Modern life can be exhausting. We all need to get away from it all occasionally, whether we live in the city, suburb, or the country. And if you can do so without having to step foot on a plane, all the better. Thankfully, for those who want to avoid any unnecessary visits to the airport, the camper van is in the midst of something of a golden age.
Today’s camper van, known to the heads as a Class B motorhome, is nothing like the modified Volkswagen Microbus of your youth. They may sleep fewer people than their relative, the driveway-filling RV, but the current crop still has room for everything you need to feel at home while on the road. Manufacturers and conversion shops like Airstream, Boho and Westfalia, are packing their vehicles with high-end kitchens, WiFi-enabled multimedia systems, plush beds, and, in some cases, full bathrooms with showers. Thanks to all these creature comforts, roughing it is a thing of the past. Plus, their smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park.
Below are 16 camper vans that will let you experience all that #vanlife has to offer in comfort and style.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a press release from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), a consortium of associations – including the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) – that promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. ORR educate decision makers and the public on balanced policies that conserve public lands and waterways and enhance infrastructure to improve the experience and quality of life of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
Our public lands and waters are uniquely American and are the foundation of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, supporting 5 million jobs, and fueling businesses in communities large and small, rural and urban. Millions of Americans turn to our shared landscapes and waterways for adventure, health, and quality of life.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), our over 40 national associations and the 110,000 American businesses they represent, strongly oppose the large-scale transfer or sale of public lands and waters. This wouldn’t just threaten outdoor recreation and the American quality of life but would also deal a devastating blow to the critical jobs, businesses, and communities that rely on these treasured places. As we have for years, we urge Congress to keep public lands public and out of the federal budget reconciliation process and remind them this is a losing position politically and for the future of our country.
ORR also stands ready to work with the Joint Task Force established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Interior on bipartisan solutions that address the housing affordability crisis in America, improve the management of public lands and enhance recreation access, support a thriving outdoor recreation economy, and are in accordance with the law and local recreation business and stakeholder input.
While nuance is not often welcome in today’s policy debates, we know after talking to Democrats, Republicans, long-time agency staff, sportsmen, recreationists, and businesses that small-scale transfers under very specific circumstances have allowed the agencies to do their job better and have opened up new lands for recreation access. The following framework reinforces and sets new guidance for these lands under consideration. The very fact that these lands are public means we have a voice in their management, so ORR looks forward to working with any policymaker or recreation industry partner to ensure we get this right—the cost is too high not to.
Hiking along the AuSable River near Oscoda, Mich.
Our public lands and waters are uniquely American and are the foundation of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, supporting 5 million jobs, and fueling businesses in communities large and small, rural and urban, in every corner of the country. The outdoor recreation industry, and many other sectors, depend on access to our shared outdoor spaces. The campground operator in national forests, the concessionaire hosting families in our national parks, the boat company creating access to our wildlife refuges, the hunting guide navigating Americans on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, the local outfitters, gear and vehicle manufacturers and retailers, ski resort operators, and thousands of other American businesses all rely on our public lands and water to thrive.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), our over 40 national association members and the over 110,000 American recreation businesses we collectively represent completely oppose the large-scale transfer or sale of public lands and waters, which isn’t just a threat to the outdoor recreation economy and the American quality of life but would also deal a devastating blow to the jobs, businesses, and communities that rely on them. Additionally, ORR strongly urges Congress to keep public land sales out of federal reconciliation legislation.
ORR understands there may be instances in which small, targeted leases, exchanges or sale-purchase models may be in the public and recreationists’ interest by helping to enhance access to outdoor recreation opportunities, improve the management of public lands, or support affordable housing needed to sustain the outdoor recreation economy. We know BLM has identified parcels they have had trouble managing for years but in order to grow the outdoor recreation economy and the backbone of many rural communities, ORR recommends the following criteria be followed to proactively address and overcome challenges with public land transfer or sale, educate lawmakers, engage stakeholders, and put a stop to sell-off proposals that are a redline for the entire outdoor recreation economy and the thousands of communities and millions of Americans who rely on it.
