Month: February 2025

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Get on-road experience in a wide range of commercial vehicles with the latest fuel, propulsion and other advanced technology at Work Truck Week Ride & Drive, according to a release. Held in downtown Indianapolis as part of Work Truck Week 2025, Ride & Drive is free and open to all event attendees on a first-come, first-served basis 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 5–6.

Work Truck Week 2025 runs March 4–7, 2025, at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. More Than A Trade Show, it encompasses Green Truck Summit, The Work Truck Show, NTEA Annual Meeting, Ride & Drive, educational program and more. Green Truck Summit is March 4, educational sessions run March 4–6, Work Truck Show exhibits are open March 5–7 and Ride & Drive runs March 5–6. Work Truck Week, North America’s largest work truck event, is produced by NTEA – The Work Truck Association. Register at worktruckweek.com.

“Ride & Drive is a unique experience that affords any attendee the opportunity to experience the latest commercial vehicles and the new technology that powers them in their natural environment — out on the road,” says Chris Lyon, NTEA director of fleet relations. “Whether you want to get behind the wheel yourself or prefer riding shotgun to take notes and photos, manufacturer reps will be on hand to guide you and answer your questions.”

 Ride & Drive is a quick and easy way to get up-to-speed on the latest tech that can be spec’ed on new commercial vehicles. Attendees can explore 21 vehicles spanning Classes 2–8, including all-electric vans, trucks and chassis, as well as internal combustion vehicles featuring advanced technology to improve fuel utilization and reduce greenhouse gases or particulate matter. 

This event is especially useful for fleet managers and other industry professionals who don’t have time to arrange individual meetings to test-drive equipment from various manufacturers. NTEA does all the legwork by gathering subject matter experts and vehicles from 20 participating companies at Work Truck Week Ride & Drive. 

      The following vehicles are scheduled to be available to drive or ride in with a company representative on a planned street route:

1.     Vehicle equipped with Allison 9-speed fully automatic transmission

2.     Truck equipped with Allison Regional Haul Series fully automatic transmission

3.     Battle Motors fully electric City Tractor 

4.     Blue Arc battery-powered Class 4 truck for high frequency last-mile delivery 

5.     Blue Bird prototype electric Class 5–6 chassis for last-mile delivery

6.     Bollinger Motors B4 custom-configurable Class 4 chassis cab truck 

7.     Vehicle equipped with DC Modification’s Extended Day Cab with special features 

8.     Ford Pro Ford F-150 Lightning Pro electric pickup

9.     International^® eMV Series 25,999-pound non-CDL GVWR truck

10.  Isuzu NRR EV Class 5 low-cab-forward battery electric truck

11.  Kenworth T280 medium-duty truck truck with PACCAR 325-hp PX-7 engine

12.  Mack medium-duty Class 6 MD6 and Class 7 MD7 trucks

13.  Mercedes-Benz USA fully electric eSprinter full-size van

14.  Peterbilt Model 536 pickup and delivery, and vocational applications medium-duty truck

15.  Truck fitted with PSC Dynamic Damping Stabilizer system for some Ford F-Series and Ram trucks

16.  RAM Professional ProMaster commercial van powered by 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 ICE engine

17.  REE Automotive REE P7-C electric Class 5 truck with certified X-by-wire design

18.  Rivian Commercial full-size van powered by a 320-hp battery-electric motor

19.  Workhorse W56 electric vehicle for last-mile delivery

20.  Zeus Class 5 electric chassis cab

Static displays include a Concord Road Equipment Manufacturing/Buyers Products single-axle Class 7 truck. Ride & Drive sponsor Allison Transmission will have the Allison Experience trailer and team on hand to demonstrate its fully automatic transmissions and eGen Power e-Axles. Ride & Drive charging support is provided by EnviroCharge.

For more information about each of the vehicles available in Ride & Drive, visit worktruckweek.com/rideanddrivevehicles or check the Work Truck Week 2025 app (available for download at worktruckweek.com/app).

