LUVERNE Truck Equipment, an American manufacturer of truck, SUV and work van accessories since 1963, has unveiled a brand new product in its mud guard and splash guard line: the Textured Rubber Tow Guard. The Tow Guard is a protective trailer hitch attachment that mounts at the rear of the vehicle and shields a trailer in tow against mud, stones and other road debris. It features a universal design, simple use-as-needed installation and a dependable USA-made construction.

The LUVERNE Textured Rubber Tow Guard is primarily designed for two things: 1) thorough trailer protection and 2) ease of installation. The Tow Guard offers full protection for the trailer by creating a barrier at the rear of the tow vehicle. Spanning the full width of the vehicle, it easily deflects road debris that is kicked up by the vehicle's tires. The Tow Guard also features a sturdy, USA-made construction similar to LUVERNE Textured Rubber Mud Guards. Powder-coated steel and 3/8” thick rubber flaps provide a reliable shield to protect the trailer against nicks, scratches and other unsightly damage.

The Tow Guard is also designed for fast, easy installation. It comes fully factory assembled, meaning it is ready to install right out of the package. It installs or removes as needed, using the receiver tube of the vehicle’s trailer hitch. Unlike most mud flaps that are designed for permanent installation, the Tow Guard can conveniently be installed or removed as necessary, using a heavy-duty U-bolt. It attaches directly to the ball mount shank and maintains full use of the hitch and any electrical components.

The LUVERNE Tow Guard is available in a universal width of 72 inches to fit most full-size pickups and SUVs. It also comes in two flap length options, including 15" and 20", and can be trimmed for a custom fit. Models are available to fit 2, 2 ½” or 3” receiver tubes. For more information about the Tow Guard and how to select the right fit for a particular vehicle, please visit LuverneTruck.com.

To learn more about the new Tow Guard or to become a dealer, click here.

Derek Thews has been named president of Starcraft Distribution Company and Nick CHumas was named vice president of manufacturing.

The Goshen News reports that Thews joined Starcraft Distribution Company in 2010 as general manager. Previously he was employed by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in the El Segundo, California and is a U.S Marine Corps veteran.

Thews, his wife Lisa and their two children Madison and Jimmy, live in Elkhart.

In addition, Nick Chumas has been named vice president of manufacturing for Starcraft Distribution Company / DDR.

Chumas joined the company in 2015 and has oversaw the expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility to accommodate the growth of the import/distribution needs for the automotive and recreational vehicle industry.

Before joining Starcraft Distribution / DDR, Chumas was president and co-founder of PRO-TEC Safety Equipment and held senior management positions at ASA and Alco Tool.

Chumas and his wife Frances live in Elkhart.

Custer Products debuted its S.M.A.R.T.Rider tow light for professional and consumer use, according to a news release. 

S.M.A.R.T. stands for Simple, Magnetic, Alerting, Radio-powered Tow light. The wireless S.M.A.R.T.Rider provides the highest visibility and best durability of any light bar of similar size, the company said in a news release.

42 bright LEDs provide stop lamp, tail lamp, side marker lamp, and turn signal functionality. Rather than sending signal from the tow vehicle to the tow lamp via a hard wire, signal is sent wirelessly by an included 4-pin transmitter, which is fitted into the tow vehicle’s trailer wire harness plug.

According to the company, wireless operation increases safety, as the need to connect wiring while parked on the roadside is eliminated, thereby reducing exposure to traffic dangers. Professionals will also benefit from the time efficiencies created by the light’s quick and simple set-up. Power is supplied by an internal rechargeable battery, which keeps the LEDs bright for 12 hours between charges. 90-pound pull rubber-coated magnets (not boots), ensure the S.M.A.R.T. Rider stays where it’s placed. S.M.A.R.T. Rider measures 23.5-by-3-by-4.5-inches. The system includes a 12-volt charger, as well as complete instructions, and is supported by Custer’s customer service.

For more information go to http://www.custerproducts.com/product/smartrider-towlight/, or call 800-490-3158.

Camping World Holdings plans for expansion in the state of Texas, with the proposed acquisition of the northern Texas RV-Max dealerships, with three locations in the greater Dallas market. 

Camping World currently operates SuperCenters in El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Lubbock and Tyler areas. With the acquisition of RV-Max, the dealership is expanding in the Dallas-Ft. Worth market with three new SuperCenters.

"It has been a personal concern that our company's presence in the state of Texas has not adequately served our customer base," said Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam. "Moving forward, one of my top priorities is the expansion of our footprint and market share in the great state of Texas, as we aggressively pursue additional acquisitions and locations for new SuperCenters."

