Month: September 2024

Earlier this summer, during RVs Move America Week, the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award was presented jointly to the late Dan Pearson of PleasureLand RV and Bob Wheeler of Airstream for their outstanding work as co-chairs of the Go RVing Coalition. 

Last week, leaders from across the industry gathered at PleasureLand RV Center to present Dan’s family with his award. Pearson, remembered for his tireless dedication and collaborative spirit, left an indelible mark on the industry, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

Pearson’s collaborative spirit and tireless dedication left an indelible mark on the RV industry, inspiring unity and progress among RV professionals, according to a separate release from the RV Dealers Association (RVDA). His leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was pivotal in launching the acclaimed ‘Go on a Real Vacation’ campaign.

Former RV Industry Association Chair Garry Enyart, in his opening remarks, highlighted Pearson’s instrumental role as co-chair of the Go RVing Coalition. “There is no better example of what industry unity can achieve when working together than the historical success of the Go RVing partnership,” Enyart stated. He praised Pearson’s leadership through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and his pivotal role in launching the acclaimed ‘Go on a Real Vacation’ campaign.

RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia further underscored Pearson’s widespread influence. “Dan was a foundational leader for RVDA. He literally touched every area of an organization founded with the mission to help the nation’s RV dealers,” Ingrassia remarked. He recalled Pearson’s contributions to government advocacy, manufacturer relations, employee education, and market expansion.

Ingrassia also emphasized Pearson’s lasting legacy, stating, “Dan will be remembered in the RV industry…forever…as a successful businessman and RV industry leader. But for those of us who were privileged to know him, he’ll be remembered as a great friend, mentor, and role model.”

“It is truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of my father, although like everyone else, I wish he was still here today to receive it,” said Dan’s daughter, Whitney Pearson-Curtis. “Throughout the years, Dad was able to work collectively with others to help make way for a better RV Industry. He put his heart and soul into this and the industry gave him so much more in return with great friends, great mentors, and great memories.”

Along with Garry, Phil, and Whitney, RV Industry Association Vice President Bill Baker, Brad Bacon of Pleasureland RV, and former RVDA Chair Mike Pearo of Hilltop RV were present for the occasion. 

The David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award is a testament to Pearson’s commitment to fostering collaboration and progress within the RV industry. Through his leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of unity, Pearson helped shape the industry into what it is today. His memory will continue to inspire future generations of RV professionals to work together for the betterment of the industry and the enjoyment of RV enthusiasts everywhere.

The post Industry Unity Award Presented to Family of Dan Pearson first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RV wholesale shipments are projected to climb slightly this year to 324,100 units and then see continued growth to the mid-300,000 unit range in 2025, according to the Fall 2024 edition of RV RoadSigns, the quarterly forecast prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

“Persistent high interest rates have been a headwind for the RV market but we are optimistic that shipments will remain steady over the coming months before gaining more traction next year,” RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby stated in an RVIA News & Insights report. “There continues to be strong consumer interest in RV travel and camping and as interest rates ease the RV industry is well-positioned to gain ground.”

The new forecast projects 2024 RV shipments to range between 311,600 to 336,600 units with a median of 324,100 units with the range rising to 329,900 to 363,300 units with a median of 346,100 units in 2025.

RVIA members can view the Summer 2024 issue of RV RoadSigns here.

Members are invited to attend a webinar with ITR Economics for an in-depth explanation of the new forecast at 2 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 9.

RVIA members can register for the webinar here.

The post RVIA: Shipments Expected to Gain Ground Through 2025 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features a panel of technical experts – Chris Dougherty, Randy Murry, Mike Sokol and Ryan Hadley.

Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.

The post ‘RVing in New England’ Featuring Panel of Tech Experts first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RoverPass, a leading provider of campground management and reservation software, announced the promotion of Melisa Chang as the new marketing director for the company.

Chang’s new role as Marketing Director will involve overseeing RoverPass’s marketing strategy and initiatives, including expanding brand presence and enhancing customer engagement. Her promotion reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its marketing efforts and driving growth through innovative strategies and effective leadership.

“We are excited to see Melisa take on this new role,” said Michelle Smith, CEO of RoverPass. “Her dedication, strategic vision, and results-driven approach have been instrumental in our marketing success. With Melisa at the helm of our marketing team, we are confident that we will continue to elevate our brand and reach new milestones.”

