Month: August 2024

WINKLER, Man. – Leisure Travel Vans’ (LTV) Triple Diamond Dealer program recognizes dealers with the highest levels of customer satisfaction–starting from the sales process right through to customer support.

Triple Diamond Dealers represent the top third of LTV dealerships regarding the overall sales and delivery experience. This ranking is determined by customer surveys sent out after every purchase of a new LTV. Together with our Triple Diamond Dealers, we aim to deliver a motorhome that you’ll love for years with support and service you can depend on.

“We are so very proud of our Triple Diamond Dealers for being extremely professional salespeople each and every day of the year. More importantly, for providing excellent customer service during and after the sale,” said Dean Corrigal, Territory Sales Manager at Triple E RV. “Congratulations and a sincere thank you from every employee here at Leisure Travel Vans.”

For 2024, the Triple Diamond program recognizes top-performing LTV dealers from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Triple Diamond dealers are identified with the Triple Diamond badge on our dealer locator.

2024MY LTV Triple Diamond Dealers

• Van City RV of St. Louis – St. Louis, Mo.
• Holland Motor Homes – Holland, Mich.
• Howard RV Center – Wilmington, Mich.
• Grove RV – Spruce Grove, Alb.
• Van City RV of Colorado – Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Schaaps RV Traveland – Sioux Falls, S.D.
• Horizon Lussier – Marieville, Quebec
• Lake Region RVs – Ramsey, Minn.
• Craig Smith RV Center – Galion, Ohio
• Southland RV – Norcross, Ga.
• Fretz RV – Souderton, Pa.
• Van City RV of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nev.

The post Leisure Travel Vans Announces 2024 Triple Diamond Dealers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Entegra Coach announces it has launched an all-new training curriculum for its dealer partners called the Entegra Coach Academy. The online based learning courses offer a comprehensive overview of each model in the brand’s 2025 lineup of Class A, B, C and Super C products, according to a release. 

“We have found with our other brands that the online learning option is very popular,” says Trey Miller, vice president of marketing. “It allows dealers to access the training anytime of the day, weekdays or weekends on their schedule, at their pace.”

Initially, over 850 dealer personnel have registered and begun the learning track featuring 20 distinct courses covering both Gas and Diesel products. The training will cover model features, brand advantages, competitive benefits, company information and tools for sales, marketing, executives and other dealer staff. 

Upon successful completion of all courses and quizzes, the user will receive a personalized certificate which they can proudly display as being certified for the model year 2025 product line. More importantly, the dealer employee will be well versed in Entegra Coach and fully equipped to sell the products.

“Our team is thrilled to announce the launch of the Entegra Coach Academy,” stated Brendon Gendel, general manager of Entegra Coach Diesel. “The comprehensive online sales training platform offers flexible resources at the fingertips of our dealer partners. The Academy is just another way our team is reiterating our commitment to quality and setting a new standard in industry training. We are thrilled to see the direct impact this training platform will have on both our dealers and valued Entegra Coach owners.”

For more information or to enroll in the curriculum, send an e-mail, including your dealership location or Entegra Coach customer number, to [email protected]

About Entegra Coach

Headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, Entegra Coach, a division of Jayco, Inc., manufactures and markets luxury diesel and gas motorhomes. For additional information about Entegra Coach or its products, call 1-(800)-517-9137 or visit www.entegracoach.com.

The post Entegra Coach Launches All-New Dealer Training Academy first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Falling by just three cents since last week, the national average for a gallon of gas hit $3.45, similar to the price in June.  Meanwhile, the national and state averages for L2 commercial electricity remain the same as a week ago, according to a AAA report.

“With Tropical Storm Debby drifting up the I-95 corridor to visit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the threat to Gulf Coast oil production and refining is over,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But tensions in the Middle East and some overseas economic uncertainty may mitigate any drop in oil prices.”

With an estimated 1.2 million AAA members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA lists the kilowatt-per-hour cost for Level 2 (L2) commercial charging by state.

Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at an L2 commercial charging station is 34 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand fell from 9.25 million b/d to 8.96 last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 223.8 to 225.1 million barrels. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.0 million barrels per day. Crude oil production hit an all-time high of 13.4 million barrels per day. Lower gasoline demand, rising supply, and stable oil costs may lead to sliding pump prices.  

