EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was written by Gregg Fore, former partner of G&G Media and chairman of the RV Industry Association, retired president of Dicor, and a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.
When U.S. Equity markets opened this morning, the DOW opened down 2.8% and the Nasdaq down 3.5%, and this followed a dramatic market sell-off from April 3.
Even though the current administration, since taking office, had warned of the use of tariffs as both offensive and defensive tools in international trade, the warnings had little impact as investors stayed relatively quiet, waiting for more certainty.
After the official announcements on tariffs, investors began the sell-off of equities looking for more safety as the future of corporate profits, inflation, and consumer demand seemed cloudier than ever.
Even in the days of the rallying around the development and use of AI, the market leader, U.S.-based NVDA has lost nearly one-third of its market value since mid-February. Possibly a sign of troubles ahead, or maybe a signal that equities have been overpriced and the tariff’s triggered a correction.
Even with these negative market conditions, not much has changed relative to the market dynamics and demand for RVs – it is not likely that industry shipments or retail registrations will mirror the drop in stock values.
Even so, the impact on RV related stocks has been, and continues to be, more dramatic than the overall equity markets. After suffering considerable losses throughout the day on April 3, early activity on the morning of April 4, found the negative pace continuing.
Camping World (CWH) after falling 16% on April 3rd, was off an additional 10% this morning.
Thor (THO) fell 10% on April 3rd and opened today down an additional 6%
Winnebago (WGO) fell 8.3% on April 3rd and opened today down another 6.0%
Patrick (PATK) fell approximately 9% on April 3rd and another 5% this morning.
Lippert (LCII) down 9.8% on April 3rd and another 5% this morning.
It appears that until there is some “settling” in the World Trade arena, equity values will be quite uncertain.
NAPPANEE, Ind. – Gulf Stream Coach, the country’s largest family- owned manufacturer of high-quality recreational vehicles, announced its upcoming Spring Showcase at its headquarters in Nappanee, Ind., according to a release. The event provides our dealer partners an exclusive opportunity to explore the latest innovations from Gulf Stream Coach.
Coming off a strong retail month in March for many dealerships, Gulf Stream Coach recognizes the need for dealers to replenish inventory with the newest and freshest products available. The Spring Showcase, running from April 16 through April 25 inside Gulf Stream’s climate- controlled showroom, is strategically timed to give dealers a competitive edge by offering a comprehensive look at the award-winning additions to the company’s product line.
This showcase offers dealers a sneak peek at new models and features that will be highlighted at the Elkhart RV Hall of Fame Open House in September. Dealers can also review models that proved successful during the RV show season, gaining valuable insights for the peak selling months ahead.
“We’re excited to welcome our dealer partners to Nappanee for this dedicated Spring Showcase,” said Phil Sarvari, Gulf Stream Coach President. “This event is the perfect time to see the innovation happening at Gulf Stream firsthand. We’ve expanded our offerings and developed new floorplans that are already resonating strongly with consumers, providing the excellent quality, value and innovation our dealers expect.”
Gulf Stream Coach’s corporate headquarters is located at 503 S Oakland Ave, Nappanee, IN 46550. Dealers interested in attending the Spring Showcase are encouraged to contact their Gulf Stream Coach representative for more details and scheduling.
About Gulf Stream Coach
Founded in 1983, Gulf Stream Coach is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of quality recreational vehicles. Headquartered in Nappanee, Indiana, Gulf Stream Coach is dedicated to producing innovative RVs that offer exceptional value and comfort for families seeking adventure and memorable travel experiences.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following report was written by RV Industry Association (RVIA) President & CEO Craig Kirby and sent to the association’s members.
With President Trump announcing a series of new tariffs, I wanted to update you all on the RV Industry Association’s activities on tariff engagement. As you are aware, starting on Inauguration Day, the President has prioritized resetting and rebalancing worldwide trade by imposing tariffs on a variety of goods imported from countries around the world. This includes 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico to stem illegal immigration and the importation of fentanyl, tariffs on aluminum and steel and their derivatives, tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, reciprocal tariffs, and tariffs on Chinese goods.
Throughout the process, the RV Industry Association has been engaged with our members, lobbyists, partners, Congressional champions, and the administration to share the potential impact of these various tariffs on our industry.
Tracking and Information Sharing
First and foremost, we have been and continue to work with our trade-focused lobbying firm, Sorini, Samet & Associates, to track the tariffs, goods impacted, implementation dates (and pauses), and other details, and provide our members with the most up-to-date information. Additionally, we’ve worked with members to navigate this uncertainty by researching whether the various tariffs cover certain products (via HTS codes).
Working with Partners and Making the Industry’s Voice Heard
Since the President announced the tariffs on Canadian goods and a Canadian response to include a 25% tariff on American RVs being imported into Canada, we’ve been working hand in hand with our partners at RVDA of Canada and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) to educate Congressional champions including Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Jim Banks (R-IN) and Congressmen Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Dina Titus (D-NV) about the impact that this could have on the RV industries on both sides of the border. The President has repeatedly said that he wants to eliminate trade imbalances where the United States is on the wrong side of the ledger, but in this case, the U.S. has a positive trade balance with Canada. In 2024, American manufacturers shipped nearly 30,000 units to Canada valued between approximately $1.3 billion (wholesale) and $1.7 billion (retail) while Canada shipped fewer than 2,000 Canadian RVs to the United States.
As part of this effort, the RV Industry Association and the RV Technical Institute hosted Rep. Yakym for an industry roundtable at RVTI offices on March 20th. Tariffs, especially the American tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American RVs, were the primary topic of conversation. Rep. Yakym assured those industry representatives in attendance that he had and would continue to carry the message to the White House. We’ve heard similar assurances from Senator Banks’ team and other members. Senator Young has been a leader in asking the Administration for clear benchmarks on what would cause the Administration to increase, decrease, or remove the Canadian tariffs.
These tariffs were also a topic of conversation with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) at an event organized by Sorini, Samet & Associates, which provided us an opportunity to share our message with the Chairman. The Committee has jurisdiction over both tax and trade and Chairman Smith talks frequently about different priorities with the President and the White House. Another topic of discussion at that event was the de minimis loophole, which has now been closed for covered goods coming from China and Hong Kong by the President via Executive Order. The RV Industry Association continues to advocate for a legislative solution, which will be more permanent than an Executive Order, and Chairman Smith agrees. He is talking with his colleagues in both the House and Senate to find the best path forward.
As the Administration has been conducting investigations into certain countries and goods that could be subject to tariffs, we’ve filed comments on the 232 National Security Investigation on Imports of Timber and Lumber, urging the Administration to exclude lauan and Canadian softwood lumber, both of which are vital to the industry, from tariffs. We will continue to submit comments where appropriate to ensure that our industry’s voice is on the record and heard.
We’ve also been working with coalition partners like the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers, and other Sorini, Samet & Associates clients to amplify our messaging.
Soliciting Information from Members
On February 26th we sent out part one of a two-part trade survey to gauge members’ perspectives and concerns, identify products of concern and efforts to re-shore production, determine countries where members source products, and other vital information. We’re utilizing the results of that survey to craft a comprehensive advocacy strategy identifying areas where we can push the Administration for wins including pursuing exemptions for products unavailable domestically, positioning the industry as an American success story and protecting it from Chinese manufactured units, and exploring the potential of establishing a manufacturing grant program that will help bring manufacturing on shore. Part two of the survey will be sent shortly.
In 2021, the RV Industry Association created the RV Trade Advisory Panel to more directly engage our members on key international trade issues. To help RV Industry Association staff gather information, help inform our advocacy approach, and share information with members, we will be reopening applications to RVTAP and beginning in-person meetings of the Panel.
