Open House 2025: Forest River’s Prime Time Manufacturing, Salem/Wildwood, Sierra/Sandpiper, Vengeance

Prime Time Manufacturing

For the 2025 model year, Prime Time Manufacturing has turned its attention to the Avenger travel trailer, introducing two new floorplans — the Avenger 25MKO and the Avenger 25MKB.

“Most years, brands come out with new models based on their version of R&D, which often means Research and Duplicate (if it works for other brands, it’ll work for us). While this usually leads to some excitement from dealers, that does not always translate to excitement in the retail arena,” says Spencer Kaylor, national sales manager of Prime Time Manufacturing.

With that in mind, Prime Time worked to translate customer feedback and suggestions into exciting new floorplans. Kaylor says several pain points were mentioned throughout the show season, including finding a spacious unit under 30 feet to allow for national park access; a dining area without the decades-old style of a fold-down dinette; more kitchen countertop space; and a small unit that offers washer and dryer prep.

“With these targets in mind, our product development team got to work on two models that checked most, if not all, of these boxes,” he says.

The 25MKO (mid-kitchen-office) model features a large horseshoe-shaped countertop that blends into an elevated bar top with barstools, comes with a large washer/dryer prep closet near a dedicated desk and comes in at a total length of 29 feet, 11 inches. In addition to the requested features, this unit is packed with additional features, such as a 50-inch LED TV, theater seating, second AC prep, French door refrigerator, on-demand water heater, an exterior fridge and more.

“The final result is a feature-packed, national park-friendly model that is the shortest stick-built brand in the industry with washer/dryer prep. Once this floorplan was green-lit, we got to work on the family-friendly version 25MKB (mid-kitchen-bunk). This layout is almost identical to the MKO, with the exception of swapping out the washer/dryer prep and desk, for two large double-over-double bunks with an exterior kitchen. Early feedback from dealers, as well as retail customers via Facebook owners’ groups, has been nothing short of incredible,” Kaylor says.

New standard features on the 2025 Avenger include:

• Black rims
• On-demand water heater
• Portable Bluetooth speaker with multiple charging stations
• Thicker gauge sidewall metal with a lower profile
• French door refrigerator

Kaylor says the company started noticing how important value was in product lineups last year.

“We started seeing it almost immediately after the 2023 Open House, that brands that gutted their brands of content with the goal of hitting a price point, as well as brands who loaded up on content but remained expensive to the majority of consumers, struggled,” he says. “Avenger, for the most part, walked a fine line between the two by being very selective yet generous of the features offered and maintaining a price point that is attainable for the average customer.

“As inflation continues to hit working-class families the hardest, this trend will not only continue this fall but will likely be more in focus.”

As for their dealer partners, Kaylor says they are starting to find success in the entry-level segment after the inventory “reset” that was 2023.

“Avenger continues to be one of the highest quality, best value brands in the industry (regardless of segment),” he says. “This is directly attributed to our amazing production team who has one goal in mind: build a product you are proud of.”

Salem/Wildwood

With such a large lineup, Salem and Wildwood have a lot going on in their many product lines.

“For the 2025 model year, we’re thrilled to introduce our new floorplans: the 22VERANDA, 32VERANDA, 42VERANDA and 25ICE. These models reflect our unwavering commitment to versatility and innovative living, aiming to set a new standard in the industry. Designed to ignite imagination and evoke a sense of wonder, they transform homes into places filled with joy and excitement,” says Jon Sare, product manager of Salem/Wildwood. “We hope that our thoughtful designs inspire a renewed energy in the RV market, fostering growth and revitalization. We are optimistic that every Salem or Wildwood trailer purchase will bring exciting adventures and lasting memories for our customers.”

Each product line receives new standard options this year, with standout features for 2025 including a striking retro/metal exterior design, the introduction of the Veranda models and the all-new Versa-Flex seating — the evolution of Versa-Lounge 2.0, featuring a movable, extendable dinette that effortlessly doubles as a desk.

Designed for ultimate versatility and comfort, it offers multiple configurations to perfectly suit any dining or workspace needs. This innovative feature redefines RV living, seamlessly merging style, functionality and innovation.

2025 standard options by product lines include:

Cruise Lite | X Lite

The Cruise Lite and X Lite feature a chic retro/metal exterior and an exterior camp kitchen and Lodge Griddle for outdoor cooking. Also on the exterior, 4K blade and awning blade lighting is featured, and premium sound from the JBL stereo and speakers.

Inside, stylish thermofoil laminate cabinet doors, heavy-duty hardware and a foldout trash can are featured. The updated kitchen includes a Versa-Range with spice rack, sleek backsplash, expanded window and luminous arched radius panels.

