RANCHO CORDVA, CA (12.12.22) – During the week of December 5th Reliable Products Marketing team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii were one the road in NorCal with Wet Sounds National Trainer Carl Campbell. The product training sessions were held in Livermore at Cattlemens on Tuesday, in Fresno at Dave & Busters on Wednesday and capped at the Wake Audio facility in Rancho Cordova on Thursday December 8th.
Scott, Carl and Brent arrived at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno (bottom image) and Livermore (top image).
“Each of our trainings for Wet Sounds dealers hit the mark. At each of the stops dealers were excited to attend factory training in the field and all engaged with Carl Campbell as he was spot on with his presentations. The Cattlemens and Dave & Busters locations were good locations for trainings but the Wake Audio facility knocked it out of the park” Baughman related.
Carl Campbell conducting the training at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno.
Wet Sounds raffle winners in Fresno.
Wake Audio is geared for marine audio with a 5000 sq ft facility in Rancho Cordova. At the time of the Wet Sounds training, which was set up in the installation bay, there were 7 boats, a CanAm and Lambo arranged in the area. Wet Sounds Marine and Powersports displays from the showroom were moved and set up in the training area.
The Wet Sounds training underway in Rancho Cordova.
This image shows the Wave Audio bay rearranged for the training.
“It was terrific to hold the last of the Wet Sounds trainings in the Wake Audio facility. Over 40 people attended with a couple of dealers driving from 2 and 3 hours away. Alex Aldma and his partner virtually insisted we hold the session in their facility. They arranged the shop and placed tables and chairs with room for the make your taco area for dealers. Wake Audio is a very top Wet Sounds dealer and they load 25’ and larger Malibu boats from top to bottom with Wet Sounds Marine.”
Wake Audio system light up the night on the lake too!
This Wake Audio Instagram posts shows their followers big possibilities.
Alex Aldma commented “Marine audio is what we do at Wake Audio since we opened in 2015. Consumers in the area know we are the place for high-end marine audio. When a customer has a $280,000 boat they really want, and certainly deserve, the very best in marine audio and Wet Sounds is our go to brand. Having the Wet Sounds training in our shop was special.”
Concluding, Baughman stated “It was a long but very productive week In total as Carl was able to train over 100 staff members from Wet Sounds dealers at the 3 stops. Each of the attendees were there to learn the latest from Wet Sounds and Carl delivered as each training went very well. We thank all who attended and contributed to the successful 3-City Wet Sounds training swing.”
LAWTON, OK (12.09.22) – High On The Hog is a company based in Lawton OK that offers helicopter hog hunting in southwest Oklahoma. Owner Travis Craig is a retired US Army helicopter combat pilot who offers hunters the opportunity to hunt wild hogs from his MD600N 7 passenger helicopter.
The High On The Hog helicopter takes off on the test flight with the new Kenwood Motorsports system.
Craig related “Feral hogs live in the wild and plague farmers, wildlife and the environment. I saw a way for hunters to go after these wild hogs and launched the High On The Hog company. Most hunts in my helicopter last just a couple hours so I was thinking of ways my clients could extend their rides with videos. In talking with a friend in retail he told me about the Kenwood Motorsports camera and gave me the contact to Marcus Vasconcellos who just happens to live and office right in Lawton. We discussed the concept and set a plan to do it.”
The Kenwood STZ-RF200WD installed in the cabin.
Marcos Vasconcellos during a camera test from the cockpit.
“As far as I know this was the first installation of a Kenwood STZ-RF200WD on a helicopter or aviation. I do a lot of riding on my bike and capture the experiences with the Kenwood camera. I immediately saw how hog hunters could extent their experience flying low over southwest Oklahoma and taking out a wild hog” Marcus, a Kenwood Specialist, related.
These hunters will be able to relive their High On The Hog experience.
Continuing, Marcus added “The actual installation was completed on Friday December 2nd. The installation went very smoothly as there was not the customization required in a vehicle interior. The control unit was mounted in the cabin and we placed one camera to capture images on the ground and the other to show passengers in the cabin. The helicopter runs on 24volts so we used an adaptor to get to 12volts for the Kenwood STZ-RF200WD. Travis has related that after just a few flights all is working as we had planned.”
