RV Business

WASHINGTON — Having all but tamed inflation, the Federal Reserve is poised to do something today (Sept. 16) it hasn’t done in more than four years: Cut its benchmark interest rate, a step that should lead to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses just weeks before the presidential election, according to an Associated Press report.

And yet an unusual air of uncertainty overhangs this week’s meeting: It’s unclear just how large the Fed’s rate cut will be. Wall Street traders and some economists foresee a growing likelihood that the central bank will announce a larger-than-usual half-point cut. Many analysts foresee a more typical quarter-point rate cut.

With inflation barely above their target level, Fed officials have been shifting their focus toward supporting a weakening job market and achieving a rare “soft landing,” whereby it curbs inflation without causing a sharp recession. A half-point rate cut would signal that the Fed is as determined to sustain healthy economic growth as it is to conquer high inflation. This week’s move is expected to be only the first in a series of Fed rate cuts that will extend into 2025.

High interest rates and elevated prices for everything from groceries to gas to rent have fanned widespread public disillusionment with the economy and provided a line of attack for former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers much further.

Over time, Fed rate cuts should lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, as well as for business loans. Business spending could grow, and so could stock prices. Companies and consumers could refinance loans into lower-rate debt.

Chair Jerome Powell made clear last month in a high-profile speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that Fed officials feel confident that inflation has largely been defeated. It has plummeted from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to 2.5% last month, not far above the Fed’s 2% target. Central bank officials fought against spiking prices by raising their key interest rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023 to a two-decade high of 5.3% to try to slow borrowing and spending, ultimately cooling the economy.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Fed Expected to Cut Interest Rates for First Time in 4 Years first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

‘HERSHEY, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) reports 47,879 people attended the 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show, Sept. 11-15, at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. This tally represents a more than 5% increase over 2024, which had 45,535 attendees, according to the PRVCA release.

“The beautiful weather made it a fantastic week for consumers to explore the RVs, products and accessories,” says Heather Leach, PRVCA executive director. “We received positive comments from both exhibitors and attendees. While sales are more difficult in this economy, many RV dealers and booth vendors reported increases over last year’s numbers.”

America’s Largest RV Show, one of just two manufacturer shows in the country, offered 1,500 RVs on display from 40 manufacturers. From the small pop-up campers and travel trailers to the large fifth-wheels and Class A motorhomes, the show had something for every RVer. All the RVs displayed featured the 2025 model year with the newest designs, layout and technology. 

Nearly 200 booth vendors offered products, accessories and services for RVers. There was also a wealth of information on campground and vacation destinations.

The seminars were very popular this year. Topics included tips on buying an RV, maintenance, safety, travel, exploring Alaska and the national parks; full-timing, dry camping, RVing in retirement, maintenance, electricity, safety and more.

Many digital content creators were on hand for meet and greet sessions. Consumers had the opportunity to meet social media influencers Thursday – Saturday and ask questions or get their autograph.

Forest River and Keystone RV Center sponsored the RV giveaway. Gina Faulkner of Austin, Texas, is the winner of a 2025 Flagstaff OTG Tent Camper. Faulkner will pick up the new RV, worth more than $9,000, at Keystone RV Center in Greencastle, Pa.

The show also featured a new product giveaway this year. Isotherm by Indel Webasto Marine gave away a CRUISE 226L Refrigerator/Freezer; Hershey Road Campground gave away a $1,700 campground stay and a gift basket; and Blu Technology gave away a $500 Adventure Series RV Water Filtration System.

Escapees RV Club sponsored an RVers Online University access for the winner of the scavenger hunt prize drawing.

PRVCA thanks the 2024 Hershey America’s Largest RV Show sponsors American Coach, Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, Grand Design, Grech RV, Progressive, and The RV Shop, platinum sponsors. Alliance, Battle Born Batteries, Beckley’s RVs, Harvest Hosts, Jayco and Roadtrek, gold sponsors; Blu Technology, Ember RV, General RV Center, Keystone RV Company, Meyer’s RV, and Northern Lite, silver sponsors; and Adventure Caravans, Escapees RV Club, and Wilkins RV, bronze sponsors. Forest River and Keystone RV Center are the RV giveaway sponsors; and Indel Webasto Marine and Blu Technology, are product giveaway sponsors. Also, thanks to Brinkley RV, bag giveaway sponsors; and Progressive, transportation sponsor.

