Month: August 2024

The 2024 Aftermarket Conference is underway in Orlando, Fla., according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). RVBusiness is attending the event and will provide coverage.

This week, suppliers and distributors will meet in one-on-one “appointment sessions” to pitch new products while taking advantage of key networking opportunities.

Attendees will also hear a keynote presentation from Andrew Davis on The Loyalty Loop, featuring the six small things individuals can do to create a great aftermarket customer experience.

This event is the perfect opportunity to develop strategies for expanding the market segment and discuss opportunities for future growth.

The post RVIA’s Aftermarket Conference Kicks Off in Orlando, Fla. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) today announced key changes to its executive leadership team to bolster its position as the trusted leader in the premium outdoor recreation market and drive its next phase of growth.

After four years with the company, Winnebago brand President Huw Bower will step down from his role on Aug. 31, 2024. During his tenure with the company, Bower helped guide the business through unprecedented times, brought several new industry-leading innovations to the market, and built a committed team across the brand’s motorized and towable RV businesses.

Chris West, currently Senior Vice President of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, has been named President of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses – Winnebago-brand motorhomes, Winnebago-brand towables, and Winnebago-brand specialty vehicles – effective Sept. 1, 2024. West was hired in 2016 to lead the company’s Enterprise Operations, with responsibility for the entire manufacturing, supply chain, and quality value streams across the Winnebago Industries portfolio.

Over the past eight years, West has worked closely with the company’s RV and marine businesses, built deep outdoor industry relationships, and driven significant progress and improved capabilities across key areas such as employee safety, manufacturing, strategic sourcing/supply chain management, quality, and business excellence. West also spearheaded the integration of the company’s Barletta Boats acquisition in 2021 and has provided executive oversight to a pontoon business now chasing double-digit market share growth.

“Winnebago Industries believes that time spent outside is priceless and we are committed to building a best-in-class leadership team that can deliver on our promise to elevate every moment outdoors for our partners and customers,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe. “We thank Huw for his contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his new role. Our company has gone through a significant transformation over the last several years, but we know the best is yet to come for our team and portfolio of premium brands as we continue to grow our influence, impact and share of the RV and marine industries.”

Prior to joining Winnebago Industries, West served as vice president of global supply chain for Joy Global, a worldwide mining equipment manufacturer and held several other key leadership positions in the agricultural equipment manufacturing and aircraft interior manufacturing industries. A search for West’s prior Senior Vice President – Enterprise Operations role will begin immediately.

In addition, Barletta Boats President, Jeff Haradine will join the Winnebago Industries executive leadership team and report directly to CEO Michael Happe, effective September 1, 2024. Haradine has been with Barletta since its inception and has been a critical driver of Barletta’s strong growth trajectory.

“Jeff has been a key part of Barletta’s impressive trajectory, first as a sales leader and then as president of the business over the last two years,” said Happe. “I look forward to having his people-first approach and deep marine industry insights on our top leadership team.”

About Winnebago Industries

Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries’ investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net.

The post Chris West Named President of the Winnebago Brand 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.

Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling 125 2024-2025 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, Cornerstone, Reatta, and Reatta XL motorhomes. The battery cables may not be the correct size, in the correct location, or they may be improperly tightened, which can cause an electrical short or allow the cables to overheat. Dealers will inspect the battery cables, and repair or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9903611.

TAXA LLC (TAXA) is recalling 863 2021-2024 Mantis trailers. The gaskets and brackets could fail to stabilize the freshwater tank, allowing the tank to move and detach from the trailer. Dealers will replace the gaskets and brackets, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 20, 2024. Owners may contact TAXA customer service at 713-861-2540.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 20 2025 Freelander motorhomes. The Federal Placard indicates 30 seat-belted positions in the rear, when the correct number of belted positions is 3. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 120, “Wheels and Rims – Other than Passenger Cars” and 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Forest River will mail owners new Federal Placards, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact customer service at 1-574-825-8602. Forest River’s number for this recall is 210-1824.

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

ELKHART — Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County marked a week full of milestones and community-building events, organizers told the Elkhart Truth.

Last week, Habitat hosted a groundbreaking ceremony, a panel build and a house dedication, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to providing safe, affordable housing for families in need.

