Month: February 2025

MONTCLAIR, Calif. – Giant RV continues to lead the way in California’s RV market, unveiling the largest indoor inventory of Overland and Luxury B vans in Southern California at its new indoor Van Center in Downey, Calif., according to a company release. Strategically positioned at the intersection of the 5 and 605 freeways, the Downey location is designed to serve as a hub for adventure enthusiasts and luxury travelers throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 

For decades, Giant RV has been the go-to dealership for industry-leading RV brands, and this latest expansion further cements its reputation as California’s premier destination for adventure vehicles, the release continued. The Downey Van Center showroom boasts a diverse selection of top-performing models tailored to both off-road adventurers and upscale travelers. 

Giant RV’s carefully curated inventory includes standout models from the industry’s most prestigious manufacturers: 

• Grech RV: The epitome of luxury travel, featuring top-tier craftsmanship and cutting-edge amenities for discerning adventurers. 
• Storyteller Overland: The ultimate Overland van, purpose-built for rugged terrain and off-grid exploration. 
• Winnebago Revel, Solis and Ekko Adventure Vans: California’s versatile and most popular models catering to adventurers seeking flexibility and adaptability in gas and diesel B and B+ vans.
• Midwest Automotive and Pleasureway, both certified Mercedes Master Uplifters: Offering unparalleled luxury and sophistication for extended road trips and leisurely escapes. 

Giant RV also sets itself apart with its exclusive lineup of custom-built All Time High Overland Editions, outfitted with high-performance upgrades from leading brands such as Owl, Agile, Terra X, Baja and more. These modifications provide the durability and functionality demanded by off-road enthusiasts while maintaining the comfort and convenience that Giant RV customers expect. 

“Our Downey Van Center showroom isn’t just a sales floor—it’s a destination,” says Frankie Barouti, president of Giant RV. “Manufacturers and consumers alike recognize the value we bring by showcasing the industry’s best and offering a premium shopping experience. Our knowledgeable team is committed to supporting outdoor adventurers, from weekend warriors to seasoned travelers.” 

With its massive indoor space, Giant RV provides an inviting environment for customers to explore and compare models side by side. The facility reflects Giant RV’s dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience, with personalized guidance and a selection that sets a new standard for the RV market. 

As the RV industry evolves, Giant RV remains at the forefront, driving innovation and growth in the California market. For manufacturers, partnering with Giant RV means aligning with a leader whose reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction continues to grow. 

To learn more about Giant RV or to explore its extensive inventory, visit the Downey Van Center showroom today located at 11111 Florence Ave, Downey, CA.

Or visit our website at https://giantrv.com. Together, let’s elevate the RV lifestyle.  

The post Giant RV Opens Luxury & Overland Van Center in California first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The RV Industry Association has been updating its members on various regulations enacted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at this link. Today (Feb. 25), RVIA issued the following update regarding CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule.

On Feb. 19, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Lee Zeldin formally submitted to Congress the EPA’s approval of three California Air Resources Board (CARB) waivers under the Clean Air Act for congressional oversight, allowing for possible repeal of the waivers. At issue are EPA decisions in 2022-2025 to grant waivers to three CARB regulations — the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, the Omnibus Low NOx regulation, and the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. The EPA waivers on those regulations allowed California to preempt federal standards and will now be submitted to Congress for review, a shift from the approach under former President Biden.

This follows the decision by CARB in January to withdraw the waiver request for the Advanced Clean Fleets rule due to its doubt that a Clean Air Act waiver would be granted.

The decision to seek Congressional consideration of the three waivers could allow Congress to swiftly repeal the standards using expedited procedures under the Congressional Review Act. Votes to repeal the waivers by Congress would effectively overturn the regulations.

Under the Clean Air Act, states generally must abide by federal air pollution standards. However, when the Clean Air Act was adopted, Congress gave California special authority to adopt its own, more stringent limits, preempting federal mandates, subject to individual EPA waiver approvals.

EPA has issued California more than 100 waivers over the past decades. Under the previous Administration, EPA asserted that the waivers weren’t considered federal rules subject to the Congressional Review Act and did not submit them to lawmakers for extra scrutiny.

