RV Business

OHI is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Awards of Excellence, recognizing the “best of the best” in the outdoor hospitality industry, according to a press release/

The Awards of Excellence are peer-reviewed and judged, and these winners are industry treasures — constantly elevating standards through innovative, forward-thinking practices.

Winners were announced at a special Awards of Excellence Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. CST, Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Oklahoma City, Okla. The luncheon was sponsored by Blue Water Development and Woodall’s Campground Magazine.

For OHCE2024 attendees, the Awards of Excellence Luncheon was a great way to celebrate their fellow industry peers as they gained inspiration from their well-deserved recognition.

Here are this year’s Park of the Year winners: 

OHI Park of the Year Winner (Small Park) TIE

• Aspen Grove RV Park, Trementon, Utah
• Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park, Rockport, Texas 

OHI Park of the Year Winner (Medium Park)

• Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Columbus North, Mt Gilead, Ohio

OHI Park of the Year Winner (Large) TIE

• Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Santee, Calif.
• El Campo Lost Lagoon RV Resort, El Campo, Texas 

OHI Park of the Year Winner (Mega Park)

• Lakewood Camping Resort. Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

Here are this year’s Plan-It Green Friendly Park of the Year winners:

Plan-It Green Friendly Park of the Year Winner (Large/Mega Park)

• Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, Santee, Calif. 

Supplier of the Year Winner

• Newbook

State Leadership Award Winner

• Dee Witting, Carolinas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds 

State Directory Award Winner

• New Jersey Campground Owners Association (NJCOA) – Medium-Sized Association
• Maine Campground Owners Association (MECOA) – Large-Sized Association

Campground Partner Award Winner

• Selena Kelly-Irvin, The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park

Unity Through Generosity Award Winner

• Jim Button, OHE

Above and Beyond Award Winner

• Mark Maciha, Ed. D, CPO​

Stan Martin Award Winner

• Peter Brown, OHC

Pioneer Award Winner

• Robert Bouse, CPO, OHE

Chairman’s Awards Winner

• Peter Brown, OHC
• Kathy Palmeri
• Heather Rubenaker

Outgoing Board Chair’s Award Winner

• Joe Moore

“OHI is proud to have such an exceptional group of parks, professionals, and outdoor hospitality businesses to recognize through the Awards of Excellence Program this year at OHCE2024,” noted OHI officials. “All the winners are more than deserving of these awards and we were thrilled to honor them.”

It was also announced near the end of the ceremony that Jeff Sims, OHI’s longtime director of State Relations & Program Advocacy, was set to retire at the end of the year.

OHI has a replacement but has not named who that replacement is yet.

The association also honored Sims by announcing that it would be handing out an award, the Jeff Sims Advocacy in Action Award, to recognize those in the industry who advocate for issues that support the outdoor hospitality industry.

View a gallery of the award winners below. Photos taken by OHI. 

The post OHI Announces Awards of Excellence Winners at OHCE2024  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTON, Ohio – AppOne announced the company will be attending the 2024 RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention/Expo, happening Nov. 11–15 at the Paris Las Vegas.

“We’re so excited to be back at the RVDA Convention/Expo this year to talk with RV professionals about the industry and how to be successful in this market,” said Chet Heughan, senior sales director at AppOne. “AppOne has helped countless RV dealerships simplify their lending processes to save money and time and reduce compliance risks while completing deal paperwork. We’re looking forward to showing attendees just how we do that.”

AppOne will also hold a Vendor Training Plus session at the show at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12. Attendees are welcome to join the session to learn more about AppOne and ask questions.

AppOne is a proprietary, SaaS-based solution that streamlines and automates traditional tasks. Dealers can access multiple lender programs to submit loan applications and create complete, compliant funding packages consistent with the lenders’ approval and program requirements.

Stop by booth #709 to speak with an AppOne rep and learn more about the platform and how it can help dealerships streamline operations.

