Forest River Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels

Forest River MAP Pricing Policy … part II

2009-09-02T16:12:00.001-04:00

Last time we looked at how Forest River has requested that their dealers strictly follow their Minimum Advertised Price, MAP, policy. This places an artificial floor on the bottom line price that any dealer can advertise on the internet. This in effect equalizes all the dealers web pricing, hiding the lowest available price from the consumer. This approach is backwards looking and counter to the environment that internet promotes. The state of Maryland passed a law that takes effect October 1st prohibiting MAP pricing policy. Expect more states to follow their lead...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124087840110661643.html

The Wall St Journal
Apr 28, 2009

In a move that could lead to lower prices for consumers across the country, Maryland has passed a law that prohibits manufacturers from requiring retailers to charge minimum prices for their goods.

The law, which takes effect Oct. 1, takes aim at agreements that many manufacturers have been forcing on retailers, requiring them to charge minimum prices on certain products. The practice has surged since a controversial 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that no longer makes such agreements automatically illegal under federal antitrust law.

Under the new state law, retailers doing business in Maryland -- as well as state officials -- can sue manufacturers that impose minimum-pricing agreements. The law also covers transactions in which consumers in Maryland buy goods on the Internet, even when the retailer is based out of state. That could potentially affect manufacturers throughout the country.

MAP Pricing

2009-08-20T10:23:00.001-04:00

Forest River has instituted a new internet dealer protection policy that will force all dealers to only put the ‘Minimum Advertised Price’ on-line. They call it MAP.

The question is, does MAP have a place on the Internet and why would a manufacturer want to force their dealers to hide their pricing from the consumer?

An RV Manufacturer (RVM) has to have a fairly large base of RV dealerships across the US and Canada to take care of service and warranty issues. The RVM grants the dealership a territory and product line that they will not permit any other dealer within the region to market or sell. This allows the dealer the opportunity to harvest the market and invest in local advertising and marketing to drive business. Traditionally if was difficult for the consumer to go outside their demographic area for pricing – but the internet has changed that. Consumer’s can search, view and price a camper from a dealer located anywhere in the world. The regional boundaries have been effectively removed.

Brand Value

In the marketing world “Brand” is the perceived value of your product or service by the consumer. A strong brand is built by factors such as quality, price, materials, marketing and corporate perception. Often a manufacturer will impose MAP pricing on their premium product line to keep the consumer perception of the Brand high. For example, Cadillac. GM will never produce a $12,000 Cadillac for fear that the image/Brand that Cadillac is a premium auto will be tarnished. Conversely, GM will also demand a higher sticker for the Cadillac line of cars to maintain the premium perception.

The same can apply to the RV market. A Forest River Cedar Creek camper is the top of the line RV product with high quality design, parts and build. To maintain the overall Brand of Cedar Creek FR prices it accordingly and must maintain a price gap between Cedar Creek and the other non-premium brand RV lines. In theory, this is all in the best interest of the manufacturer, dealer and the consumer. The consumer benefits because the camper will hold it’s value on re-sell, the dealer gets a nice profit and the RVM can build a premium camper with quality parts and appliances.

Where MAP starts to fall apart is when dealer’s begin to take advantage of the program by pricing the camper too close to the MAP price to make a higher profit. They can do this because the actual price other dealers will charge for the identical product is ‘hidden’ due to the RVM’s MAP policy. The consumer ends up paying thousands more than they could have and the real problem comes in 3-4 years when they decide to upgrade to another camper. They are so far upside-down on the camper value that they can’t possibly trade it or sell it above what they owe. This shows the short-sighted approach the RVM and dealers are taking and how they are shooting themselves in the foot.

For the sake of the short term ‘kill’ they are killing the future RV market by selling campers at a price that will prohibit the consumer from making a future purchase in the next 5-7 years. We take calls every day from owners looking to trade up their RV and what they still owe exceeds what we are selling a ‘new’ camper for. It is then that they realize that they were taken advantage of by their ‘local’ dealer.

