Month: April 2025

TILLAMOOK, Ore. – Roam America announced the addition of Roam Tillamook to its family of modern RV parks and campgrounds.  The rebranding of the former Old Mill RV Resort property reflects a “commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for travelers while embracing the stunning natural beauty of Tillamook Bay and the picturesque charm of the port of Garibaldi,” according to a release.

With sweeping bayfront views and direct access to the beach, Roam Tillamook offers guests an elevated getaway featuring newly renovated amenities and upgraded facilities. The property boasts 198 spacious RV sites and is designed to cater to contemporary travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

Guests can now enjoy:

• Remodeled Clubhouse: A stylish and refreshed community space that now includes a luxurious sauna for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Modern Private Bathrooms: Say goodbye to traditional stalls! The resort’s redesigned bathhouses feature individual rooms with a shower, vanity, and toilet, ensuring a comfortable and clean experience.
• Variety of RV Sites: 198 spacious sites including premium, back-in, and pull-through, all full hook-up with 30/50 amp
• Upgraded Wi-Fi: Stay connected with ease, thanks to recently enhanced Wi-Fi, perfect for work, streaming, or sharing your adventures.
• Brand-New Play Structure: Families will love the addition of a fun and safe play area designed for kids to enjoy.
• Dining at Kelley’s Place:  Enjoy flavorsome fare and drinks in the welcoming and charmingly rustic atmosphere of Kelley’s Place, the resort’s exclusive 21+ restaurant and bar for adults.
• Local Attractions: Situated within walking distance from the Port of Garibaldi, offering fishing, crabbing, and kayaking, and the historic Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Roam Tillamook is a gateway to unforgettable coastal adventures.
• Exciting Expansion: By summer, Roam Tillamook will unveil 36 brand-new cabins, offering an accommodation option perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to enjoy the coast with all the comforts of home.

“At Roam Tillamook, we’re redefining the RV resort experience,” said Cody Fishel, Director of Operations, Roam America. “This rebrand represents our dedication to creating a destination where guests of all ages can enjoy premium amenities, family-friendly activities, and authentic coastal charm. With our upcoming cabins, we’re thrilled to offer even more options for guests to experience the magic of Tillamook Bay.”

Roam Tillamook, formerly known as Old Mill RV Resort, sits on the historic site of Garibaldi’s once-thriving lumber mill, a cornerstone of the town’s economy for much of the 20th century.

The mill, which began operations at the turn of the century, played a crucial role in shaping the town’s identity, providing jobs and driving commerce along Tillamook Bay.  While the mill is long gone, one towering remnant remains—the iconic smokestack, a lasting tribute to Garibaldi’s hardworking past.

Roam Tillamook embraces this rich history while offering a modern retreat for today’s travelers. Located just off the breathtaking Oregon Coast Highway and with newly remodeled amenities, upgraded RV sites, and soon-to-arrive cabins, the resort blends heritage with adventure, inviting guests to experience the spirit of the Oregon coast while honoring those who built it.

For reservations or more information, visit www.roamamerica.com/tillamook

The post Old Mill RV Resort Rebrands as ‘Roam Tillamook’ in Ore. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Motorcoach Store, a leading provider of high-end motorcoaches based in Bradenton, Florida, announced in a press release a new partnership with LOKI Coach.

Specializing in the conversion of Prevost Coaches, LOKI Coach is pioneering a bold new vision for high-end travel. This collaboration will bring LOKI Coach’s state-of-the-art luxury motorhomes to The Motorcoach Store’s discerning clientele, the release stated.

Through this partnership, The Motorcoach Store will provide exclusive access to LOKI Coach’s innovative lineup of high-end motorhomes, which seamlessly integrate advanced technology, contemporary design, and exceptional comfort. Each LOKI Coach motorhome is engin- eered for superior performance, featuring an up to 96 kWh lithium battery power bank, providing up to 36 hours of energy autonomy. The integration of high-efficiency solar panels and supercharged alternators ensures rapid recharging, reinforcing LOKI Coach’s commitment to sustainability without compromising luxury.

As a trusted name in luxury RV sales and service, The Motorcoach Store is the ideal partner to showcase and distribute LOKI Coach’s premium models to a growing market of travelers who demand both style and functionality on the road.

