Winter 2012 betterRVing

WINTER 2012

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012

The RV lifestyle is perhaps the last true freedom on earth. If you don’t like the weather, drive a few hours south. If your neighbors are noisy, just mosey down the road a bit. You control your experiences and environment.

One of the best things about RVing is stopping at the end of the day and winding down in the comfort of your own home. No hotel, coffee shop or restaurant needed.

The RV lifestyle is perhaps the last true freedom on earth. If you don’t likethe weather, drive a few hours south. If your neighbors are noisy, justmosey down the road a bit. You control your experiences and environment.

One of the best things about RVing is stopping at the end of the day and winding down in the comfort of your own home. No hotel, coffee shop or restaurant needed.

When you RV... every night is a dream.

betterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

TAMPA | TUCSONlazydays.com

Come stay with us for a night or even longer if you wish. Our camp-grounds in both Tampa and Tucson give you the fun you want and the relaxation you crave. Hope to see you soon!

TAMPA | TUCSONlazydays.com

Come stay with us for a night or even longer if you wish. Our camp-grounds in both Tampa and Tucson give you the fun you want and the relaxation you crave. Hope to see you soon!

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 2

Your cover! In our last issue we asked what your perfect journey

looked like. And gratefully, you shared your stories, trips and dreams with us.

We heard stories of family memories. We saw the special places you have visited.

We saw future destinations outlined. Most of all, we saw the passion it takes to get to

that perfect state …freedom. Thank you and happy travels in 2012. See all of the other cover submissions at facebook.com/BetterRVing.com under the Photos tab.

8 Dade City Day TripsFrom animal adventures to arts and antiquing, historic Dade City has something for everyone.

22 What’s New in 2012Check out the latest innovations from American Coach, Tiffi n Motorhomes, Entegra Coach and Thor Motor Coach.

28 Before You Get HitchedFinding the right one: Unite your RV and vehicle for the long haul.

34 What Every RVer Needs to Know to Pull Their Own WeightImportant considerations for calculating your tow capacity.

36 NASCAR Living: Raceways and RVsFor the Reutimanns, racing and RVing run in the family.

40 American Coach & Lazydays Team Up to Make RVing Dreams Come True

44 Why Winnebago Continues to WowLearn what makes Winnebago an industry leader, and get a sneak peek at the 2012 models.

48 To Be a Class B, orIs It Not a B?What’s in a name? Pleasure-Way’s CEO explains the difference between B and B+.

52 Two for the RoadLazydays’ dynamic duo takes the Thor Tuscany for a spin.

56 Troubleshootin’ With ErnieErnie shows how to test and maintain smoke and LP detectors.

58 Hot, New and UsefulGreat products that make RV travel more fun, clean and effi cient.

60 Service to Go: Mobile Service for Your RVService Advisor Dennis Alfano provides mobile service with a smile.

62 Flight of a LifetimeVeteran RVer Claude Greenhill enjoys a high-fl ying last hurrah.

66 Lessons in RVing: Watch Where You ParkA humor-laced lesson on the hidden perils of RV storage.

68 Lazydays EventsWhat’s happening at Lazydays.

71 RV DetailsExplore the 2012 Pleasure-Way Excel, Winnebago Tour and Redwood RV.

79 Partner SpotlightMeet Amber Covington, Lazydays Retail Parts Specialist.

80 Technically Speaking With Steve RoddyRVers’ toughest questions, answered.

71

8

62

36

Log online to learn even more at betterRVing.com

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012

It’s not a place, exactly. But it is a destination. You won’t find it in any official road

atlas, and you can’t get there by plugging it into your GPS. But it is a very

real state. A state where dreams and experiences greet each other like

old friends. Where memories walk toward the sunset holding hands

with here and now.

The moment you arrive you know it. The signs are all around you...

Awe. Solitude. Wow. Wonder. Delight.

Pick a point on your emotional compass and we’ll help you get there.

We are Lazydays. A 35 year old company from Tampa, Florida that

is passionate about helping RVers discover their dreams. So passionate,

in fact, that one in every ten luxury motor homes sold in America is sold at

Lazydays. We have more service technicians certified and dedicated to luxury motor

home maintenance than anyone else in the business. Now we’re in Tucson to create

a new state of mind.

We call it Florizona. Welcome.

Lazydays.com/Tucson | 3200 East Irvington Road | Tucson AZ 85714 | 800.306.4069

atlas, and you

real state

old frie

with

ThT e

AAwe

PPick a

WWe are

iis passiona

in fact, that one in


Travel light. Let go of everything that weighs you down in the 2012 Allegro Breeze®. The most compact Class A diesel-pusher motor home ever produced.

tiffi nmotorhomes.com

Lazydays is a proud dealer and partner of Tiffi n Motorhomes. Visit lazydays.com to learn more.


John Horton

Lazydays, Chief Executive Offi cer

pursue your passionhave a love of life and a

sense of adventure that

is hard to match. They never hesitate to pursue their

passions, share their stories and return to the road to

do it all again. At Lazydays, we love serving RVers and

truly believe that there is no greater feeling than the joy

we receive by helping spirited travelers from around the

world discover their dreams.

In each issue of betterRVing, we celebrate the RVer –

the adventurous soul for whom the RV was created.

In this issue, we highlight the adventure of my good

friend Claude Greenhill who embodies the RV spirit

as much as anyone I have ever met. Always ready to

share a story or a laugh, Claude is the kind of uplifting

person who has a knack for making you leave even

the smallest conversation feeling a little better. Please

see his heartwarming story “The Flight of a Lifetime”

on page 62 and you’ll understand why I believe he

lives life the way an RVer should: to the fullest every

moment of every day.

We are also extremely proud of the partnership

Lazydays shares with our manufacturers. These

passionate and creative innovators believe, as we do,

in constantly striving to fi nd new ways to make the

RV experience even better for those who love the

lifestyle. That’s why 2012’s fi rst issue of betterRVing

is dedicated to our manufacturing partners who

work closely with dealers and RVers to continuously

enhance their products to make life on the road even

more enjoyable. This issue is chock full of the latest

innovations our industry has to offer including fl oor

plans, electronics, creature comforts and much more.

Lastly, if you are reading this somewhere where it is

cold, we warmly invite you to visit us at our home in

either Tampa or Tucson. We would love to hear about

your RV adventures and promise a snow-free stay.

Enjoy the new year

(and the issue)…

RVers

ADVERTISING Director, Liz Lema 866.317.4012 • For advertising inquires: [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION and customer service inquires: [email protected]

Managing Editor: Ann Cosentino, [email protected] • All rights reserved © 2012 Lazydays® • 6130 Lazy Days Boulevard, Seffner, FL 33584-2968

betterRVing.com is published four times per year by Lazydays. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs, which must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with return postage. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.


Destination

DADE CITY BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

Planning a visit to Central Florida and looking for something to do that will not leave you with sore feet and a light wallet?

What about a pleasant day trip to a friendly town with a hardscrabble frontier history and a refi ned, hospitable present?

betterRVing.com | 888.626.780099 9

An easy drive from Orlando or Tampa Bay, Dade City and its quiet charms offer a refreshing change of pace

from the crowded theme parks and big-city bustle of Florida’s tourist meccas. It’s the kind of town where

people visit once and then come back later to stay forever. Where locals treat you like a neighbor, even

if you’re just passing through, and every sidewalk seems to end with a warm smile and a welcome mat.

But scratch the surface of Dade City’s relaxed country lifestyle and you’ll fi nd a wealth of fun activities for visitors

of every age — from art and antiques to exciting wildlife encounters. When planning your trip, be aware that Downtown

Dade City all but rolls up its sidewalks on Sunday and Monday; so your best bet is to visit between Tuesday and Saturday.

Once you arrive, stop by the Chamber of Commerce (www.dadecitychamber.org) at 14112 Eighth St. to pick up

a handy map of the local shops and restaurants, as well as a self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown area.

To help you get the most from your visit, we’ve put together a pair of day trip itineraries: one is focused on family-

friendly outings, while the other offers a sampling of retail, cultural and culinary delights. Of course, you can always do

both and make it an overnight trip, or mix and match activities to customize your own day out in Dade City.


DAY TRIP 1Wild & Countrifi ed Family Fun

Begin your day at Hillbilly Farms (www.hillbilly-farms.com). Enjoy fresh fruit smoothies and breakfast sandwiches in the pastoral “Garden of Eaten.” Then pack your picnic basket with deli sandwiches, fruits, veggies and homemade

jams, jellies and sauces. Situated about three miles southeast of downtown at 10325 U.S. Highway 98; call 352.567.7475.

At Dade City’s Wild Things (www.dadecityswildthings.com), you can meet lions and tigers and bears (and more) without ever setting foot on a yellow-brick road. Ride the trolley to where the wild things are, then hop off and your guide will introduce you to some of the more than 170 resident animals. Reservations are recommended; call 352.567.9453. Located at 37245 Meridian Ave.

Next, take a step back in time at the Pioneer Florida Museum, and picnic under the shade trees. Spread your blanket beneath a canopy of leaves or seat yourself at one of the picnic tables in the grassy center of this historic village. (See the sidebar on page 14 for address and details.)

Not planning on a picnic? Then take a culinary world tour at A Matter of Taste Cafe (www.amatteroftastedc.com). Enjoy American, Cuban and Greek specialties such as gyros, arroz con pollo, gator gumbo and the best rice pudding this side of Havana; just steps away from Courthouse Square at 14121 Seventh St. Call 352.567.5100.

Find something for kids of all ages at the Wee Grow’d consignment store. Owners Sue Knowlton and Grace Johnson decided to “open a little shop for something to do” when they retired. That “little shop” has since expanded into three separate outlets at 14012 Seventh St., where you’ll fi nd clothes, toys and furniture for kids from newborns to teens. Call 813.766.5036 or 352.206.6411.

After a full day of exploring Dade City’s attractions, grab dinner at Tom’s Real Burgers or Tommy’s Steak & Seafood — two locations, same great food. The steaks are fl ame-grilled over local orange wood, and the burgers are amazing. Seafood includes fresh catfi sh, grilled salmon and gator bites. Tom’s is located at 15323 U.S. Hwy. 301; call 352.567.2011. Tommy’s can be found at 14016 Seventh St.; call 352.567.3300.

If your visit falls between September and June on the fi rst Saturday of the month, your family can end the day at the Dade City Cruise-In car show. Antique and classic cars start lining up at 3 p.m. near the historic courthouse in Downtown Dade City, and the show runs until 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Dade City Chamber of Commerce; call 352.567.3769 for details.

❮ Various elements of the wide collection at the Pioneer Florida Museum.


KUMQUATFESTIVAL.ORG

RV LIVING

KUMQUAT FESTIVALLLate January may be a great time to stay indoors in most of the country,

but not in West Central Florida. Sunny skies and crisp air beckon as

many as 40,000 visitors a year to Dade City’s Annual Kumquat Festival.

On January 28th, you’ll fi nd endless opportunities to sample the featured fruit,

which has been called “the little gold gem of the citrus family.” While many fans

prize the kumquat’s lip-smacking tartness, others prefer the slightly sweeter taste of

kumquat jams, jellies and marmalades.

Browse more than 350 booths offering, among other things, just about any kind

of kumquat treat imaginable. Pies, cookies, smoothies and ice cream will have you

singing the praises of the cute fruit with the funny little name.

Of course, kumquats are just the tart tip of the iceberg at this annual event. The

festival gives proud Dade City locals a reason to celebrate and showcase everything

they love about their hometown. Many of the entertainers and vendors are from

the area, and festival-goers can ogle classic cars and shop for arts and crafts that

have been lovingly restored or created by homegrown talent. The festival ends, as it

should, with a fi nger-licking BBQ dinner.

history & cultureT he area that would become Dade

City was homesteaded in 1842,

three years before Florida was granted

statehood. Early settlers battled natives

and outlaws, building lives that could

easily fi ll the pages of Louis L’Amour or

Zane Grey novels. But one news item,

recorded in 1888, was stranger than

fiction. A man killed a 14-foot alligator

and found, while cleaning it, that the huge

beast had eaten a 6-foot alligator. Talk

about a tummy ache!

