Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Austin, Texas-based Texas RV Dealers Association (TVRA).
AUSTIN, Texas – The local and national media have highlighted the devastating flooding that the Texas Hill Country experienced on July 4, so there is no need to explain or provide details on the loss of life, damage to property, and damage to most of the RV parks along the Guadalupe River Valley.
Several have reached out to the TRVA state office, inquiring about how they can aid those affected by this natural disaster, and we wanted to offer some insight into the issue. Here are three deserving opportunities for you to help.
TRVA Members Impacted: Keith & Karol Halbert
To our knowledge, not one TRVA member business was damaged by the flooding.
However, one of our member dealers’ employees, Keith Halbert, of McClain’s RV in Kerrville, lived full-time in a motorhome that was swept away during the flooding. Keith, a service tech for McClain’s, and his wife, Karel, are safe but have lost most of their personal belongings and are now living in a local hotel.
Should you wish to donate to assist Keith and Karol Halbert in the rebuilding of their lives, you can donate to their GoFundMe page by clicking HERE.
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to Benefit – Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The fund supports nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments that are actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts for those in the impacted area along the Guadalupe River.
Although the fund cannot award grants directly to individuals or families, or fund repairs to private property, or replace personal belongings, it is committed to channeling resources to trusted organizations working tirelessly to help our neighbors in need. Hats off to the extended McClain family, who have made considerable donations to this fund.
Should you wish to donate to assist a nonprofit, 501(c)3 charitable organization that will work to fund local agencies that will channel funds to the well-being and recovery of the region, please click HERE.
TACO Member RV Parks
Our colleagues at the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) have created a GoFundMe account to aid the many RV parks that were damaged or destroyed during the flooding. RV parks are an essential part of the RV industry, and those affected by the flooding need the help of their industry partners – hats off to Jarrod McGhee, Fun Town RV, who donated a considerable amount to this fund.
Should you wish to donate to the fund to aid our RV park partners, click HERE.
If you don’t personally know someone affected by the flooding, donating to one of these three funds allows you to support the recovery efforts.
All members are requested to keep those affected by the flooding in their thoughts as more of the missing are found and identified, because there are more stories of loss forthcoming.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Austin, Texas-based Texas RV Dealers Association (TVRA).
AUSTIN, Texas – The local and national media have highlighted the devastating flooding that the Texas Hill Country experienced on July 4, so there is no need to explain or provide details on the loss of life, damage to property, and damage to most of the RV parks along the Guadalupe River Valley.
Several have reached out to the TRVA state office, inquiring about how they can aid those affected by this natural disaster, and we wanted to offer some insight into the issue. Here are three deserving opportunities for you to help.
TRVA Members Impacted: Keith & Karol Halbert
To our knowledge, not one TRVA member business was damaged by the flooding.
However, one of our member dealers’ employees, Keith Halbert, of McClain’s RV in Kerrville, lived full-time in a motorhome that was swept away during the flooding. Keith, a service tech for McClain’s, and his wife, Karel, are safe but have lost most of their personal belongings and are now living in a local hotel.
Should you wish to donate to assist Keith and Karol Halbert in the rebuilding of their lives, you can donate to their GoFundMe page by clicking HERE.
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to Benefit – Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The fund supports nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments that are actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts for those in the impacted area along the Guadalupe River.
Although the fund cannot award grants directly to individuals or families, or fund repairs to private property, or replace personal belongings, it is committed to channeling resources to trusted organizations working tirelessly to help our neighbors in need. Hats off to the extended McClain family, who have made considerable donations to this fund.
Should you wish to donate to assist a nonprofit, 501(c)3 charitable organization that will work to fund local agencies that will channel funds to the well-being and recovery of the region, please click HERE.
TACO Member RV Parks
Our colleagues at the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) have created a GoFundMe account to aid the many RV parks that were damaged or destroyed during the flooding. RV parks are an essential part of the RV industry, and those affected by the flooding need the help of their industry partners – hats off to Jarrod McGhee, Fun Town RV, who donated a considerable amount to this fund.