"The planned acquisition of RV-Max will add three new Supercenters to the Dallas-Ft. Worth market, and as part of our massive expansion plans we expect to announce future SuperCenter locations offering the full array of Camping World and Good Sam products and services," Camping World and Good Sam Chief Operating Officer Brent Moody said. "We will embrace Marcus' people, process and product philosophy as part of our aggressive expansion, as we add quality manufactures and brands, increase our presence in the market and grow the workforce."

Grand Design RV welcomed industry veteran Tommy Hall to the Reflection and Imagine sales team.    

Tommy will be responsible for the Reflection and Imagine brands in the Coastal Northeast United States and Canada.  Since hiring into the RV industry in 2009, Tommy has developed great relationships with many dealers in the eastern RV market.

“With our new 110,000 sq.ft. Imagine travel trailer facility quickly ramping up and the continued growing demand for the Reflection product line, Tommy will help ensure we continue to grow and service these markets with the laser focus you expect from Grand Design”, stated Micah Staley - General Manager for Reflection and Imagine.

Tommy is a graduate from Ball State University with a degree in Marketing.  He resides in Mishawaka, IN and can be reached at thall@granddesignrv.com, or via mobile phone at 574-304-4989.

Grand Design, headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, manufactures the Market Leading Reflection Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailer, Flagship Solitude Extended Stay Fifth Wheel, Luxury Momentum Toy Hauler and Lightweight Imagine Travel Trailer product lines.  Since its founding in 2012, Grand Design has become one of the fastest growing RV companies in history and is rated among the highest quality RV manufacturers.  Grand Design is a division of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO)

An investigation into a deadly stabbing is unfolding at a plant in Cass County after a stabbing Wednesday morning about 5:30 at Ameri-Kart's Cassopolis, Mich., plant, local news outlets report. 

Ameri-Kart makes custom molded plastics for RV and other industries. 

WSBT.com reports that police report that two employees got into an argument. They were working on the same machine, and then went on a break before a company safety meeting. Police say during that break one subject pulled out a knife and stabbed the other in the neck.

According to the report, emergency responders tried to revive him, but they couldn’t, say police. The victim died. Both men were 23 years old, say police. One man is in custody and was booked into Cass County Jail.

Whether new to the lifestyle or a seasoned RVer, it goes without question that to get the most enjoyment out of a new RV, they need to be cared for and maintained as best as possible.

Thetford offers a solution with its Sanitation Starter Kit.

“The Starter Kit is a great way for Dealers to help RVers, introduce them to industry’s top sanitation products and get repeat sales,” said Andy Bialorucki, Thetford’s director of marketing.

The U.S.A. made nine-piece kit features: a 10-foot Titan Sewer Hose with a pre-attached fitting and two end caps; an 8-pack of Aqua-Kem Toss-Ins; two rolls of Aqua-Soft 2-ply Toilet Tissue; reportedly chemical-resistant nitrile gloves; a 16-ounce bottle of ProtectAll All-Surface Care; and a multi-use, 6.5-gallon bucket with a lid.

Planning for Escapade, the Escapees RV Club’s annual rally, is shaping up as organizers report numerous entertainment acts and a variety of interactive events on the books for the March 19-24 show in Tucson, Ariz.

According to a news release from organizers, headlining shows include Native Spirit and Woodie and the Longboards. 

"Native Spirit shares the culture and dances of Native America. They demonstrate the beauty and grace of color and movement through rhythmic sounds and dance of Native Americans," the group said in a news release. "Woodie and the Longboards is the number one- rated tribute act in the nation for the Beach Boys show." 

For a different type of entertainment, attendees are encouraged to take part in the Star Party, hosted by astronomy educator and Escapees member Gary Tomlinson. Using only the naked eye, Tomlinson will direct viewers to all visible planets, assist in distinguishing them from stars, share how the night sky changes and help attendees name the brightest stars in the night sky. 

On the final evening of Escapade, attendees will get to laugh and dance the night away to performances by Johnny Goodrum. Adding to the merriment, Escapees will be celebrating the 90th birthday of its founder, Kay Peterson, with refreshments.

For more information about Escapees, visit www.escapees.com. For more information about Escapade, visit www.escapees.com/escapade.

The Century Center is full of brand new, 2017 model RVs at the best prices of the year at the Valley RV & Camping Show. It’s the first opportunity for most people to see the latest and greatest recreational vehicles – campers equipped with everything from indoor fireplaces to outdoor kitchens – and to make a deal at the best time of year.

