Month: August 2024

Paul Michael Lewis White, age 59, vice president of engineering at Newmar, passed away on Aug. 19, 2024, after a short illness.

Paul joined Newmar in February of 2023 where he was responsible for program management, complete vehicle engineering, industrial design and interior design. Since joining Newmar, Paul and his team have already made an impact on the current model year coaches with a redesign of the electrical system and changes to the interior colors and finishes available.  Paul has been spearheading bringing new products and technology to Newmar as well with the use of NX and Teamcenter.

“This is difficult news for our team,” said Newmar’s President Casey Tubman. “Paul was an important part of Newmar’s bright future, and a source of inspiration and a good laugh to all who knew him. We have rallied together this week to honor Paul’s legacy. He will be deeply missed.”

Paul loved anything with an engine, especially his Triumph motorcycle, and was a lifelong car enthusiast. Before joining Newmar, Paul held a series of senior automotive design and engineering posts in organizations including Jaguar Land Rover, Ford Motor Company, Roush Industries, Tangent Design Group and REV Recreation Group where he worked with the RV brands American Coach, Monaco Coach, Fleetwood and Holiday Rambler.

Paul was born Nov. 6, 1964 in Northamptonshire, England, to Michael and Sandra White. From an early age Paul displayed a keen interest in design and engineering, pursuing art as a key component of his education despite his strong desire to become a fighter pilot. Sadly, his eyesight prevented him from undertaking a military career but his creativity soon revealed him to be a talented artist with a deep desire to understand how things are created and function.

Paul attended Coventry University in England, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Design and Engineering in 1988. He emigrated to the United States in 1991, and proudly became a naturalized American citizen on July 9, 2008. Paul married his beloved wife, Donna, on Aug. 1, 1998, on Mackinac Island, and they enjoyed 26 very happy years together.

In addition to Donna, Paul is survived by his daughter Rebecca (John) PeLong, and his son, Ben (Sarah) Cuddeback, as well as his grandchildren, Madison and Rory Frush, Annabelle, Flynn, and Penelope Cuddeback. Paul is also survived by his mother, Sandra, his sister, Lisa (Gareth), his brother, David (Ann), and his nephews, Charlie and Ben White. Paul is also survived by many cherished extended family members and friends, as well as his best furry friend, Maggie.

Beyond his work, Paul, like his father and grandfather before him in their respective Masonic Lodges, was a dedicated member and former Worshipful Master, of Milford Masonic Lodge No. 165, where he was an active supporter of his Masonic brothers and the lodge’s extensive charity work in the community. He also enjoyed traveling, especially back home to England and to the family fishing camp on Lake Matinenda in Canada.

Above all things, Paul was devoted to his family, and was a proud husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He went above and beyond to love, support, and have fun with his family, both near and far, and left a deep impression on everyone who came across his path. He will be deeply, profoundly missed.

Funeral services will be at Lynch & Sons, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 beginning at 1 p.m. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home starting at 11 a.m. for a public visitation. Burial to follow in Milford Memorial Cemetery, Milford, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Paul White Technical Studies Scholarship, c/o Milford Masonic Lodge No 165, 212 Union Street, Highland, MI 48381.

The post Newmar VP of Engineering Paul White Passes Unexpectedly first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind, – Lippert Components Inc., announced its participation in InnoTrans 2024, set to take place in Berlin Sept. 24–27. As the premier international trade fair for transport technology, InnoTrans provides an unparalleled platform for Lippert Rail to exhibit its cutting-edge products and solutions designed to revolutionize rail travel. 

At this year’s event, Lippert Rail will feature an interactive and immersive booth experience, showcasing a range of advanced products and capabilities. Attendees will have the chance to customize our innovative products in real-time using interactive elements and devices. They can also configure these products within a vehicle environment, showcasing their versatility and functionality. For the first time, our state-of-the-art window systems will be on display, allowing attendees to experience their superior features firsthand.  

Lippert’s commitment to product innovation and development will take center stage at the Lippert TEC Technical Excellence Center, where experts will be on hand to discuss our ongoing efforts to enhance product quality and reliability. This includes showcasing how our specialized processes and advanced capabilities in composite design significantly contribute to enhancing rail solutions and improving train sustainability. 

“InnoTrans 2024 poses a significant opportunity for Lippert Rail to highlight our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through innovative solutions,” said Francesco Filippelli Vice President Commercial Rail EMEA. “We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and demonstrating our capabilities in delivering safe, comfortable, and sustainable rail transport solutions.” 

