RV Business RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features a discussion about winterization.
Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.
The post ‘RVing in New England’ Show Tonight Looks at Winterization first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Keller Marine & RV will offer the SoftStartUp Advanced Plug ‘n Play A/C Soft Starter to RV dealers through its dealer stores from Maine to Florida, according to a release.
According to Mike Keller, president of Keller Marine & RV, the SoftStartUSA breakthrough soft starter will be available through its nearly 3,000-dealer network, at the upcoming Keller Marine & RV Annual Show, Nov. 4-5, 2024, at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater, Fla.
The new SoftStartUp device allows RV owners to start up to two A/C units while connected to 50- or 30-amp shore power. This breakthrough SoftStartUp technology differs from previous A/C soft starters in a very significant way, according to Keller.
“Most current air conditioning soft starters need to be installed directly on the A/C unit,” said Keller. “That requires climbing on the RV roof, opening the A/C unit, making wiring connections, and then putting it all back together, this SoftStartUp technology is a plug-n-play solution, no installation.”
Doug Curtis, co-founder of SoftStartUSA, said, “With the new SoftStartUp product, you just plug it in to the shore power or your generator, and it starts working immediately. It is the easiest and most effective way to give RV owners more air-conditioned comfort without tripping breakers and no installation.”
Additionally, this year’s keynote speaker at the Keller show is Mike Sokol, a 25-year RV electrical expert known as “Mr. RV Electricity.” Sokol will be answering all dealer questions about air conditioning, surge protectors, lithium batteries, and other electrical devices.
Easy Plug-in Operation
The new SoftStartUp product is sized for RVs with 50-amp power centers. To connect to a 30-amp source, a dogbone adapter is available separately from Keller Marine & RV dealers.
All an RV owner must do is plug the RV into the SoftStartUp. If an RV uses a surge arrestor for campground power pedestals, then the SoftStartUp would plug into the surge arrestor to maximize the RV’s power efficiency and protection.
Power Up More Appliances
Because SoftStartUp cuts the inrush current of all “hard-starting” appliances by 50% (such as air conditioners, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc.), the RV’s main power won’t trip off when these appliances start while others are operating. Water heaters, coffee makers, lights and entertainment centers will keep running because of SoftStartUp’s technology breakthrough.
SoftStartUp Also Starts Off-Grid A/C, Refrigerator, Medical Devices and Other Appliances
With limited-power sources like 2200-watt generators, a SoftStartUp soft starter improves essential power efficiency in off-grid conditions. By reducing A/C startup amps, it frees up power for other vital appliances such as refrigerators or medical devices – all while keeping the air conditioner running.
SoftStartUp is a product of SoftStartUSA, an industry leader in RV and home power management products. For more information, go online to SoftStartUp.com.
The post Keller Marine & RV to Offer New Plug-N-Play RV Soft Starter first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Now in its 14th year, the RVBusiness Top 50 program celebrates those North American RV dealerships that, in the eyes of an esteemed panel of independent judges, best exemplifies dealer excellence in customer and community service. Winning dealers will be recognized during a presentation Nov. 13 during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas.
The Top 50 program is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the following organizations: Airxcel Inc., Brown & Brown Insurance, Cummins Inc., GE Appliances, Genesis Products, Northpoint Commercial Finance, NTP-STAG, Performance Brokerage Services, Protective Asset Protection, RV Trader, and Wells Fargo.
RVBusiness will publish a profile of each Top 50 sponsor leading up to the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.
GE Appliances is a mainstay in the appliances industry, but the company is not content to rest on its laurels—particularly in the RV market, where it is introducing many new products, according to Jennifer Lett, director of marketing for GE Appliances Recreational Living.
Lett says GE Appliances has challenged its engineers to bring the company’s expertise in innovation to its RV appliances, particularly in the cooking segment.
“We’ve created products that give users the same trusted performance they are used to from their home appliances. You shouldn’t have to hack your oven with workarounds just to make a batch of cookies when you are on the road,” she says, adding, “Baking should be easy and convenient, not a game of trial and error just because you are mobile.”
Early this year, the company introduced a line of push-to-ignite, electric ignition GE Profile gas ranges.
“What we love about this product is that it’s so easy to use, because it works like ranges you find in your own kitchen,” she says. “Push one button, hold it until the flame is sensed and then it lights. The range features great performance all around and it is super easy to use.”
