Fleetwood RV launches new fifth wheel line

Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group has announced the launch of its brand-new 2009 Terry LX fifth wheel product line. "Even in this challenging market, the demand for a competitive fifth wheel product is still very prevalent," said Paul Eskritt, president of Fleetwood's RV Group.

During its 2008 National Dealer Meeting, Fleetwood unveiled a new style of pin box design, which allows a short-bed vehicle to make a 90-degree turn when towing and docking. Fleetwood added this design as an option in response to dealer feedback and as an alternative to competitive fifth wheel products that are limited to an 88-degree turning radius.

The 2009 Terry LX is built using five-sided aluminum construction with a steel truss ceiling and radius roof transition. It features aluminum wheels and 50 amp electrical service, which are both standard on all models.

Inside, the 2009 Terry LX features "Mission-Style" cabinets and drawers equipped with contemporary hardware and hidden hinges to add to the residential appeal. Other interior highlights such as solid-surface countertops in the galley and bathroom, halogen ceiling lights with accent lighting throughout, 6'6" bedroom ceiling height, marbleized shower, walk-in closet, and bedroom fireplace.
 
The 2009 Terry LX has a full assortment of leading fifth wheel floor plans ranging in length from 33' 2" to 39' 4", and MSRPs starting around $46,000.

New Fifth Wheel Manufacturer Means Jobs for Former Fleetwooders

The demise of Fleetwood Manufacturing's Canadian production facility in Lindsay, Ontario spelled bad news for hundreds of line workers. But the breach has been filled, a new upstart RV builder called Great Lakes Recreational Products says they'll reopen the former Fleetwood plant, hire back 300 of the former employees, and start churning out a new line of fifth wheels and travel trailers as early as next month.

The company's new president, Paul Perras told a group of media, "As Great Lakes RV we are moving forward as an all-Canadian company that promotes manufacturing and tourism not only in our region but all across Canada. We are very excited to start producing our product and to begin working with dealers all across Canada and the U.S."

Rather than having company employees punch a time clock, line workers will become salaried workers, and will have options at buying into the company. Union officials who represent the returning employees are excited with the prospects. Time will tell how this revised view of RV workers will turn out in terms of manufacturing quality. Plenty of RVers will tell you that an RV coming off the line without a full compliment of "bugs" requiring repeated trips back to the dealer for fixes would be a blessing.

We'll keep an eye on the new company and let readers know what new rigs will be available. Meantime for more information check out a "printer" version of the story on the Lindsay Post.