The ability to perform regular maintenance, unforeseen repairs and reasonable upgrades is integral to every motorized hobby or lifestyle. It’s even more critical when that vehicle carries as many electronic, HVAC, plumbing and entertainment systems as a brick-and-mortar home.
Delivering that information — in an easy-to-read and fully illustrated manner — is the concept behind RV Enthusiast, a new monthly digital publication created specifically for hands-on RVers that will be sent to more than one million current and future RV owners.
Owned and staffed by some of the most recognized and experienced RV journalists in North America, RV Enthusiast was created to fill the need for accurate technical advice to help enthusiasts keep their RVs in top condition.
Bob Livingston
“With existing RV magazines and online sources gravitating more to lifestyle coverage, we realized there is a huge demand for detailed and factual technical information,” said Bob Livingston, formerly a longtime technical writer and publisher of Trailer Life (TL) and MotorHome (MH) magazines who will serve as publisher of the brand-new publication.
“Couple that with the surge in RV sales due to the coronavirus and the difficulty to schedule appointments at times with booked-up dealer service departments, and we saw a need to provide current and future owners with a resource for knowledge to help make reasonable repairs and understand the inner workings of RVs,” Livingston added.
Bruce Hampson
The RV Enthusiast staff includes Editor Bruce Hampson, formerly top editor at MH and longtime editor of RVBusiness, one of the nation’s premier RV trade journals; Technical Director Chris Dougherty, an RVIA/RVDA certified technician and consultant to the RV industry who most recently was technical editor for both TL and MH magazines; Technical Editor Chris Hemer, a former writer and tech editor of TL and MH and owner of a boutique marketing firm that specialized in the automotive and RV segments; and Advertising Director Sue Seidlitz, well-known in the RV industry for her long tenure in ad sales for TL and MH. Jim Mac, former director of marketing for Keystone RV, will be managing the social media platforms.
Chris Dougherty
“Editorially, we own a combined experience of more than 80 years in the RV industry — much of it on the tech side,” said Hampson. “There’s never been a magazine in this industry to offer readers that level of expertise.”
While RV Enthusiast will focus on the nuts-and-bolts side of RV ownership — including tow and dinghy vehicles — the publication also will provide coverage of new RVs and products, helpful reviews, projects, industry news, feature articles and tips from the pros.
Chris Hemer
“We want to provide readers with a well-rounded editorial package,” said Dougherty. “But more than anything, we want to entertain readers while informing and educating them on how things work and how to maintain, repair and improve their RVs. The difference between a great trip and an interrupted vacation is knowing your equipment.”
Sue Seidlitz
Through unique arrangements with certain RV manufacturers and dealers, RV Enthusiast will initially be sent free of charge to more than one million current and future RV owners. It also will be promoted on various social media sites. The first issue will be released in February 2021.
“RV Enthusiast will not only bring unparalleled knowledge and expertise to the RV publishing space but a synergistic approach that encompasses all aspects of ownership — presented in a conversational, fun, and sometimes irreverent style,” said Hemer.
Jim Mac
For additional information, visit rventhusiastmagazine.com or contact any of the individuals listed below.
Bob Livingston, Publisher
[email protected]
Bruce Hampson, Editor
[email protected]
Chris Dougherty, Technical Director
[email protected]
Chris Hemer, Technical Editor
[email protected]
Sue Seidlitz, Advertising Director
[email protected]
Jim Mac, Social Media Director
[email protected]
