Month: June 2025

ESSLINGEN, Germany – Despite a challenging 2024 financial year and decreasing revenues in all divisions, the Eberspaecher Group is successfully continuing its transformation, according to a press release. The company is opening up new business areas with significant operational improvement and a clear focus on manufacturing excellence.

The Eberspaecher Group looks back on the 2024 financial year with caution. Eberspaecher was negatively impacted by global uncertainties and the slowdown in international industrial production, particularly in the second half of the year. This affected all Divisions. E-mobility products also experienced significantly lower call-offs than expected.

The consolidated revenue of the Eberspaecher Group decreased by 16.0% to EUR 5,333.2 million (prior year: EUR 6,349.0 million). Net revenue – adjusted for transitory items such as monoliths* decreased by 9.0% to EUR 2,731.7 million. This development is due to changes in the product mix and therefore to a lower proportion of transitory items and lower precious metal prices.

The purely operating result adjusted for extraordinary items and one-off expenses in connection with the transformation, amounted to EUR 114.1 million (prior year: EUR 58.0 million). The operating result increased significantly despite a drop in revenue. The cost-cutting and restructuring measures introduced and the consistent focus on manufacturing excellence at the global plants were a couple of the key factors that contributed to this. The company employs 10,680 employees in over 30 countries, with around 3,600 of these employees based in Germany.

Outlook
“We are continuing to pursue our course of technological openness,” emphasizes Chairman of the Executive Board/Managing Partner Martin Peters. He continues: “We are essentially a technology provider, and we transfer existing expertise to new business areas, including outside the automotive industry. This opens up opportunities for long-term success in changing market conditions.” This includes the hydrogen activities. In order to increase the availability of hydrogen, Purem by Eberspaecher developed a concept for the industrial production of high-temperature electrolyzers as part of a strategic partnership with Topsoe. The Group’s exhaust and acoustics specialist delivered the first two four-ton units to the Danish technology company at the beginning of June.

Meanwhile, the current financial year remains challenging due to the high volatility in the markets. “Our focus is therefore on maximum flexibility in our actions and on improving efficiency and competitiveness in our core business. The transformation measures introduced in recent years are having an impact,” summarizes Peters.

The post Eberspaecher ‘Successfully Continues its Transformation’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The summer driving season is underway, and while gas prices normally peak this time of year, drivers are getting a reprieve, according to AAA.

The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.14, down two cents from last week. Pump prices are 36 cents cheaper than last June, thanks to this year’s consistently low crude oil prices. Currently, oil supply in the market is outweighing demand. June gas prices haven’t been this low since 2021.  

• Today’s National Average: $3.146 
• One Week Ago: $3.166 
• One Month Ago: $3.165 
• One Year Ago: $3.502 

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.45 million b/d last week to 8.26. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 223.1 million barrels to 228.3. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9 million barrels per day. 

Oil Market Dynamics 

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 56 cents to settle at $62.85 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 4.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 436.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% 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 36 cents. 

Gas 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.73), Hawaii ($4.47), Washington ($4.38), Oregon ($3.98), Nevada ($3.84), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.36), Idaho ($3.31), Utah ($3.30), and Arizona ($3.30). 

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Louisiana ($2.72), Tennessee ($2.72), Alabama ($2.73), Oklahoma ($2.75), Texas ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.76), South Carolina ($2.77), Kentucky ($2.82), and North Carolina ($2.83).  

Electric 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Alaska (50 cents), West Virginia (50 cents), Tennessee (48 cents), Hawaii (46 cents), Montana (45 cents), Louisiana (44 cents), South Carolina (43 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), and Arkansas (42 cents). 

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (25 cents), Missouri (27 cents), Maryland (28 cents), Delaware (30 cents),  Nebraska (30 cents), Utah (30 cents), Iowa (32 cents), New Mexico (32 cents), Massachusetts (33 cents),  and Colorado (33 cents).  

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner. 

*The weekly fuel report is taking a two-week break and will return June 26. To check daily gas prices, visit the AAA Fuel Site. 

The post AAA: Low Crude Costs have Gas Prices on Cruise Control first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The summer driving season is underway, and while gas prices normally peak this time of year, drivers are getting a reprieve, according to AAA.

The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.14, down two cents from last week. Pump prices are 36 cents cheaper than last June, thanks to this year’s consistently low crude oil prices. Currently, oil supply in the market is outweighing demand. June gas prices haven’t been this low since 2021.  