About AppOne

AppOne is a leading provider of workflow and productivity solutions, services, and specialized software to streamline the indirect lending process for lenders, service companies, manufacturers, and dealers (e.g. recreational vehicle (RV), marine and power sports). The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.

The post AppOne to Attend, Host Seminar at RVDA Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – 700 Credit LLC, one of the automotive industry’s leading providers of credit reports, compliance solutions, soft pull, and identity verification products, announced results of an industry-wide survey that takes the pulse of RV dealers and their processes for securing customer data during test drives, obtaining copies of consumers drivers’ licenses, placing those copies in the deal jacket and the significant challenges RV dealers still face in multiple fraud scenarios.

The RV industry has seen significant growth over the past decade as more people seek the freedom and adventure that RV life offers. However, with this growth comes an increasing responsibility for RV dealers to protect customer data, particularly during processes like test drives and sales transactions. Dealers often collect sensitive personal information, such as driver’s licenses, often without following compliant procedures for data privacy laws.

This creates vulnerabilities not only in the form of data breaches but also in increasing incidents of synthetic ID fraud. These issues can result in lender chargebacks, which are financially and operationally problematic for RV dealerships. 700Credit commissioned an online industry-wide survey of RV dealers and the results illustrated the following key findings:

Capturing Driver’s License Data

• Only 17% of dealers are storing driver’s license copies in an electronic deal jacket, and 50% are still using paper deal jackets.
• Over 50% of dealers are either making paper copies of licenses, taking a picture of licenses with employee’s phones or having customers email copies to employees. These trends are alarming and both speak to the lack of consumer data privacy per Safeguards mandates.

Synthetic Fraud Awareness

• 67.1% of respondents are familiar with synthetic fraud, but only 25% understand how synthetic IDs are created.
• 33% of dealers are completely unfamiliar with synthetic fraud, indicating a significant knowledge gap in the industry.

Vehicle Theft

• 30.3% of dealers reported having an RV stolen due to fake identity or synthetic fraud in the past 12 months.
• 21.3% of dealers experienced RV theft due to key fob swaps within the same period.

Test Drive Security

• Only 25% of dealerships require salespeople to accompany customers on all test drives (another 32% said they “sometimes” accompany on test drives).
• 27.6% do not require accompaniment, leaving potential security vulnerabilities.

Identity Verification Practices

• 26.3% of dealers still rely on simple photocopies of driver’s licenses for test drives.
• Only 4% validate driver’s licenses against DMV databases, the most secure method available.

Financial Impact

• 18.4% of dealers had to buy back at least one RV from their lender due to a fraudulent loan application in the past year.

Industry Implications

These findings underscore the pressing need for enhanced security measures and fraud prevention strategies in the RV industry. The prevalence of synthetic fraud and vehicle theft highlights vulnerabilities that could lead to significant financial losses for dealers.

“The results of this survey are a wake-up call for the RV industry,” said Ken Hill, Managing Director of 700Credit. “It’s clear that many dealers are still not adequately prepared to properly manage sensitive consumer data privacy, nor are they equipped to combat sophisticated fraud techniques. We urge all RV dealers to reassess their security protocols and implement more robust identity verification systems.”

700Credit recommends that dealers invest in advanced identity verification technologies, improve staff training on fraud detection, and implement stricter drivers’ license collection procedures and test drive policies to mitigate risks.

About 700Credit
700Credit is the automotive industry’s leading provider of credit reports, compliance solutions, soft pull products, identity theft, and driver’s license authentication platforms. The company’s product and service offerings include credit reports, prescreen and pre-qualification platforms, OFAC compliance, Red Flag solutions, 2022 Safeguards protection, Synthetic Fraud Detection, Identity Verification, score disclosure notices, adverse action notices, and mobile and in-store driver’s license authentication solutions. For more information about 700Credit, visit http://www.700credit.com.

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Gov. Jim Justice – and Babydog – came to Morgantown (W. Va.) on Oct. 28 for two ceremonial funding announcements: for WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and for Mylan Park’s Kampgrounds of America (KOA) project, according to The Dominion Post.

