Newsletter

“Every so often when designing a new floorplan, I get a ‘This one’s right!’ feeling,” said Bryan Tillett, President. “When I saw it on paper, I knew we had a hit on our hands.”

Even before the first new Winslow 31RLE rolled off the assembly line, the new floorplan was beginning to attract retail sales.

The unique location of the refrigerator was key in creating this great floorplan. “I would guess there isn’t another coach with the refrigerator in the center, instead of an exterior wall.” said Bryan. “I know I haven’t seen one. We spent considerable time engineering a special venting system to accommodate this unique location.”

Our popular all-new solid hickory interiors now account for nearly 75% of all sales. “This warm, natural wood lends a more contemporary feel that customers find particularly attractive,” he said.

Excel dealers are encouraged to stock the new Winslow D31RLE, as customer response should be significant.

Some of the great features of this coach include:

• Access to the sink, microwave, range, refrigerator, pantry, bathroom and bed without putting out the slide rooms.
• One of the largest countertop areas in our product line.
• Plenty of dressing room in the bathroom.
• Room to accommodate a 26" LCD TV in the bedroom.
• As much living room area as most of our 36' models.
• Halogen lighting & ToughStone countertops.

The 2010 American Heritage Tour is September 16 through October 6, with an action-packed tour through Boston, New York’s Hudson River Valley and the Big Apple.

Register online, or call Peterson Industries at 1-800-368-3759, if you are interested in being added to the drawing for one of 22 available spots. The price is $3,500 per unit, and includes 21 nights camping, two moves, 18 planned events, three free days, nine days of bus touring, and nine meals.

We’ll begin drawing names on May 15, 2010. If yours is drawn, we will call you to confirm or pass. We’ll work through the list until we have 22 confirmed units attending.

Days 1-8: Boston!

• Little Italy, Freedom Trail
• Lexington/Concord
• Salem, including the Maritime Center and Witch Dungeon Museums
• JFK Library & Museum, Skywalk & Prudential Building
• Boston Tea Party & Old Ironsides
• Plymouth Plantation, Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock
• Hyannis Boat Tour & Memorials

Days 9-22: New York!

• West Point, Mohonk Mountain House
• Theater district, Central Park, Ground Zero, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, United Nations Building, Wall Street, Garment District
• NBC Studio, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick Cathedral
• Vanderbilt Mansion, Culinary School
• Catskill Mountain Railroad
• Grand Central Station
• FDR home, Hudson River Boat Tour
• Hyde Park, Ellis Island
• Statue of Liberty, Staten Island Ferry

Company founder, Vaughn Peterson, believes in putting his product to the test. When the snow flies in Smith Center, Kansas, Vaughn and his wife, Duana, pull their well-equipped, 36-foot Excel 5th wheel 1,100 miles south to the sunny warmth of Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, Texas.
“We’ve been going to Victoria Palms for about 25 years now,” said Vaughn. “South Texas is on the same latitude as Miami, so it’s usually 70 degrees in January, and 80 in February.”

The Victoria Palms RV Resort is nestled in the Rio Grande Valley that stretches for 90 miles along the southern tip of Texas. Each year from October to March, roughly 150,000 additional people flock to the area to escape the cold winters of their northern states. This influx of “Winter Texans” generates plenty of activity and entertainment, drawing Nashville and Branson-caliber shows, and Broadway productions.

Being located seven miles from the Mexico border also has its advantages. “It’s not unusual for us to leave Victoria Palms at 11:30 a.m., head to Mexico to eat lunch and shop, and be back to our camper by 2:00 p.m.,” said Vaughn. “Many retirees go there to take advantage of more affordable dental and medical prices, too.”

Vaughn is quick to credit the snowbird lifestyle as a fun, affordable option for retirees. “Our Excel is like a portable apartment on wheels,” said Vaughn. “It has all the comforts of home, and we’ve met a lot of great people while traveling.”

