PREMIERE ISSUE!
“ R etirem en t L ivin g at its B est!”
VOL. 1
NO. 1
FEB. 2007
Arizona Gets Superstitious Advice From the RPTIA President
RVIA Convention The Ultimate Tailgate Party
The Doctor is in! Simple WiFi Solutions $4.99 US $5.99 CAN
VOL. 1
NO. 1
magazine
FEB. 2007
Features Cover Story
High Class Housing
7
A look at three manufacturers and the trend toward luxury retirement living
12
RVIA Convention All the latest that the industry has to offer
Departments Notes From The Boss
2
Letters to the Editor
3
Park Review 4 - Superstition Sunrise Apache Junction, AZ
Techno Babble
5
Dealer Review - Park Models Plus
10
The Model Life
11
Classifieds
13
◊ N o t e s
f r o m
t h e
B o s s ◊
elcome to Park Model Living Magazine! Dear Readers, A few years ago I discovered beautiful RV parks with quaint little places called Park Model Homes. I was traveling full time in an RV and wondered about this cozy and adaptable seasonal housing. Since I am a curious guy who likes to learn new things, I researched Park Model Homes on the internet and in bookstores. To my astonishment, my results were fruitless. As I traveled more, I looked for Park Models and talked to owners and renters about this lifestyle. Because most of my travels were in warm climates many of the residents were folks from the northern United States and provinces in Canada. They migrated south in the winter to relax in the sunshine while those they left behind battled the cold and the snow. W h at a w o n d erfu l id ea to h ave a resid en ce th at yo u can “p ark” an d en joy w ith o u t th e m ain tenance requirements of a larger home and property. I spent many years living in the cold winters in New England and love the idea of a life in warmer spaces. I purchased a Park Model Home in a park in central Arizona and settled in one place for awhile. As I met more Park Model owners I realized that there is a certain rhythm and style to life this way. Most of my neighbors had homes and families in other parts of the country. Many had R V ‟s an d w ere w ell-traveled. We shared stories about how easy it is to live in 400 square feet. My Park Model was over 20 years old and in excellent shape, however, as I settled in I noticed small things that needed to be repaired. I set out on a quest to locate repair parts. Once again I was unable to locate any information about how to maintain and repair this special home. There are more than 300,000 Park Models in seasonal and sometimes year-round use. Park Models are in resorts and campgrounds throughout the world – in all climates. With so many of us who enjoy the Park Model lifestyle, we deserve our own magazine. Since I could not locate one I decided to make a special magazine happen. I am p leased an d excited to an n o u n ce th e arrival o f “P ark M o d el L ivin g M agazin e.” I h o pe you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it. I look forward to many informative and interesting issues to come. We invite your comments and participation as we grow the magazine. Peter F. Gauthier Publisher www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 2
Letters to the Editor Congrats! Congratulations on your new venture! The Park Model industry is growing dramatically. Boomers are retiring and many of them purchase Park Models for a relaxing alternative. I look forward to seeing articles about the Park Model lifestyle. Mary C. Colorado
Loving Luxury We recently bought our fourth Park Model. Charlie and I purchased our first Park Model in 1975 for use at a family campground in Kentucky. That first purchase let us go camp-
ing with our three children and sleep in a dry building rather than tents. While that Park Model had indoor plumbing and bunk beds it was certainly “bare-bo n es.” Our newest Park Model has luxuries w e d id n ‟t im agin e in 1975. We have become snowbirds and stay in Florida January through March each year. Our lovely home has plush furniture, a fireplace and flat screen TV. It provides a relaxed and very comfortable way to live. Lynn J. Ohio
Suggestions for the Future
W e are “n ew bies” to Park Models. We are both teachers and bought a fifth wheel to travel in the summer which we enjoyed for almost ten years. When we retired last year, friends suggested we rent a Park Model. We stayed at a great park in Georgia last year and had a wonderful time with activities and tours. The Park Model gave us more space to spread out and relax. Our rental had an attached screened porch that doubled our living space. This winter we plan to stay in Florida and make new friends. We would like to know about ways to “tim e sh are” P ark Models and hope future issues will address
Have a suggestion? We need to hear from you! So… E-mail us your letters to the editor at: suggestions@parkmodelliving.com Or Send us a letter by mail at: Park Model Living Letters Dept. P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334
PUBLISHER
Peter F. Gauthier EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kaeth S. Brown PRODUCTION MANAGER
T. M. Brown STAFF WRITERS
Pete Franks K. Shaughnessy Alice Onnalee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill Garpow Benjamin Regal
Subscribe on-line at www.parkmodelliving.com Or complete this form and mail with your check to the address below. Please print Name________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ City _________________________ State __________ Zip______________ __ e mail information to _____________________ Include a check or money order for $19.76 for a one year subscription or $34.58 for a two year subscription. Park Model Living Magazine, P.O. Box 13571, Fairlawn, OH 44334
If you have a question or are interested in a subscription, please visit our website at www.parkmodelliving.com E-mail us at info@parkmodelliving.com Or you can write or call at Park Model Living Magazine P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334 1-866-766-0564 Park Model Living Magazine is an independently owned and produced magazine. Magazine and all original design copyrighted 2006, Park Model Living, Inc.
