RV Business

FREMONT, Calif. – Pebble, the California-based startup behind the all-electric recreational vehicle trailer, Pebble Flow, is announcing the opening of its new 60,000-square-foot HQ and manufacturing facility in Fremont, CA. This move marks a significant milestone in Pebble’s journey to define a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere. 

The Pebble Flow was designed to introduce a new RVing experience, powered by a large 45 kWh lithium-ion battery. Developed by veterans from Apple, Tesla, Zoox, Rivian and SpaceX, the Pebble Flow is the industry’s most advanced travel trailer. Utilizing the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin platform, the Pebble Flow features automation capabilities, including the Dual-Motor Active Tow Assist System, Magic Hitch and Remote Control, making RVing as easy as using an iPhone. 

Pebble’s Head of Manufacturing and Service Operations, Greg Zanghi, who has extensive operations experience from Tesla, Ducati, Zoox, and Aurora, will oversee all operations, including final assembly, which will take place in the new Fremont facility. 

“Opening our combined headquarters, R&D, and manufacturing facility in Fremont is a huge step forward in bringing the Pebble Flow to market,” said Zanghi. “It gives us room to grow, attract top talent, and execute on our vision. We are excited to put down roots in the Bay Area, the heart of advanced technology development.”

With the opening of the new facility, Pebble plans to add up to 100 new high-tech roles in clean energy within the first year. These will span engineering, production, operations and quality assurance. 

The Pebble Flow has a starting price of $109,000 before potential tax credits. Preorders are available at pebblelife.com/preorder with a $500 fully refundable deposit.

If you are interested in joining a team developing and producing advanced zero-emission technology that will enable the best RVing experience possible, the Pebble team is hiring. Learn more about the company, the team and see the current open positions at pebblelife.com/company.

About Pebble

Pebble is a California-based startup defining a new way to live, work and explore from anywhere with a 100% electric, hassle-free travel trailer. Built by a team of experts in both automotive and consumer technology, Pebble combines electrification with cutting-edge automotive technology for an RV experience that removes the hassles RV owners have struggled with for decades. Learn more at pebblelife.com. 

Follow Pebble on Social To receive real-time updates and learn more about Pebble, subscribe to the newsletter at pebblelife.com or check out the team on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and Youtube.

The post OEM Pebble Opens New HQ, Manufacturing Facility in Calif. first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

DÜSSELDORF, Germany – Caravan Salon, which takes place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8, is the most relevant platform for presenting new models and innovations in the caravanning industry, according to a release.

“Düsseldorf will become the center of the caravanning world for 10 days! Over 750 exhibitors will be presenting a huge variety of ranges in 16 halls and on the outdoor premises. Caravan Salon is the most important date for launching the new generation of vehicles as well as innovations in the upstream supply and accessories industries. The trade fair attracts visitors and experts from all over the world and fully does justice to its role as a trend indicator and positive stimulus for the sector,” stated Director Stefan Koschke.

Hardly any other form of holidays affords as much freedom and individuality as does caravanning. This is not only reflected by the flexible tour planning but also by the large choice of vehicle layouts and furnishings. The industry offers the constantly growing caravanning community an impressive range of products and numerous personalisation options. Daniel Onggowinarso, Managing Director of the Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD), stresses: “The possibilities of adapting motorhomes or caravans to ones wishes and needs are enormous. Almost every facet of a vehicle can be designed individually while the comprehensive range of furnishings and accessories fulfils even the highest demands made on functionality and comfort. This extraordinary flexibility and broad product portfolio are hallmarks of the caravanning industry and are therefore particularly close to the hearts of holidaymakers.”

Complete market overview and currently trending themes

The choice of vehicle layouts for motorhomes and caravans has widened substantially over the past years and today offers more variety than ever before. This extensive offering allows users to choose from a wide palette of models, which are tailored to differing needs and use cases:

Caravans create spacious living and offer a high degree of flexibility at the holiday destination. With the decoupled passenger car users can conveniently do their shopping or go on day trips while their mobile holiday domicile awaits them at their preferred pitch. The rising choice of caravan models has opened the market for new target groups – including models with large storage space and specific furnishing features that are especially attractive for active sportspeople and other specialist user groups. This testifies to the market having far outgrown classic family holidays.

