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The RV Technical Institute’s (RVTI) gold standard technician training program is a hands-on, competency-based program designed by Institute staff and subject matter experts from all sectors of the RV industry, according to a News & Insights report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). It provides the only industry-backed training curriculum and RV technician certification and career path. Ultimately, the program aims to increase the number of certified RV technicians and help get RVers back out on the road. 

One of the students who has completed the RVTI’s entire course is Carol Jackson, an experienced mobile RV service technician with 35 years of experience in the mechanical trades.

Jackson is a Level 4 Master Technician. Here’s what she has to say about the RVTI’s curriculum.

What initially drew you to the RV Technical Institute?

I’ve been doing this in the RV sphere for going on 10 years now. I started my training process back when it was the RV Dealers Association/RV Industry Association Technician Certification Program. I achieved my Level 2 just before it transitioned into the RV Technical Institute and the program was paused while you were initiating your programming and training. 

What drew me to it was the fact that I was already invested in training, furthering my career, and seeking as much knowledge as I could so that I could hone my craft. That thirst for knowledge is how I got to where I’m at now.

Can you tell me about your training experience? What parts did you find most beneficial, and why? 

The most helpful part of the training is the hands-on opportunities. There’s only so much you can absorb in a classroom environment without actually putting it into practice.

I’ve been in the mechanical trades for 35 years and have been taking technical training that entire time for every step of those. It’s best to learn in a more controlled environment— that’s where the hands-on part of the training really comes into play. In a classroom environment, you can learn the practical parts and then you can physically practice it right there. If you mess up there’s no real harm. You can learn from those mistakes; you can learn to connect the pieces between the knowledge and the hands-on. I think it makes you a better technician.

Why did you want to become a master technician?

I’ve been in the mechanical trades for so long in all my careers, and being a woman in those kinds of industries makes me feel the need to be one of the best. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself.

In my first career I spent 15 years in the automotive industry. I spent all of that time working in dealerships, and every step along the way I had obstacles. I had to show that I was as equal or better than my peers. The experience created a drive in me to continue showing that.

I’ve applied that to my skillset here in the RV industry, even though those obstacles really don’t exist as much. Being a woman in this industry has been probably the most refreshing part of my 35-year career in mechanical trades.

That being said, I still have that drive to be equal to (or better than) my peers, and so becoming a master technician is a huge accomplishment for me. 

How has your RV Technical Institute training helped your career as an RV technician?

It has given me the tools that I’ve needed, the mental acuity, and the hands-on training. All of it has made me a better technician.

I couldn’t be here, out here on my own and owning my own company, if I didn’t have the training and the education that the RV Technical Institute has allowed me to get. You can’t be a good technician, one who serves their clients properly, without the training that the RV Technical Institute provides.

It’s been really great. I finally feel like I’m one of the leading competitors in the area, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming in the future.

The post Mobile RV Tech Says RVTI Made Her a ‘Better Technician’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

From Camping World: Do you have your RV Toolbox ready to go? Does it have everything you need? Join Ian Baker as he discusses what you should have for tools to work on your RV. From a multimeter to a #2 square bit and everything in between, Ian has your RV tool needs covered. You’ll need tools to troubleshoot and work on your RV when things go wrong, like when a slide doesn’t close, and you’ll need a proper toolbox to work on it.

The post Video: A Closer Look Inside Camping World’s RV Toolbox first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

WASHINGTON – Americans are rarely this pessimistic about the economy, according to a CNN report.

Consumer sentiment plunged 11% this month to a preliminary reading of 50.8, the University of Michigan said in its latest survey released today (April 11), the second-lowest reading on records going back to 1952. April’s reading was lower than anything seen during the Great Recession.

President Donald Trump’s volatile trade war, which threatens higher inflation, has significantly weighed on Americans’ moods these past few months. That malaise worsened leading up to Trump’s announcement last week of sweeping tariffs, according to the survey.

“This decline was, like the last month’s, pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region and political affiliation,” Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, said in a release (see below for release).

“Sentiment has now lost more than 30% since December 2024 amid growing worries about trade war developments that have oscillated over the course of the year,” she added.

Click here to read the full CNN report.

The post U.S. Consumer Sentiment at 2nd-Lowest Level Since 1952 first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

As economic headwinds continue to shape consumer sentiment, the latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report analyzes January 2025 data, offering a look at year-over-year trends and how 2025 kicked-off ahead of the tariff and trade tensions, according to a release from the Nationak Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The report, published this week, shows total new powerboat retail unit sales fell 8.2% year-over-year for the 12-month period ending January 2025, pointing to ongoing softening in discretionary purchases amid sustained concerns around inflation and interest rates.

