At the upcoming RV Hall of Fame Supplier Showcase from Sept. 23-25, Fogatti Inc., an internationally recognized leader in RV and outdoor camping supplies, will host a product showcase featuring its latest innovative offerings, according to a release.
“We will unveil our brand-new RV furnance with multiple innovative features.” said Michael Chen, CEO of Fogatti, “It will provide user with a safer, quieter, easier-to-use experience in the industry.” Moreover, Fogatti is going to release a new line of Westinghouse brand RV water heaters, including gas tankless and storage water heaters, and introduce a new Fogatti RV range, hybrid cooktop (induction with gas burner).
As a rapidly growing innovative company, Fogatti is committed to delivering highly innovative products and bring more comfort to Modern RV and outdoor living. Stay tuned for Fogatti’s exciting performance at the 2024 RV Hall of Fame Supplier Show at booths 62-63 & 81-82.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
On Friday, Sept. 13, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) finalized tariff actions stemming from those proposed in May following publication findings of its statutory Four-Year Review of Section 301 actions on China.
The simultaneously announced USTR decision follows the long-awaited conclusion of the Statutory Four-Year Review of Section 301 China actions they initiated in May 2022 and included several public comment periods. The key conclusion of these concurrent actions is that Section 301 China tariffs will remain in place for the near future.
USTR also decided to NOT exempt l-ion batteries (HTS 8507.60.0020) from a tariff increase slated for 2026 following hundreds of comments submitted explain their vast use by all Americans across the county. Other key actions include:
Increasing Section 301 tariffs on China-origin products in certain strategic sectors including electric vehicles (EV), EV batteries, solar cells and wafers, face masks, needles and syringes, critical minerals and steel and aluminum beginning Friday, September 27, followed by increases on other products, as detailed in the announcement by HTS code, in 2025 and 2026 on January 1 of the corresponding year.
Exempting Ship-to-Shore cranes ordered before May 14, and enteral syringes from increased tariffs;
Modifying proposed exclusions for certain solar manufacturing equipment.
Stating intent to propose shortly through a separate announcement and request for public comment, tariff increases on certain tungsten, wafers, and polysilicon products;
Publicizing the final list of eligible HTS codes for possible exclusion in a forthcoming, separately announced product exclusion process narrowly focused on machinery used for domestic manufacturing which includes the originally proposed 312 subheadings (found HERE) under Chapters 84 and 85, and adds the 5 additional subheadings for machinery used to physically alter goods in the manufacturing process listed below:
8421.21.00 (Machinery and apparatus for filtering or purifying water)
8421.29.00 (Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids, nesoi);
8421.39.01 (Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for gases, other than intake air filters or catalytic conv. for internal combustion engines);
8428.70.00 (Industrial robots); and.
8443.19.30 (Printing machinery, nesoi).
Together, the action on 301 tariffs and de minimis show that both Congress and the Administration agree on both the need to strengthen protective measures to combat China and urgent need for significant reform of de minimis. For more information, please contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs, at [email protected].
ST. CLOUD, Minn. –Pheasants Forever is celebrating a generous donation from PleasureLand RV Center and the Dan Pearson Family in memory of Justin Pearson, a dedicated upland hunter and conservationist who passed away in 2006. The contribution, which was gifted during the organization’s now complete Call of the Uplands Campaign, has been utilized to fund a trio of mission priorities in Minnesota, according to a press release.
“The memory of Justin Pearson, including his love for the outdoors, will exist in perpetuity thanks to the vision of his family and a company who understand the incredible values and healing properties of being immersed in nature,” said Eran Sandquist, director of Conservation Delivery for the Midwest region. “This gift is impacting thousands of acres, landowners, and Pheasants Forever program participants through outreach and education, extending the impact to every corner of Minnesota.”
The donation from PleasureLand RV Center and the Pearson Family also acknowledges the life and benevolence of the family patriarch, Dan Pearson, who passed away in late September 2023. Remembered by his friends and family as a humble soul who gave generously to worthy causes, Pearson lived a life of service to his community.
“I can only imagine Dad (Dan) and my brother (Justin) are smiling and walking together through a field somewhere, knowing that their influence is helping thousands of outdoorsmen and women do the very same thing across Minnesota,” said Whitney Pearson-Curtis of PleasureLand RV Center. “Outdoor recreation was important to my dad and brother and is one of the core values of Pleasureland RV Center; it’s an honor to contribute to Pheasants Forever’s work in this space on behalf of our family members.”
