Features
-
RV PRO Roundup: Women in the RV Industry
Every March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, and in the United States, the entire month of March, Women’s…
Read More » -
Win Over the Customer First
There is one scenario at RV dealerships that might be at the heart of losing more deals than any I…
Read More » -
Topper’s RVs Reaches for the Top
There’s one word on Larry Troutt III’s mind for his position as the newly elected board chair of the RV…
Read More » -
Dreamhaven RV Brings Australian Off-Road Design Stateside
From “My Country” by Dorothea Mackellar I love a sunburnt country A land of sweeping plains Of ragged mountain ranges…
Read More » -
The 5 Steps of Finances
This month’s column focuses on the financial aspects of managing your parts and accessories operations. So that we are on…
Read More » -
Clear2O Delivers Home-Quality Water for RV Life
It all started with the purchase of a family RV. Well, not all of it. When Keith and Barbara Bernard,…
Read More » -
DMS: The Missing Piece for Your RV Dealership
Across the nation, RV dealers are adopting a dealer management system (DMS) to streamline operations and drive greater productivity across…
Read More » -
How To Handle Customer Rejection
One of the things new salespeople tend to underestimate and experienced salespeople constantly struggle with is being able to manage…
Read More » -
The Swiss Army Knife of RVs
Entering the THOR display at Open House in Elkhart, Indiana, this past September, guests were immediately greeted with a view…
Read More » -
RV PRO Roundup: Most-Read Dealer Profiles of 2024
RV dealers are at the heart of the RV industry, with many dealerships being family-owned and -operated enterprises going back…
Read More » -
A Go-To for RV Waste Management
Managing waste and controlling odors is an essential part of RV ownership, and finding the right product can make all…
Read More » -
ROOST43’s Maximum Impact
From the moment the public got its first glimpse of the ROOST43, it has drawn a series of “wows.” The…
Read More » -
The Road to Fixed Absorption
Prepared by Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS), this roadmap shows how RV dealerships can use fixed absorption to reduce costs and…
Read More » -
How Consumers Are Searching for Fifth Wheels
RV Trader presents data to help dealerships understand what customers are looking for during online searches to help them make…
Read More » -
Grab These Cycle Count Bargains
This month’s special theme is centered on the two-for-one concept, so I have decided to piggyback on that theme for…
Read More » -
How Mountaineer RV Turned a Family Passion Into a Leading Dealership
With 1,500 campsites, 27 state parks and 12 million acres of forest land, West Virginia is a camper’s idea of…
Read More » -
Clarity at Work: A Simple Habit That Transforms Teams
Imagine a team starting a project with energy and optimism. Ideas are flying, everyone’s ready to contribute and the excitement…
Read More » -
How Consumers Are Searching for Class As
RV Trader presents data to help dealerships understand what customers are looking for during online searches to help them make…
Read More » -
Audio Experts Sound Off
Is there anything better than listening to your favorite album, podcast or audiobook while on the road? As with the…
Read More » -
Protect Your RV Dealership From Identity Fraud
Protect Your RV Dealership From Identity Fraud Identity fraud is a growing threat in the U.S., with over 2.6 million…
Read More » -
Effectively Managing Downtime in Sales
Unfortunately, there are many things a salesperson cannot control when they go to work each day. They have no control…
Read More » -
Family-Focused Luxury
Fleetwood’s luxury Class A diesel Palisade motorhome, new for the 2025 model year, made its official debut at Pennsylvania’s Hershey…
Read More » -
A One-of-a-Kind Class A
The small town of Red Bay, Alabama, seems unassuming as you approach it from state Route 19 North. With a…
Read More » -
POPs That POP!
