RV Industry Gathers To Honor Titans Of Industry For Second Annual RV Industry Awards Celebration

After three extraordinary days, RVX concluded with an evening of celebration of industry leaders, manufacturers and suppliers during the RV Industry Awards celebration at The Depot in Salt Lake City. The second annual event honored winners of the RVDA’s Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Quality Circle Awards, RVBusiness Magazine’s RISE Awards™ for suppliers, the David J. Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award, the Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award and 40 Under 40 awards.

RV Industry Association Chairman Garry Enyart opened the event noting, “The inaugural event in 2017 was a resounding success. The entire industry came together to support each other and honor the brands and people that truly showcase the industry as dynamic, innovative and inspirational. And here we are again… in a new location with the same goal.”

The RV Industry Association’s Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award is presented to an individual within the RV industry who has set himself or herself apart by outstanding service. Last night, that honor went to the association’s own Vice President of Standards Bruce Hopkins. Hopkins is considered to be the “godfather” of the standards and inspection program and was the driving force behind the nationally harmonized RV standards that are used across the country.

The David J Humphreys RV Industry Unity Award was established by the RV Industry Association and RV Dealer’s Association to recognize an individual who continuously strives to encourage the multiple constituencies of the RV industry to work collectively for the growth and betterment of the industry. Last night, that honor went to former RV Industry Association Chairman of the Board, Bob Parish.

RVBusiness Magazine Partner Gregg Fore presented the supplier focused RISE awards. “RISE stands for Recognizing Innovation & Supplier Excellence,” said Fore. “And that, quite simply, was our goal for the RISE Awards. Genuine innovation that moves the industry forward should be recognized and honored at every opportunity.” Nearly 70 entries were received for RVBusiness’ RISE awards with the ultimate honors going to:

OEM Category: FREEDOM eGEN Lithium Ion System by Xantrex, a division of Mission Critical Electronics recognized for the fully integrated system offering reliable AC and DC power to run an air conditioner and other high-power loads in all climate conditions, as well as precise battery management for accurately charging lithium ion batteries from multiple sources. Judges said the system “pushes the envelope on RV power. Like the name states, ‘Freedom’ to go anywhere without the worry of batteries or power.

Aftermarket Category:  VarioHeat by Truma Corp. - The VarioHeat features silent operation and intelligent fan control, and is equipped with a three-stage burner system and special night mode. The lightweight furnace offers flexible installation with multiple configurations and minimal sidewall penetration. Digital integration of a central control panel ensures minimal variation in room temperature. Noting an innovation in RV furnaces was “long overdue,” judges said the VarioHeat will “revolutionize the process of heating recreation vehicles with amazing efficiency

RVDA President Phil Ingrassia announced the Quality Circle Awards to RV manufacturers that achieve the highest rating in the annual RVDA Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Survey. The results of the 25th Annual survey reflect almost 2,400 individual brand evaluations from 525 U.S. and Canadian dealers and measures reliability/quality, parts support, warranty support and sales. The survey aims to foster better communication between the dealer and manufacture by identifying the issues that each brand faces daily. All of this year’s winners received a rating of 4.25/5 or higher for overall dealer satisfaction.

This year’s winners include:

• Airstream Motorhomes and Towables
• Coachmen RV’s Brookstone and Chaparral Fifth Wheels
• Forest River’s Flagstaff Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels, Shamrock Expandables, Sierra and Sandpiper brands
• Grand Design’s Image, Momentum, Reflection, Solitude and Transcend brands
• Gulf Stream’s motorhomes, Vintage Cruiser, Vista Cruiser, Innsbruck, Amerilite, Conquest and Kingsport Towable brands
• Heartland’s Big Country, Elk Ridge, Cyclone, Torque, Landmark, North Trail, Wilderness, Prowler, Trail Runner, Road Warrior, Sundance and Gateway brands
• Keystone’s Montana and High Country brands
• Lance Camper’s Travel Trailers and Toy Haulers
• Leisure Travel Vans/Triple E Motorhomes
• Newmar Motorhomes
• Pleasure-Way Motorhomes
• Tiffin Motorhomes

RV Industry Association President Frank Hugelmeyer closed out the event with the recognition of the industry’s 40 under 40 winners. Hugelmeyer said, “Fresh ideas and new approaches to our industry is what will continue to help us grow. This is the exact reason why last year the RV Industry Association launched a program to identify future leaders in our industry, the 40 Under 40.” Hugelmeyer continued that the goal is to highlight and engage the next generation of innovators.

The RV Industry Awards brought the RV industry together for an evening of recognition during RVX to honor the companies, people and vehicles that truly showcase the industry as dynamic, innovative, inspirational and customer-service focused.

We thank everyone who attended the inaugural event in Salt Lake City, and we’ll see you next year as RVX takes over San Antonio!