While there was a decline for the 12-month YOY period, looking at the month of January 2025 compared to January 2024, new retail unit sales were up 1% (7,809 vs 7,765 units), the first-time sales increased during the month of January since 2021. This data reflects sentiment from early-season boat shows that consumers were buying in certain segments and markets, and that while sales were mixed, there was a sense of optimism.

Released monthly, the report is based on data from NMMA member manufacturers and state governments in partnership with Info-Link and provides the most timely and detailed wholesale and retail analysis available in the market.

“There was positive momentum peeking through in January that we saw playing out at our boat shows—while overall traffic was flat or down, buyers were out and bringing signs of a return to growth as we kicked off the New Year,” noted Ellen Bradley, Chief Brand Officer for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

Key findings from the January 2025 report include:

• Wholesale shipments saw an even sharper decline, down 23.2% over the same period, pointing to tightening inventory strategies across the supply chain.
• Despite a 1% uptick in year-to-date (January 2025) retail unit sales—driven primarily by freshwater fishing boats—the broader picture remains cautious.
• The freshwater fishing boat segment posted a 3.8% year-over-year increase in retail sales, including a 19.8% boost in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. NMMA attributes this resilience to the category’s accessibility and broad appeal among middle-income households.

Impacting this January 2025 industry sales data was January 2025’s Consumer Confidence Index, as measured by The Conference Board, which stood at 105.3, down slightly from the prior month. On the inflation front, the annual rate crept up to 3.0% in January, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose slightly to 6.9%, making borrowing more expensive across the board. Though the federal funds rate eased to 4.3%, interest-sensitive purchases like boats continue to be weighed down by financing costs.

“The tariff headwinds and economic uncertainty we’re seeing now, coupled with the glimmer of growth we saw in January before this really set in, underscore the importance of the industry leaning into nurturing demand amid Americans’ desire for long-term value, wellness, and community–all of which being on the water uniquely delivers,” added Bradley. “We’re watching consumer behavior and confidence closely in order to nimbly manage our approach with everything from messaging to media to timing across our Discover Boating marketing. Bottom line, there’s an opportunity right now to break through by helping people find ways to explore the memories and moments only boating can provide and to support and nurture that interest for long-term industry growth.”

Each NMMA monthly summary report is available on nmma.org the first week of the month. The reports feature the most up-to-date data available from members on the wholesale side and from state government on new boat registrations, as well as the most recent comprehensive look into the market available.

NMMA’s Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report is available at no cost for members. Associate members can purchase an annual subscription for $1,800. Download the latest report here

Bookmark https://www.nmma.org/statistics/publications/industry-data-summary for direct and easy access. Visit www.nmma.org/statistics or contact [email protected] for more information.

The post Mixed Economic Environment Reflected in Early Boat Sales first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

HUTCHINSON COUNTY, S.D. – TrailManor officials are excited to introduce the TM16 line of travel trailers featuring two different models: the TM16, and the TM16 Select. The TM16 gives TrailManor the flexibility to offer a more diverse lineup and provides us with the opportunity to engage with today’s light RV consumer through a lower price point.  The base model has an MSRP of $23,898, and the Select package will have an MSRP of $26,907.  It’s designed to fit in-between the lower priced stick and tin models and the high end adventure trailers.

The TM16 has a dry weight of 2560 lbs., and a tongue weight of 160 pounds.   The TM16 line up has a steel frame, 2” composite Lami-plast laminated exterior walls, and roof; and a 3.25” floor. All vacuum bonded with foam inside for excellent insulation. The base model will come with a full 74X54 east to west bed, single bunk bed overhead, 13,500btu AC, electric awning, a full bathroom with shower, and can handle a variety of sleeping arrangements for adults and children. The interior walls will have a combination of Azdel and Lauan panels. The interior height is 6’2”. 

The standard model also comes with a 35-gallon grey, a 35-gallon black, and a 20-gallon freshwater tank. Other standard features include a 6-gallon water heater, 18” kitchen sink, a vented 2 burner cooktop, Bluetooth speaker, and rear entry door.

The TM 16 Select includes everything in the standard model, but also features aggressive off road oversized radial tires, a second electric awning, and a voice activated power control module to operate the lights, awnings, and other features.

Production began on March 24^th of this year.

