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2024 Pennsylvania RV & Camping Association Annual Report

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle & Camping Association annual report is a review of the association's work in 2024.

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle & Camping Association annual report is a review of the association's work in 2024.

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prvca

PENNSYLVANIA RECREATION VEHICLE AND CAMPING ASSOCIATION

2024

Year in Review


prvca

PENNSYLVANIA RECREATION VEHICLE AND CAMPING ASSOCIATION

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Mission

To enhance the recreation vehicle and camping industry through

education and promotion by being a resource and partner to all

segments of the recreation vehicle and camping industry.

49

According to a recent GoRVing

owner demographic profile, the

median age of RV owners declined

from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025,

with 46% of owners now falling

within the 35-54 age range.

TABLE of CONTENTS

LEADERSHIP MESSAGE PAGE 3

OUR MEMBERSHIP PAGES 4-5

ADVOCACY & PAC PAGES 6-7

COMMUNICATIONS PAGES 8-9

EDUCATION & TRAINING PAGES 10-11

RV SHOW, ANNUAL MEETING

& AWARDS PAGES 12-13

FINANCIAL HEALTH PAGE 14

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAGE 15

COMMITTEES PAGE 16

STAFF & CONTACT INFO. PAGE 16

2


Our Vision

To be the information leader for the recreation vehicle

and camping industry to link education, legislative compliance

and other aspects for the good of the consumer and the industry.

Dear Valued PRVCA Member:

As we begin the new year, there is uncertainty, but hope for the industry. RV

shipments ended 2024 with a 6.6% increase after rallying with a 7.6% increase

in December. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) said it is optimistic that this

upward trend will continue this year.

The Trump administration is shaking things up in government and, at presstime,

announced 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel imported to the United

States. That’s up from the current 10% tariff already in place. The increase is

set to take effect on March 4. Inflation and higher gas prices are also a concern

for 2025.

America’s Largest RV Show® attendance increased 5 percent over the previous

year. As one of just two manufacturer shows in the U.S., the show continues to

draw consumers from all over the country and from other parts of the world.

Nearly 40 manufacturers participated in 2024 and park model RVs were back

after several years off due to product shortages. More social media influencers

attended the show and helped bring attention to it and the RV industry.

Manufacturers also continue to showcase exciting new products, floor plans

for modern lifestyles and unique design elements to help make RVs

comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Our booth vendors also bring in exciting

new technology, products, services and vacation destinations for consumers.

We have also listened to our members’ suggestions for adjustments needed

to the RV specific section in the Board of Vehicle Act. PRVCA’s legislative

committee worked with Milliron & Goodman Government Relations to draft

legislation to make those much-needed changes. While it didn’t make it out of

committee last session, we are hopeful that it will advance this year.

We’re here to help you. How can we better serve you? What type of education

do you need? Are business and regulatory issues hindering your business?

What articles and communication ideas would be helpful to your business

and promote the industry? Please let us know your needs and ideas.

On behalf of the PRVCA board and team, thank you for your membership and

investment in Pennsylvania’s RV industry. We look forward to serving you and

promoting the industry this year.

Sincerely,

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association is working to

help its members provide the highest quality service to their customers. In

2024, we announced a major investment in our education program. A new

mobile classroom will help the association bring training to our members. This

new service will make it even easier for RV technicians to get in their training,

as we eliminate the travel time to a training location. Please make sure you

utilize this service. Reach out to James Lubomski, education director, to schedule

training.

Nick Boyer

Chairman

Boyer RV, Erie, PA

Heather Leach, CAE

Executive Director

Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association

3


Our Members

80

Dealers

Rolling Stock

51

Manufacturers

37

Campgrounds

Resorts

114

Service

Members

64

Supplier/

Distributors

2

Mobile

Technicians

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle

and Camping Association (PRVCA) is

a non-profit association representing

nearly 400 RV dealers, manufacturers,

campgrounds, component part suppliers,

financial service providers, insurance

and service companies. PRVCA’s

members are interested in expanding

and improving the camping industry

in Pennsylvania.

