RV Business

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following excerpt is from an an article written by Kraig Becker and published by Wildsam.com. It is reprinted here with permission.

While towables make up the bulk of RVs sold, there is no denying the aspirational appeal of a Class A model. These motorhomes offer spacious interiors and plenty of amenities, with the added benefit of being able to travel under their own power. But because they are motorized, they also come with a higher price tag that can often put them out of reach for many buyers.

That said, when you factor in the cost of buying a travel trailer or fifth-wheel with the equivalent build quality, interior space, and features—plus a tow vehicle big enough to haul it—a Class A model isn’t as far out of reach as it first seems. Especially when you consider some of the more affordable options currently on the market.

Yes, you can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a high-end motorcoach, but there are also some surprisingly great options that can be had for less than $250,000. Don’t believe us? Here are our favorite models that fall into that category.

Click here to read the full story.

The post CW’s Wildsam: The Best Class A Motorhomes Under $250,000 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a report by SGB Media. Click here to read the full report.

According to Statistical Surveys, Inc., U.S. retail year-over-year RV registrations declined 6% in April, 10% in May and 21% in June. While the data could suggest that the trends are deteriorating sequentially, Lazydays Holdings, Inc. cited the information to provide a snapshot more indicative that the seasonal sales increase, typically witnessed in the summer months, has yet to occur this year.

“Our best view is that the second quarter sales trajectory continued in July and most industry experts are pointing to 2025 as the likely inflection for a meaningful industry recovery,” offered Lazydays Holdings, Inc. CEO John North on a conference call with analysts to discuss Q2 results. “So, facing that backdrop, we have continued to focus on the things we can control, maintaining healthy vehicle inventory, improving F&I per unit and achieving substantial total gross margin improvement sequentially from the first quarter.”

Given the quarter’s unit sales volume and financial results, North said that Lazydays Holdings subsequently implemented further cost reductions in August that should be complete by the end of next month. He said these moves should save approximately $25 million annually. He also said the company closed one underperforming location and consolidated two into one close to its Arizona market.

“While portfolio optimization decisions are difficult, they are necessary. Despite these two-store actions, we remain enthusiastic about the rest of our best-in-class locations and will continue to adjust our expense structure as necessary to match the revenue opportunities available,” North said.

Click here to read the full report.

The post Lazydays’ North Eyes ’25 for ‘Meaningful Industry Recovery’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Charles Dougherty of RVDA Convention platinum sponsor Wells Fargo Inventory Finance will lead dealers through an in-depth look at the state of the U.S. economy and examine how the economy is expected to perform in a session at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

Topics will cover key elements of the national economy, including prospects for growth, inflation, interest rates, fiscal policy, and demographic trends. The economic drivers of the RV industry will also be covered. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, Dougherty will deliver “Economic Outlook” as part of the dealer/GM education track.

Learning objectives for this session:

• Key elements of the economy
• Insights into how the economy will perform in 2025
• Current economic drivers

This session should be of particular interest for dealers who have been dealing with conditions such as inflation, high interest rates, and high gas prices as they attempt to do business.

About the RV Dealers Convention/Expo

The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.

The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.

To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.   

The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.

Companies interested in partnership, sponsorship, exhibiting, and Vendor Training +Plus opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].  

The post Wells Fargo’s Dougherty to Look at Economic Conditions first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WICHITA, Kan. – RV Products, a division of Airxcel that includes Coleman-Mach and Maxxair, announced that it has completed the second and final phase of the expansion of its Wichita, Kan., facility. The company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its expanded facilities on Friday, August 16, 2024.

In 2022, Airxcel announced a two-phase expansion of its facility in Wichita, adding a total of 125,000 sq. ft. Phase one added 113,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, new employee parking, a secured employee entrance, and the improvement of trucking logistics of increased volume. The second and final phase of the project included a 12,000 sq. ft. expansion of office space completed in July 2024.

The expansion of the facility significantly enhances the operational capacity for Airxcel’s two Wichita- based brands, Coleman-Mach and Maxxair. This strategic enhancement centralizes the current product lines of air conditioners and accessories, along with the warehouse operations for all raw and finished goods, into a single, streamlined location.

Rob Leach, division president, stated, “Our dedication to our customers and employees is steadfast, and this expansion is a testament to that commitment. Since introducing the first-ever RV roof-top AC in 1967 with Coleman-Mach, and continuing with Maxxair from 1989, we have been steadfast supporters of the industry. We are enthusiastic about this expansion and the future of the RV market, underscoring our long-term commitment.”