RV park rental in Victoria Palms ranges from $100 to $500 per month, depending on location. Advance reservations usually aren’t required, though finding a spot in December and January is easier than February, when crowds peak. “There’s every kind of restaurant you could ever imagine,” said Vaughn. “We’re never without options when it comes to finding something good to eat.”

Vaughn and Duana also enjoyed a three-week trip, as part of a 25-unit caravan that toured the Williamsburg, Tennessee area last fall. “RVing is just an all around great way to travel,” said Vaughn.

The brutal economy has been devastating to the RV industry. Peterson Industries’ mission of fiscal conservatism has kept them afloat when many competitors have closed their doors. “This is the third major recession in my 44-year career,” said Vaughn. “We went from a workforce of 158 to 35, but now we’re back up to approximately 80 employees. We didn’t sit on our laurels, either. We developed a new product line, and made our company more efficient. I’m proud of how we’ve weathered the storm. It’s gratifying to see your product being used. I am proud of the quality we manufacture.”

For more information about Victoria Palms RV Resort, visit their website at victoriapalms.com.

Dear Excel Family,

I want to tell you about Bob & Jo’s, the Guthrie Center, Iowa dealer where we purchased our Excel.

We picked up our new home on March 25, and spent time going over the unit and getting questions answered. We had an uneventful drive home and our setup went well. Two days later we discovered the ceiling lights would not come on. I called Bob & Jo’s and made an appointment for April 16. But on April 2, Jason called and said one of their guys would be at another Des Moines RV park, about 10 miles from where we were located. He came to our camper, fixed the blown fuse and a couple other small problems. Jason’s call saved us from having to drive to the dealership to have the unit fixed.

This type of customer service that is lacking in a lot of businesses today, and I wanted you to know the type of people who are selling your product. I won’t hesitate to recommend Excel and Bob & Jo’s. Sarah and I are very pleased with our decision to purchase an Excel Fifth Wheel.

Thank you,

Ken & Sarah Hoeni

After the 25-year run of our “Magic Store” sofa, it’s time to create a new interior look. We think you’ll like our newly designed sofa, which features large curved arms, no buttons, overstuffed backs, and dual colors with fabric seats and ultra-leather arms and kickboards.

United RV Center
5100 Airport Freeway
Fort Worth, TX  76117
817-834-7141
unitedrv.com

Campers and full-timers will find just what they’re looking for in any of the Winslow’s six floorplans.

The 28-foot Winslow makes use of every available inch with features and options usually found in larger units, including a first-in-the-industry washer/dryer option. Three-slide outs make the 28RLW and 28RKW floorplans feel spacious and comfortable.

The 31-foot Winslow offers two floorplans - the 31RLE features an L-shaped countertop to define the kitchen, while giving the cook a great view of the entertainment center in the adjoining living room, as well as having the refrigerator in a most unique place, right in the center of the coach; and the 31SKM is techno-savvy with a computer center and drop down table.

Two floorplans are also available in the spacious 34-foot Winslow. The 34RLM features the L-shaped kitchen with clear-view access to the entertainment center, and plenty of seating on the sofa and two recliners. And the 34TKM features a comfortable living room with a wrap around sofa. The 32 and 34-foot models also include optional washer/dryer units conveniently located in the bedroom.

Regardless of the plan you choose, your Winslow combines convenience and travel ease in one exceptionally well-designed unit.

Register by May 15th for a chance to be part of the fun!

The Heritage Tour takes place September 16 through October 6, 2010, with an unforgettable itinerary that visits sites in and around historical Boston, New York’s Hudson River Valley and the Big Apple.

