What’s the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?

These are separate categories classified under labor law, and a free webinar from the Mike Molino RV Learning Center April 21, at noon (ET) will explain the difference and share ways to protect companies from making costly errors.

KPA's HR expert Brianna Stashak will explain why employees can only be classified as independent contractors if they meet specific guidelines; including seemingly simple things such as being on company payroll, use of company property, and the permanency of the relationship can mean that they cannot be independent contractors.  She’ll discuss appropriate independent contractor documentation and present management best practices.

Register online here.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Becky Ross at bross@kpaonline.com  866-356-1735 or Karin Van Duyse at the RV Learning Center at kvanduyse@rvda.org  703-591-7130.

NADAguides released its latest report on the RV industry Wednesday (April 13), reflecting a market climate for positive growth, according to the report.

The company reports that the business climate in the U.S. is ideal for the RV industry, as gas prices continue to remain low, inflation is in check, interest rates are near historic lows, and the unemployment picture continues to improve.

“Current market indicators show that we continue to be in a hot market, which is supported by input from our dealer network. RV sales for the first two months of 2016 was nothing short of spectacular and leads us to believe the rest of 2016 will continue to be a banner year,” the report said.

NADAguides predicts that prices are expected to stay steady through the summer months which should help to propel sales in 2016 to 381,100 units, as forecasted by the RV Industry Association. All of these factors indicate 2016 will be a profitable year.

“In the coming months van motorhomes and pop-ups should see an uptick in used values with truck campers extending their appreciation,” NADAguides reports. “Motorhomes, trailers, and park models will continue to see downward pressure. Used retail values across the board saw a decrease from edition-to-edition, with the exception of truck campers.”

RV manufacturing veteran and former KOA Campground owner Henry Junior “Hank” Hochstetler died April 11, the Elkhart Truth reports. 

Hochstetler was born June 27, 1929, twin to Henrietta June, son and daughter of Henry F. and Amy Hochstetler at Kalona, Iowa.

He married Lois Leichty, who died in 2002. They reared four children, Steven (Debra) Hochstetler, David (Beverly) Hochstetler and Cynthia (Ken) Nichols, all of Elkhart, and Patricia Lindsey of Bonita Springs. He married Jo Ann Brent on Nov. 26, 2005, who survives along with his second family, Douglas (Mary) Brent, and Suzanne Brent of Louisville, Ky., Sandra Roark of Hebron, Ky., and Dana Brent of Ashburn, Va. He is survived by six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, five second-family grandchildren and his sister, Mrs. Loran Hershberger.

Hank spent his life as a businessman manufacturing RVs in Elkhart, Ind., and operating two KOA Campgrounds, one in Elkhart and another in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. He sold the companies and moved to Bonita Springs in 1979 and became a Realtor. He owned Hochstetler Realty Inc. for a number years, retiring in 2002.

Hank was community volunteer-minded and served on various boards. He was past president of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Bonita Springs Board of Realtors, past president of the Bonita Springs Utility Co., past president of Bonita Springs Main Street, past president of the Lee County RV Campground Owners Association, and has served on the YMCA board of directors, the Imperial River Conservancy Board and the Bonita Springs Incorporation Board.

He was awarded the Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year in 1996, the National RV dealer of the year in 1975, the Realtor of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce in 1996, the Rotary Service Above Self award in 1997, the YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 2000 and the “Love of Bonita Award” in 2011.

Hank loved his church, the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. He was ordained an elder and served three terms, was a member of the chancel choir for more than 30 years and chaired numerous committees, including three building committees. He was an avid reader, loved music and loved to travel.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail S., Bonita Springs. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs.

Graveside services will be next week at the Bethel Mennonite Church Cemetery, Wayland, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a donation in Hank’s name to the Iowa Mennonite School, 1421 54th St. SW, Kalona, IA 52247; the YMCA of Bonita Springs 27200 Kent Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135; or to the Love of Bonita Music Scholarship Program at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

PopUp Towing Products introduced its newest fifth wheel gooseneck adapter, called the RV22.

