If you drive a big rig, chances are you’re familiar with steering wheel feedback, rut tracking and sway from crosswinds or passing semis, according to a report by Bryan Rogala published by RV.com. Everything from large, Class A motorhomes to Class Cs and B vans can experience these issues, and while products like aftermarket antisway bars, trac bars, or suspension upgrades help, what you really need might be a steering stabilizer.
Kathy Doran, Executive Operations Manager at Safe-T-Plus, one of the leading steering stabilizer manufacturers on the market, says this remedy will help your RV feel less like it has a mind of its own. “You can go from driving two-handed, white knuckled, to having your cup of coffee in your hand and occasionally looking up at the pretty scenery you’re supposed to be enjoying,” Doran says.
A steering stabilizer is essentially an additional control system that combines a horizontal shock absorber and spring specifically for your steering. They typically have a vehicle-specific fit and are easy to install, and can work wonders at reducing wheel feedback, creating a firmer, more confident feel on the road. These three products are among the industry’s most popular.
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — Shasta RV, one of the most recognized and respected names in the RV industry, has announced a strategic partnership with UFP Factory Built, manufacturers of BRAWN, a premium American-made structural wall system specifically engineered to enhance the structural frame of Shasta RVs.
This collaboration brings exclusive, next-generation sidewall construction to Shasta’s introductory travel trailers, raising the bar on strength, safety, and reliability in this market segment, according to a release.
Starting June 13, Shasta began integrating BRAWN’s single-piece wall system into production, ushering in a new era of consistency and performance for the brand. While many introductory RVs still rely on traditional wood-framed walls built with staples and jigs, Shasta is offering something fundamentally stronger and more advanced.
“Our customers are value-conscious, but they don’t want to compromise on quality,” said Meg Grierson, General Manager of Shasta RV. “By partnering with UFP Factory Built on BRAWN, we’re giving our buyers structural integrity they can count on. From ease of towing to long-term durability, these walls deliver real benefits you can feel.”
Proudly built in the USA, the all-new BRAWN sidewall sets a new standard for durability and performance. Engineered with the highest degree of precision, BRAWN is more than just a wall system; it is a smarter, tougher foundation giving confidence and peace of mind to RVers for the road ahead.
RV Dealers can experience this innovation first-hand at Pre-Expo in Middlebury on July 22: https://bit.ly/4nwiK9s
With this launch, Shasta reinforces its commitment to innovation and unwavering focus on quality, setting a new benchmark for what entry-level RV buyers should expect.
More information on BRAWN solutions from UFP Factory Built will be available in Q4 2025.
Shasta RV: An American Original
Shasta RV has been a cornerstone of the American RV industry since 1941. With a legacy built on quality, innovation, and adventure, Shasta continues to lead the way in crafting affordable, dependable RVs that inspire the open-road lifestyle. Today, Shasta operates as a proud sub- brand of Coachmen RV, one of the most respected names in the recreational vehicle industry. Founded in 1964, Coachmen RV is known for its commitment to value, reliability, and customer satisfaction, bringing decades of experience and trust to every Shasta model.
About UFP Factory Built
UFP Factory Built, a division of UFP Industries, offers structural and critical components, custom solutions, and other ancillary products to the manufactured and modular home, commercial modular building, recreational vehicle, and cargo trailer industries. We source, assemble, manufacture, and distribute a variety of products to help our partners build better products more efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience and bottom line. Our solutions include framing lumber, trusses, floors, walls, roofs, engineered wood, and composite products.
About BRAWN
Better Bones. Better Built.
With BRAWN inside, builders and manufacturers can rely on superior strength and durability to deliver better-built homes, trailers, and RVs. Whether you’re an RVer venturing off the beaten path or a contractor relying on work haulers for tough jobs, BRAWN ensures your products are built to last.
BRAWN is built on decades of experience in design, engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, assembling, and customization. Our industry expertise empowers our builder and OEM partners to build better-quality products, enhance brand loyalty, and create an exceptional end-user experience.
