ELKHART, Ind. – John Jones, a 15-year veteran of the RV industry and most recently with Cruiser RV, has joined Nexus RV as a Key Account Manager, according to a release.
“We are excited to bring John on to help us develop very important chain account relationships,” stated Gary Yeoman, national sales manager for Nexus RV. “John brings a tremendous amount of experience in making connections with the movers and shakers in our business,” continued Yeoman.
Jones started his career with HeartlandRV (HRV), coming from the beverage industry, working through different titles and brands with HRV. He then moved to Cruiser RV following its acquisition by THOR Industries. Jones was a key part of the management team and helped with the company’s growth over the years with Cruiser RV and HRV for over a decade.
“With the large consolidation of independently owned dealership and the expansion of the larger chains, we felt it was necessary for us to bring someone in our company that has the knowledge of how to make our business grow with those accounts. John is one of the best in our business,” stated Claude Donati, CEO.
Nexus RV is a privately held RV manufacturer that builds Class C and Super C motorhomes but has recently announced an investment expanding into the towable market by late spring of 2025.
FAIRFAX, Va. – The National RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and RV Trader, the leading online marketplace for RV sales, in collaboration with Statistical Surveys, a premier provider of data analytics for the RV industry, has announced the release of a newly recorded, free webinar titled “Unlocking the Power of Pre-Purchase and Post-Purchase Data”. The comprehensive session aims to empower RV dealers with valuable insights on leveraging critical consumer data to enhance sales, customer experience, and overall business performance, according to a release.
The 11-minute webinar, now available on-demand via the RV Learning Center’s YouTube channel, covers a range of topics designed to help RV dealership professionals better understand the behavior of RV buyers at both ends of the purchasing journey. By analyzing pre-purchase and post-purchase data, dealers will discover actionable strategies to increase conversion rates, improve inventory management, and create stronger, long-term customer relationships.
Key takeaways include:
Leveraging Pre-Purchase Data: Understand what potential RV buyers are searching for in dealer inventories, their preferences, and how to effectively tailor marketing and conversion rates to attract the right customers.
Post-Purchase Insights: Learn how to track RV customer behavior and satisfaction post-purchase to enhance customer retention, generate long-term relationships and positive reviews.
The Power of Data Analytics: Explore how data-driven decisions can optimize business practices, from inventory management to marketing outreach.
Best Practices for RV Dealers: Discover proven tactics for translating data into effective sales strategies, improving customer engagement, and boosting profitability.
“Data is a critical component of decision-making in today’s competitive RV market,” said Phil Ingrassia, President of RVDA. “By understanding this data, RV dealers can build better customer relationships and increase their bottom line. We’re excited to deepen our Endorsed Provider relationship with these leading-edge companies and this new webinar and ensure RVDA members are aware of discounted rates on SSI products that deliver results.”
“The partnership between RV Trader, Statistical Surveys, and RVDA exemplifies how data and innovation come together to empower RV dealers with actionable insights,” said Jennifer Green-Neff, VP of Brand Marketing at Trader Interactive, parent company to SSI and RV Trader. “By leveraging the unparalleled data we provide, dealers can craft fully informed sales strategies that drive growth and improve customer satisfaction. This webinar is a testament to our commitment to equipping dealers with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.”
About RVDA and RVDA Endorsed Products
RVDA is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer’s interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience. For more information, click here.
RVDA Endorsed Providers are a tailored group of companies for RV dealer professionals who seek out innovation and continual growth. The endorsed partnership between RVDA and Statistical Surveys is one example of RVDA providing its members with access to a selective group of dedicated companies who help dealers become more successful and address common problems and offer solutions. For a current list of RVDA Endorsed Products, clickhere.
About RV Trader and Statistical Surveys
RV Trader, the industry-leading marketplace for buying and selling new and used RVs, attracts over 6.3 million monthly visitors. With a suite of digital marketing solutions, including exclusive tools like Lead Manager and Lead Enrichment, RV Trader helps dealers increase visibility, connect with customers, drive sales, and maximize profits. As part of Trader Interactive’s ‘Trader’ family of brands, RV Trader offers unified lead management and performance insights in one convenient platform. Similarly, Statistical Surveys (SSI) delivers the most complete retail market share data to OEMs, suppliers, finance companies, and dealers in the Marine, RV, Powersports, Trailer, and Manufactured Housing industries, offering flexible web-based reporting and data snapshots. For more information, visitwww.RVTrader.com andwww.statisticalsurveys.com.
