Welcome to RVtravel.com, America’s longest continuously published RVing newsletter. Be sure to check out all our other RV-related newsletters.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Members edition
Featured articles
Will the Camping World acquisition spree spell an end to local RV shows?
By Dave Helgeson (former long-time RV dealer and 29-year RV show manager)
Camping World continues to acquire more and more RV dealers on its “march on to world dominance.” … In some markets, Camping World has now acquired a fourth and possibly upwards of a third of the RV dealers that regularly exhibit at local RV shows. This begs the question of what will happen to local RV shows when “King Marcus Lemonis” invokes his policy of not supporting them? Read about some possible scenarios here.
More campers embracing artificial intelligence, says KOA. How about you?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Campground giant KOA, which has more spots across the U.S. than a kid with chickenpox, says “campers” are embracing artificial intelligence. The big company just released a report that says “campers” are far quicker to adopt “silicon chip brains” than are other travelers. We’d like to differentiate “campers” from RVers and get your opinion. Continue reading then let us know what you think (with your human intelligence).
RV park industry comes up short in disaster planning
By Andy Zipser
Just ahead of hurricane season, which officially kicked off June 1, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds held a webinar/campfire session about disaster planning. The session wasn’t without merit, but as with many ARVC offerings, it was more reactive than proactive, following the news rather than getting ahead of it. Moreover, the session failed to deliver on its timely promise that it would “consider insurance options,” the lack of which is shaping up as a crucial economic threat to the industry. … Meanwhile, it goes almost without saying that campgrounds and RV parks are more vulnerable than other businesses to environmental assault. Read more.
Camping World to offer exclusive RV brands at some stores
Camping World Holdings, Inc. is launching a new brand-specific dealership format. Select dealerships will focus solely on showcasing, selling and servicing specific brands. The rollout has begun with the opening of the Jayco Morgan Hill facility in California. Camping World is also collaborating with THOR’s Keystone RV division for potential single-brand stores in northern Michigan and Minnesota, and an undisclosed manufacturer-exclusive outlet is being developed near the recently acquired Van Boxtel RV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Learn more.
Operating new electric Pebble RV aims to be as easy as an iPhone
A new RV manufacturer named Pebble has announced plans to develop a hassle-free electric travel trailer, which it calls an “RV experience.” The company says, “Pebble integrates some of the most advanced automotive and electric vehicle technology available today to streamline the user experience. The interior is equipped with everything users need to work, sleep, explore and relax comfortably that allows users to live off-grid for up to seven days.” Continue reading.
Campground Crowding
Reservations: ‘These days, you get what you’re willing to pay for’
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than was the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon shares Craig P.’s thoughts on the need to be flexible, especially since camping is different than times past. (What’s that got to do with “roadkill”?) Of course, there are more complaints about no-shows, and even more advice to be flexible (sounds like a good idea, since many folks mention that). [That reminds Diane of what’s on the bottom of Chris Guld’s (GeeksOnTour.com) emails: “Blessed be the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”] A couple of folks aren’t going to tell us their secrets about how and where they make their reservations. Aww, c’mon guys!
RV Tours
Three terrific travel trailers without dinettes
By Cheri Sicard
Looking for travel trailers WITHOUT dinettes? I can’t say I blame you. … If you, like me, are in the “I’d rather have more floor space than a dinette” category, Mike and Susan from RV Blogger have produced a video highlighting three of their favorite travel trailers without dinettes. Let’s look at the trailers Mike and Susan recommend.
That was the RV week that was
June 10–16, 2023
Campground Views, where RVers can “drive through campgrounds” virtually from their computer or mobile device (like Google’s Street View) and reserve a campsite they like right on the spot, keeps growing. The innovative online resource has now passed 1,280 virtual tours and is adding dozens of locations each month. It now includes 65% of all Recreation.gov properties, all of the state park campgrounds in Oregon, Washington, Utah, Arizona, and Louisiana, and a large and growing number of state parks in California and New Mexico.
KOA has received initial approval for a Terramor Glampground in Wilmington, New York, at what was formerly a KOA campground. The glampground, which would not accommodate RVs, could be filled with 80 platform-style “glamping” tents, a lodge and restaurant building, a pavilion and a pool with a cabana building, a general manager’s house and a dormitory-style building with enough rooms for up to 12 future employees.
A Hungarian company called Dembell (no, not dumbbell) is building a super-luxury motorhome that comes with its own car garage. It also has a walk-in shower, heated toilet seat (now that’s roughin’ it for you!), a wine cooler and retractable robe hanger. It’s only $1.5 million.
