RV Business

Registration is now open for the RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) Level 3 Appliance specialty course, taking place Dec. 4-6, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association. 

Attendees will receive a total of 26 hours of training throughout the three-day course. The workshop is designed to cover all the necessary requirements to become Level 3 certified in appliances. Individuals must already have an RVTI Level 2 certification or higher to attend this event. (Failure to meet the certification level pre-requisite will forfeit the registration fee and registration will be cancelled.)

Subjects covered by the training will include furnaces, refrigerators, air conditioning, water heaters, and more. The workshop, which is taking place at the RV Technical Institute’s facility in Elkhart, Ind., will include classes hosted by Dometic, Furrion, Girard, and Aqua-Hot. The cost for enrollment is $75.

This is the final class in the RVTI’s 2024 Level 3 training workshop series, which focused on the five different specialty areas for RV technicians interested in deepening their knowledge of RV systems and components. 

The workshop will cover all the training hours needed in this specific specialty area. After successfully completing the training, each participant will have obtained enough hours to earn their Level 3 Specialty in that category. Those who have attended all five specialty workshops, including this one, will earn their Level 4 Master Certification. 

For those unable to attend the workshop, Level 3 courses are still being offered year-round through RVTI’s authorized supplier trainings. View those trainings on the RVTI website. 

The post Registration Opens for RVTI’s Level 3 Appliance Workshop first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From ATC: Introducing the Plā 750 – 3618! Our shortest 5th wheel in the lineup. This tandem axle 5th wheel boasts an 18′ garage and 6,800 lb carry capacity. Now with a new interior, this RV toy hauler is a great place to unwind after a day of Plā!

The post OEM Showcase: ATC Features its Plā 750-3618 Toy Hauler first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) celebrated the reopening today of its worldwide technical center hub office tower in Columbus, Indiana. The office tower at the Cummins Technical Center (CTC) on McKinley Avenue had been under renovation since 2021. After having been mainly untouched, except for minor cosmetic improvements and flood restoration, since its original opening in 1968, the CTC office tower now has a newly renovated interior – allowing for enhanced collaboration and innovation.

“The reopening of the CTC office tower marks an important milestone for Cummins and our Destination Zero strategy,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Much of the research and development for our next-generation power solutions start right here in this very hub – driven by our mission to power a more prosperous world and executed by our talented employees.”

The CTC is an iconic Cummins building and has played an important role in the company’s success and in the economic vitality of Columbus. Completed in 1968, the CTC is Cummins’ first and longest-standing tech center. Its design was the work of mid-century modernist designer Harry Weese. Prior to its construction, Cummins had only 50 test cells, and only 15 considered to be in good working order. The completion of the CTC added 88 test cells to the Cummins portfolio and provided Cummins engineers and scientists with a world-class facility to develop world-class innovations.

In 2023, Cummins invested a record $1.4 billion in future critical technologies and products, including the Cummins HELM platforms. Loosely translating to “higher efficiency, lower emissions and multiple fuels,” the Cummins HELM platforms give Cummins’ customers control of how they navigate their own journeys as part of the energy transition and include Cummins’ B, X10 and X15 engine platforms. They provide customers with the option to choose the fuel type(s) and applications that best suit their business needs, while also reducing emissions. These products are critical to Cummins’ plan to help fleets reach Destination Zero, while providing products that are economically viable, scalable and deliver the power, performance, range and durability for which Cummins is known. A significant amount of Cummins’ research and technology gross spend occurs in the CTC.

“I am grateful to our CTC employees for their patience and perseverance during this much-needed renovation,” said Tim Frazier, Vice President – Research & Technology. “We are so glad to have our Cummins HELM engineers, technical specialists and innovators together again under the same roof working as a coordinated team, close to the technology and testing being executed here.”

The office portion of the CTC is a six-story tower, with 72,000 square feet of office space on five floors. It holds approximately 500 employees, primarily focused on research and development for Cummins HELM platforms and future technology for North America and global markets.

Renovations for the CTC office tower focused primarily on the first through fifth floors to allow for improved circulation and collaboration. The architectural design of the renovation was completed by HOK of St. Louis, Missouri, with construction completed by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc., of Indianapolis, Indiana. The renovation design includes the use of a plus (+) symbol in featured spaces. The symbol (see reference photo) is a throwback to renowned graphic designer Paul Rand, who developed a variety of logo designs for Cummins, including the trademark C.

