June 17th 2008

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. - Coachmen RV Group has revived its Shasta™ brand with a new light weight travel trailer. While the trailer resembles the classic Shasta's of the late '50s and early '60s, it has successfully married modern technology with tradition.

Shasta is one of the oldest brands of RV, and there are still thousands of people who proudly own and use their Shasta trailers from the 1950s and '60s. There are also a variety of chat groups and clubs devoted to finding and restoring old Shasta trailers.

The exterior has the classic appeal of the old Shasta trailers, including the "Z" side graphic design available in 4 colors, and trademark silver "wings" that made a Shasta instantly recognizable. Standard baby moon hubcaps also provide a tribute to the past. Optional 5-spoke aluminum rims are available to add a modern twist. With either wheel selection, the tires are filled with NitroFill™ nitrogen gas that runs cooler and can extend tire life up to 30%. Complimentary Travel Easyâ„¢ roadside assistance is also included for 1 year to provide peace of mind.

The new Shasta Airflyte™ is constructed with aluminum framed, vacuum-bond laminate sidewalls and a one-piece fiberglass roof. This makes for a very lightweight trailer that can be towed by both contemporary and classic vehicles. The trailer's base weight starts under 2,500 pounds. Coachmen designers consciously worked to keep the weight down so that they could accommodate those Shasta aficionados who want to pair their classic car with their travel trailer.

While the outside of the trailer reminds people of a by-gone time, the spacious interior boasts a full 6-feet 5-inches of headroom and modern amenities. For instance, the galley has a portable electric cooktop and a 1.2-cubic-foot built-in microwave. The refrigerator is 2-way (12v/110v) compressor driven for quick cooling results, and the stainless steel sink is a European design with glass cover and fold down faucet.

The Shastas of the '50s and '60s did not have televisions, but this Shasta does - a 19-inch LCD (HD ready) TV with an easy-release bracket for inside or outside viewing. It also has a DVD player and optional stereo with CD player and iPod docking station. The U-dinette with its retro-style cushions provides ample seating for watching TV, playing games and enjoying a meal. Another clever touch: the pedestal dinette table slides from front to rear to give people easier access around the dinette. For a good night's sleep, the dinette easily converts to a 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed.

The bathroom is a generous wet bath with a power vent and 6-gallon electric hot water heater.

Shasta Airflyte offers three different interior decors: Classic Red, Tangerine Dream and Ocean Spray. Cabinetry is gracefully curved to give the interior more eye appeal. The designers also made effective work of the lighting. For instance, the kitchen cabinet toe kick is lighted, and the overhead cabinets and ceiling feature flush-mount halogen lights.

The ceiling skylight lets in even more natural light and opens for ventilation. A retractable screen and night shade on the skylight let you control how much light comes in. Also included is the Cool Cat™ heat pump for air conditioning and heat which is located in the lower cabinet and ducted throughout the unit. This system eliminates the traditional roof air conditioner and enables a low (aerodynamic) overhead clearance of only 8'4”.

Cabinets are Brazilian Cherry color with frosted acrylic sliding doors. The flooring is easy to clean and skid resistant Beauflor®, and the ceiling is lined with a vinyl soft touch material that is traditionally used in higher priced units. Then there is the chrome - plenty of chrome. Designer countertops with chrome edges, as well as the cabinet trim and hardware, make for a very appealing look.

The Shasta trailers of the '50s and '60s have a solid and loyal fan base. Now, Coachmen is offering those fans the Shasta travel trailer of their dreams in a package with modern conveniences. And, all of this comes at an affordable MSRP starting at $20,300.

A brief history of Shasta RVs
The Shasta history is long and proud. The Shasta Trailer Co. began in 1941, building mobile homes for U.S. Armed Forces in Los Angeles. After World War II, Shasta trailers sold under the Cozy Cruiser brand.

In the early 1950s, Shasta trailers, ranging from 14 feet to 35 feet, began rolling off the production line in Van Nuys, Calif. Before the end of the decade, Shasta opened a plant in Goshen, Indiana, to keep up with demand.

Shasta developed the distinctive wings in the late 1950s and kept that look until the early '80s. During this time frame, Shasta was the best selling travel trailer in the U.S.

Coachmen RV Group bought the Shasta brand in 1976 and the Shasta nameplate has appeared on many different types of RVs, including motorhomes.

