Excel RVs Blog

These are becoming very exciting times again for Excel. Both retail and dealer orders have increased substantially. We are working feverishly on so many product improvements it is hard to keep track of all of them.

The overwhelming popularity of the new Winslow fifth wheels, (of which we now have 6 models) has put us in a position to make some changes sooner than we had originally anticipated.

Effective immediately, we are DISCONTINUING THE “RT” AND “CLASSIC” lines of Excel Fifth Wheels. The most popular RT floorplan, the R28RKW has been moved to the WINSLOW line-up (with some improvements to the floor-plan). This decision is based SOLELY on the fact that we are not taking enough orders to generate substantial runs in those product lines. It is not a reflection at all that the RT or CLASSIC have not been quality lines for P.I.

Along with the many changes that we are making, the HICKORY wood interior has dominated over 70% of our total production since its inception. Therefore, effective immediately,,,, we will NO LONGER OFFER OAK!

We appreciate each of you and hope you are enjoying your winter travels, wherever they are leading you. For those of you who didn’t migrate to warmer climates…….. It’s time to get your snow shovels back out.

Thanks again,
Bryan

With prototyping of the new 28RLW WINSLOW entering the final stages, Dealers and customers alike have shown their excitement for the new line of high-end 5th wheels that made their debut at the 2009 Excel Family Reunion in May.

The WINSLOW is available in three floorplans, each with a uniqueness and twist that has not been seen in the RV industry. 

This month we will feature the D28RLW.

The D28RLW is the only 28′ we know of that has a washer/dryer available.  This is the ultimate “Go Anywhere” full-timers coach. 

Storage is abundant with the large basement.  The 28′ WINSLOW also accomodates a 5500W generator and carries Peterson Industries’ Exclusive MINUS 10 DEGREE FREEZE GUARANTEE. 

Another great feature is a rolling ottoman provides extra seating at the U-shaped dinette.  One can store the table under the dinette and relax their legs on the ottoman.  The ottoman opens for storage and even includes a hide-away computer table.  How cool is that?                           

We Believe the D28RLW will fill the void for those who want to be able to go anywhere, anytime…. and yet have the luxuries that owning an Excel offers.

The first run of the D28RLW is hitting the dealer’s lots now so hurry to see one.  Let us know what you think.

Bryan Tillett, President

The weather was perfect.  The atmosphere was electric.  The enthusiasm was fantastic.  We had approximately 310 Excel RV’s attend our 7th Excel Family Reunion this past weekend.  What a great time everyone had.

Our “Excel City” made quite an impact on the community of Smith Center, KS.  The people of our community look forward to the Reunion just as much as our family members do.  The red carpet was rolled out with events such as the Amazing Race.  An event where campers walk (or ride) around the entire town, giving us a chance to show off what small town life is all about.  There was a great craft show, city wide garage sales, an open house at our historical society, factory tours, and even a late Saturday night NOISE PARADE.  Over 75 tow vehicles, filled with Excel family members in the back, drove through nearly every street in our small community, making as much noise as possible, to let Smith Center know they were having a wonderful time.  The locals responded with plenty of noise of their own.

Each State club competed in a chili cook-off, which was won by Minnesota.  The best chili sign was designed by Illinois.

The local fire department made a grand entrance in the fire truck, with sirens blairing to judge the competition.

Another very special moment of the event was the unveiling of our brand new product line, WINSLOW!  Complete with music, fireworks, and a huge round of applause, the Winslow was welcomed into the family of Excel products in very fine fashion.

If you missed this Excel Family Reunion, we’re having the next one in May of 2012.  Mark your calenders now.  It’s the most fun one can possibly have in their Excel.

Bryan Tillett, Pres.

Every three years it rolls around.  We’re often asked why we chose to have the “Excel Family Reunion” in three year increments.  I jokingly say:  “It takes a year to plan it, a year to pay for it, and a year to forget how much work it is!”