Should you wish to donate to the fund to aid our RV park partners, click HERE.
If you don’t personally know someone affected by the flooding, donating to one of these three funds allows you to support the recovery efforts.
All members are requested to keep those affected by the flooding in their thoughts as more of the missing are found and identified, because there are more stories of loss forthcoming.
LAS VEGAS – As RV travel surges during the summer and storm season approaches, reliable and portable power is more important than ever, according to a release from BLUETTI. To meet the needs of RVers, campers, and off-grid adventurers, BLUETTI has released a timely guide to its most popular portable power stations — now available with up to 65% off during its Prime Day Sale, running through July 11.
From ultra-compact solar generators to expandable home backup systems, here’s a rundown of BLUETTI’s top models for life on and off the road.
Portable Power for Outdoor Escapes and Light Backup (~1kWh)
Just launched and available for exclusive pre-order at $399 (50% off), the Elite 100 V2 portable power station is built for weekend RV trips, boondocking, or light backup power at home. A powerful upgrade to the AC180, this model delivers a similarly impressive 1,024Wh capacity while slimming down by 35% in volume and 30% in weight. It’s compact enough to fit neatly under RV seats while offering 1,800W output across 11 versatile outlets. More importantly, it can power essentials like induction cooktops, kettles, coffee makers, and even high-demand appliances such as portable AC units and full-size refrigerators due to its 3,600W surge capacity. With updated 1,000W solar input, it can fully recharge in just 70 minutes—perfect for quick outdoor stops or frequent, short-term outages.
Other entry-level units also join the Prime Day deals lineup:
AC70: 768Wh capacity, 1,000W output—great for picnics and weekend getaways. Now available at $299 (50% off).
AC2A: Ultra-portable 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs—enough to power phones, laptops, and drones. Now $139 (37% off).
Versatile Power for Family Gatherings at Home or Off the Grid (~2kWh)
Unlock hassle-free outdoor cooking with the Elite 200 V2. It easily handles electric grills, kettles, coffee makers, portable fridges, and more—ideal for full cook setups at the campground. With its 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output (3,900W surge), you can connect up to nine devices at once. Enjoy 16dB quiet, emission-free cooking on balconies, in backyards, at parks, or at campsites—no fuel, no fumes, no wildfire worries. It’s currently available at a record-low price of $699 with 59% off on Amazon and the BLUETTI website.
Another standout 2kWh power solution, the AC200L delivers 2,400W of power (3,600W surge) with a 2,048Wh capacity, expandable up to 7.6kWh. It is well-suited for all-night movie marathons, rooftop screenings, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it integrates smoothly into off-grid setups in RVs, trailers, and vans when paired with a D40 DC-DC charger. Now available for $899 (44% off) on both platforms.
Home Backup Power for Outages (~3kWh)
As hurricane and summer storm season ramp up, reliable backup power becomes essential. BLUETTI’s widely acclaimed AC300 home battery backup delivers 3,000W output power and supports expandable capacity up to 22kWh—enough to keep an average household running for days during severe weather. It also supports generator charging for quiet, fume-free overnight use, especially valuable in outage-prone areas like Texas. Now priced from $1,299 (48% off).
For users with higher demands, the AC500 home battery backup provides 5,000W output power and starts at $1,699 (43% off). Both the AC300 and AC500 qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in the U.S., providing additional savings.
Power Up Your Trip and Save More
All featured BLUETTI models are available on Amazon and the official BLUETTI store valid through July 11. Don’t forget to use code RVBUSINESS5 at checkout for an extra 5% off select models and sitewide. Besides, all BLUETTI products come with 30-day price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, you’ll be refunded the difference.
LAS VEGAS – As RV travel surges during the summer and storm season approaches, reliable and portable power is more important than ever, according to a release from BLUETTI. To meet the needs of RVers, campers, and off-grid adventurers, BLUETTI has released a timely guide to its most popular portable power stations — now available with up to 65% off during its Prime Day Sale, running through July 11.
