Mailbag Grab-bag

The following party punch recipe is submitted by Bill and Pearl Speer.  This is evidently a popular drink at MILWIT [Military WIT Club] events.  Pearl mixes and serves it from a two-gallon container that looks like a trashcan, and Bill notes that the Tequila portion can be reduced to suit the situation.

Trash Can Margaritas

• 4 Bud Lite Lime Beers
• 4 Diet 7-Up sodas
• 1  can (12oz) Frozen Limeade Concentrate
• 16 oz White Tequila (or to taste)

Mix in a punch bowl or a clean vessel that resembles a trashcan.  Serve in tumbler over ice.

Note: Please drink responsibly.  Do not drive your motorhome or any other vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages!

Unique Destination: Oshkosh AirVenture

If you're planning to attend the Grand National Rally, file the following under "As long as you're in the neighborhood."

Year in and year out, the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, airshow attracts a unique collection of aircraft in the world.  From experimental and home-built aircraft to corporate prototypes to commercial and military examples, the show is a must-attend event for aviation buffs worldwide.

In short, it's the greatest collection of the flying machines of the past, present and future you'll find in one place.

This year's event takes place from July 29 through August 4, making it perfect for an after-rally destination.

For more information, see www.airventure.org.

For nearby RV camping options, visit Go Camping America. 

Memorial Day dates back to the end of the Civil War.  Originally called Decoration Day, it was created to honor the soldiers -- both Union and Confederate -- who gave their lives in that war.

As we enjoy this weekend, the traditional kickoff to summer, please take a few minutes to reflect on the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.  And it never hurts to thank a soldier in uniform.

Another sign that summer is near is the annual gathering of Winnebago Industries dealers known as Dealer Days.  This year, we rolled out a number of exciting new models, and you'll find a sneak peek at one of them in this issue.

By the way, we're always looking for feedback.  So if you have a tip, recipe, story or something else you'd like to share with other readers, please send it in!  (All submissions become the property of Winnebago Industries, so please don't send anything you don't want to share.)

Enjoy this issue, and please feel free to

Dealers Hit Jackpot in Las Vegas:

Dealer Days Roundup, Part I

Winnebago Industries dealers converged on Las Vegas at the end of April for our annual Dealer Days convention.  It's our chance to connect with dealers, get feedback from the front lines, and give our retail partners a sneak peek at some of our newest models.

And now we're happy to give loyal readers like you the inside scoop on what those dealers got to see.

First Up: the New Winnebago Forza and Itasca Solei.

Built on Freightliner's proven XCS straight-rail chassis, these all-new diesel pushers deliver robust performance (thanks to the 340-hp Cummins turbo diesel), generous storage, upscale amenities and -- of course -- our exceptional build quality.

Each will be available in two floorplans.

• The double slideout 34T features our new inLounge and versatile inTable, 46-inch LED TV, large private bath, queen bed, large wardrobe and available drop-down StudioLoft powered front bunk.

• The front entry, double-slide 38R features a mid-coach guest bath and spacious master suite with queen bed and large wardrobe and bath. It also includes a leatherette BenchMark with Dream Dinette table, Flexsteel's "Fold 'n Tumble" sofa/sleeper, our Flex Bed System that includes bunk beds, and big 50-inch LED TV.

Inside both coaches, the look is one of relaxed luxury, thanks to polished Corian galley countertops and backsplash, coffee-glazed cabinetry, LED lighting, Home Theatre Sound Bar System with DVD/CD player, and even an available fireplace.

Despite their low-profile design (that allows them to fit through a 12-foot door), the storage capacity of these coaches is phenomenal: up to 228 cubic feet on the 38R -- by far the best in class!

Slotting into the lineup below the Winnebago Journey / Itasca Meridian, the Forza and Solei combine performance, features and value simply unavailable in any other coach.

Learn more about the Forza, or find your nearest Winnebago dealer.

Learn more about the Solei, or find your nearest Itasca dealer.

Rally Countdown

July 21 - 26, Forest City, IA

Got your paperwork in yet?  No?  Well, don't wait any longer if you plan to attend the WIT Club's Wild West Grand National Rally!

The rally runs from July 21 - 26, although like any great party, some folks like to arrive early and others stay later. For those of you who've never been, we thought it would be a good idea to share our idea of the top 10 reasons to go.

10. Tour the largest RV manufacturing plant in the world. You'll be amazed at how we build 'em -- and you'll appreciate why we build 'em that way more than ever.

9.  Enter the chili cookoff. Or the Car Cruise. Or the pie-eating contest. Or the... the fact is, there are enough activities for three or four rallies.

8. Have a great time with your kids or grandkids - there are tons of activities for all ages!

7. Act like a kid or grandkid yourself (see #8).

6. Learn something new.  From arts and crafts to seminars to Camp Freightliner, there's plenty of expertise to tap into at the Rally.

5. Hit the links. Hit the Mall of America.  Hit Marti's Saloon.

4. Experience the taste of an idyllic summer in a small, friendly Midwestern town.

3. Catch some great entertainment. Like featured acts John Michael Montgomery, Jay & the Americans, Jan McInnis or Black Diamond, or the dozens of other shows scheduled throughout the Rally.

2. Meet up with old friends.

1. Make a new friend.  Or three.  Or three hundred.

Want to learn more? You'll find complete information here.

Lots more people are going to be traveling in Winnebago Industries coaches in the near future, although you won't be seeing them in a campground near you.

They'll be passengers in our new Metro Link bus!  We combined our 50+ years of expertise building motorhomes with extensive input from public transportation operators and crafted a whole new approach to transit.

The Metro Link features a one-piece fiberglass roof, a fully welded, tubular steel framework and high-gloss fiberglass sidewalls, all features that will be instantly familiar to our motorhome owners.  The result is a quieter, better functioning vehicle with reduced maintenance and improved durability.

"We're excited to enter the bus arena with the introduction of the Metro Link," said Chairman, CEO and President Randy Potts. "This project has been in development for quite some time and we're very excited with the outcome. With its improved functionality, low maintenance design and extremely quiet ride, it promises to be a game changer in the transit bus market."