The fact is that the internet changes everything and any dealer or manufacturer that believes that they can ‘hide’ from the consumer is mistaken and will pay the price in the long run. The consumer is smart and the smart dealers will find ways around the MAP policy. It is in everyone’s best interest to price new RV’s at a price point that allows the dealer a fair profit and return on their investment. What the MAP policy does is protect the dealer that does not want to invest in internet marketing, price their product aggressively, and compete in the quickly changing internet market. Even GM is now getting it – they have begun to allow their dealerships to sell auto’s on eBay.com … opening up the market to allow their more successful and forward thinking dealers to thrive.

As a final point what the manufacturer’s don’t realize is that unless every RV manufacturer instituted MAP pricing they are putting their product and dealers at a competitive disadvantage. There will be RVM’s that will not burden their dealer network with MAP policies and the consumer demand will shift over to their RV’s provided the quality, service and other factors are on par with Forest River’s. This shift in consumer preference for brand will continue to accelerate as more and more internet savvy consumer’s enter the RV market.

I spent two years working with Cintas, developing their website, Cintas.com to promote their products and services over the internet and support their ground logistics efforts. Through the internet Cintas has been able to expand their market efforts and grow / maintain service lines through what has been a difficult economic period. The same factors are working against the RV industry and unless the RMV’s work with the internet to grow their consumer base, they will find themselves behind their competition quickly.

Next: What Forest River should do, how their dealers are implementing MAP pricing on their web sites and how you can find the best deal on the internet…

Canadian Dollar is way down - time to buy your RV!

2009-05-21T12:01:00.001-04:00

This morning the Canadian / US Dollar exchange was at $1.145 … the lowest it has been this year.

Purchasing and importing your new RV from the US into Canada is easy. RV Nation can help you by providing all the paperwork and hand holding you thru the process.

To see just how easy it is – go here: RV Nation Canadian Buyers Assist Page

RV Nation sells dozens of new r-pods, travel trailers and 5th wheels into Canada every week. Call us at 513-863-7000 or email sales@couchsRVNation.com if you would like to learn more about importing your new RV back home into Canada.

The Canadian Exchange is at a new low – it’s time to buy!

2009-05-08T09:53:00.001-04:00

Now is a great time to get that new RV that you have been looking at. The exchange rate for the Canadian dollar has fallen to new lows every day for the past 10 days. Today, Friday – May 8th, it has reached the $1.16 level.

Purchasing and importing your new RV from the US into Canada is easy. Our dealership can help you by providing all the paperwork and hand holding you thru the process.

To see just how easy it is – go here: RV Nation Canadian Buyers Assist Page

Canadian Dollar vs. US Dollar Exchange Trend

XLR Toy Haulers by Forest River

2009-04-21T11:33:00.001-04:00

Forest River produces one of the industries leading Toy Hauler fifth wheel RV’s on the market. The XLR line of Toy Haulers are known for their solid construction, premium interior packages and high re-sell value. To view the 2009 XLR Toy Hauler brochure click here.

Forest River also makes a v-nose lite-weight toy hauler that have either a kitchen or bedroom up front. The v-nose design opens up the front living area allowing for 10% more space within the floor plan.

There are 3 v-nose, lite weight floor plans available as shown below:

23FBV	25FKV
29CKV

Forest River XLR Model 40x12 Toy Hauler

XLR 25FKV

Fifth Wheel Exclusives - CARGO AREA
• 12’ x 8’2” Cargo Area with Beaver Tail
• 8 foot Ramp Door for Increased Accessibility
• 1” Thick Floor Decking
• Double Sealed, Vapor Door between Garage and Living Area
• Exterior Walk-in Door with Optional Dual Electric Beds Up or Down

Fifth Wheel Exclusives - CONSTRUCTION & EXTERIOR
• 12” I-Beam Steel Frame
• 6000lbs. EZ-Lube Axles
• 16” Tires w/ Stylish Aluminum Wheels
• Fully Enclosed Underbelly
• Front Power Electric Jacks
• Rear Stabilizer Jacks
• Powerful & Fast Hydraulic Slide Outs
• Back-up Assist Mirror on Front Cap
• 50 Amp Service
• Generator Prep w/ Transfer Switch
• Dual 30lbs LP Gas Bottles w/ Automatic Change Over
• Large “Clean” Pass through Storage
• Black Tank Flush
• Two Exterior Scare Lights- One on the Door Side & One over the Fuel Station

The Forest River XLR line competes with, and exceeds, the Keystone Fuzion, Keystone Raptor and other manufacturers toy hauler models. In addition, you get higher end components like Bose stereo system, Sirius satellite radio, leather caption chairs and other appointments – all at several thousand dollars savings for you…

Salem – Wildwood and Cherokee Campers – what’s the difference?

