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2012 RV SHOWS CANADA RV Shows, Sales and Expositions in Canada If you are considering buying or upgrading your RV, or need to find out more about the RV lifestyle, plan to attend one of the RV shows or sales in your area. Shows are listed by province (listed from West to East). British Columbia Chilliwack Humdinger RV Show & Sale Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack, BC (map) March 2012 – dates TBA Contact: RVDA of BC 604-575-3868 info@rvda.bc.ca www.chilliwackrvshow.com
Alberta 43rd Annual Calgary RV Show & Sale BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary, AB (map) January 26 – 29, 2012 Contact: RVDA of Alberta 1-888-858-8787 (780) 455-8562 www.rvda-alberta.org/rvshows.asp 32nd Annual Edmonton RV Exposition & Sale Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB (map) February 9 – 12, 2012 Contact: RVDA of Alberta 1-888-858-8787 (780) 455-8562 www.rvda-alberta.org/rvshows.asp Red Deer RV Show Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB (map) March 2 – 4, 2012 Contact: Marty Vellner Vellner Leisure Products 1-800-242-2593 (403) 343-1464 marty@vellner.com Central Alberta RV Show & Sale Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB (map) (Parkland, Prairie & Stockman Pavilions) March 9 – 11, 2012 Contact: Todd Plotnikoff c/o Western RV 1-877-356-9399 (403) 356-9399 todd@westernrvcountry.com www.caRVshow.ca
Manitoba Manitoba RV Show and Sale Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB (map) March 8 – 11, 2012 Contact: Jim Flood (204) 452-1227
Ontario Toronto Fall RV Show Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON (map) October 14 – 16, 2011 Contact: Larry Boyd RVDA of Ontario 1-888-331-8885 www.rvshowfalltoronto.ca Toronto RV Show & Extravaganza Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, ON (map) January 19 – 22, 2012 Contact: Larry Boyd RVDA of Ontario 1-888-331-8885 www.rvshowtoronto.ca Hamilton RV Camping Show Careport Expo Centre, Hamilton, ON (map) February 3 – 5, 2012 Contact: Larry Boyd RVDA of Ontario 1-888-331-8885 www.rvshowhamilton.ca Toronto International RV Show Toronto International Centre, Toronto, ON (map) March 1 – 4, 2012 Contact: Larry Boyd RVDA of Ontario 1-888-331-8885 www.torontointernationalrvshow.ca Kitchener RV Show & Extravaganza Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (The Aud), Kitchener, ON (map) March 30 – April 1, 2012 Contact: Larry Boyd RVDA of Ontario 1-888-331-8885 www.rvshowkitchener.ca Atlantic Region Halifax RV Show Exhibition Park, Halifax, NS (map) January 26 – 29, 2012 Contact: Scott Sprague 1-888-454-7469 ssprague@mpltd.ca See "Events" link at www.arvda.ca. Moncton RV Show Moncton Coliseum Complex, Moncton, NB (map) March 2 – 4, 2012 Contact: Scott Sprague 1-888-454-7469 ssprague@mpltd.ca See "Events" link at www.arvda.ca. |
2012 RV Shows - United States This is a partial list of US RV Shows 2nd Annual New Mexico RV, Boat & Travel Show January 6 - 8, 2012 Albuquerque, NM 800-736-5958 23rd Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show - Greensboro January 6 - 8, 2012 Greensboro, NC 800-441-0013 22nd Annual Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show January 11 - 14, 2012 Denver, CO 800-848-6247 ext 414 82nd Annual Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoors Show January 12 - 16, 2012 Chicago, IL 720-203-5076 26th Annual Washington Camping RV Expo January 13 - 15, 2012 Chantilly, VA 804-425-6556 19th Annual Rhode Island RV & Camping Show & Sale January 20 - 22, 2012 Providence, RI 800-441-0013 45th Annual New Jersey RV & Camping Show January 20 - 22, 2012 Edison, NJ 800-441-0013 2012 Mid-America RV Show January 26 - 29, 2012 Kansas City, MO 800-848-6247 ext 414 45th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show February 9 - 12, 2012 Minneapolis, MN 800-848-6247 ext 414 27th Annual Richmond Camping RV Expo February 10 - 12, 2012 Richmond, VA 804-425-6556 58th Annual Kansas Sports, Boat & Travel Show February 16 - 19, 2012 Valley Center, KS 800-848-6247 ext 414 17th Annual Atlantic City RV Show February 17 - 19, 2012 Atlantic City, NJ 800-441-0013 22nd Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show - Charlotte February 17 - 19, 2012 Charlotte, NC 800-441-0013 55th Annual Colorado RV, Sports, Boat & Travel Show March 1 - 4, 2012 Denver, CO 800-848-6247 ext 414 Virginia RV Show March 9 - 11, 2012 Hampton, VA 804-425-6556 23rd Annual North Carolina RV & Camping Show - Raleigh March 16 - 18, 2012 Raleigh, NC 800-441-0013 |
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ACROSS CANADA A New Year how exciting! This will be an awesome year with so much to do and see on the road. We have traveled across Canada and have seen some wonderful places and things to do. For instance In Abbotsford, British Columbia they host one of the best air shows around. This year the Abbotsford International Air Show will be on Aug 12th,13th & 14th. And while you’re in B.C. the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is #1 rated in our books as well. This year it will run from May 21st-24th a great place to take the grand kids. Victoria on Vancouver Island has a must see Capital Festival from July 31st. - Aug 2nd. This event is fun for all ages. While you’re on the Island take a tour up to Port Hardy for some of the best Salmon Fishing on the west coast. When going to Alberta there is one event that stands out among the others and that is the Calgary Stampede this year being held from July 14th-17th. And if Jazz is what you like you will love the Craven Country Jamboree the 3rd largest town in Saskatchewan every summer. Running from the 14th of July to the 17th. Or visit Saskatoon for the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival this events runs for 10 days and has all the best entertainers. This years festival is from June 24 to July 3rd. If you are a country fan like