Register and learn more about Work Truck Week at worktruckweek.com or contact NTEA ([email protected] or 248-489-7090). Join the conversation in social media with hashtags #wtw25, #worktrucks25, #greentrucks25 and #worktruckweek.

About NTEA 

Established in 1964, NTEA – The Work Truck Association, a 501(c)(6) organization, represents more than 2,100 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell, and repair commercial vehicles, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to NTEA. The Association provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces Work Truck Week, Green Truck Summit, Commercial Vehicle Upfitting Summit and Executive Leadership Summit. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The post Work Truck Week Lists 21 Trucks, Vans for Ride & Drive first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

In this episode of “OEM Showcase: On Location” Jeremiah Dumka of Alliance RV joins Rick Kessler of RVBusiness to provide an overview of the 2025 Paradigm fifth-wheel.

This episode is sp0nsored by The Headrest Safe Co.

The post OEM Showcase: Alliance RV 2025 Paradigm Fifth-Wheel first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing announces new partnership with Bayou Classic, a brand known for its high-quality outdoor cooking equipment designed for those who live for the outdoors, great food and good times.

Bayou Classic specializes in crafting durable, innovative outdoor cookware built for all seasons and locations. Whether tailgating, camping, or hosting backyard boils, Bayou Classic products bring people together over unforgettable meals. From stainless steel stockpots and cast-iron cookware to propane burners and bayou fryers—every product is designed with precision, durability, and the spirit of outdoor adventure in mind.

“We are thrilled to partner with Meyer Distributing and expand access to our outdoor cooking products,” claims Cortney Bonvillian of Bayou Classic. “Meyer’s extensive distribution network will allow us to reach more outdoor enthusiasts who share our passion for cooking, gathering, and making memories around great food.”

“Bayou Classic is a perfect line that fills a void in our cooking line. Deep fryers and turkey fryers are very popular, and we’re happy to partner with a top-tier name,” states Nick Gramelspacher, VP of Brand Strategy for Meyer.

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 109 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

The post Meyer Distributing Partners with Bayou Classic Cookware first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MDC USA Campers and Caravans introduce the Robson XTT MKII, an upgraded version of the renowned dual-fold pop-up camper trailer. Designed for families and adventurers who demand superior off-road capability without sacrificing comfort, the Robson XTT MKII integrates innovative features and cutting-edge technology for the ultimate camping experience.

Boasting an enhanced power system, the Robson XTT MKII is designed for longer and more independent off-grid adventures. Featuring a 300Ah of Renogy lithium battery bank for extended power storage, 200W of solar capacity to support essential onboard functions, and a 3000W pure sine-wave inverter by Renogy, featuring an automatic transfer switch that seamlessly shifts between battery power and AC shore power, ensuring efficient energy use for household appliances. This advanced power management suite, equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, provides real-time monitoring and control, ensuring peace of mind on any journey.

In the MKII upgrade, the introduction of the Truma Combi provides air heating and hot water system providing powerful and efficient climate control, ensuring warmth and comfort in any season. With insulated water lines and heated water tanks, the system is ready for all environments, making it ideal for year-round adventures. Designed for ultimate versatility, it ensures reliable performance in diverse conditions, from high-altitude terrain to cool, rugged landscapes. Whether tackling winter expeditions or seeking warmth on chilly nights, the Robson XTT MKII is designed to keep adventurers comfortable.

The Robson XTT MKII continues the legacy of its predecessor with the same renowned dual-fold design and spacious interior, offering a comfortable and familiar camping experience with high-quality finishes.

The spacious sleeping areas, combined with a comfortable club lounge that converts to another bed, create an inviting space for families. The Robson XTT MKII is equipped with the MDC signature external kitchen featuring a Thetford cooktop and stainless-steel sink with hot and cold water supply topped-up with ample storage space for added convenience.

Built for rugged terrain, the X-TRACK independent trailing arm suspension ensures superior handling and durable hot dipped galvanized chassis, effective dust-sealing technology, engineered to tackle the toughest conditions. Its off-road capability provides reliability and comfort. Plus, an industry-leading lifetime A-frame and chassis warranty offers added peace of mind. The standard annex and external shower tent expand outdoor living space, enhancing privacy and comfort for a more versatile camping experience.