The High On The Hog helicopter has participated in high school aviation classes.
“Once the trip from a hunt is complete I can supply digital files to my clients. I think many will show fellow hunters and friends. With the holiday season here we planning flights to see, and record, outdoor Christmas lights in cities and towns around Lawton. A big thank you Kenwood for the great camera system and to Marcus for working on this High On The Hog project” Craig concluded.
STOCKTON, CA (12.08.22) – During the week of December 5th RPM and Wet Sounds are on the road with a 3-stop training swing in Northern Cal. Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Trainer, along with the RPM Team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii scheduled 3 dealer product trainings… set for Livermore, Fresno and Rancho Cordova.
Scott Baughman (R) and Brent Fujii from RPM flank Wet Sounds’ Carl Campbell before the Tuesday night training in Livermore CA.
The trainings are designed for the entire shop covering both sales and technical information. Attendees will see first hand the new Wet Sounds REV HD product, Zero Speakers and the Stealth Series Sound Bars.
The first training session was Tuesday night at the Cattlemens in Livermore CA. Cattlemens is a venue that offers dining and private meeting space that was ideal for the Wet Sounds training. Over 25 were seated as Campbell covered the Wet Sounds lineup with a selection of products displayed on a table for dealers to check out firsthand.
Carl Campbell conducting the Wet Sounds training for over 25 seated at Cattlemens.
RPM Principal Scott Baughman related “Dealers in our territory see Wet Sounds as their go to line for top quality marine sales. At Cattlemens the new REV HD10’ and 12” Tower speakers drew a lot of interest along with the new ZERO 6” and 8” coaxial speakers.”
Campbell related “In our training sessions we cover products but also marine system design and best practices plus provide an opportunity to answer technical questions for attendees. Some free stuff will also be available.”
A selection of Wet Sounds products were on display for a hands-on experience.
The Wednesday, December 7th was on the schedule at Dave and Busters in Fresno. The Thursday December 8th training, at Wake Audio in Rancho Cordova, will provide attendees with an opportunity to experience LIVE demos of some custom high-end marine installations.
The sessions are set 6 pm til 9 pm. Trainings to start a 6:30 with dinner about 7pm.
During travel between the training stops the team makes dealer visits along the route where possible.
MIDLAND, MI (12.07.22) – A Mount Pleasant couple is donating more than $2 million worth of classic automobiles to support Northwood University and The Northwood Idea.
Michael and Dianne Morey have pledged 35 vehicles from their automotive collection in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
“We are incredibly grateful to Michael and Dianne for this extraordinary gift, which will be used to enhance our Midland campus, create scholarship opportunities, and build the university’s endowment for future students,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald.
A portion of the Morey Collection.
MacDonald noted the Morey’s family story is one of success from hard work — which is the epitome of what Northwood strives to instill in its students, and what its alumni exhibit daily in their respective fields.
The Morey’s story dates back to 1983, when they believed they could build a wood chipper better than anyone else. Mike left his job, invested in a small workshop, and with six employees and a small operating budget, built the Model 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch capacity disc-style chipper.
In 1987, based on the success of the Brush Bandit, Bandit Industries was created, and Dianne actively joined the company.
Bandit designed and launched the world’s first self-propelled track whole tree chipper in 1990 and continues to lead this industry segment. Bandit operates a network of more than 180 dealer locations worldwide.
Michael Morey is pictured with a portion of the Morey Collection.
In 2018, the Morey’s announced they would sell 100% of the company to their 462 employees in an employee stock ownership plan. This came after the company entertained two offers to sell from private firms.
“We realized neither was a good fit for Bandit, so we made the decision to sell to our trusted employees,” Dianne Morey told the Morning Sun in 2018.
The company now has 725 employees.
“The Morey’s are stellar examples of how ingenuity, persistence and dedication pave the way for success in a free-market society,” stated Justin Marshall, chief development and engagement officer for Northwood University.
The Morey family will transfer the vehicle titles to Northwood University prior to the close of this calendar year. By June 30, 2023, Northwood University will liquidate The Morey Collection with Mecum Auctions in a no-reserve auction.
The preference is for The Morey Collection to be auctioned at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on Jan. 6.