From ultra-compact solar generators to expandable home backup systems, here’s a rundown of BLUETTI’s top models for life on and off the road.
Portable Power for Outdoor Escapes and Light Backup (~1kWh)
Just launched and available for exclusive pre-order at $399 (50% off), the Elite 100 V2 portable power station is built for weekend RV trips, boondocking, or light backup power at home. A powerful upgrade to the AC180, this model delivers a similarly impressive 1,024Wh capacity while slimming down by 35% in volume and 30% in weight. It’s compact enough to fit neatly under RV seats while offering 1,800W output across 11 versatile outlets. More importantly, it can power essentials like induction cooktops, kettles, coffee makers, and even high-demand appliances such as portable AC units and full-size refrigerators due to its 3,600W surge capacity. With updated 1,000W solar input, it can fully recharge in just 70 minutes—perfect for quick outdoor stops or frequent, short-term outages.
Other entry-level units also join the Prime Day deals lineup:
AC70: 768Wh capacity, 1,000W output—great for picnics and weekend getaways. Now available at $299 (50% off).
AC2A: Ultra-portable 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs—enough to power phones, laptops, and drones. Now $139 (37% off).
Versatile Power for Family Gatherings at Home or Off the Grid (~2kWh)
Unlock hassle-free outdoor cooking with the Elite 200 V2. It easily handles electric grills, kettles, coffee makers, portable fridges, and more—ideal for full cook setups at the campground. With its 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output (3,900W surge), you can connect up to nine devices at once. Enjoy 16dB quiet, emission-free cooking on balconies, in backyards, at parks, or at campsites—no fuel, no fumes, no wildfire worries. It’s currently available at a record-low price of $699 with 59% off on Amazon and the BLUETTI website.
Another standout 2kWh power solution, the AC200L delivers 2,400W of power (3,600W surge) with a 2,048Wh capacity, expandable up to 7.6kWh. It is well-suited for all-night movie marathons, rooftop screenings, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it integrates smoothly into off-grid setups in RVs, trailers, and vans when paired with a D40 DC-DC charger. Now available for $899 (44% off) on both platforms.
Home Backup Power for Outages (~3kWh)
As hurricane and summer storm season ramp up, reliable backup power becomes essential. BLUETTI’s widely acclaimed AC300 home battery backup delivers 3,000W output power and supports expandable capacity up to 22kWh—enough to keep an average household running for days during severe weather. It also supports generator charging for quiet, fume-free overnight use, especially valuable in outage-prone areas like Texas. Now priced from $1,299 (48% off).
For users with higher demands, the AC500 home battery backup provides 5,000W output power and starts at $1,699 (43% off). Both the AC300 and AC500 qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in the U.S., providing additional savings.
Power Up Your Trip and Save More
All featured BLUETTI models are available on Amazon and the official BLUETTI store valid through July 11. Don’t forget to use code RVBUSINESS5 at checkout for an extra 5% off select models and sitewide. Besides, all BLUETTI products come with 30-day price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, you’ll be refunded the difference.
LAS VEGAS – As RV travel surges during the summer and storm season approaches, reliable and portable power is more important than ever, according to a release from BLUETTI. To meet the needs of RVers, campers, and off-grid adventurers, BLUETTI has released a timely guide to its most popular portable power stations — now available with up to 65% off during its Prime Day Sale, running through July 11.
From ultra-compact solar generators to expandable home backup systems, here’s a rundown of BLUETTI’s top models for life on and off the road.
