Love’s Travel Stops Opening its 100th ‘RV Stop’ in Nevada

OKLAHOMA, City – In 2021, Love’s Travel Stops opened its first RV location in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Today, Love’s reached a significant milestone in its continued expansion of RV services with the opening of its 100th RV Stop in Carlin, Nevada. The RV Stop adds seven hookups to Love’s networks and is connected to the Love’s travel stop that opened June 16.

The 100th Loves RV Stop in Carlin, Nev. (Photo: Love’s Travel Stops)

Located off Interstate 80 in northeastern Nevada, the Carlin store offers a full range of amenities for RV travelers including RV hookups with water and sewer access, seven RV parking spaces, an RV dump station and Wi-Fi. RV customers can also take advantage of the travel stop’s additional amenities, including six private showers, a dog park, Carl’s Jr. restaurant, and Love’s Fresh Kitchen.

“Reaching 100 RV locations is a proud moment for all of us at Love’s,” said Jim Wheeler, director of hospitality and RV operations for Love’s. “We’ve listened closely to what RV travelers want and need—convenience, cleanliness, safety and a known experience—and we’ve built our RV locations to meet and exceed those expectations. The Carlin store is a perfect example of what we strive to offer every guest.”

Love’s sets itself apart in the RV sector with its coast-to-coast network of locations, 24/7 service and consistently high standards for cleanliness and customer service. As RV travel continues to grow in popularity, Love’s remains focused on meeting the needs of families, weekend adventurers and full-time travelers alike.

The company began expanding its RV offerings in response to increased demand for accessible, reliable places for RV travelers to rest, refuel and refresh. For more information on Love’s RV services and a full list of locations, click here.

The post Love’s Travel Stops Opening its 100th ‘RV Stop’ in Nevada first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Love’s Travel Stops Opening its 100th ‘RV Stop’ in Nevada

OKLAHOMA, City – In 2021, Love’s Travel Stops opened its first RV location in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Today, Love’s reached a significant milestone in its continued expansion of RV services with the opening of its 100th RV Stop in Carlin, Nevada. The RV Stop adds seven hookups to Love’s networks and is connected to the Love’s travel stop that opened June 16.

The 100th Loves RV Stop in Carlin, Nev. (Photo: Love’s Travel Stops)

Located off Interstate 80 in northeastern Nevada, the Carlin store offers a full range of amenities for RV travelers including RV hookups with water and sewer access, seven RV parking spaces, an RV dump station and Wi-Fi. RV customers can also take advantage of the travel stop’s additional amenities, including six private showers, a dog park, Carl’s Jr. restaurant, and Love’s Fresh Kitchen.

“Reaching 100 RV locations is a proud moment for all of us at Love’s,” said Jim Wheeler, director of hospitality and RV operations for Love’s. “We’ve listened closely to what RV travelers want and need—convenience, cleanliness, safety and a known experience—and we’ve built our RV locations to meet and exceed those expectations. The Carlin store is a perfect example of what we strive to offer every guest.”

Love’s sets itself apart in the RV sector with its coast-to-coast network of locations, 24/7 service and consistently high standards for cleanliness and customer service. As RV travel continues to grow in popularity, Love’s remains focused on meeting the needs of families, weekend adventurers and full-time travelers alike.

The company began expanding its RV offerings in response to increased demand for accessible, reliable places for RV travelers to rest, refuel and refresh. For more information on Love’s RV services and a full list of locations, click here.

The post Love’s Travel Stops Opening its 100th ‘RV Stop’ in Nevada first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RV Industry, Elkhart Leaders Inspire Youth at Tolson Center

ELKHART, Ind. — A first-of-its-kind panel discussion was held in Elkhart, Ind. — the “RV Capital of the World” — on June 20, according to a report by WNDU, the NBC affiliate in South Bend, Ind.

It featured leaders in the RV industry — including Alliance RV co-founder Ryan Brady — but also city and county leaders as well.

Rodney Thompson, president of the National African-American RVers Association (NAARVA), was invited to Elkhart during a busy week for the city as a way to better enhance the diversity within the industry while also inspiring the next generation.

NAARVA was one of several groups who took part in an important discussion about the industry and its link to those who live in it. Some students from the Tolson Center also took part.

Click here to read the full report by WNDU.

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Brown & Brown Dealer Services Promotes Nicole Townsend

COLUMBIA, Ky. – Mike Neal, president of Brown & Brown Dealer Services (BBDS), announced in a press release that Nicole Townsend has been promoted to director of operations for BBDS.

