Montana still the #1 Selling RV

RV consumers apparently like to stay with a good thing when they find it — or so it would seem from the brands that repeated as the No. 1 sellers in 2010 in their respective categories.

Repeat top-selling brands included the Keystone Montana fifth-wheel, Jayco’s Jay Flight travel trailer, Tiffin’s Phaeton diesel-powered Class A motorhome, Forest River’s Georgetown gas Class A and Winnebago View’s diesel minimotorhome. The only two first-time leaders were the Coachmen gas Class C motorhome and the Forest River Rockwood folding camping trailer.

The Montana led the pack for the 10th consecutive year with 9.4% of retail fifth-wheel sales while Jayco Inc.’s Jay Flight snagged 6.4% of the travel trailer market, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich., company that tracks RV industry retail sales.

In the motorized market, Tiffin Motor Home Inc.’s Phaeton was the best-selling diesel motorhome with 13.2% share, Forest River Inc.’s Georgetown was the top-selling gas Class A, with 13.9% share, and Winnebago Industries Inc.’s View was the No. 1 Class C diesel on the market with 21.9% share.

Other 2010 market share leaders were Class B, Winnebago’s ERA (16.6%; Class C gas, Forest River Inc.’s Coachmen (17.6%); folding camping trailers, Forest River’s Rockwood (7.3%); and park models, Breckenridge (17.6%).

Winnebago View

Winnebago View

Keystone President Bob Martin said the Montana has staying power for several reasons with customer loyalty being high on the list.

”Loyalty is important,” said Martin, whose Goshen, Ind., company hosts about 100 Montana owners at a rally each fall at the nearby Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Many of them have bought five or six Montanas over the years.

”Members of the Montana Owners Club are incredibly loyal,” he added. ”After they buy a Montana, they just won’t buy anything else. Montana is user friendly and loaded with features with quality that no one else can match.”

Jerry Williamson, Tiffin national sales manager, said that while the Paeton was developed as an entry-level motorhome, over the years it has evolved into a mid-priced coach in the ‘’sweet spot” of the diesel market.

”We improved the product as far as amenities and styling every year,” said Williamson, who noted that most RVs creep up in price as consumers ask for more features and amenities. ”We ‘mother-hen’ the Phaeton very closely. We have the best feature package that is offered in the mid-range price point.”

Roger Martin, Winnebago Industries Inc. vice president of sales and marketing, said a deal with Daimler AG, Mercedes Benz’ parent company, gave Winnebago Industries a two-year head start in developing the Winnebago View along with sister-brand Itasca Navion on the high mileage Sprinter cab chassis, previously offered only in a B-van configuration.

”That’s the primary reason that the product has been so successful,” Martin said. ” It was unique in the industry for two or three years before folks starting copying the idea.

”The View essentially created the segment of the fuel-efficient, stylish units based on the Sprinter,” noted Martin. ” I also credit the dealer organization we have. They really grasped this concept and did an excellent job selling it.”

Sid Johnson, Jayco Inc. marketing director, noted that the Jay Flight has changed during the six years it has led the travel trailer market.

”Initially, Jay Flight was positioned as a lower-end entry-level product that offered a great deal of value for the price,” Johnson said. ”It’s still somewhat that today, except that it has been steadily improved over the years from the standpoint of features.”

That, he said, appeals to younger buyers with families who have come to expect more than their Baby Boomer parents. ”It’s a heavy number from first-time buyers with a heavier than normal incidence of college education,” Johnson said. ”I’m not sure what all that says, except in terms of Jayco’s strategy, that product has become not only our bread-and-butter, but provides the foundation of our entire travel trailer strategy.”

Keystone RV Co. Readies New Laredo Plant

By the looks of it, Laredo’s new 64,000-plus square-foot manufacturing plant in Goshen, Ind., appears to be a long way from completion. Yet, within 30 days this new Keystone facility will be the hub of activity, producing up to 100 Keystone Laredo fifth-wheels and travel trailers each week, according to a news release.

While adding a boost to the local economy, Plant 41 will help satisfy the growing demand for Keystone’s hot-selling Laredo campers.

According to Keystone group general manager Ryan Juday, the Laredo brand has undergone a complete re-invigoration over the past year. Retail registrations are up over 23% compared to the prior year and market share gain is up 10%, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. Says Juday, “New floorplans, an entire new Super Lite fifth-wheel series to cater to the new generation of pick up trucks, and a complete redesign from the ground up across all models are key factors in our success. Laredo dealers are enthusiastically embracing the improvements. The addition of this new plant will enable us to satisfy our dealers with the products they want when they need them.”

