The webinar is planned from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.
As PFAS regulations continue to expand across the country and internationally, the RV industry faces a rising tide of compliance challenges—and potential disruptions.
The webinar will be hosted by the RV Industry Association’s Senior Manager of State Affairs Sophie de la Torre, Legislative Associate Gianna Dinnini, and Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs Bill Erny.
What will attendees learn?
What PFAS are, how they’re defined, and why they’re under regulatory scrutiny
How the Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act Section 8(a) reporting requirements will affect importers and suppliers starting in July 2025
Which states are leading the charge on PFAS bans and reporting—and which laws apply to your products
How to audit your supply chain, manage data gaps, and avoid costly penalties
HENDERSON, Nev. – As the Priority RV Network (PRVN) Annual Conference culminates today at the M Resort & Casino – highlighted by a panel discussion with the three men leading the three largest RV manufacturers – the one topic permeating all conversations is the state of the market and how it might play out the rest of this year.
The market and all its complexities will certainly be one of the questions posed to THOR Industries Inc. President & CEO Bob Martin, Forest River Inc CEO Doug Gaeddert and Winnebago Industries President & CEO Michel Happe during their time on stage this morning.
Kyle Greer, left, of Impel, an AI-powered Customer Lifecycle Management platform, meets with dealer personnel.
But that is only one of the highlights of the week-long conference, in which the nation’s largest co-op of dealerships assemble to learn PRVN program updates as well as network with each other and the 50-plus vendor partners also on hand.
Among them was Chad Shepard, owner of Pete’s RV Center, who only recently joined PRVN.
“Yeah, we’re brand new to Priority Group. It’s been a long time coming and we’re super excited,” he told RVBusiness. “A lot of the dealers are in our great business are friends of ours already, so it’s a really good time to catch up and see all the improvements that they’ve made to give us a competitive advantage in the market. It’s something we’ve been trying our hardest to get into, and the way the stars align this year, we were able to get four of our eight stores in, so super exciting on that.”
But, again, the quiet and not-so-quiet conversations were dominated by the state of the market – especially how the flurry of tariffs is undermining consumer confidence. Dealers seemed to have a mixed bag of market activity, but none were turning cartwheels.
It was much the same report from the vendor partners, including the following three who spoke with RVBusiness about their thoughts on the market and how their respective companies are coping with the times as they are.
From left, Mark Boessler, Leanne Denman and Will Jarrett of Lippert.
Mark Boessler, Senior Vice President of Lippert Components Aftermarket
So, Q1 quite frankly was really favorable. And we led with a lot of new products to market in key categories: our air conditioning, towing, and safety groups. So, honestly, the show season was really positive, and dealer receptiveness was positive as well. So, I’d say the start of the year proved to be fortuitous for us.
Lippert’s leadership is so focused on new product development and what’s in the pipeline. And many of those products never come to market because of market changes or the price points maybe weren’t finalized or ready to be in the market. But new product development is really a big thing for us, obviously, as we try to continue expanding our core lines. And I would say that we’re pretty invested into it.
As far as the rest of the year, I think it’s going to be a lot of waves. I think, ultimately, it’s the sooner we could put to bed what a ‘new norm’ is – and find consistency in that norm – I think everybody will be able to manage more consistently in where do products finally land in pricing. A retail customer wants consistency, the dealer wants consistency, distribution wants consistency, and we want consistency. So, as soon as the (tariff) deals are done, we’re going to have really good consistency.
Rich Elliott
Rich Elliott, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Progress Manufacturing
I hear a lot of different things and I feel like it changes daily, right? Costs are going up, but sales are good or sales aren’t goo. And it’s different in different parts of the country.
But we’re still optimistic on how the season’s going to shake out. We did what we’re calling a ‘price revolution’ in January, where we went down in price – kind of crazy in the face of potential tariffs. But we did that, and our sales have gone way up. So, we’re happy with how the year started out for us personally, but as we get into the season now we need the retail sales to really come and help all of us, especially the dealers.
(On the impact of tariffs) I get that question a lot. We’re an American-made company, so Equal-i-zer’s 100% American made. Even with the price change, we didn’t change how or where we were doing this price revolution, we just gave a lower price. But tariffs, how they impact us is that we still see it’s a supply and demand game, right? So, we are not tied into a lot in China. Our e2s hitches do come from Taiwan, so there’s a smaller impact versus a Chinese-made hitch.