4

Dealers

After Market

2

Press

4

11

Finance &

Insurance

6

Association

Member/Other

360

Companies were members of the

Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle

& Camping Association in 2024.


Member Engagement

Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle & Camping

Association staff work to engage the membership

by answering questions, visiting dealers,

campgrounds and other members; and providing

education to help their staff members grow their

business and technical knowledge.

Education remains a top priority for our members. In 2024, PRVCA

made a commitment to enhance its educational programming

by purchasing a new travel trailer to modify into a new mobile

classroom. Starting in 2025, the association can bring training to

dealerships or a nearby location, so that members don’t have to

travel far.

The 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show® had an excellent

turnout in 2024. While dealers and manufacturers felt that they

had to work harder for sales, they still sold RVs. Interest rates were

still high, but consumers did benefit from several percentage point

drops during the year. The show was sold out of both manufacturer

and booth vendor space; however, PRVCA found space to bring back

park models and three additional manufacturers. New educational

programming and influencer meet and greets also brought some

new excitement to the show.

Fifty-nine new members joined PRVCA in 2024. The RV industry

continues to consolidate as independent dealers and campgrounds

decide to sell to larger companies. As a result of consolidation,

membership was down slightly in 2024.

59

New Members

joined in 2024

5


Pa. Legislature

Remains Divided

The democrats retained control

of the House by just one seat, while

republicans hold the Senate majority

by six seats. Bipartisan support is

essential to pass legislation.

6


Advocacy

Advocacy is an important benefit to all Pennsylvania Recreation

Vehicle & Camping Association members. In 2024, PRVCA staff

and its government relations firm Milliron Goodman closely

monitored any legislation that could impact the industry.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) completed his second year as the

Commonwealth’s 48th governor. He signed the $47.6 billion budget 11 days

after the deadline. It includes a 6% increase in spending over last year.

The legislature remained divided in 2024. The democrats hold a 102-101

advantages in the House of Representatives, while Republicans hold a 28-22

majority in the Senate. This division makes it difficult to pass bills on either

side. All members of the House were up for re-election in November as were

senators in odd-numbered districts. The election results kept the narrow margin

between democrats and republicans.

PRVCA’s legislative committee worked to refine the RV chapter in the Board

of Vehicles Act. Due to the differences of RVs and automobiles, Act 134 of 2018

created an RV specific chapter in the Board of Vehicles Act. The committee

recommended recreation vehicle definitions and RV event information move

from chapter 3 to chapter 5 with the RV specific law. Other changes include the

availability to purchase warranty parts from suppliers and clarifications regarding

labor rates for warranty service. The proposed legislation prohibits dealers hosting

pop up events outside their territories.

Senator Chris Gebhard (R-Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon) introduced Bill 1161 in April.

While it never made it out of committee, PRVCA’s Legislative Committee continues

to work on the bill with the intent for it to be reintroduced in the future.

Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre) suggested introducing a Lemon Law bill due to

problems with his RV. The association was able to aid in getting those issues

resolved. He then dropped the proposal. Another Lemon Law bill, HB852, did not

move.

PRV PAC

The Pennsylvania RV Political Action

Committee Fund (PRV PAC) allows the

RV industry to support candidates for

office who understand the industry’s views.

It’s important to engage in the political process and make

our voices heard. The RV industry faces challenges with labor,

supplies, potential lemon laws, tourism and transportation

funding and regulatory issues. The PRV PAC fund helps the

industry be proactive and supports lawmakers who understand

the industry’s views and unique business challenges.

To raise money for the PAC, PRVCA hosts a silent auction

during America’s Largest RV Show® in September. In addition,

proceeds from the t-shirts sold at the show go to the PAC fund.

Members can make personal contributions to the fund at any

time during the year.

PRVCA members stepped up to help with the Silent Auction

and raised $7,864, while t-shirt sales raised $3,089.

Milliron Goodman continues to monitor all bills as the legislature begins its new

two-year session in 2025.

Please support the PAC fund in 2025.

