RV Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oil costs hovering around $80 a barrel have helped push the national average for a gallon of gas four cents higher since last week to $3.10. Meanwhile, today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained at 34 cents, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

“Domestic gasoline demand is low, so why are pump prices creeping higher?  Look at the cost of oil,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Global oil prices have surged due to strong winter heating fuel demand and new U.S. sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. Oil costs account for 56% of what you pay at the pump. So, more expensive oil leads to more expensive gas. But that said, there are still 26 states with averages below $3 a gallon for now.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand fell from 8.48 million b/d last week to 8.32. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 237.7 million barrels to 243.6, while gasoline production popped last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily. 

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.10, eight cents more than a month ago and three cents more than a year ago.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $2.54 to settle at $80.04 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2.0 million barrels from the previous week. At 412.7 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas and Electricity Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.54), California ($4.41), Washington ($3.90), Nevada ($3.66), Oregon ($3.50), Pennslyvania ($3.32), Alaska ($3.31), Illinois ($3.25), Washington, DC ($3.23), and Florida ($3.22).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.66), Texas ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.70), Arkansas ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.76), Kentucky ($2.76), Kansas ($2.77), Alabama ($2.79), Missouri ($2.79), and Kentucky ($2.77).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Nebraska (25 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Delaware (27 cents), Texas (28 cents), Maryland (28 cents), Utah (29 cents), North Dakota (29 cents), Michigan (30 cents) and Iowa (30 cents).

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (51 cents), Montana (45 cents), West Virginia (45 cents), Idaho (42 cents), New Hampshire (42 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), Arkansas (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Louisiana (41 cents), and South Carolina (41 cents).

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

The post AAA: Rising Oil Costs Bring Gas Prices Along for The Ride   first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MDC USA Campers and Caravans have unveiled the XT12HR OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION, the latest addition to its OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION lineup. This exciting advancement in overlanding and off-grid travel is tailored for couples who crave adventure without compromising comfort. As a remarkable update to the acclaimed XT12HR, this model combines cutting-edge power systems, thoughtful design, and rugged durability in a compact, feature-rich package.

At the heart of the XT12HR OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION is its advanced electrical system, designed for those who seek true independence. Powered by Renogy, it boasts an impressive 400Ah of lithium battery capacity for reliable energy storage, up to 950W of solar charging capability (combining rooftop panels and additional portable solar input) for extended adventures, and a 3000W pure sine-wave inverter that delivers seamless AC power to on-board appliances. With an integrated auto-transfer system between the DC battery and AC shore power, the XT12HR excels in off-grid power management. Users can effortlessly monitor and control the system through cutting- edge cloud-based technology and Bluetooth connectivity,

Feel the year-round comfort with the Truma Aventa Air Conditioner, which operates off-grid, and the ducted Truma VarioHeat Furnace. Features like water tank heating pads, Truma water heater, toilet anti-freeze functionality, insulated water lines, and a wet bay with interior space heating ensure reliability in any season. Batteries with a self- heating function and dual-pane windows complete the comprehensive Cold Weather Pack from MDC USA.

Despite its streamlined dimensions, the XT12HR OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION is packed with everything couples need to travel in style and convenience. A fully equipped wet bath, internal and external kitchen with Thetford cooktops, and a cozy, modern living space bring the luxuries of home to even the most remote destinations. The interior is thoughtfully designed with modern oak timber- style laminated bench and countertop finishes, sleek grey cabinetry, and striking black sinks, faucets, and fixtures, combining elegance with functionality. On the exterior, the XT12HR features a rear mounted service ladder for added accessibility, electric cassette awning with annex, stylish new decals that elevate its visual appeal. All in a rigid roof design—a rare feature in off-road-capable trailers of this size—cementing its place as a true innovation in the market.

Designing a truly off-road and off-grid capable travel trailer requires exceptional expertise, and the XT12HR OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION

showcases MDC USA’s dedication to quality. Protected by an industry-leading lifetime structural/chassis frame warranty, it features a precision-engineered X-TRACK® Trailing Arm Suspension setup, developed with advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technology.

Safety is a priority, with standard features such as a back-up camera and Tuson asymmetric electronic stability control, which seamlessly disengages when off-road.