“The cars have been a large part of our lives, and each tells a story,” the Moreys said in a statement. “It’s time for these cars to write a new chapter, and support young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively influence the communities they call home. Northwood University is a special place, filled with wonderful students, and we are thrilled to support their mission.”
Not all the cars will be auctioned off, as Northwood University will retain a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette to display on campus.
“We are very pleased to showcase this classic Corvette on campus as a reminder of the Morey’s generosity and American innovation, while using the vehicle throughout the year to support our mission to develop future leaders of global economic and social progress,” Marshall stated.
Northwood University will utilize up to $1,000,000 of the cash proceeds to enhance the campus experience and build upon recent campus improvements dedicated earlier this year in May.
The remaining proceeds will be used to build a scholarship and endowment fund supporting Northwood University’s free-enterprise mission.
NAPA, CA (12.06.22) – Following a 2 year pause, due to COVID-19 and product shortages, the Audio House hosted the company’s FAMOUS Black Friday Sale on Friday, November 25th.
Jag Rattu, Audio House owner, related “It was fantastic to be back again with our Black Friday Sale that we have been doing for over 10 years. We did have almost 20 people waiting outside for the doors to open at 7 AM. We promoted the event on social media with a Black Friday VIP Pass, offered free giveaways and had a raffle with a $2,500 system as the grand prize. In addition to the social media promotion we distributed 1500 fliers in the area along with a email blast to our list.”
This post was part of the company’s strong social media outreach.
Manufacturer brands featured during the event included Alpine, Hertz, Focal, Kenwood, Stinger, MEDA, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate and SolarGard. Alpine rep for NorCal Pete Bobsin was on hand and provided line demos of the Alpine Experience pickup for attendees.
The parking lot was full and the Alpine Experience pickup was ready for demos.
Vanessa was very busy making sure all of the Black Friday specials were set to go.
“We have been in business here since 2006 and it was so good to have a very busy Black Friday event. We didn’t have as many waiting at the door but still had a very strong event. Pete did a great job with the Alpine demo and our staff of 11 was very busy through the day and I stayed past 8 PM to take care of the last customer. The winner of the $2,500 raffle prize has a Nissan 350Z and we have ordered everything and have a January date to do the installation. We are already planning for Black Friday 2023” Rattu concluded.
LAYAYETTE, LA (12.05.22) – Lafayette Custom Automotive was the place to be on Friday December 2nd as the company hosted a Customer Appreciation Showcase event. The event, which kicked off the holiday sales season, featured vehicles in the parking lot for live demos with factory representatives. Refreshments and food were enjoyed by those in the crowd along with 25% specials for the day.
Alpine Experience pickup with the Alpine Bass shower were set up out front.
Lafayette Custom Automotive serves the area with a wide variety of automotive products and services. Owner Martin Branch and Shane Douet, along with the crew, welcomed Jimmy Chauffe and Kevin Knox with their demo vehicles. Chauffe is the area Alpine Specialist and Knox is a member of the Marketing Pros rep firm. Chauffe demoed the Alpine Experience pickup along with a trailer with showroom. Kevin Knox demoed Focal and Mosconi products. The Lafayette Custom Automotive pontoon was loaded with KICKER marine products and Livin’Loud for demos.
“Our Customer Appreciation Showcase turned out very well. We could tell all appreciated the opportunity to hear extraordinary systems in the Alpine pickup and a customer’s car that featured Focal and Mosconi gear. Our customers also mentioned it was terrific to speaks with Jimmy Chauffe with Alpine and learn more about Focal and Mosconi from Kevin Knox. Our customer also liked others experiencing the system in his ride. Raffle prizes from Alpine and Kicker, along with some delicious Canes Chicken, plus discount specials put a smile on faces too” Shane Douet related.
In front of the KICKER display (R to L) Kevin Knox, Martin Branch, Jimmy Chauffe and Shane Douet.
Chauffe related “The event started off busy and traffic slowed la bit later. With the demos and time spent with customers the LCA crew wrote some nice tickets. The 25% discount offered encouraged attendees to put products on layaway too. With the activity and visibility from the day business will certainly continue through the holiday sales season and beyond.”
The Lafayette Custom Automotive pontoon was ready to be Livin’Loud with KICKER on a warm sunny December day.
