From The Camper Report Show: Tariffs impact the RV industry. What they’re doing about it? Learn more in the news of the week. RVTI expands their training and partner ecosystem. Host Bob Zagami chats with RV Technical Institute (RVTI) President Curt Hemmeler. Co-host John DiPietro also sits down with Heather Leach of the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association (PRVCA) to discuss the economic impact of RV shows.
Warranty departments are often overlooked in RV dealerships, yet they hold significant potential as profit centers, according to a release from IDS. In this eBook, How to Increase Profits Through Your Warranty Department by IDS, Kevin Gribble, Account Manager at IDS and former fixed ops and warranty manager at a multi-location dealership, shares his insights on how to transform your dealership’s warranty operations.
The Business of Warranty: More Than Just Claiming
One of the biggest lessons Gribble emphasizes is that warranty is not just about filing claims; it is a business unit that needs to be actively managed. At his dealership, they successfully brought in over $280,000 per month with 27 technicians — not just in claims filed, but in actual dollars received. Many dealerships focus solely on submitting claims, but ensuring those claims are processed and paid is just as important.
Here are the key factors that contribute to a high-performing warranty department:
Inventory Management: A dealership’s lot represents a massive investment, and proper oversight of warranty-related inventory is critical to ensuring efficiency.
Manufacturer Communication: Success in warranty depends on building strong relationships with manufacturers, understanding escalation paths, and navigating their requirements.
Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDIs): A thorough PDI process enhances customer satisfaction and helps prevent costly warranty issues before they arise.
Getting Paid: Many dealerships focus solely on claim submission, but without diligent follow-up, they leave money on the table. Ensuring payment collection is just as crucial as filing the claim itself.
Parts Management: Organizing and tracking warranty parts prevents revenue loss and streamlines the return process.
Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records ensures smooth operations and helps avoid disputes with manufacturers.
Maximize Your Warranty Profits
Too often, dealerships treat warranty as a secondary function when it should be a core revenue stream. By refining processes, strengthening communication with manufacturers, and ensuring claims are properly handled, dealerships can turn warranty into a major revenue driver.
Read IDS’s exclusive eBook and start leveraging these expert insights to boost your dealership’s warranty profitability.
Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) Level 3 Electricalspecialty course, taking place March 4-6, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Attendees will receive a total of 24.5 hours of training throughout the three-day course. The workshop is designed to cover all the necessary requirements to become Level 3 certified in electrical.
Individuals must already have an RV Technical Institute Level 2 certification or higher to attend this event. Failure to meet the certification level pre-requisite will forfeit the registration fee and registration will be cancelled.
The workshop is taking place at the RV Technical Institute’s facility in Elkhart, IN. The cost for enrollment is $75. Space is limited, so register now!
The workshop breakdown is as follows:
Nex-Gen Power Systems will cover generators (4 hours)
Xantrex will cover inverters, transfer switches, batteries and solar (4 hours)
Furrion will cover power distribution, including converters, inverters, transfer switches, and batteries (4 hours)
Dometic Go Power will cover solar and batteries (11 hours)
RV Technical Institute will cover surge protection (1.5 hours)
This is the first class in the RV Technical Institute’s 2025 Level 3 training workshop series, in which workshops are held throughout the year that focus on the different specialty areas.
First launched last year, this initiative makes it easier for qualifying RV technicians to gain the necessary specialty hours and deepen their knowledge of RV systems and components. However, while only one class was held for each specialty in 2024, this year the Institute is hosting two classes for each. The second Electrical workshop will take place later this year.
This workshop fulfills the training hour requirements for this specific specialty area. Upon successful completion, participants will earn Level 3 Specialty certification in this category. Technicians who attend all five specialty workshops, including this one, will earn their Level 4 Master Certification.
Level 3 courses are still being offered year-round through the RV Technical Institute’s authorized supplier trainings. View those trainings on the RVTI website.
For those interested in additional training, Lippert Technical Institute is also hosting training March 11-13 at its location in Mishawaka, IN. To register for Lippert’s event, visit the company’s website here.