As Marketing Director, Chang will lead the development and execution of comprehensive marketing plans to establish further RoverPass’s position as a leader in campground management solutions. Her leadership will play a crucial role in the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and meet the evolving needs of campground owners and operators.

About RoverPass

RoverPass is a comprehensive reservation and park management software designed to streamline campground operations and enhance customer experience. With a focus on innovation and user-friendly solutions, RoverPass offers a range of features to simplify booking, improve park management, and drive business growth for campgrounds across North America.

The post RoverPass Promotes Melisa Chang to Marketing Director first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

STERLING, Va. – Altor Locks, the Virginia manufacturer with the strongest coupler lock available on the market, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Automotive Accessories Marketing USA, Inc. (The AAM Group), the largest distribution group in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) marketplace. The ICON Trailer Lock was approved by AAM Group members – leading automotive aftermarket distributors – after they saw how it stands up to power tools at a private event this Spring. 

“We’re excited to partner with Altor Locks and bring their top-tier security products to our network. This partnership is a testament to our ongoing dedication to supporting our warehouse members and the automotive aftermarket,” said David Ayers, Vice President of Operations at The AAM Group.

The AAM Group was founded in 1988 by eight high performance warehouse distributors that sought to achieve cooperative, scaled purchasing and marketing advantages. They now count 27 member-companies operating 76 distribution centers throughout North America. Headquartered in Piney Flats, Tennessee, The AAM Group manages product purchasing and marketing for distributors, resellers and suppliers. Members include Lordco, Midwest Wheel, Tri-State Enterprises, A1 Distributing, Toys for Trucks, AllPro Distributing and other leading wholesalers and retailers. 

Altor’s US Patent 11,766,905 B2 was issued in 2023 for a premium lock specifically engineered to deter thieves using angle grinders, reciprocating saws, drills, lock picks, pry bars and hammers. Conventional locks on the market can be compromised in 120 seconds or less. The innovative ICON survived a concentrated attack with an angle grinder, lasting more than 90 minutes, using 14 blades, and 8 battery packs. (See the testing video here). The ICON Trailer Lock is made with over twenty pounds of high quality cast steel hardened to 450 Brinell making the ICON extremely strong and able to withstand repeated, concentrated attacks. Common conventional locks are made with cheaper low carbon steel which is more malleable and vulnerable to saw blades and drill bits. In addition to the patented radial fin engineering, the ICON features a premium disc detainer lock core, extreme weather resistant seals and one-piece design for easy lock and go experience. 

“We are thrilled to become an approved AAM Group member,” said Larry Thomas, Altor’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Acceptance by these industry experts further validates the ICON and expands our reach to the SEMA marketplace.” 

The post Altor Partners with AAM Group to Distribute ICON Trailer Lock  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Care Camps Foundation is launching its new rebranding that showcases the organization’s official name change announced earlier this year.

Care Camps Foundation is a national non-profit foundation whose mission is to give joy, hope, and the healing power of the outdoors to children with cancer and their families at medically supervised pediatric oncology camps, according to a release.

The new logo holds symbolic significance and encapsulates the core attributes of their mission: outdoors, life, growth, caring, community, connection, joy, transformation and healing.

“As we move forward with our new image, what remains the same is our steadfast commitment to fund pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada,” said Gwynn Sullivan, Care Camps Foundation executive director. “And we continue to promise to be the best stewards of the generous donations we receive from campgrounds, companies, foundations and individuals so ultimately more children and families navigating a cancer journey will benefit from the programs these special camps provide.”

Additionally, as Care Camps Foundation commemorates its 40th anniversary this year, their Board of Directors and staff wish to acknowledge the caring group of Kampgrounds of America (KOA) owners who ignited their mission and began fundraising to support a few camps for children with cancer in 1984. Since that time, KOA campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada as well as other campgrounds, companies, foundations and individuals have continued to elevate the cause.

This past year Care Camps Foundation provided $2M to 122 camps that touched the lives of 41,880 children, siblings, parents and other family members – all of whom attended these specialized camps at no cost. To learn more, donate and be inspired, visit www.carecamps.org.

About Care Camps

Care Camps Foundation dedicated to funding medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. 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. Care Camps supports camps who are members of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) which oversees their quality assurance and professional development. For more information, visit www.carecamps.org.                   

The post Care Camps Foundation Shares Launch of New Rebranding first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The advance registration deadline for the 2024 RVDA Convention/Expo is Sept. 5. The event will take place Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas.