Portable Power for Outdoor Escapes and Light Backup (~1kWh)
Just launched and available for exclusive pre-order at $399 (50% off), the Elite 100 V2 portable power station is built for weekend RV trips, boondocking, or light backup power at home. A powerful upgrade to the AC180, this model delivers a similarly impressive 1,024Wh capacity while slimming down by 35% in volume and 30% in weight. It’s compact enough to fit neatly under RV seats while offering 1,800W output across 11 versatile outlets. More importantly, it can power essentials like induction cooktops, kettles, coffee makers, and even high-demand appliances such as portable AC units and full-size refrigerators due to its 3,600W surge capacity. With updated 1,000W solar input, it can fully recharge in just 70 minutes—perfect for quick outdoor stops or frequent, short-term outages.
Other entry-level units also join the Prime Day deals lineup:
AC70: 768Wh capacity, 1,000W output—great for picnics and weekend getaways. Now available at $299 (50% off).
AC2A: Ultra-portable 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs—enough to power phones, laptops, and drones. Now $139 (37% off).
Versatile Power for Family Gatherings at Home or Off the Grid (~2kWh)
Unlock hassle-free outdoor cooking with the Elite 200 V2. It easily handles electric grills, kettles, coffee makers, portable fridges, and more—ideal for full cook setups at the campground. With its 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output (3,900W surge), you can connect up to nine devices at once. Enjoy 16dB quiet, emission-free cooking on balconies, in backyards, at parks, or at campsites—no fuel, no fumes, no wildfire worries. It’s currently available at a record-low price of $699 with 59% off on Amazon and the BLUETTI website.
Another standout 2kWh power solution, the AC200L delivers 2,400W of power (3,600W surge) with a 2,048Wh capacity, expandable up to 7.6kWh. It is well-suited for all-night movie marathons, rooftop screenings, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it integrates smoothly into off-grid setups in RVs, trailers, and vans when paired with a D40 DC-DC charger. Now available for $899 (44% off) on both platforms.
Home Backup Power for Outages (~3kWh)
As hurricane and summer storm season ramp up, reliable backup power becomes essential. BLUETTI’s widely acclaimed AC300 home battery backup delivers 3,000W output power and supports expandable capacity up to 22kWh—enough to keep an average household running for days during severe weather. It also supports generator charging for quiet, fume-free overnight use, especially valuable in outage-prone areas like Texas. Now priced from $1,299 (48% off).
For users with higher demands, the AC500 home battery backup provides 5,000W output power and starts at $1,699 (43% off). Both the AC300 and AC500 qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in the U.S., providing additional savings.
Power Up Your Trip and Save More
All featured BLUETTI models are available on Amazon and the official BLUETTI store valid through July 11. Don’t forget to use code RVBUSINESS5 at checkout for an extra 5% off select models and sitewide. Besides, all BLUETTI products come with 30-day price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, you’ll be refunded the difference.
LAS VEGAS – As RV travel surges during the summer and storm season approaches, reliable and portable power is more important than ever, according to a release from BLUETTI. To meet the needs of RVers, campers, and off-grid adventurers, BLUETTI has released a timely guide to its most popular portable power stations — now available with up to 65% off during its Prime Day Sale, running through July 11.
From ultra-compact solar generators to expandable home backup systems, here’s a rundown of BLUETTI’s top models for life on and off the road.
Portable Power for Outdoor Escapes and Light Backup (~1kWh)
Just launched and available for exclusive pre-order at $399 (50% off), the Elite 100 V2 portable power station is built for weekend RV trips, boondocking, or light backup power at home. A powerful upgrade to the AC180, this model delivers a similarly impressive 1,024Wh capacity while slimming down by 35% in volume and 30% in weight. It’s compact enough to fit neatly under RV seats while offering 1,800W output across 11 versatile outlets. More importantly, it can power essentials like induction cooktops, kettles, coffee makers, and even high-demand appliances such as portable AC units and full-size refrigerators due to its 3,600W surge capacity. With updated 1,000W solar input, it can fully recharge in just 70 minutes—perfect for quick outdoor stops or frequent, short-term outages.
Other entry-level units also join the Prime Day deals lineup:
AC70: 768Wh capacity, 1,000W output—great for picnics and weekend getaways. Now available at $299 (50% off).