About Maxxair: Maxxair-branded vents are produced by RV Products, a division of Airxcel and are recognized as a leader in ventilation products worldwide. Maxxair.com

About Coleman-Mach: Since 1967, Coleman-Mach has been the preeminent manufacturer of air conditioners, heat pumps, thermostats and climate control accessories for the RV lifestyle. Located in Wichita, Kansas, Coleman-Mach is part of the Airxcel family of brands. Coleman-Mach.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 16 companies with 14 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com

The post Airxcel’s RV Products Division Completes Kansas Expansion first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BRISTOL, Ind. – Ember Recreational Vehicles will publicly launch the new 2025 Overland Series 221MSL, a top-selling floorplan in its Overland Series, at Overland Expo Mountain West this weekend in Loveland, Colo. 

The 221MSL uses Ember’s industry-leading Trailblazer chassis featuring the award-winning CURT independent trailing-arm suspension with heavy-duty coil springs and dual shock absorbers on each side paired with Goodyear off-road tires and standard TPMS.

New for model year 2025 is an expanded and upgraded Max Solar Package featuring six 200W rooftop solar panels for a total of 1.2 kilowatts of solar, a 3000W Victron inverter with Cerbo GX communication center, 270Ah 12V Battle Born Gamechanger lithium (LiFePO4) battery, three Victron Bluetooth MPPT controllers, a cold-weather battery disconnect, and a REDARC DC to DC trailer battery charger. Ember also upgraded the Truma brand specialty combination furnace and water heater system to the Combi Comfort Plus, ensuring every Overland Series floor plan passes climate testing at the Gold Level.

“We’re excited to debut our best-selling 2025 221MSL to the public at Overland Expo Mountain West. This floor plan exemplifies the fantastic flexibility and resourcefulness the overland community is known for. We’ve incorporated specific customer-driven upgrades to the enhanced solar power system that we know will help our owners stay off grid longer,“ Chris Barth, Founder and COO of Ember said. “With 1,200 watts of rooftop solar plus the ability to have 540Ah of lithium batteries on board, we’ve created a factory build that mirrors what customers might install in the aftermarket.”

The floor plan also includes Ember’s patent-pending EmberTrack system, a repositionable bunk/storage/office space, providing versatility for a wide variety of active lifestyle uses. The adaptable “locker” space in the rear of the unit comes standard with two bunk platforms, rated at 600 pounds each, which can be moved up and out of the way, turned into a desk for a mobile office space, used as storage shelves or completely removed, allowing customers to customize the space even further. The built-in E-track allows for creative use of aftermarket accessories available through third-party suppliers like hammocks, cargo straps, or other equipment. The locker area also features a large cargo door, complete with a pull-down screen for ample airflow when in camp-mode and a rear kayak/bike door for easy loading of gear.

Other key features of the 221MSL include dual-pane acrylic caravan windows featuring a built in shade with radiant barrier foil and bug screen, Ember’s exclusive Stargazer window over the bed, a walk-around residential queen Murphy bed (60-inch X 80-inch) in the front of the unit with wardrobes on either side of the bed, a jackknife sofa with built in table and storage behind it in the slide out, 12V 10 cu. ft. refrigerator, and the new Furrion Chill Cube 18,000 BTU variable speed compressor air conditioning system.

Ember will be on display through partnership with WILDSAM travel guides and magazine in booth C72. Overland Expo Mountain West runs from August 23 through August 25 at The Ranch in Loveland, Co. Tickets can be purchased ahead of the event by visiting overlandexpo.com. 

To learn more about Ember and its products, visit www.EmberRV.com.

About Ember Recreational Vehicles 

Ember Recreational Vehicles, founded in 2021 on the principle of building better RVs by building a better RV company, is a female-owned and led, privately held RV manufacturer of the Overland Series lightweight travel trailers designed to go off-road and off-grid. Ember also manufactures the Touring Edition luxury travel trailer and the E-Series, a lightweight travel trailer focused on the essentials. Ember is focused on becoming the most respected and sought-after independent RV brand in the marketplace through a commitment to quality, team member fulfillment, customer satisfaction, and a better ownership experience. Visit EmberRV.com to learn more. 

The post Ember RV Set to Debut 2025 Overland Series in Colorado first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV 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.

Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling seven 2024 Triple E Unity U24RL, U24TB, U24FX, and U24MBL motorhomes. The generator propane hose may be incorrectly routed too close to the generator exhaust, which can result in a fuel leak. Dealers will reroute the propane line and install a heat shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 20, 2024. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-204-325-4361. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA#10584-1.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles (Heartland) is recalling nine 2024-2025 Torque travel trailers, equipped with optional Onan 5.5 generators. These generators may not be properly vented and allow the generator to overheat or prevent exhaust gas from escaping properly. Dealers will correctly route the generator venting, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032.

REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 4,665 2019-2025 Holiday Rambler Admiral, 2018 Holiday Rambler Admiral XE, Fleetwood Storm, 2023-2025 Holiday Rambler Eclipse, Fleetwood Flex, 2018-2025 Fleetwood Flair, 2020-2024 Fleetwood Fortis, 2020-2025 Holiday Rambler Invicta, 2018-2023 Fleetwood Pace Arrow, and 2018-2019 Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE motorhomes, equipped with the HappiJac drop down bed option. The front overhead cabinet fasteners can break, allowing the overhead cabinet to detach. Dealers will inspect and install new hardware and fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 12, 2024. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV’s number for this recall is 240809REV.

REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 598 2019-2025 Holiday Rambler Admiral, 2023-2025 Holiday Rambler Eclipse, Fleetwood Flex, and 2019-2024 Fleetwood Flair motorhomes. The exterior patio outlet may lack GFCI protection when powered by the generator or shore cord. Dealers will install GFCI protection device prior to the inverter transfer switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 12, 2024. Owners may contact REV customer service at 1-800-509-3417. REV’s number for this recall is 240812REV.

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

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Inc. revealed today that Campspot, for the 3rd consecutive year, earned a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Campspot ranks No. 793 this year among the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

Campspot, a leading software provider for campgrounds and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, powers over 2,300 private campgrounds and provides campers access to over 250,000 campsites across North America. In addition, Campspot was recognized as the 12th fastest-growing company in the travel and hospitality segment, 15th in the state of Michigan, and no. 2 in Grand Rapids.

The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637%.

2024 has been a year of focused effort on enhancing and expanding Campspot’s capabilities to better serve campgrounds. More than 14 integrations were launched to streamline campground operations including:

• Wild Energy: Automates the collection and input of meter readings, saving time and reducing errors.
• Remote Lock: Enables campgrounds to generate access codes for gated areas, enhancing security and convenience.
• Inex Tech Gate Control: Scans vehicle license plates to automatically open gates for approved vehicles, improving guest experience and park efficiency.
• POS Integrations: Expanded our point-of-sale integrations suite with Lightspeed Restaurant and Lightspeed Retail, offering campgrounds more flexibility in managing their retail and dining operations.
• Accounting: A highly anticipated feature, this integration connects Campspot to widely-used accounting tools, simplifying financial management.
• HubSpot: Connects Campspot with an industry-leading CRM and marketing platform, empowering campgrounds to enhance guest engagement and marketing efforts.
• OTA Integration enhancements: Improving our OTA integrations, including the launch of a direct connection with top travel brands, broadening campgrounds’ reach to new guests.

Beyond integrations, Campspot introduced features designed to make campground day-to-day operations even smoother like Remaining Balance Auto Charge, which automatically charges guests prior to arrival, ensuring payments are collected on time, or Recurring Miscellaneous Charges, which allows parks to set up recurring charge rules for monthly guests, making long-term stays easier to manage. Other features like Campspot’s Availability Calendar now shows all site types offered by the park, even if they’re unavailable for the selected date range, and the new Mobile Check-In feature provides a seamless check-in experience for guests on the go.

“From integrations to new features, this year has seen us heavily invest in several updates to our reservations system to improve usability and give parks more control,” said Michael Scheinman, Campspot’s CEO. “2024 is shaping up to be another groundbreaking year for Campspot. We’ve introduced innovations that empower campgrounds to operate more efficiently and effectively, but we’re not stopping here. The 3rd year of recognition by Inc. 5000 demonstrates our commitment to delivering value through our products and services to help our valued campground customers thrive.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Campspot

Campspot is the leading software provider for campgrounds and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, providing access to more than 250,000 campsites across the United States and Canada. Campspot delivers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate guest booking experience that makes planning a vacation seamless. Camspot offers a real-time, cloud-based management solution that powers a best-in-class reservation system for campground customers.

The post Campspot Ranks No. 793 on the Inc. 5000 List for 2024 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON – Since the Inflation Reduction Act became law two years ago, the National Park Service has invested $210 million into the health of parks, building climate resiliency and benefiting local economies.  

In this time, projects have broken ground and kicked off, providing benefits for people, wildlife, and local economies for generations to come. Inflation Reduction Act projects will continue to happen over the next seven years, but the investment will benefit parks and people long into the future.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is an unprecedented investment in the future of our nation’s public lands,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. “This funding is combatting climate change and restoring healthy lands and waters at parks across the country.”  

To date, on-the-ground efforts in national parks are protecting wildlife and plants, tackling landscape level conservation challenges, creating career opportunities for America’s youth, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring healthy environments for recreation and reflection.  