But with Equal-i-zer, what we found is the steel infrastructure here in the States is not necessarily ready for everybody to come back and do everything here like President Trump might want it to be, so then it becomes a supply-and-demand game. Simple economics, right? So, if there’s greater demand, the price goes up. Our steel hasn’t gone up significantly here domestically yet, but we anticipate that it likely will. And I’m not blaming the steel companies. I’d probably do the same thing if I was sitting in their shoes. But our aluminum’s already been hit here domestically. Our domestic aluminum that goes into our Flash Ball mounts is already up 30%. So that puts us in a situation to try to figure out how to best handle that.
From left, Brittany Hall, Serina Ojeda and Ben Johnson of Meyer Distributing
Ben Johnson, Director of Sales, Meyer Distributing
Meyer is strong right now. Being a private, family-owned company is probably the best position for any company to be in right now. We feel like that matches the dealership aspect more than anything out there. Clearly, there’s (dealer) acquisitions happening – some of the larger groups can do it – and we are supporting those acquisitions. But we love servicing the brick-and-mortar mom-and-pop private family-owned dealerships.
Meyer has continued to invest heavily in hub-and-spoke model distribution. So, being able to house product across our 11 distribution centers across the country, and adding more and more crossdock locations across the country to service more than 80% of the U.S. and Canadian population next day with our delivery fleet. That recipe has proven itself for decades now and still continues to show us some growth this year.
I mean, partnership with the dealer is far and beyond the source of where success comes from. When it comes to anything that may happen – whether you might not get your part on time like we originally promised, or if you just need support on a return to get stuff taken care of –we have a relationship with the vendor so we are there to help with any of those circumstances.
RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week takes a deep dive into the annual survey from KOA with Scott Bahr of Cairn Consulting. “Always one of our most popular shows each year. Scott Bahr joins us tonight to talk about the highlights of this year’s annual report and the research done by Cairn Consulting Group. The most extensive report in our industry on campers and trends.”
PORTLAND, Ore., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Dyrt, has launched Drive Time, a new feature that allows campers to instantly find campsites within a predetermined amount of driving time from their current location, according to a press release.
Drive Time is now available to everyone in The Dyrt community of campers with a PRO membership. The process is simple: Download The Dyrt app, upgrade to PRO, click Drive Time on the map, toggle to the preferred amount of time it would take to drive to a campsite, and campers can immediately view all results within that driving time.
“Camping is the quintessential weekend activity, but that also means that your time is fairly limited,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “You don’t want to spend so many hours driving on Friday and Sunday that it makes your Saturday less enjoyable. Drive Time is the perfect way to immediately unlock every camping option available to you within your preferred driving time. It’s also great for discovering new places close to home you never knew about.”
The Dyrt PRO members already have access to dozens of filters to help them find the exact type of campground they’re looking for, and the Drive Time feature enhances that lineup. In addition to finding a campsite within a specific timeframe from their current location, Drive Time is a great planning tool as well.
For example, while in The Dyrt app, change “Find camping within a driving distance from current location” to “Denver.” Set it to view campgrounds within 1.5 hours of driving, click “View Results” and in a matter of seconds 385 campgrounds, RV parks, free overnight parking areas and more are mapped out clearly for the user. It’s also helpful for situations where a campground may be nearby “as the crow flies,” but there’s no convenient direct route to get there.
“Trying to figure out where to go camping every weekend was the reason I started The Dyrt in the first place,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. “Drive Time would have helped immensely in those days. We would have set it for one hour and made it our mission to stay at every campground in the surrounding area.”
If you’re a PRO member, try it out for yourself. If not, sign up for a seven-day free trial before you hit the road.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt of a lengthy posting by REI on its website on April 9.
Are you an REI customer concerned about Trump’s cuts to national parks? Then the co-op has a message for you: We messed up.
In an extraordinary announcement posted to REI’s social media accounts on Wednesday, April 9, REI’s new president spoke directly to the retailer’s millions of customers. Mary Beth Laughton, a longtime board member who officially took the reins of the company on March 31, said REI had “made a mistake” by signing a January letter in support of Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
REI joined dozens of other outdoor groups in the letter, including the nonprofit PeopleForBikes, the Outdoor Industry Association, and many other advocacy organizations.
The co-op signed the letter because it “wanted a seat at the table,” Laughton said in her video message. But in the months since then, Laughton acknowledged that Burgum and Trump have made decisions that endanger access to public lands, causing REI members to “share their disappointment” with the co-op.