The legacy of Dan and Justin Pearson will live in perpetuity thanks to contributions from the family, helping secure the following projects and initiatives in the state of Minnesota:
The Justin V. Pearson Memorial Tract at Powers Lake Wildlife Management Area in Meeker County adds 267 acres of access to the existing complex. The tract includes 160 acres of grassland restoration in a core grassland bird conservation area, just 50 miles from the western suburbs of the Twin Cities.
The Pearson Family donation helped secure the 280-acre Wendland Waterfowl Production Area as an addition to Beyer WPA, which includes 80 acres of potential grassland restoration and permanently protects 144 acres of grasslands.
This gift also assisted the expansion of PF’s private lands biologist team allowing the organization to improve more than 40,000 acres and work with more than 4,000 farmers on voluntary conservation programs.
Additionally, Pheasants Forever has long maintained a goal to increase education and outreach initiatives in Minnesota – the Pearson Family donation helped advance the delivery of this programming focused on getting new people, both young and old, into the outdoors.
About Pheasants Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 477,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 28.8 million acres.
FAIRFAX, Va. – Jered Sobel, president of Sobel University, an exclusive RV sales and management training company, will host an education workshop during the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo. During “Championship Performances: The Congruence Between Sales & Football,” slated for 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 in the fixed operations education track at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, Sobel will show attendees that the only goal in a dealership is to win championships.
Learning objectives for this session:
The difference between a team and a championship level team
Why top sales, fixed operations, and F&I performers can make plays that no one else can
How the best performers practice, train, and mentally attack professional development.
Sobel’s workshop takes place on Fixed Operations Day at the RVDA Convention. The special discounted Fixed Operations Day price of $389 is good for admittance to the convention beginning on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 13th for the RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer Award reception, and all-day Thursday, Nov. 14th. In addition, Fixed Operations Day participants will be able to attend an extra bonus session “Elevate Your Fixed Operations Through Online Training and Certification,” with RVDA Fixed Operations Consultant Tony Yerman, on Friday, Nov. 15th. Fixed operations professionals can register for the convention here.
The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.
The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.
To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email[email protected].
AUSTIN, Texas and AKRON, Ohio – RVshare, the largest community for RV owners and renters, announces its list of highly anticipated winners in its annual Campers’ Choice Awards, affectionately known as “The Campies”, according to a release.
Earlier this summer, RVshare announced its third consecutive awards program and welcomed nominations in 18 competing categories to help give recognition to campgrounds and creators across the United States. This year’s ballot included 9 new categories that highlighted social media influencers and creators on various platforms, as well as campgrounds that are the best for seasonal escapes.
Nominations for all campgrounds and creators closed on Aug. 2, where the top finalists in each category were selected. The three finalists in each category were then able to garner as many votes as possible, leading up to the Sept. 8 deadline. After over a thousand voters weighed in, RVshare is thrilled to announce this year’s winners and congratulate them on their contribution to the outdoor travel industry overall.
“The 2024 Campies marks the third consecutive year of this esteemed awards program. This annual event serves a dual purpose, both helping travelers across the United States discover the best RV camping experiences, while also acknowledging the dedication and creativity of campgrounds, their teams, and the content creators who inspire countless individuals to explore the outdoors,” said RVshare Travel Expert, Maddi Bourgerie. “RVshare is proud to recognize, support, and promote these campgrounds and avid outdoor enthusiasts and experts as we all work together to help renters make the most informed decisions throughout their travel planning process, while prioritizing the things that matter most to them.”
For more information about the RVshare Campers’ Choice Awards, please visit rvshare.com/campies.
About RVshare
RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners with a diverse selection of vehicles for rent across the US, ranging from luxury motorhomes to cozy camper vans. On RVshare you’ll find vehicles that can accommodate any outdoor adventure, whether it’s a weekend of camping or a cross-country tour of national parks. Hit the road yourself or plan for a campsite delivery to experience the unbridled freedom of RV travel. With more than 5 million nights of sleeping under the stars booked, families and groups can experience a one-of-a-kind trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information, visit rvshare.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @rvshare.
ELKHART, Ind. — Dometic is set to make a powerful statement at this year’s Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, where the company will introduce the FreshJet 7 Series rooftop air conditioner and Fan-Tastic Vent 2 as the ultimate climate control duo, dubbed the “Kings of Cool.” These two groundbreaking products are designed to work together seamlessly, delivering unparalleled comfort and efficiency for today’s RV enthusiasts, according to a release.
The FreshJet 7 Series air conditioner and Fan-Tastic Vent 2 represent the pinnacle of Dometic’s commitment to innovation, combining advanced technology with sleek design to create a superior cooling and ventilation system for RVs. This dynamic duo will be featured at Dometic’s booth at the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, offering dealers and RV manufacturers an exclusive first look at how these products work together to redefine comfort on the road.