The population boomed in the early

1900s when the Atlantic Coast Line Rail-

road made Dade City a stop along a rail

line that ran all the way from Tampa, Fla.,

to Norfolk, Va. A century later, Dade City

is a refi ned, welcoming town justifi ably

proud of its pioneer past.


DAY TRIP 2Relaxing & Refi ned Downtown Culture

Your taste buds will thank you for starting your day at Olga’s Bakery & Deli (www.dadecitydeliandbakery.com). The aroma of homemade donuts grabs you before you even walk through the door. If you get into town just in

time for an early lunch, you will fi nd the fresh-baked bread sticks, soups and tasty deli sandwiches the perfect way to start your day. The pressed Cuban is a personal favorite — tasty even by Ybor City standards. Located at 14117 Seventh St.; call 352.458.4256.

Step back outside and you’ll fi nd yourself surrounded by enough unique shops, galleries and antique dealers to keep you busy for a week, let alone all day. A sampling of popular spots includes: The collection at the HiBrow Gallery (www.thehibrowgallery.com), anchored by Stuart Marcus’ eye-popping wildlife photography, also includes impressive watercolors, art deco, surrealism and many other styles by local artists. Something Special on 7th is exactly that; a gift shop that defi es description, fi lled with an ever-rotating selection of curiosities. Visit Church Street Shoppe to deck out your RV with fl ags, chimes and other decorative knickknacks. Quilts on Plum Lane (www.quiltsonplumlane.com) is heaven for quilters. You can fi nd fabrics, supplies and answers to all your quilting questions at the “friendliest quilt shop in Florida.”

When you’re ready to fortify yourself after a morning of retail therapy, Lunch on Limoges (www.lunchonlimoges.com) is revered by both locals and repeat visitors who appreciate the classy atmosphere and excellent food. Just be sure to come hungry — they expect you to order a full meal. This quirk surprises many fi rst-timers, but forewarned, you can prepare to tuck in to a fi rst-class dining experience. Located at 14139 S. Seventh St.; reservations are recommended; call 352.567.5685.

Spend the afternoon antiquing and enjoy the terrifi c variety in the shops as well as the refreshing camaraderie of the Dade City shopkeepers. You’ll fi nd most of the town’s antique stores along Seventh St. within four blocks of the city center:

If you visit on a Friday, you may want to end your day trip listening to live jazz or blues during the weekly “Wine Down” at the Garden Café (www.dineinthegarden.com) on 14227 Seventh St.; call 352.567.7277. Or, if you happen to be visiting on the third Saturday of the month, check out “Movie in the Park” at Agnes Lamb Park,

located on the corner of Meridian Ave. (Highway 52) and Ninth St.


MUSEUM

RV LIVING

PIONEERFLORIDAMUSEUM.ORG

PIONEER J

ust north of the city center, you will find a town out of time, a captured

snapshot of frontier life in Florida waiting to be explored. Visitors can visualize

the backbreaking work and ingenuity the pioneers used to build a life amid

daily struggles against the environment, natives and outlaws.

The museum began in 1961 as a single building showcasing pioneer tools, clothing

and culture. In subsequent decades, the museum and its mission continued to grow.

Today, in addition to the expanded museum display and gift shop, the pioneer village

features a number of buildings, including Trilby Depot, Enterprise Methodist Church,

Blanton Packing House – Citrus Plant, the one-room Lacoochee schoolhouse and John

Overstreet House, as well as a collection of vintage and antique vehicles.

Tree-shaded picnic tables on the grassy village center offer an inviting place to spread

out a blanket and enjoy lunch. Pioneer Florida Museum is located at 15602 Pioneer Road,

Dade City. GPS: 28.385729, -82.191101. For more information, call 352.567.0262.


For the History Buff

Nazi POW Markers Reveal Forgotten Local HistoryBY ADAM PORTER

During World War II, personnel demands put an enormous strain on American agriculture. The Prisoner of War (POW) Special Projects Division solved this problem by putting German POWs to work. These prisoners were

housed in 500 camps across the United States. Camp Number 7, located in Dade City, housed 250 members of Rommel’s infamous Afrika Korps. Though American guards patrolled the camps, the prisoners lived together under the command of their own offi cers. The Dade City POWs worked at Pasco Packing and a local cypress mill, manufacturing limestone bricks, building warehouses and making boxes.

Life was much different in this camp than in those housing Jews and others considered political dissidents in Germany. The camp had a large mess hall, which was also used for church services, and offered classes and movies as well as a rec room with a piano and ping-pong tables. Treatment at these camps was so good and the Dade City residents so hospitable that many former POWs even returned to town after the war. A marker commemorating this camp is located at N 28° 22.118 W 082° 11.082.

Catholics and CattsBY ADAM PORTER

One of the wackiest moments in the history of this area came courtesy of former Florida Governor Sidney J. Catts. Mr. Catts, who served from 1917-1921, was convinced that the monks at St. Leo were stockpiling an

arsenal of weapons and planning to provoke a Catholic insurrection. Sidney was widely quoted warning anyone who would listen that the St. Leo monks were scheming to install Kaiser Wilhelm II as ruler of Florida. However, according to Catts, this was only Step One of the monks’ master plan. Step Two would give the Pope political control of Florida and pave the way for the imminent transition of the entire Vatican State to San Antonio. Catts used his political infl uence to infl ame anti-German and anti-Catholic sentiment throughout Florida. Despite the spurious nature of these allegations, the resulting ethnic and religious backlash prompted a mass exodus of German settlers from Florida. A vocal minority of both Catholics and Protestants challenged the attacks and the resulting cultural divides. Abbot Charles of St. Leo published a series of gracious responses, and many prominent local Protestants made it a point to be seen in public with their Catholic neighbors.


Destination

DADE CITYHave a wild time at

Dade City’s Giraffe Ranch


One of the most unique

attractions in all of West

Central Florida, Giraffe

Ranch proudly offers

something very different

from the typical zoo

experience. Owner Lex

Salisbury, the former director of Tampa’s renowned

Lowry Park Zoo, wanted to give the animals at his new

project room to roam. He designed Giraffe Ranch to be

a working farm and wildlife preserve — and a place you

and your family will never forget.

Instead of walking past rows of cages and small

“habitats,” Giraffe Ranch guests can get up close and

personal with exotic creatures. You may tour the ranch

via safari vehicle or opt to ride on camel-back. Either

way, you’ll have the opportunity to feed giraffes, zebras

and lemurs and view gazelles, hippos, Austrian Hafl inger

horses, Irish Dexter cattle and the fan-favorite zedonk.

This rare zebra/donkey crossbreed is the result of a

persistently amorous donkey and a pair of deep tire

tracks that allowed the stubby little fellow to fi nally

measure up to his striped dream girl.

Two hands-on Giraffe Ranch tours are offered daily,

at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each tour is strictly limited in size

to give guests the ultimate fun and educational safari

experience. Of course, no visit is complete without

stopping by the gift shop. Browse T-shirts and other

souvenirs, and let your little ones pick out a small, cuddly

version of their favorite Giraffe Ranch resident. You can

even decorate your RV with a mini mobile or restock your

fridge with free-range eggs and grass-fed beef.

The ranch offers ample parking for RVs. But keep

a sharp lookout on your way in, or you might miss the

entrance. Book your tour online or call 813.482.3400.

Located at 38650 Mickler Road, Dade City. GPS:

28.447614, -82.177171. GIRAFFERANCH.COM

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 18 18 RV LIVINGExit 10 is located at Lazydays RV Campground | 800.905.6627 | Open 11am to 9pm Mon.-Sat. and 11am to 6pm Sun.

Good connections are a necessity for RVing.

Once upon a time . . . there was a place where people gathered. It was the original social network and it was called . . . the table. Folks just like you got together around tables and shared stories

and pictures of places they’d been and people they’d met.Come in and join our social network.

RV TIP#8

Giraffe Ranch Fun Facts■ Measured by the ratio of eye size to head size,

giraffes have the largest eyes of any mammal on the planet. In fact, the only other creature with a bigger eye-to-head ratio is the squid.

■ On an average day, giraffes sleep for less than half an hour.

■ The oldest camel fossils in the world, that of a prehistoric giant camel known as Aepycamelus, have been found in the American west.

■ Standing only 13 to 15 hands, Hafl ingers are sometimes mistakenly called ponies. However, these rugged mountain horses, traditionally used for Alpine farming, were crossbred with Arabians in the late 1800s, giving them the distinctive wide eyes and delicate muzzles of that breed.

■ The fi rst Dexter cattle were brought to the United States from Ireland in the early 1900s. These smaller, multipurpose cattle were perfect for small family farms, offering good sources of both milk and meat.


entegracoach.com

Each Entegra Coach is backed by our exclusive family promise to treat our customers fairly and to provide exceptional customer service—before, during and after the sale. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us.

Derald & Wilbur Bontrager

Entegra Coach Founders

over the last 40 years, our family has worked hard to establish and maintain a reputation for integrity and loyalty in the RV industry.

Today, with Entegra Coach, our signature line of motor coaches, we’re following in the footsteps of our father, Lloyd, who taught us the importance of the Golden Rule.

With his principles in mind, we’ve built the company

from the ground up, with a commitment to unfailing customer service and unmatched quality.

That’s how a great partnership was created with Lazydays as the exclusive retailer during the Entegra Coach introduction and as a participant in the 2011 Entegra Preview Rally.


Monaco Coach and Lazydays have partnered for many years with one goal in mind: To provide our mutual customers with the highest-quality, most innovative recreational

vehicles possible, along with unmatched service and support from product-trained technicians.Today, we continue to strive toward this goal as we introduce the Next Generation of RVs.

SS

91320 Coburg Industrial Way, Coburg, OR 97408 | monacocoach.com | 877 252 4666


what’snewWe talked to a number of brand

experts and asked for a peek behind the curtain so we could share a preview with you. Over

the next few pages, you’ll see new updates, bragging points,

innovative changes and more – all the things that make RVing cool.

Enjoy!


sw

23

The American Coach line has added

a few upgrades that will knock your socks

off, including a walk-in closet with deep

drawers to store the aforementioned

socks. John Draheim, president and CEO

of Fleetwood RV, summarizes the key

changes, noting, “We made signifi cant

improvements to the entire American

Coach lineup for 2012 with some exciting

new features, unique interior decors and

stunning new exterior graphics.”

In the 2012

Revolution 42T,

the walk-in

closet comes

complete with

a built-in

dresser and

convenient

washer

and dryer.

Windows in the

2012 Tradition,

Eagle and Revolution

have all been

upgraded to a sleek,

frameless design.

American Coachwhat’snew

The 2012 Eagle and Revolution

feature Girard® patio awnings that will

automatically retract if the wind whips up.

Listen to your favorite tunes

on the Bose® Home Theater

System in the 2012 Eagle.

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 24 SEE AN RV

Tiffi n Motorhomes

“Clean exterior lines provide the higher-

end look, as in luxury automobiles,”

explains Tiffi n National Sales Manager

Jerry Williamson. “Last year,

we hid the air horns under the hood

instead of sticking them on the top

of the front cap. Tiffi n is ahead of the

curve in bringing sleekness with few

interruptions. That’s the look our

customers tell us they want. We listen.”The 2012 Allegro

Bus has upgraded

the edge of the

solid-surface

countertops for

an elegant fi nish

to rival that of any

custom kitchen.

what’snew

A slide-out drawer makes smart

use of the space underneath

the entry stairs in the 2012 Allegro

Bus and Phaeton.

The 2012 Allegro Bus and

Phaeton have added a fantastic

in-dash workstation for the

passenger seat. Navigating has

been made easier.


The best-kept secret and most spectacular

unveiling is the 2012 Tiffi n Zephyr.

Among the elements that make this RV

so impressive are the new slides.

Flush-mounted fl oors meet tile-to-tile,

which makes the fl oor space appear larger

and ensures all surfaces are easy to clean.

The Zephyr will be available to the

public for viewing and purchase between

mid-February and early March.

Tiffi n Motorhomeswhat’snew

A double solid surface sinks

paired with a full tiled

shower delivers a luxurious

level of pampering that

will ruin your future spa visits.

