May 13, 2006
Lightweight RV News
New Dutchmen Models Article

As prices soar on fuel the popularity of lightweight recreational vehicles grows to new heights. Just a few years ago there were only a handful of manufacturers producing recreational vehicles that could be towed mini vans and small SUV's. The pop-up camping trailers have been around for a long time but if you were looking for a solid sided travel trailer pickings were slim.

Times are changing and now the major manufactures are gearing up and most are paying attention to this segment of the market. A leader in the lightweight category is Dutchmen Manufacturing.

A few years ago Dutchmen introduced a

fully functional teardrop style travel trailer the T@B.  You can go camping in this one and tow it with almost anything. Dutchmen evidently is not satisfied to take a back seat in industry trends. In response to high fuel cost,  Dutchmen is now introducing two new ultra-light recreational vehicle products, The Eco and Zoom.

Floor plans weighing less than 3000 pounds, some less than 2500 pounds take the term ultra lightweight to a new level. You might think that the Eco or Zoom would be a bare bones recreational vehicles to be this light. You would be wrong. Dutchmen Manufacturing included all the amenities and kept the weight off. In our opinion these models are truly lightweight recreational vehicle winners.

May 12, 2006
Source
Dutchmen Manufacturing Press Release

Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. Introduces New Ultra-lite Products in Response to Rising Fuel Prices.

Introducing Eco and Zoom.

Dutchmen Manufacturing announced today the creation of a new line of ultra-lite travel trailers designed to be towed by smaller tow vehicles including half tons, mini vans and small SUV’s. The new products named, Eco and Zoom, are available through the company’s Aero Coach Division.

Brent Stevens, general manager of the Aero Coach division of Dutchmen said, “Sales of Aero Coach ultra-lite products have increased significantly over the last year. Many customers, concerned with high gas prices, have downsized their tow vehicles to improve fuel economy. They are purchasing our Ultra-Lites because they are designed to be towed by their new vehicles.”

Stevens added, “Eco and Zoom take the ultra-lite segment a step lighter. They are an affordable series of floor plans that weigh less than 3,000 pounds. Some of the floor plans weigh less than 2,500 pounds. Plus, Eco and Zoom feature all the amenities customers expect in a travel trailer, full bath rooms, large kitchens, ample storage and plenty of living and sleeping space.”

According to the February 2006 Statistical Surveys report, Aero Coach retail sales are up 17.7% over last year, outpacing retail sales for the industry which are up 9.5%.

Stevens concluded, “Dealer and consumer response to the product has been phenomenal. We just completed a 30,000 square foot addition to our plant and have increased our production by 50%. Eco and Zoom is already adding to our sizable order position.”

The Zoom is available to current Aerolite dealers and the Eco is available to current Kodiak by Skamper dealers. For more information on Eco and Zoom visit www.Zoom-rv.com.

Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. is a division of Thor Industries.

Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc. is the manufacturer of Dutchmen, Denali, Victory Lane, Four Winds, Ntense toy haulers, North Shore, Winners Circle, Colorado, Grand Junction, Aerolite, Adirondack, Kodiak, Tundra, Eco, Zoom, Wild Thing toy haulers and T@B towable brands of recreational vehicles.