“MDC remains dedicated to delivering top-tier innovation and quality in the off-road camper market,” said Vaughan Hindley, Founder and President of MDC. “The Robson XTT MKII embodies this commitment, providing families with a robust and adventure-ready camper that ensures comfort and confidence on any journey.”

The ROBSON XTT MKII was unveiled at the Utah RV Show, which was Feb. 13-16, alongside MDC USA’s latest OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION models. Be among the first to experience the next evolution in off-road family camping.

About MDC

Founded in Australia in 2005 by Vaughan Hindley, MDC has established itself as a leader in designing and manufacturing rugged, off-road-capable travel trailers and pop-up campers. With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, MDC has produced over 40,000 units and offers more than 30 models, each designed to handle the toughest terrains.

In 2021, MDC expanded to the U.S. market, headquartered in Cypress, California, and quickly gained recognition for its durable and well-appointed overlanding models. As proud members of RVIA, RVDA, NATM, SEMA, and PWA, MDC USA remains committed to providing reliable, off-grid solutions for adventurers seeking freedom and confidence in their travels.

The post MDC USA Introduces Robson XTT MKII Dual-Fold Pop-Up first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — After three cuts to its key interest rate last year, Federal Reserve officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, have signaled that they are in a new phase of watching and waiting, according to an Associated Press report. They’d like to see inflation fall further and gauge what impact that new policies from President Donald Trump, particularly tariffs, will have on the economy before they reduce borrowing costs further.

One of those officials, Austan Goolsbee, is president of the Fed’s Chicago branch. In an interview with The Associated Press, Goolsbee said in an interview on Feb. 7 that he expects inflation to decline and thinks the job market is stable. If tariffs don’t worsen inflation, rate cuts could resume, he added.

The interview was edited for clarity and length.

Q. Where do you see the economy right now?

A. We’ve got solid growth and we’ve got stable employment at around full employment. There have been bumps along the way but looking at the longer arc, we have made a lot of progress on inflation toward our target. Of course, we should keep an eye out for overheating. But thus far this doesn’t look like overheating to me.

If we can clear out the fog coming from these uncertainties in the short run, what lies beneath there is pretty strong.

Q. The Fed cut its key rate a full percentage point last year. What can you say about its next moves?

A. Now we’re getting into this area where we’re uncertain where we are going to ultimately settle — it would make sense to kind of slow the rate at which we’re going down and feel our way to the stopping point. Add on top of it, these new uncertainties, and I do feel like we’ve still just got to wait for the dust to clear before it’s going to be easier to see the through line.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Fed: Need ‘Dust to Clear’ Before Deciding Next Moves first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Severe flooding has wreaked havoc across Kentucky, leading to more than 1,000 rescues as emergency teams race to help those trapped by rising waters. At least nine fatalities have been confirmed, with officials warning the death toll will likely rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue, according to NBC News.

“This is one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday (Feb. 16).

The fatalities were reported in several counties, including Hart, Pike and Clay, with many incidents involving vehicles attempting to navigate floodwaters. Beshear emphasized the importance of staying off roadways to prevent further loss of life.

Nearly 40,000 residents are without power, 9,800 service connections lack water and 26,000 are under a boil-water advisory, authorities said at the Sunday press conference. Pike County School District announced Sunday that it will be closed until further notice.

Beshear said Sunday that President Donald Trump had approved his request for disaster relief funding.

To read more, click here. 

The post Kentucky Faces Devastating Flooding, Major Power Outages first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

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

Welcome to Issue 25 of RV Today.

This is a big milestone for magazines. If you can make it to the 25th issue, you’ve outlasted about 80% of all magazines that launch. We’ve even seen a few RV-related publications fail and either close shop or rebrand since we launched RV Today just over three years ago.

I wish I had sat down a few years ago and come up with a detailed plan for RV Today, but we were kind of winging it, as we knew it was a much-needed niche publication and we wanted to launch quickly.

The idea was simple — a magazine written and developed by people who actually RV.

