RV Business

FAIRFAX, Va. – Go RVing is committed to keeping its audience up-to-date on trends and insights that impact the RV industry, according to a report on the News and Insights page of the RV Industry Association (RVIA) website.

In today’s edition, News and Insights reports on Go RVing’s “successful year of experiential events” and a travel trend known as “Travel Tuesday.”

Experiential events are a core part of Go RVing’s strategy to expose diverse audiences to RVing and an active outdoor lifestyle in an unexpected setting, Click here to see a video recap s a video to recap the year’s events. 

Experiential events provide consumers with real-world opportunities to engage firsthand with RVs and share their experiences with others, becoming more likely to make a purchase themselves, and consumers who tour RVs at these events are often exploring an RV for the first time or are interested in newer RV models. Throughout the tour, audiences learn about the various RV types and discover that RV travel is a lot more affordable and accessible than they had realized.

RV units are provided for the experiential events by Go RVing’s dealer and manufacturer partners. 

In total, over 2 million people attended the various events and nearly 100,000 people stopped to tour the RVs. 

“We enjoyed speaking with consumers at this year’s experiential events,” said Dana DelVecchio, Go RVing’s Senior Manager of Programs and Experiential Events. “We had countless interactions with interested individuals, telling them about the freedom and control that the RV lifestyle offers. We look forward to speaking with even more consumers next year.”

“Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes other well-known shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But did you know there’s also Travel Tuesday?” the report asks. 

Taking place the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Travel Tuesday shoppers can find deals on travel purchases, including hotel stays and airline flights. The day has been gaining a significant amount of interest among consumers in the last few years.

Search interest for “Travel Tuesday” rose more than 500% from 2021 to 2023, according to a report published by business consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

The report also states that the trend has been most popular among the United States and Canada. There is also increasing interest in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Spain.

According to Sunset Magazine, Google Trends also has corroborated the data— searches for “Travel Tuesday” declined during the pandemic but rose significantly from 2022 and 2023.

“Travel Tuesday as a marketing concept is gaining traction. A day centered on travel deals seems like a potential fit for a moment when people are yearning to travel more than ever before but are often in search of discounts because of rising living costs,” says the McKinsey & Company report. 

The Travel Tuesday trend reflects Americans’ continued interest in exploring new destinations. This time of year presents an excellent opportunity for the RV industry to become involved in this trend by sharing the many appeals of the RV lifestyle to consumers.

This holiday season 36.5 million Americans plan to go RVing, with visiting family and taking road trips the most popular trip destinations according to a recent survey by the RV Industry Association.

Overall, RVing remains a popular travel option, with next year’s RV shipments expected to see continued growth.

With that in mind, the RV industry can embrace this year’s Travel Tuesday by highlighting the reasons why RV travel is an ideal time for consumers hit the road this holiday season, the report stated.

The post Go RVing Highlights RV Lifestyle, Travel Tuesday to Consumers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – The Flying W Award was introduced six years ago to recognize Winnebago dealer locations that delivered the highest service excellence and superior customer satisfaction over the previous 12-month period, according to a release from Winnebago.  

2024 Flying W scores for each dealer location are based primarily on customer feedback collected by the Purchase & Delivery Survey and Warranty Service Survey. These surveys are automatically sent to owners immediately after these important experiences. This year, sales performance and WinnLeads response also factored into the 2024 awards.  

Winning dealer locations will receive an exclusive Flying W Award kit that includes a Flying W banner, certificate, and decal. 

Flying W Dealers will be publicly recognized by the following: 

• Winnebago Website: A Flying W icon aligned with winning dealers in the online Dealer Locator.  
• Flying W Press Release: A release will be sent to RVBusiness, RV News and RV Pro.  
• A customizable press release for dealers to send to their local media. 

“We congratulate all our 2024 Flying W winners!” the release stated.