• Today’s National Average: $3.146 
• One Week Ago: $3.166 
• One Month Ago: $3.165 
• One Year Ago: $3.502 

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.45 million b/d last week to 8.26. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 223.1 million barrels to 228.3. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9 million barrels per day. 

Oil Market Dynamics 

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 56 cents to settle at $62.85 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 4.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 436.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% 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 36 cents. 

Gas 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.73), Hawaii ($4.47), Washington ($4.38), Oregon ($3.98), Nevada ($3.84), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.36), Idaho ($3.31), Utah ($3.30), and Arizona ($3.30). 

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Louisiana ($2.72), Tennessee ($2.72), Alabama ($2.73), Oklahoma ($2.75), Texas ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.76), South Carolina ($2.77), Kentucky ($2.82), and North Carolina ($2.83).  

Electric 

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Alaska (50 cents), West Virginia (50 cents), Tennessee (48 cents), Hawaii (46 cents), Montana (45 cents), Louisiana (44 cents), South Carolina (43 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), and Arkansas (42 cents). 

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (25 cents), Missouri (27 cents), Maryland (28 cents), Delaware (30 cents),  Nebraska (30 cents), Utah (30 cents), Iowa (32 cents), New Mexico (32 cents), Massachusetts (33 cents),  and Colorado (33 cents).  

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner. 

*The weekly fuel report is taking a two-week break and will return June 26. To check daily gas prices, visit the AAA Fuel Site. 

The post AAA: Low Crude Costs have Gas Prices on Cruise Control first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SAN FRANCISCO – Hipcamp, one of the world’s leading apps for finding and booking campsites, announced the inaugural list of its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now — just in time for summer. With a mission to get more people outside, Hipcamp analyzed data for more than 500,000 campsites in every state and narrowed down their favorite spots across private land, public parks, and RV parks to celebrate standout spots across 30 states, including the Navajo Nation.

The 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now list was selected based on a variety of criteria, including positive camper reviews and ratings, regional trends, cultural shifts, and editorial debate. This list features a mix of historic parks and hidden gems beloved by campers and Hipcamp editors alike. Offerings include great scenic views, convenient amenities, escapes from crowds, and unique experiences for solo travelers, families, and everyone in between.

“We are excited to unveil our first ever list of our 50 favorite places to camp in America right now. With peak camping season upon us, this diverse list of incredible destinations caters to every type of camper. We are also proud that this list gives campers an opportunity to experience some off-the-beaten-path treasures and a few resilient campgrounds recovering from natural disaster devastation. By shining a light on our favorite campgrounds, we hope to make it easier than ever for campers to find the right outdoor experience for them they will love,” said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp.

Here is Hipcamp’s first ever list of the 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now:

• Village Camp Flagstaff – Flagstaff, Coconino County, AZ
• A Spark in the Dark Campground – Ash Fork, Yavapai County, AZ
• Sunset View Campground – Navajo National Monument, Navajo Nation, AZ
• Bentonville Bike Camp – Bentonville, Benton County, AR
• Boulder Creek RV Resort – Lone Pine, Inyo County, CA
• Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch – Loma Mar, San Mateo County, CA
• Campo Nopalito – Valley Center, San Diego County, CA
• Twisted Branch – Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, CA
• Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, Marin County, CA
• Timber Cove Campground – Jenner, Sonoma County, CA
• Ruby Mountain Campground – Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Chaffee County, CO
• Buttonwood Campground – Bahia Honda State Park, Monroe County, FL
• Shady Pines Campground – T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Gulf County, FL
• Secluded Waterfall Haven – Dillard, Rabun County, GA
• Sun Farm Hawaii @ Koko Head – Honolulu, HI
• City of Rocks State Park Campground – City of Rocks National Reserve, Cassia County, ID
• Windy Goat Acres – Chelsea, Tama County, IA
• C2T Ranch on the Saline River – Plainville, Ellis County, KS
• Oceanside Drive-In Campground – Assateague Island National Seashore, Worcester County, MD
• Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat – Warwick, Franklin County, MA
• Port Crescent Modern Campground – Port Crescent State Park, Huron County, MI
• Shipwreck Creek Campground – Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Lake County, NM
• Glacier Park Hipcamp – Coram, Flathead County, MT
• Sacred Nectar Sanctuary – North Sandwich, Carroll County, NH
• Santa Fe Treehouse Camp – Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, NM
• The Mountain Top @Wright’s Farm – Gardiner, Ulster County, NY
• BeaverWood Farm – Ferndale, Sullivan County, NY
• Bolin Knob Meadows – Morganton, Burke County, NC
• Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch – Waynesville, Haywood County, NC
• Table Rock Campground – Table Rock State Park, Pickens County, SC
• Goat Farm Hide-Away CVNP – Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, OH
• Cedar Bloom – Cave Junction, Josephine County, OR
• Mt. Hood Enchanted Forest – Sandy, Clackamas County, OR
• The Lake Pasture – Pacific City, Tillamook County, OR
• The River’s Edge – Pocono Woodland Lakes, Sullivan County, PA
• Belle and Beau Acres – Baxter, Putnam County, TN
• The Best Dam Spot – Staples, Guadalupe County, TX
• El Cosmico – Marfa, Presidio County, TX
• South Llano River Campground – South Llano River State Park, Kimble County, TX
• Zion Utah Jelly Stone Park – Hurricane, Washington County, UT
• Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp – Virgin, Washington County, UT
• Green Mountain Trails – Pittsfield, Windsor County, VT
• Watercress Inn at Landon Farm – Etlan, Madison County, VA
• Savage Acres on Craig Creek – Catawba County, Craig, VA
• Snow Peak Campfield: Long Beach – Long Beach, Pacific County, WA
• The Landing at Index WA – Index, Snohomish County, WA
• Unique Bay Front Camping – Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, WA
• Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest – Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA
• Whispering Pines RV Campground – Cle Elum, Kittitas County, WA
• Buford Canyon – Buford, Albany County, WY

“We’re beyond thrilled to be named one of Hipcamp’s 50 Favorite Campgrounds! Hosting campers from around the world has been such a joy—helping people unplug, enjoy nature, and escape the crowded campgrounds is what it’s all about. It’s an honor to share our 150-year-old ranch, the wide-open skies, and some of the best views around—especially when experienced on horseback. Thank you to everyone who’s stayed with us, supported us, and helped make this possible. We love what we do, and we’re so proud to be recognized for it,” said Bill and Megan Wright, owners of Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp in Utah.

“Hosting campers through Hipcamp has been an incredibly rewarding experience for us. We’ve met amazing people and discovered the joy in sharing our slice of heaven with others and developed an important income stream for our business. We’ve enjoyed discovering the hospitality business through Hipcamp and look forward to many years of meeting campers! Thanks to Hipcamp for the recognition and providing a platform that connects us with so many people looking for special places to camp,” said Chad and Cynthia Tuttle, owners of C2T Ranch and Campground in Kansas.

All campgrounds on the 50 Favorite Places to Camp Right Now List are available on the Hipcamp app, where campers can easily see real-time availability for booking. Each property will also have a Hipcamp Favorite badge added to its listing in the app, making it easy for campers looking for their next trip.

Last month, Hipcamp announced it has doubled its U.S. inventory to more than 500,000 campsites. With the largest catalog of outdoor destinations in the U.S., Hipcamp became the first and only app to unify all the campsites—from national parks to blueberry farms—everywhere you want to camp.

For more information on finding and booking a campsite or to explore Hipcamp’s vast catalog, visit hipcamp.com.

About Hipcamp

Hipcamp is the #1 app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Hipcamp unifies the world’s camping options across peaceful private spots, iconic public lands, and well-equipped campgrounds to create one app that has everywhere you want to camp. Hipcamp has grown into a community of over 7 million campers who use the app to explore all of their options in one place—tent sites, RV spots, or glamping—and find the perfect site to match their camping style. Each year, Hipcamp helps millions of campers sleep happily under the stars, boosting local economies and biodiversity along the way. Investors include Benchmark, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bond Capital.

The post Hipcamp: 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America Right Now first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

OXFORD, N.C. – Dill Air Controls announced two new additions to its sales team. Drew Collier has joined as Sales Director for the Southeast region, and Nick Dimitriades as Sales Director for the Northeast region.

These strategic hires reflect Dill’s ongoing commitment to strengthening customer relationships and supporting growth in key markets, according to a release.

Drew brings a strong background in account management and customer engagement, most recently serving as a Manufacturing Account Manager. His experience managing complex customer portfolios and driving growth makes him an asset to Dill’s Southeast operations.