Relax in the

restyled and comfy

bedroom which has

en suite bath complete

with a walk-in closet.

A new option

available to

the Zephyr is

the fi replace,

complete

with hidden

fl at screen TV.


One of the most impressive aspects of

Entegra Coach is the meaning behind

its name — a continuing commitment

to excellence and integrity. Each

product built is Green Certifi ed by TRA

Certifi cation, Inc.; and parent company

Jayco, Inc., has begun to implement a

fi ve-year sustainability initiative.

Wilbur Bontrager, Jayco’s chairman of the

board and CEO, states that the primary

goals of the initiative involve elimination

of waste. “Our fi rst goal is the most

robust of all — that is our pledge to be

landfi ll-free by the year 2015.”

Entegra Coachwhat’snew

SEE AN RV

With radiant heat

being added to

the fl oor, the

Anthem is truly

a year-round

coach. Another

impressive

upgrade: remote-

controlled slides.

Anthem’s outdoor entertainment

system is perfect for watching the

game while enjoying fresh air.

Multiplex lighting allows for clear

and quick switch control.

Entegra has always prided

themselves on their solid wood

hand-made cabinetry. This year

the Anthem has improved that

craftmanship and upgraded to

make the most of kitchen storage.


Thor Motor Coach has designed several new fl oor plans for the 2012 line, and we

were granted access to share the new 2012 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45LT fl oor

plan with you. The new design reveals a more robust living space, complete with a fi replace and wraparound couch area.

“The future is really bright, and we are working diligently to bring

products to market that our dealers and customers demand. We are committed to spending the time and resources to

provide the most innovative motorhomes,” reports Dana Simon, vice president of

sales at Thor Motor Coach.

Thor Motor Coachwhat’snew

All 2012 Thor Motor Coach

products have upgraded the kitchen

with a window over the sink.

The Tuscany door gains

fi ve inches for comfortable entry

and exit in the tag-axle model.

Warm up next

to the Tuscany’s

cozy fi replace

while you watch

a favorite movie

or just relax in

the living room.

The Tuscany’s living

space gets a fresh

look with a slide-out

workstation.


Before youget hitched

Uniting Your RV and Vehicle for the Long Haul BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

When shopping for hitches and towing equipment, RVers

are often overwhelmed by options and features that make

competitive products seem more similar than unique. So, how

can savvy RVers decide which options are appropriate for them

and which features really matter? I spoke with the Lazydays

Hitch Expert Andy Dietz, Bue Ox Expert Mike Thelander and

Husky Towing Expert Jim Smith as we reviewed multiple products for each type of

RV and created this quick reference guide to help you answer those questions.

RV TOOLBOX


m o t o r h o m e s go online to read more: betterRVing.com Hooking Up Your Tow Car

To properly hook up your towed vehicle, you will need a kit that includes:• a tow bar • a tow hitch/receiver • a baseplate • safety cables • a light-wiring kitDepending on the weight of your tow vehicle, you may also need a supplemental braking system. Prices for the

entire package start at around $3,000. The tow bar constitutes roughly half that cost.

Weight Matters When Choosing a Tow Bar

Class III tow bars offer fairly basic features and work with vehicles up to 5,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). Blue Ox® manufactures a number of popular models, including:

• Aladdin® – folds to store on back of RV, self-aligning, quick disconnect, rubber boots protect from road grime, 36 pounds• Acclaim™ – self-storing, self-aligning, detaches easily with two pins, 35 pounds• Adventurer™ – folding A-frame, adjustable arms, 28 pounds• Ambassador™ – basic A-frame model, quick mounting and dismounting, 24 pounds

Class IV tow bars, such as the Blue Ox Aventa®, offer easier alignment and sturdier construction, allowing you to tow vehicles up to 10,000 pounds GVW. The Aventa weighs 42 pounds, and its features include: self-aligning motorhome mount, ball-in-socket design and steel construction.

For commercial vehicles up to 10,000 pounds, consider the Blue Ox Allure™. At 63 pounds, it’s about 20 pounds heavier than the Aventa but can handle heavier commercial use.

Selecting A Baseplate That Doesn’t Stand Out

Have you ever wished for a baseplate that didn’t draw attention to itself? Blue Ox baseplates are designed to give you the safety you want while keeping your bumper looking clean. These baseplates:• are manufactured for specifi c vehicle makes and models • bolt securely to your vehicle’s chassis• spread the towing force equally • place a minimum amount of weight on your suspension

connects to your vehicle

hitches into the rear

of the RV

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 30 30 RV TOOLBOX

full articulating head

able to move to help get in and out of

tight spaces

f i f t h w h e e l s go online to read more: betterRVing.com Finding the Right Hook for Your Fifth Wheel

When choosing a fi fth wheel hitch, you’ll need to know the total weight of your RV — and remember to take your fi lled tanks and cargo into account, especially if you have a toy hauler. The entry-level Husky® Tilt Plate16K S fi fth wheel hitch has a 16,000-pound maximum tow capacity and comes with a 5-year warranty. Other important features include:• a green and red indicator pins that tell the driver the kingpin is locked in place• Front-to-back adjustment so that the hitch sits directly over the rear axleThe Husky 26K W full-feature articulating head wrap around jaw hitch is a full-timer’s best friend. The unit has a 26,000-pound maximum tow capacity and comes with a 10-year warranty. Other important features include:• A lockable, free-sliding roller assembly that allows quick and easy hitch movement for easier short bed maneuverability in

tight spaces Husky 26K HD EZ Roller• Green and red indicator pins show whether the kingpin is locked in place• Antiwalk wrap around jawHusky also offers a 16K W articulating head model that has a 16,000-pound maximum tow capacity and comes with a 5-year warranty.COST: Fifth wheel hitches start at about $1,200 installed.

Protect Your Truck Bed

RVers drop fi fth wheels more often than you might think. Maybe you have witnessed a fi fth wheel come crashing down, devastating the tow vehicle and ruining someone’s day. Maybe that has happened to you. If so, then you know that each drop can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your truck. Of course, there’s also the embarrassment of putting on a show for the early risers at the campground.

betterRVing.com | 888.626.7800bebebettttttttererererere RVRVRVRVRVVVVinininining.g.g.g.g.ggggg cococcococcoooooooooooommmmmmmm | 8| | | 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888.8.8.888.8888.888.8.888..888 666666626262622262626226262662662626226662626 666666.666 7777878787780000000000

Heartland owners are proud of their RVs

and enjoy the company of fellow Heartland RV owners. Share in the good times with others like

you, make new friends and create a lifetime of lasting memories together. Chapters of the Heartland Owners Club are forming all over the

United States and Canada. Owners are meeting for rallies several times each year at great destinations sharing experiences, making friends and making memories.

Get started at Lazydays, a premier dealer of Heartland products.

www.heart

landowne

rs.org

www.heartlandrvs.com

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 32 RV TOOLBOX

Sway control is connected to the trailer with

removable bolted piece

removable sway bar

compression cylinders

t r a v e l t r a i l e r s go online to read more: betterRVing.com Sway Control & Weight Distribution

High winds, road conditions, steep grades and passing vehicles can all create the white-knuckle driving hazard known as “sway.” In some cases, regaining control of a swaying trailer can be challenging, and excessive sway can even cause a driver to lose control of his tow vehicle. Selecting a hitch engineered to properly deal with both components of trailer control – sway and weight distribution – is vital to the overall safe operation of your travel trailer.

Husky Center Line™

The Active Sway Control in this unit is an industry fi rst. Instead of the more common friction control, Center Line uses compression cylinders to manage sway. This active compression control is always pulling to keep your travel trailer properly in line. Plus, because there is no friction, you do not hear the noise common to friction units.• Easy maintenance. Just grease the front of the pressure plate and occasionally check your spacing.• Once set up, very simple to adjust. Use the included pry tool to easily remove the springs.• Hitch head assemblies are rated by GTW from 4,000 to 14,000 pounds.

Blue Ox SwayPro

One of the most user-friendly products on the market, the Blue Ox SwayPro features built in friction control that eliminates sway and reduces the time it takes to hook up and head out.• Easy to remove, auto-locking spring bars• Adjust the head angle for better weight distribution with a simple thumb screw

And, whether you choose Blue Ox or Husky, you need not replace the entire unit when it is time to upgrade your tow weight, only the relatively inexpensive spring bars.• Blue Ox offers four different spring bar tongue weight levels: 550, 750, 1,000 and 1,500 pounds.• Husky offers three spring bar tongue weight levels: 500 to 800, 801 to 1,200 and 1,001 to 1,400 pounds.Travel trailer hitch assemblies, with spring bars included, retail from about $1,200. BRV

betterRVing.com | 888.626.7800betterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

The Baby Boomer Code

6 for Entertaining4 for Dinner

2 to Sleep

6-4-2

www.redwood-rv.comwww reddwood rv comwww reddwoodd rv comA division of THOR Industries, Inc. | 72440 St. Rd. 13, Syracuse, IN, 46567 | 574-457-7800 | [email protected]

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 34 RV TOOLBOX

Calculating Your Tow CapacityBY ADAM PORTER

WHAT EVERY RVER NEEDS TO KNOW TO PULL THEIR OWN

WEIGHT


It’s one of the most common questions RVers ask. However, according to Lazydays Service Expert Andy Dietz, “You should not just ask, ‘Can I tow it?’ You also need to ask, ‘Can I stop it?’”

Andy explains that there is more to consider than just the tow capacity listed on your dealer specs. “Suspensions make a big difference. Most half-ton truck and SUV suspensions focus more on ride comfort than on towing stability, while three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks generally have more rigid suspensions that help to control sway better. So, just because your half-ton specs list a specifi c tow capacity, that doesn’t mean you can tow that weight safely.”

Bottom line: You simply cannot tow every RV with any vehicle. Making that assumption without all the facts can be an expensive — and dangerous — mistake for you, your family and everyone else on the road.

Ask the right questionsWhat is my gross vehicle weight rating?Gross vehicle weight, or GVW, is the maximum allowable total weight of either a road vehicle or trailer when loaded. This means the rating includes both the weight of the vehicle and its contents, whether human, cargo or supplies.

For example, if your pickup truck has curb weight of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) and a cargo capacity of 2,000 pounds (907 kg), when fully loaded it could have a gross (total) weight of 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg).

In general, most people carry at least 1,000 pounds (454kg) of gear and supplies. Be sure to add the weight of your contents to the weight of your trailer when determining the weight you will actually be towing.

What is the actual towing capacity of my rig?Here, you’ll need to account for not only the base vehicle specs, but also any upgrades you have installed. Consult your dealer and ask for all the related ratings for your specifi c vehicle. Make and model year are not enough here. Also consider:

Wheelbase – A short wheelbase requires cautious consideration. Vehicles with shorter wheelbases are susceptible to being overpowered by longer trailers.

Tires – Basic street tires are simply not designed for towing. At minimum, your tow vehicle should be equipped with a “D” load range tire. An “E” load range or above is preferable.

Can my rig handle the length of my trailer?One of the most common, and dangerous, mistakes RVers can make is to discount the length of their trailer. The extent to which your vehicle can manage length is every bit as important as the tow weight capacity.

Does my trailer require a dedicated braking system?Every state has its own maximum weight allowance for towed vehicles; any vehicle that exceeds that limit requires an auxiliary braking system. This is something you’ll want to know before you go, so you can make sure your vehicle is properly equipped.

Can you have too strong a hitch for your rig?Short answer, no. If the hitch is too strong, you are likely trying to pull too much trailer — in which case the trailer may end up “driving” the truck. Weight distribution is important, and choosing a hitch that can handle your gross trailer weight (GTW), including contents, is vital. However, upgrading your hitch may not be enough to ensure a safe tow. Remember, the entire system is only as strong as its weakest link. Make sure both your hitch and your tow vehicle measure up.

Find the right answersAs we’ve shown here, there are many factors to consider when determining tow capacity. That’s why your fi rst call should be to your tow vehicle manufacturer. The dealer is best equipped to determine the exact safe towing capacity of your vehicle. And remember, don’t just settle for the listed tow capacity of your make and model year, because little variables can have a big impact.

