of this year’s show drawing has not only exceeded last year’s show drawing, but total space sales from the 2012 show,” said Rebecca Lenington, PRVCA executive vice president, at the 45th annual show drawing. The event, which gives manufacturer and booth vendor representatives the opportunity to select their company’s location in the show, was held May 8 at the Hershey Lodge.

Forty-five manufacturers and 149 booth vendors have purchased 769,011 square feet and 35,155 square feet of space, respectively, which is 19.8 percent more than space sold at the 2012 show drawing and 7.9 percent more than last year at show time.

“There is a very limited amount of manufacturer space available, and all of the booths for public days are sold out inside the Giant Center,” Lenington reported. “This year we extended manufacturer exhibit space into the parking lot and added additional booth space outside to accommodate the show’s growth.”

America’s Largest RV Show incorporates both industry and public days to create a true hybrid show. Industry Days provides dealers and manufacturers the opportunity to connect and concentrate on building relationships while the Public Days allows dealers to sell the new products to consumers.

“We here at Lance are very excited for this year’s Hershey RV Show,” said William Hill, of Lance Camper Manufacturing. “We look forward to being part of many more to come!”

The show is often the first to debut new 2014 RV products.

“Industry Days allows all of my staff to see the new product,” said Dan Saltzgiver, show chairman and general manager of Camping World of Hanover. “By sending half of my staff on Monday and half on Tuesday, everyone get a chance to see what’s new.”

“The show also provides sales training opportunities,” added Nick Palm, of Tiffin Motorhomes.

Affordable education programs provide an in-depth look at various aspects of the RV industry including:

• A full-day of RV technician training by Lippert Components and Gary Motley
• RV technician distance learning lead by Don Bray
• A full-day parts manager clinic by Chuck Marzahn, of Marzahn and King.
• A seminar on the latest RV park trends by David Gorin
• The Red Carpet Breakfast is returning to Chocolate World with a motivational message by NFL Hall of Famer Rod Woodson who will also be available for a meet and greet and autographs.

The annual industry party will be held on Monday evening at enjoy everyone’s favorite Hersheypark where exhibitors and attendees can enjoy rides, a variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres, Pennsylvania’s own Yuengling Lager and assortment of wines. The party, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m., gives participants plenty of free time in the evening for networking, taking in the sites or just relaxing, said Lennington.

America’s Largest RV Show, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, will take place at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., from Sept. 9 to 15. For more information visit www.largestRVshow.com.

El Monte RV has teamed up with Thousand Trails campgrounds and Encore RV Resorts to create “all-inclusive” RV getaways.

The getaway includes an RV rental from any El Monte RV location nationwide with overnight campground accommodations at over 170 locations, unlimited mileage and free generator use for as low as $99 per night.

From now until May 24, RVers can buy a certificate from El Monte RV for $15 that guarantees deeply discounted all inclusive getaway package rates for reservations from El Monte RV for three to 14 nights. These rates apply to reservations that occur from now through December 2013.

RV rental options include a Class C cabover style C25 for $99 per night, Class C cabover style C28 for $149 per night and a Class A family sleeper for $199 per night. Overnight RV site accommodations are included in the rental at over 170 Thousand Trails campgrounds and Encore RV resorts locations.

For more information, visit the “Cool Deals” section of www.elmonterv.com.

The Department of the Interior announced the start of the 2013 “Share the Experience” contest, giving amateur photographers the chance to join the ranks of Ansel Adams, Thomas Moran, and others who have found recognition for their photographs of the nation’s public lands.

The “Share the Experience” photo contest showcases our nation’s public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and recreation areas – and draws entries from all across the United States. It is the largest national park and public land photo contest for amateur photographers.

“Photography has the power to make the great outdoors accessible so that we all can see some of the most beautiful places in the world through the eyes of people like Ansel Adams,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “This is a fun competition that helps strengthen the connection between Americans and their public lands, and I look forward to seeing the submissions from across the country.”