In the gravel lot at the entryway to Mylan Park’s KOA project, Justice presented a $1 million check for Phase II.

This is the second AMLER grant for the $11 million project. The previous $3.75 million grant got Phase I rolling. Phase I, about $11 million total, Ron Justice said, included four modular Lancaster log cabins. Phase II aims to bring the number of cabins to 15 and paved campground roads.

The 37-acre site is located next to the Anker Fields Complex.

Once completed, it will offer 169 RV/camper sites, up to 25 cabins and four tent sites, as well as a clubhouse and bathhouses.

The campground will be operated through KOA which has more than 500 parks across the country, including sites in Harpers Ferry, Sutton and Milton.

To read more, click here. 

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ATHENS, Texas — The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) proudly announces the 2024 RVTAA & NRVIA Expo, an exclusive event dedicated to graduates and members of the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA). Scheduled to take place from Dec. 6-8 this three-day, in-person event at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) campus in Athens, Texas, promises unparalleled access to training, certification opportunities, and industry networking.

Designed for seasoned RV technicians and inspectors, the Expo will kick off on Dec. 5 with early check-in, followed by a special dinner at Castle Oaks to welcome participants. The main Expo activities begin on Dec. 6, with two full days of hands-on training, professional development, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The weekend will feature an array of technical sessions, each meticulously crafted to support attendees in refining their skills and meeting their annual CEU requirements.

Keynote speakers from prominent industry organizations such as Miller Farrell Insurance, Dometic, NTP-Stag, Henderson’s Line-Up, RV Help, and HomeGauge will provide insights on the latest advancements and strategies for RV inspection and repair. Topics covered will include specialized RV repair training, customer service techniques, business development, and innovative RV technology.

Event Highlights

• Comprehensive Training: Eight hours of daily training on Saturday and Sunday, tailored to enrich knowledge and hands-on expertise in RV inspection and technician work.
• CEU Credits: Attendees can earn valuable CEUs, required annually to maintain RV technician certification and RV inspector qualifications.
• Door Prizes & Special Announcements: The event will offer exciting door prizes, fostering a spirited and engaging atmosphere for attendees.
• Complimentary Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both training days to fuel participants as they dive into rigorous learning sessions.

Registration is open to RVTAA and NRVIA members, with all course offerings designed to meet the standards of NRVTA’s highly regarded RV Training School. As a leading provider of RV technician training and RV inspector certification, NRVTA aims to empower professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in the RV industry.

For NRVTA graduates exploring careers as RV technicians or inspectors, the Expo is a unique opportunity to deepen their skills and advance their knowledge. As an exclusive event for alumni, the Expo showcases the advantages of NRVTA’s RV technician training programs, covering crucial areas like self-employment, tax benefits, and flexible work schedules. This hands-on experience, paired with resources such as rvtechcourse.com, equips graduates with practical tools to thrive in a high-demand industry, empowering them with the confidence and expertise needed to establish successful careers in RV inspection and repair.

For more details or to register for the 2024 Expo, visit nrvtaexpo.com.

For more details on the National RV Training Academy visit NRVTA.com.

The post NRVTA to Host December Expo for Training & Networking first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind. ─ Lippert Components, Inc. (Lippert), a leading supplier of highly engineered components for top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the recreation and transportation product markets and their related aftermarkets, announces that the CURT Helux coil-spring fifth-wheel pin box has been awarded Best New Exterior Accessory Product at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Helux was developed by the CURT and Lippert engineering teams with a proprietary coil-spring technology, aimed at the smoothest possible ride with the least amount of maintenance. Shock absorption is important to today’s 5th wheel owners, not only for improved ride comfort, but also for extending the life of the vehicle. Less chucking, vibrations, and stress at the coupling point means less wear on the trailer, the tow vehicle, and the equipment. Tested on a closed track, Helux provided a 30% reduction in force into the RV frame and body compared to a leading competitor’s pin box solution.

