EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO), a leading manufacturer of premium outdoor recreation products, has published its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report highlighting the company’s progress efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive future.
“At Winnebago Industries, we understand that our success is deeply tied to the well-being of the communities we serve and the planet we all share,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe. “Our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report reflects our unwavering commitment to building a sustainable future while driving positive social impact. This year’s report highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made toward our environmental, social, and governance goals, as well as the innovative ways our team is working to create lasting value for all our stakeholders.”
This is the sixth year Winnebago Industries has released its corporate responsibility report. The report is the company’s first report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards and features an index aligned with recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TFCD), as well as the company’s Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) index.
The report features highlights and stories from across the company’s brands, including:
The introduction of Winnebago Connect to enhance the RV experience by integrating smart technology with sustainability.
A decrease in greenhouse gas emission and overall water consumption by 10% from the company’s 2020 baseline through FY2023.
Achieving year-over-year safety improvement of 29% for Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and 21% for Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART).
Recognition by USA TODAY as one of America’s Climate Leaders and Newsweek as one of America’s Most Responsible and Most Trustworthy Companies.
The launch of a year-round, employee driven community engagement program including interactive app, tracking features and rewards.
The completion of a full single materiality assessment refresh.
Following an intensive ESG materiality assessment in 2018 and the evolving footprint of the company’s operations, Winnebago Industries’ corporate responsibility efforts are currently focused on nine priorities: ethics and integrity; safety; people; inclusion and belonging; community; waste; emissions; product stewardship; and water.
“We are passionate about supporting our people and protecting our planet, and we’re proud of the collective progress our teams have made toward our goals in 2024,” said Stacy Bogart, Winnebago Industries’ General Counsel, and corporate responsibility lead. “As we continue our work to be the trusted leader in premium outdoor recreation, we remain dedicated to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s efforts to limit pollution from diesel-powered trains and big rigs were stalled in anticipation of pushback from the incoming Trump administration, according to an Associated Press report.
The California Air Resources Board said Tuesday it withdrew its requests for federal approval to implement stricter emissions rules for locomotives and semi-trucks because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had yet to approve them. The decision came just days before Democratic President Joe Biden leaves office.
During his first administration, Trump attempted to thwart various California climate efforts, including rules to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources.
One of the rules California pulled after the EPA failed to approve it would have phased out the sale of new diesel-powered semi-trucks and buses by 2036. The Air Resources Board passed the regulation in 2023. Another rule, which the agency approved the same month, would have banned locomotive engines more than 23 years old by 2030 and increased the use of zero-emissions technology to transport freight from ports and throughout railyards.
BRISTOL, Ind. – Renegade RV, a pioneer of the Super C motorhome and part of REV Group Inc., announced Chris Cook has been promoted from regional sales manager to director of sales, following the retirement of Dwayne Kazmierczak, effective immediately. In addition, Victor Quezada, who is Renegade’s product development manager, will handle marketing for Renegade RV. Both Cook and Quezada will report to Mike Lanciotti.
Cook has been part of Renegade RV sales team since 2019, and has a long history in the RV industry, previously working at THOR Industries and Forest River.
Quezada also joined Renegade RV in 2019, and prior to that was working with Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler and American Coach brands as the lead designer.
“Renegade RV is a unique brand in the RV industry, where sales remain steady,” said Mike Lanciotti, president, REV Recreational Vehicles Segment. “We wish Dwayne all the best and thank him for his dedication and service to Renegade over the last five years. I am delighted that Chris and Victor will step in and take on his responsiblities and keep Renegade on the right track.”
Renegade model year 2025 motorhomes will be on display with North Trail RV at the 40th Annual Florida RV SuperShow from Jan. 15-19, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit Renegade RV Shows & RV Rallies.
Founded in 1997 and based in Bristol, Indiana, REV Renegade, LLC, the manufacturer of Renegade RV, is a leader in the RV industry with respect to performance, quality, and innovation. With roots in motorsports, Renegade RV is known as the pioneer of the Super C motorhome. REV Renegade, LLC is a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. (NYSE: REVG).
About REV Group, Inc.
