Month: August 2024

Kampgrounds of America Inc. held a ceremony on Monday (Aug. 19) to dedicate its new headquarters in Billings, Mont. Over 100 people attended the ceremony, including local officials, representatives of the various architectural and construction firms that had helped design and construct the new building, KOA employees and more.

The 35,000-square-foot building earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its design as a green and sustainable building. LEED buildings take into consideration water and energy consumption, utilize lest waste, emit less carbon, contribute to greater employee health and more.

It was designed by the Billings architectural firm A&E Design in partnership with multiple local engineers.

“I’ve been anxiously awaiting this day because I wanted to celebrate the team that made this possible and that’s what the day’s about, celebrating our partners who are here,” noted Toby O’Rourke, CEO and president of KOA. “We have waited a long time to have a rightful home.

“KOA was founded 62 years ago with a very modest campground on a plot of land next to the Yellowstone River and we’re now the world’s largest network of privately owned campgrounds and the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality,” she added. “We felt that a company of that magnitude deserved its own home, not only as a home base for our 1,500 employees across the country but for our 500 franchisees, this is a big deal.”

O’Rourke highlighted that achieving LEED certification was no small task and she thanked a variety of people who took part in making the vision come to life.

Peter Templeton, the CEO and president of the U.S. Green Building Council, also spoke during the event and highlighted the tremendous work that went into securing the certification.

“This building shows how we can create inspiring, energizing spaces that maximize the connection to benefit the health of humans and our environment,” he said. “USGBC has worked for more than 30 years in communities across the country and around the world to make projects like this a reality.

“The project minimized construction waste and impacts, reduced water consumption, optimizes interiors for occupants and their well-being,” Templeton added. “The project’s, mechanical systems have been built to maximize energy efficiency and KOA has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by using clean energy and conducting life assessments of the products to use in construction. KOA and the project team have prioritized strategies and innovations that ensure a high-performing building that also creates a safe and productive environment for all its staff and visitors.”

A variety of KOA employees noted to Woodall’s Campground Magazine that the new facility allows for better networking and collaboration, with a variety of common areas, meeting rooms and open-air format.

The building itself blends in well with the surrounding landscape.

“I’ve felt that this building transformed our culture from the day we moved in,” noted O’Rourke to WCM after the ceremony was finished. “I saw people introducing themselves to each other who never interacted in the old building because we were on separate floors and didn’t have a lot of shared space. I see people just working so much more collaboratively here.

“I travel quite a bit for work, and when I’m gone, I miss the building,” she added. “It’s a place where you come every day and you just smile and see something new. I see wildflowers blooming, we see a lot of wildlife here. Just to see the way it has changed our culture, it’s just been great to be part of.”

O’Rourke told WCM that it was important to be LEED certified because KOA’s business is about being good stewards of the outdoors.

“We want to have a commitment to doing the best we can to preserve the lands and waters,” she highlighted. ” KOA has had a longstanding Kamp Green program. We educate our franchisees and campers on how to camp more sustainably or how to run their campground businesses more sustainably. Not only do we think it’s important for the environment, but it makes good business sense.”

Oscar Tang, KOA’s owner, was also in attendance and spoke briefly about the company’s growth and its commitment to Montana.

“The founders were entrepreneurs from Billings. It has always been headquartered here and it has grown tremendously, especially in the last 15 years,” he explained. “So, this is a way of making it clear that we are a Montana company. This building, I think, will perhaps further anchor that fact. Long after I’m gone, this company that grew out of this location from you all, from the efforts that you all have put in, will prosper on and on.”

Tang’s wife, Agnes Hsu-Tang, a world-renowned archaeologist, art historian and activist, curated a wide variety of art from the western region of the U.S. to give the building life.

Jason McGimpsey designed the building’s chandelier which is made from repurposed trees taken from the site.

To learn more about Kampgrounds of America and the company’s sustainability practices, visit koa.com.

The post KOA Dedicates New HQ, Celebrates LEED Gold Certification first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – With about 425 family, friends and colleagues looking on, members of the 2024 class were officially inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame Monday, Aug. 19, at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Ind.

The five inductees from the RV industry included: Don Clark, Grand Design RV, Elkhart, Ind.; Terry Elias; Triple E RV, Manitoba, Canada; Phil Ingrassia, RV Dealers Association, Fairfax, Va.; Jeff Rutherford, Airxcel, Elkhart, Ind.; and Brian Wilkins, Wilkins RV, Hornell, N.Y.

