As a long-time supplier and supporter of the fire, rescue, and emergency vehicle industry, Austin Hardware is a proud member of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association (FAMA), a trade association representing manufacturers of fire apparatus, equipment, and related products.

FAMA’s primary purposes include advocacy, promoting standards and safety, providing education and training, networking and collaboration opportunities, and promoting its members and the fire apparatus industry. More specifically, FAMA’s stated mission “… is to advance and protect the interests of the fire and emergency services community through the use of our member companies’ resources. To accomplish this, FAMA members work closely with national and international organizations within the fire services and fire industry. Members assist in the development of safety and performance standards, programs, and objectives for improving fire apparatus and equipment. FAMA also provides the fire and emergency services community with the essential tools and information to help promote the need for newer and safer apparatus.”

Manufacturers of toy haulers, sports equipment, and ATV trailers are increasing their designs with larger cargo capacities to accommodate oversized vehicles, such as side-by-sides (UTVs) and motorcycles. Some are designed to serve multiple purposes, doubling as utility trailers for hauling equipment or as camping trailers with tent attachments, providing versatility for different outdoor activities.

There's a growing demand for more customization options, allowing buyers to tailor their trailers with specific features and layouts to suit their needs. Toy haulers are calling for luxury amenities such as high-end kitchens, bathrooms, and entertainment systems to make them more attractive for extended stays. Flexibility in interior layouts is also becoming popular, with modular designs that can transform the trailer space into living quarters, equipment storage, or a workspace, depending on the user's needs.

Sports equipment trailers are increasingly designed with custom storage solutions such as racks, compartments, and adjustable shelving to optimize space for specific sports equipment like bikes, skis, snowboards, and fishing gear. In the ATV trailer market, customization extends to overall trailer size and layout, storage compartments, and optional accessories like toolboxes or spare tire mounts.

Manufacturers increasingly focus on lightweight yet durable materials, such as aluminum and composite materials, to enhance fuel efficiency. These materials are durable enough to withstand rugged off-road conditions, featuring rugged suspensions, all-terrain tires, and improved ground clearance while reducing overall weight for greater fuel economy.

Trailers are increasingly equipped with smart technology, including remote monitoring systems, GPS tracking systems, automated leveling systems, and integrated entertainment controls, to enhance convenience, security, and comfort during travel. Many have also integrated LED lighting for greater visibility.

There’s also a growing emphasis on energy-efficient features. Along with the previously mentioned LED lighting, many toy haulers and some trailers are now being outfitted with solar panels for auxiliary power and eco-friendly materials.

Another growing trend is constructing trailers with integrated loading ramps, winch systems, and hydraulic lifts that make loading and unloading heavy or bulky sports equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles easier.

Enhanced safety features such as upgraded suspension systems, anti-sway technology, anti-theft measures, advanced braking systems, and reflective markings or lights for better visibility in low-light conditions are becoming more prevalent. Specialized racks, tie-down points, and adjustable straps explicitly designed to securely hold ATVs in place during transport and minimize movement and potential damage are also being integrated.

These trends in the toy hauler, ATV, and sports equipment trailer markets reflect an ongoing evolution driven by advancements in materials, technology, and consumer preferences for versatile and durable trailers tailored to support various recreational activities. Innovations are geared toward enhancing convenience, safety, and versatility. These trends indicate a growing diversification and sophistication of adventure enthusiasts and those seeking more comfort and convenience on the road.

The Top 5 Ways Bus and Motorcoach Manufacturers are trying to improve passenger comfort.

In 2024, bus and motorcoach manufacturers have begun focusing on several innovative strategies to enhance passenger comfort. Here’s a look at the top 5 ways they’re doing just that.

1. 1. One of the foremost areas being addressed is more comfortable seating. Manufacturers are taking advantage of advanced technologies by installing seats that are more ergonomic and adjustable. Specific features that have become standards that increase passenger comfort include seats that allow for increased legroom, adjustable lumbar support, and the ability to recline. Heated and cooled seats, and seats with massage functions are also becoming prevalent, though they are still considered premium upgrades and are not yet standard for most manufacturers.

The wireless access and locks market is growing and appears set to continue, thanks to technological advancements, innovation, and a growing emphasis on security and convenience.

Smart Lock Adoption and Integration

The adoption of smart locks is expanding, particularly in residential applications. This is due to the increasing popularity of smart home technologies. The ability to control locks via smartphones, integrate with smart home systems, and enhanced security features have attracted residential consumers, whether they own or rent their homes.

More and more smart locks are becoming compatible with wireless communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. These integrations allow seamless connectivity with other smart devices and enable remote locking/unlocking features, real-time alerts, and voice control.

Residential applications are not the only market segment showing growth. Specific commerce sectors, such as hospitality and real estate, where security and convenience are paramount, are also experiencing significant growth.

The boat-building industry is evolving with a strong focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and customization, adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

Boat builders manufacture various types of watercrafts for personal, commercial, and governmental use. The industry is highly influenced by consumer confidence, disposable income, and economic conditions. Because boat purchases are highly discretionary, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising interest rates have dampened demand.

In response to the economic challenges, manufacturers continue to look for solutions that will appeal to a broader demographic. Meanwhile, they are also responding with innovations that meet the desires of today’s consumers. In this post, we will examine what is happening in the industry.

When two different types of metals are joined together, a process called electrolysis—also known as galvanic corrosion—can occur. Electrolysis happens when two dissimilar metals are directly connected, causing the lesser of the two metals to corrode. The two metals must also come into contact with a conductive electrolyte for the process to occur. Ultimately, this can damage the joint, causing the metals to fail.