The RV22 is a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter with a new design that is 18 pounds lighter than the company’s RV2 adapter and includes the 9-inch offset for short-bed truck owners, according to a news release.

“In seconds you can adjust the height up to 4-inches with the simple pull of a pin,” the company said in a news release. “Height can be adjusted in 1-inch increments from 15 to 19 inches to allow for different height truck and trailers.

The RV22 is powder coated, and like all products with a coupler from PopUp Towing, the copmany utilizes its GN8 self-latching coupler with a V-19 rating.

The RV22 will handle trailers up to 24,000 pounds

For more information on the New RV22 or to see our complete product line go to www.popuphitch.com.

The Thetford Corp. is looking to boost early summer sales through its Super Summer Special promotion, a $25 mail-in rebate on select toilets.

The promotion will run from April 18 to July 10.

“As RVers begin to think about their summer travels, this is a perfect time for them to start the season off right by upgrading their bathroom with a new Thetford toilet,” Thetford’s Director of Marketing Andy Bialorucki said. “We are offering a rebate to make it even easier for dealers to sell our best-in-class toilets.”

Toilet models included in the offer are:

• Aria Deluxe II & Classic

• Aqua-Magic Residence

• Aqua-Magic Style II & Style Plus

• Aqua-Magic V

• Bravura

“Our complete line of RV toilets offers something for everyone,” Bialorucki said.  “With Thetford, RVers can combine the look and features they want with industry-leading reliability and performance.”

Coupons and directions for redeeming the offer are available at selected retailers as well as at thetford.com/rebate.

NTA a supplier of third party testing, evaluation and certification, has announced its accreditation by the Standards Council of Canada, Canada’s national accreditation body, for its product, process and service certification body accreditation program.

This accreditation will allow NTA to issue their Certification Mark for facilities and products which are in compliance with CAN/CSA-A277, CAN/CSA-Z240 MH Series, CAN/CSA-Z240 RV Series, and CAN/CSA-Z241 Series, according to a news release.

“NTA has worked long and hard to make this a reality,” NTA President David Tompos. “We can now offer our current and future clients certification of Prefabricated Buildings, Modular Homes, Commercial Structures, Modules, Panels, Manufactured Homes, RV’s and Park Model Trailers headed to Canada.”

NTA, located in Nappanee, Indiana, provides building product certification, building code compliance review, engineering design services, inspection and product testing.

The company has over 60 trained professional engineers, plan reviewers, technicians, consultants and design draftsman with professional registrations in all 50 states, Guam, the District of Columbia and Canada.

The RV Electrical System Service course begins May 2 and runs through June 26.  

Northampton Community College and the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association run the online program. Students log in to access the lecture notes, hands-on assignments, quizzes and chat with the instructor and other students.

The program gives students the flexibility to complete the course from the comfort of their home or dealership without having the expense of traveling to a training facility.

The course is approved by RV Industry Association and qualifies for recertification hours.  Students receive a certificate of completion successful completion of the course. The program is designed for RV maintenance and sales personnel, service managers, factory field technicians, service representatives, inspectors and those seeking a new, hands-on career in a growing industry. 

Those who complete the entire program will earn a specialized diploma from Northampton Community College. Students not wishing to obtain the specialized diploma may also enroll in individual courses as desired. Those who earn the diploma will be prepared to test for the RV Service Technician or a Master Certified RV Service Technician with the RVIA.

The Electrical Systems course begins the very in-depth look into the first of the three major systems found on most RVs. Beginning with 12-volts DC and expanding to 120-volts AC, all electrical systems and components are dissected and defined. 

Though Ohm’s Law is not the main focus and basic electricity is not presented, the student will easily grasp the important electrical basics necessary to troubleshoot, install and repair any RV electrical component. Rather than theory, practical shop application is the focus. The proper use of test equipment is also outlined and perfected. Students are led through each type of electrical test.

