ELKHART, Ind. – We are excited to announce that the fourth annual “Giving Without Expectation” speaking event will take place on Aug. 19 at Ranger Distribution, according to a press release.
“This year, we are thrilled to welcome renowned speaker Robb Zbierski, who will be leading a transformative skill set presentation called ‘Discovering Your Memory Power’ that promises to empower attendees with actionable insights and tools and tools that will help them experience a 300% increase in their memory capacity,” the release stated.
“After three successful years focusing on mindset, we’re shifting our approach to equip participants with practical skills they can immediately apply in their personal and professional lives. Robb Zbierski is known for his dynamic presentations and ability to inspire audiences to take meaningful action. His expertise in personal development and leadership will be invaluable as we explore the principles of giving without expectation,” according to the release.
Attendees can look forward to an engaging and interactive session, complemented by delicious food and drinks provided throughout the event. This is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and gain knowledge that can elevate both personal growth and community impact.
Robb Zbierski is a celebrated speaker and thought leader in the fields of personal development and leadership. With over three decades of experience, he has helped countless individuals unlock their potential and achieve their goals through practical skills and strategies.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from Robb Zbierski and connect with others committed to making a difference. Mark your calendars and prepare for an inspiring evening of skill development and community engagement.
For more information and to RSVP, please send a request to [email protected].
RDI was created for one reason; to allow a group of dedicated Employee/Owners to deliver best in class products and service to RV OEMs using leading edge technology and the unparalleled experience and passion of our team to differentiate us from every other company in our industry. With over 125 years of executive experience in this industry we know we can deliver what our customers need on time, every time, and help them be more productive and more profitable by doing so.
China’s exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year earlier in a last-minute flurry of activity as companies rushed to beat increases in U.S. tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and analysts forecast sharp setbacks ahead, according to an Associated Press report.
Imports fell 4.3% to $211.3 billion in March, the customs administration reported, far exceeded by exports worth $313.9 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $102.6 billion.
“But shipments are set to drop back over the coming months and quarters,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a report. “We think it could be years before Chinese exports regain current levels.”
China’s trade surplus surged to a record $992.2 billion in 2024 and its exports climbed 5.4%, helping to make up for sluggish growth at home as the country slowly recovers from a crisis in its property market and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies with it,” Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office. The Republican president said automakers needed time to relocate production from Canada, Mexico and other places, “And they need a little bit of time because they’re going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time. So I’m talking about things like that.”
Matt Blunt, president of American Automotive Policy Council, an association representing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, said the group shared Trump’s goals of increased domestic production.
“There is increasing awareness that broad tariffs on parts could undermine our shared goal of building a thriving and growing American auto industry, and that many of these supply chain transitions will take time,” Blunt said.
FAIRFAX, Va. – Go RVing, the marketing, research and promotions arm of the RV Industry Association (RVIA) continues to provide additional insights into today’s RV owners with the latest special report focused on COVID Buyers and other First-Time owners, an extension of the latest Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile, according to a report on the RVIA’s News and Insights web page.
This report analyzes first-time RV buyers, with a spotlight on those who entered the market during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022).
These “COVID Buyers” have demonstrated a strong commitment to the RV lifestyle, even after the pandemic’s end.
COVID Buyers, like other first-time owners, were motivated to purchase an RV by past camping experiences (36%) and the desire for a change in travel methods (36%).
The typical COVID Buyer is between 18 and 54 years old (73%), with an average annual income of over $75,000 (49%), and 56% are employed full-time.
COVID Buyers predominantly favor conventional travel trailers (49%). A large majority (69%) bought their RVs new, and most purchases were made in person (93%).
The pandemic appears to have influenced COVID Buyers’ reliance on digital resources for information, with a higher percentage using social media, YouTube, and online blogs for research.
Additionally, some COVID Buyers were motivated by the ability to work remotely while traveling and comfortably social distance.
Overall, the report indicates that COVID Buyers are an engaged and satisfied segment of the RV market, demonstrating strong brand loyalty and a continued interest in the RV lifestyle. With many of these owners now in the typical repurchase timeframe, now is an ideal time for RV manufacturers and dealers to reach these owners.
Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) has already joined as a cosponsor. This bill fixes an inadvertent drafting error in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that RV dealers can fully deduct the interest on their floor plan financing for all the RVs they sell, including non-motorized towable trailers, which account for 88% of RV sales.
