A week ago, Hurricane Helene completely destroyed this wonderful RV campground. Since then, RVers from across the country who have enjoyed the campground in the past are stepping up. They’re helping in a unique and compassionate way.
This peaceful campground turned into a nightmare last week as Hurricane Helene swept through, leaving devastation in its wake. The storm transformed the once serene campground into a chaotic scene of destruction.
Suzanne Garland, whose family owns the campground, couldn’t believe her eyes when she returned after the storm. “It was like a tornado had torn everything apart and scattered the pieces,” she said, still in disbelief. The storm left nothing untouched—every building and piece of infrastructure was wiped out.
Hurricane Milton will make landfall in Florida tonight (Oct. 9) into early Thursday where it poses a major threat to life and property as it hammers the state with destructive storm surge, devastating wind damage, potentially catastrophic flooding rainfall and several tornadoes, according to The Weather Channel.
“The track of Hurricane Milton continues to be a worst-case scenario for the Tampa Bay region southward to Charlotte,” the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay said in a briefing Wednesday morning.
This is a life-threatening situation and all evacuations and storm preparations should be rushed to completion this morning.
Milton is a Category 4 hurricane packing winds up to 155 mph as of 8 a.m. EDT. It is centered 250 miles southwest of Tampa and is tracking to the northeast at 16 mph.
After one of the most difficult deliberations in recent years, RVB announces its selections for the 2025 RVBusiness RV of the Year, a list that includes the Top 10 Finalists, Top Debuts, Must-See RVs and Top Innovations.
The release of the overall winner of RV of the Year, which will come from the Top 10 Finalists, will be announced in the November-December issue of RVBusiness magazine in mid-November.
“Congratulations to all the winners,” said RVBusiness Publisher and Executive Editor Rick Kessler.
“This was an especially difficult year because so many manufacturers truly upped their game for the 2025 model year despite the market-related hurdles that the RV industry has faced,” he continued. “There were so many models under consideration that our selection process morphed into a drawn-out king-of-the-hill debate among our staff and a handful of trusted, independent advisors.”
The selection process is inescapably subjective, Kessler acknowledged, but the discussions always focus on brands that made their debut for the new model year – especially at major shows – as well as any significant innovations, upgrades and redesigns to existing lines. Other factors include market expectations, value propositions, and segment differentiation. Lastly, RVB also tries to recognize models from as wide a variety of manufacturers as possible.
The negative side effect of this all-too-imperfect process is that many deserving makes and models don’t always get a good enough look.
“Unfortunately, there will be friends of ours who will not be pleased, but that is not meant to detract from the nearly 60 units that found their way onto the RV of the Year list,” Kessler said.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the 2025 RV of the Year winners:
TOP 10 Finalists
27North
Alliance Benchmark 44LFT
ATC Pla 750 4419
Brinkley RV Model I 265
Fleetwood Palisade 45DS
Forest River Wildwood Veranda Series
Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage
Grand Design Lineage Series M
Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS
Keystone Sprout/Reign
Top Debuts
Coachmen Apex Ultralite 242BARV
Dream Haven Chameleon
DRV Mobile Suites 41FKRB
Dutchmen Aspen Trail 3200WAP
East to West Bravado
Ember e-Spark 19ETS
Encore Revue 16RB
Forest River Prime Time LaCrosse 3450FB
Forest River Pause Reboot Edition
Forest River Columbus CMF388FKH
General Coach Citation Reward 25
Gulf Stream Laura Ashley Vintage Cruiser
Heartland Bighorn 331RL
Kropf Canadian Series
Modern Buggy TC
Newmar Grand Star 3444
Riverside Retro 145BT
Storyteller Overland Crew Mode
Tiffin Motorhomes GH-1
Winnebago View 24R
Must-See RVs
Airstream Classic 33
Bontrager Outdoors 10ROK
Chinook Summit AWD
Dutchmen Denali 3200
Forest River OGV 7R
Highland Ridge Open Range 3X
Holiday Rambler Incline / Fleetwood Altitude
inTech Sol Rover Eclipse
KZ Sportster 3915X
Leisure Travel Vans Unity FX / Corner Bed
NeXus Ghost 38DS
nucamp T@B 360 Clamshell
Outside Vans Parks
Patriot Specialty RV Country View 48KB4B
Palomino OVE 15.1
Prolite Lounge
Recreation by Design
Remote Vans Oasis
Renegade Vienna 25DLC
Skinny Guy Armor 7LP
Soaring Eagle Aerie
Stealth Trailer’s Nomad 24 FK
SylvanSport GOAT
Thor Motor Coach Pasadena 38XL
Tiffin Motorhomes Bob Tiffin Limited Edition
