This Week in RV Industry News (August 11, 2023)

rv.com, RvLyfe

Each week there is far more news from the RV and travel industry than we have time to cover. To make up for that, every Friday, we offer a roundup of the most interesting and important stories that you may have missed over the past seven days. Here’s what you need to know:

Camping World Enters RV Consignment Market: After completing the acquisition of RV Arizona Consignment Specialists in El Mirage, Arizona, this week, Camping World has announced plans to move deeper into the RV consignment market. The goal is to bring a consignment program to CW stores across the country, allowing RV owners to reach a larger audience when selling their vehicles and giving customers more choices when it comes to finding a travel trailer and motorhome at an affordable price.
Blue Compass Surpasses 150,000 RV Sales: It was a big week for Blue Compass RV thanks to an announcement that it had surpassed a major milestone. A few days back, CEO Jon Ferrando revealed that the company had sold 150,000 RVs in just five years of operation. To celebrate the momentous achievement, the dealership surprised a customer by giving away a 2023 Jay Flight 264BH. Congrats to the Blue Compass team for its success.
Dometic Supports Epic “Project Zero” Expedition: Outdoor and RV accessories manufacturer Dometic has announced plans to support an epic adventure that will span much of our planet. The company is providing solar panels and lithium batteries, powered coolers, a portable cooker, and other equipment to the Project Zero team consisting of adventurer Dr. Geoff Wilson and his son Kitale, who are preparing to travel from the South Pole in Antarctica to the North Pole at the top of the world. The duo are undertaking this journey to raise awareness of climate change and its impact on the polar ice caps.
2022 Towables Getting Sent to Auction: The automotive and RV market analysts at Black Book noticed “an unusually large number” of 2022 travel trailers getting sent to auction houses last month. This is the result of dealers across the country looking to clear out old inventory so they can focus on 2023 models and upcoming 2024 editions. This could have an impact on pricing—at least in the short term—as manufacturers and retailers look to shore up inventory. Read more about this here.
US Park Service and Parks Canada Renew Partnership: Earlier this week, representatives from the US National Park Service and Parks Canada gathered in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park to renew the partnership between those two organizations. On hand was Ron Hallman, President, and CEO of Parks Canada, with NPS Director Chuck Sams joining in virtually. The two men signed a Memorandum of Understanding that reaffirms their shared commitment to protecting the environment, promoting outdoor recreation, and working more closely with indigenous people to preserve their culture and heritage. Find out more about this event here.
Outdoorsy Wants to Fund Your Glamping Dreams: RV rental website and app Outdoorsy has launched a new project to help entrepreneurs get started in the glamping business. This week, the company announced the $30 million Oasis Fund, which is dedicated to helping grow the upscale camping market. The goal is to provide money and resources to individuals looking to start their own glamping business, with Outdoorsy offering not just financial support but access to necessary equipment like safari-style tents, online booking, and more.