RV Business In this episode of “OEM Showcase: On Location”, a video series presented by RVBusiness, Fred Foulks, a regional sales manager with Prime Time RV, provides a walk-through tour of the Tracer travel trailer.
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From Yakima, Wash., comes the Adventurer 80RB Overlander Edition featuring an Expion360 lithium battery system, 400W solar, upgraded refrigerator, low profile AC, leatherette sofa, and more, according to a report by Gordon White for TruckCamperMagazine.com.
Adventurer Manufacturing builds both the Adventurer truck camper line (founded in 1969) and the Scout truck camper line (founded in 2020). These two camper lines are manufactured in the same Yakima, Washington factory by two separate production lines and teams using different materials and construction processes.
The design, features, and build of Adventurer truck campers skew heavily toward traditional truck campers sold on mainstream RV dealer lots. The design, features, and build of Scout truck campers skew heavily toward the Overland market sold either direct or through overland-focused dealerships.
Click here to read the full report at TruckCamperMagazine.com.
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WASHINGTON — A top Federal Reserve official said Monday that he is leaning toward supporting an interest rate cut when the Fed meets in two weeks but that evidence of persistent inflation before then could cause him to change that view, according to an Associated Press report.
Speaking at George Washington University, Christopher Waller, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, said he was confident that inflation is headed lower and that the central bank will likely keep reducing its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans.
But he noted that there’s a risk that inflation “may be getting stuck above” the Fed’s 2% target, which would support an argument for keeping the Fed’s rate unchanged this month.
“At present, I lean toward supporting a cut to the policy rate at our December meeting,” Waller said in his remarks to a conference held by the American Institute for Economic Research. “But that decision will depend on whether data that we will receive before then surprises to the upside and alters my forecast for the path of inflation.”
Click here to read the full Associated Press report.
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ELKHART, Ind. – When manufacturers cut features to lower a trailer’s price, quality often takes a hit, according to a press release from Encore RV.
“At Encore, we believe that’s never an option,” said company founder Rich Schnippel. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the all-new ROG X-Trek Adventure Trailers, delivering exceptional value without compromising quality.”
The new units are available in two popular floor plans: the 12RK-XT, which sleeps 2 to 3; and the 12BH-XT, which sleeps 2 to 5.
X-Trek is lightweight, easy-to-tow, and fits inside a standard-size garage. As comfortable off-grid as it is in the campground you won’t find yourself sacrificing quality or amenities when you consider all that X-Trek has to offer, the release stated.
Standard features include:
MSRP is $20,249.
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WICHITA, Kan. – Airxcel Inc. officials are pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Walker to Director of Product Marketing, Branding and Events, according to a release.
In his new role, Walker will execute strategic marketing initiatives across Airxcel’s diverse brand portfolio, with a keen focus on optimizing aftermarket sales and enhancing in-store retail merchandising. His expertise will also drive Airxcel’s evolving event strategies and high-impact product launches, reinforcing the company’s reputation for innovation and customer experiences.
Walker began his career at Airxcel in 2010 as a print shop team member at Suburban. In 2014, he was promoted to marketing manager for multiple brands, and in 2019, he took on a leadership role as Branding and Events Manager.
Commenting on Walker’s promotion, Piar Adams, Vice President of Marketing, Aftermarket and International Sales, said, “Walker’s promotion reflects Airxcel’s confidence in his leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to the company’s continued growth and innovation.”
About Airxcel, Inc.
Airxcel is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Airxcel family of brands includes 18 companies with 15 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Claude Donati, Managing Member at Nexus RV, has been making his mark on the RV industry for almost 30 years.
After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he initially worked in the winery business. It was during this time he learned the art of selling and managing accounts—an important skill to have in his eventual career path.
Claude set his sights on the RV industry after conversations with his friends who were involved in the sector. “I met with a couple of my friends at a reunion. They were in the RV industry, and they shared the dynamics of the RV business with me,” he explains.