7


Communications

PRVCA’s Communications team works to keep members

informed about the industry, legislative and regulatory issues,

education and events.

In 2024, the association updated members through its newsletters and

bulletins with breaking news. PRVCA also alerted members to new

education and training opportunities with flyers sent via email.

Newsletters

PRVCA disseminates association, industry,

legislative, regulatory and training information

through its monthly newsletter, RV & Camping

ADVANTAGE, bulletins and press releases. A

Legislative newsletter is sent via email with

important legislation, bill status and election news.

The association reaches consumers through

DiscovRV, which is emailed quarterly. It provides

tips on RVing and camping, Pennsylvania attractions,

recipes, games and highlights a few members in

every issue.

Magazine

EXPLORE Pennsylvania is the association’s yearly consumer magazine and

membership directory. The 2024 issue featured articles on Pennsylvania’s scenic

trails; working and volunteering on the road; maintaining your RV sewage; and a

listing of every PRVCA member in the membership directory/buyer’s guide.

Consumers can pick up the free publication at Pennsylvania Turnpike Welcome

Centers, businesses, museums, RV shows and other attractions. PRVCA members

are encouraged to display and distribute the magazine to their customers. Call the

office to obtain extra copies.

8


Marketing

PRVCA continues to promote camping and RVing through press releases,

the website and social media. Social media posts encourage consumers

to visit their local RV dealer to buy a new RV and other products and

accessories, and to have maintenance completed for the upcoming season.

The association runs 10 year-round billboards the promote the industry

throughout the year. In addition, America’s Largest RV Show® advertising

included billboards, TV, radio, digital and streaming advertising.

Website

PRVCA’s website at prvca.org offers the latest industry news, legislative

and regulatory information, and education and training courses.

PRVCA hosts the largestRVshow.com website to provide information

to manufacturers, booth vendors and consumers who plan to attend

the show in September.

PRVCA Executive Director Heather Leach promoted

America’s Largest RV Show® with Kayla Schmidt

of ABC27 News, Harrisburg.

Social Media

PRVCA’s social media accounts include Facebook, Instagram, Threads,

X and YouTube. The association promotes the RV industry, its members

and America’s Largest RV Show®.

At America’s Largest RV Show®, PRVCA highlighted its top sponsors during

Facebook Live promos during the show. The staff also promoted a camper

giveaway, product giveaways, and hosted a scavenger hunt through the show

app to encourage consumers to show exhibits. The Communications team works

to build on those digital promotions every year.

26,200 5,595 2,547 446 294

Fans Followers Followers Followers Subscribers

Flagstaff OTG camper winner Gina Faulkner and her

husband Gary of Austin, Texas, picked up their new tent

camper from sponsor Keystone RV Center, Greencastle, Pa.

9


Education & Training

The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle & Camping Association’s

(PRVCA) mission is to help educate its members. The strategic

plan includes increasing educational programming as a vital

service to members.

PRVCA built upon its education offering in 2024. Members asked the association

to bring education to their dealerships to save valuable time. PRVCA unveiled

a new mobile classroom for members during America’s Largest RV Show® in

September. The new 2024 Forest River Vengeance Rogue 29SUT is modified

with work stations to accommodate up to eight students. Following the

classroom training, students can use what they have learned and practice on

the RV.

10

PRVCA board members Charles Jablonski, Meyer’s RV, and

Steve Fretz, Fretz RV; left, and Brad Rhone, Rhone’s RV; and

Steve Beyeler, Forest River, right; joined PRVCA’s James

Lubomski and Heather Leach for the unveiling of the new

Training and Education RV during America’s Largest RV Show®.

An all-women’s technician group utilized the new RV for a Level 1 class presented

by the RV Technical Institute during America’s Largest RV Show®.

Members can train in the mobile classroom on the following topics: Body,

Chassis, Electrical Systems, LP System, Septic and Water Systems. Call the office

to set up a training for your team.


