Month: April 2025

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Insider Perks, a leading innovator in marketing and artificial intelligence solutions tailored specifically for outdoor hospitality providers, announced a transformative update to its “Campy” AI Chatbot service, according to a press release.

Campy, renowned for delivering instantaneous and accurate responses around-the-clock, now introduces a revolutionary feature that allows guests to effortlessly complete campground reservations directly within the chatbot interface.

With this significant enhancement, guests gain an unprecedented level of convenience and interaction. Users can now easily check campsite availability in real-time, browse through detailed, high-quality site photos, explore comprehensive pricing structures, and swiftly find the perfect camping spot suited to their preferences. Utilizing cutting-edge AI Vision technology, Campy can intelligently analyze campground site maps, providing personalized recommendations that closely align with each guest’s specific needs, such as site size, amenities, proximity to facilities, and scenic preferences, the release stated.

Furthermore, Campy seamlessly navigates users through every step of the reservation process. It meticulously gathers all necessary information, including guest preferences, referral sources, and special requests, ensuring a streamlined and personalized booking experience. After completing these preliminary steps, Campy provides guests with a secure, user-friendly link that connects them directly to the campground’s existing reservation system. This integration guarantees full PCI Compliance through the reservation system’s native secure payment processing, thereby ensuring the utmost safety and confidence for each transaction.

Brian Searl, Founder & CEO of Insider Perks, emphasized the significant industry impact of this development: “At Insider Perks, our mission has always been to continuously enhance and redefine convenience and customer engagement within the outdoor hospitality sector. The introduction of direct reservation capabilities within our Campy AI chatbot significantly elevates the guest experience. It delivers instant, accurate, and personalized booking interactions that not only delight guests but also dramatically improve operational efficiency for campground owners and operators. This truly positions our clients at the leading edge of hospitality innovation.”

Demonstrating the value and practicality of this advanced technology, Verde Ranch RV Resort, a prominent property managed by CRR Hospitality, has become the inaugural launch partner for Campy’s new reservation capabilities. Mike Harrison of Verde Ranch RV Resort shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to significantly enhance guest satisfaction: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of adopting Insider Perks’ innovative reservation technology. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Campy’s intuitive reservation process enriches our guests’ experiences and sets a new standard for what visitors can expect from a premier campground and RV resort.”

Beyond chat-based interactions, Insider Perks is already preparing for the imminent expansion of its advanced reservation capabilities to its groundbreaking AI Voice service. In the coming weeks, guests will have the option to effortlessly book complete reservations via natural and intuitive voice conversations over the phone. This upcoming enhancement further highlights Insider Perks’ dedication to setting new benchmarks in customer-centric technology, offering multiple channels of easy, seamless reservation access.

Campground owners interested in experiencing this powerful reservation technology firsthand can join Insider Perks’ CampVantage program for only $99 per month, gaining immediate access to advanced AI capabilities. With flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing starting as low as $0.25 per chat (based on chat duration), owners can efficiently manage costs while providing exceptional guest service.

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LAS VEGAS – Fantasy RV Tours (FRVT), the world’s leader in curated RV caravans and rallies, hosted another successful fundraising event at its Homecoming Rally, raising over $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, according to a release.

The 2025 event was held from March 19-23 at the Talona Ridge Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains near East Ellijay, Ga. This popular annual rally brings frequent and first-time travelers together to connect, meet the company’s tour leaders and staff, and enjoy a week of fun and camaraderie. 

This year’s event included a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Georgia/Tennessee border, daily activities, travelogue seminars, social events, and more. A highlight of the week is always the live charity auction, featuring wrapped mystery boxes with a gag gift “clue” on top. Although they do not know what was in each box, FRVT guests have fun bidding and imagining what their prize might be.

During the two-hour charity auction, FRVT guests raised $52,167. FRVT and its Founder & CEO, Nel Filliger, matched the donations, bringing the grand total to $104,335, which will make at least 10 wishes come true. This year’s funds go directly to Make-A-Wish Georgia, an organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. 

“Make-A-Wish is a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Filliger. “We have been supporting this charity since 2015 and have raised nearly $600,000 to help make wishes come true, just like they did for my grandson, Dylan.”

