RV Business

Brian Allred, former vice-president of sales and marketing for Ultra-Fab products passed away this morning (08/06/24).  Brian’s friends and especially his wife Tammie and his three children are mourning his unexpected passing.

“Allred played a major role in the growth of Ultra-Fab from the 1990s through 2022”, said Raymond Padgett, current VP of sales and marketing for Ultra-Fab.  “His decades of experience have been missed since his he left Ultra-Fab, but we have remained fast friends.  Obviously, I was shocked to hear the news.  Everyone at Ultra-Fab wishes the best for Tammie and the rest of his family”.

There will not be a typical funeral, but his wife will be arranging a Celebration of Life ceremony in a couple of months per Brian’s wishes.

The post Former Ultra-Fab Exec Brian Allred Passes Unexpectedly first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The “Camper Report Show” is a weekly feature of Camper Report, which is part of the RV LIFE family of RVing websites that provide RV forums, RV trip planning tools and mobile apps, and one of the largest campground databases around. Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro – RV industry veterans in their own right – the Camper Report Show has partnered with RVBusiness by providing RV industry insider information supplied exclusively by RVB.

This week, the program celebrates 10 years of RVing with Marc & Julie Bennett, the founders of RV Love. Learn all about their journey and resources they offer. DiPietro also spotlights Fireside RV Rental, a company offering RV rental services and many more resources for RVers. Learn how they can help you start your own RV rental, storage, repair shop, and more with their business programs.

Subscribe to Camper Report: https://bit.ly/CamperReportYT

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post ‘Camper Report’ Features RV Love, Fireside RV Rentals first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

The “Camper Report Show” is a weekly feature of Camper Report, which is part of the RV LIFE family of RVing websites that provide RV forums, RV trip planning tools and mobile apps, and one of the largest campground databases around. Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro – RV industry veterans in their own right – the Camper Report Show has partnered with RVBusiness by providing RV industry insider information supplied exclusively by RVB.

This week, the program celebrates 10 years of RVing with Marc & Julie Bennett, the founders of RV Love. Learn all about their journey and resources they offer. DiPietro also spotlights Fireside RV Rental, a company offering RV rental services and many more resources for RVers. Learn how they can help you start your own RV rental, storage, repair shop, and more with their business programs.

Subscribe to Camper Report: https://bit.ly/CamperReportYT

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post ‘Camper Report’ Features RV Love, Fireside RV Rentals first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

AL-KO Vehicle Technology and its subsidiary E&P Hydraulics present LevelVan: a hydraulic levelling support system for vans that allows significantly more payload thanks to its low weight.  

LevelVan from E&P is the first and only hydraulic levelling support system with a net weight of less than 50 kilograms specifically designed for vans. How is that possible? It’s all thanks to the use of carbon cylinders – a material that is hard to beat in terms of lightness. 

Increased payload 

The four hydraulic cylinders made of an innovative carbon-aluminum-steel mix level the van precisely, gently and quietly at the touch of a button. This groundbreaking mix of materials saves around 30 % in weight. Why is that so important? The maximum permitted gross weight for vans is usually between 3.3 and 3.5 tons. Only a few owners load their vehicle up to the limit, because it limits your speed to a consistent 100 km/h. You therefore lose one of the decisive advantages of a van – faster travelling speed. When you consider that an air conditioning system can weigh a good 30 kilos, every kilo saved in vehicle technology is an exceptionally valuable gain in travel quality.  

Light components, simple assembly 

The steady legs extend automatically in just a few minutes, levelling the vehicle into a horizontal position to ensure a firm stance. Two customized positions can be saved: Levelling position and tank-emptying position. Your workshop will also be pleased: LevelVan is easy to install thanks to a chassis-mounted pump unit (to maximize internal locker space), pre-crimped hoses and plug-and-play configuration: all fitting material delivered as part of the kit. Thanks to AL-KO’s unrivalled experience as an OEM chassis partner, you can also be sure the system integrates seamlessly with the base-vehicle putting minimal strain on the chassis. 

The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group is a swiftly growing global technology group and a business unit of DexKo Global. With high-quality chassis and suspension components for trailers, leisure and commercial vehicles, and construction and agricultural vehicles, the group represents the best in functionality and comfort as well as innovations to ensure greater driving safety. Founded in 1931 the group today has around 3,500 employees at more than 40 locations worldwide. Find out more at www.alko-tech.com

DexKo Global Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality chassis technology, chassis assemblies, accessories and hydraulic brake components. DexKo Global was founded in 2016 through the merger of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan/ USA, the company employs around 7,000 people in more than 100 production facilities and distribution centers. For more information, please go to www.dexko.com

The post AL-KO Intros Hydraulic Leveling Support System for Vans  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

AL-KO Vehicle Technology and its subsidiary E&P Hydraulics present LevelVan: a hydraulic levelling support system for vans that allows significantly more payload thanks to its low weight.  

LevelVan from E&P is the first and only hydraulic levelling support system with a net weight of less than 50 kilograms specifically designed for vans. How is that possible? It’s all thanks to the use of carbon cylinders – a material that is hard to beat in terms of lightness. 