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.45, five cents less than a month ago and 37 cents less than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose by $2.03 to settle at $75.23 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 3.7 million barrels from the previous week. At 429.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas and Electricity Stats

Gas

Since last Thursday, these 10 states have seen the largest weekly changes in their gasoline averages: Ohio (-11 cents), Colorado (-7 cents), Tennessee (-7 cents), Illinois (-7 cents), Michigan (-6 cents), Delaware (+5 cents), Georgia (-4 cents), Kentucky (-4 cents), Oklahoma (-4 cents), and Missouri (-4 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.96), Tennessee ($3.03), Louisiana ($3.04), Arkansas ($3.06), Texas ($3.06), Oklahoma ($3.06), Alabama ($3.09), South Carolina ($3.09), Missouri ($3.15) and Kansas ($3.15).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for L2 commercial charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (24 cents), Delaware (25 cents), Texas (28 cents), Nebraska (29 cents), Utah (29 cents), Wisconsin (29 cents,) Vermont (30 cents), Michigan (30 cents) and Washington, DC (30 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for L2 commercial charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (56 cents), West Virginia (45 cents), Idaho (42 cents), South Dakota (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), Montana (41 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), New Hampshire (41 cents) and Alaska (40 cents).

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

The post AAA: Pump Prices Dip While Electricity Rates Hold Steady first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON – Thursday (Aug,. 8), the BLM announced its intent to develop a Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) to engage the public and to help inform the Bureau’s implementation of the Public Lands Rule, which provides regulations that will guide balanced management of America’s public lands now and for the future.

The FAC will allow the BLM to continue working with and hearing from a range of experts and the public to support successful implementation of the rule, according to a release. The FAC will represent a broad and diverse range of stakeholders and interests, and will help inform outreach and engagement, advise on best management practices, and participate in the development of agency guidance to support implementation. This will build on the work of BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils, which provide valuable feedback on BLM initiatives, regulatory proposals, and policy changes.

In the coming weeks, the BLM will publish a call for nominations and a charter for the committee in the Federal Register.

Also, the BLM released a set of initial guidance documents to support clear and consistent implementation of the rule across the Bureau’s 12 state and 175 field offices. The guidance documents, which cover topics from land health assessments to restoration and mitigation leasing, provide direction to BLM field personnel and inform the public on how the rule will work in the field.  As we continue implementing the rule, the guidance may be updated to accommodate the BLM’s experience, new information or input from the public.

“The Public Lands Rule provides essential tools that will help the Bureau improve and conserve the health of the lands we’ve been entrusted with for present and future generations,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “With this guidance and the announcement of our advisory committee, we are showing our work, demonstrating how this rule will look in practice and asking the public to help inform our implementation so we can make good on our obligation to protect and conserve the health of our public lands.”

The Public Lands Rule, finalized in April, helps ensure conservation is a key component of 21st century public lands management, helping BLM protect the best and healthiest lands and waters, restore those that need it, and make informed management and development decisions based on the best available science and data, including Indigenous Knowledge. You can learn more about the rule here.

The guidance documents released today provide policy direction to managers on the ground to support rule implementation. BLM guidance documents, including Instruction Memoranda (IM), Information Bulletins (IB), and Manuals, help provide policy direction while the BLM continues to hear from and work with stakeholders and partners to determine best practices and additional guidance that may be necessary in the future. These documents can be modified and updated as new information or best practices become available.

The guidance documents released today include:

• Restoration Prioritization & Planning IM  
• Watershed Condition Assessment IM 
• Land Health Standards IM 
• Restoration and Mitigation Leasing IM 
• Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Manual 
• Inventory & Monitoring of Ecological Resources Manual 
• Land Use Planning Requirements IB 

All materials are available on BLM’s website.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The post BLM Announces Next Steps to Implement Public Lands Rule first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a press release from Knaus Tabbert, one of the leading recreational vehicle manufacturers in Europe. Also note that, as of Aug. 9, EUR 1 is the equivalent of $1.09 (US).

The German market for leisure vehicles can look back on a positive first half of the year. A total of 57,893 new leisure vehicles were registered in Germany in the first half of 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 6.6% compared to the same period of the previous year and thus marks the second‐best figure behind the record half‐year of 2021 with 62,839 new registrations.

The main driver of the positive trend is the motorhome segment, which remains well above the pre‐pandemic level. Thanks to improved vehicle availability, demand for larger motorhome models in particular is on the rise again.

The KNAUS, WEINSBERG and MORELO brands continue to occupy the clear lead in new registrations of motorised vehicles. In the most important segment of semi‐integrated motorhomes, KNAUS and WEINSBERG products secure first and second place in new registrations. MORELO is and remains the number 1 in the luxury motorhome segment.

Revenue and earnings

Knaus Tabbert recorded consolidated revenue of EUR 699.4 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.6% in the first six months of 2024.