As a proud brand of UFP Industries, a multibillion-dollar global leader in the construction, retail, and packaging markets, BRAWN benefits from the expertise and resources that make us a trusted partner for builders and OEMs. Backed by UFP’s extensive capabilities, BRAWN is positioned to innovate and grow, providing industry-leading solutions for the modular, manufactured housing, RV, and cargo trailer industries.
Hand-picked for their deep marketing expertise across OEMs and dealerships and with an NMMA board liaison, the Advisory Group will answer two critical questions
How should we define success for Discover Boating?
How do we achieve that success?
The Advisory Group includes:
Thomas Bates, Chief Revenue Officer, Correct Craft
Abbey Heimensen, Vice President Marketing, MarineMax
Amber Holm, Chief Marketing Officer, Winnebago Industries, who also sits on the Board of Directors for the RVIA’s GoRV’ing initiative
Victor Gonzalez, Chief Marketing Officer, Sportsman Boats
Rob Parmentier, Chief Executive Officer, Sailfish Boats and NMMA Board of Directors liaison
Bryan Seti, General Manager, Yamaha Watercraft & National Sales & Marketing for G3 Boats
Here’s an inside view on the important perspectives the Advisory Group is bringing to the conversation:
“This is bigger than a campaign; it’s about how we work together to serve a changing consumer through shared resources that allow us to accomplish what no single entity can accomplish on its own. Like any good marketing effort, the group will ensure decisions are rooted in data and partnership and bring clear measures of success for Discover Boating that ignite industry action,” Lauren Beckstedt, CMO, Brunswick.
“It’s critical for any brand or category – in our case boating – to be known by those who don’t know about it. This is where growth happens. Successful marketing that turns these people into boat buyers starts with connecting them to what boating stands for, how it makes them feel and how it fits into their life. The group will answer how Discover Boating can do this best, and how OEMs and dealers need to plug in to make it work for their business,” Bryan Seti, GM, Yamaha Watercraft.
“Market growth is a team sport. Manufacturers, dealers, and associations each have a role, and we’re prepared to take bold, coordinated steps forward,” Abbey Heimensen, VP MarineMax.
“We need a solution to grow this industry because sales are not only declining, they’re going away. People are choosing to rent, join a boat club or not even become a boater at all. Something has to change and our goal for this group is to ignite the spark we need to enact real change and get our industry on the right track to grow,” Rob Parmentier, CEO, Sailfish Boats.
The group’s recommendation on how the industry defines success for Discover Boating will land on both the NMMA and MRAA Boards’ tables by the end of October with recommendations for answers to question No. 2 developed following the boards’ feedback.
To inform this work, Discover Boating is commissioning first-of-its-kind, in-depth consumer research to pinpoint today’s and tomorrow’s boat buyers—their size, motivations, and barriers. The research will be completed by the end of September and shared with the industry in the fall. It’s being guided by the Advisory Group and executed in partnership with renowned global research firm, Ipsos.
How Members Can Engage
Attend the Discover Boating Marketing Summit (Oct. 6 in Tampa, Fla.). Do you or does someone on your team handle marketing, PR or social media for your business? Whether a Chief Marketing Officer, dealership admin, or business owner, be a part of the conversation at IBEX on October 6, where we’ll review top-line findings of our research, have robust discussion with leading marketing minds inside and outside the marine industry, and discuss next steps for Discover Boating. Stay tuned for a “save the date”.
Attend Dealer Week (Dec. 7-10 in Tampa, Fla.) where you’ll have the opportunity to not only further understand the research findings but also learn how to put them into action through relevant and timely marketing and sales strategies and tactics.
For more information or questions, contact Ellen Bradley, NMMA Chief Brand Officer, or Matt Gruhn, MRAA President.
Hand-picked for their deep marketing expertise across OEMs and dealerships and with an NMMA board liaison, the Advisory Group will answer two critical questions
How should we define success for Discover Boating?
How do we achieve that success?
