Month: March 2025

Dometic Mobile Power Solutions has once again captured the top honor in the solar category with its Go Power! brand, earning the prestigious RV.com / Wildsam Reader’s Choice Gold Award for the third consecutive year. This recognition reinforces Dometic’s status as a leading provider of mobile power solutions, particularly in the RV industry, according to a release.

The RV.com / Wildsam Reader’s Choice Awards, powered by Camping World and Good Sam, are among the most respected in the RV community. Every year, millions of passionate readers across North America vote for their favorite brands, accessories, campgrounds, and more. Since the solar category was introduced in 2021, Dometic’s Go Power! has consistently been named the best, a testament to its commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solar power solutions for RV enthusiasts.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the third year in a row,” said Erik Sundin, Head of Mobile Power Solutions at Dometic. “This award is a reflection of our dedication to providing exceptional mobile power solutions and reinforces the trust our customers place in Go Power! to enhance their RV experiences. We look forward to continuing to innovate and lead the way in solar technology for RVers across North America.”

The post Dometic’s Go Power! Wins Reader’s Choice Award for Solar first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: RV industry veterans and RVers Tony and Peggy Barthel created the Stressless Camping podcast to “make the great American RV adventure a StressLess Camping experience.” The program includes RV tips, tricks, hacks and deals for making RVing more fun, less stressful and even safer. Every week there are interviews with people in the RV industry who feature products, services or ideas to make RV life better.

What’s the status of RV repair today? What’s being done to certify more technicians and is there an opportunity for owners to learn more about their RVs? This week we speak with Curtis Hemmeler from the RV Technical Institute about opportunity, repairs and the status of the RV service.

Tony also shares a campground that’s really different and we also have a recipe with a double twist! Of course we have our RV review of something that might be better than an Airstream.

The post Podcast Features Curt Hemmeler on RVTI’s 5th Anniversary first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GERMANY – SAWIKO, the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group’s specialist for towbars and carrier systems for bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, is celebrating 30 years of success, according to a release.

“When we founded SAWIKO in 1995 as a small three-man business, we had a vision of where it would lead – today we offer the AL-KO Group’s complete portfolio for installation on motorhomes and caravans,” explained Guido Kovermann, founder of SAWIKO and Senior Vice President Sales Leisure at AL-KO Vehicle Technology:

“At our site in Neuenkirchen-Vörden, we now serve a broad customer group: end customers, retailers, wholesalers and OEMs. Recently, we have been assembling chassis for Tiny Houses and overseeing our online store activities in a purpose-built hall. Thanks to our great team, we not only offer our customers first-class products, but also a premium service – and our continuous growth speaks for itself,” Kovermann said.

Harald Hiller, president and CEO AL-KO Vehicle Technology, said: “The acquisition of SAWIKO in 2011 was a key strategic step in strengthening our presence in the European aftermarket. Since then, we have established nine customer centers across Europe, which has considerably strengthened our proximity to customers and partners. I would like to thank Guido Kovermann for his visionary spirit, his creativity and his perseverance.”

Dr. Timo Schwickart, senior vice president Sales & Marketing, added: “In his new expanded role as Senior Vice President Sales Leisure, Guido Kovermann now has overall responsibility for operational management, long-term strategic decisions and economic performance. His extensive industry experience and market knowledge make him the perfect person for the job.”

Kovermann reported: “We would like to celebrate our anniversary in style at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf this summer. At the same time, I am gradually withdrawing from the operational business at SAWIKO due to my new role in the Group of Companies.”

“As one of SAWIKO’s co-founders, our Neuenkirchen-Vörden site is particularly close to my heart – letting it go makes me a little wistful,” Kovermann continued. “This is not easy for me, but I am delighted that the baton is being passed to a motivated, young successor in our anniversary year.”