Lett also touts the company’s launch of a 12-volt refrigerator with a bottom freezer, which is uncommon in the RV market but very popular in homes. These new products are available in stainless steel, black glass and stainless glass finishes.
Mike Boyer, product management director for GE Appliances, Recreational Living, says dealers should soon expect to see several new RV-related products from the company. He points to the anticipated launch of new tankless water heaters and an RV furnace, as well as the fairly recent launch of tank water heaters and low-profile air conditioners.
All of those RV products have the same quality engineered into them that the company is known for among its residential brands, he adds.
“We run a list of tests on our products that far exceed what competitors may do, so it takes us a little longer, sometimes, to introduce new products, but at the end of the day, it’s going to be the right move for the OE, for the dealer and for the RV consumer, because these are quality products that are going to hold up and be safe,” he says.
To make sure that its products continue to perform well after the sale, Boyer says GE has invested heavily in service support for customers and dealers, including in-person and online technician training.
He adds that GE Appliances RV business benefits from the company’s overall appliances operation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, which is home to five manufacturing plants on a massive 750-acre campus.
Lett says GE Appliances is a proud sponsor of the RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer Awards because dealerships are key to GE Appliances’ overall efforts to be successful. She says, “Consumers depend on dealers as part of a trusted relationship. We want to be a partner in their success and continue to foster our support of this industry.”
The post RVB Top 50 Dealer Awards Sponsor Profile: GE Appliances first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Now in its 14th year, the RVBusiness Top 50 program celebrates those North American RV dealerships that, in the eyes of an esteemed panel of independent judges, best exemplifies dealer excellence in customer and community service. Winning dealers will be recognized during a presentation Nov. 13 during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas.
The Top 50 program is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the following organizations: Airxcel Inc., Brown & Brown Insurance, Cummins Inc., GE Appliances, Genesis Products, Northpoint Commercial Finance, NTP-STAG, Performance Brokerage Services, Protective Asset Protection, RV Trader, and Wells Fargo.
RVBusiness will publish a profile of each Top 50 sponsor leading up to the RV Dealers Convention/Expo.
GE Appliances is a mainstay in the appliances industry, but the company is not content to rest on its laurels—particularly in the RV market, where it is introducing many new products, according to Jennifer Lett, director of marketing for GE Appliances Recreational Living.
Lett says GE Appliances has challenged its engineers to bring the company’s expertise in innovation to its RV appliances, particularly in the cooking segment.
“We’ve created products that give users the same trusted performance they are used to from their home appliances. You shouldn’t have to hack your oven with workarounds just to make a batch of cookies when you are on the road,” she says, adding, “Baking should be easy and convenient, not a game of trial and error just because you are mobile.”
Early this year, the company introduced a line of push-to-ignite, electric ignition GE Profile gas ranges.
“What we love about this product is that it’s so easy to use, because it works like ranges you find in your own kitchen,” she says. “Push one button, hold it until the flame is sensed and then it lights. The range features great performance all around and it is super easy to use.”
Lett also touts the company’s launch of a 12-volt refrigerator with a bottom freezer, which is uncommon in the RV market but very popular in homes. These new products are available in stainless steel, black glass and stainless glass finishes.
Mike Boyer, product management director for GE Appliances, Recreational Living, says dealers should soon expect to see several new RV-related products from the company. He points to the anticipated launch of new tankless water heaters and an RV furnace, as well as the fairly recent launch of tank water heaters and low-profile air conditioners.
All of those RV products have the same quality engineered into them that the company is known for among its residential brands, he adds.
“We run a list of tests on our products that far exceed what competitors may do, so it takes us a little longer, sometimes, to introduce new products, but at the end of the day, it’s going to be the right move for the OE, for the dealer and for the RV consumer, because these are quality products that are going to hold up and be safe,” he says.
To make sure that its products continue to perform well after the sale, Boyer says GE has invested heavily in service support for customers and dealers, including in-person and online technician training.
He adds that GE Appliances RV business benefits from the company’s overall appliances operation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, which is home to five manufacturing plants on a massive 750-acre campus.
Lett says GE Appliances is a proud sponsor of the RVBusiness Top 50 Dealer Awards because dealerships are key to GE Appliances’ overall efforts to be successful. She says, “Consumers depend on dealers as part of a trusted relationship. We want to be a partner in their success and continue to foster our support of this industry.”