The proposed changes impact RV trailer dealers with more than $25 million in annual sales, whose net interest deduction is currently limited to 30 percent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and depletion. It is estimated that four out of every ten dollars spent at an RV retail establishment is generated by a dealer with $25 million or more in annual sales. Dealers of similar types of vehicles including boats, motorhomes, conversion vans, motorcycles, and automobiles, can fully deduct interest paid on their inventory floor plans. Ensuring that RV trailer dealers can fully deduct their interest will ensure that RV trailers remain competitive with these other recreation products.
All 50 states define and regulate towable RVs and campers as motor vehicles. Though a small fix, this bill ensures that motorized and non-motorized campers and travel trailers are treated the same under the U.S. tax code.
“This important legislation corrects a long-standing discrepancy that has unfairly impacted RV dealers, “ said Michael Happe, Winnebago Industries President and CEO. “By restoring full deductibility of interest on financing for all RV units, S. 1314 levels the playing field and ensures that our dealers can compete on equal footing with other recreational product markets.”
“We applaud Senators Ernst, King, and Young for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the RV tax parity bill,” said Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association. “This important legislation corrects a long-standing oversight that excluded travel trailers from the definition of motor vehicles. By making this commonsense fix, RV dealers nationwide will be able to stay competitive, drive industry growth, and continue to support the millions of Americans who love to get outside and embrace the RV lifestyle.”
Contact Samantha Rocci, drector of federal affairs, at [email protected] for more information.
Recent threats of steep economic tariffs leveled at Canada have many Canadian campers changing plans for summer and winter stays at U.S. campgrounds.
Many U.S. campground owners aren’t expecting to see anywhere near their normal numbers of Canadian summer campers this year, and southern parks that rely on Canadian snowbirds are preparing for a steep decline in long-term visits from our northern neighbors.
Toby O’Rourke
“Year to date, we’ve already seen a 23% decline in reservation stays from Canadians on (Kampgrounds of America) U.S. campgrounds,” said Toby O’Rourke, president & CEO of Kampgrounds of American Inc.
“Looking ahead, reservations on the books for KOA parks in the U.S. by Canadians are down 49%,” O’Rourke said. “We’ve had 4,300 cancellations on 2025 reservations on U.S. parks.”
The states with the most cancellations for KOA include Florida, Tennessee, Arizona and Montana.
The story at KOA parks in the U.S. is one being repeated at other chain and independent U.S. campgrounds. The situation is especially acute along the northern U.S. border states.
“The Maine Campground Owners Association (MECOA) recently attended the Montreal RV Show, which was certainly a challenge this year,” said Kathy Dyer, executive director of MECOA. “The distribution of the Maine Camping Guide was down approximately 84% compared to last year.”
Dyer said tourism officials in Ontario and other Canadian provinces have told her that Canadian interest in staying in Canada to camp is up substantially.
While the on-again, off-again threat of tariffs coupled with tougher border restrictions on Canadians entering the U.S. has captured most of the headlines, other factors are also at play.
The current exchange rate (the Canadian dollar was trading at about 72 cents on the U.S. dollar on April 15) is also having a major impact on changing Canadians’ plans for a U.S. summer vacation.
Kathy Dyer
“Lodging reservations from our Canadian friends appear to be down in some areas of the state,” said Dryer, regarding Maine’s situation. “Everything that is happening along with the unfavorable exchange rate is causing distress for many parks and causing a significant shortfall in summer revenue.”
KOA’s O’Rourke said she was so concerned about the future for Canadians camping in the U.S. that she fielded new research in mid-March specifically addressing that issue.
“We found that 20% of Canadian campers report they plan to camp in the U.S. this year, while 23% of Canadian campers who have camped in the U.S. before said they do not plan to this year,” O’Rourke said.
Those surveyed were from a group of all Canadian campers, not just KOA campers.
O’Rourke pointed out that since this is the first time research has been conducted asking these questions, there is a lack of comparative, year-to-year data. The results also don’t cite the reasons for not camping this year in the U.S.
“It could be economic, political or due to schedules or other camping plans,” she said.
O’Rourke also pointed out that while Canadian campers may be giving the U.S. the cold shoulder this season, the same isn’t quite as true for U.S. campers intending to head north.
Joe Bleackley
“About 33% of U.S. campers say they plan to camp in Canada this year,” she said.
KOA’s data is being reflected at other camping-related businesses.
Pathfinder Ventures Ltd., which owns a portfolio of parks in Canada, reported in late March that bookings for April 2025 are 48% higher than the same period last year. Looking further ahead, advance bookings for the upcoming months are already up by nearly 10% year over year.
This data suggests two key trends: in the short term, more Canadians are opting to stay local, and in the long term, travelers are increasingly planning summer vacations within Canada rather than in the U.S.
