RV Technical Institute (RVTI) Executive Director Curt Hemmeler joins Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg to discuss the organization’s fifth anniversary. The RVBusiness Capitol Talk series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article and video at bottom are from a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association:
Hailed when it was launched in 2019 as “the biggest and most important project of its kind that has ever happened in this industry,” the RV Technical Institute (RVTI), a multi-million-dollar investment by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association (RVDA), celebrates its five-year anniversary this month. RV industry companies are invited to visit the RVTI’s facility during the upcoming 2024 Elkhart RV Open House, which will take place Sept. 23-26.
“Our goal was simple: to create a gold-standard training program to empower technicians to deliver exceptional service and elevate the RV experience,” said RVIA CEO & President Craig Kirby. “After five years, I can confidently say that we’ve built a nationwide community of skilled and enthusiastic professionals dedicated to keeping RVers on the road and creating unforgettable memories.”
A collaborative effort between RV manufacturers, dealerships, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, RVTI initially began offering training in the fall of 2019 at its 18,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Elkhart, Indiana. Only months later, the COVID-19 upended all set plans. However, the program quickly pivoted to offering online Zoom courses for the Level 1 training. These live, online classes were the precursor to the successful self-paced online courses that are now offered for both Level 1 and Level 2 training.
By the end of year four, over 15,000 students had enrolled in RVTI courses, including dealership technicians seeking to advance their skills, entrepreneurs eager to start mobile tech businesses, and entry-level and career-changing newcomers to the industry.
“Attracting and training service technicians to make sure that millions of RVers continue to enjoy the great outdoors requires creative recruitment efforts,” says Curt Hemmeler, the Institute’s Executive Director. RVTI has exhibited at several American School Counselor Association events to educate high school counselors about the RV industry and the rewarding, high-demand careers it offers high school graduates. The Institute is currently working with several schools to incorporate its training programs into student curriculums.
RVTI has also partnered with the RV Women’s Alliance to conduct all-female training courses. Initially a pilot program, these popular courses are now being offered throughout the country.
Critical to the “hub-and-spoke” model where training happens at the RVTI headquarters in Elkhart as well as at partner locations across the country, RVTI’s Authorized Learning Partners program provides dealerships, technician colleges, and even correctional facilities with curriculum and resources to conduct their own on-site training. This strategy of building a network of training locations across the country now accounts for more than 85% of the Institute’s students.
“We are very proud of the RVTI team and of how manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, campground operators, and other RV experts have come together to create a world-class program,” said Hemmeler. “The beneficiaries will continue to be technicians, who are enjoying rewarding careers, and RVers, who are spending more time on the road to their next adventure.”
There were 35,988 retail registrations recorded in July 2024, which is a 9% decline compared to the 39,580 total in July 2023, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based sub subsidiary of Trader Interactive that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry.
Year to date, there have been 226,542 retail registrations in 2024, which is a 10.2% decrease versus the 252,282 total for the same period in 2023.
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 24,116 wholesale shipments in July 2024 and 202,712 units shipped year to date. Wholesale shipments have had a year-over-year increase for nine consecutive months, it should be noted, going back to November 2023.
UNITED STATES
Travel Trailers – 22,153 in July 2024 (vs. 24,413 in July 2023; a 9.3% decline). Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (40.8%), THOR Industries Inc. (39.2%), Grand Design RV Co. (7.0%).
Fifth-Wheels – 5,317 (5,987; -11.2%). Market share leaders: THOR (40.0%), Forest River (27.2%), Grand Design (15.4%).
Camping Trailers – 490 (682; -28.2%). Market share leaders: Forest River (68.0%), Aliner (16.9%), Purple Line LLC (4.1%).
Class A – 746 (891; -16.3%). Market share leaders: THOR (45.2%), Forest River (18.8%), REV Recreation Group (17.3%).
Class C – 1,646 (1,854; -11.2%). Market share leaders: THOR (52.0%), Forest River (25.6%), Winnebago Motorized (9.4%).
Class B – 896 (1,059; -15.4%). Market share leaders: THOR (39.6%), Winnebago Motorized (27.1%), Forest River (8.6%).