In all honesty though, we get so excited as it draws near.  The reunion has become such a special time for Excel family members and staff alike.  It truly is a time when we get to see old friends and renew acquaintances.  Yes, there is always a few who say “Hey, I know you’re busy and I don’t want to take much of your time, but since you’re standing here… let me complain about my Excel……”.  Most though, appreciate that this is a time for us all to get together and have a great RV experience.

This year’s event will be down a bit on numbers.  We’re expecting around 325 rigs and about 700 family members to trek into Smith Center for the 5 day event.  For those of you who have never experienced an “Excel Family Reunion”, I’ll encourage you not to be discouraged about dry camping.  We promise to keep you busy from 7:00am when some guy wakes up the entire town, until at least 10:00pm every night.  You’ll be so tired that you’ll fall asleep within moments of your head hitting your pillow.

If you haven’t already done so, get your reservation made today.  We are in the midst of arranging our parking so that all club members can park with their respective clubs.  As for the weather in Kansas.  Don’t worry, we have placed an order for NO RAIN and picture perfect weather throughout the event.

We can’t wait to see you here.

Bryan

Here we go!  My first blog.  Last year I didn’t even know what a “blog” was and now I’m writing one.  For those of you who are like me and not completely computer savvy, I learned the the term “Blog” actually is derived from two words, web-log.

We have been working on our new web site for about six months.  The purpose for the change is that we are switching to a “Content Management” (CMS) site.  This is so that we can keep the site more interesting and timely with current information, pictures, video, etc.  Our Sales Coordinator, Marlene has worked tirelessly proofing the site.  (What would we do without her?) We are certain we still have more fine tuning to do but I am impressed by the number of emails we’ve received already from those of you who discovered errors.  Thank you and check back often.  We will do our best to keep it interesting.

As you know, the past year has been a difficult to put it eloquently.  Of all the challenges I have had in my business career, standing in front of the Excel family and telling them we didn’t have jobs for them any longer proved to be one of the most difficult things I’ve faced.  Being an eternal optimist, however, I just kept telling myself that this was only going to be temporary, perhaps spanning 3 to 4 weeks, or a couple of months at the most.  Little did I know that we would be running virtually idle for nearly 4 months before we began to see improvement.

During this slow time, we have diligently been focusing on streamlining our manufacturing process and making product improvements.  Business has finally gotten on the verge of “good” again.  We have had significant “call-backs” and I can’t begin to express how wonderful it feels to walk into the plant and hear saws and air drivers running, and see smiling faces.  Our people LOVE building Excel fifth wheels for you and I can’t help but have the feeling that we are entering into a new era for Peterson Industries, Excel, and the RV industry. 

WE ARE BACK AND IT FEELS GREAT!!!!  See you at the “Excel Family Reunion” in May!

Bryan

While we hear so much in the news about the gas price woes, we also know that the RV lifestyle has great appeal to millions of Americans. Some thoughts about this subject were addressed by one of our Excel dealers in Florida when he wrote a letter to the Gainesville Sun. Russ Perkins, owner of Tri Am RV Center in Ocala, Florida wrote:

“The article ‘Gas prices drive RV sales down’ (May 25) is just the experience of two dealers in a region of many, many more.

Our conversations with other dealers in the area indicate that the industry is doing fine and we can speak for ourselves, and say that we are doing better than merely surviving.

People are still buying RVs and they will continue to do so.

The campgrounds in the area are full, the RV resorts are booked well into late summer and when you compare the fuel mileage on an SUV versus driving or pulling an RV, there isn’t much difference.

Many of our customers figure the increase of fuel costs on a 1,000-mile trip will average an additional $100 over last year. You will have at least that much of an increase in other travel expenses. Factor in driving your car, higher cost of eating out and hotel rooms, Rving is still the most economical way to take a vacation.

After over 40 years in business, we have seen many ups and downs, and the RV industry is not dead.

It isn’t driven by gas prices; it is a lifestyle that people choose and enjoy. For every dealership that is doing poorly there are three or four doing well. The media should report on some of the many things that are positive instead of the doom and gloom that we are constantly bombarded with.”