Adhere to existing public lands disposal and exchange authorities granted to the BLM and USFS, as well as the modified land exchange or sale-purchase model (e.g., FLTFA).
Ensure no recreation access loss or negative impact on any outdoor recreation activity or community.
Direct proceeds from land transactions back into conservation of current federal lands and waters or future acquisitions of high-value recreation or conservation areas.
Evaluate each opportunity on its own merit as every instance is unique.
Provide opportunities for public review and comment and ensure that the input and guidance of recreationists and recreation businesses is fully considered by the managing agency or other decision-maker(s).
Ensure that there is widespread support or no meaningful opposition from local recreationists or recreation business.
Current funding, infrastructure, and staffing challenges for federal land management agencies must be addressed for the outdoor recreation economy to continue to grow and the transfer or sale of public lands is no way a solution to these management challenges nor is it a funding mechanism for reconciliation.
ORR stands ready to work with Congress and the Joint Task Forceestablished by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Interior on pragmatic solutions that address the housing affordability crisis in America and support a thriving outdoor recreation economy.
Following the inaugural OHIConnect event, 18 outdoor hospitality business owners and operators joined the OHI team in the nation’s capital for a Hill Day, engaging directly with lawmakers on key industry issues, according to a release from OHI, the organization formerly known as National ARVC that represents the interests and needs of private RV parks and campgrounds across North America.
“My recent trip to Capitol Hill was an invaluable experience. I learned a great deal about the issues our industry is currently facing, and what can be done to fix them. I also gained a deeper understanding of the legislative process and saw firsthand how decisions made at the federal level directly impact our campgrounds,” said Amanda Metz of Bellcore Commercial, who is affiliated with Island Retreat RV Park, Luxury RV Resort, and Birmingham South RV Park in Alabama. “The chance to speak with legislators and advocate for our parks was really empowering. I highly recommend that every Campground Owner or Operator make a similar trip at some point to better understand the challenges and opportunities we face as an industry.”
The group, composed of campground owners, operators, and managers from across the country, met with 25 different Senate and House offices to discuss critical topics, including fee and tax reduction and the current tariff impacts on the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Among those who participated were:
Ali Rasmussen, owner of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
Amanda Metz-Santos, manager of Birmingham South RV Park
Andrew Frank, manager of Spacious Skies-Shenandoah Views
Jacob Klatt, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
Jim Button, owner of Evergreen Campsites
Joey Button, manager of Evergreen Campsites
Joe Moore, owner of Moore’s Campground Consulting
Katie Mendonca, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
Kitty Winship, owner of Papoose Pond Family Campground
Michael Roman, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
Michelle Fleming, regional manager of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Hospitality
Nicole Burrell, manager of Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
Ollie Gauthier, owner of Hickory Hills Campground
Sadie Werley, manager of Spacious Skies-Country Oaks
Taylor Nutbrown, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
Joining these engaged members were OHI’s Government Affairs team, including David Basler, OHI’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs; Andrew Mills, owner of Lone Tree Strategies and OHI’s full-time lobbyist in D.C.; Paul Bambei, OHI’s President and CEO; and Jaqueline Gloria, OHI’s Vice President of Operations.
“Hill Days like this one are so important to our industry and to OHI’s advocacy efforts in D.C. because they give legislators a chance to hear real stories directly from the mouths of real campground owners,” said Basler. “OHI is fighting every day for the success of the small businesses in our industry, and it takes our fight to the next level when legislators hear from members directly.”
OHI encourages its members to participate in future Hill Days to continue amplifying the voice of outdoor hospitality businesses in Washington. Those interested in learning more about OHI’s advocacy efforts can visit ohi.org/advocacy/ for more information.