Attendees are invited to visit us at Hall 1.1, Stand 610, to explore our latest advancements and discuss how our solutions can meet the evolving needs of the rail sector. 

For more information on Lippert Rail, visit Rail | Lippert Europe (lippertcomponents.eu) 

The post Lippert Rail to Show Rail Travel Solutions at InnoTrans 2024 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS Texas – RV Unplugged Season 2 has officially wrapped, and the numbers are in – every single episode garnered over 100,000 views, making this season an undeniable success, according to a press release.

The excitement culminated in an incredible turnout at the finale rally, where fans and RV enthusiasts gathered to celebrate and enjoy the RV lifestyle.

Throughout the season, RV Unplugged has not only entertained but also given back to the RV community in a big way. Through a Watch & Win program, the show has already given away over $70,000 worth of gear from our generous sponsors. And the best part? There’s still time to win more amazing prizes.

The show’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our multi-season sponsors, including Alliance RV, Jayco, Grand Design, RV Mattress, NRVTA and MORryde. These industry leaders have continually demonstrated their commitment to the RV community by supporting RV Unplugged and helping bring the excitement of RV living to a wider audience.

“We also had the pleasure of working with new sponsors this season, such as Blue Compass RV, who played an integral role in filming our spectacular finale. As our Title Sponsor, Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Fla., not only provided us with an incredible location to film but also opened numerous doors that were key to making this show a success. We are deeply grateful for their contributions,” the release stated.

“Additional sponsors like Big Beard Battery, SaltT Electrolyte Drink, Master Applied Coatings, Lectric eBikes, Liquified and Open Roads were instrumental in making this season happen. Without the amazing support of these companies, we couldn’t have pulled off such an extraordinary show.

“If you want to know who won the $25,000 Camp Margaritaville Auburndale check, you’ll have to watch it on rvunpluggedtv.com or catch it on YouTube & RVTV.

“Whether you’re a returning sponsor or new to the RV Unplugged family, we invite you to join us in making Season 3 the best one yet. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to discuss how we can work together, contact [email protected],” the release stated.

RV Unplugged is a reality competition show that challenges RV enthusiasts to live off-grid while facing a series of exciting challenges. With each season, the show aims to entertain, educate, and inspire the RV community, bringing together RVers from all walks of life to share their love for the open road.

For more information, visit rvunpluggedtv.com

The post ‘RV Unplugged’ Season 2 Sees Over 100K Views Per Episode first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Camping World: The Silver Lake 1600RBLE is a compact travel trailer that’s easy to tow and can fit almost anywhere. Yet it comes with some upgraded features that make the model from this award-winning travel trailer lineup stand out above the rest. With an 8’ wide body and extra-tall ceilings, this versatile travel trailer appears far bigger than it actually is.

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of the Silver Lake 1600RBLE, and check out these additional features!

» Murphy Queen Bed: To make a compact travel trailer feel as big as the 1600RBLE, you need a bed that saves you space. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. You get a collapsible Murphy-style bed that folds up and offers a comfortable sofa.

» 81” Interior Height: The increased ceiling height means better headroom throughout, including underneath the roof-mounted A/C and under the shower. The added clearance also allows for more overhead storage.

» Tankless Water Heater: Get virtually limitless hot water with the built-in tankless water heater that heats water as you need it. This is one feature you’ll be thankful for every time you camp.

» Compact, Efficient Kitchen: The kitchen on the 1600RBLE saves space in all the right places so you get an economical setup for meal prep and cooking. The two-burner recessed cooktop and undermount sink provide additional prep space. Lots of drawers and cabinet space, too.

» Wood Framed Door: Silver Lake travel trailers include full wood-framed doors that give you additional privacy and are representative of the East to West level of quality. When you tour a Silver Lake yourself, go ahead and test these out to feel the difference.

For an entry-level single-axle travel trailer, it’s difficult to beat the Silver Lake 1600RBLE. If you’re ready to see one for yourself, contact your local Camping World and find out if this is available to tour.

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

The post OEM Showcase: 2025 East to West Silver Lake 1600RBLE first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), which periodically profiles key members of the RV industry.

Forest River Corporate General Manager Leo Akins is a longtime RV industry expert whose vast knowledge includes codes and standards, pre-delivery inspection, quality assurance, corporate functions, and much more. 

His interest in the RV industry started a few decades prior. Leo’s family has roots in both the Midwest and the skilled trades — two factors that eventually led them to the RV world. “My family is originally from the Chicago, Gary, and Portage areas, and they worked in steel mills or similar industries,” he says. “In the mid-1970s, we moved to Goshen, Ind., and my stepdad started working in the RV industry as an accountant for Shasta RV. So, we were always around the RV industry.” 

