ELKHART, Ind. ─ Lippert Components, Inc. (Lippert), a leading supplier of highly engineered components for top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the recreation and transportation product markets and their related aftermarkets, announces that the CURT Helux coil-spring fifth-wheel pin box has been awarded Best New Exterior Accessory Product at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
Helux was developed by the CURT and Lippert engineering teams with a proprietary coil-spring technology, aimed at the smoothest possible ride with the least amount of maintenance. Shock absorption is important to today’s 5th wheel owners, not only for improved ride comfort, but also for extending the life of the vehicle. Less chucking, vibrations, and stress at the coupling point means less wear on the trailer, the tow vehicle, and the equipment. Tested on a closed track, Helux provided a 30% reduction in force into the RV frame and body compared to a leading competitor’s pin box solution.
Helux is also engineered to solve the problem of maintenance for end consumers. One of the complaints with other shock-absorbing pin boxes, particularly those that use airbags or torsion technology, is that maintenance is required too often. The unique coil-spring approach of Helux makes it virtually maintenance-free.
“We are so honored to win Best New Exterior Accessory at SEMA. It doesn’t get any bigger than this in the Automotive aftermarket,” said Director of Product, Jesse Bauer. “Winning the award is incredible, and the even bigger win for us is knowing how this new technology will benefit our customers and ultimately the people out there on the road, enjoying their RVs.”
Helux is assembled in the USA and tested to SAE J2638 specifications. It is approved for use on all Lippert frames and is already available on select 2025 Alliance Paradigm, Alliance Valor, Brinkley Model Z, Keystone Arcadia, and Keystone Cougar models. The product will be available aftermarket in Q1 2025.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – More than 150 vendors gathered Monday and Tuesday for the 2024 Keller Marine and RV East Coast Show at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.
And by all accounts, the vibe at the show – which happened to coincide with a divisive election day – was positive.
“I am really, really excited about the people here,” said Lori Morrow, Keller co-owner and marketing director. “The people are very upbeat. I have heard nothing but positive comments. No negative. Which is really uplifting to me as well.”
She noted that influencers Kevin and Patrice McCabe of the Discovery Channel TV show “RV There Yet” were on hand to talk about the show and present a planogram of products.
“Whoever buys the most of those products at this show will be the one that will get a seminar done at their show. So people are excited about that,” she said.
Further, the McCabes’ appearance helps connect with the generation of RVers.
“I’ve talked to several different dealers about, will that help us reach out to the younger consumer?” she said. “Because I know a lot of these younger people love to watch those type of TV shows, and I think it’ll make the lifestyle attractive to them because if you don’t know much about it, if you watched people RVing, it kind of teaches you a little bit about it. So I’m excited about that.”
The show also featured seminars on new Furrion air conditioners, products from SoftStart and other vendors which were well received by show-goers.
The show rotates annually between Florida and Pennsylvania, giving all Keller customers the opportunity to check out the latest and greatest from vendors.
And Mike Keller, company president, made a point to stress just how important those vendors are to Keller Marine and RV.
“One of the things that I would want to make sure we communicate is that we really are about supporting vendors,” he said. “We are not a private label company. We don’t go overseas and take the brands of our vendors – and we could. We know where the factories are in China. We know where most of the stuff is built. But it’s just not our M.O. to take business like that because we feel these are our partners in this building right here. And it’s cool in an industry when it tightens up to watch, you either hang together or you hang separately. And I feel these guys are really hanging with us. And this show, from a dealer’s perspective as well as from the vendor’s perspective, it’s really about that – hanging together.”
Mike Hesse, CEO and chairman of Hesse Enterprises, the parent company of hitches and towing manufacturer Blue Ox, was pleased with the show.
“Mike (Keller) does a fantastic job with everything,” Hesse said. “We’ve seen a lot of major gains this year with new customers coming on board with Blue Ox products. So this is our second distributor show of the season. We’ve had very similar results so far and they’ve both have been really honestly fantastic.”
But Blue Ox’s show traffic has been more a function of a gain in market share as opposed to a turnaround in the market, Hesse explained.
“Blue Ox is a little different right now because we are in the process of capturing a lot of market share. So our growth is through new acquisitions, just having more customers,” he said. “I would argue that the industry hasn’t seen a bottoming out effect yet. However, we are close. So we’re getting closer. I’m calling Q1 of next year the bottom before we start moving higher.”