- P a r k
R e v i e w -
Arizona Gets by K. Shaughnessy PML Staff Writer
S
ways. A cross between ping pong and tennis, pickle ball is played with a racquet and a plastic ball. When asked why people love Superstition Sunrise, Alyson says, “T hey w ant to com e w h ere the weather is nice, they have friends and they can go and enjoy themselves. Here people can relax, golf, and have many recreation choices so they‟re n ot bored. W e fin d that people who live in the Park Models get out
Most of the residents spend the winter season at the park, although some stay for only a month or two. Lew and Sandy Vinson told us why they love S u perstition S u nrise: “W hen we retired and went full time as fifth wheel RV'ers in 1986, we knew we wanted to spend our winters in Arizona. We'd already checked out Florida and Texas, and the desert and mountains of Arizona won us over. Friends wrote to us they had recently moved into a new RV park called Superstition Sunrise. They said it is „ch am pagne living on a beer pocketbook.‟ W e told them to reserve us a lot for three months. We were here two months and went annual. Two years later we bought our first Park Model. Twenty-one years later, we are still here and in our third Park Model. And, oh yes, it is still champagn e living on a beer pocketbook!” Amenities at Superstition Sunrise include paved interior roads, laundry, pads with adjacent RV spaces, poolside cabanas, and a pet section. There are clubs and classes year round. - K.S.
uperstition Sunrise gets five stars and rave reviews. Sid & D ian e O verby report, “W e really enjoy coming to Arizona as winter visitors. We especially like Superstition Sunrise Resort because of the friendly people and it has so many amenities at a reasonable cost.” Located in Apache Junction, Arizona this sparkling park is close to popular attractions that include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, golf courses and shopping malls. The park has 800 park models on larger pads (typically 34 x 48) The beautiful front entryway at Superstition Sunrise in a beautifully landscaped environment. for more activities, because their home Alyson Stroup, Manager at space is sm aller.” S u perstition S u nrise tells us, “M an y Residents relax in the large, people choose a park based on locasparkling, heated outdoor and pools tion and features. At Superstition and spas. They are pampered at the Sunrise we offer a beautiful location hair salon, masseuse room or nail tech with tons of activities and a fabulous center. staff.” T he inviting option s in clu de The staff at Superstition Sunwoodworking, dances, a library and rise includes a great team of dedicated computer room. people. Year round Recreation DirecActive residents enjoy water tors plan on-site events and trips to volleyball, tennis and pickle ball, a local attractions, historic locations and K. Shaughnessy can be reached at: newer game that is a hit in many parks. info@parkmodelliving.com
www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 4
“ C om pu ter advice th at you can u se...an d u n d erstan d !” Part 1 of a 4-Part Series By Dr. Computerist
A ctually it‟s both.T he Internethas becom e an integral part of our lives for e-mail, online banking, reading the hometown newspaper and a host of other uses. For those not deep into the techno culture it can be very frustrating. Problems with connections, set-up, e-mail, or attempts to figure it all out can be daunting. In the next four issues of Park Model Living Magazine I will help you unravel the mysteries of WIFI and show you how to tame the beast in simple, easy-tounderstand language. Part one deals with a basic understanding of W IF I. W hatis itand how does itw ork? I w on‟tbore you with clever acronyms or computer buzzwords. WIFI is a means of connecting to the internet without wires. For purposes of this article it is the use of WIFI in an RV park that allows the residents to connect to the Internetfrom their park m odelhom es or R V ‟s. The WIFI provider usually installs one or more antennas in the park. This allows the customer to connect to the internet using a computer that has a wireless client device attached to it. This is an importantpoint. “A w ireless clientdevice” is nota router. The provider provides the router and you supply the client device.