“The XT12HR OFF-GRID EXTREME EDITION reflects MDC’s commitment to creating innovative, high- quality travel trailers designed to exceed expectations” said Vaughan Hindley, Founder and President of MDC. “We understand the needs of modern adventurers, and this model delivers unmatched off- grid capabilities, comfort, and reliability in a compact, stylish design. It’s a game-changer for couples who want to explore without limits.“

Stay tuned for its upcoming official unveiling at the Utah RV Show from Thursday 02/13 to Sunday 02/16, where a number of OFF-GRID EXTREME models (such as the XT19HRT) will be on display.

The post MDC USA Introduces Compact Power to OFF-GRID EXTREME first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Workplace Safety Committee will host the 2025 Winter Workplace Safety Seminar from 1-4 p.m., Feb. 6, at the Lerner Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom in Elkhart, Ind. This informative seminar, which is free to RVIA members, is designed for plant leaders, safety professionals, and anyone involved in workplace safety, according to an RVIA News & Insights report.

Seminar Highlights:

• Stay Informed: Gain valuable insights from a comprehensive report on the latest federal workplace safety data.
• Best Practices: Learn how to implement an effective tiered auditing system through a compelling case study presented by Lippert and Thor Motor Coach.
• Champion Safety Culture: Discover innovative strategies to promote and “Sell Safety” within your organization with a presentation by Winnebago Industries.
• Expert Guidance: Engage in a presentation and interactive Q&A session with INSafe, a division of the Indiana Department of Labor, to ensure your workplace meets the highest health and safety standards.

Who Should Attend:

Plant managers, safety directors, supervisors, HR professionals, and anyone with a responsibility for workplace safety.

The seminar will provide ample opportunities for networking and discussion with industry peers and safety experts. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your workplace safety knowledge and network with industry leaders.

RVIA members may click here to register for this seminar.

The post Look for RVIA’s Winter Workplace Safety Seminar on Feb. 6 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – RV Dealers Association (RVDA) members are stepping up to support the Mike Molino RV Learning Center’s mission to foster professional development opportunities for RV dealership employees across the country, according to a release. 

In the second half of 2024, many RVDA members made year-end contributions of more than $1,000 to RVDA’s 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  They are: 

• Bob Been of Blue Compass RV – $1,000
• Byerly RV Center – $1,000
• Camperland of Oklahoma, LLC – $1,000
• Gib’s RV Superstore – $1,000
• Hilltop Camper and RV – $2,000
• McClain’s RV Superstore – $2,000
• Parkview RV Center – $1,000
• Priority One Financial Services, Inc. – $2,000
• Profit System Dealer Service – $1,000
• Bill and Shannon Koster – $1,000
• Ray Wakley’s RV Center – $1,000
• Reines RV Center, Inc. – $4,500
• Phil Ingrassia – $1,000
• Tacoma RV Center – $5,000
• Wave Express – $50,000

The generosity of these RVDA members demonstrates the importance and priority of education and professionalism which allows the RV Learning Center to continue to meet the training needs of an industry that is undergoing tremendous change. With a fee of only $150 per student per course, this training remains affordable and accessible to all RV dealers and their employees.

A new online training course for service managers will launch this year and complements the service writer/advisor, parts specialist, parts manager, and warranty administrator online courses.

“The RV Learning Center offers affordable, online learning opportunities for front-line dealership staff,” stated RVDA President Phil Ingrassia. “These substantial contributions totaling nearly $75,000 will support the Learning Center’s mission to provide continuing education for the RV industry.”

These donations are in addition to dedicated contributions from The Ron and Lisa Fenech Family Foundation, who pledged $500,000 to fund the RV Dealership Employee Emergency Relief Program and The Kindlund Family who increased their endowment for the RV Learning Center’s Kindlund Family Scholarship program to $370,000 from its initial $270,000.

The RV Learning Center can also be supported through a planned-giving program, which may provide tax benefits over the lifetime of the pledge. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donations. RVDA members and industry partners can make an online donation by clicking here. 

For more information about the RV Learning Center, visit www.rvlearningcenter.com. 

The post RVDA Showcasing Member Donations to RV Learning Center  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Indiana Manufactured Housing Association & RV Indiana Council (IMHA-RVIC) issued the following update to its members regarding several legislation issues in the Hoosier State.

