JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Campers Inn RV, the nation’s largest family-operated RV dealership, is partnering with Operation Helo to deliver critical humanitarian aid to those displaced by Hurricane Helene.
In response to the devastating impact of the hurricane, particularly in the mountainous regions of North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, Campers Inn RV has delivered 32 RVs to serve as housing and support shelters. These units will play a crucial role in offering displaced families and aid workers safe and functional spaces as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in times of crisis,” said Larry Peter, Vice President of Campers Inn RV. “At Campers Inn RV, we are committed to using our resources to help communities in need, and we are honored to partner with Operation Helo to deliver immediate relief to those who need it most.”
Operation Helo, and volunteers are spearheading efforts to deliver and deploy the RVs to the most affected areas. These campers will provide essential shelter for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.
For more information about this initiative or to find out how you can support Hurricane Helene relief efforts click here Operation Helo.
NOVI, Mich. — The Shyft Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SHYF) announced the first shipments of its Blue Arc Class 4 EV truck to multiple customers, including initial deliveries to a leading parcel delivery customer.
These shipments mark the transition to regular production to meet demand for electrified fleet solutions, according to a release.
In addition being the parent company of Spartan RV Chassis and its Red Diamond aftermarket division, The Shyft Group is a North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly and upfit for the commercial, retail and service specialty vehicle markets.
“This is an exciting and proud moment for the Blue Arc team,” said John Dunn, president and CEO of the Shyft Group. “What started in 2021 as a bold vision for fleet electrification has become a reality thanks to the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of our team. Together, we’ve delivered a commercial-grade vehicle that meets the demanding standards of our fleet partners and supports their transition to more sustainable fleet operations.”
These shipments are the result of three years of customer collaboration, rigorous testing, and advanced manufacturing development. Created through Shyft’s Work-Driven Design® process, the Blue Arc Class 4 EV truck reflects input from fleet operators and drivers, ensuring it prioritizes reliability, comfort, and versatility.
The commercial-grade truck features ergonomic seating, a noise-reducing cab, advanced safety systems such as automatic electronic parking brakes and keyless entry with auto-lock capabilities, and configurable cargo spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 cubic feet. Designed to adapt to diverse fleet applications, it delivers exceptional performance without compromising payload or range.
NOVI, Mich. – DexKo Global Inc., a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies, related components and hydraulic brake applications and valves, announced in a press release the acquisition of Cerma Srl.
Cerma was founded in 1966 and is based in Vezzano sul Crostolo, Emilia Romagna, Italy. The company primarily develops and manufactures high- precision components for off-highway and industrial end markets, including hydraulic valves and manifolds.
“The successful family-owned business has a particularly good reputation in the market. With this acquisition, DexKo will strengthen its hydraulics value chain and further expand its product range in this segment. We are pleased to welcome the Cerma team to DexKo,” stated Fred Bentley, CEO of DexKo.
Harald Hiller, President and CEO of AL-KO Vehicle Technology (“AL- KO”), comments: “Cerma will be a valuable addition to our hydraulics business and will collaborate closely with our neighboring hydraulics opera- tions. As a long-standing proven supplier, we know Cerma and trust the quality and precision of its products.”
DexKo, through its AL-KO subsidiary, entered the hydraulics space through the acquisition of Safim Srl, a leading manufacturer of highly engineered hydraulic braking system components used in a range of off- highway applications, in 2019. DexKo added to its hydraulics business through the acquisition of Fluid-Press Srl, which focuses on the design and manufacturing of hydraulic valves and manifolds, in 2022.
“I am looking forward to capitalizing on our joint business opportunities. We will leverage the synergies in our manufacturing capacities and competencies, especially regarding our turning, milling, and grinding applications,” commented Giovanni Pedrinoni, Managing Director of Safim, Fluid- Press and Cerma.
“We as a family are happy that Cerma will now be part of AL-KO’s hydrau- lics business. The synergies we are creating will offer great opportunities for the future. My father founded the company 60 years ago and it is vital for my parents, my sister and me to have a strong and reliable partner for a successful future,” added Daniele Ruozi, member of the board at Cerma, who will continue to serve the company as Managing Director.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the first time in over a year, there was a year-over-year increase in the monthly retail registration data recorded by Statistical Surveys Inc., the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based sub subsidiary of Trader Interactive that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry.
