ELKHART, Ind. – The shorter days and lower temperatures of the winter months are right around the corner. While for some this may be the end of the RV camping season, many others enjoy year-round camping. Whether you are enjoying cold-weather activities, migrating to warmer climates, or hunkering down until spring, now is the time to make sure your RV is ready to weather the changing seasons. Truma has put together a guide to help get you ready for winter.
Preparation is Your Friend
No matter what kind of RV you own or where your travels will take you, one truth is universal: when it gets too cold, water freezers. As we have seen in recent years, this is true even for those in the southern United States. The winter is a welcome reprieve from the high heat and humidity for locals and a respite from the ice and snow for northern visitors. But even in these milder climates, it is possible to experience temperatures below freezing.
When water freezes, it expands, which can cause costly damage to the plumping and water systems in your travel trailer or motorhome. We highly recommend keeping a watchful eye on the forecast and fully winterizing your RV if you expect to encounter freezing temperatures.
Because every RV is different, your owner’s manual will be your best resource for winterization instructions. If you have Truma or Alde systems on board, you can find detailed instructions on the Truma website.
Getting a Head Start
If your RV will be hibernating in storage for the next several months, you can take advantage of the remaining warmer days of fall. This is the perfect time to tackle routine annual maintenance from deep cleaning the RV to organizing your gear. If you have a Truma AquaGo instant water heater, Truma recommends decalcifying the system at least once a year to extend the life of the appliance and improve efficiency. You can find a tutorial here.
Taking care of all of these less-than-fun tasks before you put your RV away for the winter will give you a head start next year. You’ll be able to spend the first nice weekend of spring at the campsite enjoying your RV instead of in the driveway working on it.
For more RV tips and the latest information on Truma systems, be sure to follow Truma on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
About Truma
Since 2013, Truma North America has provided premium solutions for outdoor living in the United States and Canada from their headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. The German-founded RV supplier has 75 years of experience providing world-class comfort systems like instant water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and portable refrigerators/freezers to the global recreation market. Backed by German engineering and a passion for the outdoors, Truma is committed to making your next adventure “Simply Better” with innovative technology, exemplary service, and a customer-first philosophy.
AdventureGenie is donating $10 to Samaritan’s Purse Hurricane Helene relief efforts for every new and renewed Pro Subscription, with the company’s partners also contributing, according to a release.
“AdventureGenie is dedicated to supporting those in need after the devastating Hurricane Helene,” the release continued. “Let’s unite the RV community, and make a meaningful impact. By joining together with RV industry partners, AdventureGenie aims to deliver support where it’s needed most. Thank you to WinnebagoIndustries, Fantasy RV Tours, and RV Love.”
RVers can now save $10 on a one-year subscription and support hurricane relief efforts — all in one go. Take advantage of this offer today to power up trip planning while giving back to those in need! For more info, click here.
AdventureGenie is the world’s first AI-powered, end to end system for planning exciting journeys for the RVer, camper and road tripper. Its mission is to deliver the most immersive, innovative, and intelligent adventure travel planning solution to the RV and camping community. Whether starting from a curated GenieTrip or creating a fully customized and personalized journey from your own ideas, AdventureGenie’s got you covered. With innovative features like Personal Genie, GenieJourney and GenieWishes, simply tell us in a few words where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do and our GenieMagic creates a custom trip for you in minutes. And with GenieMatch, we’ll make sure to find the campgrounds that are a best fit for you.
LONSDALE, South Australia – REDARC, a leader in rugged mobile power solutions for over 45 years, unveiled its latest innovation: the BCDC Alpha. Available in 25A and 50A models, the BCDC Alpha builds on over 15 years of proven BCDC technology, offering advanced features like Start Battery Recovery, optimized solar charging, and input current limiting, all in a design that ensures easy installation for both adventurers and everyday users.
The BCDC Alpha’s Start Battery Recovery feature allows users to restore a flat start battery in as little as 15 minutes—making it the only DC-DC charger that can both charge and recover start batteries. Optimized solar charging diverts excess power to the start battery when needed, ensuring it always has sufficient power and remains fully charged. The BCDC Alpha is compatible with all common automotive battery types and offers customizable input current limiting to protect vehicle alternators—making it ideal for hybrid and electric vehicles. This ‘EV ready’ functionality ensures the BCDC Alpha is prepared for the future of vehicle technology, adapting to the specific power needs of modern-day transportation.
Installation is simplified with Bluetooth-enabled setup through the RedVision app, allowing users to monitor battery charger status, temperature, and system performance. Over-the-air software updates ensure the system remains adaptable to new features and functionality. With intuitive pushbutton controls and screw connections, the BCDC Alpha eliminates the need for complex wiring or soldering, reducing setup time and minimizing potential errors. A range of wiring kits and mounting brackets will be available to suit different vehicle types, making it the most straightforward BCDC to install yet.