2009-04-09T14:23:00.002-04:00

We are often asked this question by callers and emails to our dealership. Forest River, the manufacturer, is basically the same as General Motors – and their Chevrolet and GMC truck lines. GM is the manufacturer, Chevy and GMC are ‘brand divisions’. Forest River is the manufacturer – Salem, Wildwood, and Cherokee are the same – brands and divisions. By leveraging items like the furnace, refrigerator, tires, and even the floor plan – Forest River can produce a wider array of campers at a lower cost.

For example, most of the Salem and Wildwood floor plans are exactly the same, there are few that are unique to each. There are subtle differences such as interior color, small appliances, TV type and model, etc. that distinguish the two brands. Salem is the more established brand, it has a longer history, is more popular and is the lead brand for Forest River in their market space. Salem out sales Wildwood and Cherokee combined...

Cherokee has several overlapping floor plans, but tend to be smaller and lighter campers. Their slides are not as deep, thin slides, 18” slides rather than a full 36” slide.

Typically, a dealer represents either Salem or Wildwood, not both. As a buyer, you should review all your options and find the dealer that can offer you the best price, service and options on the camper floor plan that you like.

Salem Travel Trailers by Forest River

2009-04-06T11:09:00.001-04:00

The Salem line of travel trailers and fifth wheels is Forest River’s most extensive brand. There are currently 61 different floor plans available from lite-weight trailers, to toy haulers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and all the way up to park models.

2009 Salem Product Brochures

2009 Salem LE Brochure	2009 Salem Sport
2009 Salem XL/PT Brochure	2009 Salem LA Brochure
2009 Salem Cruise Lite Brochure

(Click images to enlarge and view specifications)

XL Toy Haulers


23FLSRV Enlarge	266FLSRV Enlarge

286FBSRV Enlarge	356SRV Enlarge

27FBSRV Enlarge	376SRV Enlarge

376SRVBS Enlarge

LE Toy Haulers


26FBSRV Enlarge	27SRVS Enlarge

32SRV Enlarge	32SRVP Enlarge

29FBSRV Enlarge

LE Fifth Wheels


24BHSS Enlarge	26DDSS Enlarge

26FBSS Enlarge	28BHSS Enlarge

LE Travel Trailers - Non Slide


19BH Enlarge	27RB Enlarge

27RBEC Enlarge

LE Travel Trailers - SlideOut


26TBSS Enlarge	26TBUD Enlarge

28DDSS Enlarge	29BHBS Enlarge

29QBBS Enlarge	31QBSS Enlarge

28FBSS Enlarge	28RLSS Enlarge

29FKSS Enlarge	29FLSS Enlarge

30BHBS Enlarge	30QBSS Enlarge

31RLDS Enlarge	32BHDS Enlarge

36BHSS Enlarge	37BHSS2Q Enlarge

36BHBS Enlarge

LA Travel Trailers


272BHSS Enlarge	282RLSS Enlarge

292FKSS Enlarge	302QBSS Enlarge

292FKDS Enlarge	312BHBS Enlarge

312QBBS Enlarge

LA Fifth Wheels


246RLBS Enlarge	316RKBS Enlarge

336BHBS Enlarge	336QBDS Enlarge

326RLBS Enlarge	336RLDS Enlarge

346BHBS Enlarge	356RBDS Enlarge

XL Travel Trailers


352FLFB Enlarge	362FKDS Enlarge

Park Trailers


392FBRB2Q Enlarge	392FKDS Enlarge

392FLFB Enlarge	392QBEC Enlarge

392FKRB Enlarge	392RLDS Enlarge

402-2B Enlarge	403FB Enlarge

Floor plans and specifications are based on the latest product information.
Forest River, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in drawings and
specifications at any time without notice and assumes no responsibility for any errors in the site.
The model number does not necessarily reflect the overall length of a particular unit.