Sven Böttcher, who has already been managing the SAWIKO business together with Kovermann for 18 months, will now take on overall responsibility for the Neuenkirchen-Vörden site, including the customer centers in Elsdorf near Cologne and Kleinkötz in Bavarian Swabia. Böttcher, who has been working with the AL-KO VT Group for ten years, started as a master’s student at the Paderborn site, then became head of the assembly department and from 2019 he was production manager, before moving to SAWIKO in 2023.

Read more about SAWIKO’s history here.

The post AL-KO Group’s SAWIKO Celebrates 30th Anniversary in ’25 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) welcomes Rachel Dewberry as a Student Advisor, bringing her dedication to education, faith and helping others succeed, according to a release. Dewberry’s personal and academic journey makes her a valuable asset to students exploring RV technician training, RV inspector certification, and RV repair training at NRVTA.

Balancing her role as a mother of two while pursuing a degree in Human Resource Development, Dewberry understands the challenges of education and career transitions, the release continued. Her ability to connect with students, guide them through their RV training classes, and support their goals in the RV industry makes her an essential part of the NRVTA team.

Dewberry’s strong Christian faith plays a central role in her life. She and her husband actively engage in missionary work, traveling across the country to share the Gospel and serve others. This passion for helping people is reflected in her work at NRVTA’s RV training school, where she is committed to providing encouragement and direction for students seeking RV technician certification or exploring how to become an RV inspector.

“Rachel’s ability to listen, support, and guide students through their educational journey is exactly what we look for in a Student Advisor,” said Tonya Taylor, director of Student Advisors at NRVTA. “Her firsthand experience balancing education, family, and faith will resonate with many of our students, making her an excellent resource for those considering a career in RV service.”

Whether students are looking for RV tech certification, wondering “how much does it cost to become an RV inspector?”, or simply exploring NRVTA reviews to learn about the premier RV training school, Dewberry is eager to assist.

For more information about NRVTA’s RV tech course offerings, certification programs, and hands-on RV training classes, visit www.nrvta.com.

The post NRVTA Welcomes Rachel Dewberry as Student Advisor first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Sabre Fifth Wheels, a standout brand in the Forest River portfolio, unveiled its 37RVMiles, a feature-packed floorplan designed in collaboration with Forest River Brand Ambassadors Jason and Abby Epperson of RV Miles. “We’ve been RVing for nine years. In that time, we’ve identified features we love and features that could be improved upon,” said Jason. Adds Abby – “Working for over a year with the trusted team at Sabre allowed us the opportunity to explore those ideas and create a fifth wheel that meets the growing needs of our family while providing a flex space that appeals to RVers of all types.”

Spanning 43 feet in length, the exterior boasts a 12-foot and 16-foot powered awning, to keep both the entryway and exclusive Sabre Sun Deck covered. Inside, the Sabre 37RVMiles accommodates the much-needed creature comforts RVers are accustomed to. The kitchen offers ample counter space, a workstation sink including a cutting board, strainer, and built-in cup washer, and a pull-out storage drawer. The living room features a sectional sofa, fireplace, and lift-top ottoman that doubles as a desk or tv-tray.

This floorplan offers ample recreational space with its versatile back room. Equipped with a tri-fold sofa, wardrobe with a built-in desk, and a 70-inch projector screen and smart projector, this room is perfect for study sessions, movie nights, or additional sleeping space. The Sabre Sun Deck is also accessible from the back room. A loft overhead provides additional recreational or sleeping space in this expansive floorplan.

Step storage is provided on the way to the bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom features a spacious shower with a seat and a pull-out linen cabinet. The 37RVMiles also offers a generous bedroom that is prepared for a washer and dryer, features a camper king bed, and smart storage behind the headboard.

“Partnering with RV Miles was a no-brainer,” said Forest River Group General Manager John Quake. “Jason and Abby’s deep understanding of the RV lifestyle helped us craft a floorplan that truly caters to modern travelers. The 37RVMiles is more than just an RV-it’s the perfect escape.” For more information on the 37RVMiles and to find a dealer near you, visit https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/sabre.