As a result, she officially retracted REI’s endorsement of Burgum, who oversees the National Park Service as part of his job as Interior Secretary.
“Signing that letter was a mistake,” Laughton said in a video posted to Instagram. “The actions that the administration has taken in regards to public lands are completely at odds with the values of REI.”
BROOKLYN, New York – BioLite and Goal Zero, two pioneers in the portable power and off-grid energy sector, Tuesday (April 15) announced that BioLite acquired Goal Zero, bringing together two industry leaders dedicated to innovation, impact, and building an energy future that is accessible to all, according to a release.
With a shared mission to provide reliable power to adventurers, families at home, and communities around the world, this acquisition marks a milestone in the evolution of off-grid energy. By uniting BioLite’s award-winning designs and business model with Goal Zero’s industry-leading solar and high-capacity power technology, the combined company will deliver a comprehensive vision for supporting life beyond the grid.
“Together, we embody the whole front of energy,” said Jonathan Cedar, CEO of BioLite, “From portable power to lighting, cooking to refrigeration, we fully serve a customer across all critical touchpoints of their energy needs. In a fragmented landscape, we are committed to doubling down as a trusted destination for outdoor energy with names you recognize and depend on both in the outdoors and at home.”
“Ten years ago, Goal Zero pioneered the creation of the portable power category for the outdoors,” added David Grayson, VP of Outdoor Market Sales. “With BioLite, we are thrilled to build the next chapter of outdoor energy and introduce a new generation of customers to the world of renewables and rechargeables, offering a compelling and high-performing alternative to gas and disposables.”
The BioLite and Goal Zero brands will continue in the marketplace while combining the core sales, operations, marketing, and engineering teams. The combined business will continue to operate under the ownership of BioLite and the leadership of Founder and CEO, Jonathan Cedar. Users can expect to see customer favorites from both brands stay on shelves and online and a full pipeline of product innovation starting in Fall 2025. In addition to core outdoor channels, the organization will continue to expand into the Home Energy space in 2025 and beyond with larger offerings designed to service an increasingly unreliable grid.
“To go from competitors to colleagues is an incredible transformation that, ultimately, directly benefits our end users and retail partners,” says Cedar, “As we weave our two brand stories together over the coming year, we’re excited for our respective loyal customer bases to learn more about the products available and how this all furthers our vision of Energy For All.”
Outdoor customers and industry professionals will get their first look at the new organization’s 2026 product lineup at the Switchback Tradeshow on June 16, 2025. Offering a view into the Future of Camp Energy and Off-Grid Power, visitors can expect to see a robust offering across portable power, lighting, cooking, and cooling and how the solutions work together to deliver a complete energy ecosystem that is easy to use and built on renewable technologies.
The combined scale will also enhance both brands’ ability to drive social impact, expanding initiatives that bring clean energy solutions to off-grid communities globally. By pairing BioLite’s established Africa-based impact partnerships with Goal Zero’s solar-generator portfolio, the unified organization can meet the growing demands of emerging markets looking to leapfrog the traditional grid.
About BioLite
BioLite is a social enterprise that develops and distributes off-grid energy products for people living beyond the traditional grid. Serving outdoor, home, and emerging markets, the self-reliant energy company has reached over 15 million users with innovative power, lighting, and cooking solutions. The company has received numerous recognitions, including the CES Innovation Award, Popular Science’s Best of What’s New, Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards, BusinessWeek’s Most Promising Social Enterprise, and a nomination for Outdoor Retailer’s Inspiration Awards. Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., the company was founded in 2009 by Jonathan Cedar and Alec Drummond. Discover more about BioLite at BioLiteEnergy.com.
About Goal Zero
A global leader in clean, consumer power solutions, Goal Zero created the portable power station category in 2009, following a humanitarian mission to bring sustainable energy to those in need. Since then, it has evolved its clean power solutions to meet expanding customer needs from emergency outages at home to professional and outdoor recreation needs at the campsite, tailgate, worksite, or off-grid events. Their solar panels, power stations, and accessories allow you to power anything, anywhere. For more information, visit www.GoalZero.com.
NEW YORK CITY, – The Super Slim Solid State Battery from Renogy has been named the Best RV Battery (2025) by Expert Consumers, a recognition that underscores its innovation, safety and performance in the RV and overlanding market, according to a release. As RV owners and off-grid enthusiasts increasingly demand reliable, space-efficient, and high-performing power solutions, the award highlights Renogy’s leadership in addressing these needs.
