Jayco President & CEO Ken Walters joins Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg for a special “On Location” edition of RVBusiness Capitol Talk.
The RVB Capitol Talk series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc..
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RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features a vist from Sherri Fuller, the First Lady of RV Rentals.
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CENTENNIAL, Colo. – OHI announced the hiring of Maris Brennan as the new senior manager of member experience. Maris brings a robust background in membership relations and a passion for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, which will greatly benefit OHI members and the broader community.
In her new role, Maris will work closely with the OHI team to implement the organization’s growth and retention plan. One of her primary objectives will be cultivating relationships with non-member campgrounds across the country, attuning them to OHI’s mission. In tandem, Maris will ensure that OHI’s existing members continue to receive exceptional service and maximize the benefits of their membership.
“My motto with members is, ‘I’m only a phone call away, and if I can’t help, I’ll find someone who can,’” Maris shares. “I’m fortunate to spend my days showcasing the fantastic and diverse portfolio of OHI member benefits to RV parks campgrounds nationwide, helping them thrive in their local communities.”
In addition to her focus on membership experience, Maris will also collaborate with the team to enhance the value and success of OHI’s annual conference, the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo® (OHCE®). By engaging directly with members, learning about their needs and preferences, and tailoring the conference’s professional development and networking opportunities, Maris aims to create an event that carries value for all within the outdoor hospitality community.
Before joining OHI, Maris served as Director of Membership for the Michigan Manufactured Housing RV and Camping Association. In that role, she managed membership relations for a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, campground owners, and consumers. Maris played a key role in organizing industry-leading events such as the Detroit RV and Camping Shows, and she developed opportunities for professional growth through podcasts, social media, and trade shows. Her experience in the camping industry and her understanding of member relations will be invaluable as she works to support RV parks and campgrounds across the nation.
Maris also brings a wealth of experience as a former small business owner. Having successfully operated three franchise fitness centers, she understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with customers and ensuring they achieve their goals. As a coach and cheerleader for thousands of clients, Maris developed skills in personal connection and support which she now applies to her work with OHI members.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Maris is passionate about camping, hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. She and her family have traveled extensively across the country in their camper, and she’s eager to continue exploring new destinations while working in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. “I’m counting on OHI members to share their region’s best camping spots and adventures with me,” Maris adds, “and I’m always up for a road trip to meet our members in person.”
OHI is excited to welcome Maris Brennan as she steps into this important role, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on OHI’s members and the industry.
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MELBOURNE, Aus. – Arizon Off-Grid will next week unveil its latest state-of-the-art 12.8V 460Ah lithium battery which will help caravanners power their dream off-grid even further.
To be officially launched at the Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest, Sandown Racecourse, Off-Grid Campground, Oct. 3-6, the new battery will provide significant power storage and weight reduction for caravanners.
Built with LiFePO4 battery cells, this new large capacity lithium battery is the largest amp hour battery in the Arizon caravan range.
The battery is 50% lighter than similar lead-acid batteries, weighing only 40kg and measuring 523mm, 269mm, 221mm.
“A large proportion of caravanners will utilise two 200Ah batteries for their systems which average around 46kg, so with the Arizon 460Ah caravanners are saving 6kg in crucial weight and gaining an extra 60Ah with the Arizon Off-Grid solution,” said Arizon Off-Grid Managing Director, Roy Ding.
“We have recently completed extensive testing on our new Arizon 460Ah at our Melbourne headquarters, and we are more than impressed with the results – this is a game changer.
“TheArizon 460Ah battery is capable of powering a 3000 watt inverter by itself, it’s that impressive, and with a 320 amp BMS, this is a serious power source.
“The new Arizon 460Ah battery will provide both caravan manufacturers and caravanners with a new powerhouse battery option that can ultimately provide significantly more power storage and weight reduction.”
The new Arizon 460Ah battery safety certificate is expected soon and the batteries will be publicly available in late October, but those attending the Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest will be able to get a sneak peek.
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AUSTIN, Texas and SURFERS PARADISE, Australia, – Newbook, the premier property management software provider for RV parks and campgrounds, announced the launch of its newly redesigned Newbook Online booking platform, updated to significantly increase direct bookings for RV park and campground accommodation providers by delivering a fully customizable guest experience and maximizing conversion rates across all devices.
