Bates International RV Blog

Just like you many more people have seen the growth in RVs, and asking Why?. Do you have a desire to travel? Recreational Vehicles can give you the freedom and flexibility to see the world at your leisure. You can go and see what you want, when you want, and how you want and for however long you want in a RV. So take your next vacation in your own hands and go in a RV, you may experience the best time of your life.

Alternative traveling options are less flexible you have to follow so many rules and guidelines, not to mention relying on other people can be a little less desirable. RVs give you the independence most people desire in traveling. There is no traveling arrangements, no time restrictions, only the ability to come and go as you please.

For example: you can’t call an airline and request an exact departure or arrival time on a certain day, you can’t request stops every 4 hours, you never know who will you will be seated next to or even get a window seat that you asked for. In a RV you can do every one of those things and more, you have complete say in what happens in your RV, from how you time you spend in it to the ability to move around as you please.

What a better way to spend your time then doing exactly what you want. You can change your mind and or plans at last minute with no cancellation fees or penalties. Which is sometimes a problem with pre arranged traveling plans you never know when something can happen and you need to stay longer or arrive later. Whatever the change is you are able to do so in a RV.

RV owners RV so that they are the travel planner, coordinator, navigator, and the unexpected problem solver! They have the valuable thing that most people don’t when traveling control of how they spend their time. No wasted time in line, or lay-overs, no problem with packing.

Recreational Vehicles provide a way to take a break from the stress of life every now and then. It is a wonderful way to spend equability time with loved ones, and good friends. It is also a way to chill and kick back while making new friends and seeing new places. Again, it gives you the control of every detail about your vacation. No flight to catch, no baggage check, no security, no long lines and no lost luggage.

Let me tell you a few things about the Arizona sky. First off, in Arizona, the sky is bigger than the ground. You really get the feeling that the earth is just a tiny little ball under all that endless sky.  The other thing is that evening in Arizona is like a natural lightshow. The sky turns every color of the rainbow before it turns black and fills with more stars than you’ve ever seen in your life.  There is probably no better place in the world for camping and visiting in your motor home and RV than the state of Arizona. Those of us who live in the States are lucky that such a wonder is just a drive away.

The Great American West

Arizona is the Grand Canyon State. The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring symbol of the American west. It always amazes me when I meet people who have never been there, even once. It’s like a theme park for hikers and campers. There’s so much to do you can spend weeks there. Another symbol of the American west that fewer people have visited is Monument Valley. Once you see those big rock formations, you realize that you’ve seen them before in tons of western movies and photos. Every one of those John Wayne movies was filmed there. Monument Valley is unique; there’s no place like it on earth.  Unlike Grand Canyon, Monument Valley is a little hard to get to. It’s on the Navajo Reservation and there’s no Interstate leading directly to it. Still, it’s a state highway and even big rig RV’s can make the trip.

Exploring Northern Arizona

When most people think of Arizona, they picture a desert full of cactus and sagebrush. If any mountains come to mind, they are probably big bare hunks of rock. If you’ve never been to Northern Arizona before, you’ll be surprised to find yourself at 7,000 feet elevation, surrounded by mountains and pine trees.  Northern Arizona actually looks a lot like the Rockies in Colorado, just without the trickling mountain streams. It’s hotter and drier, but the air is just as clear.  Around Flagstaff you’ll find all kinds of great camping and sightseeing. You can see Indian ruins at Wupatki and Betatankin, or hike around on volcanic rocks at Sunset Crater. Flagstaff is a great place to set up camp or park your motor home because there is several great places just a short drive away.

Down In the Valley

For those who want to brave the heat, mid and southern Arizona has lots to offer. South of Phoenix you’ll find some of the biggest Indian ruins in North America, Casa Grande. It’s a fortress compared to places like Mesa Verde.  The great thing about the southern part of the state is that few people get down there. You’ll mostly run into locals, and there are always plenty of places to set up camp.  Tucson is a great place to set up your base of operations for southern Arizona sightseeing. There are some great campgrounds on the outskirts of town where you can be right in the foothills of the beautiful Catalina Mountains.

Arizona is a Mecca for campers and RV enthusiasts. Get yourself a guide today and get on the road!