The renovated building features a new staircase, two social hubs and inclusive amenities such as gender-neutral restrooms, nursing rooms and quiet spaces. The renovation also includes eight treadmill desks, soft lab zones and expanded collaboration areas with 90 conference rooms of various sizes, including stadium seating. Additional enhancements include upgraded lighting systems and functional window blinds.

The post Cummins Reopens Worldwide Technical Center Hub Office first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

POWAY, Calif. —National Powersport Auctions (NPA), a world leader in powersports remarketing and auction services, is returning to the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo, which is Nov. 11- 15 at Paris Las Vegas. The event, presented by the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) of the U.S., RVDA of Canada, and the Mike Molino RV Learning Center, brings together RV industry professionals for a week of learning and networking. NPA will showcase its RV remarketing and auction services, according to a release.

Discover the Destination to Buy and Sell Pre-Owned RVs at booth 135

As a member of the RVDA, NPA officials are excited to participate in the 2024 RV Dealers Convention/Expo at Paris Las Vegas. NPA’s dedicated RV and Marine team will be present to introduce NPA and explain the benefits of its RV and marine services. “We’re excited to share our expanded RV services with dealers,” said Matt Amata, NPA Vice President of RV and Marine.

Maximize Profits with RV Auctions

As part of the expo’s education program, NPA produced an informative workshop to enlighten dealers on the benefits of auctions. The Vendor Training Plus session for buyers and sellers, Maximizing Profits with  Recreational Vehicle Auctions, can be viewed on demand under the Business Innovation Track. NPA Vice President of RV and Marine Matt Amata discusses the importance of auctions for RV inventory management solutions and explains why auctions can be profitable for RV businesses. Amata, a knowledgeable industry expert, examines various case scenarios illustrating different inventory management solutions, empowering dealers with practical knowledge. The webinar can also be seen on the NPA RV services webpage.

NPA RV Show Promotions

NPA has several enticing show promotions this year for attendees and NPA Members. NPA members can enter for a chance to win buy fee credits, and new RV dealers may use the opportunity to register for a free annual NPA membership. An NPA Membership allows dealers and businesses to buy and sell on all NPA platforms, live and online. While supplies last, attendees may receive a multi-colored NPA LED Light Up Cup. The fun novelty cups are useful for camping at night. Dealers can find the official rules and promotion details at https://www.npauctions.com/cp/npa-promotions.

A Leader in RV Remarketing and Auction Services

NPA is a driven RV remarketing service provider. The team assists dealers in taking care of the details required to buy showroom-ready inventory and turn unwanted inventory into cash through a proven, streamlined process. Each month, NPA offers live auctions at company-owned and staffed facilities nationwide. Interested businesses can explore NPA RV services at www.npauctions.com/cp/npa-rv- auctions. NPA is a proud member of the RVDA, and NPA’s dedicated RV and Marine team looks forward to meeting everyone at the show.

About National Powersport Auctions

Established in 1990, National Powersport Auctions (NPA) is the world’s leading provider of powersport vehicle remarketing services. NPA’s nationwide footprint serves the industry’s largest financial institutions, manufacturers, and dealers through their premier live and online selling platforms. NPA offers comprehensive data services, including the NPA Value Guide, the industry’s most accurate wholesale valuation tool. NPA has company-owned and staffed facilities in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. NPA is a wholly- owned subsidiary of Copart, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPRT). For more information about NPA, visit: www.npauctions.com.

The post National Powersport Auctions to Present at Convention/Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Tory Soder, the U.S. and Canadian Business Development Director for EcoFlow, joins Rick Kessler and Chris Cieto of RVBusiness for this episode of SupplySide Showcase. Soder offers an update on EcoFlow’s latest power solutions for the RV market.

SupplySide Showcase is sponsored by Lightspeed, a one-stop dealer management solution.

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by CURT, a Lippert towing brand.

The post SupplySide Showcase: EcoFlow’s Latest RV Power Solutions first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

By all accounts an expert in the RV roofing specialty, Jeff Gaff will be retiring toward the end of November after more than 32 years at Dicor Products. The company recently hosted an open house for Gaff, who told RVBusiness that it “just felt like the right time to step away, but it has been a great trip. I have been very blessed for sure.”

When asked what he’ll miss most after retirement, he quickly said it will be all the people he’s worked with over the years.

