Damon to Build Class C Motorhomes
Damon Motor Coach, which has always built Class A motorhomes, will enter the Class C market this summer. Class C motorhomes, sometimes referred to as mini-motorhomes, are built on an automotive-manufactured van frame with an attached cab section, while Class A motorhomes are built on a specially designed chassis.

Damon President Bill Fenech said the company’s focus on Class A motorhomes has enabled it to gain market share “despite tough market conditions,” and in order not to disrupt that focus, it has hired a separate team to develop the Class C. The team is led by Jon Gallagher, who was formerly Class C sales and product manager for Coachmen RV.

Free Guides to Tacoma, Santa Fe
Free travel guides are available from many tourist organizations. For example, the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau in New Mexico is now offering a 92-page guide for 2008 that can be ordered at www.santafe.org or by calling (800) 777-2489. In Washington, the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau is offering a 68-page full-color guide to Tacoma and Pierce County with information on events, entertainment, lodging, campgrounds and RV parks, dining, shopping, services and transportation. To obtain a free copy, visit www.traveltacoma.com or call (800) 272-2662 toll-free or (253) 627-2836 within Washington State.

Western RV Links with Coach-Net
Coach-Net will provide technical and emergency roadside assistance for 2008 Alpine Coach and Alpenlite products, under a new partnership with manufacturer Western Recreational Vehicles of Yakima, Washington.

Western RV’s factory warranty on its 2008 model year vehicles includes three years of Coach-Net technical and emergency roadside assistance. Services include towing, fuel delivery, battery charges, jumpstarts and lockout assistance. Western RV is also providing Coach-Net service to new 2007 model year owners for a two-year period.

Moab Raft Trip Includes Music
The Moab Music Festival’s annual Musical Adventure Raft Trip combines rafting on flat-water sections of the Colorado River with chamber and traditional music concerts in extraordinary settings in Canyonlands National Park. This year’s trip is scheduled for June 15-18.

Conductor Leonard Bernstein’s daughter, Jamie, a repeat guest on the trip, described it this way: “You’re traveling down the Colorado River with this gorgeous scenery, guided hikes and good company. And then in the evening you are regaled with beautifully performed music followed by a splendid meal. What more could anyone want?” For information on the trip, visit www.moabmusicfest.org or call (435) 259-7003.

Winnebago Leadership Changes
Bruce Hertzke, who has been with Winnebago Industries for 36 years and has served as chairman and CEO since 1998, plans to retire in May. Hertzke, 56, had also served as Winnebago president until 2005, when he relinquished the title to Bob Olson under the company’s succession plan. Olson will become chairman and CEO upon Hertzke’s retirement.

Olson, 56, held various material and management positions with the company before becoming general manager of fabrication in 1986 and vice president of manufacturing in 1996. Hertzke said he was proud to have led the company through 10 years of record net income. He said, “Winnebago Industries has a strong balance sheet, no debt and as we celebrate our 50th anniversary we are well positioned for the future.”

Monaco Profits Grow
Monaco Coach Corporation of Coburg, Oregon, ended the 2007 fiscal year with increased profits even though revenues were flat. The company reported gross profit of $140.9 million for the year ended Dec. 29 on revenue of $1.3 billion. The profit was 13 percent more than the $124.5 million earned in 2006.

The company said it has gained market share in Class A diesels and has improved plant efficiency, increasing profitability. The company recently laid off 200 workers in Indiana to keep production in line with sales. Kay Toolson, chairman and CEO, said, he believes the RV market will improve in the second half of 2008. “We believe that while some RV buyers may delay their purchasing decisions when times are uncertain, they rarely leave the RV lifestyle and can be expected to return to purchase a new RV when their confidence is restored,” he said.

Seattle Trail Earns Honor
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Washington D.C. has named the Burke-Gilman Trail in the Seattle area as its fourth inductee into its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. The conservancy is a national organization that promotes public trails on former rail lines and other corridors.

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs 17 miles from Seattle’s northern end through Fremont, past the University of Washington and through parks and farmland before ending at the Sammamish River. It is open to hikers, bicyclists and runners.

RV Coverage Extended to Pets
Beginning March 31 in most states, Progressive Insurance will offer free pet injury coverage with purchase of collision and comprehensive RV insurance. The coverage will pay up to $500 if a dog or cat is hurt or dies because of a crash, fire or flood.

“RVing is more fun when the entire family, including pets, comes along for the ride,” said Cathy Pelfrey, the company’s RV product manager. “This coverage gives pet owners something no other RV insurer offers—peace of mind from knowing that their dogs and cats are protected too.”