There were 27,114 retail registrations in October 2024, which is a 2.6% increase compared to the 26,403 total in October 2023, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. Year to date, there have been 318,193 retail registrations in 2024, which is an 8% decrease versus the 345,988 total for the same period in 2023.
For comparison, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported 30,595 wholesale shipments in October 2024 and 287,007 units shipped year to date.
United States
Travel Trailers – 17,028 units in October 2024 (compared to 16,208 units in October 2023; a 5.1% year-over-year increase). Market share leaders: Forest River Inc. (41.3%), THOR Industries Inc. (36.4%), Grand Design RV Co. (7.4%).
Fifth-Wheels – 4,585 (4,782; -4.1%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (39.3%), Forest River (25.6%), Grand Design RV (16.0%).
Camping Trailers – 257 (366; -29.8%). Market share leaders: Forest River (46.7%), Aliner (29.2%), Purple Line LLC (7.4%).
Park Model RVs – 292 (217; +34.6 %). Market share leaders: Champion Homes (26.7%), Cavco Industries (23.6%), Kropf Mfg. Co. Inc. (9.2%).
Class A – 606 (676; -10.4%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (52.0%), Forest River (18.2%), Newmar Corp. (14.9%).
Class C – 1,420 (1,330; +6.8%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (48.2%), Forest River (24.2%), Winnebago Motorized (11.2%).
Class B – 789 (900; -12.3%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (42.0%), Winnebago Motorized (22.1%), Forest River (10.6%).
Canada
Travel Trailers – 1,448 units in October 2024 (compared to 1,320 units in October 2023; a 9.7% year-over-year increase). Market share leaders: THOR Industries Inc. (36.3%), Forest River Inc. (33.8%), Grand Design RV Co. (9.9%).
Fifth-Wheels – 328 (304; +7.9%). Market share leaders: THOR Industries (43.3%), Forest River (20.4%), Grand Design RV (17.7%).
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling 131,231 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate’s electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in Park. Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is N242469160. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 24V-060.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling 17 2025 Concord, Entourage, Freelander, and Leprechaun motorhomes. The taillights may overheat and fail to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Dealers will replace the taillights, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 5, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-825-8602. Forest River’s number for this recall is 210-1872.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling 317,630 2017-2018 Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. The hydraulic control unit (HCU) may fail, which can cause the anti-lock brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control systems to fail. Dealers will replace the brake HCU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 9, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is C4B.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling 303 2025 Arcadia and Cougar trailers equipped with Curt Helux Pin Boxes. The pin box fasteners may have been improperly tightened. Dealers will tighten the pin box fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 23, 2025. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 24-459.
PUTZBRUNN, Germany – An era is coming to an end at the beginning of 2025: Robert Strauß is leaving Truma Gerätetechnik after 45 years and retires, according to a release. His successor as Managing Director Product & Technology, Dr. Joachim Weckwerth, is already in the starting blocks and will use the beginning of the year to take over the baton from Robert Strauß. Weckwerth will take over the role from 01.02.2025.
Dr Joachim Weckwerth has a multifaceted CV that proves him to be an entrepreneurial personality with top-class strategy and management experience, including at Siemens, KUKA and the Bosch Group, where he was most recently responsible for the Electric Solutions division and an Executive Member of the Bosch Home Comfort Group. Dr Joachim Weckwerth’s profile is rounded off by his passion as a personnel and team developer: ‘Nobody’s perfect, but a team can be’.
He is 56 years old, married and the father of two children with a passion for sailing, cooking and his racing bikes. He has a sense of humour and exudes joie de vivre – personal qualities that will be extremely helpful to him in the industry, but especially at Truma itself.
‘Dr Joachim Weckwerth brings an extremely exciting ‘complete package’ to Truma Gerätetechnik,’ says Alexander Wottrich, Co-CEO of the Truma Group based in Putzbrunn/Munich. ‘His professional and, in particular, personal qualities have convinced us and we are very much looking forward to working closely with him’.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Robert Strauß for 45 years of tireless commitment, great passion and outstanding achievements, which he has successfully carried out in various functions at Truma.
