RVIA: Consider Joining the Workplace Safety Committee

The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Workplace Safety Committee is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety within the RV industry, and we’re actively seeking new voices to join our ranks! This vital committee is open to anyone from a member company who is passionate about protecting our most valuable asset: our employees.

Improving workplace safety is a forever goal, and we believe that robust conversations and information sharing are key to achieving it. Protecting our team members is of paramount importance, and by collaborating, we can continually enhance safety standards and practices across the industry.

We invite you to be part of these critical discussions. Our next in-person meeting will be held in Elkhart on Monday, Aug. 19. If you’re interested in serving on the committee and contributing to a safer future for the RV industry, please reach out to staff liaison Monika Geraci at [email protected].

The post RVIA: Consider Joining the Workplace Safety Committee first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVIA: Consider Joining the Workplace Safety Committee

The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Workplace Safety Committee is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety within the RV industry, and we’re actively seeking new voices to join our ranks! This vital committee is open to anyone from a member company who is passionate about protecting our most valuable asset: our employees.

Improving workplace safety is a forever goal, and we believe that robust conversations and information sharing are key to achieving it. Protecting our team members is of paramount importance, and by collaborating, we can continually enhance safety standards and practices across the industry.

We invite you to be part of these critical discussions. Our next in-person meeting will be held in Elkhart on Monday, Aug. 19. If you’re interested in serving on the committee and contributing to a safer future for the RV industry, please reach out to staff liaison Monika Geraci at [email protected].

The post RVIA: Consider Joining the Workplace Safety Committee first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Fed’s Powell Remains Steadfast Amid Trump Attacks

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday stuck to his position that the central bank will keep its key rate on hold while it waits to see how President Donald Trump’s tariffs effect the economy, despite the steady stream of criticism from the White House, which wants lower borrowing costs, according to an Associated Press report.

Powell, speaking in Sintra, Portugal, at a conference hosted by the European Central Bank, also said that U.S. inflation is likely to pick up later this summer, though he acknowledged that the timing and magnitude of any price increase from the duties is uncertain. But he said the Fed will keep rates on hold while it evaluates the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy.

“As long as the economy is in solid shape, we think the prudent thing to do is to wait and see what those effects might be,” Powell said, referring to the sweeping duties Trump has imposed this year.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Fed’s Powell Remains Steadfast Amid Trump Attacks first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Fed’s Powell Remains Steadfast Amid Trump Attacks

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday stuck to his position that the central bank will keep its key rate on hold while it waits to see how President Donald Trump’s tariffs effect the economy, despite the steady stream of criticism from the White House, which wants lower borrowing costs, according to an Associated Press report.

Powell, speaking in Sintra, Portugal, at a conference hosted by the European Central Bank, also said that U.S. inflation is likely to pick up later this summer, though he acknowledged that the timing and magnitude of any price increase from the duties is uncertain. But he said the Fed will keep rates on hold while it evaluates the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy.

“As long as the economy is in solid shape, we think the prudent thing to do is to wait and see what those effects might be,” Powell said, referring to the sweeping duties Trump has imposed this year.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Fed’s Powell Remains Steadfast Amid Trump Attacks first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory

FREELTON, Ontario — The Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) announced that the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has implemented long anticipated updates to the province’s licensing requirements for motorhome operators, according to a release.

Effective July 1, 2025, updated regulatory changes will be reflected across Drive Test files on Ontario.ca and the MTO’s official communications channels. These changes align Ontario’s licensing requirements with most other Canadian jurisdictions, simplifying the process for RV consumers and reducing unnecessary barriers to operating a motorhome safely and legally.

“We are excited about the introduction of an RV-specific license. Eliminating the requirement for a commercial license to operate motorhomes over 11000 kilograms simplifies the process for both dealers and customers. It makes RV travel more accessible and approachable without compromising safety,” said Amy Verwey, general manager, Owasco RV Centre, Bowmanville, ON.

