RV PRO Magazine

17/07/2024

How does the de minimis trade issue impact your business?

The growing concern addresses certain countries increasingly exploiting a loophole in U.S. custom law to ship RV aftermarket products direct to American consumers duty- and tax-free, facilitated by the explosive growth of eCommerce.

RV Industry Association's Gov Affairs team is on the case. Read what you need to know here:

The RV aftermarket trade – manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and dealers – faces an unprecedented and existential challenge. The RV aftermarket segment has a stated goal to “pursue a great consumer parts & accessories outcome to benefit RVing and supply…

12/07/2024

Change is good, but a successful market requires a solid foundation. This year's RVeterans roster honors the decades of experience from seasoned pros promising a bright future for the RV industry 🏆

Learn from 15+ RVeterans in our annual July spotlight: https://ow.ly/wWCl50Sz9uI

A big thanks to nominations from Thetford RV, Forest River, Arrowhead Camper Sales, Inc. The RV Shop, Jayco, RV Industry Association, United States Warranty Corporation, Land 'N' Sea Distributing, Wilkins RV, Spartan RV Chassis, Bluenose RV Centre, Pete's RV Center, Lerch RV, Vogt RV World, Blue Ox and more!

11/07/2024

RV electrical systems can be confusing to explain to potential owners, and rightly so! Learning how components work together makes RV life more enjoyable and less complicated.

Brush up on the basics so you’re better equipped to explain to customers what will best meet their RV electrical needs -- read our "RV Electrical Systems 101" with Xantrex: https://ow.ly/50kC50Sz5QL

28/06/2024

Despite being captivated by the industry for 40-plus years, Grand Design RV President and CEO Don Clark entered the RV world after losing a bet on a Notre Dame football game.

Now he runs a company that "does more than just build an RV," he says -- the mission is to "help create memorable stories for those who dare to dream."

Read about Clark and his road less traveled: https://ow.ly/JZsn50SoAxl

26/06/2024

RVs have transformed from simple vehicles into advanced, mobile living spaces. Travelers are no longer satisfied with basic facilities. Based on a study from the RV Industry Association, 46% of RVers looking to upgrade their vehicle have the need for electrical or solar parts.

Know what to look for when offering customers smart RV tech -- catch the article from Go Power! here: https://ow.ly/hcVh50Snpah

24/06/2024

LAST CHANCE ⏰ Don't miss our free webinar with Integrated Dealer Systems - IDS to learn how dealers can capitalize on repair shops while new coaches are taking over the roads.

Save your seat before Thursday!

Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time. With new coaches taking over the roads, now is the perfect time for dealers to capitalize on their repair shop. How can you equip your team with the data and tools they need to deliver a service experience that will keep customers coming back...

14/06/2024

Like Princess Craft's truck camper origins, the shop is unconventional, too.

It's not divided into bays like a typical RV service center, says owner PJ Buerger, but is instead a large, open space holding up to 12 units at a time. The Texas dealership was founded in the late 1960s and has since became a burgeoning business that prizes well-trained employees.

Read about how Princess Craft is taking risks and reaping rewards: https://ow.ly/xufv50Shgc5

13/06/2024

With new coaches taking over the roads, now is the perfect time for dealers to capitalize on their repair shop.

Join Integrated Dealer Systems - IDS for a free webinar to learn:

- Why you should be tracking RECT at your dealership
- The biggest service bottlenecks dealers are facing right now
- How you can leverage technology to increase communication with customers throughout the service cycle, without overburdening your team

Save your seat here: https://ow.ly/kzWJ50SheRo

05/06/2024

We're extra proud of this one...

Don't miss the June issue featuring the awesome Brandon Mantz and a deeper dive on reframing accessibility in outdoor recreation -- plus more leadership insights from across the industry.

"It's hard to change something. But if we build it accessibly from the start, it doesn't need to be changed. It's about removing barriers going forward," Mantz says.

Catch it here: https://ow.ly/sJij50S9bS8

24/05/2024

This 14-year-old Canadian entrepreneur is showing no signs of slowing down since starting her business 3 years ago.