The post Forest River Debuts Podcaster-Inspired Sabre ’37RVMiles’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The RVDA Board of Directors approved holding the 2026 RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas at its meeting on March 4th. The 2026 event was previously set to be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  
 
“Caesars Entertainment notified RVDA of the opportunity to host the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas in 2026, which offers more available exhibit space and competitive room rates at both Paris and the nearby Horseshoe hotel,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia. “Paris has consistently delivered a great experience for dealers and exhibitors, and the additional space will provide greater capacity as the association plans for the move to the larger Caesars Forum convention center in 2027.”   

The updated schedule and location for the Convention/Expo over the next three years is now: 

• November 10-14, 2025 – Paris Las Vegas 
• November 9-13, 2026 – Paris Las Vegas 
• November 8-12, 2027 – Caesars Entertainment’s The Forum, Las Vegas 

The annual RV Dealers Convention/Expo brings together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and RV industry business partners for the premier dealer education and networking event of the year. The RV Dealers Convention/Expo is presented by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. 
 
For more information about the 2025 event, visit  www.rvda.org/convention. Companies interested in 2025 Convention/Expo partnership, sponsorship, exhibiting, and Vendor Training +Plus opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or send an email to [email protected]. 

The post RVDA to Hold 2026 Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – After confirming on March 3 that tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico would go into effect, President Trump announced on Thursday, March 6 that he is delaying the 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada until next month for all imports that fall under an existing trade deal between the North American countries, according to a report on the RV Industry Association (RVIA) News and Insights page.

“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” Trump wrote on a Truth Social post, using the acronym for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. “This Agreement is until April 2nd. I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl. Thank you to President Sheinbaum for your hard work and cooperation!”

For additional information, please view the latest White House fact sheet. Duties imposed to address the flow of illicit drugs across US borders are now:

• 25% tariffs on goods that do not satisfy U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin.
• A lower 10% tariff on those energy products imported from Canada that fall outside the USMCA preference.
• A lower 10% tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the USMCA preference.
• No tariffs on those goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for USMCA preference.
• Bookmark for all the latest on tariffs and the impact on the RV industry

Manufacturers are increasingly worried about the future of trade and rising raw material costs according to the Q1 2025 National Association of Manufacturer’s Outlook Survey. 

• In the most recent survey, conducted from Feb. 11 to Feb. 28, trade uncertainties moved to the top of the list of manufacturers’ concerns—with 76.2% of respondents citing them as their primary worry. Increased raw material costs came in second, cited by 62.3% of those surveyed. 
• Read the full email from the National Association of Manufacturers…

The post RVIA Gives Update on Status of Canada, Mexico Tariffs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

INDIANAPOLIS – A bill moving through the Indiana General Assembly is designed to bring smoother sailing to RV sales, according to a report by WNDU, the NBC affiliate based in South Bend, Ind.

Senate Bill 484 was unanimously endorsed Monday by the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

The panel heard that four out of every five RVs made in the United States are made in northern Indiana.

The bill seeks to better regulate the relationship between those who manufacture RVs, and those who sell RVs.

Click here to read the full report by WNDU.

The post Indiana Legislature Discusses Bill on Regulating RV Sales first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), a leading supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, today (March 11) announced that it intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $400 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) in a private placement (the “Offering”) to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

In connection with the Offering, the company expects to grant the initial purchasers of the Notes an option to purchase, within a 13-day period from and including the date on which the Notes are first issued, up to an additional $60 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes (the “Option”). The company also announced that it is launching a proposed senior secured Term Loan B due 2032 in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million.

Notes Offering

The Notes will be general unsecured, senior obligations of the company. Final terms of the Notes, including the initial conversion price, interest rate and certain other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the Offering. The Notes will bear interest, payable semi-annually in arrears, and the Notes will mature on March 1, 2030, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding Nov. 1, 2029, noteholders may convert their Notes at their option only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods. On or after Nov. 1, 2029 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, noteholders may convert all or any portion of their Notes at any time.

