Month: November 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –Blue Compass RV, a leader in the recreational vehicle industry, today announced the acquisition of Airstream of New Hampshire and Airstream of Maine. These strategic acquisitions mark the company’s 11th and 12th Airstream dealerships. 

“This acquisition continues our growth and solidifies our position as the top Airstream dealer in the world,” said Jon Ferrando, founder, president and CEO of Blue Compass RV. “With this expansion in Maine and New Hampshire, these acquisitions demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional Airstream sales and service experiences to customers across the country.”  

The newly acquired New England dealerships offer these fine locations and facilities:

• Airstream of Maine (Lebanon): A spacious 32,000-square-foot indoor showroom on a 14-acre parcel, offering ample space for inventory, service and customer convenience.
• Airstream of New Hampshire (Nashua): Conveniently located just north of the Massachusetts border on the Everett Turnpike, serving customers throughout New England.

Blue Compass RV has been the No. 1 Airstream dealer in the world for five years in a row. The 12 Airstream locations of Blue Compass RV are at the following stores: Airstream of New Hampshire, Airstream of Maine, Airstream of San Diego, Airstream of Tampa, Airstream of Austin, Airstream of South Carolina, Blue Compass Greensboro, Blue Compass Orlando, Blue Compass Des Moines, Blue Compass Gainesville, Blue Compass Jacksonville, and Blue Compass Albany.

Blue Compass currently holds Five Rivet status in a record setting nine of their locations.

Blue Compass RV

Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years. The company’s 100-plus locations across America offer an incredible selection of new and used RVs, including the best lineup of premium new brands. Our mission is to provide an exceptional sales, service, and RV ownership experience for our customers, and with over 1,000 service bays across the country, Blue Compass is able to service its customers wherever their travels may take them. 

Blue Compass RV has been named the No. 1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years, with a record-setting nine Airstream stores achieving the prestigious “Five Rivet” status. Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist store has been the leading motorhome dealer in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years.

Led by Jon Ferrando and an experienced leadership team, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the 2023 and 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for three consecutive years.

The post Blue Compass Acquires 2 Airstream Stores in New England first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The national average for a gallon of gas is now less than a dime away from dipping below $3 for the first time since May of 2021. But the possible formation of a new hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico could delay or even temporarily reverse the decline in pump prices, according to a report by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Since last week, the national average dropped two cents to $3.08.

“Hurricane Rafael fizzled out, but now we are facing the possible formation of Hurricane Sara,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Some of the early tracking models have her heading toward Florida by the middle of next week, so stay tuned.”

AAA tracks 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 stayed at 34 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.82 million b/d last week to 9.38. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell from 211.3 million barrels to 206.8, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.3 million barrels per day.   

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.08, 12 cents less than a month ago and 27 cents less than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 31 cents to settle at $68.43 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 2.1 million barrels from the previous week. At 429.7 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 ($4.58), California ($4.48), Washington ($3.99), Nevada ($3.76), Oregon ($3.56), Alaska ($3.52), Pennsylvania ($3.26), Washington DC ($3.25), Illinois ($3.25), and Idaho ($3.19).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($2.59), Mississippi ($2.66), Texas ($2.68), Missouri ($2.69), Arkansas ($2.70), Kansas ($2.71), Tennessee ($2.72), Louisiana ($2.76), Alabama ($2.76) and Iowa ($2.78).

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 (41 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.

The post AAA: Rinse and Repeat – Will Another Hurricane Enter Gulf? first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

California has become the first state to ban the sale of single-use propane cylinders, according to a report at ExpeditionPortal.com.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1280 into law, which mandates that all one-pound propane canisters sold in California must be refillable or reusable beginning January 1, 2028. The bill, introduced by Senator John Laird of Santa Cruz, is designed to promote sustainable outdoor recreation and alleviate the environmental impact caused by disposable propane canisters. So, what does that mean for us overlanders? Essentially, after the initial purchase of an appropriate cylinder and adapter, this law might actually save us money.

