RV Business

EDTIOR’S NOTE: The following is a communication from the RV Dealers Association of Canada.

The post Deadline Nears for Convention/Expo Seminar Proposals first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Campers Inn RV features Hunter Leininger, a professional ultrarunner and Campers Inn RV influencer, while he picks out his new Class B motothome, a Regency Broughham. Learn more about Leininger and his connection to Campers Inn RV here: https://blog.campersinn.com/blog/our-newest-influencer-hunter

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ELKHART, Ind. – Vixen Composites, an AIRXCEL brand, announced in a press release the promotion of Ty Miller to the position of OEM National Sales Manager. Miller began his tenure with Airxcel in 2023 as the Outside Sales Representative for the brands Dicor Products and Vixen Composites.

Marc Brunner, president of Vixen Composites said, “Ty has demonstrated exceptional sales acumen, contributing significantly to Vixen’s market share growth over the past year. His disciplined approach, strong customer focus, advanced organizational skills, and keen market awareness have been instrumental in driving success, and I am confident he will continue to lead Vixen’s growth in this new role.”

Commenting on his new position, Miller stated, “The RV industry offers a wealth of knowledge and opportunities, and I’m enthusiastic about continuing to grow and contribute to such a dynamic and innovative field. I’m excited about my future at Airxcel and within the RV industry as a whole.”

About Vixen Composites: Vixen Composites is a major supplier for fiberglass reinforced plastic and a manufacturer of custom composite panels for use in a variety of applications. Located in Elkhart, Indiana, Vixen Composites has been part of the Airxcel family of brands since 2016. VixenComposites.com 

About Airxcel, Inc.: Airxcel is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Airxcel family of brands includes 17 companies with 14 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com

Contact: Airxcel Marketing, Mary Bourassa, 7755 Miller Dr., Frederick, CO 80504. 720-826- 9226; mbourassa@airxcel.com

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ELKHART, Ind. – We are excited to announce that the fourth annual “Giving Without Expectation” speaking event will take place on Aug. 19 at Ranger Distribution, according to a press release.

“This year, we are thrilled to welcome renowned speaker Robb Zbierski, who will be leading a transformative skill set presentation called ‘Discovering Your Memory Power’ that promises to empower attendees with actionable insights and tools and tools that will help them experience a 300% increase in their memory capacity,” the release stated.

“After three successful years focusing on mindset, we’re shifting our approach to equip participants with practical skills they can immediately apply in their personal and professional lives. Robb Zbierski is known for his dynamic presentations and ability to inspire audiences to take meaningful action. His expertise in personal development and leadership will be invaluable as we explore the principles of giving without expectation,” according to the release.

Attendees can look forward to an engaging and interactive session, complemented by delicious food and drinks provided throughout the event. This is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain knowledge that can elevate both personal growth and community impact.

Robb Zbierski is a celebrated speaker and thought leader in the fields of personal development and leadership. With over three decades of experience, he has helped countless individuals unlock their potential and achieve their goals through practical skills and strategies.

Event Details:

• Date:  August 19, 2025
• Location: 21496 Buckingham Rd, Elkhart, Ind. 46516
• Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
• Admission:  Invitation Only

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from Robb Zbierski and connect with others committed to making a difference. Mark your calendars and prepare for an inspiring evening of skill development and community engagement.

For more information and to RSVP, please send a request to RSVP@Rangerdistribution.com.

RDI was created for one reason; to allow a group of dedicated Employee/Owners to deliver best in class products and service to RV OEMs using leading edge technology and the unparalleled experience and passion of our team to differentiate us from every other company in our industry. With over 125 years of executive experience in this industry we know we can deliver what our customers need on time, every time, and help them be more productive and more profitable by doing so.

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China’s exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year earlier in a last-minute flurry of activity as companies rushed to beat increases in U.S. tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and analysts forecast sharp setbacks ahead, according to an Associated Press report.

