HOWE, Ind. – Cruiser RV, a leading manufacturer of lightweight RV travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth-wheels, has added a new auto-leveling system for 2025 Shadow Cruiser and MPG models. This launch represents Cruiser RV’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-focused improvements, aimed at enhancing the camping experience through user-friendly technology, according to a release.
The new Lippert Ground Control system allows campers to level their coaches with the push of a button, dramatically reducing the time and stress associated with campsite setup. A wall- mounted touchpad activates the three-point configuration, which uses Hall Effect technology to stabilize the RV properly. Hall Effect technology measures the jack leg’s motor revolutions instead of amps to deliver precision auto-leveling with superior performance to other systems. When it’s time to leave, the same push-button system will automatically return the coach to the height of the tow vehicle to make hitching easier. The Lippert Ground Control auto-leveling system cuts setup time to about 2 minutes, letting campers skip the hassle of manual jacks and wheel chocks so they can start enjoying their surroundings sooner.
“The Lippert auto-leveling option is a great addition to 2025 Shadow Cruiser and MPG models because it makes it easier to set up and keep the coach properly leveled,” said Zach Weaver, National Sales Manager, of Cruiser RV. “This innovation directly addresses our customers’ needs by minimizing setup time and manual adjustments, allowing them to start their camping experience sooner and with less hassle.”
Constructed with heavy-gauge steel and finished with a powder coating, the Ground Control system provides durability and strength to withstand diverse camping environments.
Additionally, for customers with the Lippert OneControl system, the auto-leveling feature can be activated from the OneControl smartphone app, giving them even greater flexibility and control while camping.
Browse 2025 MPG and Shadow Cruiser models to see coaches that include the optional new Lippert auto-leveling system. To learn more about all CRUISER RV products, visit www.cruiserrv.com and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Cruiser RV
Since 1988, Cruiser RV has built lightweight, high-quality trailers for people who love the great outdoors. Here at Cruiser, we take the time to construct solid travel trailers and toy haulers that last. These are the towables that help you feel safe, comfortable, and free to enjoy the great American RV lifestyle. Ultra-lightweight, easy to tow, and loaded with the kind of luxury and high-end features our customers expect, Cruiser RVs are easily the best value on the road. No matter what new adventure lies ahead, you’ll find freedom at every turn with a Cruiser RV. Cruiser RV. Great American Trailers.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a guest posting from Dan Lopez at Specialized Dispatch Services, a firm that provides third party dispatch and assistance services for industry clients that desire “Ultra High Quality” customer care.
After a busy RVing season, we’re excited to share key industry insights into the types of virtual assistance RV owners most commonly require while on the road.
Roadside assistance remains a significant category, accounting for a large portion of assistance calls. This data is derived from a sample size of over 200,000 RVs and their users, representing both first-year and seasoned owners. Approximately 80% of the sample consists of first-year owners, while 20% are experienced RVers. Although this data doesn’t encompass the entire RV user base, it offers a meaningful snapshot of the challenges RV owners face and the types of support they most frequently seek.
Notably, 78% of all assistance requests are related to technical troubleshooting, with approximately 60% of those issues successfully resolved through virtual services. For 2024 (year-to-date through October), roadside assistance leads as the top category of requests, followed by general inquiries. Beyond these broader categories, specific component-related issues complete the top 12 list.
These rankings, based on actual usage statistics for the 2024 RVing season, provide valuable insights into the key areas where RV owners require support.
We hope this information helps you plan effectively and offer enhanced services to better support your customers after the sale.
A comprehensive overview of all service event requests year-to-date is provided below.
Specialized Dispatch Services (SDS) supports a rapidly growing number of RV households each day, offering unique insights into the challenges and issues RVers encounter. To assist the industry in effectively planning and preparing for service and support needs, SDS will now provide quarterly updates highlighting the most common reasons RV owners seek technical assistance and, in some cases, physical service.
For more information, please contact Dan Lopez at 817-200-7234 or via email at [email protected].
A comprehensive overview of all service event requests year-to-date is provided below.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
UPDATE 11/20/24: The RV Industry Association (RVIA) Government Affairs staff, along with several of our motorhome manufacturer members, met on Tuesday afternoon (11/19/24) with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff overseeing the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. The meeting was requested by CARB to discuss in more detail the RV industry comments submitted as part of the ACT amendments proceeding in October. They also wanted to hear more directly from our members about what they are being told by the chassis manufacturers about why they are unable to deliver products.