“The BCDC Alpha exemplifies REDARC’s commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market,” said Peter Favilla, REDARC’s Global President. “With features like Start Battery Recovery and input current limiting, the BCDC Alpha delivers peace of mind through its unmatched durability and advanced technology, ensuring reliable power in the most critical moments.”
Designed and manufactured in Australia, the BCDC Alpha is built to withstand extreme conditions with its IP67/69K-rated rugged construction, offering superior protection against dust and moisture. Combining robust durability, modern technology, and user-friendly design, the BCDC Alpha offers a reliable and advanced solution for power management.
ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), a leading RV training school in the country, announces the addition of Julia Lucas as the new Admissions Coordinator. Lucas, a resident of Eustace, Texas, brings extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to community involvement, making her a valuable asset to the NRVTA team.
A 2010 graduate of Eustace High School, Lucas is also a dedicated mother of three children, ages 16, 11, and 8. Her active involvement as a board member and cheer coach in local youth sports showcases her commitment to community development and leadership.
Although new to the RV industry, Lucas has more than six years of experience working in education, beginning as a life skills aide at Eustace Primary School before moving into an administrative role. Lucas is eager to bring her passion for education and community to NRVTA, where she will assist students enrolling in RV technician training and certification programs.
“We are thrilled to have Julia join our team,” said Jami Allen, NRVTA’s Administration Director. “Her passion for education and her involvement in the local community make her an ideal fit. We know Julia will bring a fresh perspective to the RV training classes and contribute to the overall student experience. While new to RV training, her extensive background in education will be an asset as she grows within NRVTA.”
At NRVTA, Lucas will help guide students through enrollment in a variety of programs, including RV repair training and RV inspector certification courses. As interest in RV careers continues to grow, Julia’s role will be vital in assisting students as they explore opportunities in the RV industry, including finding out how much it costs to become an RV inspector and the process for earning RV tech certification.
For those interested in learning more about NRVTA’s RV training programs or reading NRVTA reviews, visit nrvta.com for more information on courses like the RV tech course and the path to RV technician certification.
ELKHART, Ind.- – LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII), a leading supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, will release its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Nov. 7.
Conference Call & Webcast
LCI Industries will also host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2024 results at 8:30 a.m. ET Nov. 7. The call will conclude with a question-and-answer session with questions from institutional investors and analysts.
The conference call can be accessed by dialing (833) 470-1428 for participants in the U.S. and (929) 526-1599 for participants outside the U.S. using the required access code 630651. Due to the high volume of companies reporting earnings at this time, please be prepared for hold times of up to 15 minutes when dialing in to the call. In addition, an online, real-time webcast, as well as a supplemental earnings presentation, will be available on the Company’s website, www.investors.lci1.com.
A replay of the conference call will be available for two weeks by dialing (866) 813-9403 for participants in the U.S. and (44) 204-525-0658 for those outside the U.S. and referencing access code 625624. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website immediately following the conclusion of the call.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – OHI announced in a press release the finalists for the 2024 Awards of Excellence, recognizing the “best of the best” in the outdoor hospitality industry.
The Awards of Excellence are peer-reviewed and judged, and these finalists are industry treasures — constantly elevating standards through innovative, forward-thinking practices.
Winners will be announced at a special Awards of Excellence Luncheon at OHCE®2024 on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The luncheon is sponsored by Blue Water Development Group.
“OHI is proud to have such an exceptional group of parks and businesses to recognize through the Awards of Excellence Program this year at OHCE®2024,” says Paul Bambei, OHI’s president and CEO. “We had a record number of Awards of Excellence entries this year which really speaks to the quality of parks overall in the OHI community. These parks truly do represent the best of the best in our industry from coast to coast.”
For OHCE®2024 attendees, the Awards of Excellence Luncheon is a great way to celebrate your fellow industry peers as you gain inspiration from their well-deserved recognition.
The Awards of Excellence Luncheon will take place from 11:45-1pm CST, Tuesday, November 5 and is included in an OHCE®2024 full registration. Tickets to the luncheon can also be purchased separately. Outdoor hospitality businesses named as finalists are encouraged to attend OHCE®2024 and will be seated at VIP tables at the front of the room during the awards luncheon.
To register for OHCE2024 and celebrate your industry peers visit, ohi.org/ohce.
ELKHART, Ind. – Vixen Composites, an AIRXCEL brand, showed new FRP product offerings and a new front cap at the recent Airxcel 2024 OEM Product Showcase, held Oct. 16-17 in Elkhart.
