EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to a technical glitch, the link to this video that was posted last week did not function properly. We’ve re-posted the video again today so that everyone may have an opportunity to watch the video, as it contains important information on several pieces of legislation that will require advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry .
In this episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk, RV Dealers Association (RVDA) President Phil Ingrassia and RV Industry Association Vice President-Government Affairs Jason Rano join RVB’s Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg for an update on the latest federal and state issues affecting the RV industry and its dealer body. Topics include the Camper and Travel Trailer Parity Act and regulations enacted by the California Air Resources Board, as well as other advocacy efforts underway.
FRVA president Paul Mitchell addresses a group of members who traveled from the western region. (Photos by Tony Barthel)
PERRY, Ga. – The Family RV Association (FRVA) concluded its 2025 convention in Perry, Ga., with just under 1,500 RVs – of which 352 were brought by first-time attendees. As usual, feedback was mixed by some but the overall vibe and feeling by many was overwhelmingly positive. FRVA is the new name for the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), which started in 1963 to serve members with motor coaches and has grown to some 55,000 members at present.
“I feel this is one of the best conventions we’ve done in a few years,” said FRVA President Paul Mitchell, “I really got some great vibes out of everyone I’ve talked to.”
In fact, RVBusiness stopped quite a few first-time attendees on the various pathways during the convention – and there wasn’t one who was disappointed that they attended. One individual stated, “this is much, much more than I could have imagined.” First-time attendees were easy to spot as they had a red ribbon on their badges.
The FRVA has seen a decline in membership in the past few years, not unlike many other membership-based organizations, but Mitchell indicated that the management recognizes this and is working to stem the tide. Among the actions being taken is simply telephoning those whose membership has lapsed. According to Wayne Cernie, Western Area vice president, “Some of the people we’ve called didn’t even know their membership didn’t just automatically renew.”
FRVA Vice President Bob Weithofer told RVBusiness that he’d like to see the membership rise, and the organization is working on affecting that change which inlcues events like the 2025 convention. “They’re great for getting the word out about the FRVA,” added Mitchell.
Patrice and Kevin McCabe of “RV There Yet.”
One of the bigger changes to this year’s event was having the hosts from the TV show “RV There Yet,” Patrice and Kevin McCabe. The duo was given an entire hall and filled it with RV demonstrations and various product examples that the couple endorses.
“We were delighted that they gave us an entire building,” said Patrice McCabe. “We brought our entire (film) crew here.”
“It was a tall task but we’re so glad we did it,” said Kevin McCabe. “We’re getting great feedback from the vendors and from the members of the FRVA.”
Jim Metry from Soft Cell water softeners
On the subject of vendors, RVBusiness spoke with several and, while some weren’t pleased, most had positive feedback, including repeat vendor Jim Metry from Soft Cell water softeners who has been to Perry multiple times. “My business is having a presence – if they don’t see you they don’t know you,” he said.
Rob Case from RVOvernights was equally happy, stating “The show’s been great.” RVOvernights is a company that matches RVers with places they can stop overnight, and Case announced a partnership with the FRVA to offer a reduced rate to FRVA members of $29 per year with that number being good for life.
Paul and Anthony Hunckler of Magne Shade
Magne Shade founder Roger Hunckler said, “we were slammed from the moment we opened our doors.” Magne Shade is a fixture at many of these RV shows and has recently added more of their magnetic window covering options for towables, putting them in line with the FRVA.
Adventure Genie debuted its travel planning service at this convention two years ago and, “We have had three of us doing demos the whole time. It’s been really good,” said Scott Lengel.
Bernie Culliton of Camper’s Inn RV expressed a positive outlook on the people who had taken tours of the Tiffin RVs he was showing, but were cautious about spending the money here. Most were hoping to be able to move into a change once things settle down, he said. Certainly, the roller coaster that has been the news from Washington is causing some buyers to put a lot more caution in their spending, at least for the short term.
Bernie Culliton of Camper’s Inn RV
“Typically we see a lot of trade-ins here,” said Culliton. “The people at an FRVA Convention are generally RVers so they’ve already arrived with something, but not always.”
Back to working on growing the organization itself, a number of plans are in place to stem the number of people jumping ship. There is a Pathfinder membership for those who might be RV curious and the club has instituted a monthly payment option for the $99 dues price. But as to that price, there has been push-back as costs of running the organization has forced the price to go up.
“I am committed to not taking any more out than we have to,” continued Mitchell, “This is your money.” During his seminar, he detailed a lot of steps the organization is taking to reduce internal costs and make changes to either better serve members or eliminate expenses. One consideration is moving the organization’s print magazine to all-digital format. In fact this has been a step a number of other RV-related publications have moved to.