CANADA
Travel Trailers – 3,468 in July 2024 (vs. 3,407 in July 2023; a 1.8% increase). Market share leaders: THOR Industries Inc. (38.4%), Forest River Inc. (38.1%), Grand Design RV Co. (6.5%).
Fifth-Wheels – 534 (492; +8.5 %). Market share leaders: THOR (42.3%), Forest River (27.2%), Grand Design (21.0%).
GAFFNEY, S.C.—FCCC is debuting a new dash full of driver-focused enhancement and innovations for its S2RV Super C chassis at the 2024 America’s Largest RV Show, taking place Sept. 11-15 in Hershey, PA.
The new Dash+ on the S2RV takes safety and RVer experience to the next level thanks to a range of technological and ergonomic driver controls. This includes the introduction of FCCC’s industry-exclusive DriveTech ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, which eliminates the need for drivers to reach for every command and places transmission controls at their fingertips.
Additional features of the S2RV’s new Dash+ include:
Phone- and audio-control capabilities via the DriveTech steering wheel
In-dash Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Real-time transmission health and vehicle-code display
Capability to adjust dash brightness
In-dash slot to secure and display phone for hands-free viewing
Audible alert if door is opened without park brake set
Built-in alarm clock
“With Dash+ on the S2RV, we are taking safety, convenience and the overall customer experience to the next level,” said Jeremy Buckmeier, RV Product Manager for FCCC. “The S2RV continues to grow in popularity in the Super C space, and the introduction of Dash+ and its impressive offering of features will only increase its demand among RVers wanting the best for their coach.”
As with all FCCC RV products, the S2RV comes with the industry-leading safety features and a 3-year, 50,000-mile warranty and is backed by the most comprehensive service network around featuring 24/7 Direct service and support with access to FCCC’s nationwide service network, including more than 450 service centers and 90+ RV-centric Oasis locations.
About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC)
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) is a leading manufacturer of diesel chassis for the motorhome industry. FCCC supports its industry-leading chassis with a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 factory direct support, a nationwide service network with more than 400 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and an official customer-support mobile app. FCCC also manufactures chassis for the work truck, walk-in van, school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a Daimler company. For more information, visit fcccrv.com or call 1-800-FTL-HELP.
BILLINGS, Mont. – Forest River Inc., North America’s largest manufacturer of RVs, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles, announced it is renewing its partnership with Care Camps Foundation. This announcement was made as part of the celebration marking Forest River surpassing the $1M milestone in cumulative donations, according to a release.
In 2019, Forest River pledged to donate to Care Camps Foundation with every product sold. This month, the partnership surpassed its $1M goal, enabling thousands of children living with cancer and their families to experience a medically supervised camp.
“We are pleased to celebrate this milestone in our partnership with Care Camps Foundation. As an RV manufacturer, it just makes sense.” said Jason Hershberger, Forest River Inc. General Manager and Care Camps Foundation board member. “As an industry we do a lot of good things individually, but this is one of those things that we should all do together. We hope to inspire every manufacturer, supplier, and dealer to come together so every child suffering from cancer will have the opportunity to attend a special camp.”
The Forest River – Care Camps Foundation collaboration can also be seen at their annual Elkhart RV Open House, and with a co-branded sticker that is placed on every Forest River recreation vehicle sold across the country.
Gwynn Sullivan
“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Forest River and their extraordinary generosity,” said Care Camps Foundation Executive Director, Gwynn Sullivan. “Their steadfast commitment to our mission greatly contributes to our ability to fund the pediatric oncology camps we serve.”
In 2023, Care Camps Foundation provided $2M in funding to over 120 pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada impacting over 41,000 lives of children, siblings, families, and volunteers who attended. Corporate partnerships with the outdoor industry are pivotal to help fund the camps’ operational expenditures, capital improvement needs and program innovations – and ultimately provide the opportunity for children living with cancer and their families to experience community and the healing power of the outdoors.
About Forest River Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information, visit, www.forestriverinc.com.