Roasty Toasty Campfire Co. is the brainchild of Olivia Irvine, who read "Rich Kid, Smart Kid" with her dad at 11 years old and decided to get a financial head start in life to one day pay for college.

Read about the youngest member of the RV Women's Alliance and her outdoor goods: https://ow.ly/JXf850RRIFn

23/05/2024

Palomino RVs is tackling head room with its 2024 Columbus model - a fifth wheel focused on design, safety and amenities.

"We focus on construction and quality," says Jack Plummer, Palomino sales manager. "We will not build 25 of these a day. We're going to build 6-10 a day and do it right."

Read about how Palomino sets its Columbus line apart in our May issue: https://ow.ly/LyYX50RRIbw

15/05/2024

Parkview RV Center's more than half a century of business relies on one thing to keep it going: persistence.

The Delaware dealership, ran by the RV Dealers Assocation's Ryan Horsey and family, always sees room for improvement regardless of its ongoing success.

"I talked about the full RV experience because there's a difference between those who sell and those who care about the lifecycle of the RV consumer," Horsey says.

Catch the article in our May issue: https://ow.ly/lUTz50RFVUW

03/05/2024

If you haven't seen the cover of our May issue, we're thrilled to spotlight Winnebago's Kimberly Purifoy 👏

This edition is chock-full of insight, from Ryan Horsey and Parkview RV Center to fifth wheel developments and much more. And of course, our annual Women in Business feature!

Check it out here: https://ow.ly/1yCQ50RuRBk

03/05/2024

A revision to the Federal Trade Commission's Safeguards Rule requires dealers to prepare a written status report to evaluate overall compliance and identify other material matters. Are you ready to submit? Time is almost up.

Learn from KPA on how to best prepare. Join us for a free webinar: https://ow.ly/QJrY50RirQJ

22/04/2024

Do sustainability reports even matter?

According to THOR Industries, Inc., REV Group and Patrick Industries -- that's a resounding YES! Hear from these industry giants on key points they report on each year and why those factors matter in being a good steward of the environment, employees and community.

In a Deloitte survey, almost half of 750 executives surveyed said their environmental sustainability initiatives measurably boosted their corporate financial performance.

Get the full scoop here: https://ow.ly/hXuv50RisAP

19/04/2024

Are your customers happy with their service experience?

Buckle up for a lively and interactive conversation with Lightspeed hosts as they share their thoughts, swap stories and unravel solutions to navigate the chaotic world of RV service.

Save your seat for FREE here: https://ow.ly/5WES50Riqtw

17/04/2024

Have you met our 2024 Women in Business honorees?

As we always say, the chance to recognize the significant contributions women make in the RV industry is one we don’t take lightly here at RV PRO. Read about their impactful work: https://ow.ly/Sl4b50Rgo1V

A HUGE thank you to our sponsors for their ongoing support in this important effort! 👏

Winnebago, Star brite Solutions, Ember RV, Jayco, NTP-STAG, Patrick Industries, Thetford RV, RV Women's Alliance

15/04/2024

What gear are campers really looking for? According to Erik Dier, sales manager at Kuma Outdoor Gear, two product lines are leading the charge: heated chairs and pet products.

"With these products, you can provide customers the gear to balance between indoor coziness and outdoor adventure, ultimately encouraging them to embark on longer and more frequent camping trips."

https://ow.ly/swYy50Rgk7e

29/03/2024

Can we say, slay?

We're excited to announce our 2024 Women in Business honorees! These 10 ladies are not only changing the face of the RV industry - they're helping create a space where all women can thrive and grow in our outdoor-loving community.

https://ow.ly/7xrH50R3zKG

Congratulations to the following women on their impactful work. Keep an eye out for their spotlight in our upcoming issue!

Malinda Abelseth, Firefly Integrations
Stacey Black, ASA Electronics
Shirley Cartwright, Forest River
Stephanie Cox, RV World Recreation Vehicle Center
Cassie Guffey, Grand Design RV
Laurie Hirsch, Campers Inn RV
Jessika Mendez, TireMinder
Tyann Miller, Jayco
Kimberly Purifoy, Winnebago
Kelly Townsend, RVEE

27/03/2024

Have you seen the latest edition of RV PRO?