The theme for this year’s Convention is Lafitte’s Lost Treasure and many attendees had their RVs decorated with pirate-themed items and a few were actually decked-out themselves.
The organization has seen a number of changes in recent years, one of which is that they have gone from only admitting motorized RVs to accepting towables as well. The organization started in 1963 with a group of bus conversion owners forming a club. Today the organization offers all sorts of discounts and benefits to members, including a medical assist program that can spirit home an RVer’s rig and family members if there is a medical emergency while they are on the road.
This program has gotten much more expensive in the recent past and is a component of why the dues has had to be raise, but Mitchell indicated that the insurance provider wants the program to be for all members or for none.
The FRVA has two major conventions per year with the second one scheduled for July 16-19 in Gillette, Wyo. In addition, there are regional and special-interest chapters across North America with gatherings and organized caravans.
WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2025) – Despite increased demand, gas prices dipped lower this week, with today’s national average at $3.07 per gallon, about 3 cents lower than a week ago. This drop at the pump comes as many travelers gear up to hit the road for spring break and drivers may be surprised to find gas under $3 in 31 states, according to an American Automobile Assocation (AAA) report.
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remains the same at 34 cents.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.87 million b/d last week to 9.18. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1, leaving them slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.07, about 8 cents lower than a month ago and 31 cents less than a year ago.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI increased $1.43 to settle at $67.68 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 435.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.
Quick Gas and Electricity Stats
Gas
The nation’s top10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.66), Hawaii ($4.54), Washington ($4.08), Nevada ($3.74), Oregon ($3.71), Alaska ($3.40), Arizona ($3.35), Illinois ($3.25), Pennsylvania ($3.23), and Idaho ($3.19).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Texas ($2.66), Kentucky ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.72), Tennessee ($2.73), Arkansas ($2.78), Alabama ($2.75), South Carolina ($2.76) and North Carolina ($2.78).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (56 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (45 cents), Idaho (43 cents), South Carolina (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), and Alaska (41 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Nebraska (26 cents), Delaware (29 cents), Iowa (29 cents), Michigan (29 cents), North Dakota (30 cents), Utah (30 cents), and Texas (30 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
EXETER, U.K. – Scanstrut debuted the TILE Series, a sleek and powerful new USB charging solution engineered specifically for RV interiors. Combining cutting-edge performance with elegant design, TILE sets a new standard for compact, high-quality charging.
The TILE Series features a refined bezel available in matte black or premium 316 stainless steel, ensuring seamless integration into luxury RV interiors. With a compact 40mm (1.57”) footprint and a hassle-free installation requiring just a 29mm (1.14”) hole saw, TILE is designed to elevate both form and function in your mobile living space.
TILE delivers exceptional power, charging at 36W on a 12V system and up to 60W on a 24V system. This makes it an ideal solution for fast-charging modern laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other USB-C-powered devices while on the road.
Renowned for its high-quality engineered products in the marine sector, Scanstrut applies the same rigorous engineering and testing standards to TILE, ensuring durability and performance that match the demands of both marine and RV environments.
“TILE is an exciting new range of products for Scanstrut as it combines our renowned USB charging into a new low profile modern design – perfect for RV interiors, while still maintaining the engineering and design capabilities of our other existing proven products.” George Bowles – Head of Design
TILE marks the beginning of Scanstrut’s expansion into the RV market, with additional RV-specific products set to launch later this summer. Stay connected and follow Scanstrut’s social channels for the latest updates.
About Scanstrut
Scanstrut is an international market leader in the design and manufacture of innovative solutions for marine, off-road, commercial, and industrial environments.
Most dealers are tracking their data on a yearly and monthly basis. But at a business as fast-paced as a dealership, there’s a lot that can fly under the radar in a month or even a week’s time.
Many dealers still aren’t fully harnessing the potential of their dealership management system (DMS), especially when it comes to using data to identify concerning trends early on. The DMS should be treated at the dealership’s command center, centralizing data, transactions, and workflows to fuel strategic decision-making and maximize business performance on a weekly, if not daily basis.
That’s right: there are a few key metrics that you should be tracking every day to ensure that things are running smoothly.
Key Daily Metrics
Tracking key metrics daily is essential for identifying concerning trends early, allowing for timely course corrections. Consistently monitoring data across all locations—and comparing performance day-over-day, month-over-month, and year-over-year—ensures that dealers can react quickly and make informed decisions that drive long-term success.
