RVing in New England,” the weekly Facebook Live show hosted by Bob Zagami and John DiPietro of the New England RV Dealers Association (NERVDA), this week takes a look at sentiments among campers in New England. “The road to a happy and trouble-free camping season appears to have a few obstacles,” note the hosts. “The industry and our country anxiously wait to see what happens next. We thought this would be good time to tonight to take the pulse of our campers in New England.”
WASHINGTON –Get ready to press play on an amazing visit to a national park. There’s a record collection of things to do and see during National Park Week from April 19-27, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the national parks.
More than 430 national parks offer a wide variety of experiences that are sure to strike a chord with visitors. The NPS trip planning guide offers a symphony of tips. Each day of the week, we’re riffing off a musical theme to create a tour de force of the spectacular places around the country that can resonate with visitors.
Orchestrate a visit to hear live music at New Orleans Jazz, a classical concert at Colorado, music on the bayou at Jean Lafitte, an indigenous dance performance at Tonto, fife and drums at the 250th commemoration of the start of the Revolutionary War at Minute Man; or take a peek backstage at Wolf Trap.
Mapping out yourpark playlist? Kick off National Park Week with a free entrance day on April 19. Work in concert with NPS.gov or the NPS app to choose a park that fits your groove. There is step-by-step information about what to do and see in each park and how to recreate in harmony with these treasured places for a safe and pitch perfect excursion.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Alex Wallenfelsz, Executive Vice President of IP Corporation, announced that Kevin Casey has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. Casey will be responsible for leading the commercial team for all IP Corporation’s manufacturing companies, including Interplastic, HK Research, Molding Products, and North American Composites (NAC), according to a company release.
“Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge in the composites industry, having held leadership positions at Premix, Sika, Mar-Bal, EMS-EFTEC and most recently, Jaeger-Unitek Sealing Solutions,” Wallenfelsz stated in a release. “His extensive experience in leading sales teams and expanding new technologies will create a focused “One-Team” customer philosophy as we accelerate the launch of our integrated Interplastic and HK Research team”.
“IP Corporation and HK Research have pioneered, industry leading polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, molding and bonding compounds, putties and colorants,:” Casey said. “The integration of HK Research, combined with IP Corporation’s full range of products, provides our customers with innovative, customer-specific technologies. We are excited to multiply this market focus in delivering best-in-class customer support with a full range of products and services.”
Company officials added that the creation of the Vice President of Sales position furthers demonstrates IP Corporation’s commitment to create market leading technologies and service to valued customers, while fostering collaboration and innovation within our organization.
About IP Corporation
IP Corporation and subsidiaries are specialty chemical companies with their headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota. Interplastic Corporation focuses on the production and sale of unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, gel coats, putties, and colorants for the composites and cast polymer industries.
North American Composites Company (NAC) is a national, full-service supplier to those same industries. Molding Products LLC is a leader in the production of sheet molding compounds for use in compression molding of light fixtures, lavatory sinks, shower stalls, and bases. HK Research is the technology leader in gel coat color performance and production.
KENT, Wash. – Torklift, a leader in cutting-edge RV solutions, announced its new partnership with Outdoors RV Manufacturing, a renowned innovator in the recreational vehicle industry, according to a release. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment as the Torklift Glowstep Revolution will now be integrated into the design of new Outdoors RV units, delivering infinite adjustability, unparalleled stability, and luxury aesthetics to RV owners across the nation.
The Torklift Glowstep Revolution is a game changer when it comes to RV upgrades, the release continued. Known for its adjustable multi-hinge link design and signature glow in the dark capabilities, the Glowstep Revolution ensures a comfortable and safe entryway into the RV no matter where the road takes you. By combining Torklift’s technological expertise with Outdoors RV Manufacturing’s commitment to quality and innovation, this partnership is set to redefine the standard for recreational vehicle design and functionality.
The Torklift GlowStep Revolution is compatible with multiple step accessories to add to the comfort of your RV adventure:
DirtDestroyer: This step attachment easily installs to your GlowStep Revolution with no tools in just seconds. Allows you to clean your shoes prior to entering your RV to keep dirt and debris outside of your rig where it belongs.
SafeStep: SafeStep panels close off the gap between steps so that children or pets can safely enter the RV.
GlowGuide Handrail: Dramatically enhance safety when entering and exiting RV – comprised of three telescoping arms to ensure stability. Equipped with the signature glow in the dark capability for safe entry at night.
