Blue Compass Celebrates Opening of Airstream of N.M.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Blue Compass RV celebrated the grand opening of its Airstream of New Mexico store, marking the company’s 13th Airstream dealership in the United States and sixth dedicated Airstream location. Blue Compass RV recently acquired Airstream of New Mexico and has relocated the store to a new dedicated Airstream sales and service facility on its large dealership campus in a great location on I-25 in Albuquerque. 

“We’re excited to open this exclusive Airstream dealership in New Mexico,” said Jon Ferrando, founder, president and CEO of Blue Compass RV. “This marks our sixth exclusive Airstream dealership, a model that we’ve been very successful with.  The early positive response and the energy at our grand opening truly reflect our team’s passion for delivering an unparalleled Airstream ownership experience through exceptional service and support.  We thank the Airstream leadership team for joining us at the event.”

Blue Compass RV has owned the No. 1 Airstream dealership in the world for five consecutive years and proudly adds this 13th location in New Mexico to its list of Airstream dealers across the country. The 13 Airstream locations of Blue Compass RV are the following: Airstream of New Mexico, Airstream of San Diego, Airstream of Tampa, Airstream of Austin, Airstream of South Carolina, Airstream of Greensboro, Airstream of Orlando, Airstream of Des Moines, Airstream of New Hampshire, Airstream of Gainesville, Airstream of Jacksonville, Airstream of Maine and Airstream of Albany.

Blue Compass currently holds Five Rivet status in a record-setting 13 of its Airstream locations. To learn more about the newest airstream location or Blue Compass RV, visit https://www.bluecompassrv.com/brand/airstream.

About Blue Compass RV

Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years, with over 100 locations in 33 states. Our stores across America offer an incredible selection of new and used RVs, including the best lineup of premium new brands. Our mission is to provide an exceptional sales, service, and RV ownership experience for our customers, and with over 1,000 service bays across the country, we are able to service our customers wherever their travels may take them.

Blue Compass RV has been named the #1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years, with a record setting 13 Airstream stores achieving the prestigious “Five Rivet” status.  Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist store has been the leading motorhome dealer in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years.

Led by Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Ferrando, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for three consecutive years. Prior to launching Blue Compass RV, Ferrando was instrumental in building America’s largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue.

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Trump Puts Tariffs on Pause for 90 Days, Markets Rally

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered another jarring reversal in American trade policy Wednesday (April 9), suspending for 90 days import taxes he’d imposed barely 13 hours earlier on dozens of countries while escalating his trade war with China. The moves triggered a powerful stock market rally on Wall Street but left businesses, investors and America’s trading partners bewildered about what the president is attempting to achieve, according to an Associated Press report.

The U-turn came after the sweeping global tariffs Trump announced last week set off a four-day rout in global financial markets, paralyzed businesses and raised fears the U.S. and world economies would tumble into recession.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to characterize the sudden change in policy as part of a grand negotiating strategy. But to those outside the Trump administration, it looked like a cave-in to market pressure and to growing fears that the president’s impetuous use of import taxes — tariffs — would cause massive collateral economic damage.

“Other countries will welcome the 90-day stay of execution — if it lasts — but the whiplash from constant zig-zags creates more of the uncertainty that businesses and governments hate,” said Daniel Russel, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. “The Administration’s blunt-force tactics have rattled allies, who see the sudden reversal as damage control following the market meltdown, rather than a pivot to respectful, balanced negotiations.’’

Trump’s turnaround Wednesday capped a wild week in U.S. trade policy. On Wednesday April 2 — which Trump labeled “Liberation Day’’ — the president announced plans to impose tariffs on almost every country on earth, upending the world trading system. The first of his new tariffs — a 10% “baseline’’ tax on imports from most countries — went into effect Saturday.

At midnight Wednesday, he upped the ante by slapping what he called “reciprocal’’ taxes on countries he accused of unfair trading practices and adding to U.S. trade deficits. Those are the tariffs he suspended for 90 days, saying the pause would give countries time to negotiate with him and his trade team.

There was one exception to the reprieve: He raised the tariff on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, punishing Beijing for announcing retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Meanwhile, the 10% baseline tariffs – a substantial act of protectionism in their own right – remain in place.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

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Living Vehicle Showcases its All-Electric Lineup for 2026

When purchasing a Living Vehicle all-electric home on wheels, the customer becomes part of that outdoor-enthusiast family. “We are dedicated to prioritizing the experience of our owners above all else,” said Founder & CEO Matthew Hofmann. Hofmann said that the company provides personalized customer service, and the minute a new owner tows a Living Vehicle off the lot — or uses LV’s direct-to-home delivery service — the company’s cofounder Walter Hofmann, aka Wally, steps in to be a personal concierge.