The post RVB Top 50 Dealer Awards Sponsor Profile: GE Appliances first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
ELKHART, Ind. – Polser USA has hired industry veteran Allen Blair as its Quality Assurance and Technical Support Specialist, according to a release from one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) and composite materials.
Blair has over 30 years of experience in fiberglass production and process control and has worked for such companies as Bandit Boats, Yamaha Boats and most recently with Vetrorecina Fiberglass Panels out of South Carolina where he travelled the country in charge of Quality & Warranty for North America. Blair retired early in 2017. He and his wife, Dorothy, have spent these last few years traveling the country in their fifth-wheel travel trailer.
“Allen is not only coming out of retirement, but he is coming out of retirement as a full time RVer. He not only knows the RV FRP fiberglass side wall business very well, but he knows the RV products extremely well, too,” said Polser USA President Greg Glanders. “Allen brings many years of experience and understanding of FRP Fiberglass production and can readily identify production related challenges. He does an excellent job of interacting and educating our customers. We are extremely excited to have him on board.”
Blair started his new position in April of 2024.
The post Allen Blair to Lead Polser USA’s Quality & Technical Support first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
The RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) Government Affairs staff are the industry experts for our members, state legislators, regulators, and RV industry stakeholders. Their federal and state affairs teams champion the RV industry on Capitol Hill and closely follow relevant legislation and policies. To assist with these advocacy efforts, the Government Affairs department recently onboarded a new Legislative Associate, Gianna Dinnini.
Originally from New Jersey, Gianna graduated from Loyola University Maryland with her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2023. While a student at Loyola, Gianna served as a Constituent Services Intern for Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01). During this time, she took notes for the team, helped with casework, and communicated with federal agencies, among other tasks. “I really enjoyed the work I was doing and wanted to do more,” Gianna recalls. With that goal in mind, she became the Legislative Intern for Representative Norcross, commuting from Baltimore to DC, where she assisted legislative staff members, wrote memos, researched upcoming legislation, and more.
Eventually, Gianna became the Legal Intern for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. During her time in this position, Gianna read and analyzed upcoming cases within the felony division, listened to witness statements, and attended trials. Additionally, she assisted the lead defense attorney and interviewed incarcerated clients in preparation for their upcoming trials.
After graduating college, Gianna joined the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors as the Government Relations Coordinator. “I handled financial services and insurance policy matters she says. “I also scheduled our events, handled our government relations social media posts, and wrote up our issue briefs in conjunction with our federal lobbyists.” It was also during this time that she gained extensive experience with Quorum, a public affairs software that allows users to map, track, change, and report on the policy landscape.
Now, in her current role as the RV Industry Association’s Legislative Associate, Gianna’s main responsibility will be tracking relevant legislation as it relates to the RV industry. Additionally, Gianna will be assisting with preparations for Advocacy Day 2025 and participating in the Association’s PFAS working group, which will continue to assess PFAS regulations and formulate responses. “In 2025 we’re expecting PFAS to be a significant issue, and we’re already seeing some of the states develop legislation around that,” Gianna notes.
She adds that, since joining the RV Industry Association team, one aspect of her role that she’s enjoyed the most is reviewing what bills the Quorum database has captured: “I have experience with Quorum, so I already know the system. My favorite part of my role day-to-day is seeing what bills we catch and considering how they might impact the industry, positively or negatively.”
Gianna notes that she was drawn to the RV industry because of the unity it offers, as well as her passion for travel. “I’ve been to almost 30 countries. I think it’s really great when family and friends can spend time together outdoors, exploring the world and doing something everyone enjoys.”
She adds: “Outdoor recreation is such a nonpartisan issue and I’m excited to work in an industry that shares my passion for exploration. RVing is all about making memories, and I am ecstatic to start meeting our members and begin this journey.”
The post Introducing Gianna Dinnini, RVIA’s New Legislative Associate first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
Today (Oct. 30), Hipcamp, an app to discover and book campsites, announced the acquisition of BookOutdoors, an online travel booking platform for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins and glamping resorts. The acquisition is a move to meet the growing demand from campers who are searching for well-equipped places to camp, according to a press release.