With a pause in the action the crew by the Alpine display (L to R) Shane Douet, Jimmy Chauffe, Martin Branch and Kevin Knox.
LCA has beeen providing quality work in the Lafayette area for over 40 years and the team is committed to providing the best possible experience for their customers.
A big 12volt News thank you to Jimmy Chauffe for utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool to send event images.
TORONTO, CANADA (12.02.22) – Slated for Friday March 24th to Sunday March 26th, 2023 at the Toronto Congress Centre, the inaugural CMA EXPO will offer an opportunity for Canadian dealers and their staff to improve every aspect of their business. Featuring the top distributors representing over 100+ of the leading mobile electronics brands, with 64 training sessions and over 30,000x ft2 of exhibit space, the 2023 CMA EXPO Training & Networking Event will be the must-attend event next spring.
“CMA EXPO 2023 represents a collaborative effort from the leading Canadian mobile electronics distributors to reconnect with dealers focussing on training, product knowledge and networking. The event will be a celebration of the best the Canadian mobile audio community has to offer showcasing the top 12-volt trainers in the industry.” states Frank Spezzano, President, CMA Networks.
The 2023 CMA EXPO will represent all aspects of the mobile electronics industry including car audio, specialty audio, remote starters, telematics, ADAS and lighting systems. Attendees can look forward to special skills-based seminars covering fabrication, sales and marketing and DSP sessions will round out the stacked weekend schedule. To enhance the overall experience, expect to see the latest product demonstrations, new product unveilings and demo-vehicles.
“This event represents an extension of our CMA Networks online platform that has kept the industry connected with the ever-changing landscape that is 12-volt electronics. As the host of CMA, I’m excited for the opportunity to deliver our unique brand of training and info-tainment in person at the Toronto Congress Centre.” states Ben Woo, Content Director & Host, CMA Networks.
For all the details regarding dealer registration, hotel bookings, training schedules and exhibiting brands, visit the official event website found at CMAEXPO.ca
For additional information on the CMA EXPO, please contact:
METAIRIE, LA (12.01.22) – Oracle Lighting walked away from the 2022 SEMA Show with four more awards to add to its impressive showcase. The 2022 SEMA Show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“ORACLE Lighting is proud to have been awarded the SDC Data Excellence Award, Runner-Up for Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product 2023 for the Integrated Bronco Windshield Roof LED Light Bar, a Global Media Award for the Jeep JL/JT Skid Plate with Integrated LED Emitters, and a Global Media Award for the Jeep JK Flush Mount LED Tail Lights,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “We had a great show with terrific traffic in our booth whereas we featured many of our award-winning products. We are thankful for all those who supported us with these awards!”
L to R: Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting Director of Development, and Danny Talbot, Oracle Lighting Sales Representative, during the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV
Hartenstein added, “Our Bronco LED Light Bar System was a huge project for us over the past year and to have this product named as a finalist for the Off-Road Product of the Year was a real honor. We appreciate the judges recognizing this design innovative approach we have applied to the off-road industry. The category of Off Road and 4-Wheel Drive is always a super competitive category, and we are really happy to be a finalist among some of the best in the industry. The award in recognition of innovative design achievement in a newly developed product for the off-road or 4 wheel drive vehicles will hang proudly on display in our headquarters.”
Since 2004, the SEMA Global Media Awards Program has been a staple of the SEMA Show – the premier automotive accessories trade event in the world. It involves journalists from throughout the world coming to the SEMA Show, with the purpose of identifying and discovering what new products are likely to succeed in their home countries. The participating media represent some of the industry’s top magazines and the editors are amongst the most respected in the world. Their opinions are highly regarded. Given the knowledge and expertise about the automotive markets in their countries, there is a high probability that the products they identified truly will resonate with consumers in their respective markets.
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
TEMPE, AZ (11.30.22) – November 17-20, 2022 marked the final Mobile Solutions in-house training session of the year; the Advanced Door Panel Fabrication class. Over four action-packed days, nearly 30 attendees were led by a team of 5 instructors in the disciplines of metal fabrication, 3D router work, plastics, lighting, upholstery, audio system tuning and more. “We presented so many new and cutting-edge techniques in this class that even the seasoned veteran fabricators were challenged” commented Mobile Solutions founder and CEO, Bryan Schmitt. He added that within days of announcing the class it sold out, underscoring the popularity of training at in-person events.