CARB staff reviewed the various regulations that are impacting the motorhome industry at present, including the Omnibus Low NOx rule, the ACT, and the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. Following their presentation, a wide-ranging discussion was held with our members. We repeated our belief that an exemption or a delay in implementation from the ACT would be of greatest benefit to allow the industry to continue to provide motorhomes to dealers and customers in the state. Of note, CARB said it does have the authority to create exemptions to the regulation. This is different than what CARB has said on other regulations when they stated that allowable exemption are set by the law which created the rule, not by CARB.
While no final resolution was attained, all sides agreed to continue talking and another meeting is being arranged in early December. The RV Industry Association will continue to explore all its options to find an equitable solution.
UPDATE 11/18/24: RV Industry Association staff continue to work with CARB, our members, and other stakeholders on this issue. As updates are available, this article will be updated to reflect any developments or any changes to the FAQs. Following additional clarification from CARB, the FAQ regarding a dealer’s ability to sell a non-compliant RV to residents outside of California has been updated to note that is possible, provided the customer intends to register the motorhome in a non-ACT state.
Original Article:
In 2025, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, aimed at promoting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), will create a near-total “ban” on motorhome sales in the state, as well as in additional states that follow the California Air Resource Board (CARB) regulations. While the regulation does not specifically ban motorhome sales, the ACT regulation mandates manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles to sell an increasing percentage of ZEVs each year. This has led chassis manufacturers to halt sales of traditional internal combustion engine chassis for motorhomes in California, stemming from the lack of ZEV chassis suitable for motorhomes.
Since 2020, the RV Industry Association has been working with CARB on the ACT regulations through conversations directly with CARB staff as well as written and oral testimony at multiple public hearings. When CARB filed its proposed amendments earlier this year, the RV industry met with CARB staff to discuss the impact on the industry. The Association also submitted comments laying out the the negative impact of the regulation on the motorhome industry.
Unfortunately, CARB did not make any further amendment which would alleviate the problem of motorhome manufacturers being told by chassis manufacturers that they would not be able to supply ICE (internal combustion engine) chassis for sale into California since they could not offset their ZEV deficits by sales of a ZEV motorhome chassis.
Making the matter more complicated, it is not just the ACT that is causing the issue right now; it is the trio of regulations passed in the last 2-3 years: the ACT, along with the Omnibus Low NOx rule and the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. These three rules work together with the goal of gradually transitioning medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2036. We have commented to CARB on each of them, and also on the Small Off-Road Engine regulation which threatens spark-ignition engines on generators.
The RV Industry Association continues to work with CARB staff on the ACT with their staff looking to hear more from our members and understand why chassis manufacturers will not be able to deliver products. While we are continuing to work with manufacturers, dealers, and CARB to find a solution, if nothing changes, motorhomes will not be able to be sold and registered in California beginning in 2025. The exact date is still to be determined.
Below are some FAQs on the Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation and how it is specifically impacting the RV industry and RV consumers both in California as well as other states. For more information or questions on the impact of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation, please contact Mike Ochs, RV Industry Association Director of Government Affairs at [email protected].
Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation FAQs
What is the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation and does it ban the sale of motorhomes in California? When was this regulation passed? The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation was adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) in 2021 to establish zero emission vehicle standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The ACT regulation establishes requirements for manufacturers that certify on-road vehicles over 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to produce and sell an increasing portion of their sales as vehicles that emit no criteria or GHG emissions, i.e., zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) starting in the 2024 model year and ramping up through the end of the 2035 model year.
Amendments to the ACT regulation approved by the Board in October of 2024 addressed issues that have arisen through the rule’s implementation, including OEMs restricting sales of motorhome chassis. The amendments also sought to establish a new Zero-Emission Powertrain Certification test procedure and ensure alignment with the original intent of the rule as well as CARB’s commitments contained in the Clean Truck Partnership agreement.
While the ACT regulation does not impose an outright ban on motorhomes, it has as its primary component a sales requirement that applies to manufacturers that certify incomplete chassis or complete vehicles greater than 8,500 lbs. GVWR (i.e., Class 2b-8 vehicles). Manufacturers (e.g., Daimler, Ford, GM, Mercedez Benz, Navistar, Stellantis, etc.) are required to sell ZEVs as a percentage of their annual total sales. Because chassis manufacturers have no ZEV chassis that are rated for applications to motorhomes, they have been informing motorhome manufacturers that they will not be able to provide them with any internal combustion engine chassis for motorhomes for the California market.
