RV Business

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:

• Cape Flattery, WA
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Death Valley, CA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Arches National Park, UT
• Montrose, UT
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Kansas City, MO
• Springfield, MO
• St. Louis, MO
• Nashville, TN
• Birmingham, AL (Storyteller HQ!)
• Sandy Springs, GA
• Atlanta, GA
• Gainesville, FL
• Key West, FL

STAY UP TO DATE by visiting vannonballrun.com or follow along the route on social.

• Instagram: @StorytellerOverland
• X: @VannonballRun

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.

LANSING, Mich. — Manage, maintain and monitor air pressure with the most convenient and practical offering yet from Air Lift Company, which now offers a new Digital Portable Compressor for quick, accurate and easy inflation and deflation and a 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge featuring a deflation button to lower air pressure no matter where you are.

The new Digital Portable Compressor (P/N 16188) can reach 120 PSI, accurately hits preset pressures with automatic shutoff, and plugs into the vehicle’s 7-way trailer plug or connects to the vehicle’s battery. The portable compressor with a digital gauge inflates or deflates air springs, vehicle tires, bike tires, toys and more. Now, you don’t have to worry about camping far from the next gas station.

Air Lift’s new 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge (P/N 16151) will check the air pressure of anything you need that uses a standard Schrader valve, like air springs or tires. The gauge features a deflate button, so you can lower air pressure no matter where you are.

Both kits come with a carry bag for storage and a thread-on hose adapter for hands-free use. The digital compressor doesn’t have the complicated wiring or low power limitations of other portable systems, and it can be powered in two ways.

Air Lift is also offering a 7-Way Adapter (P/N 16153) to upgrade or convert a current air compressor system using the SAE connector and a Battery Clamp Adapter (P/N 16152) to connect the power to the vehicle’s battery.

The post Air Lift Intros Digital Portable Compressor, Deflation Gauge first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LANSING, Mich. — Manage, maintain and monitor air pressure with the most convenient and practical offering yet from Air Lift Company, which now offers a new Digital Portable Compressor for quick, accurate and easy inflation and deflation and a 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge featuring a deflation button to lower air pressure no matter where you are.

The new Digital Portable Compressor (P/N 16188) can reach 120 PSI, accurately hits preset pressures with automatic shutoff, and plugs into the vehicle’s 7-way trailer plug or connects to the vehicle’s battery. The portable compressor with a digital gauge inflates or deflates air springs, vehicle tires, bike tires, toys and more. Now, you don’t have to worry about camping far from the next gas station.

Air Lift’s new 3-in-1 Air Down Gauge (P/N 16151) will check the air pressure of anything you need that uses a standard Schrader valve, like air springs or tires. The gauge features a deflate button, so you can lower air pressure no matter where you are.

Both kits come with a carry bag for storage and a thread-on hose adapter for hands-free use. The digital compressor doesn’t have the complicated wiring or low power limitations of other portable systems, and it can be powered in two ways.

Air Lift is also offering a 7-Way Adapter (P/N 16153) to upgrade or convert a current air compressor system using the SAE connector and a Battery Clamp Adapter (P/N 16152) to connect the power to the vehicle’s battery.

The post Air Lift Intros Digital Portable Compressor, Deflation Gauge first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Firefly Integrations’ technician training program continues in November in Atlanta and Fort Worth, Texas. The training sessions are available in four-hour sessions.

The focus of each session is to give technicians a heightened understanding of RV-C and CAN bus technology as well as strengthen their ability to distinguish between operational, technical, and software issues.

The training sessions involve hands-on experience with Firefly’s Multiplex system and technical discussion that should greatly diminish the time technicians spend troubleshooting and diagnosing issues, the company says.

Each attending technician will earn a certificate for RV Technical Institute (RVTI) credit hours. Technicians need only attend one session for the information needed and the certificate.

November Schedule

• Nov. 5-6: Atlanta
• Nov. 12-13: Fort Worth

For more information and to register for available training in July and beyond, go to https://www.fireflyint.com/services/training

The post Firefly Integrations November Training Academy Schedule first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Firefly Integrations’ technician training program continues in November in Atlanta and Fort Worth, Texas. The training sessions are available in four-hour sessions.

The focus of each session is to give technicians a heightened understanding of RV-C and CAN bus technology as well as strengthen their ability to distinguish between operational, technical, and software issues.

The training sessions involve hands-on experience with Firefly’s Multiplex system and technical discussion that should greatly diminish the time technicians spend troubleshooting and diagnosing issues, the company says.