Bryan Schmitt (R) and Tom Miller, from Musicar NW, addressing attendees as the 4-Day event began on Thursday November 17th.
The Advanced Door Panel Fabrication class featured a student-built project with many customizable elements that allowed each attendee to create their own one-off panel finishes, colors and style. One of the groundbreaking techniques shown was the implementation of a linear illuminated French seam in a panel insert. This technique combined the look of a French seam stitching, Using this technique, the possibilities to achieve the same lighting integration on even the most high-end luxury vehicles is possible with custom fabricated projects” said Schmitt.
Levi Green from HammerFab, a guest instructor, pictured during his metal fabrication segment. Green is based in Austin, TX.
In addition to lead instructor Bryan Schmitt, guest presenters included Tom Miller of MusciarNW, Anthony Medina of Medina’s Interior Design, Terry Soohoo of Paradyme Car Audio, Kyle Miller of MusicarNW and Levi Green of Hammerfab. Doug Dobson of HKI/Tury was also on hand helping throughout the event. Each of these industry professionals shared insight into their specialties so that attendees had a full 360 degree view of creating a custom interior panel from concept and design through fabricating elements from raw materials and adding custom touches that elevate the finished work to the highest levels. “This group of guest instructors had an excellent diversity of skills, but equally important is they are relatable and easy-to-understand in what they teach because they are truly experts at their craft” added Schmitt.
Chris Rawlings, who owns and runs VIP Auto Interiors in Tempe, pictured with his door panel project.
Gino James proudly shows his door panel project that he will be taking back to his Visions Upholstery shop in Fort Pierce, FL.
The November 2022 Advanced Door Panel Fabrication class topics included:
Concept and design of interior panels
Introduction to Fusion 360 CAD Design Software
The sewing machine process – A to Z
Advanced metal fabrication techniques and skills
Fabricating and implementing other unique trim and interior elements
Interior panel and trim finishing techniques
This image shows a group of projects that attendees will be taking to their shops from the Mobile Solutions 4-Day Advanced Door Panel training class.
Schmitt says what’s different about their in-person training compared to anything else out there is the diversity of ever-evolving content, the breadth of knowledge and skillsets from the guest presenters and that each attendee does hands-on work with their own take home class projects. “We know that seeing the techniques is one thing, but practicing them hands-on while training ratchets up the intensity and retention” adds Schmitt.
As the Mobile Solutions 4-Day Advanced Door Panel training wrapped attendees gathered for a class image with their projects.
Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information when the next Advanced Door Panel class and other in-person workshops are announced, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2023 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 5-8, 2023 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
It’s no secret that overlanding has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the automotive aftermarket, and as it has gained popularity over time, the market has diversified. This can be seen in the types of vehicles employed as build platforms. Once dominated by midsize Toyotas, the overlanding segment has grown to include Jeeps and, increasingly, fullsize HD pickups with their superior load-carrying capability.
Now, yet another vehicle type has entered the sector, and it has ushered a new generation of backcountry enthusiasts into the pastime of overlanding. Known alternatively as adventure vans, camper vans or, occasionally, “glamper” vans, these vehicles represent a fast-growing segment of the overlanding market and offer a potential new revenue stream for aftermarket outfitters looking to partner with existing van builders, for established coach builders looking to diversify their product lineups, or for startups looking to capitalize on new opportunities in a fresh market.
A new player in the overlanding segment, adventure vans can be built for any use, whether it’s easy pavement travel or more strenuous off-road activity. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com
For the purposes of this article, vehicles referred to as “adventure vans” generally fall into the category of Class B motorhomes. They are smaller in size—typically 17–23 ft. in length—and generally less luxuriously apportioned than the more expansive Class A and C motorhomes manufactured by companies such as Winnebago and Thor Motor Coach. Also, unlike their larger counterparts, they utilize existing OE light-truck chassis and bodywork, making them a more attractive alternative for consumers on a budget. They’re also more economical to own, thanks to better fuel economy, and their smaller size makes them easier to maneuver and park.