Legislation to overturn the waivers is expected to be introduced soon. Even if Congress decides to revoke the waivers, they will likely be subject to lawsuits and court deliberations over the next several months.

Click here to read previous RVIA updates on this topic.

The post CARB Waivers Sent to Congress; Potential for Repeal Exists first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Results for the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) January 2025 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 27,629 units, an increase of 21.9% compared to the 22,674 units shipped in January 2024.

“January’s shipment numbers reflect the continued, steady growth we anticipated for the RV industry as we begin 2025. While we remain cautiously optimistic, these early indicators are encouraging and suggest the enduring appeal of the RV lifestyle,” said RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby. “We look forward to building on this momentum throughout the year, delivering innovative products to consumers that reveal the incredible destinations and memorable experiences that are just beyond your door in an RV.”

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month up 27.6% from last January with 24,906 shipments. Motorhomes finished the month down (-13.6%) compared to the same month last year with 2,723 units.

Park Model RVs finished January down (-3.9%) compared to the same month last year, with 293 wholesale shipments.

At right you will find charts showing 2024/2025 month over month total wholesale RV and Park Model shipments. Click here to view the January 2025 shipment numbers published on the RV Industry Association website and click here to view our Shipment Report in PDF format.

The post RVIA: January Wholesale Shipments Jump 22%, Top 27K first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.

Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling 689 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vehicles. The welds on the helical gear within the rear axle drivetrain may fail, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers will replace the rear axle electric drivetrain, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 877-762-8267. DVUSA’s number for this recall is V3ESCHWEI.

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling 637 2023 Gemini and Compass motorhomes. Washers were not installed with the roof mounting brackets. Dealers will inspect and install washers on the mounting brackets as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 10, 2025. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000322.

The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS Mont. – Care Camps Foundation, the only national nonprofit whose sole purpose is to fund pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, is pleased to announce two new members serving on the Board of Directors.

Jeff Hirsch, owner and CEO of Campers Inn RV, and Nate Thompson, Partner of KCN Campgrounds, will join other leading industry members at the Care Camps Foundation Board of Directors meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., next week.

Rebecca Kirch, Care Camps Foundation Board Chair, is thrilled to confirm Hirsch and Thompson. “We celebrate and welcome the addition of our newest esteemed Board members, and I can attest that Care Camps Foundation has truly curated a group of great minds collectively and wholly committed to our cause.”

Newly elected Board Chair, Kirch ushers 2025 in with enthusiasm. “Together with the creative efforts of our Board Members and exceptionally talented CCF staff, we look forward to a new era of success in funding the many US and Canada oncology camps that bring real-time and lasting healing to kids and families coping with childhood cancer,” Kirch said.

Jeff Hirsch is the Owner and CEO of Campers Inn RV, a leading multi-location dealership in the RV industry. With over 46 years of experience, he has built a business grounded in core values. In 2021, Hirsch was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry. A recipient of numerous awards, he is widely regarded for his innovative leadership and dedication to enhancing the lives of RV enthusiasts.

“I’m excited to join Care Camps Foundation in supporting their mission to bring hope and healing to children and families facing cancer,” Hirsch said, expressing his deep passion for making a meaningful difference.

Nate Thompson is a Partner of KCN Campgrounds and entrepreneur at heart. Thompson started, scaled and sold several high-tech companies in the Seattle region since starting his first software business in 1995. He is a passionate real estate investor, having successfully led investments in multiple value-add multi-family and commercial properties over the last 25 years. In 2021, Thompson and his partners formed KCN Campgrounds and have grown a world-class portfolio of outdoor hospitality properties.

“Care Camps Foundation is close to my heart,” Thompson shares. I look forward to serving on the Board, bringing industry expertise and my personal commitment to fighting childhood cancer.”

To view the Care Camps Foundation leadership team, visit  Care Camps Leadership – Care Camps Foundation.

The post Care Camps Foundation Announces 2 New Board Members first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS Mont. – Care Camps Foundation, the only national nonprofit whose sole purpose is to fund pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, is pleased to announce two new members serving on the Board of Directors.

Jeff Hirsch, owner and CEO of Campers Inn RV, and Nate Thompson, Partner of KCN Campgrounds, will join other leading industry members at the Care Camps Foundation Board of Directors meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., next week.