we are try the Dauphin Countryfest June 30th - July 3rd. Nestled on the north side of the Riding Mountain Park, 10 miles south of Dauphin, Manitoba Niagara Falls, Ontario. What a neat place! Just 20 minutes from Buffalo International Airport & and an hour from the Toronto Area this is one of the most fun places to be. There is lots to do there, but while there be sure to go on The Maid of the Mist tour. Barrie, Ontario - Barrie’s Kempenfelt Bay is home to much action including year round festivals & events. Or just relax and enjoy the beaches. A must stop is Old Quebec City. Plan a whole day and stop for lunch in one of their many outdoor café’s . If you don’t speak French do as I did and walk around the tables looking at what everyone was eating and when I found a plate that looked good to me I ask the waiter for that dish. The Acadian Coastal Drive in New Brunswick is breath taking and don’t forget to plan a stop at the Shediac Lobster Festival the dates are not posted yet but the event is in July. Big Pond on Nova Scotia’s Breton Island is home to Rita McNeil’s Tea House. Wonderful place to stop for tea and some sweets. The food is great and the tea house is run by Rita’s Family and when she is not entertaining she is often at the tea house. Another must see in Nova Scotia is Peggy’s Cove the light house is an operating post office and you can mail letters from there with their own light house stamp. If you are into photography don’t miss Margaret’s Bay it is the most popular photograph ever. P.E.I. What can I say. If we did not live in B.C. we would live in P.E.I with it’s rolling hills and friendly people. We love it there. The best potato‘s, freshest lobster and wonderful places to visit. Plan to spend a lot of time here. While you’re there try Saint Ann’s Lobster Dinner. It is served in the basement of the church by the nun’s and the meal is so good with salad, fresh whole lobster, dessert and coffee or tea. It is not expensive and the money raised goes to help out the church. The basement wall’s have paintings from local artists that you can purchase and service is wonderful. These are just some of the things that we experience traveling across Canada. It is a trip we would like to do again as there is so much to see and do.We know that there are many more wonderful and exiting places to visit. If you have an event or a must see in your area please click HERE and let us know and we will post it. 2011 will be a great year for the many of us out there having the experience of exploring what’s new and what’s happening. We would like to say have a safe, happy, healthy, & prosperous New Year and we hope to meet you on the road this year………. |
Rand McNally Shows New RV GPS at Louisville Show Amy Krouse, a public relations director for Rand McNally who was showcasing the dash-mounted 5-inch TripMaker RVND 5510 ($299) and high-definition 7-inch TripMaker RVND 7710 ($399) in Louisville, says the new system utilizes proprietary data and routing for certain types of RVs Rand McNally Develops a Custom RV-Style GPS “The routing is specifically for the size of the RV,” says Krouse, who was working the show with John Peters, vice president and general manager for Digital Strategy and Business Development. “You can choose from 11 different configurations — Class A, Class B, fifth-wheel, toy hauler, etc., – and the routing will take into account the general configuration of that size vehicle. If it’s a larger vehicle, you are always going to have a left-turn preference. If it’s a smaller vehicle, you’re always going to have a right-hand preference.” Krouse, standing in the Equine Motorcoach exhibit at Louisville, said the new system was under development for a year and a half and takes into account plenty of RV owner input as well as various legal restrictions. “So, low overpasses, weight restrictions, carrying propane, it will take that into account as well,” she told RVBUSINESS.com. “A general GPS has none of that data in it. In addition to navigation, we also do amenities for the RVers. When we tell you there is a campground, we are going to tell you if it has a dump station, electrical hookups or different size places for you to park. “If we tell you about a Walmart, we are going to tell you if it has a 24-hour pharmacy or overnight RV parking, and we are going to give you the phone number. So, when you are an RVer on the road and have a breakdown, we are going to tell you about the dealers and how to route there. If you are traveling with pets, we’ll tell you where the pet hospitals are.” In general terms, Rand McNally’s GPS TripMaker includes amenities and easy search tools for more than 13,000 RV parks and campgrounds, 6,000 travel center locations, dump stations, parking, showers, and electric hookups plus 24,000 pet-friendly locations including animal hospitals and more than 150,000 places near interstates organized by exit and number. Based on consumer research, this new GPS system also includes suggested RV trip plans – with photography and video – on anything from a weekend getaway to a week-long excursion with places to stop and things to do. Although Rand McNally is utilizing distributors in Canada, it’s marketing directly to OEM’s, dealers and U.S. consumers through organizations like the Family Motor Coach Association, the Good Sam Club and Equity Lifestyle Properties. |
