Ronald McDonald House Radiothon Seeks ‘House Heroes’


Kierstin Eifler

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kierstin Eifler, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana (RMHC), is seeking support for her organization so it can provide services to families of ailing children free of charge.

She has recorded a video to help members of the public learn how to become a “House Hero,” empowering the South Bend-based organization – long supported by the Elkhart County RV industry – to reach its goals.

Eifler also encouraged the public to tune in to South Bend radio station U93 (92.9 FM) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3 for a “Radiothon” to hear stories from RMNC families and learn about the impact a gift makes in the community.

Click here to see the video.

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Video: Coach House Marks 40th with ‘Heritage’ Debut

From Coach House RV: The Heritage is the culmination of four decades of redefining quality in motorhomes. Featuring exclusive finishes, a commemorative 40-year badge, and the meticulous attention to detail that sets Coach House apart, this limited-edition model is a milestone in luxury RV design. Explore the craftsmanship, legacy, and innovation behind the Heritage. Thank you for 40 years of support—this motorhome is a tribute to you, our customers.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

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RVIA to Host Dec. 3 Webinar on CARB ACT Regulations

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) for a critical webinar on the latest developments concerning the (California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation. at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

During the webinar, participants will hear the latest on the regulation and the industry’s discussion with CARB. Webinar presenters will be RVIA Director of State Affairs Mike Ochs, and Jason Rano, RVIA’s vice president of Government Affairs.

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.

Click here to register for this webinar, which is open to RVIA members only.

Click here for further background on this issue.

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Nexus RV Co-Founder Dave Middleton is Stepping Down

Dave Middleton, left, and Claude Donati

ELKHART, Ind. – Dave Middleton, co-founder of Nexus RV along with industry veteran Claude Donati, is stepping down as the company’s president and taking time off from the company after 15 years. 

“I look forward to taking some time with my family,” stated Dave, “I have enjoyed being part of what we built over the last 15 years and appreciate the many friendships I have developed with dealers, venders, employees and valued customers. I will truly miss them all.”

Prior to starting Nexus RV, Dave spent 10 years in the RV business at Gulf Stream Coach. 

Nexus RV is a privately held motorhome RV manufacturer headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., founded in 2010. 

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RVIA: October Shipments Top 30K, Up 7.8% Over Oct. ’23

Results for the RV Industry Association’s October 2024 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 30,595 units, an increase of 7.8% compared to the 28,371 units shipped in October 2023.

“This latest shipment report shows that overall, the RV industry continues to make moderate, steady gains and we are on track to surpass last year’s shipment totals,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “As we head into the holidays, it is encouraging to see RVing remains a popular travel option, with 21 million Americans expected to go RVing this holiday season and share the joys of time together with family and friends.”

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 11.8% from last October with 27,766 shipments. Motorhomes finished the month down (-20.2%) compared to the same month last year with 2,829 units.

To date, RVs are up 7.7% compared to the same period last year with 287,007 units shipped through October.

Park Model RVs finished October down (-19.7%) compared to the same month last year, with 346 wholesale shipments.

Below you will find charts showing 2023/2024 month over month total wholesale RV and Park Model shipments. Click here to view the October 2024 shipment numbers published on the RV Industry Association website and click here to view our Shipment Report in PDF format.

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RVIA: October Shipments Top 30K, Up 7.8% Over Oct. ’23

Results for the RV Industry Association’s October 2024 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 30,595 units, an increase of 7.8% compared to the 28,371 units shipped in October 2023.

“This latest shipment report shows that overall, the RV industry continues to make moderate, steady gains and we are on track to surpass last year’s shipment totals,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “As we head into the holidays, it is encouraging to see RVing remains a popular travel option, with 21 million Americans expected to go RVing this holiday season and share the joys of time together with family and friends.”

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 11.8% from last October with 27,766 shipments. Motorhomes finished the month down (-20.2%) compared to the same month last year with 2,829 units.

To date, RVs are up 7.7% compared to the same period last year with 287,007 units shipped through October.

