Nexus RV - Manufacturing Outlook - issue 4

SUPERIOR MOTORHOMES THAT CONTINUE TO THRIVE

BUILDING YOUR DREAM

Manufacturing superior of first-class dealers, fastest-growing motorhome Donati and David Middleton, and outline its plans

Writer: Lily Sawyer |

superior motorhomes and operating through a network dealers, it is no wonder Nexus RV has emerged as the motorhome company in the US. Co-Founders, Claude Middleton, reflect on the business’s recent successes plans for continued product innovation Manager: Michael Sommerfield

The recreational vehicle (RV) industry in the US has witnessed exponential growth in recent years.

An ever-expanding cultural phenomenon that has arguably become as important as baseball or apple pie, RVs are loved across the nation.

Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this unprecedented industry growth, ushering in four years of equivalent sales in a threeyear period.

“During this time, we saw some big shifts in our customer base and the usage of our products,” opens Claude Donati, Managing Member of Nexus RV, which has experienced unmatched growth in the US.

The pandemic witnessed many Americans leave the office to embark on country-wide road trips whilst working from home, creating three record-breaking sales years for the RV industry, culminating in 600,000 vehicles sold in 2022.

“However, the challenging part of this rocket growth is that we are now amidst a correction period,” President

of the company, Dave Middleton, points out.

“There is an old saying in the RV industry - you are either stepping on the accelerator or slamming on the brakes. We are currently slamming on the brakes,” he adds.

Therefore, as Nexus RV operates in a sector currently experiencing increased interest rates and inflationary factors, the business continues to raise the bar by improving product quality and upgrading its units with all-new interior design.

A recent industry slowdown has afforded Nexus RV the time to reflect and adjust to the way it engages with retail customers.

“With this new environment comes new approaches; new floorplans,

chassis, interiors, technologies, services, and warranty support systems are at the top of our to-do list.”

Now, as the industry anticipates an impending revival, the company is ideally positioned to take on more market shares due to its continuous innovation and evolution.

BEST-IN-CLASS MOTORHOMES

Located in Elkhart, Indiana, Nexus RV is a privately held motorhome manufacturer. The company was founded in 2010 by Middleton and Donati, initially operating directly out of its factory to serve customers for seven inaugural years.

In 2018, Nexus RV elected to update its business model and begin selling through a high-quality dealer network.

NEXCLUSIVE FEATURES

Before sale, 100 percent of Nexus RV’s vehicles go through a ‘camping simulation’. This is a 6-hour process which ensures that all systems are operational on both generator and shore power, includes a full plumbing test of the gas and water as well as a drive and rain test. In addition, each Nexus RV vehicle benefits from the following:

• HSLA steel, which is proven to be 72 percent stronger than aluminum.

• Exclusive double AZDEL Onboard® composite materials used in the sidewalls and roof, as opposed to wood.

• A one-piece wrapped fiberglass roof, which ensures no seams from fasteners on the vehicle radius.

• Gel-coated glass, fused with a composite backer for durability.

• Each opening framed in HSLA steel to minimize squeaks and leaks.

• Sherwin Williams RV-specific primer, paint, and clear coat applied, to ensure there is no flaking or dripping.

• A galvanized steel storage compartment with rubber storage mats installed, providing protection for your personal items.

Furthermore, each vehicle’s sidewalls, floors, and slide pieces are vacuum bondlaminated and constructed with HSLA.

HSLA is a type of alloy steel with low carbon content which provides superior mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion.

“YOUR FAMILY WILL FEEL SAFE WITH OUR PRODUCTS. WHEN YOU DRIVE OUR UNITS, YOU DON’T GET THE ‘WOBBLY BOX’ FEEL YOU MIGHT GET WITH UNITS THAT USE LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM”

– DAVE MIDDLETON, PRESIDENT, NEXUS RV

“This change allowed us to grow exponentially and become the fastestgrowing motorhome company in the US,” prides Donati.

With a clear focus on Class C and Super C product manufacture, the company’s range today includes vehicles built on chassis manufactured by Ford, General Motors (GM), International®, and Freightliner Custom Chassis.

Known for having the best built motorhomes on the market, Nexus RV

proudly implements a best-in-class construction philosophy, epitomized by its high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel-framed units.