“We are thrilled to partner with LOKI Coach, a company known for redefining luxury in the motorhome industry,” said Bradley Twait, founder of The Motorcoach Store. “Their meticulous craftsmanship, modern designs, and attention to detail align perfectly with our commitment to offering our customers the very best in high-end motorized travel solutions.”

LOKI Coach’s luxury motorhomes bring a new level of sophistication to The Motorcoach Store’s already impressive lineup. This collabora- tion will provide customers with access to unparalleled luxury, making every journey as comfortable and refined as possible.

“We are excited to work with The Motorcoach Store, a highly respected name in the luxury motorcoach industry,” said Pierre-Mathieu Roy, Founder and President of LOKI Coach. “Their expertise in high-end motorcoach sales and service makes them an ideal partner as we expand our reach and introduce more travelers to our exceptional designs and innovations.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward for both companies, offering customers an expanded range of luxury motorhomes that blend sophistication with cutting-edge technology, ensuring the highest level of comfort and performance on the road.

For more information, visit www.lokicoach.com and www.themotorcoachstore.com.

The post The Motorcoach Store Enters Partnership with LOKI Coach first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

KENT, Wash. – Torklift Central’s 2nd annual diaper drive wrapped up with some great results. The Torklift team and all participants raised 878 diapers, 17 packs of baby wipes, and $1,065 in cash donations that went to Akin – South King County Family Resource Center. The cash donations allow Akin to purchase additional diapers, wipes, and baby‑care essentials where they’re needed most.

Torklift officials expressed their thanks to the community, saying:

• To our donors: Your kindness filled our lobby with supplies and generosity. Whether you dropped off a single pack or contributed financially, you’ve made a real difference in a family’s life.
• To Akin South King County Family Resource Center: Thank you for your partnership, distribution expertise, and unwavering commitment to supporting local families.

Diaper need doesn’t end when March does. If you’d like to support Akin year‑round, visit https://giving.classy.org/campaign/570834/donate .

The post Torklift Celebrates Success of ‘March of Diapers’ Drive first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) gold standard technician training program is a hands-on, competency-based program designed by Institute staff and subject matter experts from all sectors of the RV industry, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). It provides the only industry-backed training curriculum and RV technician certification and career path. Ultimately, the program aims to increase the number of certified RV technicians and help get RVers back out on the road. 

One of the students who has completed the RVTI’s entire course is Carol Jackson, an experienced mobile RV service technician with 35 years of experience in the mechanical trades.

Jackson is a Level 4 Master Technician. Here’s what she has to say about the RVTI’s curriculum.

What initially drew you to the RV Technical Institute?

I’ve been doing this in the RV sphere for going on 10 years now. I started my training process back when it was the RV Dealers Association/RV Industry Association Technician Certification Program. I achieved my Level 2 just before it transitioned into the RV Technical Institute and the program was paused while you were initiating your programming and training. 

What drew me to it was the fact that I was already invested in training, furthering my career, and seeking as much knowledge as I could so that I could hone my craft. That thirst for knowledge is how I got to where I’m at now.

Can you tell me about your training experience? What parts did you find most beneficial, and why? 

The most helpful part of the training is the hands-on opportunities. There’s only so much you can absorb in a classroom environment without actually putting it into practice.

I’ve been in the mechanical trades for 35 years and have been taking technical training that entire time for every step of those. It’s best to learn in a more controlled environment— that’s where the hands-on part of the training really comes into play. In a classroom environment, you can learn the practical parts and then you can physically practice it right there. If you mess up there’s no real harm. You can learn from those mistakes; you can learn to connect the pieces between the knowledge and the hands-on. I think it makes you a better technician.

Why did you want to become a master technician?

I’ve been in the mechanical trades for so long in all my careers, and being a woman in those kinds of industries makes me feel the need to be one of the best. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself.

In my first career I spent 15 years in the automotive industry. I spent all of that time working in dealerships, and every step along the way I had obstacles. I had to show that I was as equal or better than my peers. The experience created a drive in me to continue showing that.

