The skies may be gray and the temperature chilly, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from kicking off Open House Week 2024 in Elkhart, Indiana, with an enthusiastic smile.
As suppliers set up shop in the newly expanded Suppliers Show at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and North Indiana Event Center, the lights were on and the music was bumping from RVs lining the fields up and down Executive Parkway.
Heartland
An early stop at Heartland led the RV PRO team to check out the 20th anniversary edition of the Bighorn — noting a chic new Bighorn logo and a floorplan with a double suite and updated interior design that drew audible “oohs” and “aahs.”
Gulf Stream Coach
Gulf Stream Coach made waves when the family-owned company unveiled its collaboration with the veritable British fashion and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley for the 10th anniversary edition of its Vintage Cruiser travel trailer.
“We’re thrilled that we’re taking this to the next level and going international,” said Tim Dennig, national sales manager, ultra lite division, Gulf Stream Coach.
The project was the brainchild of company chairman Dan Shea, his wife, and his daughter, Saylor, who happens to be studying abroad in London while a student at Notre Dame University. Dennig said the Laura Ashley brand deemed the collaboration a combination of “British elegance and American craftsmanship,” and the team at Gulf Stream Coach agree.
More than a year in the making, the Laura Ashley X Gulf Stream travel trailer features the Wisteria floral print in Newport Blue and a graphic plaid Hyland check print in Seaspray, in addition to touches of Louise Star in China Blue. A Laura Ashley quilt for the queen-size bed is also included.
The 2025 edition of the Vintage Cruiser also features a variety of updates, including a door that allows access to the restroom but clicks closed to block the bedroom from the living space, offering privacy.
“We are proud to join forces with Laura Ashley to create a camper that exudes sophistication and comfort and celebrates the Vintage Cruiser’s 10th anniversary with a new package that is unique from any other RV on the market,” said Gulf Stream President and CEO Phil Sarvari in a press release. “This collaboration combines Gulf Stream’s dedication to quality craftsmanship with Laura Ashley’s iconic style, resulting in a truly exceptional travel companion.”
Grand Design
Grand Design‘s display at the entrance of Executive Parkway was decked out with pumpkins, mums and more fall regalia, beckoning onlookers to check out their first motorized offering, the Lineage M Series.
Built on a Mercedes chassis with eight exterior graphics or paint packages to choose from, fun features include acrylic windows next to the bed that open at 30, 60 and 90 degrees, plus a bunk area with a 350-pound weight limit complete with a window above to take in the night sky.
The Momentum 414M by Grand Design was a sight to see with interior accent lights that change colors and a garage flanked by large windows and a back deck.
Check out more photos from Day 1 here. And stay tuned for Day 2!
