Bates International RV Blog

August 5, 2008 – Las Vegas, Nevada joins destinations worldwide in recognition of World Tourism Day, an event held each year on September 27.  Sanctioned by the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the event provides an opportunity to look beyond borders and celebrate the unique opportunities created by travel and tourism.

In today’s dynamic global marketplace, RV rentals are a vital part of the Travel/Tourism industry.  Emerging from one of the strongest decades in recent history, the tremendous growth of the RV rental industry can be attributed to the “Baby Boomers’ ages (55-64).  Baby Boomers have an expected growth factor of 48% through 2010.  That’s more than 5 times the expected total population growth of 95.  The potential for RV rentals, as well as purchases, has never been higher.

“The desire to visit famous travel destinations brings millions of multinational tourists to America every year.  The rental of RV’s offers more freedom, control, and flexibility than any other travel option.” says Sandra Bate, President/CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc.  “International Tour Operators with their massive client databases are a vital force in the RV rental market.  The North American demographic profile of rental customers encompasses an expanding range of lifestyles.” says Bates.  Bates is an International Motor home rental franchise system; with locations throughout North America.  The company has its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Travel and tourism benefit society in countless ways.  It is one of the United States’ largest industries, directly employing 7.5 million people and generating tax revenues of about $110 billion.  It ranks fifth among 20 major private industry sectors, according to the Travel Industry Association.  Travel expenditures within the U.S. total $740 billion.  The UNWTO estimates that international tourism arrivals reached close to 900 million in 2007, up 10 percent from 2006, according to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Activities surrounding World Tourism Day in the United States are coordinated by the Travel Industry Association, a Washington-based trade association that represents the common interests and concerns of travel in America.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Responding to customer demand for more environmentally-friendly products, Thetford Corporation is using new vegetable-based detergents in its RV-care product line.

The company is replacing petroleum-based detergents with corn-based cleansers in more than 10 popular products. The new cleaning products are equal in performance to petroleum-based cleaning agents, but are milder to the skin and derived from renewable resources.

“RV owners are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and we’ve seen a tremendous increase in demand for ‘green’ products as a result,” said Mary Burrows, Thetford’s manager of chemical development. “At Thetford, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality cleaning agents that contain a favorable environmental profile.”

Thetford’s new Premium RV Care products contain wetting agents made entirely from corn. Developed at the company’s research laboratories in Ann Arbor, the new cleansers are 100 percent biodegradable and are derived from 100 percent renewable resources. In addition, Thetford care-product containers are made with 25 percent post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are recyclable.

Led by Burrows, the development of Thetford’s corn-based products took approximately one year to complete. Formulas were compared and ranked for performance, safety and biodegradability. Only the top-scoring versions were selected for production.

“As petroleum costs continue to rise, we are seeing even more interest in developing products from alternative resources,” noted Burrows. “With our bio-based products, Thetford plans to be on the forefront of this new market.”
“Green” products currently in Thetford’s Premium RV Care line include: Premium Awning Cleaner, Premium UltraFoam™ Awning Cleaner, Premium Rubber Roof Cleaner and Premium Wash & Wax. Burrows notes that the company hopes to incorporate an environmentally-friendly base into its other Premium RV Care products over the next six to 12 months.

Washington, DC – The Travel Industry Association (TIA) launched www.PowerofTravel.org, a new, interactive Web site that, for the first time, presents economic impact data on travel in an easy-to-navigate format that enables the user to see the benefits of travel from the international level down to individual congressional districts.

“It is surprising to find how many policymakers are not fully aware of the power of travel in their own districts,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of TIA.  “It is our responsibility to help America’s leaders understand that travel is a vital economic engine that powers job creation and growth.”

To find the economic impact of travel on a congressional district or state or to learn national or international statistics, visit www.PowerofTravel.org.

Save money on your next RV rental or make money with your next motor home purchase with Bates International RV Rental Systems, the Good Sam Club’s latest Smile and Save partner.