“This show is a great place for buyers to compare features, floorplans and RV types from a wide variety of manufacturers. With so many dealers all in one place it’s also a great place for buyers to negotiate their best price. Many of these RVs are priced at 20 to 25 percent below MSRP,” said Matt Rose, show promoter.

Like previous years, the show features a variety of RVs, including motorhomes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. But this year consumers will notice the variety of lighter, less expensive towable RV’s.

“RV manufacturers have concentrated on using lighter weight, less expensive and recycled materials in the last year,” Rose said. “This translates into a vehicle that is more durable and costs less to purchase and tow than previous models.” Of course there is a variety of RVs to meet every taste and budget. “We also have RVs weighing more than 20,000 pounds and costing upwards of $250,000,” said Rose, “but we also have light weight RVs that cost less than $100 per month.”

Additionally, booth vendors are on hand offering RV accessories, camping information and more. RV manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand throughout the show and banks are offering special financing packages.

The event takes place Jan. 13-15 . Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $8 for adults and kids 15 and younger free. 

Sirius Integrator debuts its 'Pilot to Purchase' fuel cell battery-charger program, a propane and reformed methanol 100-watt to 200-watt fuel cell generator battery chargers.

"Customers can now economically incorporate our new propane and reformed methanol 100w to 200w fuel cell generator battery-chargers into their mobile and stationary remote off-grid configurations to ensure reliable dc power for long periods of time between site visits," the company said in a news release. "Our systems are used to provide continuous 24-7 or partial-day, 12-volt or 24-volt, DC power and to backup solar hybrid & grid connected systems.

The systems automatically recharge lead acid and LiFEPO4 battery systems with a charging range of 8-volt to 58-volt and operate in a wide range of hot and cold outdoor environments. As an extra benefit, the fuel cell's warm air exhaust can be used to warm electronics, batteries, living space and/or water systems used in remote locations to make possible the removal of heaters and their configuration loads.

Our new “Pilot to Purchase” fuel cell programs break down the barriers of testing and purchasing these new dc power systems to enable customers to own the entire system in three to five monthly payments.

This program enables trial pilot testing to be booked on credit card and for each monthly payment to be credited to the purchase of that system, if a customer chooses to continue monthly payments to purchase after the initial pilot period. Customers can use locally supplied propane or reformed methanol to power these fuel cell systems to further reduce operating expenses and total cost of ownership (TCO).

New technology deployment risks are minimized and large capex expenditure approvals are no longer needed. Outdoor enclosures are available as part of this program, if needed. Monthly 'Pilot to Purchase' payments start as low as $ 1750 per month to promote 2017 fuel cell adoption and to drive process improvements across your field deployments.

Last week at the world’s largest consumer electronics show in Las Vegas,  Furrion debuted its class A motorhome concept Elysium alongside its Robotics Division, which debuted Prosthesis, a human-piloted, lithium-ion powered exo-bionic mech racing suit.

Prosthesis was one of the “must-sees” at CES, garnering massive attention, coverage and even beating out major competitors to win Popular Mechanic’s coveted “Best Of CES” award, the company said in a news release. 

“We were overwhelmed at the positive response from the consumer electronics industry and national media outlets,” said Matt Fidler, chief marketing officer for Furrion.  “Major outlets including Business Insider, CNET, Digital Trends, Yahoo! Business, Tech Insider and many more featured Furrion. Both online articles and videos showcasing the amazing new range of products we are producing for the RV world and soon to come the consumers’ home.  This international coverage drew attention not only to Furrion, but to the explosive growth the RV community is experiencing. This show was a clear sign of the big things to come for Furrion and the endless possibilities with our RV OEM partners.”

The Elysium is 45' long, 8' wide, 13' 6" high and is a fully operational luxury home on wheels. Designed to launch Furrion’s new product lines and stimulate innovation, Elysium featured the best in electronics - from three large screen 75’ 4K HDTVs, infotainment control systems, Vision S vehicle observation systems, outdoor Bluetooth speakers, fireplace, and a complete kitchen that a chef would love complete with an induction cooktop, convection microwave, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and a wine fridge.  The Elysium features future forward technology including a smart toilet and smart shower.  The upper deck is perfect for entertaining complete with an entertainment area, hot tub and helicopter landing platform where you will find the Robinson R22 helicopter.  The helicopter platform lowers above the master bedroom during transport.  All the TVs feature Furrion’s proprietary Vibrationsmart and Climatesmart technologies, ensuring products withstand constant vibration and extreme climates found in mobile applications.  The Elysium features the latest in automation, observation and navigation making it a stand out in both the RV and technology world.   