The first event was a groundbreaking in Goshen, Ind., on the Rudov family’s future home. The event will begin a new chapter for the Rudov family, who said they look forward to the stability and security that homeownership will bring to their lives.

Next, Newmar hosted a panel build at its corporate offices for the Winnebago Industries Build for the Woods family. This event brought together volunteers to construct the interior and exterior walls of the Woods family’s future home. This collaborative effort highlights the community spirit and dedication of our corporate partners and volunteers.

Finally, a house dedication ceremony for the Smith family took place in Elkhart. This event marked the completion of the final home in the Hope Court development, a significant milestone for Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County.

The post Newmar Assists in Habitat for Humanity’s Milestone Week first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The “Camper Report Show” is a weekly feature of Camper Report, which is part of the RV LIFE family of RVing websites that provide RV forums, RV trip planning tools and mobile apps, and one of the largest campground databases around. Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro – RV industry veterans in their own right – the Camper Report Show has partnered with RVBusiness by providing RV industry insider information supplied exclusively by RVB.

This week the duo shares the screen with Forest River General Manager Willie Miller to chat 2024 models and get an inside look at what makes their floorplans so popular. DiPietro also takes us on a trip to what could be the best BBQ in America … well, at least in Tennessee!

Subscribe to Camper Report: https://bit.ly/CamperReportYT

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post ‘Camper Report Show’ Talks to Forest River GM Willie Miller first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Hughes Autoformers, a leader in RV power solutions, has launched the second-generation Power Watchdog. As the successor to the world’s first Smart RV Surge Protector, which became one of the best-selling RV accessories ever, the new Power Watchdog takes innovation and reliability to the next level, according to a release.

Reimagined from the ground up, the second-generation Power Watchdog introduces an innovative new design that sets it apart from any other surge protector on the market. The Power Watchdog offers enhanced weather protection, improved security, and unmatched user-friendliness. This advanced design includes a lockable, lit clamshell connection bay, making it easier to make connections in the dark while ensuring robust tamper resistance. These features not only protect your RV from electrical faults but also provide a seamless and secure user experience, elevating the standard of RV power management.

One of the standout features of the new Power Watchdog is the addition of built-in WiFi, which complements its existing Bluetooth technology. This integration allows RVers to stay connected and in control from anywhere in the world without the need for extra hardware. With WiFi, users can effortlessly monitor and manage their RV’s power systems remotely, ensuring they are always informed and prepared.

The Power Watchdog is more than just a surge protector–it’s a complete power management ecosystem for your RV. It continuously monitors for a range of faults multiple times per second. Should it detect an issue, it will immediately cut power to your RV and alert you. Once the fault has been resolved and stays resolved for 90 seconds, the Power Watchdog will automatically restore power. With the addition of WiFi, the redesigned mobile app is more powerful than ever. You can control settings such as light brightness, track past faults, monitor energy consumption, reset the consumption meter, remotely cut and restore power to your RV, and get notified of faults anywhere you have cell service.

The second-generation Power Watchdog also features our patented, replaceable surge module. In the event of severe power spikes, users can simply replace the module instead of the entire unit, making maintenance easy and cost-effective. This groundbreaking feature, combined with our industry-leading limited lifetime warranty, ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.

“We listened to our customers and took the best-selling surge protector on the market to the next level,” said Pat Thomas, Owner of Hughes Autoformers. “We focused on every detail, from adding WiFi for global connectivity to small touches like dimming the glow of the Watchdog face and the light in the all-new connection bay within the mobile app. Every detail has been scrutinized.”

Empower your journey with the enhanced functionality, innovative features, and comprehensive protection of the second generation Power Watchdog smart RV surge protectors. Available in 30 and 50 amp variants, with or without the Emergency Power Off feature.