Keller explained a new technology that is currently in beta testing on the Keller Marine and RV website.
Called “K-Market,” it allows Keller customers to upload products they have in inventory that they want to sell.
“Technology-wise, what we’ve done is we’ve started a product for our dealers – a thing called K-Market – which is where the dealer can now list his own stuff,” Keller said. “He can show what he has available and he can search other dealers based on OEM and aftermarket. So, we’re beta launching this right now. The program’s written, but we’re logistically working through a small test market to try this concept. All the dealers we talk to about it are really excited. Because what happens is one dealer’s junk is another dealer’s treasure. We’re trying to help them move their obsolete parts or the slow-moving OEM parts as well as the stuff they buy from us.”
Keller Marine and RV started in 1957 by Mike and Lori’s father in the marine sector. Their father was building boats and suggested that his son get into the distribution business, Lori explained.
“So that’s how we started. And then in around the mid ’70s, our father was distributing Starcraft boats and then he got into Starcraft campers, and that’s what led him into campers. People started looking for the parts. So that’s how we got into the RV parts side of the business,” she said.
The company currently employs approximately 70 people in two warehouses – one in Thonotosassa, Fla., and another in Port Trevorton, Penn. The company handles up to 48,000 SKUs from brands that represent a Who’s Who of the marine and RV sectors.
The company’s growth and success, Mike Keller believes, flows from a client philosophy which was on display at the show.
“I believe as independent people in this business, it’s so important that we come together in a venue like this where we can just talk and see product, but more importantly, be on the same team,” he said. “It’s not an easy market right now, so if you’re not hanging together – as I said earlier – you’re hanging separately. I feel good about the energy. I feel good about the people being here. And I feel good energy on the vendor side as well.
“Because you see our labels out there. Those are vendors in this industry for a long time and their name means something to us. And we’re not out here saying, ‘OK, let’s take a product that sells really well for us and put a Keller name on it and buy it cheaper somewhere else’ like Amazon does. We’re about helping build their brands and being a part of that. And I think that’s really a huge deal.”
Current U.S. Senator and former RV industry executive Mike Braun’s victory in yesterday’s (11/5) Indiana gubernatorial election was almost a foregone conclusion for many observers in the historically conservative Hoosier State.
And although Braun did face some pretty strong opposition from Democratic contender Jennifer McCormick, a former Superintendent of Public Instruction, it was a race that the Associated Press called fairly early in the evening when Republican Braun had accrued 54% of the vote, McCormick 41% and Libertarian Donald Rainwater 5%.
As such, Braun, 70, the founder of 37-year-old aftermarket parts and accessories distributor Meyer Distributing Inc., based in Jasper, Ind, succeeds term-limited GOP Gov. Eric Holcomb, a popular governor who had appeared at RVB’s annual Power Breakfast on more than one occasion.
Now it goes without saying that Braun’s new role won’t have any impact on Meyer’s business affairs. In fact, Braun told RVBusiness during his campaign that he’d retained only “a very small sliver” of equity in Meyer since his election to the U.S. Senate in November of 2018, having turned much of it over to the “next generation.” And he also stepped away from day-to-day management, although sons Jeff, now CEO; Jason, chief technology officer; and daughter Kristen, head of human resources and real estate, are still very much in the full-time mix at Meyer Distributing.
Braun told the crowd at last night’s Indiana GOP Watch Party not long after his electoral victory was announced that his time in the Senate – along with his business experience — had prepared him to become governor as he addressed details regarding his transition team, policy development, agency reviews and planning for an inaugural event and celebration.
All of those initial tasks can be distracting, he told WSBT-TV. “But the one thing, the way we were raised, is if you’ve got good principles and you stick to them – regardless of what you pursue – you’ll end up in the long run doing OK,” said Braun, the endorsed candidate of again-incumbent President Donald Trump. “It all comes back to faith, family and community.”
Indeed, Braun, has frequently cited in a generic sense the lessons learned in his business career and how they continue to apply to his governmental work.
“If you’re good at business, government’s a lot easier. And if you’re an entrepreneur, you can do a lot of good things in government and do it running a business as well,” he confided previously during a telephone interview. “And that’s what happened after I came back home (to Jasper) after business school at Wabash College. So, it’ll be because I learned a lot in the real world before I decided to get into government.”