ATLANTA, Ga. – Priority RV Network (PRVN), America’s largest RV service network, has officially partnered with Pre-Pair, a technology company specializing in automating the dealership finance process from desking to funding. This partnership will provide PRVN’s nationwide network of dealers with advanced tools to streamline workflows, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability from finance and insurance (F&I) operations, according to a release.
Stephanie Alderman
Through this collaboration, dealers will gain access to Pre-Pair’s intuitive platform, which simplifies the credit application journey-from first pencil to lender selection for faster and more accurate deal structuring. Pre-Pair also supports PRVN dealers with helpful tools and resources such as a quick-look national bank finance guide, designed to help newer finance managers structure deals and better support Priority RV Network’s national bank partners.
“We built Pre-Pair to simplify and modernize the financing process for dealerships — and partnering with Priority RV Network allows us to do exactly that at scale,” said Stephanie Alderman, CEO of Pre-Pair. “Their dealers are among the most respected in the industry, and we’re excited to support them with tools that help them maximize their finance revenue while maximizing the best experience possible for their customers.”
Nicole Schantz
“Our mission is to provide Priority RV Network dealers with best-in-class partners that help them grow,” said PRVN Executive Director Nicole Schantz. “Pre-Pair’s technology delivers exactly what our members need — streamlined processes, powerful automation, and an easier path to financing for customers. We’re excited to bring this to the network.”
Key features of the Pre-Pair platform include:
Quoting & Desking: Real-time quoting, credit pulls via 700Credit, and optimized deal structuring—all in one place
CRM & Website Integration: All leads are automatically sent to the CRM and sales team
Lender Selection & Push to Systems: Easily compare lenders and push applications directly into systems like AppOne and CUDL
Funding Support: Auto-populated checklists, document uploads, and lender data aggregation
Coming Soon: Integrations with DealerTrack, Rollick, MenuMetric, and more
Both organizations are committed to helping RV dealerships succeed by removing friction in the finance process and empowering sales and F&I teams with tools that increase profitability and efficiency.
About Pre-Pair
Pre-Pair is a dealership technology platform that automates the end-to-end finance process—from desking to funding. By integrating quoting, lender selection, seamlessly embedded credit data from 700Credit, and downstream system integrations into a single workflow, Pre-Pair helps dealerships optimize every deal and maximize F&I revenue.
About Priority RV Network
Priority RV Network is America’s largest RV service network, with over 160 premier locations nationwide. PRVN provides unmatched benefits to both dealers and RV customers, offering its members exclusive access to service programs, training, and innovative partner solutions designed to drive dealership profitability and enhance the RV ownership experience.
ATLANTA, Ga. – Priority RV Network (PRVN), America’s largest RV service network, has officially partnered with Pre-Pair, a technology company specializing in automating the dealership finance process from desking to funding. This partnership will provide PRVN’s nationwide network of dealers with advanced tools to streamline workflows, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability from finance and insurance (F&I) operations, according to a release.
Stephanie Alderman
Through this collaboration, dealers will gain access to Pre-Pair’s intuitive platform, which simplifies the credit application journey-from first pencil to lender selection for faster and more accurate deal structuring. Pre-Pair also supports PRVN dealers with helpful tools and resources such as a quick-look national bank finance guide, designed to help newer finance managers structure deals and better support Priority RV Network’s national bank partners.
“We built Pre-Pair to simplify and modernize the financing process for dealerships — and partnering with Priority RV Network allows us to do exactly that at scale,” said Stephanie Alderman, CEO of Pre-Pair. “Their dealers are among the most respected in the industry, and we’re excited to support them with tools that help them maximize their finance revenue while maximizing the best experience possible for their customers.”
Nicole Schantz
“Our mission is to provide Priority RV Network dealers with best-in-class partners that help them grow,” said PRVN Executive Director Nicole Schantz. “Pre-Pair’s technology delivers exactly what our members need — streamlined processes, powerful automation, and an easier path to financing for customers. We’re excited to bring this to the network.”