Each attending technician will earn a certificate for RV Technical Institute (RVTI) credit hours. Technicians need only attend one session for the information needed and the certificate.

November Schedule

• Nov. 5-6: Atlanta
• Nov. 12-13: Fort Worth

For more information and to register for available training in July and beyond, go to https://www.fireflyint.com/services/training

The post Firefly Integrations November Training Academy Schedule first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

KENT, Wa.— Torklift announces the launch of the TailoredHitch, a rear receiver hitch exclusively designed for Airstream Bambi trailers. Built to complement the lightweight design and iconic style of the Bambi, the TailoredHitch offers Airstream enthusiasts a new way to expand their travel capabilities while maintaining their Airstream trailer’s signature look.

The TailoredHitch is ideal for those looking to bring bike racks, cargo carriers, or other essential gear on their adventures without sacrificing the balance or performance of their Bambi trailer. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended road trip, this new hitch will help Airstream owners optimize their travel experience.

Key Features

• Custom Fit: Engineered exclusively for Airstream Bambi trailers.
• Rust-Free Trailer Hitch: The world’s only REAL stainless steel trailer hitch receiver, ensuring a clean garage floor and no rust-related issues with your accessories.
• Light weight Design: Strong and durable without adding unnecessary weight to the trailer.
• Easy Installation: A simple, user-friendly install process for hassle-free use.
• Versatile Receiver: Compatible with bike racks, cargo carriers, and other accessories.

Limited-Time Presale Offer – $50 Off

As part of the launch, the TailoredHitch for Airstream Bambi is available for presale at $50 off for a limited time at https://torkliftcentral.com/tailoredhitch-made-to-fit-airstream-bambi-trailers-rv-rear-bumper-hitch-for-travel-trailers. This exclusive offer provides early adopters with a chance to reserve the hitch before it becomes available to the public.

For more information or to place your order, visit Torklift Central’s website or contact us directly at 800-246-8132.

The post Torklift to Release ‘TailoredHitch’ for Airstream Bambi Trailers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DELAND, Fla. – Intellitec Products, LLC has introduced a new line of 250-amp battery disconnects. The line includes the Heavy Duty 250A Battery Disconnect, the Heavy Duty Battery Guard automatic battery disconnect, and models with current sensing and RV-C communications, according to a release.

Ned Schiff, president of Intellitec Products stated, “After discussing the needs of our OEM customers, we designed the Heavy Duty Battery Disconnects to handle the increased electrical loads found on modern RVs. These robust disconnects range from simple disconnects to automatic disconnects that sense when battery voltage levels are low.”

Craig Floyd, VP of Sales and Marketing, added, “The Heavy Duty Battery Guard is built on the successful Battery Guard platform that has been adopted by RV OEMs to keep their vehicles from unwanted battery maintenance and downtime. Its compact size and functionality give the users extra protection from dead batteries. The disconnects can be mounted next to the batteries and controlled remotely to reduce the amount of heavy gauge wire in the coach.”

Schiff continued, “The Heavy Duty Battery Guard provides the most complete solution to keeping your batteries operable and healthy. It is very economical and easy to install. Utilizing our proven latching relay, the HDBG only draws power when changing state, making it a “Green” product as compared to the continuous-duty solenoids frequently used in this application, which unnecessarily drain power from the batteries and generate excessive heat. Additionally, the Heavy Duty Battery Guard is available with RV-C communications for collecting important information such as voltage levels, current levels, battery health, and more over the electrical network.”

About Intellitec

For almost 50 years, Intellitec has been the trusted leader in innovative electronic control solutions, empowering our partners with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management, and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec proudly manufactures its products in the USA.

The post Intellitec Offers Line of 250-Amp Smart Battery Disconnects first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAS VEGAS – The Specialty Equipment Market Association’s SEMA Show takes place November 5-8, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. The SEMA Show is a trade-only event and not open to the general public.

“There is no other trade show on the planet where you can see thousands of product innovations from new and iconic exhibitors, experience the latest custom vehicle trends, get access to free professional skill-enhancing education sessions and make career-changing connections,” according to information provided by SEMA.

Held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center the SEMA Show is a trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry that features the latest products, accessories and services and is billed as a premier event for automotive specialty products. The show is not open to the general public, and attendees must register as a media member, manufacturer, buyer or exhibitor. Registration requires documentation that proves the attendee works in the specialty equipment industry. 