Rand McNally: Navigating Your Travels Via GPS December 29, 2011 The following is an article authored by Rand McNally offering a review of the proliferation of GPS devices and specific RV applications. GPS devices have become nearly ubiquitous in personal vehicles. Today, mapping and directions can be delivered via mobile phone, or a device mounted or factory installed in a vehicle. With so many options, one may begin to wonder what really is the difference between routing solutions? Is it simply a brand preference, or is there more to it? What about “specialized” devices for RVs? Is it worth the additional dollars generally needed for these types of units? GPS overview GPS (global positioning system) has become an essential tool in navigation. GPS devices detect a user’s location, thereby allowing the delivery of relevant maps, directions, and other information. GPS was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and became fully available to the public in 1994. Satellites orbit the earth, sending signals to GPS devices, which in turn determine the user’s location. By combining satellite signals with digital mapping data, the navigation device calculates the best route to the desired destination. Besides mapping, GPS devices may show points of interest, offer turn-by-turn directions, and in some cases provide information about traffic conditions. Routing RVs There are a variety of federal, state, and local laws that govern where large vehicles may or may not travel. Federal law governs: 1) the weight of vehicles on the Interstate System, and 2) the width of vehicles on the National Network. Often state or local jurisdictions will enact additional regulations based on RV lengths and width. States and local jurisdictions may restrict or allow access by RVs. Physical restrictions occur due to low vertical clearances, such as bridges and underpasses, or due to weight and/or length constraints. Legal restrictions may apply related to items being transported, such as propane on board. Needless to say, the nationwide collection and update of this data is an exhaustive, expensive and continual process for data suppliers and manufacturers of GPS devices, but critical for safe routing. Benefits of RV navigation devices Those using GPS devices for assistance with routing and navigation should employ a device that is designed specifically for navigating the type and size vehicle they are driving – one that contains information about restricted roadways, as well as takes into consideration the size of the vehicle (length, weight, height and load type) as it routes. Although personal navigation devices (PNDs) – commonly called GPS devices – have existed for years for passenger cars, devices that accurately route large vehicles are relatively new. Part of the delay was in collecting RV-specific information on the roadways, which takes time and money. Unlike car devices, RV-specific GPS devices provide safe routing for such vehicles, ensuring that RVs and campers are not mistakenly routed on roads that cannot accommodate their weight or height. RV devices route to avoid low bridges, illegal routes and too-tight turns. Drivers of RVs need to consider the ease of turns based on vehicle size (right for smaller vehicles and left for larger ones), and of course height and width. A car would not typically be concerned with this and therefore routing can be quite different. And using a truck-oriented device is not the answer. RV GPS devices have propane restrictions for tunnels and bridges that are specific to the bottle sizes and volumes commonly carried on RVs. (As an aside example, Rand McNally produces separate GPS devices for commercial truckers and RVers for this very reason. Although commercial vehicles and RVs may have similar size characteristics, there are distinct differences in routing an over-the-road truck and a motorized or towable RV or camper.) In routing an RV, it is helpful to receive warnings about what lies ahead. An RV-specific GPS can be used to identify and warn of potential issues on the road ahead – steep grades, upcoming merges and lane changes, dirt roads, and more. In addition to the safety of the RV, accurate routing for the vehicle size helps protect fellow travelers on the road by avoiding accidents and the delays they cause, while protecting the structural integrity of our highways. Pay attention to data and signs When considering an RV GPS device, it’s important to note the data source. Is the company reputable? Does the data have an updated copyright? Are map updates available? The best, freshest data will help with more accurate routing. Road conditions and status can change. It is important to note that no matter what form of in-vehicle navigation a driver uses, he or she should pay attention to local signage. Local postings provide the definitive guidelines as they will be the most up-to-date. Providing a great user experience Robust road specifications as well as municipal and state restrictions are key in producing an RV-specific GPS device. But data collection is just one piece of the puzzle. Besides a route, what else enables an RV driver to be safe on the road and enjoy the trip? RV-specific stops and points of interest are critical. An RVer may need to know where to find the nearest dump station or where to find overnight parking for a large vehicle. In an emergency situation, and RVer may need to find the nearest RV dealer – or animal hospital for a beloved pet along for the ride. Campground locations, RV Parks and all the amenities (dump stations, showers, parking, and electric hook up) are also part of the navigation experience for RVs and campers. And since RVers are leisure travelers, useful information for trip planning, such as pre-planned getaways, pet-friendly locations, family festivals, and city information, also helps make traveling easier. Beyond content, the device itself is important to the experience; RV-specific devices should be large, easy to use, with loud speakers and big buttons. Putting it all together GPS devices created specifically for RVs and campers can help take the worry out of routing. Such devices can cost more than their car counterparts, but the RV routing and content they offer is worth the price. The best units offer: • RV-specific navigation with routing options for various types of RVs and campers; • Routing based on physical and legal restrictions; • Thousands of locations with distinct RV amenities (such as dump stations, RV repair, and restaurants and other facilities that allow RV parking), and tools geared just for RVs; • Additional trip content that works for RVs and campers; • And the right form factor for the device – large, loud and easy to use. |