Flying W Award Winners – Motorized

Great Alaskan Holidays – Anchorage, AK
Bankston Motor Homes – Huntsville, AL
Moix RV – McGaugh Outpost – Springdale, AR
National Indoor RV Centers – Phoenix – Surprise, AZ
Voyager RV Centre – Winfield, BC
Fraserway RV – Abbotsford, BC
Camping World RV Sales – Vacaville – Vacaville, CA
Conejo Wholesale Auto & RV – Thousand Oaks, CA
Sky River RV – Paso Robles, CA
Almaden RV Service & Repairs – San Jose, CA
Camping World RV Sales – Longmont – Longmont, CO
Transwest RV – Frederick – Frederick, CO
Transwest RV – Grand Junction – Grand Junction, CO
Crowley RV Center – Bristol, CT
Lazydays – Seffner, FL
Gerzeny’s R.V. World – Nokomis, FL
North Trail RV Center – Fort Myers, FL
La Mesa RV – Sanford – Sanford, FL
La Mesa RV – Port St. Lucie – Port St. Lucie, FL
Sunshine State RV – Gainesville, FL
Lichtsinn RV – Forest City, IA
Campers Inn of Davenport – Davenport, IA
Winnebago Factory Service Center – Forest City, IA
Winnebago Motor Homes – Rockford – Rockford, IL
Barrington Motor Sales – St. Charles, IL
Ben Davis – Auburn, IN
Gerton Auto Sales – Mt. Vernon, IN
Olathe Ford RV Center – Gardner, KS
Miller’s RV – Baton Rouge, LA
Campers Inn RV of Raynham – Raynham, MA
Beckley’s Camping Center – Thurmont, MD
Seacoast RV’S – Saco, ME
General RV Center – Birch Run – Birch Run, MI
Bullyan RV – Duluth, MN
PleasureLand RV – Ramsey – Ramsey, MN
PleasureLand RV – St. Cloud – St. Cloud, MN
PleasureLand RV – Brainerd – Brainerd, MN
PleasureLand RV – Shakopee – Shakopee, MN
Transwest RV – Belton – Belton, MO
Byerly RV – Eureka, MO
Van City RV – Kalispell, MT
Rex and Sons RV’s – Wilmington, NC
Campers Inn of Mocksville – Mocksville, NC
Colonial Winnebago – Millstone Township, NJ
Lewis RV – Dayton, OH
Shafer’s Truck and RV Sales – Delta, OH
RCD Sales – Sunbury, OH
Camping World RV Sales – Wood Village – Wood Village, OR
Ansley RV – Duncansville, PA
Bob Ledford’s RV & Marine – Greer, SC
PleasureLand RV – Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls, SD
National Indoor RV Centers – Nashville – Lebanon, TN
McClain’s RV SuperStore – Corinth – Corinth, TX
Crestview RV Center – Buda, TX
Stahmann RV – Seguin, TX
McClain’s Kerrville RV – Kerrville, TX
McClain’s Longhorn RV – Sanger, TX
Leisure RV Center – Willis, TX
Motor Sportsland – Salt Lake City, UT
R ‘n’ R RV Center – Liberty Lake, WA
Broadmoor RV SuperStore – Pasco, WA
Advance Camping Sales – Greenfield, WI
Kunes Country RV of Green Bay – Suamico, WI

Flying W Award Winners – Towables

Carefree RV – Edmonton, AB
Aarrkann Trailer & RV Centre – Rocky View County, AB
Arbutus RV & Marine Sales – Sidney, BC
Giant RV – Downey – Downey, CA
Giant RV – Montclair – Montclair, CA
Giant RV – Wildomar – Wildomar, CA
Trailer Source – Longmont – Longmont, CO
Trailer Source – Wheat Ridge – Wheat Ridge, CO
Trailer Source – Colorado Springs – Colorado Springs, CO
Lazydays RV – Seffner, FL
Open Roads Complete RV of Jasper – Jasper, GA
Winnebago Motor Homes – Rockford – Rockford, IL
Gerton Auto Sales – Mount Vernon, IN
Brauns Fun Time Campers – Indianapolis, IN
RV Dynasty – Bunker Hill, IN
Royal RV Center – Middlebury, IN
Miller’s RV – Baton Rouge, LA
Beckley’s Camping Center – Thurmont, MD
Harvey RV’s – Bangor, ME
Seacoast RV’s – Saco, ME
General RV Center – Wixom – Wixom, MI
General RV Center – Birch Run – Birch Run, MI
Bullyan RV – Duluth, MN
St. Louis RV – O’Fallon, MO
McDowell South – Jackson, MO
Miles RV Center – Hendersonville, NC
Campers Inn RV of Raleigh – Selma, NC
Uwharrie RV – Albemarle, NC
Adventure RV – West Fargo, ND
Western Skies RV – Reno, NV
Johnnie Walker RV’s – Las Vegas, NV
Oliver’s Campers – Norwich, NY
RV Wholesalers – Lakeview, OH
Great Escape RV – London, ON
Layzee Acres Sales – Sebright, ON
Smithville RV – Smithville, ON
Fretz RV – Souderton, PA
Bob Ledford’s RV and Marine – Greer, SC
Coastal RV Center – Ravenel, SC
I29 RV Supercenter – Tea, SD
T & S RV and Sport – Bryan, TX
RV Land – Kyle, TX
McClain’s RV SuperStore – Sanger, TX
Motor Sportsland – Salt Lake City, UT
Broadmoor RV SuperStore – Pasco, WA
Kunes Country Freedom RV – Slinger, WI