“We adjusted to the changed market conditions at an early stage. A key factor here is the adjustment of the product mix and the broad product range in line with our multi‐brand strategy. This enabled us to achieve strong earnings quality in the first half of the year.‟ states Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert AG.

Order development

Following the presentation of the 2025 model year in mid‐June, order intake is showing the expected positive momentum and results in an order backlog – as of the beginning of August 2024 – of well over half a billion euros.

Long-term financing agreed with syndicate bank

In June 2024, Knaus Tabbert signed a syndicated loan totalling EUR 250 million together with its long‐standing banking partners Commerzbank, Nord/LB and Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich. The facility has a term of three years – with an option to extend by two years – and has replaced the previous facility. The considerably higher volume also takes account of the Group’s growth.

Investments

Investment activity fell significantly by 41.3% to EUR 13.2 million in the first six months of 2024, compared to EUR 22.4 million in the same period of the previous year. The main payments relate to investments in the completion of the new production line (including the construction of a new building) at Morelo in Schlüsselfeld (DE).

“In order to optimally utilise the growth potential in the luxury segment, a second production line was added to the Schlüsselfeld site in Germany. This will enable MORELO to further expand its leading role in the European luxury motorhome segment,‟ says Wolfgang Speck, CEO of Knaus Tabbert AG, explaining the investments.

In total, Knaus Tabbert thus generated a positive free cash flow of EUR 12.3 million.

Outlook

Knaus Tabbert updated its forecasts on 17 June:

Despite the generally positive market environment and normal stock levels at caravanning dealers, dealers are now financing this stock at their banks at significantly higher interest rates. As one measure, Knaus Tabbert will extend the planned factory holidays in August from three weeks to five weeks. The temporary reduction in production output, combined with solid customer demand, should lead to a reduction in dealer inventories in the coming months and thus to a reduction in the high interest burden on dealers.

Based on the temporary measures to support the trade, Knaus Tabbert AG now expects consolidated sales for the full year 2024 to be in the range of EUR 1.3 billion to EUR 1.4 billion (previously: EUR 1.4 billion to EUR 1.55 billion) and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.0% to 8.0% (previously: 8.0% to 9.0%).

The post Knaus Tabbert Reports Strong Results in First Half of 2024 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Camco: Camco’s Adjustable Brass Water Pressure Regulator helps stop damage to RV/marine appliances, plumbing fixtures, and hoses caused by inconsistent or high water pressure. This regulator comes with a 45-psi factory preset, but it can be set to the desired pressure using the adjustment screw in the cap. Settings above 60-psi are not recommended. Constructed of lead-free brass this regulator is compliant with all federal and state level low lead laws. CSA Low Lead Content Certified to NSF/ANSI 372. Features standard garden hose threads for simple hookup. Camco makes quality products for RVing, boating, camping, towing, tailgating, and grilling that help you take your passion for the outdoors to the next level.

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

The post Video: Camco’s Adjustable Brass Water Pressure Regulator first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART — The Elkhart Education Foundation’s High School Program, Elkhart Catalyst, in partnership with The Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society at the University of Notre Dame, recently completed final presentations, according to an article in the Elkhart Truth.

Various community members came and viewed the progress of the projects over the summer.

Elkhart Catalyst is a high school internship program that connects students with various community partners to spend the summer working on a project. This year students partnered with MACOG, Elkhart Education Foundation and THOR Industries.

For MACOG, the students completed a walkability study of downtown Elkhart, rating the walkability and determining stress points within downtown.

Another group, the Elkhart Education Foundation group, created a curriculum for the elementary school program and developed a program for the middle school students.

The post THOR Industries Partners with Elkhart Student Interns first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Brian Linn, has joined TST as director of sales & OEM operations. In his new role, Linn will be responsible for leading all sales and marketing efforts for TST, as well as directing operations for OE supplied product from the newly established facility in Elkhart, Ind.

Linn has held various product and sales leadership roles in the RV industry during his 23+ years.  Much of his experience includes positions with leading OEM’s such as Forest River and Keystone.  He has led sales teams, managed dealership programs, and created new dealer training and marketing programs. “Brian brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to TST.  His skill set coupled with his passion for the RV industry will ensure that we are exceeding our customers’ expectations.” added Kellie Taube, Global VP of TST and PSI Sales.

