National RV Trade Show 2016

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THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor | Episode #271

Coming to you from the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY, Alan is covering industry leading campers, trailers, 5th wheels, cab-overs, toy haulers, motorhomes and teardrop trailers. Be sure to check out our friends at GoRving.com for more in-depth information on the different products we discuss in this episode.

[00:00:00] I Love My Lance
[00:07:08] Life in the Fast Lane
[00:12:30] Live Your Dream!
[00:19:52] Built for Adventure
[00:27:50] You Come First!
[00:35:52] Beautiful Beasts
[00:42:13] Luxury Extended Stay
[00:47:41] Investing in Adventure
[00:54:00] Economical Quality
[01:01:23] Cool Tech, Big Decks
[01:09:54] Retro Revival
[01:17:23] Camping at its Cutest

Discover more about segments and guests below…

[00:00:00] I Love My Lance

Experience luxury and build memories in the great outdoors. Bob Rogers, Director of Marketing for Lance Camper (@lancecampers) is here to celebrate 50 years in the industry with a product line that suits every lifestyle. Whether you are into hunting, fishing, camping or just wanting to explore your dream destinations within the continental US, Lance has exactly what you are looking for. “Known as the Cadillac of RVs,” Lance offers amenities such as electric jacks and slide-outs with pristine quality construction. Explore the possibilities.

[00:07:08] Life in the Fast Lane

You don’t have to be a 3x Indianapolis 500 winner like Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves (@h3lio), to get work done on the road. We catch up with the motorsports icon to talk “Dancing with the Stars”, life on the road in his sweet American Couch, and 2017 race predictions. Listen now.

[00:12:30] Live Your Dream!

Adventure is at your fingertips! Lightweight, affordable, technology-forward RVs make this lifestyle easily accessible to anyone, even budget conscious Millennials. Following a recent acquisition of Jayco (@jaycorvs) by Thor, Derald Bontrager, President and CEO, reassures of their commitment to quality as product lines evolve.

[00:19:52] Built for Adventure

It’s time to satisfy your wanderlust. RoadTrek (@roadtrekmh) has been dominating the North American caravan segment since the early 90’s with feature-rich, ultra-lightweight products boasting German engineering at a conservative, entry-level price. Here with your plan to escape the rat race is Erwin Hymer Group North America (@gohymer) President and CEO, Jim Hammill.

[00:27:50] You Come First!

Your overall RVing experience is priority number one with Forest River, where 100% customer satisfaction is their goal. Doug Gaeddert, their General Manager, tells us about the fastest growing camper’s club, FROG (Forest River Owners Group), where you are provided with direct contact to the top decision makers of the company. Are you ready to “Begin the journey”?

[00:35:52] Beautiful Beasts

In this segment we’re joined by two titans of the RV industry, Bob Wheeler, President & CEO of Airstream (@Airstream_Inc), and Winnebago’s (@Winnebago) Director of Marketing, Chad Reece. We learn of Airstream’s inspired team-up with Tommy Bahama, promising to add island flair from the curtains down to the bar all wrapped in the iconic brushed-steel exterior we’ve come to know and love. Changing gears, we explore Winnebago’s largest offering yet, a 45-ft. land-yacht complete with opulent master bedroom and Freightliner chassis for an unparalleled driving (and relaxing) experience.

[00:42:13] Luxury Extended Stay

Whether you are a snowbird, traveling to chase the weather or a professional seeking a mobile office, Grand Design RV (@Granddesignrv) has your traveling palace. Learn why Bill Martin, Director of Marketing, says you should choose a 5th wheel over a bumper pull, for its many amenities, wide range of floor plans and even pulling capabilities for a pleasurable, extended stay.

[00:47:41] Investing in Adventure

So you have an extra $1-million lying around, and it’s just burning a hole in your pocket. We get it. Thankfully, the fine folks at Newmar Corporation (@gonewmar) have created the King Aire, a luxury motor coach boasting hung wall construction and bleeding-edge software solutions like Comfort Drive, a steering breakthrough that makes handling crosswinds a breeze. John Sammut, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, fills us in on what sets Newmar apart in the highly competitive, Class-A market. Discover more, now.

