With RVs increased popularity, questions abound from new customers interested in the world of RVing. Where are RVs made? How are they painted? How are the interiors designed? To help answer these questions and many others, Fleetwood RV has released eight videos that...
In 2021, after a two-decade hiatus, John and Mitzi Platillero of Knoxville, Tennessee, bought their second RV. They purchased a 36F Bounder® from Fleetwood RV® for two significant reasons. It’s the model they originally owned when their children were young, and they have wonderful family memories of traveling down South and through the Midwest. In addition, it’s a model that’s easily accessible for their adult son David who is partially paralyzed from the waist down. David has just enough leg strength to walk short distances and alternates between forearm crutches and sometimes walking without assistive devices, depending on the situation and environment.
This spring and fall, the Bounder, driven by John and co-piloted by Mitzi, will take David on a tour of high schools throughout Tennessee so he can talk about the dangers of distracted driving and spread his message of forgiveness and moving forward.
In 2016, David was attending Blackbird Academy in Nashville to pursue music engineering when he was hit by a distracted driver while on his bicycle. He was left paralyzed but through intense physical therapy and determination was able to regain partial use of his legs. In 2019, David released his first album “Lionheart”. In addition, he has appeared on American Idol as a competitor and on the ELLEN Show to share his story.
For David, the Bounder is easy to access since it has an open floor plan, and all the necessities are conveniently located. The dinette table is flush against the wall so there’s no need to maneuver around it. The kitchen is located up front and there’s a bathroom and sleeping area in the middle of the model. David and Kristi, who sing together, have already used the Bounder. The couple sang at a wedding in Miami, so John and Mitzi rendezvoused with them. They all stayed in the RV and shared a long weekend together.
Family Background
The Platilleros are an RV and music-loving family. In fact, it was a love of music that drove the purchase of their first motorhome.
Back in the ‘90s, John and Mitzi bought a Fleetwood RV Bounder so they could easily take their two young children to music festivals. And, while John originally started his professional life as an electrical engineer, after a few years he began promoting concerts in their hometown of Knoxville. That meant family vacations were spent traveling in their Bounder, attending concerts, and festivals to scout for new bands.
In 1997, John decided to enter the music business full time, so the couple sold their Bounder to raise cash to help fund the fledgling endeavor.
“I was sad to see it go. Our RV had opened our world to exploration,” said John. “It contained so many memories of our young family that were really special.”
Fast forward to 2022 and John, who is 60, just sold EventBooking, the global business he and Mitzi founded in 1997.
“In late 2020, I started to think about getting an RV again but was nervous to share my idea with Mitzi,” said John. “I had my rationale all laid out: deepen our relationship; entertain other couples; take weekend trips with our grandkids; and travel with our son David and his wife Kristi. With a potential business exit on the horizon, it was the perfect time.”
Mitzi was quickly onboard, and the couple began their search. While they looked at various models, they kept gravitating back to a Bounder because it had been part of their early years.
The Platilleros zeroed in on the Bounder 36F since it was accessible for David, had bunk beds for their grandkids, and provided two full bathrooms for traveling with other couples. When not in use, the bunk bed space converts into a closet and seating area.
Since RVs are in demand, they put their names in with a few different dealers and were surprised to get a call from one right in their own backyard. Camping World in Knoxville contacted them to say they had received a 36F in that morning. The couple immediately headed to the dealership to put down a deposit.
RV Itinerary
John and Mitzi first hit the road in January 2021 in their new Bounder for a trip to Florida where they met up with David and his wife Kristi.
“We have great conversations when we’re on the road. We’re rediscovering each other and making new, adventurous memories together,” said John. “And, we’re learning to play Pickle Ball because when you visit Florida you can’t avoid it.”
In addition to David’s tour of high schools, the couple’s travel goal is to visit all 48 states and take their grandchildren on weekend explorations.
“With our old Bounder, we visited the East Coast, Southeast and local campgrounds,” said Mitzi. “We’re now planning a big trip out West where we’ll be gone for two to three months and hit a lot of national parks like Arches, Zion, Yosemite, and Yellowstone. We’d also like to spend time in the Dakotas and Northwest since we haven’t been to those areas before.”
RV Lessons Learned
While the Platilleros owned an RV previously, there’s still a learning curve.
For example, one morning it was cold, so John turned on the defrost, which he had never used before. It was set to recirculate, and consequently the windshield quickly fogged up. The couple now joke about checking that instrument setting before they start driving in the morning.
“This new Bounder came with REV Assist, which is something we really like,” said Mitzi. “For one year, we can call and get help anytime we need it. We’ve used it for things on the Bounder we didn’t even know how to do and that’s been very helpful for us.”
Bounder 36F & 35GL from Fleetwood RV
Fleetwood RV is a brand within REV Recreation Group, Inc. a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. The Bounder is a Class A Gas RV and has the distinction of being one of the best-selling motorhomes ever.
Fleetwood RV recently introduced its 2022 Bounder 35GL. The 35GL is a Class A Gas luxury motorhome with an innovative, industry-leading floorplan that delivers ultimate comfort and convenience for travel-loving couples and families. With its mid-coach entry, the 35GL is spacious, inviting, and features four distinct areas, making it feel like a traditional home.
For more information on the Bounder from Fleetwood RV, visit fleetwoodrv.com. For a YouTube tour of the Bounder 36F, click here and for a guided video tour of the new 35GL click here. For more information on David Francisco Platillero and his music, visit davidfranciscomusic.com.