The 2025 America’s Largest RV Show is set for Sept. 10-14 at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa.

About PRVCA

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association nearly 400 RV dealers, manufacturers, campgrounds and affiliated members who are interested in expanding and improving the RV and camping industry in Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the show go back into the industry to support education. Visit prvca.org for more information.

The post Organizers Pleased with Hershey Show’s ‘Fantastic Week’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Dealer management software provider Motility Software Solutions is returning as a silver partner for the RVDA’s 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo.

The Convention/Expo will take place Nov. 11‒15 at Paris Las Vegas and is sponsored by RVDA of U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center. 

“DMS providers such as Motility are becoming an increasingly important part of how dealers monitor their businesses’ productivity, so we welcome Motility back as one of our sponsors,” said Convention/Expo Committee Chair Chris Andro, Hemlock Hill RV Sales in Southington, Connecticut. “Keeping dealers informed and educated with their software is what Motility is all about and meets our goals for the Convention/Expo.”

“As Motility meets the changing needs of its dealer partners by continually updating our software, we also want to meet their needs by supporting this most important industry event,” said Chet Heughan, senior director of Motility. “Learning from vendors and creative speakers helps us stay at the top of our game in supporting our RV customers.”

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.

Companies interested in partnership, sponsorship, exhibiting, and Vendor Training +Plus opportunities can contact Julie Newhouse at (703) 364-5518 or email [email protected].  

The post Motility Silver Partner for RV Dealers Convention/Expo  first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS Mont. – Care Camps Foundation, a national non-profit organization that funds pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, is pleased to announce their mission will be featured on Designing Spaces®, the award-winning home improvement show, airing on Lifetime TV.

In this special episode, Designing Spaces of Hope, Camp Boggy Creek, one of the camps Care Camps Foundation supports, gets a much-needed upgrade for their archery field. Care Camps Foundation is prominently highlighted as the national charity who provides funding support for Camp Boggy Creek and other pediatric oncology camps across the country.

Care Camps Foundation is grateful to the BrandStar production team and the many supporters who made this production possible. “The generosity that came forward to support this special opportunity is extraordinary,” said Gwynn Sullivan, Care Camps Foundation Executive Director. “Our hope is more people become aware of and engage with our mission so more children and families navigating a cancer journey can receive the healing benefits that pediatric oncology camps offer.”   

In 2023, Care Camps Foundation provided $2M in funding to over 120 pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada collectively touching over 41,000 lives of children and family members who attended.

This year, the Care Camps Foundation celebrates its 40th Anniversary and aims to grow partnerships and donations. “We encourage everyone to watch Designing Spaces of Hope and see the difference we can make together in the lives of these children,” Sullivan added. “Just a few dollars can go a long way to give more joy, hope and the healing power of the outdoors to children living with cancer and their families.”

In addition to the September 18th and 25th airings, the episode will be available ongoing at: www.designingspaces.tv and www.youtube.com/user/DSpacesTV.

About Designing Spaces®, Airing on Lifetime TV: Designing Spaces® is an award-winning home improvement show that travels the country to remodel, redecorate and redesign the spaces we call home. The entertaining, educational show features innovative decorating ideas, do-it-yourself projects, and step-by-step transformations that inspire women everywhere to tackle home improvement challenges and decorating dilemmas. From mortgage tips to bathroom overhauls, Designing Spaces covers the whole house, soup to nuts. For more information visit https://www.designingspaces.tv/.

About Care Camps Foundation: Care Camps Foundation is the only national non-profit whose sole purpose is to fund pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. They support camps who are members of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) which oversees their quality assurance and professional development. They partner with the outdoor industry, other businesses, foundations and individuals to elevate their mission. Learn more, donate and be inspired at carecamps.org.

The post Care Camps Foundation to be Featured on Lifetime TV first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Renogy, a leading manufacturer of off-grid products and systems for campers, is introducing its ground-breaking solid state lithium battery, advancing RV power systems in three key areas, during the Elkhart RV Open House. Most notable is a uniquely thin space-saving profile, groundbreaking solid state technology and Smart Monitoring, utilizing Bluetooth and mobile app connectivity for remote control, according to a release.