The post Winnebago Names Flying W Dealer Excellence Awards for 2024 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Jayco Family of Companies has announced in a press release that all models of Jayco Towables, Jayco Motorized, and Entegra Coach have been presented with the 2024 Quality Circle Award at the RVDA Convention/Expo in Las Vegas.

These awards illustrate the company’s continued commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The RV Dealers Association (RVDA) bestows this award on RV manufacturers that achieve the highest rating in the Association’s Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Survey. The DSI measures dealers’ overall satisfaction with manufacturers in Reliability/Quality, Parts, Warranty and Sales.

“Jayco has committed a high level of monetary and physical resources over the past several years to achieve dedicated 100% Pre Delivery Inspection for all brands, along with the continued improvement measures in all areas of Repair Event Cycle Times (RECT). These actions, as well as the company’s continuous improvement and quality efforts have undoubtedly contributed to winning these awards. The rigorous processes and standards in all areas allow for ongoing improvements in manufacturing, customer service, warranty and technical support,” the release stated. 

“Winning the DSI award has been part of our stated yearly goals for several years now,” stated Ken Walters, President & CEO of Jayco, Inc. “Our ongoing commitment to Quality, Dealer Relations and Our People leads us to continuous improvement in all areas of our business. We are thankful to our dealer partners for the confidence they have placed in us and for once again honoring us as part of the Quality Circle Awards”    

RVDA received DSI responses from 585 dealership locations in the U.S. and Canada that included 2,632 brand ratings, an average of 4.5 per dealer. The top-rated manufacturers were recognized and receive their awards on Nov. 12 at the Paris Resort and Casino. These brands/manufacturers received at least 15 dealer responses and scored 4.25 or above on a 5-point scale in overall dealer satisfaction in the association’s survey conducted June through September.

In addition to the DSI awards, two Jayco Family of Company team members were presented the RV Pro 40 Under 40 Award during the RVDA Convention/Expo, Ryan Forgey, Vice President of Engineering and Jeremy Yoder, Director of Electrical Engineering. The presentation took place the evening of Nov. 12 also at the Paris Resort and Casino. The fifth annual awards are presented to 40 of the brightest up-and-coming leaders under 40 years old from across the RV industry. The honorees are chosen based on contributions to their workplace, industry tenure and involvement in their communities. The winners were nominated by their peers for above-and-beyond determination, leadership and success in their respective markets. 

“We have been blessed with a great deal of young talent that we invest a lot of time, energy, and effort to nurture and develop,” said Mr. Walters. “Ryan and Jeremy both exemplify that and play a critical role in our overall success! We couldn’t be prouder of this recognition, and to have them be such a huge part of the team.”  

The post Jayco Brands, Personnel Receive Awards at RVDA Convention first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAS VEGAS – Jeff and Kyle Redmond of Bucars RV Centre in Balzac, Alberta, were jointly presented with the prestigious 2024 Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award Nov. 12, 2024, at the RVDA of Canada’s Annual Meeting held at the RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas, according to a release.

Jeff and Kyle, brothers and business partners at Bucars RV Centre, were both deeply honored and surprised to receive this prestigious award together. The Walter Paseska Memorial Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award was presented to them by Melanie Taylor of RV Lifestyle and RV Dealer News magazines.

“We are truly honored and humbled to receive the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as the trust and support of our valued customers and industry partners. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey—we couldn’t have achieved this without you” stated the Redmond brothers.