“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Kings of Cool’ at the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House,” said Todd Seyfert, President of Segment Land Vehicle Americas at Dometic. “The FreshJet 7 Series air conditioner and Fan-Tastic Vent 2 are each exceptional products in their own right, but when used together, they create an unmatched climate control experience. This combination is designed to meet the demands of modern RVers who expect both high performance and quiet operation.”
The FreshJet 7 Series Air Conditioner: The King of Quiet Cool
The FreshJet 7 Series rooftop air conditioner is the quietest and most powerful in its class. Variable speed compressor technology and brushless motors help deliver serious performance at less than 50 decibels. With its ultra-low-profile design and energy-efficiency, the FreshJet 7 ensures maximum comfort without compromising on style or sustainability.
The Fan-Tastic Vent 2: The Ultimate in Smart Ventilation
The Fan-Tastic Vent 2 Series complements the FreshJet 7 Series air conditioner by providing advanced ventilation with smart features, including Bluetooth remote control, RV-C integration, and a reversible 10-speed brushless fan in the top-tier Pro and Plus models. With its innovative DryDock Mounting System and PortPlus design, the Fan-Tastic Vent 2 allows for seamless upgrades and integration with other systems, making it a versatile and future-proof choice for any RV.
Experience the ‘Kings of Cool’ at the Dometic Booth
Visitors to the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House are invited to experience the synergy between the FreshJet 7 Series AC and Fan-Tastic Vent 2 firsthand at the Dometic booth inside the Supplier Showcase. Dometic’s team of experts will be on hand to discuss how these two products work together to deliver the ultimate in RV climate control. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the full range of features that make these products stand out, from the quiet operation of the FreshJet 7 Series air conditioner to the smart, customizable ventilation provided by the Fan-Tastic Vent 2.
“The Elkhart RV Dealer Open House is the perfect venue for us to showcase the ‘Kings of Cool’,” Seyfert added. “We look forward to engaging with our dealer partners and demonstrating how Dometic continues to lead the way in innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction in the RV industry.”
About Dometic
Dometic is a global leader in the mobile living industry, providing smart, sustainable, and reliable products for outdoor, residential, and professional use. Our product range includes climate control, food and beverage storage, power and control, and other essential applications for mobile living. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Dometic serves millions of customers worldwide, enabling them to explore, enjoy, and live well in any environment.
For more information on Dometic and the FreshJet 7 Series air conditioner and Fan-Tastic Vent 2, please visit www.dometic.com.
This is one of those only-in-America stories where a team of entrepreneurs discover a need, develop a product to fill that void, and then, through word of mouth, they hit it big – and now have their sights set on even bigger targets.
The entrepreneurs are led by Henry Proegler, their company is called Moon Fabrications Inc. (MoonFab), and their signature product is the MoonShade, a portable awning that’s ready to graduate from #VanLife and test the waters of the greater RV industry.
“What built this industry is the traditional RVer, and I think that’s always going to be the lifeblood. But we can learn from some of these emerging aftermarket products – like Overland Expo and #VanLife. There are more people dry camping than we realize. There’s more people boondocking than we realize,” Proegler said, adding that RVers are passionate about the RV lifestyle and customizing their campsite setup to suit their purposes.
“And that can be a challenge for the RV industry, which is why it makes sense as to why the industry has existed in the way that it has,” he said. “But this next evolution is allowing the customer to have a little more customization over what they’re doing. And I’m hoping that the easiest way for RV manufacturers to do that is by including fantastic aftermarket products, such as the MoonShade.”
A POP display for the MoonShade awning.
Austere Beginnings
A documentary filmmaker by trade, Proegler’s background also includes bringing various outdoor products to market. But he was first introduced to the RV industry several years ago while working on videos with TAXA Outdoors. That stint also exposed Proegler to the overlanding market, but it wasn’t until a good friend of his called him up before the MoonShade came to be.
His friend had made a decent living doing tech work for Airbnb and then the Robinhood investment firm, but tired of the corporate rat race. He left that world, moved to California, grew his hair out and outfitted his own campervan. He called Proegler when he couldn’t find an awning he liked, and the two set to work.
“So, part of it – and this is true for a lot of nomads and DIYers who live on the road full time – is they want to be able to stealth camp,” Proegler explained. “He lived in San Francisco at the time, so you don’t want to put a big giant awning on your van because it’s just a target that says, ‘Hey, come break into this.’ It started with that.”
That was back in 2018, and early on in the development it was determined they could make an awning in which its strength was incorporated into the shade itself.