For answers to other questions — such as trailer length capacity, how to control sway, auxiliary braking systems, and hitch or other equipment specs — call Lazydays Service in Tampa at 800.350.6728 or in Tucson at 800.306.4016.

“How much can I tow with my rig?”


NASCAR Living: Raceways & RVsFor the Reutimanns, Racing and RVing Runs in the FamilyBY CURTIS ROSS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID REUTIMANN


NASCAR autos are stripped-down and built for speed. Fans, often in the hundreds of thousands, throng the tracks at Daytona, Talladega and other speedways to watch

drivers push those cars, and themselves, to the limit.

But for fans and drivers alike, built-for-comfort RVs also are a big part of any NASCAR race. “You could walk from one end of the track to the other going roof to roof,” says David Reutimann, a Zephyrhills, Fla., native who drives in NASCAR’s premier series, the Sprint Cup.

Off the track, David retires to a 2011 Fleetwood American Tradition. The RV is driven by Jack Weise, a former Yonkers, N.Y., police offi cer and tractor-trailer driver, who befriended David’s father, dirt-track racing legend Emil “Buzzie” Reutimann Jr., in 1967.

The elder Reutimann will more likely than not be at the race, as well. If the race is in the Southeast, there’s also a good chance David’s cousins, brothers Greg and Jeff Reutimann, will be there, parked on the infi eld in the RVs they purchased from Lazydays.

Racing is in the Reutimann bloodline. Both Greg and Jeff did turns around various tracks in their younger days.

“We all raced at one time,” says Jeff. “I raced at Golden Gate Speedway, off Fletcher Avenue in Tampa, where the Big Top Flea Market is now.”

“My dad even had to drive me down to the track because I wasn’t old enough to have a driver’s license,” Greg remembers.

Now, though, both are content to captain their coaches and enjoy the action as fans. Greg’s home away from home is a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer, while Jeff hits the road in a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer.

Race weekends provide an excellent opportunity for relax-ation and recreation with fellow RVers, who create a small city on the infi eld, complete with plenty of food and fun.

“We’ll go in on Thursday night and leave Monday morning. It’s like a big family,” Greg says. “After the race, there’s always a party at night. Somebody’s got music blaring and people are dancing, and there’s more good food than you could imagine. That’s half the fun.”

Rivalries are intense on the racetrack. A more lighthearted version carries over into the infi eld.

“It’s fun to harass somebody who’s a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, since he hasn’t had a win in a couple of years,” Jeff


says with a smile. “You can defi nitely tell who people are pulling for by their T-shirts and the posters they put up in their front windshields.”

“What happens on the track is between the drivers,” Jack adds. “What happens in the infi eld stays in the infi eld.”

F or David, his RV is a sanctuary where he can get away from the pressures of the track. “I never have to pack a bag. I never have to leave the track. I come through the gate once and leave once. You go to your

motorcoach, and all your stuff is there. It’s close to having a second home, really.”

Jack keeps it that way. He takes pride in keeping the RV well-stocked and spotless, arriving at the race track two or three days before David fl ies in to make sure everything is in order. This year he fi nally ceded the weekly washing of the motorhome to a commercial service, but he still has plenty of chores.

“I wax it. I clean the interior and scrub the fl oors on my hands and knees. I polish the stainless steel by hand, and clean the golf cart, as well,” Jack enumerates. After that, it’s laundry and grocery shopping.

Jack used to babysit David, and he laughs at the parallels.

“We’ve joked around all our lives,” Jack says. “I love working for David. It’s like a family affair.”

David is a third-generation racer, but the line may stop there. His 9-year-old daughter, Emilia, favors speed of the four-legged variety.

“She barrel races horses,” David says. “She likes to go fast, but it’s only one horsepower.”

In the meantime, every racing season will continue to fi nd the extended Reutimann clan at the tracks, where NASCAR living means thrilling days on the raceways and relaxing evenings in the comfort of a well-equipped RV. BRV

“More than football or

baseball, that’s my sport,” says

Greg Reutimann, and thousands

of Americans likely would nod

their assent.

He’s talking about the National

Association for Stock Car

Auto Racing, better known as

NASCAR, which has its origins

in the stock car races popular in

the Southeast United States in

the 1940s. Now it’s a nationwide

favorite that draws hundreds of

thousands of fans to tracks every

weekend from February through

November.

Reutimann’s cousin, David,

races in the Sprint Cup Series,

NASCAR’s premier division.

NASCAR drivers also race in

the Nationwide Series and the

Camping World Truck Series.

For NASCAR schedules,

standings, news and more, visit

www.nascar.com.

“More than football or

baseball, that’s my sport,” says

Greg Reutimann, and thousands

of Americans likely would nod

their assent.

He’s talking about the National

Association for Stock Car

Auto Racing, better known as

NASCAR, which has its origins

in the stock car races popular in

the Southeast United States in

the 1940s. Now it’s a nationwide

favorite that draws hundreds of

thousands of fans to tracks every

weekend from February through

November.

Reutimann’s cousin, David,

races in the Sprint Cup Series,

NASCAR’s premier division.

NASCAR drivers also race in

the Nationwide Series and the

Camping World Truck Series.

For NASCAR schedules,

standings, news and more, visit

www.nascar.com.

RV LIVING


Discover the difference!Discover the differeDiissccovver tthe ddiifffferre

Dutchmen provides you with a high end appearance, feature packed floor plans and the best value in the marketplace. Stop by Lazydays and see for yourself why Dutchmen is the choice of so many RVers over the past 25 years.

www.Dutchmen-RV.com

257RBGS

OHCCLOSET

W/ SHELF

REFER

PAN

TRY SOFA

BED

OHCMICRO

OH

CQUEENBED

NS/SC

STORAGEPLUS

NS/SC

STORAGEPLUS

OHC

TUBW/

SKYLIGHT

TV

DINETTE

SC

OHC

REFER

SOFABED

BUNKSC

WARD DOUBLE BED

TUBW/

SKYLIGHT

MICRO OHC SHELF

STORAGE PLUS

OH

CQUEENBED

PAC-N-PLAY

DINETTE

275BH

278RLS

PA

NTR

Y

OHC

REFEROHC

CHAIR

MICROOHC

SHELF

LINEN

CHAIR

OHCOHC

OVERSIZEDU-SHAPEDDINETTE

SOFA BED

N/SS/C

N/SS/C

OH

CQUEENBED

STORAGEPLUS

STORAGEPLUS

NEO-ANGLESHOWER W/SKYLIGHT

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 40 RV LIVING

American Coach & Lazydaysteam up to Make RVing Dreams Come True BY FRED SMITH, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

Like many RV manufacturers, American Coach greatly values their customers’ opinion when it comes to designing motorhomes. However, when it’s time to deliver the kind of high-end products that passionate RVers will truly desire in 2012, the company from Decatur, Indiana, separates themselves from the competition with a little help from their friends at Lazydays.

American Coach wanted more for their line of luxury diesel motorhomes in 2012. Though the manufacturer already offered many of the widest living spaces in the industry and featured a bath and a half in every unit, they sought to provide RVers with an even more luxurious sense of home

in 2012. Driven by a yearning to innovate, American Coach turned to a hand-picked team of Lazydays sales consultants to gain insight to their customers’ dreams.

“No one has their fi nger on the pulse of their customers like Lazydays,” said Jayne Fairley, manufacturer representative for American Coach. “Not only is Lazydays the largest dealership in the country for our products, but they really have a relation-ship with their customers that’s second to none.” Jayne knows fi rsthand of Lazydays’ commitment to their customers. For the last 14 years, she’s been the legendary dealership’s on-site representative for both Fleetwood RV and American Coach.

“We wanted to gather a core group of veteran sales consultants who had a passion for our products,” explained Jayne. “We found them at Lazydays, and brought them to our factory to learn even more about the ins and outs of American Coach so they would be solidifi ed as the go-to product experts for our company.” Following this on-site training, the Lazydays team went on to sell more American Coach RVs in 2011 than any RV dealership in the country. However, it would take more than knowledge alone to rise above the stiff competition and make their customers’ dreams come true in the process.

“At the end of the day, we have

more confi dence to sell American

Coach because we can tell

our customers we had a part

in designing their RVs and we

believe in them.”

Don KrzyzanowskiLazydays Sales Consultant (10 years)

“I drove an American Tradition

to Sarasota, and the only way

I can describe it is to say

it was like driving a 43-foot

Rolls Royce.”

Matt SibbickLazydays Sales Consultant (7 years)on the Liberty chassis featured in all American Coaches

clockwise from left to right – Don Kryzyzanowski, Matt Sibbick, Susan Khrystal, Skip Pittman and Jayne Fairley


For the land of the free.

For the home of the brave.

Forever Fleetwood.

We’re going further to help fulfill your dreams. Our full line of motor homes at Lazydays is backed by their unparalleled support and a commitment to our customers. Which means you can see the world, stick your hand out the window and wave your worries goodbye. In a Fleetwood RV, you’re ready for the road ahead. Begin your journey at FleetwoodRV.com.

Configure a coach the way YOU want!Colors • Floor Plans • Options • Décor

www.FleetwoodRV.com

Providence | Discovery | Expedition | Southwind | Bounder | Terra | Storm | Tioga DSL | Jamboree DSL | Tiorga | Jamboree


“The sales team at Lazydays is on the front line,” noted Jayne. “They deal with customers who are actively in the buying cycle for a luxury motorhome. These types of customers will let you know exactly what they’re looking for, and that kind of feedback is paramount to our company’s providing the best possible RV for our customers.”

The Lazydays team held regular feedback sessions with Jayne and American Coach product manager Chris Carter in order to incorporate customer feedback into the company’s 2012 line of luxury diesel pushers. “Everyone really rose to the challenge at

those meetings,” recalled Lazydays sales consultant Don Krzyzanowski. “We would make suggestions based on what our customers had told us, and American Coach’s engineers would rack their brains trying to think up ways to make it happen.”

The collaboration proved successful, and the results are on display in American Coach’s 2012 models, including the American Eagle 45T. A particular point of pride was the introduction of a new feature that no other fl oor plan in the industry offers. “We wanted to make this coach different from other bath-and-a-half fl oor plans,” said Lazydays sales consultant Susan Khrystal. “One major difference involves a portion of the bedroom slide that includes the master bath. It opens up and makes for a huge, glamorous bathroom that we call the ‘Spa Retreat.’”

Lazydays sales consultant Skip Pittman pointed out the advanced technology in the American Coach line that addressed the wants of an emerging type of RVer. “We’re seeing younger, fi rst-time RVers buying luxury coaches,” said Skip. “These customers have the highest-end technology at home, and they want the same in their RV.”

That wish has been fulfi lled in the 2012 American Heritage, which allows owners to control a wide array of functions in the coach through a custom application on an Apple iPad® that is available with the RV. “It will allow owners to operate all of the blinds, shades, lights, TVs and anything else that’s on a multiplex system,” said Jayne. “The best part is that it’s really simple to use.”

These innovations emerged from an intensive process of brainstorming, planning and development. When Matt Sibbick saw the daunting number of schematics and fl oor plan drawings American Coach presented to him and his fellow Lazydays sales consultants, he admited that he briefl y contemplated surrender. “It was overwhelming to see all the different ideas and possibilities,” confessed Matt. “But we all have a love for the American Coach brand, and now we have a lot of respect for the engineers who make their coaches as great as they are.” BRV

“I’ve been to a lot of different

RV factories, but there is something

about American Coach. I got

excited when they asked me to be

a part of their team because

I think it’s a great product and

I really believe in it.”

Skip PittmanLazydays Sales Consultant (5 years)

“I really enjoyed working with

the engineers and seeing how they

process all the ideas and

possibilities. Normally, we wouldn’t

get to talk to engineers. It was

really cool.”

Susan KhrystalLazydays Sales Consultant (7 years)


Wow!Why Winnebago continues to

RV LIVING

BY KATHY LUPA


Much like Xerox® and Band-Aid®

are universally recognized terms for

photocopiers and adhesive bandages,

the name Winnebago has become

synonymous with motorhomes. In the

RV industry, no other name resonates

with RVers quite like Winnebago.

Motorhome enthusiasts from all over

the world recognize this company’s

tradition of quality and innovation that

dates back more than 50 years.