“When I was 15, I began working for MarkLine. I was too young to operate some of the tools, but I could carry plywood and other things, and I was just happy to be there. I had fun and I worked the summers full time. Even when I went back to school, I’d work there before school and after school.”

Eventually, Leo worked for Cobra-Van American before eventually being hired at Forest River, where he initially worked on the Corporate Quality Assurance team. Gradually, he climbed Forest River’s corporate ranks, and has held his current role since 2011. “I’ve done everything from sweeping floors to being a Corporate General Manager,” he reflects.  

Leo’s primary responsibility in his current role is to oversee six divisions that span the entire company: Corporate Standards Managers, Pre-Delivery Inspection, Regulatory, Corporate Testing, Corporate Engineering, and State Plan Approval Processes. “All of those teams answer through me, and then I report to our Founder and President, Pete Liegl,” he explains. “I also have other day-to-day functions that I handle on a corporate level. We wear many hats at Forest River!” 

Leo expertly wears these hats, maintaining in-depth understanding of the operations and responsibilities of each of his divisions: “Our Corporate Standards Managers, who report to Matt Gingerich, inspect all Forest River plants located in Indiana, Michigan, and along the West Coast, Texas, and Georgia while keeping in mind compliance, corporate standards, federal regulations, and things of that nature,” Leo explains. “Our Corporate Pre-Delivery Inspection program, which is run by General Manager Kevin Smith, takes a percentage of the products that are built in the plants, and they receive functional testing. This operation runs five or six days a week every week.”

Meanwhile, Leo adds, the Regulatory division tracks information from the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and handles all recall and regulatory management. This division is managed by Head of Compliance Mike Becker, who is also the Chair of the RV Industry Association’s Standards Regulatory & Safety Compliance Subcommittee.

Additionally, Leo oversees the Corporate Testing Division, a complete testing facility run by Director of Corporate Testing Doug Yoder. “We’re building it from the ground up,” Leo says. “It’s been running for about a year and a half now. I’m always amazed by the work that they do over there.”

Leo also supervises the Corporate Engineering department, which he currently runs himself. “We have tremendous support from all the engineering managers throughout the corporation. We’re looking to build a world-class engineering division.”

He has also begun overseeing the State Plan Approval Processes division, which reports to Director Chastity King. The department addresses dealer, state, and sales licensing. 

When looking ahead to the future of Forest River and the wider RV industry, Leo remarks that it’s crucial to continue adapting to the marketplace, the needs of the customer, the needs of the dealer, and to drive meaningful innovations. 

One example of meaningful innovation is the continued advancements in electrification. “There’s a lot of developments coming related to electrification, and even though it might be in a different form than what we think of today it’s still moving the needle,” he says. 

Likewise, Leo notes that there continues to be improvements in RV components, such as the frames, flooring, wall coverings, appliances, axles, air conditioning systems, and more. “We live in a neat time because technology and innovation are moving quickly. And a lot of these advancements are entering our industry.”

In addition to technological advancements, Leo is also looking forward to the innovations and unique perspectives of the RV industry’s up-and-coming generation: “They think differently than I do, and I love seeing what they come up with. I like watching the younger people grow into their roles and contribute. I always consider who we should mentor and invest time with. I’m excited about this next generation and I want to make sure they inherit an industry that we cared about.”

In addition to his roles at Forest River, Leo has long been involved with the RV Industry Association. “I started with the Education Committee and my involvement grew from there.” Currently, Leo is on six of the Standards’ Subcommittees: Electrical, Fire & Life Safety, Heating, Plumbing, Regulatory & Safety Compliance, and Vehicular Components. Leo serves as Chairman of the Fire & Life Safety Subcommittee; he is also part of the Canadian Coalition and the Standards Steering Committee. 

When reflecting on the importance of these Association committees, Leo explains: “All the working pieces and parts of these committees go towards creating and building an even better, safer product. We’re a self-regulated industry, and that’s an integral part of our everyday workings, including building relationships with the RV Industry Association and regulatory bodies like the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation.”

Leo adds that one aspect of membership he’s enjoyed the most is the opportunity to help connect interested individuals from member companies with Association resources. “I love introducing them more to the Association and showing them who to speak with. If you’re a member, you’re welcome!” 

He remarks on the RV industry’s strong sense of unity as all segments continue to work together: “We have an awesome industry. A good example is the recent 2024 Aftermarket Conference— the industry’s suppliers are every bit as important as our manufacturers. That’s why our Association is so awesome: because all of us play a role, and we’re all working for the greater good. It does nothing but positively move the needle.”