Nick joins Dill with a strong background in sales engineering, manufacturing, and product development. In his previous role as a Sales Engineer, he worked closely with customers to deliver technical solutions and support product development – experience that will help strengthen relationships and support growth throughout Dill’s Northeast distribution network.

Founded in 1909, Dill Air Controls is a leading manufacturer of TPMS, tire valves and valve hardware, and inflation solutions for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and OTR markets. With over a century of innovation and quality, Dill remains committed to supporting its customers with reliable products and responsive service.

“We’re excited to welcome Drew and Nick to the Dill team,” said Brian Rigney, President of Dill Air Controls. “Their combined experience and energy will help us continue to build strong partnerships and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

The post Dill Air Controls Bolsters Sales Team with Regional Directors first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

As demand surges for smarter, more adaptable RV energy solutions, global lithium battery leader LiTime is redefining what mobile power can do. The company, known for its best-selling LiFePO4 batteries, is set to showcase its latest off-grid power innovations at Overland EXPO PNW, held June 27-29 at the Deschutes Expo Center in Redmond, Ore. (Booth A628), according to a release.

On display will be a full suite of next-generation system kits and rugged-use solutions-designed to meet the growing needs of van lifers, off-road adventurers, and DIY RV builders pushing the boundaries of where (and how far) their rigs can go.

LiTime 12V 100Ah Slim Battery: Built for Tight Spaces, Engineered for Performance

Specifically engineered for non-standard retrofit spaces, the LiTime Slim Lithium Battery is just 2.36 inches thick-making it easy to embed behind bed platforms, curved surfaces, or storage drawers. It frees up to 65% more floor space compared to traditional batteries.

Despite its slim form, it features EV-grade LiFePO4 cells, a cycle life of 15,000 times (@60% DOD), a durable metal housing, and a traceable “one-cell-one-code” system-offering both design flexibility and industrial-grade durability.

LiTime 12V 100Ah Xtra-Mini Smart Battery: Big Power in a Tiny Package

LiTime Xtra Mini takes compact power to the extreme. Weighing only 19.13 lbs, it’s approximately 23% lighter than a standard 12V 100Ah LFP battery and 70% lighter than traditional AGM models.

Its volume is just half that of a Group 31 battery, yet it delivers an impressive 194.7Wh/L energy density-perfect for tight compartments such as pickup bed boxes, motorcycles, or compact camping storage. Paired with Bluetooth 5.0, it enables remote monitoring of SOC, voltage, current, and temperature-eliminating the need to open battery enclosures for checks.

LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Edition: Plug-and-Play Battery Optimized for Victron Ecosystems

The LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery is one of the few intelligent batteries on the market that natively supports Victron system integration, purpose-built for the demanding environments of RV applications.

• Native Compatibility with Victron Systems – Supports CAN communication protocol for true plug-and-play functionality. Seamlessly integrates with the Cerbo GX to enable remote visualization of SOC, voltage, and temperature data.
• Smart Bluetooth 5.0 – Delivers a stable, fast wireless monitoring experience. Multilingual display support (EN/CH/JP/DE) allows real-time access to battery metrics via external screens.
• One-Touch Control and Comprehensive Protection – Equipped with LED status indicators and a single-button control interface. Features include low-temperature charging protection and a robust BMS with multiple safeguard functions, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions.

This integration capability positions the ComFlex as one of the few battery models on the market with native Victron compatibility-ideal for advanced retrofit users and those building intelligent off-grid systems.

LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Smart Self-Heating Battery: Cold-Weather Pioneer with Stable Output

During off-road expeditions, the LiTime 12V 100Ah Group 24 Bluetooth battery leverages intelligent self-heating to tackle extreme cold, enabling normal charging even in -4 degrees F environments.

With 500A surge discharge capacity and over 20 BMS protection features, it ensures system stability across rugged outdoor conditions-making it the ideal choice for cold plateaus, winter camping, and other frigid scenarios.

LiTime 12V 165Ah Smart Battery: A Versatile Power Core for Heavy-Duty Applications

The LiTime 165Ah LiFePO4 battery delivers both high capacity and compact form, offering 2,112Wh of energy and a continuous 2,112W power output-perfect for power-hungry devices like induction cooktops, electric heaters, and RV air conditioners.

Engineered within a Group 31 standard form factor, it achieves an energy density of 172.3Wh/L, making it a reliable core for long-term stationary living and heavy-load power needs.

