EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Airstream, Inc. (Airstream) is recalling 269 2024 Airstream Trade Wind travel trailers, equipped with certain GE air conditioners. The air conditioner soft start device may fail and overheat. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 11. Owners may contact Airstream customer service at [email protected], 1-877-596-6505 or 1-937-596-611 ext. 7401.
ELKHART, Ind. – Ultra-Fab Products announced its leveling blocks now have a lifetime 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 have long known that our blocks outperform all the competitive product on the market, but we have done a very poor job of communicating that. We did a review and found that issues on Leveling Blocks are practically non-existent, so it made sense to back them with a Lifetime Warranty. I believe that there are no other brands of Leveling Blocks backed by a Lifetime Warranty.”
He went on to say “There will be no changes to pricing, item numbers or UPCs. Shortly all our packaging will show the Lifetime Warranty. All product currently being shipped from our facility have a “Lifetime Warranty” sticker affixed over the previous warranty’s graphic. If anyone needs a few of these for their current stock, please let us know.”
He concluded “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 Leveling Block or any other Ultra-Fab products, Raymond invites you to email him at [email protected] and he will supply detailed information as well as recommending sources to purchase your supply today. Also, you can download a Profit Information Sheet from their website by going to https://ultra-fab.com/product-information-sheet-leveling-blocks-2024-09-16/.
ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River officials are pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Jacobs to the position of Sales Manager, North America, for its Columbus/River Ranch brand. Jacobs brings more than 30 years of RV industry experience to his new role, having worked with multiple organizations in different roles throughout his career.
Jacobs’ role is part of a new sales strategy developed by William Miller, the newly appointed GM at Plant 410. “At Columbus, we are building on the solid product and processes implemented before my arrival in May.” said Miller. “We understand that the landscape of sales and the channel-to-market is changing and now, more than ever, we needed to change and set a new standard of how we serve.”
“OEMs have historically relied on market share growth and brand exposure from the efforts of dealer groups throughout North America,” continued Miller. “Today, we must take more responsibility to build our own brand and value proposition direct to prospective customers. In his new role, Steve will work with our dealers to deliver more direct consumer engagement as they begin their buying journey.”
Columbus/River Ranch manufactures luxury fifth wheels and distributes them exclusively through leading dealers throughout North America.
About Forest River, Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, and commercial vehicles including buses, vans, and trucks. 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+ employees in 100+ 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.
FAIRVAX, Va. – The Mike Molino RV Learning Center has extended the application for the 2025-2026 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship to Sept. 27, 2024. This scholarship honors the RV industry service of Duane Spader, a past chairman of RVDA, and a champion of life-long learning. To be eligible for this unique opportunity, an applicant must be an employee of an RVDA dealer member.
Through the Mike Molino RV Learning Center and NCM Associates leadership development partnership, a scholarship is awarded annually to give one current or future leader the opportunity to participate in the program tuition-free. To learn more about the Leadership Development Program, view this video from lead instructor Bob Clark.
The deadline for scholarship applications is September 27, 2024. The recipient receives full tuition valued at $9,975 to attend the 12 to 18-month Leadership Development Program (LDP). The recipient will only be responsible for travel expenses. In addition, an applicant must be an employee of an RVDA of U.S. dealer member. Learn more and apply at the RV Learning Center website.
The NCM LDP consists of six, 3.5-day sessions over an 11-month period. In between sessions, participants are tasked with putting what they’ve learned to work in their dealership and tracking the results of those efforts through assignments and one -on-one sessions with an NCM coach. The recipient will be selected shortly after the application deadline in ample time to prepare for the first session scheduled for early 2025.
Upon graduating from the program, participants will know how to:
Lead their organization’s culture and strategy
Improve their leadership and management effectiveness
Coach their team to higher performance
Effectively understand and manage each area of North Star Model
Hire the best candidates for each position
Deliver world-class customer service
Assess and improve their dealership’s organizational and financial health
The Mike Molino RV Learning Center is supported by dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and other RV industry members who are committed to dealership education and the high levels of customer service that is provided by educated employees. Certification programs, readiness testing, webinars, audio presentations, live workshops, and a wide variety of specialty publications are all part of the RV Learning Center’s offerings.
At NCM Associates, our business is knowledge. We proudly serve thousands of business owners throughout the United States and Canada. From in-depth management and leadership training to customized business consulting, we deliver the knowledge owners and managers need to take their operations to the next level. In addition to being the largest 20 Group provider in the United States and Canada, we offer software solutions to help business owners review and analyze critical financial data to make informed decisions for their operations.
