OHI officials are excited to highlight the distinguished Expo Floor at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), which is Nov. 4-6, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Last year, this Expo earned recognition from Trade Show Magazine as one of the “Top 50” trade shows in the U.S., which underscores the exceptional caliber of exhibitors and attendees who come together to explore the latest trends and innovations within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, according to a release. This year’s Expo Floor will showcase a wide variety of exhibitors from essential categories, ensuring there’s something there for every need park owners and operators have.
Whether you’re looking for specialized insurance solutions or sound financial advice for your park, consulting services or franchise opportunities, exhibitors will offer insights and strategies to help you enhance your park operations and guest experience, the release continued. Discover innovative energy solutions and infrastructure services and learn about the latest marketing strategies and guest engagement products that will drive customer satisfaction. See the latest in park models and yurts and learn how they can enhance your park. Explore a variety of recreational amenities, including playground equipment and waterpark designs, to spruce up your amenity offerings. Connect with experts specializing in commercial real estate and construction solutions tailored for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry and dive into unique food products and retail attractions that can enhance your store offerings and generate revenue.
But that’s not all! The Hosted Buyer Program is back. This program offers an exclusive opportunity for qualified buyers to schedule one-on-one meetings with participating exhibitors that address your specific needs and challenges, making it easier than ever to find the right solutions for your business. There is no obligation to purchase, however there will be incentives and savings available!
As a Hosted Buyer, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits, including waived registration fees (a $499 value!) and access to exclusive Expo Floor VIP experiences, a VIP check-in, allowing you to skip the lines and get right into all the action, and of course, the opportunity to schedule meetings directly with exhibitors during designated Expo hours on November 4 and 5.
Plus, by joining the OHI Hosted Buyer Program, you’ll also be making meaningful connections with industry leaders and peers. Just remember, space is limited for this exclusive program, so if you’re the decision-maker at your park, we encourage you to apply soon to secure your spot. And check out which exhibitors will be participating in the Hosted Buyer Program on the exhibitor list.
To see if you qualify and to register as a Hosted Buyer attendee, visit ohi.org/hostedbuyer/.
If you’re looking forward to exploring the Expo Floor and haven’t registered for OHCE2024 yet, visit ohi.org/event/ohce/.
ELKHART, Ind. – Ultra-Fab Products announced that its Landing Gears now has a full 6-year warranty.
“Ultra-Fab routinely says that we have the longest warranties and here is another example”, stated Raymond Padgett, the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for Ultra-Fab. “We did a review and found that issues on this product are practically non-existent, so it made sense to back it with the longest Landing Gear warranty on the market. We sell a lot of Landing Gear, and we are thrilled to provide further peace-of-mind to our distributors, dealers and retail customers by extending this warranty”
He went on to say “There will be no changes to boxes (as this is not an item in a 4-color package), pricing, item number or UPC. We will be strongly promoting the change so that distributors, dealers and retail customers are fully aware.
He continued “Ultra-Fab is known for quality products and having the longest warranty. This is a prime example of us applying that standard.
For more information on Ultra-Fab Landing Gear or other Ultra-Fab products, Raymond invites you to call (404.754.8928) or email ([email protected]) and he will supply detailed information as well as recommending sources to purchase your supply today.
On Oct. 1, 2024, Wisconsin Act 164 took effect, establishing an RV-specific franchise law in the state covering towable RVs, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). Motorhomes will continue to be covered under the automobile franchise laws.
The new law on towable RVs, sponsored by Representative Scott Klug, was jointly supported by the RV Industry Association and the Wisconsin RV Dealers Alliance, both of which pushed for its passage in the Assembly and Senate.
Wisconsin Act 164 makes changes to the definition of “recreational vehicle,” subjects recreational vehicle manufacturers to regulation by the Department of Transportation, and creates a framework for regulating the relationship between recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers. The Act modifies the definition of “recreational vehicle” to:
extend the maximum length of a recreational vehicle from 45 to 46 feet.
include in the definition of recreational vehicle all of the following: camping trailer, fifth-wheel RV, park model RV, and travel trailer.
The Act also makes various changes to the Department of Transportation’s regulation of recreational vehicle sales. It sets forth new manufacturer licensure requirements on any RV manufacturer that sells recreational vehicles to dealers in the state. Manufacturers should ensure that they have obtained the required license if they have not already done so.