RV Manufacturer Fleetwood files Chapter 11

2009-03-10T14:14:00.001-04:00

From the LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fleetwood11-2009mar11,0,2726067.story

From the Los Angeles Times

RV maker Fleetwood files for bankruptcy

The Riverside recreational vehicle maker files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and says it is in talks to sell itself as it battles to survive a prolonged sales slump.

By Martin Zimmerman
9:21 AM PDT, March 10, 2009

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc., the Riverside recreational vehicle maker, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today and said it was in talks to sell itself as it battles to survive a prolonged sales slump.

Fleetwood said it would continue to operate while in bankruptcy proceedings and as it holds talks with potential buyers. "The company is in discussions with buyers for all or part of its business," a spokeswoman for the company said.

Fleetwood, which employs 3,000 people at 15 plants in 10 states, also said it would close its travel trailer operation, shutting down three factories and two service centers and eliminating 675 jobs. The company said it was also laying off an additional 65 workers. "Although we made substantial progress in restructuring this division and improved the product offering, current market conditions proved too severe to continue the turnaround," Chief Executive Elden L. Smith said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Smith said, "the vast majority of our suppliers and dealers should see no disruption in our business."

In its bankruptcy filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Riverside, Fleetwood listed assets of $558.3 million and debts of $518 million. Its largest unsecured creditor is Bank of America Corp. Fleetwood had $23 million in cash as of Jan. 25 and said it was in talks with its lenders to secure additional financing.

The bankruptcy filing does not affect Fleetwood's foreign operations. Fleetwood, along with its rivals, has been hit by a severe slump in RV sales caused by several years of high gasoline prices and worsened by the current recession. In addition, the tight credit markets have made it tough for Fleetwood customers to get loans. In its court filings, Fleetwood said the sharp drop in sales was draining its cash and forcing it to cut back spending on equipment and research.

In November, Fleetwood, which was founded in 1950, reported a fiscal second-quarter loss of almost $57 million and said sales for the quarter fell 54% to $216.4 million. RV sales were down 63% during the quarter.

Trading in Fleetwood's stock was suspended by the New York Stock Exchange in
December after the shares lost 98% of their value during the year.
martin.zimmerman@latimes.com

The Wholesale RV Dealer Myth…

2009-02-17T13:19:00.003-05:00

For many folks, the purchase of an RV or motor home is one of the biggest purchases they will make in their lifetime, with only their home purchase exceeding it.

Naturally, everyone wants the ‘bottom line price’ on any major investment, including a new travel trailer or fifth wheel. The RV industry has capitalized on this desire with many dealers claiming to be a “wholesale RV dealer”. Is there really such a thing? Let’s see…

The word Wholesale means to sell in large quantity or bulk, with the premise being that the ‘savings’ gained by the seller or dealer in this case – having negotiated a better deal with the manufacturer – are passed on to the buyer.

The reality is this in the RV industry, there are large dealers that either carry a large inventory, or they manage their business in such a way that they extend their market reach across the US, Canada, and European markets – enabling them to ‘move’ more product for the manufacturer. As a large RV dealer, they will often buy 10-20 of the same travel trailer or 5th wheel camper from the manufacture, getting maybe up to a $500 per unit discount for the large buy.

As a dealer, you choose to operate on a small volume, larger mark-up per unit or you can try and sell more units with less overall margin per camper. Dealers can also choose to represent multiple manufacturers, or only sell RV’s from a single manufacturer. Those that choose to partner with only one manufacturer obviously have a tighter relationship with that manufacturer – again, hopefully resulting in a savings for them.

While most RV manufacturers claim to ‘prefer’ that their customers buy their RV with their local dealer – there are no regions defined for the dealers. The popularity of the internet has dramatically changed everything. Sites such as Google, eBay Motors, Craig’s list, AmericaOnWheels, iList and others enable a dealer to sell their RV’s on a global scale literally.