The show features:

• Product demonstrations
• Educational seminars
• Networking opportunities
• Outdoor motorsports activations
• Featured vehicle displays

Originally called the Speed Equipment Manufacturing Association, the name was changed to Specialty Equipment Market Association in 1970 to appeal to a wider audience. 

“Discover the cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the Automotive Aftermarket industry. This track covers everything from electric vehicles to AI-powered innovations that will shape tomorrow’s market,” SEMA states. “The SEMA Show gives you a front row seat to the latest trends in the automotive aftermarket! Don’t miss your chance to see the latest products, build relationships and do business!”

The post SEMA Show Set for Nov. 5-8 at Las Vegas Convention Center first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. – For nearly 45 years, THOR Industries has utilized responsible and sustainable business practices in its operations as its products inspire people to connect with nature and one another to “Go Everywhere. Stay Anywhere.” Today, THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO), the world’s largest RV manufacturer, published its seventh annual sustainability report detailing the company’s industry-leading sustainability efforts for its fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 (FY2024) across its global family of companies.  

“At THOR, the idea of sustainability is not just a talking point. Sustainability is a core principle upon which we operate our company,” shared Bob Martin, THOR President and CEO. “We are committed to making changes now to ensure a sustainable future exists so people can continue to connect with nature, and families with one another, to create lifelong memories.” 

THOR has taken significant steps in its sustainability journey to lead the way for the industry including attaining approval from the distinguished Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Validation Team confirming THOR’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 short-term targets and Scope 1, 2 and 3 long-term targets are aligned with the SBTi’s 1.5˚C mitigation pathways for reaching net-zero by 2050 or sooner. 

FY2024 Sustainability Journey Highlights:

• THOR proactively completed a double materiality assessment as an initial step towards compliance with the upcoming European sustainability regulations.
• Installed solar projects at North American operating companies which, to date, have eliminated 3,595 MTCO₂e – the equivalent to 856 gasoline vehicles driven for one year.
• Decreased global Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 27.4% vs. the baseline Fiscal Year 2019.
• Advanced its emobility innovation leadership by developing the world’s first hybrid Class A motorhome test vehicle and the world’s first fully electric fifth wheel trailer prototype. The hybrid Class A motorhome, developed in partnership with Harbinger, delivers an estimated 500 miles of range, and is expected to qualify as a Near-Zero Emissions Vehicle (NZEV) under the Advanced Clean Truck legislation, adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The world’s first fully electric fifth wheel trailer prototype was successfully introduced to an operating company’s dealer network at their annual dealer meeting.
• Debuted the Hymer Eriba® Touring Sustainability Concept Vehicle which is focused on sustainable production methods, features greater use of environmentally-friendly materials, and is anticipated to reduce CO₂ emissions due to reduced vehicle weight.
• Submitted the Company’s fourth annual Carbon & Climate questionnaire to the CDP to provide visibility and disclosure around efforts to measure, manage, disclose and reduce GHG emissions, water usage, and forestry impact.
• Partnered with the RV Industry Association to re-establish the RVIA Workplace Safety Committee to share best practices and serve as an educational resource.
• Supported and partnered with over 150 non-profit organizations across the THOR family of companies, including a strategic partnership with the National Forest Foundation, whose mission is to help combat threats to the outdoor lifestyle. THOR is one of the foundation’s most significant corporate sponsors.
• Honored and publicly recognized in Newsweek & Statista’s list of “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” for the second time, Newsweek & Statista’s list of “Most Trustworthy Companies in America” for a third year in a row, Newsweek & Statista’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” for a second year, US News & World Report’s “Best Companies to Work For”, and USA Today & Statista’s “America’s Climate Leaders” for THOR’s commitment to sustainability.

“As we continue to execute on our long-term strategic plan, we remain focused on contributing to a sustainable future to allow great outdoor experiences, not only for our customers today but for generations to come, which is a cornerstone of our business,” added Todd Woelfer, THOR SVP and Chief Operating Officer. “Our global sustainability program highlights our deep-rooted commitment to better the lives of our team members and customers, foster the viability of diverse communities, and promote a clean and safe environment.”

THOR’s FY2024 Sustainability Report was published in electronic format only and may be viewed on the Company’s website at: www.thorindustries.com/sustainability-report.