Finally, the Act establishes requirements regulating the relationship between recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. These provisions include the following:
Dealer Agreements Required: Under the Act, a manufacturer must enter into a dealer agreement to sell a recreational vehicle to or through a dealer in this state. Likewise, a dealer may not sell a new recreational vehicle in this state without having first entered into a dealer agreement with a manufacturer. Every dealer agreement must include certain components, including a designation of the area of sales responsibility exclusively assigned to the dealer.
Termination of Dealer Agreements Regulated: The Act establishes procedures for terminating, canceling, or failing to renew a dealer agreement. Under the Act, a manufacturer may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a dealer agreement only for good cause. A dealer may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a model, make-line, or entire agreement with a manufacturer or distributor with or without good cause at any time by giving 30 days’ written notice to the manufacturer. If the dealer shows good cause exists to terminate the agreement, the manufacturer or distributor is required to repurchase certain inventory if the dealer so elects.
Dealer Ownership Changes: The Act requires a dealer who wishes to make a change in ownership to give the manufacturer or distributor written notice at least 10 business days before the closing, along with certain documents, and provides that the manufacturer or distributor may not object to the proposed change except for certain specified reasons.
Warranty Obligations: The Act establishes requirements regarding warranty obligations, including that a warrantor specify a dealer’s obligation in writing, compensate the dealer for warranty service performed by the dealer that is covered by the warranty, and provide the dealer with the schedule of compensation to be paid and the time allowances for the performances of any work and service.
Inspection of RVs: The Act establishes various obligations for dealers and manufacturers and distributors regarding new recreational vehicles that are damaged prior to transit to the dealer or are damaged in transit to the dealer when the manufacturer or distributor has selected the carrier or means of transportation.
Dispute Resolution: The Act provides mechanisms for resolving disputes between a dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor. The Act requires a dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor injured by a violation of the Act by another dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before the party alleged to be injured may bring a civil action in circuit court.
For any further information about the new Wisconsin law, please contact Michael Ochs, Director of State Government Affairs, at [email protected].
FAIRFAX, Va. – A group of veteran RV dealer executives will address some of the most pressing dealership business challenges in a special RV Leadership Roundtable discussion during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in November.
Mike Regan of Crestview RV, Bill Koster of Protective, Ben Hirsch of Campers Inn, Chris Hoover of Ron Hoover RV & Marine, and Bob Scholl of Rocky Mountain RV & Marine will lead the discussion on topics surrounding inventory management, manufacturer relationships, customer expectations, and employee recruitment, hiring, retention, and benefits.
The session begins at 10:00 a.m. Nov. 13 and is part of the dealer/GM education track and free for dealer attendees. Learning objectives include:
The degree interest rates, older models, speed of delivery, etc. play in inventory management
How are dealers dealing with multiple floorplans, model years, quality of products, and warranty work?
Best practices used in employee recruitment, hiring, retention, and benefits
How can dealers improve their relationships with manufacturers?
The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.
The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.
To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].
During next week’s Educational Symposium, the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) will present the Champion of Women Award to an individual that embodies RVWA’s mission to elevate, educate, and promote women. Seven individuals have been recognized as finalists for the award and the winner will be announced this Thursday, October 17 at the RVWA Awards Dinner, according to a release.
“These finalists for the RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Award are truly exceptional and each has played a pivotal role in empowering women in the RV industry,” said Monika Geraci, RV Women’s Board Member and Award Taskforce Chair. “Their unwavering dedication to inclusivity, mentorship, and professional development has enriched their organizations and the industry as a whole.”
Recipients of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.
The 7 finalists for the award are:
Alissa Reyes
Alissa Reyes, Thetford
Alissa Reyes is a true champion for women in the RV industry. Her leadership has elevated women’s voices, fostered diversity, and created a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Alissa’s initiatives have provided platforms for collaboration and advancement, while her commitment to education has equipped countless women with the skills to succeed. She actively promotes women within the broader industry and champions policies that support work-life balance, particularly for working mothers. Alissa’s dedication has transformed the RV industry, making it more inclusive and empowering countless women to achieve their full potential.
Angie Biritz
Angie Biritz, Lippert
Angie Biritz exemplifies leadership through her dedication to elevating and promoting women in the RV industry. Known for her strong leadership and continuous support, Angie actively hires and mentors women, often based on potential rather than just experience. She empowers women by providing them with training, opportunities, and mentorship, helping them thrive in roles they may have never envisioned. Angie’s leadership extends across multiple disciplines, and her unwavering support has opened doors for many women, helping them grow into strong leaders. Her dedication truly embodies the RV Women’s Alliance’s mission.