“No other manufacturers use this framing strategy, which creates a 72 percent stronger structure when compared to aluminum, awarding our units with higher safety standards and enhanced driving quality,” he asserts.

In addition, by using no wood products in its vehicles’ roofs and

sidewalls in favor of AZDEL Onboard® composite, a lightweight alternative, Nexus RV offers its customers improved insulation and higher R-values, and lower road noises. By using true heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting, Nexus RV is able to transfer air from the front to the rear of the unit for continuous ventilation. Moreover, this system allows for the easy cleaning of ducts for those that battle with breathing issues.

“IF WE’RE ABLE TO EXPAND AS A BUSINESS, THIS WILL INCREASE OUR BUYING POWER AND ALLOW US TO LOWER OUR OVERHEADS TO ACHIEVE MORE COMPETITIVE PRICING”

– CLAUDE DONATI, MANAGING MEMBER, NEXUS RV

“We are also the only manufacturer using galvanized storage bins and wrap-round fiberglass roofs in our Class C Mini Homes.

“Better materials last longer and work better for our customers,” Donati emphasizes.

ONGOING INNOVATION

As a company that prides itself on building the best-constructed, safest, and most durable motorhomes in the industry, Nexus RV is dedicated to delivering a broad range of vehicles to its audience.

“Overall, your family will feel safe with our products. When you drive our vehicles, you don’t get the ‘wobbly box’ feel you might get with units that use lightweight aluminum,” Middleton outlines.

The quality of Nexus RV’s products can be attributed to its constant dedication to innovation and ability to adapt to needs and trends within the industry.

As such, for the first time in 15 years, the company is building on the SRV2 chassis from Freightliner for its Wraith Super C unit.

“This project seeks to provide the best alternative for our customers to buy Super Cs under $200,000,” excites Middleton.

In fact, Nexus RV boasts the number one best-selling Super C under this price point, chosen by 54 percent of the market, which positions the company as a strong option for first-time RV buyers or those impacted by recent market inflation.

In addition, the business is considering entering the Class B market, which will provide customers with even more cost-effective options.

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CONTEMPLATING THE FUTURE

Nexus RV does whatever it takes to ensure its customers remain happy. As such, it has tripled its workforce of late, whilst Middleton has focused his time investing in customer care.

“We’ve added some software components to our customer care activities, and we monitor social media like a hawk to ensure we can immediately address any potential issues,” he expands.

In addition, the company’s strong supplier relationships have helped it remain at the top of its game by providing access to global market information.

MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK:

WHAT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PRACTICES DOES THE COMPANY PARTICIPATE IN?

Claude Donati, Managing Member: “In 2021, we established a company-wide goal to give back to the community.

“We committed to a local domestic shelter, Safe Haven, that is run by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Recently, our 100-strong team of associates attended the facility to take part in a renovation of the entire shelter.

“As a result of our involvement in this important community project, we spend a lot of time collecting clothes, food, and raising money to support the shelter.

“When we first made the announcement of our commitment to Safe Haven, I had several employees notify me how happy they were to help as they had used the shelter during difficult times in their life.”

“Our local vendors are an incredible source of information, and their proximity allows us to rely on their expertise to improve our design.”

Recently, some of Nexus RV’s biggest suppliers have become global, adding value by way of international reach.

Furthermore, exclusive relationships, such as the company’s work with Navistar on the MV chassis, allow the company to benefit from healthy and multifaceted industry connections.

Going forward, Nexus RV recognizes that future innovation must start with its chassis manufacturers, such as Ford, GM, and International®.

Currently, it is also taking small steps to prepare for the electrification

of the RV market, but until then, it remains in wait.

“The stumbling block for transitioning towards the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to be the range of vehicle. Currently, there are several chassis’ companies building electric chassis, but due to the limited battery supply, these can only go around 100 miles before recharging is required. The recharging takes around eight hours making this application unrealistic to RV users,” Donati notes.

Having grown exponentially since its inception in 2010, Nexus RV plans to expand its current portfolio to provide the company with alternatives should one market experience a downturn.

“If we’re able to expand as a business, this will increase our buying power and allow us to lower our overheads to achieve more competitive pricing,” he concludes.

Tel: 574-970-0848

cdonati@nexusrv.com www.nexusrv.com