The ubiquitous Coleman one-pound (16-ounce) All-Purpose Propane cylinder (and others like it) is not designed to be refillable and may require an upgrade if Coleman intends to continue to sell this cylinder in California. These canisters are intended for single use and disposal according to local recycling or hazardous waste guidelines. Some aftermarket refill kits allow refilling these cylinders, but refilling non-refillable containers can be dangerous and may void warranties or violate regulations.

The solution is a refillable cylinder such as the Flame King refillable one-pound propane tanks  ($30 each) certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). They are specifically designed for safe refilling and comply with DOT-39 specifications for refillable propane cylinders. This certification ensures they meet safety standards for transport, refilling, and repeated use, making them a safer alternative to disposable one-pound cylinders. The Flame King Eco-Friendly one-pound Refillable Reusable Propane Cylinder + Refill Kit is a mere $65 and includes a one-pound cylinder, cylinder cap, 2mm (5/64”) Allen key, refill adapter, and refill stand. You will need to have your own large gas cylinder to refill the Flame King cylinders, but it won’t be long before campers save a fair amount of camping money if they use the one-pound cylinders regularly.

Click here to read the entire article.

The post California To Ban Sale, Use of Single-Use Propane Cylinders first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., – Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) is proud to announce that its team of companies earned the 2025 Military Friendly Employer designation.

“Our Military Friendly Employer designation is a result of strong collaboration across teams, including our Veterans Teammate Resource Group. Their insights and dedication help us create a more inclusive and supportive culture for veterans, spouses and the military community. Bringing service members onto the Brown & Brown team is not just about supporting those who serve or have served; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient organization. The leadership skills, discipline and work ethic demonstrated by these individuals consistently inspire the broader organization to bring a mission-first attitude that drives results for our teammates, customers and communities. Embracing the unique and diverse experiences and perspectives of military personnel builds a team committed to excellence,” says chief people officer Julie Turpin.

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses and esteemed veterans within their ranks. We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom,” says Kayla Lopez, senior director of partnerships at Military Friendly.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Employers designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over twelve hundred companies participated in the Military Friendly survey.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.

Brown & Brown will be showcased in the 2025 Military Friendly Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

The post Brown & Brown Earns Military-Friendly Employer Designation first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Organizers announced the immediate availability of “Talkin’ RVs,” a new, one-hour format podcast show modeled after the famous “Car Talk” radio show on NPR. The podcast is released on Saturday mornings, twice monthly, starring Randy Murray, director of service and orientation at Pete’s RV Centers, South Burlington, Vt., and Chris Dougherty, president of Dougherty RV Consulting.

“We’re super excited to start this show, combining over 70 years of RV experience with irreverence, humor, and occasional chicanery,” said Dougherty.

“Our first podcast has been well-received” said Dougherty. “I had a wrench thrown at me just the other day by an appreciative listener. But in all seriousness, Randy and I are RV industry teachers. We want people to be able to enjoy the RV lifestyle as much as possible, and to support that we teach technicians and consumers, and relate our experiences in both directions.”

“We encourage questions and comments! Visit https://talkinrvs.com to leave a voice message on SpeakPipe or fill out a form with your questions. You can also find us on Facebook!” Dougherty added.

Talkin’ RVs is available on the top podcast channels, including iHeart, Apple, and Spotify. New episodes will be released on Saturday mornings. Download the iHeart App for Apple or Android and enjoy all the free music stations plus your favorite RV tech podcast, Talkin’ RVs!

The post Industry Veterans are Introducing New ‘Talkin’ RVs’ Podcast first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

COALVILLE, Utah — Escapod, creator of premium off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventurers, unveils a partnership with industry leader General Tire. Aligned with Escapod’s commitment to creating the most high-performing and user-friendly campers, this collaboration provides an enhanced driving experience and exceptional reliability for tackling rugged terrain, according to a release.

Escapod has been equipping its trailers with the renowned Grabber Tire A/T X tires due to their performance, durability and versatility.

