A Vintage Cruiser on display in the Gulf Stream Coach exhibit at the 2024 America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pa. (RVBusiness file photo)
NAPPANEE, Ind. –Gulf Stream Coach, a leader in the RV industry, is excited to announce a completely reimagined design for its popular Vintage Cruiser line, celebrating the product’s 10th anniversary. This new design will be officially unveiled at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 23, at Gulf Stream’s display during the Elkhart RV Open House Show.
The Vintage Cruiser, renowned for its 1950s-inspired aesthetic, lightweight construction, and exceptional durability, has cultivated a devoted following over the past decade. Enthusiasts have come to appreciate not only its nostalgic charm but also the superior craftsmanship that Gulf Stream Coach brings to every unit. This combination of style, quality, and practicality has made the Vintage Cruiser a standout choice for RV owners, with fans participating in Vintage Cruiser rallies across the United States.
To mark this milestone, Gulf Stream Coach has partnered with a renowned international designer brand – the identity of which is being kept under wraps until the official unveiling. Gulf Stream has collaborated with their creative staff to develop a truly unique design and materials for the anniversary edition.
“It is exciting to be able to use designs and materials that are outside the normal RV space,” said Gulf Stream Coach Chairman Dan Shea. “New colors, new concepts, a new theme – this special edition represents a fresh take on the retro-inspired charm that Vintage Cruiser fans have come to love, while maintaining the lightweight durability and quality craftsmanship that are hallmarks of our brand.”
This exclusive 10th anniversary model will replace the popular “Flamingo” limited edition that debuted in 2023.
About Gulf Stream Coach
Gulf Stream Coach, a family-owned RV manufacturer based in Nappanee, Indiana, is a well-established name in the recreational vehicle industry. Families have enjoyed traveling in comfort in Gulf Stream RVs since 1983. Their time-tested products – which have a reputation for standing up to years of use on the road – have earned Gulf Stream Coach multiple awards for outstanding craftsmanship and groundbreaking designs. Committed to enhancing the travel experience, Gulf Stream prioritizes customer satisfaction with spacious interiors, smart storage solutions, and cutting-edge amenities in every RV they produce. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, Gulf Stream Coach ensures that your home away from home exceeds expectations, allowing you to focus on the joys of the journey.
For more information about how Gulf Stream Coach can elevate your travel experience, visit www.gulfstreamcoach.com
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Coachmen RV is set to unveil its third Entourage floorplan, the 320 LV, at this year’s Forest River Expo, according to a release.
The Entourage 320 LV is built on the Chevy Silverado 5500 or International CV515, both are 4×4 chassis which boast a 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine with 350 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque. “After hearing what dealers and retail customers were looking for, we are very excited to introduce this incredible floor plan to the Entourage lineup at this year’s Dealer Expo,” said Luke Handyside, General Manager of Coachmen’s Class C Division overseeing Leprechaun, Freelander, Concord, and Entourage.
The Entourage 320 LV features a single living room/kitchen slideout, large rear storage compartment, outside kitchen, and power theater seats with a mid-ship 40” TV standard. In addition, it is equipped with washer/dryer prep, dual 15K BTU air conditioners, 50-amp service, solid surface kitchen countertop, hydraulic leveling system, induction cooktop and much, much more. The 320 LV is also available in 3 optional exterior paint schemes.
“We packed the Entourage 320 LV with a ton of great features and are bringing it to market at one of the most aggressive price points in the Super C segment. Dealers and retail consumers will undoubtedly see the strong value proposition this model has to offer,” continued Handyside.
ELKHART, Ind. – Alliance RV has announced in a press release that its highly anticipated destination trailer brand, Benchmark, will be unveiled at next week’s Elkhart RV Open House.
“Responding to the increasing demand for seasonal and destination camping, Alliance RV is thrilled to enter the destination trailer category,” said Ryan Brady, Co-Founder of Alliance RV. “We believe the destination segment of the market was craving a premium independent manufacturer with a proven track record of incorporating consumer feedback while providing an elevated ownership experience. We plan to set the standard within the destination category with our Benchmark brand.”