Best RV Battery
Renogy Super Slim Solid State Battery – an ultra-thin, high-performance energy solution designed for tight spaces, offering advanced safety, durability, and connectivity for RV and off-grid applications.
What is a Solid State Battery?
Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) differ from traditional lithium-ion batteries by utilizing inorganic solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel-based electrolytes. This technology offers enhanced safety, higher energy density, and longer cycle life, making SSLBs the most promising advancement in battery technology. As solid-state batteries gain adoption, they are expected to replace conventional lithium and lead-acid batteries in various applications, including RV power systems.
The Renogy 12-volt, 104Ah Super Slim Solid State Lithium Battery sets a new standard for compact energy storage. With a thickness of just 61mm (2.4 inches), it is designed for installation in tight spaces, such as behind or under seats, making it an ideal choice for truck campers and 4×4 vehicles. This ultra-thin profile, combined with advanced semi-solid-state technology, ensures maximum usability without compromising safety or performance.
Expert Consumers cited the battery’s combination of innovation and reliability in its selection process. A spokesperson for the group stated, “The Renogy Super Slim Solid State Battery redefines what is possible in compact power solutions. Its safety features, space-saving design, and long lifespan make it a standout choice for RV and off-grid applications.”
Improving Thermal Stability
The battery features semi-solid-state cells that heat up nearly nine times slower than traditional lithium batteries, significantly enhancing thermal stability and reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Its solid electrolyte eliminates risks associated with leaks or fires, providing RV owners with peace of mind on their journeys. Designed to withstand high temperatures and vibrations, it ensures consistent performance, even in extreme environments.
Durability is further supported by its impressive performance metrics. The battery boasts a cycle life of 6,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge, ensuring years of reliable power. Its high discharge capacity of 200A supports seamless operation with a 2000W inverter, allowing users to power essential appliances like refrigerators and lighting with ease. The battery’s ability to charge at low temperatures—down to 14°F (-10°C)—further enhances its suitability for diverse climates and terrains.
In addition to its robust safety and performance, the battery incorporates connectivity features that enhance user experience. Bluetooth and CAN integration enable real-time monitoring via the Renogy ONE display and the DC Home app. This functionality simplifies energy management and ensures users stay informed about their power usage and battery health, an increasingly important feature for modern off-grid adventurers.
Renogy, a global leader in off-grid solar power solutions, has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality energy products. Headquartered in Ontario, California, the company operates in over 30 countries and maintains 11 global research and development sites. Renogy specializes in solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, batteries, and other components that enable users to build customized off-grid energy systems. The company’s products are designed to be practical, accessible, and DIY-friendly, reflecting its mission to make renewable energy more widely available.
The Super Slim Solid State Battery is part of Renogy’s broader commitment to innovation in energy storage technology. As the RV and overlanding markets grow, there is increasing demand for solutions that combine compact design, high safety standards, and reliable performance. Solid-state technology represents a significant advancement, offering increased efficiency, longer lifespan, and greater resilience to extreme operating conditions compared to traditional lithium and lead-acid batteries.
This recognition by Expert Consumers aligns with broader trends in the RV and off-grid markets, where the need for compact, reliable, and safe power solutions continues to rise. The ability to store energy efficiently and safely while minimizing space requirements is essential for RV owners and overlanders seeking to maximize both performance and convenience.
NAPPANEE, Ind. — Whether you’re headed for the campsite, the trailhead, or the next big weekend adventure, GEN-Y Hitch’s all-new VOYAGER is designed to make your journey smoother, safer, and more reliable than ever, according to a press release. This innovative TORSION-FLEX cargo carrier hitch brings stability and comfort to outdoor enthusiasts who need dependable gear that keeps up with their lifestyle.
At the heart of the VOYAGER is GEN-Y’s patented TORSION-FLEX Technology, which works behind the scenes to dramatically reduce movement between your cargo carrier and hitch receiver — meaning less stress on your cargo, your vehicle, and your ride. Whether you’re hauling coolers, bikes, camping gear, or even towing a small trailer, the Voyager helps you travel with confidence.