Inspired, Claude made the decision to switch his career and join the RV world. He became part of the sales team at Gulf Stream Coach and spent 15 years with the company.
“At Gulf Stream, I started in the sales world and Class Cs in particular. A year into that I was promoted, and I’ve been in management ever since,” Claude explains. “My role at Gulf Stream evolved from a Regional Sales Manager to a National Sales Manager to Vice President of Sales to Vice President of the Motorhome Division.”
Claude looks back on this time as a crucial part of his career path: ”While I was at Gulf Stream I had the fortunate opportunity to work with the Shea family. Jim Shea Sr., who had passed away during my final few years there, was legendary.”
“Being around those entrepreneurs helped me understand the business, and I learned a lot in those roles. I was in the room and allowed to observe when big decisions were being made, so it was a very rewarding period,” he adds.
In 2010, Claude started a new phase of his career by co-founding Nexus RV with Dave Middleton. “During the recession the whole environment changed dramatically, and it sparked an opportunity for me to consider going off on my own. As the market constricted, I knew that if I was ever going to do it, I should do it then— I was young enough to muscle through the process of starting a company.”
“And so, my business partner, Dave Middleton, who was my National Sales Manager at Gulf Stream, went with me to raise capital in the private sector in the middle of the recession.” Claude also notes he had the support of some longtime friends who were also involved in the industry, including Tim Hoffman, one of the founding members of Heartland RV, Joe Luther, an industry veteran who currently works for Keystone and many others.
“We were able to find good engineers, good workers, and good production people,” Claude says. “Although the market wasn’t buying units at the time, we were able to set up the company.”
As a result, for its first eight years, Nexus RV sold units factory direct. “We got to know our customers very well. We understood the dealer network, how to do a deal, and how to handle parts and service.” However, as Nexus RV continued to grow, the company changed its business model in 2018 and transitioned to a dealer model, connected with dealerships across the country.
Now, 15 years since launching Nexus RV, Claude is looking forward to the possibilities ahead. “It feels like there’s been new opportunities every step of the way, from starting the company during the recession to changing from factory direct. And now there’s a second-generation joining Nexus RV who have a real interest in the company.”
As for what’s on the entrepreneurial horizon, Claude explains: “We are considering getting into the towable market or the commercial vehicle market. As a smaller company we can pivot quickly, and, with this second generation joining the company, it makes sense to expand our portfolio into the towable market.”
“Our vision is becoming longer-term in terms of product offering— Nexus RV has taken the last year to improve every product we make with new interiors, new paint schemes, better floorplans, and higher quality components, while lowering our prices.”
Currently, as Managing Member of Nexus RV, Claude oversees the entire company through a group of directors and a general manager. “This includes sales, production, finance, dealer network, investments, real estate, vendor relationships, product direction,” he says. He gives credit to the company’s five directors, who do “outstanding work”: Cindy Hathaway, Parts and Service; Rachel Baird, Director of Finance; Alexis Yeoman, Director of Purchasing and OPS; Rick Potter, General Manager; and Gary Yeoman, National Sales Manager.
In addition to his responsibilities at Nexus, Claude is eager to become more involved with the RV Industry Association. “I have been a huge supporter of the Association’s activities both early in my career and now as the owner of Nexus RV. Our company became a member of the Association almost immediately.”
He continues: “I have a great relationship with their team. I’ve been super supportive of all the initiatives the Association put together. There are some awesome things that they’ve helped us accomplish in terms of their advocacy efforts, as well as with their advertising and industry awareness campaigns. I would love to become more involved.”
Additionally, Claude and Nexus RV are eager to make a difference in the local Elkhart community by supporting the YWCA and its Safe Haven program. The service provides a range of supportive resources for women who are experiencing domestic violence. “For us, it’s a big priority, partly because 50% of our workforce are women,” he says. “When we first introduced our involvement with the YWCA, the feedback I received was very rewarding.” He adds that he is currently a board member at the YWCA and a few Nexus RV employees are on committees there.