REV Group companies are leading designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles and related aftermarket parts and services, which serve a diversified customer base, primarily in the United States, through two segments: Specialty Vehicles and Recreational Vehicles. The Specialty Vehicles Segment provides customized vehicle solutions for applications, including essential needs for public services (ambulances and fire apparatus) and commercial infrastructure (terminal trucks and industrial sweepers). REV Group’s Recreational Vehicles Segment manufactures a variety of RVs from Class B vans to Class A motorhomes. REV Group’s portfolio is made up of well-established principal vehicle brands, including many of the most recognizable names within their industry. Several of REV Group’s brands pioneered their specialty vehicle product categories and date back more than 50 years. REV Group trades on the NYSE under the symbol REVG. Investors-REVG
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Walex Products Company, a global leader in sanitation, odor control and cleaning solutions, announced that its best-selling holding tank drop-in treatments are now available in liquid formulas. This exciting 2025 product launch ensures the premium Walex product line meets RV and Marine consumers’ diverse needs and preferences.
The seven new products — six holding tank treatments and one cleaner — bring superior performance, refreshing fragrances and versatile options to the market and reflect Walex’s dedication to innovation, growth and customer satisfaction.
Introducing Walex’s New Holding Tank and Cleaning Solutions for 2025
Bio-Fresh Liquid Enzyme-Based Holding Tank Treatment, a liquid adaptation of Walex’s industry-leading Bio-Pak formula, combines advanced enzyme technology for exceptional deodorization and efficient waste and paper digestion. It is available in two refreshing fragrances, Ocean Mist and Alpine Fresh, and comes in three convenient sizes: 32oz, 64oz and 1-Gallon.
Citra-Fresh Liquid Holding Tank Deodorizer offers a powerful deodorizing solution featuring an invigorating Citrus fragrance. It delivers robust odor control technology and is available in 32oz, 64oz and 1-Gallon sizes.
Commando Liquid Black Holding Tank and Sensor Cleaner provides a high-power, advanced solution for deep cleaning and sensor restoration. This scientifically developed formula contains natural enzymes that easily maintain holding tanks with heavy build-up. Now available in a user-friendly 32oz liquid formula.
Elemonate Liquid Grey Water Deodorizer tackles tough grey water tank odors with ease and efficiency. It is now offered in a 32oz liquid option for enhanced usability, ensuring your grey water tanks remain fresh and odor-free.
Fresh-Pak Holding Tank Treatment, an all-new drop-in addition to Walex’s premium line, offers an easy-to-use, high-performance solution for holding tank treatment. It comes in a convenient 30-pack, perfect for effortless maintenance of tank hygiene.
Premium RV/Marine Wash & Wax combines washing and waxing in one easy step. The high-foam, deep-cleaning formula uses advanced polymer technology, leaving a brilliant, long-lasting shine. Available in 32oz, 64oz, 1-Gallon and 5-Gallon sizes.
“At Walex, we are committed to delivering premium, versatile products that align with the unique preferences and needs of our RV and marine customers,” said Tony Butler, Sales Manager. “This expansion reflects our dedication to innovation and our mission to offer comprehensive solutions for every holding tank and cleaning challenge.”
The new Walex Liquid Holding Tank Treatments, Fresh-Pak Holding Tank Treatment 30pk, and Premium RV/Marine Wash & Wax will be available through authorized retailers and distributors nationwide.
Walex Products Company is a global leader in sanitation, odor control and cleaning solutions. With decades of experience, Walex is known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability and excellence in serving RV, marine, portable sanitation and commercial waste industries.
WAKE FOREST, N.C. – Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS), a leading provider of software solutions for RV, marine, and trailer dealerships, announced a groundbreaking partnership with Forest River Inc. to launch their Open Recalls integration.
Frank Tamburrini
The Open Recalls integration is a game-changer, providing dealers seamless access to OEM recall information directly within their IDS Dealership Management System (DMS). This eliminates the need for time-consuming back-and-forth navigation between OEM portals and the DMS. Dealers will now receive instant alerts about open recalls during stocking and work order creation, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and improved workflows.
“This integration represents a major milestone for IDS and our dealers,” said Frank Tamburrini, General Manager, IDS. “By creating seamless connections between OEMs and dealerships, we’re not just enhancing efficiency, we’re laying the foundation for a fully connected dealership ecosystem that drives success across the industry.”