FRPs (or fiberglass reinforced plastic) are designed for exterior use in the recreational vehicle, bus, transit, marine, automotive, trucking and construction industries. They are made from random chopped fiberglass reinforcement with unsaturated polyester resin, fillers and pigments. The surface is gel-coated, highly resistant to scratches and abrasions and has excellent weathering characteristics. The new FRP lines include:
FibroSupreme – A thicker 0.055″ FRP product used for RV exterior walls. It is an economical FRP product choice that doesn’t sacrifice performance or durability. FibroSupreme is 22% thicker than 0.045″ FRP to help hide seams and imperfections.
FibroGloss – A durable, semi-rigid fiberglass-reinforced plastic material. Panels will have a smooth high-gloss finish on the front side and are of uniform color. Manufactured in custom lengths up to 200’ with 0.060” thickness.
3mm FibroGloss – Offering a smooth finish and uniform color that can be manufactured in widths and lengths as ordered.
FibroPebble – Panels with a pebbled texture on the front side that are of uniform color and can be manufactured in widths and lengths as ordered.
FibroShine – A smooth, high-gloss finish on the front side with uniform color. FibroShine is manufactured in custom lengths up to 500’, widths and colors as ordered.
The company also announced the availability of new ArmorLight RV Caps. ArmorLight RV Caps provide protection for RVs with a cutting-edge Liquid Molded Resin Cap. This advanced cap technology provides exceptional durability, safeguarding RVs against harsh environmental conditions, debris, and impacts on the road. Offering a seamless, sleek finish, this resin cap boosts protection and adds a modern aesthetic. ArmorLight RV Caps can be produced in a wide range of sizes or shapes for all 5th Wheel, travel trailer, and Class A, B, or C applications where fiberglass or TPO is being used.
“From the very beginning of Vixen Composites, we have worked to build a complete portfolio of FRP offerings in both coils and cut-to-size parts, panels, and front caps,” said Gordon Frost, business unit manager for Vixen Composites. “We wanted to fill out the Vixen FRP product line. Vixen’s FRP offerings achieves the economic targets of the OEMs while maintaining the performance and durability expectations that they have come to expect from Vixen Composites.”
To learn more about the Vixen Composites products debuted at the 2024 New Product Showcase, reach out to our business development team at [email protected].
CHICAGO – Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE: ELS) today announced results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024. All per share results are reported on a fully diluted basis unless otherwise noted.
Operations Update
Normalized FFO per Common Share and OP Unit for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $0.72, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023, performing at the midpoint of our guidance range of $0.72. Normalized FFO for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.16 per Common Share and OP Unit, representing a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Core property operating revenues increased 4.4% and Core income from property operations, excluding property management increased 5.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Core property operating revenues increased 4.9% and Core income from property operations, excluding property management increased 6.2% compared to the same period in 2023.
MH
Core MH base rental income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 6.2% compared to the same period in 2023, which reflects 5.8% growth from rate increases and 0.4% from occupancy gains. Core MH homeowners increased by 111, and we sold 173 new homes during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The average sales price of new homes sold was approximately $88,000. Core MH base rental income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 6.2% compared to the same period in 2023, which reflects 6.0% growth from rate increases and 0.2% from occupancy gains.
RV and Marina
Core RV and marina base rental income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 1.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Core RV and marina annual base rental income increased 6.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Core RV and marina base rental income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased 3.0% compared to the same period in 2023. Core RV and marina annual base rental income increased 6.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Property Operating Expenses
Core property operating expenses, excluding property management for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 2.8% compared to the same period in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Core property operating expenses, excluding property management increased 3.4% compared to same period in 2023.
Balance Sheet Activity
In October 2024, we sold approximately 4.5 million shares of our common stock at a price of $70.00 from our at-the-market (“ATM”) offering program. The net proceeds of $314.2 million were used to repay our $300.0 million unsecured term loan (the “$300 million Term Loan”) and to terminate the interest rate swaps, which fixed the interest rate of the $300 million Term Loan at 6.05% until maturity in April 2026.
Storm Events
Following Hurricane Helene which made landfall on September 26, 2024 we accrued approximately $1.0 million of expenses related to debris removal and clean up, which is reflected in Casualty-related charges/(recoveries), net on the consolidated income statement, and we recorded a $1.8 million reduction to the carrying value of certain assets, which is included in Loss on sale of real estate and impairment, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income on page 3.
Following Hurricane Milton which made landfall on October 9, 2024, we have continued clean up efforts at impacted properties. We believe that we have adequate insurance, subject to deductibles, including business interruption coverage, and at this time, we do not believe that Hurricane Milton will have a significant adverse impact on our results of operations or our financial condition on a consolidated basis.