Ashley Hand
Ashley Hand, General RV Center
Ashley Hand is a true champion for women in the RV industry, consistently demonstrating her commitment to elevating, educating, and promoting women within General RV. She has fostered a supportive network for female employees, creating a culture of empowerment and collaboration. Ashley actively mentors her colleagues, sharing her extensive experience and knowledge to help them advance their careers. Her efforts to promote women into key leadership roles have further strengthened the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Ashley’s passion and dedication make her an exceptional role model, inspiring countless women to thrive and lead in the RV industry.
Jil Littlejohn Bostick
Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Winnebago Industries
Jil Littlejohn Bostick exemplifies leadership through her unwavering commitment to promoting women in the RV industry. As the Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Inclusion at Winnebago Industries, Jil has spearheaded initiatives such as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Speaker Series, fostering a culture of inclusivity and gender equality. Her partnership with Camber Outdoors has created opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, to thrive in the industry. Recognized as a TEDx speaker and a recipient of the LeadHER Women’s Leadership Symposium Award, Jil’s impact is transformative, empowering women to lead and succeed.
Kelly Mosher
Kelly Mosher, Forest River Inc.
Kelly Mosher is a driving force at Forest River, embodying the mission of elevating, educating, and promoting women in the RV industry. As the leader of the Customer Service Department, she has developed a successful training hub, providing vital resources to both new and seasoned employees. Her dedication to supporting and mentoring women, including advocating for leadership and educational opportunities, has made a profound impact on countless careers. Kelly’s unwavering commitment to growth and inclusivity has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, making her an inspiring leader.
Laura Dobbs, General RV Center
Laura Dobbs
Laura Dobbs has made significant strides in elevating women within the RV industry. At General RV, Laura has prioritized placing women in leadership roles, with three out of five department leaders reporting to her being women. This leadership cascade has inspired more women to pursue careers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Laura’s commitment to education and professional development, including supporting Dale Carnegie workshops and RVWA events, ensures that women have the resources to thrive. Her strategic efforts continue to break barriers, fostering a more inclusive and empowered industry for women.
Renee Jones
Renee Jones, THOR Industries
Renee Jones is an exemplary role model for women in the RV industry. She actively elevates women by mentoring them, sharing her experiences, and encouraging them to overcome adversity. She educates through open conversations and demonstrates the importance of perseverance and hard work. Renee also promotes women by actively participating in industry events and showcasing their capabilities. Her actions inspire and empower other women to challenge stereotypes and pursue successful careers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
About the RV Women’s Alliance
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 2,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.rvwa.org.
BILLINGS, Mont. –Today, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), a leader in outdoor hospitality, announces the brand’s inclusion in the exclusive Franchise Times Top 400 ranking for 2024. Ranked 120 out of 400, KOA was the top-ranked hospitality franchisor on the list.
The Franchise Times Top 400 is the most comprehensive ranking of the largest franchise systems in the United States, based on their global systemwide sales performance in the previous year. This recognition highlights KOA’s dedication to franchise excellence as investment in the camping and outdoor hospitality industry continues to grow.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top 400 franchises by Franchise Times,” says Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Not only is it a testament to the company’s ongoing growth and innovation, but it also reflects our commitment to delivering franchise value while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.”
KOA offers a comprehensive range of services designed to set franchisees up for success and create operational efficiencies–preparing campground owners and operators with the tools they need to attract campers and grow their businesses. As the brand continues to expand its presence nationwide, KOA remains committed to upholding its core values and delivering unparalleled experiences to its franchise partners and customers.
To learn more about joining the KOA Family of Campgrounds, visit ownakoa.com.
About KOA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is a pioneer in outdoor hospitality and an emerging trailblazer in the travel industry with a mission to “connect people to the outdoors and each other.” The company comprises two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA offers an unrivaled brand visibility, providing campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. With more than 60 years of expertise, KOA is the world’s largest system of privately owned, open to the public campgrounds, consisting of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, delivers a refined and upscale outdoor experience.
As a steward of outdoor recreation access, KOA uses 1% of pre-tax profits to fund the Kampgrounds of America Foundation, which strives to increase opportunities for all to access and engage with the outdoors, make positive impacts in the communities where we live and work to help preserve outdoor spaces for years to come.
ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) today announced the pricing of its upsized private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2032 in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The size of the offering reflects an increase of $100 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes from the previously announced offering size of $400 million.
The offering is expected to close on or about Oct. 22, 2024, subject to certain closing conditions, according to a company release.