Filliger’s grandson, Dylan Prunty, passed away at age 16 of a rare and painful genetic disease. He spent most of his short life in Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. To manage the pain he became an expert at building intricate LEGO sets. His wish was to visit Legoland and ride a train. Make-A-Wish learned of Dylan and made his wish come true. Not only did he get to enjoy a dream weekend at Legoland, but he also got to work with LEGO Master Builders to design a replica of the Children’s Hospital and returned home via a train ride with his family. 

“Make-A-Wish captures the heartfelt wish of each child,” said Filliger. “And then they organize everything. It means the world to the child, and to their families.”

“We are grateful to our guests for embracing this charity along with us, and to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for allowing us to support their mission of impacting and uplifting children and their families in the midst of difficult medical treatments,” added Filliger. 

About Fantasy RV Tours

Fantasy RV Tours is the leader in curated RV caravans and rallies, with 100 popular routes and destinations available for guests with varying interests. Over 80,000 guests have experienced Fantasy RV Tours over 35 years and four generations of family involvement. Visit the website: fantasyrvtours.com  

The post Fantasy RV Tours Raises $100K for Make-A-Wish Foundation first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ESSLINGEN, Germany and BIRMINGHAM, U.K. – Energy on the move – that’s what Eberspaecher’s Zeliox energy management system offers, according to a press release.

The ease of installation and fast charging times set new standards in mobile power supply. Following on from Eberspaecher and Zeliox’s successful conclusion of a joint venture agreement, visitors to the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 will be able to experience the product from April 29 to May 1, at Stand 5D101 in Hall 5. 

The Zeliox all-in-one energy management system provides a reliable source of power for a wide range of appliances, from drills and circular saws to superchargers. Available in four different sizes and output classes from 0.65 kWh (50 Ah) to 2.6 kWh (200 Ah), it covers all scopes of use. The system can also be expanded with additional batteries to achieve even better performance. The all-in-one design integrates all the necessary components, making installation in the workshop or service van even easier. This makes installation time incredibly quick: It can be done in a maximum of two hours with just a few screw and cable connections. The system is permanently installed in the vehicle and serves as a mobile power source for operating a wide range of tools or charging batteries.

Wide range of charging options
During the drive, the fast DC/DC converter means that the Zeliox system can be fully charged in a short time via the vehicle’s battery. In the ECO 1 or 2 versions, it can be fully charged in three hours, and in the ECO 3 version, in under six hours. In addition, it can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours via the existing charging infrastructure of an electric vehicle or via an additional 230V connection for the smallest-version ICE vehicles. The user-friendly app makes it simple to use and gives you an overview of the charge status. Optionally, the various consumers can also be overseen in the vehicle via remote control. The Zeliox Control Module required for this serves as a connection box. Directly connected to the battery, it divides the current into six individually programmable channels. This means that tools, work light, or battery charging stations can be selected individually.

Eberspaecher is adding the product family to its portfolio as part of its strategic partnership with Zeliox. In Europe, all versions are available immediately via the usual sales channels.

For technical details of the Zeliox system – see www.eberspaecher-zeliox.com

The post Eberspaecher Debuts Zeliox Energy Management System first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nev. – Android users can now wirelessly monitor and manage their Battle Born smart battery systems through the newly released Battle Born Mobile App, available on the Google Play Store. Developed by Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology and maker of Battle Born Batteries, the app works exclusively with batteries equipped with Dragonfly IntelLigence — the company’s proprietary smart battery technology. It delivers real-time data, system alerts, historical performance insights, and diagnostic capabilities to help users optimize their power systems.

Whether powering an RV, off-grid home, or marine vessel, users can monitor individual batteries or entire battery banks, streamline troubleshooting, and ensure peak performance — all from their Android or iOS device. Designed with an intuitive interface, the app supports multi-battery systems and enables efficient tracking across setups of a variety of sizes.

The Battle Born Mobile App is now available for Android devices on the Google Play Store. The iOS version remains available on the Apple App Store.

To learn more about Battle Born Batteries or explore smart battery options, visit Battle Born Batteries.

For additional information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.