Helux is also engineered to solve the problem of maintenance for end consumers. One of the complaints with other shock-absorbing pin boxes, particularly those that use airbags or torsion technology, is that maintenance is required too often. The unique coil-spring approach of Helux makes it virtually maintenance-free.

“We are so honored to win Best New Exterior Accessory at SEMA. It doesn’t get any bigger than this in the Automotive aftermarket,” said Director of Product, Jesse Bauer. “Winning the award is incredible, and the even bigger win for us is knowing how this new technology will benefit our customers and ultimately the people out there on the road, enjoying their RVs.”

Helux is assembled in the USA and tested to SAE J2638 specifications. It is approved for use on all Lippert frames and is already available on select 2025 Alliance Paradigm, Alliance Valor, Brinkley Model Z, Keystone Arcadia, and Keystone Cougar models. The product will be available aftermarket in Q1 2025.

To learn more, visit www.lippert.com/towing-trailering/collections/helux-pin-boxes.

The post CURT Helux Coil-Spring Pin Box Wins Award at SEMA Show first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From ROA Off-Road: The Pause Reboot 17.4 is a newly introduced off-road trailer designed for adventure enthusiasts and families. Featuring a 17-foot box length and the capability to sleep four, this trailer is compact yet spacious enough for comfortable camping. The Reboot 17.4 boasts a unique back patio with marine decking, providing a versatile outdoor lounge area. It offers modern amenities such as air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable sleeping arrangement, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of adventure and luxury.

The exterior of the Pause Reboot 17.4 is designed for durability and functionality in off-road conditions. It features a unique back patio with marine decking, which can be used as a lounge area with movable cushions and an optional step setup. The patio also doubles as an awning, providing shade and protection from the elements. The trailer is equipped with independent suspension, offering a smooth ride over rough terrains. Additionally, the exterior is prepared for an outdoor kitchen setup with outlets and a water spigot, collapsable sink pan, propane greystone griddle, cutting board and everchill fridge, enhancing the camping experience.

Inside, the Pause Reboot 17.4 offers a thoughtfully designed living space with modern amenities. The 60X80in True Residential Queen East-West bed provides a comfortable sleeping area, complemented by a large TV that swivels for optimal viewing. The kitchen is well-equipped with a three-burner stovetop, microwave, and ample storage for cookware. The bathroom includes a spacious shower, standard toilet, and vanity area with additional storage. The interior also features mood lighting, multiple power outlets, and a large refrigerator with dual access doors. The design ensures a comfortable and convenient camping experience for up to four people.

The post OEM Showcase: ‘Beautiful’ Pause Reboot 17.4 by Palomino first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TROY, Mich. – Champion Homes is proud to announce the grand opening of a groundbreaking development in the fight against homelessness. On Sept. 26, 2024, The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, Calif., had an official ribbon cutting ceremony announcing the opening of the development, offering a new model for permanent supportive housing. Residents have moved into the homes, and the development is at full capacity.

The Troy-based manufactured and modular home builder built each of the 53 residential units across the 6.5 acres of the new master-planned permanent supportive housing community. The homes were constructed at Champion Homes’ Lindsay, Calif., manufacturing facility, which builds under the brand Redman Homes.

The Neighborhood Village is California’s first-of-its-kind, 100% permanent supportive housing community designed specifically for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The community boasts a range of common neighborhood amenities, including a park, library, and outdoor theater. Multiple wellness and training programs are available, as well:

• Fully staffed, wraparound neighbor care services on-site
• On-site job opportunities
• Training opportunities

“We’re honored to be part of this effort,” said Champion Homes President and CEO Mark Yost. “More than a million people experience homelessness each year in the U.S., and projects like The Neighborhood Village are vital in providing life-saving housing and essential services that can truly transform lives.”\

The Neighborhood Village (TNV) is the vision of Salt + Light Works, a 501(c)3 designated public benefit organization. Salt + Light Works’ mission is to transform the lives of Californians at risk of or experiencing homelessness by fostering community and belonging. To do so, the organization offers not only housing but also case management services, work opportunities, outreach programs, and more. TNV is a partnership between them and Self Help Enterprises, a local non-profit affordable housing developer with over 60 years of experience in Central California.