The post TrailManor Showcases the New TM16 Line of Travel Trailers first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Hipcamp, the San Francisco-based company that pioneered the Airbnb model for camping, has partnered with REI, the outdoor gear and apparel co-op with 24 million members. Together, they will promote some of the favorite camping spots chosen by REI members.

“We’ve built a collection of REI member favorite camping spots,” explained Hipcamp’s head of partnerships, Kristen Vasan. “These are places that co-op members have reviewed, liked, or camped at, and we’ve got tens of thousands across the country based on the four years we’ve been partners.” REI members will earn a $20 statement credit when they use their REI Co-op Mastercard to book a Hipcamp site.

The promotion kicked off April 1 and runs through June 2.

Hipcamp was founded in 2013 by Alyssa Ravasio, now the CEO. She used her tech background to develop a better way for people to find camping opportunities that suit their individual needs.

Since its launch, Hipcamp has grown significantly, now offering over 144,000 campsites across 16,500 locations in the U.S and boasting 7.5 million registered users. Sites include national, state, and local parks, private campgrounds, and individuals offering unique stays at camping accommodations on their private land. The number of RV sites has grown 57% year over year.

Although Hipcamp may not be well-known in the RV industry and is often viewed as a niche player, it has emerged as a significant force in campsite booking. The company offers thousands of sites for RVs, vans and tent campers. According to internal statistics, Hipcamp facilitated over 3.3 million “people nights” of camping last year, highlighting its mission to encourage more people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

It’s no secret that booking a desirable campsite has become more challenging since COVID-19, especially if you don’t plan months in advance. Hipcamp aims to alleviate this difficulty with its user-friendly search and booking platform. According to Partnership Head Vasan, most people visiting the site complete their stay within 72 hours of booking, as they find “a ton of inventory (campsites) in desirable locations.” Users can search, book, and pay all on one platform.

So how does Hipcamp’s growth and success benefit RV OEMs, the aftermarket, and campgrounds? Vasan explained it this way:

• By making the process of booking a campsite easier, RV owners will be more likely to use their vehicles frequently. This increases the chances that they will continue enjoying the RV lifestyle, invest in accessories, and eventually consider trading up.
• Many of Hipcamp’s 7.5 million registered users, a significant portion of whom are REI members, are unfamiliar with RV camping. Hipcamp can help introduce this untapped audience—individuals under 55 who earn over $100,000 a year—to the RV lifestyle.
• Hipcamp offers campgrounds an effective way to increase their bookings. Vasan mentioned that 98% of bookings made through Hipcamp come from first-time visitors. The average annual revenue generated by campgrounds listed on Hipcamp ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, with some campgrounds reporting revenues as high as $250,000. Additionally, there is no signup fee for campgrounds that want to be listed on the Hipcamp site.

In summary, Hipcamp is benefiting the RV industry by driving incremental bookings, expanding the camping audience, increasing RV site inventory, and leveraging its partnership with REI to connect RV campgrounds to a large, engaged community of campers..

The post Hipcamp, REI Partner to Promote ‘Favorite’ Camping Spots first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

A solid majority of people believe the current trade war will have a major negative impact on the RV industry in general and their business in particular.

In an impromptu poll this week, 55.6% of the respondents think the flurry of tariff activity will create a major negative impact and increase retail RV prices by at least 20%. Another 14.8% said it would raise retail prices between 10% and 19%, and the same percentage said it was simply too soon to tell.

Likewise, 59.3% said the trade war will increase its cost of doing business by at least 20%. Just over 11% said their business costs would rise between 10% and 19%, and the same percentage said their costs would decrease by at least 20%.

Albeit a small sample size, it’s interesting to note how the comments offered by some of the 27 respondents run the gamut:

• “So far our sales are down significantly.”

• “We have a horrible president. We could not get a worse one.”

• “Sales will be off 25% to 30% in the short term due to panic and fear in stock market. Unfortunately, our population has been dumbed down for decades and today there are too many who do not understand tariffs, economics and finances, let alone American history. No reason to fear tariffs, they are not the end game. Tariffs are just leverage to get other countries to allow the U.S. to sell more U.S. products on a level playing field. The U.S. economy will be better than ever by 3rd to 4th quarter this year.”

• “It will be great for companies that already manufacture American.”

• “Worth it long term. Trade war is a pretty extreme term to use, too. LOL”

• “We build custom RVs. Products have gone up in cost post-Covid. Even if it’s a 25% tariff. The cost of manufacturing with over a 600% added for profit. The company having these parts made can easily adjust for the tariff. It’s what I have done with our other businesses products we produce.”