In another move, Furrion launched its Robotics Division at CES with the debut of Prosthesis, a human-piloted,  lithium-ion powered exo-bionic mech racing suit capable of running at a speed of more than 21 mph.  

Prothesis stands at nearly 14 feet tall, 16 feet wide, weighs more than 7,000 pounds and is electric powered. Both durable and agile, it is capable of attacking any terrain. Prosthesis represents the inception of a new, large scale exo-bionic technology platform with an exciting future ahead. Furrion believes that the future belongs to electric power systems and is committed to being the leader in the development and application of that technology.  Furrion Robotics is a research initiative focused on the development of large scale, high-performance exo-bionic technology.

“Furrion robotics adds new engineering capabilities to our infrastructure and will enable us to focus on products that our RV partners will ultimately benefit from” added Fidler. “Many of the technologies incorporated into Prosthesis are the same technologies we’ve been developing for the RV industry including observation cameras, touch-screen digital controls, energy systems, electronics and more. Furrion robotics will engage our engineers in projects that stimulate creativity and drive innovation."

Amongst all the hype at CES Furrion also managed to release many new products to the domestic market including 55”, 65”, 75”, 68” and 98” 4K TV’s available in champagne gold, stainless steel and black stainless steel models and Furrion professional kitchen appliances for the home that will be available towards the end of 2017. 

Furrion also released a new logo and website this week showing its commitment to elevating the brand and supporting the RV industry by connecting with the end consumer. Prosthesis and Elysium will be on display in Elkhart at the new Furrion innovation center and institute of technology center opening in May. 

Cummins kicked off its 2017 "Nominate A Hero" campaign last week in an effort to give communities a chance to recognize local heroes.

The company began its third annual campaign to recognize those who support and give back to local communities and are worthy of recognition. The campaign asks community members to nominate a local hero -- someone whose selfless acts help make the community a better place.

"We are thrilled to support local community heroes once again through the Cummins 'Nominate a Hero' campaign," says Jodie Wilson, director of marketing communications, consumer, marine and infrastructure for Cummins Inc. "The nominations we receive are incredible and inspiring. Often, local heroes are overlooked. This program gives them the recognition they deserve and allows for community members to thank them for all that they do."

Each month, the nominee that is the most inspiring, is awarded $1,000 as a thank you for support and dedication to their community. To encourage nominations, anyone who fills out a nomination form is automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Cummins home standby generator.

To nominate someone who has gone above and beyond to make a community a better place or who has given their time and talent to improve the lives of others, click here. 

Aqua-Hot Heating Systems of Frederick, Colo., has promoted Mark Davis to the position of national sales manager. Paul Harter, president and CEO, made the announcement in a news release.

Davis has assumed responsibility for Aqua-Hot's RV OEM and aftermarket sales for North America. Additionally, he manages the company's nationwide automotive and ATV power sports sales channel.

For the past two years, Davis was an OEM account manager for Aqua-Hot. In this role, he fostered and deepened relationships with existing customers, and identified new market segments. Before, he worked for Carefree of Colorado, an RV and residential awning manufacturer, as its marketing and sales manager.

Aqua-Hot Heating Systems is the market leader in innovative hydronic heating and on-demand hot water for RVs, trucks, buses, heavy equipment and other vehicles. Its systems run a wide variety of fuels, including diesel, propane or natural gas.

Blue Ox of Pender, Neb., is preparing the release of the Patriot II, the second generation of the company’s popular Patriot towed vehicle-braking system, the company said in a news release. 

The Patriot II continues with many of the features that have made the original Patriot brake so popular: An all-electric brake, the Patriot II operates  without an air pump or air hoses that produce condensation requiring the user to drain out a tank. The brake works with all tow vehicles, including hybrids; it is self-contained and lightweight for easy transfer between multiple tow vehicles; an in-coach controller that monitors tow vehicle braking and allows the user to adjust braking response.

“At Blue Ox, we are driven to provide the best worry-free, easy to use, safety-oriented, towing solutions for consumers” Blue Ox President and CEO Ellen Kietzmann said. “A tow brake is an essential safety feature in any dinghy towing package. The Patriot II has the same great functionality and flexibility of the original Patriot brake while incorporating new feature improvements to enhance the towing experience.”