Venture Sienna 9231VRK
Top Innovations
Coachmen Adrenaline 30GS TT (turntable in the garage)
Coachmen Northern Spirit Bijou 17BHB (rotating refrigerator and TV)
East to West Ahara 395FB (LED skylight in the shower)
Ember RV (EmberTrack)
Forest River XLR Nitro 40BAR13 (bar balcony and side patio)
Forest River Wildcat 35FUN (oversized campside window)
Grand Design Momentum (LiftSuite garage)
Jayco (water filtration system)
Keystone Bullet 336RBK (back porch)
Keystone Cougar Hero Edition (matte color and charity partnership)
OHI officials are excited to highlight the distinguished Expo Floor at the Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), which is Nov. 4-6, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Last year, this Expo earned recognition from Trade Show Magazine as one of the “Top 50” trade shows in the U.S., which underscores the exceptional caliber of exhibitors and attendees who come together to explore the latest trends and innovations within the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, according to a release. This year’s Expo Floor will showcase a wide variety of exhibitors from essential categories, ensuring there’s something there for every need park owners and operators have.
Whether you’re looking for specialized insurance solutions or sound financial advice for your park, consulting services or franchise opportunities, exhibitors will offer insights and strategies to help you enhance your park operations and guest experience, the release continued. Discover innovative energy solutions and infrastructure services and learn about the latest marketing strategies and guest engagement products that will drive customer satisfaction. See the latest in park models and yurts and learn how they can enhance your park. Explore a variety of recreational amenities, including playground equipment and waterpark designs, to spruce up your amenity offerings. Connect with experts specializing in commercial real estate and construction solutions tailored for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry and dive into unique food products and retail attractions that can enhance your store offerings and generate revenue.
But that’s not all! The Hosted Buyer Program is back. This program offers an exclusive opportunity for qualified buyers to schedule one-on-one meetings with participating exhibitors that address your specific needs and challenges, making it easier than ever to find the right solutions for your business. There is no obligation to purchase, however there will be incentives and savings available!
As a Hosted Buyer, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits, including waived registration fees (a $499 value!) and access to exclusive Expo Floor VIP experiences, a VIP check-in, allowing you to skip the lines and get right into all the action, and of course, the opportunity to schedule meetings directly with exhibitors during designated Expo hours on November 4 and 5.
Plus, by joining the OHI Hosted Buyer Program, you’ll also be making meaningful connections with industry leaders and peers. Just remember, space is limited for this exclusive program, so if you’re the decision-maker at your park, we encourage you to apply soon to secure your spot. And check out which exhibitors will be participating in the Hosted Buyer Program on the exhibitor list.
To see if you qualify and to register as a Hosted Buyer attendee, visit ohi.org/hostedbuyer/.
If you’re looking forward to exploring the Expo Floor and haven’t registered for OHCE2024 yet, visit ohi.org/event/ohce/.
ELKHART, Ind. – Ultra-Fab Products announced that its Landing Gears now has a full 6-year warranty.
“Ultra-Fab routinely says that we have the longest warranties and here is another example”, stated Raymond Padgett, the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing for Ultra-Fab. “We did a review and found that issues on this product are practically non-existent, so it made sense to back it with the longest Landing Gear warranty on the market. We sell a lot of Landing Gear, and we are thrilled to provide further peace-of-mind to our distributors, dealers and retail customers by extending this warranty”
He went on to say “There will be no changes to boxes (as this is not an item in a 4-color package), pricing, item number or UPC. We will be strongly promoting the change so that distributors, dealers and retail customers are fully aware.
He continued “Ultra-Fab is known for quality products and having the longest warranty. This is a prime example of us applying that standard.
For more information on Ultra-Fab Landing Gear or other Ultra-Fab products, Raymond invites you to call (404.754.8928) or email ([email protected]) and he will supply detailed information as well as recommending sources to purchase your supply today.