This three-week Excel tour includes 21 nights of camping, one move, and an action packed agenda of activities, meals, bus trips, and ample free days. All planned activities and meals, camping, and bus trips will be included in the price, which will be posted in the events section of the excelrvs.com website in April. A brief itinerary includes:

Massachusetts

Bus tours of Boston, Lexington/Concord, including the Freedom Trail; North Church; Paul Revere; JFK Library; Prudential Building Skywalk; Boston Tea Party Ship; Mayflower; Plymouth Rock; Plymouth Plantation; boat tour of Cape Code to Hyannis; Kennedy Compound; JFK Memorial; and Korean War Memorial. Plus a trip to Salem to learn about witch history.

New York

Bus trips into the city; West Point Military Academy; Hudson River boat tour; gourmet lunch at Mohonk mountain retreat; Vanderbilt Mansion; FDR home in Hyde Park; and Broadway.

Twenty-two units will be attending the tour, so it’s important to call Peterson Industries at 1-800-368-3759, or register online, to be added to the lottery list.

We’ll begin drawing names on May 15, 2010. If your name is drawn, we will call you to confirm or pass. We’ll work through the list until we have 22 confirmed units attending.

Register today! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this unforgettable trip to many historically significant and interesting sights!

Announce your arrival with the new full-body paint option now available in the Excel Limited. Dynamic colors and graphic patterns make a statement wherever you go, and will stay fresh and appealing for years to come.

Our new hickory cabinet finish available in all models is proving to be a popular option. In fact, more than 75% of new orders request this beautiful finish. Hickory lends a rich, warm appearance to a finish that is both strong and easy to maintain.

A new, optional video camera monitoring system allows drivers to back up their Excels with greater safety and confidence, by allowing them to see and hear what’s happening behind the unit.

Available on all 2010 models, the system’s rear-mounted closed circuit camera operates on a 12-volt battery, and offers audio as well as unobstructed video feed. “Audio capability is an especially nice feature,” said Dave Barnes, Peterson Industries Purchasing Agent. “It adds an extra element of safety to be able to hear instructions and sounds, as well as see where you’re going.”

A clear, in-cab monitor mounts easily to your vehicle’s dash or windshield, and can be adjusted to enhance driver visibility. A cigarette lighter adapter powers the monitor, and the system automatically connects to the rear camera via the system’s wireless router.

“The video camera monitoring system is an outstanding addition to any of our 2010 units,” said Barnes. “It’s an option that pays for itself in enhanced self-confidence behind the wheel.”

Hawleywood RV Ranch
620-225-5452
11347 East Highway 50
Dodge City, KS 67801
www.hawleywoodrv.com

Jade RV Sales
419-483-3177
4888 US Highway 20 E.
Bellevue, OH 44811

Carefree Coach & RV
877-217-2008
4510-51 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6B 2W2
www.carefreerv.ca

Chocolate Heaven Dessert

1. Mix & pour into a shallow microwaveable container:
   
   • 1 family-sized box of brownie mix
   • ¼ C. water
   • ½ C. vegetable oil
   • 2 eggs
2. In another bowl, mix & pour over brownie mixture:
   
   • 1 large package (6 serving) cook-n-serve milk chocolate pudding mix
   • 2¼ C. boiling water
3. Microwave on high, uncovered for 10 minutes.*
4. Enjoy!

*Instructions are based on 1000-watt microwave. Adjust as needed. Recipe courtesy of Tupperware.

For years of worry-free camping!

Hydraulic jacks and slide out mechanisms require a little extra care to keep them working properly – especially units that are parked for an extended period of time.

• Lubrication of the slide out and jack cylinders is essential! Running rooms in and out a few times will put a light coat of oil on the cylinder ram, helping to avoid rusting or pitting. This works with jack cylinders, too. You can also lubricate the rams by spraying or wiping them with a light coat of oil. Pitted cylinder rams are not covered by warranty – so keep them lubricated. And remember to use only Dexron III or equivalent oil in our hydraulic systems!


• Lubricate your gear packs, too, including those mounted below the slide out rams, and inside and outside of the frame. Running the rooms in and out while using a product such as WD-40 works great, and allows rooms to open with less effort.