What does this mean to the RV Customer?

For you, it means that by doing your research you can save thousands on your next RV, travel trailer or 5th Wheel camper.

The myth is there is no ‘wholesale RV’ dealer in the true sense of the word – that is just marketing gibberish to try and convince folks that they can get their RV’s to the public at wholesale. The truth is that each dealer pays the manufacturer roughly the same price for the campers they sell – again, if they make a large buy on 1 model, sometimes they can get a $200-$500 per unit discount.

Every dealer has the opportunity to sell you a camper at roughly the same price as any other dealer – it all comes down to their overhead in operating their dealership, the profit margin that they as a dealer desire to make, and the business model they have in place (high volume/low margin vs. low volume/higher margin). It is true that dealers that turn a lot of campers can sometimes work with the manufacturer to get a 'rebate' on a unit they just can't sell. Often, the manufacturer will give the dealer monies to move the unit that has been on their lot for an extended time period in exchange for the dealer ordering more, different models after the sell.

Why doesn't every dealer go the high volume / low margin route?

That is a decision the dealer needs to make. To sell 700-1000 RV’s a year at a lower margin requires a lot of dealer prep work, administrative paperwork, and additional overhead ‘headaches’ for the dealer. But, not necessarily, additional personnel overhead. An efficient dealer can sell 800 campers a year with the same staff as they did when they sold 100 campers.

The problem many dealers face today is that for 50 years they sold campers the same way – advertise locally, depend on word of mouth, and repeat business. They based their service, sales and dealership model on this approach. Again, with the internet and current economy – the playing field has changed. Some dealers are adapting, others are refusing to and they will find it difficult to survive. There is nothing wrong with a small, local dealer, operating in this manner, especially if they have a good loyal customer base, solid local reputation and service record.

What about local service?

One of the questions we get often is ‘if I buy my camper from you, will I get service in my local market?’ It is a fair question and the answer is yes, the local dealer will only hurt themselves if they turn you away. Most dealers receive between $90-$120 / hr for service / warranty work they perform. A smart dealer would not walk away from the income and alienate a customer that might buy a camper or camper accessories from them in the future.That and local word of mouth goes a long way - a dealer that makes an enemy locally can count on them telling others.

So, for your next RV purchase, do your homework. Contact your local dealer, give them the opportunity to earn your business, then see how good a deal you received by going on-line.

What to Search for?

When you go on Google – start by searching for the specific RV model that you are interested in. It is always better to start specific when you go online. For example, “Sierra 375QBQ” – then check the price – be sure to take into account the options included with the price. Often ‘wholesale’ RV dealerships will promote a price online that is low, but does not include very many options… Again, do your homework it will save you money.

We hopes this helps. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have – we will be glad to get you an answer.

RV Nation is first dealer to get r-pod’s with slide outs!

2009-02-09T11:58:00.001-05:00

Couch’s RV Nation took shipment of the first r-pod models with slideouts today. The rp-174 and rp-175 models have ‘hard shell’ slideouts that extend the interior room by over 25%!

These r-pods were the hit of the Cincinnati RV Show last weekend. To learn more about this lite-weight camper go to our r-pod information blog here: r-pod-camper.blogspot.com

2009 Sierra Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailer Features

2009-02-09T11:26:00.001-05:00

The 2009 Forest River Sierra line has made some significant improvements in construction and convenience features. We spoke to Chris Saal, the Sierra factory representative, and he gave us a run down on the new features for 2009.

Interior

Construction Features

5/8” Tongue and groove plywood floor decking

Mahogany hardwood cabinetry (glued and screwed – not stapled)

Raised panel cabinet doors

6’ 4” main slide out height (FW)

6’ main slide out height (TT)