And the five inductees from the manufactured housing industry included: Charlie Hemphill, Clayton Homes, Morristown, Tenn.; Sam Landy, UMH Properties, Freehold, New Jersey; Kamal Shouhayib, Choice Properties, Troy, Mich.; Nathan Smith, Flagship Communities, Fort Mitchell, Ken.; and Todd Su, Advantage Homes, San Jose, Calif.

Preceding the induction ceremony was a state of the Hall of Fame report, the highlight of which is that the organization, after facing a $930,000 deficit in 2012, is now boasts a $22 million net worth. In addition, Phase I of the 36,000-square-foot Convention Center expansion is complete, and future plans include a re-imagining of the RV museum.

Following that, Dana Nelsen, publisher of RV News, was honored with the Darryl R. Searer Spirt Award for, in part, his “loyalty, volunteering for well over a decade as a board member, an executive committee member.”

Then it was time for the inductions, and each inductee, during their acceptance speeches, offered heartfelt thanks to their spouses, families, friends and colleagues for helping support and shape their careers.

• Prior to co-founding Grand Design with brothers Ron and Bill Fenech in 2012, Don Clark was president of Dutchmen RV and successfully led the turnaround of the THOR Industries subsidiary. His experience also includes being part of the owner/management team that helped drive Keystone RV Co. to become the largest towable manufacturer in the world. Most recently, Clark has led Grand Design RV to become one of the fastest growing RV manufacturers in the history of the industry.

During his acceptance speech, Clark said he felt “humbled and undeserving,” and then shared a story about a time his son, Austin, learned the impact the RV industry can have on people.

“We all have customers who are passionate for our lifestyle. We have customers who are passionate for opportunities to travel and build relationships and build memories with their family and friends,” Clark said. “What an awesome industry that we have an opportunity to serve. We actually can make a difference in people’s lives, lives. I’m just as enthused and excited about this industry 40 years later as I was on my first day of the job. We’re all blessed.”

 • Terry Elias, CEO of Triple E Recreational Vehicles and Leisure Travel Vans, a Canadian RV manufacturing company located in Winkler, Manitoba that was established in 1965. He also is President & CEO at Lode King Industries, one of Canadas largest manufacturers of commercial highway transport trailers.

Elias recounted his time advancing the greater good of the industry through the Canadian RV Association (CRVA) and RV Industry Association (RVIA), and was pleased that two of his sons, Ryan and Mike, are continuing that legacy. Ryan Elias, the president of Triple E, is on the RVIA board while Mike, director of sales and marketing, is a CRVA board member.

“I’m very pleased to see the advancement of our family being continued to be involved in the RV industry North America-wide,” he said. “This journey in the RV industry has been very rewarding and have cultivated many relationships in ministry. Being on the association, our dealers and the supplier group.”

• Phil Ingrassia has been the president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) since 2012. Before that, Ingrassia served as the association’s vice president for communications starting in 2002 after having joined the RVDA staff in 1996. In that capacity, he supervised the association’s membership, industry relations, market expansion and communications programs. He also served as RVDA’s staff liaison to the Go RVing Coalition. In addition, Ingrassia is the past chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and is a member of the organization’s board of directors.

Ingrassia shared a story about his son, Tony, being asked whether he’d follow in his father’s footsteps to work for the RVDA someday.

(I’ll never forget the look on his face. ‘Wait, what?’” Ingrassia said. “But as I started to think about it, and we’ve heard that here tonight, it’s not an odd question to ask at all. The RV business truly is built upon family from the customers who enjoy the units, to the dealers that sell them, the manufacturers and suppliers that build them. There’s a strong sense of family that serves as the life and blood of this industry.”

• Jeff Rutherford has enjoyed a long and successful career in the North American RV industry. Following eight years as vice president of Carefree of Colorado and nine more years as the company’s president, Rutherford joined Airxcel in June of 2013 assuming role of chief operating officer. He was promoted to president in 2015, and was named chief executive officer the following year, succeeding company founder Mel Adams who retired following a 25-year tenure. In November, Rutherford moved on to become chairman at Airxcel. In addition, Rutherford is the past chairman of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

During his time on stage, Rutherford said upon reflecting on his career the one thing that kept coming back to him was “gratitude.”

“I’m very grateful to the many mentors I have, but most particularly to Mel Adams. Mel taught me how to provide life-changing opportunities for my team. And that’s meant a lot to me, and it’s meant a lot to many people that I’ve worked with,” Rutherford said, who went on to thank his colleagues, RVIA and customers as well. “And most importantly, I’m grateful to my family, my wife, my children, their first visit to Elkhart Indiana, where I spent so many nights over the last 30 years. They supported me during the challenging times, and they were there to celebrate the many, many successes that occurred throughout my career. So, I’m very grateful.”