“It’s going to be the interaction with people I’ll miss most,” he said. “A lot of fine people have been through here and a lot of fine people remain here. And it’s just going to be that day-to-day interaction – you don’t get that doing yard work! So, I think business partners, the interaction with the folks that we sell to, and all the people I’ve met over the years – not that I’m going away, and I can still reach out – but just the day-to-day interaction with people would probably be what I’ll miss the most.”

A graduate of Concord High School and Indiana University, Gaff worked at Ramco Engineering prior to joining Dicor, an Airxcel brand, as an outside account representative in 1992, which was about the same time the company dipped its tows into synthetic roofing business.

“It was all EPDM rubber initially and for about the first 20-ish years. EPDM was the horse of the industry for roof membranes,” Gaff recalled. “And when capacities of EPDM and the polymers became less available, people started looking to TPO. We, at Dicor, were looking at TPO as well, and then it went to plastics. And that is where we are today with TPO and PVC membranes being the primary roofing membranes used in the industry.”

Gaff noted that an intense focus on product development is how Dicor “stayed in a leadership position,” adding that roofing sealants and adhesives always seemed to be among the bigger challenges. “I know all products are tough,” he said, “but just the nature of sealants and adhesives is hard for a lot of people to wrap their heads around. And it can get tough.”

For his part, Airxcel President Anthony Wollschlager said Gaff has had a “tremendous impact on not just our business, but the industry and those around him.” He hinted that Gaff might continue to have an impact in an unspecified role, but for now Wollschlager was happy to acknowledge his contributions to the company and him personally.

“Jeff has always been, first, a role model for me,” Wollschlager told RVB. “But second, he’s really been my balance. I have the ability sometimes to run at a very fast pace and sometimes there is some cleanup in the ‘Back 40.’ Jeff has been a really good proponent to help me through that and to make sure that we’re not doing things that are prohibitive to our business.”

Lastly, Gaff was asked by former Dicor President Gregg Fore whether he had any final messages before his retirement is official.

“Thank you all,” Gaff said. “It’s been a wonderful, wonderful ride. And Gregg, thanks to you and Gary Adamson and Ron Minzey and John Price and Dave Majeski. You guys brought me into this company, and I truly, truly, thank you guys for letting me be a part of it.”

The post Jeff Gaff Retiring Later this Month After 32 Years at Dicor first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Following those of the RV Industry Association and RV Dealers Association (See: “RVIA, RVDA See ‘Fresh Opportunities’ with Trump Victory”), various other trade associations continue to issue statements following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Outdoor Industry Association Reaffirms Commitment to Business, People, and Planet Following 2024 Election

BOULDER Colo. – As a member-led collective and a catalyst for meaningful change in the outdoor industry, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is committed to ensuring that the outdoor recreation economy—supporting 7.6 million American jobs and contributing $1.1 trillion in consumer spending—continues to thrive in partnership with the newly elected administration and Congress.  

OIA stands ready to work with the Trump Administration and Congress to advance policies that drive growth, protect public lands, and increase access to outdoor spaces for all communities. We thank the Biden Administration and outgoing Congress for their partnership over the last four years.  

Together with our members, OIA will mobilize its advocacy networks to champion policies that promote sustainable manufacturing and support a balanced trade agenda that safeguards U.S. jobs and fuels innovation. 

Through a collaborative and bipartisan approach, OIA will: 

• Advance a Balanced Trade Agenda: OIA is committed to advancing tariff reform, supporting U.S. manufacturing, and leveling the playing field for outdoor businesses. OIA will continue to advocate for the renewal of programs including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce costs, create jobs, and fuel innovation in outdoor products. 
• Promote Conservation and Access and Expand Access to the Outdoors for All: OIA supports policies that invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands, along with policies that ensure access to outdoor spaces nationwide. 
• Champion Climate and Sustainability Policies: To protect recreation spaces and promote sustainable innovation, OIA endorses climate policies that safeguard sensitive habitats, enhance public lands, and support clean infrastructure. 

Upcoming Webinar on Post-Election Landscape
OIA invites the industry to join President Kent Ebersole and its government affairs team on Dec. 5 for a webinar discussing the 119th Congress and industry policy priorities for 2025. Participants will gain insights and strategies to effectively engage policymakers and drive impactful policies shaping the future of trade, recreation, and sustainability. Register here. 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

NMMA President and CEO Statement on the Election

Following Election Day 2024, Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), released the following statement:

“On behalf of the more than 36,000 businesses that make up the recreational boating industry, we extend our congratulations to President-elect Trump. Recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers are united in our mission to ensure the growth and success of our nation’s $230 billion recreational boating economy.