“We built the Voyager for people who live for the weekend, who want to pack up, head out, and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about their gear,” said Donna Schmucker, Marketing Director at GEN-Y Hitch. “It’s all about a smoother ride, better stability, and making every trip a little easier.” VOYAGER Key Features:
Reduces Movement – creates a more comfortable towing experience
Dual Purpose – use it as a cargo carrier hitch or a trailer hitch
Keeps Your Gear Stable – more stability on uneven roads and trails
TORSION-FLEX Technology – absorbs road shock so your cargo doesn’t have to
Proudly Made in the USA – designed with durable, high-quality materials
Built for campers, overlanders, bikers, and explorers, the Voyager adds peace of mind to every adventure. Load up, hitch up, and hit the road — the VOYAGER has your back.
Available April 17th through GEN-Y dealers and online at www.genyhitch.com.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –This April, a cosmic shift will be felt at the New York Auto Show as Storyteller Overland rolls into the city with its full lineup of adventure vans and expedition trucks, according to a release. Known for designing and engineering vehicles that thrive off the grid and beyond the map, Storyteller is bringing its signature spirit of overland innovation into the heart of Manhattan — proving that even in a city of skyscrapers and subways, there’s still room to live free and explore endlessly.
Front and center at the Javits Center from April 18th through April 27th, will be Storyteller’s iconic builds, including the rugged, go-anywhere BEAST MODE with the EVICTUS Advanced suspension and the all-new, highly versatile, seats-five CREW MODE—both part of the company’s award-winning lineup of adventure vans. Also making their New York debut are the GXV HILT and GXV EPIC, Storyteller’s next-level expedition trucks built to conquer the most extreme terrain while offering premium comfort and capability. If you’re dreaming of exchanging the concrete jungle for offroad adventure or just dreaming of a less expensive New York apartment on wheels, these vehicles redefine what’s possible.
Get hands-on with each Storyteller vehicle, step inside to explore the interiors and meet the team behind the builds. Whether you’re a hardcore overlander, a weekend warrior or just overland-curious, you’ll no doubt find a vehicle that can make your adventurous dreams a reality.
Storyteller Overland is attending the Auto Show to remind people that freedom, spontaneity and community are more relevant than ever—even in the busiest city in the world. As more people look to escape the noise, Storyteller’s lineup and ethos highlight how attainable and comfortable that escape can be.
The New York International Auto Show is open to the public from April 18 through April 27, 2025 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.
About Storyteller
Storyteller Overland is widely regarded as the world’s most all-encompassing and highest quality overland vehicle manufacturer. Launched in 2018 by its Founder Jeffrey Hunter and a dedicated group of automotive and outdoor enthusiasts, the mission of Storyteller has always been to inspire and equip its growing community of adventurers with the proper gear, resources and mindset to “live free, explore endlessly and tell better stories.” Storyteller centers itself around its vision that the overlanding community is a diverse, kind and inclusive group of rugged individualists drawn together by a shared belief that life’s greatest luxury is saying “yes” to the next epic adventure. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Storyteller provides
consumers around the world with the ability of saying “yes” to a premium quality brand with dealer financing solutions you can afford built by a team of industry veterans you can trust.
Find Storyteller’s complete array of products and experiences at Storytelleroverland.com or visit the brand on social @StorytellerOverland
MEDFORD, Ore. – Lithia & Driveway (NYSE: LAD), the parent company of Airstream Adventures, has announced that Adam Chamberlain will transition from his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective June 1 to join Mercedes-Benz as CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
“We are incredibly grateful for Adam’s leadership as our Chief Operating Officer and the value he brought to Lithia & Driveway,” Bryan DeBoer, president and CEO of Lithia & Driveway, stated in a release. “His contributions have helped strengthen our operations, sharpen our offerings and customer awareness, drive growth, and advance our strategy. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and Adam remains committed to our shared success.”
LAD’s mission of Growth Powered by People ensures that the company has a deep bench of talented operational leaders. LAD’s Regional Presidents and Regional Vice Presidents will now report directly to Bryan DeBoer. The team’s experience, commitment, and leadership ensure that LAD will continue its high velocity and remain well-positioned to continue executing the company’s strategy and driving towards our potential.
About Lithia & Driveway (LAD)
Lithia & Driveway (NYSE: LAD) is the largest global automotive retailer providing a wide array of products and services throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle. Simple, convenient, and transparent experiences are offered through our comprehensive network of physical locations, e-commerce platforms, captive finance solutions, fleet management offerings, and other synergistic adjacencies. We deliver consistent, profitable growth in a massive and unconsolidated industry. Our highly diversified and competitively differentiated design provides us the flexibility and scale to pursue our vision to modernize personal transportation solutions wherever, whenever and however consumers desire.