The Renogy 12V 104Ah SUPER SLIM SOLID STATE Lithium Battery is pioneering the advantages of solid-state batteries within the increasingly off-grid RV market. “Our mission is to supply the most intelligent space-efficient, energy-dense electric power source to OEMs. Solid state batteries deliver light-weight and a reliable long life off-grid power source for recreation vehicles and other mobile applications”, says Tiffany Dorin, Director of Sales & Marketing.

Technical advantages of Renogy’s new SUPER SLIM SOLID STATE lithium batteries (versus liquid electrolytes), combined with logistical and economic benefits, make the Renogy battery an ideal solution for off-grid electric power needs in virtually any recreation vehicle, tells Angela Zhang, Director of Global Marketing Services.

At only 2.4-inches tall, this remarkably thin battery can fit into many places where traditional battery designs cannot. OEMs can now find wasted voids (under seats, beneath the floor, in-wall compartments and many other places) in their RVs to install the super-thin solid state Renogy batteries.

Solid state technology offers other benefits for RV owners, starting with a solid electrolyte that reduces the risk of fire and leaks. They also charge more efficiently, do not degrade as quickly as standard lithium batteries and are resilient to a greater operating temperature range.

Another unique RV owner-friendly feature is the Smart Battery’s connectivity options including RV-C integration and Bluetooth that connects RV owners to the battery through a smart phone app in addition to the system monitor inside the RV.

Open house visitors can find our display in the RV Hall of Fame building during the RV Dealer Open House. Visit Booth #207/208

The post Renogy to Intro Smart Lithium Battery for RVs at Open House first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

SYRACUSE, Ind. – Around the greater Syracuse, Indiana lake community, some local businesses tend to slow down after Labor Day when the summer visitors head home for the winter, according to a press release from Travel Lite RV (TLRV).

That is not the case for TLRV . With some new additions to the team,  the product lines have been completely redesigned and the manufacturing processes re-imagined, the release stated.

“Our aluminum chassis is robotically welded, our lamination process is state of the art and our components used are second to none at our price points”, said Bob Cira, Director of Sales for TLRV.

“By using best-in-price-point materials, construction methods and creature comfort components, TLRV offers unmatched customer friendly floorplans and redefines the meaning of true light weight”, emphasized Cira.  

Staying true to their founding roots, TLRV is pushing the boundaries of lite weight and superior build quality in their truck campers, according to the release.

“I am very fortunate to have been a part of the evolution of our truck campers over the past few years”, said Cira.  “When I joined TLRV, our truck campers were 100% wood stud constructed with hung fiberglass.  Today our truck campers are 100% aluminum stud constructed with the floor and all walls vacuum bond laminated.  Currently our largest floorplan, the Up Country 900 comes in at about 2,300 pounds and MSRP’s for under $35,000.  The easiest way to sum up today’s TLRV truck campers is we now build a Super C cab without the motorized chassis.”

The all new, groundbreaking Up Country 775 Extreme will definitely be a show stopper with it design geared to those truly seeking the “off-grid” experience, the release stated.

Cira elaborated, “It will come standard with a never before seen exterior, 3,300-watt generator, roto-pax and rugged interior.  All of this will be on a truck camper that will weigh in at 1,722 pounds and MSRP for $26,099.”

Pivoting to travel trailers, Cira noted, “Our travel trailers offer at least 6 feet of interior height and the majority of them average 2,000 pounds dry weight which makes the perfect “traditional amenities travel trailer” for the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Subaru Outback and other 3,500 pound tow vehicles owners.  Now these buyers will not have to compromise their comfort wants and their light-weight needs”.

This year’s Open House will be an introduction of many new products and floorplans including…

• All new industry first Rove Lite Classic
• The ground-breaking 775 Up Country Extreme truck camper as well as
• New and unique floorplans in the Rove Lite and Rove XL travel trailer series.”

TLRV will be on the north side lawn at the entrance to the RV Hall of Fame just off CR 17. (Scroll down for TLRV’s latest marketing video.)

The post Travel Lite RV Offers Updated Product Line at Open House first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Dometic Group AB, a global market leader in the mobile living industry, today announced that “weakened market conditions” are expected to impact Dometic’s financial performance in the third quarter, the report for which will be released Oct. 23, 2024.