On the Road to the TopWinnebago grew from modest beginnings in rural Forest City, Iowa. In the mid-1950s, businessman John K. Hanson and others persuaded a California company to start a travel trailer factory in Forest City. A few years later, fi ve local residents bought the operation and made John the president. In 1961, the company’s name became Winnebago Industries.

In an effort to improve quality, Winnebago Industries decided to manufacture the furniture and other components for its line of travel trailers. A few years later they developed a lightweight — yet well-insulated — sidewall construction process known as Thermo-Panel®. These types of signifi cant innovations brought the company’s sales to a whole new level. Winnebago continues to travel down the road of success to this day and is committed to providing high-quality recreational vehicles with effi cient design and eye-catching style at a great value.

A Winning CombinationTo get the inside scoop, we spoke with Russ Garfi n, director of product planning at Winnebago Industries. He’s held this position for more than 11 years, and has been with Winnebago for 22 years. When speaking about Winnebago, Russ noted that there is a strong brand identity, but that the “fl oor plan is still king.” First and foremost, they make sure the fl oor plans and interiors are appealing to customers. Then they construct their RVs to be the best built, strongest, most durable motorhomes available, and include all of the essential safety features. That seems to be Winnebago’s recipe for success. Russ stated, “We have been very successful with that formula. Floor plan, construction and brand reputation are important things. Another one is our service.”

Second-to-None ServiceWith a large service department and regional service managers throughout the country, Winnebago works hard to meet customers’ RV service needs. A unique aspect of Winnebago’s dedicated service is that even if a Winnebago is fi ve, 10 or even 20 years old, a customer can contact Winnebago Industries for help fi nding the right part and getting the motorhome fi xed. Not only is this essential to the Winnebago owner, but it also helps the RV hold its value better and get a higher resale price.

Leading the Way with InnovationWinnebago’s mission statement underscores its priorities: “Moving forward with innovation and quality.” Winnebago constantly strives be the leader when it comes to providing customers with cutting-edge features and the best construction for every product they build. They continuously seek input and feedback to ensure they are fulfi lling their customers’ needs.

To that end, Russ shared a story with us about an experience he had with a member of the Itasca/Winnebago Traveler’s Club: “I remember specifi cally a few years ago when we introduced an entry-level product, and it didn’t have the big assist handle that some of our other products have. There was a lady who was just beside herself because we didn’t have the big assist handle on there.” She made him promise that Winnebago would fi gure out a way to get the big assist handle back on the motorhome because she and her friends found it so helpful. Of course, Russ made sure Winnebago kept that promise.

Winnebago will forge ahead into the future with a commitment to quality and innovation, and will continue to do extensive research and testing to ensure customers’ needs and expectations are met. Considering the “wow” factor of Winnebago’s 2012 models, we look forward to seeing what the company’s 2013 lineup has in store.


2012 JourneyWinnebago launched the new 36M fl oor plan for 2012. It is a shorter diesel pusher with several unique features, including a triple slide, standard Power Gear® automatic hydraulic leveling system, and class-leading interior and exterior storage. The Journey 42E tag axle triple-slide fl oor plan has a Maxum® chassis and 400 horsepower ISL engine. The bedroom has a California-style closet with his-and-hers drawers and space for both long and short hanging items.

2012 SightseerThe Winnebago Sightseer line welcomes the new 30A fl oor plan, which is a double-slide model with an expandable sectional U-shaped dinette and mid-coach 42-inch LCD TV that slides out for optimal viewing. Additional updates include a refreshing new logo, Power Gear leveling jacks, electric patio awning, new instrument panel, in-dash workstation and decorative lights. In addition, an optional Euro recliner with built-in footrest will be available in early June.

2012 AdventurerNew features for the 2012 Winnebago Adventurer line include a more modern front-end design and rear cap, as well as an updated instrument panel, convenience tray and workstation. All three of the Winnebago Adventurer models (32H, 35P and 37F) have transitioned several optional features to be standard for 2012. Some new standard features include a six-way power driver’s seat, color video camera system, solar panel/battery charger and an exterior protective front mask.

What’s New in 2012Several Winnebago models have new features, including the Journey, Sightseer, Adventurer, Tour and Aspect. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the 2012 Winnebago lineup highlights:

Winnebago Industries, by the Numbers

Years in industry: 53

Year fi rst motorhome rolled off assembly line: 1966

Number of coaches built: 421,601

Size of headquarters: 20+ buildings = about 60 acres

Total headquarters’ property size: about 200 acres

Number of employees: 2,130

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club members: 14,000

Winneba

Y

Siz

W

RV LIVING


2008 2009 2010 2011

8.1%

15.2

%

17.5

%

11.4

%

For more and more people, the key to fi nding the right Class A diesel

looks a lot like this.

Class A diesel owners don’t mess around. They want fl oorplans with outstanding livability — no matter what the coach length. Innovative features that

enhance their comfort. And quality that holds up over the long haul.

No wonder so many veteran RVers are turning to coaches like our Winnebago Tour®

and Journey® or Itasca Ellipse® and Meridian®. Thanks to seven groundbreaking fl oorplans — including the exciting new 36M and bath--and-a-half 42JD as well as the industry bestseller 42QD — our Class A diesels are outselling both Monaco and Fleetwood.* In fact, our Class A diesel market share has grown faster than any other major manufacturer’s, more than doubling (we’re up 116%) over the past four years.*

So the key to your perfect diesel could very well be as close as your nearest Winnebago or Itasca dealer. You can also see our entire 2012 lineup online at WinnebagoInd.com.*Source: Statistical Surveys, Inc. through September, 2011.

C H O O S I N G A B E T T E R - B U I LT M O T O R H O M E

Proof Point

#26AluminumFloor Skin

� We protect the underside of our coach fl oors with a strong, durable, moisture-resistant aluminum skin. Others paint exposed plywood or use a cheap woven material that provides little or no protection.

FREE BROCHURE Get the full story — and answers to the 4 questions to ask before you buy — at www.BetterBuiltRVs.com.

Winnebago Industries Class A Diesel Market Share

111

Is it built to last?

What happens

down the road?

Will it meet my needs?

What kind ofcompany stands

behind it?

before

PL3_4Questions _6_1.indd 1PL3_4Questions _6_1.indd 1

6/9/11 12:17 PM

©2011 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

A Winnebago Industries Circle of Excellence dealer for over 25 years.

PL_KeyFob LD .indd 1 11/23/11 12:43 PM


To Be a Class B,

You’d think there would be a simple, clear answer. So we headed to the Internet

for a quick defi nition of each. We found that there are as many defi nitions as

there are colors in the spectrum. We decided to ask the experts and contacted

Pleasure-Way, a manufacturer that focuses exclusively on Class B coaches.

All About Class BsAs the leading Class B-only manufacturer, Pleasure-Way has been building Class B motorhomes for more than 26 years. Pleasure-Way’s CEO, Dean Rumpel, chatted with us about Class B motorhomes and provided a clear defi nition of the difference between a Class B and a B+:

A Class B motorhome was originally any RV with single rear wheels built on a van chassis. When the Sprinter van came out, it expanded the line of Class Bs because it has dual rear wheels. However, it’s still a completed van chassis that we purchase and convert.

A B+, on the other hand, is really a Class C motorhome without a cabover in front. It also has a cutaway chassis.

The Bs Have ItWhile we had a few moments of Dean’s time, we took the opportunity to ask him a little more about Pleasure-Way’s Class B RVs:

It’s an age-old question: What’s

the difference between a

Class B and a B+?


or Is It Not a B?

As the leading Class

B-only manufacturer,

Pleasure-Way has

been building Class B

motorhomes for more

than 26 years.

Dean Rumpel

Pleasure-Way CEO

BY KATHY LUPA


BRV: What types of RVers prefer Pleasure-Way’s Class B motorhomes?DEAN: Our customers come in two main factions:1. Experienced RVers who have owned RVs in the past and want to downsize to continue enjoying the RVing lifestyle.2. First-time RVers who want to travel more. They want amenities, such as a bathroom and kitchen, so they can enjoy traveling a lot more.

These days there are also some full-timers using Bs as well. We have a couple that has been full-timing in a Pleasure-Way RV for three years now.BRV: What do you consider to be the biggest benefi ts of Pleasure-Way’s line of Class B motorhomes?DEAN: Size, fuel-effi ciency, and they’re comfortable for both men and women to drive.

You’re giving up some of the size and interior space for the ability to drive it through big cities and park it in metered stalls. It’s also easier to get on ferries, and it works well for those national parks that are putting limitations on RV size. It’s a much more mobile and fuel-effi cient unit.BRV: In what way does your Pleasure-Way line of Class B motorhomes stand out from other manufacturers?DEAN: We construct the units in a unique way. There’s no assembly line; it’s more like custom-home building. The components are actually all built piece-by-piece inside. Our Ford Excel takes about 350 hours of labor to build, while the average Class C is probably built in about 120.BRV: What’s new for the 2012 Pleasure-Way models?DEAN: We have a new diesel model, the Plateau RB — the RB stands for rear bedroom. This model actually has a private bedroom in the rear with a permanent mattress. That’s really a fi rst for a Class B. It has sliding doors that close the rear bedroom off, and the front has a designated eating area and place to watch TV.

We also have an exciting new entry-level model, the Basis. It’s built on a Chevrolet chassis and it’s what we call a standard body, so we don’t modify the walls. It’s our fi rst true entry-level model, and it retails for $69,900.BRV: What are a few of the feature changes for 2012?DEAN: We’ve done a lot of changes in the past year, such as increased storage, LED lighting and better effi ciency,

2012 Pleasure-Way RVs also include the new RV|ID feature. We think it will be a benefi t to everybody. It should potentially reduce insurance rates since it is an anti-theft device. It also has neat consumer benefi ts, allowing family members to track where you are on your trip. Pleasure-Way can even tell when it’s in back at the dealership for service, so we can be very proactive and make sure that the customers are looked after that way, as well. BRV

Pleasure-Way’s

biggest benefi ts:

size, fuel-effi ciency,

and comfortable

for both men and

women to drive.


2012 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45LT Floor PlanDana Philp 28+ years RV sales experience, Black belt in RV fun

Barney Alexander Senior RV driving instructor, more than 42,000 students, full time RVer

He’s taught more than 42,000 RVers how to drive a motorhome.

She’s taught at least as many RVers how to have a good time. Here’s

what happened when Lazydays’ senior driving instructor and the

RV industry’s guru of fun took the 2012 Thor Tuscany for a spin.

BY FRED SMITH

two for the road

SEE AN RV

BY FRED SMITH, PHOTOGRAPHY FRED SMITH


EXTERIOR

Barney and Dana admire the Tuscany’s streamlined appearance from the outside. Barney opens the door and Dana steps in.

BARNEY: The fi rst thing I notice about this coach when walking into it is how wide the entryway is.

DANA: You would notice that, Barney. The doorway is fi ve inches wider than it was in 2011, which will come in handy when you climb on board with luggage or anything that’s large.

BARNEY: And the entry steps have a raised pattern that keeps you from slipping, ‘cause everyone knows I’m not as light and graceful on my feet as I used to be.

DANA: And if you’re the type who doesn’t travel light, then the massive pass-through storage compartments have got you covered.

COCKPIT

Dana kicks back in the co-pilot seat while Barney adjusts the mirrors and readies himself for the road.

BARNEY: Great comfort for the driver. With the VIP Smart Wheel™, the controls are in position for the driver to do all the adjustments from the driving position, as opposed to some coaches where you have to lean forward to reach the switch to adjust the mirrors then lean back to driving position to see if the mirrors are in the right spot.

DANA: And we’ve got a non-glare dashboard.

BARNEY: That’s another great convenience for the driver. Coaches can have what’s called a “black hole” where the sun comes through the windshield and refl ects off the dash into the mirrors and blinds the driver. I don’t think that will happen in this coach.

Barney turns the key and awakens the Tuscany’s sleeping engine. He puts the RV in gear and drives ahead.

DANA: We’ve got a 450-HP engine with plenty of power, yet the coach is quiet. You and I don’t have to yell at each other to hear what we’re saying. The tag axle helps our stability and gives us a higher GVWR by about 10,000 lbs.