The post THOR Industries Releases 7th Annual Sustainability Report first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TROY, Mich. – Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE: SKY) on Monday (Oct. 28) announced financial results for its second quarter ended Sept. 28, 2024.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights (compared to Second Quarter Fiscal 2024)

• Net sales increased 32.9% to $616.9 million
• U.S. homes sold increased 31.3% to 6,357
• Total backlog increased 5.6% to $427 million from the sequential first quarter
• Average selling price (“ASP”) per U.S. home sold increased 4.5% to $92,400
• Gross profit margin expanded by 190 basis points to 27.0%
• Net income increased by 19.8% to $54.7 million
• Earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) increased 19.0% to $0.94
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 26.2% to $74.2 million
• Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted by 60 basis points to 12.0%
• Net cash generated by operating activities of $59.8 million during the quarter
• Repurchased $20.0 million of shares under the share repurchase program

“I am pleased to report that Champion Homes delivered another strong quarter, generating healthy margins and cash flow,” said Mark Yost, president and chief executive officer of Champion Homes. “Our continued focus on our digital direct-to-consumer strategy, combined with our retail footprint expansion and strong consumer demand for attainable housing, positioned us to achieve significant growth in home sales compared to last year. Our talented teams have enabled us to advance our strategic initiatives and enhance our capacity to deliver value to our customers and shareholders.”

Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results

Net sales for the second quarter fiscal 2025 increased 32.9% to $616.9 million compared to the prior-year period. The number of U.S. homes sold in the second quarter fiscal 2025 increased 31.3% to 6,357 driven by sales of $148.0 million from the Regional Homes acquisition and healthy demand in the community sales channel. The ASP per U.S. home sold increased 4.5% to $92,400 due to the higher mix of retail units sold during the quarter. The number of Canadian factory-built homes sold in the quarter decreased to 179 homes compared to 232 homes in the prior-year period due to softening demand in certain markets.

Gross profit increased by 42.8% to $166.3 million in the second quarter fiscal 2025 compared to the prior-year period. Gross profit margin was 27.0% of net sales, a 190-basis point expansion compared to 25.1% in the second quarter fiscal 2024. Gross margin expansion reflects higher ASPs on new home sales, increased captive retail sales, lower forest product costs, and higher capacity utilization when compared to the prior-year period.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in the second quarter fiscal 2025 increased to $99.7 million from $64.5 million in the same period last year. SG&A during the quarter increased due to the Regional Homes acquisition and higher variable compensation. SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 16.2%, compared to 13.9% in the prior year period.

Net income increased by 19.8% to $54.7 million for the second quarter fiscal 2025 compared to the prior-year period. The increase in net income was driven by higher gross margin as a percentage of sales, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter fiscal 2025 increased by 26.2% to $74.2 million compared to the second quarter fiscal 2024. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter was 12.0%, compared to 12.7% in the prior-year period.

As of September 28, 2024, Champion Homes had $570.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, an increase of $21.3 million in the current quarter. The Company repurchased and retired $20 million of its common stock during the second quarter under the previously announced repurchase program. On October 28, 2024, the Board of Directors refreshed the share repurchase authorization to provide for $100 million of potential future repurchases.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Champion Homes’ management will host a conference call tomorrow, Oct. 29, 2024, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss Champion Homes’ financial results and an update on current operations.

Investors and other interested parties can listen to a webcast of the live conference call by logging onto the Investor Relations section of Champion Homes’ website at ir.championhomes.com. The online replay will be available on the same website immediately following the call.

The conference call can also be accessed by dialing (877) 407-4018 (domestic) or (201) 689-8471 (international). A telephonic replay will be available approximately two hours after the call by dialing (844) 512-2921, or for international callers, (412) 317-6671. The passcode for the live call and the replay is 13749107. The replay will be available until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on November 12, 2024.

About Champion Homes, Inc.

Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE: SKY) is a leading producer of factory-built housing in North America and employs approximately 9,000 people. With more than 70 years of homebuilding experience and 48 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and western Canada, Champion Homes is well positioned with an innovative portfolio of manufactured and modular homes, ADUs, park-models and modular buildings for the single-family, multi-family, and hospitality sectors.

In addition to its core home building business, Champion Homes provides construction services to install and set-up factory-built homes, operates a factory-direct retail business with 72 retail locations across the United States, and operates Star Fleet Trucking, providing transportation services to the manufactured housing and other industries from several dispatch locations across the United States.

Champion Homes builds homes under some of the most well-known brand names in the factory-built housing industry including Skyline Homes, Champion Homes, Genesis Homes, Regional Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, Titan Homes in the U.S. and Moduline and SRI Homes in western Canada.

The post Champion Homes Reports a 32.9% Increase in Q2 Net Sales first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.