Criminal Hope for the R.V. Market

Profit at the R.V.-maker Winnebago plunged 73 percent in its third quarter, and the company's C.E.O. sees no signs of a rebound in the near future.

But perhaps Winnebago has simply not been adept at capturing their newest demographic: fugitive executives.

No, in the recreational vehicle market for white-collar criminals, Coachmen seems to have established a foothold, thanks to one Samuel Israel III.

The hedge fund manager, who was convicted of defrauding investors in his Bayou Group funds, faked his own death and skipped town in a 2007 Coachmen Freelander on the day he was to report to prison. His girlfriend, who could end up behind bars for 10 years, fessed up to abetting his flight.

And what better way to run from the Feds but in a comfortable ride like the Freelander? According to the company's web site, the R.V. is "Your Gateway to the Easy Life."

Certainly sounds better than the alternative, "Your Gateway to Incarceration."

"The Freelander frees you up to enjoy your favorite activities with the family, whether it's a quick trip downstate or summer sightseeing vacation," the site says.

Authorities believe Israel is yucking it up with retirees in RV camps across the country, possibly calling himself Sam Ryan or David Clapp.

More likely, though, Israel traveled in style in his Freelander across the border to an international airport where he hopped on a plane to Namibia. He's probably breaking bread with Kobi Alexander right now.

If the Freelander successfully carries Israel to freedom, as its name implies it will, imagine the skyrocketing sales!

So don't lose hope yet, Winnebago. You too can win over the fickle minds of the criminal consumer. It's all about the marketing.

by Megan Barnett