“We are excited to join forces with Outdoors RV Manufacturing by making the GlowStep Revolution standard on new Outdoors RV units,” said Kyler Morrison, VP of Sales at Torklift. “With this addition to Outdoors RV units, we’re showcasing our commitment to pushing the limits of RV design and continuous improvement to the end user. It’s all about creating a better travel experience and the GlowStep Revolution does just that.”
This partnership means you’ll see the Torklift Glowstep Revolution on Outdoors RV’s newest models, offering a perfect mix of style and convenience.
For more information about the Torklift Glowstep Revolution and the latest updates on the new Outdoors RV units, please visit torklift.com or outdoorsrvmfg.com.
COALVILLE, Utah — Escapod, manufacturer of high-performance off-road teardrop trailers, today launches the TOPO2 MTB, the world’s first purpose-built camper designed specifically for mountain bikers. This innovative, all-season trailer combines Escapod’s award-winning design with specialized features tailored for cyclists, creating the ultimate easy-to-tow base camper for adventure on two wheels.
Escapod will unveil the TOPO2 MTB at the Sea Otter Classic this weekend (April 10-13) in Monterey, Calif., at booth S9.
Building on the success of Escapod’s unique TOPO2 trailer, which offers an ultra-durable, patented single-piece molded fiberglass body and a proprietary high-clearance suspension system for overland travel, Escapod built out a new trailer model outfitted for the comprehensive needs of mountain and gravel bikers. At the heart of the design is Escapod’s custom-designed Switchback Hitch, a swing-away hitch that allows full galley access on the back of the trailer, even when it’s loaded with two bikes. It locks securely in three positions for stability off-road or at camp.
The Switchback Hitch features a bull bar, RotopaX mount, and a Feedback Sports Mechanic Clamp, making trail-side maintenance quick and easy. Also integrated is Küat’s new Piston ION E-bike Rack – also debuting and Sea Otter –which is ready to transport any pair of e-bikes up to 80 lbs. and rated for RV use. Similar to the TOPO2, the ION is over-engineered for reliable use in rough conditions to make it easier to access the best places to ride.
A Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit is integrated into the galley on the rear of the trailer, while a Feedback Sports Slide Lock Clamp Head attaches to the bull bar, making trail-side maintenance a breeze.
“Mountain biking — and being able to easily access all kinds of rugged places to ride — is what led my wife Jen and I to create the Escapod brand in the first place,” said Chris Hudak, Founder of Escapod. “We built out the very first model a decade ago to fuel our own weekend mountain biking adventures, and that design inspired us to start a company. So building out the TOPO2 MTB is in many ways coming full circle for us. This is more than just a comfortable place to sleep — it’s the ultimate mobile base camp for riding.”
In addition to all the bike-specific components, the TOPO2 MTB’s features include:
A highly insulated and heated design that keeps users warm in cold weather and cool in hot climates. The design also protects a 21-gallon water system and lithium batteries from cold temperatures and freezing.
After a long day of riding, cyclists can refresh themselves using the outdoor shower, or wash off their bikes after a muddy ride, perfectly complementing the camper’s thoughtful design.
The galley on the back serves dual purposes with a full kitchen, stove and a fridge or cooler, and excellent storage for kitchen tools, as well as easily accessed organization for bike tools.
The proprietary Freeride suspension has 23 inches of ground clearance for handling the roughest terrain with ease. That’s ultra-important for accessing backcountry campsites in an era when established campgrounds are often booked far in advance.
The patented single-piece molded fiberglass body design is ultralight, extremely durable and has exceptional usable space for such a compact, easy-to-tow package. The TOPO2 can be towed by most small trucks and SUVs.
The compact TOPO2 MTB easily fits in a garage bay, making it the ultimate tool for quick urban escapes — particularly important in situations where there are HOA restrictions or storage space is otherwise at a premium.
The Escapod TOPO2 MTB comes fully equipped and starts at $53,990; learn more about this model, other Escapod trailers, and testing opportunities at escapod.us.