On Oct. 1, 2024, Wisconsin Act 164 took effect, establishing an RV-specific franchise law in the state covering towable RVs, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). Motorhomes will continue to be covered under the automobile franchise laws.
The new law on towable RVs, sponsored by Representative Scott Klug, was jointly supported by the RV Industry Association and the Wisconsin RV Dealers Alliance, both of which pushed for its passage in the Assembly and Senate.
Wisconsin Act 164 makes changes to the definition of “recreational vehicle,” subjects recreational vehicle manufacturers to regulation by the Department of Transportation, and creates a framework for regulating the relationship between recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers. The Act modifies the definition of “recreational vehicle” to:
extend the maximum length of a recreational vehicle from 45 to 46 feet.
include in the definition of recreational vehicle all of the following: camping trailer, fifth-wheel RV, park model RV, and travel trailer.
The Act also makes various changes to the Department of Transportation’s regulation of recreational vehicle sales. It sets forth new manufacturer licensure requirements on any RV manufacturer that sells recreational vehicles to dealers in the state. Manufacturers should ensure that they have obtained the required license if they have not already done so.
Finally, the Act establishes requirements regulating the relationship between recreational vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers. These provisions include the following:
Dealer Agreements Required: Under the Act, a manufacturer must enter into a dealer agreement to sell a recreational vehicle to or through a dealer in this state. Likewise, a dealer may not sell a new recreational vehicle in this state without having first entered into a dealer agreement with a manufacturer. Every dealer agreement must include certain components, including a designation of the area of sales responsibility exclusively assigned to the dealer.
Termination of Dealer Agreements Regulated: The Act establishes procedures for terminating, canceling, or failing to renew a dealer agreement. Under the Act, a manufacturer may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a dealer agreement only for good cause. A dealer may terminate, cancel, or fail to renew a model, make-line, or entire agreement with a manufacturer or distributor with or without good cause at any time by giving 30 days’ written notice to the manufacturer. If the dealer shows good cause exists to terminate the agreement, the manufacturer or distributor is required to repurchase certain inventory if the dealer so elects.
Dealer Ownership Changes: The Act requires a dealer who wishes to make a change in ownership to give the manufacturer or distributor written notice at least 10 business days before the closing, along with certain documents, and provides that the manufacturer or distributor may not object to the proposed change except for certain specified reasons.
Warranty Obligations: The Act establishes requirements regarding warranty obligations, including that a warrantor specify a dealer’s obligation in writing, compensate the dealer for warranty service performed by the dealer that is covered by the warranty, and provide the dealer with the schedule of compensation to be paid and the time allowances for the performances of any work and service.
Inspection of RVs: The Act establishes various obligations for dealers and manufacturers and distributors regarding new recreational vehicles that are damaged prior to transit to the dealer or are damaged in transit to the dealer when the manufacturer or distributor has selected the carrier or means of transportation.
Dispute Resolution: The Act provides mechanisms for resolving disputes between a dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor. The Act requires a dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor injured by a violation of the Act by another dealer, manufacturer, or warrantor to attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before the party alleged to be injured may bring a civil action in circuit court.
For any further information about the new Wisconsin law, please contact Michael Ochs, Director of State Government Affairs, at [email protected].
FAIRFAX, Va. – A group of veteran RV dealer executives will address some of the most pressing dealership business challenges in a special RV Leadership Roundtable discussion during the RV Dealers Convention/Expo in November.
Mike Regan of Crestview RV, Bill Koster of Protective, Ben Hirsch of Campers Inn, Chris Hoover of Ron Hoover RV & Marine, and Bob Scholl of Rocky Mountain RV & Marine will lead the discussion on topics surrounding inventory management, manufacturer relationships, customer expectations, and employee recruitment, hiring, retention, and benefits.
The session begins at 10:00 a.m. Nov. 13 and is part of the dealer/GM education track and free for dealer attendees. Learning objectives include:
The degree interest rates, older models, speed of delivery, etc. play in inventory management
How are dealers dealing with multiple floorplans, model years, quality of products, and warranty work?
Best practices used in employee recruitment, hiring, retention, and benefits
How can dealers improve their relationships with manufacturers?
