Month: March 2025

LAS VEGAS – Noovo, the Nevada-based campervan manufacturer known for redefining the mobile living experience, announces its first-ever Noovo Open House, April 5-6, at the new North Las Vegas headquarters, according to a release.

This landmark event will offer an all-access pass to the Noovo lifestyle, featuring guided tours of the complete Noovo lineup—including the debut of the highly anticipated Noovo Plus Rear Lounge—live demonstrations of off-grid systems, behind-the-scenes factory tours, and one-on-one access to the Noovo design and build teams. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers over food trucks & music, join van life panel discussions with industry experts, and experience the vans in action with an exclusive group camping trip at Lake Mead.

“This is more than just an open house—it’s a chance for future and current Noovo owners to experience the vans firsthand and meet the community that makes Noovo special,” said Benoit Lafond, CEO of Noovo. “We’re proud to showcase our manufacturing process, the thoughtful design behind each model, and the incredible versatility our vans offer for life on the road.”

Event Highlights

• Exclusive First Look at the Noovo Plus RL – Be among the first to tour the brand-new Noovo Plus RL layout, designed with enhanced living space and flexible sleeping options.
• Meet the Noovo Team – Engage with the design and build experts who craft each Noovo van.
• Factory Tours – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Noovo manufacturing line to see how each van comes to life.
• Community Connection – Meet fellow van life enthusiasts, share stories, and explore what it’s like to be part of the Noovo community with youtube creators & industry experts.
• Camping at Lake Mead – Extend the experience with a group camping event at Lake Mead on Saturday night—perfect for unwinding under the stars.

Why Attend?

The Noovo Open House isn’t just about exploring the vans — it’s about immersing yourself in the Noovo lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned full-time traveler or considering your first van purchase, this event offers a unique chance to ask questions, experience the comfort and functionality of a Noovo van, and meet the passionate team behind the brand.

Event Details

• Date: April 5th – 6th, 2025 – Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm.

• Location: Noovo Headquarters, Las Vegas, NV
• Camping: Optional overnight camping at Lake Mead available for attendees (spaces limited)

For more information and to reserve your spot, visit www.noovolife.com.

About Noovo

Noovo is a Las Vegas-based premium campervan manufacturer redefining the mobile living experience. Designed for full-time travel, work, and adventure, Noovo vans combine

cutting-edge technology, high-end finishes, and off-grid capability to create the ultimate home on wheels.

The post Noovo to Host Open House at Las Vegas Headquarters first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah – Lightspeed DMS, a leading provider of dealership management software for RV dealers, has announced the integration of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoding for Heartland RV, Cruiser RV, and DRV brands. This new feature enables dealers to automatically import essential vehicle details using just a VIN, eliminating manual entry and saving valuable time, according to a release.

With this integration, dealers can quickly access detailed vehicle specifications within Lightspeed DMS, improving accuracy, streamlining operations, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

“Our focus at Lightspeed is to make day-to-day processes easier for dealers,” said Jeremy Johnson, associate director, OEM Business Development for Lightspeed. “This new integration is big news for us and our customers because it expands Thor brand integrations within Lightspeed DMS, helping dealers and service technicians work more efficiently.” 

“What a great way to kick off 2025 with our dealers with helping them be more efficient in their day-to-day activities which will give them more time to spend with customers selling our great line of products,” said Kyle Kwasny, president of Heartland RV.  

“This is just the beginning,” added Johnson. “Lightspeed DMS is committed to bringing more enhancements and integrations to the RV industry, ensuring dealers have the best tools to succeed.” 

Current Lightspeed dealers can contact their representative for more details on this new feature. Dealers interested in streamlining their operations can learn more about Lightspeed at https://www.lightspeeddms.com/industries/rv/.

About Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a leading provider of cloud-based software for dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”), serving the RV, Marine, Trailer, Powersport, Outdoor Power Equipment and Golf Car industries. Uniquely designed by dealers – for dealers, Lightspeed streamlines operations through ease of use, and provides critical information to serve customers. Lightspeed’s Dealer Management Solution (DMS) enables dealerships to optimize their end-to-end business operations, including sales, parts, service, rental, accounting, and CRM. When implemented into their daily operations, Lightspeed helps dealers increase their profitability by selling more units, service, and parts, all while creating a more streamlined experience for customers. For nearly 40 years, Lightspeed has been empowering 4,000+ dealers across North America with the tools and technology they need to manage their dealerships. For more information, visit www.lightspeeddms.com.

