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Saturday, September 30, 2023
Issue 1124
Members edition
Featured articles
Recreation.gov lawsuit dismissed by plaintiffs
By Randall Brink
The plaintiffs who filed suit against Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., the Recreation.gov campground reservations system operator, have voluntarily dismissed their case. The proceedings in Wilson, et al., v. Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., et al., ended on September 25, 2023, when the plaintiffs dismissed the case after a lengthy discovery process. Learn more.
Federal government shutdown likely. What will it mean for public lands access?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
At the time of this writing, Friday, September 29, from all appearances, the likelihood of a federal government shutdown happening on Sunday is a safe bet. We’ll leave the politics out of this article, and get to how RVers and others could be affected. What will happen to access to national parks and other public lands? Here’s the latest information.
Starlink RV News: FAA enters space debris field with Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
By Randall Brink
As of September 2023, there are more than 9,000 active satellites in orbit. More than half—5,157—are Starlink satellites. … While scientific and general media coverage has expended much ink on the negative effect a large number of satellites have on radio astronomy, some people, including RV Travel readers, have raised the question of collision risk amid the density of orbital vehicles and space debris. The question points to another risk with so much equipment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—the potential for Kessler Syndrome. Learn more.
California’s diesel engine testing rules roll out. Are you affected?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Back in 2021, we wrote about mandatory diesel emissions testing that California was cooking up. Come October 1, this year, those new rules are more than just talk: The diesel engine testing rules are kicking in. If you have a diesel engine, will you be affected? Find out here.
Federal law enforcement officers deployed on BLM, USFS lands since 1976
By Randall Brink
On September 21, 2023, RV Travel published a story about the shooting of Brooks Roberts by federal law enforcement officers of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in the Payette National Forest of Idaho. Readers responded to the incident with surprise that the Forest Service and BLM even had armed law enforcement officers. Learn more.
Campground Crowding
You thought $245 a night was bad? How about $300 a night?!
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your stories about boondocking to save money and avoid reservation hassles, another report about not having reservation issues at all, more complaints about empty camping spots when the campground is supposedly “sold out,” and some high-priced RV resorts on the West Coast.
RV Video Tour
Blast from the past: Tour an all-original 1979 GMC motorhome
By Cheri Sicard
Take a look at a true RV classic, the 1978 GMC Eleganza II 26-foot Class A motorhome. Patrick Botticelli from New Jersey Outdoor Adventures gives us a tour of this iconic fiberglass RV in the video below. He says at the time there were several models of similar GMC motorhomes that were mostly distinguished by their interior decors. … The GMC motorhome was what Patrick calls a “barn find,” meaning it had been tucked away in someone’s barn for years if not decades. Therefore, it is in mostly original condition.
That was the RV week that was
September 23–29, 2023
The RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported this week that 28,071 recreational vehicles were shipped from manufacturers last month (August 2023), a decrease of 16.9% from the 33,783 units shipped in August 2022. Year to date, RV shipments are down 45.0% with 213,421 units shipped. Read more.
More women are hitting the road in RVs. The September report from Go RVing shows a 13 percent increase in female RV ownership from 2021 to 2023, and a 16 percent increase in women traveling in RVs from 2021 to 2023.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain 2016-2024 Allegro Bus and 2017-2024 Zephyr motorhomes. The 240-volt induction cooktop may not be grounded, which could create an electrical shock hazard if the wires were to short-circuit. An electrical shock can increase the risk of an accident and injury. As many as 1,188 RVs may be affected by this recall. Learn more.
The average price of gas in California hit $6.079 on Thursday, compared to $3.84 for the nation. A gallon of diesel was $6.444. The current state gasoline average is up nearly 75 cents from a month ago, according to AAA. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for a state regulator to transition early to a winter fuel blend to alleviate high gas prices. He also requested the California Energy Commission look into whether prices are being manipulated by the industry.
RV owners with their units in for service at the Camping World in East Ridge, Tennessee, were worried last weekend if their RVs survived a three-alarm fire that destroyed a warehouse and some RVs. Some vehicles were destroyed, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. RVer Don Bowers told a local TV station that he saw what he thought was his half-million-dollar RV. He said he had insurance. No one was injured in the blaze.
Construction is underway on The Bend RV Park with 176 parking sites just off U.S. 97 in Bend, Oregon. “The goal here is to have a luxury RV park for people traveling to Bend who stay for a short period of time,” said developer David Swisher. There will be 30 accompanying dog patios. The complex will include a community recreation center, workout facilities, pools, hot tubs, dog park and pickleball and basketball courts.
The 2023 Elkhart RV Open House, the RV industry’s largest meetup of the year of manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, wrapped up yesterday. RVbusiness.com reported that foot traffic “seemed noticeably down compared to past years.” The show’s focus is for dealers to look over new model RVs and to place orders for their operations. You can read Part 1 of Tony Barthel’s review of the show and what he saw in tomorrow’s RV Travel Newsletter.