LiTime One-Stop RV Power Kits Debut, Fully Matching Diverse Travel Needs

LiTime will unveil three categories of RV energy solutions at the exhibition:

• Weekend Camper Kit: Features two Slim batteries paired with a 2kW inverter. The system supports quick 10-minute installation and is ideal for weekend camping and lightweight RVs.
• Family Trip Kit / Long-Haul Pro Kit: Equipped with high-capacity 165Ah or 320Ah batteries, Bluetooth-enabled MPPT controllers, and 3000W inverters. These systems are designed for long journeys and multi-device usage.
• Extreme Overlander Kit: Combines dual 24V 200Ah batteries with an all-in-one inverter, built to support heavily modified vehicles and full-time RV living. This kit has drawn considerable interest from professional RV enthusiasts.

LiTime states that by offering standardized power solutions, it aims to lower the barrier to RV energy system upgrades-making high-efficiency, smart, and scalable energy more accessible to users.

LiTime Is Defining a New Era of Mobile Power

According to a report by Econ Market, the global RV and van conversion market was valued at USD 8.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to double to USD 16.47 billion by 2032.

Backed by a matrix of 100+ SKUs, 35 overseas warehouses, and a full-service systems network, LiTime is rapidly advancing into the North American core market. Its comprehensive presence at Overland EXPO PNW showcases not only the company’s technical capabilities but also signals a strategic acceleration in its global mobile energy deployment.

About LiTime

LiTime is a company with 15 years of experience in the new energy storage sector. Focused on user needs and powered by technological innovation, LiTime continually pushes forward in its mission to deliver the best value in lithium iron phosphate batteries. To date, LiTime’s battery technology has earned more than 380 product certifications. Guided by the brand philosophy of “Life & Discovery,” LiTime stands as an industry leader, dedicated to providing green, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions, while making a significant contribution to reducing the global carbon footprint and reshaping the power grid landscape.

The post LiTime to Intro Next-Gen RV Power Systems at Overland EXPO first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TULSA, Okla. – Optronics International, a leading manufacturer of vehicle harnesses, electronic control systems and LED lighting for the global transportation industry, announced the commercial availability of its new STL104 Series custom LED logo lights in 4-inch round format today. The new stop/turn/tail light is a low-cost alternative to Optronics’ original logo light, introduced in 2019, which made branded vehicle lighting available for the first time.

The STL104 Series represents a paradigm shift in commercial vehicle lighting, democratizing custom logo technology that was previously available only to large OEMs with high-volume requirements. Optronics’ patented manufacturing process maintains all safety and visibility benefits of traditional lighting while incorporating brand elements at a cost comparable to – or even less than – standard commercial vehicle lighting options.

“The introduction of our 4-inch round STL104 Series custom logo lights expands the creative possibilities for fleet branding significantly,” said Dustin Smith, vice president of sales for Optronics International. “Unlike vinyl graphics or conspicuity tape that can fade or be damaged, these LED lights create a dynamic brand presence that attracts attention both day and night while serving their essential safety function.”

Each STL104 Series custom logo light features 29 SMD LEDs configured specifically for its round footprint, with 10 LEDs paired with optics for optimal light output, and the remaining 19 LEDs illuminating the logo portion during stop and turn functions. This 4-inch stop/turn/tail light is fully FMVSS compliant for under 80-inch applications and may be used in over 80-inch applications when properly installed. It offers an industry-standard PL3 connection and grommet mounting, with other connection and mounting options available.

Optronics’ breakthrough manufacturing process has eliminated traditional barriers to custom lighting. The STL104 Series requires minimal setup costs and can take projects from concept to delivery in as little as 120 days. Minimum order quantities start at just 500 pieces, and volume-based pricing tiers begin at 2,500 units annually.

“We’ve literally put custom LED logo lighting within reach of any company that makes or operates commercial vehicles,” Smith said. “Whether it’s a large fleet looking to enhance brand recognition, a trailer or specialty vehicle manufacturer wanting to differentiate its products, or an upfitter adding value for their customers, the economics now make sense for operations of all sizes.”

The lights undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet all DOT requirements while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Each custom logo design is individually tested for photometric compliance, shock and vibration resistance, and all other FMVSS 108 requirements. The process begins when customers provide a high-resolution image of their logo and Optronics’ team creates a visualization showing how the logo will appear in the light.