“If you can’t inspect it, you can’t track it,” says Don Miller, Senior Data Innovation Manager at IDS. “If you can’t track it, there is no accountability. If there is no accountability, there is no motivation for change. Don’t expect what you can’t inspect. Your data is like gold. Mine it often.”
BUENA PARK, Calif. – Trim-Lok, a leading manufacturer of custom and off-the-shelf extruded rubber and plastic trims, seals, and gaskets, announced the release of its all-new “Catalog 800.” This comprehensive update features a fresh, modern design, new products, and an expanded design guide, helping customers discover solutions they didn’t know Trim-Lok offered, according to a release.
Catalog 800 introduces exciting new parts, providing even more solutions for a variety of industries and project needs. With its enhanced and user-friendly layout, the catalog highlights Trim-Lok’s high-quality parts and innovative solutions, making it easier than ever for customers to find the right products for their specific applications.
Additionally, the expanded Design Guide has been significantly enhanced, with a newly updated Materials Guide, a comprehensive Adhesives Guide, and detailed information on Trim-Lok’s value-added operations, including services such as cut-to-length, color matching, slip coating, and more. The catalog also highlights Trim-Lok’s advanced capabilities in manufacturing frames and O-rings, along with an expanded section on our custom design solutions. Whether you’re seeking specialized solutions or looking to optimize your designs, the updated guide offers essential technical information and expert insights to help engineers and designers make informed decisions.
“We’re excited to offer our customers an upgraded catalog that not only looks great but is packed with new parts and valuable information to support their projects,” said Dan Whitener, VP & COO at Trim-Lok. “With our commitment to quality and innovation, we’re confident that Catalog 800 will be a go-to resource for engineers and designers.”
To get your hands on this must-have catalog, simply visit Trim-Lok’s website at www.trimlok.com and request a free, printed copy to be mailed to you, or scan the QR code.
ABOUT TRIM-LOK, INC.
Established in 1971 in Southern California, Trim-Lok specializes in premium extruded plastic and rubber trims and seals. With over five decades of experience, Trim-Lok has earned recognition as an industry leader, delivering innovative solutions backed by unparalleled engineering and quality control.
As a global leader in thermoplastic and thermoset rubber profile extrusions, Trim-Lok prides itself on its ability to meet the most challenging requirements for top-quality plastic and rubber trim and seal parts. Our highly skilled team excels in designing parts and tooling, fabricating them to exact specifications to ensure performance and value.
Trim-Lok maintains rigorous quality control standards, utilizing only the highest quality automotive-grade raw materials and investing in modern equipment and highly skilled employees experienced in all phases of manufacturing and production. Our commitment to reliability, efficiency, and repeatability is evident in every product we deliver.
For more information, please visit www.trimlok.com.
PERU, Ind. — Chinook RV announced a strategic partnership with Berryland Campers, a reputable dealership in the RV industry, to enhance the manufacturer’s reach in the Southern markets. This collaboration reflects Chinook’s commitment to providing top-notch motorhomes and exceptional customer service, according to a release.
“At Chinook RV, we pride ourselves on manufacturing high-quality, Four-Season Certified B+ motorhomes and innovative Class B vans designed to elevate your travel experience. Our dedication to craftsmanship and durability ensures that adventurers can enjoy the freedom of the open road with confidence. “The Perfect Combination of Luxury and Adventure,” said Factory Representative Seth Buchheit.
The collaboration with Berryland Campers represents a pivotal milestone for both companies, the release continued. As a prominent dealer based near Baton Rouge, La., Berryland Campers provides an ideal dealership for Chinook RV to exhibit its premium motorhomes to a broader audience of outdoor enthusiasts eager to embark on their next adventure in the great outdoors.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Berryland Campers,” said Phil Rizzio, owner of Chinook RV. “This partnership not only allows us to introduce our quality motorhomes to more customers but also aligns with our mission to provide unparalleled service, ensuring that each customer has an exceptional RV ownership experience.”
Join Chinook RV at the Berryland Campers Dealer Open House show from March 14-16, where the company will display its latest models. This is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to experience firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that define Chinook RV, the release stated, along with the excellent customer service that Berryland Campers is known for.
“We look forward to connecting with the local RV community in Baton Rouge and helping create lasting memories for adventurers across the Southern region,” the release concluded.
VAIL, Colo. – Harvest Hosts, a membership program offering RVers access to 9,000+ unique RV camping locations, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, has released its 2025 RV Travel Trends Report, uncovering key insights into how RVers are planning their travels in the coming year. The survey shows a continued enthusiasm for RV life, rising interest in homegrown adventures and how the economy is impacting the summer travel season.