The post Lightspeed DMS Expands VIN for Heartland, Cruiser, DRV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTON, Tenn. – Suburban, an Airxcel brand and a premier manufacturer of RV water heaters, furnaces, gas accessories, and steps, announced that Chris Robinson has been named its new General Manager, effective March 27, 2025. In addition to leading the Suburban team, Robinson will oversee daily operations, implementing initiatives to ensure continued excellence in customer service, operational efficiency, and profitable growth.

Robinson joins Suburban with a background of almost 20 years in engineering and manufacturing operations. “Chris brings with him a wealth of experience in leadership, operations, and strategic growth, having worked in multiple industries throughout his career,” said Anthony Wollschlager, Airxcel’s President and CEO. “Chris’s diverse background in driving business success and fostering team collaboration will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the RV market.”

Robinson is a military veteran, a member of the American Society for Quality and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He holds a Six Sigma Black Belt from the American Society for Quality. Robinson has an MBA from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and materials science from UCLA.

For over 75 years, Suburban has been a trusted partner to the RV industry, renowned as a premier manufacturer of RV water heaters, furnaces, gas accessories, and steps. Headquartered in Dayton, TN, Suburban became part of the Airxcel family of brands in 1998. With a rich legacy of innovation and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Suburban continues to enhance the comforts of RV living. SuburbanRV.com

Airxcel is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., the Airxcel family of brands includes 17 companies with 14 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com

The post Suburban Appoints Chris Robinson as General Manager first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Camp Michigan opened its 2025 conference on Monday (March 18) and it continues through today at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

Jamie Wolfinger, president of Camp Michigan’s board and third-generation co-owner of Greenwood Acres Family Campground near Jackson, Mich., noted that over 75 were registered to attend the conference, with around two dozen vendors participating in the expo.

The conference featured guest speakers including: 

• John Formica — well known for working with Disney and speaking on the Disney culture and how park owners can incorporate that at their parks.
• Scott Bahr — president of the Cairn Consulting Group which helps organizations like Kampgrounds of America Inc., the RV Industry Association and more collect industry data.
• Mark Hazelbaker — a lawyer who is helping Camp Michigan grow its legal benefits.
• Plus more!

The association also held an auction on Tuesday evening.

A few years ago the association was struggling financially, but Wolfinger said that it has turned the corner and now finds itself in a better position with around 120 members. Wolfinger said that the state estimates there are around 4,000 campgrounds in Michigan.

“That number includes temporary campgrounds and festival campgrounds,” she noted. “It also includes state and national park campgrounds.

“We’re in a period of growth,” Wolfinger added. “We definitely had a few years of learning opportunities and I feel that we have taken notes and we are progressing, in my opinion.”

Working with Scott Everett, a legislative consultant that the association has worked with for a long time, the association aims to keep an eye on wastewater issues, employee sick time, internet and residential issues and more.

“We are also looking at providing more educational opportunities for members and highlighting the benefits we offer as an association,” Wolfinger explained. “This summer we have someone who is going to be visiting non-member parks and promoting Camp Michigan.”

To learn more about the association, click here.  

The post Camp Michigan in Growth Mode, Conference is Underway first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – RVs Move America Week, taking place June 1-5, 2025 in Washington, D.C., is a critical event on the RV industry calendar, according to a press release from the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

The annual conference begins with two days of committee meetings where volunteers from across the RV industry collectively work to build a strategic roadmap to help define future growth of the $140 billion dollar RV industry. In addition to committee meetings, participants will gain insight on the state of the RV industry from association leaders and on the policies of the administration from political speakers. Attendees will rub elbows with federal policymakers and industry innovators, forging relationships beneficial to the future growth of the RV market.

“As the impact of RV industry continues to grow, its influence in Washington is vital for the future success of the industry. It’s more important than ever to make your voice heard and advocate for the federal reforms our industry needs to truly thrive. We encourage every member to participate in these efforts and join us in our nation’s capital,” according to the release.

Click here to register

The RV Industry Association has negotiated a room block with a reduced rate at The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection, located at 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20036. For reservations please click below or call 877-212-5752

Nightly Room Rate: $369/night plus tax

Hotel Reservation Cut-Off Date: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

Click here to book rooms

Featuring a packed lineup of industry and political speakers, committee meetings and social networking events. This is an event you don’t want to miss, the release stated.

Click here to see the full event schedule

The post Registration Open for RVIA’s RVs Move America Week first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) is seeking nominees for the James B. Summers (JBS) Award, named in honor of the association’s former Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. The 2025 award recipient will be announced and recognized during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo, Nov.10-14, at Paris Las Vegas.