2. Is it all motorhomes or just diesel that are covered by the ACT regulation? Is there a weight limit? Are Class Bs affected? While the majority of the attention thus far has focused on Class A and Class C diesel motorhomes, the regulation, with a few exceptions, applies to all medium-duty or heavy-duty vehicles with combustion engines. Any non-exempted on-road vehicle over 8,500 GVWR is included is covered by the regulation, including Class B motorhomes most of which have a GVWR over that amount.
Vehicles exempted from the ACT regulation include emergency vehicles, military tactical vehicles, transit vehicles subject to the Innovative Clean Transit regulation, school buses purchased by K-12 school districts and other entities, and light-duty vehicles dispatched but not owned by transportation network companies (ACT reg, Section 2012(c) Exemptions).
3. Does CARB consider this a ban, or are there options CARB has laid out for the industry? Are these options feasible? CARB insists that this regulation gives flexibility to chassis manufacturers in being able to buy and sell ZEV credits to allow them to build combustion engine chassis. The amendments approved last month will also permit secondary vehicle manufacturers to buy and sell these credits. However, neither of these provisions will guarantee that chassis manufacturers will utilize these credits, which are likely to be expensive on the open market and would add another layer of cost to producing a motorhome with a combustion engine chassis. Thus, the RV Industry Association does not believe that a solution that offers only one path for compliance (purchasing expensive ACT credits) is actually a solution at all.
4. Is the ACT regulation limited to California or are other states following this same regulation? There are ten states which have adopted the CARB ACT rule. Rules in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington will take effect with the 2025 model year while rules in Vermont will take effect with the 2026 model year, and those in Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, and Rhode Island with the 2027 model year.
States that adopt California emission standards (so-called Section 177 states) are required by federal law to maintain consistency with California’s requirements. Thus, amendments made in California will eventually be adopted by the states listed above.
5. When does the ACT go into effect? Will dealers be able to sell motorhomes currently on their lots? The ACT rule applies to model year 2024 and later chassis. The rule has no effect on motorhomes that have already been legally produced and delivered to California.
6. If a consumer buys an RV from another state that does not comply with ACT, will the consumer be able to register the RV in California? In the amendments adopted in October 2024, CARB adopted new vehicle labeling and reporting requirements that will help regulators in California ensure that new vehicles registered in California are compliant with the ACT regulation. The amendments take effect with the 2025 model year. In response to a question at the hearing about non-compliant vehicles coming in from out of state, CARB said that a used vehicle, defined as one with more than 7,500 miles on the odometer, could be brought in and registered. Any motorhome with less than 7,500 miles would be considered a new vehicle and would have to be compliant in order to be registered.
7. Can dealers sell non-compliant RVs to residents outside of California? According to CARB, California RV dealers are able to sell a non-compliant motorhome to a resident of another state provided the customer intends to register the motorhome in a non-ACT state. (updated 11/18/24)
8. How is the ACT regulation enforced? Is it a ban on sales or a ban on registering non-compliant motorhomes? The ACT regulation directly regulates the companies that certify chassis meet the applicable ZEV production percentages set forth in the regulation. Sales and reporting requirements contained in Section 1963.4 of the regulation require those manufacturers to report to CARB on how they are complying with the requirements. Section 1963.5 of the regulation sets forth enforcement requirements which indicate that CARB has the authority to audit the compliance records of any manufacturer or secondar vehicle manufacturer to confirm the accuracy of their compliance reports. CARB may assess penalties for noncompliance.
ELKHART, Ind. – Darryl Searer, who as president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame for the past 12-plus years has brought the organization from the brink of collapse to a thriving museum and event space, announces that he is stepping down from his role at the end of 2024.
Searer, who never accepted any salary during his time at the Hall of Fame, is not leaving entirely. He has agreed to stay on and oversee the annual RV Hall Supplier Show.
At the same time, Debbie Brunoforte, chairwoman of the Hall of Fame, announced a selection committee has been charged with finding someone to step into the president’s role. She encouraged those interested in the position to submit a resume via email to: [email protected].
Searer and Brunoforte, who also serves as a vice president with Campers Inn RV, were joined by Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg of RVBusiness for this RVB Capitol Talk video, which was sponsored by Airxcel Inc.
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) announced that Molly McPherson, a leading crisis communication strategist and TikTok’s “PR Lady,” will be a featured speaker at the the 2025 Leadership Conference.