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15 – Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems franchisees Walt and Wallace Williams of Temple Terrace, Fla. were honored today by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its Franchisee of the Year.  Franchise owner-operators representing nearly 50 franchise systems were recognized today during the IFA’s Ninth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day here for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

As the association’s public affairs conference, Franchise Appreciation Day is a two-day event which began today and continues through Sept. 16. Attendees are meeting with members of Congress and Administration officials about issues important to franchising, including small-business health plans, immigration reform, business activity taxes and wages.  The event and the award are supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the commendable efforts of Walt and Wallace Williams with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairman Steve Greenbaum.  “The franchising community is fortunate for the outstanding contributions of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”

According to a recent study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country, which are indirectly responsible for providing 21 million jobs and generating $2.3 trillion in economic output.  In Florida, 61,649 establishments directly provide 728,200 jobs and contribute $56.1 billion to the U.S. economy.

About The International Franchise Association the International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity.

For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org

Maybe you’ve just pulled your RV out of winter storage and are getting it ready for the road again. Or, maybe you’re just switching gears from the winter to the spring/summer camping season. Either way, one of the best preparations you can make is to apply specially designed do-it-yourself window film to make traveling more comfortable.  

If you are an average RVer, you will spend over five weeks and 2,700 miles in your coach this year. It becomes your home-away-from-home as well as your transportation. Comfort is very important to you and window film is an excellent way to increase it. 

What Is Window Film? 

Window film is micro thin metalized polyester, bonded by adhesives and applied to glass surfaces to provide significant solar protection. It reflects heat, blocks up to 99 percent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and deflects harsh, uncomfortable glare while allowing glare-controlled sunlight to pass through. 

Heat control window films adapt to the changes in the seasons, reflecting the hot sun in the summer, and re-radiating interior heat in the winter. Privacy films can help you maintain a level of security without darkening your windows and making you feel like you are living in a cave. 

Window films are long lasting, too, and are much easier to use and maintain than traditional solar screens and shades. Screens provide good protection, but they must be removed during travel and they block your view. Many window films are so light in appearance as to be unnoticeable on the glass, and they can last as long as ten to twenty years before they need to be replaced. At about $1.25 per square foot, film is an economical way to increase your living comfort and protect your vehicle. 

How Do Solar Control Window Films Protect? 

Typical windows offer some degree of sun protection, blocking most of the sun’s skin-burning UVB rays, but not deep-penetrating UVA. Exposing a vehicle’s interior to UV can cause deterioration of furniture, upholstery and window treatments. RV window films block up to 99% of both UVA+B rays, protecting both the interior of your coach and you – as you enjoy the ride.

Metalized heat control films actively reflect as much as 70 percent of the sun’s heat back towards the source, keeping the interior cooler during the summer. The result is superior driving comfort and fewer loads on the air conditioner. In winter, these films can help retain up to 55 percent of the radiant heat that would normally escape through the glass. 

The sunshine is great when you’re at the beach or hiking through the woods. It’s not so great when you are trying to watch TV or play cards inside. Glare control window films can enable you to cut that glare completely by filtering the harsh sunlight. 

Privacy films can increase your sense of safety and security without darkening your windows in places where you do not want someone to look into your vehicle. These films look like frosted glass and are also excellent for use on shower doors. 

Can I Do This Myself?

Absolutely. Window film technology has improved greatly over the past several years, bringing with it more user-friendly products. In addition, RV windows are flat glass, which makes applying film much easier. Complete instructions are available inside each roll of film, and the basic tools needed are a spray bottle, firm squeegee and utility knife. 

Windows must be completely clean and free of contaminants before applying film. With patience and the proper tools and time, anyone can get a professional-looking tint job in just a few hours. Each manufacturer’s application instructions may vary somewhat, so it is important to read them carefully to achieve the best-looking tint job. 

Window film is easy to clean and maintain, too. Using a clean, soft cloth and a non-abrasive window cleaner ensures that the film will look good for a long time. Most films are available with a scratch resistant coating so they can take the day-to-day wear of RV living. 

Is there a Cost Benefit?

Of course, for you and the environment. The average cost for tinting your own vehicle is around $30 to $100 – depending on the amount of film needed – compared to as much as $500 for professional installation. In addition, the benefits received for such a small investment make window film an excellent afternoon project, resulting in a safer, more comfortable and attractive vehicle. 