RV Electrical Systems Service (RVTNC103.4)

May 2 – June 26

Tuition, Fees and Discounts: $375 per student

Employees of PRVCA members will receive a 50 percent reimbursement on tuition and textbooks upon successful completion of the course. Textbook costs $39.90, plus shipping (contact megan@prvca.org to order)

Certification: Qualifies for 56 Recertification Hours

Pleasure-Way Industries recently made the Winegard Rayzar Automatic RV TV antenna standard equipment across its entire lineup of Class B motorhomes.

“Our decision was made while attending a large show in Pomona, Calif., where the Winegard Rayzar Automatic picked up an extraordinary 131 Free TV stations,” Pleasure-Way Industries CEO Dean Rumpel said in a news release.

That revelation came as no surprise to Dave Chiswell, who represents Winegard products to the Canadian market.

“Winegard has been a great company to represent in Canada and has provided me with some really groundbreaking products to promote,” Chiswell said. “The new Rayzar Automatic – Automatic Local Broadcast HDTV Antenna and the RoadTrip T4 In-Motion Automatic Satellite TV Antenna products are on top the list.”

The 2016 NATDA Trade Show & Convention is officially sold out.

In a news release Monday (April 18), the Association reported it plans to fill 267,000 square feet of exhibit space at this year’s show as 133 vendors and 73 manufacturer brands – including 36 first-time exhibitors – have registered.

“We’re very thankful for the continued support from the manufacturers and suppliers who support the show and purchase space,” NATDA Executive Director Jesse Battle said. This year, the 2016 NATDA Trade Show & Convention will be held Sept. 8-10 at the Music City Center in Nashville.

The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) is heavily preparing for the annual trade show since a recent 16 percent increase of registered dealers since this time last year. The focus for the trade show continues to be relationship building between manufacturers, vendors and dealers, as well as providing top dealer education classes/workshops and the first opportunity for dealers to see new products introduced to the market.

The view the 2016 NATDA Trade Show & Convention floorplan, visit www.map-dynamics.com/natda2016. For more information about becoming a future exhibitor, contact Karen Anderson at 310-384-5385 or karena@natda.org.  

The Texas Association of Campground Owners presented awards Tuesday (April 19) for its Supplier of the Year and Campgrounds of the Year as the association kicked off the second day of its annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow.

TACO CEO Brian Schaeffer presented the association’s awards during a Tuesday luncheon session attended by campground owners, vendors and industry officials from across the Lone Star State.

TACO presented a Supplier of the Year Award to Austin-based Rowley Insurance.

The award-winning parks included:         

Barefoot Bay Marina, Pittsburg, Park of the Year, Medium Park Category.

Rayford Crossing RV Resort in Spring, Park of the Year, Large Park Category.

Rayford Crossing RV Resort in Spring, Best Marketing Package.

Katy Lake RV Resort, Katy, Best Accommodations.

Schaeffer also presented a host park recognition award to Greta Bossenbroek of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Northgate Holdings, which acquired Guadalupe River RV Resort late last year. Northgate is converting the resort to a Jellystone Park. TACO has held its annual Spring Meetings at the Kerrville resort every year since 1999 with the exception of one year.

TACO’s annual Spring Meeting and Tradeshow started Sunday and ran through Tuesday. The tradeshow portion of the event took place Monday at the Inn of the Hills Conference Center in Kerrville.

Based in Crowley, the Texas Association of Campground Owners represents the legislative interests of private park operators throughout the Lone Star State in addition to marketing Texas campgrounds, RV parks and resorts to consumers. For more information, visit www.tacomembers.com as well as the association’s consumer websites at www.texascampgrounds.com and www.texascabinrentals.net.

Sixteen dealers will display all of the latest new RV models at this year’s Puyallup RV Show at the Washington State Fairgrounds from April 28 to May 1.

The event also will include on-site manufactured homes. For those looking for something a little more affordable, the show will have a “Used RV Corral” with pre-owned RVs.

