The 2025 Priority RV Network Conference was held April 14-17 at the M Resort & Casino in Henderson, Nev., in which the nation’s largest co-op of dealerships assembled to learn PRVN program updates as well as network with each other and the 50-plus vendor partners also on hand.
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Lithionics has been in business since 2008, but over the past few years has made great inroads into the RV industry with its total battery power solutions.
The company, based in Clearwater, Fla., was acquired by Winnebago Industries in 2023 and has become a major supplier of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries for motorized RVs as well as towables.
From its beginnings with a team of engineers, Lithionics has been focused on innovation and safety.
“They had that foresight back then to say this is the best combination of safety, power density and the ability to store and transfer electricity,” Eric Meadows, president of Lithionics, told RVBusiness. “At that point in time, it’s just lead acid really and those kinds of products.”
Innovating in the lithium battery field, the company caught the attention of Disney, where the engineers developed batteries to power floats in the different parades held in the theme parks.
Disney wanted quiet, clean engines that weren’t belching fumes in children’s faces, but also wanted to ensure the safety of the products.
The team successfully met the difficult challenge and, soon after, Winnebago became the first major OEM to take on Lithionics products.
Today, the company produces a variety of products including battery management systems, smart alternators, chargers, power converters/inverters and other accessories.
Lithionics systems can be found on Class A, Class B and Class C motorhomes as well as towables.
“We hope to be recognized as the premium battery brand — valued for our focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency. Just as importantly, we want to contribute as thought partners in this space. Our engineers want to share what they know to support the growth of the industry,” said Krista Ragaini, director of marketing and client experience.
Meadows said that although the company’s focus is on lithium technology, it isn’t limited in that scope.
“The day something better than lithium-iron-phosphate comes out and is proven we will probably incorporate that,” he said. “Lithium is the third-lightest element on the periodic table, which makes it tough to beat in terms of a base element.”
Although Lithionics has products for all RVs, it has found its niche with B vans and with consumers who intend to go off-grid and need reliable power sources.
Recent shows such as the Overland Expo and Winnebago’s summer road trip featuring three of its off-road Class B products had a number of vehicles with Lithionics products on board.
“Our sweet spot is that boondocking kind of profile,” he said. “The B-van for us has really taken off. You need a smaller battery power system if you’re going to use battery. With the B-vans, a lot of them, these owners love to go off road.”
With the current success Lithionics is seeing, the company is a little wary of the coming tariffs on Chinese products.
All Lithionics products are assembled in the U.S., but the largest supplier of lithium is China, and there’s no escaping that fact.
Lithionics buyers have made an effort to acquire as much of the element as possible ahead of the tariffs to try to keep their products close to current prices.
Building and assembling the products in the U.S. also provides a certain measure of security.
“Every lithium battery has a BMS (battery management system), which is the brain — a small computer, essentially,” Meadows said. “Our hardware and software are designed and manufactured in the United States. That gives us a level of security and certainty of what we’re delivering, relative to battery companies that import those critical components predominantly from China.”
For more information about Lithionics, visit www.lithionics.com.
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The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum today (April 21) announced the appointment of Daryll A. Milnikel as its President, according to a release.
Milnikel served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps in a range of roles including recruitment, human resources, transportation and security operations. His military service includes multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following his military career, Milnikel transitioned to the private sector where he led product design and portfolio management initiatives for commercial and group insurance carriers, including G.E.H.A. and Humana. He also held business management roles supporting government insurance programs with WPS.
“The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum is in the strongest position in its 53-year history. As we enter the next era of growth, Daryll brings the skills and experience that will assure sound guidance for continued mission progress and development,:” stated Joe Stegmayer, chairman of the board.
“Our objectives are to preserve the histories of two industries that have had meaningful impacts on the lives of families throughout North America, recognize its leaders and innovators, and educate and entertain the public. Our team looks forward to working with Daryll on the continuous improvement of all phases of our operations,” stated Ryan Szklarek, executive vice president.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museums is a 501-C3 not for profit organization. Its multi million dollar museum collections are on display in a modern facility located in Elkhart, Indiana. The public is welcome to visit six days a week from November to the end of March and seven days a week from April to the end of October.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As spring break travel winds down, gas prices are following suit, down five cents since last week. Softer demand is fueling this downward trend, and with crude as low as it’s been in a few years, drivers may continue to see lower pump prices as summer approaches, according to a report from the American Automobile Assocation (AAA).