Guidance Update (1)
Consistent with our historical practice at this time of year, we have updated and narrowed the full year guidance range. The full year guidance range of $0.06 per share is the same as the fourth quarter guidance range.
The updated guidance does not include assumptions related to debris removal and restoration costs, and possible business interruption losses, asset impairments or insurance recoveries related to Hurricane Milton. We believe we have adequate insurance coverage, subject to deductibles, for losses related to Hurricane Milton, but we are unable to predict the timing or amount of recovery. Furthermore, in accordance with GAAP, insurance reimbursement for business interruption losses is to be recognized as revenue only upon receipt.
Preliminary 2025 Rent Rate Growth Assumptions (1)
By October month-end, we anticipate sending 2025 rent increase notices to approximately 50% of our MH residents. The average expected rate increase of these notices is approximately 5.0%.
We have set RV annual rates for 2025 for more than 95% of our annual sites. The average rate increase for these annual sites is approximately 5.5%.
Fourth quarter and full year 2024 guidance represent management’s estimate of a range of possible outcomes. The midpoint of the ranges and the preliminary 2025 rent rate growth assumptions reflect management’s estimate of the most likely outcome based on our current view of existing market conditions and assumptions. Actual results could vary materially from management’s estimates presented above if any of our assumptions, including occupancy and rate changes, our ability to manage expenses in an inflationary environment, our ability to integrate and operate recent acquisitions and costs to restore property operations and potential revenue losses following storms or other unplanned events, are incorrect. See Forward-Looking Statements in this press release for additional factors impacting our 2024 and 2025 guidance assumptions. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Definitions and Reconciliations at the end of the supplemental financial information for definitions of FFO and Normalized FFO and a reconciliation of Net income per Common Share – Fully Diluted to FFO per Common Share and OP Unit – Fully Diluted and Normalized FFO per Common Share and OP Unit – Fully Diluted.
Core RV and marina annual revenue represents approximately 77.8% and 70.4% of fourth quarter 2024 and full year 2024 RV and marina base rental income guidance, respectively. Core RV and marina annual revenue fourth quarter 2024 growth rate range is 5.8% to 6.4% and the full year 2024 growth rate range is 6.4% to 7.0%.
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. – The Jayco Family of Companies has announced that the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) has now qualified training provided by the RV manufacturer to count towards Level 3 Certification. This training focuses on the Jayco, Entegra Coach, Highland Ridge and Starcraft RV brands of recreational vehicles.
Level 3 training is for RV technicians to develop and increase skills sets on specific types of components. Technicians will depart trainings with the ability to perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on those systems and components. In Level 3, there are 5 areas of specialty training technicians can pursue – Electrical, Chassis, Electronics, Appliance and Slideout.
To qualify and remain certified in a Level 3 Specialty a technician must successfully pass Level 1 and 2 written and skill-based (practical) exams. The technician must attend and pass the number of approved training hours within five years for each specialty category. Certification is good for 5 years. Over this period, the technician must also acquire 24 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs) of approved hands-on or online trainings. 8 of the 24 hours of CEUs must be directly related to the specialty held.
“RVTI is excited to welcome Jayco as one of the newest additions to our Level 3 training program,” stated Justin Rickett, Senior Manager of Recruiting RV Technical Institute. “The recent approval of their Jayco Service School training offers a unique opportunity for certified RVTI technicians to receive credit hours covering several Level 3 Specialties, in one class. We are excited about this approval and appreciate their partnership with RVTI.”
WHITBY, ON – Timbren Industries, a leader in suspension solutions, has invested more than $1.3 million in advanced equipment and machinery to ensure continued excellence in manufacturing and product quality. This investment is part of Timbren’s ongoing commitment to delivering the reliable suspension products that customers have trusted for over 57 years.
As part of this strategic initiative, Timbren has added state-of-the-art milling machines, new rubber molding equipment, and significant upgrades to their paint line. These advancements will enhance the production process and help meet the growing demand for Timbren’s high-quality suspension products, including the popular Timbren SES and Axle-Less trailer suspension systems.
“We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by investing in the best technology to manufacture durable, high-performance suspension solutions,” said Neil Hodgson, CEO of Timbren Industries. “These upgrades ensure that our products continue to meet the highest standards of quality, providing the exceptional performance our customers expect.”
– A durable, semi-rigid fiberglass-reinforced plastic material. Panels will have a smooth high-gloss finish on the front side and are of uniform color. Manufactured in custom lengths up to 200’ with 0.060” thickness.