“The strong increase in bookings for our RV Resort portfolio reflects growing demand for local vacation options. We are well positioned to take advantage of this growing trend and look forward to the continued potential of our parks across Western Canada,” said Joe Bleackley, CEO of Pathfinder.
Campground management software company Campspot is reporting that it is seeing a sharp decline in Canadian camper bookings at the nearly 3,000 campgrounds that use its software.
“In looking at bookings made in January and February for future stays, in 2024 Canadian travelers represented 2.9% of all U.S. campground bookings,” said Casey Cochran, vice president of partnerships & business development for Campspot. “In 2025 it was 1.9% – a 35% decline in mix.”
Cochran said when looking at the period covering the first eight days of March, in 2024 Canadians represented 2.7% of camping business for U.S. campgrounds, but that has dropped to 1.4% during that same period in 2025 — a drop of nearly 50%.
Casey Cochran
“So far, our New York, Utah and Minnesota parks have seen a decline in Canadian bookings,” said Rachel Godbout, COO for Advanced Outdoor Management. “They (Canadian bookings) are normally about 8% of our market.”
Godbout said while her company is seeing a “significant effect” from the lack of Canadian camper reservations, it’s still too early to specifically quantify.
“As of this moment in time, we are seeing as low as 38% and as high as 50% of our Canadian guests that have not rebooked for this year,” she said. “The hard part of that statistic is that it is too early to tell if they will book just with a shorter lead time, or if they will not book at all.”
Those recent numbers are a sharp departure from what many tourism experts were expecting in 2025. The research firm Tourism Economics had earlier forecasted that travel to the U.S. would grow about 9% in 2025. Now, the firm has updated its forecast, expecting overall foreign travel to decline by more than 5%. Tourism Economics is now reporting an expected 27% decline in U.S. hotel room demand by Canadian travelers in 2025 due to expected tariffs, slower economies, a stronger U.S. dollar, and overall foreign antipathy towards the U.S.
After President Trump first announced his tariff plans for Canada in February, border crossings by Canadians fell by 24% compared to the same period in 2024.
The U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit group that represents the U.S. travel industry, said Canadians made 20.4 million visits to the U.S. in 2024 and spent about $20.5 billion on those visits. Therefore, a mere 10% drop in Canadian visits in 2025 would amount to a $2.1 billion loss to U.S. businesses, including campgrounds.
Rachel Godbout
Tourism departments in some border states, such as North Dakota, have paused marketing programs aimed at luring Canadians until the current tense situation eases.
‘Frightened & Angry’ Canadians
Park owners and operators across the U.S. are seeing a major change in attitudes among their Canadian campers.
“The Canadians are a bit frightened, and frankly they are angry,” said Daniel Wright, assistant manager of The Springs of Borrego RV Resort in Borrego Springs, Calif.
Wright said rumors of new policies making it harder to cross the border are only adding to Canadian’s angst.
“This is terrible for our business and our friendships with so many of our polite and gentile neighbors,” he said.
President Trump’s threat to make Canada “the 51 state” also doesn’t sit well with Canadian travelers.
Snowbirds Flocking Elsewhere
While campgrounds in the northern tier states are girding for a summer without many of their normal short-term Canadian visitors, parks that rely on long-term Canadian snowbird stays say their businesses will be severely impacted if expected tariffs take effect.
“I am losing at least six Canadian guests who have come here every year for the last 5 to 10 years,” said Nancy Schreiber, property manager at the Paradise Island RV Resort in Oakland Park, Fla. “They are not returning because of the exchange rate, and they are telling me it is (also) because of the politics of the Republican Party that is keeping them from coming back next year.”
Schreiber also said she’s losing at least two more Canadian campers who plan to take their business all of the way to Mexico.
“They say that even with the gas from Quebec to Mexico, that it is cheaper for them,” Schreiber said. “We started booking for next year on April 1. Normally I fill all of my sites on that day and have up to 25 people on the waiting list. Yesterday (April 1) was totally quiet, and I still have several sites open for next winter. I have been the manager here since 2012, and I have never had an open winter site on April 2. They (Canadians) are angry. This is definitely affecting my occupancy.”
Robyn Koromhas, regional vice president for KOA, said cancellations at KOA-owned properties in Florida were off the charts in January and February.
“Our Florida campgrounds have experienced the most notable impact,” Koromhas said.
She said the Florida KOAs she oversees saw a total of 2,917 nights canceled in the period between 2022 and 2024. Those same Florida campgrounds have seen Canadians cancel 1,320 nights of camping in January and February 2025 alone. The impact was less severe at KOA’s Texas locations, which saw 177 canceled nights this past January and February, compared to 369 nights in all of 2022 to 2024.