About Dragonfly Energy

Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI) is a comprehensive lithium battery technology company, specializing in cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and full system integration. Through its renowned Battle Born Batteries brand, Dragonfly Energy has established itself as a frontrunner in the lithium battery industry, with hundreds of thousands of reliable battery packs deployed in the field through top-tier OEMs and a diverse retail customer base. At the forefront of domestic lithium battery cell production, Dragonfly Energy’s patented dry electrode manufacturing process can deliver chemistry-agnostic power solutions for a broad spectrum of applications, including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics. The Company’s overarching mission is the future deployment of its proprietary, nonflammable, all-solid-state battery cells.

To learn more about Dragonfly Energy and its commitment to clean energy advancements, visit investors.dragonflyenergy.com.

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BANGKOK — China’s exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year earlier in a last-minute flurry of activity as companies rushed to beat increases in U.S. tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and analysts forecast sharp setbacks ahead, according to an Associated Press report.

Imports fell 4.3% to $211.3 billion in March, the customs administration reported, far exceeded by exports worth $313.9 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $102.6 billion.

“But shipments are set to drop back over the coming months and quarters,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a report. “We think it could be years before Chinese exports regain current levels.”

China’s trade surplus surged to a record $992.2 billion in 2024 and its exports climbed 5.4%, helping to make up for sluggish growth at home as the country slowly recovers from a crisis in its property market and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post China’s Exports Jump 12.4% in March as Tariff Hikes Loom first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

John Hanson and Mike Pearo of Minnesota-based Hilltop Camper and RV discuss the potential impact of tariffs on the RV industry. Pearo is the former chairman of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA).

The post Hilltop’s Mike Pearo Addresses Tariffs’ Impact on RV Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and RV Industry Association (RVIA) continue their efforts to gain approval for the bipartisan Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act (H.R. 332) as a Senate companion bill is expected to be introduced soon.

The Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act was first introduced in the House of Representatives in January by U.S. Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Dina Titus (D-NV).

“Indiana’s Second District is the home of the ‘RV Capital of the World,’ an essential part of our local economy” said Yakym. “I am proud to reintroduce this sensible and bipartisan legislative solution along with Congresswoman Titus that will support the continued growth of the RV industry and ensure Americans can enjoy the natural beauty of our nation through RV travel and outdoor adventures for generations to come.”

“Many families and tourists across the country find the best way to explore our nation’s national parks and beautiful natural landscapes is from an RV,” said Titus. “This bipartisan legislation would help RVs stay competitive with other elements of the recreation industry and allow even more people to explore our country in this unique way.”

This latest activity comes at a time when Congressional leaders will be debating new tax legislation over the next few weeks.

“RVDA and RVIA are working together on this legislation as we have for the past several years,” RVDA President Phil Ingrassia told RVBusiness. “This year we have invested in an online portal that makes it easy for industry members to support the legislation. They simply enter their information and then basically point and click to send a note to their representatives. We’ve had more than 70 dealers use the portal to contact representatives.”

At question is a drafting oversight in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, ensuring that RV dealers can fully deduct interest on floor plan financing for all RVs, including non-motorized towable trailers, which constitute 88% of RV sales.

The current bill would enable all RV dealers to fully deduct the interest on floor plan loans for travel trailers.

Currently, interest on floor plan financing for travel trailers is subject to a 30% limitation based on earnings before interest and taxes for dealers with more than $29 million in annual sales, unlike motorhomes.

Earlier this year, the House version of the bill picked up an additional seven Republican sponsors.

In the past, when legislation was supported by the RV industry, it usually also was supported by other parties interested in outdoor recreation such as marine and powersports.

This particular issue, however, only affects towable RVs, so the industry is largely advocating for the change by itself.

“It’s really important that we activate on this issue as an industry because there isn’t that other vocal support,” Ingrassia said. “It’s a very narrow issue. It’s up to the RV industry to educate Congress on this issue and we really need dealers to help and even if dealers are under the $29 million annual revenue threshold, if they grow, it could impact them. We’ve seen very strong growth in annual revenue and sales and we want that to continue, so we need to get this fixed.”

Dealers who would like to send a letter to their representative or who plan to meet in person are encouraged to visit http://bit.ly/4j6mdsD to access a form letter or to familiarize themselves with talking points.