“RV travel saw a huge boom following the pandemic, and even as other forms of travel are back on the rise, bookings show consistent excitement for taking to the open road,” said Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts. “We are seeing increased interest in more unexplored experiences, cost-effective travel and pet-friendly options bringing people back to the good old fashioned American road trip.”
RV There Yet?
Uncertain times call for flexible travel – and it doesn’t get more flexible than driving your own hotel around.
The report found that 45% of RVers plan trips less than two months out.
Of those, Gen Z and Millennials are loving the last minute vacay, with 38% reporting they plan trips just 2-3 weeks out.
To make quick decisions on the road about where to head next, Gen Z and Millennials are relying on visual online sources (photos, blogs and videos) whereas older generations are relying on tried and true travel guides for inspiration.
What’s more, pets are driving travel decisions – 52% of RVers travel with pets, and 5% travel with both pets and children – as road travel makes it easier to take the entire family.
The Gilmore Girls Effect – Where RVers Lead, More RVers Will Follow
Where West Coast and Southwest destinations dominated 2024 travel, RVers are looking to the Northeast for their 2025 vacations.
25% of RVers want to explore the Northeast in 2025.
The east coast is most popular with seasoned RVers 55 and up, but the region is still more popular overall with each age group in 2025 than in 2024 – offering RVers the ability to easily go from one state to another in just a few hours.
While the Northeast is trending (hello Stars Hollow), RVers are dreaming beyond this year and have big ambitions on the horizon, looking even further north.
RVers top bucket list destinations include Alaska and Canada
RVers top bucket list National Parks include Yellowstone, Glacier and the Grand Canyon
Americans are Going Back to Their Roots, Literally
Two-thirds (65%) of RVers expressed interest in agritourism, with plant-based farms such as vineyards and orchards ranking as the most sought-after experiences.
Unique, unexplored homegrown travel is particularly popular with younger generations. Half of 18-34-year-old RVers are very interested in exploring agritourism, specifically farms with animals.
While most want to explore and visit farms, 19% are also taking it one step further and said they want to actively work on a farm during their travels.
The Best Seats in Economy Are…on the Road
As inflation and rising costs continue to impact Americans’ daily lives, how and when they can travel is seeing this impact.
When families weigh the cost of their annual summer vacation, 61% of RVers who travel with children under 18 report spending less than $8,000 per year on RV travel
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of RVers report spending less than $10,000 per year on RV ownership and travel costs, making RVing an affordable long-term travel option – especially compared to air travel.
Battling Campground Tent-sion & Road Travel Woes
While RVing can alleviate a lot of the traditional travel anxiety, RVers report they are most anxious about encountering crowded campgrounds (59%) and a lack of campsite availability (53%) when out on the road.
For about two-thirds (59%) of RVers, apps help ease travel planning and stress. Membership programs like Harvest Hosts and Escapees RV Club offer solutions for campsite availability challenges.
Insurance also plays a key role in feeling prepared. RVers mainly consider insurance options that cover physical damage for their RV (70%), total loss replacement (64%), and full-time RV coverage (58%) – and price is a major decision maker in choosing which insurance to buy.
As the RV lifestyle continues to evolve, these insights offer a roadmap for the industry to adapt and meet the needs of modern travelers. Whether it’s through new technology, expanded campground options, or immersive travel experiences, RVing remains one of the most flexible and rewarding ways to explore the world.
Harvest Hosts, the largest private RV camping network in North America, provides a complete network of offerings to streamline the road travel and camping experience – with a collection of companies that includes Escapees RV Club, one of the oldest RV organizations bringing community events, education, discounts and more; Boondockers Welcome, a community of RVers allowing guests to stay overnight on their property for free; CampScanner, an alert service to book sold-out campgrounds; and Brit Stops, a membership connecting motorhome tourists in the UK and Ireland with small businesses for overnight stays. The company’s mission is to advance the technology and accessibility of the RVing and campground industry, making traveling while supporting national parks, local small businesses and communities easier than ever.
Progressive Insurance is well known for its outstanding personal and commercial auto, home, boat, and motorcycle insurance policies, offering great coverage at affordable rates, but it’s also one of the leading specialty RV insurers in the country too! Whether you’re a full-time RVer, digital nomad, snowbird, or weekend warrior, chances are you’ll find coverage to meet your needs.
In this episode of WCM’s Supplier Showcase, Woodall’s Campground Magazine – a sister publication of RVBusiness – highlights Century Chemical and the variety of products it produces to keep waste from becoming an issue at the campground and in an RV.
Century Chemical also highlights its vendor program, which allows park owners to sell its product lines directly to campers.
