Owner Races 25 Miles to Save Guests at his Texas RV Park

CENTER POINT, Texas – As rain fell in heavy sheets and the Guadalupe River muscled over its banks with astonishing speed, David Chambers knocked on one door after another at his RV resort, according to a report by USA Today

The once-idyllic RV park – named Guadalupe Keys Resort to evoke the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys – boasted nine, fully-furnished RVs for rent (each with its own BBQ pit), a small sandy beach shaded by towering cypress trees and lawn chairs for lounging and watching the gentle flow of the Guadalupe. 

At 6:50 a.m. July 4, that same river was foaming and galloping – and headed their way. 

“You got to get out!” Chambers yelled into one RV after another until all 15 people who had rented the units had evacuated. 

Minutes later, the brown water had completely covered the park, flipping RVs upside down, smashing them against trees and stacking them in a corner of the park. The flood waters pushed others miles downstream. 

Click here to read the full report by USA Today.

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Texas Flood Death Toll, Parks Included, Exceeds 100

KERRVILLE, Texas — The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Texas over the July Fourth weekend surpassed 100 on Monday as search-and-rescue teams continued to wade into swollen rivers and use heavy equipment to untangle trees as part of the massive search for missing people, according to an Associated press report.

Authorities overseeing the search for flood victims said they will wait to address questions about weather warnings and why some summer camps did not evacuate ahead of the flooding that killed at least 104.

The officials spoke only hours after the operators of Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp in the Texas Hill Country, announced that they lost 27 campers and counselors to the floodwaters. Kerr County officials said Monday 10 campers and one counselor have still not been found.

Searchers have found the bodies of 84 people, including 28 children, in the county home to Camp Mystic and several other summer camps, officials said.

Click here to read the full Associated press report.

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NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related 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.

Bowlus Road Chief LLC (Bowlus) is recalling 57 2022-2023, 2025 Endless Highways, 2024-2025 Volterra, 2024 Terra Firma, and 2025 Rivet trailers equipped with an elongated hitch. The owners manual does not include instructions to retighten the two hitch bolts in the maintenance schedule. Bowlus will provide a supplement to the owners manual. Dealers will inspect, replace, and tighten the hitch bolts, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Bowlus’ customer service at [email protected].

General Motors (GM) is recalling 1,658 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is N252513060.

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Knaus Tabbert Unveils 2026 Model Year Lineup in Germany

JANDELSBRUNN, Germany – Under the motto “Together we make the difference,”  Knaus Tabbert is presenting the new products for the 2026 model year, according to a release. This year’s presentation at the Jandelsbrunn site not only stands for new leisure vehicles and concepts, but also for a new look at what the company is all about: Cooperation, responsibility and the will to draw new strength from challenges.

The past year has shown that change is not always convenient – but it is necessary if a company is to survive and grow in the long term. Knaus Tabbert has used this process to realign itself: With a revised product philosophy, leaner structures and a clear focus on efficiency and customer benefits.

“Together we make the difference‟ – this motto is more than just a guiding principle. It describes the path that Knaus Tabbert has taken: in close dialogue with employees, dealers and customers. Many ideas and feedback from the market have been directly incorporated into the development of the new models.

Not everything has been reinvented – but many things have been improved, simplified or consistently developed further. At the same time: Innovation remains an integral part of the Knaus Tabbert DNA. In 2026, the company will continue to bring innovative technical solutions, new comfort approaches and future‐proof vehicle concepts to the road – but with more clarity, pragmatism and a focus on the essentials.

With the 2026 model year, Knaus Tabbert is committed to a common path towards a modern, customer‐centred and sustainable future of mobile travel. Because real change comes about where it is shaped together.

Click here to read the full release.

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Videos: Texas Floods, Tariff Deadline & ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Craig Kirby

In a statement just prior to Trump’s signing of the bill, RV Industry Association (RVIA) President Craig Kirby said the industry”applauded the inclusion of key policy priorities” in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“This bill represents significant progress for our industry, particularly with the fix that allows RV dealers to fully deduct interest on floorplan loans for non-motorized towable RVs, a long-standing priority that corrects an error in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” Kirby stated. “We are especially grateful to Representatives Yakym and Titus and Senators Ernst and King for their leadership in sponsoring this critical fix. The bill also closes the de minimis loophole, an important step toward strengthening fair trade and leveling the playing field for American manufacturers. We further appreciate the strong bipartisan efforts that ensured harmful public land sales were not included in the final legislation.

“I am incredibly grateful to our industry advocates who gathered in Washington, D.C., during RVs Move America Week to champion these priorities that ultimately made it into the bill,” Kirby continued. “Their dedication, along with the efforts of our partners across the outdoor recreation community, helped protect America’s public lands while supporting policies that will drive the RV industry forward.”

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Forest River Marine, Margaritaville Launch ‘Chill’ Pontoons

MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – Forest River Marine, a division of Forest River Inc. and one of the nation’s leading pontoon manufacturers, announced in a press release a vibrant collaboration with Margaritaville. Together, the companies are introducing the Chill Series – a line of pontoon boats designed to bring the easygoing spirit of Margaritaville to the water.

Blending Forest River Marine’s trusted craftsmanship with Margaritaville’s signature vibe, the Chill Series will offer boaters a one-of-a-kind escape – whether it’s a slow cruise at sunset or a weekend of good times with friends. Each model in the series will feature custom Margaritaville-inspired design elements, premium sound systems, and comfort-first layouts made for maximum relaxation.

