KOA research report says an additional 1.5 million households camped in USA in 2022

The Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) Monthly Research Report – January 2023 Edition offers a provisional look at the prior year in which more people camped than ever. According to the latest research, camping exceeded a record 2021 by 1.5 million households. Released ahead of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s annual North American Camping Report, available this spring, the latest edition of the monthly report shared that camping is more vital than ever amidst economic and life stressors.

According to the report, it is estimated that 30% of campers joined the activity in 2020 or 2021. While most (17%) share that they began camping as a direct result of COVID-19, some (13%) cite other reasons for choosing to camp for the first time. In 2022, 11% of camping households were new campers. In all, 41% of camping households in 2022 were relatively new to camping as a form of leisure travel, having camped for the first time over the last three years.

“Over the past several years, we have seen dramatic increases in new campers,” said Whitney Scott, senior vice president of strategy at Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

“People are looking for modes of travel that fit their lifestyle and improve their daily lives. Camping provides that for a growing number of travelers, and we don’t see that slowing down.”

Painting a healthy outlook, most households that camped over the last year indicate they plan to include camping in future travel (74%). Notably, 45% will have booked their camping trips or be in the planning stages for 2023. Mental health appears to be one reason for the continued popularity of camping. Six-in-ten campers share that camping helps improve their mental health. Additionally, 54% say that camping induces less anxiety than other forms of travel.

Shifting economic factors over the course of 2022 also played a role in how people camped. In fact, 64% of campers camped more or replaced other types of travel with camping during the last year. Similarly, 64% said camping was a more viable travel option during economic uncertainty.

“Camping is proving to be a top choice for travel amidst uncertainty,” Scott said. “People have faced a multitude of stressors in 2022 and camping trips proved to be a solution for many. We’re seeing the perseverance of campers as they make camping a continual priority as a leisure activity.”

The January report also shared the way campers explored in 2022. Most (54%) tented as their primary camping accommodation, while 26% and 17% utilized RVs or accommodations, like cabins, respectively. Campers also tried many things for the first time during the year, including glamping (21%), snowbirding (21%) and staying at a private campground (20%).

REV Group announces leadership change

REV Group, Inc. has announced that Mark Skonieczny, CFO has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective January 27, 2023. Rod Rushing has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Rod for his dedication and contributions to REV Group over the past three years,” stated Paul Bamatter, Chairman of REV Group’s Board of Directors. “During his tenure, Rod has played an important role in positioning REV Group for long-term success, while leading the company through a challenging period that included COVID-19, rapidly rising inflation, and supply chain disruptions. We wish him all the best.”

Mr. Skonieczny joins the REV Group Board of Directors effective immediately and remains Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Skonieczny will serve as Interim CEO until the role is permanently filled.

Prior to joining REV Group, Mr. Skonieczny held positions as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Adient PLC and spent 17 years at Johnson Controls in a variety of financial roles including Vice President of Corporate Development, Vice President of Finance, Global Aftermarket-Power Solutions, Vice President of Finance, Middle East, Latin America and NA Systems-Building Efficiency, and Assistant Corporate Controller. “Mark has been a valuable member of the REV leadership team since joining the company in June 2020,” said Mr. Bamatter. “The Board is confident that his extensive experience, existing deep knowledge of the REV business, and operational experience will further enable REV to accelerate its transformation.”

Mr. Skonieczny added, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve as interim CEO and I’m committed to working closely with the Board and our strong management team to drive improved operational performance and financial results. We have many opportunities ahead and I look forward to engaging with the Company’s customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders throughout the coming weeks.”

Airstream reveals innovative travel trailer concept

Airstream has unveiled a concept travel trailer developed in partnership with legendary design firm Studio F. A. Porsche. The collaboration between the two expert teams resulted in them being charged with envisioning a next-generation Airstream trailer that incorporated elements from the design playbooks of both brands. The process engaged Studio F. A. Porsche designers in Zell am See, Austria, and Los Angeles in a steady back-and-forth with Airstream designers and engineers at the company’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Jackson Center, Ohio. Brought to life through photorealistic renderings, a 1/3 scale model, and computer-assisted aerodynamic testing, the project resulted in a conceptual evolution to Airstream’s iconic riveted aluminum look that’s unlike any previous design. Among the concept’s many innovative ideas, the design addresses changing demographics in the RV market by utilizing a pop-up roof for additional interior headroom and a lowering suspension that allows city dwellers to store the trailer in a standard residential garage. “Innovation is the art of discovering the possible,” said Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler. “Our collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche brought talented new eyes and minds to our never-ending process of improving the Airstream experience. It’s a fresh design approach aimed at reaching a broader, more diverse base of potential customers.”

RV RoadSigns Report: shipments to move lower through the first half of 2023 in North America.

The latest, Spring 2023 RV RoadSigns Report prepared by ITR Economics for the RV Industry Association in North America says that RV wholesale shipments are expected to retreat in 2023 in the face of challenging economic conditions. The new forecast projects 2023 RV shipments to range from 324,300 to 344,00 units next year with a mid-point of 334,100 units, which represents a 32% decline from the 493,300 wholesale shipments in 2022. RV shipments are expected to fall through the first half of 2023 as consumers are squeezed by inflation, higher interest rates, and a slowing economy. On the positive side of the ledger, retail inventories are normalizing and reports from RV consumer shows and dealers point toward continued strong interest in RV ownership. Shipments are expected to stabilize in the latter part of the year.