This week Grounded RVs revealed the Grounded T1 to the world, according to a release from the Detroit-based RV manufacturer of electric camper vans and work vans.
The T1 utilizes the Civilized Cycles Semi-Trike platform to create a first-of-its-kind smart trailer and trike system. The bicycle-class light electric vehicle combines the cargo capacity of a van with the carbon footprint of an e-bike, enabling sustainability-focused adventurers to live and work comfortably in the outdoors with a minuscule footprint (physically and environmentally!).
The T1’s trailer makes the most of every inch of the 280-cubic-foot interior. The spacious seating area quickly transforms into a comfortable bed, while the kitchenette’s induction stove, fridge, and sink provide the necessary equipment to live independently wherever you go.
With a 6-foot, 7-inch high ceiling, even the tallest adventurers can enjoy the open and airy atmosphere inside the trailer. An optional dry-flush toilet and outdoor shower can also be added for longer or more comfortable off-grid adventures.
The battery powered semi-trike is comfortable to sit in and can safely reach top speeds of 15 mph. It can be operated and parked wherever bicycles are legal, and doesn’t require a license or registration to be operated.
The compact trailer can squeeze into tight spaces that other RVs couldn’t dream of fitting in, opening up a whole new world of opportunities. Narrow alleyways? Winding paths? No problem!
The Semi-Trike’s patented self-adjusting air suspension results in superior safety and increased payloads, speed, and driver comfort. By utilizing automotive and industrial-grade parts, not bicycle parts, the T1 boasts superior performance and durability compared to other e-bikes.
As with all Grounded vehicles, the T1 connects to the Grounded+ app to give you smart control and insights into your system. You can view battery and water tank levels, turn on and off appliances, and much more, all from your mobile device.
500 watts of roof-mounted solar charges the 15kWh battery; this in turn powers all the interior electronics and appliances, as well as the trike propulsion for 150-plus miles of range.
Key Features of the Grounded T1
Spacious 280 cubic foot interior with 80” ceilings
Full kitchenette with induction stove, fridge, and sink
150+ mile range with solar-charged battery
Comfortable seating area that transforms into a bed
Starlink for high-speed internet on the move
Windows on all sides, providing 360 degree views
License-free operation wherever bicycles are legal
Check out the T1 page to see more detailed information. Production begins in spring of 2025.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) announced its second annual rankings of state outdoor recreation economies based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). These rankings highlight top states in categories such as overall economic size, growth in gross domestic product from outdoor recreation, compensation growth, and job growth. With new data published in this year’s BEA release dating back to 2012, the rankings also highlight growth since the beginning of the time period of the account.
The new rankings are based on the BEA’s latest findings, which showed that in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3% of the national GDP), supported 5 million jobs, and accounted for 3.1% of all U.S. employees. Updated data also revealed a remarkable 36% growth in the outdoor recreation economy since 2012 in real terms.
Jessica Wahl Turner
“The latest data underscores the undeniable importance of outdoor recreation to both national and state economies,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “States that prioritize outdoor recreation are creating jobs, growing local economies, and improving public health while building more equitable access to the outdoors for all Americans. These rankings highlight opportunities for states to invest in outdoor infrastructure and innovation, ensuring that recreation continues to be a driver of economic growth and quality of life.”
Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs for ORR, added: “With 24 states now having established offices of outdoor recreation, the message is clear: outdoor recreation is a priority for competitive and sustainable state economies. We hope these rankings inspire more investment in outdoor spaces and opportunities for all communities to thrive.”
ORR supports state offices of outdoor recreation across the country and is leading the effort to establish new offices of outdoor recreation through access to data, resources, and communications tools. More information on ORR’s state outdoor recreation programmatic priorities can be found on their website.