“We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to life,” said Philip Podgorny, General Manager of Forest River Marine. “Our teams share a love for the water, good times, and memorable experiences. The Chill Series was created to deliver those moments effortlessly, with comfort and fun at the forefront.”

“Margaritaville has always been deeply connected to the water, so the Chill Series pontoons are a natural addition to our lifestyle portfolio,” added Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, Chief Marketing Officer of Margaritaville. “The Chill Series pontoons’ thoughtful design perfectly captures Margaritaville’s signature fun and escapism, making every offshore trip feel like a vacation.”

The Chill Series is expected to make waves nationwide, appealing to everyone from first-time boaters to lifelong Margaritaville fans. These pontoons are available to order now through Forest River Marine’s network of authorized dealers and trusted brands – Berkshire, South Bay, and Trifecta – with a starting MSRP of $45,169. To learn more or locate a dealer near you, visit www.berkshirepontoon.com, www.southbaypontoon.com, or www.trifectapontoon.com.

Margaritaville, a state of mind since 1977, is a global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation.

Margaritaville features over 40 lodging locations and over 20 additional projects in the pipeline positioned across a variety of full- service and boutique hotel and resort brands, branded real estate, and gaming properties, all complemented by an extensive suite of food and beverage concepts, including Margaritaville Restaurant, award-winning JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, and LandShark Bar & Grill.

Hotel brands include Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, Compass by Margaritaville, Margaritaville Beach House, and the all-inclusive product, Margaritaville Island Reserve®. Further elevating experiences, Margaritaville’s branded real estate includes Latitude Margaritaville, “55 and better” active adult brand; Margaritaville Cottages, Villas and Residences; One Particular Harbour Margaritaville; and Margaritaville Vacation Club.

The newest brand additions to Margaritaville properties include the rapidly-growing Camp Margaritaville Resorts and Margaritaville at Sea. Additionally, consumers can escape every day through a collection of lifestyle products, including apparel, footwear, frozen concoction makers, home décor, a SiriusXM radio station, License to Chill: The Margaritaville Podcast, and more.

More than 20 million travelers and consumers every year change their latitude and attitude with Margaritaville. For more information, visit www.margaritaville.com and follow Margaritaville on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information, visit www.forestriverinc.com

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Video: Aqua-Hot Introduces ‘Edge’ Tankless Water Heater

From Aqua-Hot: Meet the Aqua-Hot Edge Tankless On-Demand Water Heater — designed for RV owners who value comfort, efficiency, and convenience on the road. Enjoy instant, unlimited hot water at a consistent temperature, with no more unnecessary water waste while waiting for heat. This energy-saving design activates the burners only when hot water is needed and fits existing 6-gallon water heater sidewall cutouts, with both door and doorless models.

Watch now to discover the comprehensive safety and protection features of the Aqua-Hot Wave Edge, including:

  • Flame out protection
  • Automatic fan monitoring
  • Active freeze protection
  • Pressure release safety valve
  • Voltage protection
  • 2-year limited warranty

The post Video: Aqua-Hot Introduces ‘Edge’ Tankless Water Heater first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Video: Aqua-Hot Introduces ‘Edge’ Tankless Water Heater

From Aqua-Hot: Meet the Aqua-Hot Edge Tankless On-Demand Water Heater — designed for RV owners who value comfort, efficiency, and convenience on the road. Enjoy instant, unlimited hot water at a consistent temperature, with no more unnecessary water waste while waiting for heat. This energy-saving design activates the burners only when hot water is needed and fits existing 6-gallon water heater sidewall cutouts, with both door and doorless models.

Watch now to discover the comprehensive safety and protection features of the Aqua-Hot Wave Edge, including:

  • Flame out protection
  • Automatic fan monitoring
  • Active freeze protection
  • Pressure release safety valve
  • Voltage protection
  • 2-year limited warranty

The post Video: Aqua-Hot Introduces ‘Edge’ Tankless Water Heater first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Chinese Factory Activity Improves Slightly, But Still Lags

BANGKOK — Chinese factory activity improved somewhat in June after President Donald Trump agreed to delay imposing higher tariffs on imports from China for 90 days, but overall activity was still contracting, according to a survey released Monday, June 30, according to an Associated Press report.

The purchasing managers index, which reflects new orders and other measures, rose to 49.7 from 49.5 in May, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. That’s on a scale of 0 to 100 where 50 and above shows expansion.

Other reports showed similar trends in Japan and Korea.

Trump has said he’s not planning to extend the 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9. The delay for imposing much higher tariffs on China, agreed to in early May, expires about a month later.

The hiatus for tariffs brought a revival of manufacturing activity as companies and individuals rushed to take advantage of lower import duties. But that mainly helped large manufacturers, with small and mid-size companies’ output still contracting. Hiring also fell.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

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U.S. Trade Announcements Imminent as Deadline Looms

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS — The United States will make several trade announcements in the next 48 hours, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, July 7, adding that his inbox was full of last-ditch offers from countries to clinch a tariff deal before a July 9 deadline, according to a Reuters report.

The clock is ticking down for countries around the world to conclude deals with the U.S. after President Donald Trump unleashed a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies.

Bessent did not say which countries could get deals and what they might contain. Trump has kept much of the world guessing on the outcome of months of talks with countries hoping to avoid the hefty tariff hikes he has threatened.

“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “So it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”

Click here to read the full Reuters report.

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