Want to get away from the crowds, escape to areas off the beaten path? A remote campsite. Sunset on the beach. The hunting lodge. Tight mountain roads. Or just need the added traction and all-weather safety of 4WD for snow, sand or towing? Snow covered mountain passes. Fishing on the beach. Towing a toy hauler to go four wheeling in the desert. Pulling the boat up that algae covered ramp.
190 models (in U.S. only) can be equipped with a Torsion Bar Independent Front Suspension 4WD system based on the same system used on GM’s pick-ups and full-size SUVs. This system, which allows the front wheels to move up and down separately, provides the benefits of a minimal increase in vehicle height (1" front, 1.5" rear), improved road manners, better ride and handling, lower center of gravity, and no increase in turning radius.
How it began.....
Jac Hanemaayer, of Dutch origin, has been living in Kitchener, Ontario since 1953. He has become involved in many businesses including home construction, residential and commercial land development, packaging equip-ment importation and distribution, and advanced technology to separate liquids and solids.
In 1974, Jac became interested in an RV for personal use. He like the spacious room and comfort offered by class A and C motorhomes, but didn't want to become a "weekend bus driver". To enjoy the convenience and mo-bility of a small vehicle, he checked out the class B motorhome (camper van) market. Being unable to find all the comforts of a larger motorhome within the convenient and efficient size of a van, he designed one for himself and had it built by fledgling Home & Park Vehicles. When it was finished, he liked it so much, he bought the company!
After years of personal RVing experience, he completely re-designed the product in 1980 with his now famous low profile roof, lowered floor and innovative three section floor plan; Roadtrek, Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive, was born! To protect the design, Canadian and U.S. patents were secured on many of the innovative features incorporated in the Roadtrek.
Jac still participates in the development and refinement of the vehicle he originated. His son Jeff started as a summer student employee and knows the product and industry inside out. In his previous position as President, Jeff oversaw the company's growth from 1985 to 2000 and continues to guide Roadtrek as Chairman while Road-trek's popularity soars to new heights.
With sales to the U.S. starting in 1983, Roadtrek expanded rapidly for the rest of the 1980s. In 1990, Roadtrek became the best selling North American class B motorhome! (According to statistics from U.S. Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association.)
With the steady growth of Roadtrek sales throughout the U.S. and Canada, the foundation was in place for a number of adventurous "Roadtrekkers" to get together and form a North America wide club for Roadtrek owners. With the ongoing support and assistance of Roadtrek, the hard work by the Charter Members resulted in the crea-tion of the Roadtrek International Owners Club, an active Chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association, in early 1993. By the end of the first year, the club grew to over 400 vehicle members (about 830 people). Now it has 2000 vehicle members (about 4000 people) and is one of the largest product chapters (and the only class B motorhome chapter) within the FMCA. Members meet new friends with common interests and take part in rallies, group outings, tours and suppers where they exchange Roadtrek experiences and share ideas.
With Roadtrek's continuing #1 selling position, we outgrew our 50,000 square foot plant. In 1993 we moved into a modern 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility to increase production capacity, lower manufacturing costs, improve product quality and enhance customer service. Employment has grown from a handful as recently as 1980 to 200 full-time employees. Roadtrek has over 100 dealers from coast to coast.
