Month: April 2025

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced that Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale has been appointed Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, effective June 1. She will succeed Sharon Barner when she retires on May 31.

“Nicole has spent her career mastering the complex fields of corporate and international law, regulatory compliance and trade policy,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO, Cummins Inc. “She is a visionary and strategic thinker, and as our Vice President and Chief Legal Officer has leveraged her extensive legal expertise, strategic advisory skills and experience in corporate governance to advise, protect and grow our company.”

“A values-based and team-centered leader, Nicole’s skillset and experience make her uniquely qualified to step into the role of Chief Administrative Officer and lead this critical organization during an important time in Cummins’ history,” Rumsey added. “I am excited for her continued, positive impact on our company and our people.”

Lamb-Hale joined Cummins in 2021 as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, adding Corporate Secretary to her responsibilities in 2023. Since then, she has been a valued member of the Cummins Leadership Team, providing day-to-day legal counsel to Cummins’ global business and functional leaders and leading a diverse team of legal experts across 11 countries. In this role, Lamb-Hale helped lead some of the company’s most complex trade and regulatory matters and transactions, including the acquisition of Meritor, the largest in the company’s history; the spin-off of Cummins’ Filtration Business; and the formation of its battery cell joint venture, Amplify Cell Technologies.

As Chief Administrative Officer, Lamb-Hale will lead a global organization comprised of several functions that provide critical services, expertise and support to Cummins’ businesses around the world. These global functions include: risk management, ethics and compliance, product compliance and regulatory affairs, government relations, communications and corporate responsibility. Lamb-Hale will also continue in her role as Corporate Secretary, ensuring the company’s compliance with corporate governance standards and advising Cummins’ Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Cummins, Lamb-Hale held executive leadership roles in two global firms: Kroll, LLC, a global risk advisory firm, and Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory and commercial diplomacy firm. Before that, Nicole was nominated by U.S. President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). In this role, she was the Chief Executive Officer of the industry-facing unit of ITA, serving as the liaison between U.S. industry and the federal government. Nicole also served as Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Commerce and as an equity partner in two global law firms.

Lamb-Hale is an independent director on the corporate boards of Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) and of Kroll, LLC. She also serves as a board director for the Cummins Foundation, as well as several other non-profit boards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Center for International Private Enterprise. In addition, Lamb-Hale is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an emeritus member of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University (Bloomington, IN). She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Harvard Law School.

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 Chief Admin. Officer, Corp. Secretary first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Dyrt, the only camping app with all of the public and private campgrounds, RV parks and free camping locations in the United States, has found that the percentage of campers who camp alone increased for the third consecutive year. Nearly a third of campers (30.6%) said they camped alone at least one night in 2024.

These statistics are from the 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, the most comprehensive look at the latest trends, topics and figures for the U.S. camping industry. The latest version of The Dyrt’s annual report is compiled from the results of surveys conducted with three groups — thousands of members of The Dyrt camper community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and camping property managers across all 50 states.

Only 18.8% of campers reported camping alone in 2021, the first year The Dyrt began tracking these numbers. That increased to 24% in 2022 and 29.8% in 2023.

“I believe that solo camping is an example of a trend that has become a new normal,” says Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt. “Part of the effect of the camping boom is that people who would have never even considered camping alone discovered that they really enjoyed it. They’ve found the value in it. One or two nights of pure solitude can be like hitting the reset button.”

Solitude was the No. 1 answer given by campers (69%) when asked their top reasons for camping alone. Other reasons included friends and family not being available (50.6%), last-minute planning (28.4%), and camping being part of a larger solo road trip (25.9%). But just because there are no other humans around doesn’t necessarily mean solo campers are entirely alone. Nearly half (49.7%) of all campers reported camping with dogs in 2024.

“While the safety a dog provides on a solo camping trip in the wilderness is nice, the best part is the constant morale boost they provide,” says The Dyrt camper Kris A. of Colorado. “Whether we’re hiking, going to a lake or creek, taking a scenic drive or just lounging around the campsite eating hot dogs, there’s never an activity my dog doesn’t enjoy.”

Two consecutive years at about 30% may be an indicator that solo camping is here to stay. The statistics were also consistent across all age groups. Geographically, Pacific Region campers are the most likely to camp solo.