Living Vehicle, started in 2017 by Matthew and Wally, “share a vision of redefining freedom through design.” The father-and-son duo, with many years of architecture, engineering and business experience, have succeeded in creating self-sufficient travel trailers and fifth-wheels that keep folks off the grid without sacrificing creature comforts. Scratch that—LV goes beyond “creature comforts;” these trailers are for “living in luxury.” While most manufacturers are focused on self-containment for short-term use, LV’s whole approach is to be able to operate without plugging in and maintaining resources. New for the 2026 model year is the ability for customers to custom-tailor their own Living Vehicle.

Living Trailers versus Travel Trailers

The company classifies its trailers into two distinct categories: The robust HD and GT lines are mobile residences with dedicated bedrooms and are designed to be lived in full time or for extended stays, so they are categorized as “Living Trailers.” One of these “Living Trailers” would make a captivating guest house, especially if you’ve got property with a view and on-site utilities. Customers will need an appropriate tow vehicle to move an HD or GT since they weigh in at 12,000-plus pounds. The CyberTrailer, which is due out later this year with production ramping up in 2026, is what the company categorizes as its “Travel Trailer” since it’s designed to be far more mobile. Its luxurious and adaptable one-room interior with six configurations can be altered to fit the owner’s needs, with a bathroom suite on one side of the trailer. The CyberTrailer is being purpose-built to be towed by half-ton trucks, including electric pickups like the Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

Now that we’ve made the distinction, Living Vehicle’s line consists of the HD24 and HD30, which are traditional travel trailers; the GT32 and GT39 fifth-wheels; and the 27-foot CyberTrailer travel trailer. And there are no convoluted nomenclatures here—the numbers refer to the true lengths of the trailers as measured from front wall to rear wall.

Complete Refresh for 2026

From the beginning, Living Vehicle’s motto has been “Luxury Unplugged.” For the 2026 model line, available now, the focus has been on a complete refresh by incorporating integrated tech when it comes to being able to connect to the internet and staying connected, and pushing the envelope to see how long a customer can really stay off-grid. “Now that our legacy brand’s quality has been established, we went from ‘bigger is better’ thinking to making things a lot more efficient,” said Hofmann. “Maximizing off-grid time and the efficiencies of resource generation is really the core tenet of this redesign. We’ve made the systems inside the unit more efficient, producing more resources while you’re off-grid so you can embody that motto of luxury unplugged as much as possible.”

The updates include “more efficient fixtures, and the power consumption inside the unit has been drastically reduced to extend that off-grid time,” said Hofmann. “The line we’re really walking is how much can you create—whether it’s water or power off-grid.” Living Vehicle’s water-generation system is now on version 3 and “in a major upgrade on our march toward self-sufficiency our water-generation system is capable of producing up to 13 gallons a day.”

Hofmann explained that the water-generation system essentially draws air in, moves it across a condenser, and then pulls water from the air through heat extraction. It then fills up a water reservoir and pumps it through a multistage filtration process. Said Hofmann, “It actually remineralizes the water to fill up your freshwater tank.” And since the system is integrated, a touch panel on the RV’s control system “allows you to see in real-time the water you’re generating. And then based upon the humidity, you can see how much power you’re using.”

Regal & Rugged

Inside an 8½-foot-wide “Living Trailer” you’ll find luxurious amenities like a state-of-the-art kitchen with residential-height solid-surface countertops, a residential fridge, ample storage, a spa-like bathroom, a spacious and bright bedroom, and a whisper-quiet air conditioner thanks to the European-style mini-split unit that is built into the chassis. Options include a drawer dishwasher, black-walnut paneling and wood treatments in the bathroom, a composting toilet and a host of other things to personalize your Living Vehicle.  

The exterior is anodized aluminum, and Living Vehicles are built on an aluminum chassis with a custom tongue-and-groove aluminum decking integrated into the chassis. “They’re built like a tank,” said Hofmann. A major feature of every Living Vehicle is the curbside fold-down patio, rated for 1,500 pounds, that keeps the user more than 3 feet off the ground. Collapsible railings can be set up within minutes—valuable for keep a pet from jumping overboard if spotting a critter. The patio is accessed through an 8-foot sliding door off of the kitchen, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors.