Monitoring, providing information on, responding to, and sharing the impact on our industry with Congressional champions and the Administration will continue to be a top priority for the RV Industry Association. Please continue to monitor News & Insights for updates and please reach out to us if we can provide further information or answer questions.
KENT, Wash. – Torklift announced the launch of its Tailgate Adapter Bracket, specifically engineered for truck owners who demand easy, stable and convenient access to their truck bed at all times.
“This game-changing accessory is designed to work seamlessly with the company’s best-selling Stow N’ Go steps, providing a “perfect solution for adventure seekers and everyday challenges,” according to a release.
Revolutionary Design for Enhanced Utility
The new Tailgate Adapter Bracket has been meticulously crafted with the modern truck owner in mind, the release continued. With a focus on stability and ease of use, this bracket ensures that your truck bed is accessible with minimal effort. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend adventure, wanting a stable entrance to your truck camper or simply need a reliable way to access your equipment, this adapter is built to deliver the performance you need.
Seamless Integration with Stow N Go Steps
Incorporating this adapter into your truck setup means you can enjoy the full benefits of our Stow N’ Go steps. This integration allows for a streamlined access solution, ensuring that your steps are always ready for action when you need them, and securely stored when you don’t. This is more than just a product – it’s a lifestyle upgrade for those who rely on their truck’s versatility, the release stated.
Key Features Include
Easy Installation: Designed with user convenience in mind, the adapter can be quickly and easily mounted on your truck’s tailgate.
Enhanced Stability: Provides a robust and secure platform, reducing the risk of slips or missteps during use.
Universal Compatibility: Engineered to work seamlessly with our Stow N’ Go steps, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance.
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — Firefly Integrations hosts Firefly Multiplex Training & Troubleshooting sessions in Harrisburg, Pa., April 4; Minneapolis, April 15; Madison, Wisc., April 17, and San Diego, April 29.
Classes run for six hours, providing technicians with deeper insights and more hands-on practice. Participants earn six hours toward RVTI Level 3 certification, advancing their professional qualifications.
Technicians will gain an in-depth understanding of communication protocols essential to modern RV systems; learn skills to test, diagnose, and resolve system issues effectively; as well as proven methods to tackle the most common issues faced by RV owners.
MIDDLEBURY, Ind. — Firefly Integrations hosts Firefly Multiplex Training & Troubleshooting sessions in Harrisburg, Pa., April 4; Minneapolis, April 15; Madison, Wisc., April 17, and San Diego, April 29.
Classes run for six hours, providing technicians with deeper insights and more hands-on practice. Participants earn six hours toward RVTI Level 3 certification, advancing their professional qualifications.
Technicians will gain an in-depth understanding of communication protocols essential to modern RV systems; learn skills to test, diagnose, and resolve system issues effectively; as well as proven methods to tackle the most common issues faced by RV owners.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The latest issue of RV Today magazine is now available. Here’s the Publisher’s Note from Demian Ross.
TRENDS COME AND GO, but unfortunately, one seems poised to stick around forever: clickbait. What I’m increasingly noticing across all niche media is a rise in negative clickbait. Weʼve shifted from “If it bleeds, it leads” to “If it’s dire, it spreads like fire.”
Across nearly every niche industry, content seems to focus on the negative — what some call being “real.” But in reality, many of these creators are determining what is “real” for you. Never trust a case study based on one personʼs experience, or someone who has to go full-time negative to keep you watching.
Here’s what’s happening: A content creator has a genuinely negative experience, posts it, and it ends up being one of their most-viewed videos, blogs, or podcasts. Now, they feel the pressure to repeat that success, and the only way they can do that is by fabricating new negative moments.
As RVers, we all encounter flat tires and clogged black tanks. But we often forget that before we had an RV, we still dealt with flat tires and clogged toilets. How many people would give up their home because they had a flat tire or a clogged toilet, or even post a video titled, “That’s it — home life sucks” just because of those everyday occurrences? It’s life. And honestly, your life probably doesn’t suck.
