Month: April 2025

Thirteen years ago, Don Sheliga started working as an engineer for Coachmen RV, a Middlebury, Ind.-based division of Forest River Inc.

Twelve years ago, he got the news that changed everything. That’s when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

But Sheliga is not alone in his fight. His wife, Linda, has been by his side since day one. He credits her with giving him the fighting spirit that’s on display at Rock Steady Gym.

Sheliga said his wife was watching CBS’ “Sunday Morning” after he was diagnosed. The show had a story on Rock Steady Gym’s original location in Indianapolis. Inspired by how the training was helping patients slow the progression of their Parkinson’s symptoms, the pair began driving to Indianapolis for boxing classes. Classes, Sheliga said, helped manage his symptoms.

But driving back and forth to Indianapolis started to take its toll.

“After about six months I said, ‘You know, maybe we can do this up here.’”

So Sheliga took the initiative and, along with several others, started Rock Steady Gym Michiana in 2016. They now have two locations to serve the community. The Elkhart gym holds classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The South Bend gym holds evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from six to 7:30, and at 9:30 on Saturday mornings.

Though less than a decade old, Rock Steady Michiana has seen steady growth. Sheliga says there are about forty people at the South Bend gym, plus another 30 regulars at the Elkhart classes.

While the work is rewarding, running two gyms is not an easy feat. It’s taken a village to help keep the lights on, and his employers have been a big help.

“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “This year, they actually gave me a $500 check donation. I’d like to challenge the other manufacturers and vendors to meet it or beat it.”

The chance for manufacturers and vendors to meet or beat that $500 donation is coming up at the end of the month.

A fundraising gala will be at 5 p.m., April 26, at Morris Park Country Club in South Bend. It will include a silent auction.

Sheliga’s goal is to raise at least $75,000 for Rock Steady Boxing in Michiana. He’s hoping donors will feel called to help.

“Boxing has all the things that people with Parkinson’s lose – balance, mobility, agility, movement,” Sheliga said. “The program works. Our goal for everybody is to slow down Parkinson’s… so that the quality of life gets better.”

To purchase tickets to the fundraising gala, or bid on silent auction items, visit RockSteadyBoxingMichiana.com.

Don is also thankful for the support from Forest River’s management team.

“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “They’ve accommodated me with my certain issues. If I need time off, they give it to me within reason. They let me leave early if I’m having a bad day, let me come in late if I’m having a bad day. They’ve just been super. Zach Eppers and Bob Dumm – I mean, I couldn’t think more highly of two people.”

The post Coachmen’s Don Sheliga Fights Back Against Parkinson’s first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced today (April 9) that John Gaidoo has been appointed as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective June 1. He will succeed Nicole Lamb-Hale following her transition to Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary.

“Throughout his 14-year tenure at Cummins, John has significantly impacted our company’s success, the teams he leads and the communities he supports,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO, Cummins Inc. “He has held various legal positions, showcasing his proficiency in both internal and external legal services. His counsel spans numerous specialized areas including intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, procurement, regulatory compliance and administrative legal services.”

“A seasoned leader and former United States Marine Corps veteran, John believes that every employee has the power to contribute to a team’s success. He is an innovative thought partner and is deeply committed to our values,” Rumsey stated. “John’s unique skills and extensive experience make him the ideal candidate for the role of Chief Legal Officer, poised to lead our vital Legal function through a significant period in Cummins’ history. I am excited to welcome him as a member of the Cummins Leadership Team and look forward to his ongoing influential counsel.”

Gaidoo joined Cummins as a labor and employment lawyer in 2011. Since that time, he has held pivotal roles for the company, including creating the Crisis Action Management Plan in 2012, serving as Executive Director of Human Resources for Cummins Emission Solutions in 2017, leading the global Labor Relations team from 2018 and serving as lead lawyer for the COVID-19 Risk Management Team in 2020. In 2021, Gaidoo was elevated to an officer of the company, and in 2023, he was promoted to his current role as Vice President – Senior Deputy General Counsel.