I’ve applied that to my skillset here in the RV industry, even though those obstacles really don’t exist as much. Being a woman in this industry has been probably the most refreshing part of my 35-year career in mechanical trades.

That being said, I still have that drive to be equal to (or better than) my peers, and so becoming a master technician is a huge accomplishment for me. 

How has your RV Technical Institute training helped your career as an RV technician?

It has given me the tools that I’ve needed, the mental acuity, and the hands-on training. All of it has made me a better technician.

I couldn’t be here, out here on my own and owning my own company, if I didn’t have the training and the education that the RV Technical Institute has allowed me to get. You can’t be a good technician, one who serves their clients properly, without the training that the RV Technical Institute provides.

It’s been really great. I finally feel like I’m one of the leading competitors in the area, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming in the future.

The post Mobile RV Tech Says RVTI Made Her a ‘Better Technician’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Camping World: Do you have your RV Toolbox ready to go? Does it have everything you need? Join Ian Baker as he discusses what you should have for tools to work on your RV. From a multimeter to a #2 square bit and everything in between, Ian has your RV tool needs covered. You’ll need tools to troubleshoot and work on your RV when things go wrong, like when a slide doesn’t close, and you’ll need a proper toolbox to work on it.

The post Video: A Closer Look Inside Camping World’s RV Toolbox first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON – Americans are rarely this pessimistic about the economy, according to a CNN report.

Consumer sentiment plunged 11% this month to a preliminary reading of 50.8, the University of Michigan said in its latest survey released today (April 11), the second-lowest reading on records going back to 1952. April’s reading was lower than anything seen during the Great Recession.

President Donald Trump’s volatile trade war, which threatens higher inflation, has significantly weighed on Americans’ moods these past few months. That malaise worsened leading up to Trump’s announcement last week of sweeping tariffs, according to the survey.

“This decline was, like the last month’s, pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region and political affiliation,” Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, said in a release (see below for release).

“Sentiment has now lost more than 30% since December 2024 amid growing worries about trade war developments that have oscillated over the course of the year,” she added.

Click here to read the full CNN report.

The post U.S. Consumer Sentiment at 2nd-Lowest Level Since 1952 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

As economic headwinds continue to shape consumer sentiment, the latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report analyzes January 2025 data, offering a look at year-over-year trends and how 2025 kicked-off ahead of the tariff and trade tensions, according to a release from the Nationak Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The report, published this week, shows total new powerboat retail unit sales fell 8.2% year-over-year for the 12-month period ending January 2025, pointing to ongoing softening in discretionary purchases amid sustained concerns around inflation and interest rates.

While there was a decline for the 12-month YOY period, looking at the month of January 2025 compared to January 2024, new retail unit sales were up 1% (7,809 vs 7,765 units), the first-time sales increased during the month of January since 2021. This data reflects sentiment from early-season boat shows that consumers were buying in certain segments and markets, and that while sales were mixed, there was a sense of optimism.

Released monthly, the report is based on data from NMMA member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link and provides the most timely and detailed wholesale and retail analysis available in the market.

“There was positive momentum peeking through in January that we saw playing out at our boat shows—while overall traffic was flat or down, buyers were out and bringing signs of a return to growth as we kicked off the New Year,” noted Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Key findings from the January 2025 report include:

• Wholesale shipments saw an even sharper decline, down 23.2% over the same period, pointing to tightening inventory strategies across the supply chain.
• Despite a 1% uptick in year-to-date (January 2025) retail unit sales—driven primarily by freshwater fishing boats—the broader picture remains cautious.
• The freshwater fishing boat segment posted a 3.8% year-over-year increase in retail sales, including a 19.8% boost in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. NMMA attributes this resilience to the category’s accessibility and broad appeal among middle-income households.

Impacting this January 2025 industry sales data was January 2025’s Consumer Confidence Index, as measured by The Conference Board, which stood at 105.3, down slightly from the prior month. On the inflation front, the annual rate crept up to 3.0% in January, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose slightly to 6.9%, making borrowing more expensive across the board. Though the federal funds rate eased to 4.3%, interest-sensitive purchases like boats continue to be weighed down by financing costs.