BARNEY: We’ve also got a Freightliner® chassis with a 55-degree wheel cut that makes this coach easy to drive, especially when we make turns. It also has an elevated mullion.

DANA: Come again?

BARNEY: This center piece on the window is higher, which gives you a better view out the driver’s side window.

DANA: And that’s called the mullion? You’re not making stuff up, are you, Barney?

BARNEY: I looked it up.

LIVING AREA

Dana and Barney make their way through the coach’s living space.

DANA: Awesome livability in this coach. We’ve got a full-wall slide, bath-and-a-half and full porcelain tile fl oor throughout the interior. What amazes me is how big the kitchen is. At 87 inches long, it’s big even for a 45-foot coach. It has two pantries, which is almost unheard of. This really is like a house.

BARNEY: I like the L-lounge Ultraleather™ couch and the view it provides to the 40-inch TV. Both of these are standard features on this fl oor plan, along with the surround-sound system.

DANA: The fi replace is a real favorite. It looks great and puts out a lot of heat. Since it’s electric, if you’re camping, you don’t have to use your LP heater. The fi replace will keep you warm.

BARNEY: The air conditioning is on right now. The coach is cool, but it’s very quiet. How do they do it?

DANA: It’s the whisper-quiet system.

BARNEY: And to think I thought technology peaked with the microwaveable steak sandwich.

MASTER BATH

The RVing duo inspects the bathroom.

DANA: We’ve got two vanity sinks, just like at home. The half-bath is great when you have guests so they don’t have to walk through your bedroom to make a pit stop. It’s also where they keep the stackable washer and dryer.

BARNEY: Just imagine … sitting on the throne doing laundry. If they moved the stove a little closer, you could get three things done at once. BRV

SEE AN RV


An RVer of Ernie’s experience under-stands the importance of preventative maintenance. While he’s been known to occasionally throw caution to the wind at all-you-can-eat buffets, Ernie likes to

keep his RV’s smoke and liquid propane (LP) detectors in tip-top shape by testing them every month.

Smoke DetectorEven though he wasn’t always awake during chemistry class back in high school, Ernie understands the basic principle that hot air rises — which is why smoke detectors are usually mounted on or near the ceiling. In Ernie’s case, his RV’s smoke detector is located on the ceiling just above the driver’s seat. To make sure that the detector is working, Ernie is going to fi rst press the test button, which should produce a short burst of the detector’s alarm. In this case, Ernie’s alarm is working; but he knows it’s been about six months since he replaced the detector’s battery and that now is a good time for a new 9-volt battery.

To remove the detector, Ernie must fi rst remove the safety pin (Fig. 1) that prevents the detector from spinning due to vibration, which could lead to it falling on Ernie’s head while he’s driving. Next, he’s going to turn the detector counterclockwise and pull it down from the ceiling (Fig. 2). Finally he’s going to install a new 9-volt battery (Fig. 3) and press the test button again (Fig. 4) to ensure the detector is functioning properly before he remounts it to the ceiling.

LP DetectorIf there’s one thing Ernie is an expert on, it’s gas; especially after one of his infamous buffet sessions. Due to the physical properties of LP gas, Ernie knows it naturally sinks — which is why LP detectors in RVs tend to be mounted on baseboards near the fl oor. After locating his RV’s LP detector (Fig. 5), Ernie is going to test the unit by pushing the test button (Fig. 6), which will prompt the detector to cycle through a brief set of diagnostics.

In Ernie’s case, his detector checks for the presence of both LP and carbon monoxide. If the detector displays green lights after cycling through its diagnostics, then Ernie knows that the unit is working and his RV is void of LP and carbon monoxide. However, if the LP indicator displays red lights instead of green, Ernie knows he has an LP leak somewhere in his coach. While there is no immediate danger, he realizes it would be potentially deadly to light a fl ame of any kind in the presence of LP. Checking for LP leaks is safe and easy with a bottle of LP leak detector. Do not attempt to check for LP leaks with a lighter, as this could be a fatal mistake.

One likely source of such a leak could be Ernie’s gas stove. To check the stove, Ernie is going to remove its surface cover to expose the pipe connections underneath (Fig. 7). Then, he’s going to spray his leak detector on all the joints between the pipes (Fig. 8). If he sees any pink bubbling, he knows he’s found the source of his gas leak; and for once, it’s not from the chili dogs at his favorite buffet. Upon fi nding a leak, the next step would be to turn off the RV’s

troubleshootin’ with ernie

testing and maintaining your smoke & LP detectors

Ernie Herring

35 Years Experience

RVIA/RVDA Master

Certifi ed Technician

RV TOOLBOX

BY FRED SMITH


Fig. 2: Turn the detector counterclockwise to remove it from the ceiling.

Fig. 6: Test your detector by pressing the “test” button.

Fig. 8: Spray leak detector around the joint areas.

Fig. 4: Press the test button to ensure that the alarm is working properly.

2Fig. 1: Locate your smoke detector and remove the safety pin.

Fig. 5: Locate your carbon monoxide and LP detector.

Fig. 7: To check your stove for LP leaks, remove the stove’s top.

Fig. 3: Replace the 9-volt battery every six to nine months, as needed.

1

3 4

LP supply and contact a certifi ed RV service center.Regular maintenance of smoke and LP detectors is

crucial to giving an avid RVer like Ernie the peace of mind he needs to focus on the fi ner points of the open road … like the next great buffet, and the adventure he’ll discover in its aftermath.

Be sure to visit betterRVing.com to see videos of Ernie troubleshootin’ all kinds of RV-related problems. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual or a certifi ed RV technician before attempting to work on your RV. No RV technicians were harmed during the writing of this article. BRV

3

5

7

4

6

8

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 58 RV GEAR

To enhance your RV lifestyle, betterRVing has scouted out some great new products that are good, clean, fun and convenient. You’ll fi nd them all in the Lazydays Retail Parts Department.

Super Shammy™ In our opinion, the Super Shammy is,

well, super. Made from polyvinyl alcohol, this ultra-absorbent,

25"×17" cloth has hundreds of uses both inside and outside

your RV. Folks on the move will appreciate that it dries quickly

before being returned to its handy storage tube. $9

Mohawk® Interior Touch-Up Kit This miniature wood maintenance kit is perfect for keeping your RV interior looking like new. It’s small enough to fi t in your most compact storage drawer, yet contains all the essentials to touch up scratches to your woodwork.

Available in a choice of colors; includes a touch-up marker, fi ller putty and clear fi nish. $19.99

Dometic S28 Soft-Sided Cooler This stylish soft-sided cooler from Dometic will keep your treats and drinks chilled when you’re on the go. The cooler simply plugs into your 12 Volt outlet and will cool the interior to 29 degrees below the outside temperature for the perfect frosty beverage. When you’re done, simply fold up and store away. $80

hot, new & useful


Smart Light 1000 This RV motion-sensor light is the ideal upgrade to your RV exterior, adding light and safety after dark. The light turns on when it detects

movement, or can serve as a standard porch light. And becausethe sensor can distinguish between humans and small animals or debris,

you won’t be awakened by every passing bird or squirrel. $60

Collectible Fifth Wheel and Truck Toy Perfect for the youngest RVers — or the young-at-heart — this die-cast and molded plastic

fi fth wheel and truck toy is a scaled-down replica of a coupled RV and tow vehicle. It’s hours of fun for kids, or a striking addition to any RV model collection. $16

Germ Off™ Anti-Bacterial Wipes or Max Professional™ All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes We love these wipes because they can be used everywhere to clean up any type of mess. The 60-count anti-bacterial wipes gently clean skin with aloe and Vitamin E, while the 40-count all-purpose wipes leave behind a clean surface and pleasant citrus scent. $2.50 each

Cable Wraptor™ Do you ever get exhausted just looking at piles of disorganized cables and cords around your RV? The Cable Wraptor will help you wrangle and untangle those wild and wired serpents by quickly clamping everything into place. $3.99


service to gomobile service for your RV

BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

RV SERVICE

Because of his experience, Dennis

became the go-to guy for his

friends and fellow RVers — a role he

welcomed. “I enjoy helping everyone

else with their RVs.”

About a year after becoming a full-

timer, Dennis decided to channel his

passion for RVs into a paying career.

He attended numerous technical certifi -

cation courses, and began working as

a Certifi ed RV Technician in 2005.

Today, Dennis is putting that knowledge

and expertise to work as the Service

Advisor for Lazydays’ Mobile Service

department. He is still the “go-to

guy”; just for a much larger circle of

friends. Dennis is the liaison between

Lazydays’ customers and the Certifi ed

Technicians who handle the repairs.

“All of us on the Mobile Service team

really enjoy our jobs," enthuses Dennis.

"Whether I’m scheduling appointments,

writing repair orders or checking on

authorizations or parts, my passion

is providing a quality of service that

encourages fi rst-time customers to

become customers for life.”

Recent Mobile Service customers

and “part-time full-timers” Bob and

Gigi Auston are among those who

vow to be repeat customers. “When

you schedule service somewhere for

the fi rst time, you never know what to

expect. So you can be a little afraid

when you call in,” explains Bob.

But Lazydays’ Mobile Service team

quickly put those fears to rest. “Dennis

and his crew are wonderful! Personally,

we fi nd him delightful, and the service

we received was very fair. We’ve been

impressed. Thanks to Dennis and his

crew, we are customers for life.”

Mobile Service With a Personal TouchBecause Dennis has owned several

different RVs, he encountered — and

solved — countless RV issues long

before he ever picked up a wrench

professionally. This practical experience

adds a personal touch to his

knowledge. So, when folks call Mobile

Service, he understands their concerns

— mechanically and emotionally.

“They are calling in with a problem, so

you can’t expect them to be happy the

fi rst time we speak. From the moment

I answer the service call, my goal is

to establish a good rapport with my

customers. By the time they get off the

phone, I want them to know that we

understand, and that we will take care

of their concern. In my mind, our job

isn’t done until that person is happy.”

There is one question Dennis hears

all the time. “People call up and ask

me if they can take advantage of

Lazydays’ Mobile Service even if they

didn’t buy from us.” Dennis is happy

to answer that, yes, anyone who owns

Dennis Alfano loves RVs. A lifelong RVer, Dennis and his wife, Doreen, took the “full time” plunge about eight years ago and never looked back. But making his home in an RV was still not enough for Dennis, who taught himself how to maintain and repair his home on wheels.


an RV can request mobile service.

He adds, “I love being able to tell

them, ‘It doesn’t matter where you

bought it, we will take care of you.

We want you to come back, to feel like

part of the Lazydays family, no matter

how you got into RVing.’”

This personal, customer-focused

approach works. Dennis receives

phone calls, notes, emails and letters

“days, weeks, even months after a

repair,” from customers who are just

letting him know everything is still fi ne

and that they are so “happy with me

and my team.” That, Dennis admits,

makes his day.

Services and Suggestions to Help Keep You SmilingBoth homes and automobiles need

regular maintenance to keep them in

top shape. RVs, of course, are both.

“RVs have a lot of moving parts that

need to be maintained. Ignoring or

putting off simple maintenance can

create bigger issues down the road.

And you can bet these breakdowns will

never happen when it’s convenient.”

Dennis suggests that in addition to

your regular fl uid maintenance, which

must be done in-house, appliances

such as your water heater, furnace,

rooftop A/C units and stove should

be cleaned and serviced at least once

per year to ensure proper operation.

In addition, folks who plan to keep their

RV on site for an extended period of

time should have their jacks and slides

serviced regularly.

But Mobile Service does not end with

routine maintenance. Mobile techs

can do certain repairs as well. “Every

case is unique,” noted Dennis. “When

a customer calls, we’ll talk about

the pricing and go over the warranty

information. Then we fi nd out where

they’re located and determine how

we can best help them.” Bottom line?

“Don’t guess, assume or ignore the

issue. Call me.”

What RVing Means to Dennis“Camping on weekends is my way

of relaxing with my family,” said

Dennis. “I love visiting with old friends

and meeting new ones.” And RVing

gets him closer to his other passion:

NASCAR. When he can’t make it to

the racetrack on Sunday afternoons,

you’ll fi nd him in his RV. “After church,

if you’re looking for me, I’ll be in my RV

watching the race with my wife and our

two Yorkies, Zeus and Zena.”