RV manufacturer Thor Industries has reported decreased profits and sales in its fiscal third quarter. During the quarter ending on April 30, Thor Industries earned $120.7 million, or $2.24 per share, in contrast to $348.1 million, or $6.32 per share, in the same period the previous year. Although sales dropped by 37.1% to $2.93 billion, Thor Industries fared better than analysts’ expectations of $2.81 billion, highlighting the company’s resilience in challenging circumstances.
Five dogs were killed in an RV fire at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The incident occurred the day before the start of the American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show. Bystanders noticed smoke coming from the RV’s vents and attempted to rescue the dogs but couldn’t due to the flames and smoke. No humans were injured. An investigation is underway.
Recreational visits to Yellowstone National Park declined in May, with a reported 454,929 visits, a 13% decrease from May 2022, which was the busiest May in the park’s history.
The National Park Service in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration is seeking public input on a proposed project to rehabilitate the Scenic Drive and multiple parking lots in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park. Many of the park’s parking lots were designed and built in the 1960s, when the park received about 160,000 visitors a year. Currently, more than 1.2 million visit annually and improvements are needed for park infrastructure to accommodate the increase. Comment here.
A new initiative called TrailQuipt Bear Spray Rentals offers tourists the opportunity to rent bear spray at three locations in southwest Montana. The kiosks provide bear spray rentals starting at $16 for two days and $28 for two weeks, with a refundable deposit of $60. If the bear spray is unused, the deposit is returned. Reservations can be made online without a deposit, and the rentals can be returned to any of the three locations.
And speaking of bears, here’s a reminder to keep your windows closed when away from your vehicle in bear country. Workers for a glass company captured video when a bear wandered up to their New Hampshire work site, climbed into a truck and feasted on a worker’s lunch in the front seat. The good news? The hungry fellow left without leaving even a single scratch on the vehicle.
The start of summer is upon us and there’s some good news: Gas is cheaper than last year! Lackluster demand and low oil costs are keeping gas prices relatively stable. The national average for a gallon of gas rose two cents since Wednesday, to $3.58, but that’s a whopping $1.43 less than a year ago.
California State Parks has launched the ‘Virtual Adventurer’ app to help users engage with the state’s natural and cultural landscapes. Combining augmented and virtual reality technologies, the app offers immersive experiences and storytelling through holograms and reconstructions. Users can explore iconic locations in nine participating state parks, such as Coyote Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and a reimagined Chinatown at Bodie State Historic Park. The app provides access to California’s rich history and scenic beauty at users’ fingertips.
The Tampa Bay Summer RV Show enjoyed the second-largest crowd ever with more than 7,600 people attending the four-day event at the Florida State Fairgrounds
Camping platform The Dyrt has introduced a new feature called The Dyrt Alerts for its PRO members. This feature notifies campers about openings at previously fully booked campgrounds. With the increasing difficulty of finding available campsites, The Dyrt responded to user feedback by incorporating this alert system into its $35.99 annual PRO membership. PRO members now receive two reusable scans to track campground availability, allowing them to modify and update their searches without any extra fees. Try a PRO membership for free here.
Salt Lake City, Utah, will establish a sanctioned homeless campground. The Utah Office of Homeless Services plans to identify public land for safe parking and structured sanctioned encampments by 2025. The Utah Office of Homeless Services is collaborating with the state and Utah Department of Transportation to identify suitable lots for the campground.
RV Business Magazine has published its 2023 RV Dealer Directory. This is a terrific resource for learning all about North American RV dealers — where they are, what they sell, and how to contact them. Read it online here.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, opened the Shady Creek Recreation Area campground, located near Muscatine, Iowa, on June 16. The opening was delayed due to infrastructure upgrades within the park. Need reservations? Visit www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
RVtravel.com contributing writer Dave Helgeson will present a seminar at this September’s Hershey RV Show titled “Dry Camping Tips and Tricks.” Here’s its description: “Thousands of designated (non-utility) campsites remain vacant every night, even in the busiest season. In these days of crowded campgrounds, learning how to become a better dry camper will give you the confidence to utilize a non-utility campsite for a couple of nights or longer when all the full-hookup sites are taken.” Read Dave’s stories on RVtravel.com here.
Sad news for some RV snowbirds who spend winters in Yuma, Arizona. The community’s YMCA will close August 11, ending recreational, fitness and other programs it has offered to area residents for nearly a quarter-century.
Monarch Alternative Capital LP, an investment firm with approximately $11 billion of assets under management, has formed Go Outdoors, a platform to acquire, develop, and operate marinas and RV resorts across the United States. Learn more.
KOA has opened its 25th location in Texas, near Bryan-North College Station. The campground is off Texas 6 on the Brazos-Robertson County line and offers 115 concrete sites with various amenities, including pull-through sites, premium sites with fire pits, a swimming pool, playground, and a dog park. Two cabins named Lone Star and 12th Man are also available.