Digital TV Coming to Canada The transition to digital television in Canada does not impact TVs that are connected via cable, satellite or the internet. It will impact certain TVs that receive their signal over the air using an antenna. To find out if it will impact your TV, you will need to determine if your TV has a built in digital tuner. If your owners manual mentions "DIGITAL TUNER," DIGITAL RECEIVER", "ATSC," "DTV," or "QAM" it has a digital tuner and your TV will not be impacted, if you don't have your owners manual you could check your make and model number online or phone the manufacturer to ask them. If you know that your TV is effected you have a few options, you could subscribe and hook up to cable or satellite, you could purchase a digital TV, or purchase a digital to analog converter box around $40.00 to $60.00, this will hook up between your antenna and your current tv set and is available at most stores that sell TVs. Another item to note is that if you do not have good reception using your roof top TV antenna you may not be able to view all the free over the air digital stations available in your area. Winegard has come out with a product called the "WINGMAN", which attaches to your existing Winegard Sensar antenna and will increase reception of the DTV channels. The "WINGMAN" sells for around $40.00 and should be available at most RV dealers. Thanks, Logan Walker Parts & Service Manager Voyager RV Centre parts@voyagerrv.ca 250-766-4607 |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA JOIN CANADA'S OWN R.V. OWNER'S ASSOCIATION The R.V. Owner's Association of B.C. is a non-profit organization of people who own, rent or hope to own a recreation vehicle, including trailers, vans, campers and motorhomes. The Association has been serving the needs of RVers in B.C. for over a quarter of a century. 2010 is our 44th year! We welcome ALL kinds of RVers!!! President's Message SPECIAL NOTE: The RVOABC requests that members provide us with their email address. Please send a short note with your email address to Association@rvoabc.org Thank you. This information will be kept strictly confidential Join for Fun and Friendship The very best part of being a member of our association is the fun and camaraderie that comes from taking part in activities with other RVers. We hold Rallies in different areas of B.C. between April and September, where there is something for everyone: fun, food, fellowship, activities and informative seminars. Taking part in these Rallies is the best way to meet new friends that share your love for RVing. Join one of our RV Clubs Members go out on frequent weekend outings. For many, this is the best part of being an RVOABC member. Share travel and camping fun with people like yourself -- RVing people. We invite you to get involved and enjoy your RV more. It's a lot of fun!! THIS IS WHERE LIFETIME FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES BEGIN! Don't have a club in your area? No problem. We, the Recreation Vehicle Owner's Association, will help you start a club in your area. All you need to start is to have one other couple with you that is interested in a club. We will run an ad in your local paper and also in the RV Times. When you have 3 or 4 couples, you hold a meeting and pick a name for your club. We will fill you in on that part when you are ready to start. The cost to belong to your club is up to you - some clubs start with $25.00 per unit and then $20.00 per year. We do not charge for helping you get set up - all we ask is that you support our organization. For more information, please feel free to call Bill Wright at (604) 594-1450 |
BC PROVINCIAL PARKS RESERVATION SERVICE Earlier start up date for Discover Camping Reservation Service 2011 will commemorate the 100th anniversary of provincial parks in British Columbia. The first park, Strathcona, was designated on March 1, 1911. Working with groups and communities, BC Parks will be hosting celebrations and events across the entire province to mark this magnificent and historic event. It will be an exciting year to camp in provincial parks. 2011 also marks a change in the start-up date for the Discover Camping Reservation service. BC Parks is changing the opening date for making provincial park campground reservations to March 15 for all campgrounds and Berg Lake.The three month reservation window for making campsite reservations remains unchanged. BC Parks wants to inform you of this change so that you can adjust your holiday planning for the coming year. This change will result in more timely service and fewer delays in processing reservations for the most popular long weekends in the summer. Remember to mark your calendars for March 15th the new start-up date for Discover Camping and come camping in provincial parks this summer. You and your family will enjoy all the celebrations and events planned for you by BC Parks. For more information visit us at: www.bcparks.ca |
RV Lifestyle Statistics The top reason given for enjoying the RV life - Freedom to come and go! Starting at just $6,000, there's an RV for everyone 14% of Canadian households own an RV There are over 1,000,000 RVs on the road in Canada 67% of RV owners are under the age of 55. 40% of RV families have children Studies show there is up to a 70% saving during an RV vacation vs. a traditional vacation Many RVs can be used throughout the year Price range of an overnight full-service campground stay - $25 - $45 90% of owners say it is the best way to travel with kids 90% of RVers say seeing the country is their top priority |