Ultimately, Claude aims to bring more awareness to domestic violence and provide women and children access to assistance in Elkhart through YWCA’s Safe Haven women’s shelter. His strategy for achieving this is a simple but effective one: “I would like for there to be a little pamphlet— the size of a business card— in the stall of every woman’s restroom in Elkhart county. It would have information to help women who are experiencing domestic violence— or a woman who knows someone experiencing it— and the sheet is discreet enough to hide in a pocket or shoe.”
“I’d like us to start with Elkhart because this is the home of our industry,” he says. “Everyone— whether an operator, general manager, or company owner— can get on board with this effort. We’d like to see this idea expand and gain traction.”
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Fun Town RV announces the appointment of Chandler McGhee as Chief Operating Officer, effective Dec. 1. Chandler currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer, a role he has held since 2022. Chandler has been an instrumental member of Fun Town RV, formally joining the team in 2018.
It is with mixed emotions that company officials also announce the retirement of esteemed COO Jeff England, the release continued. He has been an invaluable part of the company since 2019. Over the past years, England has made an extraordinary impact, helping to drive the company’s growth, strengthen its operations, and uphold its commitment to excellence.
“We are deeply grateful for Jeff’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication during his tenure,” the release stated. “While we will miss his day-to-day presence, we are thrilled that he will remain part of the team as an advisor to our new COO. His insights and expertise will continue to guide us as we navigate the path ahead.Please join us in thanking Jeff for his remarkable contributions and wishing him all the best in this next chapter. We look forward to celebrating his legacy and the continued partnership in this new capacity.”
“It has been a true pleasure to have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most genuine and hardworking people that I have ever been associated with,” England said. “I truly feel that I can say that I learned as much from them as they did from me. Please join me in congratulating Chandler as he now takes over my current role as Chief Operating Officer at Fun Town RV”
“I am truly honored to accept this new position and to serve as second in command alongside my father Jarrod McGhee,” said Chandler McGhee. “His guidance and unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping my growth and success. I look forward to building on his incredible legacy and contributing to the continued success of the company. I also thank Jeff for his mentorship, friendship and am grateful to have his continued support in this new position”
“It’s with great excitement and pride that we make this announcement, Chandler has worked his way up through the ranks of the company diligently and become an essential part of the leadership team. On a personal note seeing my son feel the same passion and commitment to the company that he helped me build , fills me with a pride that is hard to put into words,” said Jarrod “The Mayor” McGhee.
“I would also like to thank Jeff for the dedication and service to the company he has shown over the years,” Jarrod McGhee continued. “It brings me great comfort knowing Chandler will have Jeff to mentor him as he takes on this new and challenging role in the company. I learned a lot of my good lessons and habits working for and with Jeff over the years and I am sure he will be a great asset to Chandler in the years to come.”
About Fun Town RV
Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Fun Town RV operates locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Arkansas. Since its founding in 2010, Fun Town RV has seen explosive growth and continues to pursue an aggressive national expansion strategy. With ambitious plans to establish a dominant presence in key markets, Fun Town RV remains focused on becoming the go-to RV dealership across the U.S.
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The RV Industry Association (RVIA) will be hosting its third annual Leadership Conference, March 4-6, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Ariz. This immersive two-day event offers meaningful networking opportunities and leadership development. Attendees will also hear from inspiring speakers such as David Epstein, who will be serving at the keynote speaker on March 6, according to an RVIA News & Insights report.
David Epstein obsesses over mistranslations of scientific research and tries to temper the misconceptions that follow them. He is the author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” (which was a finalist for the Financial Times/McKinsey business book of the year) and of the New York Times bestseller “The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance.” Both books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and the latter was purchased not only by his sister, but also by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Epstein’s two TED Talks on human performance have been viewed more than 12 million times. He was previously an investigative reporter at ProPublica and a senior writer at Sports Illustrated.