About Care Camps Foundation
Care Camps Foundation is dedicated to funding medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary, they aspire to bring the healing power of community and the outdoors to children living with cancer and their families by partnering with the outdoor industry, other businesses, foundations, and individuals to fund the camps. To learn more, donate and be inspired, visit www.carecamps.org.
CINCINNATI, Ohio– To better reflect its mission of welcoming and supporting owners of all types of RVs, Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) soon will begin doing business as Family RV Association. This decision came from the FMCA Governing Board during its annual meeting on Aug. 14, 2024. The association is in the process of developing a new logo to accompany the revised name, as well as a timeline for the rollout of the new brand.
The new name retains the word “Family,” something that has been at the heart of the association since its founding in 1963 and has been part of the “Your RVing Family” tagline the organization has used for several years. For association members, “Family” goes beyond the conventional sense of the word and extends to the entire community of RV owners. Many members develop close bonds with their fellow members — another type of “family” — turning strangers into lifelong friends and travel companions. The new name also incorporates “RV,” to clarify the organization’s focus as an RV travel and lifestyle community.
“We are excited to begin a new adventure as Family RV Association,” FMCA national president Gary Milner said. “For 60-plus years, FMCA — now Family RV Association — has been helping RVers to form incredible connections with fellow RV travelers. We want to make sure all RV are aware of the wonderful opportunities and benefits membership brings. Adopting a name that better describes our community makes perfect sense.”
For more information about this organization for RV owners, visit FamilyRVAssociation.com.
About Family RV Association
Family RV Association is the world’s largest not-for-profit association for recreation vehicle (RV) owners. The organization maintains its national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently has nearly 120,000 active members. FMCA offers its members a number of benefits, including a subscription to its bimonthly magazine, Family RVing; a medical emergency and travel assistance program valued at $200 per family; a tire purchasing program; group rates on a roadside assistance program, RV and auto insurance, and health insurance; discounted rates for RV tours and caravans; and discounts on mobile internet access plans. Perhaps the most important benefit of FMCA membership is the camaraderie and friendships that develop among people enjoying the common interest of RV travel. The organization can be reached at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622 and on the web at FamilyRVAssociation.com.
DÜSSELDORF, Germany – More than 250,000 satisfied visitors and exhibitors marked the 10 days of Caravan Salon 2024, according to a release, which also featured a record number of 778 exhibitors from 35 countries presenting recreational vehicles, equipment and accessories for every taste and budget in 16 halls and on the outdoor area.
In addition to motorhomes, caravans and camper vans the range included vehicle technology, components and attachments, tents, mobile homes, caravanning and camping accessories & equipment, outdoor apparel and gear, tourism destinations as well nature regions, campsites and RV pitches.
(Photos courtesy of Caravan Salon)
Marius Berlemann, managing director at Messe Düsseldorf, the host venue for the show, said the “heart of the caravanning and camping industry beats here in Düsseldorf.”
“No other trade fair location worldwide unites the interests of manufacturers, dealers and visitors as perfectly as Caravan Salon,” Berlemann stated. “Positive midsummer vibes prevailed throughout our exhibition halls and outdoor space. This optimistic mood also had a very positive impact on the business deals concluded by our exhibitors. Visitors praised the unique, personalized advice and information at the stands. Accordingly, the very large majority of the 778 exhibitors reported excellent sales. Once again, more than 250,000 people from 69 countries visited our exhibition center in order to experience caravanning close up. We also view the high visitor attendance levels as a confirmation of the successful collaboration between exhibitors, the Caravaning Industrie Verband and our trade fair company. Caravanning is a perfect fit for today’s world and stands for a flexible as well as attractive form of traveling. It embodies freedom, individuality and proximity to nature.”
Caravan Salon has also developed into an important dialogue platform and forum for the exchange with political and tourism decision-makers. The conference series “Destination Future”, which is specifically geared towards the needs of camping travel destinations and tourist regions, struck a chord with experts and specialists. Attractive special shows and a varied stage program for both beginners and experienced camping fans perfectly rounded off the Caravan Salon ranges and were received with great enthusiasm by the visitors. It is particularly positive to note that many specialists and experts also travelled from Asia, Australia, South America and the U.S. to Düsseldorf and to find out about the industry’s new products and innovations.