As Chief Legal Officer, Gaidoo will lead Cummins’ Legal function globally and will serve as a core member of the Cummins Leadership Team, working with business and functional leaders to advance the company’s strategic and operational priorities.

Before joining Cummins, Gaidoo practiced labor and employment law in Indianapolis, IN (U.S.) at the law firm of Baker & Daniels LLP (now Faegre). He earned his bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Indiana University (U.S.).

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024.

See how Cummins is leading your world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

The post Cummins Names John Gaidoo as VP, Chief Legal Officer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nev. – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology and maker of Battle Born Batteries, has been named the “Battery Technology Company of the Year” in the 2nd annual CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program, according to a press release.

The award recognizes Dragonfly Energy’s patented innovations in dry electrode lithium battery cell manufacturing and its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology. Submissions were evaluated by CleanTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization focused on identifying the top companies, products, and services across the global climate and clean technology landscape.

Dragonfly Energy emerged among thousands of nominations from more than 14 countries worldwide and was recognized for its world-class innovations in lithium-ion battery development and manufacturing. 

“Dragonfly Energy is setting new benchmarks in energy storage through innovation, sustainability, and execution,” said Bryan Vaughn, managing director of CleanTech Breakthrough. “We believe the Company’s patented dry electrode cell manufacturing process represents a significant leap forward in scalable, eco-conscious battery production. Combined with its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology—which overcomes many of the limitations of traditional Bluetooth-based battery communication—we believe Dragonfly Energy delivers a more intelligent, reliable, and future-ready energy storage solution. These advancements are what earned Dragonfly Energy our 2025 ‘Battery Technology Company of the Year’ award.”

At the core of Dragonfly Energy’s innovation is its patented dry electrode battery cell manufacturing process, which eliminates the need for toxic solvents and enables a more sustainable, cost-effective pathway to domestic lithium battery production. Validated by third-party analysis for its economic and environmental advantages, the process reduces energy consumption, lowers capital expenditures, and allows for flexible, scalable deployment in decentralized manufacturing environments. Importantly, the Company’s technology enables the production of PFAS-free battery cells and has successfully demonstrated compatibility with high-purity recycled materials—such as those sourced through Aqua Metals—further strengthening its commitment to circularity and responsible supply chains.

Complementing its manufacturing breakthroughs is Dragonfly IntelLigence®, a proprietary battery communication and monitoring technology designed to optimize performance, enhance safety, and improve the user experience. Unlike traditional Bluetooth-based systems, Dragonfly IntelLigence® enables seamless, direct communication between connected batteries and system components through a robust, hardwired network. This advanced platform supports real-time data visualization, remote diagnostics, and smarter energy management—capabilities that are increasingly critical as energy systems become more complex and distributed.

“Our products are trusted across a wide range of industries—from leading RV manufacturers to large-scale commercial fleet operators,” said Dr. Denis Phares, chief executive officer of Dragonfly Energy. “We’re committed to not only meeting today’s energy storage demands, but also shaping the future of the industry through advanced performance, reliability, and sustainable innovation. Being recognized by CleanTech Breakthrough is a meaningful validation of our technology and our vision as we continue to drive progress in the lithium battery space.”

For more information about Dragonfly Energy and its innovative energy solutions, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.

The post Dragonfly Wins 2025 ‘Battery Tech Company of the Year’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From ATC: Looking for the perfect home for you and the toys? Check out the Plā 750 4020 fifth-wheel toy hauler! With a generous garage space and a sleek modern interior, it’s all set to impress. The best part? It has no wood in its construction and comes with a 10-year structural warranty for your peace of mind. Now that’s a deal you can’t resist! View specs and more here.

The post OEM Showcase: ATC Plā 750 4020 Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ERBA, Italy – The second edition of Fit Your Camper, an RV aftermarket show for consumers held from April 3-6 April at Lariofiere, closed with extraordinary results, confirming and exceeding the expectations, according to a release.

The event recorded a significant growth in visitors, reaching 15,398 – an increase of 22% compared to the 12,623 of the previous year. This figure testifies not only to the growing interest in the world of caravanning and accessories, the release continued, but also to the quality of the event that was further enriched this year by the addition of half a day open to the public on Friday afternoon, a choice that proved particularly appreciated.