Consumer response to the new Laredo at this year’s early retail shows has also been extremely encouraging, says Chris Lizzi, Laredo product manager. “The new graphics, all new interiors, dual-radius fiberglass front cap and integrated LP storage are turning heads. Plus we have huge pent up demand for our Super Lite fifth-wheels and 300RB rear basement trailer. We’re looking forward to shipping these new models when the new plant comes on line. Consumers are carefully considering features and floorplans before making their buying decisions. We believe we have Laredo dialed-in for continued success in 2011.”

Keystone RV Co. is the nation’s largest producer of travel trailers and fifth-wheels, with manufacturing facilities at its headquarters in Goshen, Indiana, and Pendleton, Oregon. Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Jackson Center, Ohio, the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses. For additional company information, visit www.Keystonerv.com.

Carriage Side Repair

The Carriage RV Cabo Five-Star Resort Vehicle

From Carriage's Website (Can't wait to see these in person!):

"If you’re considering a Cabo Resort Vehicle by Carriage, chances are you are a seasoned RV’er already. World travelers, Snowbirds, or any educated subscriber to our lifestyle know that there are a lot of so-called “luxury, full-time” coaches on the market. What Carriage owners know and have come to love is the fact that Carriage products are superior in every way. Elegant rooms, quality design and build, amenities at your fingertips. It’s all by design. You are now entering the new world of resort vehicles. It’s a world we’ve been comfortable with for over 40 years. We’ll take care of the details. You just choose your premier destination."

New floor plans and lighter weight design at a more affordable price point are sure to make the Cabo a hit.

Ahh... Changes, Cameo's have been updated!

Here we go again! After introducing the earth-shattering, industry-rattling Bigfoot leveling system last year, Carriage is working to fine tune their Cameo line for 2011 and have added flash, improved upon current advantages, and changed items to accomplish just that.

DECORS and WOODS—Once again, the Carriage design team nailed it with all 4 décor choices! River Canyon and Aspen stood out so it was kept for 2011, and they've added Sugarloaf and Brighton, both distinct and beautiful fabric families. They anticipate growth with their new Walnut wood choice but have carried through the Glazed Brook Cherry and Arlington Cherry wood options as proven winners. The Walnut is their rich brown stain while Arlington Cherry is a deep red stain. The Glazed is the lightest, most defined and was by far their best selling wood for 2010.

New Standard 2011 Features

· Slam-latch main basement doors

· Radius gooseneck transition to front basement storage

· 12 gallon water heaters

· Stainless steel, under mounted bathroom sink

· Trimless shower for cleaner look

· Stylish new slide out fascia side legs

· Refreshed exterior graphics package

· 37’’ Samsung TVs standard with new Samsung home theatre systems

· New hide-a-bed sofa system & mattress (no more leaky, tedious air mattresses)

· Great new style aluminum rims

· Black accented exterior: vents, latches, ladder, etc.

· Darker lino in both step well (safer!) and basement (cleaner!)

· Hidden hinges on all cabinetry

New Optional 2011 Features

· All linoleum option on main floor, omit carpet

· Keyless entry for entrance door

· Blu-Ray home theater package

· Incredible full body paint (with the above mentioned black accents)

· Dexter disc brakes

· 10 cubic foot refer

Used Units Now available online.

Finally you can view our used inventory online. This is a great step in allowing a complete buying experience on tiararvsales.com. I will do my best to picture up the units as best as possible and try to show any of the major defects. We want to be as clear as we can on what is good and bad on a pre-owned unit. This inventory will constantly be changing, but expect to see a lot of Montana and Carriage products, the return customers for those brands are signficantly higher then other brands. That says a lot about costumer satisfaction and something Carriage, Keystone and Tiara are very proud of.

Check out some of our pre-owned units here: http://www.tiararvsales.com/showroom/?SearchID=129901

2010 Keystone RV Company Sprinter Model: 311BHS

2010 Keystone RV Company Sprinter
Model: 311BHS
Price: $ 26,900.00



The 31BH has some fantastic additions for 2010. There is now a remote setup system that makes parking and stabilizing much easier. The awning, slides, and stabilizer jacks all operate via remote, they will also operate off their individual switches. The other major edition is an outside camp kitchen. This sets the Sprinter bunkhouse apart from any other bunkhouse travel trailer on the market. This is a must see feature and has a myriad of uses. Although not pictured, LCD TV and DVD player are included in the living room.