“The tariff headwinds and economic uncertainty we’re seeing now, coupled with the glimmer of growth we saw in January before this really set in, underscore the importance of the industry leaning into nurturing demand amid Americans’ desire for long-term value, wellness, and community–all of which being on the water uniquely delivers,” added Bradley. “We’re watching consumer behavior and confidence closely in order to nimbly manage our approach with everything from messaging to media to timing across our Discover Boating marketing. Bottom line, there’s an opportunity right now to break through by helping people find ways to explore the memories and moments only boating can provide and to support and nurture that interest for long-term industry growth.”

Each NMMA monthly summary report is available on nmma.org the first week of the month. The reports feature the most up-to-date data available from members on the wholesale side and from state government on new boat registrations, as well as the most recent comprehensive look into the market available.

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is available at no cost for members. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800. Download the latest report here

Bookmark https://www.nmma.org/statistics/publications/industry-data-summary for direct and easy access. Visit www.nmma.org/statistics or contact [email protected] for more information.

The post Mixed Economic Environment Reflected in Early Boat Sales first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

HUTCHINSON COUNTY, S.D. – TrailManor officials are excited to introduce the TM16 line of travel trailers featuring two different models: the TM16, and the TM16 Select. The TM16 gives TrailManor the flexibility to offer a more diverse lineup and provides us with the opportunity to engage with today’s light RV consumer through a lower price point.  The base model has an MSRP of $23,898, and the Select package will have an MSRP of $26,907.  It’s designed to fit in-between the lower priced stick and tin models and the high end adventure trailers.

The TM16 has a dry weight of 2560 lbs., and a tongue weight of 160 pounds.   The TM16 line up has a steel frame, 2” composite Lami-plast laminated exterior walls, and roof; and a 3.25” floor. All vacuum bonded with foam inside for excellent insulation. The base model will come with a full 74X54 east to west bed, single bunk bed overhead, 13,500btu AC, electric awning, a full bathroom with shower, and can handle a variety of sleeping arrangements for adults and children. The interior walls will have a combination of Azdel and Lauan panels. The interior height is 6’2”. 

The standard model also comes with a 35-gallon grey, a 35-gallon black, and a 20-gallon freshwater tank. Other standard features include a 6-gallon water heater, 18” kitchen sink, a vented 2 burner cooktop, Bluetooth speaker, and rear entry door.

The TM 16 Select includes everything in the standard model, but also features aggressive off road oversized radial tires, a second electric awning, and a voice activated power control module to operate the lights, awnings, and other features.

Production began on March 24^th of this year.

The post TrailManor Showcases the New TM16 Line of Travel Trailers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Hipcamp, the San Francisco-based company that pioneered the Airbnb model for camping, has partnered with REI, the outdoor gear and apparel co-op with 24 million members. Together, they will promote some of the favorite camping spots chosen by REI members.

“We’ve built a collection of REI member favorite camping spots,” explained Hipcamp’s head of partnerships, Kristen Vasan. “These are places that co-op members have reviewed, liked, or camped at, and we’ve got tens of thousands across the country based on the four years we’ve been partners.” REI members will earn a $20 statement credit when they use their REI Co-op Mastercard to book a Hipcamp site.

The promotion kicked off April 1 and runs through June 2.

Hipcamp was founded in 2013 by Alyssa Ravasio, now the CEO. She used her tech background to develop a better way for people to find camping opportunities that suit their individual needs.

Since its launch, Hipcamp has grown significantly, now offering over 144,000 campsites across 16,500 locations in the U.S and boasting 7.5 million registered users. Sites include national, state, and local parks, private campgrounds, and individuals offering unique stays at camping accommodations on their private land. The number of RV sites has grown 57% year over year.

Although Hipcamp may not be well-known in the RV industry and is often viewed as a niche player, it has emerged as a significant force in campsite booking. The company offers thousands of sites for RVs, vans and tent campers. According to internal statistics, Hipcamp facilitated over 3.3 million “people nights” of camping last year, highlighting its mission to encourage more people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

It’s no secret that booking a desirable campsite has become more challenging since COVID-19, especially if you don’t plan months in advance. Hipcamp aims to alleviate this difficulty with its user-friendly search and booking platform. According to Partnership Head Vasan, most people visiting the site complete their stay within 72 hours of booking, as they find “a ton of inventory (campsites) in desirable locations.” Users can search, book, and pay all on one platform.