The Advisory Group includes:
Thomas Bates, Chief Revenue Officer, Correct Craft
Abbey Heimensen, Vice President Marketing, MarineMax
Amber Holm, Chief Marketing Officer, Winnebago Industries, who also sits on the Board of Directors for the RVIA’s GoRV’ing initiative
Victor Gonzalez, Chief Marketing Officer, Sportsman Boats
Rob Parmentier, Chief Executive Officer, Sailfish Boats and NMMA Board of Directors liaison
Bryan Seti, General Manager, Yamaha Watercraft & National Sales & Marketing for G3 Boats
Here’s an inside view on the important perspectives the Advisory Group is bringing to the conversation:
“This is bigger than a campaign; it’s about how we work together to serve a changing consumer through shared resources that allow us to accomplish what no single entity can accomplish on its own. Like any good marketing effort, the group will ensure decisions are rooted in data and partnership and bring clear measures of success for Discover Boating that ignite industry action,” Lauren Beckstedt, CMO, Brunswick.
“It’s critical for any brand or category – in our case boating – to be known by those who don’t know about it. This is where growth happens. Successful marketing that turns these people into boat buyers starts with connecting them to what boating stands for, how it makes them feel and how it fits into their life. The group will answer how Discover Boating can do this best, and how OEMs and dealers need to plug in to make it work for their business,” Bryan Seti, GM, Yamaha Watercraft.
“Market growth is a team sport. Manufacturers, dealers, and associations each have a role, and we’re prepared to take bold, coordinated steps forward,” Abbey Heimensen, VP MarineMax.
“We need a solution to grow this industry because sales are not only declining, they’re going away. People are choosing to rent, join a boat club or not even become a boater at all. Something has to change and our goal for this group is to ignite the spark we need to enact real change and get our industry on the right track to grow,” Rob Parmentier, CEO, Sailfish Boats.
The group’s recommendation on how the industry defines success for Discover Boating will land on both the NMMA and MRAA Boards’ tables by the end of October with recommendations for answers to question No. 2 developed following the boards’ feedback.
To inform this work, Discover Boating is commissioning first-of-its-kind, in-depth consumer research to pinpoint today’s and tomorrow’s boat buyers—their size, motivations, and barriers. The research will be completed by the end of September and shared with the industry in the fall. It’s being guided by the Advisory Group and executed in partnership with renowned global research firm, Ipsos.
How Members Can Engage
Attend the Discover Boating Marketing Summit (Oct. 6 in Tampa, Fla.). Do you or does someone on your team handle marketing, PR or social media for your business? Whether a Chief Marketing Officer, dealership admin, or business owner, be a part of the conversation at IBEX on October 6, where we’ll review top-line findings of our research, have robust discussion with leading marketing minds inside and outside the marine industry, and discuss next steps for Discover Boating. Stay tuned for a “save the date”.
Attend Dealer Week (Dec. 7-10 in Tampa, Fla.) where you’ll have the opportunity to not only further understand the research findings but also learn how to put them into action through relevant and timely marketing and sales strategies and tactics.
For more information or questions, contact Ellen Bradley, NMMA Chief Brand Officer, or Matt Gruhn, MRAA President.
NAPPANEE, Ind. – Responding to significant dealer interest, Gulf Stream Coach, the nation’s largest family-owned RV manufacturer, will host an exclusive Open House preview showcase of its 2026 models. This special event will take place from July 22-25 at Gulf Stream Coach Country Club, conveniently located next to Gulf Stream Coach’s corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants, located at 753 S Oakland Ave Nappanee, IN 46550, according to a release.
Following an outstanding reception to its 2025 introductions, Gulf Stream Coach anticipates even greater enthusiasm for its 2026 lineup, the release continued.
Phil Sarvari
“We’re well-poised to be the preferred independent manufacturer for hundreds of RV dealers who value their freedom of choice and enjoy the business philosophy of a company that works hard for RV dealers and retail consumers,” said Phil Sarvari, Gulf Stream Coach president. “We have a 43-year history of creating value for our business partners. That is what makes us unique.”
Vintage Cruiser Leads the Way
A highlight for dealers is expected to be the Vintage Cruiser line. “Many of our dealer partners are telling us how unique this product is,” said Tim Dennig, national sales manager for Gulf Stream Coach. “They are referring to it as being ‘unshoppable,’ and it has been our highest grossing product line.”