What do people remember when they think of your dealership? Service is always No. 1, whether it’s exceptionally good or,…
Read More » -
A Welcome Economic Rebound
Clearing skies with a chance of showers. Retailers can look forward to a gradually improving operating environment in 2025, thanks…
Read More » -
Elements of Style
What’s inside counts. Interior design affects the functionality of a space in addition to the overall comfort and aesthetics. RVers,…
Read More » -
Costs of Doing Business in 2025
The state of the industry is the primary theme of this month’s issue of RV PRO. Like most other industries,…
Read More » -
Industry Professionals’ Predictions for 2025
If we have learned anything since 2020, it’s probably to be flexible with what you have planned. In fact, the…
Read More » -
Refreshing RV Interiors
Beginning with a small warehouse space in Elkhart, Indiana, Panel Solutions, a manufacturer of products for the RV and other…
Read More » -
A Whole New Level
Leveling an RV properly helps ensure customers have the best experience and get the most out of their RV. RV…
Read More » -
The Habit Hack: Rewire Your Brain for Better Customer Service
Companies invest millions of dollars in training each year. Yet even after extensive education and successful performance in a classroom…
Read More » -
Community: Making Dignity the Norm
A recent partnership with the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) connected RV PRO with Rachael Heger, national director of affiliate outreach…
Read More » -
Keeping Tabs on Fast-Moving Inventory Items
The primary theme of last month’s issue of RV PRO was the recognition of RV industry professionals who qualify as…
Read More » -
Editor’s Picks: 2025’s Best New Models
With all the impressive offerings at Open House this year, the RV PRO team had a hard time narrowing down…
Read More » -
Using Listening To Increase Presence & Evolve Your Leadership
Being present in today’s world is more difficult than it has ever been before. Everyone is constantly bombarded by emails,…
Read More » -
Reading Your Customers’ Body Language Cues
In these slow economic times for the RV business, salespeople are under constant pressure to find a competitive edge against…
Read More » -
Fire It Up
There’s something about a cozy, well-lit fireplace gracing a space. Regardless of the season or the geographic location of an…
Read More » -
Streamline End-of-Year Inventory Needs With a DMS
The end of the year often brings a season of slower RV sales, opening the perfect opportunity for dealerships to…
Read More » -
Leveraging Social Media Marketing To Connect With Your Ideal Customer
Are you looking for new ideas to connect with your ideal customer and grow an audience of brand fans? Social…
Read More » -
40 Under 40 2024: Slideshow
RV PRO’s fifth annual 40 Under 40 awards ceremony was held Tuesday, Nov. 12, during the RV Dealers Association (RVDA)…
Read More » -
A Modern Squire’s Tale
Reaching back into its history, longtime truck camper specialist Lance Camper Manufacturing is resurrecting one of its venerable brands, Squire,…
Read More » -
It’s Not Too Late To Fa La La
I got my start in visual merchandising working for large department stores. We would start planning for the holiday season…
Read More » -
North Dakota Dealership Focuses on Family
Corral Sales RV in Mandan, North Dakota, has an origin story much like other businesses in the RV industry. “It…
Read More » -
Why Dealerships Should Use a DMS
A dealership management system (DMS) can assist your dealership in a variety of ways, from sales and financing to parts…
Read More » -
What Are Your New Year Plans?