The current macroeconomic situation and market conditions, including high interest rates, lower consumer spend and customer purchasing patterns, are having a negative impact on net sales, according to a release from the Sweden-based company. As a result, organic net sales for the third quarter are expected to decline by approximately 15% compared to the same period previous year, with an EBITA margin before items affecting comparability in the range of 8-9%. Supported by a continued robust operating cash flow, officials expect the net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio to be approximately 3.1x, compared to 2.9x at the end of the second quarter 2024.

“Long-term trends in the Mobile Living industry are strong. However the current macroeconomic situation, market conditions and customer purchasing patterns have a negative impact on the business in all sales channels, which is expected to remain throughout the year,” stated Juan Vargues, president and CEO of Dometic. “Demand visibility has turned shorter than normal and the situation has worsened during the third quarter as customers are cautious building inventories as the low season approaches.

“In this challenging environment we continue to drive our strategic agenda and are strengthening the sales organizations in future growth areas, such as Outdoor Standalone Products and Mobile Power Solutions,” he continued. “We continue to invest in product innovation strategically, in particular in service intensive product areas, while continuing to reduce cost and increase efficiency. We are proactively adjusting capacity and we are today 1,600 fewer FTEs (full-time equivalents) than two years ago and will continue to take mitigating actions to remain agile and efficient.”

The post Dometic: ‘Weakened Market’ to Impact Q3 Performance first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a News & Insights article by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

In a move aimed at protecting American consumers, workers, and businesses, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced new actions targeting de minimis shipments — small, low-value imports that often evade tariffs and regulatory scrutiny. The administration’s goal is to address concerns about unsafe products and unfair trade practices that have impacted various U.S. industries, including the RV aftermarket sector.

Under the de minimis rule, goods valued at $800 or less can enter the U.S. without facing tariffs or rigorous inspections. This provision, originally designed to expedite small, low-risk imports, has been increasingly exploited by foreign manufacturers, particularly in countries like China, to ship large quantities of goods without oversight. Many of these products are seen as undermining U.S. businesses by avoiding safety standards and circumventing tariffs, posing a risk to both consumers and American manufacturers.

The new measures will strengthen enforcement against de minimis shipments that include unsafe or non-compliant products. The administration is also working to close loopholes that allow companies to misuse the de minimis threshold to gain an unfair advantage over domestic industries. Key actions being taken are:

• Precluding Products Subject to Section 301 Tariffs from De Minimis Eligibility: One of the major actions is excluding products that are subject to Section 301 tariffs from being eligible for de minimis treatment. These tariffs are primarily applied to goods from China in response to unfair trade practices. By removing this exemption, the administration ensures that products subject to these tariffs can no longer bypass them by being shipped under the de minimis rule, closing a loophole that has undermined the effectiveness of U.S. trade policies.
• Targeting Unsafe and Non-Compliant Products: The administration is cracking down on de minimis shipments that fail to meet U.S. safety standards or other regulatory requirements. This effort will protect consumers from potentially harmful products entering the market without proper oversight, while also holding foreign companies accountable for meeting U.S. regulations.
• Improving Enforcement of Customs Laws: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is being tasked with enhancing its enforcement capabilities, ensuring that de minimis shipments are properly scrutinized for compliance with U.S. laws. This includes ramping up inspections and tightening the process for assessing shipments to ensure that they meet all necessary standards.
• Closing Loopholes in the De Minimis Threshold: The administration is also looking at closing loopholes in how the de minimis threshold is applied. This includes addressing situations where large volumes of goods are split into smaller shipments to avoid tariffs and oversight, which has been a growing issue, particularly with products coming from China.

For the RV industry, these changes could be significant. With foreign competition rising in sectors such as RV parts and accessories, the stricter enforcement of de minimis rules may help level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers, ensuring that imported products meet the same safety standards and trade regulations as those made domestically. Additionally, cracking down on tariff avoidance can help support American jobs in the RV manufacturing and supply chain, fostering growth in this critical sector of the outdoor recreation economy. 

The New York Times ran a piece on Friday highlighting de minimis and the state of play in Washington DC. The article included a quote from RV Industry Association member Mike Hesse, CEO of Blue Ox:

Mike Hesse, the chief executive of Blue Ox, a Nebraska manufacturer of tow bars and other equipment for recreational vehicles, said his company was proud its products were American made. But he said the tariff exemption was helping Chinese copycat versions of his products enter the country cheaply through Amazon, damaging his brand and risking consumers’ safety.