• Make sure the battery in your coach is strong and reliable. Hydraulic systems require about 13.5 volts to energize the pump. A low battery or loose wire connections are the first suspects when the switch is activated and the pump won’t run.


• Keep your pump’s hydraulic fluid reservoir ¾ full. Overfilling can cause an oily mess in the pump compartment.

At the first sign of problems, call your selling dealer for assistance. If the dealership can’t help you, contact the Peterson Industries Service Department. Anything we can’t handle will be turned over to our hydraulic systems manufacturer.

And as always, if you have maintenance questions, call our Service Department at 1-800-368-3759.

Take 51 fun-loving people on an action packed, 21-day adventure through the eastern seaboard and what do you get? The American Heritage Tour! This year’s Tour meandered through Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

The trip began with shows and dinner in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, followed by a tour through the Smokie Mountains. North Carolina showcased the 8,000 acre Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and an ample dose of living history in Old Salem.

Virginia was next up, with visits to historic Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The group also enjoyed plantations, battleships in Norfolk, and a scenic boat trip to Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay.

Then it was on to Maryland and Washington, D.C., where campers enjoyed the National Cathedral, Arlington Cemetery, memorials and government buildings, Union Station, and a memorable subway trip to the Smithsonian.

The next Heritage Tour will begin September 15, 2010, with three weeks in and around Boston and New York. If you are interested in joining the fun, call Peterson Industries at 1-800-368-3759, or register online at excelrvs.com, and we’ll add you to the lottery list. We’ll begin drawing names on April 1, 2010. If your name is drawn, we will call you with price and itinerary details, and ask you to confirm or pass. We’ll work through the list until we have 22 confirmed units attending.

Plans are also underway for the 2011 Heritage Tour, which begins September 2011, and will encompass Washington and Oregon. All trips must be paid for with a check. No credit cards can be processed at this time.

An Excel Heritage Tour is an incredible experience and an exceptional value. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun!

The Peterson Industries design gurus utilized every inch of available space when they drew up the new Excel D28LRW Winslow, and the results are generating plenty of excitement. The D28LRW is the 28-foot model in Excel’s brand new Winslow line.

“The D28LRW Winslow is the ultimate full-time coach for the adventurer,” said Bryan Tillett, President of Peterson Industries. “It’s the perfect choice for those who want to go anywhere at anytime, without sacrificing the types of luxuries offered by Excel.”

The D28LRW is the only known 28-foot model on the market with a washer/dryer option. “This feature is often available in larger units,” said Tillett, “but it has never before been offered in a 28-foot model by anyone in the industry. Having a washer/dryer option in a shorter model combines convenience and greater travel ease in one exceptionally well-designed unit.”

An innovative rolling ottoman multi-tasks as extra seating at the unit’s U-shaped dinette, provides extra storage space, and even opens into a convenient laptop computer table.

A large basement features abundant storage space, and a redesigned exterior utility center allows easy access to faucets, water filters, vacuum bags, batteries and more. The D28LRW easily accommodates a 5500W generator, and is covered by the famous Excel Minus Ten Degree Guarantee* that provides peace of mind when the temperature drops.

The Winslow is available in 28', 31', and 34' models, all of which are beginning to appear on dealer lots. “We’d like everyone to check out our new Winslow line,” said Tillett. “Customer feedback is essential to helping us design Excels that fit the way you travel.”

*See your dealer for complete explanation of product warranties. The Minus Ten Degree Guarantee is in effect on all 2008 and later models with optional Thermopane windows installed. Furnace must be in operation for guarantee to be in effect.

TO: Excel Clubs
SUBJECT: Excel Club News Deadlines

Excel State Clubs are big news at Peterson Industries, and we look forward to sharing updates about reunions, outings, roundups, and rallies in our newsletters and on our website. Due to print deadlines, we must receive your newsletter submissions by the following dates:

• September 1, 2009
• December 1, 2009
• March 1, 2010

Email information to Marlene Murphy, Sales Coordinator at mmurphy@excelrvs.com. Include "Club News" in the subject line.