7’ Interior height on ‘all’ travel trailers

Laminated slide out walls and ceilings

Welded aluminum frame bunk beds – ultra sturdy

King Bed option on select floor plans

Convenience Features

26” or 32” LCD / HD TV

Serta Mattresses Standard

Fantastic Fan in bathroom

15,000 Air Conditioner

50 Amp service with wire and brace for 2nd A/C unit

10 gallon water heater

Extra large holding tanks

LA Z Boy Recliners – exclusive to Forest River

‘New’ hide-a-bed sofa with Air Mattress

‘New’ residential self edged counter tops

Night Shades

100% True Home Water Filtration System

Exterior

Construction Features

High Gloss Gelcoat Fiberglass – highly fade resistant

2” aluminum framed, vacuum bonded sidewalls

High Gloss, Aerodynamic, fiberglass Front Cap

- with maximum turning radius

Heated, enclosed underbelly

Motorized Radius Roof

3/8” ‘Full walk-on’ roof decking

One piece rubber roof w/ 12 year Warranty

6,000 lb Ultra Lube Axles (TT)

5,200 Ultra Lube Axles (TT)

Aluminum framed, laminated and insulated bath deck

Aluminum framed, laminated Front Wall (FW)

Convenience Features

Dometic ‘one touch’ electric awning with adjustable arms

Dual spray ports with 25’ hose

Extra large pass thru storage

Exterior refrigerator on select models

Radius Entry steps

Black framed tinted windows

Equaflex Stabilizer Suspension System

Black Tank Flush

Power tower with battery box

Forest River Surveyor Travel Trailer Difference

2009-02-02T10:31:00.001-05:00

One of the most popular campers right now is the Forest River Surveyor. It is a perfect near all season camper – ready to go in all weather conditions.

The Surveyor Difference

2” wall with R-7 Block Foam Insulation

Not Stapled – Glued and screwed solid core lumber cabinet construction.

Surveyor Seal Test. Every Surveyor is tested for a tight water seal. The external fiberglass quality construction, enclosed underbelly, and all aluminum frame make the Surveyor line the top quality lite-weight trailer available.

Ducted Air with ‘quick-cool'

1.5” Tubular aluminum framing in all openings. Provides for a more stable super structure – no other lightweight trailer on the market can make this claim.

Forest River Inc. Facts

2009-01-29T23:32:00.001-05:00

Forest River, located in Elkhart, Indiana, is one of the leading makers of recreational vehicles (RVs), cargo trailers, buses, boats, and modular homes. Forest River's RVs include fifth wheels, motor homes, tent campers, and travel trailers. The company's Starcraft Bus division converts vehicles for use as hotel shuttle vans, church buses, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Its’ Forest River Housing unit constructs manufactured homes branded Sterling Homes and Hart Housing. Forest River also makes pontoon boats. CEO Peter Liegl, who founded Forest River in 1996, sold the company in 2005 to Berkshire Hathaway, the diversified holding company controlled by investor Warren Buffett. (Courtesy Hoovers.com)

Location Type: Headquarters

55470 County Rd. 1
Elkhart, IN 46514
United States

Phone: 574-389-4600
Fax: 574-296-7558

Web Site: www.ForestRiverInc.com

President and CEO: Peter Liegl

CFO: Joe Greenlee

Peter Leigl’s take on the current economy and RV business

Liegl, 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.”

Read more at Bates International RV Blog

Sierra Travel Trailers

2009-01-28T21:57:00.001-05:00

The Forest River Sierra line of travel trailers are well known for their quality build, clean lines and beautiful interior.

In 2009 Sierra redesigned the front cap, making it more aerodynamic. Sierra has teamed up with leading manufacturers Lazy Boy and Serta to provide exclusive appointments. The Dreamscape mattress was designed specifically for Forest River. Other quality features include a fully enclosed underbelly to protect from the elements, high-gloss Gel coated exterior prevents yellowing and cracking, and the welded aluminum superstructure provides stability throughout the frame.

Aluminum frame studs at 16” Enclosed Underbelly

click to view the 2009 Sierra Brochure

Popular Sierra Models

Couch’s RV Nation Price: $34,334 click here to view the Sierra 365RG fifth wheel

Couch’s RV Nation Price: $25,995 click here to view the Sierra 291LE Travel Trailer

Couch’s RV Nation Price: $33,735 click here to view the Sierra 355QBQ fifth wheel

Click to view more Sierra Fifth Wheel and Sierra Travel Trailers at RV Nation

Wildcat Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Campers

2009-01-26T13:44:00.001-05:00

The Wildcat line of travel trailers and fifth wheels has established a special place in campers hearts.