The range of motorhomes is also as broad as ever: alongside the classic models such as alcove, semi-integrated and fully integrated motorhomes, compact motorhomes are also gaining in popularity. Campervans are the fastest growing segment and have often accounted for over half the new registrations over the past few years. These compact vehicles are appreciated above all for their easy handling and suitability for everyday use. The overwhelming majority of motorhomes have one thing in common: thanks to state-of-the-art technology the driving experience in nearly all types of motorhomes is almost identical to that of a normal car, making it easier for newcomers.

Interior design: flexible use of space

Customers’ demands made on the interior design of caravans and motorhomes have undergone constant development over the past few decades. Modern, high-quality designs are in great demand especially in sleeping and living areas today. Interiors are dominated by bright, natural colours and wood tones. The variety of design options reflects customers’ desire to design their living spaces in caravans or motorhomes according to their individual wishes and stylishly. For technical equipment multi-functional approaches are in the foreground: folding and height-adjustable beds as well as variable workspaces make for flexible room usage and help to optimally use the limited space. With just a few simple steps seating areas can be converted into generous sleeping facilities and in many models the bathroom can be enlarged through folding or swivelling elements. Controlling on-board systems by Tablet or smartphone is considered standard by now. This allows holidaymakers to also conveniently control  important functions such as water and gas levels or air-conditioning and heating remotely.

Self-sufficiency in caravanning: the trend toward independence

In the caravanning sector self-sufficiency is a topic increasingly gaining in importance. More and more people are attracted to RV parks and campsites in nature away from tourist hotspots to spend their holidays as close to nature as possible. This desire for independence makes more and caravanning enthusiasts want to be self-sufficient. Meaning demand for such furnishing features as additional battery packs and solar panels is on the rise. At the same time 4-wheel drive motorhomes enjoy growing popularity as they make it possible to also reach pitches or campsites in remote holiday regions and even under the most challenging weather conditions. These trends evidence that the requirements for motorhomes and caravans are rising constantly. The industry therefore consistently adapts to both familiar needs and new trends of the adventurous, nature-loving camping fans.

For more info go to:  www.caravan-salon.de

The post Caravan Salon 2024 Opens Friday in Düsseldorf, Germany first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week welcomes Sandy Ellingson of “The Hub for RVers.” Who is in The Hub and what is it all about? The short, concise, explanation would be: Where dynamic and real time conversations occur, and collaboration and innovation follow!

Co-hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro, tonight’s show airs at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Sandy Ellingson of ‘The Hub’ to Join ‘RVing in New England’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has released its Families & Kids report, part of the Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series, which examines the evolution of the camping and outdoor hospitality industry over the past decade. The report underscores the role of camping in family dynamics, with over three-fourths of family campers believing it strengthens their relationships.

The Importance of Family Camping Experiences

• 43% of camping families say a love of the outdoors sparked their initial camping trip, while one-third of family campers mentioned the need to escape, and another third said they camped as part of a greater family trip.
• Family campers represent a more avid set of campers, with 34% taking three or more trips in 2023, compared to 23% of all other campers, and 54% intending to camp more this year than last year, compared to 40% of all other campers.
• New families represent a more diverse group of campers, with white families making up only 38% of the population of new campers, as opposed to 62% of all other campers.

“At KOA, we’ve long understood the deep value of camping with kids,” said KOA president and CEO, Toby O’Rourke. “This report highlights that the future of camping and outdoor hospitality rests with our youth. Children who camp with their families are far more likely to continue camping as adults, making it crucial to engage them in outdoor activities now to ensure a vibrant, enduring camping culture for generations to come.”

Camping with Children

• 58% of guests who camp with children say the children’s interests impact where they plan to camp.
• Parents are not the only ones camping with kids, 37% of grandparents take their grandkids on at least one camping trip without their parents.
• 62% of new camping families opted for a campground with lots of services and amenities for their first camping experience.
• 93% of families say their camping experiences are used to help their children gain an appreciation of the natural world.