Bernd Löher, president of the Caravaning Industrie Verband (Caravaning Industry Association/CIVD), was very satisfied with the course of the trade fair.
“The biggest Caravan Salon ever has more than fulfilled the high expectations. Registering more than a quarter of a million visitors, the exhibition halls and outdoor premises were very busy and the mood among the trade fair visitors was positive throughout,” Löher said. The good visitor numbers impressively underline the unabated enthusiasm for mobile holidays. One look at the exhibition center sufficed to realize that the caravanning community is extremely varied, uniting people from all age groups and social classes. In addition, the trade fair again attracted important individuals from politics, business and science, who learnt more on site about how caravanning has already developed into an indispensable driver for business and tourism in Germany and how this positive trend can be promoted further in future.”
Löher added that the 63rd edition of Caravan Salon, Messe Düsseldorf once again offered an “ideal stage for the impressive line-up of products and services – not least due to an optimized hall concept.”
“This trade fair concept went down very well with visitors because caravans and motorhomes are products that people wish to see, touch and experience – creating a deep emotional connection,” he said. “Special thanks go to the exhibitors who not only attended in record figures but also brought an unrivalled selection of products and innovations to Düsseldorf this year again. In view of the difficult economic and political circumstances that industry and trade had to work under in the most recent past, this cannot be taken for granted and shows once again that the caravanning sector is perfectly able to deal with the challenges of our times. This means Caravan Salon also confirms its role as the lighthouse of the industry again this year.”
The majority of Caravan Salon exhibitors were also very satisfied:
“CARAVAN SALON was a resounding success. Visitor numbers in our halls and the interest in our products exceeded expectations. We are very pleased with the positive feedback from our dealers and customers. Caravan Salon Düsseldorf provides us with the ideal conditions to present ourselves and to inspire more people with our innovative products and for this exciting type of holidaying,” said Gerd Adamietzki, chief sales officer at Knaus Tabbert.
Dr. Holger Siebert, managing director of Eura Mobil GmbH and Trigano Deutschland KG, added: “Many exhibitors travelled to this year’s Caravan Salon and were skeptical about the overall economic situation and motorhome enthusiasts’ willingness to invest. These concerns were refuted: the customers came and purchased. The poor availability of previous years and the scarcity of vehicles are a thing of the past, which had an easing effect on price levels. Motorhomes have not become more expensive. This attractive price situation and the numerous visitors have resulted in higher sales for nearly all 10 Trigano Haus brands. The premium brand Eura Mobil registered particularly high sales of the new products, the Xtura long-distance motorhome and the new integrated Integra Line GT on a Mercedes chassis.”
“We look back on an accomplished start to the season at this year’s Caravan Salon. As manufacturers, we at Hobby are delighted – like our dealers – that so many buyers will soon be on the road with their new Hobby caravan or motorhome. With new exterior design and extensive fittings we succeeded in convincing many motorhome customers. In the caravan segment our brand Beachy thrilled young customers with new features and great colors. The proven Hobby caravan portfolio in turn went down very well with many camping enthusiasts. Together with our sales partners we look back on ten successful days. Our special thanks go to the entire team of Messe Düsseldorf, whose impeccable organization made this success possible in the first place,” commented Holger Schulz, sales manager at Hobby.
Hymer GmbH & Co. KG draws a thoroughly positive balance of Caravan Salon 2024 for their brands Hymer and Eriba. Christian Bauer, chairman of the board, emphasized: “We look back on a successful trade fair. The consistently high footfall and excellent atmosphere testify to the unbroken interest in mobile travelling and our vehicles. In many of our conversations the focal themes of self-sufficiency, furnishings, design and functionality emerged as key customer interests. Our trade fair motto “‘Travel the Difference” specifically addresses these demands and resulted in great interest in our innovations. We develop RVs with creative ideas and forward-looking concepts that perfectly meet camping fans’ expectations. As the world-leading trade fair for mobile travelling, Caravan Salon provides us with an ideal platform for in-depth exchange with potential buyers, dealers and partners. Here, we were able to bring our vehicles to life and gain valuable insights into future developments.”