The post Industry Advocacy Needed as Camper Parity Bill Progresses first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The North American campground business has lost Bud Styer, a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur who mentored and inspired private park operators in Wisconsin and across the country to believe in themselves for nearly 50 years.

Styer died of a massive heart attack on Friday, April 11. He was 72.

“Bud Styer will always be remembered as a visionary leader in the camping and RV park industry,” said Lori Severson, executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO). “He touched more lives and gave more to this industry than anyone will ever know. He will forever remain in my heart.”

WACO presented its first-ever President’s Award to Styer in 2022 in recognition of his more than four decades of service to the industry. Styer not only served on both the WACO and OHI boards, but volunteered his time, talents and insights at countless industry conventions for WACO, OHI and the Campground Owners Expo (COE), which he co-founded with Severson in Branson, Mo., in 2021.

Styer initially worked as a self-employed building contractor who remodeled homes before going into the campground business at the age of 25 with the purchase of his first campground. Private park operators and developers sought Styer’s advice because he was brutally honest with his recommendations, many of which he learned through the school of hard knocks.

“I can tell you in those 40 years everything you could do wrong I’ve done,” Styer told Woodall’s Campground Magazine in a 2022 interview. “But that’s how you become a professional in every field. People trust what I have to say. I’ve spent my own money to find out what works and what doesn’t. I didn’t lose somebody else’s money. I come from the real world of experience.”

That experience included owning and operating several family campgrounds throughout the course of his career and sharing his accumulated wisdom with both existing and aspiring park operators. Severson said Styer’s hands-on expertise has been instrumental in transforming campgrounds across Wisconsin into thriving destinations.

His company, Bud Styer & Associates, LLC, offered comprehensive consulting services, including marketing, operations training and campground improvement strategies aimed at empowering campground owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals.

“I can honestly say, I would not be here in this time and space without Bud,” said Joanne Gauthier, of Hickory Hills Campground in Edgerton, Wis. “I remember the golf cart ride when he said, ‘You guys should buy this place.’ The fact that ‘he’ thought I could own and run a campground was all I needed to hear. I will forever be grateful to Bud for seeing my potential, for knowing I could do this, even when I wasn’t so sure. He was an amazing cheerleader, teacher, mentor and friend. It’s not often in this life that you find a person with a heart like Bud Styer.”

Laurie and Greg Adams issued a statement saying their lives were never the same after Styer came into the picture.

“Greg and I met him in 2008, and from that point on, our lives were forever changed,” Laurie wrote. “We are still deeply in his debt for everything he did for our family, especially as he guided us through the purchase and running of our campground. He lived, breathed, and fully immersed himself in the campground industry. In 2014, he sold us Baraboo Hills Campground and welcomed us like family. He opened our eyes to a life of travel, innovation, and business. He didn’t just show us what to do — he always showed the why. That kind of wisdom is rare.”

The Adams have since sold their campground, but remain grateful to Styer.

“He created a family out of all his campground employees and the owners of the campgrounds he sold,” Laurie wrote, adding, “(Bud’s) legacy will Iive on forever.”

Severson said Styer was always eager to help anyone who needed help. In fact, he couldn’t wait to help her when she purchased Champions Riverside Resort in Galesville.

“When, after years of managing the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, we decided to buy a campground — Bud called me every day to see when the closing was,” Severson recalled, adding, “The Monday after (closing), he showed up with his tractor and equipment and started working on fixing our place up!”

In addition to providing park operators with business advice, Styer was active in government affairs.

“WACO was so very blessed to have Bud advocating for us at the Capitol and working to make things make sense for campground owners in Wisconsin,” Severson said. “He was very much the man behind the immunity law getting passed in 2016. He paraded through the halls of the capital in his signature Hawaiian shirts until they got to know his name. One of the legislators, Andre Jaque, plans to do an adjournment for Bud at the next legislative session. He touched so many lives and was there any time you needed him.”

Styer was also active on state government committees for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Governor’s Small Business Committee, where he advocated for policies that benefit campground operations and outdoor recreation.

Severson said she is grateful to have had Styer working with her to co-found the Campground Owners Expo, an annual event in Branson in early December that is designed to provide education, networking, and resources to campground owners, particularly in regions lacking strong industry associations.

