Auto Body Shop In Michigan Sees Opportunity Growth In RV Repairs

The idea came to Kevin Telfor a few years ago in the middle of a campground as he watched a fellow camper struggle to back an RV into its parking space. Later, he struck up a conversation with the driver.

"I said to him, 'I've never worked on RVs, but if you ever need something, I'll give you my card,' " said Telfor, the body shop manager at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

A few months later, the camper called. Ever since, Telfor and the body shop have developed a knack for fixing RVs, fifth-wheel trailers, motor homes and any other kind of vehicle they could fit into their bays. Pursuit of repair jobs beyond traditional passenger vehicles has become a hallmark of the dealership.

Among unconventional vehicles, none has brought in more business than RVs — and that was before a national boom in RV travel fueled by the pandemic. Now that more Americans are taking road trips, Krapohl's yearslong effort to hone an expertise in RV services is paying off.

"We've had a couple years doing it before the virus hit," Telfor told Automotive News. "And, yes, because of COVID, people are getting out more. When [accidents] happen, and they do, they're here. For us, it's falling into place. I see the sky is the limit here, and we're going to keep reaching higher."

Demand for RVs has sharply increased in recent months — jumping 35 percent year over year in September, continuing a summer climb that experts say is ongoing. Despite a two-month industrywide shutdown this spring to limit spread of the coronavirus, 2020 shipments through September are down only 3.2 percent, according to the RV Industry Association.

"We do not see the demand for RVs going down anytime soon," said association President Craig Kirby.

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