Escapod and General Tire are now teaming up to launch a tire customization program that offers customers the option of different models within the Grabber Series. Customers can choose from three Grabber models — the APT, A/T X and X 3 — depending on their intended driving terrain and the specific trailer they purchase.

“We are excited to partner with General Tire on our latest customization program, furthering our commitment to performance and reliability,” said Escapod Co-Founder Chris Hudak. “Like all of the components we choose for our trailers, this is a purpose-based decision. While some may believe tread and grip don’t matter for a trailer, they are crucial to ensuring an ideal driving experience and dependable performance in off-road conditions. This program allows our customers to focus on their outdoor pursuits, even in the most challenging terrain, without concerns about tires.”

The use of full-size tires on Escapod products enhances the towing experience on and off the road. By using rugged General Grabber tires with 12-ply sidewalls, Escapod ensures better traction, puncture resistance, and durability across challenging terrain like mud, gravel, and rocky trails. These full-size tires not only deliver a smoother, quieter ride but also improve tracking behind the tow vehicle, providing a more seamless and controlled towing experience. In addition, the choice of a standard bolt pattern allows — in many cases — the tow vehicle’s spare to double as one for the trailer, eliminating the need for extra equipment and maximizing convenience.

Escapod uses the Grabber APT, A/TX and X3 tires depending on model and intended use. Escapod’s TOPO2 Nomad trailer, intended for more of a blend of on-road and off-road use, uses the Grabber APT, an all-terrain tire that rolls more cleanly on roads. The TOPO2 Voyager, designed for more rugged terrain, uses the A/TX tires, balancing on- and off-road use. Customers can also upgrade to the X3 tire, which is ideal for customers whose trailers will spend the majority of its time in off-road situations.

“We look to partner with industry leaders in their categories, and Escapod clearly fits that bill in the category of off-road-capable camping trailers,” said Marco Robelo, automotive engineer at General Tire for passenger and light truck tires. “Their innovative design combined with our tire engineering is an exceptional combination in providing off-road users with high performance and reliability.”

Since Escapod was founded in 2016, its product has undergone constant iteration, including constructing the patented single-piece molded fiberglass shell it uses on its current TOPO2 model. The resulting benefits are a teardrop trailer that is ultralight, ultra-durable and has a larger usable space, without substantially increasing the camper’s footprint. The proprietary Freeride Suspension System on the TOPO2 is a custom-designed, high-clearance independent, off-road suspension that affords superior off-road handling to allow for access anywhere a four-wheel drive can go.

Thanks to its size, the Escapod TOPO2 also fits easily in garages, which has attracted more customers who live in urban areas — often with HOA restrictions around campers — but desire to access the backcountry on the weekends.

The post Escapod Trailers, General Tire to Offer Custom Tire Program first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. ─ Lippert Components, Inc. (Lippert®), a supplier of a broad array of highly engineered components for leading original equipment manufacturers in the recreation and transportation product markets and the related aftermarkets of those industries, announced the promotion of Kara Bauman to Director of Corporate & Community Impact, where she will continue to build and strengthen Lippert’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. 

Kara joined Lippert in December 2021 as the Corporate & Community Impact Manager, where she quickly established herself as an essential leader in shaping Lippert’s philanthropic programs. Her commitment to making a meaningful difference through community partnerships and volunteerism has been instrumental in building the company’s impact initiatives. 

“There is a great deal of responsibility that comes with caring about people,” said Kara. “This role requires a thorough understanding that how we treat one another is a determining factor in organizational success. I bring to the table the necessary balance of emotional intelligence and data-driven decision-making and am honored to be trusted in a space where, together, we can pair integrity and candor with compassion and empathy to transform the lives of our team members and our communities.” 

Throughout her tenure, Kara has been instrumental in shaping Lippert’s most impactful philanthropic programs. She led the development of the Lippert Cares Community Impact Grant and introduced streamlined processes to improve all philanthropic initiatives. Her efforts were central to achieving Lippert’s ambitious 100K Volunteer Hour Initiative, including the annual Global Volunteer Week, and ensuring the success of the Charitable Giving Program and the award-winning RVIA Emerging Leaders Coalition Park Improvement Event. Kara also spearheaded the development of a custom Salesforce CRM for Lippert Cares, transforming how the company tracks and reports its community impact. Her ongoing dedication to the Lippert Cares Foundation and the Community Impact Grant reflects her deep commitment to meaningful, nonprofit-related giving. 

