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.”

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

2010 Keystone RV Company Raptor 361LEV

2010 Keystone RV Company Raptor
Model: 361LEV
Price: $ 51,900.00


This Keystone Raptor 361LEV is a double-slide 5th wheel that is made with toy hauler owners in mind. Outside you will find features like an Onan 5.5 generator, 16” rims and tires, 6,000 lb axles, and a 12 gallon water heater. Not only is the extra-large 14’ garage custom-designed to transport your favorite toys in safety, but it also maximizes on available living space with the (optional) dual electric queen beds with bottom bed/couch combo. Mini-refrigerator, LCD TV, and overhead cabinets also add to the convenience. These features make the Raptor garage feel like a living room/den. In the main living area, you will find a dinette and sofa with a self-inflating air mattress. And did we mention the fireplace? It's the perfect place to relax after an active day. A spacious L-shaped kitchen with all the amenities is there for your cooking wants and needs. Features such as a built-in coffee pot, raised panel doors, pull out faucet, and ball bearing drawer guides complete the picture. Step towards the front to find a private bathroom and master bedroom suite complete with queen-size bed, wardrobes, vanity w dresser, shower w/ custom surround and more. TVs are included in the garage, living room and bedroom.

Welcome to our blog and the Inferno of RVs

T    his is the first entry in what will be at least weekly updated. Let me introduce myself though. I'm Chris Misener, I've worked here at Tiara RV Sales for almost 4 years now, primarily as a salesmen, but I try to get involved with as much as possible. Having that access to so much of this business is a real eye opener. What is most fascinating is the changes that take place from year to year on these different RVs. Many times I a unit is updated for the next model year for example new graphics or different interior colors. This year KZ put out a product that is down right impressive. It's called the Inferno and it is a new toy hauler they've designed entirely in house. Before I get into the Inferno let's talk about KZ a little. KZ is kind of a mom and pop company and they build very very good trailers. Their Sportsmen 5th wheels are their bread and butter and they have great floor plans. KZ was the first company east of the Mississippi to really get into toy haulers. That is their Sportster line. They came up with a nice mix of good, usable RV features on a trailer with a garage and they were the first to really introduce RVing to toy haulers. Fast forward 7 years and every company on earth builds toy haulers, just like the ones KZ started building. The market was getting a little stagnant, everything started looking the same, there just wasn't a lot of innovation happening, just a lot lot copying.

Then came the Inferno.



I went over to the factory to take some initial pictures of the first prototype. It was impressive to say the least. The front cap struck me at first. There is a silver Inferno logo insert that is attached to the front cap. Behind that logo is a neon light that can be turned on the light up the Inferno logo. At night it is such an eye catcher, it almost looks like it's on fire. I can only imagine what it'd look like out in the desert some night.

On the outside the graphics are outstanding. The decals are huge on the Inferno, some stretch half way across the unit. Another neat feature is some of graphics have a sparkle finish, so in the sun it really shines, it really must be seen to believe. Another unique feature that I suspect will eventually be on more and more campers is hydraulic landing gear. They move extremely fast and are exceptional to level the RV.

The biggest plus of the Inferno that I've seen so far is the floor plan. (4012SL)



It provides so much flexibility for customers. It can be a great trailer for groups of people of for just a couple that needs lots of storage space. There is good sleeping space in the loft with the stair case. The bedroom and bathroom has good privacy, but is functional for guests. So many toy haulers have terrible TV locations, but the Inferno has a good location with a nice a entertainment center. The dinette seats plenty of people as well. The Inferno garage is 12' long, and there is an option for electric bunk beds. Also under the steps KZ made room for either a washer and dryer or a keg refrigerator. If you don't want either it comes as a cabinet. But the garage has enough usable space, it isn't broken up by wheel wells framing obstructions, it is just a nice, well polished coach.

If your familiar with KZ products like the New Vision and the Sportsmen, then you'll understand when I say the Inferno looks nothing like any other KZ product, but it is built by the same workers. you know it's going to be well built and have a good warranty that is backed by a good company.

KZ is working on more floor plans a 3912 and a 3812 and I suspect it to be introduced sometime in the near future. The Inferno looks like it's going to be a hit with RVers. It's a very nice mix of features, but it is still affordable.