Airstream has announced that its Airstream Smart Control connected vehicle app will soon be available in Apple CarPlay, allowing owners of late-model Airstream Classic and Pottery Barn Special Edition travel trailers to monitor important RV functions with reduced distraction while towing or adventuring away from their RV. Learn more.
THOR Industries sales dropped dramatically in fiscal year 2023. The company announced September 25 that its net sales of $11.12 billion for 2023 were off just shy of a third (31.8 percent) from fiscal year 2022, when they were $16.31 billion. The company is projecting net sales of $10.5 to $11 billion for fiscal year 2024.
The National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are seeking public input on a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that evaluates options for restoring grizzly bears to the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington, where the animals once roamed. Learn more.
Forest River is recalling certain 2024 East to West Tandara and Blackthorn fifth wheels. The rear ladder may not be anchored properly in the rear wall, which can allow the ladder to detach. Owners may contact Forest River Customer Service at 1-574-264-6664. The recall number is 500-1678.
The Placerville, California, KOA is now the Placerville RV Resort and Campground, an independent property now under the banner of BoaVida RV Parks and Resorts, which owns and operates 18 outdoor hospitality properties throughout the Western U.S. Placerville RV Resort is BoaVida RV Park and Resort’s second transition to an independent property. In 2021, BoaVida rebranded a franchised property, the Willits KOA, to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Tiger’s Trail RV Resort in Baton Rouge, La., across from the L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, celebrated its grand opening Thursday. It offers 220 RV sites. All include concrete pads and patios, 30/50-amp electrical service, full hookups and Wi-Fi.
Beginning on October 16, Washington’s Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park will close for the demolition and removal of the remaining debris from the park lodge, which burned down May 7. The area should reopen, weather permitting, before the winter recreation season in December.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments by October 25 on proposed fee changes for backcountry permits and campgrounds in Death Valley National Park. The NPS proposes to increase nightly campsite fees by $4 to $8. Some backcountry permits would become reservable in advance on Recreation.gov with a fee. Continue reading.
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween? How about taking in a SPOOKY Cave-IN Movie from inside the cave at Kentucky’s Carter Caves State Park. Admission ($10 for adults 13 and older, less or free for kids) includes the movie, drinks and snacks. You furnish the chairs. Movie titles will be announced closer to the event, which will be held three times: Saturday, October 7; Friday, October 13; and Saturday, October 21. Learn more.
Effective yesterday, campfires are once again allowed in established fire rings in campgrounds and day-use areas and on lakeshores below the high-water mark throughout Washington state’s Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Charcoal grills will also be allowed at this time.
You won’t be able to snap your fall foliage selfie at a popular Vermont spot. The road has been temporarily closed to nonresidents due to overcrowding and “poorly behaved tourists.” The normally quiet dirt road from Pomfret to Woodstock is home to the frequently photographed Sleepy Hollow Farm. In recent years, leaf-peepers have clogged the narrow road for selfies and fall foliage shots of the scenic private property, drawn by its colorful hillside trees, the barn and classic New England home.
Most of the country’s national parks will close and be made off-limits to the public if the federal government shuts down tomorrow, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced yesterday, affecting millions of visitors. “Gates will be locked, visitor centers will be closed, and thousands of park rangers will be furloughed,” the agency said in a statement announcing its plans to wind down operations at hundreds of sites. Arizona officials said they would keep their parks open using state funds. Learn more here.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2022 EKKO, 2020-2022 Minnie Winnie, Spirit, 2020-2022 View, Navion, and 2020-2021 Vita and Porto motorhomes. An incorrect hitch label was installed, which can lead to overloading of the vehicle. Read more.
One man died and two others were severely burned Wednesday in a motorhome fire at a gas station in Stickney, Illinois, near Chicago. Witnesses said the men were filling two cans with gas, which they then carried inside the RV. An explosion followed, trapping one man inside the RV and blowing another out its door.
The Bureau of Reclamation is temporarily closing the Teton Park Road across the Jackson Lake Dam in Grand Teton National Park on an intermittent basis Oct. 11-13 to perform crane work on the dam. The closures will occur Wednesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., for up to two hours each time. The road will remain open in the evenings.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win this queen-sized fall happy camping duvet cover?
This adorable fall-themed duvet cover will spruce up your RV and help you get into the autumn spirit! It comes with two pillowcases and fits a queen-sized bed.
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (September 30, 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
Do you collect refrigerator magnets when you travel?
Please respond here and see how others responded.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
This trailer was stolen from Tallahassee, Fla., on September 4 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. while parked in the back of a church’s property off Apalachee Parkway going towards Chaires, a few miles past the Walmart. A white SUV was seen backed up to it. A police report has been filed. It’s a 31-foot 2006 Keystone Outback Sydney edition with one slide. A Predator generator was also stolen along with many of the family’s personal possessions inside the RV. Contact Tallahassee police, 850-891-4200, if you have information.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of September 25, 2023:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.84
Change from week before: Down 4 cents; Change from year before: Up 13 cents.
Diesel: $4.59
Change from week before: Down 5 cents; Change from year before: Down 30 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain Teaser
I have a head and a tail but they never meet. Having too many of me is always a treat! What am I?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
Upcoming RV shows
Click here for a directory of upcoming shows.