This initiative also strengthens relationships between dealers and OEMs, providing dealers with the tools they need to ensure compliance, boost customer trust, and streamline operations. By simplifying access to critical recall data, IDS and Forest River are paving the way for enhanced efficiency and transparency across the industry.
Doug Gaeddert
“While it might seem basic, one of the most important goals for Forest River is to be our Dealer Network’s ‘Best Partner,’” said Doug Gaeddert, CEO of Forest River. “The collaboration and resulting partnership we’ve formed with IDS is the most recent step. We will continue to develop data and systems integration solutions for the benefit of our mutual customers and the overall industry.”
As the first of many OEM integrations, the Open Recalls feature underscores IDS’s commitment to transforming the dealership landscape. This is the first of many bridges that IDS plans to build to streamline how dealers access and utilize data to drive their success.
About IDS
Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) is a leading provider of software solutions for RV, marine, and trailer dealerships. Trusted by over 1,100 dealers, IDS has set the standard for innovation and quality for more than 40 years. Backed by a team of dedicated professionals and strong industry partnerships, IDS understands the unique challenges dealers face and delivers the tools and expertise needed to drive success.
About Forest River
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, and commercial vehicles including buses, vans, and trucks. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.
TAMPA, Fla. – Airstream is introducing a 28-foot floorplan to the flagship Classic travel trailer, the all-new Classic 28RB, which is being unveiled this week at the 2025 Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, Fla.
The Classic 28RB adds an option for a shorter rear bedroom layout to the Classic Travel Trailer line, a floor plan popularized by the Pottery Barn® Special Edition Travel Trailer.
Created for longer trips or full-time living, the Classic 28RB offers every comfort of home along with plenty of amenities, including MyAirstream connected vehicle system, premium Ultraleather seating, powered bed controls with Queen or twin bed configurations, a sprawling kitchen complete with convection microwave oven and three-burner gas stove, and optimal storage space. Building on the Klipsch partnership news shared at CES, the Classic 28RB will come standard with a premium Klipsch audio package.
The Classic 28RB will be available in Comfort White and Estate Brown décor packages. Like other Classic models, the 28RB comes standard with a 2000W 12V – 110V inverter, a 300W solar charging system with interior monitor, and 200Ah heated lithium batteries with remote monitoring. The unit has a 7,650-pound base weight and a 8,800-pound maximum trailer capacity.
ELKHART, Ind. – Thor Motor Coach is set to turn heads with its latest Class B motorhomes at the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Fla., accordng to a release from the THOR Industries subsidiary.
The excitement begins today (Jan. 15), and continues through Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Starting at 9 a.m. each day, visitors can experience Thor Motor Coach motorhomes up close in the Midway area.
Thor Motor Coach is ready to wow attendees with an incredible lineup of over 70 units at the Tampa RV Show! From camper vans and Class C RVs to luxurious Class A models and powerful diesel motorhomes, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Tranquility 24A
Here’s a glimpse of the exciting Class B RVs you’ll find at the show:
Tellaro 20H Class B Motorhome – Tailor Your Travels: The 20H floor plan is perfect for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. It makes the most of every inch with smart features like an expanding sleeper sofa, a pull-out bench, and a portable cooktop so you can set up the camper van’s interior in whichever way works best for you. Plus, there are swiveling captain’s chairs that add extra seating options. With its versatile design and Ram ProMaster 3500 XT “window van” chassis, the 2025 Tellaro is ready to be your ultimate road trip companion.
Tranquility 24A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van – AWD for Any Adventure: The spacious 24A floorplan, built on the Mercedes-BenzSprinter 3500 chassis, is designed for both short trips and long adventures. It features twin sofa beds that can be combined into a King-size bed, plus multiple mounts for the Lagun table, giving you options for dining, relaxing, or sleeping. This 2025 Tranquility all-wheel drive model also includes a fully equipped kitchen with a portable cooktop, fridge, and microwave, so you can enjoy home-cooked meals wherever you travel.
No matter if you’re new to RVs or a seasoned traveler, the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow has just the thing for you! Don’t miss out—get your tickets now and learn more at www.frvta.org/show/florida-rv-supershow/.
