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A Look BEHIND the RV Iron Curtain - September RV Update 2026

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News and Commentary

Summary of the RV industry update (September 2026)

1) Tariffs and higher costs for RV-related wood products

  • A recent trade study reportedly found that certain imported wood products commonly used in RVs (and also in housing/furniture)—including plywoods/“luans” from countries such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam—are being sold at “unfair” prices.
  • The presenter expects tariffs to be applied to help “level the playing field,” which would likely raise manufacturing costs and potentially consumer prices.
  • “Silver lining”: some categories from other countries (e.g., Malaysia) may be less affected.
  • Consumer tip: compare deals carefully, since some dealers may quote based on replacement cost rather than the current in-stock price.

2) De minimis rule extension (cost relief for imports under a threshold)

  • The “suspension of the de minimis rule” is being extended.
  • Goods under roughly $800 may continue to enter tariff-free for a while.
  • The presenter frames this as important for cost control in the industry.

3) Materials supply: Vixen Composites expanding production lines

  • Vixen Composites is expanding its composite lineup, including:
    • Roof paneling
    • Floor components
    • Other application-specific composite products
  • The presenter views this expansion as competitive pressure that may help keep supplier pricing “honest” as composite demand grows.

4) New RV models coming faster around major show/event cycles

  • With large-scale shows and manufacturer open houses approaching, the presenter expects a faster release cadence for 2027 models.
  • Additional new floorplans may be prototyped in the meantime.
  • Warning: manufacturers may publish floorplans before units are physically built, so a lack of “dealer stock/no info” doesn’t necessarily mean the model won’t exist.

5) Safety regulation: TPMS becomes mandatory for towable RVs (effective 2028 models)

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) will become 100% mandatory for all towable RVs, starting with the 2028 model year.
  • The presenter strongly supports the change, emphasizing safety features shouldn’t be optional.
  • He suggests the next step should be ABS becoming mandatory for towables as well—arguing it improves safety and could enable more advanced warranty/usage tracking (e.g., mileage-limited warranties similar to cars).

6) Industry performance note: Alliance reports record retail sales despite a tough market

  • The presenter highlights Alliance as having unusually strong retail results over the last three months, even in what he describes as a “challenged” (down) market.
  • He credits the outcome to:
    • Strong execution and company culture
    • Low turnover
    • Better attention to both customers and employees
    • Continuous product improvement
  • He also says Alliance “owns Alliance,” implying less corporate interference and more consistent decision-making.

7) National parks policy change for electric “personal mobility” devices

  • Starting September 11, new rules allow individual national park superintendents to decide where certain electric motor devices can be used.
  • Applies to human-controlled, non-combustion motor-operated devices (e.g., e-scooters).
  • Does not affect e-bikes.
  • The presenter advises checking park-specific allowances in advance.
  • He points to RV Miles (Jason and Abby Epperson) as a key source for up-to-date park rules.

8) Ford chassis uncertainty: not disappearing, but production may shift

  • Online rumors suggested Ford might stop producing certain F53 chassis used in common Class A gas motorhomes.
  • The presenter indicates the issue likely involves Ford partnering with Blue Bird, with:
    • Blue Bird potentially taking over production initially from an existing Detroit-area facility
    • Eventually shifting more production south
  • His takeaway: don’t panic-buy—these chassis should still be available for a while.

9) Winnebago facility “consolidation” rebuttal to “doom fluencer” claims

  • He responds to claims that Winnebago is closing facilities and being “squished” into Grand Design.
  • The presenter says Winnebago Towables (Indiana) is consolidating production onto the Grand Design campus to reduce operating costs while keeping product lines distinct.
  • Expected impact: minimal layoffs, potentially with overlapping roles (e.g., IT).
  • He emphasizes that products won’t become identical (e.g., Thrive won’t become an Imagine).

10) Travel stop expansion: more “RV care” services on the road

  • Love’s Travel Stops is expanding facilities and retrofitting/adding services to include more RV-related care.
  • The presenter frames this as a “silver lining” for RV owners who need repairs beyond basic gas/snacks.

11) Closing positive note: dealer/community wildfire relief

  • He credits Grand Design and Blue Compass (along with collaborating dealers in the Spokane area) for gathering materials to support wildfire victims.
  • The presenter highlights the value of community involvement and neighbor-to-neighbor relief.

Presenters / contributors

  • Josh RV Nerd (also identified as the “Josh RV Nerd of Bish’s RV”)
  • Additional resources/contributors mentioned:
    • Jason and Abby Epperson (RV Miles)
  • Organizations/brands referenced:
    • Bish’s RV
    • Grand Design
    • Blue Compass
    • Alliance
    • Vixen Composites
    • Winnebago Industries
    • Blue Bird
    • Ford
    • Love’s Travel Stops
    • Robin & Ashley (people/YouTube presence)

Original video