Rebecca Kirch, Care Camps Foundation Board Chair, is thrilled to confirm Hirsch and Thompson. “We celebrate and welcome the addition of our newest esteemed Board members, and I can attest that Care Camps Foundation has truly curated a group of great minds collectively and wholly committed to our cause.”

Newly elected Board Chair, Kirch ushers 2025 in with enthusiasm. “Together with the creative efforts of our Board Members and exceptionally talented CCF staff, we look forward to a new era of success in funding the many US and Canada oncology camps that bring real-time and lasting healing to kids and families coping with childhood cancer,” Kirch said.

Jeff Hirsch is the Owner and CEO of Campers Inn RV, a leading multi-location dealership in the RV industry. With over 46 years of experience, he has built a business grounded in core values. In 2021, Hirsch was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry. A recipient of numerous awards, he is widely regarded for his innovative leadership and dedication to enhancing the lives of RV enthusiasts.

“I’m excited to join Care Camps Foundation in supporting their mission to bring hope and healing to children and families facing cancer,” Hirsch said, expressing his deep passion for making a meaningful difference.

Nate Thompson is a Partner of KCN Campgrounds and entrepreneur at heart. Thompson started, scaled and sold several high-tech companies in the Seattle region since starting his first software business in 1995. He is a passionate real estate investor, having successfully led investments in multiple value-add multi-family and commercial properties over the last 25 years. In 2021, Thompson and his partners formed KCN Campgrounds and have grown a world-class portfolio of outdoor hospitality properties.

“Care Camps Foundation is close to my heart,” Thompson shares. I look forward to serving on the Board, bringing industry expertise and my personal commitment to fighting childhood cancer.”

To view the Care Camps Foundation leadership team, visit  Care Camps Leadership – Care Camps Foundation.

The post Care Camps Foundation Announces 2 New Board Members first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) has announced the appointment of Stephen P. Hearn, an insurance industry veteran who joined the company’s board of directors in August 2024, as executive vice president and chief operating officer. In connection with this appointment, Hearn has resigned from the company’s board of directors and will join the company’s operating committee, according to a release.

As chief operating officer, Hearn will apply the extensive knowledge he has acquired during his impressive 35-year career to help inform and guide Brown & Brown’s continued growth strategy, the release continued. Hearn will help shape the Company’s continued focus on scaling operations, fostering innovation, and growing and developing a talented team.

“Steve has been a good friend of the firm, and of mine, for more than 20 years,” Powell Brown, Brown & Brown’s president and chief executive officer, stated. “We have worked and traded together, and we are so pleased to welcome him to the team. He has made great contributions to Brown & Brown during his time on the board. As we work towards our next interim revenue goal of $8 billion, we believe the timing is right to have Steve join the organization to help drive operational excellence and scale, while we continue to further our position as a leading global provider of insurance solutions. We are at an exciting stage of our growth journey, and leveraging Steve’s deep relationships and global experience further enables us to identify like-minded organizations to join Brown & Brown and to attract, recruit, develop and retain the best and brightest insurance professionals.”

“Brown & Brown is an incredible, dynamic organization, and I feel very fortunate that the skills and experience I have acquired during my career are viewed as force multipliers for the work already being done within the company. Our shared focus and a commitment to relationships and people — customers, teammates, carrier partners, shareholders and those in our communities — make this opportunity all the more exciting,” said Hearn.

Hearn began his insurance career in 1989, most recently holding roles with The Ardonagh Group. During his time with The Ardonagh Group, he served as chief executive officer of Ardonagh Specialty Holdings Limited (November 2021 – September 2022); as chief executive officer of Ardonagh Capital Solutions Holdings, The Ardonagh Group’s holding company for its reinsurance broking, captives and MGA businesses (February 2023 – July 2024); and as chief executive officer of Inver Re, The Ardonagh Group’s dedicated reinsurance broking unit (November 2021 – July 2024). He also served as a director of Ardonagh International from May 2023 to July 2024.