The exterior and interior quality, and great floor plans have made the Wildcat one of the most popular campers in the US.

Wildcat Fifth Wheel Floorplans

24RL	25RL	27BH
27RL	28RKBS	28RKSB
29RLBS	30-LOFT	30LSBS
31QBSB	31THSB	31TS Photo slideshow
32QBBS Photo slideshow	Travel Trailer 34RLT

Wildcat 2009 Brochure

Manufacturers Web Site www.ForestRiverInc.com

Wildcat Web Site

Other Wildcat Camper Web sites of interest:

Wildcat Online http://www.wildcatonline.com/

Wildcat Camper Forum http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/

Couch's RV Nation Wildcat Page

2009 Cedar Creek 36CKTS Fifth Wheel

2009-01-21T12:26:00.001-05:00

The Cedar Creeks 36CKTS has a spacious interior, gracious styling, name brand appliances like Magic Chef, and a complete list of standard features.

The Owens Corning Performance Plus Gel coat Exterior, front caps, and entry and baggage doors insure an even one tone color for the life of the trailer.

The 36CKTS floor plan is topped off with the beautiful Wheat Tapestry fabric.

2009 36CKTS Slideshow

The 36CKTS has a large open living area with dual lazy boy chairs in the rear and a sofa/dinette area in the slide-out. The master bedroom has a large queen bed, dresser and extended bathroom with large shower.

Cedar Creek 36CKTS Details

Wheat Tapestry Interior

Desert Sky Carpet

Cedar Creek Explorer Package

Carbon Monoxide Detector

3-Slide Room Awning Toppers

12- Cubic Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator

Solid Surface Counter Tops in Kitchen & Bathroom

Solid Surface Counter Top Extension

Free Standing Table with Extension and 4-Chairs

2- Lazy Boy Recliners

8 Lug - 16" Aluminum Rims

Selector Switch for Slide Outs

Brace and Wire For 2nd A/C

50 Amp Service washer/dryer prep

Serta residential queen mattress

Dirt Devil Central VAC System

MSRP: $72,465
Avg Dealer Price: $52,000 - $60,250
RV Nation Price: $46, 950

More information can be found on our web site: http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=548579

Couch's RV Nation Weekly Camper Specials

2009-01-18T19:37:00.000-05:00

We were an eBay Motors Top Seller for 2008. Every week we post about a dozen travel trailers and fifth wheels on eBay at rock bottom prices. This helps us move even more inventory, which reduces our costs, and your price!

To check out what super specials we have on eBay currently go to our eBay merchant site located at: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/couchsrvnation/

Visit our eBay site often, we add new campers every couple of days. If you see something you like, give us a call at 513-393-8675 or drop us an email at sales@couchsrvnation.com. Our prices are crazy low, but make us an offer, who knows, maybe you will save even more!

2009 Salem LE 19BH Travel Trailer

2009-01-15T13:13:00.001-05:00

The Salem 19BH travel trailer is a perfect small camper for the beginning camper family manufactured by Forest River in Elkhart, Indiana.

This 22” trailer is a breeze to tow, weighing less than 4,000 lbs. It sleeps 6 comfortably, has air conditioning, microwave, water heater, 2 burner stove and seamless awning.

MSRP is $16,186, the average dealer price range: $11,000 - $12,500.

Floor plan:

Detailed Photo Slideshow:

Forest River Salem LE 19BH Details

Tale of the Tape

Brochure

Model 19BH

Hitch Weight 435 lbs.
Axle Weight 3,535 lbs.
Dry Ship Weight 3,970 lbs.
GVWR 7,435 lbs.
CCC - Cargo Capacity 3,427 lbs.
Exterior Length 22 ft. 10 in.
Exterior Height 10 ft. 6 in.
Interior Height 80 in.
Fresh Water Cap 42 Gal.
Black Water Cap 32 Gal.
Gray Water Cap 35 Gal.
Tire Size 14 in.
Awning Size 12 ft.

click to view

The Forest River Difference

Not all manufacturers are the same. Forest River prides itself on the quality they put into their products. Ask your dealer if their brand has the following:

12" on center 2x3 floor joists
5/8" 5 ply tounge and groove plywood
3/8" walk on roof decking
2" wall construction, 16" on center or less
80" Interior Height
Glued and Screwed - not stapled cabinet construction
Aluminum framing on all-openings for increased strength.