But whether or not the race is on, if

your RV needs help, Dennis and his

Mobile Service team are just a phone

call away. If you have questions about

an RV issue, the range of Lazydays’

mobile service or other service

inquiries, call 800.350.6728, or visit

www.lazydaysservice.com. BRV

Tony Aplin, is most likely the smiling face you’ll see when you call Lazydays Mobile Service. Tony has been with Lazydays for 10 years.


the fl ight of a lifetime

If you love RVing, you will love Claude Greenhill. This passionate

ambassador of the RV lifestyle began camping with his wife, Joan, and

their children decades ago. As the kids grew, so did the Greenhills’

RVs. “You name it, we’ve had it. Popups, travel trailers and all the

classes of coaches. The only one we haven’t owned is a fi fth wheel.”

When not RVing, the family lived on their farm in South Carolina. But the Greenhills’

lives were not always so pastoral. ➤

BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY


Claude had to go to Korea to get permission to marry Joan. “I told her dad I wanted to marry her, and he told me he wouldn’t allow his daughter to become an ‘Army widow.’ He said, ‘I like you, Claude, but you go over there fi rst. Come home and you have my blessing.’”

The soldier did come home to his beautiful bride; and this past February, they celebrated 58 years as man and wife. Their fi rst years together were Army years. Claude served for over 20 years, including as a master sergeant in the 32nd Regiment of the 7th Infantry during the Korean War. “The war was tough, especially because we were apart, but overall we had a good time in the service.” The couple traveled the world, living in Korea, Germany, Panama and all over the United States. “We were in Yucca Flats for two atomic tests. It was in Alaska that we began to expand the family.” Claude’s eyes twinkle with mischief, “I don’t know why that was; maybe all those long nights.”

After leaving the Army, the family settled on their farm in South Carolina and Claude went to work fi rst for Corning, and then the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Along the way he got his pilot’s license and, for a time, fl ew his own plane. He loved to fl y, but his future rolled out before him with wheels down. In 1997, he and Joan sold the family farm and moved full time into an RV. Four years later, they bought their current home — a 38-foot Winnebago Adventurer.

Since then, they have traversed the highways and

byways hither and yon, but their favorite haunt is the campground at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “Onslow Beach is just beautiful,” Claude enthuses. “And it’s interesting. You can watch the Marine Recon boys on maneuvers or keep walking and fi nd a quiet spot. When we’re there, I’m up with the sun and can be out all day. I love to search for sharks’ teeth. Can’t say how many I’ve found. I like to put them in shadowboxes for people as gifts.” One such display is hanging on the wall over his shoulder. The number and variety of teeth would show well in any museum. In fact, one of Claude’s fi nds is on display in a Jacksonville natural history museum. “One time up at Lejeune I found a whale vertebra just washed up on the beach. You never know what you might fi nd if you just keep looking.”

A Life and A List

W orld traveler. Accidental archaeologist. Proud veteran. Experienced pilot. Devoted husband. Loving father. It’s easy to believe

a man with this résumé when he says he tries to live each day to the fullest. His face is weathered, but lined with smiles, not regrets. Joan, her eyes glittering, puts it more succinctly: “We stay busy.”

But, despite a lifetime of adventure and a very full schedule, there remained one elusive item on Claude’s “bucket list.” The pilot in him wanted to go up again, at


least one more time … but not in a conventional aircraft. Claude had his eye on a glider. Glide planes are enclosed, fi xed-wing aircraft that have no engine. They are towed up by prop-fl yers and then turned loose to soar on thermals. “With no engine noise, all you hear is the wind washing over the plane.”

A few months ago, that might have been a simple enough wish to fulfi ll. Claude had been up many times, logging countless hours in the pilot’s seat. But, in early October, a trip to the doctor and a handful of tests changed all that. His pilot’s license might never expire, but Claude would not be cleared to fl y on his own again.

Enter The GruppellsClaude and Joan Greenhill share a love of RVing with two other couples, Tom and Linda Lupp and Mark and Terri Barnwell. These friends are close as family, traveling together whenever possible and sharing their passion for RVing as Lazydays Ambassadors. Tom used to live next door to Claude, and Claude served as best man at the Lupp wedding. They met the Barnwells at a Lazydays Friends and Family event.

Borrowing letters from each of their last names, Terri Barnwell christened the three couples “The Gruppells.” Claude and Joan are the acknowledged “parents” of the extended clan. When the Lupps and the Barnwells learned of their friend’s diagnosis and his desire to go gliding, they began to conspire — behind the scenes and behind Claude’s back — to help him live his dream. They contacted Harlan Hadlett, President of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society (TBSS), a local fl ying club that focuses on glider fl ight. Harlan listened as Claude’s friends talked about his military service, his passion for fl ying and the sudden illness that had grounded him. After hearing their story, Harlan took the request back to his fellow TBSS

members. Some of them had been in Korea in the early ‘50s, too, so there was no question — Claude was going up. Given the green light, the Barnwells and Lupps began to put it all together.

A Wish Fulfi lledA few weeks later, on a crisp and breezy Sunday afternoon — November 6, 2011 — Claude Greenhill gathered with family to head across town to an early dinner with the other “Gruppells” and friends from Lazydays. He was told there was one stop they needed to make along the way. “Mark said he wanted to show me something. I had no idea what to expect.”

But when Claude stepped out of the car, he was at the airport, surrounded by his family and closest friends. “It turned out what he wanted to show me was the plane I was about to fl y in.”

As the group gathered near the runway, another surprise was revealed. Claude positively beamed when he learned he would not be the only one going up. Lazydays CEO, John Horton, would follow in another glider, snapping pictures as Claude checked the last box on his bucket list. “I was so pleased to see John. He’s such a good man, always been there for us. When he heard I was sick, he took time out to send me a handwritten card. It’s one of the fi nest letters I have ever received,” recalls Claude.

Adding to the surprise, the pilot who would get Claude in the air was one of the TBSS Korean War vets. Clad in nearly identical ball caps proclaiming their unit and service, the men also wore matching smiles.

The tow plane and the glider taxied to the runway, and the gathered crowd grew quiet. It’s not often you get to watch a “once-in-a-lifetime” event happen. The planes climbed, still tethered until well out of sight. Inside the cockpit, 4,000 feet above terra fi rma, Claude watched as his

Claude positively beamed when he learned he would not be the only one going up. Lazydays CEO, John Horton, would follow in another glider…

RV LIVING

65

glider leveled out and the line securing it to the other plane was detached. “Okay,” said the pilot, “You can take over.”

Claude grabbed the stick, thinking, “I haven’t done this in 50 years.” But he breathed deep, calmed his excitement and let old habits take over. On that windy day, he only fl ew for about 45 minutes, but that’s all the time he needed to turn his “bucket list” into a journal of a life well-lived.

Claude chokes up a bit when talking about his fl ight. “You can call a lot of people ‘friend,’ but when someone does that, gets that many people together, just for you … I would have never believed that anyone would do something like this for me.”

The Important StuffIt may seem odd that a man who had led others into battle, who had toured the world in uniform and taken a bullet in the line of duty, a man who had already fl own countless times higher and farther than he had today, would consider this slow, wind-powered glide his “fl ight of a lifetime.”

But, for Claude, the simplest things are the most valuable. When you don’t have a lot of time, you think about the things other people take for granted: The joy of a wish fulfi lled. The comfort of a cold nose as your furry best friend cuddles close on a cool winter evening. The blessing of children who revere you and the bliss of nearly six decades of better and worse with the love of your life. And, of course, friends who are will-ing to drop everything and move heaven and earth so that you could soar through the air, looking down on their upturned faces until none of you can see a thing but clouds and sky.

And, though he wouldn’t say, perhaps it is the appreciation of these things that compelled Claude to smile even wider as the elated pilot became another spectator, watching as the second glider descended and touched down. Afterward, the last-timer and the fi rst-timer chatted excitedly about their fl ights, about the close turns and fl ying in formation. Surrounded by friends and family, they walked back to waiting cars.

The “bucket list” was done, dinner was waiting and now it was time to savor this most memorable day … there were fun-fi lled hours to enjoy together, stories to tell and laughs to share. And you know how Claude likes to stay busy. BRV


Lessons in RVing

Watch Where You Park (and beware of hidden perils) BY CHRISTIAN MUFFOLETTO

The Ten Commandments of RVing: No. 10

One of the fi rst things you learn as an RVer is this simple phrase: “Nothing goes as planned.” Maps are rarely accurate, distances are often measured “as the crow fl ies,” and the weatherman’s forecast is not always 99.9% accurate.

My grandparents, Bob and Sonja Encinosa, learned this particular lesson fi rst-hand just a few years after purchasing their fi rst post-children travel trailer. Their “home away from home” was a 2001 Holiday Rambler Alumascape, which they anticipated would serve them well for camping trips and housing untold numbers of grandchildren.

Bob and Sonja were not inexperienced RVers; they had owned travel trailers in the ’70s, when their children were still living at home. They knew how to navigate highways and byways, and maneuver their RV in the tightest of spaces. They kept a sharp eye out for hazards both on the road and at campsites. But no amount of experience and training could have prepared them for the hidden enemy that sought to rob them of their trailer; a formidable foe that silently lurked in the familiar safety of their own backyard. That enemy was a rotten tree. Actually, lightning and a rotten tree. Anyone who has set foot in the soggy state of Florida knows that is a dangerous, yet fairly common, combination.

RV LIVING

O


The troubles started during Florida’s rainy season in mid-2004. My grandparents decided to take a break from RVing until things became a little less … saturated. With rainstorms come slippery roads, limited visibility, and gloomy scenery — none of which RVers particularly enjoy. (Florida rainstorms are not known for their mercy.) So, Bob and Sonja sent their trailer for a fi nal seasonal detailing, then parked the Holiday Rambler in their spacious backyard, near the fence they shared with their neighbors. Not much thought was given to the rotten tree looming just feet away. (Yes, you know good and well what is about to happen to that poor trailer.)

A few days later, Bob, Sonja, and all of us grandkids were sitting in their living room, listening to the rain beat on the roof and gazing out at the bright fl ashes that lit up the sky. As proud residents of the “Lightning Capital of the World,” we Floridians watched in wonder as the thunderstorm helped us hang on to that dubious distinction for one more year. With our full attention on the storm, we certainly weren’t thinking about the big, rotten, cherry tree out back … until we heard it. A loud, shot-like crack split through the air as lightning hit the tree, followed by a sickening crunch. All of us leapt to our feet in shock; and one of my siblings, in a fi t of terror, screamed hysterically, “THE BRITISH ARE COMING!”

Needless to say, when we dared venture out of the house, the damage was as we feared. The Holiday Rambler, fl attened by the fallen tree, looked more like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was completely destroyed — a victim of the elements and an ill-chosen parking spot. (But unlike the travel trailer, my grandmother was not very crushed by the incident — I think she was ready to start shopping again.)

This, dear reader, was one of those lessons that you learn the hard way. To protect your RV from a similar fate, it’s a lesson I’d urge you to heed: Whether you’re on the road or at home, watch where you park — and beware of rotten trees. BRV

One of my siblings, in a fi t of terror, screamed hysterically,

“the British are coming!”


FMCA Southeast Area Rally

February 1-5, 2012Where: Hernando County Airport16371 Runway Dr., Brooksville, FL 34604

Lazydays will be attending the FMCA Southeast Area Rally and presenting a variety of coaches. With more than 1,800 members in attendance, dealer displays and great seminars, the rally promises to be a good time for all.

For more information, visit fmca.com.

Winnebago Manufacturer Rally

February 24-26, 2012Where: Lazydays RV Campground6210 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584

Visit Lazydays in February for the Winnebago Manufacturer Rally, where attendees can participate in seminars and get a look at the 2012 product lineup.

For information, call 800.905.6627 or visit LazydaysEvents.com.

Florida RV SuperShow

January 11-15, 2012Where: Florida State Fairgrounds4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610

The FRVTA SuperShow is the largest RV show in the country, with around 1,100 models on display. Lazydays will be presenting about 150 coaches, so be sure to visit us at the SuperShow – and enter to win an Apple iPad® while you’re there!