In the North American market, the preferred platforms for these vehicles are typically 1-ton Ford Transit, RAM Pro Master or, most commonly, Mercedes Sprinter chassis, all offering all-wheel drive as the standard drive configuration, and base prices for these vehicles in stock (unmodified) trim start in the $45,000 range. Fully equipped, an outback-ready unit can list for six figures, so this segment represents a potentially lucrative source of income for businesses in the specialty-equipment market.
The State of The Market
Whatever their classification, RV sales are at an all-time high. According to a 2021 manufacturer survey conducted by the RV Industry Association, an industry record 600,240 wholesale shipments were recorded in 2021, an increase of nearly 20% since 2017. At present, the adventure van segment alone represents a $16.8 billion global market, a figure that is forecast to reach $24.8 billion by 2027, according to a 2022 survey from Marketwatch.
“The adventure van market continues to grow rapidly,” said Scott Brady, publisher of Overland Journal, “but the primary markers of success are differentiating features, unique manufacturing processes, or improvements to backcountry performance. Van builders that are creating a unique offering or a performance advantage are continuing to garner long lead-times and full production schedules.”
“The market has seen rapid growth over the recent five years, with new builders coming online almost every month,” said Eric Miller, co-funder of TouRig, a Colorado-based van conversion company. “We’re seeing new accessory companies introducing new product innovations that are directly catered towards the Adventure Van consumer. We are also seeing very nice cross-pollination with the outdoor industry, something that for years was somewhat a controversial subject.”
“It’s my understanding that Class Bs are the fastest-growing segment of the RV market,” said Neil Morse, owner/promoter of the nationwide Adventure Van Expo series. “We still have tons of new people coming to our shows that have never seen them.”
“It’s a market that’s really been growing the last few years here,” said Oliver Bahr, president for the Americas with Dometic, a manufacturer of products for the adventure-lifestyle market. “The van market has really been growing well for us.”
How well? “When we entered the market in 2014, there were somewhere around 10 to 12 real players in the space, excluding the behemoth RV brands,” Miller recalled. “Today, there could be as many as 150-plus builders contributing to the adventure van space.”
Besides having the capability to transport their owners to remote areas, adventure vans can also offer all the comforts of home—it all depends on what buyers want, and the size of their budget. Photo courtesy: Tourig
Who They Are
According to our experts, adventure van owners tend to differ from conventional RV owners by their desire to travel further afield than what’s allowed by a bigger, bulkier Class A motorhome. “All-wheel-drive vans allow access to more remote campsites, hiking trails and similar points of interest,” said Brady. “Adventure vans tend to correlate with hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor photographers.”
“It’s usually an active couple or family,” Morse said, with varied outdoor interests: “Biking, skiing, paddle boarding, surfing and the like.” Miller concurred: “Our biggest demographic is the outdoor enthusiast with a strong passion for outdoor recreation such as fishing, hunting, biking, skiing, etc.”
Despite a sometimes-steep price of entry, the segment exerts a strong appeal on younger consumers. “We get customers in their 20s, but more frequently they’re people in their 30s who’ve been working an office job for 10 years, and now they just want to travel,” said Duran Morley, founder and CEO of The Van Mart, a California-based van conversion company.
As a rule, though, the typical adventure van consumer base skews somewhat older. “We generally see a middle-aged consumer with an adventurous spirit looking to enhance their journey through travel,” said Miller. “This new category has made the journey as much fun as the destination.”
What They Buy
Overlanders have higher-than-average levels of disposable income (see “Backcountry Business Tips,” SEMA News October 2022), and players in the adventure van segment can benefit from an enthusiast customer base that’s willing to spend plenty of money to customize their vehicles to their exact liking.
“The segment’s growth is focused around accessories that improve the capability and appearance of the vans,” said Brady. “Lift kits, bumpers, racks and even snorkels abound.” Miller agreed, mentioning upgraded suspension packages, larger wheel/tire combinations, rear tire carriers, rear storage boxes, roof racks and ladders as popular items.
Morse similarly pointed to tires and wheels along with “anything battery-powered” such as cellphone boosters, and Bahr mentioned products that offer “modularity—being able to take that freezer, refrigerator or a cooktop from the inside to the outside of the van.”
