On Thursday (Jan. 16), KeyBanc Capital Markets provided insights into the recreational vehicle (RV) industry based on observations from the Florida RV SuperShow and investor sessions with companies such as Camping World Holdings Inc . (NYSE:CWH), THOR Industries Inc. (NYSE:THO), and Winnebago Industries Inc . (NYSE:WGO).
The analysts ovserved that ” in our view, affordability remains a concern and, as a result, the magnitude of industry retail recovery heading into spring remains uncertain, though dealers are hopeful this year,” according to a report by Investing,com.
Camping World Holdings Inc. (CWH) – Camping World’s management indicated a more positive retail environment, though they do not anticipate industry retail levels in 2025 to be significantly different from the previous year.
Winnebago Industries Inc. (WGO) – Winnebago Industries reported mixed early-year show results due to weather conditions but remains focused on expanding its product portfolio to cater to a broader range of consumers, emphasizing affordability.
THOR Industries Inc. (THO) – THOR Industries also experienced mixed early-year show results but remains cautiously optimistic about retail prospects in 2025, driven by increased dealer optimism.
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass has updated the executive order of a local declaration of emergency to facilitate rebuilding in the fire zones when repopulation becomes possible, according to a report by West Side Today. At least one part of the declaration seems to be a 180 in city policy of recent years, namely allowing recreational vehicles to be used as temporary homes.
This update of the declaration will focus on debris removal, rebuilding permits, and watershed hazard mitigation, the report continued. There is a high level of concern about and from people who have been displaced, especially since many have no idea if their homes still stand.
The city has launched a Debris Removal Task Force in coordination with state and federal agencies, including the California Office of Emergency Services. This initiative aims to clear hazardous materials and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to prevent contamination of groundwater and air.
A Watershed Hazards Task Force has also been established to assess post-fire risks such as flash floods and mudslides. Emergency mitigation measures will be implemented to protect infrastructure and public safety.
Key components of the order include:
Disaster Recovery Permitting Center: A one-stop center will be set up in affected areas to provide expedited permit processing. City departments, alongside state and federal agencies like FEMA, will staff the center seven days a week.
Expedited Permit Reviews: Reconstruction permits for fire-damaged homes will be processed within 30 days, with inspections conducted within two business days of requests. Utility clearances will be issued within five business days.
Temporary Housing Solutions: Affected property owners can use recreational vehicles, tiny homes, modular structures, and mobile homes on their properties for up to three years or while an active building permit applies to said property, whichever is longer, during the rebuilding process.
WICHITA, Kan. – Airxcel returns for its sixth year as a title sponsor for the 2025 NTP-Stag Expo, which is Jan. 20-21 at the Gaylord Rockies Convention Center, Aurora, Colo.
Each year, the NTP-Stag Expo brings together the top recreational vehicle dealers in North America for a two-day expo featuring a 115,000-sq. ft. exhibition hall and a full slate of presentations by suppliers and educational speakers. Airxcel has been a title sponsor of this show since 2020.
“Airxcel continues to introduce innovative products and new brands each year for RV dealers,” said Piar Adams, Vice President of Marketing, Aftermarket and International Sales. “The NTP-Stag Expo is an important event for us to showcase Airxcel’s portfolio of brands, and we’re honored to partner with NTP-Stag to be the title sponsor.”
On Monday evening, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Rudy, the renowned RV resource and face of Dicor Products. Rudy will be at the Airxcel booth, ready to chat with visitors and share his love for RVing, along with insights into the newest innovations from the Airxcel family of brands.
“In an ever-changing market, having key partnerships that stay steady is meaningful. Airxcel’s continued commitment to NTP-Stag and the Expo is an important statement to us and also a demonstrated commitment to the industry that we all care about,” said Bill Rogers, Senior Vice President of NTP-Stag / SeaWide.
About Airxcel, Inc.: Airxcel is the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of the most critically functional products for the RV industry. Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, the Airxcel family of brands includes 18 companies with 15 facilities across the U.S. and Europe. Airxcel.com
FRENCH LICK, Ind. – While it is difficult to predict what 2025 will bring – it’s only 15 days into the new year and many dealers have yet to start the show season – but those attending the Meyer Mega Show in French Lick, Ind., expressed optimism about improving conditions. However, the degree of that improvement remains uncertain.