RV'ERS LIVE LONGER RV'ing SENIORS LIVE LONGER AND HAPPIER Seniors who travel via recreational vehicle (RV) claim to feel healthier, both mentally and physically, than they would if they led more sedentary lives, according to the first anthropological study of RV owners. David and Dorothy Counts, the husband-and-wife team who conducted the study, should know. They're devoted RVers themselves. Dr. David Counts, professor of anthroplogy at McMaster University, and Dr. Dorothy Counts, professor of anthropology at Waterloo University, spent 20 years examining the society of Papua, New Guinea. In 1990, they turned their attention to North America and have since completed two anthropological field studies on the subject of RV travel and ownership. “What we have found in North America has stirred more interest than any of our work in New Guinea,” David says. For more than a year, the Counts not only studied RVing, they became RVers themselves. They travelled extensively to havens of RVers, conducting extensive interviews and living like the people they were studying. “We began by looking at RVing as a retirement alternative, purely in an academic sense,” says David. “What we found was that RVing offers a great deal to retirees. They believe (and there is evidence to support their belief) that they are physically and mentally healthier, happier, and more alert than their retired counterparts who lead more sedentary lives.” “The RVers we interviewed during our study feel they are healthier than they would be if they didn’t RV,” says Dorothy. “While not overly strenuous, RVing is a physically active process. RVs also allow people to go places and do things that are physically challenging, like hiking through a national forest. In addition, when RVing, you have your home with you and that means less stress.” When the stress of travelling is eliminated, seniors often realize the trip itself is an adventure, adding to their health and vitality. “The constant exposure to new people, places, and events, and driving from place to place all help to keep RVers mentally alert,” David adds. “We found that RV ownership is not only means to an extremely independent and self-sufficient way of life, it’s also the common thread in a vast community. The RVers we interviewed are trying to rebuild American values of days past. They rely on the openness and trust that they say has disappeared from established urban and suburban areas. They're not sitting around remembering their past, however, they're planning their futures.” Through their field work the Counts determined that there are three keys to successful retirement: have control of your life, have interesting and challenging things to do, and have friends outside the family. David says, “We found that RVing is an excellent way to accomplish this and provides all of these in abundance. We look forward to a time, after our academic careers are over, when we can enjoy the freedom of extended RV travel. We began this study with a bias toward tent-camping and expected to remain detached and unaffected by what we learned. Instead, we found ourselves drawn to RV travel for exactly the reasons that our interviewees cited." The appeal of RV travel for seniors is easy to understand. Because lodgings, dining, and personal belongings are virtually self-contained, the freedom and flexibility is almost unlimited. Of course, when you compare campground costs of $14 to $18 per night to hotels, as well as dining expenses, the economy of RVing is also appealing. Many seniors are concerned about the comfort of extended RV travel, today’s technological advances continue to make RVing more comfortable. Notable improvements in recent years include: central air conditioning; power slideout rooms; basement construction; diesel ‘pusher’ engines; wider bodies; push-button leveling systems; outdoor entertainment systems; and push-button ignition for water heating systems. So where do all of these smart senior RVers go? More than two million RVers blaze a trail south to follow the sun in the comfort and convenience of the ‘home-on-wheels.’ According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) more than 25% of senior RVers head to warm climates for extended stays. Perennial favorite destinations include Florida (26%), Arizona (24%), followed by California and Texas. Popular pursuits at these ‘hot’ RV destinations include sightseeing/touring, socializing with friends, swimming/sunbathing, handicrafts, and golf. These seniors are obviously too busy and happy to worry about aging. Article written by Lynn Seldon |
WOODALLS AND TRAILER LIFE DIRECTORIES COMBINE VENTURA, CA, Nov 21, 2011 Trailer Life Directory and Woodall Publications (of the Good Sam family), the publishers of North America's top two Campground Directories and leading campground search websites and mobile applications, have announced today that they will be uniting to form a single "Super Directory" North American print edition in 2013. The two giants in the camping and RV industry will join forces to inspire travel by bringing the highest quality, most complete and accurate information about RV and camping travel to the most engaged RVers and campers in North America. On announcing the merger Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Good Sam Enterprises, said, "The consolidation of the two directories into one 'Super Directory' will provide our customers with a single source for their RVing and camping travel planning. The coming together of these two brands enables us to serve as more than a directory, and will represent an 'everything RV guide' for the consumer to be inspired to fully explore the RV lifestyle across North America." "This merger will also allow us to drive more business to our RV park and campground advertisers and to our network of Good Sam Parks," continued Lemonis. "We know that our success is predicated on the success of our customers, and combining the strength of the industry's