According to Bernd Wuschack, managing director sales, marketing and customer service at the Carthago Group: “Summing up, we can look back on a positive Caravan Salon this year. The challenges have not become any easier over the past twelve months, which is why we came to Düsseldorf with mixed feelings. But we continue to register very high levels of interest in caravanning as a form of holiday and in our products. Our innovations like the Malibu genius and both the Carthago chic e-line and the C2-tourer were of particular interest to visitors in Hall 16. In addition, we are delighted at the good overall sales result. This motivates us and gives our trade partners the necessary momentum for the important post-fair period. The excellent cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf and optimum framework conditions were the guarantee for positive trade fair results.”
Marco Lange, managing partner of la strada Fahrzeugbau GmbH, remarked: “We welcomed a very high-quality clientele who were, however, not quite as decisive as in previous years. We are very satisfied with visitors’ very strong interest and the economic result of our trade fair appearance is also satisfactory overall for la strada.”
Alexander Wottrich, co-CEO of Truma Group und Markus Heringer, managing director customer, operations and services of Truma Gerätetechnik, said: “Great conversations, high visitor attendance and a positive mood – this is what this year’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf meant for us. Camping as a form of holiday is just as popular as before and this can be clearly felt at the professionally organized trade fair in Düsseldorf. We feel that visitors come to find out about innovations, but service is also an important factor. For Truma, this Caravan Salon was a very special one because we not only launched new products such as the 2nd generation of our Aventa rooftop air-con systems, but also celebrated our 75th company anniversary. Thanks very much to Messe Düsseldorf for the great surprise and the birthday cake.”
“Caravan Salon remains the world’s leading trade fair for us suppliers. In Düsseldorf, it is very obvious how much of a positive impact our nature-based form of holiday has on people of all ages and backgrounds: individual, unique and future-oriented. The start of the season in Düsseldorf was fantastic and I am confident we have a very successful time ahead of us in our caravanning industry,” says John-David Pozzi, managing director of Fiamma SpA GmbH.
Ute Dicks, managing director of the German Hiking Association (DWV), commented: “By moving the Travel & Nature area to Hall 7, Caravan Salon has significantly increased the visibility of outdoor options for hiking and cycling paired with camping and caravanning bringing these closer to trade fair visitors. The extensive conference program entitled “Destination Future 202”’ – featuring specialist expertise from the German Hiking Association and cooperation partners – was also presented for the first time. Sustainability, digitalization, climate change and the challenges facing hiking trails and hosts along the way were discussed from a variety of perspectives and highlighted in a creative way. A special occasion for the German Hiking Association was the 20th anniversary of the “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality trail, which was appropriately celebrated in Düsseldorf. Many thanks to Messe Düsseldorf and all those who joined us.”
“Nordis Verlag was an exhibitor at Caravan Salon for the first time. Together with the camping associations from Sweden and Norway, we introduced visitors to the topic of “Camping in Scandinavia” in Hall 7 and also actively participated in the lecture program on stage. We were delighted with the response and enquiries made at our joint stand, and the new design of Hall 7 was also a hit. We look forward to participating again in 2025,” said Jörn Backhaus, managing director of Nordis Verlag GmbH.
ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK), a leading component solutions provider for the Outdoor Enthusiast and Housing markets, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Bristol, Indiana-based ICON Direct, Inc., which operates as RecPro.com, a leading e-commerce business and aftermarket platform specializing in creating and marketing component products, systems, and solutions for the RV and marine end markets. The Company estimates RecPro’s 2024 revenues will be approximately $80 million.
“We are excited to announce our acquisition of RecPro, and I am pleased to welcome Mike Waumans Jr. and the rest of his team to the Patrick family,” said Andy Nemeth, chief executive officer of Patrick. “The addition of RecPro’s leading e-commerce platform meaningfully expands Patrick’s presence in the attractive Outdoor Enthusiast aftermarket and broadens the foundation of our aftermarket strategy as we seek to leverage our aftermarket product offerings and other product solutions across our RV, Marine and Powersports portfolio. We believe RecPro’s passion for growth, commitment to quality customer service, and ability to source and provide value-enhancing product solutions are a synergistic fit within our entrepreneurial business model.”