Benchmark is Alliance’s fifth brand launch since the company’s inception in 2019. As one of the fastest growing towable manufacturers, Alliance RV has established a reputation of incorporating thoughtful design with its crowd sourcing approach, building outstanding quality, and providing best-in-class customer service all while building a loyal following of RVing enthusiasts who call themselves “Allies,” the release stated.
The initial Benchmark, the 44LFT, features a unique floorplan with two full bathrooms and lofts on both sides of the coach. Standard features include fully composite floors and sidewalls, washer/dryer, two 30,000 BTU furnaces, three 15,000 BTU air conditioners, solid surface countertops throughout, slide topper awnings, full fiberglass front cap with large windshield, dual fireplaces, day nightshades with power blinds on the upper windows, Mor-Ryde bed tilt, hardwood cabinets and fascia, residential soft close cabinet doors, and four smart TVs. MSRP on the Benchmark will begin at $110,000.
Commenting on the Benchmark launch, Alliance RV Co-Founder Coley Brady remarked, “Benchmark was a natural extension as we continue to gain scale by strategically growing Alliance RV. Our goal is to remain dealer focused and customer obsessed while putting Alliance RV on solid ground to continue to grow for years to come.”
For more information about Alliance RV, please visit www.alliancerv.com.
Alliance RV founders Coley Brady, right, and Ryan Brady, fourth from right, pose with team members flaked buy the new Benchmark destination trailer.
ELKHART, Ind.─ Lippert Components, Inc. a leading supplier of RV components, announced in a press release it will be unveiling “never-before-seen innovations” at this year’s Elkhart RV Open House, Sept. 23-26.
Lippert also announced an exclusive RV Open House launch at the display of THOR Industries Inc. unit Keystone RV. There, Lippert will showcase an RV furniture collection with La-Z-Boy in partnership with 2025 Keystone Montana interiors.
In what is set to be the largest footprint Lippert has ever had at Open House, the company will present an expansive event across two main campus locations, the Lippert headquarters adjacent to the RV/MH Hall of Fame and the Elkhart County Airport.
Lippert has announced an exclusive RV furniture collection with La-Z-Boy launching in partnership with 2025 Keystone Montana interiors.
The airport will play host to Lippert’s “Day at the Track,” offering ride-along product demonstrations for a hands-on experience with the latest advancements in RV towing and suspension.
At the headquarters, attendees will be among the first to witness an exclusive array of never-before-seen products and industry-first innovations. From revolutionary new slide systems to the cutting-edge Furrion Chill Cube RV air conditioner, Lippert is unveiling advancements in leveling, suspension, towing, and more. This is a unique opportunity to explore these groundbreaking offerings before they hit the market.
A thrilling addition to this year’s open house, Lippert’s “Day at the Track” event on September 24th and 25th at the Elkhart County Airport promises an unparalleled experience showcasing Lippert’s cutting-edge technologies in a controlled track environment. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness live demonstrations of Lippert’s advanced anti-lock braking systems and innovative suspension technologies.
The event will feature 20–25 minute ride-alongs with professional drivers, highlighting the enhanced control and safety provided by Lippert’s anti-lock braking systems during emergency scenarios. Participants will also experience the new CURT Touring Coil Suspension systems and Helux Coil pin box, showcasing significant improvements in ride quality on rough terrain. Additionally, guests can engage with Lippert’s engineers and product designers to delve into the latest innovations, review performance data, and explore new 2025 RV models during detailed tours led by manufacturer product managers. This immersive event is set to provide an exciting and informative glimpse into the future of RV technology.
“This year’s RV Open House is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with our partners and dealers,” said Ryan Smith, Group President of North America at Lippert. “At Lippert, we’re always striving to raise the bar for the RV experience, and this year’s innovations are some of our most groundbreaking to date. From cutting-edge anti-lock braking systems to revolutionary suspension technologies, we’re giving attendees an exclusive, hands-on opportunity to experience these advancements in real-world scenarios. It’s the perfect chance to see just how far we’ve come in making RV travel safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable than ever before.”