You see them lumbering down the highway, proudly reflecting the sunshine from their aluminum frames. And somehow you know that there are stories within – and that they are loved. They are Airstreams.
Now nearing its 100th anniversary, the Airstream phenomenon started in 1931 when Wally Byam opened a small factory in California. By 1937, there were more than 400 trailer manufacturers in the United States. But after World War II broke out, the U.S. government restricted travel trailer manufacturing only for use for the war effort. So, Wally closed up his shop and went to work building military planes at Curtis Wright Industries. After the war ended, he persuaded Curtis Wright to let him use aluminum to build a new trailer – the Curtis Wright Clipper. In 1947, he left the company and began to manufacture the Airstream Clipper on his own. Thus the iconic Airstream was born.
Today, in Bend, Ore., Damian Schmitt and Anna Jacobs, a husband-and-wife team in their 30s and 40s, are the owners of Modern Mountain Airstream, a small company specializing in the renovation of aging Airstream trailers. Back in 2015, after scouring the internet and Craig’s list, the couple found a 1966 Airstream Overlander that had been stationary for seven years. Damian was managing a bike and ski shop in town but started gutting the old trailer (which they named Gilda) while Anna provided the design and direction for the job. Two years later, and after much trial and error, they completed the job.
Anna had documented each step (and misstep) of the way on Instagram, and several people contacted them, asking if they would take on similar restoration projects for them. Damian and Anna saw an opportunity and formed Modern Mountain Airstream. Today they have between three and seven employees, with Damian leading the renovations, and Anna the design.
”Our clients are individuals, and are involved from start to finish. No project is cookie-cutter – everything is unique. We take the entire trailer apart,” says Damian. “The shell is separated from the frame and then we rebuild everything.”
Damian Schmitt and Anna Jacobs
At this point, Modern Mountain’s projects have been for individual owners, although they are currently working on their first commercial project. Some clients bring their own trailer, others ask Damian and Anna to find one for them. Often, the company will pick up the trailer and transport it to Bend. And they still ask their clients to give their new/old trailer a name.
Twenty years ago in Montreal, Quebec, Steven Clement was experiencing some changes in both his personal and business life. “I had been fascinated by Airstreams since I was a small boy,” he says. “My godfather had one, and I was always after my dad to buy one, but we never did. In 2004, I had the money, so I bought one for myself.” Steven still owns a Pottery Barn Special Edition Airstream trailer.
Recognizing the fascination others had with the iconic trailer design, Steven and his business partner formed Custom Airstream in 2010, with the idea that they would focus on refurbishing trailers for commercial use. Their first project was to transform a trailer into a kitchen for a New York city restaurant. The company, which currently has 19 employees, has branched out internationally with trailers at hotel, store and restaurant sites throughout the United States, and in Mexico City, and the Bahamas.
As they specialize in commercial clients, Custom RV offers two side openings on their Airstream trailers – a full gull door and a half gull door. The full gull door opens up like a garage door, leaving the full side of the trailer exposed. The half gull door only opens the top half of the side of the trailer. As Canada is one of the largest aerospace manufacturers in the world, they have access to a plethora of talented work force.
Steven acknowledges that the unique design of the trailers and their varied uses often capture the attention of high-ranking company executives. “While we specialize in commercial restoration, the CEOs of our client companies often get involved in the project,” he says. “And then when they see the end result, they decide they want a personal Airstream of their own!” Naturally, the company fulfills the request.
Even Madonna got into the act when she decided she wanted her kids to experience camping and borrowed one of Steve’s Airstreams. She wound up making a sultry video of the experience, which has received more than 70 million views on Instagram.
Refurbishing an Airstream does not come cheaply. Modern Mountain Airstream charges between $3500 to $6500 per foot, depending on the condition of the trailer and how much work they are doing. “It’s hard to complete a 31-foot trailer for under $200,000,” says Damian. As Custom Airstream is installing the gull doors on most of their projects, their prices average between $300,000 and $400,000, with some as much as $700,000.