Select models feature modern low-back barstools, roller shades, curtains and a pet step. The bathroom shines with a backlit arched radius mirror, and the bedroom offers a revamped layout with floating shelves and a black walnut entertainment shelf. Preinstalled TV mount brackets make setup a breeze.

Lodge | Villa

Sare says customers will experience ultimate luxury with the redesigned Lodge and Villa models. The new standard features include a stylish retro/metal exterior look and Lippert On-the-Go Ladder Prep. These models also include 4K blade and awning blade lighting and a JBL three-zone stereo system.

Inside, you’ll find thermofoil laminate cabinet doors, heavy-duty hardware and a sleek backsplash. Select models come with modern low-back barstools and luminous arched radius panels. The kitchen shines with shiplap islands, an expanded window, roller shades and curtains. Enhanced floating shelves, a black walnut entertainment shelf and preinstalled TV mount brackets ensure convenience and elegance. The new headboard design and versatile Versa-Sink add to the sophisticated living experience.

“Explore the future of RV living with our stunning 2025 standard features, setting new standards in design, functionality and innovation,” Sare says. “We are ecstatic to announce our return to tin units, now with an exhilarating twist! We’ve redesigned tin with a blend of nostalgic charm and modern sophistication, complementing our updated exteriors. Forged with robust .030 aluminum, our design infuses a sleek, contemporary edge into the timeless stick-and-tin aesthetic. Where timeless charm meets cutting-edge innovation (excludes 24VIEW, 28VIEW and 29VIEW).”

Sare says the company recognized a significant gap in the market and, in response, will introduce Veranda models — the real showstopper this season, he says.

“We aim to redefine the camping experience, igniting inspiration among consumers and industry peers alike,” Sare says.

“We’ve transformed it into an outdoor haven, complete with a gourmet kitchen that invites culinary creativity. The back porch, now twice the size of anything currently on the market, provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment. This thoughtful combination of style and functionality ensures that our units not only catch the eye but also offer a truly unforgettable outdoor experience for our customers.”

Sare says last year, the company focused on enhancing the camping experience with large windows and strategic placements. This year, it’s dedicating itself to creating a memorable outdoor cooking experience through thoughtful design and careful placement. Sare says the aim is to make every outdoor moment truly special for their customers.

“I believe the current market demands our best efforts to truly inspire consumers. It’s a challenging environment where any flaws in our products can have significant consequences,” he says. “We need to be more diligent than ever to design products that not only enable dealers to make a profit but also delight our customers. Our goal is to inspire people to purchase and enjoy the full experience of camping.”

Hemisphere | Heritage Glen

Salem Hemisphere and Wildwood Heritage Glen will be introducing the ROOST43 at Open House, a fifth wheel destination camper. Being on a fifth wheel chassis allows this model to exceed the maximum square footage of 399.99 square feet that other destination trailers are limited to — the ROOST43 hits 530 square feet for the destination-style segment. The triple-axle fifth wheel chassis also makes the ROOST43 easier to relocate than a traditional destination trailer.

ROOST43 features:

• More square footage than ever before (530 square feet)
• Easier capability to move
• Standard residential style appliances — microwave, refrigerator, oven, island sink, washer/dryer
• Hardwood cabinet door fronts
• Pullout kitchen pantry
• Main bedroom with a king 72-inch-by-80-inch mattress, mid-loft with a custom king 66-inch-by-80-inch mattress, and a back loft with two 5-inch thick, 30-inch-by-74-inch bunk mats
• Main bathroom with backlit mirror, fiberglass shower with flip-down seat, porcelain toilet and washer/dryer
• Half bathroom in the main bedroom with backlit mirror, sink with storage below and porcelain toilet
• Master bedroom features a standard fireplace, 32-inch smart TV and makeup vanity/workstation
• Den area provides a comfortable area to sit with L sectional sofa, coffee table, 48-inch fireplace, JBL system and 65-inch TV
• Exterior has a 20-foot awning, 21K Rhino Box, triple-axle triple-slider entry door and two mini fridges

“Overall, the ROOST43 provides a new segment to the RV market with a combination of a destination trailer in fifth wheel form. This creates the opportunity to move from locations easier than bumper pulling and provides the most square footage in this segment of RVs,” says Josh Hooley, regional sales manager of Salem/Wildwood. “The ROOST43 provides the opportunity to take your vacation on wheels across the country and not be confined to one area. The ROOST43 is going to set a new era for the RV industry.”

Hooley says they will also introduce the 261FKRB floorplan (a sub-33-foot front kitchen trailer with a bed slide and double-vanity rear bathroom). The 261FKRB will be the shortest model in the Hemisphere/Heritage Glen lineup to feature stackable washer/dryer prep.