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased slightly from 8.42 b/d last week to 8.46 b/d. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 236.0 million barrels to 234.0. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.14 to settle at $62.47 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 442.9 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.
EV Charging
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 34 cents.
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.85), Hawaii ($4.51), Washington ($4.33), Oregon ($3.96), Nevada ($3.91), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.39), Arizona ($3.36), Pennsylvania ($3.36), and Idaho ($3.34).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.70), Tennessee ($2.70), Texas ($2.73), Oklahoma ($2.73), South Carolina ($2.74), Louisiana ($2.76), Kentucky ($2.78), Alabama ($2.78), Arkansas ($2.79), and Kansas ($2.84).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (55 cents), Alaska (47 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (45 cents), South Carolina (43 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Idaho (41 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), Louisiana (40 cents), and New Hampshire (40 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Iowa (26 cents), North Dakota (26 cents), Delaware (27 cents), Nebraska (28 cents), Utah (29 cents), Texas (30 cents), Maryland (30 cents), and Vermont (31 cents). Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
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ACTON, Calif. – All Valley RV Center announced in a press release its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of family-owned service and success in the RV industry.
“Located in the heart of Northern Los Angeles County, this small but mighty dealership has stood tall among larger competitors, earning accolades and the loyalty of customers throughout California and beyond,” according to the release.
“We’d like to thank the RV industry, our employees, and our customers for our continued success. Without you all, we would not be here,” said Bruce McGovern, Co-Owner of All Valley RV Center.
Over the years, All Valley RV Center has earned a reputation for excellence, receiving numerous industry and community honors. These include being named an RVBusiness Top 50 North American Dealer for multiple consecutive years, Antelope Valley Press’s AV Best RV Dealer for 16 years running, and Santa Clarita Signal’s Best RV Dealer for four straight years.
“During our month-long celebration, we’ve slashed prices on our current inventory,” said Jordan Heck, Co-Owner. “We’re looking to get more families outdoors to unplug and reset with family and friends—just in time for summer.”
To celebrate the milestone, the dealership is also holding a special RV parts giveaway for the community! One lucky winner will receive an RV parts prize package valued at $450, which includes a Big Dog camping chair, a 9×12 patio mat, and a Suburban 23″ griddle—everything you need to kick back and relax at the campground in comfort and style.
In addition, All Valley RV Center has introduced a new member of the family, a furry, fun-loving raccoon mascot! The dealership invited its RV community to participate in the naming process, first gathering suggestions and then putting the top five finalists to a public vote.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Bam Bam, our sweet and rambunctious raccoon mascot!” said Melissa Medlin, Marketing Manager. “It’s been so fun seeing our RV community engage with this campaign, and we can’t wait to share more of Bam Bam and his adventures.”
Looking ahead, All Valley RV Center remains committed to providing quality products, personalized service, and community-focused experiences for RVers of all ages and stages.
“Here’s to 20 years of RVing adventures—and many more to come,” the release stated.
Located at 1525 Sierra Hwy., Acton, CA 93510, All Valley RV Center is your one-stop shop for quality new and used RVs at unbeatable prices. With a focus on family values and personalized service, the dealership offers flexible financing options, a fully stocked parts department, and reliable service to keep your RV road-ready. Customers can explore top brands such as Jayco, Highland Ridge, Genesis Supreme, and Alliance RV.
Browse current inventory, get pre-qualified for financing, and learn more at: www.allvalleyrvcenter.com
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MARKHAM, Ont. – Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) has announced this month’s Dealership Insights Forum will be conducted at 11:30 A.M. EST / 8:30 A.M. PST on Friday, April 25.
Sara McGuire, IDS content marketing manager described this forum as “very relevant to the challenges dealers are facing right now” and provided the following description:
Are You Tracking the Right Service Metrics?
Your dealership’s fixed operations are key to maintaining steady revenue and driving growth — especially during economic downturns. But are you tracking the right service success metrics?
Join us for this month’s Dealership Insights Forum on April 25 where we’ll dive into the metrics that matter most. Let’s discuss how to identify trends faster, boost your service department’s efficiency, and eliminate costly bottlenecks.
Your Hosts:
Discussion Questions:
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ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) announced in a press release that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results before the market opens May 1.
Patrick Industries will host a conference call at 10 a.m. ET May 1 to discuss results and other business matters. Participation in the question-and-answer session of the call will be limited to institutional investors and analysts. The dial-in number for the live conference call is (877) 407-9036. Interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call on Patrick’s website at www.patrickind.com under “Investors.” A replay of the conference call will also be available via the Company’s investor relations website.