“The introduction of a motorhome-specific license addresses a longstanding regulatory gap,” said Chris McKee, General Sales Manager & Co-Owner at The Hitch House. “The previous framework placed an undue burden on both consumers and industry staff, applying commercial training standards to non-commercial vehicles. This change creates a more appropriate and accessible pathway for Ontarians to operate motorhomes safely and legally.

“We would also like to thank everyone at the ORVDA for their contributions, with special appreciation to Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association,” McKee added.

The licensing change follows focused advocacy and collaboration between ORVDA’s Government Relations Committee and the Ministry of Transportation. The new framework enhances regulatory clarity while supporting the continued growth of Ontario’s RV industry.

“We are extremely grateful to Minister Sarkaria and his team at the Ministry of Transportation for their sustained collaboration with our industry. Over many months, their team collaborated closely with us to help design an online learning module that not only enhances road safety but also removes long-standing licensing barriers for motorhome owners. This is a meaningful and much-needed change for our sector,” said Shane Devenish, ORVDA Government Relations Committee.

The post Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory

FREELTON, Ontario — The Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) announced that the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has implemented long anticipated updates to the province’s licensing requirements for motorhome operators, according to a release.

Effective July 1, 2025, updated regulatory changes will be reflected across Drive Test files on Ontario.ca and the MTO’s official communications channels. These changes align Ontario’s licensing requirements with most other Canadian jurisdictions, simplifying the process for RV consumers and reducing unnecessary barriers to operating a motorhome safely and legally.

“We are excited about the introduction of an RV-specific license. Eliminating the requirement for a commercial license to operate motorhomes over 11000 kilograms simplifies the process for both dealers and customers. It makes RV travel more accessible and approachable without compromising safety,” said Amy Verwey, general manager, Owasco RV Centre, Bowmanville, ON.

“The introduction of a motorhome-specific license addresses a longstanding regulatory gap,” said Chris McKee, General Sales Manager & Co-Owner at The Hitch House. “The previous framework placed an undue burden on both consumers and industry staff, applying commercial training standards to non-commercial vehicles. This change creates a more appropriate and accessible pathway for Ontarians to operate motorhomes safely and legally.

“We would also like to thank everyone at the ORVDA for their contributions, with special appreciation to Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association,” McKee added.

The licensing change follows focused advocacy and collaboration between ORVDA’s Government Relations Committee and the Ministry of Transportation. The new framework enhances regulatory clarity while supporting the continued growth of Ontario’s RV industry.

“We are extremely grateful to Minister Sarkaria and his team at the Ministry of Transportation for their sustained collaboration with our industry. Over many months, their team collaborated closely with us to help design an online learning module that not only enhances road safety but also removes long-standing licensing barriers for motorhome owners. This is a meaningful and much-needed change for our sector,” said Shane Devenish, ORVDA Government Relations Committee.

The post Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory

FREELTON, Ontario — The Ontario RV Dealers Association (ORVDA) announced that the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has implemented long anticipated updates to the province’s licensing requirements for motorhome operators, according to a release.

Effective July 1, 2025, updated regulatory changes will be reflected across Drive Test files on Ontario.ca and the MTO’s official communications channels. These changes align Ontario’s licensing requirements with most other Canadian jurisdictions, simplifying the process for RV consumers and reducing unnecessary barriers to operating a motorhome safely and legally.

“We are excited about the introduction of an RV-specific license. Eliminating the requirement for a commercial license to operate motorhomes over 11000 kilograms simplifies the process for both dealers and customers. It makes RV travel more accessible and approachable without compromising safety,” said Amy Verwey, general manager, Owasco RV Centre, Bowmanville, ON.

“The introduction of a motorhome-specific license addresses a longstanding regulatory gap,” said Chris McKee, General Sales Manager & Co-Owner at The Hitch House. “The previous framework placed an undue burden on both consumers and industry staff, applying commercial training standards to non-commercial vehicles. This change creates a more appropriate and accessible pathway for Ontarians to operate motorhomes safely and legally.