“I bought a new car complete with a tow hitch and a sunroof — to me those are the holy grail of road trip essentials, setting the stage for me to deepen my love for camping,” says The Dyrt camper Kyra E. of Georgia. “Part of my decision to travel solo was practical — I was brand-new to towing and wanted to focus entirely on mastering that challenge without distractions.”

The post The Dyrt: Solo Camping Increases For Third Straight Year first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – In a strategic leadership move that marks a key milestone in its accelerated growth trajectory, TheCRM has appointed Shane Marcum as Chief Operating Officer, according to a release.

With over 30 years of experience in dealership operations, technology innovation and executive leadership, Shane Marcum is a trailblazer in redefining industry standards, mastering operational complexity, and scaling businesses with precision. His appointment marks a defining moment for TheCRM — solidifying its position as an industry leader and amplifying its impact across the automotive and RV dealership landscape.

“In three decades of building this business, I’ve been deliberate about the leaders I entrust with its future,” said Richard Keith Latman, Founder & CEO of TheCRM. “Bringing Shane on as COO isn’t just a decision—it’s a defining moment for TheCRM. His expertise and vision will be instrumental in scaling our ambitions and driving meaningful, measurable impact across the industry. 2025 isn’t about riding momentum—it’s about delivering what dealers need most: smarter strategies, sharper execution, and results they simply can’t get anywhere else.”

Marcum’s career spans retail dealership operations, technology innovation, and executive leadership in the automotive vendor space—earning him a reputation for turning complex challenges into strategic opportunities. He has held prominent leadership roles at Dominion Enterprises, most recently as President of Dealer Specialties, LLC and Dealer Specialties International, Inc. Marcum also owned and operated a Ford franchised automobile dealership, where he rapidly drove its growth to exit with a significant multiple in just four years. Throughout his career, he has optimized operations, built high-performing teams, and implemented scalable solutions that fueled sustained expansion.

As COO, Marcum will drive TheCRM’s strategic growth, enhance operational scalability, and deepen industry alignment—cementing the company’s position as the intelligent engine behind modern dealership success. A firm believer in leading from the front, he will apply his ‘chain leadership theory’ to empower teams with trust, clarity, and autonomy—ensuring focused execution and meaningful results.

“TheCRM isn’t just another platform—it’s a step forward for dealerships, delivering the industry’s most advanced unified selling system,” said Marcum. “With AI at its core, we’re giving dealers a competitive edge they’ve simply never had before. My mission is to scale this vision, building systems that don’t just meet dealers where they are but elevate them to where they need to be. This isn’t about incremental improvement—it’s about redefining what’s possible.”

Marcum’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as demand for AI-driven dealership technology continues to surge. His leadership will accelerate TheCRM’s growth trajectory, delivering transformative solutions that generate tangible results and position dealerships to thrive in an increasingly competitive, tech-driven market.

About TheCRM

A leader in AI-powered dealership technology, TheCRM delivers the most advanced unified selling system for automotive and RV retailers. Purpose-built to move past the constraints of standard industry tools, it delivers the intelligence and adaptability legacy platforms were never designed to offer. With AI at its core, TheCRM empowers dealerships to operate smarter, faster, and at scale. It replaces fragmented tools with a seamless, data-driven ecosystem. Operating in secure cloud environments fully compliant with global regulations, TheCRM transforms customer engagement, optimizes sales processes, and sets a new standard for dealership operations.

The post TheCRM Appoints Shane Marcum as Chief Operating Officer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The inaugural OHI Connect brought together RV park and campground owners and operators for a groundbreaking peer-to-peer workshop-focused event designed to foster connection, share industry insights, and develop actionable solutions, according to a release from the national association dedicated to representing the interests and needs of private RV parks and campgrounds (formerly known as National ARVC).

Hosted at Cherry Hill Park, an OHI-member campground in the Washington D.C. area, the event also featured a meaningful advocacy experience on Capitol Hill, and the event proved to be a resounding success, the release continued.

“Connecting the dots is no easy task,” said David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer. “When you’re in the thick of it, the challenges of running a campground are numerous and the solutions can seem overwhelming. OHI Connect was designed to bridge the gap between everyday challenges and actionable solutions. We want to equip OHI members with the tools, strategies, and relationships they need to thrive.” 