AC2A: Ultra-portable 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs—enough to power phones, laptops, and drones. Now $139 (37% off).
Versatile Power for Family Gatherings at Home or Off the Grid (~2kWh)
Unlock hassle-free outdoor cooking with the Elite 200 V2. It easily handles electric grills, kettles, coffee makers, portable fridges, and more—ideal for full cook setups at the campground. With its 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output (3,900W surge), you can connect up to nine devices at once. Enjoy 16dB quiet, emission-free cooking on balconies, in backyards, at parks, or at campsites—no fuel, no fumes, no wildfire worries. It’s currently available at a record-low price of $699 with 59% off on Amazon and the BLUETTI website.
Another standout 2kWh power solution, the AC200L delivers 2,400W of power (3,600W surge) with a 2,048Wh capacity, expandable up to 7.6kWh. It is well-suited for all-night movie marathons, rooftop screenings, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it integrates smoothly into off-grid setups in RVs, trailers, and vans when paired with a D40 DC-DC charger. Now available for $899 (44% off) on both platforms.
Home Backup Power for Outages (~3kWh)
As hurricane and summer storm season ramp up, reliable backup power becomes essential. BLUETTI’s widely acclaimed AC300 home battery backup delivers 3,000W output power and supports expandable capacity up to 22kWh—enough to keep an average household running for days during severe weather. It also supports generator charging for quiet, fume-free overnight use, especially valuable in outage-prone areas like Texas. Now priced from $1,299 (48% off).
For users with higher demands, the AC500 home battery backup provides 5,000W output power and starts at $1,699 (43% off). Both the AC300 and AC500 qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in the U.S., providing additional savings.
Power Up Your Trip and Save More
All featured BLUETTI models are available on Amazon and the official BLUETTI store valid through July 11. Don’t forget to use code RVBUSINESS5 at checkout for an extra 5% off select models and sitewide. Besides, all BLUETTI products come with 30-day price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, you’ll be refunded the difference.
LAS VEGAS – As RV travel surges during the summer and storm season approaches, reliable and portable power is more important than ever, according to a release from BLUETTI. To meet the needs of RVers, campers, and off-grid adventurers, BLUETTI has released a timely guide to its most popular portable power stations — now available with up to 65% off during its Prime Day Sale, running through July 11.
From ultra-compact solar generators to expandable home backup systems, here’s a rundown of BLUETTI’s top models for life on and off the road.
Portable Power for Outdoor Escapes and Light Backup (~1kWh)
Just launched and available for exclusive pre-order at $399 (50% off), the Elite 100 V2 portable power station is built for weekend RV trips, boondocking, or light backup power at home. A powerful upgrade to the AC180, this model delivers a similarly impressive 1,024Wh capacity while slimming down by 35% in volume and 30% in weight. It’s compact enough to fit neatly under RV seats while offering 1,800W output across 11 versatile outlets. More importantly, it can power essentials like induction cooktops, kettles, coffee makers, and even high-demand appliances such as portable AC units and full-size refrigerators due to its 3,600W surge capacity. With updated 1,000W solar input, it can fully recharge in just 70 minutes—perfect for quick outdoor stops or frequent, short-term outages.
Other entry-level units also join the Prime Day deals lineup:
AC70: 768Wh capacity, 1,000W output—great for picnics and weekend getaways. Now available at $299 (50% off).
AC2A: Ultra-portable 204.8Wh unit under 8 lbs—enough to power phones, laptops, and drones. Now $139 (37% off).
Versatile Power for Family Gatherings at Home or Off the Grid (~2kWh)
Unlock hassle-free outdoor cooking with the Elite 200 V2. It easily handles electric grills, kettles, coffee makers, portable fridges, and more—ideal for full cook setups at the campground. With its 2,073.6Wh capacity and 2,600W output (3,900W surge), you can connect up to nine devices at once. Enjoy 16dB quiet, emission-free cooking on balconies, in backyards, at parks, or at campsites—no fuel, no fumes, no wildfire worries. It’s currently available at a record-low price of $699 with 59% off on Amazon and the BLUETTI website.