Imports fell 4.3% to $211.3 billion in March, the customs administration reported, far exceeded by exports worth $313.9 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $102.6 billion.

“But shipments are set to drop back over the coming months and quarters,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a report. “We think it could be years before Chinese exports regain current levels.”

China’s trade surplus surged to a record $992.2 billion in 2024 and its exports climbed 5.4%, helping to make up for sluggish growth at home as the country slowly recovers from a crisis in its property market and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he might temporarily exempt the auto industry from tariffs he previously imposed on the sector, to give carmakers time to adjust their supply chains, according to an Associated Press report.

“I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies with it,” Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office. The Republican president said automakers needed time to relocate production from Canada, Mexico and other places, “And they need a little bit of time because they’re going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time. So I’m talking about things like that.”

Matt Blunt, president of American Automotive Policy Council, an association representing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, said the group shared Trump’s goals of increased domestic production.

“There is increasing awareness that broad tariffs on parts could undermine our shared goal of building a thriving and growing American auto industry, and that many of these supply chain transitions will take time,” Blunt said.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

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FAIRFAX, Va. – Go RVing, the marketing, research and promotions arm of the RV Industry Association (RVIA) continues to provide additional insights into today’s RV owners with the latest special report focused on COVID Buyers and other First-Time owners, an extension of the latest Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile, according to a report on the RVIA’s News and Insights web page.

• This report analyzes first-time RV buyers, with a spotlight on those who entered the market during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022).
• These “COVID Buyers” have demonstrated a strong commitment to the RV lifestyle, even after the pandemic’s end. 

COVID Buyers, like other first-time owners, were motivated to purchase an RV by past camping experiences (36%) and the desire for a change in travel methods (36%). 

The typical COVID Buyer is between 18 and 54 years old (73%), with an average annual income of over $75,000 (49%), and 56% are employed full-time. 

COVID Buyers predominantly favor conventional travel trailers (49%). A large majority (69%) bought their RVs new, and most purchases were made in person (93%). 

The pandemic appears to have influenced COVID Buyers’ reliance on digital resources for information, with a higher percentage using social media, YouTube, and online blogs for research. 

• Additionally, some COVID Buyers were motivated by the ability to work remotely while traveling and comfortably social distance. 

Overall, the report indicates that COVID Buyers are an engaged and satisfied segment of the RV market, demonstrating strong brand loyalty and a continued interest in the RV lifestyle. With many of these owners now in the typical repurchase timeframe, now is an ideal time for RV manufacturers and dealers to reach these owners.

Click here to read the complete report.

The post Go RVing: COVID-Era Buyers Committed to RVing Lifestyle first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – On April 7, Senators Joni Ernst (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced S. 1314, the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, according to a report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) has already joined as a cosponsor. This bill fixes an inadvertent drafting error in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that RV dealers can fully deduct the interest on their floor plan financing for all the RVs they sell, including non-motorized towable trailers, which account for 88% of RV sales.

The proposed changes impact RV trailer dealers with more than $25 million in annual sales, whose net interest deduction is currently limited to 30 percent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and depletion. It is estimated that four out of every ten dollars spent at an RV retail establishment is generated by a dealer with $25 million or more in annual sales. Dealers of similar types of vehicles including boats, motorhomes, conversion vans, motorcycles, and automobiles, can fully deduct interest paid on their inventory floor plans. Ensuring that RV trailer dealers can fully deduct their interest will ensure that RV trailers remain competitive with these other recreation products.

All 50 states define and regulate towable RVs and campers as motor vehicles. Though a small fix, this bill ensures that motorized and non-motorized campers and travel trailers are treated the same under the U.S. tax code.

“This important legislation corrects a long-standing discrepancy that has unfairly impacted RV dealers, “ said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries President and CEO. “By restoring full deductibility of interest on financing for all RV units, S. 1314 levels the playing field and ensures that our dealers can compete on equal footing with other recreational product markets.”