Stick & Tin Turns up the Heat
On the stick and tin front, Gulf Stream’s showcase will feature seven new floorplans, plus new exterior and interior pilots. These feature-packed trailers are designed to offer superior price, value and quick turn times for dealers.
BT Cruiser Lithium
The BT Cruiser Celebrates 25 Years
This showcase is an opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company’s pride and joy: The BT Cruiser Class B+ motorhome. The party starts with the introduction of the “Lithium Edition” 5210. The Lithium package offers a 480 Amp Hour battery combined with a new look sporting black matte wheel covers and single-color full body paint.
Sarvari emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and growth.
“This preview and the Elkhart Open House itself are all about building on our ongoing successes,” he said. “We’re adding floor plans, we’re rolling out new interiors and graphics, and we’re actively looking for dealers who want to share in the excitement. We urge everyone to come to Nappanee and spend some time at our showcase experiencing the quality, value and innovation we’re famous for.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, dealers are encouraged to contact their Gulf Stream Coach Sales Representative or email [email protected].
About Gulf Stream Coach
Gulf Stream Coach is the country’s largest family-owned manufacturer of recreational vehicles. The Nappanee, Indiana-based company has been building travel trailers and motor homes for over 40 years. It has received multiple awards for quality and innovation.
In this episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk, U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (IN-02) joins RVB’s Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg to provide an update on recent RV-specific legislative issues, including the Travel Trailer & Camper Tax Parity provision included in the recently enacted “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The RVBusiness Capitol Talk video series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
Introducing the Ventura Series from Scanstrut — the ultimate outdoor utility socket range designed for overlanders, vanlifers, and RV explorers who demand durability, style, and seamless connectivity.
Built for life on the move, Ventura delivers:
IP68 & IP69K waterproof protection
Compact, low-profile design perfect for tight panel spaces
Spring-loaded, click-shut lids with 90° holding bump-feature
Marine-grade durability with 316 stainless steel hardware
Quick access to USB-C, 12V, solar, water, TV, and mains
About Scanstrut
Based in the UK and the USA, Scanstrut is an international leader in the design and manufacture of outdoor and marine equipment. With a range of over 300 items, Scanstrut products enable and enhance the use of commercial, navigation and personal electronics in the outdoors. These are grouped broadly into mounts, charge, air and seal ranges and include waterproof wireless phone chargers, Satcom solutions for superyachts and tablet mounts for RVs.
Camping at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) during New England’s only NASCAR Playoffs weekend, Sept. 19-21, is one of the best ways to experience the thrill, community and non-stop fun of race weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned RV pro or heading to “The Magic Mile” for the first time, the right setup can take your experience from good to legendary, according to NHMS.com.
1. Book Your NHMS RV Site Early
If you’re planning to camp at NHMS, don’t wait. Sites sell out quickly. NHMS offers a variety of options from premium trackside spaces to more relaxed, family-friendly zones. Booking early not only secures your spot, it gives you the best shot at selecting the perfect location close to restrooms, vendors and the Fan Zone. Visit NHMS.com and lock in your site before they’re gone.
2. Maximize Your Tailgate Setup
Race day isn’t just about the action on track – it’s about the party. Set up a next-level tailgate space with a canopy or pop-up tent for shade, a fold-out table for snacks and drinks and comfortable seating for your crew. Add some Bluetooth speakers for race-themed tunes, string lights for evening vibes and lawn games like cornhole or ring toss to keep the good times rolling. Tailgating is an artform here. Make your spot the one that everyone wants to stop by.
3. Level Your Setup for Safety and Comfort
NHMS camping areas offer a variety of terrain, and that means you’ll want to come prepared. Bring leveling blocks, wheel chocks and a reliable flashlight or headlamp if you’re setting up after dark. A stable, level RV not only feels better, but it’s also essential for safe cooking, sleeping and socializing.
To read all 10 of the “Essential RV Camping Tips for Race Fans,” click here.