Currently in an exclusive pilot program with select clients, the platform has already garnered significant praise amongst early adopters. Their invaluable feedback has shaped a feature-rich, user-centric platform that empowers RV park and campground managers to connect with guests like never before while increasing booking rates.
“This launch represents a significant leap in booking technology, designed to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow’s travelers,” said Shaun Cornelius, CEO of Newbook.
Standout features of the revolutionary booking platform include:
“This launch represents a significant leap in booking technology, designed to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow’s travelers,” said Shaun Cornelius, CEO of Newbook. “It’s a testament to our relentless commitment to innovation. Clients will see immediate value through improved booking rates and guest satisfaction. And this is just the beginning – we have a pipeline of game-changing updates on the horizon.”
Newbook clients will receive tailored communications detailing their transition timeline. They are encouraged to stay alert for crucial updates on maximizing the platform’s potential. Comprehensive support, including free 24/7 phone assistance, and robust training resources will ensure a frictionless adoption of this transformative booking system.
Newbook, a part of the Storable family, is an award-winning property management and online booking system for accommodation providers. Founded in 2010, the company has scaled over the past 14 years into a global market leader with three international offices and over 50,000 users. Newbook’s mission is to build high-quality products delivered with passion, so customers can create memorable experiences. For more information, visit: http://www.newbook.cloud.
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Editor’s Note: The following was reprinted from a blog post on the Taxa Outdoors website.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – John Thyfault camped through plenty of storms with his family, but this storm was different. This was a truly epic Missouri thunderstorm. They were hunkered down at their campsite, trying to sleep through the ripping wind and rain, when a terrifying sound woke them up: a massive cottonwood tree cracking, falling, and crashing down—right on top of their TAXA Mantis trailer. And thanks to some luck and some extremely robust engineering, everyone made it out safe.
At TAXA, we were stunned to hear about the Thyfault family’s ordeal, and elated no one was hurt by the tree fall. We all felt deep gratitude, and then a sense of satisfaction that our trailers aren’t made from plywood and thin metal sheeting.
In our design and engineering team’s analysis of the incident, they conservatively estimate the tree weighed at a minimum of 10,000 lbs. Then you consider the momentum of those five tons falling toward the ground.
From TAXA’s beginning, founder Garrett Finney built these towable habitats differently: more efficient layouts, more capable, and yes, stronger. In place of the typical wood frame and metal sheeting, we use architectural materials, starting with a powder-coated steel chassis, adding a strong space frame constructed of steel or aluminum, and then skyscraper-grade aluminum composite panels rated to withstand hurricanes, the blog stated.
“Taxa designs habitats with superior durability precisely so you can take them on rugged adventures without worrying, no matter how far you go or how long you stay. We’re amazed by John’s story, and we’re proud to continue building trailers that withstand your biggest adventures, planned or not,” according to the blog post.
Click here to learn more.
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FAIRVAX, Va. – RVDA is pleased to announce that Forest River, Inc. is returning as a bronze partner for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo.
The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11-15, 2024, at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
“As one of the largest manufacturers of RVs in North America, the Forest River name carries a lot of weight,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, CT. “To have the manufacturer put that name behind our event as a partner lets us know our event benefits the entire industry.”
“The RVDA Convention/Expo is traditionally one of the most beneficial events the industry holds,” said Pete Liegl, CEO of Forest River. “Dealers and partners who attend the event always come away with at least a few new ideas if not a few new products to grab customers’ attention.”
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.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at 703-364-5518 or email [email protected].
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ELKHART, Ind. – Thor Motor Coach, a leader in creating innovative motorhomes for any adventure, is excited to unveil its latest 2025 Class C models. These new additions are crafted to cater to both experienced RV travelers and newcomers, offering an ideal mix of comfort and convenience.
Introducing the new ESpec models—the most budget-friendly Class C motorhomes on the market, perfect for those ready to dive into the RV lifestyle without breaking the bank. Compact in size yet packed with features, these floor plans deliver everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. “ESpec” stands for “Essential Specifications,” meaning every model comes equipped with convenient amenities like a 4,000-watt generator, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
, a backup camera, pet-friendly leatherette seating, auto generator start, a 12-volt refrigerator, a 13,500-BTU air conditioner, and so much more.