About Escapod
Escapod Trailers builds high-performance off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventure seekers who crave freedom and exploration. Using advanced fiberglass molding for a durable, lightweight body and the patented Freeride Suspension System for superior off-road handling, Escapods are built to tackle any terrain. With an industry-leading 5-year warranty, our trailers offer unmatched durability, while their compact size and easy towing capabilities make them just as convenient on the road or when fitting into your garage. Built in Utah, Escapod is more than just a trailer — it’s an invitation to join a community of adventurers, ready to explore wherever the journey takes you. Visit escapod.us for more information or follow the adventures on Instagram.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Even though selling and repairing RVs is what keeps the lights on, the Veurink family believes in going the extra mile for their neighbors in need.
“The actual donation period will be June 2 through the 21,” said VRV Creative Marketing Director Mollee Veurink. “We kind of thought, ‘Hey, this is when we’re going to get customers in our door just to bring awareness of even what’s happening in our own community.’”
Veurink said the hope is the more awareness from customers, the more donations there will be to Streams of Hope. Even though it’s a food pantry, Veurink said they do more than provide meals to those in need.
“If you’re going through a rough season of life, they’ve got that resource for the spiritual side,” she said. “We fully support that ministry.”
Streams of Hope is asking for many items to meet the growing need for help. Not only do they need canned goods, they will also accept cereal bars, cereal, dry pastas, hygiene products and baby products. Veurink says there’s a big need for diapers and baby formula, since those tend to go quickly when needed by a family.
Those wanting to give to the collection will be able to do so at both of Veurink’s locations. Its center in Grand Rapids is located at 7144 Division Ave. S., while the Newaygo branch is at 8669 S. Mason Dr.
Midway RV Center is also serving as a drop-off location. Its address is 5590 Division Ave. S. in Grand Rapids.
Veurink said the pantry is just about a mile from their Grand Rapids location, and about two miles from Midway. For the pair of businesses, charity begins at home.
“One kind of cool thing we like to do is invest in the community,” said Veurink. “When our customers invest in us, we’re able to invest back into the community. Whether we’re employing people right in our own neighborhood and we’re able to provide jobs, but also if someone’s in need we’re able to kind of hear that and be intentional with helping them in any way.”
This summer’s donation drive is being run by the company’s REACH team, the all-volunteer force made up of Veurink RV’s employees. It’s a labor of love, that usually gets 20 to 25 employees to lend a hand for any given project. Veurink said the employees are always happy to help out, and even many new hires sign-up for projects shortly after their start dates.
Veurink credits that volunteer spirit to family business’s culture, carefully crafted by her father, Tim Veurink. Even though his son and her brother, Matt, is now the general manager, she said their dad handles the behind the scenes “visionary-type stuff.”
“He said it’s easy to write a check, but it’s cool to be able to see a different perspective and it opens the eyes of the team,” Veurink said. “We do more than just sell and fix RVs.”
Once the donation drive is finished, all the items will be driven to Streams of Hope – hopefully, Veurink said, inside of campers.
Modern life can be exhausting. We all need to get away from it all occasionally, whether we live in the city, suburb, or the country. And if you can do so without having to step foot on a plane, all the better. Thankfully, for those who want to avoid any unnecessary visits to the airport, the camper van is in the midst of something of a golden age.
Today’s camper van, known to the heads as a Class B motorhome, is nothing like the modified Volkswagen Microbus of your youth. They may sleep fewer people than their relative, the driveway-filling RV, but the current crop still has room for everything you need to feel at home while on the road. Manufacturers and conversion shops like Airstream, Boho and Westfalia, are packing their vehicles with high-end kitchens, WiFi-enabled multimedia systems, plush beds, and, in some cases, full bathrooms with showers. Thanks to all these creature comforts, roughing it is a thing of the past. Plus, their smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park.
Below are 16 camper vans that will let you experience all that #vanlife has to offer in comfort and style.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a press release from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), a consortium of associations – including the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) – that promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities. ORR educate decision makers and the public on balanced policies that conserve public lands and waterways and enhance infrastructure to improve the experience and quality of life of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
Our public lands and waters are uniquely American and are the foundation of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, supporting 5 million jobs, and fueling businesses in communities large and small, rural and urban. Millions of Americans turn to our shared landscapes and waterways for adventure, health, and quality of life.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), our over 40 national associations and the 110,000 American businesses they represent, strongly oppose the large-scale transfer or sale of public lands and waters. This wouldn’t just threaten outdoor recreation and the American quality of life but would also deal a devastating blow to the critical jobs, businesses, and communities that rely on these treasured places. As we have for years, we urge Congress to keep public lands public and out of the federal budget reconciliation process and remind them this is a losing position politically and for the future of our country.