Key features of the Pre-Pair platform include:
Quoting & Desking: Real-time quoting, credit pulls via 700Credit, and optimized deal structuring—all in one place
CRM & Website Integration: All leads are automatically sent to the CRM and sales team
Lender Selection & Push to Systems: Easily compare lenders and push applications directly into systems like AppOne and CUDL
Funding Support: Auto-populated checklists, document uploads, and lender data aggregation
Coming Soon: Integrations with DealerTrack, Rollick, MenuMetric, and more
Both organizations are committed to helping RV dealerships succeed by removing friction in the finance process and empowering sales and F&I teams with tools that increase profitability and efficiency.
About Pre-Pair
Pre-Pair is a dealership technology platform that automates the end-to-end finance process—from desking to funding. By integrating quoting, lender selection, seamlessly embedded credit data from 700Credit, and downstream system integrations into a single workflow, Pre-Pair helps dealerships optimize every deal and maximize F&I revenue.
About Priority RV Network
Priority RV Network is America’s largest RV service network, with over 160 premier locations nationwide. PRVN provides unmatched benefits to both dealers and RV customers, offering its members exclusive access to service programs, training, and innovative partner solutions designed to drive dealership profitability and enhance the RV ownership experience.
LOS ANGELES – Harbinger, a leading medium-duty electric vehicle manufacturer, Tuesday (April 8) announced it has achieved the official start of production (SOP) for its American-made electric vehicles, and has manufactured more than 100 units for customers. First in line customers and dealers for these vehicles include THOR Industries, the world’s largest recreational vehicle manufacturer, ETHERO Truck + Energy, Bruckner’s Truck, and more. The company has reached this production milestone just four years after it was founded in February 2021, according to a release.
“Our ability to design and move our vehicle into production this quickly is a testament to the creativity and diligence of our world-class team,” said John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger. “Completing production of 100 chassis is an important achievement for Harbinger. We chose to announce the start of production only after reaching this milestone to highlight that we are producing vehicles at a volume and scale that is truly impactful for our customers and the industry.”
Harbinger manufactures its electric vehicle platform, also known as a stripped chassis, in Garden Grove, California. The chassis is designed specifically for medium-duty vehicles, such as walk-in vans, box trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), delivery vans, emergency and disaster response vehicles and more. The chassis includes all major vehicle systems, including the electric drivetrain, high voltage (HV) battery system, steering, brakes, and more. Notably, Harbinger is the only truck manufacturer building electric drivetrain systems in-house. The company’s vertically integrated manufacturing approach keeps production costs low for its superior quality EV product. Once Harbinger assembles its electric stripped chassis, a dealer or customer works with a third party to upfit the chassis with a commercial or specialty body, which is the standard practice in the medium-duty industry.
“From the moment Harbinger was founded, we took a deliberate approach to building a scalable production foundation,” said Gilbert Passin, chief production officer of Harbinger. “A lot of the experience that helped shape Harbinger’s manufacturing processes came from the experience our team brought from other EV manufacturers and automotive brands. We learned what didn’t work elsewhere, and we adopted what worked best.”
Harbinger recently conducted extensive vehicle testing in Arizona and New Zealand, and videos of its testing programs can be seen HERE. The company also recently announced an order book of 4,690 vehicle orders, valued at approximately $500 million, and a $100 million Series B funding round, which will help the company scale up beyond the start of production. The funds will help to accelerate Harbinger’s growth and increase volume production capacity to meet demand for its purpose-built electric platform. To support its continued growth, Harbinger aims to hire an additional 100 employees in 2025.
About Harbinger
Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger’s best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs. Leveraging a foundation of proprietary, in-house developed vehicle technologies designed specifically for commercial and specialty vehicles, Harbinger is bringing a first-of-its-kind EV platform to market, priced at acquisition parity to traditional diesel vehicles. Harbinger: Familiar Form. Revolutionary Foundation.
To learn more about Harbinger, please visit www.harbingermotors.com. You can find the company press kit HERE.