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About REV Recreation Group, Inc.
REV Recreation Group, Inc. is a REV Group® subsidiary and a leading manufacturer of Class A Gas and Diesel recreational vehicle brands. This company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, and Holiday Rambler®. Headquartered in Decatur, IN, which is also its principal manufacturing location, it operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers and a genuine parts online warehouse.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
REV Recreation Group has launched a sales enablement tool for its dealer network. The tool provides dealers and sales representatives with immediate access to a variety of collateral materials, product information, and training courses for American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, and Holiday Rambler® brands.
“This new platform is an easy-to-use and efficient resource that aggregates all of our product information and training and education programs in a single location,” says Mike Grove, Sales Trainer for REV Recreation Group. “We successfully piloted the tool in January and February and have been rolling it out to our entire dealer network.”
The tool has a wealth of content, including product videos, floor plans and specs, top 10 features of each model, factory training videos, and more.
For sales representatives working with customers, the tool offers several advantages. It features a convenient filter function to quickly find details on a specific model or floorplan, eliminating the need to scroll through multiple pages. Model information can easily be shared with customers via text or email. And, information can be downloaded in advance, eliminating the need for cellular or WiFi service.
The sales enablement tool also includes training courses for the American Coach, Fleetwood RV and Holiday Rambler brands. The product curriculum for each model includes four video courses and knowledge checks that take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Once a sales representative has completed a product curriculum, they’re identified as factory certified and are emailed a certificate.
To register for the sales enablement tool, dealers should contact their REV Recreation Group district sales manager.
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About REV Recreation Group
REV Recreation Group includes subsidiaries of REV Group, Inc. that manufacture a diverse range of recreational vehicles as well as molded fiberglass and lamination. In addition to a genuine parts online warehouse, the segment operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers. From Lancaster, California to Bristol, Indiana, REV Recreation Group companies span the United States and produce Class B custom sprinter vans, high-end Class C/Super C motorhomes, luxury Class A motor coaches, travel trailers and truck campers. With one of the industry’s best and longest-standing distribution networks, the segment boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach® and Fleetwood RV®.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
Actor and entrepreneur Ian Somerhalder has chosen a Fleetwood RV as his family’s home on the road. Throughout 2022, Somerhalder is traveling the country in a luxury Fleetwood RV Discovery® LXE 40M model to support his entrepreneurial endeavors and visit family and friends. Somerhalder is best known for his work in The Vampire Diaries and Lost television series.
Somerhalder recently launched Indiana-based Brother’s Bond bourbon with fellow actor and close friend, Paul Wesley, becoming one of the fastest selling ultra-premium bourbon brands.
Even at a young age, Somerhalder was a fan of RVs and attributes his lifelong dream to travel the United States in a Fleetwood RV to his grandfather. Somerhalder recently picked up the Fleetwood RV and hit the road.
Fleetwood RV is an award-winning luxury RV brand that’s part of REV Recreation Group, Inc., which is a subsidiary of REV Group®, Inc. Founded in 1950 and manufactured in Decatur, Indiana, Fleetwood RV is one of the most-established names in the motorhome industry and is recognized for its quality, innovative features, and family-friendly design.
The “Made in America” aspect of Fleetwood RV is important to Somerhalder. Plus, the Midwestern farm fields that grow the corn for his Brother’s Bond bourbon are just down the road from Decatur where Fleetwood RVs are made.
The family says the convenience of setting their own schedule and the ease of simply pulling into a town in their comfortable home on wheels are two significant advantages of traveling in a Class A motorcoach. With the introduction of Brother’s Bond bourbon, Somerhalder has a full travel schedule planned for the year. He appreciates the fact his family will be able to join him and the freedom they’ll have to enjoy the beauty of the country at their own pace.
The Fleetwood RV Discovery LXE 40M is packed with luxurious amenities. The coach has heated porcelain tile flooring throughout, an electric fireplace, on-demand hot water, quartz countertops, three LED TVs (two on the interior and one on the exterior), and a spacious eat-in kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, including a full-size French door refrigerator, induction cooktop, convection microwave, and Fisher Paykel dishwasher.
The model features 1 ½ baths and a large master suite with a king-sized articulating bed, two wardrobe closets, a full bathroom with his and hers sinks, a glass enclosed hand-tiled porcelain shower with a bench, and a stacked washer/dryer.
For updates on Somerhalder’s travels, follow Fleetwood RV on Instagram. For a video tour of a Discovery LXE 40M from Fleetwood RV that’s similar to the model Somerhalder is driving, visit the Fleetwood RV YouTube channel or the Fleetwood RV blog. For more information on all of the Fleetwood RV motorcoaches, visit FleetwoodRV.com.
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About REV Recreation Group, Inc.
REV Recreation Group, Inc. is a REV Group® subsidiary and a leading manufacturer of Class A Gas and Diesel recreational vehicle brands. This company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry’s most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach®, Fleetwood RV®, and Holiday Rambler®. Headquartered in Decatur, IN, which is also its principal manufacturing location, it operates two state-of-the-art service and repair centers and a genuine parts online warehouse.
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group® companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through three segments: Fire & Emergency, Commercial, and Recreation. They provide customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances, fire apparatus, school buses, and transit buses), commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers), and consumer leisure (recreational vehicles). REV Group’s diverse portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG