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Highlights of this issue include:

• Growth-minded Blue Ox Celebrating 100 Years Manufacturing in Nebraska
• Passing of Pete Liegl: RV Industry Loses a Legendary Icon
• 2024 RVDA Convention/Expo Foretells Positive 2025; Top 50 Dealers Honored
• A Look at the Rise of Glamping and its effect on the RV Industry
• Forest River’s Doug Gaeddert Reflects on Pete Liegl, 2025 Prospects, Growth
• 2025 RV Dealer Industry Trends Report

Click on the cover to get your copy.

The post Jan/Feb 2025 Digital Issue of ‘RVBusiness’ is Now Available first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Kindlund family has increased its contribution to the endowment of the Mike Molino RV Learning Center’s Kindlund Family College Scholarship Program to $370,000.

The scholarship program recognizes deserving rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The RV Learning Center has awarded $82,500 in scholarships to 33 students since its inception in 2000.

“We are pleased to add additional funding to the scholarship endowment that will ensure that this program can continue to help students connected to the RV business to pursue rewarding careers,” said Newt Kindlund.

Scholarship applicants are judged on their current RV industry involvement or their plan to seek employment in the RV industry upon graduation, academic achievement, extracurricular activities and honors, financial need and a 500-word essay on their goals and objectives after college.

Kindlund founded Holiday RV Superstores, the first publicly traded RV dealership. He is a director emeritus on the RV Learning Center Board of Directors and a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

“By funding this scholarship program, Newt Kindlund continues demonstrate his commitment the RV industry in a very meaningful way,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia.

For more information about the RV Learning Center, go to www.rvlearningcenter.com. The RV Learning Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donation.

The post Kindlund Family Increases RV Learning Center Scholarship first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Kindlund family has increased its contribution to the endowment of the Mike Molino RV Learning Center’s Kindlund Family College Scholarship Program to $370,000.

The scholarship program recognizes deserving rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The RV Learning Center has awarded $82,500 in scholarships to 33 students since its inception in 2000.

“We are pleased to add additional funding to the scholarship endowment that will ensure that this program can continue to help students connected to the RV business to pursue rewarding careers,” said Newt Kindlund.

Scholarship applicants are judged on their current RV industry involvement or their plan to seek employment in the RV industry upon graduation, academic achievement, extracurricular activities and honors, financial need and a 500-word essay on their goals and objectives after college.

Kindlund founded Holiday RV Superstores, the first publicly traded RV dealership. He is a director emeritus on the RV Learning Center Board of Directors and a member of the RV/MH Hall of Fame.

“By funding this scholarship program, Newt Kindlund continues demonstrate his commitment the RV industry in a very meaningful way,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia.

For more information about the RV Learning Center, go to www.rvlearningcenter.com. The RV Learning Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be tax deductible as charitable donation.

The post Kindlund Family Increases RV Learning Center Scholarship first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Entegra Coach: This is a level of Entegra Coach luxury you’ve never seen before. Every detail of this masterpiece has been designed to blow your mind.

• 50% Larger Windows
• Custom Paint Design with Unparalleled Detail
• Meticulously Designed Interior Includes Eye-Catching Ceiling Features, Upgraded Tile and Quartz Countertops
• Custom Villa Italian Leather Furniture
• Upscale Café Appliances

With only 20 of these magnificent coaches being produced, the Cornerstone Reserve is a piece of Entegra Coach history you don’t want to miss out on.

The post OEM Showcase: Entegra Coach 2025 Cornerstone Reserve first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations, has expressed its support for the nomination of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of the Interior. 

In this role, Burgum will lead an agency with more than 70,000 employees who are stewards for 20% of the nation’s lands, including national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges and other public lands. The Department oversees the responsible development of conventional and renewable energy supplies on public lands and waters, is the largest supplier and manager of water in the 17 western states and upholds trust responsibilities to the 574 federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

In a letter to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Mike Lee and Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, ORR along with 33 of its national member organizations and businesses, highlighted Burgum’s support for outdoor recreation, economic growth, and the preservation of public lands and waters. 

“Governor Burgum’s track record in supporting outdoor recreation and his understanding of the outdoor recreation economy make him uniquely qualified to lead the Department of the Interior,” said ORR in the letter. “As an avid outdoorsman and a proponent of public-private partnerships, Governor Burgum’s leadership is critical to ensuring the long-term success of outdoor recreation as an economic driver and community connector.” 

Burgum, who recently established North Dakota’s Office of Outdoor Recreation after participating in ORR’s National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum in Washington, D.C., has demonstrated a commitment to outdoor recreation through economic innovation. 