The post RVIA Spotlights Forest River Corporate GM Leo Akins first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

HOUSTON – TAXA Outdoors, the leading manufacturer of lightweight, minimalist mobile habitats for outdoor adventure, announces TAXA X – next-generation off-road habitats designed to conquer the most rugged terrain. TAXA X trailers include Mantis X, Cricket X, TigerMoth X and Woolly Bear X, which are each engineered with premium features designed for off-roaders by off-roaders.

“TAXA X trailers are a testament to our ‘go farther’ ethos and reflect TAXA’s commitment to innovation and durability in overlanding,” Neil Grimmer, CEO of TAXA Outdoors, stated in a release. “We’ve taken everything we know about exploring the wild to craft a line that empowers adventurers and gives them confidence to hit the hardest terrain. These habitats are more rugged than ever.”

TAXA X trailers are based on TAXA’s Overland models but leveled up with top-of-the-line features to power off-road adventures. TAXA X habitats include:

• Cruisemaster CRS2 Suspension for superior shock absorption and stability on uneven surfaces
• Cruisemaster DO35 V3 Plus Hitch for superior shock absorption, stability and control (on all models except Woolly Bear X)
• Reinforced chassis for enhanced structural integrity
• Protective skid plates to shield the undercarriage from impact against rough ground and obstacles 
• Off-roading rock slides to protect the trailer’s chassis from damage caused by rocks and debris
• Aircraft-grade rivets for increased durability and resistance to vibration
• Versatile Molle panels for flexible exterior storage
• Upgraded cargo roof racks for additional gear capacity (specific to Woolly Bear X and TigerMoth X).

To reserve the TAXA X habitat that’s right for you for delivery by early 2025, visit TAXAOutdoors.com or find a dealer near you using the Dealer Locator. TAXA X models start at $24,999. To stay up-to-date on future launches, visit TAXAOutdoors.com or follow @taxaoutdoors on Instagram.

About TAXA Outdoors

Founded by a former NASA architect, TAXA Outdoors creates lightweight adventure trailers that can be towed by most vehicles and stored in most garages. Each trailer is customizable and built with thoughtful details and quality materials. TAXA Outdoors is part of the Storyteller Overland galaxy, the global leader in adventure vehicles. It continues to innovate for those who seek the freedom of the outdoors. Learn more at TAXAOutdoors.com.

The post TAXA Outdoors Unveils New TAXA X Off-Road Models first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV, Litchfield, Conn., and a past chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA), explains the value of attending the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

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

The post Video: Value of Attending ’24 RV Dealers Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BOULDER, Colo. – When most people think of Winnebago, they envision Class A motorhomes moving down the road on a family vacation.

In an effort to break down barriers for some of its newer models, Winnebago has embarked on a tour of the country showing off its rugged off-road Class B models the Revel, Ekko and Solis Pocket.

And what better setting to show off the vans than have proven so popular with younger audiences than Boulder Reservoir, just outside of Boulder, Colo., home to a college campus and a metro area full of outdoors enthusiasts?

The timing Wednesday wasn’t coincidental. The Winnebago contingent will continue over the weekend as they take the vans to the Mountain West Overland Expo set for Friday through Sunday in Loveland, Colo.

The Solis Pocket is new to the market as of March of this year in terms of the in-cab configuration. Ekko is new enough to be getting something of a lifestyle makeover. Chris Vogtman, vice president of product for Winnebago, said Ekko is now a “chassis agnostic” profile with numerous features designed to carry over to be built on either a Mercedes Sprinter or a Dodge ProMaster chassis. Both Solis Pocket and Ekko take advantage of the resurging popularity of the pop-top camper.

The veteran of the bunch, the Revel, has a host of new features including a magnetic latch screen door at the entry and a power-lift bed in the rear.

Solis Pocket

This van comes in two floorplans. The one on display Wednesday includes sleeping for up to four with the poptop and a dinette that configures six different ways to allow comfortable sleeping in any configuration.

Vogtman said Winnebago previously outsourced the poptop, but has taken over production internally to give the company better ability to test durability, fabric and weather resistance.

“Within there, there are snow rods, so if you risk facing some snow overnight, you can prevent that from sagging with the snow rods,” he said.

Solis’ rear toilet features a cassette for dumping waste, but the entire toilet can be removed as well.

A propane tank in a compartment next to the toilet can be pivoted to an easier position for removal to refill. A pole attached to the rear door can be extended to hold a shower curtain allowing for privacy for an outdoor shower.