Featuring our annual Sustainability spotlight, check out eco-conscious insight from across the industry, plus Alliance RV's newest double-axle, camping gear trends & tips for a spring refresh at your dealership.

Get the goods here: https://ow.ly/PTfP50R2zty

20/03/2024

LAST CHANCE ⏰ tomorrow - join KPA for a free webinar on creating safety culture at the shop. Don't miss it!

Reserve your spot and see more details here:
https://ow.ly/IU0p50QXaeK

Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM Central Daylight Time. We hear the term “safety culture” thrown around a lot today. But does it mean anything? Like many things, safety culture isn’t created by chance. And ignoring safety at your RV dealership could mean fines and violations, or worse, inju...

20/03/2024

Spring is just around the corner - read what RV dealers are saying about their challenges and successes as we head into Q2.
Integrated Dealer Systems - IDS shares survey results from its dealer customers in our March issue. Here's a peek:

1. Dealers anticipate rising product prices to be their biggest challenge this year.

2. Dealers want to automate their warranty submissions, analytics reporting and status updates.

3. Dealers report that bank financing options are used the most by customers.

Get more insights from IDS here: https://ow.ly/usUz50QX9gq

18/03/2024

Thor Motor Coach's Vegas and Axis motorhomes are in a class of their own. Measuring between 24 and 26 feet long, both motorhomes are popular because of their Class A body style, with the interior space and shorter overall length of a traditional Class C.

“We’re in the sweet spot. We’re really focusing on a smaller vehicle for the consumers’ jumping-off point to get into Class As,” says Jon Krider, vice president of marketing and product development.

Get TMC's full scoop in our March issue: https://ow.ly/aFSB50QUFPN

15/03/2024

We hear the term "safety culture" thrown around a lot today. But what does it mean? Join RV PRO and KPA for a free webinar on Thursday, March 21 to learn processes and tools for creating a culture of safety at your dealership or shop.

Save your seat here: https://ow.ly/arLl50QUBhW

14/03/2024

Meet the Coachmen Recreational Vehicles Euro - where European elegance combines with North American creature comforts.

Coachmen's 50-amp Euro made its official debut at the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow, but it’s more than another addition to the RV market - it’s a leap forward in design and innovation, according to Mike Kaiser, general manager of Coachmen Class As at Forest River.

Get the inside scoop from our March issue: https://ow.ly/RCep50QQHzY

12/03/2024

Do you truly understand your dealer management system?

Why should your parts manager know your DMS? Who else should be involved? In our March column, learn the must-knows of the DMS and how it can benefit your dealership: https://ow.ly/u2JS50QQH0M

Check out the March digital edition here: https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=814987

04/03/2024

Oklahoma's Bell Camper Sales has been in business for more than half a century - and is still owned by a Bell family member. In addition to its 50-acre site in Dewey, the dealership keeps 'em coming back with its standout campground offering 100-plus campsites.

"I think the RV industry is getting ready here to real quickly realize how important service is," says grandson Lane Bell, who now leads the shop.

Catch the full profile in our new March issue: https://ow.ly/nZAM50QKOkK

20/02/2024

LAST CALL ⏰ Join us live this Wednesday for a free webinar on "Building Trust in the Digital Age" with Rollick.

Save your seat here:

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM Central Standard Time. Consumers have strong expectations when it comes to communicating about a purchase decision as important as an RV. In this webinar, dealers will learn: -how to leverage technology to enhance their customer engagement and increase website...

19/02/2024

While challenges may seem like they are coming from outside influences, they often stem from internal struggles.

Face the new year with a fresh perspective and find your way back to healthy well-being and a productive work life. RV PRO's February column "How to Avoid Burnout in the New Year" offers 7 steps to do just that.

Check it out here: https://ow.ly/F5HR50QFjji

07/02/2024

Learn how to leverage technology to enhance customer engagement, increase web traffic, improve online presence and meet customer expectations.

Join RV PRO and Rollick on Feb. 21 for a free webinar!
Save your seat here: https://ow.ly/LQEt50QyXhy