“Airstream is an iconic American identity. Most people we work with knew about Airstreams as kids. The trailers represent liberty and freedom, and stories that go back to childhood,” says Steven. “We feel that our products are promoting the American camping lifestyle on an international basis.”
Twenty-two democratic and independent U.S. senators sent a letter Feb. 7 to newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum imploring him to reconsider drastic measures taken by the Trump administration to reduce the workforce of the National Park Service, warning that the deep staffing cuts could force some national parks to close, according to a report by SFGate.com.
The letter comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 federal hiring freeze, which saw more than 2,000 job offers to seasonal Park Service employees rescinded. The administration has also offered early retirement and resignation options to millions of federal employees, including all of those who work for the park service.
“If a significant number of National Park Service employees take one of the offers – or further terminations are made – park staffing will be in chaos,” the senators wrote in the letter. “Not only does this threaten the full suite of visitor services, but could close entire parks altogether.”
The letter was provided to SFGATE by Don Neubacher, a former Yosemite superintendent and member of the executive council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
The senators urged Burgum to “immediately reissue seasonal employment offers” and rescind the “damaging and short-sighted” early retirement offers. The rescinded job offers have included thousands of interpretative rangers, law enforcement rangers, visitor center employees and maintenance workers.
Around 1,900 Park Service employees have already resigned, according to Neubacher. “That’s a little less than 10% of the park’s workforce,” Neubacher told SFGATE. “That’s a lot of people.”
To prepare for the rush of summertime visitors, the park service regularly hires more than 6,000 seasonal employees, the senators wrote in their letter. “Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable,” they wrote.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he will announce today (Feb. 10) that the United States will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada and Mexico, as well as other import duties later in the week, according to an Associated Press report.
“Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff,” he told reporters Sunday on Air Force One as he flew from Florida to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl. When asked about aluminum, he responded, “aluminum, too” will be subject to the trade penalties.
Shares of U.S. steel companies rose sharply in futures trading before the opening bell Monday. Cleveland-Cliffs, which wants to buy Pittsburgh’s U.S. Steel, jumped 8%. U.S. Steel rose 5%. Nucor rose almost 8%, and Steel Dynamics rose more than 6%.
Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce “reciprocal tariffs” — “probably Tuesday or Wednesday” — meaning that the U.S. would impose import duties on products in cases in which another country has levied duties on U.S. goods.
Encore Recreational Vehicles will debut its all-new Revue 20BH trailer with its dealer partner Princess Craft, Feb. 13-16 (Thursday-Sunday), at the Austin RV Expo. The expo takes place at the Austin Convention Center at 500 East Cesar Chavez in Austin, Texas.
Encore’s Revue 20BH is geared toward off-grid adventures and is built with CoreLite Construction, featuring a composite floor, walls and roof. The company says the wood-free Revue 20BH is lighter, stronger, and more sustainable. For more information about the new adventure trailer, go to https://encore-rv.com/revue-20bh/.
EDWARDSBURG, Mich. – Modern Buggy unveiled the Country Born series, a new line of easy-to-tow teardrop trailers designed to meet the rising demand for lightweight, off-road capable RVs, according to a release.
Built for adventurers who value durability, performance, and convenience, the Country Born series features a striking square-drop design, upgraded features, and the quality craftsmanship Modern Buggy is known for – all at a competitive price point for this rapidly growing market segment, the release continued.
The Country Born lineup includes four models – the CB10, CB12, CB130 and CB16 – each engineered to handle tough trails and attract a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Construction highlights include custom steel frames, Azdel composite walls, Vixinite composite flooring, and Dexter TORFLEX torsion axles for superior off-road handling. Standard features across the series include electric brakes, heavy-duty fenders with integrated corner steps (300-pound capacity), and spacious front storage boxes. ST235/75R15 all-terrain tires ensure these trailers are ready for anything, from weekend getaways to extended backcountry trips.