• Brian Wilkins is the third-generation owner of Wilkins RV Inc., headquartered in Bath, N.Y. His experience with the RV industry started at an early age, having worked in his family’s dealership after school. In 2004, he acquired the family dealership from his father, and has grown the single-location business to seven storefronts, all in New York. Wilkins served as chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) in 2016, and in 2022 he received RVDA’s James B. Summer award, the highest honor the association presents. He has a long record of serving RVDA, having also served as chairman of the Mike Molino RV Learning Center Program Oversight Committee, as a member of the Tech Certification Board, and as a member of RVDA’s board of directors and board of delegates.

Wilkins said he was “extremely proud” to be a third-generation owner of Wilkins RV. He acknowledged the previous generations inlcuding his mother, Patricia, who died in 2013, his father, Ron, who was in the audience.

“Dad, I stand up here tonight knowing full well that this very well, for a good reason, could be you or Grandpa Stan. You two paved the way for me, and for that, I’m very thankful. To you, specifically, I thank you for the opportunity provided, the trust that you had, and the wisdom and the experience that you passed on to me. This honor is much yours as it is mine,” Wilkins said.

The post ‘Grateful, Humbled’ Inductees Enter the RV/MH Hall of Fame first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.

Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling seven 2024 Triple E Unity U24RL, U24TB, U24FX, and U24MBL motorhomes. The generator propane hose may be incorrectly routed too close to the generator exhaust, which can result in a fuel leak. Dealers will reroute the propane line and install a heat shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 20, 2024. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-204-325-4361. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA#10584-1.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles (Heartland) is recalling nine 2024-2025 Torque travel trailers, equipped with optional Onan 5.5 generators. These generators may not be properly vented and allow the generator to overheat or prevent exhaust gas from escaping properly. Dealers will correctly route the generator venting, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.

REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 4,665 2019-2025 Holiday Rambler Admiral, 2018 Holiday Rambler Admiral XE, Fleetwood Storm, 2023-2025 Holiday Rambler Eclipse, Fleetwood Flex, 2018-2025 Fleetwood Flair, 2020-2024 Fleetwood Fortis, 2020-2025 Holiday Rambler Invicta, 2018-2023 Fleetwood Pace Arrow, and 2018-2019 Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE motorhomes, equipped with the HappiJac drop down bed option. The front overhead cabinet fasteners can break, allowing the overhead cabinet to detach. Dealers will inspect and install new hardware and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 12, 2024. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV’s number for this recall is 240809REV.

REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 598 2019-2025 Holiday Rambler Admiral, 2023-2025 Holiday Rambler Eclipse, Fleetwood Flex, and 2019-2024 Fleetwood Flair motorhomes. The exterior patio outlet may lack GFCI protection when powered by the generator or shore cord. Dealers will install GFCI protection device prior to the inverter transfer switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 12, 2024. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV’s number for this recall is 240812REV.

The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Inc. revealed today that Campspot, for the 3rd consecutive year, earned a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Campspot ranks No. 793 this year among the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

Campspot, a leading software provider for campgrounds and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, powers over 2,300 private campgrounds and provides campers access to over 250,000 campsites across North America. In addition, Campspot was recognized as the 12th fastest-growing company in the travel and hospitality segment, 15th in the state of Michigan, and no. 2 in Grand Rapids.

The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637%.

2024 has been a year of focused effort on enhancing and expanding Campspot’s capabilities to better serve campgrounds. More than 14 integrations were launched to streamline campground operations including:

• Wild Energy: Automates the collection and input of meter readings, saving time and reducing errors.
• Remote Lock: Enables campgrounds to generate access codes for gated areas, enhancing security and convenience.
• Inex Tech Gate Control: Scans vehicle license plates to automatically open gates for approved vehicles, improving guest experience and park efficiency.
• POS Integrations: Expanded our point-of-sale integrations suite with Lightspeed Restaurant and Lightspeed Retail, offering campgrounds more flexibility in managing their retail and dining operations.
• Accounting: A highly anticipated feature, this integration connects Campspot to widely-used accounting tools, simplifying financial management.
• HubSpot: Connects Campspot with an industry-leading CRM and marketing platform, empowering campgrounds to enhance guest engagement and marketing efforts.
• OTA Integration enhancements: Improving our OTA integrations, including the launch of a direct connection with top travel brands, broadening campgrounds’ reach to new guests.