two leading directory brands is just one way in which we can ensure we are serving the needs of our campground, RV park and resort customers. Advertisers have asked us to consider a unified directory so that they can focus their marketing spend in one powerful vehicle. Thus we made this decision with our park and campground partners very much in mind, to provide them one 'super directory' which will be the ultimate marketing showcase for them." Beginning with the 2013 edition, a new Campground Directory under the Good Sam brand will emerge from the best of both Woodall's and Trailer Life Directories, representing nearly 130 years of combined industry service and campground expertise. This new directory will offer higher circulation and even more online and mobile application marketing opportunities to campgrounds and parks. This combined directory will utilize the Trailer Life 10/10*/10 rating system, with some enhancements borrowed from the Woodall's rating system. The ratings as always will be based on personal visits by directory representatives. Other improvements to the 2013 Combined Directory will include state and provincial points of interest, the RVers "Bucket List" for 2013, tips to improve your RV and camping lifestyle, 10-Minute Tech Tips, RV maintenance advice, how to buy or sell an RV, dealers and service station locations, games, puzzles, recipes, coupons and more. The directory will also spotlight the Good Sam RV Park and Resort network, the largest affiliated park network in North America, featuring more than 1,700 RV parks and resorts where Good Sam members can save 10% on nightly camping fees. Both the Trailer Life and Woodall's brands will continue into 2013 and beyond according to the company. Woodall's regional directory editions will continue to be published in 2013, in an exclusive partnership with AAA, and Trailer Life magazine, one of the leading RV enthusiast magazines in the industry, will continue to be published on a monthly basis. Likewise websites, online directory search, and mobile applications will continue to exist for both brands. The combined 2013 combined directory will not affect the distribution and circulation of the 2012 Trailer Life and Woodall's Directories, websites, and mobile applications, as both the Trailer Life and Woodall's 2012 Directory editions will be available to consumers in 2012 just the same as past years. "We have some great enhancements for our advertising partners planned for our 2013 'Super Directory' and are excited to share our plans with the industry at the upcoming ARVC Conference. Not only will we have more exciting marketing tools for parks to connect with avid RVers and campers, we will also expand our number of field teams to permit them to spend more time working with individual parks on their marketing programs," said Ann Emerson, Vice President and Publisher of the new combined directory. " We also want to assure our advertising customers that our 2012 Woodall's and Trailer Life Directory circulation commitments will be met through our various distribution channels, beginning in December of this year and continuing throughout 2012. And we will continue to connect campgrounds with active RVers through our three websites, www.trailerlifedirectory.com , www.woodalls.com and www.goodsamclub.com , as well as through our mobile applications for both Trailer Life and Woodall's directories." The 2013 combined directory will take advantage of the previously separate circulation strategies for each brand. The Woodall's Directory has been distributed through bookstores, mass merchant chains, Camping World stores, RV dealers and campgrounds, while the Trailer Life Directory has been primarily distributed to the Good Sam Club members and through internet sales. The combined directory in 2013 will utilize both these distribution strategies to reach all the active, affluent RVers and campers that each of these brands reached separately in the past. Campground search tools for the combined directory will also be available at www.trailerlifedirectory.com , www.woodalls.com and www.goodsamclub.com websites, as well as on campground search mobile applications for both iPhone and Android. "Having this 'super directory' under the Good Sam brand will give our advertisers greater share of mind with the market's largest RVer database, the combined 4 million plus avid RVers who are members of Good Sam and customers of Camping World," added Lemonis. "While advertisers will benefit from the larger consumer audience, RVers will reap the rewards of a single source for all their RV travel planning needs. Publishing this combined directory under the Good Sam brand will be a powerful unifying strategy for our entire organization, and will further our mission to grow the Good Sam brand, Good Sam Club, and our Good Sam Park network." About Woodall Publications Woodall Publication's is the leading publisher of Campground Directories and Guides plus several specific-interest books and digital publications and applications. Woodall's has been Everywhere RVers go for 75 years, and enjoys popularity in an array of different segments of the RV and camping marketplace. Visit www.woodalls.com for more details. About Trailer Life Directory The Trailer Life Directory and Website, www.trailerlifedirectory.com , are part of the Affinity Media family of publications and services devoted to enhancing the lifestyle of recreational-vehicle (RV) enthusiasts. The Trailer Life Directory, known as "The Ultimate RV Travel Resource" is the official Directory of the Good Sam Club. About The Good Sam Club The Good Sam Club, www.goodsamclub.com , is the world's largest RV owner's organization with over one million member families. Founded in 1966, the club offers its members a wide variety of services, including the Good Sam Extended Service Plan, Emergency Road Service, RV and Vehicle Insurance, RV Financing, Good Sam Visa Card, Life & Health Insurance and member discounts at parks, campgrounds and RV events. Good Sam Club members also receive a subscription to Highways, the club's popular RV travel magazine. Additionally, the club represents more than 1,500 local RV chapters designed to bring RVers together from similar geographic regions for group camping excursions. Extremely committed to its RV members as well as to the environment, the club is a founder of the annual National Cleanup Day program and an advocate of public land access, Adopt-A-Highway programs and Adopt-A-Park programs. |
