RV Business

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of an article by Norm Rosen of RV Lifestyle Magazine and RV Dealer News. Click here to read the article in full.

Each year, the RVDA of Canada and Canadian regional RVDAs, in conjunction with RV Lifestyle Magazine and RV Dealer News, invite nominations from across Canada for the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award.

For 2024, five distinguished Canadian RV dealers have been nominated for this honor, and we are pleased to introduce them here.

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

The award is dedicated to the memory of the late Walt Paseska, founder of Walt’s Trailer Sales in Headingly, Manitoba, in recognition of his many years of commitment and dedication to the RV industry, the RV experience, and the community at large.

Established in 1989 by RV Lifestyle Magazine and RV Dealer News, this award has been presented each year to Canadian RV dealers who share Walt Paseska’s legendary enthusiasm and commitment to the industry; individuals who have been leaders in the RVDA movement either regionally or at a provincial or national level; who have exhibited a long-term dedication to the RV community; and who have made substantial contributions to their communities through charitable or philanthropic activities.

Each of the provincial RVDA organizations are encouraged to present their nominees to the RVDA of Canada selection committee, who evaluate the nominees and select the Canadian Dealer of the Year.

The documentation for the nominees is submitted to the RVDA of Canada selection committee, which consists of five previous Canadian RV Dealer of the Year winners and representatives from the RVDA of Canada and RV Lifestyle Magazine, the founding sponsor of the Award.

This year’s selection committee is comprised of five previous Canadian RV Dealers of the Year: Bruce Marsh, Cape Breton Trailer Sales, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Al Robinson, Great Canadian RV, Peterborough, Ontario; Andy Thomson, Can-Am RV Centre, London, Ontario; Roland Goreski, Campkin’s RV Centre, Whitby, Ontario; and Jason Friesen, Voyager RV, Winfield, BC.

The selection committee operates under the supervision of Eleonore Hamm, President, RVDA of Canada, with assistance from Melanie Taylor, Associate Publisher of RV Lifestyle Magazine and RV Dealer News, who will present the Award at the official ceremony at the RVDA of Canada annual general meeting, to be held during the RVDA Convention/Expo in Las Vegas, on November13.

The post ‘Canadian RV Dealer of the Year’ Set to Be Announced Tonight first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Venture RV:

While it may appear traditional, with a striking all-white exterior, according to a release, the Sienna is anything but ordinary. Stepping inside, you’re greeted with a calming and modern palette of soft surfside white, subtle grays, and neutral tones, creating an inviting atmosphere for every adventure.

The Sienna Travel Trailer offers a variety of premium exterior features, including:

• Max Size Power Awning, offering expansive outdoor coverage for relaxation and protection.
• Dexter Heavy Duty Axles, ensuring superior stability and durability on the road.
• Heated and Enclosed One-Piece Underbelly, providing added protection against elements

The interior of the Sienna is designed for maximum comfort and functionality. Notable features include:

• The innovative Sit-N-Slide Dinette Sliding Table, which allows effortless width adjustment via a concealed track system. This pioneering design enables users to modify the table’s position with just two fingers, eliminating the need for traditional poles and brackets.
• Reversible Dinette Cushions that offer flexibility and style
• Max Size Closets, providing ample storage space for extended trips.
• A Large Kitchen Pantry designed to accommodate all essentials for a well-stocked kitchen
• Tankless Water Heater, ensuring instant hot water while saving space.

The post OEM Showcase: Venture RV 2025 Sienna 231VRK Travel Trailer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ATHENS, Texas – In an effort to provide ongoing support for new technicians entering the RV service industry, the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) announced the launch of its Mentorship Program, an initiative dedicated to connecting recent National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) graduates with seasoned professionals for guidance and mentorship.

This program, launching in Phase 1, aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, offering insight into essential topics like business growth, inventory management, and setting up a successful mobile RV business.