Beyond integrations, Campspot introduced features designed to make campground day-to-day operations even smoother like Remaining Balance Auto Charge, which automatically charges guests prior to arrival, ensuring payments are collected on time, or Recurring Miscellaneous Charges, which allows parks to set up recurring charge rules for monthly guests, making long-term stays easier to manage. Other features like Campspot’s Availability Calendar now shows all site types offered by the park, even if they’re unavailable for the selected date range, and the new Mobile Check-In feature provides a seamless check-in experience for guests on the go.

“From integrations to new features, this year has seen us heavily invest in several updates to our reservations system to improve usability and give parks more control,” said Michael Scheinman, Campspot’s CEO. “2024 is shaping up to be another groundbreaking year for Campspot. We’ve introduced innovations that empower campgrounds to operate more efficiently and effectively, but we’re not stopping here. The 3rd year of recognition by Inc. 5000 demonstrates our commitment to delivering value through our products and services to help our valued campground customers thrive.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Campspot

Campspot is the leading software provider for campgrounds and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, providing access to more than 250,000 campsites across the United States and Canada. Campspot delivers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate guest booking experience that makes planning a vacation seamless. Camspot offers a real-time, cloud-based management solution that powers a best-in-class reservation system for campground customers.

The post Campspot Ranks No. 793 on the Inc. 5000 List for 2024 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON – Since the Inflation Reduction Act became law two years ago, the National Park Service has invested $210 million into the health of parks, building climate resiliency and benefiting local economies.  

In this time, projects have broken ground and kicked off, providing benefits for people, wildlife, and local economies for generations to come. Inflation Reduction Act projects will continue to happen over the next seven years, but the investment will benefit parks and people long into the future.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is an unprecedented investment in the future of our nation’s public lands,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. “This funding is combatting climate change and restoring healthy lands and waters at parks across the country.”  

To date, on-the-ground efforts in national parks are protecting wildlife and plants, tackling landscape level conservation challenges, creating career opportunities for America’s youth, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring healthy environments for recreation and reflection.  

In just 24 months since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the National Park Service has:   

• Conserved sagebrush landscapes in the West, enhancing resilience to wildfire  
• Fought avian influenza to prevent extinction of Hawai’i forest birds  
• Protected coral from disease and climate change  
• Enhanced capacity and provided career experience in ecosystem restoration and climate resilience to youth  
• Restored essential grasslands in the East for key species, such as pollinators and birds  
• Bolstered national parks against the impacts of climate change by providing tools and resources to understand and adapt to a changing climate  

On the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the National Park Service recognizes these key investments and the vital workforce that enable repairs to critical facilities and infrastructure. Our work to enhance conservation through ecosystem restoration continues, with the full list of projects available on the National Park Service’s website.   

These investments advance the Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resilience Framework, which is guiding an over $2 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act across bureaus and offices, and supports the President’s America the Beautiful Initiative and advances the objectives of the National Climate Resilience Framework.

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – weBoost, a leader in cell signal booster technology, announces the launch of its most powerful and versatile RV cell signal booster yet – the Drive Reach RV II. Engineered to extend the edge of users’ cellular networks, this innovative product ensures that RV enthusiasts can stay connected even in the most remote locations, according to a release.

Designed to provide unparalleled connectivity for multiple devices and all North America carriers, the Drive Reach RV II delivers a cell signal that’s up to 32 times stronger than unboosted signals. New and flexible mounting and power options allow RV owners to easily add Drive Reach RV II to any class of RV.

“The Drive Reach RV II is a game-changer for RV owners who seek reliable connectivity while off the grid,”said Bruce Lancaster, CEO of Wilson Electronics.”At Wilson Electronics, our mission is to keep people connected, regardless of wherever they work, play, shop, or live. With Drive Reach RV II’s enhanced signal reach and versatile installation options, users can enjoy stronger signals, reduced dropped calls, and better overall connectivity no matter where their travels take them.”

“Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time remote worker, or an outdoor adventurer, the Drive Reach RV II enhances your travel experience by reducing dropped calls by 90%, improving data speeds, and extending battery life by 20%,” said Jonathon Field, general manager of weBoost at Wilson Electronics.