Each year, the RVDA of Canada, in conjunction with RV Lifestyle Magazine and Dealer News, invites nominations from across Canada for the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. The award is dedicated to the memory of the late Walt Paseska, founder of Walt’s Trailer Sales in Headingley, Manitoba, in recognition of his many years of commitment and dedication to the RV industry. Since established in 1989 by Camping Canada Magazine, this award has been presented to individuals who share Walt’s enthusiasm and commitment, in recognition of their long-term contribution to the RV lifestyle, and commitment to the community as a whole.

The award is presented to a candidate who has:

• Demonstrated long-term dedication to the RV industry and promotion of the RV lifestyle by the acting dealer principal of a recognized full-service RV dealership
  Shown commitment and participation in the RVDA at the provincial or national level;
• Been recognized by customers and peers as a person with the highest integrity and credibility in both work and personal life, and
• Made a contribution to their community.

Bucars RV Centre, located in Balzac, Alberta, has a long and proud history in the RV industry, dating back to its founding in 1959. Originally based in Calgary, Bucars started as a small dealership specializing in trailers and motorhomes. As the business expanded, it relocated to a larger facility in Balzac, just north of Calgary, allowing for a greater inventory and enhanced service offerings. This move enabled Bucars to serve a wider customer base while maintaining its reputation for offering a full range of RV products and services, including new and used RV sales, parts, and expert servicing.

Over the years, Bucars RV Centre has become synonymous with exceptional customer service and strong community relationships. The Redmond family has been instrumental in its growth, turning Bucars into one of the most respected RV dealerships in the country. Not only is Bill Redmond, father of current owners Jeff and Kyle, a previous recipient of the Canadian Dealer of the Year, but the dealership has also received the RV Business Award as a top 50 dealership in North America 10 times and are incredibly honored to have been awarded the prestigious Top 50 Blue Ribbon designation in 2024, an elite distinction earned by only 5 dealers, underscoring our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Throughout its history, Bucars RV Centre has been actively engaged in the RV community, participating in events and supporting industry initiatives. Jeff and Kyle being lifelong advocates of the RV lifestyle, have invested countless hours in their provincial and national associations. Jeff and Kyle both served as directors and then Presidents of the RVDA of Alberta. Both brothers sat as directors on the RVDA of Canada Board. Kyle Redmond is a Past Chair of the RVDA of Canada and Jeff Remond is a Past Chair of Go RVing Canada.

Bucars RV Centre is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive RV ownership experience, offering expert advice, after-sales support, and a focus on customer satisfaction. A key initiative is their Bucars U educational program, designed to provide RV owners and enthusiasts with valuable knowledge. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on sessions, participants learn essential skills, from maintenance and troubleshooting to best practices for making the most of their RV adventures. Bucars U empowers owners to confidently embrace the RV lifestyle and enjoy their RV adventures.

In addition to their commitment to the RV community, the team at Bucars is involved in numerous charitable initiatives including The Alex Community Health Bus, The Youth Bus and the Dental Bus, as well as the Man Van. The Man Van, operated by the Prostate Cancer Centre, is a mobile health clinic designed to provide men with convenient access to prostate cancer screening and related healthcare services. This innovative van travels to various locations, offering free, on-site screenings, consultations, and educational resources to raise awareness about prostate cancer and promote early detection.

When not at the dealership, Jeff and Kyle enjoy active lifestyles and continue to create cherished camping memories with their families. For them, being part of the RV industry is more than just a career—it’s a way of life.

The four other finalists for this award included:

• Richard Tache, Earlton RV Centre, Earlton, ON
  Keith Barrick, Keith’s Trailer Sales, Orton, ON
• Marco & Mylaine Boudreault, E. Boudreault VR, Ancienne-Lorette, QC
• Murray Sullivan, SMP RV, Huston, BC

The post Redmonds of Bucars RV Named Canadian RV Dealers of the Year first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ANTIOCH, Tenn. – LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ) today announced in a press release that Keystone Automotive Operations, a subsidiary of LKQ’s Specialty segment, received the Channel Partner of the Year Award at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the leading venue that brings together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry.