In a few weeks, we will bid adieu to 2024 and greet the new year of 2025. As in the…
Read More » -
RV PRO’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
Now in its fifth year, the 40 Under 40 recognition for young professionals in the RV industry has become an…
Read More » -
Expand Your RV Offerings With EcoFlow
EcoFlow, a leading provider of portable power and renewable energy solutions, has introduced three levels of power systems specifically designed…
Read More » -
Create Lifelong Customers & Become a Sought-After Dealership
In the competitive RV industry, the key to not just surviving but thriving lies in retaining customers for life. Repeat…
Read More » -
How Emotional Connection Can Make You a Better Leader
Navigating leadership brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. A young executive, Sarah, faced complaints from her team who…
Read More » -
Community: Hats Off for Humanity
RV PRO spoke with Kristin Hall, development director at Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County (HFHEC), who said the organization…
Read More » -
A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Difficult Conversations
“I don’t like confrontation, but I’m tired of his abuse. He signed me up for another committee without asking.” “I…
Read More » -
A Rift in the Market
From carving waves to cruising highways, the founder of Rift Carbon Campers, Chris Durham, isn’t one to become complacent. In…
Read More » -
The Value of Social Media Communities
As a marketer in the RV industry, I’ve always sought innovative ways to connect with our audience. In 2020, my…
Read More » -
Workplace Violence: Reducing the Risk
A disgruntled employee opened fire at a small Philadelphia-area business earlier this year, killing two fellow workers and injuring three…
Read More » -
Meet RV PRO’s Inaugural Editorial Advisory Board
As a leading resource for the RV industry, RV PRO is always looking for ways to become better connected to…
Read More » -
Understanding the Preapproval Process
Purchasing an RV involves significant financial commitments and detailed decision-making. Streamlining this process is essential for an efficient transaction for…
Read More » -
inTech’s Teardrop Takeoff
In a world where travel trailers have evolved into ever-larger behemoths, the teardrop trailer remains a charming reminder of simpler…
Read More » -
Leveraging AIAs for Dealership Success
As shoppers spend more time online, the success of RV dealerships increasingly hinges on their ability to connect with potential…
Read More » -
Your Personnel Need Your Personal Attention
In many of my columns since 2005, I have presented the importance of turning your parts and accessories inventories with…
Read More » -
Last Look at Open House 2024: Slideshow
Before bidding farewell to this year’s Open House, RV PRO explored more of what’s new, novel and upgraded for the…
Read More » -
Dura Faucet Stays Ahead of Design Trends
Dura Faucet’s website proclaims the company eats, breathes and sleeps RV faucets. In an interview with Darrell Higgins, general manager…
Read More » -
Maintain Solid RV Sales Amid a Slower Economy
The RV industry, after peaking in 2020 and 2021, is returning to pre-pandemic sales levels. With record-high credit debt and…
Read More » -
Open House 2024: Day Two Slideshow
RV PRO kicked off day 2 at both the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) breakfast and THOR Industries‘ breakfast — read…
Read More » -
Open House 2024: Day One Slideshow
RV PRO returned to the annual Open House in Elkhart, Indiana, eager to see in person the new models, floorplans…
Read More » -
Battling ‘Outsider Syndrome’ in the Family Business
Productive employees make profitable companies. Every employer would like to cultivate an effective team that goes the extra mile to…
Read More » -
Stay Amped With These Power Trends
From buyer demographics to the way customers are using their RVs and what features they want, the RV industry has…
Read More » -
RV Dealership Ideas for Attracting First-Time Buyers
What if your dealership was not only known as the best place to purchase an RV, but also as a…
Read More » -
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
As I’m writing this, the temperature in Portland, Oregon, is nearing 103 degrees. For all of you that think it’s…
Read More » -
Maintaining Sway Control 101
One of the biggest concerns of RV owners is sway control. Whether they are driving a lightweight trailer, a toy…
Read More » -
RECTifying Your Operations, Part 3
Editor’s note: This is the third part of a series highlighting repair event cycle time (RECT). Part 1 appeared in…
Read More » -
Making Strides on Capitol Hill
“Shoe-leather lobbying” — a term that means using basic or old-fashioned methods — has been the focus of the RV…
Read More » -
The Future of RVs: Model Year 2025 Preview
Keeping it fresh is the name of the game at Open House during the last full week of September in…