The environment benefits from the added fuel economy which film can generate. According to Lisa Killen, Automotive Marketing Manager at CPFilms, manufacturer of GILA brand window film products, “When you run the air conditioner, you are burning more fuel and emitting more pollution. Reducing heat gain by up to 50 percent improves the efficiency of your A/C so you can run it at a lower fan speed, burn less fuel, and reduce pollution.” These savings are especially important if you drive a motor home that has a larger glass area than most vehicles. 

Do-it-yourself RV window films are currently available through mail order. For more information about GILA RV window films and to get a free packet of film samples and product information, call 1-800-528-4481 or visit the company Web site at www.gilafilms.com

Although the summer RV travel season is over, RV sales are still on the rise. The RV sales show season is now beginning, and more people are buying RVs then ever before. With more baby boomers hitting retirement, they are buying RVs for luxury retirement travel.

RV shows demonstrate all of the new RVs going onto the RV sales market for the next year to interested buyers as well as RV franchise representatives. RVs have become quite luxurious.

Because RVs are luxury items the price can vary anywhere from $50,000 to more over a million dollars depending on what amenities they include. RV sales and the RV franchise industry are considered barometers for the American sales economy in general. The RV industry is often out in front of American economic trends because it deals with disposable income.

Last year was an extremely good year for RV sales. This year RV sales were a little slower than last year, but they started picking up over the summer and into the fall. RV sales are not letting up as the RV off-season begins; next year should be really strong for RV sales.

RV industry analysts claim that more RV’s were shipped out in the first half of 2006 than any other time in the past 30 years. A rise in RV sales also impact gas pump sales as well. When gas prices started rising quickly earlier in the year, it slowed down RV sales for a few weeks. While RVs do take a lot of gas, you’re getting so much enjoyment out of the RV that it is worth it.

Peter J. Liegl has preached a simple and consistent sermon since forming RV manufacturer Forest River Inc. a dozen years ago and building the Elkhart, Ind., company into an RV industry powerhouse:  Sell the best products at the best prices and then provide quality service for them.

Of course, it’s not an unfamiliar mantra amount RV manufactures but few have built a dynamic company that sells nearly $2 billion in product a year.

“We still have the same philosophy as when we started out,” said Liegl, 64.  “If you stacked up everybody’s products and looked at them in depth and looked at what you’re getting for a certain price, somebody’s going to be best and someone’s going to be worst.  We expect to be the best.   We pay more attention to detail, we work harder and we’ve got better, experienced people.”

Liegl founded Forest River in 1996; two years after he was dismissed as president of publicly owned Cobra industries Inc., which soon went through bankruptcy.  Two years later, Liegle, who got his start at Coachmen Industries Inc., purchased the remnants of Cobra to form Forest River. 

Before a decade was out, Liegle had turned Forest River into the No. 2 RV manufacturer in the U.S.  In July 2005 he sold privately owned Forest River to legendary investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Omaha, Neb., which in 2007 had $118 billion in revenue from such diversified subsidiaries as GEICO, Dairy Queen, Helzberg Diamonds and World Book encyclopedia.

Buffet made an offer to buy Forest River during a telephone conversation with Liegl just one day after he learned about the company.  In Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s 2005 annual report, Buffett said, “Pete is a remarkable entrepreneur.  You can be sure that I won’t be telling Pete how to manage his operation.”

During the intervening period, Buffett has kept that promise, communicating with Liegle no more than once a year “If that,” Liegle said. “I see him at the stockholder’s meeting.  We just had one (in April).”  The annual meeting this year attracted some 26,000 investors, some of whom paid more than $150,000 per share of Berkshire Hathaway stock.

By Liegle’s account, Forest River’s annual sales have risen by about $400 million to just under $2 billion since the sale three years ago.

“The advantages of being a public or private company balance out,” Liegle said.  “When we were in the rapid growing stage, we were private.  But to raise capital, it’s a little more difficult for a private company.”

And even in a soft RV market, Forest River is holding its own, Liegl reported.  “We are bumping $ billion (annually) right now, “Liegle said.  “We’re a little ahead this year over last.”

Forest River is highly decentralized, with only about 60 employees in the Elkhard headquarters, most working in accounting and finance.  Forest River’s many dividing in accounting and finance.  Forest River’s many divisions are run by general managers in the field who report directly to Liegl and share in the financial success of the company.  “We have GMs who take a certain pride of authorship at each division,” he said.