Photos are welcome, but their use depends on available space. Space restrictions may also require us to edit content for clarity and efficiency.

We love hearing the latest adventures of our Excel Club family members, so please keep in touch!

Rising summer temperatures have prompted a flurry of warranty-related service calls to the Excel Service Department. Ralph and the crew appreciate your patience, and remind everyone that you must contact them for pre-authorization before any warranty repair work is performed. This helps us meet important product warranty guidelines, and keeps the process running smoothly.  Plus it may be possible to troubleshoot problems on the phone, so it is in your best interest to give us a call.

Peterson Industries welcomes Ralph Barnett as our new Assistant Service Manager.

Hailing from Odessa, Missouri, Ralph has been associated with Excel and Peterson Industries since 1993. He and his wife, Theresa, have three children and five grandchildren.

Jack Yenne, Customer Service Manager at Peterson Industries, encourages everyone to check your cooling/heating, refrigeration and LP systems before heading out for summer camping trips.

Obstructions around the cooling fan on the roof can bring your fun to a halt, so be sure a neighborhood bird family hasn’t nested in the wrong place. Also, check to be sure the cooling fins are not dented or plugged with foreign material. Dents can be combed out if they aren’t severe, and fins can be blown or washed out.

The same principle applies to your refrigerator and furnace. Bird and spider nests in and around the burner tubes keep the system from igniting or burning properly. And don’t forget the water system. Pump filters and faucet strainer screens need to be cleaned regularly.

A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping you from dealing with problems when you should be enjoying the summer.

Our new Excel website is online! You'll find the latest model information, including photos, floorplans, dealer locations, maintenance tips and more.

Take a virtual tour of our factory floor. Check out our blog. Join an Excel forum, and see what's happening with State Clubs, dealers and company events by clicking on the calendar. Kick the tires, and let us know what you think by clicking Contact Us. We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions!

Bryan Tillett, President of Peterson Industries, admits he's a hardcore fan of the rock group, Eagles. "I grew up on their music, and every song takes me to a different place and time in my life."

Excel 5th wheels are designed with the same philosophy: take people to places that create fun and lasting memories. So it was fitting that the name for the newest Excel lineup came from a lyric that mentions Winslow, Arizona in the Eagles song, "Take It Easy." "Winslow (Arizona) has long been tied to adventure, travel, and the lore of Route 66," said Tillett. "And that's what we were going for in the new Winslow."

The Winslow is all about taking it easy. The bold exterior profile and paint/graphics package make a statement where ever it goes. A redesigned exterior utility center allows easy access to faucets, water filters, vacuum bags, batteries and more.

A warm, friendly interior invites you to relax, with solid hickory woodwork, LCD-HD television, and optional stacked washer/dryer. And the famous Excel Minus Ten Degree Guarantee gives you peace of mind when the temperature drops. 

The Winslow is available in 28', 31', and 34' models. "With the Winslow, there is no excuse not to hit the road and create memories to last a lifetime," said Tillett. "And it wouldn't hurt to play your favorite Eagles tune while you're on the way!" For more information or a list of dealers, contact Peterson Industries at 1-800-368-3759 or www.excelrvs.com.

Robinsons purchase the first Winslow

The Winslow may have been unveiled during the Family Reunion, but Jim and Gloria Robinson of Maxwell, Nebraska, had secretly purchased one month earlier at an RV show in North Platte.

Bryan Tillett, President of Peterson Industries, showed the couple an artist’s rendition of the Winslow. “Gloria was impressed by the washer/dryer option, hickory woodwork and fold-up table, so we bought it sight unseen,” said Jim.

The Robinsons’ first trip will be to a bluegrass festival in Kansas. “Gloria heard about a great barbecue place in Lovelock, Texas, too,” said Jim, “so she told me we are going there for lunch this summer. We’ll need an early start since it’s 900 miles away.”