“We are so excited to have Kara step into this role to continue a legacy of service and leadership within our communities,” said Amber Selking, Chief Culture & Leadership Development Officer at Lippert. “Her professional experiences have uniquely prepared her to steward Corporate and Community Impact not just on a large scale but also in the hearts of each and every team member. She has strong ties to our community and will continue to foster meaningful partnerships that help us make lives better inside and outside of our four walls. Kara’s very life reflects our vision to Make Business a Force for Good in the World, and we are honored to have her leading the charge through this next season of impact at Lippert!” 

In her new role as Director of Corporate & Community Impact, Kara will continue to lead the CCI team, overseeing key initiatives such as the Lippert Cares Foundation, the 100K Volunteer Hour Initiative, and Lippert’s Community Impact Grant Program. She will also play a vital role in strengthening relationships with nonprofit partners, enhancing Lippert’s positive impact on communities locally and globally. 

Lippert congratulates Kara Bauman on her promotion and looks forward to the continued growth and success of Lippert’s Corporate & Community Impact initiatives under her leadership. 

The post Lippert Names Bauman to Lead Corporate & Community Impact first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) on Nov. 14 released its Economic Impact report as a part of the annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series. This report, the tenth and final report in the series, dives into the economic impact of camping, from benefits to barriers. It shows that spending habits paired with desired experiences from outdoor enthusiasts generate many benefits to local economies, including supporting small businesses, increasing taxable revenue, and supporting job growth.

By continuing to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the outdoor hospitality industry is not only strengthening its economic position but also playing a vital role in connecting people with nature. As the sector grows, it has the potential to create lasting positive impacts on both the environment and the local economies. While the industry has grown substantially in the past decade, there are still barriers to camp, the topmost being weather, knowledge of the outdoors and financial security.

“Campgrounds across North America are key partners in their communities, driving visitation and strengthening local economies,” said KOA President and CEO, Toby O’Rourke. “Not only is camping growing, but our report finds that campers feel camping is an affordable option to travel. This is especially relevant today when people overwhelmingly are concerned about the economy.”

Key report findings

• This past year, campers increased their average daily spend by $28 per person, spending $156 per person, per day. This amount increases by camper, with glampers and families spending more.
• It is estimated that campers spent about $49 billion in local communities during their trips. 
• The future looks bright. Eight-in-10 campers suggest that they plan to either increase or keep their camping trips consistent. Not only are more people experiencing the outdoors, but they are spending more days outside. The number of active camping households that camp three or more times annually has increased by 98% since 2014.

To view the full 2024 Economic Impact report, visit http://koa.uberflip.com/i/1529238-2024-koa-c-oh-economic-impacts/0?. The Camping & Outdoor Hospitality series of reports are available at KOAPressroom.com.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

The results of the most recent iteration of the North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report are based on a total of 4,100 surveys completed among a random sample of U.S. (n=2,900) and Canadian (n=1,200) households. Within the U.S. sample of households, results are stratified by Census Region: Northeast (n=725), Midwest (n=725), South (n=725) and West (n=725). Overall, a sample of n=2,900 U.S. households is associated with a margin of error of +/- 1.82 percentage points, while a sample of n=1,200 Canadian households is associated with a margin of error of 2.83 percentage points. All surveys were completed only via an outbound solicitation sent to a randomly selected cross-section of U.S. and Canadian households. In order to calculate overall incidence, the sample of respondents was statistically balanced to ensure that the results are in line with overall population figures for age, gender and ethnicity. Some results may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.

The post KOA Report: Camping, Outdoor Hospitality Help Shape Economy first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

PALM BEACH, Fla. – President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Nov. 14) that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a wealthy former software company executive, will be his pick for interior secretary, according to a report by Reuters.