In addition, Warn Industries, a segment of Keystone Automotive Operations, won the Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Award in the Best New Products Award category.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our leadership in the distribution of SEMA product lines and RV and marine accessories, as we continue to drive innovation and serve the diverse needs of our customers,” said Bill Rogers, President of Keystone Automotive Operations. “We are focused on operational excellence throughout the business and capitalizing on our growth potential as the Specialty market environment improves. These awards are validation of our efforts and the dedication of our talented teams.”

SEMA is a membership association representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer and fun. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone Automotive Operation’s significant contributions to the aftermarket parts distribution industry, citing its commitment to new technologies and cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that ensure timely and accurate deliveries to customers.

The post Keystone Automotive Named 2024 Channel Partner of the Year first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week features a discussion about the so-called “Trump Bump” a noticeable spike in activity since the presidential election Nov. 5.

Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Tonight’s ‘RVing in New England’ Show Looks at ‘Trump Bump’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Exodus Rigs, a pioneer in the RV industry, introduces its first model, the Capax, at the LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center Nov. 22-Dec. 1.Want to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing high-end amenities and life-on-the-road-enhancing technology? The Capax is the RV reimagined. Check out this new California-made mobile marvel at Booth WA-06 in the West Atrium.

Tour each of the Capax Premier Edition in three of its usability variations: Towing Mode, Picnic Mode, and Camping Mode. The Capax Premier Edition offers the model’s top notch Platinum styling loaded with the maximum specifications available. Created for sophisticated and uncompromising adventurers, these convertible and expandable travel trailers deliver next-level tech and design. 

“Exodus Rigs is bringing the combination of ‘garageability,’ luxurious but practical design, cutting-edge technology, and multi-functionality to the premium travel trailer market,”  said Shaddi Gohar, CEO, Exodus Rigs. “The waiting is over. We’ve brought the only no-sacrifices-needed travel trailer to the market.”

Exodus Rigs is the brainchild of Gohar and his son Fareed Gohar, the company’s product manager, who have a passion for camping. The duo elevated their initial Jeep trailer fabrication project in their  garage into a campsite sensation – and a new kind of company was born. One devoted to solving the pain points of the RV industry.

An Innovative Up Start Shakes Up RV Norms

Exodus Rigs prides itself on delivering what outdoor enthusiasts want, but never thought they could have.

Garageable Design: Tired of trying to park an oversized RV? The Capax offers garageability. Simply pull it into a standard home garage where its 15 compartments  and three-piece door remain fully accessible in its collapsed state. No need for an RV storage trip. Everything stays accessible at your fingertips, keeping your garage tidy from cluttered tools, toys, and camping supplies. Storing, packing and staging are a snap, hitting the road for spontaneous getaways or extensive travels has never been quicker.

Multi-Functional: The Capax is multi-use to the extreme. Everything has more than one function, which means the Capax‘s smaller footprint works harder than any other travel trailer ever built. Full accessibility from both the interior and exterior makes life on the road as easy as it gets. Access the bathroom without going inside the trailer. Stand outside and enjoy the view while stocking the cooler and refrigerator. Fully slide-out closet removes packing pain points.

Built for More. The Capax delivers creative storage and cozy living spaces by day; beds by night. Inside capacity provides those working on the road with a dedicated  workspace big enough for two monitors. A semi-dry bathroom keeps the wet out. Marine grade material and superior build-quality means the trailer is everything-proof. 

Aerodynamic Efficiency. The Capax offers aerodynamic, automotive-style manufacturing, with enhanced safety and ease-of-towing.  Lower height towing decreases the drag coefficient of the rig, further increasing stability, maneuverability, and energy efficiency.

Off-Road & Off-Grid. Go off-road thanks to axle-less air suspension and three pre-set travel ranges that provide maximum ground clearance for rough terrain.  Stay connected with StarLink internet. Solar panels provide electricity on the go, so searching for hookups are a thing of the past. Increased tank capacity means longer stays on the road.

Room for a Crowd. The Capax invites family and friends to come along for the fun. As a mobile basecamp, it accommodates larger groups and provides utilities, bath and kitchen amenities, and renewable energy sources for extended trips.

Place a Capax Order at the Show

A limited number of Capax Premier Edition travel trailers are being produced. Place orders at the show for these exclusive first editions. Be the first in line for delivery and enjoy a multitude of benefits including: customizations, a private delivery event with Exodus Rigs executives, bespoke gifts, lifetime concierge services and access to upgrades, invitations to adventure events and road trips including special Exodus-sponsored outings and exhibitions, extended warranties, maintenance packages, and servicing benefits, plus exclusive access to Exodus Rigs’ Founders Club and ownership portals.