ORR also emphasized the important role Burgum’s leadership will play in addressing the growing demands and challenges on public lands and waters, including increased visitation, infrastructure needs, maintenance backlogs, and the impacts of climate change. 

“Outdoor recreation contributes $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, supports 5 million American jobs, and represents 2.3% of the nation’s GDP,” ORR noted. “Strong leadership at the Department of the Interior is essential to sustain this growth and expand access to the outdoors for future generations.” 

The letter also praised recent bipartisan efforts to advance outdoor recreation policies, such as the passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. ORR pledged to work with Governor Burgum, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and other stakeholders to implement the new law and ensure continued progress on critical issues, including the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund. 

“The success of America’s $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy relies on effective stewardship of our public lands and waters,” said ORR. “We are confident that Governor Burgum will provide the leadership needed to address the challenges ahead and foster a sustainable and thriving outdoor recreation economy for all Americans.” 

ORR looks forward to collaborating with Burgum and the 119th Congress, the release concluded, to advance policies that support outdoor recreation, strengthen local communities and economies, and preserve the nation’s natural resources for future generations.  

The full text of the letter is available here. 

ABOUT ORR    

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation associations representing the more than 110,000 outdoor businesses in the recreation economy and the full spectrum of outdoor-related activities. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of GDP), 5 million jobs and comprises 3.1% of U.S. employees. 

The post Outdoor Rec. Roundtable Supports Burgum for Sec. of Interior first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Yesterday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) introduced HR 332, the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). 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.

Under current law and how motor vehicles are defined, floor plan interest on travel trailers/towable units is subject to a 30% limitation on interest expenses based on earnings before interest and taxes — motorhomes are not subject to this limitation. The RV industry has been advocating for this fix to ensure that all segments of the RV industry are treated fairly by allowing floor plan financing interest charges on towable RVs to be a deductible expense.

“Indiana’s Second District is the home of the ‘RV Capital of the World,’ an essential part of our local economy” said Congressman Yakym. “I am proud to reintroduce this sensible and bipartisan legislative solution along with Congresswoman Titus that will support the continued growth of the RV industry and ensure Americans can enjoy the natural beauty of our nation through RV travel and outdoor adventures for generations to come.”

“Many families and tourists across the country find the best way to explore our nation’s national parks and beautiful natural landscapes is from an RV,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “This bipartisan legislation would help RVs stay competitive with other elements of the recreation industry and allow even more people to explore our country in this unique way.”

“We applaud Representatives Yakym and Titus for their leadership in reintroducing the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity legislation,” said Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President & CEO. “This essential bill addresses a long-standing issue impacting RV dealerships by correcting a drafting error that impacts only towable RVs and has created unnecessary and unintended financial strain not faced by other similar industries. By ensuring dealers can fully deduct the interest on their floor plan financing for all units, this legislation will help RV travel trailer dealers stay competitive, drive industry growth, and support the millions of Americans who embrace RV travel as a way of life. We strongly encourage Congress to act quickly and pass this important legislation to secure the continued success of the all-American RV industry.”

The bill is available here. Please contact Samantha Rocci, Director of Federal Affairs, at [email protected] for more information.

The post Bill is Introduced to Address RV Dealer Floor Plan Financing first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

INDIANAPOLIS — To kick off Monday’s inauguration ceremony, Tera Klutz, the former auditor for the state of Indiana, said that the ceremony was a way to close one chapter and open another, according to a report by WIXN, the Fox59 affiliate in Indianapolis.

“Let’s get this show on the road so you can start doing,” Klutz told Indiana Gov. Mike Braun during Monday’s ceremony.

Braun. a Republican, was sworn in as Indiana’s 52nd governor during Monday morning’s inauguration ceremony at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Monument Circle.

This comes after Braun was elected as the state’s new governor in November 2024, defeating Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic candidate and the state’s former superintendent of public instruction, as well as Donald Rainwater, the Libertarian candidate.

During Monday’s ceremony, two others were also sworn in to their respective positions, including Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, a Republican, and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, a Republican.

During Monday’s ceremony, Braun was sworn in last by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush. Braun was sworn in on two Bibles, including his family Bible and the one used by former President Benjamin Harrison.

“It is with immense gratitude that I stand before you to accept the honor of serving as Indiana’s 52nd governor,” Braun said during Monday’s ceremony.

During his inaugural remarks, Braun remembered Indiana’s history, one that included “risk takers” and “trailblazers” who built the state that is here today. Braun said in the face of challenges, the state of Indiana and Hoosiers have come out stronger.