Click here to register for this conference.
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AUSTIN, Texas and AKRON, Ohio – Today, RVshare, the largest community for RV owners and renters, unveiled The 2025 Travel Trend Report, the brand’s sixth annual research survey and data analysis.
This year’s Travel Trend Report forecasts a year of growth and opportunity for the travel industry. Conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by RVshare, the 2025 findings reveal Americans’ desire to travel remains strong with 90% of Americans planning to travel at least as much next year as they did in 2024.
However, 2025 is seeing shifts in consumer behavior as travelers will prioritize vacations that serve them more meaningfully next year, even if that means traveling less frequently and spending more.
In 2024, millions traveled for April’s total solar eclipse, heading to destinations along the path of totality, and the concerts and sporting events that fueled a record-breaking year of “gig-tripping.” Those intense passions will continue to influence purchase behavior for the year ahead, as Americans report growing interest in trips planned around food and music to history, favorite sports teams and books.
Enthusiasm for RV travel also remains exceptionally strong, pacing upward for the fourth consecutive year. More than half (60%) of people planning to travel next year are considering a road trip or vacation in an RV.As Americans channel their passions and allow those interests to fuel their 2025 travels, they will not sacrifice quality, opting to invest in longer, more meaningful trips, nomadic yet laid-back itineraries, and new experiences with loved ones. Americans value the opportunities travel provides and are ready to take a tactful approach to spending to make the most of their 2025 adventures, even if it means working while traveling next year.
“We’re constantly exploring consumer attitudes across the travel industry to better understand what drives Americans’ decisions and desires,” said RVshare’s CEO Jon Gray. “As we look to 2025 and the future of travel, we understand that quality reigns supreme. Rather than ticking off destinations, this year’s Trend Report illustrates that Americans are yearning for more intentional travel and captivating experiences – especially when it comes to road trips. It’s about cherishing time with loved ones, letting hobbies guide the way, and finding a balance between exploration and relaxation. Whether travelers are dreaming about indulging in a gourmet meal at a viral restaurant from social media, hiking a historic trail, or shopping for eclectic local finds, RVshare’s expansive inventory has an option for any road trip. We’re excited to fuel this new kind of adventure – where the journey itself becomes just as important as the destination, if not more.”
RVshare’s top five travel trends for the year ahead, pulled directly from original survey data provided by American travelers, are as follows:
Quality Takes Precedence
As travelers continue to evolve their preferences, an emphasis on quality over quantity is emerging. Nearly two-thirds of travelers plan to allocate their budgets this year toward fewer but more meaningful trips. This trend underscores a growing desire for more immersive, high-value experiences. Alongside this, the tradition of annual trips is experiencing a resurgence. Nearly half of the survey’s respondents are planning more leisure trips in 2025, and over half of travelers are planning a trip with family or friends, marking a 10-point increase from last year. RVshare welcomes guests of all ages to explore the wonder and excitement of RV travel, and is dedicated to making it more accessible for families and group travelers. In fact, RVshare is acclaimed for this commitment, having just recently been recognized as a third-time winner of Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Awards.
With high-quality experiences on travelers’ minds, it’s no surprise that they are also focused on planning trips around individual passions, hobbies, and interests – and will spend the money to make it happen.
Passion-Driven Travel
Passion-Driven travel is on the rise with avid pursuitists leading the charge. Younger travelers—notably Gen Z and Millennials—are seeking inspiration for their trips from personal passions. RVshare’s Trend Report found that travelers are most interested in planning trips around food, music, sports, movies, fashion, and wellness. Gen Z and Millennials are more inclined to plan trips around these specific interests; while Boomers, in contrast, primarily gravitate toward history-based travel, such as national monuments and historically significant sites. To that end, nearly all travelers (94%) say they would consider planning a trip centered around a passion and many are willing to travel great lengths to pursue these cravings.