The applications span every sector of the commercial vehicle market, from heavy-duty fleets enhancing trailer and cab branding to work truck operations seeking to maximize brand visibility while maintaining required lighting functions. Specialty vehicle and trailer manufacturers can incorporate them into custom builds to create distinctive product differentiation.

“From a branding perspective, the number of impressions generated by vehicles traveling America’s highways is substantial,” Smith noted. “From an operational standpoint, the price differential between the new logo lights and standard lighting is now so minimal that the branding benefit comes at virtually no premium.”

The STL104 Series 4-inch round custom logo lights are available for order now, with delivery beginning in Q3 2025. Like all LED products from Optronics, these lamps come with the company’s industry-leading lifetime LED warranty protection.

Optronics products are available in the U.S. and Canada through the company’s extensive distribution network of more than 30,000 convenient distribution locations. Users can access individual Optronics distributor websites by simply clicking on their logo icons. For information on international sales and distribution of Optronics products, please contact Dorian Drake at +1 (914) 697-9800, or visit http://doriandrake.com.

The post Optronics Launches Custom 4-Inch Round LED Logo Lights first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The latest data from National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report, covering the rolling period from April 2024 through March 2025, offers a tempered view of the recreational boating market as it navigates economic headwinds and evolving consumer behavior. While core indicators reflect continued softness in retail sales, some resilience in key segments and moderating economic pressures suggest a complex — but potentially stabilizing — market ahead.

Key findings from the March 2025 report include:

• For the 12-month period ending March 2025, total new powerboat retail unit sales decreased 7.4% year-over-year, reaching 231,144 units.
• In the first quarter of 2025, retail unit sales were down 8.4% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling 38,940 units. This marks a modest softening from February’s 4.8% decline, indicating the market continues to face near-term challenges.
• The Personal Watercraft and Yacht segments saw gains, up 325 and 40 units respectively, over the previous March.

“With our complete picture of March in hand across wholesale and retail, it’s clear the industry  continued adjusting to a shifting economic climate as the question of tariffs loomed throughout the month and as we look at early data for April and into May, we’re seeing a bit of a see-saw that could play out into the summer,” said Ellen Bradley, NMMA’s senior vice president and chief brand officer. “While sales volumes are softer compared to the post-pandemic peak, there are bright spots peeking out and the boating industry’s challenge and opportunity lies in adapting to today’s more cautious consumer while promoting the wellness, connection and adventure that boating uniquely provides. Remaining vigilant in understanding shifting consumer behaviors and adapting our strategies accordingly is essential. Whether it’s through innovative product development, engaging lifestyle marketing campaigns like Discover Boating, or closer partnerships with our dealer and supplier networks to identify new opportunities, the industry’s ability to inspire and connect with the next generation of boaters will continue define our long-term trajectory.”

Macroeconomic conditions in March again offered a mixed picture for the recreational boating sector as inflation cooled to 2.4%, down from 2.8% in February, offering modest relief to consumer budgets. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped slightly to 6.7%, yet high financing costs continue to impact interest-sensitive purchases like boats. Consumer confidence dropped in March to 92.9, and the Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 57.9, reflecting the consumer caution that had been building. Housing starts declined sharply to 1.34 million units, while gas prices began to ease. While the broader economic outlook remains uncertain, the industry has reason for measured optimism.

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is published at the beginning of each month and is available at no cost to members. The full report includes comprehensive retail and wholesale data, engine and segment breakdowns, and key economic indicators relevant to marine businesses.

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is available at no cost for members. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800. 

Download the latest report here.

The post Soft Marine Demand Continues, Some Bright Spots Exist first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Hosh “The RV Nerd” Winters of Bish’s RV provides a walk-through tour of the 2026 Forest River Wildwood 270ZEN a travel trailer featuring a unique combination of retro style with modern touches. The trailer has a length of 33′ 7″, a height of 11′ 3″, and a width of 8′.

The post OEM Showcase: 2026 Wildwood 270ZEN by Forest River first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Economic activity in the services sector contracted in May, the first time since June 2024, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM Report On Business, a report by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The Services PMI indicated slight contraction at 49.9%, below the 50% breakeven point for only the fourth time in 60 months since recovery from the coronavirus pandemic-induced recession began in June 2020.