PRVCA offered the following training sessions in 2024:

• Leadership - Performance Management

• RVTI Level 1 - January & February

• RV Electricity webinars - 3 webinars

Education Days at America’s Largest RV Show®

PRVCA offered the following training sessions:

• Coleman Mach

• Cummins Engines and Generators

• Dakota Lithium

• Dexter Axle: Spring Axles, Suspensions

and Electric Braking Systems

• Keller Marine & RV:

Inventory Management

• Lippert Slide Out

• Lippert Leveling

• Lithium and Solar Upgrades

• MORryde RVTI Level 3 Training

• RV Electricity

• RV Solar Connections

• RV Weight, Tires & Matching

Tow Vehicles

• RV Leak Protection & Repair

• WFCO and your RVs Electrical

• Xantrex Lithium Batteries

Photos from left, PRVCA joined Steven Ranck, Kelly RV, at a career fair

in February to promote RV industry careers; RV technicians participate

in Dexter Axle training during Education Days at America’s Largest RV

Show®; Katie Ecker presents on performance management during the

Leadership Conference in Lancaster; and Chris Crowel, Cummins,

teaches a session on engines during America’s Largest RV Show®.

Leadership Conference Focuses

on Performance Management

PRVCA hosted its 5th Annual Leadership Conference with the 2nd session of the

Pennsylvania College of Technology Leadership series. Instructor Katie Ecker lead

the 2-day conference on Performance Management, February 20-21 at the Eden

Resort and Suites in Lancaster, Pa. All attendees received a workbook to take home

and review the program. PRVCA provided the training for FREE to all members.

PRVCA TRAINING NUMBERS

Consumer Education at Amercia’s Largest RV Show®

Educating consumers about their RV and the RV Lifestyle is an important part

of PRVCA’s mission. During America’s Largest RV Show®, September 11 - 15, 2024

in Hershey, Pennsylvania, PRVCA provided 24 daily seminars on topics such as

how to purchase an RV, maintenance, RV electricity, cost reduction, travel, RV

insurance, boondocking, matching trucks to trailers, RV weight and tire safety,

appliances, fire safety and more. PRVCA contracts with experts to present the

seminars and provides space for exhibitors to conduct educational seminars

related to their products and services. The consumer sessions are well-received

each year.

439 Total

People Trained

222 217

Technicians Trained at

America’s Largest RV Show®

Techs & Staff Trained During

Regular Training Season

11


12

47,879

Attendees at the

5-day Consumer Show

Strong Turnout for 55th Annual

America’s Largest RV Show®

The 55th Annual America’s Largest RV Show®, September 11-15,

at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania drew 47,879 people to

search for RVs, accessories, products and services and participate in

the educational seminars. Attendance was up nearly 5% from 2023.

Forty manufacturers exhibited more than 1,500 RVs during the five-day public event. This

year, ATC Trailers, Bontrager Outdoors, Great Outdoor Cottages and Storyteller Overland

exhibited products for the first time. PRVCA also brought back park model RVs in 2024.

Nearly 200 booth vendors offered products, accessories and services for RVers. There was

also a wealth of information on campground and vacation destinations. Manufacturers, dealers

and booth vendors reported good sales, although high interest rates and a tough economy

required them work harder to close sales.

PRVCA hosted hourly seminars to help consumers learn about buying an RV, maintenance,

safety, insurance, where to travel and retirement options. Husband and wife duo David

“Hutch” Hutchison and Shari Galiardi, Freedom in a Can, shared their full-time RVing

experience in two seminars – Six Simple Strategies to Reduce RV Travel Costs and Tips

and Tricks for Exploring America’s National Parks. Dave Helgeson presented sessions on

Beginner’s Guide to RVing and Boondocking 101, and Chris Dougherty covered Buying an

RV and Beginner Maintenance and Winterizing and Dewinterizing your RV.

New at the 2024 Show

PRVCA hosted digital content creators at hour-long meet and greet sessions. Consumers

had the opportunity to meet the social media influencers Thursday – Saturday and ask

questions or get their autograph. Some creators also hosted product giveaways during

their Meet and Greet.