Meet Exodus Rigs representatives at Booth WA-O6 in the West Atrium and get a Capax Premier Edition while supplies last. Visit exodusrigs.com to learn more.

The post Exodus Rigs RV Combines Tech, Design and Garageability first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Outdoor destinations that were beloved in the 1980s are making a major comeback, according to recent data from Campspot, a camping booking site. Building on its recent (Re)Creation Vacation trend report, which revealed that Americans are seeking nostalgia-driven getaways in response to modern pressures, Campspot today unveiled the top U.S. travel hotspots from the ’80s that are experiencing a resurgence in 2025. As the desire to reconnect with the past grows, and with the 1980s reported as the top decade travelers wish to escape to according to survey data, these legendary outdoor destinations are attracting a new generation of adventurers eager to experience the charm of yesteryear.

By cross-referencing the most popular 1980s outdoor destinations with current search data from their platform, Campspot created the ’80s (Re)vival Rankings, identifying the top five destinations in each U.S. region that have captured the attention of campers for the coming year.

“The sense of nostalgia our data reveals is powerful,” says Erin Stender, CMO of Campspot. “As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that travelers are gravitating toward places that remind them of simpler times, whether it’s revisiting a national park they visited in the ’80s or discovering the same outdoor treasures their parents once enjoyed.”

The ’80s (Re)vival Rankings Revealed

West:

• West Yellowstone, MT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
• Grand Canyon, AZ – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
• Yosemite, CA – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Yosemite National Park, CA
• Estes Park, CO – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
• Moab, UT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Arches National Park, UT

Midwest:

• Traverse City, MI – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI
• Mackinaw City, MI – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Mackinac Island, MI
• Cleveland, OH – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
• Rapid City, SD – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Badlands National Park, SD
• Duluth, MN – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Voyageurs National Park, MN; Lake Superior Shoreline, MN/WI

South:

• Miami, FL – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Everglades National Park, FL; Biscayne National Park, FL
• Gatlinburg, TN – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
• Mammoth Cave, KY – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
• Asheville, NC – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Blue Ridge Parkway, VA/NC
• South Padre Island, TX – Nearby 1980s hotspot: South Padre Island, TX

Northeast:

• Bar Harbor, ME – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Acadia National Park, ME
• Lake George, NY – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Adirondack Mountains, NY
• Boston, MA – Nearby 1980s hotspots: Cape Cod National Seashore, MA; Berkshires, MA
• North Conway, NH – Nearby 1980s hotspots: White Mountains, NH; Mount Washington, NH
• Stowe, VT – Nearby 1980s hotspot: Green Mountains, VT

The 1980s Are Back: Why Nostalgia Is Fueling Travel in 2025

Today’s campers are flocking to outdoor destinations that were beloved in the 1980s, from the towering cliffs of Yosemite to the sandy shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes. But this resurgence is more than a fleeting trend– it’s part of a larger cultural shift where travelers seek comfort and connection in the face of modern uncertainties. As Campspot’s recent (Re)Creation Vacation report revealed, 88% of Americans are seeking escapes to simpler times, with many looking to recapture the joy and adventure they experienced during their childhood.

The growing appeal of these destinations is rooted in both personal memories and a broader longing for simpler experiences. According to Campspot’s data, 7 in 10 respondents are willing to trade modern conveniences for a chance to experience life as it was in the ’80s, with camping providing the perfect opportunity to unplug and recapture the magic of childhood trips. In fact, 94% of respondents reported seeing camping as a key form of stress relief, and another 80% agree that camping trips reconnect families free from the stress of modern life.

Whether it’s setting up camp under the stars or trekking iconic trails, it’s clear why these ’80s revival locations are seeing renewed popularity, driven by a collective yearning to escape digital overload and reconnect with nature in ways that mirror the adventures of the past.

“As travelers embrace the (Re)Creation Vacation trend, we’re seeing these 1980s-era hotspots come back to life for a new generation of campers,” Stender adds. “Their timeless appeal, combined with modern updates, offers the best of both worlds—a nod to the past and an authentic outdoor experience that still resonates today.”