According to the OHI Generational Camping Report, 65% of Millennials and Gen Z prefer to choose campsites with strong amenities. The 2024 KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report states that over the past 10 years, active campers have increased by 68%, adding an additional 21.6 million households that are searching for places to stay.
Hipcamp has seen this demand manifest directly on its booking platform. In the summer of 2024, Hipcamp saw more than a 200% increase in searches for new places to camp and an 87% increase in searches for campgrounds offering amenities. Additionally, searches for Wi-Fi-equipped campgrounds are up 110% year over year.
In the past year, Hipcampers have booked more than 3.3 million individual nights outside. In an effort to keep up with demand, especially for amenity-rich campgrounds on Hipcamp, this acquisition will help campers find what they’re looking for as well as increase revenue for campgrounds. The next generation of campers is active on Hipcamp, with 75% of users under the age of 55 who are seeking new life experiences with modern convenience, noted the release.
“Beyond the acquisition, Hipcamp welcomes all campgrounds, RV parks, cabins and glamping providers to join the Hipcamp community,” stated the release. “Campgrounds who partner with Hipcamp experience higher conversion, smoother booking operations, and growth from previously untapped demographics.
“As the supply and demand on Hipcamp continues to expand, campgrounds and RV resorts have a huge opportunity to win over new campers and grow their business,” added the release. “Campgrounds report that more than 80% of third-party bookings are being generated by Hipcamp, including the majority of new bookings coming from new customers. As a stand-out example, Malibu Beach RV Park experienced unprecedented growth within their first year on the platform, with 95% of Hipcamp bookings coming from new customers.”
Allyson Jayes-Primack, campground manager of the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground shared, “Most of our Hipcamp guests are Millennials and Gen Z. We realized we need to have more of a presence online to reach our audience. We still keep our unique character, but Hipcamp has helped to streamline our booking operations.”
Within their first year listed on Hipcamp, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground secured hundreds of new bookings.
Notable Hipcamp figures
Why list on Hipcamp?
“Hipcamp is the largest and fastest growing community of campers in the world. In all our customer interviews and research, the top request—by far—from our campers is more places to camp. We’re so excited to be joining forces with BookOutdoors and its team of industry leaders to connect hundreds of amazing new campgrounds and RV parks with our community!” said Alyssa Ravasio, founder & CEO of Hipcamp.
“We’re thrilled to be joining Hipcamp, and this acquisition is a great win for both our customers and the industry. As the outdoor travel space has grown, it’s become clear that having a single, trusted destination for booking outdoor stays benefits both guests and campground operators. By combining forces with Hipcamp, we’re creating more opportunities for campgrounds and making it even easier for travelers to find and book their ideal outdoor experience,” explained Brian Nolan, co-founder & CEO of BookOutdoors.
For more information on listing a campground with Hipcamp, visit www.hipcamp.com/campground-owners or reach out to Lisa at [email protected].
The post Hipcamp Acquires BookOutdoors, Seeing Significant Growth first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
Today (Oct. 30), Hipcamp, an app to discover and book campsites, announced the acquisition of BookOutdoors, an online travel booking platform for campgrounds, RV parks, cabins and glamping resorts. The acquisition is a move to meet the growing demand from campers who are searching for well-equipped places to camp, according to a press release.
According to the OHI Generational Camping Report, 65% of Millennials and Gen Z prefer to choose campsites with strong amenities. The 2024 KOA Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report states that over the past 10 years, active campers have increased by 68%, adding an additional 21.6 million households that are searching for places to stay.
Hipcamp has seen this demand manifest directly on its booking platform. In the summer of 2024, Hipcamp saw more than a 200% increase in searches for new places to camp and an 87% increase in searches for campgrounds offering amenities. Additionally, searches for Wi-Fi-equipped campgrounds are up 110% year over year.
In the past year, Hipcampers have booked more than 3.3 million individual nights outside. In an effort to keep up with demand, especially for amenity-rich campgrounds on Hipcamp, this acquisition will help campers find what they’re looking for as well as increase revenue for campgrounds. The next generation of campers is active on Hipcamp, with 75% of users under the age of 55 who are seeking new life experiences with modern convenience, noted the release.
“Beyond the acquisition, Hipcamp welcomes all campgrounds, RV parks, cabins and glamping providers to join the Hipcamp community,” stated the release. “Campgrounds who partner with Hipcamp experience higher conversion, smoother booking operations, and growth from previously untapped demographics.