“I think people are just glad that the election is over,” one well-respected industry executive told RVBusiness while standing in his show display. “At the end of the day, most don’t care who won; they want it to be finished and move on with their lives.”
While a single trade show cannot fully predict the future, the overwhelmingly positive outlook of the dealers and vendors with whom RVB spoke, along with the increased show traffic and anticipated orders, paints a bright picture for the RV industry in 2025.
Anne Wyant
“For us, the past year or two has been down, but not as down as it could have been,” commented Anne Wyant, parts manager for Rick’s RV Center. The Joliet, Ill. dealership sells Jayco, StarCraft, Highland Ridge towables and motorized products. “In the first two weeks of this year, we’ve seen a resurgence in traffic and sales. I mean, I have hopes for the coming season, obviously. We’re starting to turn the corner out of that little downtick we had there for a while.”
Despite the dealership’s major shows being weeks away, Wyant remains optimistic. “Today, I’m capitalizing on all the special pricing and promotions, ordering in anticipation of a robust year. I believe we can achieve a 10% increase over last year, a goal I find realistic based on the RV sales I’ve witnessed so far this year.”
Paul Coplen
Paul Coplen, owner of Coplen’s Coleman Camping Center in Fort Wayne, Ind., also sees encouraging signs for the new year. “Our local RV show is in about two or three weeks, so we’re hopeful for a better year than the last. We’ve noticed increased interest this fall and winter, with more people coming in to look at trailers even when the weather’s not good, which is usually a positive sign.
“So, whether that’s due to lower interest rates or just people getting antsy because of cold weather and they want to get out camping, we’ll have a little better feel in about four weeks based on the attendance at the Fort Wayne RV show. But hoping for a very good year, as far as that goes.”
Kelsey Evans
Kelsey Evans, parts manager for Happy Campers RV Sales in Lafayette, Ind., looks forward to 2025 after a tough 2024. “I don’t know if it’s because it was election year. Pretty sure that had a lot to do with it.” Evans noted that online parts sales cut into her business, and to complete better, she is taking advantage of the substantial discounts and favorable terms available at the show.
Vendors, too, are noticing the beginnings of an upward turn in the industry, at least according to comments we heard at the show.
Jeff Hostetler, territory sales manager for Tom Manning & Associates, observed that the recently completed Arrow Distributing Show was well-attended, with dealers having an upbeat attitude. “Sales were brisk, and we were encouraged by the results. Overall, order volumes were up compared to the prior year, with some of our suppliers seeing double the growth.
Jeff Hostetler
“While we don’t see real-time sales numbers at the Mega Show, traffic seems better than in years past, with more first-time attendees—including some major Canadian dealerships—and the attitude is positive.” Hostetler predicts a 7-8% increase in sales for the year, “Although, I’d be very, very happy with any uptick, especially after all the recent challenges.”
Hostetler’s company represents 25 vendors serving multiple segments of the industry.
Matt Clauss
Because of its size and expansive range of products, some might consider Lippert a bellwether. The news here is encouraging.
Matt Clauss, the Director of Sales for Aftermarket Exterior Products at Lippert, remarked that their display has been consistently busy and that dealer sentiment is optimistic. He stated, “Dealers are eager to return to in-person selling and to offer these new products and add-ons to their customers.”
Clauss also mentioned that Lippert’s pricing and programs at this Meyer show are the best they have ever offered. He noted that dealers are receiving “a heck of a deal,” which positions them for substantial profits.
Among the Lippert products receiving significant attention, Clauss highlighted several key items: the new camping chairs featuring heated seats and backs, an affordable pop-up gazebo, the Furrion Chill Cube 18K air conditioner, and the On-The-Go Ladder. According to Clauss, all these products are designed to enhance dealers’ profitability through aftermarket sales.
Pictured is a 1924 REO, which was on display at the Prevost exhibit. This unit is a precursor to what would become the Prevost chassis.
TAMPA, Fla. – Cautious optimism would be the best way to describe the mood so far at this year’s Florida RV SuperShow, sponsored by the Florida RV Trade Association.
As North America’s largest retail RV show, Tampa has long been understood to be a barometer for industry activity in the upcoming model year.