For more information about the second-generation Power Watchdog visit: www.hughesautoformers.com

About Hughes Autoformers

Hughes Autoformers is a leading provider of power solutions for the RV industry, dedicated to ensuring the safety, reliability, and convenience of RV electrical systems. Founded on innovation and customer satisfaction, Hughes Autoformers offers a range of advanced RV products designed to protect and enhance life on the road. Known for its numerous innovative features and multiple patents, Hughes Autoformers has brought some of the best-selling RV power accessories ever made to the market. With a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, Hughes Autoformers remains at the forefront of RV power management technology. For more information, visit: www.hughesautoformers.com

The post Hughes Autoformers Launches Next Gen Power Watchdog first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) announces the addition of insurance industry veteran Stephen (“Steve”) P. Hearn to Brown & Brown’s board of directors.

H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., Brown & Brown’s lead independent director and chair of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of Brown & Brown’s board of directors, said, “Steve has established himself as a fixture in the London insurance marketplace, having grown and led several successful international businesses during his impressive, 35-year career. We remain focused on finding the highest quality directors to help guide our strategy and believe Steve brings the right combination of experience and skills to support our continued growth.”

J. Powell Brown, Brown & Brown’s chief executive officer and a board member, commented, “A visionary and effective leader, Steve has a proven track record of leveraging technology and talent to create long-term growth opportunities in the international insurance space. We are excited to leverage his exceptional abilities and learn from his unique perspective on our journey to $8 billion in annual revenues and beyond.”

Hearn began his insurance career in 1989, most recently holding roles with The Ardonagh Group from November 2021 until July 2024. During his time with The Ardonagh Group, he served as chief executive officer of Ardonagh Specialty Holdings Limited from November 2021 until September 2022; as chief executive officer of Ardonagh Capital Solutions Holdings, The Ardonagh Group’s holding company for its reinsurance broking, captives and MGA businesses, from November September 2022 until July 2024; and as chief executive officer of Inver Re, The Ardonagh Group’s dedicated reinsurance broking unit, from November 2021 until July 2024. He also served as a director of Ardonagh International from May 2023 to July 2024.

Previously, he served as chief executive officer of Corant Global, a subsidiary of BGC Partners, Inc. (“BGC”), from February 2019 until the sale of BGC’s insurance brokerage division to The Ardonagh Group in November 2021 and as the chief executive officer of Ed Broking Group Limited from 2015 until its acquisition by BGC in February 2019. Hearn held roles with Willis Group Holdings plc and its businesses from 2008 until 2015, including president and deputy chief executive officer of Willis Group Holdings plc, chief executive officer of Willis Re, chairman and chief executive officer of Willis Global and chief executive officer of Willis Limited. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions with Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs; Glencairn Limited; Marsh Affinity Europe & Middle East; Marsh Affinity UK and Sedgwick Affinity Group Services.

Since August 2023, Hearn has served as the chairman of Placing Platform Limited (PPL), a market-owned eTrading platform, and as a non-executive director of Atrium Underwriters Ltd. since June 2024.

About Brown & Brown, Inc.

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With over 16,000 teammates and 500+ locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most. For more information or to find an office near you, please visit bbinsurance.com.

The post Stephen Hearn Named to Brown & Brown Board of Directors first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — The great inflation spike of the past three years is nearly spent — and economists credit American consumers for helping slay it, according to an Associated Press report.

Some of America’s largest companies, from Amazon to Disney to Yum Brands, say their customers are increasingly seeking cheaper alternative products and services, searching for bargains or just avoiding items they deem too expensive. Consumers aren’t cutting back enough to cause an economic downturn. Rather, economists say, they appear to be returning to pre-pandemic norms, when most companies felt they couldn’t raise prices very much without losing business.

“While inflation is down, prices are still high, and I think consumers have gotten to the point where they’re just not accepting it,” Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, said last week at a conference of business economists. “And that’s what you want: The solution to high prices is high prices.”

A more price-sensitive consumer helps explain why inflation has appeared to be steadily falling toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, ending a period of painfully high prices that strained many people’s budgets and darkened their outlooks on the economy. It also assumed a central place in the presidential election, with inflation leading many Americans to turn sour on the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the economy.

The reluctance of consumers to keep paying more has forced companies to slow their price increases — or even to cut them. The result is a cooling of inflation pressures.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Credit Consumers for Finally Curtailing U.S. Inflation Spike first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nev. – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries, is partnering with Highway Transport, a North American leader in chemical transportation, to begin integrating the Battle Born All-Electric auxiliary power unit (APU) into its fleet. This marks a notable move towards improved sustainability for Highway Transport, which plans to transition their fleet of over 500 trucks to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. Highway Transport is expected to install the Battle Born All-Electric APU on new tractors in addition to retrofitting current models in its fleet.