Think of the connection as two ends of an electrical power strip. One end plugs into the wall outlet (in this case the internet, this is usually the device provided by the company offering the internet service) then you plug in many appliances to the power strip. In our case the router is the power strip and the appliances are wireless client devices attached to computers. Now - how does it work? WIFI in general works best when you can see a clear sight line from your computer to the WIFI antenna. Although this is not a requirement, without it, your signal will be degraded. Consequently, your internet access may be very slow, your connection may be intermittent, or you may not be able to connect. Most of these devices are meant for connecting to routers that are a very short distance away from your computer, for example, the use of a Laptop computer with a built in WIFI device inside a building. As I write this article I am sitting in my home office in a beautiful old home in Akron Ohio (owned by my lovely fiancée). In November, I had a great wireless connection since the router was no more than 25 feet away in the living room. Alas, there was trou-
Pour lire cette colonne en français, voir le sit web svp . 5 Park Model Living Magazine
www.ParkModelLiving.com
ble brewing in WIFI paradise. In December we rekindled a family tradition of hers and cut down a live tree for the living room. So what has this to do with WIFI? Well, that wonderful tree was put in between the wireless router and me. After the tree was decorated with all the lovely ornaments (many of them metal, including of course the tinsel), my wireless signal instantly fell from excellent to low. Although I am usually able to connect and work, the speed has decreased as well. The moral of this story is: When it comes to WIFI, what you have now may not be what you have tomorrow. Many things in our environment effect the quality of WIFI connections. What can you do when you get an inadequate or inconsistent signal? You can purchase a more powerful device. This includes (but is not limited to) a wireless bridge, which is an external WIFI client device that will let you move the location of the device to get a better signal.
In some cases you will need an antenna attached to the outside of your park model or RV. This outside antenna is the best solution. It eliminates the interference caused by being inside of a structure and generally results in a clear line of sight to the nearest transmitter. This solution almost always solves signal and connection problems. There are two ways to implement this solution. First, you can purchase a wireless bridge that allows you to connect an external antenna cable. You can then connect a network cable from the bridge to your computer. Second, if you prefer not to connect a cable to your computer, or if you have more than one computer you want attached to the internet, simply connect the wireless bridge to an inexpensive wireless router. Then connect your computer to that router using your wireless client devices. The second method actually creates your own little WIFI network. However, if you choose this option be sure to set some security in your new WIFI router. You can
The Wireless Web installs and maintains affordable and dependable high speed access to the internet in RV parks.
use WEP security, which essentially encrypts all the information sent and received, or you can use MAC address authentication so that no one else with WIFI can get into your computers. - Dr.C. Be sure to check out the rest of this series Part II: Wireless Security “H ow m uch do I need?” Part III Using multiple computers from a single WIFI account Part IV Connecting with your friends over WIFI
Send any comments or questions to: DRComputerist@parkmodelliving.com Questions must include an e-mail address, telephone number, your full name, city and state. Requests for confidentiality will be honored with the disclosure only of the corresp on d en t’s first na m e a nd sta te
Park Owner Benefits
Increase occupancy Increase revenue Improve customer loyalty Offer a frequently requested amenity
Customer Benefits
Convenient & easy connections to the internet Able to connect with business, family, and the worldwide web of information
To add this affordable and dependable WiFi benefit to your park, contact The Wireless Web at www.TheWirelessWeb.com, Parks@TheWirelessWeb.com, or (210)491-9440 www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 6
- C o v e r
S t o r y -
The luxury models (from top): A Reserve model from Laurel C reek, L eeâ€&#x;s B ear Kountry Kabin, an d A th en sâ€&#x; E state model
I
s it possible to have luxury in only 400 square feet? Absolutely. As significantly more people purchase Park Models, demand has risen for comfortable elegance in these compact homes. Consumers want full size appliances, quality fabrics and durable surfaces that they expect in larger residences. Lee Enterprises, Athens Park Homes and Laurel Park Homes are among the manufacturers who focus on custom models with features usually found in residential construction. 7 Park Model Living Magazine
www.ParkModelLiving.com