WHEELING, Ill. – RV Designer announces the introduction of a focused range of RV Trailer Connections. This 11-SKU assortment features the most popular plugs, sockets and adapters for towable replacement applications, according to a release.
“This program reflects market trend toward providing retailers and consumers with a tight assortment of the right Trailer Connections for replacement. The product line features do-it-yourself installation so consumers can install quickly and easily,” RV Designer President John Tinghitella stated.
RV Designer delivers best-in-class merchandising and packaging for an efficient, attractive and productive category, the release continued. These products are neatly packaged for easy visual access, simple explanation, wiring diagrams and RV Designer’s exclusive lifetime commitment. RV Designer will display the range in a tight 21-inch by 36-inch PlanoGram for use in RV Dealer Parts & Accessory departments. Product is available Oct. 1 through your preferred RV distributor.
For more information contact Sales & Marketing Manager Melissa Revlett at [email protected]
New Dealer-Direct Distribution Improves Bottom Line for Dealers
NSA RV Products, an innovative manufacturer of creative towing products, is revamping its distribution by shifting to a dealer-direct strategy, allowing its hard working dealers to earn a larger slice of the profits, according to a release. Under the new program, all dealer partners will enjoy a substantial 25% gross profit margin. What’s more, all dealer orders are shipped out within one or two working days from the company’s centralized Kansas headquarters and shipping hub. This central shipping location means dealers receive NSA products within three days of ordering through UPS.
What’s more, by eliminating distributors, NSA’s dealers do not have to pay distributor markups, increasing dealer profitability, the release continued. Through this strategy, officials said, NSA dealers can sell at lower prices and enjoy higher profit margins.
Dealers can visit Booth #22 during the Elkhart Dealer Open House for more detailed information.
New fifth-wheel hitches to be unveiled at Elkhart Open House
According to Tod Westervelt, owner of NSA RV Products, the company is also introducing three new models to the company’s innovative line of ZEUS fifth-wheel hitches at the Open House.
Joining the company’s uniquely designed 22,500-pound capacity ZEUS fifth-wheel hitch are three new models; the 28,000-pound capacity ZEUS 5000 HD, the 28,000-pound Z-6000 HD and the super lightweight ZEUS Z-7000. All ZEUS hitches are backed up with a lifetime warranty.
The 28,000-pound ZEUS Z-5000 HD is the first hitch ever that can be used on both short bed and long bed trucks, as the innovative design allows 22-inches of movement for the 2-5/16-inch ball. This extremely sturdy hitch weighs only 58 pounds and boasts an 8,000-pound tongue weight.
This hitch also includes a king-pin adaptor, allowing king-pins to safely connect with 2-5/16 inch balls.
The ZEUS Z-6,000 HD offers a beefy 28,000-pound towing capability and 8,000-pound tongue weight, while only weighing 55 pounds As with the Z-5000, this hitch fits onto any turn-over ball and can accommodate both short-bed and long-bed trucks by allowing 22-inches of ball movement. Like the ZEUS Z-5000, this hitch includes a king pin adaptor.
The super-light ZEUS Z-7000 hitch weighs only 39 pounds, but offers a hefty 20,000-pound towing capability and a 6,000-pound tongue load. It also includes a King Pin Adaptor, allowing the king pin to hook up to a 2-5/16-in. ball.
The new ZEUS hitches give dealers a full-line of uniquely designed and featured products to offer to fifth-wheel trailer owners along with a higher profit margin thanks to NSA’s new dealer direct distribution program.
As with all of NSA’s innovative towing products, the fifth-wheel hitches are now selling direct from NSA to its dealer partners, for a more profitable retailer experience.
Show-goers can see and learn more about the dealer direct program and NSA’s new feature-friendly products at booth #22 in the Hall of Fame Museum building during the RV Open House.
SAINTE-CLAIRE, Quebec – Thousands of Prevost employees, customers, suppliers, government officials and local dignitaries recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Prevost. The gathering took place in Sainte-Claire, the small town where Eugène Prévost founded the company in 1924.
“The success of Prevost is due to our committed employees and loyal customers – many of whom have been with us for generations,” said Prevost and Volvo Group Canada President François Tremblay. “The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize them while honoring the legacy of Eugène Prévost.”
Additionally, in the week prior, 165 Prevost motorhome owners traveled hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of miles to Québec City to take part in a multi-day 100 Year Anniversary Rally.
The Sept. 14 event was the culmination of nine months of activities that took place throughout Canada and the United States. The 100th anniversary celebration in Sainte-Claire included Prevost factory tours, visits to the Prevost museum, and a special appearance by “Clarisse,” along with food and entertainment.