For me — and for most RVers I know — about 90% of the time is good to great, with the remaining 10% being the usual setbacks that can happen in any hobby. A lot of the negativity also comes from a lack of understanding about the wear and tear that occurs when an RV is cruising down the highway at 70 miles per hour or enduring the kind of stress an RV goes through during hours of rough terrain.
Another troubling trend I see is the “weʼre quitting RV life” narrative. Honestly, these videos are just sad to me. After looking into it, many of these creators are simply going on a cruise or renting a home for a few weeks, and they’re labeling it as “quitting RV life.” Others are quitting because making content while RVing doesn’t provide a stable income, and they don’t want to admit that publicly.
For me, burnout did set in around five years into full-time RVing, but that’s to be expected. Everyone’s burnout rate is different; some people never experience it. But just because I got burned out from not having a home base doesn’t erase the 90% of incredible experiences I had on the road.
The point here is simple: don’t let other people’s negative experiences hold you back, especially when it comes to RVing and camping. It’s about the amazing moments that make it all worthwhile. Keep your focus on your personal adventure, and don’t let clickbait or othersʼ failures prevent you from enjoying the journey.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The latest issue of RV Today magazine is now available. Here’s the Publisher’s Note from Demian Ross.
TRENDS COME AND GO, but unfortunately, one seems poised to stick around forever: clickbait. What I’m increasingly noticing across all niche media is a rise in negative clickbait. Weʼve shifted from “If it bleeds, it leads” to “If it’s dire, it spreads like fire.”
Across nearly every niche industry, content seems to focus on the negative — what some call being “real.” But in reality, many of these creators are determining what is “real” for you. Never trust a case study based on one personʼs experience, or someone who has to go full-time negative to keep you watching.
Here’s what’s happening: A content creator has a genuinely negative experience, posts it, and it ends up being one of their most-viewed videos, blogs, or podcasts. Now, they feel the pressure to repeat that success, and the only way they can do that is by fabricating new negative moments.
As RVers, we all encounter flat tires and clogged black tanks. But we often forget that before we had an RV, we still dealt with flat tires and clogged toilets. How many people would give up their home because they had a flat tire or a clogged toilet, or even post a video titled, “That’s it — home life sucks” just because of those everyday occurrences? It’s life. And honestly, your life probably doesn’t suck.
For me — and for most RVers I know — about 90% of the time is good to great, with the remaining 10% being the usual setbacks that can happen in any hobby. A lot of the negativity also comes from a lack of understanding about the wear and tear that occurs when an RV is cruising down the highway at 70 miles per hour or enduring the kind of stress an RV goes through during hours of rough terrain.
Another troubling trend I see is the “weʼre quitting RV life” narrative. Honestly, these videos are just sad to me. After looking into it, many of these creators are simply going on a cruise or renting a home for a few weeks, and they’re labeling it as “quitting RV life.” Others are quitting because making content while RVing doesn’t provide a stable income, and they don’t want to admit that publicly.
For me, burnout did set in around five years into full-time RVing, but that’s to be expected. Everyone’s burnout rate is different; some people never experience it. But just because I got burned out from not having a home base doesn’t erase the 90% of incredible experiences I had on the road.
The point here is simple: don’t let other people’s negative experiences hold you back, especially when it comes to RVing and camping. It’s about the amazing moments that make it all worthwhile. Keep your focus on your personal adventure, and don’t let clickbait or othersʼ failures prevent you from enjoying the journey.
LONSDALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – REDARC, a leader in off-grid power solutions, announced the launch of its REDWORKS QuickFit Power Panels, a revolutionary all-in-one power system designed to simplify installations for RV and van manufacturers. These panels integrate critical power components like the Manager Alpha, dual TVMS Rogues, and all necessary wiring into a single unit, according to a release.
REDWORKS QuickFit Power Panels reduce supply chain complexity, inventory demands, and labor costs by streamlining production with a pre-assembled, ready-to-install power management solution.