Most of our experts agreed that price is secondary in importance to quality for most adventure van owners, so manufacturers of higher-end componentry can find opportunities for growth. “People are willing to pay for the quality, and they want to make sure that they have the right product for when they’re off grid,” Bahr noted. “They don’t want to be in a difficult position out in the wild.”
A multi-event series that takes place at various locations throughout the United States, Adventure Van Expo attracts hundreds of enthusiasts as well as vendors and manufacturers of outdoor lifestyle products. Photo courtesy: Adventure Van Expo
COVID and Campervans
All of our sources agreed that the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 turbocharged growth in the market as locked-down consumers with extra time on their hands looked for recreational opportunities away from crowded spaces. The pandemic “sent [business] through the roof!,” Morse exclaimed.
This surge in popularity has shown no signs of slowing down. Attendance at Adventure Van Expo was “double in 2021 over the previous year, and another 25% higher in 2022,” Morse said.
While COVID played a part, Brady also noted that growth “began with the availability of the AWD Mercedes Sprinter,” while adding a caveat. “As return to work has increased and financing has become more expensive, we have seen some reduction in growth. In particular, the standard van builders are seeing a reduction in order rates. However, the vans with more bespoke interiors or improved capability are still performing well.”
Social Distancing and Social Media
Adventure travelers often utilize social media to share their travel experiences with others, and our panel of experts recommended maintaining a robust social presence to optimize consumer outreach.
“People enjoy a sense of community, and they like to share within that community,” Bahr said. “We have a distinct set of users in this side of the business, where they like to share their ideas, they like to share their experiences, they like to show what they’ve done, what they’ve built and what they’re using. So engaging with that community is a really critical aspect for a brand like us.”
Future Challenges and Opportunities
While our experts were optimistic for the near-term future, some expressed concerns about a slowing economy. Morse had an eye out for the consequences of the Federal Reserve’s recent inflation-fighting measures given their affect on financing costs. “A rise in interest rates may take some players out of the van market,” he said.
Still, most of our experts agreed that the smaller Class-B platform would prove resilient in the face of competition from the bigger vehicle classes. “It’s still headed favorably in our direction,” Morse said. “We have a very economical and maneuverable platform with the diesel Sprinter. For couples, you can’t beat it. You can get into 19-ft. spaces and still have a bed, bath and shower.”
“The majority of the growth will come from the brand name offerings as they have access to the dealer networks and financing required for volume sales,” Brady said. “The most pressing challenge is chassis availability, with demand for Mercedes AWD Sprinters exceeding allocations. We need more AWD van options from companies like Nissan and RAM.”
As bigger players such as Airstream and Thor bring their own Class-B vans to market, our experts agreed that adventure vans’ public profile only figures to increase in the near term.
“The bigger players are definitely going to make an impact and actually make the industry stronger by having more visibility, driving more traffic and attention to the van market,” Bahr said, adding that “they’ll typically create a standard footprint with maybe two or three floor plans, and try to drive mass volume with that.”
“With the big RV brands starting to market vehicles into this segment, it certainly shows that stockholders are taking note,” Miller added. “As this market segment continues to grow and evolve, we will likely see interesting innovations in space management, lighter material introductions and technology improvements leading to a better consumer experience.
“The pressing challenges are in better regulation and accountability. All the rapid growth the market has seen comes with a more is better mentality which can lead to a lack in quality control. An increase in education creates an elevated experience for the end consumer.”
For the future, Morse pointed to electrification as the next big potential growth driver. “I think we need to work on E-vans sooner than later. If we get them into the 400-mi. range (fully loaded), we will see an explosion in the market.”
Bahr also noted the future movement “towards self-sustaining power, which has been massive, using solar energy to power the battery packs to then power up refrigerators, cooktops and whatever else may be within the van.
“We’re facing some economic headwinds right now, so things are kind of stabilizing a bit temporarily, but we still see a lot of growth potential in this area.”
“I also think we’ll see some of the same supply problems, be they vehicles or materials, that the industry is facing now,” Morse added. “Larger players will take bigger allocations, and the secondary market should see a bump in inventory.”
“There is already a leveling of demand and the beginning of consolidation within the segment,” Brady concluded. “This is typical, and we are watching the players closely. The economy will dictate the next shift.”
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