The Mentorship Program will be held bi-weekly or monthly over Zoom, featuring an experienced certified technicians with at least two years of industry experience. Each session includes a 15-30 minute talk from the guest speaker, covering their background, journey through NRVTA’s RV Technician training, and progression into the industry. The mentorship program has been created to address common challenges and provide valuable insights that might not be covered in traditional RV training classes.

Each mentorship session will include practical advice on:

Starting a Mobile Business: Guidance on whether to start a business immediately after graduation, including tips on setting inventory, managing expenses, and establishing a client base.

Industry Challenges: Mentors will discuss hurdles they faced early in their careers and the strategies that led to their success.

Seasonal Travel Advice: How to navigate travel locations during different seasons, especially for mobile technicians.

Price Setting: Practical tips on determining service rates based on location, market demand, and experience level.

Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements: How to track, complete, and log CEUs needed for ongoing RV technician certification.

“The goal of the Mentorship Program is to offer NRVTA graduates the additional support they need when transitioning into a professional setting,” said Shenika Lyons, NRVIA/RVTAA Director of Membership. “With these sessions, new technicians and members struggling to find their footing in the industry will have access to advice from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges.”

The program’s target audience includes recent NRVTA graduates and new RV technicians needing additional field support. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open Q&A session following the presentation, which may extend the call duration to address specific concerns. This supportive environment encourages sharing stories and solutions to field-specific issues, helping new technicians feel equipped and connected to a network of professionals. This program will continue to evolve with future phases incorporating more specialized topics and advanced training.

For more information on the RVTAA Mentorship Program and NRVTA’s RV technician certification programs, please visit NRVTA.com and RVTAA.org.

The post RVTAA Launches Mentorship Program to Support NRVTA Grads first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SUGARCREEK, Ohio – nuCamp, a leading manufacturer of high-quality teardrop trailers and truck campers, is announced in a press release its 2024 Top Dealers, recognizing their extraordinary achievements during the 2024 model year. These dealers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the nuCamp brand and to enhancing the customer experience through exceptional sales and service.

Jesse Mullet, President and CEO of nuCamp, expressed the company’s dedication to supporting and celebrating its dealer network: “At nuCamp, building strong partnerships with our dealers is fundamental to who we are,” he emphasized. “Each of our dealers plays a vital role in our mission, and we are especially proud to acknowledge those who have achieved top-level sales this past year. Their dedication directly contributes to our shared goal of providing unparalleled experiences for our customers.”

This year, nuCamp is delighted to honor excellence across four unique categories, showcasing the significant accomplishments of our standout dealers. These awards celebrate their exceptional commitment, hard work, and contributions that have set a standard in our industry.

2024 Top Dealers:

• Top Overall Dealer: Pete’s RV Center (VT, MA, IN, VA, CT, PA)
• Top Canadian Dealer: Groupe Alliance (QC)
• Top Cirrus Dealer: Apache Camping Center (WA, OR)

Towable Dealers by Region:

East Region:

• Pete’s RV Center (VT, MA, IN, VA, CT) 
• Southland RV (GA)
• D&H RV Center (NC, FL)

Central Region:

• Princess Craft RV (TX)
• Mark Wahlberg RV (OH)
• Veurink’s RV Center (MI)

West Region:

• Apache Camping Center (WA, OR)
• Blue Compass RV (AZ)
• Teton Adventures RV (ID)

Top Cirrus Dealers:

• Apache Camping Center (WA, OR)
• Groupe Alliance (QC)
• Teton Adventures RV (ID)

For more information on the nuCamp products, please visit nuCamprv.com

 About nuCamp

nuCamp manufactures the highest quality teardrop trailers / campers and truck campers available on the American market. Our recreational vehicle and trailer products are the results of extensive research and development, customer feedback, and the fusion of technology and old-world craftsmanship. The dedicated craftsmen and women who work at the nuCamp facility in Sugarcreek, Ohio, are committed to the principles of simplistic design, high-quality fabrication, and fanatical customer support. nuCamp is the world’s largest manufacturer of teardrop trailers. 