Jayco has opened a new 70,000 square feet Pre-Delivery Inspection facility on its campus on Southridge Blvd. in Middlebury, Indiana which will accommodate four lines running simultaneously. This is the fifth of Jayco’s dedicated PDI facilities and now means 100% of all Jayco, Entegra Coach®, Starcraft RV® and Highland Ridge RV® products can be Pre-Delivery Inspected before being shipped to a dealer. The 100% PDI initiative includes all manufacturing locations; Middlebury and Shipshewana, Indiana and Twin Falls, Idaho. These rigorous processes include the inspection of numerous aspects and components of the entire product lineup and follow additional audits and quality checks performed on the production line before the units arrive at the dedicated PDI facilities. By implementing the PDI process, it allows for an additional key step in the manufacturing process to identify and fix any potential issues before they arrive at the dealer.

Winnebago reveals latest electric RV prototype at Florida SuperShow

Winnebago has revealed a fully-operational prototype of its all-electric, zero-emission RV at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa, Florida. Known as the eRV2, the prototype emerged from Winnebago Industries’ original eRV concept vehicle, which debuted at the same event last year. The eRV2 is the most advanced all-electric, zero-emission RV. Rigorous field testing with everyday consumers is underway to provide insights that will inform the eRV2’s final design before hitting dealerships in the future. In addition, show attendees will have the opportunity to test drive the eRV2 on-site and share their feedback with the company. Winnebago says the eRV2 is America’s first all-electric, zero-emission motorhome prototype. Both the powertrain and the house systems are powered by electricity, allowing for silent and environmentally responsible travel, and up to seven days of Boondocking, aided in part by 900-Watt solar capacity. It’s built on a Ford E-Transit™ chassis, which promises both a powerful torque and smooth handling. The current generation of this chassis has a pub- lished range of 1081 miles, well-suited for a pilot program. Winnebago is actively pursuing range extension opportunities to incorporate into a future commercial version. Winnebago partnered with Lithionics Battery® to create a proprietary IonBlade® lithium house battery which is the most powerful, compact and safe lithium battery system available today. It features a 48V system with more than 15,000 usable watt-hours, and a unique thin lay-flat design stored beneath the floor to maximize interior space. It meets the highest safety standards with UL safety certification No.1973. The eRV2 is sustainably designed to further reduce the impact on the environment. Recycled

RV Industry Association Government Affairs team starts lobbying for e-RV infrastructure

The RV Industry Association Government Affairs team has launched lobbying efforts to expand e-RV infrastructure. After receiving approval from the Association’s Board of Directors earlier this month – and supported by the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – the Government Affairs team has been hard at work spreading the word about the need for an increased number of pullthrough EV sites in campgrounds.

“As e-RVs start to become more common, charging them could present an issue,” predicts Jay Landers, RV Industry Association Vice President of Gov- ernment Affairs. “Many of the current charging stations are not designed for combination vehicles, including electric towables. There are very few pullthrough electric vehicle charging stations, and if an RV combination takes up two spots, it prevents others from charging their electric vehicles. Even with just an electric tow vehicle, the RV owner would have the added frustration of uncoupling the trailer, finding a place to put their RV trailer, charging the tow vehicle, and then reattaching the trailer. More pull-throughs, especially those designed for electric RV combinations, would help solve this barrier.” materials are used extensively throughout the interior, including in the flooring, removable floor mats, Winsleep® mattress system, and trimming around the window frames. Cab seat coverings are made with renewable plant-based materials and the Acrylic countertops are made from biodegradable materials. Unique broad color-spectrum lighting allows users to customize the interior lights from white to red, which helps to reduce light pollution and negative effects on native flora and fauna. The eRV2 interior is inspired by modern Japandi principles, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design that creates a clean, calm and multi-functional environment. This includes a five-in-one sleep/ lounge and two adaptable workspaces with built-in charge points and a highspeed Wi-Fi router for optimal data streaming. Finally, the eRV2 is connected thanks to the proprietary Winnebago Connect™ system which allows users to easily monitor and control the vehicle’s electrical and energy management systems using a display inside the vehicle or an intuitive app.

With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now signed into law, $5 billion has been set aside for the states to improve their EV infrastructure, as a way of helping the U.S. move towards EVs and away from internal combustion. Another $2.5 billion remains with the federal government to spend on national infrastructure. The Government Affairs team is hoping these funds will help create more pull-through sites suitable for e-RVs.

Landers notes that any industry with large trailers or vehicles is going to have a need for more pull-through spaces, but the RV industry is leading the charge: “Our team is working with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and receiving their support on this initiative. We’re also working with a national lobbying firm to help spread the word. We’ve found some support from the Federal Highway Administration, which put out a statement in the Federal Register announcing that pull-through sites would be considered.”

Along with these efforts, the Government Affairs team is undertaking a state-by-state campaign to reach out to state departments of transportation, as well as governor’s offices and economic development offices. The team also plans to work with the member companies whenever possible on this initiative. “The Government Affairs team is thankful for the support of the board in these efforts, and we look forward to providing some real results in mid-2023,” Landers says.