Clarisse is a hand-built replica of the wooden body coach that Eugène Prévost fashioned. For years, it was the dream of André Turmel, one of Eugène’s grandsons, to recreate the very first Prevost ever made.
As the 100th anniversary approached, the family worked together to make the dream a reality. The project was a labor of love that spanned three generations. The name “Clarisse” was chosen to honor Eugène’s wife who was his biggest champion and tireless supporter.
Coincidentally, Prevost and Sainte-Claire are celebrating anniversaries that mark 100 and 200 years, respectively. Sainte-Claire was founded in 1824, followed by Prevost a century later.
Since January, Prevost has chronicled its 100th anniversary on its website – Prevostcar.com – and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X. Through videos, images, stories and recollections, the company has captured the history and future of Prevost.
For information on Prevost’s 100th anniversary, visitprevostcar.com.
For an industry looking for any sort of sign that the market might be poised for a return, the good showing of America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pa., is welcome news indeed.
While the final attendance of 47,879 didn’t set any records, it was about 2,300 more people than last year and, just as importantly, participating manufacturers, dealers and suppliers all had plenty of positive things to say about the caliber of show-goers who made their way to the Giant Center this year for a show that was hosted by the Pennsylvania RV and Campground Association (PRVCA).
Heather Leach
“The majority of manufacturers and dealers I talked to said that they had a really good show, and that it was better than what they expected,” said PRVCA Executive Director Heather Leach. “There was a handful that were saying you still have to really work to sell and that it’s maybe not as easy as it was a few years ago. But the general consensus that I’ve gotten from people was that they were very, very pleased and the traffic flow was good. And, honestly, there was very little complaints to me – and that’s a good sign.
“I mean, the weather definitely helped,” she continued. “We will take a rain-free week and it was beautiful all week, so that definitely works in our favor. But I was very happy to see the optimism that was out there. I think that’s kind of what our industry needs right now. So, I was glad to see that out here at the show, and hopefully that continues into the coming year.”
Leach also wished to publicly thank her “remarkable team” for successfully pulling off yet another event.
“We have a staff of seven, however, we have all of our part-time people, our operations team, our ticketing people, our golf cart taxis – and none of this would be possible without them being here,” Leach said. “They make my job very easy. That’s how I know they’re a good team: When I know I can delegate whatever it is and it will be done. It certainly would not be possible without them. So, it goes far beyond our office staff and they’re a great group of people for sure.”
Others with whom RVBusiness spoke agreed with Leach’s show assessment:
Ashley Bontrager Lehman
• Ashley Bontrager Lehman, Founder/President/CEO of Ember Recreational Vehicles
“Despite the market conditions that we’ve all been experiencing throughout the year, we felt positive about the show,” she said. “Sales were solid and reception was good, not only to our product, but I felt like the enthusiasm for RVing was back in a really good place. I probably went into the show with more of a, I don’t want to say negative, but I wasn’t expecting a whole lot just with the way the market has been. But I was pleasantly pleased with how the show went.
• Doug Miller, brand manager, REV Recreation Group
“We are always super excited to participate in the Hershey show,” Miller said. “Obviously, it’s been a staple in the industry as far as retail events have gone for years and years and years, and this year’s show didn’t disappoint from an attendance standpoint. However, just on a side note, we were kind of tucked back away in a corner, and being that we’re one of the premier Class A, Class C, and Class B motorized manufacturer, we kind of felt like we got a little bit of a short stick there. But we made the best of it. We had a great looking display. I think our numbers relative to the amount of people that found us were good and we thought our product stood tall and our salespeople worked hard.”
• Weston Dunker, director of sales/marketing, for REV Recreation Group
“Overall it was a good show for us. We were more cautiously optimistic going into it with it being the barometer for the direction the market’s headed. So, we started off the first couple of days and we exceeded our prior year sales, so that was really encouraging as we headed into the weekend. Although traffic seemed to pick up, our sales did not, but we were still overall fairly pleased with the show,” Dunker said.
“The thing that was most interesting to me – for us at least, I don’t know if the other OEMs and dealers experienced this on the motorized side – probably 70% of our deals were diesels versus gas. And I think that’s probably the inverse of what this show is historically about. Maybe it’s been 50-50 in the past, but the first day 75% of our deals were diesels and we’re like, ‘This is kind of weird. Maybe we’ll sell some more gas tomorrow.’ And then the next day it was the same thing,” he added.
