MCKINNEY, Texas – MCD Innovations, an Airxcel brand, announces the launch of its latest product, the MCD Adventure Ready Kits, designed to revolutionize RV shade repair.
The MCD Adventure Ready Kits offer a convenient all-in-one solution for shade repair, providing a comprehensive kit with all necessary components included for a complete and professional repair on MCD shades. This all-inclusive approach is both time and cost-effective, eliminating the need for additional orders and making the process more streamlined and efficient for those completing the repair work.
The kits are thoughtfully packaged with detailed printed labels on both the inside and outside, featuring the kit name, MFG number, and a parts breakdown. Additionally, each kit includes an official printed MCD Owner’s Manual, ensuring you have all the guidance needed for the shade repair.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Adventure Ready Kits, a product born from our commitment to understanding and prioritizing our customers’ needs,” said Bill Harrington, Technical Services Manager at MCD. “This innovation is set to transform RV shade repair, making it more efficient and accessible for all adventurers.”
The MCD Adventure Ready Kits are now available for purchase. For more information, please contact MCD Technical Services Team at 574-247-9235 option 4.
About MCD Innovations
MCD Innovations has pioneered the movement to modernize the style and performance of roller shades for RVs and motorhomes since 2003. All MCD shades are proudly made in the USA at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in McKinney, Texas. MCDInnovations.com
About Airxcel, Inc.
Airxcel is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Airxcel family of brands includes 18 companies with 15 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Storyteller Overland, the most “encompassing overlanding company on the planet,” continues to bring to market the smartest, most innovative and quality accessories with its acquisition of EVICTUS Suspension Systems, according to a company release.
Always pursuing the absolute best-in-class performance for its flagship adventure vans, the release continued, Storyteller will be outfitting all 2025 Beast MODEs with EVICTUS Suspension and the all-new EVICTUS flow forged, dual-valve wheels. The integration of EVICTUS further elevates the Beast MODE’s standing as the most overland-ready production van on the market.
The highly sought-after EVICTUS Suspension, designed, engineered, and manufactured in partnership with 4×4 Proyect, offers precisely tuned digressive valve shocks designed to reduce sway and improve handling, on and off road. Available at two tiers (Advanced and Prerunner), vehicles equipped with the EVICTUS Suspension System feature dramatically improved ride characteristics, and enhanced traction for all road conditions at a high level of comfort.
EVICTUS Suspension is available for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144” Chassis & 170” Chassis: 2007-2018 (4×4) and 2019+ (4×4 and AWD), as well as the INEOS Grenadier, with additional vehicle applications currently under development. Recently featured at SEMA, the EVICTUS Performance Package has received glowing reviews from overlanding enthusiasts. EVICTUS was put to the test during the 2024 Rebelle Rally – an all women off-road navigation rally that traverses diverse and challenging terrain throughout California and Nevada. In partnership with Warner Vans, EVICTUS was installed on a 2024 INEOS Automotive Grenadier Trial, empowering Team Warner Grins & Grit to take 8th place, out of 58 teams total, at the event.
Storyteller Performance and Accessories puts the best gear within reach of every owner, upfitter, custom builder, and manufacturer. Division CEO Christina Linton leads a portfolio that owns Flarespace flares and interior components, nVader bolt-on exterior accessories, and now EVICTUS. “Our team is focused on elevating performance for overlanders by both acquiring proven technologies and innovating in-house.”
The Performance and Accessories division operates Storyteller’s direct-to-consumer ecommerce shopping destination, Flarespace.com. It serves as a supplier for upfitters and vehicle builders, including Storyteller’s own vehicle business. Storyteller GXV trucks are equipped with nVader racks and bumpers; the Beast MODE not only features EVICTUS suspension and wheels, but also Flarespace flares and nVader racks and brush guards. “I’m inspired by the vision and progress of Christina and her team in expanding Storyteller’s reach and influence well beyond vans and into the broader overlanding market,” says Storyteller Founder Jeffrey Hunter. “Seeing a Storyteller product on an INEOS Grenadier is a great opening to a new chapter for us.”
EVICTUS is coming to the online store in 2025. Subscribe at Flarespace.com to stay updated on EVICTUS online availability and additional vehicle applications. In the meantime, test-drive a 2025 Storyteller Overland Beast MODE to experience EVICTUS in real life.