The Robinsons have owned Excels since 2002. “I know of no other company where the president and CEO will visit with you friend-to-friend, like a common person,” said Jim. “Gloria and I have always been impressed with their quality and service.”

Over 300 Excel RVs flocked to Smith Center to enjoy perfect weather, culinary delights, prizes, contests, and camaraderie at the 7th Excel Family Reunion, May 27-31.

"Smith Center turns into 'Excel City' when it's reunion time," said Bryan Tillett, President of Peterson Industries. "Excel owners are special people, and everyone rolls out the red carpet to welcome them to town."

The community was in full force, hosting craft shows, garage sales, a historical society open house, and more. The "Noise Parade" was aptly named, when 75 tow vehicles crammed with reunion revelers, drove through every street making as much racket as possible to demonstrate how much fun they were having. Smith Center residents responded with more of the same.

Each of the 14 Excel State Clubs camped as a group, bringing both veteran and new members together for fun and friendship. "The people who come here are so positive," said Sales Coordinator, Marlene Murphy. "It's a treat to be around them.”

Peterson Industries unveiled the Winslow, Excel's newest product line, amid music, fireworks and fanfare. "It was hard keeping the Winslow under wraps," said Tillett, "especially since we had one sold." Jim and Gloria Robinson of Maxwell, Nebraska are the owners of the first Excel Winslow. They bought the unit sight unseen during an area RV show in April. "I appreciate the Robinsons keeping our secret," he said. "The Winslow is a very exciting addition for us, and we wanted it to be a nice surprise at the Family Reunion."

You can't have a great reunion without great food, and chefs from across the country faced off for bragging rights during the state club chili cook-off. The Minnesota Excel Club took first place, while the Illinois delegation won the sign contest. Smith Center firemen served as judges, arriving aboard the Department's newest fire truck, and waving signs declaring bribery was encouraged.

Ice cream, movies, chainsaw art, and more kept everyone busy throughout the week. "We're always sad when everyone heads home," said Tillett. "But we're already making plans for the 8th Excel Family Reunion in May 2012!"

Download a collage of Family Reunion photos

There’s nothing we’d rather talk about than another Excel Family Reunion

The 2009 event looks to be our best one yet!

Everyone here at Peterson Industries and our hometown of Smith Center, Kansas is gearing up for this summer’s Excel Family Reunion. We’re preparing for our biggest turnout yet, and our event planners have organized a long list of activities to keep you smiling.

Enjoy tasty meals designed especially for the RV lifestyle, with recipes prepared by Peterson Industries. Chat or sing around a campfire, conduct a little business at an Excel state club meeting, win a prize at bingo, learn something new in an RV seminar. Ladies will enjoy special seminars geared just for them. And everybody can join in the golf tournament, horseshoes, bocce ball, and blue rock shoot.

Pick your favorite flavor at the ice cream social. Check out the craft show and city-wide garage sales. Win one of several door prizes, and tour the latest Excel RVs. Excel state clubs can compete for prizes and bragging rights during the chili cook-off. We’ll even awe you with an exciting concert and fireworks display.

Peterson Industries President, Bryan Tillett, says each reunion is a special time for the company. “It’s our way of saying THANK YOU for the years of loyalty so many of our customers have given us. We really have a special bond with the people who buy our product, and the Family Reunion gives us a chance to show it.”

Dry Camping — it’s probably not what you think!   

When you put 500 or more rigs into a temporary campground (as we do at the Family Reunion), it’s a necessity to limit the event to “dry camping” only. Dry camping is not, as some people assume, related to the availability of fresh water or sewage. In fact, at the Family Reunion, we provide a means for you to access fresh water and to dump sewage on a regular basis. 

Instead, “dry camping” means there will not be any access to electricity. If you have a generator, you’re certainly welcome to use it. Those who’ve attended our previous Excel Family Reunions can attest to the fact that dry camping can be a lot of fun, and even offers a few advantages — like keeping the couch potatoes circulating, and allowing family members to continue meeting and enjoying new friends throughout the evening hours.