“Champion Homes was an excellent choice for housing in The Neighborhood Village,” Salt + Light Works Founder and CEO Adrianne Hillman said. “They’re local—with a factory in Lindsay just 20 miles away—and the accessibility and affordability of their manufactured homes were crucial for bringing this effort to life.”

Organizations working alongside Salt + Light Works are Tulare County’s Board of Supervisors and Health and Human Services Agency, the Housing and Community Services Employment Training (CSET), the Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of California, the Kings-Tulare Homeless Alliance, Adventist Health, City of Tulare, Anthem, Health Net and many others.

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.

The post Champion Homes Joins Effort to Address Homelessness first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas — The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) announces that Magan Peck has joined the Student Advisor team, where she will serve under the guidance of Tonya Taylor, Student Advisor Director. Magan brings a wealth of experience in customer service and account management, along with a certification in Medical Office Administration. As a single mother of three, Magan’s dedication and adaptability make her a welcome addition to the NRVTA family.

With a strong focus on providing personalized support to NRVTA students, Magan will play a key role in helping students navigate RV training classes, develop their skills, and work toward certifications. Her background aligns with NRVTA’s commitment to student success in both RV Technician training and RV technician certification programs, enhancing the academy’s reputation as the premier RV Training School.

“When I came across the job listing for my current position, I immediately felt led to apply,” said Magan. “With my heart and passion for helping people, I really felt like God led me exactly where I was meant to be. The NRVTA stands for exactly what I believe in — God, faith, love, dedication, and determination — and I am thankful and honored to be a part of this team.”

Tonya Taylor, Student Advisor Director, praised Magan’s contributions and positive impact, saying, “Magan is a great asset to our team. Her contributions are invaluable to the day-to-day success of the entire Student Advisor team. I love most her commitment to keeping the team busy. She has a personal drive that shows in her efforts and a sweet disposition in doing it.”

Magan’s appointment is part of NRVTA’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional student support. By expanding the Student Advisor team, NRVTA ensures that students in programs like the Advanced RV technician course and Advanced RV Inspector Course receive the resources and encouragement they need to succeed in a growing industry.

For more information about NRVTA’s courses and certification programs, please visit nrvta.com.

The post NRVTA Welcomes Magan Peck to Student Advisor Team first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

For the past couple of years the RV Industry Association (RVIA) Government Affairs team has been advocating for the expansion of pull-through EV charging infrastructure, that can service e-RVs as well EVs towing trailers, according to an RVIA News & Insights report. The team’s campaign to increase the number of electric charging stations has included, among other efforts, state-by-state outreach to state departments of transportation and other decision makers to encourage them to include pull-through charging in the state’s request for proposals. 

The project is funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program— part of the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that set aside $5 billion for states to improve their EV infrastructure. The National Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Program is intended to establish a nationwide network of public EV fast charging stations in all 50 states over five years along major highways and interstates. With this once in a generation funding, it’s important to ensure that the charging infrastructure works for the RV industry.

One of the most significant wins recently took place in Oregon where a total of 13 EV charging stations will be constructed in this first round and five will include pull-throughs. The three private EV charging company finalists are Electrify America, EV Gateway, and EV Charging Solutions. 

“We are excited to learn that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is adding these 13 EV charging stations in Oregon, and that some of these will have pull-through capabilities,” says Jason Rano, the RV Industry Association’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Adding these pull-throughs will allow consumers who are pulling their towables with electric vehicles to have a smoother charging experience. This remains a priority for the Government Affairs team and we’re continuing to advocate for more pull-through EV chargers across the country.”

Learn more about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program’s efforts in Oregon. 

The post Oregon to Add RV-Friendly Pull-Through Charging Stations first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.