travel lite rv lawsuit

Judge in Fraud Suit Sides with RV CEO

Superior Court 4 Judge Christopher Kehler intends to dismiss a fraud case filed against Travel Lite RV CEO Dustin Johns. The plaintiff will have one more chance to file a revision before the case is thrown out.

The case revolves around a $4 million real estate deal last year to acquire land for Travel Lite RV facilities. Following the transaction, Johns was accused of breach of contract and a state securities law violation. Counsel for Johns pressed that the claims failed to meet Indiana trial rule standards for making fraud allegations. His attorney moved to dismiss the case.

Kehler partially sustained John’s motion, agreeing that the suit did not adequately specify the time, place or details of the misrepresented facts. He also said the suit failed to identify “what was procured by fraud.”

The Plaintiff, Michael DeWitt, was given 10 days to revise his complaint and provide an updated argument which he said he intends to do. If he does not amend his complaint, the order states the suit could be dismissed with prejudice.

Johns says he’s been playing the high road throughout this disagreement and has done nothing wrong.

The real estate deal between the parties called for Johns to pay $1.9 million in cash and earnest money. The remainder was to be paid via the transfer of 3.5 shares of Travel Lite RV stock, Johns said was valued at $2.1 million.

DeWitt claims the value of the stock was misrepresented by Johns and that he had been provided with fraudulent financial information regarding Travel Lite RV. His suit claims $2.1 million in damages from the stock.

The motion states “There are no allegations concerning the who, what, when, where or how of any alleged fraudulent misrepresentations made to the plaintiff or how there might be and falsity involved.”

DeWitt objected to the request for dismissal on Nov. 7 stating that his amended complaint “clearly contains the information necessary to comply with Indiana trial rule.

Kehler disagreed.

In his defense, Johns said fluctuations in stock value are a risk in investing in businesses. He says that in real life people don’t get to just say they want their money back. As an investor, “sometimes you get a home run and sometimes you don’t.”

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Travel Lite RVs: 8 Facts Owners & Buyers Should Know

Large-scale motorhomes are not suited to everyone, and some RVers prefer owning smaller motorhomes that are easier to maneuver and offer more flexible travel options.

The Travel Lite RV company has been in business for quite some time and has become popular amongst RVers who prefer smaller-scale motorhomes. With their reputation for excellence often preceding them, many might consider themselves knowledgable on many aspects of this motorhome company.

However, there is a fair amount to be learned about the Travel Lite RV company before deciding on purchasing one of their models:

Has Travel Lite RV Company Ever Closed Temporarily:

In 2019 the Travel Lite RV company closed its doors for four weeks. It was reported that the RV company had closed permanently, but this was not true. Shortly after the news surfaced, the company released a statement announcing they were undergoing restructuring and halting production temporarily.

Table of Contents

1. Where Are Travel Lite RVs Made?

The Travel Lite RV company has its headquarters and primary manufacturing facility located in Syracuse, Indiana.

The company was not always situated in Syracuse, Indiana, as it was actually founded in New Paris, Indiana.

As is offered by many motorhome manufacturers, the Travel Lite RV company offers future clients the option to tour the factory and learn how the various models are produced.

For some, this is important as they wish to know how a model is manufactured and what materials are used before purchasing a motorhome.

If you would like to schedule a tour, contact the company either by phone or through their website!

2. Who Owns the Travel Lite Company?

Unlike big brand names in the motorhome industry Travel Lite hasn’t been operating for numerous decades.

However, the company has quickly risen in the ranks and become a name that RVers recognize. The Travel Lite RV company was founded in 1989 by Larry Johns, who decided to specialize in truck campers and lightweight travel trailers.

In 2015, Larry’s son and daughter-in-law Dustin and Lindsey Johns took over.

With the restructuring, the company is under new management, with Travel Lite being led by Ryan Rebar, its COO, and general manager. This change came after Dustin Johns left the company in 2019.

Johns and his wife are no longer part owners of the Travel Lite company as local investors now own the company.

3. What Types and Sizes of RVs Do Travel Lite Produce?

Travel Lite primarily manufactures a range of truck campers and travel trailers.

The company started in the niche truck camper market when they began production in 1989, but in 2011, they decided to branch out, as mentioned previously.

Their companies products have been well received in the RV market despite the company having a brief period of uncertainty when they closed temporarily for four weeks in 2019.

After the restructuring event, Travel Lite has come back stronger than ever with the goal in mind to meet the demand of consumers.

Should you want to learn the different motorhome sizes and weight ranges, you can look at the truck camper and travel trailer categories the company offers below:

• 2021 Rayzr Truck Campers: 6 feet and 4 inches with a dry weight of 1186 pounds to 7 feet and 6 inches with a dry weight of 1264 pounds.
• 2021 Extended Stay Truck Campers: 14 feet and 5 inches with a dry weight of 2066 pounds to 16 feet and 4 inches with a dry weight of 1865 pounds.
• 2021 Super Lite Truck Campers: 10 feet and 2 inches to 11 feet and 9 inches with no weight ratings currently given as per the company’s website.
• 2021 Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers: 15 feet and 4 inches with a weight rating ranging between 1510 pounds and 1676 pounds.