Koromhas pointed out that her data does not account for how many Canadians opted not to make reservations in 2025 in the first place. It only measured reservation nights canceled. She also said that KOA offers long-term Canadian campers’ year-around occupancy deals that require payment for 5-6 months of actual occupancy and 6-7 months of on-site storage for their RVs.
“(Long-term) Canadians hesitant to visit the U.S. might pay without coming, sell their rigs to other campers or sublet them under specific conditions,” Koromhas said.
She said Canadian campers have expressed disappointment with new registration requirements to enter the U.S.
“Additionally, many Canadians rely on third-party insurance while in the U.S., and concerns about its availability and high cost might further deter their travel plans,” she said.
Tim Deputy, of Summit Real Estate Holdings Inc., said he’s not yet seeing a large number of Canadians canceling their snowbirding plans at Summit properties in Florida. He said Canadian campers, who make up about 20% of total winter campers at Summit’s Florida properties, make long-term winter plans every year and are likely taking a “wait and see” approach.
“Usually in the last week of March we’ll see the start of the great migration north of our Canadian campers,” Deputy said. “Many of them own their park models in Florida and they are a three-month to five-month snowbird. We’re always concerned about them re-booking for the next year, but we haven’t yet seen a tremendous amount saying they aren’t coming back. I think they are going to wait because they don’t want to lose their site.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the latest list of RV and RV-related recalls compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Per strict NHTSA protocols, manufacturers will next notify its dealer partners of the recall notice. Each notice will include details of the affected vehicles as well as the appropriate remedy.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling 15 2025 Autumn Ridge travel trailers. The installed safety chains are rated at 7,600 lbs. and the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 7,995 lbs. This can cause the chains to fail, allowing the tow vehicle to separate from the trailer. Dealers will install new safety chains, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902624.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 69 2025 Coachmen Apex and Remote travel trailers. The solar panel wiring may be incorrectly wired to the battery, causing it to melt. Dealers will inspect and rewire the solar panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 14, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 224-1912.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Insider Perks, a leading innovator in marketing and artificial intelligence solutions tailored specifically for outdoor hospitality providers, announced a transformative update to its “Campy” AI Chatbot service, according to a press release.
Campy, renowned for delivering instantaneous and accurate responses around-the-clock, now introduces a revolutionary feature that allows guests to effortlessly complete campground reservations directly within the chatbot interface.
With this significant enhancement, guests gain an unprecedented level of convenience and interaction. Users can now easily check campsite availability in real-time, browse through detailed, high-quality site photos, explore comprehensive pricing structures, and swiftly find the perfect camping spot suited to their preferences. Utilizing cutting-edge AI Vision technology, Campy can intelligently analyze campground site maps, providing personalized recommendations that closely align with each guest’s specific needs, such as site size, amenities, proximity to facilities, and scenic preferences, the release stated.
Furthermore, Campy seamlessly navigates users through every step of the reservation process. It meticulously gathers all necessary information, including guest preferences, referral sources, and special requests, ensuring a streamlined and personalized booking experience. After completing these preliminary steps, Campy provides guests with a secure, user-friendly link that connects them directly to the campground’s existing reservation system. This integration guarantees full PCI Compliance through the reservation system’s native secure payment processing, thereby ensuring the utmost safety and confidence for each transaction.
Brian Searl, Founder & CEO of Insider Perks, emphasized the significant industry impact of this development: “At Insider Perks, our mission has always been to continuously enhance and redefine convenience and customer engagement within the outdoor hospitality sector. The introduction of direct reservation capabilities within our Campy AI chatbot significantly elevates the guest experience. It delivers instant, accurate, and personalized booking interactions that not only delight guests but also dramatically improve operational efficiency for campground owners and operators. This truly positions our clients at the leading edge of hospitality innovation.”
Demonstrating the value and practicality of this advanced technology, Verde Ranch RV Resort, a prominent property managed by CRR Hospitality, has become the inaugural launch partner for Campy’s new reservation capabilities. Mike Harrison of Verde Ranch RV Resort shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and its potential to significantly enhance guest satisfaction: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of adopting Insider Perks’ innovative reservation technology. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Campy’s intuitive reservation process enriches our guests’ experiences and sets a new standard for what visitors can expect from a premier campground and RV resort.”
Beyond chat-based interactions, Insider Perks is already preparing for the imminent expansion of its advanced reservation capabilities to its groundbreaking AI Voice service. In the coming weeks, guests will have the option to effortlessly book complete reservations via natural and intuitive voice conversations over the phone. This upcoming enhancement further highlights Insider Perks’ dedication to setting new benchmarks in customer-centric technology, offering multiple channels of easy, seamless reservation access.
