Features
-
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 » -
Bring Your Kid to Work
One of the greatest sounds on earth is the laughter of a child. Can everyone agree on that? OK, this…
Read More » -
Lessons From a Goal-Getter
Debbie Brunoforte isn’t just the leader of Little Dealer Little Prices in Arizona — she’s a powerhouse in the industry,…
Read More » -
Turn Sold Customers Into Repeat Fans of Your Brand With CRM Automation
A lot of people can go through your dealership on any given day, both online and at your brick-and-mortar. When…
Read More » -
The Road Less Traveled
Where some company owners see products and profits as their primary goals, Don Clark, president, CEO and co-founder of Grand…
Read More » -
3 Tips To Maximize Peak RV Season
The cold winter months are finally behind us, marking the beginning of peak RV season and optimal weather for camping…
Read More » -
Historical Park Model Builder Captures Young Fans
Industry studies have shown over and over that a younger demographic has entered the RV market in recent years —…
Read More » -
Converting Cash Deals by Overcoming Cash Buyers’ Financing Objections
In RV dealerships, the finance department guides customers through purchasing and offers various financing options to suit their needs. However,…
Read More » -
The Heart of a Champion
Champion Home Builders has become a dominant force in the U.S. park model market, garnering a market share in 2023…
Read More » -
Smart RV Technology for Off-Grid Mobile Power Systems
RVs have transformed from simple vehicles into advanced, mobile living spaces. Travelers are no longer satisfied with basic facilities. Life…
Read More » -
Adjust Presentations To Fit Your Customer’s ‘Type’
As I talk to some of the best RV salespeople in RV dealerships across the country, I find one common…
Read More » -
Improving Accessibility in Outdoor Recreation
When Brandon Mantz woke in the trauma center of St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, he couldn’t speak. A tube…
Read More » -
Taking the Risk & Reaping the Rewards
Evolve or die is a fitting motto for Princess Craft RV. The Texas company, founded in the late 1960s as…
Read More » -
SMI: Some Minimizing Ideas
In the May issue of RV PRO, I invited you to tune in to this June issue’s column for methods…
Read More » -
2024 Fifth Wheel Models: A Dramatic Shift in Exterior Design
There is a new kid in town when it comes to exterior design in the towable sector of the RV…
Read More » -
Hitch ’er Up!
Once the sale of a hitch-mounted trailer is made, the customer cannot just drive to the nearest national park. They…
Read More » -
Unlocking the Power of Organizational Culture
Dealing with troubling workplace environments can be difficult. It’s not always clear what the deeper issue is, and the friction…
Read More » -
Once Upon a Prime Time
Prime Time Manufacturing began its operations in 2009 — arguably one of the worst economic climates the RV industry has…
Read More » -
Carefree, Outdoor Living
Fast turnaround times, plus a dedication to quality materials, seems to be the winning recipe for Carefree of Colorado. A…
Read More » -
SMI: Are You Exceeding Your Towing Capacity?
For those unfamiliar with the term SMI, it stands for “slow-moving inventory,” a phrase that I developed many years ago…
Read More » -
Palomino’s Fifth Wheel With Head Room
Palomino Columbus sets itself apart by consistently delivering fifth wheels that embody quality, safety and innovation. Jack Plummer, sales manager…
Read More » -
Italian Quality Fiberglass Distributed Stateside
First impressions are everything. When a prospective motorhome or fifth wheel customer strolls a dealer’s lot and kicks the tires,…
Read More » -
How To Actively Listen to Your Customers
If you were to ask customers what their number one complaint is when working with a salesperson, what do you…
Read More » -
Olivia Irvine on ‘Staying Toasty’
Olivia Irvine has a thriving business selling a variety of items to help people enjoy the great outdoors. Her products…
Read More » -
Maximize Your Dealership’s Efficiency During the Consumer Lending Process
How to Prevent a Productivity Plateau Employee productivity levels can only increase so much without improving technological capabilities. That’s why streamlining your…
Read More » -
Passion Project
Denise Chariya, director of marketing for THOR Industries, is not a fan of traditional networking. Making small talk in a…
Read More » -
Is Your Dealership a Drive-By?
I live about 20 minutes south of downtown Portland, Oregon. Within 25 minutes in all directions are about 25 RV…
Read More » -
Are You Green Enough?
You may call yourself green – but are you certified green? There’s a difference, and TRA Certification can help you…
Read More » -
The Next Move in Sustainability: Making the Switch to Lithium
Moving toward sustainability in the RV manufacturing industry is widely accepted as a nonnegotiable. The industry must continue to make…
Read More » -
Full-Time RVers Spill the Beans: How Dealers Can Do Better
Researching this column was very interesting. What was challenging was figuring out how to write truthfully about what each person…
Read More » -
Pioneering Sustainable Practices
With the growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and striving to decrease their carbon footprint. Walex,…
Read More » -
Star brite Introduces New Line of Ceramic Cleaners & Protectants
In the world of RV maintenance, Star brite is revolutionizing the game with its new line of ceramic-based cleaners, protectants…
Read More » -
Opinion: Are We Allowed To Ask Questions About Sustainability Yet?
In the margin of an old journal of mine there is a quote that reads, “Freedom is rarely, if ever,…
Read More » -
Creating a Cohesive Story
Q: What is Genesis Products known for and what are consumers looking for now? Erin Curtis, Vice President of Marketing…
Read More » -
Understanding PVR & How It Can Improve F&I Revenue
Q: What is PVR, and why is it important for RV dealerships to track? A: PVR, or “per vehicle retailed,”…
Read More » -
Follow That Rabbit!
A giant checkered rabbit hopped by as we opened the entry door to Briter Products’ facility. Over the years, we…
Read More » -
The Importance of a Properly Structured Reinsurance Company for RV Dealerships
In the ever-evolving landscape of RV sales and services, RV dealerships are continuously seeking ways to maximize profitability and manage…
Read More » -
Refresh Your Dealership for Spring
It’s that dreaded time of year again – spring cleaning! If you had a parent who insisted on a thorough…
Read More » -
Why Sustainability Reports Matter
Sustainability reporting has become a popular way for companies to measure annual performance goals and meet standards often set on…
Read More » -
2024’s Women in Business Honorees
Statistics show that half of workers in the United States are women, according to a March 2024 report from Independent…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Jessika Mendez
What makes Jessika stand out in the RV industry? Jessika is responsible for leading the customer service team, ensuring they…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Tyann Miller
What makes Tyann stand out in the RV industry? Tyann oversees Jayco’s warranty processes for all Jayco divisions. Her role…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Stephanie Cox
What makes Stephanie stand out in the RV industry? Stephanie is responsible for scheduling and overseeing all work done in…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Malinda Abelseth
How has Malinda gone above and beyond for Firefly Integrations? When Malinda started at the end of 2018, Firefly only…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Kimberly Purifoy
In what ways has Kimberly gone above and beyond for Winnebago? Kimberly acts as the employee resource group (ERG) advisor…
Read More » -
Women in Business: Kelly Townsend
In what ways has Kelly gone above and beyond for RVEE? Kelly is a standout technician at RVEE, with meticulous…
Read More »