The participation of professional operators remained at significant levels, with 491 attendees, in line with the 2024 data (484), confirming the strategic importance that Fit Your Camper is also assuming in the B2B panorama of the sector.

“We are very satisfied: exhibitors and visitors have given us extremely positive feedback,” stated Fabio Viviani, co-organizer of the event. “This year we welcomed around 30% more exhibitors, with a broad and representative panorama of the accessories and components sector. The large turnout of campers has led us to prepare a seventh parking lot in the Pusiano lake area and to activate an additional dedicated shuttle. Almost all exhibitors have already confirmed their presence for 2026, often with requests for larger spaces. Even those who were unable to participate this year have told us their intention to be there at the next edition. The Lariofiere venue has been confirmed, with the hope of also being able to open the third pavilion.”

“This second edition confirms unequivocally that the format works and responds to a real need,” agreed Antonio Mazzucchelli, co-organizer of the event. “Fit Your Camper is a fair that was missing from the European panorama, and this is demonstrated not only by the numbers, but also by the interest from foreign operators who came to visit during the B2B days. As always, we will listen to all the voices, through surveys among exhibitors and visitors, to best calibrate the next edition. Furthermore, we will immediately start working on the inclusion of tourist destinations and accommodation facilities, so as to further strengthen the offer for our public.”

The value of the initiative was also underlined by the president of Lariofiere, Fabio Dadati, who said Fit Your Camper has represented a winning bet for Lariofiere.

“From the beginning we believed in the vision of the organizers, recognizing the solidity of the contents and the adherence of the format to our territory and our structure,” Dadati said. “Lariofiere has the ideal size for a fair like this, and the natural and tourist context of Erba and its surroundings fits perfectly with the profile of camper visitors. Our territory offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in suggestive and highly valuable landscapes: from Lake Pusiano to the Regional Park of the Lambro Valley, passing through charming villages such as Canzo, Longone al Segrino and Ponte Lambro, up to the paths that climb towards the Corni di Canzo, offering spectacular views to nature and trekking lovers. Without forgetting Valsassina, with its green and authentic valleys, and the famous Lake Como, which is only a few kilometers away and offers glimpses of extraordinary beauty between water, mountains and historic architecture. The success of the second edition is also the result of the excellent teamwork carried out between our team and the event organization.”

The post Europe’s ‘Fit Your Camper’ Show Draws Record Crowds first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Blu Technology, the manufacturer of BluTech multi-stage compact RV water filtration systems, has announced the addition of the AR3 LED UVC advanced pathogen protection system.

“With the introduction of the AR3 LED UVC, we have enhanced our popular 3-stage filtration system,” said Blu Tech President Corbin Collet. The new system features a 5-inch longevity pre-filter with a 5-micron rating, a dual-action off-grid filter equipped with 0 .2-micron technology and carbon block media, and an advanced LED UVC purification module currently patent pending.”

We continue to offer our 2- and 3-stage systems for RV enthusiasts and van campers. Still, for those seeking an even higher level of protection, the AR 3 LED UVC is the ultimate mobile solution.

Collet noted that while other LED UVC systems are available, they only treat water at a single, dedicated faucet. He claims that Blu Tech’s new system is the only one that provides pure water throughout the entire RV, including the shower and all faucets.

Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has powerful disinfection properties. It inactivates microorganisms by damaging their DNA and RNA, which prevents them from reproducing and ultimately leads to their death. Blu Technology’s third-party testing has shown that UVC treatment effectively neutralizes 99.99% of organic microorganisms in water, including those resistant to chlorination.

Blu Tech systems are currently available with several RV manufacturers on select models. The company anticipates that this industry-first LED UVC model will be welcomed by manufacturers seeking to enhance the health and safety features of their products and their customers.

“We are noticing an increasing awareness among RVers regarding water quality,” stated Collet. From my experiences as a full-time RVer, I can attest that the quality of campground water can vary significantly, with some sources being nearly undrinkable.