The show will feature a full lineup of seminars, including presentations from Gary Bunzer, “The RV Doctor”, who will present several seminars. MHRV Show Director Dave Helgeson will be conducting his boondocking presentation.

Torklift will offer seminars on towing. Attendees can “Ask the Experts” about anything RVing or learn from the company’s “Ask the Tech” presentation.

One dollar from every non-discounted adult and senior ticket sold at the box office will be donated to Washington State Parks. WSECU is the presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year and is joining in with a matching dollar-for-dollar donation.

Parking is free at the Puyallup Show and attendees can save $2 when they buy their tickets online at PuyallupRVShow.com. Opening day, Thursday, April 28, is “Manufactured Housing Day”, sponsored by DeTray’s Custom Housing, Lakeview Meadows, Palm Harbor Homes and Skyline Homes. Attendees will receive an additional dollar off admission ($3 total) when they purchase adult or senior tickets online for that day.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 28-29; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 30 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1.

For more information, click here.

Thetford Corp.’s SmartTote2 is one way for RVers to empty their holding tanks without having to move their RV.

Now the company has introduced an easy way to store the SmartTote2.

The Ladder Mount, a storage system that allows RVers to mount their tote on the RV’s ladder, offers a more secure and sanitary approach than what they might currently be doing.

“What we heard from RVers is that they were employing makeshift solutions to store their tote,” Thetford’s Senior Product Manager Derry Yourman said. “Ladder Mount eliminates that with a strong and durable system made specifically for this purpose.”

Designed by the RV sanitation leader, Ladder Mount is engineered to be easy to use and built to last. For example, the storage arms swivel and lock out of the way, allowing RVers easy access to their ladder when not storing a tote. Ladder Mount also saves valuable storage space, as well as being more sanitary than RV compartment storage.

“Ladder Mount is a universal solution – it will secure all tote brands,” Yourman said, adding that Ladder Mount will also store bikes, chairs and more – up to 50 pounds.

Lazydays, the RV Authority and world’s largest RV dealership, has signed on as an official partner of the Denver Broncos.

The partnership follows Lazydays’ expansion into Colorado’s Front Range region last year with the acquisition of RV America’s three dealerships in Aurora, Longmont and Loveland, Colo.

To celebrate the new partnership, Lazydays’ Aurora RV dealership hosted the Broncos for a special event on Thursday to mark the start of the team’s “Salute to Fans” Tour.

As a lead sponsor of the tour, Lazydays provided the Denver Broncos with a Tiffin Phaeton Class A motorhome that will transport team representatives during the five-city expedition. The RV features a Broncos-branded custom wrap that will make a distinctive impression on Colorado’s highways and at the tour stops in Durango, Montrose, Salida, La Junta and a fifth city to be chosen by fan vote.

“The Denver Broncos are pleased to welcome Lazydays RV to its family of corporate partners,” Broncos Vice President of Business Development Darren O’Donnell said. “Lazydays RV and the Broncos celebrate our fans who embrace the RV lifestyle and football tailgating experience, and we are excited to kick off our partnership with Lazydays RV for our Salute to Fans Tour.”

At the Salute to Fans Tour kickoff event in Aurora, RV enthusiasts and Broncos fans enjoyed photo opportunities and autographs with former kicker David Treadwell, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot. Attendees gave the Broncos an enthusiastic sendoff for their first tour stop in Durango.

“Lazydays is proud to partner with the Denver Broncos, and we’re grateful that the organization and its fans have given us such a warm welcome in Colorado,” Lazydays Chief Marketing Officer John Lebbad said. “Football and RV tailgating bring together family and friends for good times and outdoor fun. I’m confident this new partnership will enhance the gameday experience and travel adventures of Broncos fans and RVers alike.”

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center will host a webinar to help business owners learn effective on-boarding techniques to stem employee turnover and improve productivity at noon (ET) April 28.

To register online, click here.