Attendees participated in expert-led workshops and discussions focused on revenue growth, cost reduction, crisis management, and marketing strategies. The interactive sessions provided real-world takeaways, and the event created a valuable environment of camaraderie.  

One attendee noted, “This is so great! I’ve been in the industry all my life, and I didn’t think there was anything new to learn.” 

A key highlight of OHI Connect was the Capitol Hill Experience, where participants traveled to descended upon congressional offices to engage with legislators and gain a deeper understanding of national advocacy efforts impacting our industry. These conversations reinforced OHI’s commitment to representing the Outdoor Hospitality Industry and amplifying the voices of its members. 

“The event was a super creative regional solution to collaborating with and learning from industry peers,” said Ali Rasmussen, CEO and creative director of Spacious Skies Campgrounds. “I appreciated the opportunity to participate and to bring along a few of my stellar team members.” 

The success of OHI Connect was made possible through the generous support of industry-leading sponsors, including Newbook, AccessParks, Cavco Industries, Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance, TengoInternet, Business Finance Depot, Staylist, Influence Digital, Firefly Reservations, Campspot, and CRR Hospitality. Their contributions helped create a dynamic learning environment filled with valuable discussions and networking opportunities. Additionally, the event’s facilitators, including top professionals from across the industry, led insightful sessions that provided attendees with actionable strategies to implement at their parks. 

OHI officials extended their gratitude to all attendees, facilitators, hosts, and sponsors who made this event possible. A special thank you to Cherry Hill Park and the Gurevich family for hosting the event and providing an outstanding venue that fostered learning, networking, and connection. Their hospitality and support contributed greatly to the success of OHI Connect. 

For more information about OHI and other upcoming events, visit ohi.org. 

About OHI

OHI (formerly National ARVC), the leader in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, is the only national association dedicated to representing the interests and needs of private RV parks and campgrounds across North America. We are deeply committed to providing our more than 3,000 members exclusive access to continuing education, networking, business and marketing tools, member-only benefits and discounts, and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. 

The post Peer-to-Peer Learning Showcased at Inaugural OHI Connect  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was written by Edward Yuen of Xantrex for a blog post on the company’s website. It is posted here with permission.

Choosing the right inverter for your RV or camper van is crucial for powering your appliances on the road and ensuring a smooth experience. Whether you’re looking to add an inverter or looking to replace a stock model inverter for one that fits your power needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all inverter and some consideration must be made when choosing what to install. 

Since an inverter converts DC power from your RV’s batteries into AC power to run your household electronics and appliances, it’s important to select a unit that will handle the power needs you will put on it. But with so many options available, what should you consider before making your purchase? Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting an inverter for your RV. 

Power Capacity and Surge Capacity 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an inverter is its power capacity, often measured in watts. Power capacity determines how much continuous power the inverter can supply, while Surge capacity refers to the short bursts of higher power it can provide for appliances with high start-up demands. 

For example, a 2000-watt inverter can handle a continuous load of up to 2000 watts, but it might have a surge capacity of 4000 watts for a few seconds, which is ideal for starting appliances like refrigerators or water pumps. When selecting an inverter, it is important to tally and create different scenarios of the total wattage of the appliances you plan to use simultaneously and then make sure the inverter you choose has enough capacity to handle the combined load.  

Storage location and size 

It is important to know where you will store your inverter so that it is protected, doesn’t get in the way of everyday activities, and is easy to access. Popular storage places include everything from “basement” storage compartments near power distribution panels for large RVs to simply placing it under a couch in a one room campervan. It is important to note that inverters will make a bit of a humming sound when running, so proper sound control and ventilation is recommended.  

Pure Sine Wave vs. Modified Sine Wave 

Choosing between a pure sine wave and a modified sine wave inverter is another critical decision. 

• Pure sine wave inverters produce power that closely matches the smooth, continuous wave provided by grid electricity. This makes them suitable for sensitive electronics like laptops, microwaves, and newer appliances with variable speed motors. Pure sine wave inverters ensure that your devices run efficiently and without risk of damage. 
• Modified sine wave inverters, on the other hand, create a more stepped or blocky wave. They are generally more affordable, but may cause humming, reduced efficiency, or even damage to certain sensitive appliances. These are best suited for simpler devices like lights, older appliances, and power tools. 