With some oversight from headquarters, Forest River divisions make their own buying decisions.  “I don’t personally believe in centralized purchasing,” Liegl said. “If we have 15 or 20 people buying supplies, it seems like we are going to buy better than if we only had one person here buying. One person could become skewed.”

“There is some synergism in purchasing,” he continued. “If you look at all the tires we buy for something like 135,000 units a year, that’s a lot of tires. That passes on to all of our divisions. That’s our mentality. Same thing with wood, aluminum and anything else.”

Although Forest River is the No. 1 manufacturer of cargo trailers and No. 2 in shuttle buses, RVs make up three-quarters of the company’s revenues — 75% to 80% of which are built in northern Indiana. The company has, however, established towable RV factories in California and Oregon to overcome high shipping costs. “With a $200,000 motor home, it’s different,” Liegl said. “Trailers need to be closer to their market.”

Forest River’s towables range from entry-level folding camping trailers to high-end fifth-wheels. “Our strength is towables,” Liegl said. “We had a game plan to have product in each category.”

This year through March the Elkhart-based Corporation posted a 16.3% market share in towables for a No. 2 ranking and a 5.7% motorized share for a 7th place ranking, according to Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Statistical Surveys Inc.

Consequently, growth in motor homes remains a prime objective. “We’ve got a long ways to go (in motorized),” Liegl said. “It takes a little longer (to build motorized market share). We are not in all the product lines that we could be.

“We are going OK in Class A gas, and in diesels, we’ve made it around the corner. We are gaining momentum every day.” 

Despite Forest River’s explosive growth during the last 12 years, Liegl describes the company as “conservative” in many ways. “We don’t believe that we should go around base two until we go through base one,” he said. “Until we have our act together in a particular situation, there’s no sense expanding it. That’s our approach.”

Liegl, with typical candor, terms the RV industry’s current downturn as “a godsend” for Forest River. “Let’s say the industry shrunk in half,” he said. “That means there’s still going to be half left, and somebody’s going to get that half, which is still far more than I can produce. But I’m going to get my fair share. We might have to work a little longer and harder, but we are going to get it.”

Liegl said it’s already too late to be making adjustments to cope with the soft RV markets. “It’s not what’s happening today,” he said. “It’s what you did last week and the week before that and last month that is going to determine your results today.”

All in all, Liegl expects that the RV market, despite current setbacks, will recover in short order. “It’s a very cautious individual who buys RVs,” Liegl said. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to buy. They might buy something a little less than what they would if the economy was blowing and growing, but this is short term. I’m very confident of that.

“I don’t know why (people are worried). When I say short-term, this year is going to be tough as far as the economy goes. But that’s short term.”

The demands of the direct marketing industry require both out-of-the-box thinking and the capacity to review results and adjust spend.  Experts debate which to prioritize when recruiting new employees  

Considering using direct mail to generate some hot leads and fill your pipeline?  Here are some suggestions for writing a sales letter that keeps the telephone ringing.

Humanize your letter.  Write it so that it sounds like you are having a one-on-one conversation with the prospect.

Use a personalized salutation.  With all the sophisticated software on the market, there is no reason why you can’t address a letter to an actual person, not a position. It may cost you a few pennies more per letter, but it is worth it.

Keep in mind the “Attention, Interest, Desire and Action” formula in writing your letter:

Attention:  Use a strong opening statement or headline to capture readers’ attention.  Develop a hook that grabs readers and prompts them to continue to read.

Interest:  Expand on the benefits promised in the headline.  Let prospective customers know why buying from you is in their best interest.  Include testimonials from satisfied customers.

Desire:  Appeal to readers’ emotions and their favorite radio station, “WIIFM” – What’s in it for me?  Keep in mind that desire is an emotion.

Action:  Create a sense or urgency in your letter and ask for action.  Tell readers what is expected of them.  For example, you can ask prospects to fax the letter back to you with a time and a date that is convenient for you to call.  If you’re presenting a special a special offer, set a time limit for 3response.  The idea is to say, “Do it NOW.”

Include a P.S.  People often read the end of a letter first (to see who sent it), so a P.S. can help catch their attention.

RESTON, Virginia– Despite record-breaking fuel prices, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs.

PKF Consulting, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.”

Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV family vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than other types of vacations.

“This study re-affirms what RVers have long known, that RV vacations deliver greater economic value compared to other types of vacations,” says Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “RV vacations continue to be the most affordable way for a family to travel because of the tremendous savings on air, hotel and restaurant costs. And these savings offset the cost of fuel.”