On Wednesday – the first day when consumers were welcomed – crowd sizes were not record-breaking, but Dave Kelly FRVTA executive director and show director, said “I was pretty happy with the crowd, actually, I mean the public parking lot was pretty full and we’re hearing people were happy with the first-day results. We’d like more, but it wasn’t a horrible day for dealers and we’re hearing they’re pretty happy with what they got, but it’s not like they’ve had in the past.”
Total attendance was just over 17,000, a slight 2% decline over; last year’s tally of 18,111.
Dave Kelly at a previous Florida RV SuperShow. (RVB file photo)
He said overcast conditions sometimes affect attendance because as consumers wake and see clouds, they’re concerned about the potential for rain.
Another factor affecting opening-day attendance, he pointed out, was that for the second year, the senior citizen discount was extended to cover Wednesday through Friday. Previously, the discount was only offered on Wednesday.
This, he said, tends to spread out senior citizen visits over all three days.
But, “Overall, I think everybody was pretty happy with yesterday,” Kelly said.
John Ferrando, Blue Compass founder, president and CEO, visited the Foretravel display on Wednesday.
Dealerships were engaging with consumers on opening day and deals were being written, and while it was a bit too early to draw any conclusions, John Ferrando, Blue Compass RV Founder, CEO and President exuded a sense of confidence in his company’s prospects.
“We’re excited,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s a great way to kick off the year. We brought the largest team we’ve ever had, and probably the best talent from across our store network.”
That network includes 107 stores in 33 states with more than 15,000 units in inventory.
“We got a great product lineup across the board,” Ferrando added. “Airstream, Jayco, Forest River, Alliance, ForeTravel, Thor, Geneva. It’s really a phenomenal lineup of great products, and we are well positioned for a record show.”
Casey Tubman, president of Newmar, the Nappanee-Ind.-based builder of luxury motorhomes, said he believes the current market is “on the verge of what’s going to be positive.”
He said many people in the in the industry feel the same and pointed to some signs to support that conclusion.
Casey Tubman
“October’s retails came back out, revised as positive. November was negative, but we believe the revised will come back slightly positive,” he said. “That’s kind of the start of momentum. This show will be the signal for the year that says, ‘How well are we going to do?’ Presidential election’s over, so that helps. Interest rates have been already impacted a couple times. That just gets people feeling better. Even if it’s not changing a ton in the bottom line, it gets them feeling better about buying. So, I think we feel pretty good about what’s coming.”
He noted that the high-end luxury segment is, “a little bit insulated, so we feel good.”
He also added that on the product side, Newmar was showing it’s all-new smaller Super C model, the Grand Star which debuted at the Elkhart Open House in September.
“We’re showing it to the public for the first time, but we showed it to the dealers back at open house, and we’ve had real positive reactions. Lots of orders came in for it. So we’re expecting those to do real well. People have talked to different folks, our sales team, myself and others, saying, ‘Oh, I’m coming to see the Grand Star.’ We sold a couple pieces already this morning, that (Grand Star) might’ve been one of them. So we’re starting out good.”
Tubman, who came to Newmar just as the COVID boom was winding down, noted that the average age of RVers since then has fallen from the 50s to the 30s.
Alliance RV Co-Founder Coley Brady poses with an Alliance Delta travel trailer on display at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa.
“Now, that’s going to be more probably the entry-level product,” he explained. “But in general, we’re seeing our customer as well come down in age. So again, each generation’s going to be different, but what we know is the younger generation now is about the environment, sustainability, getting out into the outdoors. There’s study after study that says it’s better for your health. They’re all listening to that, right? That’s that generation. And we’re seeing that come into play in our business as well.”
Coley Brady, co-founder of Elkhart-Ind. towable manufacturer Alliance RV said his firm has adjusted to current market conditions and believes those adjustments will be borne out in the coming market year.
“The biggest thing is meeting the demand now, for what dealers and customers are going to want. And you’re seeing a shift, too, in the product,” he said. “There are some brands that are emerging, and I feel like we’re one of those emerging brands. And there are other companies that are emerging, too, but it feels pretty good right now, with where we’re at. I feel good. I mean, I think the RVIA projection is maybe a 10-ish percent increase overall as far as shipments go, and retail probably a similar number. And our goal and our plan is to do more than that and grow market share,” he said.