At the Keystone display, Lippert is joining La-Z-Boy in embracing “lazy” and empowering adventure seekers to indulge in earned feet-up moments of relaxation through an exciting new partnership with the renowned furniture brand. This exclusive collaboration introduces a premium furniture collection, set to debut in select 2025 Keystone Montana interior packages. By combining Lippert’s manufacturing excellence with La-Z-Boy’s iconic comfort, Keystone customers will enjoy an elevated travel experience, featuring unmatched relaxation, style, and convenience in their home on wheels.
“Outside the home, recreation and time in nature are ways many of us recharge,” said Rob Sundy, president, brand & La-Z-Boy chief commercial officer. “The partnership between Lippert and La-Z-Boy elevates the lazy moments that take place away from home. We are excited to further expand our brand reach to a broader consumer base, bringing La-Z-Boy’s beloved recliner and high-quality products to more people around the world.”
The exclusive La-Z-Boy collection offers a range of premium RV seating options designed for ultimate comfort and durability, including recliners manufactured by La-Z-Boy and tri-fold sofas by Lippert. Headlining the collection is the La-Z-Boy Liam Power Recliner with a wireless remote that makes it easy for customers to customize their recline from head to toe. The La-Z-Boy tri-fold sofas are built by Lippert with the precision and quality it’s known for in the RV, Marine, and Hospitality industries. Assembled in Lippert’s 440,000 sq. ft. facility in Goshen, Indiana, the La-Z-Boy tri-fold sofas feature cushions with multiple layers of foam that offer a soft and supportive sit while maintaining the sofa’s shape for many adventures to come. With an RV outfitted with the La-Z-Boy collection, customers can truly kick back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
“We’re excited to lend our manufacturing expertise to this project and bring together the best of American craftsmanship,” said Smith. “Partnerships like this one with La-Z-Boy are key to creating products that elevate the RV experience. By combining our knowledge of furniture production with their legacy of comfort, we’re able to deliver a premium collection that embodies quality, durability, and relaxation for RV owners.”
“The collaboration between Keystone Montana and La-Z-Boy is a perfect marriage of two powerhouse brands that have built their legacy on both quality and customer satisfaction,” said Colin Dechant, General Manager of Keystone RV. “The Keystone Montana team couldn’t be more excited to bring the La-Z-Boy experience to our well-deserving owners.”
This collaboration underscores Lippert’s dedication to making the RV experience better, ensuring that every journey in a Keystone Montana is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, the release stated.
Lippert will provide a shuttle running every half hour from its headquarters to the “Day at the Track” event at the Elkhart County Airport, making it easy for attendees to experience both locations. Lippert welcomes all industry professionals to join in for an immersive experience that celebrates innovation, education, and the future of RV technology. If you’re a dealer or OEM and want to register for demonstrations, email [email protected].
ELKHART, Ind. – NeXus RV welcomed over 100 owners of their motorhomes to the company’s campus Thursday as part of the 2024 NeXus RV Owners Rally, taking place in nearby Shipshewana, Ind.
Thursday’s activities at NeXus included a catered breakfast, tours of the company’s 2025 models that were on display, and a healthy Q&A session with co-founders Claude Donati and Dave Middleton and other members of their team.
“It’s always nice because of the camaraderie,” Donati told RVBusiness. “We get to let them ask their questions, what they’re experiencing, and provide any insight to make our product better. We do factory tours, we take down their questions and concerns, feed them, give them some apparel, and it’s just a nice morning to spend with them.”
Middleton noted that when he and Donati founded NeXus in 2010, it was initially a factory-direct business model before changing to a dealer network in 2018. Because of that, he said, the two have an even greater appreciation for their owners.
“We want to try to keep that intimate relationship with the customers, and I think we try to step in as much as possible to make sure that the customers are taken care of,” Middleton said. “In this busy world our dealers live in, sometimes they aren’t treated as well as we want them to be. So, we really work our tail off to keep that intimate relationship with the customers, and I think today is a great example of that. We feel like we’ve known some of these people for a long time.”
Indeed, Donati and Middleton interacted with the owners as if they were at a family reunion, with hugs and smiles all around. In fact, due to demand and the limited space at the Shipshewana campground, Donati noted that the rally next year will move to Elkhart Campground.
“This is part of the big reward of starting Nexus RV; it goes beyond selling a motorhome to somebody and making money or getting market share. It’s about creating a fun environment for people. It’s rewarding,” Donati said.
