Month: November 2013

This week’s Leisure Systems Inc. (LSI) Symposium in Covington, Ky., enjoyed a “great turnout,” said Dean Crawford, executive vice president for LSI, the franchise company for Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. Crawford said 74 of the existing Jellystone parks sent representatives, and a handful of prospective parks attended the Nov. 11-14 event. Rob Schutter, LSI [...]

Industry representatives expressed major concerns about Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) guidance on dealer-assisted financing during a forum the agency held on Nov. 14 in Washington, DC. According to a press release, the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) was among those in attendance at the forum, where dealer and lender representatives questioned the CFPB methodology [...]

(Nov. 14, 2013) A recreational trailer exploded and injured a 16-year-old boy who was sleeping inside during the morning of Nov. 14.

(Nov. 14, 2013) -- A recently released study by The Outdoor Foundation sponsored by The Coleman Co. said that 38 million Americans, about 13 percent of the population over age 6, went camping at least once last year.

(Nov. 14, 2013) -- "As a result of these efforts, we saw improved gross margin in this year's third quarter, despite a decrease in net sales," said Musbach. "Our slightly lower net sales reflected the effect of poor weather conditions this summer, which dampened RV usage and resulted in a decrease in our sales of air conditioners as compared to the third quarter of last year."

Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS), a leading dealer management software provider, has announced a partnership with RV Care, Canada’s largest RV dealer network. According to a press release, the partnership enables RV Care dealerships to implement the IDS system with exclusive incentives. “We are excited to begin this relationship with the RV Care network of dealers, [...]

Lakewood Ranch, Fla.-based PowerMax Converters reported that it had recently sold its 500,000th unit. The company produces AC/DC converters, battery chargers and transfer switches for the RV aftermarket. “We have hit the 500,000 mark in under four years, said Errin Tribble, vice president of sales. “That’s quite an accomplishment.” National Sales Manager Graham McWilliam added, “Dealers are starting [...]

(Nov. 14, 2013) -- RVDA and its allies argue that the CFPB has not released the complete statistical methodology it uses to determine whether discrimination is present in vehicle finance. For example, it is unknown if the analysis accounts for variables such as credit score, the amount financed, term of the loan, or special finance incentives.

(Nov. 14, 2013) -- “KOA Care Camps continues to enrich the lives of thousands of young people every year by giving them memorable camping experiences,” said Millner. “Cabela’s enthusiastically supports those efforts and is proud to promote the Great Outdoors alongside KOA.”

(Nov. 14, 2013) -- The only reason I’m doing a “semi-rant” in an industry publication is that if we don’t resolve “governing by crisis” and put our financial affairs in order, it will eventually and negatively affect our industry. We’re “bullet resistant” as an industry, not “bullet proof.” Regardless of what happens on the spending/debt limit issues in January and February, within reason, our industry is going to continue to healthily grow. I just don’t want to see us get forced to “settle for a field goal."