About Campspot

Campspot is the leading software provider and online marketplace for RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, glamping options, and more, providing access to more than 230,000 campsites across the United States and Canada. Their innovative online marketplace simplifies the process of finding and booking campsites with a user-friendly platform and a diverse selection of campgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, Campspot has the perfect spot for you.

The post Campspot Reveals 1980’s Travel Hotspots Making a Comeback first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Effective Nov. 1, Jasper Hafkamp was appointed the new Global Managing Director of Brink Group, according to a company release.

Brink Group, one of the global market leaders in towing systems, is part of the AL-KO/DexKo group of companies since 2021. Today, the company boasts more than 800 passionate employees spread across nine locations (including Staphorst and Oosterhout in the Netherlands, France, Thailand, South Africa, Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Australia). The highly engineered product portfolio, which is crucial to safety and performance, includes fixed, detachable, retractable and next generation towbars.

Jasper Hafkamp brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the Daimler/Mercedes-Benz organization and a proven track record of leadership, general management, sales and marketing as well as after sales and operations. His focus was on growing business, building diverse teams, market development and new business approaches to ensure expansion in challenging markets.

Harald Hiller, president and CEO of AL-KO Vehicle Technology, comments: “I am delighted that we have gained Jasper Hafkamp as an experienced leader who will enrich our global management team. Jasper will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our operations, driving our strategic initiatives, and continuing to build on our success. We are confident that under his leadership we will achieve new heights and continue to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

Jasper Hafkamp says: “I am very happy to be a part of the Brink Group and the AL-KO/DexKo organization. Brink has a long history and is a global leader in towbar solutions. My focus will be on providing our customers with the highest level of support and offering them the best possible products and services. Driving change and the further development and expansion of the international group, based on a clear vision and strategy, will be one of my main tasks. I am convinced that a dedicated, diverse and successful team is the key to success. I look forward to soon getting to know all our customers, partners, and employees and making a meaningful contribution to the company’s success.”

More information can be found at www.brink.eu.

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LAS VEGAS – Lightspeed, a leading provider of RV dealership management software, announced in a press release the winners of its third annual RV Dealership RECT (Repair Event Cycle Time) Excellence Awards. The winners were recognized during the RVDA’s 2024 RV Dealers Convention Spotlight on Excellence Luncheon, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 12, 2024.

This year also saw the introduction of a new award category: the RV Innovator of the Year Award, which recognizes an OEM that has significantly advanced innovation through forward-thinking contributions to the RV industry. The purpose of this award is to spotlight companies that are pioneering advancements in RV technology and elevating the customer experience with innovative, cutting-edge solutions. Forest River was selected as the inaugural recipient of the RV Innovator of the Year Award for its work in providing dealers with higher efficiencies through integrations for VIN decoding, unit bulletins/recalls and parts price files.

“Forest River is setting new standards for dealership efficiency,” said Jeremy Johnson, Senior Manager of OEM and Business Development at Lightspeed. “Their progressive approach is helping dealerships streamline operations and deliver faster, more accurate service, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.”

The RECT awards honor the achievements and efforts of five RV dealerships in reducing RECT time and enhancing customer service. These award-winning dealerships, spanning locations across the U.S., represent a diverse range of dealership sizes and RV expertise.

The Lightspeed 2024 RV RECT Excellence Award winners are:

• Vacationland – Illinois
• Tulsa RV – Oklahoma
• Bish’s RV Omaha – Nebraska
• RV Supercenter, Menifee – California
• Outlet Recreation, Clearwater – Minnesota

Recipients were chosen based on their significant year-over-year improvements in reducing RECT time—a critical factor in dealership success within the RV industry. Effective RECT management enables dealerships to identify service inefficiencies, enhance operations, and improve overall customer satisfaction. In addition to boosting customer experiences, better RECT management also helps reduce employee burnout by streamlining workloads and processes.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of all our award winners, whose commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for the entire RV industry,” said Brian Provost, President & CEO of Lightspeed.

Lightspeed continues to offer innovative tools to help RV dealers improve service efficiency, ensuring RV customers get back on the road faster. To learn more about Lightspeed, visit https://www.lightspeeddms.com.

The post Lightspeed Announces RV Excellence & Innovation Winners first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.