Mike Waumans Jr., owner of RecPro, commented, “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Patrick and its network of leading brands and look forward to what we can achieve together. With our online retail presence and robust customer-service platform, coupled with Patrick’s support of our entrepreneurial culture, we are energized by the opportunity to engage with Patrick’s leaders and portfolio of companies, utilizing our expertise and the RecPro platform to enhance Patrick’s aftermarket presence.”
Consistent with the company’s other acquisitions, RecPro will continue to operate under its existing brand name and within its current facilities. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to net income per share.
About RecPro
RecPro is a leading online aftermarket e-commerce platform focused on the Outdoor Enthusiast market. Located in Bristol, IN, RecPro’s goal is to provide customers with the best products at competitive prices. With the majority of items for sale under the RecPro name, RecPro.com offers a wide selection of products, some fully customizable, that empower outdoor enthusiasts to save money while they upgrade, repair, and customize their units. RecPro’s products include air conditioners, furniture, ladders, water heaters, water softeners, converters, microwaves, ranges, range hoods, cooktops, fireplaces, water pumps, ceiling fans, and more. For more information on RecPro, please visit www.recpro.com.
About Patrick Industries Inc.
Patrick (NASDAQ: PATK) is a leading component solutions provider serving the RV, Marine, Powersports and Housing markets. Since 1959, Patrick has empowered manufacturers and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve next-level recreation experiences. Our customer-focused approach brings together design, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation in a full solutions model that defines us as a trusted partner. Patrick is home to more than 85 leading brands, all united by a commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, IN, Patrick employs approximately 10,000 skilled team members throughout the United States. For more information on Patrick, our brands, and products, please visit www.patrickind.com.
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. is recalling 1,245 2023-2025 Entegra Ethos, Ethos LI, Arc, Jayco Swift, Swift LI, and Comet motorhomes. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.” The radio software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 27. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267 or FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Jayco’s number for this recall is FCA 24V-436.
LAGRANGE, Ind. – Riverside RV, a leader in unique, lightweight recreational vehicles, is making strategic changes ahead of the 2024 Elkhart RV Open House. Lineup changes and key design improvements will be on display showcasing Riverside’s diverse lineup of lightweight travel trailers, according to a company release.
Another key addition at Riverside is Bob Fish, hired as the Operations Excellence Manager. Fish brings extensive experience with independent OEM’s, the release continued.
“Our goal is to be able to navigate effectively against larger industry players that dominate 85%+ of the total market. We will focus on delivering affordable products while adding value for dealership partners.” Fish stated. “We have a great group of people working together at Riverside. You can see the experience and the feel the drive for improvement when collaborating on new ideas with the production and development teams. I am excited to be a part of such an opportunity.”
The product lineup is also undergoing significant changes. The Retro, Riverside’s flagship model, will now feature a mix of smaller, lightweight floorplans alongside larger, no-slide options. The Intrepid line will cater to entry-level fiberglass customers, offering a full range from 16 feet to 32 feet with adjusted standards and options to meet competitive price points. The Xplorer line will receive updates to better serve adventure-seekers, including lightweight floor plans equipped with gas refrigerators, solar panels, and an extra lift.
Riverside RV is also introducing the 145 series floorplans that are on ode to the past.
“These ideas kind of fell into our lap at the last moment from unforeseen circumstances,” said Fish. “Every year at this time, almost like clockwork, we give ourselves a last-minute deadline to get a couple of new floorplans in front of the dealers. I am certain, though, that these will turn some heads.”
Riverside RV will be set up next to the THOR Industries parking area, near the RV Hall of Fame from 8 a.m. to 5 pm., Monday to Wednesday, during the Elkhart Open House. With open territories, a refreshed lineup, and dealer incentives, Riverside RV anticipates a busy event. For more information on open territories or becoming a dealer, please email [email protected].
(Sponsored) David Gingerich of Creative Products Group provides an overview of the Global Link G391 key and demonstrates the “Key-ALike” re-keying process for Global Link locks.