Fleetwood (Fleetwood RV, Holiday Rambler, American Coach) plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025 by introducing new Class B and Class C Fleetwood RV and Holiday Rambler models.
Camping World is acquiring Funtime RV in Oregon, which operates three locations in Tualatin, Sandy, and Klamath Falls, predominantly selling Forest River RV and Keystone RV products. The acquisition is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2023.
Campers Inn RV is acquiring Dylan’s RV Center in Sewell, New Jersey. The 48,500-square-foot RV center sells type A, B and C motorhomes as well as providing service and RV storage. It is the second location Campers Inn RV acquired in New Jersey in the past year.
Ford is recalling certain 2019-2023 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600 SuperCab trucks and three-passenger front bench seat regular cab vehicles. The owner’s manual does not include instructions for adjusting or removing certain head restraints. Ford’s number for this recall is 23C20. Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 to learn more.
FUNNY: Break-in at the Apple store! Police are looking for iWitnesses.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win this 4-pack of camping-themed kitchen towels?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (June 17, 2023) by 7 p.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email via RVcontests@gmail.com that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Reader poll
How long is your RV?
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
Early-morning crooks made off with a big haul in Henderson, Nevada. On June 8, sometime close to 5:00 a.m., the bad guys made off with a brand-new 2023 Entegra Vision XL 34G. The “vanishing point” was in the 300 block of Calabria Beach Street. Photos show the rig itself, and a person and vehicle of interest. The stolen rig was last seen with Arizona temporary tag 5477R29. Know something? Call the Henderson Police at 702-267-5000.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
Who publishes 700+ RV newsletters a year? Only us!
RVtravel.com would not be possible without the financial support of our voluntary contributors. Hey, that’s you! Thank you! Your support helps us avoid relying on advertising, and keeps our resource-rich work unbiased and free for all RVers to enjoy. Every contribution makes a difference. A donation of $10 a year comes out to less than 2 cents for each issue we publish. That’s all! And, as you know, as a contributor you receive a special member-only ad-free version of our weekend newsletters forever as one way for us to say thank you. If you haven’t contributed for awhile, would you please consider making another donation now? But absolutely no need to, just if you feel like it. Thanks! Learn more or donate.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of June 12, 2023:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.60
Change from week before: Up 5 cents; Change from year before: Down $1.41.
Diesel: $3.79
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Down $1.92.
For fuel prices for specific states, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain Teaser
What has thirteen hearts, but no body or soul?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
New Facebook Group from RVtravel.com: RVing the Midwest.
Upcoming RV shows
Click here for a directory of upcoming shows.
Recipe of the Day
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
by Kitchen Crew from Nashville, TN
Grilling bacon-wrapped pineapple is a delicious marriage of sweet, smoky, and salty flavors. We’ve amped the flavor even more with a brush of spiced brown sugar maple glaze in this recipe. The bacon is slightly precooked before wrapping the pineapple chunks. This, and finishing cooking the bacon on a layer of foil, helps the bacon become crisp and prevents flame flare-ups from excess grease. The final result is crispy sugared bacon wrapped around the juicy, tart and sweet pineapple. Yum! If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful appetizer for your next BBQ, give these a try.
Trivia
We can credit Shakespeare for making up more than 1,700 words that we use today. Some of these include: critical, lonely, road, suspicious, gloomy and eventful. Click here to see a list of more words.
Laugh of the Week
“I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They’ve experienced pain and bought jewelry.” —Rita Rudner
Today in History
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade and Paul Lacitinola. Moderator: Gary Gilmore. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Artificial (AI) contributors: Johnny Robot and Milly MacWilly. Canine Mascots: Archie and Astor “the Disaster”
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2023 by RV Travel LLC.
I’ve been holding off buying an RV until I can get one with a heated toilet seat and retractable robe hanger. 🤣🤣
I think wine coolers should be required
Instead of the heated seat I wound rather have a bidet that sprays warm water on my bottom instead of ice water.
Thanks for that. No really, thank you. 💩
bet you can install your own as an accessory. LOL No, seriously, I added a bidet to our RV toilet.
What kind of bidet, name brand. We have a small oval seat. Can’t seem to find one. Use stick on toilet (felt) for warm
We installed an elongated toilet. Bidet needs it, plus other attachments.
Other attachments???
Guess we are really roughing it..our porcelain throne has no attachments…unless you count the “water saver (whatever that means)” hose.
Searched for Shady Creek Recreation Area campground, and all I found was a boat ramp named that. NO listing for a campground.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233624
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233624
Here you go, Chris: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Mississippi-River-Project/Recreation/Shady-Creek/ I Googled it and that popped right up. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Would you publish a list & location of the dealers Camping World has purchased? I won’t do business with Camping World but I can’t keep up with the names under which they operate.