After several prototypes, the two were ready to bring the MoonShade to market. Proegler said they raised $32,000 via Kickstarter and, by March of 2020, they had orders for 1,000 MoonShade awnings soon after having launched its retail-direct website.
“And we’re like, ‘Okay, if we sell through all of these over the course of the year, we can eat. We can pay ourselves. This’ll work,’” Proegler recalled.
Which brings us to the part of the story where the MoonShade struck a chord with the #vanlife movement and things really took off.
“I’m all about grassroots marketing, so I wanted to get this in the hands of the super users, so we partnered with a handful of YouTubers – people who were living in their vans,” Proegler said. “This is in April 2020, and it was ‘right place, right time.’ That inventory that we were hoping to sell through over the course of 12 months, we sold through in six weeks.”
Fast forward to today and they have sold close to 20,000 MoonShades, 90% of which were retailed directly to customers including some 2,000 Airstream Basecamp owners. Now, Proegler said, with the product having proven itself, he is looking to partner with OEMs.
“That’s part of the reason Bret’s here,” Proegler said referring to Bret Thompson, a Goshen native who now lives in Portugal. “He’s another seasoned entrepreneur who’s helping us just figure it out. I mean, Moon was a dream when it launched. That dream was fueled mightily by COVID. So, we spent the last two years just really figuring out the business and getting ready. But it definitely feels like we’re at the very front end of what our relationship with OEMs will be like.”
They already have at least one OEM partnership, and Forest River’s Collin Spickler is all too willing to sing MoonShade’s praises.
“In an industry where too many are racing to the bottom, we’ve made it our mission to set a higher standard. The MoonShade aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering versatile, high-quality solutions that enhance outdoor living. We’re not just outfitting RVs; we’re creating better camping experiences for our customers by focusing on what truly matters,” Spickler said.
In addition to Proegler and Thompson, the MoonFab team includes a former head of R&D at Patagonia. And besides the accolades from #vanlifers and Forest River’s Spickler, MoonShade has been celebrated by such publications as Outside Magazine Buyers Guide and Wirecutter.
Competitive Differentiation
What sets MoonShade apart is it’s versatile, durable, efficient and sustainable. Made with quality materials and construction, the MoonShade is built to last using 420D ripstop polyester with UV protective treatment, reflective coating, and heavy-duty polyester webbing trim. Its efficiency comes from its portable, simple designs that make set up and tear down a breeze. And the MoonShade is sustainable because the manufacturing process is intentionally designed to have as little impact as possible.
Its versatility is where the MoonShade truly shines, and it’s readily apparent as soon as you take it out of its handy carrying case. Using the included carabiners, suction cups, and strut pole, along with fixed mounting points such as roof racks and fences, plus any other accessories you may already have at home such as hammock straps, the configurations of MoonShade become endless.
“The MoonShade is essentially a dome tent that has various ways to anchor to a vehicle, but with it being semi-permanent, the design gives you a lot more modularity because when you roll into a camping space, if the sun isn’t over your driver’s side, you can mount it off the back or you can mount it off the other side,” Proegler said.
The MoonShade is available in either the OG model providing 9-by-7 feet coverage, or the XL version that provides 12-by-9 feet of coverage. Each is secured by a variety of methods, including attaching via a carabiner to heavy-duty vacuum-mount, suction cup or magnetic anchor points, as well as telescoping aluminum poles, guidewires and steel stakes. In addition, detachable MoonWalls offer more shade protection as well as a greater degree of privacy. And a fully enclosed screen room – sorry not sorry, mosquitos – is on its way, too.
“It’s just a great product. We’re never going to step in the way of the push-button convenience people. I’m not going to get on certain rigs and units, but I think there’s a lot of people who appreciate that it’s easier to set up than most fixed-attach awnings that are manual,” Proegler said.
“With OEMs, where we’re really focused on helping them is to extend the space for their customers outside,” Proegler explained. “Like with Palomino, they’re making the XL an option off the side, but maybe they’ll make the smaller shade on the back. That’ll be the work for us in the next couple years, is helping people figure out the best setup for their different units.
“I think that, as a primary awning, it’s going to make the most sense on a lightweight towable,” Proegler said, singling out truck campers in particular. “That’s where we’re seeing a ton of growth right now, and that’s in part because of how truck campers work and how they’re really tall. We were also on R-Pod last year. We’re on two of their smallest units.
While the MoonShade story is an American success story, Proegler said they hope to parlay that story into an even bigger one.
“The dream for us is we want to be the REI for the RV industry. And I think the way that works is by making great products that the end consumer loves – which we do – and with working with OEMs. Being an outdoor outfitter in this space means working directly with OEMs and helping them solve problems,” he said.