AFFINITY BECOMES GOOD SAM The evolution of the company formerly known as Affinity Group Inc. (AGI) continues. Woodalls Campground Management reported that the name of the company was changed on May 2 to Good Sam Enterprises LLC, and today (Nov. 11) during a conference call to bondholders, CEO Marcus Lemonis offered the public a new description of the company. He said the company could best be described as “a financial services company that has some clubs and magazines as marketing tools.” “Roadside assistance is the No. 1 service offered by the company today. Roadside assistance has become the product of the day,” he explained. Good Sam offers road assistance to nearly 500,000 RV, car and truck customers and is close to announcing major private label insurance programs with Flying J (400,000 in its database) and NASCAR (72 million fans nationwide) and is in negotiations on establishing similar programs with leading RV builders Thor Industries Inc. and Winnebago Industries Inc., Lemonis said. In preparation for the expected membership increase, Good Sam previously announced it has hired senior industry executive Ed Thor as vice president of business development. Thor joins the company after serving for more than 10 years with Coach-Net, a roadside assistance company focused on serving the manufacturers and dealers. The swing toward the financial services emphasis would be a major redirection for the company which had been best known in recent years for its magazines and club member services. Good Sam is also parent to national RV dealer network FreedomRoads LLC and Camping World retail stores. Lemonis was named CEO less than a year ago but since that time, the company has disposed of six or seven businesses (primarily magazines) he deemed not in the core focus. In its quarterly report filed on Thursday (Nov. 10), the company reported revenues of $128.6 million for the third quarter of 2011 increased by $4.0 million, or 3.2%, from the comparable period in 2010. Net income in the third quarter of 2011 was $2.0 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period in 2010. For the nine months, revenues were $362.3 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 0.2%, from the comparable period in 2010. Net income during the nine-month period was $4.6 million compared to a net loss of $6.2 million for the same period in 2010. “We feel very good where our business is at today,” Lemonis said. He said getting the company’s sales, general and administrative costs down has been a primary focus this year. Approximately 100 employees were let go this year from the organization, and Lemonis anticipates no more than a dozen or 15 additional layoffs systemwide. He noted that the company incurred in the third quarter health insurance costs totaling $600,000 above the third quarter in 2010. The company also has incurred severance costs this year as well as costs associated with the businesses it sold, he added. Lemonis concluded saying he would be visiting with investors in California and New York in the coming weeks to expand upon certain details contained in the company’s financial report. |
Good Sam Offering Flying J Discount to Members The Good Sam Club is offering members an exclusive money-saving benefit with the launch of the Pilot Flying J RV Plus Card, according to a press release. Beginning in 2012, Good Sam Club members can apply for the discount card which will allow them to save on each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased; 10 cents per gallon on bulk propane purchased, and 50% on holding tank dump station charges at all applicable Pilot Flying J locations across the United States. The recent decision to combine the former Camping World President’s Club and the Good Sam Club into a newly-expanded, upgraded club was a key element in the club’s partnering with Pilot Flying J. “The extra leverage of our combined member numbers helped make the Pilot Flying J discount possible,” said Good Sam Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis. “Our members have been asking for this benefit for some time, and it is one that we are especially happy to make available to them. “The price of fuel represents the single biggest expense in most of our budgets as we enjoy the RV lifestyle. Securing discounts on a commodity like fuel is not easy. Finding a provider who has a nationwide network of locations and the facilities to properly serve our members is even more challenging.” Along with savings on gasoline, diesel, propane and dump services, Pilot Flying J locations offer a wide array of conveniences and services well-suited for RV travelers, including dedicated RV fuel lanes, convenience stores, on-site restaurants, safety and a clean environment for families. As part of the exclusive new program for Good Sam members the companies have co-produced an RV Travel Guide which lists all the participating Pilot Flying J locations and the RV specific services available to members at each location. |
Magellan® and Good Sam have teamed up to produce the all-new RoadMate® Pro 9165T