Ron: I believe they all operate as “Camping World”. The original owners or names are dropped. (At least all the ones I’ve seen or read about).
Hi, Ron. Here is a link to Camping World’s website which lists their locations: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations I would assume they would all be listed there, no matter what name they’re under. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
It’s a good day when a new COE campground opens up. Thanks USACE!!!
some article’s comment sections work fine, but others (today is Dave Helgeson’s article) show the ‘sending’ gif but the comment is never entered. No displayed reason why..
Hi, Jim. Sorry your comment didn’t get posted. I just checked the post and the comments feature is turned on. In fact, there are 33 comments posted on it already. Maybe there’s a box you need to check first so your comment will post? I’m not sure, since I don’t have to go that route to post a comment and I’m not sure how these are set up for our readers. But with all of the comments you have posted previously, I have no idea why it wouldn’t accept that one.🤔 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I have had that happen a number of times over the last couple of weeks. I’ve had to erase and start over, just forget it, or write my response in word, so I don’t forget it, wait a while and then paste it in. I thought it to be just my computer. Probably happened to me about 6 times. I was wondering if you were just getting tired of hearing from me.
That’ll never happen, Kelly. Have a good night.🤗 –Diane
As a matter of fact it happened today. First post under Andy Zipser’s column went thru, second post under Andy’s column did not go thru until I wrote it in Word and pasted into it.
Diane, FYI, I JUST now tried to reply to Cancelproof and my comment was not accepted. kellyr
Sorry, Kelly (and Jim). (And sorry for the late response.) That’s very weird. I have no idea what’s going on. (Gremlins?) I’ll contact our IT dude, Kim, and see if he has any idea. But I’m not sure when he’ll respond. Thank you for your patience in the meantime. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Re; Parking Lots at Capital Reef NP… Kudos to the NPS for asking for input from citizens who have actually used the parking lots. Very refreshing!
Didn’t see ‘Virtual Adventurer’ app on the app store! Is there another way to get it or is it only available for iPhones?
Snoopy
Hi, Snoopy. On Google Play, there are lots of apps for TimeLooper, Inc., including Virtual Adventurer. Here’s the list of its apps on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=TimeLooper+Inc&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Re: today’s poll.
I enjoy the news briefs. Its the cherry on top of a great publication. I mean, today we get a look at DEMBELL with the rear garage. Almost always get a bear story or picture. IMO, it’s good.
Not related to this issue….want to thank whoever mentioned Ashland RV Park in Ashland, NE and the Strategic Air Command Museum 2 miles away. Great park (would be nice if they had more than 3 full hook sites, but we were there a short time) and the museum was terrific. Also got to see the American Museum of Speed in Lincoln, 30 minutes away. Ashland is a quaint small town and enjoyed visiting the town and the area. Thanks whoever you were!!
I mostly read rv news for the short articles.
Its getting old always droning on about, crowded, high cost camp grounds,get over it!!
You cant expect prices to stay the same as , the good old days.
ck
I enjoy almost all the articles in the news letters. Please keep them going.
Also, just drove up the entire west coast of the US, and it seemed like every (hundreds of them) RV lot was mostly completly full of RVs for sale, even the CW lots🙃
Concerning Yuma AZ. , not only the YMCA shutting down. The hospital and every public resource has been completely overwhelmed and devastated. The city of Yuma is being destroyed. And we all know who is responsible
I have a couple of unrelated issues I’d like to have you address, Diane, if you would. First of all, when I post a comment (unlike Kelly and others, I haven’t had any trouble with posting) it seems like there is no way of knowing if anyone responds (Unless I were to keep checking back in with the post)? Is there a way to get a reply on my email?
On an unrelated issue, I wonder if you have thought of allowing people to pay to advertise to sell there RVs on here? Seems like this is a captive audience and the extra funds might prove helpful? Thanks
Hi, Wren. Thanks for your questions. Just above the comment box it says “Subscribe to comments.” Click on the down arrow and you’ll have two options (with arrows in the box): “Notify of new follow-up comments” and “Notify of replies to my comments.” Select which you want, then click the arrow in the blue box on the right. If you change your mind, click the down arrow by “Subscribe to comments” and click on Unsubscribe. Regarding allowing people to pay to advertise to sell their RVs on RVtravel.com, Chuck has mentioned that before and didn’t think it would be a good idea. (He and Emily are the ones to decide on anything like that.) But thanks for the idea. Have a great day, Wren. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thanks so much for the helpful info Diane. I am “subscribed!”
Yay! You’re welcome, Wren. I’m not sure (since I’m not at all techy and never go through the public procedure to comment), but you might have to select that for each comment? I’ll check with our IT dude, Kim, because now I’m curious about that. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com