Another standout 2kWh power solution, the AC200L delivers 2,400W of power (3,600W surge) with a 2,048Wh capacity, expandable up to 7.6kWh. It is well-suited for all-night movie marathons, rooftop screenings, and backyard gatherings. Additionally, it integrates smoothly into off-grid setups in RVs, trailers, and vans when paired with a D40 DC-DC charger. Now available for $899 (44% off) on both platforms.
Home Backup Power for Outages (~3kWh)
As hurricane and summer storm season ramp up, reliable backup power becomes essential. BLUETTI’s widely acclaimed AC300 home battery backup delivers 3,000W output power and supports expandable capacity up to 22kWh—enough to keep an average household running for days during severe weather. It also supports generator charging for quiet, fume-free overnight use, especially valuable in outage-prone areas like Texas. Now priced from $1,299 (48% off).
For users with higher demands, the AC500 home battery backup provides 5,000W output power and starts at $1,699 (43% off). Both the AC300 and AC500 qualify for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit in the U.S., providing additional savings.
Power Up Your Trip and Save More
All featured BLUETTI models are available on Amazon and the official BLUETTI store valid through July 11. Don’t forget to use code RVBUSINESS5 at checkout for an extra 5% off select models and sitewide. Besides, all BLUETTI products come with 30-day price protection through Prime Day. If prices drop further, you’ll be refunded the difference.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided Elenor Hamm, president of the RV Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA).
“We are thrilled to announce a significant victory for our industry and a direct result of our collective advocacy efforts,” Hamm stated.
“The Government of Canada has officially granted remission of the surtaxes on motorhomes imported from the United States under the United States Surtax Order (Motor Vehicles 2025). This is a monumental win that will provide immediate financial relief and stability for dealerships across Canada.
“This achievement would not have been possible without your support, engagement, and the unified voice we presented to federal officials. Thank you for your commitment.
“Effective on June 26, 2025, surtaxes paid or payable on specific categories of motorhomes are eligible for remission. This applies to the following tariff classification numbers, covering new and used gas and diesel motorhomes:
8703.23.00.10 (Motorhomes)
8703.24.00.21 (New Gas Motorhomes)
8703.24.00.22 (Used Gas Motorhomes)
8703.33.00.21 (New Diesel Motorhomes)
8703.33.00.22 (Used Diesel Motorhomes)
“We strongly recommend that you or your customs broker review all recent motorhome importations to ensure you claim all eligible relief. For detailed instructions on completing the CAD, please refer to CBSA’s Memorandum D17-1-10,” Hamm stated
How to Claim Relief from the Surtax
1. For New Imports (At Time of Import): To obtain relief from the surtax when importing new commercial goods, you must enter a specific special authorization code in the “Special Authority OIC” field on the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) Special Authorization Code: 25-0466 (This code is to be used for motor vehicles referred to in Schedule 5 of the Order, which includes the motorhome classifications listed above.)
2. For Past Imports (Corrections & Adjustments): If you have already paid the surtax on goods that now qualify for remission, you can apply for a refund.
Corrections (before CAD payment due date): You may submit a correction via the Canadian Customs Reporting System (CCRS) or EDI/API using the special authorization code 25-0466N and reason code R5-00-COT.
Adjustments (after CAD payment due date): You can submit an adjustment to receive a refund of surtax already paid. The reason code for this is R2-74-1-GR-53.
“Should you have any immediate questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.We strongly recommend that you or your customs broker review all recent motorhome importations to ensure you claim all eligible relief. For detailed instructions on completing the CAD, please refer to CBSA’s Memorandum D17-1-10.