When you want casual elegance in your Park Model, Lee Enterprises delivers. Erica Lee (Sales, Marketing and Design) and Jodi Lee (Office Manager, Purchasing and Accounting), granddaughters of founders Micki and Dale Lee, took us on a tour of their homes under construction. Lee Enterprises builds Park Models under the brand names of Resort Cabin, Cub Cabin and the Exclusive Bear Kountry Kabin. Jo d i em p h asized , “Q u ality is th e number one objective here. We focu s o n d etails an d get it righ t.” New in 2007, the Resort Cabin with Cape Cod Cottage decor is a visual treat. From the soothing gray-blue shingles on the outside, to the crisp white interior paneling, this home looks ready for the beach. The living area features shelving with bead board style and an electric fireplace. The model we toured had white curtains ready to move invitingly in an ocean breeze. Another special feature is exterior window boxes for gardeners to personalize with flowers. Add a good book and a w ater fro n t view an d yo u ‟re read y to relax for the season. Lee Enterprises has a market niche in custom designs. According to E rica, “W e w o rk clo sely w ith th e customer to provide a quality, perso n al sp ace.” W h ile m an y P ark Models are owned by snowbirds
and located in warmer climates, L ee‟s bu sin ess is ex p an d in g m o re in
“ Q u a lity is th e n u m ber one objective here. We focus on details and get it righ t.” the North. Customers who work with Lee are getting more approvals for placement of Park Models in campgrounds. One Lee Park Model inclu d es a 102” w id e sh in gled ro o f with a hinged floor slide out. Options include cedar logs, cedar lap siding, metal roof, residential oak cabinetry, single or double lofts and a new super bay added this year. E rica said , “In th e 8 ½ ‟ w id e m o d els we do lofts and many companies do n o t. T h is is a big seller fo r u s.” T h e thermopane windows tilt in for easy cleaning. A 40,000 BTU furnace is stan d ard in L ee‟s m o d els an d u p grades are available. Rustic Bear Kountry Kabin is a warm and light-filled log cabin with custom cabinets and furniture. The attention to detail is obvious with trim that includes attractive and functional pine knobs on the kitchen cabinets. For this model, the cabinets and handcrafted log furniture are Amish-made and contribute to an appealing space. The sturdy rocking chair was especially inviting. The upholstery on the sofa featured a rustic scene with bears and added to the overall harmony of design. This cabin is winterized and headed to Heritage Lake campgrounds in
Wisconsin. A custom design, it was built with an additional door in the living room to accommodate an extra room that will be added on site. Lee Enterprises is noted for its unique upscale appearance with quality the number one objective. A s Jo d i said , “W e u se h igh en d m aterials an d p ro d u ce q u ality m o d els.” For 23 years they have sold to dealers, developers and consumers. Athens Park Homes of Athens, Texas builds Park Models with quality craftsmanship and design harmony usually seen in residential construction. Dick Grymonprez, Vice President of Sales and Marketin g states, “B efo re w e started th e business, we researched what others were doing. We knew that to be co m p etitive w e co u ld n ‟t bu ild th e same things. We chose to do the luxury models. Our Park Models have a luxury residential look. We got into business specifically to do upgrade models. We offer someth in g u n iq u e an d d ifferen t.” The Estate, Manor and Royal series produced by Athens Park Homes feature uniquely designed exteriors and interiors that feature tape and textured walls, ceilings accented by plant ledges, soffits over the cabinets, recessed lighting and ten foot ceilings. The Estate Series model has a deep overhang, large multi-pane windows and a rear porch. Many of these models ship with front and rear porches, adding attractive and livable space. This model has the largest windows and accommodation of any vacation home in its class. Standard interior features include raised wood cabinet doors and built-ins, space saving pocket doors, ceramic backsplash and edging. Clerestory and prismatic dormers are available in most models. These features contribute to a space that is filled with light and very wel-
The Lee Enterprises Resort model in its natural habitat
www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 8
coming. Included as standard items in the Manor, Royal and Estate are insulated patio door with window grids, ceiling fan in the living room and plywood floor decking. Kitchen features include lined cabinets with hidden door hinges, double metal drawer glides and laminate counter tops. The mirrored wardrobe doors in the bedroom add to the spacious feel. All of these models have loft or porches which maximize the living space. G rym o n p rez ad d ed , “W e build about 500 units per year – all luxury. Even our entry level is tape and texture. When we go up, we upgrade cabinets, carpet and drapes. We also do custom models with granite countertops and stainless steel ap p lian ces.” Athens Park builds the Estate with heavy duty exterior construction. It includes a front rounded bay with five windows