The company will settle conversions by paying cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be converted and paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of the company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the company’s common stock, at its election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of its conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being converted, based on the then applicable conversion rate. Noteholders will have the right to require the company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes.

The company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering to fund the cost of entering into the convertible note hedge transactions described below (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the Company from the sale of the warrants under the warrant transactions described below). The company also expects to use the remaining net proceeds from the Offering, together with cash on hand (if necessary), to repurchase (i) a portion of its outstanding 1.125% convertible senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and (ii) up to $50.0 million of shares of the company’s common stock concurrently with the pricing of the Offering, in each case, as described below. If the initial purchasers exercise the Option, then the company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the additional Notes to fund the cost of entering into additional convertible note hedge transactions (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the company from the sale of the warrants under the additional warrant transactions). The company expects to use the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

Concurrently with the pricing of the Notes in the Offering, the company expects to enter into one or more separate and individually negotiated transactions with certain noteholders of the 2026 Notes to repurchase for cash a portion of the 2026 Notes. The terms of the 2026 Notes repurchases are anticipated to be individually negotiated with each such noteholder of the 2026 Notes and will depend on several factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock and the trading price of the 2026 Notes at the time of such 2026 Notes repurchases. No assurance can be given as to how much, if any, of the 2026 Notes will be repurchased or the terms on which they will be repurchased. The company expects to negotiate the 2026 Notes repurchases with or through one of the initial purchasers and/or its affiliate. Holders of the 2026 Notes that are repurchased as described above may enter into or unwind various derivatives with respect to the company’s common stock (including entering into derivatives with one or more of the initial purchasers in this offering or their respective affiliates) and/or purchase or sell shares of the Company’s common stock, which in the case of the 2026 Note repurchases, are expected to occur concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Notes.

In connection with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, the company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the “Existing Convertible Note Hedge Transactions”) and warrant transactions (the “Existing Warrant Transactions,” and, together with the Existing Convertible Note Hedge Transactions, the “Existing Call Spread Transactions”) with certain financial institutions (the “Existing Option Counterparties”). If the company repurchases any of its 2026 Notes, then the company may enter into agreements with the Existing Option Counterparties concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Offering to unwind a portion of: (i) the Existing Convertible Note Hedge Transactions in a notional amount corresponding to the principal amount of 2026 Notes repurchased and (ii) the Existing Warrant Transactions with respect to a number of shares of the company’s common stock equal to the notional shares underlying the 2026 Notes repurchased. In connection with any such terminations and the related unwinding of the existing hedge position of the Existing Option Counterparties, such Existing Option Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates may sell shares of the Company’s common stock in secondary market transactions and/or unwind various derivative transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock, which may occur concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Notes. Repurchases of the 2026 Notes and any unwind of the Existing Call Spread Transactions described above, and the potential related market activities by noteholders of the 2026 Notes that are repurchased by the company and the Existing Option Counterparties, as applicable, could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) or decrease (or reduce the size of any increase in) the market price of the company’s common stock, which may affect the trading price of the Notes at that time and, to the extent effected concurrently with the pricing of the Notes, the initial conversion price of the Notes. The company cannot predict the magnitude of such market activity or the overall effect it will have on the price of the Notes or the company’s common stock.

In connection with the pricing of the Notes, the company expects to enter into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers or affiliates thereof and/or other financial institutions (the “Option Counterparties”). These transactions will cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of the company’s common stock that will initially underlie the Notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments the company is required to make in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the Notes.

The company also expects to enter into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the Option Counterparties at a higher strike price relating to the same number of shares of the company’s common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company will sell warrants to the Option Counterparties. The warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company’s outstanding common stock and the company’s earnings per share to the extent that the market price per share of the company’s common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of those warrants.

If the initial purchasers exercise the Option, the company expects to enter into additional convertible note hedge transactions and additional warrant transactions with the Option Counterparties, which will initially cover the number of shares of the company’s common stock that will initially underlie the additional Notes sold to the initial purchasers.