Camper Giveaway & Product Giveaways

Forest River and Keystone RV Center, Greencastle, Pa., teamed up to sponsor the 2024

RV Giveaway — a 2025 Flagstaff Tent Camper F141 OTG (Off the Ground). Gina Faulkner

of Austin, Texas won the camper and traveled to Greencastle to pick it up from Keystone

RV Mega Center. Blu Technology, Indel Webasto Marine and Hershey Road Campground

sponsored product giveaways.


RV Wholesale Shipments Increase

Following a strong December, RV shipments ended 2024 with a 6.6% increase for the

year. Wholesale shipments reached 333,733 units compared to 21,522 units in 2023.

December shipments increased by 7.6% from the following December. Towable RVs,

particularly conventional travel trailers, led the increase with an 11.9% rise in shipments

in December. Motorhome shipments were down -17.7 percent in December with just

2,339 units shipped. Park Model RV shipments increased 5 percent in December, but

were still down -22.3% for the year. Industry experts are predicting the upward trend

continues for 2025 as RV manufacturers work on innovative products and increased

customer satisfaction.

Annual Meeting and Awards

The association hosted its annual meeting via Zoom on November 21. Executive Director

Heather Leach and newly elected chairman, Nick Boyer, provided the yearly recap, while

Andy Goodman and Kerry Lange, Milliron Goodman, provided a legislative and regulatory

update.

6.6%

Increase in RV

Wholesale Shipments

PRVCA’s board member election results were announced. The new officers are Chairman

Nick Boyer, Boyer RV Center; Vice Chairman Rocky Riley, Great Outdoor Cottages; and

Treasurer Tim Umstead, Trumark Dealer Services, who is completing the remaining year

on Ed Flick’s term. Flick retired after more than 40 years of volunteer service on the board

of directors. Brad Rhone, Rhone’s RV, continues as secretary. Ryan Reich, Juniata Valley

RV, was elected as at-large director.

Steve Fretz was honored as the Rebecca Lenington Volunteer of the Year for his work

as the Show Chairman, Licensure committee member, and his board service. The

Rebecca Lenington Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of the retired

executive vice president who recognized the importance of member volunteers to help

the association achieve its goals.

RV Value Mart earned the 2023-24 Gary Bunzer Education Award for the third year in

a row. The dealership had the most staff members attend association education and

training programs throughout the year. Dave Shaffer RV Value Mart human resource

manager, accepted the award on behalf of his company. It is named to honor industry

consultant, speaker and trainer Gary Bunzer, an advocate for well-trained dealer staff

and consumers, who passed away in 2020.

Outgoing Chairman Greg Starr, Starr’s Trailer Sales, received a gavel award and huge

thank you for his 2-year service as PRVCA chairman.

Top, consumers walk through

travel trailers at the show.

Middle left, PRVCA’s Heather

Leach presents Steve Fretz

with his award. Right, James

Lubomski presents the Education

Award to RV Value Mart.

Left, New Chairman Nick Boyer

presents the Chairman’s Award

to Greg Starr, Starr’s Trailer

Sales.

13


76%

America’s Largest RV

Show® profits make up

the majority of the

association’s income

2024 Operating Income

Financial Health

PRVCA’s financial health remains strong. Profits from the

annual America’s Largest RV Show® and investment income

provide financial security for the association’s growth.

As our Mission Statement emphasizes, providing free or low-cost education

to members remains a priority of PRVCA.

The staff has an annual budget that is the framework of our budgetary

controls. PRVCA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraising allows us to

contribute to legislative efforts that better the RV industry.

A dedicated team and financial security helps us explore and implement new

ways to grow the association and better serve our members.

14

76%

Show Income

56%

Show Expense

19%

Interest Income

26%

Staff Expense

3%

Dues Income

2024 Operating Expenses

Advertising Income

18%

2%

Member Education, Lobbying,

Govt. Relations & Marketing


Board of Directors

Ed Flick retired as treasurer

after more than 40 years

of volunteer service to the

PRVCA board. Ed and his wife

Sally react to his gift during

the May board meeting in

Bethlehem, Pa. PRVCA staff

member Ray Wherley created

a caricature of Flick as

memory of his time with

the association.