In just 24 months since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, the National Park Service has:   

• Conserved sagebrush landscapes in the West, enhancing resilience to wildfire  
• Fought avian influenza to prevent extinction of Hawai’i forest birds  
• Protected coral from disease and climate change  
• Enhanced capacity and provided career experience in ecosystem restoration and climate resilience to youth  
• Restored essential grasslands in the East for key species, such as pollinators and birds  
• Bolstered national parks against the impacts of climate change by providing tools and resources to understand and adapt to a changing climate  

On the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the National Park Service recognizes these key investments and the vital workforce that enable repairs to critical facilities and infrastructure. Our work to enhance conservation through ecosystem restoration continues, with the full list of projects available on the National Park Service’s website.   

These investments advance the Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resilience Framework, which is guiding an over $2 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act across bureaus and offices, and supports the President’s America the Beautiful Initiative and advances the objectives of the National Climate Resilience Framework.

The post National Park Service Investing in ‘Climate Resiliency’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – weBoost, a leader in cell signal booster technology, announces the launch of its most powerful and versatile RV cell signal booster yet – the Drive Reach RV II. Engineered to extend the edge of users’ cellular networks, this innovative product ensures that RV enthusiasts can stay connected even in the most remote locations, according to a release.

Designed to provide unparalleled connectivity for multiple devices and all North America carriers, the Drive Reach RV II delivers a cell signal that’s up to 32 times stronger than unboosted signals. New and flexible mounting and power options allow RV owners to easily add Drive Reach RV II to any class of RV.

“The Drive Reach RV II is a game-changer for RV owners who seek reliable connectivity while off the grid,”said Bruce Lancaster, CEO of Wilson Electronics.”At Wilson Electronics, our mission is to keep people connected, regardless of wherever they work, play, shop, or live. With Drive Reach RV II’s enhanced signal reach and versatile installation options, users can enjoy stronger signals, reduced dropped calls, and better overall connectivity no matter where their travels take them.”

“Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time remote worker, or an outdoor adventurer, the Drive Reach RV II enhances your travel experience by reducing dropped calls by 90%, improving data speeds, and extending battery life by 20%,” said Jonathon Field, general manager of weBoost at Wilson Electronics.

Key Features Include:

• Enhanced Signal Reach: Extends signal reach up to 3X the distance from the nearest tower, ensuring robust connectivity even in the most challenging environments.
• Multiple Device Support: Boosts signal for all wirelessly connected devices across all North America mobile carrier networks, making it perfect for families and groups.
• Flexible Installation: The versatile mounting bracket adjusts 180° in both directions, for rugged use, allowing for easy installation using T-slot, pole, or fixed mounting options.
• Improved Antenna and Power Options: A durable outside antenna paired with a new powerful mini panel inside antenna provides directional power where it’s needed most. Users can choose between AC/DC wall power and hardwire connections for optimal setup.
• IP66-Rated Antennas: Both outside and inside antennas are IP66-rated, offering protection against dust and water for durable, long-lasting performance.

The Drive Reach RV II is Ideal For:

• RV owners and travelers seeking consistent cell signal in remote locations.
• Families on weekend trips who value connectivity for safety and entertainment.
• Remote workers and digital nomads who rely on stable internet connections.
• Outdoor enthusiasts and hunters who need reliable communication for safety.

Product Inclusions:

• Drive Reach RV II Booster
• Outside Antenna & Adjustable Mount
• Mini Panel Inside Antenna
• 25-foot Cable
• Flexible Power Supply Options
• Cable Entry Cover & Heat Shrink Tubes
• 13-inch Mast Extender
• Side-Exit Adapter
• Spring & Thread Lock Pack

The Drive Reach RV II is available now at weBoost.com, Amazon and top retailers at an MSRP of $549.99. Backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee, it meets all FCC guidelines, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.

For more information about the Drive Reach RV II, please visit weboost.com.

The post weBoost Introduces ‘Powerful, Versatile’ Drive Reach RV II first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

 
GOSHEN, Ind. – Transport US, a leading provider of RV Transportation, is excited to announce the appointment of Tom Zachary as the new Director of Business Development, effective Aug. 1, 2024. With over a decade of experience in the recreational vehicle industry, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.

Zachary’s career in the RV industry has been marked by significant achievements and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Over the past ten years, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive business growth, foster strategic partnerships, and develop innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. His proven track record in sales, marketing, and business development makes him a valuable addition to the Transport US team.

In his new position, Zachary will be responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, expanding Transport US’s market presence, and enhancing customer relationships. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the company’s growth strategy and ensuring Transport US continues to meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the Transport US team,” said Jeff Arbogast, operations manager for Transport US. “Tom’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the RV industry will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

The post Zachary to Lead Business Development at Transport U.S. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.