As RVDA’s highest honor, the JBS award recognizes an individual who has made frequent and distinguished contributions to RVDA and its members.

Nomination Guidelines and Process

Eligible nominees should have provided at least five years of service to RVDA. The nomination should include a written narrative that explains an individual’s contributions to the association, and it should lay out a compelling case for why the individual deserves to be selected for this most prestigious honor.

The late Jim Summers worked on behalf of dealers throughout his career at RVDA and even into his retirement. He was the first to receive the award in 1986.

Past Recipients and Nomination Form

For a complete list of previous JBS Award honorees, click here.  Please submit your nominations using this form and send by email to Julianne Ryder at [email protected] by May 19th.

The post RVDA Seeks Nominations for James B. Summers Award first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Blue Compass RV announces that Motor Home Specialist (MHS) has achieved an unprecedented milestone: for the 12th consecutive year, MHS has been recognized as the top-selling single motorhome dealership in the United States, according to data by Statistical Surveys Inc.

Acquired by Blue Compass RV in 2018, MHS operates from its expansive 80-acre flagship location in Alvarado, Texas, within the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The dealership offers a vast selection of both new and pre-owned motorhomes, according to a release.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire MHS team,” stated Jon Ferrando, founder, CEO and president of Blue Compass RV. “With the largest inventory of motorhomes available and an unwavering commitment to sales, it’s no wonder they reached the top again.  We thank our OEM partners and Donny O’Banion who led the charge again at MHS to achieve this incredible milestone.”

Since 2013, Motor Home Specialist has held the title of the world’s #1 motorhome dealer in volume sales. Customers can explore an unparalleled selection of motorhomes from leading brands, including American Coach, Entegra Coach, Fleetwood, Foretravel, Thor Motor Coach, Holiday Rambler, Forest River, Dynamax, Georgetown, Sportscoach, Nexus, and many more – all at a single, convenient location.

To learn more about Blue Compass RV or Motor Home Specialist, please visit: https://bluecompassrv.com/ or https://mhsrv.com/

About Blue Compass RV

Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years, with over 100 locations in 33 states. Our stores 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, we’re able to service our customers wherever their travels may take them.

Along with being named the #1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years and having 12 Airstream stores achieving Five Rivet status, Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist has been leading the charge as the #1 motorhome dealer for 12 straight years.

Led by Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Ferrando, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for three consecutive years. Prior to launching Blue Compass RV, Ferrando was instrumental in building America’s largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue.

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[1] Per Statistical Surveys, Inc. Data

The post Motor Home Specialist Again Named Top Motorized Dealer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANEE, Ind. – Newmar, a premium manufacturer of luxury recreational vehicles and fully-owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), recently recognized several suppliers and individual contributors for their supply chain performance for 2024 at its annual banquet held March 13th at the Samluung Platz Event Center in Nappanee. 

The annual awards recognize suppliers for outstanding performance based on internal surveys measuring each supplier in multiple categories while interacting with Newmar’s purchasing, manufacturing, quality, service and engineering departments. A score of 195 of a possible 201 points were required for the suppliers to earn an invitation to the evening’s festivities.

“Our supplier partners continue to excel in quality, delivery, technical performance and cost for 2024,” said Matt McQuown, vice president of supply chain at Newmar. “Our unique recognition program is one way to celebrate the performance of 92 companies and the more than 200 individuals in attendance.”

Newmar’s President, Casey Tubman, kicked off the night recognizing the attendees. Tubman stated, “It is an honor and pleasure each and every year when we are able to bring together our top suppliers and recognize them for delivering outstanding quality materials which exemplify the difference in our luxury Newmar motorhomes.”

For 2024 more than 500 suppliers were eligible to receive an award. Award recipients are recognized for the service, dedication, and commitment to serve Newmar. In addition to supplier attendees, multiple Newmar and Winnebago Industries employees were in attendance.  

Recognized for the Virgil Miller award for this year was American Technology Components, given to Newmar’s top supplier. The award is named after former Newmar President Virgil Miller, who initiated the annual awards banquet to recognize those suppliers that had the highest standard for performance, were willing to promote improvement and drive results. 