Looking back, Braun, who also got an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, recalled how he ultimately “went with a little business that was struggling selling mostly to the farm market.” To keep the doors open, he started selling (RV) bumpers and running boards and other componentry made up in the Elkhart area, which, he said, didn’t amount to all that much at the time as Meyer Body Inc. in Haysville, Ind.
The end result, long story short, was Meyer Distributing.
“Over 17 years,” he told RVB, “we built that into a kind of regional business. And now it’s (Meyer) a national business – a company that I started from scratch, a distribution business selling auto and truck accessories, then moving into RV parts and accessories. And now we do a host of other things. And I had one little office in a used mobile home for 17 years. And now we have 90 locations in 40 states and three in Canada. So that’s the American dream. It took a while to really get going, though.”
Braun’s goals as Indiana’s next governor, a job previously held by Republicans Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels, include improving state finances, reforming healthcare and tackling high energy costs plus issues like child care, affordable housing and rural broadband.
“I think that Eric’s done a decent job,” said Braun. “Pence did a decent job. Mitch Daniels fixed it after we had 20 years of Democrats running it. And then I’ll take it, as an entrepreneur, to that next level because I’ve got more business experience than any of them when it comes to small, medium and large companies. And I come from a very entrepreneurial community and have the values of faith, family and community and have an agenda out there that’s going to emphasize freedom and opportunity. So, I’m going to roll all that into a way to take a dynamic state like Indiana and make it even better.”
From ROA Off-Road: The Pause Reboot 17.4 is a newly introduced off-road trailer designed for adventure enthusiasts and families. Featuring a 17-foot box length and the capability to sleep four, this trailer is compact yet spacious enough for comfortable camping. The Reboot 17.4 boasts a unique back patio with marine decking, providing a versatile outdoor lounge area. It offers modern amenities such as air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable sleeping arrangement, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of adventure and luxury.
The exterior of the Pause Reboot 17.4 is designed for durability and functionality in off-road conditions. It features a unique back patio with marine decking, which can be used as a lounge area with movable cushions and an optional step setup. The patio also doubles as an awning, providing shade and protection from the elements. The trailer is equipped with independent suspension, offering a smooth ride over rough terrains. Additionally, the exterior is prepared for an outdoor kitchen setup with outlets and a water spigot, collapsable sink pan, propane greystone griddle, cutting board and everchill fridge, enhancing the camping experience.
Inside, the Pause Reboot 17.4 offers a thoughtfully designed living space with modern amenities. The 60X80in True Residential Queen East-West bed provides a comfortable sleeping area, complemented by a large TV that swivels for optimal viewing. The kitchen is well-equipped with a three-burner stovetop, microwave, and ample storage for cookware. The bathroom includes a spacious shower, standard toilet, and vanity area with additional storage. The interior also features mood lighting, multiple power outlets, and a large refrigerator with dual access doors. The design ensures a comfortable and convenient camping experience for up to four people.
TROY, Mich. – Champion Homes is proud to announce the grand opening of a groundbreaking development in the fight against homelessness. On Sept. 26, 2024, The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, Calif., had an official ribbon cutting ceremony announcing the opening of the development, offering a new model for permanent supportive housing. Residents have moved into the homes, and the development is at full capacity.
The Troy-based manufactured and modular home builder built each of the 53 residential units across the 6.5 acres of the new master-planned permanent supportive housing community. The homes were constructed at Champion Homes’ Lindsay, Calif., manufacturing facility, which builds under the brand Redman Homes.
The Neighborhood Village is California’s first-of-its-kind, 100% permanent supportive housing community designed specifically for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The community boasts a range of common neighborhood amenities, including a park, library, and outdoor theater. Multiple wellness and training programs are available, as well:
Fully staffed, wraparound neighbor care services on-site
On-site job opportunities
Training opportunities
“We’re honored to be part of this effort,” said Champion Homes President and CEO Mark Yost. “More than a million people experience homelessness each year in the U.S., and projects like The Neighborhood Village are vital in providing life-saving housing and essential services that can truly transform lives.”\
The Neighborhood Village (TNV) is the vision of Salt + Light Works, a 501(c)3 designated public benefit organization. Salt + Light Works’ mission is to transform the lives of Californians at risk of or experiencing homelessness by fostering community and belonging. To do so, the organization offers not only housing but also case management services, work opportunities, outreach programs, and more. TNV is a partnership between them and Self Help Enterprises, a local non-profit affordable housing developer with over 60 years of experience in Central California.
