Lippert Components Debuts New Tow-N-Stow(TM) Storable Trailer and Is Presented With the Retailers' Choice Award

GOSHEN, Ind., May 14, 2009 -- Lippert Components, Inc., a subsidiary of Drew Industries Incorporated , reported today that its innovative, new consumer-use trailer, Tow-N-Stow(TM), was named as a recipient of the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) Retailers' Choice Award.

Tow-N-Stow(TM) was one of the select recipients chosen for a Retailers' Choice Award from the field of over 2,800 exhibitors at the 2009 National Hardware Show(R). The award was presented by NRHA to representatives from Lippert Components and members of the Tow-N-Stow(TM) division during the 2009 National Hardware Show(R), where Tow-N-Stow(TM) made its debut May 5-7 in Las Vegas.

For the past three decades, NRHA Retailers' Choice Awards have celebrated the hottest new products of the year that not only offer innovation but provide great sales and business potential for retailers. Each year a volunteer panel of retail judges scours the floor at the National Hardware Show(R) to find the latest and greatest products on display.

"New products are the lifeblood of the industry," said Scott Wright, NRHA manager of training and communications. "The Retailers' Choice Awards program recognizes the top products each year that demonstrate strong sales potential at retail. The award also creates a strong bond between retailers and manufacturers due to the fact that retailers choose the winners."

The most innovative feature of the Tow-N-Stow(TM) is its ability to convert from a utility trailer into an upright, attractive outdoor storage unit in less than one minute. This conversion feature, from trailer to storage unit, not only creates additional secure storage capacity for the consumer, but it also provides an easy and aesthetically-pleasing means of storing the trailer components out of sight once converted into the storage position. The design of this product is ideal in environments where the storage of a traditional trailer can be considered unsightly, unpractical or even unacceptable due to residential guidelines.

The unit has the capability to haul up to 1,000 pounds behind most small vehicles, providing a viable alternative to large SUVs and light trucks. Tow-N-Stow(TM) provides nearly 50 cubic feet of lockable, watertight cargo or storage capacity. This offers consumers the flexibility to haul material and objects that include landscape mulch, soil, 4' x 8' plywood, camping/sports gear, lawn tractors, ATVs and bicycles - as well as the ability to safely store a variety of seasonal, recreational or other items outside the home.

The Tow-N-Stow(TM) chassis employs a load-dampening torsion axle and steel substructure produced entirely in the U.S. at Lippert's manufacturing plants and will be available for retail distribution into home improvement and sporting goods markets in 2009. Global market distribution is under consideration.