The Battle Born All-Electric APU is an advanced lithium-ion battery system that provides ample wattage to run auxiliary power on trucks, even when a truck’s engine is not running. The product grants increased comfort to drivers by allowing the operation of HVAC, appliances, and other electronics, while the truck is off. The product produces zero harmful emissions and no loud engine idling. The unit recharges during drivetime and is expected to reduce Highway Transport’s fuel costs while increasing sustainability through emission reductions.

Highway Transport’s commitment to environmental responsibility is formalized in its Green Treads sustainability initiative. By partnering with Dragonfly Energy to implement the Battle Born All-Electric APU, Highway Transport is taking a concrete step towards achieving its Green Treads goals of reducing emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing driver comfort.

“At Highway Transport, sustainability and driver well-being are paramount. Dragonfly Energy’s solution allows us to make significant strides on both fronts,” Marshall Franklin, chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Highway Transport, said. “The added benefit of fuel cost savings further strengthens the value proposition of this partnership.”

The company’s pilot program and initial trials have shown promising results for fleets. The all-electric lithium iron phosphate (“LiFePO4”) based unit has demonstrated extended power delivery and reliable performance, including the ability to consistently power hotel loads for 12-16 hours, even in extreme summer heat. Highlighting the real-world benefits, Highway Transport driver William Gaines shared, “I’ve been driving for 35 years, and after installing the Battle Born All-Electric APU in my truck, I can honestly say it’s amazing. My first trip after the install took me to Dallas and then down to Houston, and the system is so COOL! Pardon the pun. My industry really needed this product.”

This partnership with Highway Transport marks another step forward for Dragonfly Energy’s reach within the commercial trucking sector. The planned integration of the Battle Born All-Electric APU into Highway Transport’s fleet paves the way for wider adoption of the Company’s clean energy solutions, accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transportation landscape.

“We’ve received immensely positive feedback on this product from both CEOs and drivers alike,” said Wade Seaburg, chief revenue officer of Dragonfly Energy. “We believe our product not only has the potential to enhance customer’s financial performance but also provides benefits to both the environment and the daily user. As more fleet operators transition towards sustainability, Dragonfly Energy is ready to support this shift with our lithium power solutions, offering a win-win for all involved.” 

For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com. To learn more about Highway Transport, visit HighwayTransport.com.

The post Dragonfly Powers Highway Transport’s Fleet with Battle Born first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan announced that the Feldman Automotive Group, in partnership with event host Mark Wahlberg, will once again be the title sponsor of the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational. The Feldman Automotive Group owns and operates 20 car and Airstream dealerships with 14 car brands and 33 brands in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana to their portfolio. Feldman and Wahlberg are partners in the six car and RV dealerships in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio.

This year marks the fourth year that Feldman Automotive Group has been involved with the outing, raising over $5 million since 2021. All the proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Corewell Heath Children’s and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. Some celebrity guests are now being announced for the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational, which will take place Aug. 26th at the Detroit Golf Club, located at 17911 Hamilton Road in Detroit. The event includes a full day of golf on the premiere PGA course at the Detroit Golf Club and hospitality, along with a live auction with over-the-top experiences. The goal is to raise more than $1.5 million this year.

The Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational is Metro Detroit’s largest celebrity golf event where every foursome enjoys an up-close and personal celebrity pairing, featuring more than 50 national and local celebrities. Jay Feldman, chairman/CEO for the Feldman Automotive Group, is also part of the event committee. Not only does he play an integral role in fundraising, Feldman also generously coordinates celebrity appearances for the event. 

“We teamed up with Corewell Health Children’s because my family and I deeply value giving back and helping children,” Feldman stated. “It is inspiring to see so many people lending their support and contributing to our cause.”