“Champion Homes was an excellent choice for housing in The Neighborhood Village,” Salt + Light Works Founder and CEO Adrianne Hillman said. “They’re local—with a factory in Lindsay just 20 miles away—and the accessibility and affordability of their manufactured homes were crucial for bringing this effort to life.”
Organizations working alongside Salt + Light Works are Tulare County’s Board of Supervisors and Health and Human Services Agency, the Housing and Community Services Employment Training (CSET), the Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of California, the Kings-Tulare Homeless Alliance, Adventist Health, City of Tulare, Anthem, Health Net and many others.
About Champion Homes, Inc.
Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE: SKY) is a leading producer of factory-built housing in North America and employs approximately 9,000 people. With more than 70 years of homebuilding experience and 48 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and western Canada, Champion Homes is well positioned with an innovative portfolio of manufactured and modular homes, ADUs, park-models and modular buildings for the single-family, multi-family, and hospitality sectors.
In addition to its core home building business, Champion Homes provides construction services to install and set-up factory-built homes, operates a factory-direct retail business with 72 retail locations across the United States, and operates Star Fleet Trucking, providing transportation services to the manufactured housing and other industries from several dispatch locations across the United States.
ATHENS, Texas — The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announces that Magan Peck has joined the Student Advisor team, where she will serve under the guidance of Tonya Taylor, Student Advisor Director. Magan brings a wealth of experience in customer service and account management, along with a certification in Medical Office Administration. As a single mother of three, Magan’s dedication and adaptability make her a welcome addition to the NRVTA family.
With a strong focus on providing personalized support to NRVTA students, Magan will play a key role in helping students navigate RV training classes, develop their skills, and work toward certifications. Her background aligns with NRVTA’s commitment to student success in both RV Technician training and RV technician certification programs, enhancing the academy’s reputation as the premier RV Training School.
“When I came across the job listing for my current position, I immediately felt led to apply,” said Magan. “With my heart and passion for helping people, I really felt like God led me exactly where I was meant to be. The NRVTA stands for exactly what I believe in — God, faith, love, dedication, and determination — and I am thankful and honored to be a part of this team.”
Tonya Taylor, Student Advisor Director, praised Magan’s contributions and positive impact, saying, “Magan is a great asset to our team. Her contributions are invaluable to the day-to-day success of the entire Student Advisor team. I love most her commitment to keeping the team busy. She has a personal drive that shows in her efforts and a sweet disposition in doing it.”
Magan’s appointment is part of NRVTA’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional student support. By expanding the Student Advisor team, NRVTA ensures that students in programs like the Advanced RV technician course and Advanced RV Inspector Course receive the resources and encouragement they need to succeed in a growing industry.
For more information about NRVTA’s courses and certification programs, please visit nrvta.com.
For the past couple of years the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Government Affairs team has been advocating for the expansion of pull-through EV charging infrastructure, that can service e-RVs as well EVs towing trailers, according to an RVIA News & Insights report. The team’s campaign to increase the number of electric charging stations has included, among other efforts, state-by-state outreach to state departments of transportation and other decision makers to encourage them to include pull-through charging in the state’s request for proposals.
The project is funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program— part of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that set aside $5 billion for states to improve their EV infrastructure. The National Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Program is intended to establish a nationwide network of public EV fast charging stations in all 50 states over five years along major highways and interstates. With this once in a generation funding, it’s important to ensure that the charging infrastructure works for the RV industry.
One of the most significant wins recently took place in Oregon where a total of 13 EV charging stations will be constructed in this first round and five will include pull-throughs. The three private EV charging company finalists are Electrify America, EV Gateway, and EV Charging Solutions.
“We are excited to learn that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is adding these 13 EV charging stations in Oregon, and that some of these will have pull-through capabilities,” says Jason Rano, the RV Industry Association’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Adding these pull-throughs will allow consumers who are pulling their towables with electric vehicles to have a smoother charging experience. This remains a priority for the Government Affairs team and we’re continuing to advocate for more pull-through EV chargers across the country.”