“We think there is a lot of pent-up demand from consumers who have delayed this major purchase the past two or three years,” officials said.
“We open 2025 with a new administration in Washington that was a resounding message of change that has already shown a desire to improve our economy and stabilize challenges around the world that can impact what happens here in our country. As manufacturers release their 2025 products and show them nationwide, both the dealers and consumers can’t wait to see them,” officials continued.
Historically, the RV industry responds to downturns with new products, new features, and certainly new technology inside and outside the RVs. This year, many believe the changes will be more significant and it will be very easy for RVers to put a new rig in the driveway.
What are you thinking about buying this year? Where will you be camping – locally or taking long trips that you put off the last few years? Is this your year for destination camping?
Join Zagami and DiPietro around the campfire at 7 p.m. ET and give them your view on the New Year and what it will mean for you and your family. With the elections and holidays behind us and a new administration in Washington, the Inauguration next week, it’s time to talk camping and RVs. Optimism is in the air and the camping season will be here soon.
Image: Terry “Texas RV Professor” Cooper NRVTA Co-Owner, left, Kelly Bradley NRVTA COO.
ATHENS, Texas– The National Recreational Vehicle Inspectors Association (NRVIA) is commemorating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedication to improving the RV buying experience through professional inspections and consumer education.
Since its inception in 2014, NRVIA has been instrumental in setting industry standards for RV inspections, ensuring that buyers make informed decisions when purchasing new or used recreational vehicles. By certifying inspectors and providing a platform for consumers to connect with qualified professionals, NRVIA has significantly contributed to the safety and satisfaction of RV owners nationwide.
“Over the past decade, NRVIA has empowered countless RV buyers with the knowledge and confidence needed to make sound investments,” said Terry Cooper, Founder of NRVIA. “Our certified inspectors adhere to rigorous standards, offering unbiased assessments that have become invaluable to consumers and dealers alike.”
The impact of NRVIA’s work is evident in the growing demand for RV inspection services. With more than 10,000 searches per month on the NRVIA website’s inspector locator, consumers are actively seeking certified professionals to evaluate RVs before purchase. This trend underscores the association’s role in promoting transparency and trust within the RV industry.
As NRVIA celebrates this milestone, the association remains committed to its mission of elevating the RV inspection profession and safeguarding consumer interests. Looking ahead, NRVIA plans to expand its educational programs, support services, and outreach initiatives to further enhance the RV ownership experience.
For more information about NRVIA and to locate a certified RV inspector, visitnrvia.org.
ELKHART, Ind. – InterMotive Vehicle Controls announced the launch of its new division, InterMotive Connect, providing commercial vehicle chassis harnessing and integrated electronic control systems. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and growth, aiming to become a single-source partner for its customers.
Located in Elkhart, Indiana, InterMotive Connect uses advanced equipment and software to provide superior, customized wire harnessing solutions for its customers. With its digitized design and build processes, InterMotive Connect can meet customers’ complex specifications without sacrificing precision or efficiency. Complete individual harness testing and certification labeling ensures the highest level of quality and traceability.
“We are excited to introduce InterMotive Connect as the next step in our evolution as a comprehensive source for commercial vehicle electronics,” says Carl Wacker, president of InterMotive. “We want to provide a one-stop shop for our customers, from switch to load.”
InterMotive Connect will be overseen by Wes Rodgers, who brings over 20 years of experience working in bus chassis manufacturing.
Key features of InterMotive Connect include:
Digitized, automated processes
Individual harness testing and certification labeling
State-of-the-art as-build prints
Multicolor wire marking and ultrasonic connectors
The launch of InterMotive Connect is a significant milestone for InterMotive, reflecting its proactive approach to addressing customer needs. The division’s innovative solutions are expected to drive substantial growth and enhance the company’s competitive edge.
InterMotive Vehicle Controls provides commercial safety and performance optimization products. Our plug and play electronic control systems leverage a vehicle’s own data networks to enhance its functions in new ways. We specialize in custom solutions for the work truck, transit and paratransit, law enforcement, ambulance, fire truck, school bus, RV and personal-use mobility industries. To learn more, call 800-969-6080 or visit www.intermotive.net.
EITOR’s NOTE: The following press release was issued this morning (Jan. 14) by Lazydays Holdings Inc.