The 2025 Indiana legislative session kicked off Wednesday, Jan. 8, and your association is hard at work on behalf of Indiana’s RV manufacturers, dealers and transport companies. Here are updates on three bills already seeing traction by Executive Director Ron Breymier:
 
SB 848 – RV Manufacturer/Dealer bill sets forth requirements for recreational vehicle dealer agreements for the sale of recreational vehicles in Indiana. Establishes responsibilities for manufacturers and dealers outlined in these agreements. The bill is tentatively scheduled for a hearing on January 28, 2025, in the Homeland Security and Transportation Committee of the State Senate. The bill is authored by State Senator Blake Doriot (R-Goshen).
                    
HB 1688 – RV Sales Tax bill:  This bill would level the playing field for Indiana RV dealers when making sales to out-of-state consumers who will title or register their RVs or cargo trailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Seven of these states have a lower tax rate than Indiana.  Only California has a higher tax rate. This means there is an additional expense for the consumer to purchase an RV in Indiana. This bill aims to eliminate the collection of Indiana sales tax on these eight non-reciprocal states to better compete with neighboring sales tax-friendly states. It also exempts residents from foreign countries from Indiana’s sales tax if they purchase an RV in Indiana. State Representative Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) is the bill’s author, which has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
 
SB 37:  Tort reform – This bill addresses torts involving the commercial trucking industry and aims to offer protections against nuclear verdicts. Creates a procedure to bifurcate a trial of a civil action filed against the operator of a commercial motor vehicle and the employer of the operator or the owner of the commercial motor vehicle involved in a motor vehicle accident. Allows a defendant to file a motion to bifurcate the trial into two parts. The first is to determine who is at fault, the second phase takes place once fault is determined and punitive damages are determined. SB 37 is authored by State Senator Susan Glick (R-LaGrange).

The post Indiana’s State RV Group Offers Update on Legislative Issues first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the world’s largest system of privately owned campgrounds, proudly introduces the KOA ICON Award, celebrating campgrounds that demonstrate exceptional operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to the KOA brand.

The KOA ICON Award is granted to the top 10% of KOA campgrounds across North America based on criteria including growth in camper nights, Net Promoter Scores (NPS)–a widely recognized customer loyalty and satisfaction metric broadly used throughout the hospitality sector–and engagement with KOA programs that drive brand excellence. Replacing the long-standing President’s and Founder’s Awards, this new recognition program focuses on measurable performance metrics and brand participation, celebrating campgrounds that consistently go above and beyond, providing superior experiences for their guests.

“The KOA ICON award-winning campgrounds exemplify what it means to deliver excellence in every aspect of the camping and outdoor hospitality experience,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “Their unwavering commitment to operational excellence, camper satisfaction, and innovative engagement with KOA programs set the standard for the entire KOA system.”

This recognition is part of KOA’s larger commitment to celebrating campgrounds that continuously strive to exceed guest expectations. KOA has also introduced a quarterly recognition program that highlights campgrounds with top NPS scores and those demonstrating year-over-year improvement.

KOA ICON award-winning campgrounds will enjoy unique benefits designed to amplify their achievement, including dated logo placement on KOA.com, enhanced award designation marketing materials, and recognition in KOA corporate marketing initiatives. This honor underscores the importance of delivering exceptional service and fostering a loyal camper base.

For a complete list of KOA ICON campgrounds, or to learn more about KOA and its network of campgrounds, visit KOA.com.

The post KOA Announces its ICON Award for Campground Excellence first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

THOR Industries Inc. (NYSE:THO), a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs), finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates through a challenging market environment while positioning for long-term growth. Recent analyst reports paint a picture of a company facing near-term headwinds but armed with strategic initiatives that could drive future success, according to a report by Investing.com.

Company Overview

THOR Industries specializes in the production of a wide range of recreational vehicles, catering to various segments of the outdoor enthusiast market. With a market capitalization of $5.52 billion and an impressive 39-year track record of consecutive dividend payments, THO has established itself as a significant player in the RV industry. The company’s product portfolio includes towables, motorized RVs, and related parts and accessories. According to InvestingPro analysis, Thor currently appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment.

Market Conditions and Challenges

The RV industry is currently experiencing a period of softness, with analysts projecting a pressured retail environment to persist into the 2025 fiscal year. This challenging landscape is particularly evident in the European market, where Thor Industries faces a tough setup due to lapping restock from previous periods.