For RVers with a variety of electronics, investing in a pure sine wave inverter will provide a smoother and safer power experience. To learn more about choosing the right type of inverter for your RV, read this article on How to Choose Between Pure Sine and Modified Sine Wave Inverters. 

Inverter Features 

Inverters come with a large variety of different features, and one of your major considerations should be whether the inverter can integrate with your RV’s onboard power system or if it is simply a stand-alone unit with a couple of AC outlets. The main features to consider these days are: 

• Onboard Integration: Some inverters can be integrated into your RV’s electrical system, allowing for seamless power distribution throughout the vehicle. This setup can simplify installation and provide a cleaner look by minimizing extra wiring. 
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Modern inverters often come with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control the inverter through a smartphone app. This feature provides real-time data on power usage, battery status, and inverter performance, enabling you to make adjustments on the fly. 
• Built-in Charging Ability: Newer inverter models, such as the Freedom XC series from Xantrex, have integrated chargers that can charge onboard house batteries from shore power or solar power. This two-in-one functionality not only saves space in your RV, but also simplifies your setup by reducing the number of devices needed to manage your power.  
• Advanced Safety Features: Safety is paramount when using electrical devices. Many inverters come equipped with built-in protection against overload, over-voltage, and short circuits. Features like automatic shutdown help safeguard both the inverter and connected devices, giving you peace of mind during your travels. 

When selecting your inverter, consider how you plan to use it and whether you want a more permanent solution or a versatile, portable option. For a detailed look at the range of Xantrex inverter options, visit our RV inverter products page. 

Compatibility with Other Power Systems: Lithium and Solar 

For those with advanced RV setups, it’s crucial to consider how the inverter will integrate with lithium batteries and solar panels. 

• Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries have become a popular choice among RVers due to their longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and ability to maintain a steady voltage. When pairing a lithium battery with an inverter, it’s essential to ensure that the inverter is compatible with the battery’s voltage and charging characteristics. Xantrex offers solutions specifically designed for lithium setups, which you can read about in this blog on lithium batteries for RVs and vans. 
• Solar Power: If you have a solar setup on your RV, look for an inverter that can easily integrate with solar charge controllers and the overall solar power system. This will allow you to maximize the benefits of solar energy, while still providing reliable power during cloudy days or when parked in shaded areas. 

A well-integrated system ensures that all components work together efficiently, reducing energy loss and providing a more seamless power experience on the road. 

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice 

Selecting the right RV inverter requires balancing power needs, compatibility, and budget. By considering the power capacity and surge requirements of your appliances, deciding between pure sine and modified sine options, evaluating integration capabilities, and ensuring compatibility with lithium batteries and solar systems, you can choose an inverter that will keep you powered up wherever your travels take you. 

The post Xantrex: What to Consider When Choosing an RV Inverter  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – National Powersport Auctions (NPA) is preparing for an increased supply of RVs, campers, and fifth-wheels, offering businesses greater flexibility in managing their stock.

This spring, NPA will feature more than 300 RVs and campers, ensuring dealers have ample inventory to meet seasonal demand. Interested buyers can preview available inventory on the NPA RV webpage, while NPA members have access to full vehicle data and reports to make informed buying and selling decisions.

April 2025 Auctions

• 4/9 NPA Cincinnati
• 4/10 NPA Lakeland
• 4/10 NPA Sacramento
• 4/11 NPA Dallas
• 4/16 NPA Philadelphia
• 4/17 NPA Kansas City
• 4/17 NPA Portland
• 4/18 NPA Atlanta
• 4/18 NPA San Diego
• 4/23 NPA Cincinnati
• 4/24 NPA Lakeland
• 4/24 NPA Denver
• 4/25 NPA Dallas

NPA hosts live auctions nationwide, accessible both in person and via NPA Simulcast. All auctions begin at 9 a.m. local time, and the 2025 NPA Live Auction Calendar provides the details. For quick inventory turnover, members can utilize NPA’s eSale platform, offering 24/7 access to RV and camper inventory.

NPA is currently waiving the annual membership fee for new RV dealers. Dealers can register by contacting the NPA Dealer Registration team at 888.292.5339 ext. 923301 or via email at [email protected].

