Pedata RV Center

Drew Industries expands custom RV business

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:07:02 -0400

While much of the country is still reeling from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, the economy has rebounded in several ways, creating a wave of success across a number of industries. One of those beneficiaries is the RV industry, and in an attempt to meet the growing demand for custom built class A and class C motorhomes, Drew Industries has announced that its subsidiary Lippert Components will be expanding its line of customization components in the coming year.

The company, which fabricates custom components for the chassis of class A and class C motorhomes as well as transit buses and commercial trucks, will be expanding its parts production efforts in a bid to eliminate its need for outsourced labor and materials for the customization aspect of their operation.

This move was made possible by the acquisition of Sellers Manufacturing, a move that Lippert's president, Scott Mereness, claims will help the company grow its stake in the RV industry.

"The regional market for customizing motorhome chassis currently exceeds $15 million annually, and we are excited about the opportunities this new capability presents," Todd Driver, the National Operations Director of Lippert, in an official statement. "Working with Sellers Mfg.'s experienced team, our goal is to capture a significant share of this market and increase our sales of related products for motorhomes."

RV seen as gateway to politics in Kansas

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:04:00 -0400

While for most people, a class A motor home is a window to an exciting vacation spent exploring the country, one Kansas man has somewhat grander aspirations for his RV - a position in the state government.

Ken Cannon, a candidate for the Kansas Reform Party and the proud owner of a Class A motor home,, has taken to the roadways of the Sunflower State to spread his political message and get in touch with voters on a more personal level.

The move mirrors similar political strategies from New York gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo, who recently wrapped up his own RV tour of the state, where he's currently enjoying a massive lead over former U.S. Representative, Rock Lazio.

Cannon is hoping for a similar jump in popularity from his RV tour of Kansas, and his optimism is already showing.

"I think it's down to Brownback and myself," Cannon told the Kansas City star of his position in the gubernatorial race. Republican Sam Brownback currently holds a significant lead in the polls, though only time will tell if Cannon's efforts can sway the hearts and minds of the Sunflower State.

Drivers know to beware at NMA's worst speed trap cities

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:32:32 -0400

Though the summer is wrapping up, many people across the U.S. and Canada are still hitting the road in their travel trailers and class A motorhomes in search of fun and adventure. While most drivers will observe the rules of the road while traveling, occasionally one's foot becomes a little heavy and they tend to speed. RVers hoping to make great time without paying big fines may want to peruse the national Motorists Association's recently released list of the Worst North American Speed Trap Cities.

The list, which details two cities in every state and Canadian province, was pulled together from user reports and city-statistics listing those locations with the most speed traps per population.

Across the U.S., several of the country's largest cities have made the list including Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and New York, while other listings make for more esoteric destinations like Portland, Maine; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Fairfax, Virginia, and Louisville, Kentucky.

Those drivers heading north for their trips should also be on the lookout if their travels lead them to major destinations like Calgary, Vancouver or Toronto, while smaller destinations like Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Brantford, Ontario, and Corner Brook, Newfoundland, are also high risk ticket spots.

Airstream proves that RVs can be fashionable

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:47:16 -0400

While there's no denying that class B motor homes are a great way to explore the country, RVs have not traditionally been considered very fashionable. That all may be about to change as noted luxury RV manufacturer Airstream has announced a new partnership with fashion-forward retailer, Bloomingdales, in a cross promotional effort being dubbed the "Hot" campaign.

As part of the new partnership, Bloomingdales will feature RVs and travel trailers throughout their stores, catalogs and websites as part of a travel-themed outing meant to showcase the refined qualities of both companies. The retailer will also host a number of lifestyle events across the country, which will feature several of Airstream's best selling models.

The partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, according to Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler.

"This is a great opportunity to bring two design-centric brands together. Bloomingdale's is obviously at the forefront of great style and we’ve been a modern classic since 1931," Wheeler told Motorhome Magazine. "Additionally, we're able introduce a whole new segment of influential and design-savvy consumers to a brand, and a lifestyle, that is certainly within their reach."

The partnership will also yield a contest in which Bloomingdales shoppers will have the chance to win a 2010 16-foot sport travel trailer.

Southern California drivers may pick up new RVs in anticipation of Labor Day weekend

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:42:52 -0400

With the long summer winding down, many travelers are hoping to send off the season with a beachfront vacation over Labor Day weekend. While their destinations may be different, a growing number of Southern Californians will be hitting the open roads in search of fun this weekend, and many of them will be doing so in the luxurious accommodations of a class A motor home.

According to a recent study performed by the Auto Club of Southern California, an estimate 91 percent of the 2.5 million residents of the sunny region will be driving to their vacation destination this year, an increase of four percent over the previous year's study, reports the LA Times.

One of the reasons for the growth in travel is the dipping price of gasoline, with the average gas price reaching only $2.68, the lowest average since February, according to the Energy Department's weekly telephone survey.

"Combine that with a lot of pent-up demand for holiday travel that motorists skipped in 2009 because of the deep recession and you have a recipe for a bigger Labor Day weekend this year," Tom Kloza, the chief oil analyst for the Oil Price Information Service, told the news provider. "People by and large have returned to the roads this summer. In fact, this was the biggest lift in demand from spring to summer in at least a decade."