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The post nuCamp Names Top Dealers, Lauds Outstanding Performance first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LONSDALE, South Australia – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has named REDARC’s Manager Alpha as a runner-up in its prestigious “Best New Products of 2025” award, one of the highest distinctions for exhibitors at the 2024 SEMA Show, REDARC announced in a press release.

Recognized in the highly competitive Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product category, the Manager Alpha was celebrated for its innovation and functionality. Additionally, both the Manager Alpha and REDARC’s BCDC Alpha received SEMA Global Media Awards, selected by international journalists for their strong consumer appeal across global markets.

Chosen from over 1,600 entries across 18 product categories, the REDARC Manager Alpha impressed judges with its innovative design, rugged durability, and extensive functionality. Available in 75A and 100A models, this cutting-edge battery management system can charge from vehicle (DC), shore power (AC), and solar sources. The Manager Alpha protects the vehicle’s start battery by automatically using excess solar power to keep it charged and can even revive a flat start battery at the touch of a button. Designed for versatility, it meets the power needs of adventurers on the move, whether in remote campsites or RV parks.

In addition to its Best New Products recognition, REDARC was also honored with two SEMA Global Media Awards. Selected by international journalists, these awards highlighted the Manager Alpha and the BCDC Alpha for their strong consumer appeal in global markets, underscoring REDARC’s commitment to delivering high-quality, versatile solutions to customers worldwide.

The BCDC Alpha, available in 25A and 50A models, builds on over 15 years of REDARC’s proven BCDC technology and introduces advanced features like Start Battery Recovery, optimized solar charging, and input current limiting. With its user-friendly design, the BCDC Alpha ensures easy installation, meeting the needs of both dedicated adventurers and everyday users seeking dependable power solutions.

“These awards are a testament to REDARC’s dedication to excellence and innovation,” stated Anthony Kittel, Managing Director of REDARC. “Recognition from SEMA and international media not only validates our commitment to quality but also reinforces our passion for empowering vehicle owners with reliable, cutting-edge technology. We are honored to see the Manager Alpha and BCDC Alpha celebrated on such a prominent, global stage.”

The post REDARC Lauded for Cutting-Edge Power Management at SEMA first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

VICTORIA, B.C. – Go Power!, a leader in mobile power solutions since 1996, and Zamp Solar, the brand bringing high-quality solar solutions to RVers, today announced the launch of their first one-of-a-kind Recreational Vehicle Technical Institute (RVTI) Course designed to certify RV technicians and enhance their skills in solar energy solutions. 

The comprehensive Level 3 RVTI-certified course is the first self-led option for mobile power systems and is completely online. The course consists of over 16 hours of training focused on RV solar, power inverters, batteries, and accessories, including installation, maintenance, and operation. This course explains the electrical systems essential to modern-day RV builds. 

“Solar and battery systems are highly technical, but learning about them shouldn’t be hard. Our goal was to make this course as easy to digest as possible while conveniently getting the most hours for our techs,” said Marketing Manager of Go Power!, Eva Mitic.

The course is completely self-led, allowing those completing it to progress at their own pace. This will make it accessible to those with various levels of expertise and time commitments. 

“This is the first time all this mobile power content has been offered in one place, which we’re proud of,” Mitic continued. “Partnering with the RVTI was a natural next step in our goal to make Mobile Power education available for everyone. 

The course is a momentous step for both brands as they continue to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to the various industries with power energy needs. Through this course, technicians are able to learn more about the in-depth technology offered by Go Power! and Zamp Solar to best meet the rising demands of the RV industry, continue to help technicians advance their careers, and address a critical need in the industry. 