The conference, which will be March 4-6, 2025 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Ariz., will feature two days of impactful networking, leadership development, and motivational speakers including McPherson.
McPherson is renowned for transforming chaos into control. By day, she is a leading crisis communication strategist while also moonlighting as TikTok’s “PR Lady” to a half-million followers. Molly is best known for her incisive analysis of brand and celebrity actions and ability to foresee and manage public relations crises. Whether delving into innovation in crisis management or guiding teams through social media backlash, Molly’s expertise shines through, making her an indispensable asset to any organization facing a media storm.
RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features a discussion with Chris Andro, the committee chairman for the recently-completed RV Dealers Association Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.
Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.
ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) announced today that on Nov. 18 the company’s board of directors approved a three-for-two stock split of the company’s common stock, to be effected in the form of a stock dividend, payable as one additional share of common stock for every two shares of common stock held.
Shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional share of common stock that they otherwise would have been entitled to receive in connection with the split.
The stock dividend is effective for shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 29 and will be payable on Dec. 13. The company’s stock will begin trading on a post-split basis on Dec. 16. The split will increase the number of outstanding shares of the company’s common stock from approximately 22.4 million to 33.6 million.
As previously reported, the company announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend on a pre-split basis to $0.60 per share payable on Dec. 9 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 25.
“In tandem with our recently announced increase in our quarterly cash dividend and upsize in our share repurchase authorization, the stock split is a reflection of management’s and our board of directors’ confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the company and is in alignment with driving strong liquidity for our shares in the marketplace,” said Andy Nemeth, chief executive officer. “We remain focused on maximizing shareholder value through the successful execution of our strategic growth initiatives across our end markets.”
HIGH POINT, N.C. – Swavelle Group, a leader in textile and fabric design, continues to redefine the customer experience — bringing it to life through a newly remodeled showroom and inspired fabric collections thoughtfully designed to meet evolving customer needs, ahead of Interwoven at High Point.
Swavelle Group, a leader in textile and fabric design, proudly unveiled a newly remodeled showroom designed to serve as an inviting hub for industry professionals. The space, upgraded with customer needs in mind, includes a welcoming lobby with a dedicated area for browsing new collections and best-selling fabrics. Designed to offer a beautiful and comfortable space for meeting, recharging, and connecting, the showroom also features a bright kitchen stocked with snacks. This renovation reflects Swavelle’s unparalleled commitment to customer care.
“As with everything we do at Swavelle, we are driven by an unwavering dedication to supporting our customers,” said Greg Thomases, CEO, Swavelle Group. “From strengthening our leadership team through key hires and internal promotions, enhancing production efficiencies, expanding our global reach and embracing forward-thinking product directions, we aim for the new showroom to reflect that commitment. We’re proud to offer extraordinary fabrics that meet every design need with something truly exceptional.”
Swavelle will debut three innovative collections at this year’s High Point. The New Performance Collection introduces cleanable, chemistry-free indoor performance fabrics with no aftermarket treatments, offering both style and practicality. The Serene Home Collection, crafted with recycled yarns, brings the beauty of nature indoors with its eco-friendly materials and natural aesthetic, catering to the growing consumer desire for sustainability and nature-inspired decor. Lastly, the Textures Collection highlights customer favorites and foundational basics, embracing a growing trend of layering textures to create depth and visual interest in home design. These collections underscore Swavelle’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and timeless design.
The 3720-square-foot showroom, located at Market Square Tower, 305 West High Street, 8th floor was expertly envisioned by Swavelle’s internal team to create a warm, inviting, and on-trend space that reflects the seamless blend of style and functionality the brand is known for. The layout showcases products in various settings was to engage and elevate the experience, making it more thorough and efficient. Every detail was planned with customer priorities and needs in mind, ensuring a welcoming environment that supports both inspiration and ease.
“We look forward to welcoming customers, vendors, and industry colleagues to our new showroom,” continued Thomases. “At Swavelle, design is at the heart of everything we do. Fabric has the power to transform spaces, tell stories, and evoke emotion, and we’re proud to have the resources and expertise to bring design visions to life for every customer, from residential to commercial. We can’t wait to see you there.”
