Good Sam VIP: Sharing Knowledge to Ensure Safety
VENTURA, Calif., May 9, 2005 -- The open road can be a wonderful adventure -- but it can also be a challenging one, especially for apprehensive RV owners. The Good Sam VIP RV Safety Rally, set in Tampa, Florida, May 9-13, is designed to provide even the most seasoned drivers with helpful knowledge and numerous ways to ensure their safety when enjoying their RV.
The annual RV Safety Rally is a four-day event that combines learning in a classroom setting with behind-the-wheel training. Seminar day, which brings together experts from across the nation, provides participants with vital information necessary for making their RVing experiences as safe and enjoyable as possible. This year, many experts from the RV industry and related fields will be on-hand to share their extensive knowledge of crucial issues regarding RV safety.
"The increasing number of participants shows how dedicated RVers are to expanding their knowledge of their RV," said Kathy Wenzel, marketing director, Good Sam VIP Insurance.
The Experts Larry Thatcher
Propane expert Larry Thatcher will tap into his extensive knowledge of the industry to instruct participants on the principles of RV propane systems and components. Larry has hands-on experience in various fields of the industry, including: research and development of new products and applications; working to develop and improve standards, safety information and consumer awareness; and training fire responders and other propane industry personnel, including RVIA-certified technicians.
Wade Bontrager
As head of GMAC Insurance's RV division, Wade Bontrager has his finger on the pulse of the latest RV trends and safety issues. Through years of experience garnered by GMAC Insurance materials damage claims experts, Bontrager and GMAC Insurance have developed a concrete understanding of the most common and bizarre RV mishaps and how to avoid them.
Bontrager and his partners in the RV division have seen it all: from RVs wedged under gas station awnings to blown out tires due to overloaded RVs. The experts at GMAC Insurance pooled their knowledge to create a comprehensive guide, The 10 Essentials of Safe RVing, that is part of a national effort to help educate RVers on the rules of the RV road and provide safety tips to help ensure an enjoyable RV experience.
Bontrager himself has more than 25 years of RV experience and is an avid outdoorsman. In addition, he works closely with Good Sam, the largest RV organization in the United States, to develop RV-related grassroots safety events and programs.
Bill Hazel
Bill Hazel is a Master Certified instructor with more than 28 years of experience in the RV industry. He has received OSHA certification, LP license certification and Level 3 Generator Onan certification, as well as certification from the Diesel Institute of America. His effective communication skills and positive attitude have helped to establish his reputation as a great team leader with incredible motivational abilities. In the past, Hazel has been responsible for providing training and support to RV technicians, sales personnel and various consumers. He is currently employed with Lazy Days RV Supercenter in Tampa, Florida.
Scott Helms
Scott Helms has been involved in the RV industry for more than 20 years. During his first eight years in the industry, he worked at a dealership that rented, designed and built travel trailers and motorhomes. He is RVIA- certified, and has also received certification from the manufacturers used by national retailer Camping World, where he has been employed for the last 12 years. His primary responsibilities within the company include running the performance center, where he oversees most of the towing and braking, navigation systems, suspension and exhaust upgrades. Scott will be speaking at the Good Sam VIP Safety Rally about towing and braking safety.
While experienced speakers help to ensure the success of this year's Good Sam VIP RV Safety Rally, several major businesses from across the nation also have been instrumental in the planning and preparation for the event. These companies will also have representatives on-hand to assist event coordinators with instructions, demonstrations and other aspects of the Rally during its four-day run.
"We are highly appreciative of all the businesses who have come forward and provided us with their time and expert assistance," said Wenzel. "We realize that it is not always easy to take time out of their days in the office, so we are very grateful to them. Without their extensive skills and insight, the Rally would not be what it is."
Businesses that have contributed to the event and will be participating include: Lazy Days RV Supercenter in Tampa, Florida; Camping World, the nation's leading supplier of RV supplies and accessories; Vehicle Dynamics, the experts in innovative and effective driver training; and the Tampa Fire Department.
Registration is required to attend the event, but is still available to all interested participants. For more information, please call 1-888-720-6325.
The RV Safety Rally is sponsored by Good Sam VIP Insurance and General Motors.
Good Sam VIP: Specialty Insurance for a Special Lifestyle
Good Sam VIP is a full-coverage vehicle insurance plan offered to Good Sam members by GMAC Insurance. Rated excellent by insurance industry analysts A.M. Best, the GMAC Insurance group is the only vehicle insurance organization in the world officially endorsed by the Good Sam Club. Unlike other RV insurers who oftentimes do not customize coverage to fit RV needs, Good Sam VIP will handle all your special coverage needs; awnings, cabanas, satellite dishes, and other attached accessories are safe with VIP. And in most states, your personal belongings are insured for their full replacement cost.
For over 26 years, Good Sam VIP has provided Good Sam members with the best in service, coverage, and benefits, and was rated "America's No. 1 RV Insurance Specialist." For questions, email sales@gmacinsurance.com or call 1-800-277-4474.