In this webinar dealers will learn how to implement an on-boarding program that has new employees becoming productive 50 percent faster while feeling valued and prepared for success in their new positions.

This webinar will explain how to design and implement a successful on-boarding program for your company including what tasks can and should be automated.

Dealerships that automated administrative on-boarding tasks increase employee retention by 16 percent and employee productivity by 18 percent.

Kathryn Carlson, vice president for KPA's HR Management products and a frequent speaker at the RV Dealers International Convention/Expo will lead the webinar.

Carlson has over 25 years of human resources management experience and is a certified HR professional. For the past 13 years she has focused on developing HR software and programs to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure compliance for companies ranging from small businesses to international.

The Recreational Dealer Cooperative Association/Priority RV Network announced it has elected Andy Heck for a two-year term on its seven-member Board of Directors at its 18th Annual Meeting held on March 28-30 in Henderson, Nev.

Heck, president and CEO, oversees three Alpin Haus RV dealerships in New York.  He is a past RVDA chairman of the Board and has been the recipient of numerous dealership awards for dealer excellence.

Heck replaces long-time board member Steve Plemmons, president and CEO of Bill Plemmons RV in North Carolina.  In addition to Heck, board members Michael Peay, president of Holiday World Group of dealerships in Texas and New Mexico; and Mike Regan, president of Crestview RV Texas; were re-elected for two-year board terms.

“We welcome Andy Heck to our board. With his dealership success and his leadership in RVDA over the many years, he will bring a wealth of knowledge to our board,” said Mike Regan, president of Priority RV Network, the world’s largest RV dealer cooperative.

“At the same time, we thank Steve Plemmons for his many years serving on the Board.  He has been instrumental in our organization’s success. Last year, 2015, was the most successful year in our 18-year history. We appreciate Steve’s service on our Board.”

After the March 30 election, the Board maintained the same officers in 2016.  Michael Peay will serve as chairman. Mike Regan will remain president and work with Corey Ruzicka, Priority RV Network’s executive director, on a daily basis. Greg Lala, CEO/president of Dixie RV Superstores, will remain as the group’s vice-president. 

Long-time board member, Mark Bretz, CEO/president of Bretz RV & Marine, will remain as treasurer. Brian Wilkins, RVDA chairman and CEO/president of Wilkins RV, will remain as secretary. Steve Richardson, CalRVDA president and president of Richardson’s RV Centers, will continue to serve on the board as a director.

The network now consists of 74 dealer shareholders with 110 locations nationwide.  With its large size, the Network obtains products such as retail financing, parts and accessories, F&I products, and more than 33 products in bulk purchases. 

Priority RV Network dealers estimate selling more than 60,000 new and used RVs, and generating more than $2 billion dollars in sales in 2015.  All dealers are equal partners and have access to the financials showing where each penny is being spent.  The dealers run the Network.

The Priority RV Network provides innovative, convenient, value driven programs to an exclusive nationwide dealer network creating a competitive advantage for its members while providing value to their customers.

The wife of Coachmen Industries co-founder Tom Corson, Dorthy “Dot” Scheide Corson, 88, died Tuesday from congestive heart failure at her home in Naples with loving family members by her side, the Elkhart Truth reports.

She was born Dec. 18, 1927, in Jasper, Texas, to Benjamin Otto and Lillie Belle (Williams) Scheide, both deceased.

On July 11, 1948, in Tenaha, Texas, she married Thomas H. Corson, with whom she shared 67 years of devoted marriage and partnership.

Tom survives her along with their children, Claire Corson (Jim) Skinner of Naples and Benjamin Thomas (Linda) Corson of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; three grandchildren, Nick (Tiffany) Corson, Charlotte Corson (Matthias) Wolf and Sarah Corson; and four great-grandchildren, Bradley Corson, Brint Corson, Lillie Belle Wolf and Fiona Wolf.