About Swavelle Group
With a legacy of more than 50 years meeting the fabric and textile needs of corporations and consumers, the Swavelle Group is one of America’s leading family-owned textile companies. The Swavelle Group brands include Swavelle, TFA and Bella Dura. Trusted for generations by discerning insiders across the industry, from retail and contract to indoor, outdoor, RV to residential, the Swavelle Group is widely recognized for its unparalleled commitment to quality, exceptional customer service and a remarkable range of on-trend textiles fit for every need.
PHILADELPHIA – In a year defined by transformative ideas and groundbreaking achievements, the Business Intelligence Group announces the winners of the 2024 BIG Awards for Business.
This prestigious annual program celebrates visionary leaders, standout products, and pioneering companies reshaping their industries and setting new standards, according to a release.
Blue Compass RV was named among the 17 businesses for the Company of the Year.
“The BIG Awards for Business spotlight those whose innovative spirit, commitment to progress, and resilience are not only advancing their fields but inspiring a global movement,” said Russ Fordyce, CEO of the Business Intelligence Group. “Congratulations to each of these exceptional winners — you are the driving force behind a brighter future.”
PEOPLE
Entrepreneur Award
Mohammed Vaid, CEO and Chief Solution Architect, Simplify Healthcare
Executive of the Year
Michael J. Alkire, President and CEO, Premier, Inc
Brett Bouchy, CEO, Freedom Forever
Daniel Cane, CEO and Co-founder, ModMed
Robert Hayes, CEO and Co-founder, Athena
Ben Lamm, Founder and CEO, Colossal Biosciences
Moshe Morgenstern, ClO and Deputy to the CEO, Migdal Group
David Osborne, CEO, Caseware
Small Business Executive of the Year
Eddy Azad, CEO, Parsec Automation Corp.
Teresa Czubak, Chief People Officer, Madison Logic
Woman of the Year
Kia Chalmers, Head of Human Resources, OVHcloud US
Skincare Pro- AI Simulation Technology for Aesthetic Treatments
Startek Interaction Analytics
Sweet S’NAPS
Wolters Kluwer Beneficial Ownership Platform
Product of the Year
ageLOC Tru Face Peptide Retinol Complex
Agilysys Spa powered by guestsense.ai
BigHand Matter Pricing
Boost 100
Little Obsessions Organic Strawberries
Provider Copilot by Innovaccer
RUN Powered by ADP (RUN) – A.I. Enabled Payroll & HR
S&P Capital IQ Pro
Sircon for Carriers by Vertafore
SolarWinds Observability
TiVo OS
Case Study of the Year
Dow – DOWSIL 7091 Adhesive Sealant & Graco E-Flo iQ Dispensing System
ModMed
Paysafe’s Inside the Wallet
SOTI
Viettel Solutions – Digital Transformation Consulting Services
Green Product of the Year
First Student
A small group of companies, selected by judges, were also named “Finalist” in this year’s award program, including: AuditBoard, Backflip, BigHand, BillingPlatform, Birdeye, Wolters Kluwer, Daversa Partners, IntelePeer, M-Files, PerfectGPT, fullthrottle.ai, Simplify App Fabric, Simpro Digital Forms, Paycom’s Time-Off Requests featuring GONE, Vistatec and Wurl BrandDiscovery.
About Business Intelligence Group
The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike otherindustry award programs, business executives — those with experience and knowledge — judge the programs. The organization’s proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.
SHIPSHEWANA, Ind. – The RV Component Exposition, an event designed to connect RV component suppliers and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of the RV industry, will be held at the Michiana Event Center (MEC) on Oct. 14-16, 2025. The MEC is located at 455 E Farver St., Shipshewana, IN 46565.
The RV Component Expo premiered this October at the MEC, hosting 48 exhibitors and 350 attendees. The exposition provides a platform for various suppliers to showcase their capabilities, driving innovation, elevating product quality, and strengthening the overall RV manufacturing world. Attendees can expect to broaden their supply chain contacts, discover new products, and find cost-saving components.
“I was surprised at how diverse the exhibitors were for a first-year show. This is an excellent way to find small manufacturers to fulfill your supply chain. I’ll encourage all of our key people to be there next year,” said Devon Miller, VP of Operations at Jayco RV.
Mike Bontrager, Director of Operations at Brinkley RV, said, “I was blown away at the amount of thought that certain suppliers at this expo put into product design. They’re very mindful of OSHA compliance on their ancillary equipment, and RVIA compliance with their components for our units. Love the innovation.”
For more information about exhibiting or attending next year’s RV Component Expo, contact Brandon Esh: 206-361-0414, [email protected]