Despite these headwinds, THOR’s management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. They have noted encouraging signs, such as good early show attendance and potential green shoots in certain product categories. For instance, higher-priced toy hauler retail has shown signs of picking up, and there has been positive backlog growth. The company’s financial health remains solid, with InvestingPro data showing liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations and a moderate debt level, supporting its ability to weather market challenges.

Strategic Initiatives and Opportunities

In response to market challenges, THOR Industries has outlined several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its market position and driving growth:

1. Aggressive Market Share Recapture: The company is focused on reclaiming dealer lot space and improving relationships with key partners like Camping World Holdings (NYSE:NYSE:CWH). This strategy is expected to help THO regain lost ground in a competitive market.

2. Product Innovation: THOR is accelerating its new product development to drive market share recapture. By introducing innovative RV designs and features, the company aims to attract customers and differentiate itself from competitors.

3. Inventory Management: Channel inventory is reported to be “meaningfully low,” which could lead to an inventory shortfall if the spring retail season exceeds expectations. While this presents a potential risk, it also positions Thor to respond quickly to any uptick in demand.

4. Parts Business and Airxcel: The company sees medium-term upside potential in its parts business and Airxcel subsidiary, which could provide additional revenue streams and help offset challenges in the core RV segment.

5. Promotional Strategy: THOR has stabilized promotions for its Towables segment while maintaining aggressive promotions in the motorized RV category, indicating a nuanced approach to market dynamics.

Click here to read the full report at Investing.com.

The post Analysis: THOR is Navigating Short-Term Market Challenges first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Blue Compass RV President and CEO Jon Ferrando was a guest on Fox Business and Fox Weather to provide his expectations for the 40th Florida RV SuperShow, the demand for RV products and California wildfires’ impact on the industry.

See below for the video clip of Ferrando joining Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business for the “Mornings with Maria” show on Wednesday morning from the Blue Compass RV Airstream exhibit at the Florida RV Super Show. Click here to watch the nine-minute video clip on Fox Business.

Later, Ferrando joined Fox Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith for a look inside the 40th annual SuperShow in Tampa, Fla. Ferrando said this show is the “Super Bowl” of RVs and buyers travel from all over the U.S. for the event, which covers an area about the size of 30 football fields. Click here to watch the segment at FoxWeather.com.

The post Blue Compass CEO Jon Ferrando Touts RV Industry on Fox TV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Phil Ingrassia, president of the RV Dealers Association (RVDA), and RVDA Chairman Larry Troutt III of Topper’s RVs in Waller, Texas, join Rick Kessler and Sherm Goldenberg of RVBusiness for this episode of Capitol Talk. Topics range from Troutt’s father having been selected for the RV/MH Hall of Fame induction as well as updates on several California issues and the general outlook for the RV industry for 2025.

The RVBusiness Capitol Talk video series is sponsored by Airxcel Inc.

The post Capitol Talk: RVDA’s Ingrassia, Troutt on ’25 Outlook, California first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TAMPA, Fla. – Outside Van, a leader in Class-B Adventure Vans, announced its latest model van: Overnight. Designed with outdoor group adventuring in mind, Overnight accommodates up to a group of 4 adults and is the ideal rig to bring the whole crew on your next overlanding or vanlife adventure, according to a company release.

Overnight is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 144 AWD Chassis, and features the FoldAway Murphy Bed System, a centralized smart touchscreen control center that

controls all the systems of the van, and an expansive Pop-Top Sleeping area which can be accessed from both the interior and exterior of the van.

Overnight complements Outside Van’s other group adventure vehicle offerings including their larger van Approach, by utilizing a roof-top based secondary sleeping area. This enabled Outside Van to use the smaller, nimbler 144 Chassis that many Adventure Vans are based and is the perfect solution for groups or families who want a van that can accommodate the whole squad while still being able to park in a standard parking space.

In addition, Overnight is completely decked out with a modern lithium-based power system, central heating, and a luxurious dedicated kitchen galley.

Overnight had its public debut Jan. 15 at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla., and will be available nationwide at the end of the quarter through a network of select dealerships.

For more information on Overnight as it becomes available, please visit: https://outsidevan.com/

The post Outside Van Debuts ‘Overnight’ Class B Adventure Vehicle first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.