Increased payload 

The four hydraulic cylinders made of an innovative carbon-aluminum-steel mix level the van precisely, gently and quietly at the touch of a button. This groundbreaking mix of materials saves around 30 % in weight. Why is that so important? The maximum permitted gross weight for vans is usually between 3.3 and 3.5 tons. Only a few owners load their vehicle up to the limit, because it limits your speed to a consistent 100 km/h. You therefore lose one of the decisive advantages of a van – faster travelling speed. When you consider that an air conditioning system can weigh a good 30 kilos, every kilo saved in vehicle technology is an exceptionally valuable gain in travel quality.  

Light components, simple assembly 

The steady legs extend automatically in just a few minutes, levelling the vehicle into a horizontal position to ensure a firm stance. Two customized positions can be saved: Levelling position and tank-emptying position. Your workshop will also be pleased: LevelVan is easy to install thanks to a chassis-mounted pump unit (to maximize internal locker space), pre-crimped hoses and plug-and-play configuration: all fitting material delivered as part of the kit. Thanks to AL-KO’s unrivalled experience as an OEM chassis partner, you can also be sure the system integrates seamlessly with the base-vehicle putting minimal strain on the chassis. 

The AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group is a swiftly growing global technology group and a business unit of DexKo Global. With high-quality chassis and suspension components for trailers, leisure and commercial vehicles, and construction and agricultural vehicles, the group represents the best in functionality and comfort as well as innovations to ensure greater driving safety. Founded in 1931 the group today has around 3,500 employees at more than 40 locations worldwide. Find out more at www.alko-tech.com

DexKo Global Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality chassis technology, chassis assemblies, accessories and hydraulic brake components. DexKo Global was founded in 2016 through the merger of Dexter and AL-KO Vehicle Technology. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan/ USA, the company employs around 7,000 people in more than 100 production facilities and distribution centers. For more information, please go to www.dexko.com

The post AL-KO Intros Hydraulic Leveling Support System for Vans  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From General RV Center: The 2025 Nexus Wraith 33F is a luxurious, high-quality diesel motorhome for families or couples.

Among its features:

• 10,000-pound Towing Capacity: Easily tow almost any small toy, boat or vehicle to your campsite.
• Outdoor Entertainment Area: Hang out underneath the powered awning with LED strip lighting and turn on the massive mounted outdoor TV for entertainment.
• Opposing Slide Living Room: On the driver’s slide, you’ll have the option for theatre seating or for a tri-fold sofa that converts into a queen mattress. On the passenger-side slide, you can eat or work at the booth dinette, which can convert into an additional sleeping space. Campers will enjoy the 40” Smart TV wherever they choose to sit.
• Revamped Kitchen: The upgraded kitchen area features an extended power outlet system with two, 110-watt outlets and two USB ports, a butcher’s cabinet for more storage or prep space, and a double sink with solid surface sink covers for even more counter space when needed.
• His & Her Bedroom & Bathroom: Keep organized inside the bedroom by storing your clothes inside the his-and-her wardrobe. Inside the bathroom, there’s plenty of space to store your belongings for both travelers inside and along the L-shaped sink.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post OEM Showcase: General RV Touts 2025 NeXus Wraith 33F first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

JASPER, Ind. – Meyer Distributing Canada, Inc., a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution, announces the addition of its Abbotsford, BC crossdock. The crossdock will have a direct feed from Meyer’s Hermiston, OR distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, crash and collision, 4×4/Off-Road, and RV & Trailer parts in the Northwest.

“Meyer is your source for RV, Towing, and Trailer parts in the Northwest including British Columbia and Alberta,” states Ben Johnson, Meyer’s RV, Towing, and Trailer Sales Manager. “We have a seasoned sales team ready to serve you and help your business close sales and grow.  Call our product specialists today at 800.222.3325!  French at 866.457.6225 and Spanish at 866.662.2776.”

“The Abbotsford, BC dock is an exciting expansion for Meyer,” stated Jeff Braun, CEO. “We are going to bring logistics to the table in British Columbia in a way that is going to save customers a lot of money.  We will be covering Vancouver Island to Surrey to Kelowna, and this will help bring a lower landed cost and better competition to the BC markets that haven’t had an effective alternative for a long time. Pay less, save more!”

The post Meyer Distributing Announces Crossdock in Abbotsford, BC first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Running Sept. 23-25 in conjunction with the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, the RV/MH Hall of Fame announced in a press release it will once again host the industry’s suppliers, offering an opportunity to exhibit products and services in front of the wholesale side of the industry.

This event has been dubbed as “The premiere supplier exhibition to show in front of dealers, manufacturers, and others.” For 2024, the Hall has once again expanded the show with the addition of a 36,000-square-foot Eastern Wing that has been designed with this event specifically in mind, according to the release. 

Click here to see the brand-new show layout, registration forms, and other information important for exhibitors. 