Earl Williams
Showcased at the 2025 RV shows, the Country Born series is already generating significant buzz among dealers and consumers.
“The Country Born series is built with the same quality and care as our award-winning 12LRK, which was named Teardrop of the Year in 2024,” said Earl Williams, CEO of Modern Buggy. “What sets Country Born apart are the upgraded features, including in-floor AC and heat, larger front storage, and a new square-drop design – all while maintaining Modern Buggies signature quality.”
The Country Born CB12, for example, offers a compelling combination of features and towability. At 14’8″ long, 83″ wide, and with a height of 78″, the CB12 can be towed by many SUVs, opening up the market to a wider range of customers. Inside, the CB12 boasts a 58″x89″ bed, convertible sofa, USB charging stations, and ample storage. Standard features like in-floor AC/heat, a 600lb+ capacity luggage rack, and exterior baggage doors enhance the camping experience. Optional upgrades, including a solar package, lithium battery upgrade, and Timbren suspension, allow customers to personalize their rigs.
Designed to appeal to a broad range of outdoor enthusiasts, the Country Born series offers true off-grid capability without sacrificing comfort. These lightweight, tow-anywhere trailers are ideal for dealers looking to attract a new generation of RVers and capitalize on the growing demand for adventure trailers.
The Country Born series is now available at Modern Buggy RV dealerships across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.modernbuggyrv.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: This release from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) serves as clarification of previous information.
When the 2026 Edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) is published later this year, it will finalize the requirement and electrical evolution of protecting RV owners and users from the occurrences known as “hot skin.” All RVs with 30A or 50A electrical service will be required to install a grounding monitor interrupter (GMI), which is a loss-of-ground device. Before electrical current can pass into the RV, a GMI will check the receptacle for a proper ground connection. During use, the GMI will also monitor the ground connection to the RV and, if lost, will disconnect the power to the RV.
Background on the NEC, RVs, RV Parks, and GMIs
The NEC governs electrical installations in the United States. It is updated and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) every three years. Article 551 of the NEC contains the electrical requirements for both RVs and RV Parks. These requirements work hand in hand to ensure safety for the users of both.
During the last 6 years, there have been several public inputs to Article 551 addressing “hot skin” conditions.
On the RV Park side, it was suggested that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles for the 30A and 50A services be installed on the RV pedestal. That suggestion was not adopted because electrical leakage current from the various electrical devices in an RV would cause a nuisance trip of the GFCI. Another suggested remedy was to install a reverse polarity device on the RV. While improving safety, a reverse polarity device failed to protect against a “hot skin” condition. In the 2023 edition of the NEC, the requirement for the reverse polarity device was removed and replaced with a requirement for a loss of ground device. However, because no loss ground device existed in 2023, the requirement was delayed to January 1, 2026.
The loss of ground device requirement was further defined as a GMI resulting in what will be published in the 2026 Edition of the NEC as outlined above.
What is a “hot skin” condition?
“Hot skin” is a term used to describe when an RV’s metal exterior, metal frame, or other metal items become electrified. It is a serious electrical safety hazard caused by improper grounding or electrical faults.
What is a Grounding Monitor Interrupter?
A GMI tests the receptacle it is plugged into to ensure it is wired correctly and has a proper ground connection. If incorrect wiring or a loss of ground connection is detected, the GMI will not allow electricity to pass through or will disconnect power if the loss of ground occurs during operation.
Is a GMI similar to a GFCI receptacle?
No. A GFCI receptacle monitors electrical current flowing through it. If electrical current is out of balance, it trips and disconnects electrical power. A GMI ensures that a proper ground exists.
What things will a GMI address?
On the RV, the GMI will address damage to a power cord, which the NEC refers to as a feeder assembly. Damage to a power cord and the use of dog-bone adapters causing compromised electrical supply are the most common reasons for requesting this update to the NEC.