Clubs camp together at Reunion

Thanks to the continuing growth of our state-based Excel Clubs, many of our Family Reunion campers will be affiliated with a group. So, we’ll once again let the camaraderie of the clubs enhance the Reunion for everyone by having the club members camp together.

If you belong to any of the Excel State Clubs, please be sure and indicate your affiliation on the registration form so we can plan a spot for you with other “birds of your own feather.” 

There will also be plenty of opportunities to show team spirit with activities that allow the various clubs to compete with each other.

Do you have any special needs?

As has been the case at past Excel Family Reunions, we will be providing special facilities for family members with disabilities or other special needs. 

Because you are the best judge of your own particular needs, we ask that you send us a note explaining what special services you will need at the time you mail your registration. 

In addition, since handicapped parking spaces will be somewhat limited, we do ask that only those family members with genuine needs utilize this service. Thanks!

Reunion will offer great seminars, too!

Be sure to make time to attend one of our RV seminars. From seminars that give you a ton of information about caring for your Excel to other specialized topics of interest, we’re certain it will be well worth your while.

By the way, during the Reunion our Service Department will be available only for those with advance reservations. Please call for an appointment if you intend to have any factory service performed during the Reunion. Remember, we can accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover in the Service Department.

Show your pride with Excel-branded merchandise

While you’re in Smith Center, you’ll no doubt want to stop by the factory for a tour. And be sure to check out the Excel Store in the Peterson Industries headquarters. We have a great selection of Excel-branded merchandise — everything from caps and tee-shirts to playing cards and flags — proudly emblazoned with the Excel logo. We will also have a booth set up at the event for your convenience.

Click here to register for the 2009 Excel Family Reunion: May 27-31.

We’re pleased to offer the luxurious GKM floorplan as the newest addition to our Excel Limited lineup. Designed for the discriminating traveler or full-timer seeking both comfort and indulgence, the GKM is brimming with beauty, convenience and amenities.

An open u-shaped kitchen with Tough Stone countertop, wood-paneled refrigerator, and clutter-hiding appliance garage creates a sense of space and elegance, making cooking easy and entertaining a pleasure. Angled steps into the master suite allow ample closet and shelf space, as well as a large enclosed bath with Tough Stone shower. There’s even room for an optional stacked front-loading washer/dryer unit in the bedroom for handy convenience.

The living room is super-plush, with an entertainment center featuring a standard 32” HD LCD TV with DVD player, surround sound speakers and sub woofer. Two queen recliners, fold-out sofa with under-seat storage, expandable round table, and berber carpeting invite complete relaxation. Standard solid oak, or optional Brazilian cherry woodwork throughout the unit lend a homelike and upscale feel.

Warranted for full-time living, the GKM is as smart as it is luxurious. The three slide out rooms are hydraulically operated with separate switches. Its gel-coated, fiberglass-molded roof is easy to clean and repels tree limb snags. And optional Thermopane® windows give the added value of our Minus Ten Degree Guarantee.

With amenities too numerous to list, the best way to discover what the GKM has to offer is to visit your Excel dealer or Peterson Industries to see for yourself. Regardless of where you’re traveling, or how long you plan to stay, the Limited GKM welcomes you home with five-star comfort and luxury.

Don’t miss the 2009 Excel Family Reunion, May 27-31 in Smith Center, Kansas - our biggest event yet! Hundreds of Excel RVs and more than 1,000 guests are expected to attend. Peterson Industries and the entire town of Smith Center love to showcase our hospitality by welcoming our Excel Family members with open arms and friendly smiles.