Standard booth price for 2024 is $3,500 per indoor booth and $2,500 per outdoor booth, with specialty booths available upon request. When submitting a registration, Show Director and Hall of Fame President Darryl Searer will assist exhibitors in selecting a booth. Questions or requests for assistance in registering should be directed to Searer at 574-903-3850.

“If you have not registered, please secure your spot as soon as possible because booth space is going quickly,” the release stated.

The post RV Hall Supplier Show Booth Space Nearing 90% Sold Out first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANEE, Ind. – GEN-Y Hitch announced in a press release it has partnered with Mossy Oak to collaborate on a Bottomland Camouflage hydro dipped MEGA-DUTY hitch.

“These are the perfect hitch for the ultimate outdoorsman. Available in 10K, 16K or 21K towing capacities and between 5″ or 9″ of drop. Choose between a 2″ or a 2.5″ shank to find the best fit for your truck,” the release stated.

The GEN-Y MEGA-DUTY Drop Hitch is a fully adjustable hitch perfect for customers towing with multiple applications. The MEGA-DUTY Hitch is designed with safety in mind and can be utilized by boaters, off-roaders, and any serious outdoorsmen. Furthermore, this hitch can be used for other applications, including any bicycle rack, cargo rack, motorcycle carrier, etc.

“Partnering with Mossy Oak on this project has been a blast. Getting to see the iconic Bottomland camo on our product was an awesome feeling. When we started working together, I knew we had to create something totally unique. Once I saw and held the final product, I couldn’t believe how well it turned out! I’m excited to see these hitches out in the wild.” – Donna Schmucker, Marketing Director at GEN-Y Hitch

The Mossy Oak X GEN-Y Hitch Drop Hitches are available on GEN-Y Hitch’s website www.genyhitch.com.

The post GEN-Y Hitch, Mossy Oak Partner on Bottomland Camo Hitch first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

REDMOND, Ore. – Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, today announced a partnership with K-Z Recreational Vehicles, a subsidiary of THOR Industries Inc. This collaboration will integrate Expion360’s cutting-edge battery technology into K-Z RV’s premium offerings, enhancing the off-grid capabilities of their vehicles, according to a release.

K-Z RV’s Boondocker package, renowned for its exceptional off-grid features, will now include three Expion360 51.2V 60Ah Edge VHC heated batteries, with an option to expand to a fourth battery. The integration of Expion360’s advanced battery technology and the expert system integration is provided by Wellspring Solar. The system features full integration with Victron’s Cerbo GX for real-time communication with Expion360’s battery management system (“BMS”).

These batteries will be available in the Durango and Durango Gold fifth-wheel models.

“We are thrilled to partner with K-Z Recreational Vehicles, a respected name in the RV industry and a part of THOR Industries, Inc.,” said Brian Schaffner, CEO of Expion360. “This collaboration allows us to bring our cutting-edge lithium battery technology to a broader audience, providing K-Z RV customers with reliable and efficient power solutions for their outdoor adventures.”

In addition to the Boondocker package, K-Z RV will offer two of Expion360’s new Group 27 100Ah VHC Heated batteries as an option to their standard Off the Grid solar package. This upgrade will be available across the Durango, Durango Gold, and Durango Half-Ton models.

Brent Froman, general manager at K-Z RV, commented, “At K-Z RV, we are committed to offering our customers the best in RV technology and innovation. By partnering with Expion360, we can provide advanced lithium battery options that enhance the off-grid experience. We are excited to offer these high-quality power solutions in our Durango and Durango Gold models, as well as in the Durango Half-Ton.”

About K-Z Recreational Vehicles

K-Z Recreational Vehicles, a subsidiary of THOR Industries, Inc., is dedicated to designing and manufacturing RVs that promote the enjoyment of the great outdoors. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Shipshewana, Indiana, K-Z RV is renowned for its commitment to quality, fairness, courtesy, and integrity. The company produces several popular brands of towable recreational vehicles, including Connect, Durango, Escape, Sportsmen, Sportster, Venom, and the Venture RV line, which includes Sonic, Stratus, and SportTrek.

K-Z RV operates a state-of-the-art production facility covering 530,000 square feet, with over 600 employees and 12 product lines offering more than 150 floorplans. The company prides itself on being one of the most innovative RV manufacturers in North America, continually leading the industry with new and inventive products. For more information, please visit K-Z RV.

About Wellspring Solar

Wellspring Solar, an industry leader in off-grid solar and battery solutions, has been a pivotal partner in the integration of complex energy systems for recreational and residential applications since 1995. Their expertise in system design and implementation ensures optimal performance and reliability.

For additional information about Wellspring Solar, please visit www.wellspringsolar.com.

About Expion360

Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles and marine applications, with residential and industrial applications under development. On December 19, 2023, the Company announced its entrance into the home energy storage market with the introduction of two premium LiFePO4 battery storage systems that enable residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. Please find the press release here.

The company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer.

The company is headquartered in Redmond, Ore. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the company, visit expion360.com.

The post KZ RV, Expion360 Partner on Advanced Lithium Batteries first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.