GAFFNEY, SC — Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) announces it will be showcasing several innovations with its manufacturer partners – including Fleetwood, Newmar Corp. and Tiffin Motorhomes – at the 2025 Florida RV SuperShow, taking place Jan. 15-19 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Fla., and hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA).
Fleetwood Palisade 45DS
Fleetwood Displays 2025 Palisade Powered by FCCC’s XCM Chassis
Fleetwood will be showcasing its innovative new 2025 Palisade luxury Class A diesel coach powered by the XCM chassis from FCCC.
The XCM’s modular design and lowered rear section offers enhanced floorplan versatility and pass-through storage capacity. Powered by a Cummins L9 engine offering 450HP and 1,250 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2025 Palisade powered by the XCM offers several FCCC industry-first innovations, including:
RoadWatch suite of safety features like Roll Stability, Traction Control, Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control
An ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, paired with OptiView’s all-digital gauge display create a more automotive-like experience
DriveTech ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, which eliminates the need to reach for every command and is the only driving system in the industry that places transmission controls at your fingertips
V-Ride rear suspension for increased luxury amenity and cargo capacity while greatly reducing body roll
UltraSteer fully integrated and precision-tuned tag axle providing a 17 percent reduction in curb-to-curb turning radius as compared to traditional fixed tag axle and a 20 percent tighter turning angle than the nearest competitor
BrakeSync – factory-installed, factory-warranted supplemental braking system
ZF independent front suspension with up to 60-degree wheel cut offering the tightest turning radius in the industry
An industry-leading 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty backed by the most comprehensive service network around
24/7 Direct service and support with access to FCCC’s nationwide service network, including more than 450 service centers and 90+ RV-centric Oasis locations
“We believe strongly that every aspect and component of the Palisade plays a role in providing a top-tier RV experience, and that starts with the chassis,” said Doug Miller, product manager for Fleetwood RV. “Our customers rely on Fleetwood products for their quality, dependability and innovation, which is exactly what the XCM from FCCC provides as the foundation for the Palisade. We are thrilled to share what we believe is the most complete and advanced Palisade yet with everyone at Tampa”
Newmar 2026 Grand Star
Newmar Displays 2026 Grand Star Powered by FCCC’s S2RV
Newmar will be displaying two versions of its 2026 Grand Star Super C luxury motorhome powered by the S2RV through its partnership with FCCC.
The 2026 Grand Star is the first Super C model offered by Newmar and reflects its customer-centered development approach and ongoing commitment to delivering premium experiences for both seasoned RV enthusiasts and those new to the lifestyle. The Grand Star boasts the shortest motorhome floor plan on the market built on S2RV, ensuring a comfortable, easy-to-maneuver vehicle that fits effortlessly into a variety of camping and storage spaces. Newmar will be displaying both a 34-foot and 39-foot version of the Grand Star at the Florida RV SuperShow.
The S2RV is designed and built specifically for the RV market, catering to drivers who want the power and performance of a diesel without the cockpit of a conventional Class A. Pulling from the breadth of FCCC’s bus and truck expertise, the S2RV is the latest in a long line of RV-specific innovations in FCCC’s growing list of custom-built, industry-leading chassis.
Powered by a Cummins B6.7 engine offering 360HP and 800 lb.-ft. of torque with up to 12,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 2026 Grand Star powered by the S2RV offers several FCCC innovations, including:
The all-new Dash+ that takes safety and RVer experience to the next level thanks to a range of technological and ergonomic driver controls, including the introduction of FCCC’s industry-exclusive DriveTech ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, which eliminates the need for drivers to reach for every command and places transmission controls at their fingertips.
An industry-leading 3-year, 50,000-mile warranty backed by the most comprehensive service network around 24/7 Direct service and support with access to FCCC’s nationwide service network, including more than 450 service centers and 90+ RV-centric Oasis locations
Tiffin Motorhomes will be displaying the 2025 Allegro Bus powered by FCCC’s PowerGlide XC as well as the 2025 Zephyr on the PowerGlide SL.
The PowerGlide XC brings a number of innovations and enhancements designed to provide the best RV experience in the industry. Its super raised-rail design, for example, offers lowered engine placement and floorplan flexibility, while its front-extended frame rail is specially designed to match the RV body and construction. In addition, its unique steering wheel column design enables it to pass through the front cab wall instead of the floor, giving the customer a more automotive feel with no objects around their feet.