Splurgecations
In order to up the enjoyment factor and indulge in memorable experiences that aren’t typically part of everyday life, travelers are willing to embrace “splurgecations.” Nearly three-quarters of travelers are eager to treat themselves by spending a little more. For many, though, splurging is not just about spending money—it’s about enhancing the overall travel experience; almost 70% of travelers say splurging makes their trip more enjoyable, while others are motivated by the desire to create lasting memories (59%), bond with family and friends (50%), or seize once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (49%). What’s more, Americans are so determined to take these amazing trips that they’re often willing to work while away; 62% of employed Americans are allowed to work remotely while on personal travel and almost 80% of these employees plan to do so in 2025.
Nomadic Vibes, Restful Rides
While travelers are eager for adventure, they also seek a relaxed, stress-free experience—one that allows them to explore new destinations at their own pace, savoring each moment without the pressure of a packed itinerary. The Trend Report shows that while planning their next journey, travelers may be looking to balance the familiarity of family with the novelty of new places (from 46% last year to 54% this year). They are not looking to simply sit back and enjoy familiar settings, as there has been an increase in the desire to explore new places. That said, while 1 in 5 travelers are looking to meet new people and be more physically active, over half are looking for laid-back trips focused on relaxation, ensuring that comfort and quality continue to be at the heart of travel plans next year.
And, the ways in which Americans are trip planning is also transforming. The Trend Report finds that many travelers believe that AI planning tools can help save money, save trip planning time, consider factors they would forget, and present hidden gems for itineraries. Nearly a third of Americans report already using AI tools for trip planning, up 12 points from last year’s report, and more than three-quarters of travelers are intrigued to use AI-based tools to plan their next trip, a 14-point spike over last year.
RV Travel Trends
RVshare’s 2025 Travel Trend Report signifies another monumental year for RV travel with substantial interest in RVs, not only as a mode of transportation but also as a preferred choice for accommodations. Heading into 2025, American travelers explained their preference for road tripping over flying, noting they want to better predict travel costs, have the flexibility to change travel schedules and avoid additional fees for extra luggage. With hassle-free travel at the forefront, consumers are also increasingly choosing RVshare’s popular delivery amenity (offered by over 70% of RVshare’s inventory), which provides the most seamless travel experience; 44% of RVshare bookings this year opted to have their RV delivered to their campground or destination of choice. It’s perhaps because of these benefits that a majority of travelers (60%) are planning a road trip or vacation in an RV in the next 12 months, including a significant 12-point year-over-year uptick in the number of Gen X travelers planning these trips in 2025.
RVshare’s full 2025 Travel Trend Report is viewable here. For additional information about RVshare, visit rvshare.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Forest River Inc. is recalling two 2025 Cedar Creek CRT40RDE Fifth Wheel trailers. Undersized axles and tires may have been installed, which can lead to a tire detaching. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims – Other Than Passenger Cars.” Dealers will replace axles and tires, free of charge. The two affected vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Forest River’s customer service number is 1-260-593-4000. Forest River’s number for this recall is 20-1873.
Forest River Inc. is recalling 357 2024-2025 Viking and Clipper travel trailers. The fresh water holding tank support bracket may be the incorrect gauge and may break. Dealers will replace the support bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 31. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-269-467-8283. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1870.
Brinkley RV (Brinkley) is recalling 466 2024-2025 Model Z Fifth Wheel trailers equipped with Curt Helux Pin Boxes. The pin box fasteners may have been improperly tightened. Dealers will tighten the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December 2024. Owners may contact Brinkley customer service at 1-574-501-4280. Brinkley’s number for this recall is REC-2405.
Winnebago Industries Inc. is recalling 632 2024-2025 Ekko travel trailers. The wheel bolts may not have been installed, allowing the spare tire to detach. Dealers will provide wheel bolts and wrench for installation, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 23. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 193.
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