Read More » -
Going Full Tilt to the HILT
“Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.” —Henry…
Read More » -
Creating a Campsite Community
When Peter Esparza and Evelyn Mendoza purchased a Storyteller Overland Classic MODE camper van in August 2022, they had no…
Read More » -
A Throne With a View
It’s often the least favorite part of camping. It stinks. It’s hard to get rid of without a sewer connection.…
Read More » -
The Rise of Off-Grid RVing
When you hear the word overlanding, do you immediately think of RV travel in countries like Australia? While off-road RVing…
Read More » -
Being Present: A Key to Effective Leadership & an Emergent Culture
The world is transforming faster than ever. Many employees and leaders are feeling overwhelmed by rapidly evolving markets, a new…
Read More » -
Filling Out the Family Tree
Entering the motorized segment of the RV industry has always been part of Grand Design’s vision since the company’s inception…
Read More » -
RVWA Events That Educate, Empower & Inspire
The RV Women’s Alliance is renowned for its events, with two standing out as particularly impactful: the annual Spring Campout…
Read More » -
The Importance of Follow-Through in Sales
There are many steps that need to happen correctly for salespeople to close a deal with customers when the weather…
Read More » -
Setting Up the RV Industry for Growth
As the RV dealers and the industry adjust to new market conditions and set the stage for growth in 2025,…
Read More » -
From a Land Down Under: Aussie Innovation Meets US Adventure
While the name MDC may not be familiar in the U.S. trailer market yet, the brand touts an enviable reputation…
Read More » -
RECTifying Your Operations, Part 2
Editor’s note: This is the second part of a series highlighting repair event cycle time (RECT). Part 1 appeared in…
Read More » -
Lerch RV’s Lessons in Success
Mistakes and successes go hand in hand, and Ed Lerch isn’t ashamed to admit it. The founder of Lerch RV,…
Read More » -
Domestic Lithium RV Batteries: Paving the Way Toward a Safer, More Independent Future
As RV ownership continues its surge in popularity among diverse audiences, the demand for improvements in efficiency and reliability in…
Read More » -
How a ‘Chief People Officer’ Can Help Your RV Company
If there is anything we have learned from the chaos of the past few years, it is this: Every business…
Read More » -
Chassis Supplier: Service Capabilities Should Be Top of Mind
When you look up Spartan RV Chassis online, the tagline right on the homepage of the website says “the foundation…
Read More » -
A New Lifestyle at a Riverside Campground
Sheila Cook and her husband, James, purchased Gasconade Hills Resort in Richland, Missouri, in 2021. “My husband served in the…
Read More » -
How To Create a Culture That People Don’t Want To Leave
Do you have a Negative Nancy (NN) or Toxic Tim (TT) that you’re keeping longer than you should? Would you…
Read More » -
How Trailer Accessories Can Benefit Your RV Dealership
RVs go beyond mere modes of transportation. They symbolize a lifestyle of freedom, adventure and comfort out on the open…
Read More » -
3 Ways to Boost Consumer Financing Confidence
High interest rates and negative perceptions of the economy’s outlook have slowed consumer spending and heightened hesitations surrounding large purchases.…
Read More » -
3 Industry Veterans Offer Perspective on Their Careers
While speaking with Brenda Templeton, Pete Baker and LJ Lawton, it was clear these Patrick Industries employees had one thing…
Read More » -
Wake Up Before They Go Go …
You can thank or curse me later for the earworm, but for now, please read on for some ideas on…
Read More » -
A Last-Minute Change Sets This Riverstone Toy Hauler Apart
Riverstone’s high-end toy hauler, the Legacy 4513DST, has drawn rave reviews since it debuted last fall. The 45-foot-long unit, with…
Read More » -
Dealer Finds Specializing Pays Off
Many dealerships abide by a list of rules, some written and some unwritten, but Campers Union isn’t most dealerships. The…
Read More » -
RECTifying Your Operations, Part 1
Repair event cycle time (RECT) is a popular topic of interest within the RV industry. Recent articles in RV PRO…
Read More » -
Turbocharge RV Sales & Journeys With Unlimited Generator Power
The Problem With Most Portable Power The vast array of portable power stations available today offer tremendous convenience and versatility.…
Read More » -
RV Electrical Systems 101
RV electrical systems can be confusing to explain to potential users, and rightly so! Learning how all the components go…
Read More » -
Honoring Industry Veterans
Change is good but requires seasoned professionals to lead the way. Nowhere is this more true than in the RV…
Read More » -
Employee Pay-for-Performance Plans That Get Results
Skilled workers are hard to find — and keep. Little wonder employers are taking a fresh look at so-called “pay-for-performance”…
Read More »