“And when you look at a company like NeXus versus the big guys, the customers are selling the product for us,” Middleton added. “They’re on social media, and when they see that we are interacting, we’re answering their questions, they see that we’re here every day as owners, we’re not absentee owners. That goes a long way with them. And because of them, that’s why we’re growing and having the success we are.
“I’ve said it a million times – I’ll probably say it a million mor – without our customers, we don’t have a business,” he continued. “So, we understand the importance of how we want them to be treated, and we’re going to make sure we do everything we can to give them the best service and product in the market.”
RICHMOND, B.C. – The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada announced the dates for the highly anticipated 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic: December 9-12, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North in Calgary, Alberta.
This exclusive training event is designed to equip seasoned RV technicians with the latest tools and knowledge to excel in today’s dynamic industry. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with the most advanced technology and learn proven diagnostic techniques to tackle even the toughest challenges.
“In today’s rapidly evolving RV industry, it’s essential for Canadian technicians to have access to the latest training and technology. The 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience with the most advanced diagnostic tools. Unlike our US counterparts, Canadian technicians often have limited access to such comprehensive training programs. This clinic is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide exceptional service to RV owners,” says RVDA of Canada President, Elenore Hamm.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic:
Expert Instruction: Learn from industry-leading experts who will share their insights and best practices.
Hands-On Training: Gain practical experience with the latest RV components and systems.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Discover the newest diagnostic tools and techniques.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other RV technicians and industry professionals.
The 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic is a must-attend event for any RV technician looking to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Registration opens soon! Visit www.rvcareers.ca for more information and to register.
TROY, Mich. – Champion Homes and Quartz Properties are proud to announce the grand opening of Belle Meadow, a new 90-unit build-to-rent community in Asheville, NC. This development showcases the latest advancements in offsite and modular construction, offering a fresh solution to the region’s housing availability needs.
Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Belle Meadow consists of 30 single-family homes and 30 duplexes (or 60 homes) across nearly 10 acres.
“The Blue Ridge Mountains provide an inspiring backdrop for the innovative modular homes we’re bringing to Asheville,” said Mark Yost, President and CEO, Champion Homes. “We’re thrilled to introduce Belle Meadow to this vibrant area.”
Each home at Belle Meadow utilizes state-of-the-art offsite and modular construction techniques, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an average size of approximately 1,600 sq. ft. These homes are built off-site, then set and finished on location, demonstrating the efficiency and quality of modular methods of construction.
“Belle Meadow is one of the first build-to-rent projects in this area and is designed to meet the growing housing needs in the region” said Joanna Schwartz, CEO and Founding Partner of Quartz Properties. “By utilizing Champion’s modular home solutions, we are opening for tenants just 6 months after the first home was set, and we are on track to complete all 90 homes within one-year of starting vertical construction.”
Build-to-rent projects like Belle Meadow rely on modular construction to deliver turnkey housing solutions that balance cost, quality, and speed, meeting the demands of today’s market.
“Our engineers and builder partners excel at developing attractive homes at price points unmatched by traditional construction methods,” Yost said. “This approach is central to both the build-to-rent model and our commitment to increasing housing availability.”
The need to address housing availability cannot be overstated. A surge in homebuying during the COVID era, fueled by historically low interest rates and a slowdown in new home construction, has created a nationwide strain on availability for both buyers and renters.
Belle Meadow continues the successful partnership between Champion Homes and Quartz Properties, highlighting the potential of modular construction in various communities. Other notable developments include:
Padgett Place Featuring 42 stunning Craftsman-style homes, Padgett Place is located just one mile from downtown Black Mountain, North Carolina. The community’s homes are custom crafted to meet the needs of modern, eco-conscious homebuyers.
Cascade Ridge Featuring 32 modern, charming farmhouse-inspired homes displaying high-end finishes, Cascade Ridge is nestled in a tranquil enclave in Fairview, North Carolina, near outstanding schools and numerous amenities and attractions.
The Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE) 2024 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience Nov. 4-6 in Oklahoma City, Okla., according to a release from OHI, the host organization formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. Offering an immersive blend of expert-led sessions, hands-on professional development, and endless networking opportunities, this event will shape the future of outdoor hospitality.