Previously, he served as chief executive officer of Corant Global, a subsidiary of BGC Partners, Inc. (“BGC”) (February 2019 until the November 2021 sale of BGC’s insurance brokerage division to The Ardonagh Group) and as the chief executive officer of Ed Broking Group Limited (2015 until its February 2019 acquisition by BGC). Hearn held roles with Willis Group Holdings plc and its businesses from 2008 until 2015, including president and deputy chief executive officer of Willis Group Holdings plc, chief executive officer of Willis Re, chairman and chief executive officer of Willis Global and chief executive officer of Willis Limited. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions with Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs; Glencairn Limited; Marsh Affinity Europe & Middle East; Marsh Affinity UK and Sedgwick Affinity Group Services.

The post Brown & Brown Inc. Names Stephen P. Hearn as EVP, COO first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) announced the release of tickets for its 3rd annual Spring Campout, scheduled to take place May 2-4 at Twin Mills Campground in Howe, Ind.

Building upon the remarkable success of last two year’s gathering, according to a release, this year’s campout promises to offer even more opportunities for connection, empowerment, and growth within the RV industry.

The event, known for breaking down corporate barriers and fostering meaningful networking, will once again open its doors to attendees from all sectors of the industry. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of activities, including, community-service projects, team-building exercises, creative ventures, the ever popular campground crawl, and enriching campfire discussions. These experiences are designed to cultivate a true sense of unity and collaboration among the industry’s dedicated individuals.

“The 2024 RVWA Annual Campout was a transformative experience, both personally and professionally, for our members,” remarked Pamela Vandermel, VP of warranty at Lippert, Campout Task Force Chair and RVWA Board member. “This year, we aim to take the experience a step further. Our campout is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for empowerment and growth, opening doors for collaboration and learning. Lippert proudly continues to support RVWA’s mission to Elevate, Educate, and Promote.”

The upcoming campout is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. Susan Carpenter, RVWA President, expressed gratitude to past sponsors. Sponsorship is now available as well.  The unwavering support ensures that our campout continues to provide immense value to attendees,” stated Carpenter.

Don’t let the absence of an RV stop you from joining the 2025 RVWA Campout! Whatever your plans—be it a day visit, a night, or the entire weekend, whether you’re flying solo or bringing friends—there’s something for everyone! RVWA will provide you with a list of RV rental options, some even offering convenient delivery and set-up services. Plus, the campground has a limited number of cabins available for rent.

The RVWA invites all interested participants to register early as space is limited.  For more information and secure your spot, click HERE.

If you’re not a member, sign up now for all the details www.rvwa.org

About the RV Women’s Alliance

Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 2,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.rvwa.org.     

The post Tickets Now Available for RVWA’s Annual Spring Campout first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Some motorhomes are defined by luxury, and others by capability, writes Cristian Curmei at AutoEvolution.com.

However, if we’re talking about the Riviera from Thor Motor Coach, we’re bound to see a blend of these two traits, and frankly, at a price that’s a bit lower than I expected.

How low of a price tag does the Riviera carry? No less than $354,060 (€338K at current exchange rates) is the MSRP Thor Motor Coach has stuck to this diesel Class A motorhome, and since there are plenty of reasons as to why so much, once you’ve explored this motorhome in its entirety, you may find yourself asking, “Why so little?” Maybe.

Now, the Riviera was only introduced a couple of years ago, and being a rather younger RV, there are only three available floorplans to choose from. But, the largest of the three is the 39BH, a nearly 40-foot habitat that has the ability to handle the lifestyle of up to eight people. Very few motorhomes reach this sort of capacity, meaning that you can travel with your extended family.

Click here to read the complete article at AutoEvolution.com

The post Thor’s 2025 Riviera is One of the Most ‘Family-Ready’ RVs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is restoring jobs for dozens of National Park Service employees fired amid government-wide reductions and hiring nearly 3,000 additional seasonal workers, following an uproar over an aggressive plan to downsize the agency, according to an Associated Press report.

At least 50 jobs are being restored to help maintain and clean parks, educate visitors and collect admission fees, according to two people familiar with the agency’s plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

The moves come as the park service said in a new memo that it will hire up to 7,700 seasonal positions this year, up from about 5,000 promised earlier this week and higher than the three-year average of 6,350 seasonal workers. The park service has about 20,000 employees.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticized the widespread layoffs as unnecessary and a threat to public safety and the parks themselves.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post NPS Restores Some Jobs, Plans to Hire Seasonal Workers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.