This is something we’re seeing on the manufacturing side, too. They’ve started collaborating with RVers to make long-overdue modifications to RV designs and floor plans. As an example—if RVers had designed RVs from the beginning, the hot/cold exterior shower hookups would have always been by the front door, not on the back of our rigs.

As I write this, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about what is next and coming up with an actual plan for this publication, and really a 360-degree media company[1] [2] , to help consumers get the most out of the outdoor lifestyle, and specifically the RV and camping lifestyle.

I’m so excited that I want to share every detail of the plan right here and now, but like so many entrepreneurs, I get my energy and excitement from planning and talking about my plans or ideas, and then it fades away little by little every time I talk about them. So my plan is to announce the changes as we actually launch the changes.

I would like your help, though. In a world full of content — maybe too much content — what is missing? As a consumer, there are a few things I would like to see, but that’s a case study of one. Let me know what you think is missing in RV lifestyle content, in regard to being made aware of new RVs, products, technology, campgrounds, places to visit, and more.

Send me a quick email at [email protected]. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Hope to see you on the road someday, and have a great 2025.

Hi! I added “-degree,” I think that’s what is meant here, but feel free to adjust if not!

Perfect, thanks!

The post Publisher Reflects on 25th Issue of ‘RV Today’ Magazine first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NEW YORK – Angela Kidd of Fun Town RV was recently recognized by Women We Admire as part of its The Top 50 Women Chief Administrative Officers of 2025.

Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. The organization covers a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 34,000 individuals and businesses.

According to her listing by Women We Admire, Kidd currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Fun Town RV, where responsibilities include organizing and coordinating office and accounting operations for more than two dozen locations across seven states, a position she’s held since October 2012. Fun Town RV is the largest towable RV dealer in the US.

With over 15 years of experience in the RV industry, Kidd is a seasoned and versatile chief administrative officer at Fun Town RV, the nation’s largest RV dealer. She oversees office and accounting operations and procedures for 14 locations across Texas and Oklahoma, ensuring organizational effectiveness and efficiency. She is passionate about delivering excellent customer service and building strong, diverse teams that align with the company’s vision and values. She brings extensive expertise in human resources, accounting, and office management, along with a creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Before this role, Kidd managed HR responsibilities at TotalCare for four locations in the Fort Worth area from December 2008 to October 2012. Her career began at Fun Time RV in September 2000, progressing from receptionist to title clerk and accounting assistant over eight years, showcasing a strong foundation in administrative and accounting functions.

Among this year’s other honorees is Denita Bearden, Chief Administrative Officer for The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), the largest provider of affordable housing in Alabama and the 17th largest Public Housing Authority in the nation. At HABD, Bearden serves as a key executive team member, reporting to the president and CEO. She ensures the effective performance of the agency’s administrative functions.

We also honor Mitzi Cardenas, Executive Chief Administrative Officer for Truman Medical Centers. A healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience, Cardenas has played a key role in advancing the organization’s use of technology and innovation to enhance patient safety and care since joining the organization in 2008.

Finally, we congratulate Elizabeth Knudsen, Chief Administrative Officer of Wright Water Engineers, a water resources consulting engineering firm. Knudsen’s versatile expertise spans executive leadership, operational management, and organizational development. She collaborates across all levels of the organization to streamline processes, foster innovation, and deliver measurable results.

Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Chief Administrative Officers of 2025.

Lisa Doshi (Johns Hopkins Medicine), Tameka Alsop (Moody’s), Catherine Szpindor (U.S. House of Representatives), Anita Mesi (Weill Cornell Medicine), Laura Tomlin (The E.W. Scripps Company), Trudi Noel Trysla (Fairview Health Services), Sue Ross (maurices), Mindy Drummond (FlightSafety International), Mitzi Cardenas (Truman Medical Centers), Karen Niessink (State Street Global Advisors), Barbara Bencomo (City of Las Cruces), Olivia Stennett (Cipher Mining), Kristina Raffaniello (FocalPoint), Kripa Shetty (Skience), Jennifer Lohse (Aware Recovery Care, Inc.), Denita Bearden (The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District), Rachael Howe (Market Express), Carlonda Davis (Community First Bank of Indiana), Colleen Murphy (Children’s Home of York), Lisa Marchitelli (American Friends of Magen David Adom), Judy Levine (StoneCastle), Tara Lea Nielsen (Catalina Island Company), and many others.