Key benefits of the REDWORKS QuickFit Power Panels include:
TOTAL CONTROL – Each REDWORKS QuickFit panel integrates the Manager Alpha and dual TVMS Rogues, delivering efficient battery management and full control of lights, including dimming functionality, water pumps, inverters, and appliances through the touchscreen or mobile app with a pre-configured RedVision System. Featuring 20 x 10A outputs, 16 switch inputs, and four tank-level inputs for full customization.
QUICK INSTALLATION – Pre-assembled, pre-wired, and rigorously tested to ensure consistent, dependable performance. Compared to assembling separate components, installation time is reduced by 50%, providing a turnkey, plug-and-play solution.
COMPACT DESIGN – Optimized for space, delivering high-performance power management without taking up unnecessary room. The 15″ x 25.5″ footprint ensures secure cable management for a professional and clean installation.
FAST CHARGING – The system can charge from alternator, solar, or shore power, available in 75A and 100A models to meet even the most demanding power needs.
START BATTERY RECOVERY – Allows users to recharge their tow vehicle or motorhome start battery from the RV battery, preventing getting stranded on adventures. Additionally, the system ensures the vehicle’s start battery remains charged when sitting by automatically utilizing excess solar power and A/C Shore power if connected.
REDARC North American OEM Sales Leader Mike Kurtz emphasized the importance of this innovation for OEM partners, stating, “The REDWORKS Power Panels are a game-changer for RV and van manufacturers, significantly reducing installation time while providing a fully integrated, high-performance power solution. By streamlining production, these panels offer substantial cost savings and operational efficiency. This launch exemplifies our relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring our customers receive industry-leading power solutions designed to perform in the harshest conditions.”
REDARC backs its products with a comprehensive support network. Local technical support staff work alongside REDARC engineers to provide expert assistance, ensuring personalized and effective solutions. The REDARC Dealer Network even provides on-the-ground technical assistance to minimize downtime and reduce customer returns.
With a legacy built on precision, reliability, and durability, REDARC continues to set industry standards. Through accelerated life testing, vibration testing, and shock testing, each product is engineered to endure extreme conditions—giving customers the confidence that REDARC solutions are built to last.
For over 45 years, REDARC has been a trusted name in power management and towing solutions, allowing adventurers to bring the comforts of modern living to the most remote locations. With products engineered, tested, and manufactured in Australia, REDARC delivers power systems that charge and manage batteries through vehicle, solar, or utility power. These systems power everything from essential safety equipment to household appliances, making outdoor adventures safer, longer, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re camping, overlanding, or touring, REDARC ensures that you have the power to enjoy your outdoor experience with confidence.
Modern Buggy RV announced that it is partnering with USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) for the 2025 season. USSA hosts tournaments and leagues across the U.S. in baseball, slowpitch and fastpitch softball, soccer and basketball, according to a release.
Modern Buggy RV will be giving away a 12LRK to one USSSA Little League family. Modern Buggy will also offer a $750 discount on any Modern Buggy RV for purchase at any of its dealer partners across the country for all USSSA members. All that’s required is a valid USSSA Membership ID to enter to win.
Modern Buggy will have banners promoting the giveaway,discount, and RVing/camping at Little League baseball games in more than 25 states this season, culminating with the World Series, July 9-13. Modern Buggy plans to display units at some of the games, working with local dealers.
“This further reinforces our commitment to providing families with affordable and adventure-ready RV solutions, whether you’re camping or tailgating with your family at the ballpark,” said Modern Buggy’s Earl Williams, “I’m very excited to be partnering with such a great organization. Their focus on family is very inspiring. There are fewer and fewer ways to invite non-RVers into the RV lifestyle. I see this as a great way to help families enjoy their time out at the ballpark and get into the great outdoors. Modern Buggy builds a wide variety of floorplan options that are small enough to take with you to the ballparks, as well as units big enough to take a family of five out to the campground.”
