For the past decade, Bowlus RV carved out a custom niche in the market. The California-based manufacturer was the first to build an all-electric travel trailer. Its luxury, custom-built RVs sold directly to consumers carried on a tradition dating back to the 1930s.
Now the tradition beginning with Hawley Bowlus, designer of the Spirit of St. Louis plane flown by Charles Lindbergh, travels across the nation. Through their Lazydays partnership, Bowlus is bringing its RVs to more consumers.
“We have been selling direct for over 10 years,” Long said, “and we were really looking for that great partner to take us to nationwide coverage.”
According to Long, around four to six Bowlus RVs will occupy each participating Lazydays lot.
She said Bowlus has been preparing for expansion over the past few years. The company built a new manufacturing facility in Oxnard, California. The company hired a chief operating officer last year to oversee expansion needs.
Long said the partnership will boost Bowlus customer sales and service accessibility. Bowlus hired a support team to aide Lazydays salespeople.
She said Bowlus RVs differ in material from traditional RVs. The curved travel trailers have a shiny, aluminum exterior. They are lightweight, with dry weights between 2,900 and 3,250 pounds, and can be towed by numerous vehicles. Bowlus models include the Volterra, Terra Firma and Heritage.
According to Long, many Bowlus RV parts are sourced from the nautical industry. Parts are similar to those found on high-end yachts. Over 70% of Bowlus RV material is produced by the manufacturer.
To ensure service knowledge, Bowlus provides training at Lazydays locations. Stores will have Bowlus-certified technicians. She said Lazydays locations will performance annual maintenance by the end of 2024.
Long said, “Our existing customers are looking forward to being able to do their annual maintenance closer to home.”
Bowlus will work closely with Lazydays stores to address sales and service needs, Long said.