New features include: An upgraded accelerometer and faster actuator with braking response time up to two times faster; one-touch set up; increased RF radio range between the in-coach controller and the brake; a smaller-narrower case; the brake’s software is updatable through a built-in Bluetooth connection, eliminating disassembly for future software updates. The Patriot II has a two-year warranty.

The Patriot II part number is BRK2016 and will begin shipping to distributors in the first weeks of 2017.

Darren Whitlock has joined Blue Ox as an outside sales representative serving customers in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, according to a news release from Blue Ox President and CEO Ellen Kietzmann.

Whitlock built his knowledge and experience in sales and partner relationships through the distribution arm of the RV and automotive accessory markets as an outside sales manager and sales consultant.

“Darren's in-depth experience is in helping dealers grow their business,” Kietzmann said. “Darren’s expertise in helping dealers promote sales, building solid customer relationships, and his existing knowledge of the products we manufacture, makes him a great asset to his dealers from his first day on the job.”

In addition to his industry experience, Whitlock holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business in Salt Lake City.

“I’m very happy to be representing a great brand that I know and trust," Whitlock said. "And I am really looking forward to working with our dealers and our partners in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah."

"We are very pleased to welcome Darren to the Blue Ox team," Kietzmann said. "The commitment to his customers and the dedication to product knowledge that Darren has displayed throughout his career are exemplary. I am confident that he will bring that same commitment to Blue Ox and to the dealers in his territory."

Whitlock can be reached at: 402-922-3760 or via email: darrenwhitlock@blueox.com.

Sys2K will present new products, features and demos during the 2017 Arrow Distributing Exhibitor’s Showcase Jan. 24-25 in Biloxi, Miss.

Sys2K and Arrow Distributing's parts ordering integration feature will be on display at booth No. 412B. This integration was first announced in the beginning of Sept. 2016, and was an anticipated feature for dealerships to streamline their Arrow Distributing ordering process

“Our new integration with Sys2K is exciting and our dealers who use Sys2K are enthusiastic to start realizing the capabilities with real-time integration across both systems,” said Andy Mullin, Arrow Distributing vice president of sales.

The event will take place from Jan. 24-25 at the IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi, Miss..

Ultrafabrics has launched Mokume (pronounced "mo-koo-meh"), a new member of the Brisa family of performance fabrics.

Mokume was custom-crafted with beauty and functionality in mind, says the company.  With its name derived from the Japanese characters, Moku, meaning “tree,” and Me, meaning “eye,” Mokume’s aesthetic was inspired by its resemblance to the unique vertical wood graining of mature tree trunks. Its natural textural appeal is highlighted by an earthy palette of 14 hues.

“Over the years, our customers have endorsed the Brisa line for commercial upholstery applications in the contract, hospitality and residential sectors,” said Christine Diaz, Ultrafabrics product development manager.

Among Brisa’s other performance attributes, it will now include a new solution: acoustic properties, created by a unique cellular structure that dissipates sound transfer for noise reduction.

According to the company, other characteristics include:

• 14-plus weeks hydrolysis results
• Breathable technology promoting airflow for seating comfort
• 300,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek)
• 180,000 rubs (Martindale)
• Enhanced backcloth construction expands upholstering capabilities
• Bleach cleanable (1:5 bleach/water solution)
• Soft texture

The all-new JHD36A made its debut into the heavy duty market.

Featuring Bluetooth hands-free calling and app control, the stereo boasts a 12-volt DC power connection and a full 180 watts maximum. Its conformal coating reportedly protects its components from the elements that are commonly encountered in heavy duty applications.

“Customers already love the modern technology that allows for hands free calls and system controls from any smart phone or tablet with the built in app control," said Mark Wojtys, HD industry manager at ASA Electronics. "It is also Sirius XM ready so it appeals to a large market.” 

For more information, or a full list of technical specifications, click here. 

As the RV Dealers Association of Canada prepares for its annual Parliament Hill Day, the group has kicked off its National member Advocacy Survey in an effort to find the top advocacy concern among Canadian dealers. 

“We continue to focus on and strive to reach our goal of bringing our members’ core issues of concern to the attention of federal decision makers,” RVDA of Canada President Eleonore Hamm wrote in a news release. 

Survey results allow RVDA of Canada to carry forward a collective message to key decision makers during its Parliament Hill Days on April 5-6.

RVDA of Canada dealers should respond to the survey by Feb. 7. Read the RVDA of Canada's 2017 Pre-Budget Consultation overview here (pdf), or begin the survey here.