Here’s a glimpse of some of the thrilling new ESpec models making their online debut:
All 2025 motorhomes have advanced features designed to elevate the road trip experience. Whether setting out for a weekend escape or a month-long adventure, Thor Motor Coach’s newest models make every journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
For more information about Thor Motor Coach, visit www.thormotorcoach.com.
Thor Motor Coach is the only Made to Fit motorhome brand in North America. Thor Motor Coach’s diverse product lineup includes many of the world’s most recognized Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhome brands. As an industry leader in innovative design, Thor Motor Coach builds various unique styles, sizes, and floor plans that feel custom-made – at a truly competitive price. For more information, visit ThorMotorCoach.com or call 800-860-5658. Thor Motor Coach and all related model names, slogans, logos, trade dress, and trademarks are owned or used under license by Thor Motor Coach, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.
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Under intermittent rain, Day Two of the 2024 Elkhart RV Open House was highlighted by breakfast gatherings of the RV Women’s Alliance and THOR Industries, a full day business and networking, followed by an evening concert featuring Ella Langley and hosted by Forest River Inc. Today represents the last full day for most OEMs and the RV Hall Supplier Show.
The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.
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PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported late this morning that tropical storm Helene – located east of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean – had been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.
And in the tentative eye of the storm right now is Neal Stewart, co-owner, RV Connections, headquartered in Panama City, Fla., with a second store in Dothan, Ala. As a result, his staff at the 50-employee Panama City store, while trying to take care of their own personal concerns at their respective homes and families, has been moving units together in a defensive posture with an eye to a worst case scenario.
No one, as of this morning, of course, knows what will occur with Hurricane Helene, which at RVB.com’s press time was projected to hit the Big Bend Region of Florida on Thursday.
But the storm is predicted to intensify as it crosses the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane and, according to the NHC, “Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of coast of the Florida Big Bend, where a hurricane warning is now in effect.”
Computer models late this morning had the storm making landfall near the Florida Panhandle town of Carrabelle, approximately 70 miles east of RV Connections Panama City location.
“We’re looking at the storm coming in,” said Stewart, whose dealership handles an array of towable and motorized RV brands including Tiffin, Newmar, Brinkley, Montana, Cougar, Rockwood and Alliance products. “They’re talking about a possible Cat 3. But we’ve heard that before and it could be larger and it could be smaller. Could it be a two or could it be a four or a five? We’ve seen these storms build up in the Gulf. It’s just depends on how much time it spends in the Gulf building up, how fast the storm is moving and a lot of other variables. But in times like these, we try to prepare the best we can.
“You know, right now the storm’s kind of a teaser for us because we’re (geographically) right on that line there of still being in danger’s way,” said Stewart. “So, it’s kind of touch and go trying to figure out how many units we’re going to try to move out of harm’s way.
“But what we’ve already done is secure a lot of RV’s at the store. We’ve stacked them nice and tight together and basically what we do is we filled the water tanks on the campers. We stack them nice and tight together in a big corral in the middle of the dealership’s yard there. And we put down all the jacks. And then we place the heavier RV’s around the perimeter of that corral to kind of help block the wind. And then we stack a lot of inventory around our steel building. We have an 18-bay service shop and a sizeable building and we’ll put inventory inside the bays and shops and also we will do our best to try to surround the building to try to protect the glass from debris strikes.”
All that said, again, they still don’t know what they’ve got on their hands either in Panama City or even Dothan, where they’re getting some sandbags to protect the building’s entrances because they’re expecting some serious rainfall and potential flooding.
“The scary thing is that if you don’t start preparing early enough you don’t have enough time to prepare. But if you do all of this work and move 150-plus pieces of inventory and the storm misses you, then you’ve done all that work and spent all that time and you don’t have an issue with the storm. So, it’s one of those things where you’ve kind of got to act early and get things shifted around and prepared for the worst if you will, but also make sure that everybody’s secure. Of course, at times like these, employees are always wanting to batten down the hatches at their personal homes. We’re just working on a lot of variables here.”
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