Powered by a Cummins L9 engine offering 450HP and 1,250 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2025 Allegro Bus powered by the PowerGlide XC offers several FCCC innovations, including:
RoadWatch suite of safety features like Roll Stability, Traction Control, Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control
An ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, paired with OptiView’s all-digital gauge display create a more automotive-like experience
DriveTech ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, which eliminates the need to reach for every command and is the only driving system in the industry that places transmission controls at your fingertips
V-Ride rear suspension for increased luxury amenity and cargo capacity while greatly reducing body roll
Koni shocks specifically designed and tuned for Tiffin products
BrakeSync – factory-installed, factory-warranted supplemental braking system
ZF independent front suspension with up to 60-degree wheel cut offering the tightest turning radius in the industry
An industry-leading 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty backed by the most comprehensive service network around 24/7 Direct service and support with access to FCCC’s nationwide service network, including more than 450 service centers and 90+ RV-centric Oasis locations
2025 Tiffin Zephyr
In addition, Tiffin also will be displaying the 2025 Zephyr powered by the PowerGlide SL.
The PowerGlide SL brings a number of innovations and enhancements designed to provide the best RV experience in the industry. Its super raised-rail design, for example, offers 30 percent more storage than a traditional raised rail, while its front-extended frame rail is specially designed to match the RV body and construction. In addition, its unique steering wheel column design enables it to pass through the front cab wall instead of the floor, giving the customer a more automotive feel with no objects around their feet.
Powered by a Cummins X15 engine offering 605HP and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque and towing capacity of up to 20,000 lbs., the 2025 Zephyr powered by the PowerGlide SL offers several FCCC innovations, including:
RoadWatch suite of safety features like Roll Stability, Traction Control, Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control
An ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, paired with OptiView’s all-digital gauge display create a more automotive-like experience
DriveTech ergonomic steering wheel and column-mounted controls, which eliminates the need to reach for every command and is the only driving system in the industry that places transmission controls at your fingertips
UltraSteer precision-tuned tag axle that reduces curb-to-curb turning radius by up to 17 percent
V-Ride rear suspension for increased luxury amenity and cargo capacity while greatly reducing body roll
Koni shocks specifically designed and tuned for Tiffin products
BrakeSync – factory-installed, factory-warranted supplemental braking system
ZF independent front suspension with up to 60-degree wheel cut offering the tightest turning radius in the industry
An industry-leading 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty backed by the most comprehensive service network around 24/7 Direct service and support with access to FCCC’s nationwide service network, including more than 450 service centers and 90+ RV-centric Oasis locations
About Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC)
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) is a leading manufacturer of diesel chassis for the motorhome industry. FCCC supports its industry-leading chassis with a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 factory direct support, a nationwide service network with more than 400 dealers in the U.S. and Canada, and an official customer-support mobile app. FCCC also manufactures chassis for the work truck, walk-in van, school bus and shuttle bus markets. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC, a Daimler company. For more information, visit fcccrv.com or call 1-800-FTL-HELP.
FRENCH LICK, Ind. – The blanket of snow with temperatures in the teens did not dampen the enthusiasm of dealers and vendors for the start of the Meyer Distributing RV Mega Show, a two-day event that began Tuesday (Jan. 14) at the French Lick Hotel Event Center in French Lick in southern Indiana.
As is customary, opening day was filled with seminars. Vendors conducted over 30 sessions, providing dealers with a wealth of information. The workshops were well attended, and dealers seemed hungry to visit with company representatives.
Seminars were hosted by AP Products, ASA Electronics, Blue Ox, Carefree of Colorado, Coleman-Mach, Creative Product Group, Curt, Demco, DeWalt, Dicor, InVision, Dinosaur Electronics, Draw-Tite, Fastway, FlexSolar, Gen-Y, Genesis Products, Geocel, Go Power, Hughes, Jaeger-Unitek, Lippert, Marshall Excelsior Company, MORryde, Peterson Manufacturing, Redarc, Stromberg Carlson, Suburban-Maxxair, Thetford, Ultra Fab, Valterra, Velarium, WeighSafe and Xantrex.