“We would also like to thank everyone at the ORVDA for their contributions, with special appreciation to Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association,” McKee added.

The licensing change follows focused advocacy and collaboration between ORVDA’s Government Relations Committee and the Ministry of Transportation. The new framework enhances regulatory clarity while supporting the continued growth of Ontario’s RV industry.

“We are extremely grateful to Minister Sarkaria and his team at the Ministry of Transportation for their sustained collaboration with our industry. Over many months, their team collaborated closely with us to help design an online learning module that not only enhances road safety but also removes long-standing licensing barriers for motorhome owners. This is a meaningful and much-needed change for our sector,” said Shane Devenish, ORVDA Government Relations Committee.

The post Ontario Motorhome Operators Obtain Licensing Victory first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Tripadvisor Honors Thousand Trails, Encore RV Resorts

CHICAGO — Thousand Trails campgrounds and Encore RV resorts, which provide vacationers the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in top camping and resort destinations across the nation, announced that 55 of their properties received the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award. Of the 55, four were first-time winners, including trendy hotspots Emerald Isle RV Resort off the coast of North Carolina and Whippoorwill Campground near Ocean City, New Jersey.

An additional dozen locations earned the award for at least five consecutive years, with Thousand Trails’ Whalers Rest (OR), Oakzanita Springs (CA), Hershey (PA), and Gettysburg Farm (PA) each taking home the honor for an impressive 10th year in a row. Thousand Trails Orlando, the popular central Florida destination, continued its extraordinary streak, receiving the Tripadvisor recognition for the 11th consecutive year.

Tripadvisor collects customer reviews, ratings, and saves shared by travelers across the globe and uses the information to spotlight top destinations with the Travelers’ Choice award. Travelers’ Choice recognizes businesses that earn consistently great reviews and according to Tripadvisor, only about 10% of businesses listed on the site receive a Travelers’ Choice award.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see 55 of our campground resorts honored with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award, a recognition that reflects the amazing experiences our guests enjoy every day,” said Pat Zamora, vice president of marketing for Thousand Trails and Encore. “It’s a tribute to the dedication of our on-site teams, whose hard work and attention to customer service make it possible for our guests to create unforgettable memories during their stays.”

Guests can visit ThousandTrails.com to book RV sites, tent sites, and a range of unique rental accommodations, including yurts, cabins, cottages, tiny houses and even tiny container houses, with a variety of features and amenities to complement every vacation.

To qualify for the Travelers’ Choice award, businesses must maintain an overall Tripadvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, receive a minimum number of reviews in the 12-month period in which the data was analyzed, and be listed on Tripadvisor for at least one year.

About Thousand Trails and Encore

Thousand Trails campgrounds and Encore RV resorts are part of a network of more than 220 RV resorts and campgrounds across North America comprising over 90,000 sites. Thousand Trails, Encore, and their affiliates offer RV and outdoor recreation enthusiasts opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations, complemented with resort-style amenities. For more information, visit ThousandTrails.com.

The post Tripadvisor Honors Thousand Trails, Encore RV Resorts first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

OEM Showcase: Winnebago’s New Thrive Travel Trailer

In this episode of OEM Showcase On Location, Rick Kessler of RVBusiness is at Winnebago Towables in Middlebury, Ind., where Grant Smith provides a walk-through tour of the all-new Thrive travel trailer.

This episode of OEM Showcase On Location is sponsored by H.B. Fuller.

The post OEM Showcase: Winnebago’s New Thrive Travel Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

OEM Showcase: Winnebago’s New Thrive Travel Trailer

In this episode of OEM Showcase On Location, Rick Kessler of RVBusiness is at Winnebago Towables in Middlebury, Ind., where Grant Smith provides a walk-through tour of the all-new Thrive travel trailer.

This episode of OEM Showcase On Location is sponsored by H.B. Fuller.

The post OEM Showcase: Winnebago’s New Thrive Travel Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.