Month: April 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a report by Bryan Rogala for Outside magazine. Click here to read the story in full.

There was a time when you had to choose between comfort and off-roading chops when it came to pulling your adventure home along with you. You could spend a week in a luxury trailer as far as the pavement would take you, or sleep off-kilter in a Jeep pop-up camper deep in the wild. Now, whether you chase your motor-powered thrills at a gravel campground or 500 miles from the nearest interstate, your options are better than ever.

Our favorite slide-in, pop-up, and tow-behind equipment of the year keeps your storage space usable, maximizes sprawl—yes, there’s a short-bed camper that fits a king-sized mattress—and promises as much off-road prowess as you can dream of.

At a Glance

• Best Van Conversion: Wayfarer Vans Walt Conversion (From $25,00)
• Best Minimalist Camper: Tune Outdoor Tune M1 (From $12,999)
• Best Off-Road Trailer: Boreas Campers EOS-12 (From $84,990)
• Best Luxury Rig: Airstream Trade Wind (From $129,400)
• How to Choose a Trailer or Camper
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Click here to read the story in full.

The post ‘Outside’ Names Airstream Trade Wind the Best Luxury Rig first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners — a 34% tax on imports from China and 20% on the European Union, among others — that threaten to dismantle much of the architecture of the global economy and trigger broader trade wars, according to an Associated Press report.

Trump, in a Rose Garden announcement on Wednesday, said he was placing elevated tariff rates on dozens of nations that run meaningful trade surpluses with the United States, while imposing a 10% baseline tax on imports from all countries in response to what he called an economic emergency.

The president, who said the tariffs were designed to boost domestic manufacturing, used aggressive rhetoric to describe a global trade system that the United States helped to build after World War II, saying “our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered” by other nations.

The action amounts to a historic tax hike that could push the global order to a breaking point. It kickstarts what could be a painful transition for many Americans as middle-class essentials such as housing, autos and clothing are expected to become more costly, while disrupting the alliances built to ensure peace and economic stability.

Ckick here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Sweeping New Tariffs Signed to ‘Boost U.S. Manufacturing’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Foreign companies have long exploited the de minimis trade loophole – in which imported goods retailing for less than $800 are not subject to import duties – to flood the North American market with less expensive goods, a practice that has negatively affected U.S. companies operating in the RV aftermarket sector. Following the excerpt from a Reuters report is a Fact Sheet from the White House.

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday (April 2) that closes a trade loophole known as “de minimis” that has allowed low-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the United States free of duties, according to a Reuters report.

Trump signed the order, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (0401 GMT) May 2, in the Rose Garden of the White House after announcing sweeping new tariffs on global trading partners.

The White House said the move, first reported by Reuters earlier on Wednesday, came after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick certified “adequate systems are in place to collect tariff revenue” on the shipments.

It said imported goods from China and Hong Kong sent outside the international postal network and valued at or under $800 would now be subject to all applicable duties.

Imported goods sent through the postal network and valued at or under $800 would now be subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item, with that rate increasing to $50 per item after June 1.

Click here to read the full Reuters report.

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Closes ‘De Minimis’ Exemptions to Combat China’s Role in America’s Synthetic Opioid Crisis

CLOSING LOOPHOLES IN THE TARIFF SYSTEM: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order eliminating duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value imports from China, a critical step in countering the ongoing health emergency posed by the illicit flow of synthetic opioids into the U.S.

• Following the Secretary of Commerce’s notification that adequate systems are in place to collect tariff revenue, President Trump is ending duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong starting May 2, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
  • Imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to all applicable duties, which shall be paid in accordance with applicable entry and payment procedures.
  • All relevant postal items containing goods that are sent through the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption are subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item (increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025). This is in lieu of any other duties, including those imposed by prior Orders.
• Carriers transporting these postal items must report shipment details to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), maintain an international carrier bond to ensure duty payment, and remit duties to CBP on a set schedule.
• CBP may require formal entry for any postal package instead of the specified duties.
• The Secretary of Commerce will submit a report within 90 days assessing the Order’s impact and considering whether to extend these rules to packages from Macau.

 
COMBATING CHINA’S ROLE IN THE OPIOID CRISIS: President Trump is targeting deceptive shipping practices by Chinese-based shippers, many of whom hide illicit substances, including synthetic opioids, in low-value packages to exploit the de minimis exemption.