Coachmen Industries, Inc. is one of America's leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, systems-built homes and commercial buildings, with prominent subsidiaries in each industry.  The Company's well-known RV brand names include COACHMEN®, GEORGIE BOY™, SPORTSCOACH®, ADRENALINE™ and VIKING®. Coachmen Industries, Inc. is a publicly held company with stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol COA.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from that projected or suggested due to certain risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the potential fluctuations in the Company's operating results, increased interest rates the availability for floorplan financing for the Company's recreational vehicle dealers and corresponding availability of cash to Company, uncertainties and timing with respect to sales resulting from recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast, uncertainties regarding the impact on sales of the disclosed restructuring steps in both the recreational vehicle and housing and building segments, the ability of the company to generate taxable income in future years to utilize deferred tax assets and net operating loss carry-forwards available for use, the impact of performance on the valuation of intangible assets, the availability and the price of gasoline, price volatility of raw materials used in production, the Company's dependence on chassis and other suppliers, the availability and cost of real estate for residential housing, the supply of existing homes within the company's markets, the impact of home values on housing demand, the impact of sub-prime lending on the availability of credit for the broader housing market, the ability of the Company to perform in new market segments where it has limited experience, adverse weather conditions affecting home deliveries, competition, government regulations, legislation governing the relationships of the Company with its recreational vehicle dealers, dependence on significant customers within certain product types, consolidation of distribution channels in the recreational vehicle industry, consumer confidence, uncertainties of matters in litigation, current litigation relating to and Congressional inquiry surrounding the Company's use of components containing formaldehyde in its products, further developments in the war on terrorism and related international crises, oil supplies, and other risks identified in the Company's SEC filings.

February 12th 2008

Freelander rear wall slide makes creative use of bedroom

MIDDLEBURY, Ind.- Coachmen engineers devised a clever way to get 31 feet of living space in a 28-foot Class C motorhome. They created the Coachmen® Freelander™ 2700RS motorhome with a rear wall bedroom slideout.

At the campground, the bed slides out the rear wall to become a true residential 80-inch queen bed. The room has plenty of floor space to walk around. For travel, an easy push of a button and the bed slides in, creating a day bed. The foot of the bed remains fixed in place, and the mattress at the head of the bed folds up to form the back of the day bed, giving the room a very usable, walk-around living area in the rear of the coach.

Freelander 2700RS is a shorter and easier to maneuver Class C that gives families all the living amenities they usually can find only in models at least 31 feet long: a walk-around queen bed, a sofa, a dinette and a private toilet (a feature that's hard to find in a Class C this size).

This coach also has a queen-size cabover bunk. An available option is a front bunk ladder with a child restraint system to prevent falls from the cabover bed. In all, Freelander 2700RS comfortably sleeps six. But, Freelander is about more than just sleeping. It's about families who want to travel together and enjoy the RV lifestyle.

For instance, in the kitchen designers created a smart and functional counter with a peninsula to make more efficient use of space. The kitchen has a three-burner range with oven, as well as a microwave oven, and a double-door refrigerator.

The comfort lounge sofa in the living area has its own slideout, making the living area even roomier. An entertainment center with 26-inch LCD TV, DVD player and Bose Wave® radio is an option for the cabover bunk. Even with the entertainment center, the bunk can still sleep a full-size adult.

An all-new exterior graphics package enhances the eye appeal of the Coachmen exclusive sidewall design. The high-gloss exterior skin is laminated to a composite substrate that is moisture resistant and lighter weight than traditional wood panel substrates. The 2700RS also boasts 57 cubic feet of exterior storage, enough for all the gear needed for camping adventure.

Coachmen designers and engineers have packed a lot into the Freelander 2700RS, but at the same time they have maintained a family friendly price on it. The manufacturer's suggested retail price begins at $85,560.

Coachmen Industries, Inc. is one of America's leading manufacturers of recreational vehicles, systems-built homes and commercial buildings, with prominent subsidiaries in each industry. The Company's well-known RV brand names include COACHMEN, GEORGIE BOY, SPORTSCOACH and VIKING . Through ALL AMERICAN HOMES ® and MOD-U-KRAF ® , Coachmen is one of the nation's largest producers of systems-built homes, and also a major builder of commercial structures with its ALL AMERICAN BUILDING SYSTEMS products. Coachmen Industries, Inc. is a publicly held company with stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker COA.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from that projected or suggested due to certain risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the potential fluctuations in the Company's operating results, increased interest rates the availability for floorplan financing for the Company's recreational vehicle dealers and corresponding availability of cash to Company, uncertainties and timing with respect to sales resulting from recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast, uncertainties regarding the impact on sales of the disclosed restructuring steps in both the recreational vehicle and housing and building segments, the ability of the company to generate taxable income in future years to utilize deferred tax assets and net operating loss carry-forwards available for use, the impact of performance on the valuation of intangible assets, the availability and the price of gasoline, price volatility of raw materials used in production, the Company's dependence on chassis and other suppliers, the availability and cost of real estate for residential housing, the supply of existing homes within the company's markets, the impact of home values on housing demand, the impact of sub-prime lending on the availability of credit for the broader housing market, the ability of the Housing and Building Group to perform in new market segments where it has limited experience, adverse weather conditions affecting home deliveries, competition, government regulations, legislation governing the relationships of the Company with its recreational vehicle dealers, dependence on significant customers within certain product types, consolidation of distribution channels in the recreational vehicle industry, consumer confidence, uncertainties of matters in litigation, further developments in the war on terrorism and related international crises, oil supplies, and other risks identified in the Company's SEC filings.

Additional Information: Click Here

December 20th 2007

You shouldn't have to spend a lot of money on something called free time.

Owning an RV makes economic sense. You are able to travel while spending significantly less. You have unlimited flexibility, even on a limited budget.