Demographic Camper Profile and Multi-Generational Camping

• Millennials are the largest demographic, making up 46% of family camper households.
• Asian campers saw the highest increase in camping since 2019, with a 30% uptick.
• Nearly three in 10 Generation Z campers and two in 10 millennials take trips with their parents or grandparents, with Hispanic and Black households most likely to engage in multi-generational camping.

To view the full 2024 Families & Kids report, visit http://koa.uberflip.com/i/1525674-2024-koa-c-oh-report-families-kids. Additional supplemental reports will be released in the coming weeks, exploring several topics more in-depth, available at koa.com

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.

For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.

The post KOA: Kids Who Camp More Likely to be Lifelong Campers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RICHMOND, BC – RV Careers, a leading resource for information and opportunities within the RV industry, has launched a brand-new website, www.rvcareers.ca. This comprehensive platform caters to individuals at all stages of their career journey, offering a streamlined and informative experience for those seeking rewarding careers in the world of RVs.

“We’re thrilled to launch the redesigned RV Careers website, which brings together all the essential information you need to start your journey in the RV industry. From training and certification details to inspiring stories from industry professionals, this platform is your one-stop shop for exploring exciting career opportunities,” says Anita Lien, dDirector of marketing and communications.

Designed for Discovery

The new RV Careers website simplifies career exploration by presenting three distinct pathways:

• Youths and Newcomers: This section provides educational resources to familiarize visitors with the diverse range of RV types. It then delves into the three core dealership sectors – Operations (accounting and administration), Fixed Operations (parts and service), and Sales (F&I and marketing). Importantly, information about apprenticeship opportunities is conveniently presented on a single page, ideal for students seeking a hands-on learning experience. Engaging blog posts further spark curiosity and offer insights into the industry, while the prominent “RV Tech Week” feature connects users with valuable try-a-trade opportunities.

• Skilled Trades: For individuals interested in technical careers, this section provides clear and concise guidance. Users can explore comprehensive information about apprenticeships and available technical training options, with all essential resources conveniently consolidated on a single page.

• RV Business and Administration: This section allows users to discover diverse job areas within the RV business realm. Notably, licensing requirements for sales personnel are presented with a provincial breakdown. Compelling blog posts delve into the nature of these roles and potential crossovers, providing valuable insight. The dedicated community section highlights the inclusive environment and camaraderie within the RV industry.

Connecting Talent with Opportunities

The RV Careers website empowers visitors to subscribe to a monthly newsletter, offering a wealth of information on the RV industry. This newsletter provides not only updates on RV dealership opportunities and industry trends but also exclusive insights into campground developments, manufacturing advancements, and aftermarket sales. By staying informed with our newsletter, visitors can stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic sector.

Broadening the Reach

While the website no longer features a job board, the focus has shifted to a broader outreach program encompassing this website, digital recruitment campaigns, and trade fair participation. These efforts aim to reach a wider audience of young people, igniting their passion for a rewarding career within the vibrant RV industry.

The post RVDA of Canada Introduces Brand New RV Careers Website first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service released a new report that finds visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2023 resulted in a record high $55.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 415,400 jobs.  

“The Biden-Harris administration has made historic bipartisan investments to restore and enhance national parks across our nation,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This report illustrates the significant economic benefits national parks provide to nearby communities and the U.S. economy, and the value of our work to safeguard these public lands in the wake of the climate crisis, upgrade visitor experiences and invest in park infrastructure and staff.”

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

The National Park Service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income, and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs. 

The latest report is informed by improved socioeconomic survey data enhancing the accuracy of spending estimates and helps the National Park Service learn more about park visitors.  

Results from the visitor spending effects report series are available online via an interactive tool. Users can view year-by-year trend data and explore current year visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value-added, and economic output effects by sector for national, state and local economies.  

The annual peer-reviewed economics report was prepared by economists from the National Park Service. Learn more about how NPS-managed lands and programs provide economic benefits at www.nps.gov. 