Ben Johnson
RVBusiness spoke with Ben Johnson, Meyer’s Director of Sales for RV, Towing and Marine, about the mood of dealers and what he expects from the show, the sixth held at the French Lick venue.
“Dealers have been more positive this show than last, in my opinion,” he said. “Dealers are making big moves to plan more for their planogram and their show buy. They are leaning heavily on distributors to be their suppliers on a next-day basis to support them with repairs and unit sales. So, there is a lot of reliance on Meyer to fulfill our promise and get them running the next day.”
Strategically, 2024 was a busy year for Meyer Distributing as it wrapped up some key acquisitions, Jonson added, enabling it to fill out its U.S. and Canada distribution network.
The company operates 13 distribution centers and 99 cross-dock locations across North America (excluding Mexico). Johnson stated that this expansive hub-and-spoke system results in next-day parts delivery for over 80% of the country.
Another milestone was adding the full Airxcel line of products, which Johnson feels was necessary for its customers.
Regarding the 2025 Mega Show, he added that registrations are up about 40% over last year, and dealers “have primed enough product” already to exceed 2024 levels ahead of the show’s start.
Ninety-seven vendors are participating, he noted, which is the maximum the facility can accommodate.
“I am very excited about the Mega Show and the year ahead,” explained Johnson. “I think there is much promise, and I know the RV industry is ready to embrace that and get people out camping and on the road with their units. The change in the Administration should encourage financial institutions to make good decisions, lower interest rates, and make it easier for families to buy RVs.”
Jason and Abby Epperson (seated) with, from left, Sabre team members Nate Gerardot, product manager assistant; Michele Kay, interior designer; and Shirley Cartwright, product manager.
TAMPA, Fla. – Jason and Abby Epperson, stalwarts of RV social media and creators of the RVMiles and America’s National Parks podcast and related YouTube, Instagram and content, were at the Florida RV SuperShow Tuesday to have a look at their new Sabre 377RVMILES fifth-wheel.
The 377RVMILES is the result of a collaboration between Jason, Abby and Forest River’s Sabre production team.
The relationship with Sabre started several years ago, Jason explained.
“We were brand ambassadors for them in their 37 FLL floorplan, and that was back when we were full-time RVers. We’re not full-time RVers anymore. We’ve been off the road full-time for about a year-and-a-half now, and we call ourselves just normal RVers. We go out for week and weekend trips,” he said.
So, for the last couple of years, the Eppersons and their three sons – ages 11, 14 and 17 – have been camping in a 25-foot travel trailer.
“And that was great. Served its purpose; was a great off-road rig,” Abby said. “But when you have three teenage boys, a 25-foot travel trailer gets a little crowded and cozy awful quick, especially when one of your kids is 6-foot-5.”
“That 25-foot travel trailer was great, but way too small for our family of five,” Jason added. “It served its purpose. We took it from Baja to Alaska.”
The Eppersons knew they were looking for something else and kept in touch with the team at Sabre.
“They wanted to get us into one of their floorplans and there just wasn’t one that was perfect for us,” Abby said. “The thing that was perfect for us doesn’t exist, and we’ve learned that through the design process, but they said, ‘Well, we’ll build you what you want. Let us know what you want and we’ll build it. And let’s do a collaboration and let’s put something out together. It’s a win-win.’ We get the floorplan we want, and they get a floorplan that is something that RVers like us want.”
The living room offers a sectional sofa, fireplace and big-screen TV.
Next came the process of figuring out what the floorplan might look like. When they started out, Jason and Abby envisioned something much smaller.
“We were talking about doing a mid-size fifth-wheel and, over the course of the design process, we realized we really were happiest with our three kids in a really big fifth-wheel with lots of space,” Abby said. “And they were amazing partners to make that happen.”
Enter Forest River’s Shirley Cartwright, product manager for the Sabre line.
She outlined the win-win, where her brand ambassadors get the floorplan they want and Sabre gains valuable insights into what like-minded consumers are looking for in a new unit.