Many RV models allow a family of four to save up to 74 percent on vacation costs over other forms of travel. That's a calculation that takes into account RV ownership costs, including payments, insurance, maintenance, tires, tax breaks, registration and depreciation.

Want to take your family of four to Orlando for a week? Traveling in a typical family motorhome will cost you 53 percent less than flying, renting a car, staying in a hotel and eating out. A trip to the Grand Canyon in a folding camping trailer will cost 70 percent less than driving and using hotels and restaurants.

PKF Consulting, an international travel and tourism research firm, recently conducted a complete vacation cost analysis. The study found that family RV vacations cost less than travel by personal car, train. Airline, or cruise ship.

Not only do other forms of travel cost more, the outlay typically covers only one vacation. Not so with an RV. It's ready to go again whenever you are.

It all adds up. RVing gives you the most for your vacation dollars.

"RVing costs less than staying in hotels/motels. We can also cook our own food and save on restaurants."
-RV owner Brenda Baker, Alexandria, IN

"For the vast majority of RV buyers, the interest on their motorhome or towable unit is deductible at tax time because it qualifies as a second home."
-Richard Coon, president, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA)

December 20th 2007

Even with today's higher fuel prices, RV travel is a great value. A vacation cost comparison study by PKF Consulting shows that RV trips remain the most affordable way for a family to travel because of the significant savings on hotel and restaurant costs.

Here are some tips that will help you save money on fuel while still enjoying all the fun, freedom and flexibility that RVing has to offer.
Camp closer to home. With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers can enjoy the outdoor experience whether they travel five miles or 500 miles.
Stay longer in one place. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right, offering pools, playgrounds, hiking trails, entertainment centers, organized activities, convenience stores and much more.
Cook your family favorites in the convenience of an RV, to avoid the high costs of eating out.
Drive 55 instead of 65.
Adjust home thermostats to save energy when traveling.
Pack lighter and purchase firewood, water and other camping materials at the campground to keep the RV lightweight while traveling.
Tune up the engine of your motorhome or tow vehicle, inflate tires properly and conduct regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.
Use the grade of fuel recommended by the engine manufacturer to increase miles per gallon.
Travel at night when the weather is cooler and the vehicle air conditioning is needed less.
Here are some other facts to remember:
Airfares and hotel rates are rising rapidly as fuel costs increase and fuel surcharges are added. You can avoid those costs in an RV. Fuel prices would need to triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.
Fuel is typically only the fourth largest expense on a road trip, behind lodging, food and vehicle payment and maintenance.
Save on entertainment costs by bringing along your family's favorite DVDs.
Discoveries made on RV trips will last a lifetime - as will the physical and mental health benefits. With a few simple adjustments for fuel price increases, RVing remains as affordable and as fun as ever.
What RVers Are Saying About Fuel Prices:
"Staying in an RV helps us save money in other areas, so we can still get out and go somewhere. We will just do more around the campsite."
-RV Owner Mark Goff, Chariton, IA

"Fuel is really a much smaller expense than people think and it's certainly not worth canceling your dream vacation over. You'd be amazed how much we all spend on the extras we don't really need. If a family really wants to take an RV road trip and needs to budget extra for gas, there are many simple ways they can do this."
-RV Owner and Author of Live Your Dream Trip Carol White, Portland, OR

December 20th 2007

Follow the sun. For months at a time.

Savor travel's pleasures. Make new friends, or connect with old ones. Visit family. As our age increases, so, too, do our opportunities to experience all that RVing has to offer. Today's seniors are zestfully on the go, and RVs can take them wherever their hearts desire.

Thousands are part-time RV users, weekend and vacation travelers or seasonal "snowbirds." Thousands more - some estimates go as high as a million - live full time in their RVs.

Seniors find today's RVs make travel and camping comfortable and extremely accommodating, even for those with physical restrictions. RV travelers enjoy home comforts like queen-sized beds and central air and heat. Many of these "condos-on-wheels" have slideout rooms that expand their interior space by about one-third at the push of a button. On-board closets and storage space eliminate the need to pack, unpack and carry bulky suitcases. Fully equipped kitchens help older RVers follow special diets and vacation more economically by avoiding fast-food eateries and high-priced restaurants.

RV travel fosters a sense of community, offering mature travelers a valuable network of friends who share common interests. Especially popular among seniors are camping clubs, which provide an active social network on the road. Camping clubs hold annual conventions, regional rallies, campouts and other events to bring RVer's together.

While not everyone can backpack or tent-camp, anyone can enjoy outdoor living at a campground with an RV. And with so many RVs from which to choose, from Type A motorhomes to truck campers, there are models available to fit every lifestyle and interest. Many RV campgrounds offer expanded facilities and a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, tours and social events.

The relaxed RV lifestyle can help add years to your life - and zest to those years.

"RVing allows seniors and retirees to see the country in style while meeting new people and experiencing new things. Older adults have everything they need in their RV to have a safe, comfortable and stress-free getaway."
-David Woodworth, RV historian

There are 3,679,182 square miles to see in America. And no better way to see them than in an RV.