Monaco partners with Dodge.

Byline: Tim Christie The Register-Guard

Soon, owners of Dodge trucks and SUVs will be able to get the latest in matching accessories for their Ram-tough rigs: a Dodge-themed travel trailer, fifth-wheel or toy hauler, built by Monaco Coach Corp.

Monaco announced Tuesday it had struck a deal to build Dodge-themed towable RVs over the next three years that will feature Dodge logos, paint schemes and styling accents.

The vehicles, which will be built by Monaco subsidiary R-Vision in Indiana, will sell for less than $20,000 to $60,000 and be available this fall, the Coburg RV maker said.

The companies said it was the first time an auto manufacturer had licensed its name for branded RV products.

Brand Sense Partners, which works with Dodge to find licensing partners, approached Monaco about a licensing agreement, Monaco spokesman Craig Wanichek said. Monaco will pay a licensing fee to Dodge to use the brand.

"It felt like a good match between the Dodge brand, the Dodge truck owner and the lifestyle of someone who buys a travel trailer," he said.

Numerous brands and model names of travel trailers are on the market, and it can be difficult for consumers to sort them out, Wanichek said. "We feel like bringing in a well-known brand will definitely penetrate that marketplace,' he said.

Wanichek said he didn't know how many of the Dodge-themed vehicles Monaco expects to sell, but added, "We expect that it would help us out, and increase market share in that towable business. We expect to do pretty well."

Monaco will initially offer two models each of travel trailers, fifth-wheels and toy haulers, each of which will have several floor plans.

The rigs will have paint schemes and design cues inside and out that will fit in with the look of Dodge trucks and SUVs, Brand Sense officials said.