• “The problem with the tariffs is that they are not reciprocal like the administration claims and they continually change, which will really impact the market with instability. Add to the fact the market value has decreased significantly, which reduces the net worth of our prime customers who may then want to hold off on discretionary purchases until things stabilize. So, we could have a combo of problems: a bear market erasing net worths, significantly impacting consumer confidence; increase in costs for key components, increasing inflation further; and an economic recession. A base combo short term. I am pulling for huge success long term with these moves, but have my concerns given the dynamics at play.”

• “I would call 10%-19% a major impact when considering the compounded inflationary impacts over the past few years. I’m for a level playing field on tariffs. This feels excessive.”

• “Bad for the industry and USA, but potentially good for my small business with competition coming primarily from outside the U.S.”

• “Useless and unnecessary.”

• “Short term pain/long term gain. Don’t panic.”

• “Trade wars are stupid for everyone.”

• “We’ve already seen material costs rise 40%+ in the last couple months. The costs will be passed along so we’re covered as an OEM, but the instability is frustrating. If it the pain is short term and our country is better off long term, then it’s all good. TBD what actually happens, as politicians screw up everything they touch.”

• “Historically, no one wins in a trade war except those in position to manipulate timing and price for temporary gain.”

The post Poll Results: Trade War will Negatively Impact RV Industry first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

Thirteen years ago, Don Sheliga started working as an engineer for Coachmen RV, a Middlebury, Ind.-based division of Forest River Inc.

Twelve years ago, he got the news that changed everything. That’s when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

But Sheliga is not alone in his fight. His wife, Linda, has been by his side since day one. He credits her with giving him the fighting spirit that’s on display at Rock Steady Gym.

Sheliga said his wife was watching CBS’ “Sunday Morning” after he was diagnosed. The show had a story on Rock Steady Gym’s original location in Indianapolis. Inspired by how the training was helping patients slow the progression of their Parkinson’s symptoms, the pair began driving to Indianapolis for boxing classes. Classes, Sheliga said, helped manage his symptoms.

But driving back and forth to Indianapolis started to take its toll.

“After about six months I said, ‘You know, maybe we can do this up here.’”

So Sheliga took the initiative and, along with several others, started Rock Steady Gym Michiana in 2016. They now have two locations to serve the community. The Elkhart gym holds classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The South Bend gym holds evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from six to 7:30, and at 9:30 on Saturday mornings.

Though less than a decade old, Rock Steady Michiana has seen steady growth. Sheliga says there are about forty people at the South Bend gym, plus another 30 regulars at the Elkhart classes.

While the work is rewarding, running two gyms is not an easy feat. It’s taken a village to help keep the lights on, and his employers have been a big help.

“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “This year, they actually gave me a $500 check donation. I’d like to challenge the other manufacturers and vendors to meet it or beat it.”

The chance for manufacturers and vendors to meet or beat that $500 donation is coming up at the end of the month.

A fundraising gala will be at 5 p.m., April 26, at Morris Park Country Club in South Bend. It will include a silent auction.

Sheliga’s goal is to raise at least $75,000 for Rock Steady Boxing in Michiana. He’s hoping donors will feel called to help.

“Boxing has all the things that people with Parkinson’s lose – balance, mobility, agility, movement,” Sheliga said. “The program works. Our goal for everybody is to slow down Parkinson’s… so that the quality of life gets better.”

To purchase tickets to the fundraising gala, or bid on silent auction items, visit RockSteadyBoxingMichiana.com.

Don is also thankful for the support from Forest River’s management team.

“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “They’ve accommodated me with my certain issues. If I need time off, they give it to me within reason. They let me leave early if I’m having a bad day, let me come in late if I’m having a bad day. They’ve just been super. Zach Eppers and Bob Dumm – I mean, I couldn’t think more highly of two people.”

The post Coachmen’s Don Sheliga Fights Back Against Parkinson’s first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced today (April 9) that John Gaidoo has been appointed as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, effective June 1. He will succeed Nicole Lamb-Hale following her transition to Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary.

“Throughout his 14-year tenure at Cummins, John has significantly impacted our company’s success, the teams he leads and the communities he supports,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO, Cummins Inc. “He has held various legal positions, showcasing his proficiency in both internal and external legal services. His counsel spans numerous specialized areas including intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, procurement, regulatory compliance and administrative legal services.”