“Yes. This is something that’s going to appeal to a lot of big families or even the couple that maybe has the in-laws come with them or another couple comes with them,” Cartwright said. “You’ve also got a desk back there. So, it can be a remote office that’s basically not only a bunk room, but a flex room. So, yes, it’s going to be a floorplan that’s going to be a win-win for Sabre as well, because a lot of people are going to be drawn to this floorplan.”
Another plus for Forest River is the exposure of brand ambassadors who are at the top of the RV social media food chain.
Two bunks wrap over the flex room which holds a fold-away desk.
The Eppersons started the RVMiles podcast in 2017. Just competing its 346th episode, the podcast – in audio and video versions – enjoys approximately 20,000 downloads each week. The couple’s American National Parks podcast, an audio-only production, also sees 20,000 weekly downloads and the RVMiles YouTube channel has 113,000-plus subscribers.
“So, a pretty healthy reach across social media, along with Instagram and Facebook and all the places you have to be these days,” Abby said.
From Cartwright’s perspective, “They’re going to get us a lot more outreach and get to a bigger community than what we get to on our own. And their experiences, their adventures, all their cool camping trips that they’ve got planned coming up so people can envision themselves actually going out and doing all these fun things. It gives them another perspective and shows just how much fun RVing can be. That’s what we achieve with them.”
Cartwright characterized the collaboration with the Eppersons as a positive experience.
“It really was a lot of fun. Like, they were saying they really wanted maybe a 30-foot unit. So we tried to put everything that they had on their wish lists into a 30-foot unit,” Cartwright said, grinning. “And then they said, ‘That’s not going to work.’ Okay, how about 34 feet? 36 feet? So, we’d go back to the drawing board and try again. The next thing you know, we bring them back something that they love. But as you can see, it’s not the footage that they were looking for, but it does give them all the things on their want list that they’d given us that makes the camping experience wonderful for not only them, but other campers as well.”
Jason and Abby Epperson on the sundeck.
Michele Kay, interior designer on the project said, “It really started almost with a paper napkin, drawing some pictures, and it just kind of turned into this magnificent unit. From front to back and side to side, the Sabre Sundeck was a huge part of everything. Everybody loves it. The bunk room or flex room can be used so many different ways – an office, schoolwork, kids, grandparents, you name it.”
Abby recalled, “It was really this sundeck. It really changed a lot of our perspective about what we wanted when we saw this at Open House.”
“Shirley was saying we could keep the sundeck and expand out the RV and it would be 43 feet, or we could look at removing that and getting it smaller,” Abby added. “And I had fallen in love with this so much, I thought, ‘Well, honestly, what’s the difference at this point between 39 and 43?’”
Jason said the Sabre team “was very kind to give us the time and patience to let us dream and figure out all the things that could be problems. And I think we came up with lots of good compromises that are what we want in terms of being able to have our larger children, have a good road access and lots of different places to store stuff, a good chef’s kitchen. And it’s something that is not so niche that’s just for us, but other buyers will be interested in, too.”
Abby added, “It was really important to us to make sure that we weren’t just designing for Jason and Abby of RV Miles, but that we were also considering what another RV buyer might also like and that this would appeal to them. … That’s why it was so great working with them because we all had the same kind of goal in mind, like a real true partnership. And that same goal always carried us through as we continued to develop this and figure out what was going to work.”
Abby shared a story about the plant manger at Sabre. When the Epperson family came into the plant to look at the prototype, their 11-year-old son climbed up into the bunk. Afterward, he quietly asked his dad if he thought they could put a handle up on the wall to make it easier to get into the bunk.
“And so Jason went over to the plant manager and said, ‘Hey, Henry had this idea,’” Abby explained. “And the plant manager, rather than talking it through with Jason, went up to our son and said, ‘Hey, Henry, come show me what you’re talking about. Tell me what you need to be able to enjoy this RV.’”
Abby said she tells that story to “anyone who will listen to it because I think it is such a great example of what we need to do more of – listen to the really diverse voices that are all a part of RVing.”
The three-slide unit features a front bedroom with a camper king bed and bath with a full-sized shower, The kitchen houses a wraparound counter with a dinette across from its residential-sized appliances.
The Sabre 377RVMILES is 43 feet long with a UVW of 13,183 pounds, a carrying capacity of 3,052 pounds and a hitch weight of 2,235 pounds. MSRP is $114,749.