A snapshot of some of the participants joining Jay Feldman and Mark Wahlberg and Mark’s brothers Donnie, Robert, Jim, Paul, and nephew Brandon include:

Entertainment:   Sada Baby, Kevin Chapman, Jamie Denton, Adam Doleac, Bob Guiney, Pooch Hall, Jamie Hector, Chris Morris, Eric Paslay, Jesse Spencer, Hisham Tawfiq, Jenifer Wayne, Malik Yoba

Boxing Greats: Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard

NBA stars:     Kenny Anderson, Otis Birdsong, Caron Butler, Ron Harper, Walter McCarty, Eric Murdock

NFL Stars:      OJ Anderson, Joique Bell, Lomas Brown, Gosder Cherilus, Steve DeOssie,      

A.J. Francis, Irving Fryar, Calvin Johnson, Pepper Johnson, Latish Kinsler, TJ Lang, Kevin Ogletree, Sterling Sharpe, Jason Simon, Rob Sims, sportscaster Tracy Wolfson, Frank Zombo

NHL Stars:     Coach Mike Keenan, Stephane Matteau, Cam Neely, Pierre Turgeon, Zach Trotman, Marty Turco

MLB Stars:     Rick Cerone, Johnny Damon, Jim Leyritz,

Golf:                Brittany Lincicome, Ted Purdy, Steve Tooshkenig

And many more.

Support for Children’s Miracle Network at Corewell Health Children’s provides life-saving services, vital pediatric equipment and funds for patient treatment scholarships given to families unable to afford needed care, throughout southeast Michigan. The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation will utilize funds to improve the quality of life for youth in Detroit, Boston and nationwide, by providing financial resources and community support to youth services.

In addition to the Feldman Automotive Group’s title sponsorship, the invitational has the support of several community and corporate leaders including lead presenting sponsor Quantum Ventures of Michigan; presenting sponsors Shift Digital and Vesco Oil Corporation; and supporting sponsors including the Celani Family Foundation, CIBC, Corewell Health, The Fourth Tri Sanctuary, Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Family Foundation, Mechanical Services, NativeWahl, and Terra Capital Industries.

A dedicated committee of community members work alongside the foundations to develop this fundraising event: Tom Celani, Nino Cutraro, Jay Feldman, Ken Noonan, Bob Skandalaris and Sam Yamin.

Although golf sponsorships are no longer available, individuals can still support, by visiting:   beaumont.org/giving/foundation-events

IMAGES:  Courtesy of Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational

Click here for images

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About Corewell Health Children’s and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Corewell Health’s Children’s team of more than 80 pediatric subspecialists and more than 400 board-certified pediatricians provide comprehensive health care. Specialty pediatric services including emergency care, hematology-oncology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, cardiology, newborn and pediatric intensive care, pediatric surgery and craniofacial surgery are available at outpatient locations throughout Metro Detroit. Corewell Health Children’s is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals affiliate in Southeast Michigan. Find out more at beaumont.org/childrens or call 855-480-KIDS (5437). Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay within the community where the funds were raised. CMNHospitals.org

About Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation

The mission of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation is to improve the quality of life for inner city youth through a working partnership with other youth organizations. The foundation provides financial and community support to assist in making the dreams and ultimate potential of inner-city youth become a reality.  Find out more at markwahlbergyouthfoundation.org

About Feldman Automotive Group

Feldman Automotive Group is headquartered in New Hudson, Michigan. Chairman/CEO, Jay Feldman opened his first Chevrolet dealership in 1996, and today the automotive group is Michigan’s #1 Chevy dealer. The Feldman Automotive Group has evolved over the years to currently owning and operating 20 car and Airstream dealerships with 14 car brands and 33 brands in Michigan, Ohio, and recently added All-American Chevrolet Cadillac in Muncie, Indiana to their portfolio. Feldman and actor Mark Wahlberg are partners in the six car and RV dealerships in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. The Feldman Automotive Group is driven to provide fast, convenient, and first-class buying and customer experience. The team is also very philanthropic with the “Feldman Cares” program where their mission is to give back to communities throughout the U.S. They have donated millions to help pediatric patients with critical treatments, medical services and equipment, families in need, those with special needs, food insecurities, wounded veterans, animal rescues and more.  For more information, please visit FeldmanAuto.com

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