[00:54:00] Economical Quality

Drive smoothly in the lavish comfort of the Allegro Breeze brought to you by Tiffin Motorhomes (@tiffinmotorhome). Andy Baer, National Sales Manager, offers insight on one of the more fuel efficient coaches in diesel market. Getting 10-11 miles per gallon, this lightweight giant is equipped with a Cummins ISV V8 and an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission which provides an almost car-like driving experience. Tiffin provides ongoing owner support and meticulous in-house craftsmanship because you should feel confident in your coach.

[01:01:23] Cool Tech, Big Decks

Today’s RVs are moving, technological marvels. Headquartered in Sweden, Dometic (@dometicrvusa), has been making mobile-life easier for over 100 years, President and CEO, Roger Johansson, explains. Find out why your next purchase should be an active cooling box like the CFX Series portable cooler.

Then, this toy hauler will allow you to revel in nature’s splendor with not just one deck, but two! Keystone RV (@Keystonervco) President, Jeff Runels, dishes specs on the Raptor before explaining why Millennials are opting for simple, tow-able units to break into the hobby.

[01:09:54] Retro Revival

Take a trip back to the past with the newly reinvented, lightweight Scotty Trailer! Chris Baum, Chief Brand Officer with Little Guy Worldwide (@golittleguy), shares the details on the affordably priced, revamped 1957 trailer. Will you follow the Scotty moto, “Travel Light, Travel Right”?

[01:17:23] Camping at its Cutest

At nuCamp RV (@nucamprv), thoughtful details come standard. Scott Hubble explains the purpose behind the eye-catching teardrop design of the Tab S Model with Outback Package. Not only will it turn heads, you’ll save cash at the pump! Learn more.

Special Guests and Contributors:

Guest: Bob Rogers | Director of Marketing, Lance Camper
Guest: Helio Castroneves | Professional Race Car Driver, Team Penske
Guest: Derald Bontrager | President and CEO, Thor Motor Coach
Guest: Jim Hammill | President and CEO, Erwin Hymer Group North America
Guest: Doug Gaeddert | General Manager, Forest River
Guest: Bob Wheeler | President and CEO, Airstream
Guest: Chad Reece | Director of Marketing, Winnebago
Guest: Bill Martin | Director of Marketing, Grand Design RV
Guest: John Sammut | Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Newmar Corporation
Guest: Andy Baer | National Sales Manager, Tiffin Motorhomes
Guest: Roger Johansson | President and CEO, Dometic
Guest: Jeff Runels | President, Keystone RV
Guest: Chris Baum | Chief Brand Officer, Little Guy Worldwide
Guest: Gary Prischl | Former President, Serro Scotty Travel Trailer Company
Guest: Scott Hubble | CEO, nuCamp RV
Website: American Coach RV
Website: Jayco
Website: Roadtrek
Website: Freightliner
Vehicle Mention: King Aire Luxury Motor Coach
Product Mention: CFX Series Portable Cooler

Episode Credits:

Program Host: Alan Taylor
Producer: Jason Masters
Production Assistant: Joanne Bolden
Copy Editor: Jess Baumgardner

Our Sponsors & Supported Charities:

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This episode was produced by Entertainment Right Now (ERN). If you found value in this episode, and you’d like to hear more, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don’t miss a beat. Your feedback helps us to reach more enthusiasts around the world! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please leave a comment below or e-mail us at info@ernlive.com.

About THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor

THE DRIVE with Alan Taylor puts you in the driver’s seat for a unique, fast paced look at today’s automotive industry. This is your pedal-to-the-metal, two-hour thrill ride devoted to the latest car news and test-drive results, how-to tips, car maintenance tips, auto show coverage, expert insights and behind-the-scenes race day action. Don’t miss exclusive interviews with top auto executives, athletes, celebrities and prominent newsmakers from around the world.