The post National Parks Contributed Record $55.6 Billion to Economy first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Thetford LLC, a global leader in RV and marine sanitation solutions, announces the addition of Jordan Menz to the leadership team as Product Strategy Director. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting at the company’s headquarters in Ann Arbor.

In his new role, Menz will drive product innovation and lead new product launches, the release continued. With deep RV industry knowledge and strong connections, he will track industry trends and ensure customer needs shape future product plans. Menz will report directly to Mary Pouliot, executive vice president, Americas. He will be based in Elkhart, Ind., at the heart of the RV industry.

Menz joins Thetford from Dave Carter and Associates, where he served as product development director. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development and launch of products across 12 categories, building sourcing and development partnerships globally. His experience spans both the RV supplier and OEM sectors, having worked with Patrick Industries, Forest River, and Thor Motor Coach.

“Jordan’s expertise in product development and his deep connection to the RV industry make him a perfect fit for this role,” stated Pouliot. “We’re excited to have him bring his passion and strategic vision to Thetford as we continue to innovate and grow.”

Menz holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethel University. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family and is proud to be a dedicated “girl dad.”

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Thetford LLC is one of the world’s leading suppliers of sanitation products for the RV, marine and heavy-duty truck industries. Thetford is a privately held company with manufacturing facilities in four nations.

The post Menz Joins Executive Leadership Team at Thetford-Norcold first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Black Book, which publishes a family of vehicle appraisal guides, has released the Black Book RV market commentary for September.

“The average values for Motorhomes and Towables sold at auction rose slightly last month.  Once again, the increase in Motorhomes was driven by an unusually high percentage of expensive Class As crossing the block.  The towable increase is likely due to their average age decreasing slightly.  As more new 2025 models arrive on dealer lots we expect used values to trend downward as we head into Fall,” reported Eric Lawrence, Black Book principal analyst – specialty markets.

“Taking a closer look at the markets, we see that the average selling price for motorized units was $70,356, which is up $1,600 (2.3%) from the previous month.  Towables came in at $19,311, up $254 (1.3%) from last month.  One year ago the average motorhome sold for $65,316 and the average towable unit brought $21,750.”

Auction volume was down: motorhomes decreased 10.2% while towables dropped 10.1%. 

The average age of motorhomes was eight years old (2016) and towables was five (2019).

The post Black Book: Wholesale RV Values Rise as Summer Wanes first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Priority One Financial Services, a full-service finance company for marine, RV, trailer and equipment dealers, will debut its Relaxation Station experience at the Forest River Dealer Expo, Sept. 23-26, which runs concurrent with the Elkhart RV Open House.

The Priority One Relaxation Station is a tropical oasis designed for dealers to find 15 minutes of relaxation during the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House event. At the Relaxation Station, dealers can schedule a complimentary massage with a trained massage therapist or stop in for a first-come-first-serve experience in a zero-gravity therapeutic massage chair.  

“We’re excited to provide a place for dealers to unplug during a demanding week,” said Nicole Armstrong, vice president of corporate initiatives. “Our last Relaxation Station was a smashing success – full capacity the entire week – so we knew we had to bring it to Elkhart.” 

The first Relaxation Station debuted at the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) Dealer Week in December 2023. Over 300 people visited the Relaxation Station in three days. 

To visit the Priority One Relaxation Station, head inside the building at the Forest River Expo, located just past the bar on the left. To reserve a 15-minute complimentary appointment with a massage therapist today, visit p1fs.com/relax. 

The post Priority One ‘Relaxation Station’ Set for FR’s Open House Expo first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Multiple trailers caught fire overnight at the Camping World RV Sales location along Rt. 356 in Westmoreland County, which is about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, according to a report by KDKA, the CBS television affiliate based in Pittsburgh. The fires broke out just after 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the rear lot behind the building.  Allegheny Township Police Chief Daniel Uncapher tells KDKA that 14 campers were involved as well as one Mercedes-Benz van. 

The RVBusiness Featured Video is sponsored by Curt, a Lippert Brand.

The post Video: Fire Destroys RVs at Camping World Near Pittsburgh first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.