The full schedule can now be viewed at OHI.org/OHCE.
At the heart of OHCE2024 is an agenda designed to elevate both your personal and professional growth. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a dynamic lineup of industry leaders, breakout sessions, an award-winning Expo Hall, and networking and more networking. Vital Germaine, known for his expertise in business leadership and creativity, will set the tone for the event with his inspiring opening keynote. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, Germaine’s address will provide fresh perspectives and motivate you to take your business to the next level.
Attendees can also dive into a range of breakout sessions, such as learning how to enhance your marketing efforts using easy graphic design tools, creative strategies for boosting both site and ancillary revenue, thoughtfully creating inclusive experiences at your park, economic and business trends in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, and so much more. Oh, and there are hands on workshops like how to effectively lead teambuilding activities or improving your online marketing with Google Analytics. There’s also no shortage of expert-led panels like the Outdoor Hospitality Innovators Summit, hosted by Newbook & OHI, which will gather some of the brightest minds in the industry to share strategies for business growth. The professional development will be endless.
Additionally, the OHCE Expo Hall will be buzzing with activity, giving you a chance to explore the latest products, services, and technologies driving the Outdoor Hospitality Industry forward. Fireside Chats and the Activity Center will provide casual, interactive environments for idea sharing and connecting with exhibitors and fellow attendees.
Networking is a cornerstone of OHCE, and this year’s opportunities are endless. The “Camp OHI” Networking Night is a can’t-miss opportunity to connect with peers in a fun, retro campground-themed atmosphere, complete with music, games, and a swag exchange. With intentional planning throughout the event, and lots of activities, this is networking made easy. Sticking with the vintage theme, the closing networking reception, an epic 70s Disco Party at Jones Assembly nearby, will have you stepping back in time for a night of fun, food, and dancing.
To keep the conversation going, daily Coffee Conversations in the morning and Campfire Sessions (formerly known as “Cracker Barrels”) throughout the day will make things easy. And of course we will be celebrating industry achievements at the Awards of Excellence Luncheon so you can cheer on your peers for their outstanding contributions to the community.
With so much to offer, OHCE2024 is the industry event to connect and gain the knowledge you need to drive your outdoor hospitality business towards the future. View the full agenda here and get ready for an unforgettable three days of growth and fun. And if you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time. Visit ohi.org/event/ohce to register today.
Basic things you think would be there aren’t. Some things don’t cost that much. But as manufacturers have tried to cut costs in these inflationary days of high interest rates, they sure leave a lot out.
We recently asked our RV Lifestyle Community what items they thought should be standard.
Miscellaneous suggestions from folks:
Better latch on the screen door
Better latches on the cupboards
Paper towel holder (many said this)
Toilet paper holder (many said this)
Deeper medicine cabinet
Better shower head
Towel rods (many said this)
Shoe storage near the door (many said this – need a place for shoes)
Factory-installed GPS system
A proper trash can
Sufficient sway control
Softstart built-in
Tire pressure monitoring system
Rearview camera for driving
Place to hang keys
Towel rod in the kitchen
Place to put your broom and Swifter
Snappads
Surge protector
Minimum 200-watt convertor
If you are going to eliminate gas refrigerators, then full lithium/solar package so can do 2-3 days of boondocking
Exterior ladders are securely attached to access the roof. (But another member, who saw this comment, said federal regulations recently changed, increasing the weight-bearing capacity of RV ladders – so they cost more – and that is why so many new RVs don’t have one at all.
You probably have a goldmine of uncollected revenue sitting in your lot right now. Everyone thinks of warranty as a post-sale upsell when they should be thinking of warranty as a profit center. Gribblewill share best practices for increasing revenue and decreasing liability with warranty.
He’ll cover:
Who manages your unit while you own it?
How to follow the warranty of the life of a unit, from the moment it leaves the factory to one year later and beyond
How to bring deferred dollars into the present while also speeding up your turnaround time
Participants will learn:
How to track warranty from the factory to beyond a year of ownership
Strategies to turn deferred dollars into immediate revenue
Tips to reduce liability and speed up turnaround time
Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) is a leading management software provider for RV, marine and trailer dealerships.