On the RV Park side, the GMI will address a loss of ground at the RV pedestal or the presence of electrical current on the grounding conductor (wire). Under certain conditions, either of these two items can result in “hot skin.”
When will this new requirement take effect?
The 2026 Edition of the NEC will be adopted and published late in 2025. The RV Industry Association plans to adopt the 2026 edition in May of 2026 and enforcement will start in September of 2026.
What can RV Parks do to get ready for this new requirement?
RV Parks should test their electrical systems to ensure good ground continuity from the RV site pedestals back to the electrical service panels. This should be part of a park’s annual preventative maintenance.
Additionally, several manufacturers are expected to produce portable test devices that an RV Park can use, replicating the testing that the RV GMIs will perform when installed.
What is the RV Industry Association doing to notify the industry and future owners of this new GMI requirement?
The GMI requirement is not new to the RV Industry Association and its technical subcommittees. In the near future the GMI requirement will be discussed which will include a communications plan for manufacturers and all parties involved.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There was a 6.9% year-over-year decrease in the retail registration data in 2024, as recorded by Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based subsidiary of Trader Interactive that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry.
There were 356,518 retail registrations in 2024, which is 26,826 fewer units – a 6.9% decrease – versus the 383,344 for the same period in 2023. For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 333,733 wholesale shipments for all of 2024, which is 6.8% less than the number of retail registrations.
The full year data – there were 22,785 retail registrations vs. wholesale shipments – strongly suggests RV dealers continued to sell down their lot inventory through 2024, although it should be noted that, while retail sales continued its downward trend, wholesale orders did seem to pick up toward the end of the year.
Looking at December 2024 only, there were 15,976 retail registrations, which is a 3.3% decrease compared to the 16,535 total in December 2023, according to Statistical Surveys. RVIA reported 23,153 wholesale shipments in December 2024.
Full year 2024
The results by RV segment for the full 2024 year across North America are as follows:
Travel Trailer – 245,648 retail registrations in 2024 (261,266 retail registrations in 2023; a 5.9% year-over-year decrease)
Fifth-Wheel – 61,318 (66,762; -8.1%)
Camping Trailer – 5,217 (6,903; -24.4%)
Park Model – 2,996 (2,668; +12.2%)
Class A – 8,744 (10,406; -15.9%)
Class C – 20,699 (21,806; -5.0%)
Class B – 10,514 (13,063; -19.5%)
Total – 356,518 (383,344; -6.9%)
December 2024
The results by RV segment for December 2024 in the U.S. and Canada are as follows:
United States
Travel Trailer – 9,856 retail registrations in December 2024 (10,111 retail registrations in December 2023; a 2.5% decrease). Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (40.5%), THOR Industries (34.7%), Grand Design RV Co. (7.5%).
Fifth-Wheel – 3,037 (3,251; -6.6%). Market share leaders: THOR (35.4%), Forest River (28.3%), Grand Design (15.0%).
Camping Trailer – 157 (225; -30.2%). Market share leaders: Forest River (50.3%), Aliner (28.0%), Purple Line LLC (8.3%).
Park Model – 228 (151; +51.0%). Market share leaders: Champion Homes (28.5%), Cavco Industries (22.4%), Platinum Cottages. (7.9%).
Class A – 462 (481; -4.0%). Market share leaders: THOR (48.9%), Forest River (18.2%), Newmar Corp. (17.1%).
Class C – 1,065 (1,049; +1.5%). Market share leaders: THOR (44.5%), Forest River (27.0%), Winnebago Motorized (13.7%).
Class B – 601 (674; -10.8%). Market share leaders: THOR (40.4%), Winnebago Motorized (25.0%), Forest River (12.3%).
Canada
Travel Trailer – 339 retail registrations in December 2024 (346 retail registrations in December 2023; a 2.0% increase). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (42.2%), Forest River Inc. (31.3%), Grand Design RV Co. (6.2%).
Fifth-Wheel – 93 (103; -9.7%). Market share leaders: THOR (37.6%), Forest River (23.7%), Grand Design (18.3%).