Additional companies were recognized for the following awards:

• Engineering Innovation – American Technology Components Inc.
• Operations Support – Scot Robbins – Industrial Finishes
• Customer Experience Champion – International Thermal Research
• Delivery Service – Virginia Velez – Girard RV – Lippert
• Customer Service – Will Schafer  – Transwest Inc.
• Customer Service – Valerie Unruh – Betterway – Patrick Ind.
• Customer Service – Beth Bloss – American Technology Components Inc.
• Salesperson of the Year – Ryan Brimmer – Sika
• Value Improvement – DH Machine
• Special Recognition – Ramco Engineering Inc.
• Special Recognition – Wesco Distribution Inc.
• Top Ten Supplier – Riverpark Inc.
• Top Ten Supplier – Cummins Inc.
• Top Ten Supplier – Alro Steel Corporation 
• Top Ten Supplier – Clean Seal Inc.
• Top Ten Supplier – Wiper Technologies
• Top Ten Supplier – Continental Mirrored Graphics
• Top Ten Supplier – Wood Design RV Interiors
• Top Ten Supplier – Mid-States Bolt & Screw Co.
• Top Ten Supplier – SLB Products
• Top Ten Supplier – HWH Corporation
• Virgil Miller – American Technology Components Inc.

The post Newmar Recognizes Top Suppliers at Annual Banquet first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announced the promotion of Erin Ortiz to the role of Student Advisor Liaison. Ortiz, who joined NRVTA as a Student Concierge earlier this year, has demonstrated exceptional dedication, strong interpersonal skills, and an unwavering commitment to supporting students on their educational journeys.

Hailing from South Texas and now residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Ortiz has a background in hospitality management and a passion for helping others. Her artistic talents, combined with her ongoing studies in accounting and finance, make her a well-rounded and approachable team member. In her new role as Student Advisor Liaison, she will play a key part in guiding prospective students through NRVTA’s diverse offerings, including RV technician training, RV repair training, and RV inspector certification courses.

“Erin has been an invaluable member of the NRVTA team,” said Kelly Bradley, NRVTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “Her dedication to the student experience and her ability to build strong connections with those she serves make her an excellent fit for this new role. We are excited to see her thrive as a Student Advisor Liaison and know she will help countless students embark on rewarding careers in the RV industry.”

Tonya Taylor, NRVTA’s Student Advisor Director, added, “Erin has a warm and engaging personality that allows her to truly connect with potential students. She has an incredible ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, which will undoubtedly enhance her ability to guide students through their journey at NRVTA. I am confident she will make a lasting impact on everyone she helps.”

Ortiz is eager to take on her new responsibilities and continue supporting students as they explore opportunities at NRVTA, one of the nation’s top RV training schools. Whether assisting students with RV technician certification, explaining how much it costs to become an RV inspector, or providing guidance on NRVTA programs, Erin is excited to be part of their success stories.

For more information about NRVTA’s programs, including RV training classes and the RV tech course, visit nrvta.com.

The post NRVTA Reports Promotion of Erin Ortiz to Student Advisor first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announced the promotion of Erin Ortiz to the role of Student Advisor Liaison. Ortiz, who joined NRVTA as a Student Concierge earlier this year, has demonstrated exceptional dedication, strong interpersonal skills, and an unwavering commitment to supporting students on their educational journeys.

Hailing from South Texas and now residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Ortiz has a background in hospitality management and a passion for helping others. Her artistic talents, combined with her ongoing studies in accounting and finance, make her a well-rounded and approachable team member. In her new role as Student Advisor Liaison, she will play a key part in guiding prospective students through NRVTA’s diverse offerings, including RV technician training, RV repair training, and RV inspector certification courses.

“Erin has been an invaluable member of the NRVTA team,” said Kelly Bradley, NRVTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “Her dedication to the student experience and her ability to build strong connections with those she serves make her an excellent fit for this new role. We are excited to see her thrive as a Student Advisor Liaison and know she will help countless students embark on rewarding careers in the RV industry.”

Tonya Taylor, NRVTA’s Student Advisor Director, added, “Erin has a warm and engaging personality that allows her to truly connect with potential students. She has an incredible ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, which will undoubtedly enhance her ability to guide students through their journey at NRVTA. I am confident she will make a lasting impact on everyone she helps.”

Ortiz is eager to take on her new responsibilities and continue supporting students as they explore opportunities at NRVTA, one of the nation’s top RV training schools. Whether assisting students with RV technician certification, explaining how much it costs to become an RV inspector, or providing guidance on NRVTA programs, Erin is excited to be part of their success stories.

For more information about NRVTA’s programs, including RV training classes and the RV tech course, visit nrvta.com.

The post NRVTA Reports Promotion of Erin Ortiz to Student Advisor first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.