“Dealers who register at least one person by the deadline lock in the best rate for any additional personnel registering after Sept 5th,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia. “This provides maximum flexibility for dealerships who decide to register additional employees as the convention approaches.”

The convention brings together North America’s top dealership personnel for a week of in-person networking and continuing education workshops designed for dealers/GMs, sales, fixed ops, F&I, and digital marketing professionals.

For complete information and to register for the Convention/Expo click here.

The RVDA Convention/Expo also includes opportunities to interact with leading manufacturers, suppliers, and RV industry business partners in the Expo.

The event is presented by RVDA, RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

The post RVDA: Register by 9/5 to Lock in Lowest Convention/Expo Rate first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GREENWICH, Conn. – L Catterton, a leading global consumer-focused investment firm, announced in a press release that it has made a strategic investment in Open Road Resorts, an operating platform managing a portfolio of RV parks across the U.S. ORR has established a collection of clean, safe, highly amenitized, family-friendly RV and camping destinations nationwide for campers who are seeking exceptional outdoor experiences. L Catterton is joined by THOR Industries, Long Light Capital, and Chesapeake Partners, establishing a strategic investment consortium with deep experience in the outdoor, hospitality, and adventure categories.

Founded by Chase Becker and Jim Omstrom in 2019, Open Road Resorts was established with the vision of providing a best-in-class experience for RVers by building a portfolio of parks at in-demand locations across the U.S. and maintaining rigorous standards to ensure consumer expectations are consistently exceeded. U.S. household participation in camping remains robust and continues to grow meaningfully, with the number of active camping households growing annually since 2015 and now sitting at over 60 million. Open Road Resorts seeks to capitalize on this strong, consistent demand while ensuring RVers and outdoor enthusiasts are provided memorable experiences.

Currently, Open Road Resorts operates five parks across Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and Texas. The ORR team seeks to provide superior hospitality experiences by acquiring exceptional parks and investing in key enhancements to drive consumer satisfaction. The investment will support ORR’s acquisition of additional parks, allow for investment in key amenities and infrastructure across new and existing parks, and enable further investments in marketing and brand-building nationwide.

“We are incredibly excited to work with a group of partners with deep experience in the outdoor category. With partners such as L Catterton and THOR, we believe we will be able to meaningfully scale our operations and geographic presence,” said Chase Becker, Co-Founder of Open Road Resorts.

Jim Omstrom, fellow ORR Co-Founder, added: “We established Open Road Resorts with the goal of building a collection of parks that offer our guests a consistent, high-quality, memorable experience at desirable destinations across the U.S. We believe this investment will help us achieve that goal.”

“We partnered with the Open Road Resorts team because we believe they are building a uniquely compelling offering for campers that will be highly desirable to our current and future customers. We always seek to provide our consumers with a superior experience, and partnering with ORR allows us to accomplish this goal by ensuring their access to the next great brand in outdoor hospitality,” said Todd Woelfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of THOR.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jim, Chase, and the fantastic investor base of Open Roads Resorts to scale the ORR platform and help grow the next great outdoor hospitality company,” said Matt Nugent, a Partner in L Catterton’s Growth Fund. “We are huge believers in the long-term growth of the RV market and in outdoor participation more generally, and we believe ORR is optimally positioned to provide a compelling experience to a broad set of outdoor enthusiasts across the country.”

The post Open Road Resorts Partners with THOR, Long Light, Chesapeake first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BRISTOL, Ind. – Bontrager Outdoors continues to set the industry standard with the introduction of two new products focused on versatility and customer experience for the 2025 model year, according to a press release.

Both new models – the 7ROD and the 10ROK – are part of Bontrager Outdoors’ recently rebranded Small Line, which had previously been known as its Bushwhacker line.

The 7ROD features an overall exterior length of just under 11 feet and an unloaded vehicle weight of only 500 pounds, making it the lightest RVIA-certified camper on the market. The 7ROD’s incredibly low vehicle weight means it can be towed – thanks in particular to its exclusive swivel hitch – by even the lightest vehicles, including compact cars, EVs, side-by-sides, ATVs, hybrids and even larger motorcycles. The 7ROD does not sacrifice when it comes to quality components; its build materials include composite, aluminum and steel.

Offering a robust cargo carrying capacity of up to 1440 pounds, the 10ROK combines the best of the industry-leading 10HD camper with a vertical rear wall similar to the one used on the larger 12ROK model. The 10ROK also offers an innovative new rear door design featuring flush slam hatch handles with integrated keyed-alike locks and a hinge designed to significantly discourage water infiltration into the rear exterior kitchen.