The post National Powersporst Auctions Lists April RV Auction Dates first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Go RVing: This fifth-wheel is unique as it uses the front cab not as a bedroom, but as the kitchen. This unit also has high ceilings and a great entertainment area, making it the best spot to watch a big game. Want to learn more about the Columbus? Visit www.forestriverinc.com

The post OEM Showcase: Columbus Fifth-Wheel by Forest River first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was written by Gregg Fore, former partner of G&G Media and chairman of the RV Industry Association, retired president of Dicor, and a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

When U.S. Equity markets opened this morning, the DOW opened down 2.8% and the Nasdaq down 3.5%, and this followed a dramatic market sell-off from April 3.

Even though the current administration, since taking office, had warned of the use of tariffs as both offensive and defensive tools in international trade, the warnings had little impact as investors stayed relatively quiet, waiting for more certainty.

After the official announcements on tariffs, investors began the sell-off of equities looking for more safety as the future of corporate profits, inflation, and consumer demand seemed cloudier than ever.

Even in the days of the rallying around the development and use of AI, the market leader, U.S.-based NVDA has lost nearly one-third of its market value since mid-February. Possibly a sign of troubles ahead, or maybe a signal that equities have been overpriced and the tariff’s triggered a correction.

Even with these negative market conditions, not much has changed relative to the market dynamics and demand for RVs – it is not likely that industry shipments or retail registrations will mirror the drop in stock values.

Even so, the impact on RV related stocks has been, and continues to be, more dramatic than the overall equity markets. After suffering considerable losses throughout the day on April 3, early activity on the morning of April 4, found the negative pace continuing. 

• Camping World (CWH) after falling 16% on April 3^rd, was off an additional 10% this morning.
• Thor (THO) fell 10% on April 3^rd and opened today down an additional 6%
• Winnebago (WGO) fell 8.3% on April 3^rd and opened today down another 6.0%
• Patrick (PATK) fell approximately 9% on April 3^rd and another 5% this morning.
• Lippert (LCII) down 9.8% on April 3^rd and another 5% this morning.

It appears that until there is some “settling” in the World Trade arena, equity values will be quite uncertain.

The post Fore: Investors Flee Equities; Looking for Safety, Certainty first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANEE, Ind. – Gulf Stream Coach, the country’s largest family- owned manufacturer of high-quality recreational vehicles, announced its upcoming Spring Showcase at its headquarters in Nappanee, Ind., according to a release. The event provides our dealer partners an exclusive opportunity to explore the latest innovations from Gulf Stream Coach.

Coming off a strong retail month in March for many dealerships, Gulf Stream Coach recognizes the need for dealers to replenish inventory with the newest and freshest products available. The Spring Showcase, running from April 16 through April 25 inside Gulf Stream’s climate- controlled showroom, is strategically timed to give dealers a competitive edge by offering a comprehensive look at the award-winning additions to the company’s product line.

This showcase offers dealers a sneak peek at new models and features that will be highlighted at the Elkhart RV Hall of Fame Open House in September. Dealers can also review models that proved successful during the RV show season, gaining valuable insights for the peak selling months ahead.

“We’re excited to welcome our dealer partners to Nappanee for this dedicated Spring Showcase,” said Phil Sarvari, Gulf Stream Coach President. “This event is the perfect time to see the innovation happening at Gulf Stream firsthand. We’ve expanded our offerings and developed new floorplans that are already resonating strongly with consumers, providing the excellent quality, value and innovation our dealers expect.”

Gulf Stream Coach’s corporate headquarters is located at 503 S Oakland Ave, Nappanee, IN 46550. Dealers interested in attending the Spring Showcase are encouraged to contact their Gulf Stream Coach representative for more details and scheduling.

About Gulf Stream Coach

Founded in 1983, Gulf Stream Coach is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of quality recreational vehicles. Headquartered in Nappanee, Indiana, Gulf Stream Coach is dedicated to producing innovative RVs that offer exceptional value and comfort for families seeking adventure and memorable travel experiences.

The post Gulf Stream Coach to Host ‘Spring Showcase’ this Month first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following report was written by RV Industry Association (RVIA) President & CEO Craig Kirby and sent to the association’s members.

With President Trump announcing a series of new tariffs, I wanted to update you all on the RV Industry Association’s activities on tariff engagement. As you are aware, starting on Inauguration Day, the President has prioritized resetting and rebalancing worldwide trade by imposing tariffs on a variety of goods imported from countries around the world. This includes 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico to stem illegal immigration and the importation of fentanyl, tariffs on aluminum and steel and their derivatives, tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, reciprocal tariffs, and tariffs on Chinese goods.