LOS ANGELES – Harbinger, a leading medium-duty electric vehicle manufacturer, Tuesday (April 8) announced it has achieved the official start of production (SOP) for its American-made electric vehicles, and has manufactured more than 100 units for customers. First in line customers and dealers for these vehicles include THOR Industries, the world’s largest recreational vehicle manufacturer, ETHERO Truck + Energy, Bruckner’s Truck, and more. The company has reached this production milestone just four years after it was founded in February 2021, according to a release.
“Our ability to design and move our vehicle into production this quickly is a testament to the creativity and diligence of our world-class team,” said John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger. “Completing production of 100 chassis is an important achievement for Harbinger. We chose to announce the start of production only after reaching this milestone to highlight that we are producing vehicles at a volume and scale that is truly impactful for our customers and the industry.”
Harbinger manufactures its electric vehicle platform, also known as a stripped chassis, in Garden Grove, California. The chassis is designed specifically for medium-duty vehicles, such as walk-in vans, box trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), delivery vans, emergency and disaster response vehicles and more. The chassis includes all major vehicle systems, including the electric drivetrain, high voltage (HV) battery system, steering, brakes, and more. Notably, Harbinger is the only truck manufacturer building electric drivetrain systems in-house. The company’s vertically integrated manufacturing approach keeps production costs low for its superior quality EV product. Once Harbinger assembles its electric stripped chassis, a dealer or customer works with a third party to upfit the chassis with a commercial or specialty body, which is the standard practice in the medium-duty industry.
“From the moment Harbinger was founded, we took a deliberate approach to building a scalable production foundation,” said Gilbert Passin, chief production officer of Harbinger. “A lot of the experience that helped shape Harbinger’s manufacturing processes came from the experience our team brought from other EV manufacturers and automotive brands. We learned what didn’t work elsewhere, and we adopted what worked best.”
Harbinger recently conducted extensive vehicle testing in Arizona and New Zealand, and videos of its testing programs can be seen HERE. The company also recently announced an order book of 4,690 vehicle orders, valued at approximately $500 million, and a $100 million Series B funding round, which will help the company scale up beyond the start of production. The funds will help to accelerate Harbinger’s growth and increase volume production capacity to meet demand for its purpose-built electric platform. To support its continued growth, Harbinger aims to hire an additional 100 employees in 2025.
About Harbinger
Harbinger is an American commercial electric vehicle (EV) company on a mission to transform an industry starving for innovation. Harbinger’s best-in-class team of EV, battery, and drivetrain experts have pooled their deep experience to support the growing demand for medium-duty EVs. Leveraging a foundation of proprietary, in-house developed vehicle technologies designed specifically for commercial and specialty vehicles, Harbinger is bringing a first-of-its-kind EV platform to market, priced at acquisition parity to traditional diesel vehicles. Harbinger: Familiar Form. Revolutionary Foundation.
To learn more about Harbinger, please visit www.harbingermotors.com. You can find the company press kit HERE.
Camping has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the influx of new and experienced outdoor enthusiasts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these changes, one thing remains clear: camping remains an affordable travel option. This insight comes from a new report by Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA). The Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, released today, highlights the industry’s resilience, even amid economic uncertainty, according to a press release.
“Today, one-in-four leisure travelers consider themselves campers,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in participation over the past five years. While camping was down slightly year-over-year, we anticipate a resurgence in returning travelers to camping this year, with 72% of campers believing camping is the most cost-effective travel option.”
Camping Preference by Household
Key findings from the report highlight generational differences, camping preferences, the financial impacts of camping on local communities, and similarities between pre-pandemic campers in 2019 and campers today. Among other noteworthy insights, the report also provides an in-depth analysis of traveler sentiment toward the economy and 2025 traveler intentions.
An Evolution & Reset of the Industry
Over 11 million new households camped in 2024 compared to 2019, creating a very noticeable evolution in camping participation.