PKF analyzed major costs that would be incurred by a family of four taking eight different types of vacations for three, seven, 10 or 14 days to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon, Cape Cod, and Napa, Calif.

“On average, RV vacations were more economical than the other types analyzed in all but one case,” says Kannan Sankaran, PKF’s lead researcher for the study. “Even as fuel prices increase, our findings show that almost all RV vacations are still significantly less expensive than non-RV ones.”

Fuel prices would have to more than double for typical motorhome vacations to become more expensive than other forms of travel, according to PKF Consulting. The study also shows that fuel costs would have to more than triple for trips in lightweight travel trailers or folding camping trailers to be more expensive than the least expensive non-RV vacation. Almost 80 percent of the RV market consists of towable RVs, including lightweight units which can be towed by car, van or pickup.

RV owner John Bargo, a computer operator from Milwaukee, Wisc., agrees with PKF’s findings. “When you figure the cost of driving in a car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, it’s a lot more expensive than bringing your lodging and food with you.”

Dennis Silipena, a 55-year-old service and parts manager from Hammonton, N.J., also appreciates the affordability of RV travel. “I’ve owned an RV for 25 years and I’ve enjoyed significant savings over other types of vacations. I pay $30 to $40 to stay in a campground rather than $150 to stay in a hotel. And it’s a much nicer experience staying in my RV.”

The study showed that a family of four traveling from Phoenix, Ariz. to Napa, Calif., with their folding camping trailer for 10 days, staying in campgrounds at the local average of $33 per night, would save 52 percent, or $2,379, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $122 per night and eating in restaurants. Taking the same vacation by a Type C motorhome would save $1704, or 37 percent, over going by car.

A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a hotel would be $2,647, or 65 percent less expensive.

Shorter getaways by RVs were also found to be more economical. For example, a family taking a three-day vacation from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lancaster, Pa., would save $323 or 31 percent by towing a conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The savings would be even greater — $889 or 52 percent — for families taking the same trip by a Type C motorhome rather than flying.

Among the RV vacations analyzed by PKF, even those taken in an ultra-luxury Type A diesel motorhome were less expensive than flying and staying in a hotel. Only a family taking a vacation by personal car with hotel or renting a condo and cooking for themselves would cost less than a family taking a trip in a Type A motorhome. “Owners say the added space, comfort and convenience while traveling justify the investment in a Type A,” noted Coon.

In addition to major expenditures required from the start to finish of each vacation, PKF factored in an estimated cost of ownership of the RVs analyzed: a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer, and Type C and Type A motorhomes. Research included documenting average ownership periods, residual values, annual days of use, insurance and applicable interest deductions.

“RV vacations are a great way for families to spend time together and bond,” said Coon. “Whether it’s in a luxury motorhome or a basic folding camping trailer, RV vacations offer value that lasts a lifetime.”

The PKF study considered only quantifiable economic factors, not the comparative quality of each vacation. As a result, the convenience, flexibility and quality family time cited as major benefits of traveling in an RV could not be addressed.

MANTECA, Calif. — Thirty-two of the 41 complaints relating to code enforcement in Manteca in the first five days of June were related to illegally parked recreational vehicles and trailers.

That’s what the city’s lone code enforcement officer Greg Baird — who describes himself as the most hated man in Manteca — told Rotarians at their noon luncheon on Thursday.

The code enforcement officer said there is a divided camp among residents. There are those who want to show off their vehicles and others who don’t want their street to look like an RV storage yard.

“No one is happy when you go out on a call” he said of the parking restrictions. That is, until you tell one party, “You can’t do that any more.” Then the person complaining is satisfied.

Nothing can be in the front yard set back – that’s usually 20 feet. Once you get beyond that 20 feet residents are allowed to have one RV on the property.

He said there is a proposed new regulation that RVs will have to have a three foot clearance from the house as well as three feet from the fence. If that goes through it will inhibit the parking of large vehicles in the side yards of homes, he noted.

The proposed ordinance may require any recreational vehicles to be parked on a paved surface eliminating storing anything on grass.

Baird said he deals chiefly with code violations and the 700 pages of rules and regulations that he has to enforce. He said that staff has now recommended the City Council hiring a second officer to monitor code violations in the city using redevelopment agency funds in the upcoming budget cycle.