Meyer RV Mega Show Attendees Buoyed by ‘Promising’ 2025 – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
FRENCH LICK, Ind. – While it is difficult to predict what 2025 will bring – it’s only 15 days into the new year and many dealers have yet to start the show season – but those attending the Meyer Mega Show in French Lick, Ind., expressed optimism about improving conditions. However, the degree of that improvement remains uncertain.
“I think people are just glad that the election is over,” one well-respected industry executive told RVBusiness while standing in his show display. “At the end of the day, most don’t care who won; they want it to be finished and move on with their lives.”
While a single trade show cannot fully predict the future, the overwhelmingly positive outlook of the dealers and vendors with whom RVB spoke, along with the increased show traffic and anticipated orders, paints a bright picture for the RV industry in 2025.
“For us, the past year or two has been down, but not as down as it could have been,” commented Anne Wyant, parts manager for Rick’s RV Center. The Joliet, Ill. dealership sells Jayco, StarCraft, Highland Ridge towables and motorized products. “In the first two weeks of this year, we’ve seen a resurgence in traffic and sales. I mean, I have hopes for the coming season, obviously. We’re starting to turn the corner out of that little downtick we had there for a while.”
Despite the dealership’s major shows being weeks away, Wyant remains optimistic. “Today, I’m capitalizing on all the special pricing and promotions, ordering in anticipation of a robust year. I believe we can achieve a 10% increase over last year, a goal I find realistic based on the RV sales I’ve witnessed so far this year.”
Paul Coplen, owner of Coplen’s Coleman Camping Center in Fort Wayne, Ind., also sees encouraging signs for the new year. “Our local RV show is in about two or three weeks, so we’re hopeful for a better year than the last. We’ve noticed increased interest this fall and winter, with more people coming in to look at trailers even when the weather’s not good, which is usually a positive sign.
“So, whether that’s due to lower interest rates or just people getting antsy because of cold weather and they want to get out camping, we’ll have a little better feel in about four weeks based on the attendance at the Fort Wayne RV show. But hoping for a very good year, as far as that goes.”
Kelsey Evans, parts manager for Happy Campers RV Sales in Lafayette, Ind., looks forward to 2025 after a tough 2024. “I don’t know if it’s because it was election year. Pretty sure that had a lot to do with it.” Evans noted that online parts sales cut into her business, and to complete better, she is taking advantage of the substantial discounts and favorable terms available at the show.
Vendors, too, are noticing the beginnings of an upward turn in the industry, at least according to comments we heard at the show.
Jeff Hostetler, territory sales manager for Tom Manning & Associates, observed that the recently completed Arrow Distributing Show was well-attended, with dealers having an upbeat attitude. “Sales were brisk, and we were encouraged by the results. Overall, order volumes were up compared to the prior year, with some of our suppliers seeing double the growth.
“While we don’t see real-time sales numbers at the Mega Show, traffic seems better than in years past, with more first-time attendees—including some major Canadian dealerships—and the attitude is positive.” Hostetler predicts a 7-8% increase in sales for the year, “Although, I’d be very, very happy with any uptick, especially after all the recent challenges.”
Hostetler’s company represents 25 vendors serving multiple segments of the industry.
Because of its size and expansive range of products, some might consider Lippert a bellwether. The news here is encouraging.
Matt Clauss, the Director of Sales for Aftermarket Exterior Products at Lippert, remarked that their display has been consistently busy and that dealer sentiment is optimistic. He stated, “Dealers are eager to return to in-person selling and to offer these new products and add-ons to their customers.”
Clauss also mentioned that Lippert’s pricing and programs at this Meyer show are the best they have ever offered. He noted that dealers are receiving “a heck of a deal,” which positions them for substantial profits.
Among the Lippert products receiving significant attention, Clauss highlighted several key items: the new camping chairs featuring heated seats and backs, an affordable pop-up gazebo, the Furrion Chill Cube 18K air conditioner, and the On-The-Go™ Ladder. According to Clauss, all these products are designed to enhance dealers’ profitability through aftermarket sales.