Key Features Include:

• Enhanced Signal Reach: Extends signal reach up to 3X the distance from the nearest tower, ensuring robust connectivity even in the most challenging environments.
• Multiple Device Support: Boosts signal for all wirelessly connected devices across all North America mobile carrier networks, making it perfect for families and groups.
• Flexible Installation: The versatile mounting bracket adjusts 180° in both directions, for rugged use, allowing for easy installation using T-slot, pole, or fixed mounting options.
• Improved Antenna and Power Options: A durable outside antenna paired with a new powerful mini panel inside antenna provides directional power where it’s needed most. Users can choose between AC/DC wall power and hardwire connections for optimal setup.
• IP66-Rated Antennas: Both outside and inside antennas are IP66-rated, offering protection against dust and water for durable, long-lasting performance.

The Drive Reach RV II is Ideal For:

• RV owners and travelers seeking consistent cell signal in remote locations.
• Families on weekend trips who value connectivity for safety and entertainment.
• Remote workers and digital nomads who rely on stable internet connections.
• Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters who need reliable communication for safety.

Product Inclusions:

• Drive Reach RV II Booster
• Outside Antenna & Adjustable Mount
• Mini Panel Inside Antenna
• 25-foot Cable
• Flexible Power Supply Options
• Cable Entry Cover & Heat Shrink Tubes
• 13-inch Mast Extender
• Side-Exit Adapter
• Spring & Thread Lock Pack

The Drive Reach RV II is available now at weBoost.com, Amazon and top retailers at an MSRP of $549.99. Backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, it meets all FCC guidelines, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.

For more information about the Drive Reach RV II, please visit weboost.com.

The post weBoost Introduces ‘Powerful, Versatile’ Drive Reach RV II first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

 
GOSHEN, Ind. – Transport US, a leading provider of RV Transportation, is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Zachary as the new Director of Business Development, effective Aug. 1, 2024. With over a decade of experience in the recreational vehicle industry, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Zachary’s career in the RV industry has been marked by significant achievements and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Over the past ten years, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive business growth, foster strategic partnerships, and develop innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. His proven track record in sales, marketing, and business development makes him a valuable addition to the Transport US team.

In his new position, Zachary will be responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, expanding Transport US’s market presence, and enhancing customer relationships. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the company’s growth strategy and ensuring Transport US continues to meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Transport US team,” said Jeff Arbogast, operations manager for Transport US. “Tom’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the RV industry will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

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LOVELAND, Colo. – Overland Expo, the premier overlanding event series in the world, announced Overland Expo Mountain West, the third of four 2024 U.S. events, takes place Aug. 23-25 at the Ranch in Loveland, Colo. Over 19,000 overlanding enthusiasts will see over 300 brands including the newest overlanding cars, trucks, motorcycles, tents, portable hydration, packable gourmet cookware, mobile power and more, according to a release.

Attendees will participate in more than 150+ different classes, demonstrations, and activities taught by 100+ instructors and presenters from around the globe. An experience of note is The Ram Truck Ride and Drive, during which guests test drive the Ram 1500 or 2500, the latest pickup trucks on a mini overlanding course that includes overlanding obstacles like staggered logs, beds of rocks and hill climbs.

“Having just hosted an incredibly busy Overland Expo Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon, we look forward to building upon that energy here in the Rockies,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “As more outdoor enthusiasts discover the appeal of adventure-driven travel, Overland Expo Mountain West event is a perfect blend of experiences for both newcomers and seasoned overlanders.”

According to Overland Cam research, overlanding has grown significantly year over year. For example, in 2023, there was a 15% increase in sales in overlanding vehicles compared to 2022 and a 20% increase in overlanding activities. The overlanding vehicle market size is estimated to grow from $14.9 billion in 2022 to $16.1 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%.

Show highlights include:

• Kids Adventure Area: Kid-centric adventure classes, covering skills like fire building, first aid, and knot tying. Parents must accompany children.
• “Women Who Wander”: Female-specific education sponsored by Bushwakka Adventure Gear in a fireside chat format Saturday afternoon from 5-7 PM at the Women Who Wander Pavilion.
• Bivvys: Conveniently located recharge stations sponsored by Hankook Tires, Yoshino Power,
• Ram Truck Ride and Drive: 20,000-square-foot unique truck-focused interactive off-road ride experience featuring the latest Ram Trucks.
• Trend Topic Discussions at the Round Table Pavilion: Sponsored by Pulsetech, in-depth roundtable panels and Q&A sessions on travel medicine, wellness, and navigating borders and checkpoints.
• Storytelling Pavilion: Sponsored by Cascadia Vehicle Tents, it features overland adventure stories from speakers like Patty Upton, Graham Jackson, Jason Specht (Mountain State Overland), and Matt McClellan (Ozark Overland Adventures), among others.