Several factors contribute to electrolysis when joining dissimilar metals, including differences in electrical potential, composition, and exposure to moisture or other corrosive substances. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors and how they can impact the durability of the joint.

Electrical Potential

The enclosure manufacturing market trends indicate a dynamic shift towards more advanced, flexible, and sustainable solutions that cater to evolving industrial needs and technological advancements. Innovations in materials science are also leading to the development of lighter yet more robust and durable enclosures.

Enclosure manufacturing processes are becoming more automated to be more efficient, efficient, and precise. Robotics are used for welding, assembly, and quality control, leading to faster production cycles and reduced labor costs. They’re also expanding their global footprint to access new markets and optimize their supply chains. This includes establishing manufacturing facilities in strategic locations and forming partnerships with suppliers and distributors worldwide.

What to consider when choosing work truck lighting.

Work trucks are durable vehicles built to handle heavy loads, withstand adverse weather conditions and rough terrain, and endure high mileage. The lighting you choose for your work truck has to match that durability. Work truck lights must be highly durable to function properly in all types of weather, plus they have to withstand vibration and impacts. Today’s LEDs offer long life, low power consumption, and resistance to harsh environments.

5 Essential Tips You Can't Overlook When Building a Food Truck

Manufacturing food trucks involves many critical considerations. Some are obvious, but others are less so. One of the first things under consideration is cooking and food preservation equipment. Depending on the food being prepared, they could include grills, griddles, and ovens. Indeed, they’ll need some type of refrigeration and possibly even a freezer.

Space in a food truck is at a premium, and depending on how many people need to work at a given time and the space required for food and cooking equipment, it could make for a very cramped environment. How to make the best use of that limited space is always a top concern.

Marketing is also a top-of-mind concern. Specifically, the exterior design of the food truck and signage to indicate clearly what types of food and beverages are being sold and to help the truck stand out are obvious considerations.

However, some aspects of a food truck's build are often overlooked. Addressing these overlooked elements can significantly improve the truck's functionality, safety, and longevity. Here’s our list of 5 not-so-obvious considerations for food trucks.

Reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic created revenue and profit fluctuations for the recreational vehicle industry. However, the economy’s recovery, the continued rise of e-commerce, and renewed travel interest have boosted the RV industry. Results from the RVIAs February 2024 survey found total RV shipments increased by 17.8% compared with the same period in 2023, marking the fourth consecutive month of increases. ¹

While post-pandemic recovery has stabilized after a high-growth period, with RV sales dropping 16% due to inflation and gas prices in 2022 and early 2023, the RV industry's future is still promising, driven by market segmentation, an aging population's interest in outdoor recreation, and the younger generations that value experiences and ability to work anywhere. The RV Industry Association estimates 2024 shipments at an encouraging 329,900 to 359,100 units and shipments between 374,200 and 408,600 units in 2025. ²

Price competitiveness remains crucial for RV manufacturers as consumers seek affordable options that fit their lifestyles.

More Electric / Green Logistics / Sustainability

The development of electric and hybrid RVs is a significant advancement, aligning with global sustainability goals and promising a cleaner future for the industry.

An overall shift toward sustainable transportation is driving innovation in the RV industry, with a growing focus on all-electric and hybrid models. Consumers across all generations, especially those considered Gen X, are willing to pay more for sustainable products, prompting companies like Thor and Winnebago to introduce electric motorhomes. Government incentives are also helping drive interest in electric and solar on-board power generation.

Continuing with the theme of sustainability, the demand for energy-efficient appliances and solar-powered systems in RVs is also growing. Innovations by Ford, Mercedes, and other automakers are designed to improve towing capabilities and electric vehicle range. The new focus on sustainability also includes using renewable resources, better insulation, low-flow water systems, LED lighting, and adopting lighter, recyclable materials to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Compact RV Trailers Gaining Popularity

Compact RV trailers are increasingly popular due to their affordability, space efficiency, and versatility. These compact trailers cater to a broad market by offering a practical and economical solution for outdoor adventures. They provide significant savings for families compared to motorhomes and fit various budgets and camping needs.

Compact trailers currently represent 20% of all RVs in the U.S., compared to 14% for Class A motorhomes.

These lightweight trailers are ideal for camping enthusiasts who lack the space, budget, or appropriate vehicle for a full-sized RV. New compact trailers have been introduced to capture this market range in size between teardrop and pop-up trailers. They often lack bathrooms but may include optional outdoor shower stalls.

Pop-up campers are also making a comeback as a low-cost, lightweight option for minimalist campers.

Aerodynamic Design is Key to Fuel Efficiency

The reduced range of electric vehicles to tow a trailer and the current cost of gas have fueled the need for lighter and more aerodynamic trailers. According to a CleanTechnica article, aerodynamics is more important than weight. Weight is easy to figure out, but understanding which designs are truly the most aerodynamic and will deliver greater fuel economy/EV range is a little more challenging. 

RV Lifestyle conducted an A/B test to determine the true significance of aerodynamic design. The test surmised that the more aerodynamic trailer, despite being double the length of the non-aerodynamic trailer, nearly double the weight, 7 inches taller, and having twice the tires to turn, still got 12% greater fuel efficiency.

Technology Integration

The integration of smart technology is revolutionizing the RV camping experience by enhancing comfort, convenience, and safety. Modern RVs are equipped with Internet of Things devices for remote monitoring and temperature control, lighting, fuel, and water levels. Mobile apps interface with RV systems, providing updates and alerts to users' smart devices for real-time information and control.