• On average, CBP processes over 4 million de minimis shipments into the U.S. each day.
• The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which exerts ultimate control over the government and enterprises of the PRC, has subsidized and otherwise incentivized PRC chemical companies to export fentanyl and related precursor chemicals that are used to produce synthetic opioids sold illicitly in the United States.
• Many PRC-based chemical companies hide illicit substances in the flow of legitimate commerce, including through false invoices, fraudulent postage, and deceptive packaging.
• While the U.S. previously offered a generous de minimis exemption, China enforces strict import restrictions and tightly limits de minimis exemptions, showing no similar leniency toward U.S. shipments.
• Last fiscal year, CBP apprehended more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at our borders, enough fentanyl to kill more than 4 billion people.
  • It is estimated that federal officials are only able to seize a fraction of the fentanyl smuggled across the southern border. 
• These drugs kill tens of thousands of Americans each year, including 75,000 deaths per year attributed to fentanyl alone.
  • More Americans are dying from fentanyl overdoses each year than the number of American lives lost in the entirety of the Vietnam War.

 
KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: When voters overwhelmingly elected Donald J. Trump as President, they gave him a mandate to seal the border and stop the influx of deadly drugs. That is exactly what he is doing.

• On the campaign trail, President Trump promised “We will not rest until we have ended the drug addiction crisis.”
• Upon returning to office, President Trump immediately took action to seal the border and crack down on drug trafficking.
• President Trump implemented 20% tariffs on China to address the threat of the sustained influx of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, flowing from China into the United States.

The post Trump Signs Order Closing ‘De Minimis’ Trade Loophole first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The stage is set for the 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast, which has evolved over the past 13 years into one of North America’s key annual RV trade events.

Emceed by RVBusiness Publisher Rick Kessler, this year’s breakfast – starting at 6:45 a.m. with the program itself at 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and North­ern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Ind. – includes a slate of head­line-generating speakers led by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, the former U.S. Senator and Meyer Distributing executive.

Along with a timely presentation from nationally renowned economist Peter Morici, look for virtual comments from U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, U.S. Sen. Todd Young and U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, and greetings from Elkhart Mayor Rod Rober­son.

In addition, Jessica Wahl Turner of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable will detail the RV industry’s pivotal role in the greater outdoor recreation economy, and KOA’s Mark Lemoine will provide new research from the campground sector.

Add to all that indus­try-specific news from RVDA’s Phil Ingrassia, RVIA’s Craig Kirby, and Lippert’s Michilah Grimes and Coachmen RV’s Mike Gaeddert of the Emerging Leaders Coalition, and this year’s Power Breakfast looks to be a powerful event.

The 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast is sponsored by Airxcel, Cummins, Dometic, Forest River, KOA, RVDA, RVIA, Spartan RV Chassis, THOR Industries, Wells Fargo and Winnebago Industries.

Set to go on sale Monday, April 7 via a link at RVBUSINESS.com, single tickets are $80 while 10-seat table sponsorships are $750, which includes signage and program recognition. Direct inquiries to event coordinator Judy Schutz (574-849-0578 or [email protected]).

The post Braun, Morici Headline 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The stage is set for the 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast, which has evolved over the past 13 years into one of North America’s key annual RV trade events.

Emceed by RVBusiness Publisher Rick Kessler, this year’s breakfast – starting at 6:45 a.m. with the program itself at 7:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and North­ern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart, Ind. – includes a slate of head­line-generating speakers led by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, the former U.S. Senator and Meyer Distributing executive.

Along with a timely presentation from nationally renowned economist Peter Morici, look for virtual comments from U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, U.S. Sen. Todd Young and U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, and greetings from Elkhart Mayor Rod Rober­son.

In addition, Jessica Wahl Turner of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable will detail the RV industry’s pivotal role in the greater outdoor recreation economy, and KOA’s Mark Lemoine will provide new research from the campground sector.

Add to all that indus­try-specific news from RVDA’s Phil Ingrassia, RVIA’s Craig Kirby, and Lippert’s Michilah Grimes and Coachmen RV’s Mike Gaeddert of the Emerging Leaders Coalition, and this year’s Power Breakfast looks to be a powerful event.