Campground owners interested in experiencing this powerful reservation technology firsthand can join Insider Perks’ CampVantage program for only $99 per month, gaining immediate access to advanced AI capabilities. With flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing starting as low as $0.25 per chat (based on chat duration), owners can efficiently manage costs while providing exceptional guest service.
LAS VEGAS – Fantasy RV Tours (FRVT), the world’s leader in curated RV caravans and rallies, hosted another successful fundraising event at its Homecoming Rally, raising over $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, according to a release.
The 2025 event was held from March 19-23 at the Talona Ridge Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains near East Ellijay, Ga. This popular annual rally brings frequent and first-time travelers together to connect, meet the company’s tour leaders and staff, and enjoy a week of fun and camaraderie.
This year’s event included a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Georgia/Tennessee border, daily activities, travelogue seminars, social events, and more. A highlight of the week is always the live charity auction, featuring wrapped mystery boxes with a gag gift “clue” on top. Although they do not know what was in each box, FRVT guests have fun bidding and imagining what their prize might be.
Katie Wonder, left, and Kara Haselton with “Wish Kid” Abraham.
During the two-hour charity auction, FRVT guests raised $52,167. FRVT and its Founder & CEO, Nel Filliger, matched the donations, bringing the grand total to $104,335, which will make at least 10 wishes come true. This year’s funds go directly to Make-A-Wish Georgia, an organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses.
“Make-A-Wish is a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Filliger. “We have been supporting this charity since 2015 and have raised nearly $600,000 to help make wishes come true, just like they did for my grandson, Dylan.”
Filliger’s grandson, Dylan Prunty, passed away at age 16 of a rare and painful genetic disease. He spent most of his short life in Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. To manage the pain he became an expert at building intricate LEGO sets. His wish was to visit Legoland and ride a train. Make-A-Wish learned of Dylan and made his wish come true. Not only did he get to enjoy a dream weekend at Legoland, but he also got to work with LEGO Master Builders to design a replica of the Children’s Hospital and returned home via a train ride with his family.
“Make-A-Wish captures the heartfelt wish of each child,” said Filliger. “And then they organize everything. It means the world to the child, and to their families.”
“We are grateful to our guests for embracing this charity along with us, and to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for allowing us to support their mission of impacting and uplifting children and their families in the midst of difficult medical treatments,” added Filliger.
About Fantasy RV Tours
Fantasy RV Tours is the leader in curated RV caravans and rallies, with 100 popular routes and destinations available for guests with varying interests. Over 80,000 guests have experienced Fantasy RV Tours over 35 years and four generations of family involvement. Visit the website: fantasyrvtours.com
ESSLINGEN, Germany and BIRMINGHAM, U.K. – Energy on the move – that’s what Eberspaecher’s Zeliox energy management system offers, according to a press release.
The ease of installation and fast charging times set new standards in mobile power supply. Following on from Eberspaecher and Zeliox’s successful conclusion of a joint venture agreement, visitors to the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 will be able to experience the product from April 29 to May 1, at Stand 5D101 in Hall 5.
The Zeliox Control Module serves as a connection box for controlling the various consumers. Directly connected to the battery, it divides the current into six individually programmable channels.
The Zeliox all-in-one energy management system provides a reliable source of power for a wide range of appliances, from drills and circular saws to superchargers. Available in four different sizes and output classes from 0.65 kWh (50 Ah) to 2.6 kWh (200 Ah), it covers all scopes of use. The system can also be expanded with additional batteries to achieve even better performance. The all-in-one design integrates all the necessary components, making installation in the workshop or service van even easier. This makes installation time incredibly quick: It can be done in a maximum of two hours with just a few screw and cable connections. The system is permanently installed in the vehicle and serves as a mobile power source for operating a wide range of tools or charging batteries.
Wide range of charging options During the drive, the fast DC/DC converter means that the Zeliox system can be fully charged in a short time via the vehicle’s battery. In the ECO 1 or 2 versions, it can be fully charged in three hours, and in the ECO 3 version, in under six hours. In addition, it can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours via the existing charging infrastructure of an electric vehicle or via an additional 230V connection for the smallest-version ICE vehicles. The user-friendly app makes it simple to use and gives you an overview of the charge status. Optionally, the various consumers can also be overseen in the vehicle via remote control. The Zeliox Control Module required for this serves as a connection box. Directly connected to the battery, it divides the current into six individually programmable channels. This means that tools, work light, or battery charging stations can be selected individually.
Eberspaecher is adding the product family to its portfolio as part of its strategic partnership with Zeliox. In Europe, all versions are available immediately via the usual sales channels.