“The expo has become a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering community among campground professionals. This was a dream of Bud’s and I was so thrilled to have him see that dream come true. He always loved that location and knew a lot could be learned from those business owners who operate much like family campgrounds,” she said.

Funeral arrangements for Styer are pending.

The post Campground Industry ‘Visionary Leader’ Bud Styer Passes first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an an editorial from the Saturday, April 12 edition of The Goshen News.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, Gov. Mike Braun signed into law Indiana’s new RV-specific franchise legislation, Senate Bill 484, marking a pivotal moment for the state’s robust RV industry. With the bill set to take effect on July 1, Elkhart County — widely recognized as the RV capital of the world — stands to benefit from this forward-thinking legislation.

SB 484 promises to streamline and protect critical relationships between RV manufacturers and dealers. It seeks to balance the interests of manufacturers and dealers in the highly dynamic and growing RV market. This legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for their partnership, mandating a written manufacturer-dealer agreement and providing clear guidelines for termination, succession, and warranty provisions. The bill creates a well-defined system that encourages fairness and accountability.

Strengthening the integrity of business practices reduces the risk of costly disputes. This creates a more stable and collaborative environment for both manufacturers and dealers. The law further ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations, enhancing transparency in the industry.

THIS LEGISLATION has garnered broad support from key stakeholders, including the RV Industry Association, the RV Indiana Council, and local RV dealers across the state. It is no surprise that this bill has resonated so strongly in Elkhart County, where the RV industry is a cornerstone of the local economy. Our community, with its deep ties to RV manufacturing, is poised to see positive economic impacts because of this legislation. By providing a clear and fair framework for the industry, SB 484 helps eliminates uncertainties that might otherwise hinder growth and innovation within the sector.

This law provides clear warranty terms and dealer protections, strengthening consumer confidence. Improved manufacturer-dealer relationships lead to more efficient production, better customer service, and enhanced quality control — all benefiting consumers.

REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS Sen. Blake Doriot, Rep. Doug Miller, Rep. Joanna King and Rep. Dave Heine deserve recognition for sponsoring this important bill. Their leadership ensures Indiana remains a national leader in the RV industry.

SB 484 is a timely and essential step in modernizing the manufacturer-dealer relationship. This legislation promotes stability and growth, keeping the industry competitive and well-positioned for the future. With strong bipartisan support, it is a clear win for local businesses, consumers, and the future of RVs in Indiana.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Prices at the pump are coming down even though this is the time of year when gas prices go up, according to a report from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Supply and demand are the main reason for the dip. After OPEC+ announced it’s increasing oil production next month by more than 400,000 barrels a day – much more than expected – the price of crude oil has been falling. Oversupply coupled with tepid gasoline demand is resulting in lower pump prices. 

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 8.49 b/d last week to 8.42. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 237.6 million barrels to 236.0. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 8.9 million barrels per day. 

• Today’s National Average:  $3.22 
• One Month Ago: $3.08 
• One Year Ago: $3.61 

Oil Market Dynamics 

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $2.77 to settle at $62.35 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 2.6 million barrels from the previous week. At 442.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

EV Charging 

The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 34 cents. 

State Stats 

Gas 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.92), Hawaii ($4.52), Washington ($4.38), Oregon ($4.00), Nevada ($3.97), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.46), Arizona ($3.39), Pennsylvania ($3.38), and Idaho ($3.35).  

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.73), Tennessee ($2.75), Oklahoma ($2.77), Louisiana ($2.81), South Carolina ($2.81), Texas ($2.82), Kentucky ($2.84), Alabama ($2.84), Arkansas ($2.84), and Kansas ($2.87). 

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), South Carolina (43 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Idaho (41 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), Alaska (40 cents), Louisiana (40 cents), and New Hampshire (40 cents). 

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Iowa (26 cents), North Dakota (26 cents), Nebraska (27 cents), Delaware (27 cents), South Dakota (28 cents), Utah (29 cents), Texas (29 cents), and Maryland (30 cents). 

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.

The post AAA: Increasing, Decreasing – Gas Prices Reverse Course first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.