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Family RVing Magazine

News & Notes: September-October 2026

September 1, 2026

The newly opened glamping resort near Lake Havasu, Arizona

RVING & GLAMPING IN THE GRAND CANYON STATE

Dwell RV Resort & Casita Cabins has opened in Topock, Arizona, offering RV guests a modern, refined way to experience the beauty of the American Southwest in a tranquil desert setting.

The resort is three minutes from the Colorado River, with easy access to recreational attractions in the Lake Havasu region, according to woodallscm.com. The adventures include off-highway trail rides into the Mojave Desert, along with boating, hiking, rock hounding, and more.

“Our vision was to create a peaceful, family-friendly desert retreat that’s close enough to Lake Havasu and OHV trails for daytime excitement, yet tucked away so guests can relax and reset,” said Jeff Main, property manager.

Full-hookup RV sites and “casita cabins” are available for both short term and extended stays. Amenities include private bathhouse facilities, a resort-style pool and hot rub, pickleball courts, a pet park, and more. For more information, visit dwelllakehavasu.com.


PATRICK INDUSTRIES, LIPPERT ANNOUNCE MERGER

Two major manufacturers announced in June that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger. Patrick Industries and LCI Industries (Lippert) will form “a premier component solutions provider for the outdoor enthusiast, housing, and transportation markets,” according to press information. Both manufacturers are based in Elkhart, Indiana.

Following completion of the transaction, Patrick shareholders will own approximately 52% of the combined company and LCI shareholders will own approximately 48%. The merger is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 , subject to approval by shareholders of both companies, required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

According to RVBusiness.com, Patrick Industries was founded in 1959 by Mervin D. Lung and today accounts for approximately 85 brands. LCI was established 70 years ago by Larry Lippert and operates more than 140 facilities across North America and other continents.

Upon closing, Patrick Industries CEO Andy Nemeth will serve as CEO of the combined company, which will be headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana.


THOR INDUSTRIES FORMS RV MANUFACTURING GROUPS

THOR Industries announced a significant evolution of its North American RV operating model to strengthen competitiveness, grow collaboration, and unlock synergies across its RV brands.

After decades of a decentralized structure, with each North American RV OEM working independently, the Indiana-based company is organizing most of its North American RV manufacturing operations into two groups.

THOR is moving to this new structure citing rapid dealer consolidation and evolving consumer expectations, among other factors.

Jayco president Ken Walters leads the first group as CEO. This includes the Jayco, Entegra, Open Range, and Heartland brands, along with recently acquired Tiffin Motorhomes.

The second group is led by Thor Motor Coach president Jeff Kime who will serve as CEO. This groups includes Thor Motor Coach, Keystone, Dutchmen, and Crossroads brands.

Airstream and KZ will remain stand-alone operations, according to the company.


Guests at the Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Mississippi find their spot at this friendly resort founded by friends Jay Hughes and Andrew Ross.

NEIGHBORS BRING AN RV RESORT TO LIFE

Two neighbors with a mutual love for RVing helped create “the ultimate RV destination” in Mississippi.

Jay Hughes and Andrew Ross opened Roundabout Oxford RV & Water Resort in Oxford, Mississippi, in April 2025 (roundaboutoxford.com).

In an interview with livability.com, Hughes said he reconnected with Ross, a high school friend , who has a shared love of traveling in an RV. Hughes said the two imagined what it would be like to have an RV resort in their area.

Jay’s wife, Alison, said she thought Oxford was a great fit for a resort.

“Many people travel to Oxford to visit the Square, the (University of Mississippi), family, and to enjoy the festivals, history, sports and the amazing arts,” she said. “But there was nowhere for RVers to park with hookups and to enjoy fellowship outdoors while also being close to town to enjoy all that it has to offer.”

The resort has 150 RV sites, a large playground, a mini-golf course, a dog park, and other amenities.

Ross indicated they wanted to offer more “so our guests could truly feel like they are on vacation when they arrive.”


RVIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES TPMS REQUIREMENT

Earlier this year, the RV Industry Association Board of Directors approved a motion to implement a requirement that tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) be included on towable RVs at the start of each manufacturer’s respective 2028 model year production.

The association’s Standards Steering Committee (SSC) previously approved public input regarding TPMS to be part of the 2029 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 Standard for Recreational Vehicles. However, the committee also recommended an early adoption of TPMS for towable products with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 26,000 pounds, beginning with model year 2028. This program requirement is slated to go into effect during the 2027 calendar year, as industry members begin construction of model year 2028 towable RVs.

RVIA’s SSC and Standards and Inspection departments agree that implementing the requirement for TPMS for towable RVs at the start of each manufacturer’s respective 2028 production period will ensure that all units in that model year are equipped.


The new Class C Elora/Resa motorhome from Winnebago looks to simplify the RVing experience by making it feel familiar on the first day of using it.

 

NEW CLASS C MOTORHOMES JOIN THE WINNEBAGO FAMILY

Winnebago has announced the launch of the new Elora/Resa motorhome, described as an “approachable, compact Class C that delivers the comforts of home while supporting life on the move.”

Built on the gas-powered Ram ProMaster chassis, the Elora/Resa has a narrow-body footprint and measures just 20 feet long. The convertible floor plan seats six and offers residential-style sleeping for four, including a power lift bed and bunk modes. Expansive windows, dimmable lighting, a full wet-dry bath, and an open galley are among its other features.

Chassis-fueled heating and an integrated Winnebago Power sys- tem using the company’s EcoFlow power management and lithium battery capability reduce the need for constant energy monitoring.

Chris Bienert, Winnebago’s motorhome product manager, said this vehicle will focus on sim- plifying the RVing experience by “bringing together the core systems people need into something that feels familiar from day one, so they can spend less energy figuring it out and more time using it. We were also very intentional about including premium features, materials, and technology where it matters most.”

 

jaycowinnebagoArizonathorRV newsMississippiglampingPatrick Industries
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