Highlights from the Report:
Top 5 States by % of GDP:
Hawaii (6.3%)
Vermont (4.8%)
Montana (4.6%)
Alaska (4.6%)
Wyoming (4.1%)
Top 5 States by Size of GDP:
California ($81.5B)
Florida ($57.8B)
Texas ($55.8B)
New York ($33.9B)
Illinois ($24.4B)
Top 5 States by GDP Growth (2022–2023):
Massachusetts (13.3%)
Hawaii (13.2%)
Alaska (13%)
Nevada (12.8%)
Maryland (12.2%)
Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2022–2023):
Alaska (17.6%)
Hawaii (14.5%)
Georgia (13%)
New Jersey (12.6%)
Maryland (12.4%)
Top 5 States by Compensation Growth (2012–2023):
1Idaho (7.1%)
Utah (6.8%)
Washington (6.7%)
Colorado (6.5%)
Montana (6.5%)
Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2022–2023):
Alaska (7.5%)
Nevada (5.8%)
Maryland (5.5%)
Georgia (4.9%)
Massachusetts (4.6%)
Top 5 States by Jobs Growth (2012–2023):
Idaho (2.4%)
Texas (2.3%)
Utah (2.1%)
Georgia (1.9%)
Nevada (1.9%)
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 Corporate Transparency Act and its implementing regulations, which require U.S. business entities to report stakeholder information to the Treasury Department, were preliminarily blocked nationwide by a Texas federal court on Dec. 3, according to Bloomberg Tax.
Judge Amos L. Mazzant III of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued the injunction at the request of a family-run firearms and tactical gear retailer, called Texas Top Cop Shop Inc., among other co-plaintiff businesses and the Libertarian Party of Mississippi. Their lawsuit alleged that the CTA falls outside of Congress’s powers to regulate interstate and foreign commerce because it regulates incorporated entities regardless of whether they engage in commercial activity.
“For good reason, Plaintiffs fear this flanking, quasi-Orwellian statute and its implications on our dual system of government,” Mazzant wrote.
The CTArequiredthat an estimated 32.6 million existing business entities disclose their beneficial owners to the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network before 2025. The government argued that the law’s function — to crack down on anonymous shell companies and deter money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit economic activity—falls within Congress’s regulatory duties.
But the CTA still fails to pass muster, even if anonymous corporate operations can be regulated by Congress because the Constitution’s Commerce Clause can’t be leveraged to compel the disclosure of information for law enforcement purposes, the court’s opinion said.
Year-End Special Awards & 2025 Executive Committee
The Indiana Manufactured Housing Association-RV Indiana Council (IMHA-RVIC) and Indiana Campground Owners Association (ICOA) held its year-end board meeting on Dec. 5 in Indianapolis, according to a member communication. After wrapping up the business at hand, special awards were presented to individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to the association and the members it represents. Congratulations and thank you to:
Legacy Award: Don Gunden – Forest River, Inc.
Legacy Award: Gregg Pardieck – The Village Green MHP
Citizen of The Year: MH Village
President’s Award: This campground board member could not attend, and this award will be presented by our President at the March 14, 2025 board meeting.
Leading the charge to advocate, promote and protect our industries in 2025 and into the future is our IMHA-RVIC + ICOA 2025 Executive Committee:
Bob Young, Jr., Young Homes Inc. – President
Larry Root, Root’s RV Sales – Vice President
Tomi Adams, A-Plus Property Management – Secretary-Treasurer
Eric Oaks, Green State FCU – MH Council Chairman
Larry Root, Root’s RVs – Secretary-Treasurer
Barry Lang, Eby’s Pines RV Park & Campground – RV Council Chairman
Ken Eckstein – Past President
IMHA-RVIC / ICOA Holiday Party
Chilly temps didn’t dampen the holiday cheer Dec. 5 as members and their families joined together at Back 9 Golf and Entertainment for the association’s annual holiday party. High tech golf, terrific food and plenty of holiday cheer was enjoyed by members from all segments of our association. Guests provided unwrapped toys and a donation on behalf of IMHA-RVIC + ICOA is being made to Toys for Tots.
Thanks to all who attended and a special thank you to the party’s sponsors: Adventure Homes, Barrington Management, Becker Bouwkamp Walker, PC, Capital City MH Chapter, Champion Homes, Cohron’s Manufactured Homes and Commodore Homes.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 4-5 and 8-12, 2025 Indy RV Expo & Sale Indiana State Fairgrounds Indianapolis, IN
Jan. 9-12, 2025 Valley RV & Camping Show Century Center South Bend, IN
Jan. 15-17, 2025 Louisville Manufactured Housing Show Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY
Jan. 30 – Feb. 2, 2025 Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Fort Wayne, IN
