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Past RVDA Chairman Joe Range of Range RV in Hesperia, Calif., has died at the age of 87, according to a message from the RV Dealers Association.

Joe graduated from Del Norte High in Crescent City, Calif. His junior year of high school he met his wife, the late Cherie Range, and they married in 1957 in Biloxi, Miss., where Joe was stationed in the Navy and was soon transferred to Honolulu.

After his service was completed, they moved to San Jose, Calif., where he worked for IBM as a Quality Control Technician. In 1971, he moved to Colorado and founded his own business, Range RV, selling travel trailers and motorhomes. In 1981 he added AMC/Jeep/Renault automobiles to his business.

In 1985, Joe relocated Range RV to Vista, Calif. In 1991, Range RV moved to the High Desert in Hesperia, Calif., where the business continues to operate by the second and third generations of his family.

Joe was a passionate advocate for RV dealers in his home state of California and across the nation. During his tenure on the RVDA Board of Directors, he worked on several industry initiatives, including drafting the first RVDA Model Dealer Agreement. For his extraordinary service to RVDA, in 2006 Joe was recognized with the James B. Summers Award, the organization’s highest volunteer honor.

He was also an advocate for Victor Valley College and served two terms on the Victor Valley College Board of Trustees. Joe and Cherie loved traveling in their motorhome. Joe was an avid pilot and owned several airplanes, but his favorite was his 1947 Navion.

Joe is survived by his children Terri (Chip), Douglas (Lorie) and Patti, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law, Chuck Nitz, and his two nieces.

A funeral service will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at Sunset Hills Mortuary, 24000 Waalew Rd., Apple Valley, CA, 92307. A graveside service will occur at 1 p.m. followed by a reception.

A complete obituary can be found here.  

The post Past RVDA Chairman Joe Range of Range RV Passes Away first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed into law RV-specific franchise legislation (SB 484), which governs the manufacturer-dealer relationship for RVs. The bill will go into effect on July 1, 2025, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).

“The RV Industry Association would like to thank Senator Blake Doriot (R-IN) and Representatives Doug Miller (R-IN), Joanna King (R-IN), and Dave Heine (R-IN) for their sponsorship of the bill,” according to RVIA’s report.

This legislation is similar to the bills passed in Wisconsin, Washington, and Maryland last year. It is also based on the RV Industry Association-RV Dealers Association Model Manufacturer-Dealer Agreement Bill and establishes a system that more accurately reflects the relationship between RV manufacturers and dealers, earning strong support from both the RV Industry Association, the RV Indiana Council, and Indiana RV dealers.

The bill includes language that mandates a written manufacturer-dealer agreement, covers conditions under which manufacturers or dealers can terminate the agreement (including repurchase provisions), outlines transfer or succession of the agreement, and establishes warranty provisions. It also includes sections on pre-delivery inspection, indemnification, mediation, and penalties, as well as definitions for all types of RVs. 

In January, the RV Industry Association’s Director of State Affairs, Michael Ochs, testified in support of the bill in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation. Likewise, in March, the RV Industry Association’s Senior Manager of State Affairs, Sophie de la Torre, advocated for the bill in the Indiana House Committee on Roads and Transportation. 

Over the years, the RV industry has worked to establish exemptions from parts of the automobile franchise law because many provisions do not pertain to the RV industry or are handled differently by RV manufacturers and dealers than by the automobile industry. As an extension of these efforts, the RV Industry Association advocated for an RV-specific franchise law to place the manufacturer-dealer relationship for RVs in a separate chapter of law, creating more clarity for RV business and consumers. 

For questions on this legislation, please contact the RV Industry Association’s Director of State Affairs, Michael Ochs, at [email protected]. 

The post Ind. Gov. Braun Signs RV-Specific Franchise Bill into Law first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

(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.

Jayco Inc. is recalling 34 2024-2025 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, and 2025 Reatta XL motorhomes, equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines. The remote fuel filter hose may separate from the fitting, causing a fuel leak and an engine stall. Cummins will replace the fuel hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 30, 2025. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267.

The post NHTSA Releases its Most Recent Installment of RV Recalls first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In light of the sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs announced last week by President Trump – and the resulting retaliatory tariffs that have further escalated the current trade war – RVBusiness would like to know to what effect the RV industry feels it will be impacted.

Click here to take the short three-question survey.

Results will be posted on Friday, April 11 at RVBUSINESS.com.

The post RVB Poll: How Will Tariffs Impact Your Business, All RVs? first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NOVI, Mich. – The Shyft Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF), a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty vehicle markets and parent company of Spartan Chassis announced in a press release that Aebi Schmidt Group has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to its previously announced proposed merger.

The registration statement includes a preliminary prospectus and proxy statement in connection with the Merger. Although the registration statement has not yet become effective and the information contained therein is subject to change, it provides important information about Shyft, Aebi Schmidt, and the Merger. The registration statement includes pro forma U.S. GAAP financial results for 2024, including combined revenues of $1.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $148 million. The expected closing date of the Merger is mid-2025 and the closing is subject to the registration statement being declared effective by the SEC, approval by shareholders of Shyft, and certain other customary closing conditions.

Upon the consummation of the Merger, the combined company is expected to be named Aebi Schmidt Group, and its shares will be listed and traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “AEBI”.

“Filing the S-4 is an important milestone as we move closer to completing the merger and begin the SEC review process,” said James Sharman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shyft. “We look forward to bringing together the strengths and expertise of both teams to build a company with the size and scale to deliver exceptional value for our customers, drive sustainable growth, and create long-term shareholder value.”

The post Aebi Schmidt Files Registration of Merger with Shyft Group first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

AIRDRIE, Alberta – Josh Freese, an employee at Western RV Country’s location in Airdire, Alberta, was born with a rare and life-altering visual impairment called Congenital Nystagmus — a condition that causes rapid, involuntary eye movement, blurred vision and extreme light sensitivity. His brain and eyes don’t communicate the way they should, and as of now, there is no cure. Because of this, Josh is legally blind, according to a communication from Western RV Country.

Josh has faced obstacles many of us never have to think about — he’s never had the freedom to drive, his career options are limited, and he has to live near essential resources just to get by. Time and time again, he’s been told, “You can’t.” Yet despite every challenge, he has never lost hope.

For years, he has dreamed of a breakthrough — a chance to live with more independence and dignity. Until recently, every possible surgery carried the terrifying risk of complete blindness. But in 2022, a glimmer of hope appeared: a groundbreaking treatment trial in Beijing, China—an implant that won’t cure Nystagmus, but could dramatically reduce its effects.

After months of testing, exams, and genetic screenings, Josh has officially been invited to undergo this life-changing I-NYS implantation surgery. If successful, this could mean:

• The ability to drive for the first time in his life
• Truly seeing his son’s face and watching him play sports
• More career opportunities and financial stability
• The independence he has always longed for

But he can’t do this alone.

The cost of the surgery, hospital stay, pre-op testing, and the implant is a staggering $60,000 CAD—and that doesn’t include flights, accommodations, lost wages, or unexpected expenses. It’s an overwhelming financial burden, but with your help, we can give Josh the gift of sight.

“Josh is a fantastic employee, but above all else, he is an exceptional human being and father. Healthy eye sight is truly a gift most of us take for granted. I implore everyone in the RV industry to rally around Josh and show their support. Let’s make this happen!” – Brandon Urban, Operations Manager, Western RV Country Airdrie.

Click here to donate to this cause.

The post Western RV Country Employee Needs Life-Changing Surgery first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

ELKHART, Ind, – Over a year ago Ultra-Fab released standard hub/drum assemblies. RV and Trailer dealers & distributors received them well and they have quickly become one of Ultra-Fab’s top selling categories, according to a release.

“Dealers and Distributors suggested that they could increase their sales & profits if we offered loaded hubs,” says Raymond Padgett, vice president of sales and marketing for Ultra-Fab. “Ultra-Fab listened and went to work to provide the Loaded versions. Today we are announcing their release. We believe we have the best product, warranty (no one beats our 5-year warranty), and pricing in the industry.”

These hubs are preloaded with inner & outer races, bearings, grease seals and grease already packed in place. Box also includes cone wheel nuts, hub cap, and cotter pin to complete installation. Each hub is a fully incorporated casting & machined to maximize the effectiveness of the brakes.

Currently these Loaded Hubs are available in 4 configurations.

• 3,500 lb. capacity, 5″ X 4.5″, 1/2″-20, for 10″ Brake
• 6,000 lb. capacity, 6″ X 5.5″, 1/2″-20, for 12″ Brake
• 7000 lb. capacity, 8″ X 6.5″, 1/2″-20, for 12″ Brake
• 7,000 lb. capacity, 8″ X 6.5″, 9/16″-18, for 12″ Brake

Raymond concluded, “Cross Reference information and other materials are available on our website. Feel free to place your order with your favorite distributor as they should have them either in stock or on order at this point. If you need help with availability and/or need help with pricing, please reach out to me.” Raymond can be contacted at [email protected] or 404.754.8928.

The post Ultra-Fab Responds to Demand with Loaded Hub Offering first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. – LiquidSpring, the leader in smart suspension systems for heavy-duty vehicles, is proud to announce the availability of its proprietary LiquidSpring suspension system for the RAM 3500 pickup truck. Known for its load-adaptive ride quality and unmatched handling improvements, LiquidSpring is now empowering RVers, overlanders, and truck camper owners to experience their RAM 3500 like never before, especially while towing or navigating rugged backroads while overlanding in a truck camper.

This launch marks a major step forward in delivering comfort, control, and confidence to RAM truck owners who demand more from their suspension systems.

“The RAM 3500 is already a powerhouse—but paired with LiquidSpring, the ride becomes smoother, the load levels automatically, and your overall comfort dramatically improves,” said Don Gephart, Marketing Manager at LiquidSpring. “Best of all, there’s no loss in GVWR or capability. And this is just the beginning—additional RAM models are on the way as we continue expanding our lineup. We’re already fully available for RAM cab-chassis and Ford pick-up trucks from F-250 all the way up to the F-600 cab chassis.”

Designed with towing and off-road use in mind, LiquidSpring delivers a more stable and comfortable ride whether you’re pulling a travel trailer across the country or taking your truck camper deep into remote terrain. By actively adjusting to road and load conditions in real time, the system reduces bounce, minimizes sway, and levels the vehicle underload while maintaining full factory-rated towing and payload capacities. That means better handling in crosswinds, smoother lane changes, and more confidence behind the wheel.

LiquidSpring is already the premium suspension choice for Class A gas motorhomes and Super C RVs, delivering unmatched ride quality and control to some of the most demanding RV applications on the road today.

Now available through LiquidSpring’s nationwide network of certified installers, RAM 3500 owners can upgrade with confidence. Shops or dealers interested in becoming certified installers can call (765) 474-7816 for more information.

To learn more, view specs, or locate an installer near you, visit www.liquidspring.com.

The post LiquidSpring Suspension Becomes Available for RAM 3500 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) iin a news release congratulated Justin Staten and Everstar Outdoor LLC on the grand opening of the Lake Logan KOA Journey. With a passion for outdoor recreation and hospitality, Justin and his team bring a wealth of experience in campground development and management.

Nestled in the Hocking Hill region, the Lake Logan KOA Journey offers campers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by forests and just minutes from Lake Logan, guests can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and a variety of other outdoor activities. This campground is the perfect gateway to the region’s stunning landscapes, offering campers easy access to scenic trails, pristine waters, and breathtaking views.

“We love the Logan Lake area, and we felt we had a hidden gem with the lake being so close to our campground,” said Justin Staten, owner of the Lake Logan KOA Journey. “People can enjoy the lake by fishing, swimming, and boating while also taking in the beautiful scenery. We love what KOA stands for, and we know people love KOA campgrounds, so we felt it was the perfect fit for this stunning location.”

Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, the average camper spends $156 daily while camping. With 30% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 30% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions.

Conveniently located near the highways and byways of North America, KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect stop after a long day on the road. With long pull-thru RV sites for quick and easy setup, and a strong line of RV supplies, KOA Journey campgrounds promise a hassle-free stay for travelers.

Campers at Lake Logan KOA Journey will have access to a range of amenities, including firewood delivery, pizza and wings, 50-amp pull-thru sites, deluxe patios, a KampK9® dog park, a playground, and a well-stocked camp store. Whether guests prefer to relax by the lake, rent a pontoon, try paddleboarding, or take in the region’s hiking trails, there is something for everyone at this destination.

Looking ahead, Lake Logan KOA Journey plans to enhance the camper experience by eventually transitioning all sites to include concrete patios and RV pads for a more deluxe stay. Additional activities such as pickleball courts, basketball courts, cornhole, and two new cabins are also in the works, expanding the campground’s appeal to a wide range of travelers.

“We love partnering with KOA because of their commitment to guest loyalty,” Staten added. “KOA campgrounds are known for their great service and high standards, and we are excited to be part of that tradition.”

The Lake Logan KOA Journey is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Holidays, designed as the ideal base camp for the great outdoors, offering plenty of activities and amenities for every type of camper. KOA Resorts provide an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space, and more.

Located at 28920 Lake Logan Road in Logan, Ohio, the campground is open from April 1 to November 1, 2025.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website, or call 740-385-7120. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.

The post KOA Announces Opening of New Lake Logan KOA Journey first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Canadian RV dealers say they are concerned about the threat of tariffs on their industry, but are cautiously optimistic that travellers may have a renewed interest in exploring Canada in a recreational vehicle, according to a report at CBC.ca.

The vast majority of RVs in Canada are produced in the U.S., mostly in and around Elkhart, Ind.

So far, the vehicles have been spared from the United States’s 25 per cent auto tariffs and Canada’s equivalent retaliatory ones, says Shane Devenish, the president of the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association. But, he says, dealers have been stockpiling units just in case.

“[We’ve] certainly got our fingers crossed that we won’t be hit.… It would tremendously affect our industry with these tariffs, if they come on,” Devenish told Shelley Joyce, host of CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops.

Click here to read the complete article at CBC.ca.

The post Canadian RV Dealers Hope for More Travellers Amid Tariffs first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.