Overland Expo is known for The Ultimate Build for vehicles and motorcycles when Overland Expo outfits the latest and greatest adventure gear creating a vision of the “ultimate” overland vehicle. This year, 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X was selected for the Ultimate Vehicle Build and the 2024 Ural Gear Up Standard was chosen for the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build. The Ultimate Build is located by the Oasis Bar and Food Court.

For more information, visit overlandexpo.com and follow Overland Expo and #overlandexpo on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

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JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announces the addition of its Plattsburgh, N.Y., crossdock. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Pennsylvania distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4×4/Off-Road, and RV & Trailer parts in the Northeast, according to a release.

“Meyer is your source for Automotive Accessories in the Northeast,” states Jeremy Schnaus, Meyer’s Automotive Accessories Sales Manager.  “Our experienced, customer-centric sales staff is ready to help take your business to the next level by increasing your profitability allow you to service your customers quicker.  Call our product specialists today at 800.234.6411.”

“We continually look at ways to better connect unconnected markets for the automotive industry for the benefit of all participants — we are all competing for every discretionary dollar again,” states Jeff Braun, CEO. “We are focused on making sure that every manufacturer can connect to an end user through a brick a mortar dealer in every market possible.  We are continually stretching into population centers that are smaller and smaller to make sure the industry’s products are represented in the best way possible from sales support to logistics.  We are not far off from connecting 98% of America and 95% of Canada to personalized service with drivers that are trained to handle these products.  

“To manufacturers, if your distribution partners are not living up to expectations, give us a call and let us introduce you to transparent and effective distribution from a product expertise and logistics perspective—please send us credit risks or acquisition opportunities to [email protected] and let us help you!” Braun concluded.

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Nostalgia is a most powerful force.

How better to explain the recent resurgence in popularity of vintage camping trailers. For many, the trend hearkens back to a time when simpler times prevailed. And for those same folks, it represents an opportunity to capture the magic of memories, when those moments were present and new.

Enthusiasts of the vintage camper movement are invited to participate in an online summit dedicated to the phenomenon of restoration and preservation.  It’s called the Boot Camp Online Summit, and it’s taking place this coming weekend, Aug. 23-24.  It’s a presentation driven, as it were, by Paul Lacitinola, who with his wife, Caroline, publishes the magazine Vintage Camper Trailers.

Throughout the course of the Boot Camp Online Summit, guests will be privy to the wisdom of camping and recreational vehicle aficionados, as they provide presentations on various aspects of collecting and renovating their historic homes on wheels. Lacitinola has a catchy and affectionate term for those who are deeply devoted to this craft – he calls them “trailerites.”

This year’s version of the Boot Camp is quite different, in that the format is entirely online rather than an in-person affair, which Lacitinola said was a development borne of necessity. “Because the park we used was undergoing renovations, we decided to try it online and make the talks available to more people, wherever they live,” he explained.

Another consideration in moving the summit to an online project was in recognizing that people simply have more time constraints and less availability to commit to traveling as they once did. “In the future, we hope to blend an in-person event with an online event,” Lacitinola said. “While many will gain knowledge on multiple different aspects of restorations, sometimes I think you also learn what you maybe should have someone else do.  Our forum allows you to chat with the presenter during the class to have your questions answered and ‘get to know’ a variety of different restores in the hobby, in the event you do need some help down the road.”

“We are the only ones that I know of that do any sort of program of this type on this scale,” Lacitinola added.  There are additional plans to host other events that celebrate the culture of vintage trailer owners.  “We also host several vintage trailer rallies that tend to be more of a party, but we often include classes and workshops within that weekend when we can.” 

There will be another chance to register for the Boot Camp Online conference in February, and there is a tentative schedule to present an in-person event in August.

“Historically, people had a connection to the past, and positive memories of their childhood while growing up in these campers,” Lacitinola said about the allure of these antique campers. “As the hobby progressed over the last decade and a half, young people who may not have these memories entered into the hobby.  They may be ‘old souls’ who appreciate classic cars and vintage trailers, and have a perception of an idyllic mid-century America…the good old days.”

To learn more information or to register for the summit, visit http://www.VCTBootCamp.com.  And to sign on for more details regarding the trailer rallies, head to www.trailerfestrally.com. 

The post ‘Vintage Camper Trailers’ to Host Online Boot Camp Summit first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.