Learn more about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program’s efforts in Oregon.
National Powersport Auctions (NPA) offers hundreds of RVs, campers, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers nationwide through 11 monthly auctions, live and simulcast. With NPA eSale, a 24/7 online platform, there are plenty of opportunities to acquire quality RV units and move unwanted inventory.
This November at NPA you’ll find hundreds of RVs and campers nationwide. NPA Atlanta and NPA Sacramento have a noteworthy selection of RVs from M&T Bank.
NOVEMBER 2024 AUCTION
NPA Cincinnati 11/6
NPA Denver 11/7
NPA Dallas 11/8
NPA Philadelphia 11/13
NPA Sacramento 11/14
NPA Atlanta 11/15
NPA Cincinnati 11/20
NPA Lakeland 11/21
NPA Dallas 11/22
NPA Portland inventory is available during the NPA Sacramento auctions.
Visit npauctions.com to browse the inventory and register for upcoming auctions. For a limited time, the annual NPA Membership fee is waived for new RV dealers and businesses in the first year. NPA Members enjoy access to NPA tools and services. For consignment opportunities, contact a Territory Sales Manager or the NPA Dealer Support team at 888.292.5339, ext. 923308.
2019 Thor Motor Coach M-25 Vegas2019 Coachmen M-360 IBL Chaparral2018 Heartland RV M-31BHDD North Trail 2018 Wildwood by Forest River M-286RL Heritage Glen Lite
ELKHART, Ind. – The RV Technical Institute (RVTI), known for its comprehensive and industry-leading technician training program, has officially approved Renogy’s Level 3 REGO System Mastery course. This course is part of RVTI’s Level 3 curriculum, offering a new specialized training path for technicians focused on mastering Renogy’s innovative off-grid solar solutions, according to a release.
Mauricio Luna, product solution manager at Renogy, said, “We have been performing on-site dealer training for a while and we know many people who have completed levels one and two will be excited to expand their knowledge.”
The RVTI Curriculum Committee reviewed and approved the course, which adds a valuable component to the institute’s technician training offerings, the release continued. With the RVTI located in Elkhart, Ind. — the heart of the RV industry where over 80% of the nation’s recreational vehicles are manufactured — this partnership highlights the growing importance of sustainable, off-grid solutions in the RV market.
“We are excited to see Renogy’s REGO System Mastery course added to our Level 3 curriculum. Renogy’s contributions to the RV aftermarket and OEM sectors make this a valuable addition to our training program,” said Justin Rickett, senior manager of recruitment at RVTI.
Renogy has established itself as a leader in off-grid solar solutions, serving more than 250,000 campers, adventurers, and RV owners. With this Level 3 certification, RV technicians will now have the opportunity to deepen their expertise in integrating Renogy’s products into RV systems, positioning them to meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions in the RV industry.
“Renogy has been outstanding to work with,” said Mike Regan, president of Texas-based Crestview RV, whose techs have had training on location. “We love the off-grid package approach to offering a complete package to our customers.”
For more information about Renogy’s products and the RVTI certification, please visit renogy.com and rvti.org.
FAIRFAX, Va. – The RVDA Convention/Expo virtual event website is now live and serves as a mobile-friendly guide for all attendees before and throughout the event, set for Nov. 11-15 at Paris Las Vegas, according to a release.
Visit this link to bookmark the site here (https://rvda2024.myshowapp.com) and enter the email used to register and the access code from the Know Before You Go email that was sent to attendees this week. Onsite, the access code will be printed on attendees’ badges.
If you don’t know your access code, click “I can’t find my access code” on my account/login page here, enter your registration email, and the code will be sent to the email address used for registration.
On the mobile website attendees can:
View the convention program and agenda.
Add sessions to a personal agenda for day-by-day scheduling.
Complete workshop evaluations for a chance to win a FREE $25 Starbucks gift card.
View the floorplan of the exhibit hall.
Bookmark exhibitors to visit in the Expo.
Connect and network with other attendees.
Access on-demand workshops from exhibitors, you can learn more before you go!
The annual RVDA Convention/Expo, sponsored by RVDA U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, brings together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and RV industry business partners for the premier dealer education and networking event of the year.
Regular updates are posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Visit www.rvda.org/convention to register and for complete information.