“Both the 7ROD and the 10ROK perfectly embody our mission of creating high-quality recreational vehicles that inspire unforgettable adventures,” said Jason Bontrager, co-owner and CEO of Bontrager Outdoors. “Their incredible quality construction, low weight and innovative features show why Bontrager Outdoors is the name families trust to connect and make memories time and time again. We are thrilled to add these innovative products to our growing Small Line product family.”

“The 7ROD and the 10ROK are both exciting representations of our belief that everyone should be able to enjoy the great outdoors regardless of their vehicle,” added Austin Bontrager, co-owner and COO of Bontrager Outdoors.

Like all Bontrager Outdoors products, both the 7ROD and 10ROK will be covered by the company’s one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Bontrager Outdoors focuses on adventure-oriented travel trailers and teardrop trailers, appealing to a wide market of outdoor enthusiasts. With a best-in-class leadership team and extensive industry experience, the company’s products are known for high-quality craftsmanship, reliability, and innovative designs. The company’s commitment to the Golden Rule—treating customers as they would like to be treated—translates to exceptional customer support and loyalty. For more information, visit its website.

The post Bontrager Outdoors Unveils Two New Camper Models for 2025 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Go RVing is partnering with DreamWorks Animation to promote the family-friendly, animated movie The Wild Robot, which debuts in theaters Friday, Sept. 27.

The Wild Robot is based upon a popular children’s book series about a robot named Rozzum Unit 7134 (“Roz” for short), which finds itself stranded on an uninhabited island that is teaming with animal life. Left on its own in an unfamiliar environment, Roz forms a close kinship with the island’s animal inhabitants.

“While there are no RVs in the movie, there’s this underlying theme of  getting back to nature, finding your nature and getting outside with friends and family and making those truer connections,” said Jeremy Greene, senior director of events and marketing for the RV Industry Association, which operates the Go RVing campaign with the RV Dealers Association. Additionally, the movie is based on a book series geared for children ages 8 to 12, so it meshes nicely with Go RVing’s marketing focus targeting young families with children, he added.

To promote the tie-in between film and Go RVing, the campaign has created a micro website (which can be accessed by clicking on this link) devoted to the film partnership with DreamWorks and is placing digital media ads that will target desired demographic groups, such as young families with children and people that are interested in the outdoors and/or travel, said Monika Geraci, RVIA industry spokesperson. Digital ads—including a mix of display ads, social media ads and video ads—began running on Sunday and will continue through Oct. 31.

“The first phase will be: see the movie coming to theaters. And then the second phase, once it’s in theaters, will be: go get tickets,” Geraci said. The Go RVing campaign has created a 30-second video that cross-promotes the movie and Go RVing, as well as shorter 15-, 10- and six-second spots. As part of that marketing campaign, a sweepstakes will run from Sept. 16 through Oct. 11 where consumers can sign up with Go RVing on the micro site to win prizes, including tickets for the film.

Geraci said the partnership with DreamWorks won’t cost the Go RVing campaign anything beyond what it was already spending, because the organization is simply redeploying existing media placements that were going to be used this fall.

“All of this is replacing what we already had in the market with new creative that’s also tying us to this cultural moment and really doubling down on the family audience,” she said. “So, it was a great opportunity for us to take what was already planned, switch up the creative and double down on an audience that we know is so important to the industry.”

So, how will Go RVing decide if it’s partnership with DreamWorks was worthwhile?

“There are a lot of metrics we’ll look at to determine how successful the partnership was on our end including microsite engagement and traffic from the microsite to GoRVing.com,” Greene said. “As Monika shared earlier, this wasn’t additional ads being placed by Go RVing; this was using existing inventory that we already had committed to, so I think the opportunity for ROI (return on investment) to be there is really strong because of that, especially given that it ties into a cultural moment that’s something families will be talking about.”

The partnership with DreamWorks came about after studio executives approached Go RVing, recognizing that it is a great brand to work with, Greene said. Officially, Go RVing is the ground transportation and outdoor hospitality partner for the film.

This is not the first time Go RVing has formed a promotional partnership with film studio, Geraci said, noting that the campaign previously partnered with Pixar Studios to promote Toy Story 4 (released in 2019) and with United Artists to promote The Addams Family 2 (released in 2021). She noted that RVs were prominently featured in both of those animated movies.

The post Go RVing, DreamWorks Partner to Promote ‘Wild Robot’ Movie first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.