and heavy asphalt/fiberglass shingles with a 20 year warranty. Backer board wraps the entire home. The Campanel Fiber Cement Siding is by James Hardie. Laurel Creek Homes, in Phoenix, Arizona, builds luxurious Park Model homes designed to meet seasonal living needs. Their Park Models are built with standard features such as full tape and texture interiors, residential cabinets, full size appliances, and solid framing construction. These homes are typically placed in desirable resort communities. Laurel Creek has an especially robust web site that was fun to navigate. It includes a wealth of photos and a customer tool inset. The on-line shopping includes stylish selections for wall colors, fabrics and counter tops. Upscale kitchen design is a valued feature for many customers. Some of the favorite Laurel Creek kitchen options include custom 9 Park Model Living Magazine
countertops, a bay window and an Luxury standards are a 30 unexpected island – a masterful de- gallon electric water heater, ceiling sign in only 400 square feet. fans with remote controls and lever The living rooms in some models satin door handles throughout. surround you with light. One room There is an upgraded 300 Series we viewed has windows on three d rap ery p ackage th ro u gh o u t w ith 2” sides including sliders and a bay faux wood blinds, hardwood cabinet window. The addition of a colorful doors & drawer fronts and an imvalance adds to the luxury feel. pressive surround sound system. A dining room option inThe loft area is a great spot cludes an angled cupboard with to relax. One option includes built countertop and glass front cabinets in multi-drawer cabinets. that look like a high-end furniture Bathrooms have soffit lighthutch. Extra large windows adjaing and a solar tube. They include a cent to the dining table give you the fu ll len gth m irro r an d a 48” cu ltu red feeling of al fresco dining. Addimarble shower w/ hinged door. tional glass front cabinets and a E x terio r u p grad es in clu d e 8” wrap around counter provide disHardi-lap exterior siding with OSB play space. For 2007 Laurel C reek‟s R eserve series offers luxury features as standard. Bedroom features include full width mirrored sliding doors on the wardrobe with double drawer bases below A n ex am p le o f th e A th en s P ark H o m es “M an o r” m o d el and angled nightstands that maximize the space and moisture wrap, 30 year architecand storage. tu ral fiberglass sh in gles, fro n t 12” The kitchen includes crown eave 12” rear o verh an g, an d lo w molding on the overhead cabinetry “E ” w h ite vin yl fram ed d u al glazed and adjustable shelves. There is a windows. 4” tile backsp lash beh in d th e ran ge When customers look for ® to the base of the microwave. GE comfort and elegance, Lee Enterappliances include a pacemaker prises, Athens Park Homes and clean steel m icro w ave, 30” d elu x e Laurel Creek Homes are ready to clean steel smooth top range, and a meet your custom requests and proside by side clean steel refrigerator vide you the luxury that you so with an ice maker and water disrichly deserve. penser. A garbage disposal is stanK. Shaughnessy can be reached at: dard in these models. info@parkmodelliving.com
www.ParkModelLiving.com
- D e a l e r
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A One-Stop Ticket to the Park Model World By Benjamin Regal
they want it to feel like a home not a mini-bus.” The company delivers on this personal home feel by performing a personal consultation with each and every cusFive years ago a camper, tired of having just one va- tomer. They custom design and order nearly every model. cation spot, walked up to a campground owner in New The model usually delivers within 4 – 6 weeks and then a full Hampshire and posed to him a simple question, a question “turn-key set up” is perform ed on site. that would lead to a big answer. He explained that he “P eople w ho w ant to buy a park m odeloften are in wanted to buy another park model RV from him, but this need of a good place to put it.” T o find the perfect location time he wanted to put it in Florida. Could that be done? for those w ho don‟t already have one, P M P has created a That simple question planted a seed into the mind of giant network of pre-approved and rated parks from all over the campground owner. Over the next two years that seed the country. From their website (parkmodelsplus.com), or 1grew and in 2004 Joe Persechino, the then campground 800-603-7889, customers can access their ParkLocator serowner and now entrepreneur, created vice. This is a very handy tool where Park Models Plus, LLC. customers can enter their desired criteAs president of Park Models ria for a park. (buy or rent your lot? Plus, as daughter of Joe Persechino which state?, mountains or beach?, and as a major architect of his vision, wooded or open?, etc.) Then, PMP Anne Sailer sits behind her desk and employees create a short list of parks proudly explains how PMP has innofrom their database that meet the critevated to meet the demands of people ria. The results are sent to the customer who want to enter the park model and followed up with a phone call. world. Lastly she explains that