Derek Visits RV HQ

Sales Manager Derek Lemaire gives the thumbs-up to this side patio of a rear-kitchen travel trailer from Coachman Catalina. With him is Coachman sales representative Jeff Hill.

Gauthiers’ RV Sales Manager Derek Lemaire recently traveled to the 2019 Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, held September 23-26 in Elkhart, Indiana. What started out 12 years ago as an expo for industry heavyweight Forest River has evolved into an industry-wide event that attracts about 4,000 dealer personnel to see approximately 600 new model year introductions. It’s a big outdoor event exclusively for dealers hosted by the industry’s biggest manufacturers, and Derek was there to check it out in person.

If you’re wondering why Elkhart, Indiana is the site of this annual showcase, it’s because 80% of RVs in the U.S. are built in this area. Elkhart is often referred to as “The RV Capital of the World,” and every year thousands of dealer representatives flock there to see what manufacturers have in store for the new model year.

Derek flew into South Bend, Indiana, about 22 miles away from the Expo, and drove into Elkhart County. The area originally became a hub for manufacturing after World War II and today boasts some of the best skilled workers in the country. Situated near the Amish settlements of Nappanee and Elkhart-La Grange, many in the Amish community work in RV manufacturing

Overall, Derek was impressed with what the industry has lined up for the new model year. He particularly liked the new Columbus interior and exterior redesign, which features more modern color schemes. (For an example, check out the Columbus Fifth Wheel 382FB highlighted in this month’s 2020 sneak preview article). The Sunseeker line of motorhomes, including Class C models, has also been updated with more modern interior decor and new safety features. Derek thinks customers will like the updated designs for 2020.


Derek noticed a few trends across the 2020 product lines on display at Elkhart:

Decor Upgrades: The new units on display continue to feature more modern residential decor, from cabinets and colors to furniture and appliances. Browns and tans have largely given way to grays and whites; while faucets, ranges and refrigerators are getting bigger, higher-end and more like their residential counterparts.

Floorplan Improvements: Customer feedback has led manufacturers to make a number of design tweaks, like positioning TVs to make viewing from couches and recliners more comfortable. They’ve also added new features like side-by-side bathroom sinks and workstations to better accommodate the needs of today’s customers.

Tech Takes Over: Technology is spreading throughout the RV industry just like it has through homes and vehicles. Many more units now have wifi range extenders or built-in hotspot antennas for on-the-go internet access. Touchscreen panels are becoming more common as well, bringing key RV functions (like slides, lights, jacks, A/C, water pump, water heater, tank monitors, etc.) into a single location. These panels also often pair with phones and tablets (via bluetooth or wifi) to enable remote operation as well. And of course, more TVs have built-in smart technology for streaming or wifi accessible features.

Curious to see which units Derek liked the most at this year’s Elkhart Open House? Check out the list here.

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