The company has been advised that in connection with establishing their initial hedges of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions, the Option Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates expect to enter into various derivative transactions with respect to the Company’s common stock and/or purchase shares of the company’s common stock concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Notes. This activity could have the effect of increasing (or reducing the size of any decrease in) the market price of the company’s common stock and/or the Notes at that time. The Option Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to the company’s common stock and/or purchasing or selling the company’s common stock or other securities of the company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to the maturity of the Notes (and the Option Counterparties and/or their respective affiliates are likely to do so in connection with any conversion of the Notes or redemption or repurchase of the Notes).

The potential effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of the company’s common stock or the Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time, but any of these activities could adversely affect the value of the company’s common stock, which could affect the ability of noteholders to convert the Notes, the value of the Notes and the amount of cash and the number of and value of the shares of the company’s common stock, if any, noteholders would receive upon conversion of the Notes.

The company also expects to repurchase up to $50.0 million of shares of the company’s common stock concurrently with the pricing of the Offering using the net proceeds of the Offering. The company expects to repurchase such shares from purchasers of the Notes in privately negotiated transactions effected with or through one of the initial purchasers and/or its affiliate. These share repurchases could increase, or reduce the size of any decrease in, the market price of the company’s common stock, including concurrently with the pricing of the Notes, resulting in a higher effective conversion price for the Notes. The company cannot predict the overall effect that such share repurchases will have on the price of the Notes or the company’s common stock. In addition, no assurance can be given as to how much, if any, of the company’s common stock will be repurchased or the terms on which they will be repurchased.

This press release is not an offer to repurchase the 2026 Notes or any shares of the company’s common stock and the Offering of the Notes is not contingent upon the 2026 Notes repurchases or the share repurchases described above.

The offer and sale of the Notes and the shares of the company’s common stock, if any, issuable upon conversion of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and the Notes and such shares may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Any offers of the Notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum. The Notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the applicable private offering memorandum.

Proposed Credit Facility

The company is launching a proposed senior secured Term Loan B due 2032 in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million (the “New Term Loan”). The company anticipates that the New Term Loan B will be documented in a new credit facility (the “Proposed Credit Facility”) that will include a $600 million revolving credit facility maturing in 2030. The company currently intends to use the proceeds from the New Term Loan, together with any revolving loans to be drawn under the Proposed Credit Facility, to prepay in full all indebtedness outstanding under its existing credit agreement dated Dec. 14, 2018 with JPMorgan, as a lender and administrative agent, and other bank lenders, to pay any fees and expenses in connection therewith and to fund any original issue discount in respect of such term loans.

The terms of the Proposed Credit Facility will be disclosed upon completion of the transactions. There can be no assurances that the company will be successful in its marketing efforts or that it will be able to enter into the Proposed Credit Facility. Closing of the Proposed Credit Facility, which is anticipated to occur before the end of the first quarter of 2025, is subject to market conditions, as well as the negotiation and execution of definitive documents and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

About LCI Industries

LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), through its Lippert subsidiary, is a global leader in supplying engineered components to the outdoor recreation and transportation markets. We believe our innovative culture, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and dedication to enhancing the customer experience have established Lippert as a reliable partner for both OEM and aftermarket customers.

The post LCI Industries Announces Proposed Offering of $400M first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RV consumer rally season gets underway in an impressive way in March with the Family RV Association (FRVA) – formerly known as the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) – among several key national retail event organizers rolling out spring shows for thousands of current and prospective RV consumers from coast to coast.

FRVA’s 110th International Convention & RV Expo takes place the rest of this week, March 12-15 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Ga. – site of 13 previous FMCA conventions – in an event that had logged registrations for some 1,400 coach owners and prospective RVers at last count, according to Pamela Kay, director of communications for the venerable Cincinnati-based, not-for-profit club.

“It’s a great opportunity for RV owners to get together with people who share their passion for the lifestyle,” said Kay regarding her organization’s first international convention under its new name introduced last year to more fully reflect its membership, which currently encompasses owners of all types of RVs.