New campers accounted for approximately 5% of all campers in 2024, mirroring the percentage seen in 2019. These campers are younger and prefer locations that offer a variety of amenities and services, leaning toward private campgrounds and glamping resorts over more rustic camping spots.
Campers are attracted to closer, more flexible escapes, with 62% choosing weekend getaways and 44% staying closer to home.
Nostalgia is driving campers back to the basics. 26% of campers want to reconnect with family traditions such as making s’mores and telling campfire stories.
Camping & the Economy
Camping spending reached $61 billion in 2024, injecting vital resources into local economies.
Daily spending rose to $200 per day per household, up $43 from 2023. Glampers and Gen Z spend the most, averaging $251 and $266 per day.
8-in-10 campers say rising travel costs have impacted their trips, but instead of canceling plans, they choose to prioritize low-cost activities like campfires, hiking and nature walks.
65% of campers plan to spend the same or more on travel than last year. Canadians are feeling the least optimistic, with 31% saying they plan to spend less, compared to 24% of Americans.
Sought-After Travel Experiences
Campers and leisure travelers alike are focusing on experiences that enhance their overall well-being, expressing a desire to slow down and be fully present in the moment.
Experiencing wellness by water is a top travel trend, with 57% of campers and 53% of leisure travelers citing that walking on a beach or relaxing near a body of water helps their overall well-being.
Solo camping is on the rise, with 1-in-5 campers taking their first solo trip in 2024. Gen Z and Millennials are most interested in solo trips this year.
Camping is seen as a multi-generational activity. One-third of all campers feel camping with kids is more relaxing than participating in other forms of travel, and 22% are camping with extended family members.
“This year’s report highlights a dynamic reset in the camping landscape, where new generations and experienced campers alike are embracing a more flexible, experience-driven approach to outdoor travel,” said O’Rourke. “With increased interest in amenities, service, wellness and family bonding, camping is evolving into a diverse and accessible option for all travelers. Despite economic pressures, it’s clear that the outdoor hospitality industry provides significant value for personal well-being and contributes positively to local communities, ensuring its continued strength and resilience.”
LINO LAKES, Minn. – Northern Wholesale Supply (NWS) announces the appointment of Adam Augst as the new Head of Sales, effective immediately. With over a decade of extensive experience in the powersports and marine industries, Augst brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to NWS, accordingto a release, positioning the organization and its valued dealer network for growth and performance.
Augst joins NWS with a robust background in network and dealer development, sales, and international business leadership. Most notably, he previously spearheaded the international business portfolio for a multi-billion-dollar global specialty vehicle manufacturer where he successfully commercialized products through dealer and distribution channels. His hands-on approach, working directly with dealers, has equipped him with deep insights into fostering strong partnerships and driving sales and operational excellence, the release continued.
In his new role, Augst will oversee NWS’s wholesale sales and customer service divisions, ensuring a seamless and elevated experience for dealers and customers alike. His leadership is expected to propel NWS and its dealer network to new heights, strengthening its position as a leader in the industry.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Adam to the NWS family,” said Chad Smith, CEO of Northern Wholesale Supply. “His extensive experience and dynamic leadership style make him the perfect fit to guide our wholesale sales strategy. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our company and our dealers as we work together to achieve new levels of success.”
Northern Wholesale Supply remains committed to delivering top-tier products and support to its dealer network, the release continued, and Augst’s appointment underscores that dedication. Dealers and industry partners can expect enhanced collaboration and innovative strategies under his direction.
About Northern Wholesale Supply
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Northern Wholesale Supply, LLC (NWS) is a trusted leader in the distribution of RV, marine, and powersport parts and accessories. With a catalog of over 30,000 products, including proprietary brands such as Extreme Max, Boat Lift Boss, and Ultra Legs, NWS serves customers across North America with innovative solutions and exceptional service.
From Ambition Strikes: With only 67 ever made, we truly can’t believe we found a Revcon Trailblazer. We’re a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in North Idaho. Follow along as we learn how to build a home, run heavy equipment and turn this place into our dream property!