To view the full list, visit https://thewomenweadmire.com/2025/02/the-top-50-women-chief-administrative-officers-of-2025/

About Women We Admire

Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. We cover a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 34,000 individuals and businesses.

The post Fun Town’s Angela Kidd Named to Top 50 List for Women first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) has officially launched the RVWA Charitable Foundation. The 501(c)3 foundation’s primary aim is to enhance educational opportunities within the RV industry, aligning with RVWA’s mission to “Educate, Elevate, and Promote.” To kickstart our fundraising efforts, RVWA is hosting a golf outing June 20 at Meadow Valley Golf Club in Middlebury, Ind. See the fliers below for additional details.

The post RVWA Launches Charitable Foundation with Golf Outing first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column by Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) was originally published in the February issue of RV Executive Today. It is reposted here with permission.

One of the outdoor recreation community’s top priorities is now law and the industry is eagerly anticipating the implementation of the EXPLORE Act this year. EXPLORE stands for Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences – and that’s what’s at the heart of this legislation, which received crucial support from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), which includes RVDA, RVIA, and the RV parks and campground national association, OHI.

If you’ve visited national parks and forests over the past few years, you’ve likely noticed infrastructure projects funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law during President Trump’s first term. From campground upgrades to wastewater system modernization and new parking facilities, these projects have been transforming public lands across the country. The EXPLORE Act builds on the framework laid out by the Great American Outdoors Act, further cementing a bipartisan commitment to enhancing access to our nation’s public lands, which will benefit RVers and all outdoor enthusiasts. Some key highlights of the EXPLORE Act are:

Strengthening Recreation Infrastructure

The EXPLORE Act allocates significant resources to address the growing maintenance backlog on federal lands, which includes everything from campsite restoration to the development of new trails. It also directs land management agencies to further improve facilities such as parking lots, broadband access, restrooms, and accessible infrastructure at recreation sites, to create a better experience for all visitors.

Streamlining Permitting Processes

Outdoor recreation has long been hindered by complex and time-consuming permitting processes. The EXPLORE Act tackles this issue by reforming and simplifying the permitting system, making it easier for businesses, guides, and other organizations to operate on federal lands. This change will encourage innovation and growth within the outdoor recreation industry while improving access for all.

Enhanced Collaboration Between Federal Agencies

It can be frustrating when dealing with various public land jurisdictions when out on the road, particularly in western states, where you can be in National Park Service, BLM, and U.S. Forest Service areas all in the same day. The act encourages modernization of administrative processes, including the creation of a digital “America the Beautiful” pass, making it easier for individuals to access public lands nationwide.

Supporting Gateway Communities

Gateway communities – towns located near public lands – play a crucial role in supporting outdoor recreation. The EXPLORE Act recognizes this by investing in these communities to address housing shortages, infrastructure needs, and economic development. By strengthening these towns, the legislation ensures that they can accommodate visitors in a sustainable manner, helping preserve the health of both local economies and the natural environments they depend on.

Real-Time Data for Visitors

The EXPLORE Act introduces a Real-Time Data Pilot Program, giving visitors access to real-time information about park accessibility and conditions. This tool not only helps manage overcrowding at popular destinations but also promotes sustainable recreation by directing visitors to lesser-known sites.

The EXPLORE Act marks a significant milestone in the effort to support outdoor recreation and by extension, the businesses that enable people to enjoy our public lands. By removing barriers to access, empowering local communities, and investing in critical infrastructure, the EXPLORE Act can help ensure that public lands and waters remain vibrant sources of inspiration and opportunity for generations to come.

Through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the industry will monitor progress to ensure that RV travelers and visitors benefit from this landmark law.

The post Ingrassia Discusses EXPLORE Act and Outdoor Recreation first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.