Solis Pocket is available on the Ram ProMaster chassis.

Ekko

Vogtman said the idea behind the multi-chassis platform is to be able to keep costs down and pass that on to the customer.

“It has been phenomenal for us,” he said. “We initially launched it on the Transit chassis and it’s still available, but is now on the Sprinter chassis as well.”

Believe it or not, space is the key to Ekko. It has two large storage boxes at mid coach and a pass-through storage in the back of the coach that would do somc Class Cs proud. The pass-through compartment has climate control ability. There is a vent in the back that is integrated into the chassis allowing for heating and cooling.

Ekko has 50 gallons of fresh water, which is the biggest limitation to long-duration boondocking. It contains a 16-kilowatt Lithionics package, so power is no longer a concern for overland trips.

The kitchen features a portable single-burner induction cooktop that can be unplugged and moved outside for convenient cooking.

Ekko’s rear bedroom has split twin beds with an insert that can convert them into a single larger bed. A pop-top makes for sleeping up to four.

Revel

The “old man” of the bunch still features enough rugged extras to make one think it would be a shame to stay on the road.

The Sprinter-platform model has the magnetic latch screen door and removable induction cooktop seen in the other models, but its rear power-lift bed not only provides ample sleeping space, but it also makes room below for storage and – at the suggestion of customers – it leaves room for someone to sit to perhaps put on a pair of waders.

But Revel is truly about getting away more than just going camping.

“The entire thing is built to not rattle,” Vogtman said. “That’s built to go offroad in rutted conditions. It’s all-wheel drive. It’s built to get into the backcountry. If you get into the backcountry or a washboarded dirt road, you don’t want to hear things rattle. We changed to these Posi-latches that turn and cinch the door tight.”

Moreover, Winnebago has sought areas where it could make Revel lighter so it could increase freshwater capacity. The company developed a new hexagon pattern floor that is super rigid and built to be lightweight. It also changed to aluminum cabinetry.

The results were a 40% increase over previous models.

Vogtman said Winnebago had evaluated other chassis for Revel such as the Ford Transit Trail, but is still waiting to see whether Ford can meet the customers’ expectations. Because, Vogtman said, Winnebago considers how campers get to where they’re going more important that what they eventually do.

“It’s about the journey,” he said. “It’s not about what you do when you get there, it’s about the fun of actually getting to that location.”

The post Backcountry Tour Takes Winnebago Off Road in Colorado first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TORONTO — Both of Canada’s major freight railroads have come to a full stop because of a contract dispute with their workers, an impasse that could bring significant economic harm to businesses and consumers in Canada and the U.S. if the trains don’t resume running soon, according to an Associated Press report.

Canadian National and CPKC railroads both locked out their employees after the deadline of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Thursday passed without new agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference that represents some 10,000 engineers, conductors and dispatchers.

All rail traffic in Canada and all shipments crossing the U.S. border have stopped, although CPKC and CN’s trains will continue to operate in the U.S. and Mexico.

Billions of dollars of goods each month move between Canada and the U.S. via rail, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“If rail traffic grinds to a halt, businesses and families across the country will feel the impact,” Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, said in a statement. “Manufacturing workers, their communities and consumers of all sorts of products will be left reeling from supply chain disruptions.”

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post US Wary as Labor Dispute Stops Canadian Freight Railroads first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association reports that RV Wholesale Shipments into Canada for the 2nd Quarter ending June 30, 2024 totaled 9,221 units compared to 8,326 units in 2023, representing an increase of 10.8% year over year. 

According to Statistical Surveys Inc., RVDA of Canada reported that retail activity during the 2nd Quarter totaled 13,045 units and when compared to the Wholesale Shipment figure of 9,221 units, Canadian RV Dealer Inventory levels significantly decreased during the period. 

“We consider this an unusual trend as dealers typically would restock and order inventory historically approaching the summer, especially after a strong retail period. RV dealers have adopted a more conservative approach to inventory management due to current economic uncertainties,” officials said.

While certain factors have created a temporary disconnect between wholesale shipment and retail sales figures, CRVA anticipates that as economic conditions stabilize — and the forecasted interest rate reductions later this year take effect — more traditional patterns of inventory stocking and shipments will again realign with historical quarterly trends.

The RV lifestyle in Canada continues to attract consumers with its unparalleled freedom and flexibility, reflecting strong and enduring popularity.

“With a growing interest by Canadians in outdoor adventure and the freedom that RV travel offers, the outlook for the RV industry in Canada remains as bright as ever,” officials concluded.

The post Canadian Wholesale RV Shipments See Increase in Q2 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.