Dot was a graduate of Tenaha High School (Tenaha, Texas, 1945) and Southern Methodist University School of Nursing, (Dallas, Texas, 1948). Dot worked alongside husband Tom and his two brothers in founding Coachmen Industries Inc. in 1964, the highly regarded RV company. She always will be remembered as the “First Lady” of Coachmen, having served as a member of its board of directors for 27 years, and a tireless company ambassador with its dealers, investors and the community. In later years, Dot established Reflections, a ladies’ apparel store in Goshen.

Widely known for her grace and quiet elegance, Dot generously contributed her time and resources to numerous charitable organizations, including Interlochen Center for the Arts, University of Notre Dame, WNIT, Goshen College, First United Methodist Church of Middlebury, Northridge Dollars for Scholars, IUSB, Elkhart County Community Foundation, Midwest Museum of Art and Ivy Tech.

Dot was a member of Elcona Country Club, Maplecrest Country Club and Royal Poinciana Country Club (Naples). In her free time she loved to play bridge, read and travel.

Visitation will be from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the Miller Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 S. Main St., Middlebury. The funeral service and celebration of Dot’s life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28, at the First United Methodist Church of Middlebury, with a private burial immediately following in Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury. Pastor Ron Russell will officiate.

Memorials may be given to Interlochen Center for the Arts (Dorthy S. Corson Memorial Fund), P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643. (Advancement Office: 231-276-7623, '; // -->)">); and the First United Methodist Church of Middlebury (New Building Fund), P.O. Box 347, Middlebury, IN 46540. (Office: 574-825-2585, www.fumcmiddlebury.org.)

SMI Mfg., Newburgh, Ind., is hoping to get its season and retail price policy off to a strong start with a spring/summer spiff program, according to a news release Friday. 

The spiff applies to transactions from May 1 to July 31 and consists of a $25 spiff for each sale of a qualifying SKU (paid directly to the sales person) and a $25 spiff for each installation of a qualifying SKU (paid directly to the technician).

The program is open to all employees of authorized SMI resellers. Visit spiff.smibrake.com for program details and to sign-up for the program.

La Grande, Ore.-based RV manufacturer, Outdoors RV Manufacturing has announced RV industry veteran Mick Pickler is retiring.

Pickler is winding up his 42 year career as the director of manufacturing at ORV. As director of manufacturing over the past three years, Pickler oversaw all three production facilities at the manufacturing complex in La Grande. Pickler was very influential in setting up ORV’s latest, state-of-the manufacturing facility opened in winter of 2014, quickly dubbed, “the plant that Mick built.”

Pickler began his career with Fleetwood, with stops along the way with Vacationeer, Kit, Shadow Cruiser and Northwood Mfg. (Both Northwood Mfg. and ORV are owned by Northwood Investments). 

During his 15-year career at Northwood Mfg., Pickler was the production manager in charge of developing the Arctic Fox Truck Camper, quickly garnering the product a reputation for quality in both the RV industry as well as with retail consumers. Among many accomplishments, Pickler is credited with inventing the ever-popular “Fox Landing” folding back porch.  

 “Mick is and always has been a tremendous asset to both companies,” said Ward King, chief operations officer for both Northwood Mfg. and Outdoors RV. “Not only will we miss his tremendous experience and incredible eye and for what a highly functional, quality RV can and should be, but even more importantly we will miss a great friend to us all and a genuinely good person. We wish him all the best in retirement.”

“We truly wish to thank Mick for his dedication and commitment to always getting it right,” said Northwood Mfg. and ORV CEO Jim Jones. “He is a true professional and we will certainly miss his energy and leadership. We wish Mick well in this next chapter of his life.”

“I want to personally thank every member of the Northwood and ORV teams for their dedication to providing our dealers and customers with the best quality RV available in the industry – it has been a real pleasure to be a part of what truly is a wonderful work family,” Pickler said. “This is a fun industry and it has been very good to me. The excitement of developing and manufacturing products for people to enjoy has never left me. I have always said and believed that if you take care of the people you work with, the people will take care of you – and they’ve never let me down.  That’s what I will miss the most, all the truly good people I’ve had the great fortune to work for and with – I thank you all.”

