RVBusiness, March/April 2020

Freightliner CURT Named Top RISE Award Winners T o go along with eight other finalists an advanced display and control system by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and a product improving towing safety by CURT Manufacturing are the top winners in the 2nd Annual RISE Recognizing Innovation Supplier Excellence Awards which are designed to honor the best and most innovative new products marketed by RV industry component suppliers for the 2020 model year Also in an unexpected move Integrated Dealer Systems IDS was elevated for special recognition for its development 36 RVBusiness M A R C H A P R I L 2 0 2 0 of a RECT Repair Event Cycle Time component into its dealer management software DMS In a program facilitated by RVBusiness two independent panels of judges selected four finalists and one overall winner in two categories OEM and aftermarket based on innovation functionality customer acceptance competitive impact performance measures and other criteria Suppliers were free to enter products that had been brought to market in 2019 Older products with a significant demonstrable innovation implemented last year also were eligible OEM Category The overall winner in the OEM category Freightliners DriveTech was first introduced at the RVX show last March and company officials noted in their entry it is the most advanced display and control system in the RV industry DriveTech is the first RV driving system to prioritize safety by putting every command in one easy to reach location they said and its right and left hand paddles allow for easy to reach column controls versus traditional shifter pads Among the other DriveTech features and highlights Bluetooth connectivity provides hands free operation through easy to reach controls tire pressure monitoring system shows pressure of each tire and triggers alerts for low pressure high pressure or leaks and the optional RoadWatch which is FCCCs state of the art assisted driving and safety system that includes adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation While noting DriveTechs advanced key fob that includes two buttons for OEM programmable actions one judge noted that DriveTech is a much needed upgrade to catch up to the interiors found in todays cars and trucks Judges also singled out OptiViews all digital instrument cluster which accesses extensive and customizable coach data including fuel economy performance settings vehicle and internal diagnostics transmission prognostics and system information The all new ergonomic steering wheel and columnmounted controls create a more automotive like feel and set the industry standard for luxury RV driving another judge enthused The four finalists in the OEM category include The Elite Series Range by Suburban Manufacturing Co A new line featuring modern aesthetic and customization features with a staggering 36864 possible range combinations While praising the modern looks of the new Elite Series Range judges were most impressed by the lines immense customization options Other companies also offer contemporary styling judges pointed out but these offerings are limited due to the logistical nature of their respective supply chain Said one judge The new Elite Series product line offers OEM customers a virtually limitless array of options to suit the needs of their full line of products Volta Power System by Volta Power Systems Found on the Winnebago Boldt and Travato GL KL the Volta Power System has creating an off grid power and environmentally responsible experience that eliminates the need for a generator The system is great not only for camping off the gird but BY THE RVBUSINESS STAFF