Patrick intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all of its $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2027, repay a portion of its borrowings under its existing senior secured credit facility and pay fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.
Concurrently with the completion of the offering, the Company plans to amend and restate the credit agreement governing its existing $925 million senior secured credit facility to establish a new $1.0 billion senior secured credit facility consisting of an $875 million revolving credit facility and a $125 million term loan. The maturity date for borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility is expected to be extended to October 2029. The new senior secured credit facility is expected to replace the Company’s existing credit facility that is due to mature in August 2027.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
The Notes and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Any offers of the Notes will be made only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the applicable private offering memorandum.
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.
Route 66 RV Network officials and dealer members joined Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg of RVBusiness for a Capitol Talk discussion on the organization’s upcoming Rally. Representing Route 66 are Rob Merrill, Steve Francis, Cooper Merrill and Connor Francis, as well as board members Rob Longshaw of Uncharted Recreation in Meridian, Idaho, and Russ Perkins of Tri-Am RV in Bulls Gap, Tenn.
The RVBusiness Capitol Talk series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There were 32,317 retail registrations recorded in August 2024, which is a 13.6% decline compared to the 37,407 total in August 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 260,289 retail registrations in 2024, which is a 10.1% decrease versus the 289,690 total for the same period in 2023.
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 29,105 wholesale shipments in August 2024 and 231,817 units shipped year to date. Wholesale shipments have had a year-over-year increase for 10 consecutive months, it should be noted, going back to November 2023.
UNITED STATES
Travel Trailers – 19,530 in August 2024 (vs. 22,393 in August 2023; a 12.8% decline). Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (40.7%), THOR Industries Inc. (37.7%), Grand Design RV Co. (7.9%).
Fifth-Wheels – 5,096 (5,693; -14.5%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (40.3%), Forest River (26.1%), Grand Design (17.2%).
Camping Trailers – 413 (602; -31.4%). Market share leaders: Forest River (56.7%), Aliner (19.4%), Purple Line LLC (7.0%).
Park Models – 254 (312; -18.6%). Market share leaders: Champion Homes (17.7%), Cavco Industries (26.0%), Kropf Mfg. Co. Inc. (12.6%).
Class A – 734 (913; -19.6%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (44.7%), Forest River (19.5%), REV Recreation Group and Newmar Corp. (14.4%).
Class C – 1,541 (1,738; -11.3%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (49.4%), Forest River (27.4%), Winnebago Motorized (9.9%).
Class B – 858 (1,137; -24.5%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (40.1%), Winnebago Motorized (25.2%), Forest River (9.7%).
CANADA
Travel Trailers – 2,947 in August 2024 (vs. 3,336 in August 2023; an 11.7% decline). Market share leaders: THOR Industries Inc. and Forest River Inc. (37.8%), Grand Design RV Co. (8.3%).
Fifth-Wheels – 500 (491; +1.8%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (43.2%), Forest River (24.4%), Grand Design (20.8%).
Camping Trailers – 66 (100; -34.0%). Market share leaders: Forest River (92.4%), Aliner (4.5%), Purple Line LLC and Mfr. Unknown (1.5%).
Park Models– 2 (0; n/a). Market share leaders: Elevation Park Models and Stattonrock (50.0%).
Class A – 57 (73; -21.9%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (47.4%), Forest River (22.8%), Newmar (15.8%).
Class C – 130 (134; -3.0%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (46.2%), Forest River (35.4%), Winnebago Motorized (10.0%).
Class B – 60 (69; -13.0%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (66.7%), Pleasure Way Industries (16.7%), Winnebago Motorized (8.3%).
After having just dealt with Hurricane Helene, which left a path of destruction from Florida to the Western Carolinas and into the southern Appalachians, Florida’s RV dealers are now bracing for Milton, which some experts are saying will be an even more devastating storm, when it makes landfall late Wednesday/early Thursday.
Dave Kelly
“You know, being from Florida and seeing storms kind of come and go, there’s sometimes kind of a lackadaisical attitude around here with regard to storms when they see them coming. But this time it has a whole different feel. I mean, everybody – from small businesses up to big ones – is taking this very seriously,” said Dave Kelly, executive director of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA). “I’ve never seen the interstate so backed up with people evacuating. I’ve never seen them telling pretty much the entire population of Pinellas County (near Tampa) to get out, and, again, people are taking it very seriously. It’s a big storm and, unfortunately for the track that it’s heading in, it’s going to affect a lot of people.”