The convention allows North America’s top dealership personnel to forge valuable connections with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners in the Expo. Dealership professionals can expand their network and gain insights from the best in the RV industry.
The dealer-organized RVDA Convention will provide an in-depth look into the current sales landscape. Attendees will have access to valuable resources to optimize all departments within a dealership, including fixed operations.
To register for the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo click here. Regular updates will be posted on the convention website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
The event is sponsored by RVDA of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center.
Companies interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].
During next week’s Educational Symposium, the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) will present the Champion of Women Award to an individual that embodies RVWA’s mission to elevate, educate, and promote women. Seven individuals have been recognized as finalists for the award and the winner will be announced this Thursday, October 17 at the RVWA Awards Dinner, according to a release.
“These finalists for the RV Women’s Alliance Champion of Women Award are truly exceptional and each has played a pivotal role in empowering women in the RV industry,” said Monika Geraci, RV Women’s Board Member and Award Taskforce Chair. “Their unwavering dedication to inclusivity, mentorship, and professional development has enriched their organizations and the industry as a whole.”
Recipients of the Champion of Women award have made it part of their daily efforts to make the RV industry a place where women thrive. Recognizing those making the biggest difference for women in the RV industry, the Champion of Women Award is awarded annually to both an individual and a company.
The 7 finalists for the award are:
Alissa Reyes
Alissa Reyes, Thetford
Alissa Reyes is a true champion for women in the RV industry. Her leadership has elevated women’s voices, fostered diversity, and created a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Alissa’s initiatives have provided platforms for collaboration and advancement, while her commitment to education has equipped countless women with the skills to succeed. She actively promotes women within the broader industry and champions policies that support work-life balance, particularly for working mothers. Alissa’s dedication has transformed the RV industry, making it more inclusive and empowering countless women to achieve their full potential.
Angie Biritz
Angie Biritz, Lippert
Angie Biritz exemplifies leadership through her dedication to elevating and promoting women in the RV industry. Known for her strong leadership and continuous support, Angie actively hires and mentors women, often based on potential rather than just experience. She empowers women by providing them with training, opportunities, and mentorship, helping them thrive in roles they may have never envisioned. Angie’s leadership extends across multiple disciplines, and her unwavering support has opened doors for many women, helping them grow into strong leaders. Her dedication truly embodies the RV Women’s Alliance’s mission.
Ashley Hand
Ashley Hand, General RV Center
Ashley Hand is a true champion for women in the RV industry, consistently demonstrating her commitment to elevating, educating, and promoting women within General RV. She has fostered a supportive network for female employees, creating a culture of empowerment and collaboration. Ashley actively mentors her colleagues, sharing her extensive experience and knowledge to help them advance their careers. Her efforts to promote women into key leadership roles have further strengthened the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Ashley’s passion and dedication make her an exceptional role model, inspiring countless women to thrive and lead in the RV industry.
Jil Littlejohn Bostick
Jil Littlejohn Bostick, Winnebago Industries
Jil Littlejohn Bostick exemplifies leadership through her unwavering commitment to promoting women in the RV industry. As the Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Inclusion at Winnebago Industries, Jil has spearheaded initiatives such as the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Speaker Series, fostering a culture of inclusivity and gender equality. Her partnership with Camber Outdoors has created opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women, to thrive in the industry. Recognized as a TEDx speaker and a recipient of the LeadHER Women’s Leadership Symposium Award, Jil’s impact is transformative, empowering women to lead and succeed.
Kelly Mosher
Kelly Mosher, Forest River Inc.
Kelly Mosher is a driving force at Forest River, embodying the mission of elevating, educating, and promoting women in the RV industry. As the leader of the Customer Service Department, she has developed a successful training hub, providing vital resources to both new and seasoned employees. Her dedication to supporting and mentoring women, including advocating for leadership and educational opportunities, has made a profound impact on countless careers. Kelly’s unwavering commitment to growth and inclusivity has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, making her an inspiring leader.