Braun said that the next four years have a special meaning for the state of Indiana, highlighting the transition in power for the state, along with the transition in power at the federal level. Braun said he hopes that former President Donald Trump being back in office will help bring a transfer in assumed power from the federal government to the states.

Click here to read the full report by WIXN.

The post Braun Sworn In as Indiana Governor; ‘It’s time to Get to Work’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RED BAY, Ala. – The Tiffin Group announced the promotion of Trent Tiffin to Vice President of Sales. A third-generation member of the Tiffin family business, Trent is the grandson of founder Bob Tiffin, son of Tim Tiffin, and cousin to company President Leigh Tiffin. This leadership appointment reinforces Tiffin’s “unwavering commitment to excellence in sales, dealer relationships, and customer service,” according to a release.

“It’s an honor to step into this role,” said Trent Tiffin. “I began my journey in inside sales, where I had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors like my grandfather, “Papa Bob,” my father, Tim, and Andy Baer. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my understanding of our mission and values. Working alongside Leigh has been equally rewarding, and I’m excited to continue building on the Tiffin legacy.”

President Leigh Tiffin shared his confidence in Trent’s appointment, stating, “Trent has grown up surrounded by the Tiffin tradition. His deep connection to our values, combined with his passion for the business and ability to cultivate strong relationships, makes him the ideal leader for this role. We are excited for the vision and drive he brings to our sales team as we continue to deliver industry-leading motorhomes.”

Trent previously served as National Sales Manager for Tiffin’s Class B and Class C motorhomes, spearheading the growth of innovative models such as the Wayfarer and GH1 adventure van. As Vice President of Sales, he will lead the National Sales Managers and oversee sales strategy across all Tiffin motorhome classes, ensuring the brand remains synonymous with quality and customer satisfaction.

Leigh added, “This is an exciting chapter for Tiffin Motorhomes. Trent’s leadership will ensure we continue to innovate and excel while honoring the family values that define us. I’m confident he will guide our sales team to achieve new milestones in 2025 and beyond.”

About Tiffin Motorhomes

Tiffin Motorhomes remains one of the few family-operated RV manufacturers in the industry, a distinction that shapes our approach and values. With the Tiffin name on every coach, our work is more than a profession—it’s a personal commitment to building the finest motorhomes. This pursuit of excellence is the foundation of our legacy.

Discover more about Tiffin Motorhomes at www.tiffinmotorhomes.com.

The post Trent Tiffin Named Vice President of Sales at Tiffin Group first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

NAPPANNEE, Ind. – inTech has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the Aucta Sycamore. As the first bunk floorplan in the inTech lineup, this groundbreaking addition to the Aucta series blends versatility, comfort and innovation, making it the ideal choice for families and travelers seeking a multi-functional RV experience, according to a release.

“The Aucta Sycamore is a true game-changer for inTech,” said Keith Fishburn, sales manager at inTech. “We’ve designed this unit with families in mind, creating a space that seamlessly transitions from a functional bunkhouse to an efficient office, all while maintaining the luxurious features inTech is known for.”

Innovative Design Features

• First-of-its-Kind Bunk-to-Office Floorplan: The Aucta Sycamore introduces a unique multi-use space that can easily transform from a family-friendly bunkhouse to a fully functional office, catering to the needs of modern travelers.
• Luxurious Front Master Bedroom: The front bedroom features inTech’s exclusive panoramic windshield, offering stunning views and abundant natural light. A true residential 60”x80” queen bed ensures ultimate comfort, unlike competitors who rely on smaller, non-residential mattresses that make it difficult to find properly fitting sheets.
• Accessible and Versatile Wardrobe: A thoughtfully designed wardrobe can be accessed from both the bedroom and the main living area, providing ample space to hang coats and clothing, maximizing convenience for all travelers.

Enhanced Living Space

• The main living area combines elegance and functionality, featuring a convertible couch that adds to the unit’s sleeping capacity, making the Aucta Sycamore perfect for larger families or groups.

Family-Focused Flexibility

The Aucta Sycamore complements the Aucta line by pushing the boundaries of multi-use space while maintaining inTech’s commitment to quality and innovation. This model ensures every member of the family has a space to call their own, whether it’s for rest, play, or work.

Availability

The Aucta Sycamore is now available for orders through inTech’s authorized dealer network. Interested buyers can visit www.intech.com to locate their nearest dealer or to learn more about this groundbreaking RV. The Aucta Sycamore will also be on display at the Florida RV SuperShow all this week.