ELKHART, Ind. – Thor Motor Coach officials are eager to present the company’s latest Class C motorhomes to the public at the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla.
The extravaganza kicks off on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Visitors can tour Thor Motor Coach motorhomes firsthand in the Midway area starting at 9 a.m. each day.
Thor Motor Coach is pulling out all the stops with an incredible display of over 70 units at the Tampa RV Show, ranging from camper vans and Class C RVs to luxurious Class A models and diesel motorhomes.
Don’t skip out on the fun, and check out these Class C motorhomes at the show:
Gemini TRIP 22MT – The Ultimate Camping RV: Step inside the 22MT, a floorplan tailored for adventurers and couples alike. As a camper van alternative, this all-wheel drive motorhome maximizes space, making it ideal for those who appreciate the compactness of camper vans but require additional room. Key features include a Queen-size SkyBunk with ample storage drawers underneath and a rear and camp-side door for loading bulky gear or bikes. Enjoy the comfort of your own bathroom and the versatility of a removable dinette table. This model also boasts 400 watts of solar power (expandable to 600 watts), 200-amp hours of lithium battery capacity, a 4-kilowatt generator, and an Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system, all seamlessly integrated and controlled via the Rapid Camp+ multiplex system.
2025 Four Winds ESpec 25Z
Four Winds ESpec Essential 25Z – Affordable Innovation Meets Smart Design: Discover the latest in motorhome innovation with the 25Z floorplan. This is the newest addition to our ESpec lineup, short for “Essential Specifications,” which includes practical amenities that combine convenience and value. As the most affordable Class C motorhomes in our lineup, ESpec models are perfect for RVers on a budget. This new layout is designed for optimal space utilization, featuring twin beds that convert into a king-size bed, a Dream Dinette® that serves as both a dining and sleeping area, and a cab-over bunk for even more sleeping options. The compact kitchen with a flip-up countertop simplifies meal prep, while the bathroom offers additional space and privacy.
Whether a first-timer or a veteran RVer, there’s something for everyone at the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow, so you won’t want to miss it! To purchase tickets and learn more, visit www.frvta.org/show/florida-rv-supershow/.
Can’t make it to the show? No worries! Follow our social media channels for updates and explore all Thor Motor Coach models now at www.thormotorcoach.com/motorhomes.
When we walked through the prototype of the all-electric Pebble Flow travel trailer last summer, the advanced technology shone through. Pebble was started by Bingrui Yang in 2022 with a vision to reimagine the RV experience using sustainable materials. Powering the Flow is a 45 kWh lithium iron phosphate EV battery bank that resides underneath the trailer, and a 1.1 kW solar system is integrated on the roof. The Flow has universal charging so it can be juiced up at home, in a campground and at EV charging stations. The trailer will also charge itself while being towed with its regenerative braking. A NEMA 14-50 outlet allows for charging up an electric vehicle and the Flow can even serve as a backup power source for a house.
The Flow’s smooth rounded shell sits atop a rigid, lightweight space frame. Panoramic windows feature Smart Glass that enables the user to set the windows to opaque, darkened or transparent. This, as well as all of the Flow’s other features and systems are controlled through the Pebble app. The owner can monitor and configure the Pebble, while onboard diagnostics monitor what’s going on with the trailer.
It has been a constant process for the company to refine and improve this 25-foot semi-autonomous trailer. Said Yang, “We’ve made some changes. We’ve really taken the feedback from our new customers to heart and made improvements in the design and features. There’s been a lot of testing and research going on, and the components work well together.” The company recently moved into a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, where production will begin in early 2025. The first Pebble Flow deliveries are expected this spring.
Inside Look
The Flow comfortably houses a family of four with sleeping accommodations at opposite ends of the trailer. At the front of the trailer, the U-shaped dinette easily transforms into a bed by use of a lever to adjust the table height—no need to wrestle with table leg posts. When the table is set back up for dining, everyone seated can enjoy an outside view, and the big windshield and skylight ensure that daylight won’t go to waste. Interior height is 6 feet, 5 inches, with a little less at the front and back where the roofline tapers off.
At the rear of the trailer is a queen-sized Murphy bed that folds down from the street side. When the Murphy bed is stored against the wall, this now-open floor space can be turned into an office with a tabletop that’s attached to the underside of the Murphy bed. The Pebble is plug-and-play-ready for Starlink.