Living Vehicles are four-season capable, with temperature ratings based upon trim levels—anywhere from minus 4 degrees to 120 degrees F. These trailers can even power an electric car.

Unlimited Solar

Depending on the configuration, a Living Vehicle can be outfitted with up to 5,800 watts of solar power, like on the GT39. Additionally, the company offers deployable solar. “Basically, you can have unlimited solar,” said Hofmann. “With this larger platform you can connect into an on-site solar array. For example, if you’ve got land and don’t have the ability to put in a 50-amp shorepower panel, you can create an off-grid living environment that is completely independent and powers the energy system on the unit. This is what we’ve actually designed the GT series for—this is our full-time living or extended-living product.”

Not only are the rooftops of a Living Vehicle lined with solar panels, but depending on the trim level you opt for, the trailer can be equipped with “butterfly” awnings—solar awnings that wing upward from the sides, providing shade over the curbside patio. These awnings are hinged at the top and lock against the side of the trailer during travel.

The GT fifth-wheel models have the option of a deployable solar awning at the rear of the trailer as well to maximize solar gain. Explained Hofmann, “The flagship GT39 is built like a yacht, while the GT32 is a more nimble, user-friendly trailer that maintains all the functionality of its larger sibling. We have a whole new package of imagery for the GT32 and we’re very excited about this unit. There’s also a 3D tour of it on the website.”

The new GT32’s base weight is 13,250 pounds and it has a 16-inch ground clearance. It can sleep four with the bedroom’s king-size bed and the living area’s convertible lounge. The kitchen’s island is actually removable so it can be moved to the patio for outside use or to make some extra space inside.

Trim Levels and Custom Configurations

LV’s lineup consists of four trim levels: ECO, COR, MAX and PRO. The ECO is designed for on-grid and is the standard foundation for all configurations. The ECO can also be outfitted with all options and travel as any other RV, requiring full hookups at campgrounds.

The COR, MAX and PRO are LV’s off-grid models. As trim levels increase, so does solar capacity, energy storage, inverter power and temperature ratings. The Level 2 EV Charging Package adds more power for e-bikes and toys.

New for the 2026 model year is that the entire Living Vehicle line is available with a custom configuration so customers can design their own trailer from the ground up, “becoming the architect of their mobile sanctuary.” Every design starts with a blank canvas, and from there the customer determines what they want from dozens of custom packages and options. With this flexible manufacturing system in place, a consumer can start with a lower entry price and design a trailer for on-grid or off-grid use.

Hofmann said that a full-feature configurator will be released on the website in the coming weeks for customers to self-configure their units and generate a custom quote in real time.

Fresh Off the Lot

Earlier this year, Living Vehicle opened a dealership in the Greater Los Angeles area so now people have easy access to check out various new and preowned units. Customers are welcome to come by during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday and by appointment on the weekends. Hofmann encourages making an appointment to be guaranteed a personalized tour by him or Wally as they love to show off their trailers! Notices of their availability are posted on social media, and you can stay up to date on Living Vehicle’s happenings on social by subscribing. The dealership is located at 31280 The Old Road in Castaic, California. Said Hofmann, “It’s quite a sight to see 10 Living Vehicles all lined up!”

The company offers nationwide open-source service across the United States and Canada, plus mobile service providers who will come to the customer. LV handles everything after a customer’s direct call to them. Living Vehicle recently partnered with a lender in California to offer financing on new units as well as inventory. Prior to now, a new order required cash up front to produce a custom build. livingvehicle.com

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‘RVing in New England’ Takes Pulse of New England RVers

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week takes a look at sentiments among campers in New England. “The road to a happy and trouble-free camping season appears to have a few obstacles,” note the hosts. “The industry and our country anxiously wait to see what happens next. We thought this would be  good time to tonight to take the pulse of our campers in New England.”

The show airs at 7 p.m. tonight.

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America’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Highlights National Park Week

WASHINGTON – Get ready to press play on an amazing visit to a national park. There’s a record collection of things to do and see during National Park Week from April 19-27, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the national parks.

The week’s theme of “National Park Playlist” celebrates musical connections to national parks and the American story. The week includes an entrance fee-free dayNational Junior Ranger DayEarth Day, and the 250th anniversary of the revolutionary “shot heard around the world.”

More than 430 national parks offer a wide variety of experiences that are sure to strike a chord with visitors. The NPS trip planning guide offers a symphony of tips. Each day of the week, we’re riffing off a musical theme to create a tour de force of the spectacular places around the country that can resonate with visitors.

