Winnebago Launches Thrive Travel Trailer
Winnebago, a pioneer in recreational vehicles for over six decades, recently introduced the all-new Thrive. Company reps call it “a high-quality, lightweight, modern travel trailer developed to redefine comfort and design expectations in its category.”
Three floor plans currently are available, ranging from 23 to 29 feet in length, with more options in the works, according to Winnebago officials, who note that the Thrive line is intended to address growing interest among consumers for “easy, elevated comfort.”
Features include large windows throughout, among them a frame-less panoramic front window with LED trim lighting; a residential-style bed with built-in storage, recessed ceiling lighting, bedside reading lights, and blackout roller shades; an exclusive seating collection crafted in the U.S.; and a state-of- the-art kitchen that incorporates sleek fiberglass countertops and integrated sinks, built-in utensil drawers, soft-close cabinets, and pull-out pantry and trash systems.
For more information, visit winnebago.com.
Giant RV Opens Overland And Luxury Van Center
Giant RV has expanded its reach in the California RV market with a new indoor RV center focused on overland RVs and luxury Class B vans. Strategically positioned at the intersection of interstates 5 and 605, the new Downey location is intended to serve as a hub for adventure enthusiasts and luxury travelers throughout Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
The dealership’s inventory includes gas and diesel Class B and B+ vans from Grech RV, Storyteller Overland, and Winnebago. The lineup also features models from Midwest Automotive and Pleasure-Way, both certified Mercedes-Benz Master Uplifters. Off-road enthusiasts may be interested in the exclusive line of custom-built All Time High Overland Editions.
The massive indoor space allows customers to explore and compare models side by side. To learn more, visit the showroom or giantrv.com.
Keystone RV Cougar Retakes Spot As Top Fifth Wheel
Keystone RV, a Thor Industries company, recently announced that its Cougar model has once again earned the title of best-selling fifth wheel in North America.
Company officials note that the Cougar model continues to evolve, with modern floor plans, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading construction — all designed to meet the needs of today’s RVers.
“Cougar’s success comes from listening to our owners and designing RVs that fit their lifestyle,” said Matt Christensen, general manager. “This achievement is a testament to the entire Cougar team’s commitment to excellence.”
For more information, visit keystonerv.com.
Serial Entrepreneur Launches “RV Help”
Heath Padgett and his partners have launched RVhelp.com as a guide to finding certified mobile technicians and inspectors.
RV industry entrepreneur Heath Padgett and cofounders Josiah Mann and Dennis Lankes have launched RVhelp.com to connect RV owners with certified mobile technicians and inspectors. Padgett said he hopes to transform how RV owners access essential services.
Padgett and his partners unveiled their new venture during the Florida RV SuperShow in January. Their goal is to provide RVers peace of mind by connecting them with qualified service partners. In addition, industry OEMs and suppliers have expressed interest, according to Padgett.
“A lot of companies seem to want to be able to have certified technicians go and do warranty work or installs on their product. It was great to connect with those folks in Tampa and to hear that what we’re building will have value not just for RVers but for many manufacturers and suppliers,” he said.
Padgett has partnered with the RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) and the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) to allow their certified members to be on the RV Help platform, ensuring a baseline of quality and training for the service providers. Padgett said he looks forward to working with other training institutions to expand the database further.
For service providers and inspectors, there is no charge to be listed on the site, and consumer access is also free. They plan to eventually offer a premium membership for RV owners, with features such as discounts, remote diagnostics, and the ability to track and save technician records.
RV Owners: Younger, More Diverse, More Engaged
The Go RVing 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile reveals a dynamic shift in the RV ownership landscape. The study, conducted by IPSOS, unveils a younger, more diverse, and increasingly engaged RV owner base.
This trend is particularly evident among first-time owners and families with children under 18. The median age of RV owners has declined from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025, with 46 percent of owners now falling within the 35-54 age range.
The RV community also is becoming more inclusive, with 30 percent of RV owners now representing Hispanic-American, African-American, Asian-American, and LGBTQ+ populations.
The study also revealed that RV owners are spending more time on the road, with the median number of usage days per year rising to 30, a 50 percent increase over RV use in 2021.
The top three motivators for purchasing an RV include simply unwinding and relaxing (58 percent), spending time in nature (57 percent), and visiting locations with natural beauty (53 percent). Interestingly, 43 percent of RVers also cite the ability to bring pets as a crucial factor in their decision.
A staggering 16.9 million households express strong interest in RV ownership, indicating significant future growth.
New Conservation-Focused Campground In Ohio
Southeast Ohio is home to the new Hellbender RV Campground, with 47 full-service sites and 26 primitive spots set on 75 acres at The Wilds, the state’s premier wildlife preserve.
The Wilds, an accredited conservation center and travel destination spanning 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, recently unveiled its latest addition: Hellbender RV Campground. Named in honor of the eastern hellbender, North America’s largest amphibian and an endangered species in Ohio, the new facility offers 47 full-service RV sites, plus 26 primitive camping spots, scenic trails, a playground, and a camp store. Overnight guests receive discounts on open-air safari tours at The Wilds, where you’ll travel past giraffes, camels, bison, painted dogs, zebras, and more.
The $7.7 million Hellbender RV Campground project was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio state legislature, Muskingum County, the Economic Development Administration, and donors to The Wilds Fund. The intent is to enhance outdoor recreation, support conservation education, and provide a meaningful boost to regional tourism.
For more information about the campground, visit thewilds.org/ hellbender-rv-campground.