Storyteller Overland
Storyteller builds adventure vehicles designed with the mission, “live free, explore endlessly and tell better stories.” Founder Jeffrey Hunter launched Storyteller with the vision that the overlanding community is an open, inclusive group of people who share the belief that the ultimate luxury is being able to say “yes” to adventure, and perhaps come back with more great stories. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Storyteller provides consumers with the luxury of saying “yes” with a brand you can afford and trust. Find Storyteller’s complete array of products and experiences at Storytelleroverland.com or visit the brand on social @storytelleroverland
Season six of The RVers will launch at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, on Discovery’s Destination America.
The popular series will showcase some new cast members while taking “a deeper delve into the captivating word or RVing” and feature some stunning destinations and incredible stories of the people they meet.
In the fast-paced world of television, six seasons is no mean feat (Friends, The Office, Breaking Bad, Grey’s Anatomy, and Game of Thrones ended on this milestone). However, producer and co-host Anthony Nalli doesn’t intend to call it quits anytime soon, as season seven and eight production plans are already underway.
RVBusiness spoke with Nallie about the show’s continued popularity and what we can expect this year.
“I think six is a pretty decent achievement—especially coming through COVID—but the job isn’t done yet. We intend to take it to season 10 and hopefully beyond,” stated Nalli.
When asked about the secret to the program’s ongoing success, Nalli explained, “I think interest in the subject matter has not waned. People love RVing. Although there is much good information and many sources, such as YouTube, the RVers is different in that we like to tell stories about RVs and places to go with your RV and share what other people do, especially through cast members and guests.
“What’s more, people can relate to those stories, giving them a sense of familiarity and camaraderie. I also think our program encourages people who have RVs and aren’t using them a lot to get out there and enjoy life more. And we can inspire those who thought about RVing to take the next step.”
Some highlights of Season Six include:
Best of/Bloopers
Introducing new hosts, the Willerses
Brett (a high-end RV dealer), and unlikely full-time
Learning how to stay connected with the help of Cherie and Chris of Technomadia
The RVers creator, Nalli, opens up about his RVing journey and regrets
Chefs Martin and Gail show how to prepare gourmet RV meals
Overcoming apprehension and fear on a first-time tour to Mexico’s Baja
While Nalli’s program is directed at the RV consumer, he feels it also has a role to play with RV OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and campgrounds.
“It’s no secret that many people in the RV industry don’t actually RV. But if you don’t live the experience, I think it can be hard to understand how the product needs to evolve and adapt to fit the customer. Companies have marketing departments and research, but that’s not a substitute.
“Watching our program and hearing what our diverse group of hosts with many different lifestyles say could serve the industry well. For many RVers, an RV can affect your life from a joy and health perspective. I know it does for me. From this standpoint, I genuinely believe the industry is responsible for delivering the best experience possible.”
Season six of The RVers will debut Sunday, November 24 at 8:30 AM on Discovery’s travel-oriented Destination America network. The show will also air on PBS stations nationwide in various time slots.
You can also catch the show on Fun Roads TV,RVTV, and Wild TV in Canada. Seasons 1-5 are regularly airing, adding season six in early 2025.
In this episode of RVBusiness’ SupplySide Showcase, Lightspeed’s Jeremy Johnson and Brad Lloyd sit down with RVB’s Rick Kessler and Chris Cieto. They provide updates on new integrations designed to help dealers streamline operations and elevate their business performance.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – ROUTE 66 RV Network has continued to expand its presence in the RV industry with the onboarding of 17 new dealerships throughout 2024, according to a release.
The new dealerships are:
The network is composed of independent RV dealers across North America with a shared vision to provide a higher level of customer care through the networks’ partnerships, programs, and services. For a look at all dealership locations under the ROUTE 66 / RV Care alliance, visit www.route66rv.com.
Mark Baskerville and Spencer Roose of Prime Time RV join Rick Kessler of RVBusiness to highlight the company’s 2025 Crusader and Sanibel fifth-wheels. The Crusader –”Built for Life. Built to Explore” – and the Sanibel – “Built for Life. Built for Luxury” – both feature a host of upgrades for the new model year and are sure to offer a layout perfect for any couple or family.
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.