Don’t fret, there’s something for everyone. Classic rock selections include Devils TowerMount RushmoreDelicate ArchMammoth CaveHalf DomeFlorissant Fossil Beds, and Rainbow Bridge. Some of the heavy metal choices are Gateway ArchStatue of LibertyGolden SpikeRivers of SteelLowell, and Fort Scott.

R&B brings to mind parks where you can be in sync rhythmically with natural sounds, the paddle of a canoe or the pace of a hike, while exploring the endless blue hues of skiesoceansglaciers, and lakes in places such as Blue Ridge ParkwayBluestoneCrater LakeGlacier Bay, and Cape LookoutAlternative options beckon people to discover hidden gems. Obscure hits await in national parks in every state. Tune in to a lesser-known national park or a new-to-you track of an old favorite.

Orchestrate a visit to hear live music at New Orleans Jazz, a classical concert at Colorado, music on the bayou at Jean Lafitte, an indigenous dance performance at Tonto, fife and drums at the 250th commemoration of the start of the Revolutionary War at Minute Man; or take a peek backstage at Wolf Trap.

Swing by a national historical landmarknational natural landmarknational heritage areanational trail, or National Register of Historic Places listing for examples of National Park Service community-based programs. Carnegie Hall, Sun Studio, Rock CityFunks GroveMississippi DeltaMuscle ShoalsPort Royal SoundMemory LaneMarian Anderson House, and Woodstock Music Festival Site hit all the right notes.

Mapping out yourpark playlist? Kick off National Park Week with a free entrance day on April 19. Work in concert with NPS.gov or the NPS app to choose a park that fits your groove. There is step-by-step information about what to do and see in each park and how to recreate in harmony with these treasured places for a safe and pitch perfect excursion.

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Former Jaeger-Unitek Exec Casey Joins IP Corporation

Kevin Casey

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Alex Wallenfelsz, Executive Vice President of IP Corporation, announced that Kevin Casey has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Casey will be responsible for leading the commercial team for all IP Corporation’s manufacturing companies, including Interplastic, HK Research, Molding Products, and North American Composites (NAC), according to a company release.

“Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge in the composites industry, having held leadership positions at Premix, Sika, Mar-Bal, EMS-EFTEC and most recently, Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions,” Wallenfelsz stated in a release. “His extensive experience in leading sales teams and expanding new technologies will create a focused “One-Team” customer philosophy as we accelerate the launch of our integrated Interplastic and HK Research team”.

“IP Corporation and HK Research have pioneered, industry leading polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, molding and bonding compounds, putties and colorants,:” Casey said. “The integration of HK Research, combined with IP Corporation’s full range of products, provides our customers with innovative, customer-specific technologies. We are excited to multiply this market focus in delivering best-in-class customer support with a full range of products and services.”

Company officials added that the creation of the Vice President of Sales position furthers demonstrates IP Corporation’s commitment to create market leading technologies and service to valued customers, while fostering collaboration and innovation within our organization.

About IP Corporation

IP Corporation and subsidiaries are specialty chemical companies with their headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. Interplastic Corporation focuses on the production and sale of unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, putties, and colorants for the composites and cast polymer industries.

North American Composites Company (NAC) is a national, full-service supplier to those same industries. Molding Products LLC is a leader in the production of sheet molding compounds for use in compression molding of light fixtures, lavatory sinks, shower stalls, and bases. HK Research is the technology leader in gel coat color performance and production.

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Torklift GlowStep Revolution Now on Outdoors RV Units

KENT, Wash. – Torklift, a leader in cutting-edge RV solutions, announced its new partnership with Outdoors RV Manufacturing, a renowned innovator in the recreational vehicle industry, according to a release. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment as the Torklift Glowstep Revolution will now be integrated into the design of new Outdoors RV units, delivering infinite adjustability, unparalleled stability, and luxury aesthetics to RV owners across the nation.

The Torklift Glowstep Revolution is a game changer when it comes to RV upgrades, the release continued. Known for its adjustable multi-hinge link design and signature glow in the dark capabilities, the Glowstep Revolution ensures a comfortable and safe entryway into the RV no matter where the road takes you. By combining Torklift’s technological expertise with Outdoors RV Manufacturing’s commitment to quality and innovation, this partnership is set to redefine the standard for recreational vehicle design and functionality.