By combining over 20 years of mobile power solutions knowledge from both Go Power! And Zamp Solar, this course enables RV technicians to troubleshoot, diagnose, and upgrade mobile power solutions at the dealership level and continue offering RVers a seamless experience with their vehicles. 

“We are really excited to have these courses be a part of our Level 3 program. This is a stepping stone for all technicians looking to learn all about modern-day mobile power solutions available for customers. We are thrilled to be making this course live,” said Justin Rickett, of RVTI.

Registration for the course is now available on the Mobile Academy webpage. Visit to learn more about the program offerings or about sign-up requirements: https://mobilepower.academy/.

The post Go Power!, Zamp Solar Launch Exclusive Certified RVTI Course first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nevada – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and maker of Battle Born Batteries, announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bruker (Nasdaq: BRKR), a leader in analytical instrumentation and method development and manufacturing, to collaborate and significantly improve current and next-generation battery technology and battery materials.

This strategic partnership leverages the complementary strengths of each company, bringing Dragonfly Energy’s thorough expertise in liquid and solid-state battery technology together with Bruker’s comprehensive suite of analytical solutions for battery research, development, and manufacturing. This collaboration enhances Dragonfly Energy’s scientific understanding of batteries and advanced battery materials through Bruker’s cutting-edge magnetic resonance methods, driving advancements in battery technology and sustainable manufacturing processes and the development of next-generation batteries.

“We are looking forward to an ongoing partnership with Dragonfly Energy as together we continue to drive battery technology forward,” said Dr. Joerg Koehler, Senior Director of Cleantech, Industrial, and Applied Markets at Bruker. “Combining the most advanced analytical instrumentation with lab automation and modern robotics streamlines the connectivity to new and existing workflows at R&D and manufacturing.

Bruker’s unique software solutions for analytical data interpretation enhance method harmonization and result comparability throughout global organizations. Finally, the connectivity to IoT and data management layers ensures the dataflow and supports evidence-based decision making for efficiency optimized manufacturing. Leveraging both key areas of expertise, battery cell chemistry and analytical solution development we believe will ultimately redefine renewable energy storage.”For more information about Dragonfly Energy, visit DragonflyEnergy.com. To learn more about Bruker, visit Bruker.com.

The post Dragonfly Energy, Bruker Partner to Boost Battery Technology first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SHIPSHEWANA, Ind. – Venture RV, a division of KZ Recreational Vehicles, an operating company of THOR Industries, Inc., announced that its SportTrek, SportTrek Touring, and Stratus models have received the Quality Circle Award in the 30th Annual Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey.

The DSI survey, which serves as a critical tool for measuring dealer satisfaction, evaluates manufacturer performance in areas that are most important to dealers, such as communication, product quality, and business policies. Dealers nationwide use the DSI as a benchmark to improve their partnerships with manufacturers and ensure mutual growth and success.

Marlene Snyder, Venture RV’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, stating: “We are honored that we won the DSI award for the SportTrek, SportTrek Touring, and Stratus. We continually foster quality, care, and commitment in our plants and people. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

The Quality Circle Awards are a testament to Venture RV’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality RVs and providing superior support to its dealer network. Venture RV continually strives to improve communication and collaboration with its partners to forge lasting relationships that benefit the dealers and end consumers.

For more information about Venture RV and its award-winning product lines, visit www.venture-rv.com.

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ELKHART, Ind. – East To West, a division of Forest River Inc., had all of its brands earn the Quality Circle Award from the RV Dealer Association’s Dealer Satisfaction Index Survey, according to a press release from Forest River.

These awards recognize the East To West commitment to quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dealer satisfaction, the release stated.

All 10 East To West RV brands earning awards include the Della Terra, Silver Lake, Alta, Longitude, Tandara, Ahara, Blackthorn and Takoda towable products along with the motorized Alita and Entrada units.

In addition to East to West, many other Forest River brands received similar recognition.