“This is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. The RVDA of Canada will continue to advocate on your behalf to ensure a fair and prosperous business environment for the entire Canadian RV industry,” Hamm concluded.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The next stage of legislative action has begun in an effort led by OHI, in collaboration with others in Wisconsin, to stave off a tax issue that could spell disaster for campgrounds in the state and create a long-term issue in states across the country.
OHI, its board of directors Chair, Jim Button, owner of Evergreen Campsites in Wild Rose, Wis,, and OHI’s lobby team at The Welch Group, have been working closely with Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Pro Tem, Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) and Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R- Appleton) to introduce a bill that would clarify that property owned by a camper located on outdoor hospitality licensed campgrounds is wholly exempt from paying property tax on their unit located on a campground site.
“We eliminated the personal property tax, now we have to make sure we finish the job and clear up the current haphazard way that camping units are being assessed,” said bill Rep. Petersen. “This is a billion-dollar industry for Wisconsin and should not be singled out for unfair taxation.”
Previously, the camper’s property was subject to personal property tax but the personal property tax was eliminated starting in 2024. Because of inequities in how different types of campers’ personal properties were being assessed throughout the state, this legislation seeks to codify what many local governments have already done by exempting all campers from taxation.
If signed into law, the legislation will save Wisconsin campground owners and campers hundreds of thousands of dollars and will avert the risk of this type of taxation spreading to other states across the country.
“The OHI team recognized early the impact this tax could have on outdoor hospitality businesses in Wisconsin and have been working diligently to get ahead of the issue in the state before it spreads,” says David Basler, OHI’s SVP of Government Affairs. “This type of thing has a history of quickly spreading to other states like a cancer.”
Jim Button took the lead in originally pushing forward this important initiative.
“Recreational parks should not be responsible for billing and collecting taxes that are not ours. Plain and simple,” Button said. “It would be close to $62,000 in savings for our seasonal campers alone. Maybe in turn, they’ll take some of that and spend it in the local community, making this a win for many small businesses too.”
OHI, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), is asking every private campground owner in the state to support this bill by submitting a letter to their legislative leaders by using the link below.
Simply CLICK HERE, type in your address and hit ‘SEND MESSAGE’.
A letter of support will automatically be sent on your behalf to your elected Assembly and Senate member, as well as to Governor Tony Evers and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez.
To stay up to date on Outdoor Hospitality Industry advocacy efforts in your state and across the country, visit OHI.org/Advocacy or the OHI Action Center.
ELKHART, Ind. – Nearly 1,300 people were on hand this morning for the 2025 RV Industry Power Breakfast at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Northern Indiana Event Center.
It was the 13th edition of the event – facilitated by RVBusiness Magazine – which over the years has evolved into one of North America’s key annual RV trade events.
Rick Kessler
Emceed by RVBusiness Publisher Rick Kessler, the event featured presentations by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, a former U.S. Senator and Meyer Distributing executivel, and nationally renowned economist Peter Morici along with virtual comments by U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, U.S. Sen. Todd Young and U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym.
In-person RV industry updates were provided by Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) President Jessica Wahl Turner, RV Dealers Association President Phil Ingrassia, RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby, KOA’s Mark Lemoine as well as Lippert Components Inc.’s Michilah Grimes and Coachmen RV’s Mike Gaeddert of the RVIA Emerging Leaders Coalition. (See additional postings on RVBusiness.com today for coverage of all these speakers.)
Event sponsors were Airxcel, Cummins, Dometic, Forest River, KOA, RVDA, RVIA, Spartan RV Chassis, THOR Industries, Wells Fargo and Winnebago Industries.
Kessler welcomed attendees, noting, “We have almost 1,300 people, including a Who’s Who of civic government leaders too numerous to mention by name, but rest assured. All of your attendance is appreciated.”
He also thanked the 75 companies that supported the event as table sponsors.
Rod Roberson
“We are at the start of the second quarter of what more and more is looking to be a challenging time for us,” he said, noting obstacles such as negative headlines, tariffs and wavering consumer confidence.