Patrick (NASDAQ: PATK) is a leading component solutions provider serving the RV, Marine, Powersports and Housing markets. Since 1959, Patrick has empowered manufacturers and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve next-level recreation experiences. Patrick is home to more than 85 leading brands, all united by a commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, Ind., Patrick employs approximately 10,000 skilled team members throughout the United States. For information on Patrick, its brands and products, visit www.patrickind.com.
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Tickets are available 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.
Click here to be taken to the landing page where you can purchase tickets. There you will click on “Register” in the orange box at the top right corner of the landing page.
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]).
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Jim and Jourdan Hansen are embracing the future. The brothers behind Jimbo & Company Transport in Middlebury say they have decided to put AI to work for them.
Far from being swayed by recent trends and tech industry buzzwords, the pair are early adopters. They started using artificial intelligence, although in a smaller way, five years ago.
“It’s grown significantly since then,” said President & CEO Jim Hansen. “Initially it was just creating the load board for the drivers, and then we fed off that. Our whole company runs off that load board. So as you’ve got that data (the AI) starts to read it and put things together. Once you have the data, you can start issuing commands and then it pretty much knows what you’re doing.”
Hansen says the A.I. is taking care of small and tedious tasks formerly handled by office staff, such as calculating payroll or tracking driver habits. It also helps track driver safety.
“Before, we would have to check to make sure that the driver was legal to take [a shipment],” Hansen said. “Now, it’s telling us, ‘Hey, this guy is able to take this, or he’s not able to take this.’ It’s giving us red flags right away.”
Hansen says the newfound efficiency from the A.I. creates a trickle-down effect. Quicker order processing and quicker driver means quicker deliveries and an expanding business with more opportunities for growth.
“Getting the order placed with us, to picking it up from the factory to put I our yard, to getting the paperwork done on our end, to getting a driver used to be a two-day process,” Hansen said. “Now you can get it done in half a day, and that guy’s on the road.”
The next frontier for the A.I. has to do with optimizing a driver’s time and earning potential.
“A lot of stuff that we’re currently working on is trying to figure out where you’re at and then what do we have available,” Hansen said. “Say a guy delivers in Missouri, there might be something in Missouri and it’s letting him know, ‘Hey, there’s a unit in Missouri if you want it.’”
While some are concerned about A.I. and the disruption it’s already causing, Hansen has a more optimistic view.
“A.I. doesn’t have to be a scary tool,” Hansen said. “It actually can be helpful… Don’t be afraid of it taking away jobs. I would say embrace it – learn it. You can utilize it. It’s a tool to use. You’re not going to get away from having a human anytime soon.”
Jimbo & Company Transport hired outside experts to build a custom A.I. for the processes they need. To maintain a competitive edge, Hansen did not disclose the name of the programs used.
James says using A.I. has helped the company save on overhead, allowing them to put resources into expansion. Jimbo & Company Transport plans to add 100 contractors during the second quarter.
James is sharing credit with his younger brother, Jourdan, who serves as the company’s Vice President and COO. Jourdan’s future-focused approach to tech has helped the brothers’ business stay ahead of the curve.
“He has a lot of the creativity. He wants us to be on that [A.I.] bandwagon,” Jim said. “Some people can’t grow out of the old school ways, but eventually we do get rid of the pay phone. If you don’t grow with it, eventually it won’t be there for you.”
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FAIRFAX, Va. – The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) annual industry conference focused on the RV aftermarket segment is back and registration is now open, according to a release from the RVIA.
Register now to join us in San Antonio, August 11-14, 2025.
The RV Aftermarket Conference is focused on supporting a great parts and accessory purchasing experience that will benefit supply chain members and the RV consumer. The event, open to all RV Industry Association members, features:
Registration Pricing:
Hotel venue and booking:
The event location for the 2025 RV Aftermarket Conference is the Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk – Downtown.
Enjoy River Walk views and get up close to downtown San Antonio right from your hotel room . The Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk is conveniently located less than a mile and a half from the Alamodome and Tower of the Americas, within a 10-minute walk of The Alamo, The Majestic Theatre, and The Buckhorn Saloon.
Group Rate: $229/night + tax
The hotel cut-off date is July 11, 2025.
Meeting space rooms are secured during event registration.
Click here to book additional lodging.
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