Blu Tech offers a wide range of products for RVers and van life campers. Their offerings include compact under-the-counter filters ideal for vans, larger multi-stage filtration systems, stainless steel water softeners, and a range of high-quality stainless steel hoses, connectors, and various critical accessories focusing on drinking water safety.  

The company gained significant recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing full-flow systems that use 5-inch filters instead of the traditional 10-inch ones. These systems are equipped with ultra-fine 0.2-micron filters, resulting in a compact unit that is both easy to store and highly effective. Staying true to Blu Tech’s product DNA, the AR3 UVC system measures 8.25 inches by 9.5 inches by 14 inches and weighs 11.65 pounds.

The post Blu Tech Intros Compact UV Water Protection for Whole RV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Hosted by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, the Regional Knowledge Summit will be held later this month, and MARVAC President and CEO John Lindley hopes to see you there.

The first of the two Regional Knowledge Summit sessions will be April 22 at Suburban Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, Mich., while the second one will be April 23 on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, Saginaw, Mich. The program on both days runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On the agenda for both days are three talks. First, attorney Bonnie Mayfield will speak on new employment laws, including Michigan’s new Earned Sick Time Act. After lunch, Lindley wills speak on the new state legislature and regulatory landscape. Finally, Curtis Hemmeler will speak on the new Ground Monitor Interrupter (GMI) requirements going into effect in 2026.

Hemmeler, who is the executive director of the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and senior vice president of standards for the RV Industry Association (RVIA), is working to spread the word about these new requirements.

The GMI devices will serve a simple, yet potentially life-saving purpose. Once installed, they will protect RV owners from “hot skin,” which can happen if an RV’s electrical system is plugged into an improperly grounded receptacle. “Hot skin” refers to when any metal item, including an RV’s metal exterior, becomes electrified, raising the risk of shock or fire.

Hemmeler explained that a bad electrical ground can “energize” the whole RV. To counteract this, RVs built in 2026 will be required to have a GMI device installed on the unit. “So, if there’s any kind of issue with a campground’s pedestal, it’s going to trip the GMI on the RV.” (For further background see: “Grounding Monitor Interrupters on RVs Coming in 2026”)

The RV industry is looking to educate as many people as possible – including RV dealers and campground owners – about the new GMI requirement. Hemmeler’s talk will cover industry standards, inspections, and how the new ground monitoring devices will work. Also on the agenda, tips for how campgrounds can prepare for the new equipment. This will include guidance on maintenance plans, electrical inspections, and risk mitigation.

Hemmeler says the independence of the RV industry is maintained by its self-regulation, adding that’s a perk they don’t want to lose. But the biggest goals are consumer safety and campground readiness, he said.

“The whole idea of the change is for safety,” Hemmeler said. “The second piece would be to make sure the campground is ready – make sure the consumer doesn’t have any problems when they try to hook up, so that the consumer has a good experience. If they don’t have a good experience, they’re less likely to continue to recreate or camp, and they might choose an alternative. Obviously, our goal is to try to keep them in the RV world, so that they can continue to purchase within the industry, but also so they can create those family memories that are very positive versus being an unhappy experience.”

Lindley agrees with the importance of safety and a good customer experience.

“At the end of the day, user experience and user safety are as important as any other factor when it comes to the industry and the industry’s success,” he said.

Lindley says registration for the Regional Knowledge Summit is easy. You can do so by calling MARVAC at (517) 349-3300, or emailing [email protected]. Registration costs $50 for members, and $150 for non-members, with $100 credited toward a MARVAC membership if joining within seven days of the event. He’s hoping to see a good turnout at this year’s summit.

“These events provide a great opportunity for colleagues to get together with colleagues,” he said. “Those are truly extraordinarily valuable conversations that members of the association have with each other that we’re able to facilitate.”

The post MARVAC’s ‘Knowledge Summit’ to Address GMI Issues first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. — RVDA, the National RV Dealers Association, will be hosting a webinar to introduce its newly launched RVDA Help Desk & Solution Center, a dynamic support resource designed to provide RV dealers with direct access to professional guidance and timely, business solutions, according to a release.