• Dynamax Motorhomes
• Coachmen RV brands – Apex, Spirit, Beyond, Galleria and Nova
• Class A motorhomes – Berkshire, Berkshire XL, Berkshire XLT, Charleston, FR3, FR3 Plus, Georgetown 3 Series GT3, Georgetown 5 Series GT5 and the Georgetown 7 Series GT7
• Palomino brands – Revolve, Solaire Ultra Lite and Real-Lite Mini products
• Puma brands – Camping Edition, Puma Destination, Puma Ultra Lite and Puma Unleashed
• Columbus fifth-wheels
• Rockwood fifth-wheel and travel trailer brands – Rockwood Signature, Rockwood Ultra Lite, Rockwood Mini Lite, Rockwood Roo, Rockwood Geo Pro, Rockwood Tent Campers, Rockwood Hard Side Pop-Up Campers and Rockwood Extreme Sports Package
• Flagstaff Classic fifth-wheels and travel trailer brands – E-Pro, Super Lite Travel Trailers, Micro Lite, Shamrock, Hard Side Pop-Up Campers, Tent Campers and Flagstaff Sports Enthusiast Package.
• Shasta travel trailers and the Shasta 1-5 Edition & Compact

In the 30th annual Dealer Satisfaction Index Survey, RV dealers were asked to detail their satisfaction on reliability and quality, parts, warranty, and sales for each manufacturer. RVDA fielded responses from 585 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada, which included 2,632 brand ratings. Award winners ranked at least a 4.25 on a 5-point scale.

At Forest River, both dealer and customer satisfaction are the cornerstone of their manufacturing process, the release stated.

Regarding East to West, the release noted that in addition to the normal inspection a Customer Assurance Inspection is completed on every unit they produce as well as a digital inspection that addresses any additional work needed on an RV and creates a digital log of this work before it makes its way to the dealer. An in-house Parts and Service Department tackles customer inquiries to enhance their RV experience every step of the way.

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-plus employees in 100-plus 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, the release stated.

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CINCINNATI – Roadtrippers has introduced a new campaign for its renowned Extraordinary Places program, inviting travelers and tourism experts to help uncover the best road trip stops nationwide and expand the iconic Roadtrippers map with even more unique and memorable destinations.

From Nov. 1-22, road trip enthusiasts and armchair travelers alike are encouraged to share and submit their favorite ‘extraordinary place’ in the U.S. for the chance to have their recommendation permanently etched on the map within the Roadtrippers app, according to a release.

Each year, Roadtrippers adds a handful of new locations to the map, broadening its ever-growing library of road trip destinations and Instagram-worthy attractions – from the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas to Salvation Mountain in Niland, California – for travelers to add to their itineraries. At the end of the submission period, a small selection of winners will be chosen by the Roadtrippers team to have an illustrated icon and official listing of their extraordinary place showcased on the map for the world to see. They’ll also receive a free, one-year Roadtrippers premium membership and an opportunity to be featured on the brand’s social media channels.

The final locations from the ‘Extraordinary Places’ campaign will be announced in January 2025 to kick off a new year of travel and champion the power of choosing your own adventure on the road ahead.

“Extraordinary Places is our way of celebrating the voices of road trippers and the incredible destinations they uncover,” said Steven Hileman, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Roadtrippers. “At Roadtrippers, we aim to make discovery simple and fun. Our AI planning tools and trip customization features ensure that adventure is within reach for every traveler, encouraging a spirit of openness and exploration.”

All Extraordinary Place submissions must be entered by Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 at roadtrippers.com/2025-extraordinary-places.

About Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is the No. 1 road trip planning app, helping people experience the world around them in an entirely new way by streamlining discovery, planning, booking and navigation into an engaging and intuitive process. Roadtrippers has helped millions of users plan more than 38 million trips across 7 million points of interest, covering more than 42 billion miles. To learn more about Roadtrippers, visit roadtrippers.com and follow @roadtrippers on Instagram.

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