A robust GPS device that is specifically designed for those who love to "RV". An extra-wide, high-definition 7-inch touchscreen offers large vehicle and RV settings that map routes based on vehicle height, width, length, and weight. This intelligent navigator will plan routes according to your preferences, making the drive much more error-free and enjoyable for you, your family, and friends. The RoadMate® Pro will be invaluable on your travels as it is pre-loaded with U.S. and Canada campground information from Trailer Life Directory, and Good Sam discount locations. The 9165T will give you guidance on million points of interest (POI) near and far, pet-friendly parks, and RV service and parking. And, the device comes with a Heavy Duty Extension Mount that is extremely versatile and designed for vehicles with deep dashboards. You can easily make adjustments to get the viewing position that works for you. The Magellan® RoadMate® Pro 9165T offers superior navigation for a safe and secure driving experience. Drivers can plan and customize routes in advance to become familiar with their route before driving it. Turn-by-turn spoken directions let them to keep their eyes on the roads. Best of all, with the RoadMate Pro you can quickly navigate to Good Sam certified campgrounds where you can enjoy member discounts.* *Requires Good Sam Club membership |
PARKING YOUR RV IS LIKE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP We have all seen it, and we have all experienced it. The parking ballet! The rig pulls in and the co-pilot gets out and heads for the back of the rig. Then the ballet starts. The arms are moving like a conductor instructing the largest symponhy orchestra. The rig starts to back up into the spot. Not making the right turn, it goes in half sideways across the spot. Pull out and start again. Once, twice, three times. Finally the driver gets out, walks to the back and says to the co-pilot. "I can't see you." Back in to the rig and the ballet starts again. Watching the co-pilot do a bit of a jig with hand signals, foot and leg motions, the rig finally makes it into the spot. The driver gets out and says"What does this with your hand mean?" "And, what was with the foot in the air.?" Yes, we have all seen it over and over again. Or the most popular pastime is for five or more guys head over to give a hand with the parking. Three at the front, two at the back, all pointing and giving instructions. Into the spot, out of the spot, once, twice, three times and more. Parking your RV with your spouse or significant other is like a good relationship. It requires good communication. Karen and I have parked thousands of times, in thousands of different parks. Our system works for us and we have never had a problem parking in a back in RV site. Here is our secret, and I am sure a lot of you all ready know; but I must assume because we see the ballet over and over again, some of us don't. Communication. The important person guiding the the rig in must be able to see the person driving the rig in the mirror. "If you can not see the person driving, in the mirror, the person driving, can not see the person guiding." Know what hand signals to use. Work out a system that works for you. Karen points with the arm extended in the direction that she wants the back of the RV to go. Left arm out means the back of the rig should move that way. Right arm out, the same, the back of the rig moves the way the arm is pointing. Both arms motioning toward her chest, mean straight back, and of course, both hands up, mean stop. I can trust my co-pilot with out worrying about anything else, except where the front of the rig is going. All I have to do to get into the site, is put my co-pilot in the mirror and follow the signals. Does not get any more simple than that. Good communication can take the frustration out of those back in RV Sites. Hey! You never know it may even make your relationship better too. |
BC WALMART RV CRACKDOWN B.C. Walmart Cracks Down on Longer RV Stays October 11, 2011 by RV Business They are usually known as a welcoming sight for RV campers in need of a place to stop for the night or a few days before continuing on with their journey. Besides being a big-box retail store, Walmart parking lots across North America have generally been hospitable to the traveling camper. But, according to a report by bclocalnews.com, anyone hoping to stay in the Kamloops, British Columbia, Walmart parking lot for an extended period of time can expect to be turned away. This past summer the company SmartCentres, which owns the shopping center, installed large new signs on the lot reminding customers there is no overnight parking for RVs or trucks. Sandra Kaiser, vice president of corporate affairs for SmartCentres, said the no-overnight rules were always in place, but not enforced stringently until recently. She said the measure is not meant to crack down on someone staying a few hours or even a night, but is intended to address RV owners staying for days and weeks. “More and more campers were coming and staying for longer periods of time, to the point where we were losing parking spaces that we have to provide to our tenants,” Kaiser said, adding the company had received complaints from tenants in the shopping centre. She noted overnight stays made it difficult for maintenance crews to clean up the lot. Kaiser said maintenance crews are politely reminding campers they can’t park in the lot long-term. Walmart manager Tim Labermeyer said he’s heard from some customers who expected to park at the store overnight. However, he pointed out many of the Walmart lots that allow overnight parking are owned by the retail giant. The Kamloops Walmart leases the property so, in this case, it is not a decision made by the store. “We have to abide by their [SmartCentres] rules,” Labermeyer said. The Kamloops location wouldn’t be alone in banning overnight stays, as a growing number of Walmarts in the U.S. are starting to turn away RVs and campers. Kaiser said the signs and rules are permanent. |
SALVATION MOUNTAIN AT SLAB CITY
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