“As the supply and demand on Hipcamp continues to expand, campgrounds and RV resorts have a huge opportunity to win over new campers and grow their business,” added the release. “Campgrounds report that more than 80% of third-party bookings are being generated by Hipcamp, including the majority of new bookings coming from new customers. As a stand-out example, Malibu Beach RV Park experienced unprecedented growth within their first year on the platform, with 95% of Hipcamp bookings coming from new customers.”
Allyson Jayes-Primack, campground manager of the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground shared, “Most of our Hipcamp guests are Millennials and Gen Z. We realized we need to have more of a presence online to reach our audience. We still keep our unique character, but Hipcamp has helped to streamline our booking operations.”
Within their first year listed on Hipcamp, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground secured hundreds of new bookings.
Notable Hipcamp figures
Why list on Hipcamp?
“Hipcamp is the largest and fastest growing community of campers in the world. In all our customer interviews and research, the top request—by far—from our campers is more places to camp. We’re so excited to be joining forces with BookOutdoors and its team of industry leaders to connect hundreds of amazing new campgrounds and RV parks with our community!” said Alyssa Ravasio, founder & CEO of Hipcamp.
“We’re thrilled to be joining Hipcamp, and this acquisition is a great win for both our customers and the industry. As the outdoor travel space has grown, it’s become clear that having a single, trusted destination for booking outdoor stays benefits both guests and campground operators. By combining forces with Hipcamp, we’re creating more opportunities for campgrounds and making it even easier for travelers to find and book their ideal outdoor experience,” explained Brian Nolan, co-founder & CEO of BookOutdoors.
For more information on listing a campground with Hipcamp, visit www.hipcamp.com/campground-owners or reach out to Lisa at [email protected].
The post Hipcamp Acquires BookOutdoors, Seeing Significant Growth first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
EDITOR’S NOTE: RVBusiness is debuting a new video series called “OEM Showcase: On Location” in which RVB visits with RV manufacturers on their home turf for a review of their new model year product. Look for more episodes of this new series about every other week or so.
In this premier episode of the RVBusiness OEM Showcase On Location video series, Forest River’s Shirley Cartwright, product manager for the company’s Sabre brand, shares a few highlights of the 2025 model year including the 33RLP floorplan.
The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.
The post OEM Showcase On Location: Forest River Sabre 33RLP first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.
Storyteller builds adventure vehicles designed with the mission, “live free, explore endlessly and tell better stories.” With that in mind, Co-Founder Lee Conn and the 2024 Storyteller MODE XO, equipped with a full bath, bedroom and kitchen, are embarking on a coast-to-coast 4,866-mile “Vannonball Run,” inviting the community to join online or anywhere along the route with the call to raise funds for The American Red Cross to support those affected by this hurricane season.
The 7-day Vannonball Run kicks off today, Oct. 30, in Cape Flattery, Wash., and will end Nov. 5 in Key West, Fla.
The Vannonball Run was inspired by the “Cannonball Run,” but instead of racing against time, Storyteller’s Vannonball Run will be an adventurous, fun and enjoyable quest from the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest to the Key West in the Southern-most tip of Florida, chasing side quests including the lowest point of the U.S. in Death Valley to the highest pass reachable through the Rocky Mountains, and everywhere in between.
“I am so stoked to be taking on this journey across the country,” shared Conn. “The power of adventure has no bounds, and Vannonball Run is the perfect expression of that. We’re bringing along our incredible community and raising money for a cause that is near and dear to us at the same time. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!”
Vannonball Run will include key stops along the route, including:
STAY UP TO DATE by visiting vannonballrun.com or follow along the route on social.
Donations to The American Red Cross can be made directly via Run for Relief.
About Storyteller
Storyteller builds adventure vehicles designed with the mission, “live free, explore endlessly and tell better stories.” Founder Jeffrey Hunter launched Storyteller with the vision that the overlanding community is an open, inclusive group of people who share the belief that the ultimate luxury is being able to say “yes” to adventure, and perhaps come back with more great stories. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Storyteller provides consumers with the luxury of saying “yes,” with a brand you can afford and trust. Find Storyteller’s complete array of products and experiences at Storytelleroverland.com or visit the brand on social @storytelleroverland
The post Storyteller’s 4,866-Mile ‘Vannonball Run’ Kicks Off Today first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.