CHAIRMAN

Nick Boyer

Boyer RV Center

VICE CHAIRMAN

PARK MODEL MFR. DIR.

Rocky Riley

Great Outdoor Cottages

SECRETARY

Brad Rhone

Rhone’s RV

TREASURER

Tim Umstead

TruMark Dealer Services

PAST CHAIRMAN

Greg Starr

Starr’s Trailer Sales

SHOW CHAIRMAN

Steve Fretz

Fretz RV

SR. MANUFACTURER DIR.

Steve Beyeler

Forest River

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR

Todd Blevins

U.S. Bank

ROLLING STOCK DIRECTOR

Brad Bryant

Bryant’s RV Showcase

ROLLING STOCK DIRECTOR

Casey Colton

Colton RV

MANUFACTURER DIRECTOR

Ryan Eash

Jayco Motohome Division

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR

Charles Jablonski

Meyer’s RV

SUPPLIER DIRECTOR

Michael T. Keller

Keller Marine & RV

ROLLING STOCK DIR.

William Miller

Bill’s Happy Camper

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR

Ryan Reich

Juniata Valley RV

ROLLING STOCK DIRECTOR

Dan Saltzgiver

Liberty RV of Gettysburg

ROLLING STOCK DIRECTOR

Hadden Smith

Camper’s Inn RV

CAMPGROUND DIR.

Jason Vaughan

Pa. Campground

Owners Association

HONORARY DIRECTOR

Ed Flick

Retired, Fulton Bank

HONORARY DIRECTOR

John Roba

JR Products

PRVCA Executive Director Heather Leach recognized Flick again

at the August board meeting, where he received a brick with

his name and 40 years of service that will go into the office

walkway.

15


Committees

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Chairman

Mike Guerrein, Meyer’s RV

Nick Boyer, Boyer RV Center

Brad Rhone, Rhone’s RV

Greg Starr, Starr’s Trailer Sales

David Reiter, Liberty RV of Gettysburg

Jason Vaughan, Pa. Campground Owners Assn.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman

Brad Rhone, Rhone’s RV

Todd Blevins, U.S. Bank

Nick Boyer, Boyer RV Center

Steve Fretz, Fretz RV

Andrew Goodman, Milliron & Goodman Government Relations

Greg Starr, Starr’s Trailer Sales

PRV POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Chairman

Brad Rhone, Rhone’s RV

Tim Umstead, TruMark Dealer Services

SHOW COMMITTEE

Chairman

Steve Fretz, Fretz Enterprises

Chris Barth, Ember RV

Steve Beyeler, Forest River

Lori Morrow, Keller Marine & RV

Dan Saltzgiver, Liberty RV of Gettysburg

Hadden Smith, Campers Inn RV, Philadelphia

Tim Umstead, Trumark Dealer Services

PRVCA Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heather Leach, CAE

heather@prvca.org

MEMBERSHIP &

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Daniel Jusko

daniel@prvca.org

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Peroni

elizabeth@prvca.org

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

James Lubomski

james@prvca.org

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Carolyn Riley

carolyn@prvca.org

MARKETING & EDUCATION

COORDINATOR

Megan McClain

megan@prvca.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Teresa Severance

teresa@prvca.org

Thank you for your membership.

Please call us if we can assist you.

prvca

PENNSYLVANIA RECREATION VEHICLE AND CAMPING ASSOCIATION

4000 Trindle Road • Camp Hill, PA 17011

717-303-0295 • rvcamping@prvca.org

prvca.org • largestRVshow.org

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/americaslargestRVshow

INSTAGRAM

instagram.com/americaslargestRVshow

twitter.com/PARVing

THREADS

threads.net/americaslargestRVshow

Ray Wherley, graphic designer,

retired on August 2 after a 27-year

career with PRVCA. Thank you to

Ray for his many years of service

and best wishes!

youtube.com - Search PRVCA Education

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