Salem LE Standard Features

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTERIOR

Radius Baggage Doors with Thumb Pulls and Holdbacks

Full Pass Through Storage (per floor plan)

A & E Awning with one piece vinyl

Jalousie Windows

Steel Framed 30” Smooth Fiberglass Main Entry Door

Sofa Exterior Storage Door

Fender Skirts

Powder Coated I-beam frame

Cambered Chassis

Enclosed Fresh Water Tank in a Heated Compartment

6-Gal. LP Water Heater

Water Heater By-pass

Seamless Roto-cast Holding Tanks

2” Wall Construction 16” (or less) on Center

R-7 Fiberglass Insulation Throughout

13 ply Cross Micro-Laminated Beam Header above Slide-outs

Double Wipe Slide-out Seal (Slide-out models)

Electric Slide-Out Systems (Flush Floor)

Swing Arm Entry Assist Handle

KITCHEN

Dometic® Double Door Refrigerator

High Rise Kitchen Faucet

Deep Basin 60/40 Residential Style Sink

Microwave with Carousel

3-Burner, High Output Range with Oven

Range Hood with 12-Volt Exhaust Fan and Light

Armstrong® ToughGuard™ Flooring

Rounded Counter Tops with Matching Edge

Solid Wood Drawers

Knife Rack (behind cooktop)

Large Overhead Cabinets

Wall-Mounted Systems Monitor Panel

Brushed Nickel Hardware

LIVING ROOM

80” Interior Height Travel Trailers (84” Fifth Wheel models)

69” Interior Slide Height (Slide-out models)

13,500 BTU Roof Air Conditioner

Flip Down Storage under Sofa (n/a sofa hide-a-bed)

Extra Large 44” Pedestal Booth Dinette (most Slide-out models)

Large Dinette Picture Window

TV Antenna and Booster

Standard AM/FM Stereo w/ CD and 4 Cube Speakers

Full Length Extra Large Overhead Cabinets (Slide-out models)

Patio Door with Vertical Blinds (36BHSS, 37BHSS2Q, 36BHBS)

Decorative wall light

25K BTU Suburban Forced Air DSI Furnace with Thermostat

In-Floor Ducted Heat

26” Flat screen DVD TV (TT 27RBEC, 28DDSS, 29BHBS, 29QBBS, 30QBSS, 32BHDS, 28RLSS FW 26DDSS, 26FBSS)

BEDROOM

Strut Lifted Storage Area under Bed

Bedside Wardrobes with Drawers

Bedside A/C Power Outlets (2)

Solid Bedroom Privacy Doors (Most Models)

BATHROOM

12-Volt Power Bath Roof Exhaust Vent

Wooden Medicine Cabinet with Mirrored Door

Thetford® Fresh-Water Flush Toilet

SECURITY AND SAFETY

LP Leak detector

Smoke Detector

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

Hitch Light (Travel Trailers)

Amber Patio Light

Welded Heavy Duty Safety Chains (Travel Trailers)

Electric Brakes (all wheels)

GFI Receptacles

Couch’s RV Nation Price: $9,995
click here to view this unit on www.CouchsRVNation.com

Additional Charges:
Optional Delivery Charge: $1.30/mi US

Title, document fee: $200

Welcome...

2009-01-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Forest River camper information blog - sponsored by Couch's RV Nation.

Check back often for information on Forest River RV's, travel trailers, fifth wheels and lite-weight towables. Couch's RV Nation is an exclusive FR dealership located in Hamilton, Ohio. We will give you in-depth camper information, photos, and care and maintenence tips here.

If after you have done our research, feel free to get a price quote from us or visit your local Forest River dealer -armed with all the information you need to get your best deal.

Jeff Couch
jeff@couchsrvnation.com