This year, a new Let’s Move Outside! photo category will encourage families to explore the outdoors and lead active lifestyles. Let’s Move Outside! is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

The winning photograph will appear on the 2015 America the Beautiful pass for entrance to 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. All entries have the chance to be featured on the Interior Department’s popular Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Prizes provided by the National Park Foundation, Active Network, Air Wick and Historic Hotels of America include a $15,000 cash prize, a Columbia backpack, a pass to the national parks and other federal lands, and other items for the grand prize winner. Second and third place winners, as well as 7 Honorable Mention winners, will also receive prizes.

The “Share the Experience” begins May 10, 2013 and runs through December 31, 2013. Amateur photographers can participate by uploading photos on www.sharetheexperience.org.

“Share the Experience” is sponsored by Active Network, Air Wick, Historic Hotels of America and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

To view the 2012 contest winners as wells as the contest rules and a complete list of prizes, please see www.sharetheexperience.org.

RV Care said that a selection of popular products are featured at excellent retail prices in all participating locations. In addition each location has their own in-store specials and spring service specials to help customers prepare for the start of the Canadian RV season.

“We’re a national dealer network so it makes sense to offer our customers a national sale,” said Don Sneyd of Ruston RV Center in Burlington, Ontario. “Using our collective volume and working with our partners at Coast and Dometic, we’re pleased to provide our customers with the best prices they’ll see all year on products they need to start the season.”

Parts managers and dealers throughout the network will be utilizing marketing materials provided by RV Care in store while also promoting the event on their websites and sending emails/mail-outs to their customers. “Being part of something bigger truly is better when it means we can provide our customers with the best prices on products they want and need,” said Peter McAuliffe, parts manager at Vellner Leisure Products in Red Deer, Alberta.

In addition to the local advertising by the dealers, all national online advertising done by RV Care has been converted to promote the sale. Website activity has spiked as a result indicating strong interest and the potential for strong sales over the next 10 days.

The RV Care network is the largest network of independent RV dealers with locations across Canada that are committed to helping the traveling customers of all RV Care and Priority RV Network dealerships.

Campers of all ages enjoy Fort Pickens Campground.
nps photo

Camping fees at Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Fort Pickens campground will increase from $20 to $26 on Friday (May 17) to adjust for increasing operational costs and to be compatible with other similar campgrounds in the area. Fees also will increase from $16 to $22 at the seashore’s Davis Bayou campground in Mississippi, the Pensacola News Journal reported.

Traditionally fee rates are reviewed about every seven to eight years.

The seashore put off the rate hikes while dealing with the aftermath of 2004-05 hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, during which time the Fort Pickens Road and campground were closed until spring of 2009.

The new rates will make the seashore camping fees comparable with state park facilities that are similarly situated and have comparable facilities, said Dan Brown, seashore superintendent.

The camping fees at both campgrounds include electric and water hookups.

Prior reservations made at the old price will be honored.

Campers 62 years old or older with Senior passes or those with Access passes for disabilities receive a 50% discount.

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act allows the seashore to retain 80% of the camping and entrance fees to help repair, improve or replace visitor facilities.

“The unique sites, history and culture of Pennsylvania can be discovered by the entire family from the comfort and convenience of recreational vehicles,” he said. “I encourages all citizens to pursue their passions and escape with their families on the road across the farthest reaches of our state.”

RVing and camping continues to be a strong force for Pennsylvania’s economy. From campgrounds that extend to the outermost corners of the state to RV dealerships, suppliers, distributors and service providers, Pennsylvania is an example of how people embrace the joys and benefits of RVing.

As host to the industry’s largest industry and retail RV show in the country at the Giant Center in Hershey, (www.largestRVshow.com), Pennsylvania introduces consumers to the latest products the RV industry has to offer. Visitors are even welcomed into Pennsylvania with seven statewide billboards directing them to the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA) website.

Rebecca Lenington, PRVCA executive vice president, noted, “In conjunction with the governor’s proclamation, PRVCA is kicking off its annual Open House campaign. The goal of the Open House campaign is to direct consumers to their local campgrounds and dealerships and expose them to the many benefits of RV ownership and the freedom that traveling by RV provides.” To view the campgrounds and RV dealerships in your area, visit www.prvca.org and click on “Member Listings.”