“In May, the Services PMI registered 49.9%, 1.7 percentage points lower than the April figure of 51.6%,” stated Steve Miller, CPSM, CSCP, chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee. “The Business Activity Index was ‘unchanged’ in May, registering 50%, 3.7 percentage points lower than the 53.7% recorded in April. This is the index’s first month out of expansion territory since May 2020. The New Orders Index dropped into contraction territory in May, recording a reading of 46.4%, a decrease of 5.9 percentage points from the April figure of 52.3%. The Employment Index returned to expansion after two months in contraction; the reading of 50.7% is 1.7 percentage points higher than the 49% recorded in April and is the second straight month-over-month gain.

The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 52.5%, 1.2 percentage points higher than the 51.3% recorded in April, the release continued. This is the sixth consecutive month that the index has been in expansion territory, indicating slower supplier delivery performance. (Supplier Deliveries is the only ISM Report On Business index that is inversed; a reading of above 50% indicates slower deliveries, which is typical as the economy improves and customer demand increases.)

The Prices Index registered 68.7% in May, a 3.6-percentage point increase from April’s reading of 65.1%; the index has elevated 7.8 percentage points in the last two months to reach its highest level since November 2022 (69.4%). This is the first time the index has recorded this high of a two-month increase since a 9.2-percentage point gain in February and March 2021. The May reading is also its sixth in a row above 60%.

The Inventories Index returned to contraction territory in May, registering 49.7%, a decrease of 3.7 percentage points from April’s figure of 53.4%. This is the second time the index has contracted in 2025. The Inventory Sentiment Index expanded for the 25th consecutive month, registering 62.9%, up 6.8 percentage points from April’s figure of 56.1% and its highest reading since July 2024 (63.2%). The Backlog of Orders Index registered 43.4% in May, a 4.6-percentage point decrease from the April figure of 48%, indicating contraction for the ninth time in the last 10 months and its lowest reading since August 2023 (41.8%).

Ten industries reported growth in May, down one from the 11 industries reported in April. The Services PMI has contracted in only four of the last 60 months dating back to June 2020. The May reading of 49.9% is 2.4 percentage points below the 12-month average reading of 52.3%.

“May’s PMI level is not indicative of a severe contraction, but rather uncertainty that is being expressed broadly among ISM Services Business Survey panelists,” Miller continued. “The average reading of 50.8 % over the last three months still indicates expansion in that time period, but it is a notable shift of 2 percentage points below its average of 52.8% over the previous nine months. The New Orders Index moved into contraction territory for the first time in nearly a year. Tariff impacts are likely elevating prices paid by services sector companies, with the Prices Index hitting its highest level since November 2022, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI indicated that prices had increased 7.1 percent as compared to November 2021. Respondents continued to report difficulty in forecasting and planning due to longer-term tariff uncertainty and frequently cited efforts to delay or minimize ordering until impacts become clearer.”

What respondents are saying

“Business activity is increasing due to demand for data centers, commercial growth and infrastructure. Residential growth remains flat.” [Utilities]

“Tariff variability has thrown residential construction supply chains into chaos. Many items are still manufactured in southeast Asia, and suppliers are beginning to test the waters for increases. Major heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment manufacturers are passing on their cost increases due to higher refrigerant and steel commodity prices. Planning is difficult for community projects that could be scheduled for the next 22 to 30 months.” [Construction]

“Steady, with some signs of growth and opportunity.” [Finance & Insurance]

“Federal budget cuts are affecting purchasing decisions.” [Health Care & Social Assistance]

“Tariffs remain a challenge, as it is not clear what duties apply. The best plan is still to delay decisions to purchase where possible.” [Information]

“Due to the tariffs, we’ve had had small price increases on our international raw materials, and some suppliers are holding back inventory to cover uncertainties. We’ve seen some slowdown in the production of new wells, but there has been an increase in restimulation of existing wells.” [Mining]

“Life science startups continue to push forward on clinical trials and market launches. The level of investment grew this month. The impacts of tariffs are being watched but are not driving changes in strategic plans.” [Professional, Scientific & Technical Services]

“The projects are slowly starting to be issued, albeit with a great deal of market uncertainty.” [Public Administration]

“Business is strong. Consumer concerns over tariffs may be driving some demand.” [Retail Trade]

“Tariffs have increased the cost of doing business. It’s too early to tell what the lasting impact of this will be. We have tried to budget for the increase, but it has been a moving target. Overall, we are seeing a leveling off in business activity; time will tell if this is temporary or long lasting.” [Transportation & Warehousing]

The post Economic Activity in Services Sector Contracted in May first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.