The window that’s directly over the kitchen’s countertop opens outward like a concession window on a food truck so items can be easily passed through. And no need to go back inside the trailer if you need water—the sink’s faucet can simply be turned 180 degrees to supply water outside. A flush-mounted induction cooktop is set in a black lightweight composite countertop; the dark countertop contrasts appealingly with the light wood cabinets. “Aesthetics and sustainability were critical when it came to material selection,” said Yang. The company refers to the cooktop as the “wandering cooktop” as it can be removed for outdoor use.
A multi-oven convection microwave/air fryer resides above the built-in fridge, and a floor-to-ceiling closet is alongside it. Yang said that customers requested more storage, “so we doubled the capacity on that closet from the one on the prototype.” Overhead cabinets with doors that open upward are engineered to follow the curves of the trailer. At the back of the Flow where the ceiling tapers off to follow the Pebble’s contours, open-style cubbies have aluminum brackets that can act as tiedowns. For instance, the rear window can be lifted up to slide in a stand-up paddleboard, which then can be secured using the brackets.
In another example of the company listening to customers’ feedback, freshwater capacity has been upped a couple of gallons to 40, and what was originally a combined tank for gray and black water are now separate. Gray-water capacity is 37 gallons, and the macerating black tank holds 13 gallons.
Glass-Enclosed Bathroom
Adding to the Pebble’s open and airy feel is the large amidships bathroom that’s enclosed in glass. A shower—that a 6-foot-3-inch company representative stood in to demonstrate the height—and modern cabinets and stylish fixtures are all visible…that is until you press a button and the electrochromatic glass changes to opaque. This switch for toggling between opaque and transparent is accessible from inside the bathroom only so loved ones don’t get any bright ideas to put you on display while using the bathroom.
Take It Outside
The Flow’s entire exterior design is streamlined, especially at the back. There are no latches for the outside storage compartments; opening and closing these are all done through the app. Cameras are incorporated as well. A 10-foot awning extends eight feet. The entry door with an automotive handle is intentionally made wide, and Pebble took a different approach by using a removable magnetic screen for the door that can be buttoned up all the way around. Once you go through the screen, it automatically buttons back up. All windows have fixed screens that are also removable.
To keep it quiet inside the trailer when the heater or air conditioner is running, the mini-split HVAC system resides outside at the front of the trailer, where propane cylinders are usually housed. A hard-shell shroud protects the system, and when the trailer is being towed, this whole set lifts vertically to redirect airflow. Claimed GVWR on a fully loaded Flow is now 6,800 pounds.
The company has just added a fourth exterior color to its choices that are designed to complement the natural surroundings: Sky Blue, Sand, California Poppy and Fern. Fern is exclusively for the Founder’s Edition trim level and comes with all the upgrades, limited edition badge and other perks (priced at $175,000).
Off-Road Capability and Magic Hitch
Regarding the Flow’s off-road capability, “Since it’s a single axle, there was a lot of overhang, so we moved the axle back and raised the suspension a little so we’ve added more ground clearance,” said Yang. Rear bumper ground clearance is measured at 20 inches. “In addition to moving the axle back, we’ve upped the size of the caster wheels to 18 inches. We’ve done real-world testing where there’s mud, grass and sand and there are no problems. Caster wheels can conquer a lot of terrain.” Tires are 275/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT All-Season.
Pebble has simplified the sometimes-two-person task of hitching up with its Magic Pack option that adds a dual-motor drivetrain, and the caster wheels are “essential for the ability to move the trailer on its own power.” With Magic Hitch, once the trailer is within 3–5 feet of the tow vehicle’s hitch, the Flow will align itself and drop down onto the hitch by itself. When the trailer is unhooked from the hitch, the operator can use a remote control through the app to reverse, park and position the Pebble exactly where wanted, saving the owner from having to jockey the trailer into an awkward camping spot. The trailer can even be turned 360 degrees while in place. Yang clarified that the Pebble isn’t built for extreme off-road conditions, but “With two motors, one powering each of the massive powered wheels, plus caster wheels, that allows us to go to some challenging terrain.”
InstaCamp
One of Pebble’s goals is to have customers enjoy more time in the outdoors and less time spent setting up and breaking camp. With a press of the InstaCamp button, the electric parking brakes are set, four heavy-duty electric stabilizers automatically deploy, the entry steps unfold, the door unlocks, the interior lights turn on and the temperature sets itself to what has been programmed in. Breaking camp is just as easy as InstaCamp can be set to do the reverse. “It takes most people half an hour to set up camp,” said Yang. “With us, you’re set up within minutes.”