2025 models will feature an all-new exterior color scheme with a transition to an Alley Gray sidewall and Steel Shadow accent colors. Interiors have been enriched with new wood grains and linoleum with solid-wood secondary countertops and tabletops.

Bathrooms now feature backlit mirrors, and all square windows are trimmed out with black-painted hardwood window trim. All models will also feature newly redesigned Tufted Switchback Clay furniture. All models will feature a JBL sound system with a head unit and interior/exterior speakers.

A new option for this year is three soft-start ACs in the 2025 Hemisphere/Heritage Glen fifth wheel lineup.

“Our new exterior and interior color scheme is the biggest standout change for our product line in 2025,” says Hooley. “The ROOST43 is the most standout new floorplan we are bringing to market. All fifth wheels will eventually feature residential-sized appliances (microwaves and ovens).”

Sierra/Sandpiper

Sandpiper and Sierra get three new destination travel trailer floorplans this year: the 395MMG, 388JW and 421FKL. And when it comes to the full-profile fifth wheel lineup, the new 3880BH will be on hand at the show. Beyond new floorplan offerings, the Sierra/Sandpiper lineup gets a boosted HVAC system.

“We are beefing up our HVAC system, detailing it as our 45/45. It includes an upgraded 40,000-Btu furnace standard coupled with 5,000-Btu fireplace. We are also prepping, as well as option from factory, each FW and Destination floorplan to receive a third 15,000-Btu Bluetooth AC on the Power Saver System. This will allow for all of our units to run three 15,000-Btu ACs at the same time,” says Ben Grubert, sales manager of Sierra/Sandpiper.

While new and beefed-up options might scare people into thinking higher price points, Grubert says Sierra/Sandpiper is staying dedicated to its price segment and focusing on not decontenting its product.

“The sales team is working closely with purchasing and production in order to maximize our features while keeping costs in check,” he says.

Sierra/Sandpiper is capitalizing on the success of its 3800RK floorplan with a dedicated laundry room and walk-in closet. Another standout in the lineup is the 40DUPLEX destination travel trailer with two bedrooms and two lofts.

For 2025, Grubert says Sierra/Sandpiper’s two-toned cabinetry will catch the eyes of dealers and consumers with its simple and modern look.

“Our lighter interior look coupled with our panoramic windows really brighten it up,” he says. “For 2025, we’re seeing that lofts, drop-down frames and bed slides are popular and really hitting in our segment and are areas we are seeing success.”

Looking forward to the 2025 model year, Grubert says teamwork is what makes Sierra/Sandpiper the best product for the end user.

“Being some of Forest River’s oldest brands, we take a lot of pride in what we are putting into the market. The sales team is an incredible part of Sierra/Sandpiper, and it’s backed up by our amazing production team, veteran purchasing team and an incredible service, parts and warranty group led by Mike O’Brien,” Grubert says. “Each group wants to see success within the other teams, so as we partner with our dealers, we will give the end user the best product and experience possible. Customers buy experiences, and we are working on bringing the best experiences to customers in 2025.”

Vengeance

To complement its popular fifth wheel offerings, Vengeance by Forest River is introducing the Rogue Armored laminated luxury toy hauler travel trailer. These trailers will feature larger 8-foot ramp doors and taller ceiling heights to accommodate today’s larger UTVs. All trailers will also feature king bed slides in the master bedrooms.

“Not only will they be the most functional luxury trailers, but they will be the most affordable,” says Jerry Sell, product manager of Vengeance. “Vengeance Rogue Armored is introducing their first fifth wheel under 40 feet. This new model will feature a never-before-seen slideout that moves back into the garage after the toys are removed for a bigger living area.”

Sell says everything about the 2024 Rogue Armored product is new, with a complete upgrade of the interior furnishings including batten strip lights, a new ivory cabinetry color and a custom chandelier.

New exterior graphics are enhanced with matching color accented wheels and even matching graphics on the tow vehicle for a custom rig look. Sell says the exterior with the color-matched wheels and matching truck graphics will really make the Rogue Armored stand out on the dealer’s lot and traveling down the road.

“The stunning new interior will ‘seal the deal!’” he says. “Rogue Armored was the first lightweight luxury toy hauler fifth wheel and continues to set the standard.”

Noting that toy haulers have to stay current with the demands of the customer and their ever-increasing toy sizes, Sell says the new Rogue Armored travel trailer lineup should fit any UTV currently made.

“Toy haulers were probably the hardest hit segment during this past slowdown. The price increases we experienced as an industry, coupled with higher interest rates, put the brakes on pretty hard. As we move into the second half of 2024 and especially into 2025, I believe the consumer will finally be adjusted to the ‘new normal’ we are living in,” Sell says. “Rogue Armored continues to lead the way as the best priced and lightest weight luxury toy haulers on the market.”