Jon Ferrando
• Jon Ferrando, President and CEO, Blue Compass RV
Ferrando attended the Hershey Show and considered it a very positive retail experience for his 102-store dealer group based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “It was fantastic,” said Ferrando. “The weather was great all week. Solid crowds. As far as the overall show, the attendance was down from 2017 to 2021, but up over 2023. Blue Compass had an exceptional week. Our teams were well prepared. We brought our best sales talent and in terms of sales in our exhibits, we smashed last year’s results. We were up 30 percent, and we set an all-time record for Entegra motorhome sales with almost 100.”
All in all, he added, it was a well timed experience, given recent RV industry sales trends, and he thinks it’s a good signal for the upcoming Elkhart RV Open House.
“It’s a good sign. Now the attendance is still probably one of the two lowest of the last ten years, but the crowds were solid and there were serious buyers out there and we had great show.”
Claude Donati
• Claude Donati, managing member NeXus RV
“We sold two more units than we did a year ago. We expected to do a little more than that although the crowd was high quality. We thought the customers were not complaining about the economy,” Donati said.
“The affluent, older customer was out there and vibrant. We worked with General RV and they had about five or six of the bigger displays and most of the numbers I saw coming through were from that time period and that demographic.”
On the weekend, NeXus expected a little more business, but that wasn’t the case.
“Saturday was a little softer than we thought it was and we didn’t do much on Sunday,” Donati explained. “I thought were were headed for a record show and then over the weekend it kind of dissipated. I think the blue-collar, working man and woman probably don’t have the wherewithal to pull the trigger like they have in years past.”
Even so, Donati said overall volume was up two units over last year – from 20 to 22 – with a good mix of product being sold.
Ben Hirsch
• Ben Hirsch, chief operating officer at Campers Inn RV
“Hershey show was great for us this year,” Hirsch said. “We actually saw – when we look at most of our booths year-over-year – improved performance, so we though that was really good and we’re pretty happy with the overall turnout of the show. We’re leaving that show pretty optimistic from what we’re seeing.”
Campers Inn only brought motorized units to the show, Hirsch said, adding that he wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from consumers, but, “It was a good show for us, so I’m not complaining.”
TAMPA, Fla. — Lazydays Holdings Inc. (NasdaqCM: GORV) today announced that Ronald Fleming assumed the role of Interim CEO and joined the Board of Directors on Sept. 14, 2024. John North stepped down as CEO and member of the Board on Sept. 13, 2024, according to a release.
Robert DeVincenzi, Chairman of the Board said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank John for his contributions to the Company during his service as CEO. We wish him all the best in the future.”
“We’re thrilled Ron is rejoining the organization to lead Lazydays out of the current downturn and return the company to growth,” DeVincenzi continued. “Ron has over four decades of operational experience in the RV industry, including as an owner-operator of a successful dealership group, and as a senior executive at Lazydays responsible for overseeing dealership operations. Ron appreciates the critical role of developing and supporting talent throughout the organization, and he’s eager to work with other members of the leadership team to develop and support our employees. The Board looks forward to partnering with Ron as he works to improve performance and capitalize on our expanded national footprint.”
Ron Fleming
Fleming said, “I am honored to return to Lazydays in the role of Interim CEO. As a prior 11-year executive at the company, and a previous owner-operator of a dealership group, I have navigated many RV industry cycles. I’ve always considered Lazydays the Yankees of the RV industry – a team with a storied history and iconic brand – and I’m excited to work with my colleagues to build on the tradition of delivering an unparalleled customer experience. Lazydays has strong, multi-decade partnerships with our OEMs, industry-leading dealerships and a talented roster of employees, and I look forward to building on this foundation with a focus on creating value for all stakeholders.”
Fleming has been a leader in the RV industry for more than 40 years. Mr. Fleming served the company most recently as Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing operations at Lazydays until August 2023. Fleming joined Lazydays in 2013 and served as General Manager of the company’s flagship Tampa dealership until his promotion to Vice President and National General Manager overseeing all Lazydays locations. Fleming was a key member of the senior leadership team that successfully led the Company through a transaction to become a public company in 2018, and the acquisition and growth of over 20 locations. Prior to joining Lazydays, Fleming owned and operated Travel Country RV Center for 15 years until the successful sale of the business in 2012.
In connection with Fleming’s new roles with the company, he will receive a stock option to purchase 1,500,000 shares of the company’s Common Stock at a purchase price per share of $2.00, subject to vesting conditions. The stock option will be issued outside of the company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan and is intended to qualify as an inducement grant under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
About Lazydays RV
Lazydays has been a prominent player in the RV industry since our 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.”