Throughout the process, the RV Industry Association has been engaged with our members, lobbyists, partners, Congressional champions, and the administration to share the potential impact of these various tariffs on our industry.

Tracking and Information Sharing

First and foremost, we have been and continue to work with our trade-focused lobbying firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates, to track the tariffs, goods impacted, implementation dates (and pauses), and other details, and provide our members with the most up-to-date information. Additionally, we’ve worked with members to navigate this uncertainty by researching whether the various tariffs cover certain products (via HTS codes).

Working with Partners and Making the Industry’s Voice Heard 

Since the President announced the tariffs on Canadian goods and a Canadian response to include a 25% tariff on American RVs being imported into Canada, we’ve been working hand in hand with our partners at RVDA of Canada and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) to educate Congressional champions including Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jim Banks (R-IN) and Congressmen Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Dina Titus (D-NV) about the impact that this could have on the RV industries on both sides of the border. The President has repeatedly said that he wants to eliminate trade imbalances where the United States is on the wrong side of the ledger, but in this case, the U.S. has a positive trade balance with Canada. In 2024, American manufacturers shipped nearly 30,000 units to Canada valued between approximately $1.3 billion (wholesale) and $1.7 billion (retail) while Canada shipped fewer than 2,000 Canadian RVs to the United States.

As part of this effort, the RV Industry Association and the RV Technical Institute hosted Rep. Yakym for an industry roundtable at RVTI offices on March 20th. Tariffs, especially the American tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American RVs, were the primary topic of conversation. Rep. Yakym assured those industry representatives in attendance that he had and would continue to carry the message to the White House. We’ve heard similar assurances from Senator Banks’ team and other members. Senator Young has been a leader in asking the Administration for clear benchmarks on what would cause the Administration to increase, decrease, or remove the Canadian tariffs.

These tariffs were also a topic of conversation with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) at an event organized by Sorini, Samet & Associates, which provided us an opportunity to share our message with the Chairman. The Committee has jurisdiction over both tax and trade and Chairman Smith talks frequently about different priorities with the President and the White House. Another topic of discussion at that event was the de minimis loophole, which has now been closed for covered goods coming from China and Hong Kong by the President via Executive Order. The RV Industry Association continues to advocate for a legislative solution, which will be more permanent than an Executive Order, and Chairman Smith agrees. He is talking with his colleagues in both the House and Senate to find the best path forward.

As the Administration has been conducting investigations into certain countries and goods that could be subject to tariffs, we’ve filed comments on the 232 National Security Investigation on Imports of Timber and Lumber, urging the Administration to exclude lauan and Canadian softwood lumber, both of which are vital to the industry, from tariffs. We will continue to submit comments where appropriate to ensure that our industry’s voice is on the record and heard.

We’ve also been working with coalition partners like the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, and other Sorini, Samet & Associates clients to amplify our messaging. 

Soliciting Information from Members 

On February 26th we sent out part one of a two-part trade survey to gauge members’ perspectives and concerns, identify products of concern and efforts to re-shore production, determine countries where members source products, and other vital information. We’re utilizing the results of that survey to craft a comprehensive advocacy strategy identifying areas where we can push the Administration for wins including pursuing exemptions for products unavailable domestically, positioning the industry as an American success story and protecting it from Chinese manufactured units, and exploring the potential of establishing a manufacturing grant program that will help bring manufacturing on shore. Part two of the survey will be sent shortly.

In 2021, the RV Industry Association created the RV Trade Advisory Panel to more directly engage our members on key international trade issues. To help RV Industry Association staff gather information, help inform our advocacy approach, and share information with members, we will be reopening applications to RVTAP and beginning in-person meetings of the Panel.

Monitoring, providing information on, responding to, and sharing the impact on our industry with Congressional champions and the Administration will continue to be a top priority for the RV Industry Association. Please continue to monitor News & Insights for updates and please reach out to us if we can provide further information or answer questions.

Sincerely,
Craig Kirby
RVIA President & CEO

The post Kirby: RVIA is Closely Monitoring Fluid Tariff Impacts first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.