Laura Dobbs, General RV Center
Laura Dobbs
Laura Dobbs has made significant strides in elevating women within the RV industry. At General RV, Laura has prioritized placing women in leadership roles, with three out of five department leaders reporting to her being women. This leadership cascade has inspired more women to pursue careers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Laura’s commitment to education and professional development, including supporting Dale Carnegie workshops and RVWA events, ensures that women have the resources to thrive. Her strategic efforts continue to break barriers, fostering a more inclusive and empowered industry for women.
Renee Jones
Renee Jones, THOR Industries
Renee Jones is an exemplary role model for women in the RV industry. She actively elevates women by mentoring them, sharing her experiences, and encouraging them to overcome adversity. She educates through open conversations and demonstrates the importance of perseverance and hard work. Renee also promotes women by actively participating in industry events and showcasing their capabilities. Her actions inspire and empower other women to challenge stereotypes and pursue successful careers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
About the RV Women’s Alliance
Founded in 2019, the RV Women’s Alliance purpose is to elevate, educate, and promote women in the RV industry, making the RV industry a place where women thrive. Open to anyone in the RV industry who supports our mission, the Alliance has more than 2,500 members from more than 500 companies. The Alliance is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, with leadership based across the United States and Canada. Learn more at www.rvwa.org.
BILLINGS, Mont. –Today, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), a leader in outdoor hospitality, announces the brand’s inclusion in the exclusive Franchise Times Top 400 ranking for 2024. Ranked 120 out of 400, KOA was the top-ranked hospitality franchisor on the list.
The Franchise Times Top 400 is the most comprehensive ranking of the largest franchise systems in the United States, based on their global systemwide sales performance in the previous year. This recognition highlights KOA’s dedication to franchise excellence as investment in the camping and outdoor hospitality industry continues to grow.
“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top 400 franchises by Franchise Times,” says Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Not only is it a testament to the company’s ongoing growth and innovation, but it also reflects our commitment to delivering franchise value while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.”
KOA offers a comprehensive range of services designed to set franchisees up for success and create operational efficiencies–preparing campground owners and operators with the tools they need to attract campers and grow their businesses. As the brand continues to expand its presence nationwide, KOA remains committed to upholding its core values and delivering unparalleled experiences to its franchise partners and customers.
To learn more about joining the KOA Family of Campgrounds, visit ownakoa.com.
About KOA
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is a pioneer in outdoor hospitality and an emerging trailblazer in the travel industry with a mission to “connect people to the outdoors and each other.” The company comprises two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA offers an unrivaled brand visibility, providing campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. With more than 60 years of expertise, KOA is the world’s largest system of privately owned, open to the public campgrounds, consisting of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, delivers a refined and upscale outdoor experience.
As a steward of outdoor recreation access, KOA uses 1% of pre-tax profits to fund the Kampgrounds of America Foundation, which strives to increase opportunities for all to access and engage with the outdoors, make positive impacts in the communities where we live and work to help preserve outdoor spaces for years to come.
ELKHART, Ind. – Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) today announced the pricing of its upsized private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.375% Senior Notes due 2032 in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The size of the offering reflects an increase of $100 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes from the previously announced offering size of $400 million.
The offering is expected to close on or about Oct. 22, 2024, subject to certain closing conditions, according to a company release.
Patrick intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all of its $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2027, repay a portion of its borrowings under its existing senior secured credit facility and pay fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.
Concurrently with the completion of the offering, the Company plans to amend and restate the credit agreement governing its existing $925 million senior secured credit facility to establish a new $1.0 billion senior secured credit facility consisting of an $875 million revolving credit facility and a $125 million term loan. The maturity date for borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility is expected to be extended to October 2029. The new senior secured credit facility is expected to replace the Company’s existing credit facility that is due to mature in August 2027.
This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
The Notes and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Any offers of the Notes will be made only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the applicable private offering memorandum.
About Patrick Industries, Inc.
Patrick (NASDAQ: PATK) is a leading component solutions provider serving the RV, Marine, Powersports and Housing markets. Since 1959, Patrick has empowered manufacturers and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve next-level recreation experiences. Our customer-focused approach brings together design, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation in a full solutions model that defines us as a trusted partner. Patrick is home to more than 85 leading brands, all united by a commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. Headquartered in Elkhart, IN, Patrick employs approximately 10,000 skilled team members throughout the United States. For more information on Patrick, our brands, and products, please visit www.patrickind.com.