4. Do Travel Lite Make a Toy Hauler?

Presently the Travel Lite RV company does not design, manufacture, or sell toy haulers.

Their focus has been on constructing quality lightweight travel trailers and innovative truck campers.

It is unknown if the company will eventually branch out into toy haulers as they only recently in 2011 decided to manufacture travel trailers.

5. What Are the Smallest RVs from Travel Lite?

Several smaller models are available for purchase, with a range of truck campers and new 2021 travel trailers coming soon.

If you’re looking to learn the smallest models that the Travel Lite company manufactures, you can look at the few options we have provided:

• Rayzr truck camper full kitchen model – 6 feet and 4 inches.
• Super Lite truck camper 590SL – 10 feet and 2 inches.
• Super Lite truck camper 625SL – 10 feet and 7 inches.

Why You Should Choose A Smaller Motorhome:

• Smaller travel trailers and motorhomes weigh less and are easier to tow on uncertain terrain.
• They fit a large range of cars and trucks because they are usually lightweight.
• Smaller travel trailers and truck campers cost less and are more affordable.
• With smaller travel trailers, you won’t use as much fuel as lightweight trailers won’t cause your vehicle to guzzle as much gas.
• Many people prefer smaller travel trailers and motorhomes because they are easier to maintain. You won’t need to repair many tires, nor will you need to service numerous slides continuously.

6. What Are the Biggest RVs from Travel Lite?

In truth, many people, including seasoned RV owners and first-time motorhome buyers , will want to choose a larger RV.

This is largely because it will allow them more space should they need it. Should you be interested in discovering what the largest models are that the company produces, you can look at the few models we have listed.

• Rove Lite travel trailer 14FD – 15 feet and 4 inches.
• Extended Stay truck camper 840SBRX – 16 feet and 4 inches.
• Extended Stay truck camper 960RX – 16 feet and 1 inch.

Why You Should Choose A Larger Motorhome:

• Larger motorhomes are more spacious and give the occupants more space freedom to move about while traveling.
• Big motorhomes like fifth wheels and travel trailers are excellent for larger families who want to travel together inexpensively when they go on holiday.
• Many larger motorhomes provide ample storage for all your outdoor and indoor gear requirements.
• Larger motorhomes like travel trailers and Class As come with superior heating and cooling systems in place to ensure you are comfortable year-round.
• Larger RVs and some smaller models have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years, with many lasting longer than that if they are maintained. This makes a larger motorhome an ideal investment option for large families or those who like to entertain and travel frequently.

7. What Are The Most Popular RVs by Travel Lite?

Should you be looking to purchase a new motorhome, you are likely interested in learning what the most popular models are available on the market currently.

For many, purchasing a specific popular motorhome is their preferred choice because they know they have a higher likelihood of buying a durable, reputable, and long-lasting model.

There are hundreds of popular models available in the RV market, so it can be incredibly challenging to determine which motorhome type, make, and model is best suited for you.

It is also hard to uncover what the popular RVs on offer are from a specific motorhome company.

We have decided to try and shorten the amount of time you spend sifting through motorhomes.

Below are a few of the Travel Lite motorhome company’s most popular models on offer:

• Extended Stay Truck Camper – 890RX.
• Super Lite Truck Camper – 626XLS.
• Rayzr Truck Camper – Full kitchen model.

What Makes RVs So Popular Statistically?

It’s estimated that more than 89% of people who the RVIA surveyed stated that their main reason for purchasing an RV was because they wanted an easier way for them and their families to go camping.

According to Statistica, one in every five Americans prefer hiking and camping trips that involve a motorhome.

Furthermore, motorhomes have become very popular over the last decade because they offer individuals and families a cheaper alternative to booking in at an accommodation.

It’s estimated that opting to stay in a motorhome instead of a hotel or bed other accommodation forms can be up to 60% cheaper for holidaymakers.

8. Are Travel Lite RVs For All Four Seasons?

In short, yes, many of the Travel Lite motorhome models are capable of four-season travel.

However, the company’s models leave much to be desired as they don’t come with air conditioning units.

The travel trailer models come with 20,000 BTU furnaces which make them capable of traveling in winter, but they won’t be as comfortable as other motorhomes in summer or winter travel.

Although you can utilize many of the brand’s motorhomes for summer and winter travel, it will largely be at your own risk as they are not specifically designed to be four seasonal.

Travel Lite Restructuring For New RV Environment

2020 RV Industry Statistics, Trends & Facts 

Travel Lite RV Models

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$2M Lawsuit Filed Against Owners Of Travel Lite RV

The owners of Travel Lite RV are facing a lawsuit alleging fraud and breach of contract for $2 million in a $4 million real estate transaction last year.