So how does Hipcamp’s growth and success benefit RV OEMs, the aftermarket, and campgrounds? Vasan explained it this way:

• By making the process of booking a campsite easier, RV owners will be more likely to use their vehicles frequently. This increases the chances that they will continue enjoying the RV lifestyle, invest in accessories, and eventually consider trading up.
• Many of Hipcamp’s 7.5 million registered users, a significant portion of whom are REI members, are unfamiliar with RV camping. Hipcamp can help introduce this untapped audience—individuals under 55 who earn over $100,000 a year—to the RV lifestyle.
• Hipcamp offers campgrounds an effective way to increase their bookings. Vasan mentioned that 98% of bookings made through Hipcamp come from first-time visitors. The average annual revenue generated by campgrounds listed on Hipcamp ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, with some campgrounds reporting revenues as high as $250,000. Additionally, there is no signup fee for campgrounds that want to be listed on the Hipcamp site.

In summary, Hipcamp is benefiting the RV industry by driving incremental bookings, expanding the camping audience, increasing RV site inventory, and leveraging its partnership with REI to connect RV campgrounds to a large, engaged community of campers..

The post Hipcamp, REI Partner to Promote ‘Favorite’ Camping Spots first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

A solid majority of people believe the current trade war will have a major negative impact on the RV industry in general and their business in particular.

In an impromptu poll this week, 55.6% of the respondents think the flurry of tariff activity will create a major negative impact and increase retail RV prices by at least 20%. Another 14.8% said it would raise retail prices between 10% and 19%, and the same percentage said it was simply too soon to tell.

Likewise, 59.3% said the trade war will increase its cost of doing business by at least 20%. Just over 11% said their business costs would rise between 10% and 19%, and the same percentage said their costs would decrease by at least 20%.

Albeit a small sample size, it’s interesting to note how the comments offered by some of the 27 respondents run the gamut:

• “So far our sales are down significantly.”

• “We have a horrible president. We could not get a worse one.”

• “Sales will be off 25% to 30% in the short term due to panic and fear in stock market. Unfortunately, our population has been dumbed down for decades and today there are too many who do not understand tariffs, economics and finances, let alone American history. No reason to fear tariffs, they are not the end game. Tariffs are just leverage to get other countries to allow the U.S. to sell more U.S. products on a level playing field. The U.S. economy will be better than ever by 3rd to 4th quarter this year.”

• “It will be great for companies that already manufacture American.”

• “Worth it long term. Trade war is a pretty extreme term to use, too. LOL”

• “We build custom RVs. Products have gone up in cost post-Covid. Even if it’s a 25% tariff. The cost of manufacturing with over a 600% added for profit. The company having these parts made can easily adjust for the tariff. It’s what I have done with our other businesses products we produce.”

• “The problem with the tariffs is that they are not reciprocal like the administration claims and they continually change, which will really impact the market with instability. Add to the fact the market value has decreased significantly, which reduces the net worth of our prime customers who may then want to hold off on discretionary purchases until things stabilize. So, we could have a combo of problems: a bear market erasing net worths, significantly impacting consumer confidence; increase in costs for key components, increasing inflation further; and an economic recession. A base combo short term. I am pulling for huge success long term with these moves, but have my concerns given the dynamics at play.”

• “I would call 10%-19% a major impact when considering the compounded inflationary impacts over the past few years. I’m for a level playing field on tariffs. This feels excessive.”

• “Bad for the industry and USA, but potentially good for my small business with competition coming primarily from outside the U.S.”

• “Useless and unnecessary.”

• “Short term pain/long term gain. Don’t panic.”

• “Trade wars are stupid for everyone.”

• “We’ve already seen material costs rise 40%+ in the last couple months. The costs will be passed along so we’re covered as an OEM, but the instability is frustrating. If it the pain is short term and our country is better off long term, then it’s all good. TBD what actually happens, as politicians screw up everything they touch.”

• “Historically, no one wins in a trade war except those in position to manipulate timing and price for temporary gain.”

The post Poll Results: Trade War will Negatively Impact RV Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.