The Torklift GlowStep Revolution is compatible with multiple step accessories to add to the comfort of your RV adventure:

  • DirtDestroyer: This step attachment easily installs to your GlowStep Revolution with no tools in just seconds. Allows you to clean your shoes prior to entering your RV to keep dirt and debris outside of your rig where it belongs.
  • SafeStep: SafeStep panels close off the gap between steps so that children or pets can safely enter the RV.
  • GlowGuide Handrail: Dramatically enhance safety when entering and exiting RV – comprised of three telescoping arms to ensure stability. Equipped with the signature glow in the dark capability for safe entry at night.

“We are excited to join forces with Outdoors RV Manufacturing by making the GlowStep Revolution standard on new Outdoors RV units,” said Kyler Morrison, VP of Sales at Torklift. “With this addition to Outdoors RV units, we’re showcasing our commitment to pushing the limits of RV design and continuous improvement to the end user. It’s all about creating a better travel experience and the GlowStep Revolution does just that.”

This partnership means you’ll see the Torklift Glowstep Revolution on Outdoors RV’s newest models, offering a perfect mix of style and convenience.

For more information about the Torklift Glowstep Revolution and the latest updates on the new Outdoors RV units, please visit torklift.com or outdoorsrvmfg.com.

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Escapod Unveils World’s First Mountain Biking Camper

COALVILLE, Utah — Escapod, manufacturer of high-performance off-road teardrop trailers, today launches the TOPO2 MTB, the world’s first purpose-built camper designed specifically for mountain bikers. This innovative, all-season trailer combines Escapod’s award-winning design with specialized features tailored for cyclists, creating the ultimate easy-to-tow base camper for adventure on two wheels.

Escapod will unveil the TOPO2 MTB at the Sea Otter Classic this weekend (April 10-13) in Monterey, Calif., at booth S9.

Building on the success of Escapod’s unique TOPO2 trailer, which offers an ultra-durable, patented single-piece molded fiberglass body and a proprietary high-clearance suspension system for overland travel, Escapod built out a new trailer model outfitted for the comprehensive needs of mountain and gravel bikers. At the heart of the design is Escapod’s custom-designed Switchback Hitch, a swing-away hitch that allows full galley access on the back of the trailer, even when it’s loaded with two bikes. It locks securely in three positions for stability off-road or at camp.

The Switchback Hitch features a bull bar, RotopaX mount, and a Feedback Sports Mechanic Clamp, making trail-side maintenance quick and easy. Also integrated is Küat’s new Piston ION E-bike Rack – also debuting and Sea Otter –which is ready to transport any pair of e-bikes up to 80 lbs. and rated for RV use. Similar to the TOPO2, the ION is over-engineered for reliable use in rough conditions to make it easier to access the best places to ride.

Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit is integrated into the galley on the rear of the trailer, while a Feedback Sports Slide Lock Clamp Head attaches to the bull bar, making trail-side maintenance a breeze.

“Mountain biking — and being able to easily access all kinds of rugged places to ride — is what led my wife Jen and I to create the Escapod brand in the first place,” said Chris Hudak, Founder of Escapod. “We built out the very first model a decade ago to fuel our own weekend mountain biking adventures, and that design inspired us to start a company. So building out the TOPO2 MTB is in many ways coming full circle for us. This is more than just a comfortable place to sleep — it’s the ultimate mobile base camp for riding.”

In addition to all the bike-specific components, the TOPO2 MTB’s features include:

  • A highly insulated and heated design that keeps users warm in cold weather and cool in hot climates. The design also protects a 21-gallon water system and lithium batteries from cold temperatures and freezing.
  • After a long day of riding, cyclists can refresh themselves using the outdoor shower, or wash off their bikes after a muddy ride, perfectly complementing the camper’s thoughtful design.
  • The galley on the back serves dual purposes with a full kitchen, stove and a fridge or cooler, and excellent storage for kitchen tools, as well as easily accessed organization for bike tools.
  • The proprietary Freeride suspension has 23 inches of ground clearance for handling the roughest terrain with ease. That’s ultra-important for accessing backcountry campsites in an era when established campgrounds are often booked far in advance.
  • The patented single-piece molded fiberglass body design is ultralight, extremely durable and has exceptional usable space for such a compact, easy-to-tow package. The TOPO2 can be towed by most small trucks and SUVs.
  • The compact TOPO2 MTB easily fits in a garage bay, making it the ultimate tool for quick urban escapes — particularly important in situations where there are HOA restrictions or storage space is otherwise at a premium.