Dustin and Lindsey Johns are being sued by Michael Dewitt in complaint papers filed Friday in Kosciusko Superior Court IV.

Dewitt alleges the Johns entered into a purchase agreement on July 14, 2018, for 11199, 11200 and 11190 NE Wawasee Drive, Syracuse, for $4 million. The purchase agreement amendment states Johns would transfer 3.5 shares of Travel Lite Inc. stock, valued at $2.1 million, to Dewitt at closing, along with $1.885 million in cash and a $15,000 earnest money deposit.

Dewitt claims the Johns provided him with fraudulent financial information regarding Travel Lite Inc., and the Travel Lite Stock in connection with the sale and transfer of the stock. The sale of the stock in exchange for the real estate was a transaction covered by the Indiana Uniform Securities Act, Ind. Code 23-19.

Dewitt is asking the court to order the Johns to transfer the real estate to him and he will return the partial consideration previously paid. Dewitt is also seeking $2.1 million in damages – the value of the stock from the deal – plus 8% interest, along with attorney fees and court costs.

Travel Lite RV committed to a $5.2 million expansion project in 2017 and moved company headquarters from New Paris to the 6 & 13 Technology and Industrial Park in Syracuse.

Rumors that the business is closing were circulating in Syracuse in the past few weeks, leaving Syracuse Town Manager Mike Noe scratching his head and concerned.

“He has not spoken to me at all,” Noe said. “It’s all just been hearsay about the company and I’ve read a couple articles that says they’re restructuring. I tried to call the company and I’ve called HR and all they could confirm was that they laid people off.”

Noe said he’s concerned about what will go in the industrial park if Travel Lite’s future is uncertain.

“It’s very concerning. It’s a loss of jobs and there’s a lot of new buildings out there that need to be filled,” Noe said.

Noe said last week he had heard rumors that the Johns’ family home was half funded through an investor in the company, but that the investor “has deep pockets and I don’t think they’d let that go.”

In a story published Thursday in the Goshen News, Dustin Johns was quoted as saying, “The company will get back to work Oct. 21 with an overall loss of about 70 jobs.”

Calls to Travel Lite were not answered and phone messages left were not returned.

Dustin Johns was arrested Sept. 11 after turning himself in on a warrant stemming from an Aug. 10 driving while intoxicated investigation. According to the probable cause filed Sept. 6 for that Class A misdemeanor charge, Dustin Johns allegedly crashed his SUV into a yard at 905 S. Harkless Drive, Syracuse, at 2:12 a.m., causing the vehicle to flip onto its side. Once first responders pulled Dustin Johns out of the vehicle’s sunroof, he was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for a blood draw. Results came back his blood alcohol content was 0.25%, more than three times the legal limit.

Dustin Johns is scheduled to appear in court at 1 p.m. Friday for the OWI charge.

An attorney was not listed for the Johns in either case for comment.

Dustin Johns’ father, Larry Johns, founded Travel Lite RV in 1968. Dustin and Lindsey Johns took over the business in?January 2015.

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Lawsuit Filed Against Travel Lite’s Dustin Johns

The future of RV manufacturer Travel Lite, of Syracuse, Ind., is still uncertain and at least one lawsuit has been filed against company owner Dustin Johns and his wife, Lindsey L. Johns, East Wawasee Drive, Syracuse, according to digital daily newspaper inkFreeNews, which serves Kosciusko County, Ind.

According to the newspaper, Michael J. DeWitt filed a complaint against the Johns on Friday, Sept. 20, in Kosciusko Superior Court for fraud, breach of contract and violation of the Indiana Uniform Securities Act. The complaint calls for Johns to return the three parcels of property that DeWitt sold to him, seeks $2.1 million in damages for stock promised in Travel Lite plus 8 percent interest.

The complaint states around July 14, 2018, DeWitt and Johns entered into a purchase agreement for property at 11199 NE Wawasee Drive, 11200 NE Wawasee Drive and 11190 NE Wawasee Drive. The agreement stated the purchase price would be $4 million and Johns would transfer 3.5 shares of Travel Lite Inc. stock, valued at $2 million at closing, as partial payment of the purchase price, along with $1.885 million in cash at closing and $15,000 earnest money deposited, according to the newspaper.

The real estate, by warranty deed, was transferred July 20, however, DeWitt is claiming Johns intentionally misrepresented the value of Travel Lite stock by providing fraudulent financial information and made the misrepresentation knowing it to be false with the intent to have the real estate transferred, according to the newspaper, citing court records.

RV PRO  reached out to Dustin Johns on Wednesday morning seeking a response to reports of the lawsuit but had not heard back prior to the deployment of the magazine’s daily eNewsletter.

Read more:  http://www.inkfreenews.com/2019/09/23/suit-filed-against-travel-lite-owner/

RV PRO Staff

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