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.

Derek’s Top 3 New Units for 2020

Sales Manager Derek Lemaire attended the big dealer RV show in Elkhart, Indiana recently, where he got to see the 2020 models that manufacturers are just beginning to roll out. He gives the thumbs-up to these three units with updated floor plans and other great features.


Rockwood Ultralite Fifth Wheel with new floor plan (2882S) featuring a rear kitchen, slide-out with dinette and theater seats, island sink, pass-thru storage, washer/dryer hookups and a bedroom slide-out. Derek says it feels open and spacious at 32.5 feet long, but because it’s an Ultralite, its 9338 lb. weight is towable with a half-ton truck. Another fun update is an outdoor gas griddle in place of an RVQ grill, part of an outdoor kitchen that includes a mini fridge and microwave — all protected by a generous 21 ft. awning. This model includes theater seating as well as a sofa sleeper and a big refrigerator. Derek recommends the 2882S for anyone looking to make the best use of space without having to upgrade to a bigger truck for towing. It’s on our lot now, so come take a look in person. In the meanwhile, you can download the brochure here.



Columbus Fifth Wheel by Palomino with new floor plan (382FB) featuring a walk-in pantry with wine fridge*, front bath and stylish redesigned interior. Columbus fifth wheels are known for their distinctively residential vibe, with details like large, frameless tinted windows, high-end furniture, a kitchen island and lots of optional upgrades. Derek said he kept forgetting he was in a camper, because of the modern touches and roominess. With its 40 ft.+ length, it’s ideal for couples who plan to spend a lot of time in it and appreciate the finer touches, like the optional upgraded trim package seen in Derek’s pictures below. (*Picture at left shows 36-bottle Danby wine fridge.)


Cedar Creek Silverback 35LFT Fifth Wheel with new bunkhouse floorplan with two beds in spacious loft. Everyone will sleep better with the kids on one end of this 40+ foot unit and the parents on the other in a spacious king-sized bed. Derek was impressed by the new floorplan, which can also accommodate two adult couples comfortably — no ladder climbing necessary. Featuring three slide-outs, and island sink with room for a dishwasher, a fireplace, a half-bath and even a desk — this well-equipped model has something for everyone. Silverbacks for 2020 offer a new decor package, washer/dryer connections and the Insignia 24-inch freestanding gas range — the largest range currently used in RVs. Derek points out that because of the oven’s larger size (2.0 cubic feet) you can actually fit your bigger pots in it, and you get 4 burners instead of the usual 3. It’s a real cooking upgrade, especially for all the great home cooks out there. Coming soon!


Want to learn more about the Elkhart Dealer show and the major trends shaping the RV industry for 2020? Check out Derek’s report from Indiana here.