Bates offers a wide variety of RV rentals, from plush Class A diesel pushers to Class C mini-motor-home.  Good Sam members will receive a 12% to 15% discount on RV rentals at all Bates’ locations in North America and online at www.batesintl.com.  For more details, visit the Bates online listing at www.goodsamclub.com/save.

If you’re ready to purchase a new motor home, consider participating in Bates’ revenue-sharing program.  Good Sam Club members can purchase a new RV factory-direct from a variety of RV manufacturers at a substantial discount saving approximately $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the RV class.  One of the fun benefits of the revenue-sharing program is that you can use your new motor home when you want in and place it in the Bates’ fleet when you don’t need it so you can earn rental income, tax advantages and business write-offs.  As a Bates’ RV fleet owner, you’ll have access to qualified RV renters and receive 50% of the rental and mileage revenue, and bates manages the details, which include mechanical upkeep, housecleaning and storage of your RV.

Bates was recently name by Entrepreneur magazine as on the of he Top 500 Franchises in the Unites States and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, on CNN television news and in numerous RV industry publications.

If you’d like to rent an RV this summer for your big vacation, first take these questions for a spin:

How’s the gas mileage? It depends on the size of the RV and the driving conditions, but you can expect between 7 and 13 miles per gallon. (Additionally, some companies charge a fee per mile or offer mileage packages.) So a 652-mile trip between Tulsa and Albuquerque will run $522 round trip (fuel only), assuming 10 miles a gallon with gas at $4 a gallon.

What is the rent? In Tulsa, for instance, Cruise America charges around $721 for a one-week August rental of a standard-size RV that sleeps five people.

Do I need a special driver’s license? No, but for most rentals you must be 25 or older and hold a valid license.

Where can I go with an RV? Virtually anywhere. Tracks & Trails offers complete RV trip planning for the West, including rentals, reservations and itineraries.

Where can I rent one? Cruise America, Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems and El Monte RV have dealers throughout the country.

TUCSON, Ariz.

The event at the Beaudry RV Resort and Rally Park in Tucson drew a great number of first-time attendees. “I would bet this was the first rally for nearly half of them,” said Club President Ed Gray.

“A lot of people in the last six months have joined the club specifically so they could attend this rally,” said Gray. The 400-site resort at Beaudry RV includes campsite patios with wrought iron furniture and other resort amenities. Also, the Workhorse seminars are a big draw, said Gray.

Seminars by Workhorse personnel, Redlands Truck and RV Performance Center of Redlands, Calif., Alcoa Wheels and Michelin Tires were well attended. Kongsberg Automotive, a supplier for Workhorse’s WISE multiplexing system and adjustable pedals, made its first appearance at a WCMC rally. Kongsberg representatives explained their work and current advancements in chassis technology.

Rally goers were also among the first to see the new Winnebago model built on the Workhorse UFO rear engine gas chassis — the Adventurer Limited, which was supplied by nearby La Mesa RV and purchased at the rally by one of the club members. Ride and drives on a Winnebago Destination demo coach built on the Workhorse UFO chassis were conducted over two of the days.

In official business, Ed Hessemer was named the club’s new vice president for rallies — west. He replaces outgoing Vice President Dan Moynahan. Moynahan and his wife Sue were the rally masters. The club, which is a chapter of FMCA, also heard from Jay Blumenthal, president of INTO (International) Area of FMCA, who updated members about FMCA benefits.

Fall Rally

Club members are now looking forward to the fall rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The “Sun and Surf Rally” will be Oct. 6 to 10 at the Ocean Lakes Family Campground.

At FMCA Convention 

Workhorse personnel will exhibit a UFO chassis and a W24 platform in Booth No. 2904 in the outside exhibit area.

Robert Zulian will conduct a service seminar in Seminar Building No. 3 (the Sheep & Poultry Building) from 9:45 to 11 .m. Wednesday, June 16.

Las Vegas, NV, June 9, 2008 – Sandra Bate, president and CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc., announced that Bates has formed a business alliance with a major International RV caravan company.  Adventure Caravans is one of the largest and most respected RV tour companies in the industry.  Traditionally caravans consist of RVers that own their own RVs.  Adventure Caravans will expand its client base with the ability to offer rental RVs to those that would otherwise be unable to participate in their RV caravans. 