For information, visit frvta.org.

Allegro Club Sarasota Rally

March 1-3, 2012Where: Sarasota County Agricultural Fairground3000 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34237

Don’t miss the Lazydays display at the Allegro ClubSarasota Rally, which will also feature seminars,entertainment and activities. For information, call941.365.0818 or visit tiffi nmotorhomes.com, where youcan also download an application form.

Gator Fest

January 21 & 22, 2012Where: Lazydays RV Campground5151 South Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85714

Save the date and join us for Gator Fest! We will havefood, music and fun for the whole family. You will havethe opportunity to learn about Lazydays and how we tryto create joy in everything we do.

For more information visit LazydaysEvents.com

RV EVENTS


Turning a Lazy Day Into Summer Fun.

At Forest River, we know your dreams of life on the road are about sharing adventures,

discovering new places and enjoying the relaxing day with friends and family. Forest

River’s full lineup gives you the opportunity to EXPLORE .

So what are you waiting for? Visit lazydays.com and get lost in a Forest today!


RV Details

2012 Pleasure-Way

Excelpg. 72-73

2012Winnebago Tour

pg. 74-75

2012Redwood RV

pg. 76-77

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 72 RV DETAILS

Pleasure-Way Excel 20

12


This camper van is everything you could want

in one small, but mighty, package. With creative

use of space for ample storage and a living area

that easily converts between bedroom, dining

room and living room, you can have it all and feel

like you are traveling in a much larger RV. The

multiple entrances in this Class B RV keep the

Pleasure-Way Excel open and inviting.

Even the bathroom

transforms conveniently into a

fully walled shower.

Dining and bedroom space.

Storage, storage everywhere!

No opportunity is missed for smart

storage and tidy organization.

Save on energy and enjoy

the natural light that streams in

through two skylights.


Winnebago Tour 20

12

The adjustable light handily

turns directly on to

the coach’s control panel.


This coach is all about the details! From the

adjustable lights, to the residential-style bath

and laundry center, to the stunning and easy-

to-maneuver kitchen that will have you cooking

with the ease of a pro – the 2012 Winnebago

Tour has it all. After your fi rst day on the road in

the Tour, you won’t want to be anything but

a full-timer.

Residential-style bath offers a

full-wall mirror over a double-sink

vanity, plus the convenience of a

closet that converts to a laundry

center with the addition of an

optional washer and dryer.

Float off to dreamland

on the powered Ideal Rest®

Digital Comfort Control

mattress, which adjusts

independently for a perfect

night’s rest on each side.

The optional drawer-style

dishwasher can

accommodate the dishes for

a dinner party of four.

Cook just about anything in

the touch-control microwave

and convection oven.


20

11 Redwood RV


Not many RVs can say they offer a bonus room.

However, the 2012 Redwood is no ordinary RV.

Whether you run a small business from the road,

need a workshop or hobby space, or just like

having additional storage, this beautiful fi fth wheel

offers cozy living in front of the fi replace and an

unmatched ability to fulfi ll most storage needs.

Bonus room.

The kitchen pantry keeps all of your

dry goods organized and easily

accessible in deep pull-out drawers.

The optional drawer-style dish-

washer can accommodate the

dishes for a dinner party of four.

The laundry chute in the

closet keeps your dirty clothes

in one place and always ready

for laundry day.

betterRVing.com | Winter 2012 78 78 BETTERRVING.COM WINTER 2011

GARAGE

SCREEN ROOM

AXLE RISER

CONVECTION OVEN

HOME THEATER SOUND

ELECTRIC AWININGHARDWOOD FLOORING

ELECTRIC BRAKES

VINLON SUPREME TENTING

FREE STANDING DINETTE

WALK-ON ROOF

HARDWOOD CABINETRYWASHER / DRYER

HITCH + 4-POLE WIRINGSOLAR PANELS

POWER SEATS

DUAL ROOF ACs

FLUSH MOUNT WINDOWS

SIDE CAMERAS

1200 WATT INVERTER

SANI-CON TANK DRAINAGE

POP-UP

TOY HAULER

TRAVEL TRAILER

FIFTH WHEEL

TAG AXLE

LEATHER

BUNK BEDS

WORKHORSE CHASSIS

SATELLITE

INSTA-HOT

PASS-THRU STORAGE

4-DOOR REFRIGERATOR

RADIAL TIRES

CROWN MOLDING

OUTSIDE SHOWER

CEILING FAN

LED LIGHTING

WORKHORSE CHASSIS

2-DOOR REFRIGERATORKEYLESS ENTRY SATELLITE RADIO

1,000 WATT INVERTER

SUV TOWABLE

5.5 ONAN GENERATOR

FULL BODY PAINT

DUAL GLAZED WINDOWS

REAR-VISION CAMERA

MARBLE FLOORING

DOCKING STATION

CENTRAL VACUUM

GAS REFRIGERATOR

REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM

AIR MATTRESS

GPS

SLIDE OUT TRAY IN BASEMENT

CLASS A DIESEL

CLASS A GAS

CLASS C GAS

QUAD SLIDE

SPARTAN CHASSIS

MSRP RANGE

TOW PACKAGE

POWER SHADES

ICE MAKER

KING MATTRESS

FIREPLACE

HIDE-A-BED SOFA

ALUMINUM WHEELS

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

CORIAN COUNTERTOPS

50 AMP SERVICE

CLASS C DIESEL

DEFROSTER FANS BATH AND A HALFU-SHAPED DINETTE

POWER ASSIST PEDESTAL SEATING

ELECTRIC JACK

AUTOMATIC LEVELING

If you love RVing – this is home..com

Shopping for an RV can be daunting.We make it a breeze.


What do you love most about working at Lazydays? At Lazydays, we really are like a family. It’s a big company, but you know all the people here; you know what’s going on with everyone. Lazydays highlights its partners’ accomplishments and activities in our company meetings, fl yers and betterRVing. I’ve never worked for a company like Lazydays before, and it’s nice. I’m glad to be part of the Lazydays family.

What was your fi rst “WooHoo” moment on the job? My job is to fi nd the parts the customer needs; those parts can be for models ranging from 1970 to 2012, and anything from little nuts and bolts to entire engines. When I fi rst started, I had a couple come in. They needed parts that were diffi cult to fi nd, and I spent hours on the Internet looking for them. When I fi nished the job, they told me I was going to be an asset to Lazydays because I “try,” and gave it my all. Those customers still come by, even if they’re just passing through town. They’ll stop in and say, “Hey, Amber, we just wanted to say, Hi.”

What sets the Lazydays experience apart? You get so close with your customers; it’s always about making them feel comfortable. When I was hired at Lazydays, I was told that it’s not about parts; it’s about customer service. That is what it comes down to; the customer understands you did everything you can do to fi nd the part that they need.

What’s one thing about you that might surprise both customers and co-workers? In addition to my day job, I go to school full-time. I’m working toward my associate’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. There are weekends where I spend hours on homework, because I let it build up during the week. But just like at Lazydays, I always get the job done.

AMBER COVINGTONRetail Parts Specialist

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

You’re in luck. Blue Ox® has it.

When you’re traveling, you want to take every winding curve, coast down every descend, and leave no bit of countryside untouched. But you haven’t yet because you’re

exists. We’re telling you it does.

We have thousands of specially designed baseplates with removable tabs to keep things clean. Each baseplate has safety cables, convenience links, and breakaway brackets that come standard. We do this so you can spend less time shopping and more time exploring.

We also have tow bars that range from 5,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds allowing you to bring along whatever vehicle you wish.

Now you can spend more time enjoying the ride, and let us handle the rest.


Q My hot water tank heats up and shuts off when it is to temperature. Water comes out hot for about fi ve

seconds, then goes lukewarm and stays that way. I don’t even have to run the cold faucet when I shower, just the hot. What could be the cause?

A Check the water heater bypass valves and make sure they are in the normal use positions. If you have three

valves, the one in the middle should be off and the other two should be on. A valve parallel with the line is on, and a valve perpendicular to the line is off. Also, make sure the outside faucet is off. One other possibility is a faulty check valve at the water heater. If your water heater is an Atwood model with the letters XHT, it could be a defective mixing valve.

Q My travel trailer has a non-ducted Coleman A/C. It’s too loud for me to sleep and doesn’t have a

thermostat. Is there a unit that I can replace it with that is quieter and has a remote control, or at least a thermostat?

AMost noise from the A/C is fan noise. Your model has a thermostat, but it only controls the compressor and does

not turn off the fan, so you have constant fan noise. You could change to a different model of A/C, or you could keep your existing A/C and just try changing the inside ceiling package. A wall thermostat will control the fan operation. While it won’t be any quieter when the fan is running on high speed, as the temperature cools, it would reduce fan speed to low and eventually turn off the fan.

Q My new fi fth wheel trailer is all fi berglass. How can I keep the inside from sweating when the heat is on

during spring trips?

A This is a problem for all RVs with gas furnaces. Condensation forms when the warm temperatures inside

meet the colder outside temperatures. A dehumidifi er or heat pump will help.

Q I have trouble with my cranking batteries. After a week or two, they won’t start. Where should I start

looking for the problem?

A Have the batteries properly load tested to determine their condition. A dead battery is not a bad battery — it

only needs to be charged. If a good battery dies in one or two weeks, you need to fi nd the power drain. Common drains are carbon monoxide detectors, dash radio memory and electric steps, but there are many other possibilities. Use an ammeter to determine the size of drain. Once the meter is connected, remove one fuse at a time from the chassis fuse panel to determine which circuit is causing the drain. This should help you identify which component is the culprit. Batteries are rated in cold cranking amps (CCA). So when you replace your battery, be sure to use one of at least equal rating.

Q I have a 2006 Class A. Is it all right to keep it up on the jacks all winter, or should I let it sit unlevel?

A There are several things to keep in mind when storing your RV for the winter. Taking weight off the tires for

storage is recommended. Don’t take them off the ground; just remove the weight with your jacks. Monthly cleaning of the jacks with a silicone spray will protect the cylinders from the weather. When in storage, the RV can be kept slightly unlevel to allow water to drain off the roof. This is important in colder climates, where snow melts and freezes overnight. The resulting ice would be much heavier, and could possibly cause damage from expansion.

Q I’ve been struggling with my golf longgame. Any suggestions?

A Not many. My own game is like this — if I hit it right, it’s a slice. If I hit it left,

it’s a hook. If I hit it straight, it’s a miracle.

ask steve

ASK STEVE

He’s an RVIA/RVDA Master Certifi ed technician

with over 38 years of RV experience. Some call

him a living legend in the RV industry. He just

likes to be called Steve.

Technically Speaking with Steve Roddy

A craftsman for every needRV SERVICE

LazydaysService.com

You and your RV have shared many great journeys together, but all that traveling

can take a toll on your RV’s interior. Lucky for you, our craftsmen can completely

transform the look of your RV’s decor from floor to ceiling.

Kitchens and baths become delightful spaces when you

update the countertops, worn cabinetry and faucets. Custom

lighting will change the way you view your “new” RV both day

and night. And floors set the tone with new carpet, travertine

or FreeFit™ luxury glueless vinyl.

Go to LazydaysService.com or give us a call today at 800.282.7800 to schedule an

appointment with our design specialists. And by the way, your RV did not have to

be purchased at Lazydays to take advantage of our service expertise on interiors,

exteriors and chassis.

It’s like having a new RV.

EMERGENCY EXPENSE. You choose to spend your free time enjoying the open road. So Progressive makes

sure you’re taken care of by covering lodging and transportation if your RV becomes disabled due to an

accident. Protect your trips with Progressive.

love the freedom of goingwherever they please.lw

is pleased to cover them wherever they go. ith

LAZYDAYS INSURANCE AGENCY 1-866-317-4014

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Coverage available for separate premium, may not be available for all RVs and coverage selections, and is subject to policy terms. 10A00146 (03/10)

WWW.LAZYDAYS.COM/PROGRESSIVE

5000-0112

Winter 2012 betterRVing

Documents

Transcript of Winter 2012 betterRVing