This year’s FRVA rally will include “RV Essentials” seminars tooled for those who are simply “RV curious” and not necessarily current coach owners, said Kay, whose 120,000-member Cincinatti, Ohio-based organization is planning to facilitate two national rallies a year going forward while billing itself as the world’s largest not-for-profit association for RV owners. “They can attend seminars on topics ranging from chassis maintenance to microwave cooking,” she told RVB. “There are exhibits for them to view. There’ll be RVs on display at the RV Expo as well as all kinds of components for people to see. Any imaginable RV-related product will be on display.”

Just for fun – and fun is clearly still an essential ingredient in FRVA’s rally formula — this week’s convention is embracing a pirate-related theme. “There’ll be live entertainment along the way,” added Kay. “They have some special events taking place related to a theme of ‘Return to Perry: Lafitte’s Lost Treasure.’ It’s loosely based on French pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte. They’re doing a lot of fun pirate-related things including a drop-anchor, meet-and-greet and a ‘Buccaneer Boom Fest Fireworks Show.’

Rally attendees will also have an opportunity to meet influencers Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts and producers of the Discovery Channel’s “RV There Yet?” travel series, now beginning its fourth season. “They will be filming a future episode of ‘RV There Yet?’ during the convention,” said Kay, “and they’re actually taking over the Georgia Grown Building and turning it into the ‘RV There Yet? Discovery Zone.’ They’ll have an interactive RV marketplace going there with product demos and seminars. Some Winnebago RVs will be featured in there. And then, there’s an area where people can watch past episodes of the RV show.”

Among the other key national rallies currently on deck is the Escapees RV Club’s Escapade, a well known annual event taking place March 16-21 in Tucson, Ariz. And while it’s the organization’s 64^th Escapade and is open to both on-site campers and walk-in attendees, it’s actually the first under the auspices of new owner Harvest Hosts which announced its acquisition of the 46-year-old Carr family’s member-organization in mid-2024.

With it came greatly expanded campground options for Escapees members.

This being Livingston, Texas-based Harvest Host’s largest annual event with a wide variety of seminars, social gatherings, nightly entertainment and vendor options, the 2025 Escapade at the Pima County Fairgrounds also caters to new RVers.

In addition, high-profile Texas-based dealership Fun Town RV’s busy DFW RV Party is set to take place March 13 to 16 at the iconic AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. In fact, Fun Town CEO Jarrod McGhee calls it the “biggest and best” show in Texas, with last year’s rendition having drawn an estimated 50,000 attendees.

“We are thrilled to bring the DFW RV Party back to AT&T Stadium,” said McGhee in a release, adding that this year’s show will feature expanded exhibit space and a greater variety of vendors. “Our goal is to create an experience that transcends a regular RV show – to make it a true party with free parking, admission and family fun for all. This event is our way of celebrating the RV community and offering them the best of what Fun Town RV offers.”

Overland Expo SoCal, in turn, is slated for March 15-16 at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., and is billed as “the world’s premier event for overland adventure enthusiasts, drawing thousands of attendees looking to shop the latest brands in adventure travel gear, participate in the event’s education sessions and enjoy entertainment like film showcases and live music.”

 This being the expo’s first year in California, where a strong local community of off-road enthusiasts combined with access to abundant public lands and trails contributes to Southern California’s reputation as an overlanding hub, Overland Expo SoCal “will showcase more than 300 top-tier gear exhibitors, 50 expert instructors and more than 100 hours of hands-on education, live demonstrations and workshops tailored to all experience levels.”

This Overland event is expected to draw thousands of showgoers. “This may be our first event in Southern California, but we feel right at home in such an active overlanding community,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “Camping is already sold out, and we’re expecting thousands of attendees in addition to more than 300 exhibitors – all of which will help make this event a success.”  

The post FRVA, Escapees, Fun Town & Overland Rallies Underway first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.