The Escapod TOPO2 MTB comes fully equipped and starts at $53,990; learn more about this model, other Escapod trailers, and testing opportunities at escapod.us.

About Escapod

Escapod Trailers builds high-performance off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventure seekers who crave freedom and exploration. Using advanced fiberglass molding for a durable, lightweight body and the patented Freeride Suspension System for superior off-road handling, Escapods are built to tackle any terrain. With an industry-leading 5-year warranty, our trailers offer unmatched durability, while their compact size and easy towing capabilities make them just as convenient on the road or when fitting into your garage. Built in Utah, Escapod is more than just a trailer — it’s an invitation to join a community of adventurers, ready to explore wherever the journey takes you. Visit escapod.us for more information or follow the adventures on Instagram.

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Veurink RV Center Leads Donation Drive for Food Pantry

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Even though selling and repairing RVs is what keeps the lights on, the Veurink family believes in going the extra mile for their neighbors in need.

Mollee Veurink

That’s why this summer, Veurink RV Center (VRV) is spearheading a donation drive for Streams of Hope food pantry in Grand Rapids, Mich. The “2025 Pantry Pile-up” is being supported by Midway RV Center, Dutchmen RV, KZ RV, and RVBusiness.

“The actual donation period will be June 2 through the 21,” said VRV Creative Marketing Director Mollee Veurink. “We kind of thought, ‘Hey, this is when we’re going to get customers in our door just to bring awareness of even what’s happening in our own community.’”

Veurink said the hope is the more awareness from customers, the more donations there will be to Streams of Hope. Even though it’s a food pantry, Veurink said they do more than provide meals to those in need.

“If you’re going through a rough season of life, they’ve got that resource for the spiritual side,” she said. “We fully support that ministry.”

Streams of Hope is asking for many items to meet the growing need for help. Not only do they need canned goods, they will also accept cereal bars, cereal, dry pastas, hygiene products and baby products. Veurink says there’s a big need for diapers and baby formula, since those tend to go quickly when needed by a family.

Those wanting to give to the collection will be able to do so at both of Veurink’s locations. Its center in Grand Rapids is located at 7144 Division Ave. S., while the Newaygo branch is at 8669 S. Mason Dr.

Midway RV Center is also serving as a drop-off location. Its address is 5590 Division Ave. S. in Grand Rapids.

Veurink said the pantry is just about a mile from their Grand Rapids location, and about two miles from Midway. For the pair of businesses, charity begins at home.

“One kind of cool thing we like to do is invest in the community,” said Veurink. “When our customers invest in us, we’re able to invest back into the community. Whether we’re employing people right in our own neighborhood and we’re able to provide jobs, but also if someone’s in need we’re able to kind of hear that and be intentional with helping them in any way.”

This summer’s donation drive is being run by the company’s REACH team, the all-volunteer force made up of Veurink RV’s employees. It’s a labor of love, that usually gets 20 to 25 employees to lend a hand for any given project. Veurink said the employees are always happy to help out, and even many new hires sign-up for projects shortly after their start dates.

Veurink credits that volunteer spirit to family business’s culture, carefully crafted by her father, Tim Veurink. Even though his son and her brother, Matt, is now the general manager, she said their dad handles the behind the scenes “visionary-type stuff.”

“He said it’s easy to write a check, but it’s cool to be able to see a different perspective and it opens the eyes of the team,” Veurink said. “We do more than just sell and fix RVs.”

Once the donation drive is finished, all the items will be driven to Streams of Hope – hopefully, Veurink said, inside of campers.

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Robb Report: 16 Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of an article by Bryan Hood for the Robb Report. Click here to read the article in full.

Modern life can be exhausting. We all need to get away from it all occasionally, whether we live in the city, suburb, or the country. And if you can do so without having to step foot on a plane, all the better. Thankfully, for those who want to avoid any unnecessary visits to the airport, the camper van is in the midst of something of a golden age.

Today’s camper van, known to the heads as a Class B motorhome, is nothing like the modified Volkswagen Microbus of your youth. They may sleep fewer people than their relative, the driveway-filling RV, but the current crop still has room for everything you need to feel at home while on the road. Manufacturers and conversion shops like Airstream, Boho and Westfalia, are packing their vehicles with high-end kitchens, WiFi-enabled multimedia systems, plush beds, and, in some cases, full bathrooms with showers. Thanks to all these creature comforts, roughing it is a thing of the past. Plus, their smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park.

Below are 16 camper vans that will let you experience all that #vanlife has to offer in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Click here to read the article in full.

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