Park “P ark M odels P lus only sells Models Plus, can almost always beat park m odels,” she says, “and only the the price of any traditional dealer. best ones at that,” she adds w ith con- T h e A th en s “R o yal” - one of many models sold by Park Models Plus Every order is shipped directly from the fidence. Based on the knowledge factory to the custom er‟s lot. T he com gained from her parents‟ years of selling park m odels inside pany doesn‟t have one officialsales lot and holds little inventheir campground in New Hampshire, and after an exhaus- tory allowing the company to operate under very low overtive research period and a series of factory visits, Sailer identi- head costs. Sailer creates a nice visual, “w e don‟t com pletely fied manufacturers for PMP to ally itself with. Their manu- elim inate the m iddle m an, w e are one still, but w e‟re a thin facturers include Athens Park Homes and Woodland Park and lean m iddle m an instead a big fat one.” Homes. Both examples were chosen for ones who build-in P ark M odels P lus, L L C , m ust be, by anyone‟s stanthe most quality construction and standard features, and offer dards in the park model world, an ambitious and excitingly flexible floor plans and solid warrantees. new idea. They offer a choice of top manufacturers. They But why limit sales to only one type of RV? She have a narrow, concentrated focus on exclusively selling park sm iles, it‟s obvious to her. “W e decided to specialize in park models but simultaneously, they have greatly broadened the models because we knew clearly, that there was a market out spectrum of services offered by a dealership. In fact, you canthere not being satisfied. Park models are different than a not define the company simply as a park model dealership, traveltrailer or a m otor hom e in that they really aren‟t dethey sell park models plus. - B.R. signed to travelanyw here!” She continues to explain that people who are looking to buy a park model are looking for a vacation home, a sec- E d itor’s N ote: B en jam in R egal is an em ployee of P ark M od els P lu s. ond hom e or a new hom e in a nicer clim ate. “M ost of all PML Contributing Writer
Benjamin Regal can be reached at: info@parkmodelliving.com
www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 10
News & Notes on the Park Model Lifestyle from R P T IA E xecu tive D irector W .R . “ B ill” G arpow What a thrill it is to be a part of a brand new publication devoted to Recreational Park Trailer owners. This is a great lifestyle and one that offers wonderful adventures in these seasonal and vacation dwellings. The Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association, Inc. (RPTIA) represents the industry firms that provide the products and services enjoyed by our owners. As the founding Executive Director of the Association (established in 1993) it is indeed a privilege for me to write this column and hopefully become the person you can turn to for information about your recreational park trailer or the lifestyle it offers. While I may not have the information right at hand I will hopefully have the gift of some time for a little research before my reply gets published. That research will be used to make-up a response that will make you think th at I really am “T h e A n sw er G u y”. W h at a luxury it will be for me compared to the telephone calls and daily barrage of e-mails that requ ire a m o re o r less im m ed iate resp o n se. It‟s really nice to be able to check things out twice before being required to reply once. You might ask: “W h at are m y qu alificatio n s to be yo u r A n sw er G u y?” T o start w ith I‟ve been d o in g th is kin d o f w o rk sin ce 1969. I first got into trade association management with an organization that still successfully represents the Recreation Vehicle and Manufactured Housing Industry in Michigan. I liked the work and especially enjoyed the chance it gave me to make a difference and help people overcome obstacles and make things work the way they should. As 11 Park Model Living Magazine
su ch , I‟ve been invo lved in th e R V in d u stry (o r its cousin, manufactured housing) as a trade association staff member for 38 years. O ver th at tim e I‟ve w o rked fo r o r h ave represented the interests of RV owners, dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, park owners, finance and insurance firms and have done so in many interesting places and in different ways. I have worked with federal, state and local governmental agencies and legislative bodies, as well as with industry professionals who together have created the nationally recognized safety standards that our products are built in compliance with. Additionally, I work with educational, statistical and demographic tracking programs that keep the industry and the public current with changes in the industry. Working with the media helps spread the facts about these products and how they serve the needs of our owners. I‟ll lo o k fo rw ard to h earin g fro m yo u an d responding to your questions. Send me questions covering: taxes, building codes, land use issues, decks and add-on rooms, forms of ownership and what this all means to you as an owner. How you can use your unit and what you can or cannot do with it and why. Send them to me “T h e A n sw er G u y” an d I‟ll d o m y best to respond with the real hard facts and figures about Recreational Park Trailers. B ill “T h e A n sw er G u y” G arpow can be reach ed at: AnswerGuy@parkmodelliving.com To be considered as a Question to the Answer Guy, your request must be accompanied by an e-mail and telephone number as well as the full name and City/State. Requests for confidentiality will be honored with the disclosure only of the correspondents first name and state. www.ParkModelLiving.com