Pebble is taking orders with a refundable $500 deposit. The basic Flow (without the dual motors) starts at $109,500, while the Flow with the motors starts at $135,500. Additional accessories and options are available. pebblelife.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and RV Industry Association (RVIA), among others, celebrate President Biden signing into law, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act this weekend, a groundbreaking bipartisan achievement that cements the outdoor recreation industry as a cornerstone of America’s economy and quality of life.
Jessica Wahl Turner
“The EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry. This transformative new law will help ensure every American has access to world-class outdoor experiences–from their backyards to the backcountry – while supporting the businesses, workers, and communities who make those experiences possible,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR).
“The EXPLORE Act is the result of the hard work of so many,” she continued, “including sponsors Chairman Joe Manchin, Ranking Member John Barrasso, Chairman Bruce Westerman, and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva, and many Senators and Representatives whose bills are included in the package, communities across the nation, outdoor recreation businesses, local and state elected leaders and stakeholders over many years. We are thankful to the President, our congressional champions and their staff, and all who helped pass this crucial legislation into law and are proud to celebrate this moment with the nation and our ORR members who really led the way.
“With the EXPLORE Act now law, ORR looks forward to working with the new administration, Congress, state governments, Tribes, and local communities to support a cornerstone of our economy, public health, and quality of life, and all who rely on it. We are ready to get to work on implementation and enhancing access to the outdoors, modernizing recreation policies, and driving economic growth across the nation,” Wahl Turner concluded.
Craig Kirby
“The RV Industry Association, and the wider outdoor recreation industry, is thrilled to see the EXPLORE Act’s passage,” said RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby. “This is an incredible victory for the countless individuals, communities, and businesses who benefit from accessible, enhanced outdoor spaces. We would like to thank Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Leader Mitch McConnell (R-AL), Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV), Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03) for their leadership and support for this legislation.”
This incredible legislative achievement underscores the advocacy efforts and dedication of the RVIA along with the ORR and industry partners, Kirby continued, who have helped promote policies that expand access and transform outdoor recreation opportunities. The $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy continues to build upon the success of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, one of the most significant public lands and waters legislations enacted in our nation’s history.
The bipartisan EXPLORE Act is the first-ever outdoor recreation-specific bill package, and it achieves this without cost to taxpayers. The Act will support local and national economies, enhance access to outdoor spaces for Americans (particularly those in underserved communities), and modernize policies to bolster the recreation businesses that connect people with nature.
The EXPLORE Act will:
Grow rural jobs;
Increase access to public lands;
Ensure more Americans can enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle;
Provide gateway communities assistance for outdoor recreation businesses;
Responsibly extend federal land shoulder seasons to spread out demand and create more RV camping opportunities;
Establish partnership agreements to sustainably modernize campgrounds on federal lands, where appropriate; and
Bring much-needed broadband/Wi-Fi to front country campgrounds to address safety issues and provide technologies that park visitors expect.
NEW ORLEANS – The first business week of the new year brought dealers, manufacturer’s agents and suppliers to New Orleans for the Arrow 2025 Exhibitor Showcase.
Valterra Products Division Manager Hu Langston
The show kicked off Tuesday at the Sheraton New Orleans with educational seminars on thirty different supply lines from hitches & towing to jacks, levelers, power and portable sanitation products.
Dealer attendees packed Valterra’s seminar to receive updates on their many lines while Genesis Products Revive and WFCO’s seminars announced new programs for dealers to take advantage of in 2025.
Arrow welcomes several new vendors to this year’s exhibition including: The Headrest Safe Company, Jager-UniTek, Grill Time, Gen-Y Hitch, and Weigh Safe. Also, joining this group, are Airxcel’s new appliance brand, InVision, and awning line Velarium.
WFCO Aftermarket Sales Manager Mike Conway
After the early day seminars, the exhibit hall will open with over 75 suppliers displaying new products for dealers to start purchasing Tuesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday.
Aftermarket suppliers are offering special discounts, plan-o-grams, and product information to help dealers stay up to date and competitive in their retail markets.
Blue Ox is the featured VIP sponsor of the Arrow show which operates 10 warehouses in the U.S., concentrated in the central states and California.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Blue Compass RV today announced the acquisition of an exclusive Airstream dealership in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the 13th Airstream location for Blue Compass RV.