Park Model RVs finished October down (-19.7%) compared to the same month last year, with 346 wholesale shipments.

Below you will find charts showing 2023/2024 month over month total wholesale RV and Park Model shipments. Click here to view the October 2024 shipment numbers published on the RV Industry Association website and click here to view our Shipment Report in PDF format.

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AAA: ‘Gas Prices’ Now ‘Fuel Prices,’ EV Rates Added

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAA is proud to announce that it is now adding electric vehicle charging data to its new “Fuel Prices” website as an addition to providing the nation’s leading gasoline price information. With nearly 2 million members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA recognizes the need to track the average kilowatt-per-hour cost for all levels of public charging by state. Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at a public charging station is 34 cents. At the pump, the national average for a gallon of gas dropped two cents since last week to $3.06 – matching the January 2024 low. There are now 28 states with averages below $3.

“One difference drivers may notice is that while gas prices bob and weave daily and require a chart to track, electric charging rates barely budge.  Over the past six months, AAA has quietly monitored EV charging rates, and they have moved less than a penny,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And one important thing to remember, folks, whether you use gasoline or electricity, it’s still a car.”

Unlike the gas price map, which tracks national, state, county, and metro average prices, the EV charging rate map will only supply national and state data at this point. It will also show the number of public chargers in each state. The new EV charging map represents the national and state daily average per kilowatt hour cost for all commercial/public charging (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3/DC Fast Charging). Historical EV price data is not available at this time.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand plunged from 9.38 million b/d last week to 8.41. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose slightly from 206.9 million barrels to 208.9, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.06, 11 cents less than a month ago and 23 cents less than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 52 cents to settle at $68.87 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 430.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas and Electricity Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.57), California ($4.44), Washington ($3.97), Nevada ($3.71), Oregon ($3.54), Alaska ($3.49), Pennsylvania ($3.24), Washington DC ($3.24), Arizona ($3.22), and Illinois ($3.19).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($2.56), Mississippi ($2.63), Arkansas ($2.66), Texas ($2.67), Missouri ($2.71), Kansas ($2.72), Louisiana ($2.73), Tennessee ($2.74), Iowa ($2.75) and South Carolina ($2.76).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (21 cents), Missouri (24 cents), Nebraska (26 cents), North Dakota (27 cents), Texas (28 cents), Utah (29 cents), Vermont (30 cents,) Washington DC (30 cents), and Michigan (30 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (56 cents), West Virginia (44 cents), Montana (43 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), South Carolina (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), Idaho (41 cents), Alaska (41 cents), and Tennessee (40 cents).

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

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‘RV Today’ Magazine Eyes Next-Gen Destination Trailers

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Winter 2024 issue of RV Today magazine is now available. Here’s the Publisher’s Note from Demian Ross.

WINTER IS HERE and I am not excited about it—and I am not talking about the weather. It’s mid-October and I’m just leaving a Target that has a ton of Christmas decorations up! What is the hurry for the holiday season?!

When I was growing up, I don’t think we were even allowed to talk about Christmas until at least Thanksgiving Day. And I remember how crazy it was if someone had a tree up before Thanksgiving.

Now, this doesn’t affect me as much as the next person, because I don’t really celebrate “retail holidays” that cause so much stress and financial strain. I enjoy spending time with my family, but not because the calendar says I need to. I would much rather spend time with my kids between Thanksgiving and Christmas than on the actual holidays.

Last year I had all four kids on the ranch in Oklahoma and they had a blast. As a dad, when your kids choose a visit to the ranch instead of cash, you feel like you raised them right.

But I digress. I think I have a way to combat this early holiday behavior—let’s start summer in March! We are all dying to get back on the road every summer, so why not just start it early? Sure, it won’t be summer weather, but it was 85 degrees when I saw those Christmas decorations, so clearly that doesn’t matter.

The whole point of this ramble is that you shouldn’t let a holiday or a specific season be the reason you do or don’t go outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Find the pockets around all the holiday chaos and just enjoy each other.

None of my childhood memories have to do with the gifts I got. They are all about the moments with family and friends. And if I’m really honest, most of those were just everyday outdoor events, not some national holiday.