Not only does the RV industry offer a great way to discover Pennsylvania, but it also offers career opportunities and apprenticeships to the many campgrounds and RV dealerships across the state of Pennsylvania. People can even become a trained RV technician from the comfort and convenience of their home with online instruction. For more details, visit www.prvca.org and click on “Training.”

RVers can also learn more about Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation opportunities by ordering a free copy of the 2013 RV and camping guide, Explore Pennsylvania. The 52-page publication includes feature articles on fun tips and helpful camping hints along with a full PRVCA membership directory connecting readers to hundreds of campgrounds, dealerships, suppliers and manufacturers.

For more information about PRVCA or for a free copy of Explore Pennsylvania, please call (888) 303-2887, e-mail rvcamping@prvca.org, or visit www.paRVing.com.

New Winnebago Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels

Winnebago Industries Inc. today (May 13) announced a new 24/7 Premium Roadside Assistance Program for the company’s towable RVs.

Beginning on the new 2014 Winnebago and SunnyBrook model vehicles now being introduced, Winnebago Industries Towables will provide every new towable owner with a complimentary one-year membership in the 24/7 Premium Roadside Assistance program that covers such items as lock-out service, fuel delivery and flat tire changes for their RV, according to a news release.

Backed by Coach-Net, a North American roadside assistance service provider network, even their tow vehicle is covered when towing a Winnebago or SunnyBrook travel trailer or fifth-wheel.

CBSA agents report a Saskatchewan resident importing a motorhome declared its value at US$21,500.

CBSA officers conducted a routine secondary examination and found an Internet listing for the motorhome and after contacting the sellers, determined the motorhome had actually been purchased for US$36,500 and therefore had been undervalued at the port by $15,000.

The motorhome was seized and returned to the purchaser after he had paid a penalty of $8,485.13 to retrieve it. If the motorhome had been correctly declared, the taxes owing would have amounted to just over $771.

Full Article

SUMMARY OF RECALL:
If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowingly become damaged. A damaged motor may lead to an unfurling of the awning.

CONSEQUENCE:
If motor damage occurs, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the motorhome is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.

REMEDY:
The RV manufacturers will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with a design that is not subject to an out-of-sequence installation error. Manufacturers have not yet provided a notification schedule.  Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed.

Below is a list of RVs subject to recall.

Thor Motor Coach Recall

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V164000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 427

Owners may contact Thor at 1-877-855-2867 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information.

Models & Model Year(s)

• CHALLENGER 2013-2014
• CHATEAU 2013-2014
• CHATEAU SPORT 2013-2014
• FOUR WINDS 5000 2013-2014
• FOUR WINDS SIESTA 2013
• HURRICANE 2013-2014
• MAJESTIC 2014
• PALAZZO 2013
• WINDSPORT 2013-2014

Winnebago/Itasca Recall

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V162000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 523

Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-800-537-1885 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information

Vehicle Make Model & Model Year(s)

• ITASCA CAMBRIA 2013-2014
• ITASCA IMPULSE 2013-2014
• ITASCA SUNCRUISER 2013-2014
• ITASCA SUNOVA 2013-2014
• ITASCA SUNSTAR 2013-2014
• WINNEBAGO ACCESS 2013-2014
• WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER 2013-2014
• WINNEBAGO ASPECT 2014
• WINNEBAGO FORZA 2014
• WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 2013-2014
• WINNEBAGO VISTA 2013-2014

Keystone RV Company

NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V155000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,561

Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-800-537-1885 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information.

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)

• KEYSTONE ALPINE 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE AVALANCHE 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE BULLET 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE COUGAR 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE COUGAR HIGH COUNTRY 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE ENERGY 2013
• KEYSTONE HIDEOUT 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE LAREDO 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE MONTANA 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE MONTANA HIGH COUNTRY 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE MONTANA MOUNTAINEER 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE OUTBACK 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE PASSPORT 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE RAPTOR 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE RESIDENCE 2014
• KEYSTONE SPRINGDALE 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE SUMMERLAND 2013-2014
• KEYSTONE SYDNEY 2013-2014