RV Weekly

Recently, I have been posting news stories about the recently aired NBC show The Great American Road Trip. This is a new reality show which features seven American families traveling in RVs and competing in challenges.

According to the show’s Web site, one family has already been eliminated with six still in the competition. I have yet to see the show, but would like to get some feedback from viewers.

Most of the industry views this show as a boost for the RV industry. I believe that overall this show helps promote the RVing lifestyle but I want to see if a reality show is the best means to accomplish that goal. If you have seen the show, please feel free to comment on what has happened thus far. Is the show engaging? Does it do a good job of promoting the RVing lifestyle? What advice would you give to the remaining families? If a second season were to happen, how could the show be improved? Let’s hear your thoughts.

This morning I received a phone call from an RV dealer who has been in the RV business for 40 years. This dealer was calling to ask questions about the SBA floor plan loan guarantee which began its pilot program July 1.

The dealer mentioned to me that he has been contacting lenders to inquire about the program but none, thus far, are participating in the program.

According to RVDA’s Web site, the associations are actively seeking to gain incentives for the lenders to participate in the program.

RVDA is also seeing this lack of lender participation: “Several dealers tell RVDA that lenders are not jumping on board to participate in the floor plan program. RVDA will submit federal comments requesting further revisions and bank incentives.”

RV Trade Digest is currently conducting an opinion poll about the SBA program and as of this morning, 67 percent of voters don’t think the SBA loan guarantee will help dealers.

I want to hear from other dealers about their attempts at gaining SBA loans through local lenders. Has the pilot program worked? Is it too early to tell? How many dealers have successfully begun the floor plan loan process? All comments are welcome, but please refrain from “bad-mouthing” specific lenders or businesses.

RV Trade Digest is seeking the help from its readership. The staff of RVTD sent out its 2009 Reader Survey last week to help gauge what types of content readers enjoy, and what RVTD can do better to serve the RV industry.

The survey was sent to RV Trade Digest subscribers via e-mail. The survey consists of 16 questions and only takes a few minutes to complete.

If you would like to have your voice heard regarding our editorial content, please fill out the electronic survey.

The information collected will be used to help the staff of RVTD decide what topics should be covered in the near future.

If you are a subscriber and did not receive the 2009 Reader Survey, please contact Jean Simkins, Jackie Kimmel or Nikki Becker and request your survey.

We appreciate your time in taking our survey and hope to serve you better with the information collected.

In the last few weeks there have been numerous news stories about overnight RV parking in commercial lots.

There is a great debate about whether overnight parking should be allowed or banned.

Personally, I am against overnight parking in commercial parking lots. Campgrounds are built to house RVs properly. Most have restroom facilities, activities and the basic necessities that most RVers need such as: electrical outlets, dumping stations, water lines, etc.

Some RVers may choose to park at Walmart because it is less expensive than a campground, others probably park there because they know they can.

I want to open this up for a lively debate. Should RVers be allowed to park on commercial lots overnight? Why or why not? Does it hurt campground owners if people are opting to visit places like Walmart instead of their campground? Is it a safety risk to park overnight on a commercial lot? What are your thoughts?

For the last few months RV Trade Digest has been encouraging dealers to enter the 2009 Lifetime Value Awards.

The RVTD Lifetime Value Awards are given to dealers who focus on customer service and build excellence through employee training and education.

Dealers can enter anytime using our online application. To apply click here

All applicants are reviewed by a panel of RVTD and Stag-Parkway staffers. Several finalists are chosen and each finalist receives a cash reward and a dealer profile featured in RV Trade Digest. At the 2010 Stag-Parkway show, one finalist will be chosen as the Lifetime Value Award winner and will receive an additional cash prize.

Numerous dealers have already seized the chance to be considered. RVTD will be accepting applications until September 15, 2009. That leaves less than three months to apply.

If you have trouble applying for the Lifetime Value Awards or have questions, please feel free to e-mail the editorial staff at editor@rvtradedigest.com

There is no fee to apply and all dealers are welcome to apply.