With an estimated 95 percent of boats on our nation’s waters made right here in the U.S., recreational boating remains a proud American industry and cherished pastime. This drives our commitment to advocating for recreational water access, infrastructure that ensures a safe and enjoyable boating experience, and ongoing sustainability and manufacturing competitiveness that allows for American businesses to thrive in our global marketplace.

We look forward to building a collaborative relationship with the new Administration, the next Congress, and continuing our vital work in state houses across the nation to advance policies that support our uniquely made-in-the-U.S.A. industry and the millions of Americans who create memories on our shared waterways.”

As we collaborate with the new Administration, NMMA’s focus remains on our top four policy priorities:

1. Boater Access to Public Waters

Ensuring that recreational boaters have access to public waters is essential to the growth and success of our industry. We are advocating for clear, balanced policies that protect and expand access for all. NMMA will continue to work closely with policymakers to prevent onerous restrictions that limit recreational boating, while supporting conservation efforts to preserve public waters for future generations.

2. Trade and Manufacturing

Trade policies and tariffs have a significant impact on U.S.-based boat manufacturing and our global competitiveness. We’ll continue to press for fair trade policies and a competitive tax climate that reduces costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. With the new administration and Congress, we aim to tackle tariffs that impact our supply chain and secure trade agreements that open up more markets for our members. Further, we’ll continue to support an open business environment that empowers marine manufacturers with the freedom to innovate and leverage diverse technologies that foster growth for our uniquely made-in-American industry.

3. Durable Infrastructure

Modern, resilient infrastructure is critical to ensuring the boating industry’s growth. In the months ahead, we’ll encourage Congress to prioritize investments in recreational facilities, such as marinas, boat ramps, and waterways, while also advocating for strong, climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives.

4. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Boaters and anglers are some of our nation’s original conservationists, and our industry has a vested interest in protecting marine ecosystems and investing in sustainable processes and systems that continue to enhance the recreational marine industry and boating experience for generations to come. NMMA will continue to support policies that help expedite sustainable innovation in our industry and create public-private partnerships that enable us to bring these innovations to boating consumers.

Additionally, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer signed onto a letter from the National Association of Manufacturers, alongside 600 manufacturing and business leaders, which was released publicly on Election Day, stating:

“We believe in an exceptional America, and that our future is strongest when we are united … This moment is critical for the millions of workers and communities who rely on our success. A strong manufacturing economy is essential to our national security, economic resilience and continued prosperity. We must restore confidence in the future and in the economic systems that have long driven opportunity and innovation, so that American families and businesses can thrive in a united and forward-looking nation.”

You can read the full letter here.

The post Outdoor, Marine Associations Issue Post-Election Statements first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANEE, Ind. – Gulf Stream Coach continues its long-standing commitment to industry excellence by sponsoring the Leadership Development Course at this year’s RVDA Expo, scheduled for Nov. 11-15 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., according to a press release from the company.

The half-day course, “Giving Feedback,” will be led by renowned peacebuilding expert Sara Jeckovich and focuses on essential leadership skills for RV industry professionals.

“This rewarding endeavor for both Gulf Stream and RVDA has provided us the opportunity for the development of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders,” said Gulf Stream President Phil Sarvari. “We are very proud to be a part of this great industry.”

In addition to supporting professional development, Gulf Stream Coach is also making a commitment to supporting the industry by purchasing exhibit space at the show. This year they will showcase three exciting 2025 models at booth #319, including:

• The all-new Conquest Transit 4237 Class C motorhome
• A Laura Ashley-inspired Vintage Cruiser
• The innovative 109OK Trail Boss teardrop travel trailer

“We are excited to provide dealers who did not have the opportunity at Open House to view some of our award- winning products and premiere new models,” said Sarvari.

The post Gulf Stream Sponsors Leadership Course at 2024 RVDA Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Sun Communities, Inc.,  a real estate investment trust that owns and operates, or has an interest in, manufactured housing (MH)and recreational vehicle (RV)communities and marinas, reported its third-quarter results for 2024 on Wednesday (Nov. 6), according to a press release.

For the quarter ended Sept. 30, net income attributable to common shareholders was $288.7 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common shareholders of $120.1 million, or $0.97 per diluted share for the same period in 2023.