“You’re talking about these 45-foot motorhomes towing 10,000-pound vehicles,” he said. “They’re a safety issue, plus the consumer is being duped into thinking they’re buying an American-made product. That’s how de minimis is affecting me.”

While the full impact of the administration’s actions will take time to unfold, industry leaders are optimistic that these measures will curb unfair trade practices and enhance the competitiveness of American-made products in the marketplace. For more information, please contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs at [email protected].

The post What Latest ‘De Minimis’ Actions Mean for the RV Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

TAMPA, Fla. — Lazydays Holdings Inc. (NasdaqCM: GORV) today announced that Amber Dillard, Vice President of Operations has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Ron Fleming, who on Monday, Sept. 16, was named Lazydays Interim CEO.

Ron Fleming, Interim CEO of Lazydays said, “I have worked with Amber for over a decade and am extraordinarily pleased to see her continue to exceed expectations and further extend her contributions to Lazydays. In her new and expanded role, Amber will continue to lead our work with our OEM partners and dealership General Managers to drive operational performance and meet the needs of our customers.”

Dillard said, “it has been a privilege to continue to grow within the Lazydays organization. Over the last thirteen years I have had the pleasure of working across most of the functions in our business and with all of our OEM partners as we adapt to and meet the needs of our customers.”

Dillard joined Lazydays in 2011, and has worked across the organization in various capacities including accounting, supply chain, vehicle purchasing, inventory management and dealership operations. Prior to joining Lazydays, Amber worked in public and non-profit accounting, with an emphasis in Internal Audit. Amber sits on the board of the Lazydays Employee Foundation, which is dedicated to contributing to at risk children in the communities we serve. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Florida State University, and furthered her education at the University of South Florida. Additionally, Amber was named to the inaugural class of the RVIA 40 under 40 award winners in 2017.

About Lazydays
Lazydays has been a prominent player in the RV industry since its inception in 1976, earning a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional RV sales, service, and ownership experiences. Our commitment to excellence has led to enduring relationships with RVers and their families who rely on us for all of their RV needs.

Our wide selection of RV brands from top manufacturers, state-of-the-art service facilities, and an extensive range of accessories and parts ensure that Lazydays is the go-to destination for RV enthusiasts seeking everything they need for their journeys on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting your adventure, our dedicated team is here to provide outstanding support and guidance, making your RV lifestyle truly extraordinary.

Lazydays is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker “GORV.”

The post Lazydays Names Amber Dillard as Chief Operating Officer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) has announced the appointment of Mike Neal and Mark Abate to the company’s senior leadership team and the Retail segment senior leadership team.

“We are excited to welcome Mike and Mark to Brown & Brown’s senior leadership team,” said Powell Brown, president and chief executive officer. “They bring extensive experience in their respective specializations, and their contributions will support our ongoing mission to be the world’s leading provider of risk management and insurance solutions for our customers.”

Barrett Brown, executive vice president and president of the Brown & Brown’s Retail segment, added, “Mike and Mark’s experience and knowledge will help us broaden our capabilities and allow us to develop innovative solutions to enhance our customer experience. They will bring added strategic guidance to support the continued growth of our Retail business.”

Mike Neal is a 30-plus-year industry veteran. He is an executive vice president within Brown & Brown’s Retail segment and president of Brown & Brown Dealer Services, a division devoted to auto and RV dealer training and F&I products. Mike began his career with Brown & Brown in 2008 when his previous insurance agency, which provided commercial insurance to dealers in RV, used auto, powersports and manufactured housing, was acquired by Brown & Brown.

Mark Abate brings over 35 years of employee benefits experience, specializing in developing health and welfare strategies to meet customers’ unique organizational and workforce priorities. He leads Brown & Brown’s Southborough, Massachusetts office and oversees certain Brown & Brown pharmacy and audit solutions operations. Mark joined the organization in 2015 when Strategic Benefit Advisors was acquired by Brown & Brown.

About Brown & Brown Inc.

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With approximately 16,000 teammates and 500+ locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most. For more information or to find an office near you, please visit bbinsurance.com.

The post Mike Neal Promoted to Brown & Brown Senior Leadership first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.