Adventure Caravans, founded in 1994 by owners Ron and Juanita Kohn, offers travel adventures including RV caravans, rallies and cruises.  Adventure Caravans has a constant influx of foreign travelers to the United States.   Every year they provide over 100 caravans and rallies to Canada, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA (including Alaska), and Mexico. 

The company will utilize the Bates RV rental network to supply RVs for their North American and International clientele that do not own motor homes.  The Bates brand is recognized internationally as the first RV franchise company in the world.  Since 1973, Bates has extended quality service through its headquarters in Las Vegas and its network of franchise locations in selected cities in the United States and Canada.

Bates is recognized as one of the top 500 U.S. franchises by Entrepreneur, one of the nation’s leading business monthly magazines.   Bates is known for its wide variety of luxury RV rentals, from plush Class “A” diesel pushers to Class “C” cab-over’s to Fun Movers.  

NAPPANEE, Ind. – Newmar Corporation has designed the ultimate Class A gas toy hauler floor plan for the adventurous RVer.

The 2009 Canyon Star 3920 is the perfect fit for the person who loves to travel in style and take their toys on the road. This new floor plan gives owners comfortable, roomy living space with a garage to store large off-road vehicles.

“The 3920 is the first Class A Gas toy hauler on the market to offer an actual full-size bedroom,” said John Sammut, Newmar’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Although bunk beds with an electric bed lift are an option in the garage of this new Canyon Star model, this unique layout allows the owner to sleep comfortably somewhere in the motor home other than in the garage or on the sofa in the living room.”

This dedicated bedroom space comes standard with a queen-size bed, wardrobes, a chest of drawers, and a 19-inch LCD TV.

The 3920 features a rear-ramp design and is built on the Ford F-53 26,000 chassis powered by a 362 horsepower Triton V-10 engine. With over 6,000 lbs. of Net Carrying Capacity, Canyon Star owners are able to take their small vehicles with them and enjoy the RV lifestyle.

Garage features include diamond tread rubber flooring, tie-down tracks, and a stainless steel overhead cabinet with a recessed flip-down countertop. Wheel chocks, a screen for the rear cargo door, and a second air conditioner with heat strips are optional.

The Canyon Star front living area features a full-size kitchen with a built-in booth dinette (or optional round dinette or freestanding dinette), a 74-inch sofa, and a 26-inch LCD TV in the front overhead cabinet. A dry bar with a 32-inch LCD TV can be optioned. The Canyon Star features three interior decors to choose from and three full-paint Masterpiece Finish exterior graphics packages.

The 2009 3920 starts at a retail base price of $136,626. For more information, call 800.860.0086 or visit www.newmarcorp.com

By Greg Gerber

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — When Coachmen RV formed its Advance Design Team in 2007, it gave the group a simple, but clear, mission: design the products of tomorrow through proactive development and implementation of industry changing new product designs and solutions.

The Advanced Design Team is made up of six degreed industrial, mechanical and design engineers from outside the RV industry. They specialize in interior design, interior space utilization and progressive styling characteristics.

The team’s first major project was to redesign the interior of the Mirada™ Avant-garde motorhome, starting with a clean sheet of paper and a forward-looking design direction.

“The objective was to ‘change the game’ through a coach with unprecedented styling, practical innovations, thoughtful living amenities, friendly and appealing style lines, unique lighting packages and customer conveniences — all at a competitive entry level motorhome price,” said Michael R. Terlep, Coachmen RV Group president. “The team succeeded in developing not only a WOW impression, but a fully integrated design from front to back and top to bottom that is forward-looking and has a new upscale Park Hyatt-type flair.”

The Mirada Avant-garde’s interior is dominated by sensuous curves rather than the traditional straight lines often seen in the RV industry. It is rich with innovations, starting with the multi-functional curio/storage cabinet located directly to the right of the entrance door on select models. This cabinet provides a hanging closet for your jackets with room for gloves and hats, along with shoe storage. There are also several display shelves for miscellaneous items.