The post Video: inTech RV Intros ‘Family Friendly’ Aucta Sycamore first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Storyteller Overland, the world’s most all-encompassing overland vehicle and adventure-ready lifestyle company, is moving boldly into the 170” wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter market with its launch of the all new CREW MODE.

The CREW MODE takes its inspiration from Storyteller’s wildly successful 144” MODE lineup but promises and delivers so much more with regards to creature comfort and essential gear storage.   

The CREW MODE is Storyteller’s first offering on the AWD 170” 3500 dually Sprinter Chassis from Mercedes-Benz. Like its shorter wheelbase predecessors, The CREW MODE offers overland explorers a rugged, infinitely capable, and comfortable adventure van fully fit for the rigors of off road and off grid exploration, but now with even more room and creature comfort for companions and essential gear. 

The CREW MODE provides an industry-first ability to safely seatbelt up to five passengers while also comfortably sleeping up to five adults or children. All of the innovative onboard seating solutions have been designed to meet or exceed all relevant DOT / NHTSA approved seat pull tests for the safe transport of up to five adults, or two adults and up to three car seats. The driver’s side rear bench seat provides comfortable forward facing seating while traveling, and then doubles as a swivel lounge seat to rest and enjoy the scenery out of the sliding door. The fifth seat, located directly adjacent to the rear swivel bench seat is a comfortable captain’s chair that can be easily removed for when more interior space is desired over additional seating capacity.

Four adults (up to five) can sleep comfortably in the two large RV beds included in this all new adventure van.  The rear of the CREW MODE features Storyteller’s highly configurable TroupeLounge, a spacious RV queen-sized bed that can convert into a workstation or a hangout lounge for the whole crew. Accessed by a ladder inside the CREW MODE is a powered, hard-sided rooftop tent that provides another RV full-sized bed with its own ventilation system for maximum comfort. 

The CREW MODE kitchen delivers elevated overland luxury with a 3.3 cu ft fridge/freezer, stainless steel sink, combination microwave/air fryer, portable induction stove and over 120 inches of continuous countertop. 

The BoomBox provides a comfortable, ventilated full bath with flushable toilet for this home on wheels. When not in use, the BoomBox also functions as a wet/dry closet for additional storage. 

Key Specs: 

• Five Shoulder Harness Seatbelts
• Two Large Beds 
• TroupeLounge
• Powered, Hard-Sided Rooftop Tent
• BoomBox Full Wet Bath
• Cabin Air Conditioner
• Efficient Hydronic Diesel Heater for Cabin Heat & Hot Water
• 16.8kWh M-Power System (Powered by Lithionics)
• 345W Rated Solar Panels
• Heavy Duty Rear Gear Slide-Out Tray – Rated Up to 300lbs

Built on the AWD 170” 3500 Dually Sprinter Chassis from Mercedes-Benz, the CREW MODE’s dual rear wheels distribute weight more evenly, allowing you to carry more gear and more people while enjoying a comfortable, stable ride. The dual rear wheels also provide better lateral stability, making the vehicle more sure-footed when towing– even in windy conditions and on uneven terrain. With more rubber on the road, the CREW MODE’s dual rear wheels also improve traction on soft and loose surfaces. 

“We have always envisioned offering a 170” Sprinter-based adventure van that solves for more family – or more crew – than our 144” MODEs, so we are thrilled to officially launch the 2025 CREW MODE at the 40th Annual Florida RV Super Show,” said Lee Conn, CEO of Storyteller Overland. “The CREW MODE simply offers more of everything Storyteller MODEs are known for in terms of attention to detail and high quality craftsmanship. Our team of visionary designers and engineers has created the most adaptive and infinitely configurable MODE yet, tailored to meet the unique needs of adventurers everywhere.”

“With the addition of the 170 CREW MODE to our stellar vehicle range, we are once again signaling to our growing community that we hear them and are tracking along with the ever changing needs of their families and active interest pursuits” said Jeffrey Hunter, Storyteller Founder & Chairman. “We’re excited to see so many people saying yes to a more adventurous way of life, and the CREW MODE simply lets our owners invite even more of their crew along for the journey with them… hence the name.”

The CREW MODE is set to begin shipping to consumers in Q1 of 2025, with the retail price starting at $249,377.77. Consumers attending the 40th Annual Florida RV SuperShow, Jan. 15-19, in Tampa, Fla., will get a chance to see the new CREW MODE for the first time in person.

For more information visit storytelleroverland.com to find a dealer and find the closest Storyteller near you. 

The post Storyteller Overland Unveiling CREW MODE on 170″ Sprinter first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.