Suffice to say that it’s got everybody’s attention.
“Absolutely, they’re making it very clear that it’s a very serious storm,” Kelly continued. “Like I said yesterday, the interstate has been absolutely packed going north. I mean, people are taking this very seriously and getting out of the way of the eye of the storm.”
FRVTA membership represents about 350 Florida locations. Given all the moving parts, however, Kelly couldn’t speak in any detail at this point about too many companies. “Yes, at this point, dealers and businesses are still prepping for the storm. We did reach out to a few of our local Tampa guys to see what their plans are, having avoided the worst impact of Hurricane Helene, which kind of scooted up the coast. But this one coming right at us is a lot more serious than just being skirted by one,” Kelly said.
As for FRVTA’s staff, he added, some are evacuating including one who lives in manufactured housing – officials are telling everyone who lives in manufactured housing to get out – who is going to stay with their son and daughter-in-law in their home. Most everyone else, he said, is pretty much inland and not in evacuation areas.
Jon Ferrando
“I’m probably going to have a lot of people at my house, at least for the first night ‘til the thing goes through,” Kelly said. “I have three brothers who live in the south Tampa area, which is prone to flooding issues, so they’re probably going to come up and stay the night and reassess everything in the morning. My two daughters are up in Gainesville in college, so they’re out of the eye of the storm so they’re just going to stay up there.”
FRVTA’s staff is hoping to return to their evacuated offices by Friday. “Good Lord willing, and we’ll reach out then to our members and see how they fared,” Kelly said.
Kelly’s message to FRVTA’s membership: “Well, I don’t think I have to say it, but I suggest that everyone take this very seriously. I know the dealers that I’ve talked to are putting the smaller units they can in service bays and trying to get them indoors. As for those and the larger ones, they’re trying to get everything away from trees and any branches and that kind of thing. And they’re trying to put their motorhomes up against their rollup doors just to block the doors from the wind. So, it’s a very serious storm and we’re taking it extremely seriously.”
“This is a very serious storm,” said Blue Compass RV President & CEO Jon Ferrando, who’s 104-store dealer network is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “Without question on the west coast of Florida, it’s definitely a significant event. We have a lot of experience with hurricanes in Florida and at Blue Compass, so we’re in the preparation mode to ensure that our associates are safe. We’ll probably lose a few days of business here without question and we’re also working hard to protect our inventory and make sure that it’s not on lower grounds more prone to flooding. So, we’re taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of our associates and customers while protecting our assets.”
Ben Hirsch
Campers Inn RV has one dealership in Ocala, Fla., which is in the direct path of the hurricane, as well as another location further northeast in Jacksonville. Chief Operating Officer Ben Hirsch said the dealership has been through this before and has implemented its standard operating procedures to prepare for the storm.
“We’re getting ready with all of our preparations like corralling the units and putting all jacks down,” Hirsch told RVBusiness this morning. “But, most important to us is the safety of our teammates so we’re making sure we give them some time off to evacuate if they want to evacuate and get out of Dodge. That’s more important, especially down in the Ocala area than in Jacksonville based on where the hurricane is going.”
Forecasters are now saying Milton is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida late Wednesday and early Thursday as a Category 3 storm, which have winds of 111-129 mph (180-210 kph). Milton could retain hurricane strength as it churns across central Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean, a track that would largely spare other states ravaged by Helene, which killed at least 230 people on its path from Florida to the Carolinas. Florida officials continue to warn residents not to bank on the storm weakening. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management offers this list of counties under evacuation orders.
Many venues, both public and private, have opened their lands to evacuees including the Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) campgrounds in Georgia. The Speedway and Henry County Emergency Management Agency are offering evacuees free places to camp. They’re offering spots for RVs at their “Legends Premium Campground” and spots to pitch a tent at their “Legends Tent Campgrounds.”
“While our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by Hurricane Helene, we’re committed to helping when storms affect communities in the southeast whenever we can,” AMS Executive Vice President Brandon Hutchison said in a statement. “We have hundreds of acres of campgrounds and opening up our facility is an easy choice to make. If you’re in Milton’s path and looking for a place to stay, we’re here for you.”
Similarly, many RV parks and campgrounds in Alabama are open and taking reservations from evacuees, according to a report by WIAT, the CBS television affiliate in Birmingham, Ala. Hoover Met RV Park officials, which also supported evacuees from Helene, said the complex will give free shelter to those seeking refuge — as long as they have identification showing they’re from affected areas.