This free, educational 30-minute session will be held at 2 p.m. Eastern, Wednesday, April 23, and will feature RVDA Director of Partnerships Patrick Calpin alongside Tom Kline, founder of Better Vantage Point, a recognized leader in dealership risk management and compliance.

Register HERE.

What you will learn:

• How to Use the Help Desk & Solution Center: Discover how to submit questions and access customized support — including up to one hour of expert consultation at no charge for RVDA members.
• Real-World Solutions: Hear real examples of how RV dealers have used the service to solve day-to-day operational challenges.
• Maximize Your RVDA Membership: Explore additional benefits and support tools available exclusively to RVDA members.

“The RVDA Help Desk & Solution Center is an important step in providing on-demand support to our members,” said Phil Ingrassia, President of RVDA. “We’re excited to partner with Tom Kline, who brings decades of dealership experience and insight to the table.”

Why you should attend:

Whether you are facing compliance questions, operational concerns, or looking to improve your dealership’s efficiency, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to explore a new member resource designed with your success in mind.

Early registration is recommended. The event will be recorded for those interested in attending but unable to participate.

For more information, visit www.rvda.org.

The post RVDA Sets Webinar on Dealer Help Desk, Solution Center first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FREMONT, Calif. – Pebble, a California-based startup defining a new way to work, live, and explore from anywhere, has started production of the Pebble Flow, bringing its all-electric travel trailer one step closer to customers. Designed to make RVing as easy as using an iPhone, the Pebble Flow combines electrification, smart automation, and a streamlined design for a simpler, stress-free travel experience.

Pebble remains on schedule for first deliveries by end of Spring 2025 at its 60,000 sqft manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Customers who preordered and configured a Founders Edition (FE) Pebble Flow will be invited to finalize their purchase 8-12 weeks before their estimated delivery date.

“This marks a major step forward – not just for Pebble, but for our customers who have been looking for a seamless, intuitive way to experience the outdoors,” said Bingrui Yang, CEO and Founder of Pebble. “As we are now underway with production, the Pebble Flow is moving from vision to reality. RVing has long been full of hassles – stressful towing, difficult parking, and maneuvering. We built the Pebble Flow to remove those barriers and look forward to seeing our first customers take the Pebble Flow on the road soon.”

The Pebble Flow integrates advanced technology never before seen in the RV industry, combining a fully electric powertrain, automation features, and seamless connectivity. It includes: 

• Magic Hitch for fully automated hitching
• Easy Tow with Active Tow Assist to optimize energy efficiency and enhance towing dynamics
• Remote Control for maneuvering and parking via the Pebble App
• A 45 kWh LFP battery and 1.1 kW solar array allowing for up to seven days of off-grid living

Customers can visit pebblelife.com/build to place a fully refundable $500 deposit, customize the Pebble Flow to their preferences, and explore financing options. Additionally, customers may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $10,000, further reducing the cost of ownership.

About Pebble

Pebble is a California-based startup defining a new way to live, work, and explore with a 100% electric, hassle-free RV. Built by a team of experts from Apple, Tesla, Rivian, and Zoox, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for an RV experience that removes the hassles RV owners have struggled with for decades. Learn more at pebblelife.com.

Follow Pebble on Social 

To receive real-time updates and learn more about Pebble, subscribe to the newsletter at pebblelife.com or check out the team on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and YouTube.

The post Pebble Starts Production of All-Electric ‘Flow’ Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – Camping World Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CWH), the “World’s Largest Recreational Vehicle Dealer,” announced in a press release that its Coleman brand of travel trailers was the No. 1-selling travel trailer by unit volume in the U.S. year-to-date through February 2025, according to RV industry retail registration data compiled by Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based subsidiary of Trader Interactive that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry. 

“Our contract manufacturing strategy continues to drive our growth in market share,” Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis stated in the release. “Coleman is the No. 1-selling travel trailer in America year-to-date through February, and the Coleman portfolio represents our most traded-in unit and our most sold used unit, all contributing to our record year-to-date new and used combined unit market share. These lineups give us the ability to work directly with our manufacturing partners to ensure we are meeting the customer where they want to be in terms of both price and payment.”

The post Camping World’s Coleman Brand is Top-Selling Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.