The 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast is sponsored by Airxcel, Cummins, Dometic, Forest River, KOA, RVDA, RVIA, Spartan RV Chassis, THOR Industries, Wells Fargo and Winnebago Industries.

Set to go on sale Monday, April 7 via a link at RVBUSINESS.com, single tickets are $80 while 10-seat table sponsorships are $750, which includes signage and program recognition. Direct inquiries to event coordinator Judy Schutz (574-849-0578 or [email protected]).

The post Braun, Morici Headline 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

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The post WCM’s Campground Business Directory Now Available first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

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 features RV enthusiasts and technicians Chris Dougherty and Randy Murray who discuss their new podcast, “Talkin’ RVs.”

Tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.

The post ‘RVing in New England’ to Feature Dougherty, Murray first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing announces a new partnership with Stoked Fire Products.

From colorful flame colorizers to dependable fire starters and other must-have fire tools, Stoked Fire Products is all about bringing joy and ease to your gatherings, according to a release. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a campsite adventure, or a cozy indoor evening, Get Stoked! helps you ignite the fun and keep it glowing.

“We’re fired up…literally! After a hot minute, all your favorite GET STOKED products are officially in stock and ready to bring the heat at Meyer Distributing,” said Jesse Bleeman, CEO of Stoked. “From our crowd-favorite Funky Colored Flames to the rest of our fire-loving lineup, we’re restocked, reloaded, and ready to turn every campfire, firepit, or backyard hang into a full-blown vibe. Whether you’re planning your next outdoor adventure or just want to add a little color to your night, now’s the time to get your hands on the goods. Let’s get stoked and keep the flames funky!”

“These are great counter display boxes for impulse purchases,” stated Nick Gramelspacher, VP of Brand Strategy for Meyer. “Perfect for RV/Overlanding and outdoor stores or anyone who camps or spends time by the fire. These Funky Flames and fire starters are new, exciting products!”

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 112 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

The post Meyer Distributing Partners with Stoked Fire Products first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Northeast Florida Chapter of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) has donated $3,000 to the Emmanuel Project of Northeast Florida – a nonprofit mobile medical clinic that provides essential care to both patients and underserved areas. 

“Our members feel strongly about giving back to nonprofit agencies in northeast Florida, especially a nonprofit like Emmanuel Project that shows how recreational vehicles can be used to provide medical services directly in the communities that need them,” said Northeast Florida FRVTA Board Member Michele Berg.

FRVTA Region 6 has made nearly $75,000 in community donations since 2018. 

“This contribution covered essential repairs, allowing us to continue reaching families, children and individuals in underserved communities to ensure they receive the care they deserve,” said Emmanuel Project of Northeast Florida Executive Director Raley Moore. “Through the kindness of organizations like the FRVTA Northeast Florida Chapter, we can carry out our mission of providing free, quality medical care to those who need it most.”

Based in Ponte Vedra, the Emmanuel Project of Northeast Florida is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit mobile medical clinic with a team of medical professionals dedicated to meeting people where they are and providing essential care to both patients and underserved areas. It provides quality, no-cost medical care to those without health insurance, and the ‘working poor’ who meet the income guidelines of 300 percent or below of the federal poverty level per household.  It’s ability to bring medical services directly to the patient allows the delivery of essential medical care without the barriers of transportation or distance while impacting health outcomes, saving governmental healthcare dollars, reducing inpatient stays and decreasing emergency room visits. For more information, visit https://emmanuelproject.org/about/.

The FRVTA is a non-profit 501 (C) 6 organization established in 1979. The FRVTA Northeast Florida Chapter (Region 6) sponsors two RV shows annually to help members promote their products at the local level. It’s local membership has grown to more than 30 businesses representing RV campgrounds and resorts, licensed Florida RV Dealers, RV manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and RV service companies and suppliers in Northeast Florida. For more information about the FRVTA Northeast Florida Chapter, visit www.neflrvdealers.com.

The post FRVTA Chapter Donates $3,000 to Mobile Medical Clinic first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

In this week’s video from Huntington Bank on markets and the economy, Chief Investment Officer John Augustine discusses how tariff talks “continue to control” markets, February’s lower inflation numbers, and the prospects of a government shutdown.

The post Huntington Bank: Three Things We Learned This Week first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.