Nicole Townsend

Townsend joined Brown & Brown Dealer Services in 2018, bringing over 20 years of automotive industry experience and knowledge. She began her automotive career at an early age and has held various positions within the industry, giving her a unique perspective and comprehensive understanding of business operations.

“Maintaining an effective and reliable infrastructure will be more critical than ever as Brown & Brown Dealer Services continues to grow,” Neal says. “No one knows more about the systems and processes essential to the F&I business than Nicole. Her proven results, depth of knowledge and years of valuable experience will help us further develop our competitive edge.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the streamlining and development of business operations for BBDS and to collaborate with our exceptional team,” says Townsend. “We will continue prioritizing delivering innovative solutions that help our teammates and customers achieve their goals.”

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Ford E-Series Cutaway Class Action Lawsuit Dismissed in Ill.

A Ford cutaway class action lawsuit has been dismissed after the Illinois plaintiffs failed to adequately allege their claims, according to a report by CarComplaints.com.

The Ford class action includes RV owners who “purchased or leased in the State of Illinois a completed motor home vehicle utilizing a Ford E-Series Cutaway [from] 2018” onward.

Plaintiffs Ricardo and Marleinet Gurrola purchased a recreational vehicle from an Illinois RV dealer in March 2022. According to the lawsuit, the RV was built on a Ford chassis known as a Cutaway. A chassis is the skeletal framework of a vehicle with a load-bearing frame that provides the backbone for everything else.

Specifically, the plaintiffs purchased an RV built on a 2022 Ford E-450 Dual-Rear Wheel Cutaway, or what is known as an “incomplete vehicle.”

“An ‘incomplete vehicle’ is an ‘assemblage consisting, at a minimum, of chassis (including the frame) structure, power train, steering system, suspension system, and braking system, in the state that those systems are to be part of the completed vehicle, but requires further manufacturing operations to become a completed vehicle.’” — Description according to U.S. federal regulations.

Once Ford builds an E-Series Cutaway, the automaker sells it to a final-stage manufacturer which turns it into a “completed” vehicle. Third-party manufacturers build a vehicle body on top of the Cutaway frame to make finished RVs, dump trucks, ambulances, etc.

When Ford delivers a Cutaway to a final-stage manufacturer, it must include the frame’s “gross vehicle weight rating,” which goes by the acronym GVWR. The GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely handle, but a final-stage manufacturer cannot alter the suspension without voiding Ford’s warranty to the end customer.

After a few thousands miles of travel, the plaintiffs noticed the RV was constantly pulling to one side, so they took it to a Ford dealer because the warranty required service at a Ford dealership. The dealer determined the wheel alignment was not correct, but the Ford dealer said it couldn’t adjust the alignment because it would require aftermarket parts, meaning replacement parts not made by Ford.

However, installing aftermarket parts would void the Ford warranty.

Click here to read the full report by CarComplaints.com.

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Camco Taps Outdoor Industry Veteran Chris Metz as New CEO

Camco CEO Chris Metz

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Camco Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of parts and accessories serving the outdoor recreation industry, announced the appointment of Chris Metz as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Metz succeeds Demir Vangelov, according to a release.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO of Camco Manufacturing and lead a company with such a strong legacy of serving outdoor enthusiasts,” said Metz. “I look forward to building upon our heritage in partnership with our talented team, deepening our customer relationships, accelerating our growth and expanding our impact in the outdoor lifestyle marketplace.”

Metz brings to Camco a distinguished track record in the consumer products industry. He began his career at Black and Decker, helping launch DeWALT power tools and rising through the organization to become president of the Hardware and Home Improvement Group. Following nearly a decade at Sun Capital Partners, he returned to the consumer products space as CEO of outdoor products companies Arctic Cat, Vista Outdoor, and most recently Solo Brands.

The leadership transition reflects a thoughtful and collaborative process between Vangelov and the Board of Directors, with the priority focus on positioning Camco for continued success.

“Chris’ appointment ensures continuity of our strategic vision while bringing fresh perspectives that will drive innovation and growth,” said Board Chair Dave Butler. “We’re confident that Chris’ leadership and extensive background in the outdoor industry will strengthen Camco’s position in the outdoor lifestyle market.”

Metz holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from the University of Delaware.

About Camco

Camco leads the future of outdoor recreation living with innovative and advanced technology, engineering solutions for simpler, safer, and more enjoyable outdoor living. Our mission is to enhance every recreational vehicle journey by providing premium solutions in water sanitation, power, towing, ventilation, stabilization, functional accessories, and services. Founded in 1966 in Greensboro, NC, Camco operates from five U.S.-based facilities and multiple facilities in Asia. With a dedicated team of 1,000+ employees who understand outdoor enthusiasts’ needs, Camco has 150+ patents and 4,000+ products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. Learn more about Camco at www.camco.net.