In this role, Burgum will lead an agency with more than 70,000 employees who are stewards for 20% of the nation’s lands, including national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges and other public lands. The Department oversees the responsible development of conventional and renewable energy supplies on public lands and waters, is the largest supplier and manager of water in the 17 western states and upholds trust responsibilities to the 574 federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

“He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and it’s going to be fantastic,” a tuxedo-wearing Trump said at a gala at his Mar-a-Lago Florida retreat, adding that he would make an official announcement on Friday.

Burgum, 68, has portrayed himself as a traditional, business-minded conservative. He ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination before quitting and becoming a loyal Trump supporter, appearing at fundraisers and advocating for Trump on television.

At the gala, which featured tech billionaire Elon Musk, actor Sylvester Stallone and members of his incoming administration, Trump praised his latest cabinet picks and made some of his longest remarks since his presidential election victory speech.

Click here for the full report by Reuters.

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In a separate report by the Associated Press, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race.

Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs.

Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day.

Click here for the report by the Associated Press.

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In its report, Politico said Burgum, if confirmed by the Senate, would manage the more than 500 million acres of federal land as well as the fossil fuels and minerals that lie beneath the surface — making him a critical component in Trump’s promise to boost oil and gas output.

Burgum will have a part in crafting policies that deliver on Trump’s promise to “drill, baby, drill”: leasing out federal land for oil, natural gas and coal development and setting safety standards for offshore oil rigs.

But Trump’s love of energy has not extended to renewable energy projects, something which the Biden administration sought to prioritize on public land. Trump is likely to push Burgum to scale back or end many of the Biden efforts to set up vast wind farms off the East Coast and other renewables on public lands.

During Trump’s first term, his administration sought to roll back rules on rig safety, climate change and Endangered Species Act protections in attempts to make things as easy as possible for oil companies to drill on public land. With Trump’s most recent talk of oil being “liquid gold” and that crude production would be four or five times higher under him than Biden, many agency observers expect the former president to look for new ways to remove regulatory speedbumps the current administration has put in place.

Click here to read the full report by Politico.

The post Trump Picks N.D. Gov. Doug Burgum for Secretary of Interior first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAS VEGAS – The 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas wrapped up today (Nov. 15) with its final workshop focused on fixed operations, presented by the RV Learning Center’s Tony Yerman. The event’s registered attendance was 1,704 dealers, exhibitors and industry partners, 3.5 percent increase over the 2023 event.

“The RVDA Convention/Expo Committee, chaired by Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV, aimed to organize an event addressing the issues facing dealers right now,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia. “With outstanding support from our industry partners, the takeaways from the convention will help dealers prepare for what’s ahead in the coming year.”

During the U.S. association’s annual meeting, Larry Troutt III of Topper’s Camping Center in Waller, Texas, was elected 2024-25 RVDA chairman of the board. RVDA presented its James B. Summers Award – the association’s highest honor – to Ronnie Hepp of RVDA. In addition, Chris Andro of Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, Conn., received the RVDA Special Award.

Outgoing chairman Ryan Horsey of Parkview RV Center in Smyrna, Del., presented the RVDA Chairman’s Service Award to six industry veterans. The awards are presented annually by the outgoing chairman of the board to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions of time and effort to the association over an extended period. Honorees are chosen by the chairman. Those awarded were Andy Cripe of Wave Express, Curt Hemmeler of the RV Technical Institute, Corey Ruzicka of Priority RV Network, Shawn Moran of Brown & Brown, and Rick and Joy Horsey of Parkview RV Center. 

In addition to exhibitor-led Vendor Training +Plus sessions, the event featured educational workshops covering key aspects of dealer operations, including F&I, digital marketing, fixed operations, sales, and dealer/general management issues.

The 2025 RV Dealers Convention/Expo will be held the week of Nov. 10-14 at Paris Las Vegas.

The post RVDA Convention/Expo Draws Over 1,700 to Paris Las Vegas first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.