“A seasoned leader and former United States Marine Corps veteran, John believes that every employee has the power to contribute to a team’s success. He is an innovative thought partner and is deeply committed to our values,” Rumsey stated. “John’s unique skills and extensive experience make him the ideal candidate for the role of Chief Legal Officer, poised to lead our vital Legal function through a significant period in Cummins’ history. I am excited to welcome him as a member of the Cummins Leadership Team and look forward to his ongoing influential counsel.”

Gaidoo joined Cummins as a labor and employment lawyer in 2011. Since that time, he has held pivotal roles for the company, including creating the Crisis Action Management Plan in 2012, serving as Executive Director of Human Resources for Cummins Emission Solutions in 2017, leading the global Labor Relations team from 2018 and serving as lead lawyer for the COVID-19 Risk Management Team in 2020. In 2021, Gaidoo was elevated to an officer of the company, and in 2023, he was promoted to his current role as Vice President – Senior Deputy General Counsel.

As Chief Legal Officer, Gaidoo will lead Cummins’ Legal function globally and will serve as a core member of the Cummins Leadership Team, working with business and functional leaders to advance the company’s strategic and operational priorities.

Before joining Cummins, Gaidoo practiced labor and employment law in Indianapolis, IN (U.S.) at the law firm of Baker & Daniels LLP (now Faegre). He earned his bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Indiana University (U.S.).

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024.

See how Cummins is leading your world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

The post Cummins Names John Gaidoo as VP, Chief Legal Officer first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.

RENO, Nev. – Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: DFLI), an industry leader in energy storage and battery technology and maker of Battle Born Batteries, has been named the “Battery Technology Company of the Year” in the 2nd annual CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program, according to a press release.

The award recognizes Dragonfly Energy’s patented innovations in dry electrode lithium battery cell manufacturing and its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology. Submissions were evaluated by CleanTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization focused on identifying the top companies, products, and services across the global climate and clean technology landscape.

Dragonfly Energy emerged among thousands of nominations from more than 14 countries worldwide and was recognized for its world-class innovations in lithium-ion battery development and manufacturing. 

“Dragonfly Energy is setting new benchmarks in energy storage through innovation, sustainability, and execution,” said Bryan Vaughn, managing director of CleanTech Breakthrough. “We believe the Company’s patented dry electrode cell manufacturing process represents a significant leap forward in scalable, eco-conscious battery production. Combined with its proprietary Dragonfly IntelLigence® technology—which overcomes many of the limitations of traditional Bluetooth-based battery communication—we believe Dragonfly Energy delivers a more intelligent, reliable, and future-ready energy storage solution. These advancements are what earned Dragonfly Energy our 2025 ‘Battery Technology Company of the Year’ award.”

At the core of Dragonfly Energy’s innovation is its patented dry electrode battery cell manufacturing process, which eliminates the need for toxic solvents and enables a more sustainable, cost-effective pathway to domestic lithium battery production. Validated by third-party analysis for its economic and environmental advantages, the process reduces energy consumption, lowers capital expenditures, and allows for flexible, scalable deployment in decentralized manufacturing environments. Importantly, the Company’s technology enables the production of PFAS-free battery cells and has successfully demonstrated compatibility with high-purity recycled materials—such as those sourced through Aqua Metals—further strengthening its commitment to circularity and responsible supply chains.

Complementing its manufacturing breakthroughs is Dragonfly IntelLigence®, a proprietary battery communication and monitoring technology designed to optimize performance, enhance safety, and improve the user experience. Unlike traditional Bluetooth-based systems, Dragonfly IntelLigence® enables seamless, direct communication between connected batteries and system components through a robust, hardwired network. This advanced platform supports real-time data visualization, remote diagnostics, and smarter energy management—capabilities that are increasingly critical as energy systems become more complex and distributed.

“Our products are trusted across a wide range of industries—from leading RV manufacturers to large-scale commercial fleet operators,” said Dr. Denis Phares, chief executive officer of Dragonfly Energy. “We’re committed to not only meeting today’s energy storage demands, but also shaping the future of the industry through advanced performance, reliability, and sustainable innovation. Being recognized by CleanTech Breakthrough is a meaningful validation of our technology and our vision as we continue to drive progress in the lithium battery space.”

For more information about Dragonfly Energy and its innovative energy solutions, visit DragonflyEnergy.com.

The post Dragonfly Wins 2025 ‘Battery Tech Company of the Year’ first appeared on RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News.