The post Camco Taps Outdoor Industry Veteran Chris Metz as New CEO first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Camco Taps Outdoor Industry Veteran Chris Metz as New CEO

Camco CEO Chris Metz

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Camco Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of parts and accessories serving the outdoor recreation industry, announced the appointment of Chris Metz as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Metz succeeds Demir Vangelov, according to a release.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO of Camco Manufacturing and lead a company with such a strong legacy of serving outdoor enthusiasts,” said Metz. “I look forward to building upon our heritage in partnership with our talented team, deepening our customer relationships, accelerating our growth and expanding our impact in the outdoor lifestyle marketplace.”

Metz brings to Camco a distinguished track record in the consumer products industry. He began his career at Black and Decker, helping launch DeWALT power tools and rising through the organization to become president of the Hardware and Home Improvement Group. Following nearly a decade at Sun Capital Partners, he returned to the consumer products space as CEO of outdoor products companies Arctic Cat, Vista Outdoor, and most recently Solo Brands.

The leadership transition reflects a thoughtful and collaborative process between Vangelov and the Board of Directors, with the priority focus on positioning Camco for continued success.

“Chris’ appointment ensures continuity of our strategic vision while bringing fresh perspectives that will drive innovation and growth,” said Board Chair Dave Butler. “We’re confident that Chris’ leadership and extensive background in the outdoor industry will strengthen Camco’s position in the outdoor lifestyle market.”

Metz holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in Business Administration and Management from the University of Delaware.

About Camco

Camco leads the future of outdoor recreation living with innovative and advanced technology, engineering solutions for simpler, safer, and more enjoyable outdoor living. Our mission is to enhance every recreational vehicle journey by providing premium solutions in water sanitation, power, towing, ventilation, stabilization, functional accessories, and services. Founded in 1966 in Greensboro, NC, Camco operates from five U.S.-based facilities and multiple facilities in Asia. With a dedicated team of 1,000+ employees who understand outdoor enthusiasts’ needs, Camco has 150+ patents and 4,000+ products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. Learn more about Camco at www.camco.net.

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RVWA Charitable Foundation Celebrates Golf Outing Success

ELKHART, Ind. – The RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation (RVWACF) announced in a press release the “resounding success” of its inaugural Golf Outing, held June 20 at Meadow Valley Golf Club.

The sold-out event brought together supporters from across the RV industry for a day on the greens in support of a great cause.

Under an overcast sky and ideal conditions, over 80 golfers teed off, enjoying friendly competition, camaraderie and the shared mission of giving back. The spirit of generosity was palpable as participants, sponsors, and volunteers united to raise much-needed funds for the RVWA Charitable Foundation’s educational programs.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together for our very first golf outing,” said Brittany Gingerich, RVWACF event organizer, “Thanks to the overwhelming support from our participants and sponsors, the event sold out, and we are thrilled to direct the funds raised toward vital educational initiatives that empower and advance women in the RV industry.”

The RVWACF is dedicated to fostering education and professional growth, and the proceeds from the golf outing will strengthen programs that provide scholarships, training, and career development opportunities.

The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to presenting sponsor RVTV, co-sponsors Amerimax and New Paris Speedway, as well as all additional sponsors, volunteers, and attendees whose commitment made the inaugural outing a triumph.

For more information about the RVWA Charitable Foundation and its educational programs, please visit www.rvwa.org.

About the RVWA Charitable Foundation: The RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting the education, professional advancement, and community engagement of women in the recreational vehicle industry through scholarships and empowering programs.

The post RVWA Charitable Foundation Celebrates Golf Outing Success first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Bish’s RV Opens 22nd Store Location in U.S., First in Alabama

CALERA, Ala. – A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of Bish’s RV on Friday, June 20, in Calera, Ala., a town about halfway between Birmingham and Montgomery, according to a report by The Shelby County Reporter. Founded in 1989, Bish’s RV now has 22 locations in 11 states.

Bish’s RV’s decision to open up in Calera was made as a result of sharing similar values with the city. That is what helped it stand out compared to other communities,.

“Calera really mirrors our values,” Bish’s RV Regional Vice President Justin Walls said. “There were a couple different cities we were looking at and Calera was very important to us because the people in Calera, the economy. It was really important for us to choose a place that had the same core values as us.”

Click here to read the full report by The Shelby County Reporter.

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