ORR also stands ready to work with the Joint Task Force established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Interior on bipartisan solutions that address the housing affordability crisis in America, improve the management of public lands and enhance recreation access, support a thriving outdoor recreation economy, and are in accordance with the law and local recreation business and stakeholder input.
While nuance is not often welcome in today’s policy debates, we know after talking to Democrats, Republicans, long-time agency staff, sportsmen, recreationists, and businesses that small-scale transfers under very specific circumstances have allowed the agencies to do their job better and have opened up new lands for recreation access. The following framework reinforces and sets new guidance for these lands under consideration. The very fact that these lands are public means we have a voice in their management, so ORR looks forward to working with any policymaker or recreation industry partner to ensure we get this right—the cost is too high not to.
Hiking along the AuSable River near Oscoda, Mich.
Our public lands and waters are uniquely American and are the foundation of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, supporting 5 million jobs, and fueling businesses in communities large and small, rural and urban, in every corner of the country. The outdoor recreation industry, and many other sectors, depend on access to our shared outdoor spaces. The campground operator in national forests, the concessionaire hosting families in our national parks, the boat company creating access to our wildlife refuges, the hunting guide navigating Americans on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, the local outfitters, gear and vehicle manufacturers and retailers, ski resort operators, and thousands of other American businesses all rely on our public lands and water to thrive.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), our over 40 national association members and the over 110,000 American recreation businesses we collectively represent completely oppose the large-scale transfer or sale of public lands and waters, which isn’t just a threat to the outdoor recreation economy and the American quality of life but would also deal a devastating blow to the jobs, businesses, and communities that rely on them. Additionally, ORR strongly urges Congress to keep public land sales out of federal reconciliation legislation.
ORR understands there may be instances in which small, targeted leases, exchanges or sale-purchase models may be in the public and recreationists’ interest by helping to enhance access to outdoor recreation opportunities, improve the management of public lands, or support affordable housing needed to sustain the outdoor recreation economy. We know BLM has identified parcels they have had trouble managing for years but in order to grow the outdoor recreation economy and the backbone of many rural communities, ORR recommends the following criteria be followed to proactively address and overcome challenges with public land transfer or sale, educate lawmakers, engage stakeholders, and put a stop to sell-off proposals that are a redline for the entire outdoor recreation economy and the thousands of communities and millions of Americans who rely on it.
Adhere to existing public lands disposal and exchange authorities granted to the BLM and USFS, as well as the modified land exchange or sale-purchase model (e.g., FLTFA).
Ensure no recreation access loss or negative impact on any outdoor recreation activity or community.
Direct proceeds from land transactions back into conservation of current federal lands and waters or future acquisitions of high-value recreation or conservation areas.
Evaluate each opportunity on its own merit as every instance is unique.
Provide opportunities for public review and comment and ensure that the input and guidance of recreationists and recreation businesses is fully considered by the managing agency or other decision-maker(s).
Ensure that there is widespread support or no meaningful opposition from local recreationists or recreation business.
Current funding, infrastructure, and staffing challenges for federal land management agencies must be addressed for the outdoor recreation economy to continue to grow and the transfer or sale of public lands is no way a solution to these management challenges nor is it a funding mechanism for reconciliation.
ORR stands ready to work with Congress and the Joint Task Forceestablished by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of the Interior on pragmatic solutions that address the housing affordability crisis in America and support a thriving outdoor recreation economy.
Following the inaugural OHIConnect event, 18 outdoor hospitality business owners and operators joined the OHI team in the nation’s capital for a Hill Day, engaging directly with lawmakers on key industry issues, according to a release from OHI, the organization formerly known as National ARVC that represents the interests and needs of private RV parks and campgrounds across North America.
“My recent trip to Capitol Hill was an invaluable experience. I learned a great deal about the issues our industry is currently facing, and what can be done to fix them. I also gained a deeper understanding of the legislative process and saw firsthand how decisions made at the federal level directly impact our campgrounds,” said Amanda Metz of Bellcore Commercial, who is affiliated with Island Retreat RV Park, Luxury RV Resort, and Birmingham South RV Park in Alabama. “The chance to speak with legislators and advocate for our parks was really empowering. I highly recommend that every Campground Owner or Operator make a similar trip at some point to better understand the challenges and opportunities we face as an industry.”