But he also pointed out that RV wholesale shipments were up nearly 14% through the first quarter and 11 million new households camped in 2024.
“Outdoor recreation in general and RVing in particular continue to resonate with the public, thanks in large part to the outreach of Go RVing and others.
“Yes, times are tough,” Kessler said. “But we will get through this. We always do and we always will.”
Kessler introduced Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, who expressed gratitude to the RV industry for its role in the community and touted its resiliency.
“Somebody asked me earlier, ‘With all the (economic) forecasts that are going on around the country, there probably shouldn’t be anyone here. Why are there so many people here?’ and I said, ‘You just don’t understand who we are,’” he said.
“So the resilient side are things that we understand and get up and do every day,” he added. “The symbiotic nature of what we represent is so important to why we are so resilient. … That’s why no matter what comes at us, we’ll get through it. That’s why people are packed in here today. It’s because we realize that what we do right now every day is what’s going to get us to the success of the future.”
Turner took the stage and explained ORR is the leading national coalition of over 40 national outdoor trade associations that cover the entire spectrum of outdoor recreation encompassing 110,000 American businesses.
Jessica Wahl Turner
“For six years now we brought together our peers – boaters, skiers, sportsmen, bikers, climbers, snowmobilers, hikers, concessionaires, and more around the key areas that we all agree on. The key areas that align us – better access infrastructure and business certainty for today and into the future for our businesses. This is our common denominator. And this is our focus on growing out our recreation economy instead of fighting over the slices of it, we want that bigger pie for all.”
She explained that demand for overnight accommodations at public parks is far greater than the supply and the demand is surging.
“Americans are seeking the outdoors as never before,” she said. “And this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Not only will there be many more people; they will want to do more and they will have more money and time to do it with.”
All told, outdoor recreation constitutes a $1.2 trillion industry, she said.
“This is according to the U.S. department of commerce, this is not industry data. This is commerce data. This is how they compare and contrast other industries. That’s how they measure GDP. We are responsible for five million jobs a year. That accounts for 3.3% of all U.S. employees.”
She characterized the next PowerPoint slide as her “favorite, because it puts this into perspective. These are huge numbers. We are bigger than agriculture, extraction and utilities,” she said of the slide that showed outdoor recreation contributes 2.3% of the U.S. economy.
In Indiana, outdoor recreation accounts for $15.7 billion in GDP and 105,000 employees. The RV industry is the biggest contributor and because of that, Indiana is the 12th largest recreation economy in the nation. “You’re up there with Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont and Alaska. Those are really iconic recreation states and Indiana is in that top percentile with those,” she said.
Turner discussed what she called six years of recreation wins, including the recreation Jobs and Economic Contributions Act (2017), the Great American Outdoors Act (2020), then Economic Development Agency Reauthorization (2024) and the EXPLORE Act (2024).
The EXPLORE Act, she said was “My favorite bill that I’ve ever worked on – RVIA, RVDA, all the groups that you work with were so instrumental in this. It really was landmark legislation. It’s just really important for our industry. One sets a new precedent that we are a national priority that ensuring access and more opportunities and greater support for Americans to get outside is something that we can all agree on. It also brought us together. So, the passage of EXPLORE represents congressional champions that we’ve garnered, industry leaders over 310 American businesses and organizations signed on. And the outdoor enthusiasm nationwide, who came to the table, understanding the power of the outdoors, not just to drive economic growth, but truly to improve public health and enhance their quality of life.”
She also noted that it passed by unanimous consent, “so that means every single member of congress allow this to pass.”
She said ORR continues to focus on getting more people outdoors and as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, “I can’t think of a better way for Americans to celebrate that than with our outdoor heritage. And I hope you all think about that as you’re gearing up for 2026 marketing and events. I look forward to continuing our work together with amazing team at RVIA and RVDA and all of you to ensure that outdoor recreation is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ It’s not anymore. We really need to pave the way for outdoor recreation to be a necessary part of American life.”