As previously announced, under the terms of the Rights Offering, the Company will distribute, at no charge, to the holders (excluding clients of Alta Fundamental Advisers LLC and Coliseum Capital Management, LLC, who have waived their and their respective affiliates’ rights to receive the Rights to the extent any of them are holders as of the Record Date) (such non-excluded holders, collectively, the “Holders”) of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and the Company’s warrants to acquire Common Stock (the “Warrants”) as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 13, 2025 (the “Record Date”), one non-transferable right (a “Right”) for every share of Common Stock owned or issuable upon exercise or conversion of Warrants owned as of the Record Date. Each Right will entitle the Holder to purchase 1.27 shares of our Common Stock at the cash subscription price equal to $1.03 per whole share of Common Stock (the “Subscription Price”).
Each Right consists of a basic subscription right (the “Basic Subscription Right”) and an over-subscription right (the “Over-Subscription Right”). The Over-Subscription Right entitles a Holder who exercises all of its Basic Subscription Rights in full, and if other Holders do not, to be entitled to an Over-Subscription Right to purchase a portion of the unsubscribed shares at the Subscription Price, subject to the availability and pro rata allocation of Common Stock among persons exercising the Over-Subscription Right. If an insufficient number of shares is available to fully satisfy the Over-Subscription Right requests, the available shares of Common Stock will be allocated pro rata, after eliminating all fractional shares of Common Stock, among Holders who exercised their Over-Subscription Right based on the number of shares of Common Stock each Holder subscribed for under the Basic Subscription Right. Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC (“Broadridge”), the subscription and information agent for the Rights Offering, will return any excess payments, without interest or deduction, promptly after the expiration of the Rights Offering.
Assuming the Rights Offering is fully subscribed, the Company currently expects to receive aggregate net proceeds of approximately $23,639,500, after deducting estimated offering expenses, and the Company expects to issue 24,271,844 shares of Common Stock. As further described in the registration statement for the Rights Offering, the Company expects to use the proceeds from the Rights Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, including repayment of indebtedness.
The Company expects that Broadridge will mail rights certificates and a copy of the prospectus for the Rights Offering to Holders of record of Common Stock and Warrants as of the Record Date beginning on or about January 14, 2025. Holders of shares of Common Stock held in “street name” through a brokerage account, bank or other nominee will not receive physical rights certificates and must instruct their broker, bank or other nominee whether to exercise subscription rights on their behalf.
The subscription period will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 5, 2025 (the “Expiration Date”), unless the extended by the Company in its sole discretion. Rights which are not exercised by the Expiration Date will expire and will have no value.
The shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Rights will be listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “GORV.” The Rights are non-transferable and the Company will not be listing the Rights on Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange.
Neither the Company, the special independent committee of its Board of Directors nor its Board of Directors has made or will make any recommendation to Holders regarding the exercise of Rights. Holders should make an independent investment decision about whether or not to exercise their Rights based on their own assessment of the Company’s business and the Rights Offering.
The Rights Offering is being made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-283548), as amended, which was declared effective by the SEC on January 13, 2025. A final prospectus describing the terms of the Rights Offering has been filed with the SEC on January 13, 2025, and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Rights, Common Stock or any other securities, nor will there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Rights, Common Stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or other jurisdiction. This document is not an offering, which can only be made by the prospectus and any prospectus supplements for the Rights Offering, which should be read carefully before investing.
Questions about the Rights Offering or requests for a copy of the prospectus related to the Rights Offering may be directed to Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, at 888-789-8409 or via email at [email protected].
About Lazydays
Lazydays has been a prominent player in the RV industry since our inception in 1976, earning a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional RV sales, service, and ownership experiences. Our commitment to excellence has led to enduring relationships with RVers and their families who rely on us for all of their RV needs.
Our wide selection of RV brands from top manufacturers, state-of-the-art service facilities, and an extensive range of accessories and parts ensure that Lazydays is the go-to destination for RV enthusiasts seeking everything they need for their journeys on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting your adventure, our dedicated team is here to provide outstanding support and guidance, making your RV lifestyle truly extraordinary.
Lazydays is a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker “GORV.”
Ladder. According to Clauss, all these products are designed to enhance dealers’ profitability through aftermarket sales.