Memories are made outdoors!

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Torklift to Ship New ‘GlowStep Revolution’ for Airstream

KENT, Wash. – Torklift announces the upcoming launch of the GlowStep Revolution for Airstream trailers, gearing up to ship by Thanksgiving. The GlowStep Revolution blends seamlessly with the timeless design of Airstream, enhancing the experience of iconic travel trailers with a cutting-edge step system built for any adventure, according to a release.

Designed to Complement Airstream’s Legendary Aesthetic

Airstream trailers are more than just RVs — they are a timeless symbol of adventure, freedom, and style. The GlowStep Revolution matches this legacy with a sleek, stainless steel and aluminum construction that is rust-free. Whether parked by the coast or off the beaten path, the GlowStep Revolution provides a perfect fusion of elegance, safety, and durability.

What Makes the GlowStep Revolution a Must-Have for Airstream Owners?

  • Earth to RV connection assures stability and eliminates diving board effect
  • Multi-hinge link system for infinite adjustability in confined spaces
  • Adjustable All Terrain Landing Gear to accommodate sloped or uneven terrain
  • Sleek design that remains concealed when stowed, keeping ground clearance at a maximum
  • Direct, bolt on installation
  • Corrosion-free design – Constructed with light weight aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel
  • Glows in the dark for up to ten hours with just five minutes of light exposure
  • Available in 2-step and 3-step applications
  • Made in the USA
  • Legendary Lifetime Warranty

“Airstream trailers have long been a symbol of elegance and exploration, and the GlowStep Revolution takes that legacy a step further,” said Jack Kay, president of Torklift. “This step system offers unmatched stability, safety, and sophistication—perfectly in tune with Airstream’s iconic design.”

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AdventureGenie Unveils a Redesigned AI Trip Planner

BLUFFTON, S.C. – AdventureGenie unveiled a newly-redesigned and super-powered trip planner. It is officially live and designed to make your next adventure smoother, smarter, and even more customized. Watch the video above to see how Personal Genie, AdventureGenie’s powerful AI assistant, makes trip planning effortless. For more info, visit https://adventuregenie.com/tripPlanner.

“Plan your adventure effortlessly with AI-powered itineraries and fully customized trips,” said AdventureGenie CEO, Scott Lengel. “Unlike other trip planners, AdventureGenie provides a magical, hassle-free experience with smarter suggestions and more flexibility.”

What’s new and improved

  • Personalized Planning at Its Best: Our Personal Genie assistant now curates campgrounds and routes that match your unique style and preferences. Just tell Personal Genie what you’re looking for and watch the magic unfold.
  • Sleek, Intuitive Interface: We’ve given the trip planner a modern makeover, making it easy to navigate on any device. Desktop, tablet, or mobile—planning has never looked or felt this good.
  • Powerful Route & Stop Customization: Fine-tune your itinerary with drag-and-drop ease! Discover hand-picked GenieStops along your route, adjust distances, and map out each leg of your journey exactly as you want.

“AdventureGenie tailors your adventure using advanced AI technology, giving you personalized trip itinerary suggestions, with recommended stops and campgrounds based on your preferences,” said Lengel. “It guides you with custom suggestions for attractions, activities, food and hidden gems based on your interests and travel goals customized to what you want to see and do. With the ability to easily adjust your routes, add new stops, change mileage between stops, and more, no need to figure out how to make adjustments, just tell Personal Genie what you want to do.

About AdventureGenie

AdventureGenie is the world’s first AI-powered, end to end system for planning exciting journeys for the RVer, camper and road tripper. Its mission is to deliver the most immersive, innovative, and intelligent adventure travel planning solution to the RV and camping community. Whether starting from a curated GenieTrip or creating a fully customized and personalized journey from your own ideas, AdventureGenie’s got you covered. With innovative features like Personal Genie, GenieJourney and GenieWishes, simply tell us in a few words where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do and our GenieMagic creates a custom trip for you in minutes. And with GenieMatch, we’ll make sure to find the campgrounds that are a best fit for you. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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