SAN FRANCISCO — Hipcamp, one of the world’s leading apps for finding and booking campsites, announced the winners of the 2025 Hipcamp Awards. This comprehensive awards program offers an extensive list of the best camping sites in America, beloved and highly rated by campers. This year’s winners include treehouses near national and state parks; farmstays with alpacas and other animals; RV parks with waterfalls; and other standout spots across the U.S.
Each year, Hipcamp compiles data around bookings, reviews, and ratings from its network of more than 7 million users across more than 500,000 U.S. campsites to crown the best Hipcamps in the United States. The company also confers Hipcamp Awards to properties in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Hipcamp founder Alyssa Ravasio
“Every year, we’re impressed by the quality of sites and experiences that our Hipcamp Hosts create for campers, and this year’s competition was no less fierce,” said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and founder of Hipcamp. “Hipcamp Award winners are some of the best campsites in the world, offering unforgettable experiences, incredible natural views, and magic for our campers. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or planning your first trip, the Hipcamp Awards serve as your go-to guide for discovering the most exceptional camping destinations in the world.”
The 2025 Hipcamp Award winners include The Wandering Path, a Best in Florida waterfront nature retreat in Santa Rosa County, and Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping, a Best in North Carolina private mountaintop site in Graham County. One of the Best in California campsites, the family-owned Cosumnes River Ranch, is celebrated for its amazing views on 100 acres in Amador County, and the oceanfront Wild WA Coast Lookout in Jefferson County, Washington, is a standout site within walking distance of Olympic National Park. From remote desert campgrounds to quirky forest retreats, the Hipcamp Awards make up a diverse list that highlights the best places for campers to get outside and connect with the beauty of the natural environment.
This year, the Hipcamp Awards introduced a new category, the Best Dark-Sky Campsites in the U.S., celebrating campsites that offer the best night skies for stargazing and astronomy lovers. The Best Dark-Sky Campsites joins other U.S. Hipcamp Award categories, including:
The Best Hipcamps in Every State in the U.S.
The Best Tent Sites in the U.S.
The Best RV & Van Spots in the U.S.
The Best Cabin Rentals in the U.S.
The Best Glamping Sites in the U.S.
The Best Treehouses in the U.S.
The Best Farmstays in the U.S.
Hipcamp Newcomer Awards: U.S. Edition
Hipcamp Legacy Awards: U.S. Edition
All award-winning campsites are available on the Hipcamp app, where campers can easily see real-time availability for booking. Hipcamp recently doubled its U.S. inventory to have the largest catalog of places to camp in the U.S. With more than 500,000 campsites, Hipcamp is the first and only app to unify all the campsites—from national parks to blueberry farms — everywhere you want to camp.
To learn more about the Hipcamp Awards and see the full collection of categories and winners, visit the Hipcamp Awards: America page.
For more information or to explore some of Hipcamp’s campsites, visit hipcamp.com.
About Hipcamp
Hipcamp is a leading app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Hipcamp unifies the world’s camping options across peaceful private spots, iconic public lands, and well-equipped campgrounds to create one app that has everywhere you want to camp. Hipcamp has grown into a community of over 7 million campers who use the app to explore all of their options in one place — tent sites, RV spots, or glamping — and find the perfect site to match their camping style. Each year, Hipcamp helps millions of campers sleep happily under the stars, boosting local economies and biodiversity along the way. Investors include Benchmark, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bond Capital.
On Wednesday, July 30, Go RVing is hosting a one-hour webinar to delve into the recently released special report, “RV Owner Demographic Profile of Intenders.” This report highlights the changing landscape of prospective RV buyers, revealing that 16.9 million Americans are interested in purchasing an RV within the next five years, with a notable shift towards a younger, more diverse, and tech-savvy demographic. Intenders are highly digital, relying on social media, YouTube, and online listings more than traditional dealership visits.
The webinar will feature insights from Ipsos Vice President Tim Reimer, RV Industry Association Vice President of Membership and Research Bill Baker, and Go RVing Senior Director of PR and Communications Monika Geraci.
The webinar will also dig into five unique RV intender segments, from young families building memories to hobby-focused couples and retirees seeking simple travel— each with its own motivations and purchase patterns.
This webinar is available exclusively for members of the RV Industry Association and members of the RV Dealers Association.