“We applaud Senators Ernst, King, and Young for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the RV tax parity bill,” said Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association. “This important legislation corrects a long-standing oversight that excluded travel trailers from the definition of motor vehicles. By making this commonsense fix, RV dealers nationwide will be able to stay competitive, drive industry growth, and continue to support the millions of Americans who love to get outside and embrace the RV lifestyle.”

Contact Samantha Rocci, drector of federal affairs, at srocci@rvia.org for more information.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.

Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling 15 2025 Autumn Ridge travel trailers. The installed safety chains are rated at 7,600 lbs. and the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 7,995 lbs. This can cause the chains to fail, allowing the tow vehicle to separate from the trailer. Dealers will install new safety chains, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902624.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 69 2025 Coachmen Apex and Remote travel trailers. The solar panel wiring may be incorrectly wired to the battery, causing it to melt. Dealers will inspect and rewire the solar panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 14, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 224-1912.

The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Insider Perks, a leading innovator in marketing and artificial intelligence solutions tailored specifically for outdoor hospitality providers, announced a transformative update to its “Campy” AI Chatbot service, according to a press release.

Campy, renowned for delivering instantaneous and accurate responses around-the-clock, now introduces a revolutionary feature that allows guests to effortlessly complete campground reservations directly within the chatbot interface.

With this significant enhancement, guests gain an unprecedented level of convenience and interaction. Users can now easily check campsite availability in real-time, browse through detailed, high-quality site photos, explore comprehensive pricing structures, and swiftly find the perfect camping spot suited to their preferences. Utilizing cutting-edge AI Vision technology, Campy can intelligently analyze campground site maps, providing personalized recommendations that closely align with each guest’s specific needs, such as site size, amenities, proximity to facilities, and scenic preferences, the release stated.

Furthermore, Campy seamlessly navigates users through every step of the reservation process. It meticulously gathers all necessary information, including guest preferences, referral sources, and special requests, ensuring a streamlined and personalized booking experience. After completing these preliminary steps, Campy provides guests with a secure, user-friendly link that connects them directly to the campground’s existing reservation system. This integration guarantees full PCI Compliance through the reservation system’s native secure payment processing, thereby ensuring the utmost safety and confidence for each transaction.

Brian Searl, Founder & CEO of Insider Perks, emphasized the significant industry impact of this development: “At Insider Perks, our mission has always been to continuously enhance and redefine convenience and customer engagement within the outdoor hospitality sector. The introduction of direct reservation capabilities within our Campy AI chatbot significantly elevates the guest experience. It delivers instant, accurate, and personalized booking interactions that not only delight guests but also dramatically improve operational efficiency for campground owners and operators. This truly positions our clients at the leading edge of hospitality innovation.”

Demonstrating the value and practicality of this advanced technology, Verde Ranch RV Resort, a prominent property managed by CRR Hospitality, has become the inaugural launch partner for Campy’s new reservation capabilities. Mike Harrison of Verde Ranch RV Resort shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to significantly enhance guest satisfaction: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of adopting Insider Perks’ innovative reservation technology. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Campy’s intuitive reservation process enriches our guests’ experiences and sets a new standard for what visitors can expect from a premier campground and RV resort.”

Beyond chat-based interactions, Insider Perks is already preparing for the imminent expansion of its advanced reservation capabilities to its groundbreaking AI Voice service. In the coming weeks, guests will have the option to effortlessly book complete reservations via natural and intuitive voice conversations over the phone. This upcoming enhancement further highlights Insider Perks’ dedication to setting new benchmarks in customer-centric technology, offering multiple channels of easy, seamless reservation access.

Campground owners interested in experiencing this powerful reservation technology firsthand can join Insider Perks’ CampVantage program for only $99 per month, gaining immediate access to advanced AI capabilities. With flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing starting as low as $0.25 per chat (based on chat duration), owners can efficiently manage costs while providing exceptional guest service.

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