Pickler’s last day is Friday, April 22. Contact Outdoors RV Mfg. at 541-624-5500 or email Pickler at mick.pickler@outdoorsrvmfg.com.

ORV produces the travel trailer brands Blackstone, Wind River, Timber Ridge, Creek Side, Black Rock and Glacier Peak fifth wheels. Visit the website at www.outdoorsrvmfg.com. 

A group of RV owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Dometic Corp. on Thursday (April 21), stating the company sold defective gas absorption refrigerators with cooling systems that can spontaneously ignite.

The 83-page lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California centers around the underlying technology used in Dometic absorption refrigerators since 1997, claiming the company “used and manipulated the recall process to conceal the true dangers and safety risks inherent in their defective gas absorption refrigerators from both federal regulators and consumers.”

In a written response to the allegations, Dometic denied the claims.

“The company takes this accusation seriously but vehemently denies that the company would consciously have refrained from eliminating defects in the said product,” the company said.  

“Dometic conducts its operations in a strongly regulated environment and it is a vital requirement that all products comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding safety. Dometic works proactively with product safety in an open and close cooperation with governmental authorities and strictly follows the applicable legislation and recommendations.”

At the heart of the suit is the technology used by Dometic in its gas absorption refrigerators, which includes a closed-loop hydrogen gas boiler that the suit alleges has a “propensity … to corrode, crack and expel hydrogen gas.”

The lawsuit also claims the company withheld material information that could have misled customers and federal regulators about the underlying fault with the refrigerators.

The group claims that the refrigerators have caused or contributed to at least 3,000 fires since 1997, resulting in more than $100 million in property damage and personal injury claims, and that Dometic tracked through multiple non-public, internal databases.

In 2006 and 2008, Dometic filed a pair of voluntaryrecalls, which the suit claim were “wholly inadequate and ineffective” because the recalls affected “only a small percentage of the total population of defective gas absorption refrigerators manufactured since 1997,” among other reasons.

Further, the parties claim that Dometic “at all times knew or should have known of the defects in their products, and the safety risks those defects posed to … members of the class, but actively concealed and/or failed to disclose those facts, warn of the safety risks involved in the use of the product, or conduct an adequate recall/retrofit campaign to eliminate the defects and safety risks,” according to the document.

In the 2006 recall, Dometic described a defect as “… a fatigue crack that may  develop in the boiler tube in the area of the weld between the boiler tube and heater pocket.”

The suit argues that the recall “was deceptive and misleading”, stating that the recall failed to identify an “underlying defect - corrosion pitting and cracking of the inside of the boiler tube - rather than the defect itself.”

According to the filing, at least 100 people are included in the lawsuit, and the aggregate amount in controversy exceeds $5 million. 

Priority One Financial Services, an F&I outsourcing provider for the recreation industry, added Lauren Ebner to the company’s sales department as a dealer coordinator, according to a news release Monday (April 25).

Before joining Priority One, Ebner worked as a specialty insurance agent at Veritas Insurance Group, a subsidiary of Priority One and Forest River, for three years.

In her current role as a dealer coordinator, she is responsible for managing the relationships and growth of existing Priority One RV and boat dealerships as well as selling, promoting and enrolling Forest River dealers into the Forest River credit card program.

“Having previously worked at Veritas Insurance, Lauren is already familiar with our company’s operations, employees and dealer partners,” said Nicole Armstrong, vice president of sales and marketing. “Her knowledge about recreational products, great customer service skills and energetic attitude make her a real asset.”

In 2014, Ebner won the “Above and Beyond” award that is given once a year to employees that have gone above and beyond their identified job duties to exceed the needs of the company, dealers and their customers.

Ebner is originally from Akron, Ohio, and an Ohio University alumnus. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her dog, cheering on the Ohio Bobcats or being near or on the water.