Bring your vitamins, because you’ll be busy! Enjoy tasty meals designed especially for the RV lifestyle, with recipes prepared by Peterson Industries. Chat or sing around a campfire, conduct a little business at an Excel state club meeting, win a prize at bingo, learn something new in an RV seminar. Ladies will enjoy special seminars geared just for them. And everybody can join in the golf tournament, horseshoes, bocce ball, and blue rock shoot.

Pick your favorite flavor at the ice cream social. Check out the craft show and city-wide garage sales. Win one of several door prizes, and tour the latest Excel RVs. Excel state clubs can compete for prizes and bragging rights during the chili cook-off. We’ll even awe you with an exciting concert and fireworks display.

This is our chance to show you how much we appreciate our Excel family, and we’re cajoling, enticing, and shamelessly encouraging you to join in the fun. You can register by going to our website at www.excelrvs.com and following the link to our registration form. You can also complete and mail the registration form below, or call us at 1-800-368-3759. Everyone at Peterson Industries is anxiously waiting to hear from you!

Please note that the Reunion is dry camping. Some electrical hookups will be available for those who need electricity for their electrical medical equipment.

Sign up online for the 2009 Family Reunion. We'll see you in May.

I am often asked how we’re weathering the current economic climate. The RV industry is being hit hard by the energy crunch, pre-election uncertainty, home lending crisis and now the lending bail-out. Certified RV Industry financial analyst, Craig Kennison, describes current conditions for the industry as “brutal!”

In the past year we have lost important manufacturers including King of the Road, Travel Supreme, Weekend Warrior, Western RV (Alpenlite), National RV, Teton, Pilgrim, Alfa, and more. Many dealers and industry suppliers have closed their doors.

Virtually every RV and boating industry business has been forced into survivalist mode, with the motorized sector hit especially hard. Monaco laid off 1,400 employees. Country Coach cut executive salaries and laid off production workers, and Winnebago closed their Charles City, Iowa plant, eliminating over 250 jobs.

Peterson Industries is not immune, and we have had to make many unpleasant decisions since the beginning of 2008. We recognized the signs of a softening market as early as August 2007, when the National Dealer Show didn’t produce our usual order backlog. And the National RV Dealer Show in Louisville, Kentucky in November 2007 made it clear that dealers were tightening their belts.

We began 2008 with approximately 130 employees. Regardless of our impressive order backlog, we knew we needed to implement our business survival plan. So we eliminated overtime hours and did a small amount of inventory reduction. We also reduced our workforce through normal attrition.

We moved our annual plant vacation up a month to allow sales to catch up with production. June, July, and half of August are typically our slowest months even in the best of years, and we knew we couldn’t sustain our full workforce under current conditions.

So it was with heavy heart that we matched the size of our workforce to the amount of volume we anticipate over the next 12 months. This required us to lay off 40 valued employees in July. We don’t expect to make further cuts, and our remaining 75 employees are working 40 hours per week.

Now for the Good News!
These measures, along with numerous “behind the scenes” initiatives are positioning us to benefit from the unfortunate demise of many of our competitors. Oil prices are dropping. Our phones are ringing again, and our family members are making their fall purchases before heading south. Most of our family members are beyond the years of living month to month, and enjoying the harvest of their years of hard work is far more appealing than sitting and stewing about the economy.

I do believe there are too many RV manufacturers and dealers for the size of our industry, and we are seeing a cyclical 15 to 20 year “business purge” that NEEDS to take place.

Any time there is negativity in the air, rumors will circulate, and I’m happy to set things straight. Because I’ve been busy lately, and am convinced that things will improve, I sometimes forget that some of you may be wondering about the health of Peterson Industries.

We’ve been in business for well over 40 years. We’ve survived plenty of economic downturns, and are still financially healthy. We also maintained every member of our terrific Customer Service Department, demonstrating our commitment to providing you with the support you need.

Vaughn Peterson spent his entire career positioning this company to withstand every economic cycle, and the rest of us have taken his wisdom to heart. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Excel Family Reunion, May 27 through 31, 2009. FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Thanks for your continued support!

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