For the nine months ended Sept. 30, net income attributable to common shareholders was $313.4 million, or $2.51 per diluted share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $132.4 million, or $1.07 per diluted share for the same period in 2023.

In addition, Sun Communities announced the planned retirement of its CEO, Gary Shiffman, following over 40 years of service to the company, according to a press release.

Shiffman has informed the Board of his intention to retire in 2025. The Board of Directors has a committee in place, led by independent Board members Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, and Tonya Allen, president of the McKnight Foundation, to conduct a comprehensive search process to identify a new CEO.

Shiffman intends to remain on the Board of Directors.

“As part of our comprehensive succession plan, Gary’s retirement will result in a refreshed perspective to take the Company forward and build upon his transformative vision,” said Clunet Lewis, Sun Communities’ Lead Independent Director. “Under Gary’s leadership, the Company went public in 1993 with an initial market capitalization of approximately $115 million as a small, manufactured housing REIT with 31 communities, and has evolved into the leading owner and operator of Manufactured Housing, Recreational Vehicle communities, and Marinas with over 650 properties in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. We look forward to working with Gary to implement a seamless CEO transition.”

Along with Shiffman’s planned retirement, Sun Communities also announced a comprehensive restructuring effort to more effectively align the company’s cost structure and deliver sustainable earnings growth. The company is proactively addressing its challenges and is implementing a plan to unlock the value and earnings potential of the company. The company has been considering and studying many of these cost-saving initiatives throughout this year and is now accelerating their implementation and expanding the scope of the restructuring.

The cost reduction measures include better operating expense management and the implementation of identified efficiencies and savings to the company’s cost base heading into 2025 to position the business for long-term growth. It is expected that these will be achieved primarily through initiatives such as restructuring the company’s operational infrastructure, streamlining and optimizing information technology, implementing more effective asset management, payroll savings and other targeted cost-cutting.

The company has identified and intends to realize annualized G&A and operating expense savings of between $15 million and $20 million on a run-rate basis from the restructuring.

John McLaren is returning to the company full-time as president to oversee the restructuring and the execution of these initiatives. McLaren has been with the company for 22 years and was COO for 14 years through mid-2022. During his time as COO, John oversaw the acquisition and integration of approximately 350 MH and RV communities and brought a performance-driven approach with a focus on bottom-line operational results.

“Progress has been made this year in advancing our strategic initiatives including selling non-strategic assets, reducing debt, and increasing the revenue contribution from annual real property income,” said Gary Shiffman, chairman and CEO. “However, more can and will be done. These proposed changes have been planned for throughout the year and we are accelerating the implementation in the context of our disappointing third quarter performance. We are redoubling our efforts on all fronts, focusing on variable and fixed costs, capital recycling, and debt reduction, with the aim of establishing a sustainable and efficient cost structure and growth trajectory given the continued strong rental rate increases we anticipate in 2025.”

To read the full financial performance report, click here. 

The post Sun Communities Reports 3Q; CEO Shiffman to Retire in ’25 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve officials are poised Thursday to reduce their key interest rate for a second straight time, responding to a steady slowdown of the inflation pressures that exasperated many Americans and contributed to Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, according to an Associated Press report.

Yet the Fed’s future moves are now more uncertain in the aftermath of the election, given that Trump’s economic proposals have been widely flagged as potentially inflationary. His election has also raised the specter of meddling by the White House in the Fed’s policy decisions, with Trump having proclaimed that as president he should have a voice in the central bank’s interest rate decisions.

The Fed has long guarded its status as an independent institution able to make difficult decisions about borrowing rates, free from political interference. Yet during his previous term in the White House, Trump publicly attacked Chair Jerome Powell after the Fed raised rates to fight inflation, and he may do so again.

The economy is also clouding the picture by flashing conflicting signals, with growth solid but hiring weakening. Even so, consumer spending has been healthy, fueling concerns that there is no need for the Fed to reduce borrowing costs and that doing so might overstimulate the economy and even re-accelerate inflation.

Financial markets are throwing yet another curve at the Fed: Investors have sharply pushed up Treasury yields since the central bank cut rates in September. The result has been higher borrowing costs throughout the economy, thereby diminishing the benefit to consumers of the Fed’s half-point cut in its benchmark rate, which it announced after its September meeting.

Click here to read the full Associated Press report.

The post Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Interest Rates Later Today first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.