Halogen lighting throughout the Mirada Avant-garde replaces the traditional “trailer style” pancake lights. Sit at the dinette or the sofa, and people will notice a smart lighting design that makes this coach shine.

The cabinets throughout the coach are a unique design that incorporates above-cabinet storage slots, stainless steel shelf rails, European-styled doors with hidden hinges and user-friendly cabinet hardware.

The living area features a large 26-inch LCD television (HD ready) that has a viewing angle of nearly 160 degrees. Viewers can easily see the screen from most locations in the coach. The yacht-inspired radius booth dinette also features special clips at the table top that make it easy to take the table up and down. And, rather than a windshield privacy drape like the competition, the Mirada Avant-garde has a full-height privacy curtain located behind the pilot seats so that the curtain can be closed while the coach is in motion.

Stainless steel appliances in the galley give the coach modern appeal and space saving designs also make this galley very functional. The kitchen faucet folds down, allowing for a totally flush sink cover. This, plus the flush cover on the range, nearly doubles your usable counter space. A convection microwave oven and extensive interior storage complete the galley.

The bathroom has a place for everything, including a robe hook, a hand towel hook, a cup holder and a toilet bowl scrubber and holder. The radius shower provides plenty of elbow room, and the integrated laundry hampers on the Mirada Avant-garde 310 DS keeps dirty clothes out of the way.

The master bedroom has a queen bed with pillow top mattress. Convenient three-shelf nightstands on both sides of the bed (most models), provide plenty of room for alarm clocks, books, tissues and a place to put eyeglasses. The bedroom even has a conveniently located LCD television (HD ready).

On the outside, Mirada Avant-garde has a very exciting look with its custom front and rear caps and the full-body paint options. And, the stamped aluminum bus-style baggage doors give access to huge pass-through storage. Coachmen employ an innovative sidewall design in which a slick fiberglass skin is laminated to Azdel Superlite composite substrate rather than wood panels. Azdel Superlite is moisture and rot resistant, and is made from environmentally responsible materials.

Coachmen’s Advanced Design Team has packed quite a bit into Mirada Avant-garde, but has managed to keep the price at an affordable manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $102,893.

By Greg Gerber

Thursday, May 29, 2008 – Roger J. Dow, President and CEO of Travel Industry Association announces that the TIA released a landmark survey revealing that deep frustration among air travelers caused them to avoid an estimated 41 million trips over the past 12 months at a cost of more than $26 billion to the U.S. economy.  Air travelers’ primary concerns are delays (largely due to an antiquated air traffic control system) and inefficient security screening.  The research also demonstrated that air travelers express little optimism for positive change, with nearly 50 percent saying that the air travel system is not likely to improve in the near future.

This research, which was conducted with more than 1,000 adults who had taken at least one roundtrip by air in the last 12 months, should be a wake up call to America’s policy leaders that the time for meaningful air system reform is now.  More than 100,000 travelers each day are voting with their wallets by choosing to avoid trips.

The 41 million avoided trips during the last 12 months rippled outward across the entire travel community costing airlines more than $9 billion in revenue; hotels nearly $6 billion and restaurants more than $3 billion.  In addition, federal, state and local governments lost more than $4 billion in tax revenue because of reduced spending by travelers.

With rising fuel prices already weighing heavily on American pocketbooks, we need to find ways to encourage Americans to continue their business and leisure travel.  In recent weeks, TIA has distributed two email newsletters citing research and data on the benefits of travel.  I encourage you to promote and share this information broadly.  It can be found at www.TIA.org/Benefits.  This initiative will become a cornerstone of TIA’s activities in the months and years ahead.

TIA will host an emergency summit of travel leaders on June 17 in Washington, D.C., to discuss next steps for moving the air travel issue forward with policymakers.  In addition, TIA has called on each of the major presidential candidates to commit to addressing the issue for the millions of American air travelers – and voters – who face the trials of the antiquated air traffic system on a daily basis and to issue a comprehensive plan to fix major elements of the air travel system during their first term in office.  Air travel reform is an issue suffering from a lack of leadership – TIA is working to fill that void.