The group, composed of campground owners, operators, and managers from across the country, met with 25 different Senate and House offices to discuss critical topics, including fee and tax reduction and the current tariff impacts on the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Among those who participated were:
Ali Rasmussen, owner of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
Amanda Metz-Santos, manager of Birmingham South RV Park
Andrew Frank, manager of Spacious Skies-Shenandoah Views
Jacob Klatt, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
Jim Button, owner of Evergreen Campsites
Joey Button, manager of Evergreen Campsites
Joe Moore, owner of Moore’s Campground Consulting
Katie Mendonca, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
Kitty Winship, owner of Papoose Pond Family Campground
Michael Roman, co-owner of Madison Island Campground
Michelle Fleming, regional manager of Spacious Skies Campgrounds
Mike Harrison, COO of CRR Hospitality
Nicole Burrell, manager of Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
Ollie Gauthier, owner of Hickory Hills Campground
Sadie Werley, manager of Spacious Skies-Country Oaks
Taylor Nutbrown, manager of Normandy Farms Family Campground
Joining these engaged members were OHI’s Government Affairs team, including David Basler, OHI’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs; Andrew Mills, owner of Lone Tree Strategies and OHI’s full-time lobbyist in D.C.; Paul Bambei, OHI’s President and CEO; and Jaqueline Gloria, OHI’s Vice President of Operations.
“Hill Days like this one are so important to our industry and to OHI’s advocacy efforts in D.C. because they give legislators a chance to hear real stories directly from the mouths of real campground owners,” said Basler. “OHI is fighting every day for the success of the small businesses in our industry, and it takes our fight to the next level when legislators hear from members directly.”
OHI encourages its members to participate in future Hill Days to continue amplifying the voice of outdoor hospitality businesses in Washington. Those interested in learning more about OHI’s advocacy efforts can visit ohi.org/advocacy/ for more information.
ATLANTA, Ga. – Priority RV Network (PRVN), America’s largest RV service network, has officially partnered with Pre-Pair, a technology company specializing in automating the dealership finance process from desking to funding. This partnership will provide PRVN’s nationwide network of dealers with advanced tools to streamline workflows, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability from finance and insurance (F&I) operations, according to a release.
Stephanie Alderman
Through this collaboration, dealers will gain access to Pre-Pair’s intuitive platform, which simplifies the credit application journey-from first pencil to lender selection for faster and more accurate deal structuring. Pre-Pair also supports PRVN dealers with helpful tools and resources such as a quick-look national bank finance guide, designed to help newer finance managers structure deals and better support Priority RV Network’s national bank partners.
“We built Pre-Pair to simplify and modernize the financing process for dealerships — and partnering with Priority RV Network allows us to do exactly that at scale,” said Stephanie Alderman, CEO of Pre-Pair. “Their dealers are among the most respected in the industry, and we’re excited to support them with tools that help them maximize their finance revenue while maximizing the best experience possible for their customers.”
Nicole Schantz
“Our mission is to provide Priority RV Network dealers with best-in-class partners that help them grow,” said PRVN Executive Director Nicole Schantz. “Pre-Pair’s technology delivers exactly what our members need — streamlined processes, powerful automation, and an easier path to financing for customers. We’re excited to bring this to the network.”
Key features of the Pre-Pair platform include:
Quoting & Desking: Real-time quoting, credit pulls via 700Credit, and optimized deal structuring—all in one place
CRM & Website Integration: All leads are automatically sent to the CRM and sales team
Lender Selection & Push to Systems: Easily compare lenders and push applications directly into systems like AppOne and CUDL
Funding Support: Auto-populated checklists, document uploads, and lender data aggregation
Coming Soon: Integrations with DealerTrack, Rollick, MenuMetric, and more
Both organizations are committed to helping RV dealerships succeed by removing friction in the finance process and empowering sales and F&I teams with tools that increase profitability and efficiency.
About Pre-Pair
Pre-Pair is a dealership technology platform that automates the end-to-end finance process—from desking to funding. By integrating quoting, lender selection, seamlessly embedded credit data from 700Credit, and downstream system integrations into a single workflow, Pre-Pair helps dealerships optimize every deal and maximize F&I revenue.
About Priority RV Network
Priority RV Network is America’s largest RV service network, with over 160 premier locations nationwide. PRVN provides unmatched benefits to both dealers and RV customers, offering its members exclusive access to service programs, training, and innovative partner solutions designed to drive dealership profitability and enhance the RV ownership experience.