The dealership will relocate to a dedicated Airstream sales and service facility on Blue Compass RV’s flagship campus on I-25 in Albuquerque, further solidifying the company’s commitment to providing exceptional RV experiences to customers across the United States, according to a release.
Jon Ferrando
“We are thrilled to expand our Airstream presence into the New Mexico market,” said Jon Ferrando, founder, CEO and president of Blue Compass RV. “We look forward to adding the New Mexico store to our impressive list of locations that have qualified for Five Rivet through Airstream’s Five Rivet Program.”
As the No. 1 Airstream dealer, Blue Compass RV is committed to providing an exceptional customer experience, the release continued. With the addition of its newest location in New Mexico, Blue Compass RV is poised to serve Airstream customers in the region with the same excellence for which the company is known.
Blue Compass RV is the fastest growing RV retail company in the United States over the past five years, with over 100 locations in 33 states. Our stores across America offer an incredible selection of new and used RVs, including the best lineup of premium new brands. Our mission is to provide an exceptional sales, service, and RV ownership experience for our customers, and with over 1,000 service bays across the country, we’re able to service our customers wherever their travels may take them.
Blue Compass RV has been named the No. 1 Airstream dealer in the world for five consecutive years, with a record setting 11 Airstream stores achieving the prestigious “Five Rivet” status. Blue Compass RV’s flagship Motor Home Specialist store has been the leading motorhome dealer in the U.S. for 11 consecutive years.
Led by Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Ferrando, Blue Compass has experienced exponential growth since its founding in 2018, for which it was named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list, as well as South Florida Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list for four consecutive years. Prior to launching Blue Compass RV, Ferrando was instrumental in building America’s largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related 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.
Storyteller Overland, LLC is recalling 80 2024 Beast Mode, Classic Mode, Stealth Mode, and Mystic Mode vehicles. An improperly torqued internal component may cause the secondary alternator to short circuit and overheat. Dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 20. Owners may contact Storyteller customer service at 1-888-999-7442.
Storyteller Overland, LLC is recalling 28 2023-2024 GXV HILT vehicles. The metal frames within the housing portion of the vehicle may be improperly grounded. Dealers will install additional bonding wires to ensure adequate grounding, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Feb. 20. Owners may contact Storyteller Overland customer service at 1-888-999-7442.
Ford Motor Company is recalling 295,449 2020-2022 F-Super Duty F250, F350, F450, F550, F600, and 2021-2022 F-650, F750 vehicles. Biodiesel deposits may form on the pump drivetrain roller components, which could lead to failure of the high pressure fuel pump. Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Jan. 13. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S78.
ATHENS, Texas – The National RV Training Academy (NRVTA), a leading RV training school, is proud to announce Monica Szczepkowski as a new Student Advisor. Monica, a Kaufman/Terrell, TX, native, brings over a decade of public-facing experience and a passion for helping students achieve their career goals in the RV industry. In addition to her student support expertise, Monica is bilingual and can assist students in Spanish, ensuring NRVTA is accessible to a broader range of learners.
Monica Szczepkowski
Monica recently moved to Mabank with her four children and felt an immediate connection to her role at NRVTA. “When I was asked to join NRVTA, I was in a pivotal moment in my life where I truly felt I was in the right place at the right time,” shared Monica. “I am driven by my passion to do what is right and am deeply committed to creating a positive student experience. Being part of the students’ journey as they embrace their new career paths is incredibly rewarding.”
As a Student Advisor, Monica plays a crucial role in guiding students through their RV training journey, whether they are enrolling in RV training classes, seeking RV technician certification, or learning about how much it costs to become an RV inspector. Her ability to connect with people, coupled with her Spanish-language skills, makes her an invaluable resource for students from diverse backgrounds.
“Monica’s dedication to our students and her ability to connect with them on a personal level make her a fantastic addition to our team,” said Tonya Taylor, NRVTA’s Student Advisor Director. “Her passion for doing what is right and her focus on the student experience align perfectly with our mission. Monica’s bilingual abilities further enhance our ability to serve a wide range of students. We are thrilled to have her supporting our students as they pursue RV technician training and certification.”
Monica is excited to contribute to NRVTA’s goal of providing comprehensive RV repair training and RV tech certification programs. Her role is key in ensuring that students feel supported from enrollment through certification, helping them succeed in this growing industry.
For those interested in NRVTA reviews, RV training programs, or the RV tech course, visitnrvta.com for more information.