by Alice Onnalee PML Staff Writer
When baseball players announce,“I‟m going to the show ” it means they are headed to the majors. We headed to the majors recently by attending the 44th annual National RV Trade Show sponsored by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). This show features supplies and services for the recreation industry. There were mega-displays including lights, music and food as well as entrepreneurs with amazing new ideas. With almost 300 vendors there was a wealth of information. Most of the show has a focus on motor coaches and fifth wheels. It seems that P ark M odels are often the “stepchild” in the R V industry. B ecause our lovely hom es aren‟tas portable as trailers and motor coaches, we get convention space in the furthest arena and not much media attention. Park Model Living Magazine (PMLM) is here to focus on your interests. We love Park Models and realized that there is no publication focused on the lifestyle for people who own and www.ParkModelLiving.com
rent Park Models. This trade show gave us a chance to see many Park Model manufacturers in one arena and we had a great time. One of the best bonuses at the show was meeting the team from the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA). Executive Director Bill G arpow offered to be our “answ er guy” for the magazine and we gratefully accept. Laraine Ayers and Kathy Rook answered lots of questions (and made luggage tags from our business cards). Thanks RPTIA for sharing your expertise! The Park Model manufacturers at this show were a pleasant and welcoming bunch. There are family owned businesses and major companies producing standard and custom models. If you can dream it – these folks will build it. Thanks to all the people who answered our questions, gave us brochures and welcomed us to the Park Model fam ily. W e‟llshare m ore oftheir stories and ideas as the magazine grows. Our goal with PMLM is to entertain and educate folks who enjoy the compact, easy to maintain
space of 400 square feet. We want you to suggest articles, submit pictures and ask questions. We are doing research now on the following and welcome input from you: Small Treasures (parks with fewer than 50 Park Models), Getting There is Half the Fun (how you travel to and from your Park Model), Navigation Systems (what glows and what glitches), Byways (fun things to see). We look forward to your comments. - A.O. Alice Onnalee can be reached at: info@parkmodelliving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 12
www.PML Key:
1 - Models for Rent 2 - Models for Sale 3 - Pads/Space for Rent 4 - Pads/Space for Sale
Classifieds.com
5 - Furniture/Housewares 6 - Vehicles 7 - Park Model Time Shares 8 - Dealers
4|Pads/Space For Sale OREGON - Space for 3 Park Models in small, picturesque park. Set amid the Oregon Pines, 20 miles inland from the Oregon Coast/Dune Country, close to great fishing on the Umpqua River. 541-587-4406
9 - Parks 10 - Services 11 - Insurance 12 - Mortgages
PMLClassifieds.com Buy, rent and sell Park Model homes and related items.
RVRallyMail.com List your RV rally here and get free email for you and your members.
15|Miscellaneous
BeOnTheWeb.info Web site hosting and web design. We have a special focus on RV resorts.
RVClubMail.com List your RV club here and get free email for you and your members.
10|Services DRTrainingOnLine.com We will train you online in basic and advanced computer skills. Our skilled technicians can take over your computer for training and also have real-time interactive instruction. Microsoft product training available.
13 Park Model Living Magazine
13 - Movers 14 - Awnings & Attached Rooms 15 - Miscellaneous 16 - Help Wanted
GrandparentsRemember.com Post photos, stories and audio about your life and family. Invite others to post comments and share stories.
BuyAnythingWIFI.com Purchase wireless equipment including an external antenna for Park Model Homes.
RVLotListings.com Buy, sell or rent RV spaces for your Park Model Home or RV.
RVStorageLocator.com Find a local place to store your RV.
OurSeniorSpace.com A place for seniors to connect and communicate.
www.ParkModelLiving.com
We Provide Online Support (You see what we do) We Can Install software for you We will Apply all required OS patches We can Insure that your system is Virus free We can Prepare your system for wireless internet And many more support items
"Sell your RV or related items online for one low price until sold"
Spam Filtering, Virus Filtering, Web Mail Access and more! 2625 Accounts and Growing!
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