Additionally, TST has announced that it is establishing operations in Elkhart, in cooperation with a sister company, to support its OE business.  This will include shipments of all TPMS products to its customers, as well as setting up production for new products being released in 2025.  “Establishing a presence in Elkhart is important for us and our customers.  This move will have an immediate impact on enhancing our support to our customers.  Furthermore, it reaffirms our previous commitment to the RV industry.” Stated Jim Sharkey, president, TST.

TST holds the #1 position in the TPMS RV market, through product leadership and unmatched customer service.  It is also the industry first TPMS supplied as OEM standard equipment on several major RV model lines and is part of the global leader in tire management systems, Pressure Systems International.

About TST by P.S.I., a Clarience Technologies Company­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

­­­­­­­­­­­TST offers Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for the recreational vehicle market, transmitting wireless, real-time tire temperature and pressure readings directly to our wide-screen color displays.  It is also the industry first TPMS supplied as OEM standard equipment on several major RV model lines.
“Air Carries the Load” and TST’s TPMS provides customers with peace of mind, knowing their tires are safely inflated before hitting the road. All systems include a signal repeater to ensure all their trailers, toys, and up to 115 tires are monitored. Our sensors’ IP67 dust and water rating ensure functionality in real-world conditions. In addition to the safety factor, increased fuel economy and money savings are a bonus.  

Website: www.TSTtruck.com

About Pressure Systems International, a Clarience Technologies Company

Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) is the global leader in onboard tire management systems for commercial vehicles.  P.S.I.’s portfolio includes automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS) for commercial trailers, tire pressure monitoring systems (TireView TPMS) and related (TireView LIVE) telematics products.

Website: www.psitireinflation.com

The post TST Names New Sales Director, Opens Facility in Elkhart first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The Venture RV Rep Group, a group of independent representatives servicing the RV sector across North America, announces its partnership with United Sales Associates, based out of Grand Beach, Mich.

“United Sales Associates is thrilled to partner with the esteemed Venture RV Group,” said Patrick Gleason of USA Sales. “The partnership will leverage the collective expertise to better serve manufacturers, dealers, and warehouse distributors in the upper Midwest. We are confident that this collaboration will add value to the manufacturers already utilizing the Venture RV Group agencies and provide our unique knowledge and expertise from over 50 years of combined experience in the automotive aftermarket, truck equipment, industrial equipment, and RV markets.”

Darren Whitlock, one of the founding members of the Venture RV Group and owner of Whitlock Outdoors, said, “We are thrilled to have Patrick and his team on board. This partnership gives us 21 full-time representatives who make dealer calls and work with manufacturers and distributors to help promote their brands. What sets us apart is our unique approach. All of our representatives live in their territories, giving us a better feel or pulse as to what is going on regionally in the RV aftermarket.”   

The Venture RV Group is made up of seven independent rep groups that have banded together to form one unified group. With Foster and Associates covering Canada this gives Venture RV Group full coverage across North America. The group also represents fewer brands, which gives their manufactures and products more attention.

Information about the Venture RV Rep Group is available at VentureRVGroup.net.

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Brian and Greg Bent, co-owners of Bent’s RV in Boutte and Albany, La., have circulated an area press release emphasizing the fact that their dealership has remained independent despite it having been reported last January that the well-known retailer was being sold to suburban Chicago-based Camping World Holdings Inc. – the world’s biggest RV dealer.

In an “Open Letter” under staff writer Timothy Boone’s byline published recently in The Advocate, the state’s largest daily newspaper based in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Bent’s RV had this to say:

“In early January 2024 it was reported in local news outlets, like yours, that Bents RV was selling the business to Camping World,” the two retailers, who also operate Bent Marine, stated in the open letter. “We wanted to tell our community that the sale did not happen. Our family has been selling boats and RV’s in South Louisiana for over 40 years, and it was hard to conceive that our RV division would truly end.

“Our customers and employees made it loud and clear that Bent’s RV needed to remain a locally owned business,” the letter added. “So, we made the decision to instead increase the investment in our people through training, providing technicians a path to RVIA certification and updating processes to reflect the ever-changing needs of our customers. By continuing to take care of own, we will do an even better job servicing our customers.

“This dedication has always been evident, as both Bent’s RV and Marine have been selected as a (RVBusiness) Top 50 RV and Top 100 Marine dealership for each of the last 5 years.”

The letter goes on to say that the nation’s larger “mega” RV dealers aren’t always as involved in the charitable aspects of the communities where the businesses reside while the Bent family over the decades has done so extensively, having supported everything from Catholic Charities to area law enforcement agencies and storm-related relief efforts with plans to continue doing so in the future.

The post Louisiana’s Bent’s RV is Reaffirming Its Independent Status first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.