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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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.com/americaslargestRVshow
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