Recipe of the Day
Betty’s Thai Basil Stir-Fry Chicken
by Betty Bramanis from Sydney, Australia
Using Thai basil in this chicken stir-fry adds an amazing aroma and flavor to the dish. Thai basil has a savory, anise-like flavor which is completely different from the Italian basil (used in pesto). This stir-fry is sweet and salty with savory chicken and crunchy cashews. Serve with rice and enjoy! If you want to add some spice, top with a little bit of garlic chili sauce.
Trivia
In the 18th century, human alarm clocks were known as “knocker-uppers.” Clocks were expensive back then, so workers across the British Isles relied on human alarm clocks called knocker-uppers. The knocker-uppers would work in the early hours of the morning, knocking on doors and windows to wake up their sleepy clients. The role was usually filled by people already up that early, such as police constables and lamp lighters, or early-rising elderly people who wanted a little extra income.
Laugh of the Week
This is too funny! Click to play. You will like this!
Today in History
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher and Ethics Advisor: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg and Cheri Sicard. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, Jan Steele and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Artificial Intelligence (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.
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Your joke of the day isn’t available to Canadians even though it comes from Canada? I had to use my VPN to watch it. WTH is going on?
Probably because no gender neutral placard was on the front of the portapotty, or possibly because one of the actors looked a little like Justin and we all know what free speech looks like in Ottawa.
Justin’s a joke all by himself.
Your bigoted opinion is wrong. It is blocked because Canadian parliament passed a law requiring Google (among others) to compensate news organizations for linking to news content. The video was produced by the Associated Press, who chose to make it available on YouTube, but still believes they should be compensated. Google has responded by not displaying content from news organizations in Canada.
This Bigot didn’t invite and then celebrate with a standing ovation a proud WW2 NAZI officer in Parliament 2 weeks ago. However, your point about Google and monetization is very informative, mostly that Justin’s approved speech police are on duty. Just ask the couple of million parents that marched 3 weeks ago for CIVIL RIGHTS IN CANADA. So in a country that now openly celebrates NAZI officers in parliament, it is no wonder that the leader’s attitude more resembles that of the 3rd Reich than his own civil rights champion of a father, Pierre, …. or was he the father.
What exactly was it I said, that made you label me a BIGOT? Or are you simply just very, verrrryyyy sensitive?
Yes, totally agree
Common sense says NOT to store gas containers or propane containers INSIDE your RV whether they are empty or full.
I think a lot of people who don’t mess with gas machinery much don’t realize that.
Anybody who tows a trailer and goes to get a propane bottle/tank filled, using an SUV or car: It may even be illegal to have the tank in your vehicle. If you must do it, strap the tank in with a seatbelt, and have the windows open to be sure fumes aren’t trapped. It may seem like overkill, but, accidents like the one in this article really do happen and really can be deadly.
According to the Department of Transportation regulations, it is not illegal to transport propane bottles in a vehicle. There is a size limit, however I don’t remember what it is. I remembered that transporting my two 30lb bottles in my vehicle to get them refilled is not illegal.
Up to four propane cylinders can legally be transported in an enclosed vehicle. The total weight of propane transported in an enclosed vehicle must stay within 90 pounds. Any cylinder in an enclosed vehicle must stay within a 45-pound limit. The sizes of the propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle can differ, but the total propane weight must stay within 90 pounds. Cylinders should be transported upright, secured from movement, and with adequate ventilation.
Common sense is something not taught while playing video games. It’s only taught by parental supervision and real life experiences.
Laugh of the Week is hilarious! 🤣😅
They needed gas for a generator? Hell of a price fo pay.
Lesson, dont FILL a portable tank and strap it down
Gasoline prices are definitely being manipulated by the gas companies as they go for ever increasing profits. I filled up Friday in Ohio at $2.93 a gal for reg. The difference isn’t the state tax levels as Calif tax in $0.77 a gal. Ohio is $0.38 I guess $30 to $50 Billion profit isn’t enough for the gas companies.
I know, right. So happy I’m long in the energy markets. Well managed, high profits, sharing the wealth. 3 cheers for the oil companies. Hip hip hooray. Hip Hip hooray. Hip Hip hooray. Go oil go, go oil go, go oil go.
You are correct. Almost everything we use in our daily lives comes from big oil, big chemical, big mining and manufacturing. The plastic things are made of, the nylon, polyester and elastic in your clothes, the rubber in your shoes. If we got rid of everything these industries give us, we would be in a world of hurt. Russia and Saudi Arabia cut back on production to decrease supply. Oil is a Global commodity so the price is driven by Global demand. If I remember correctly, the oil companies pay over half of their profits in taxes. Those taxes are just another expense to the company that gets added to the cost of any product produced. So, who pays those taxes? YOU do.
So true, no company ever pays taxes!
heh heh…that’s funny.
I have a suggestion. Could we put the “campground crowding” section on hold for the rest of the year and replace it with something a bit more positive? Seems we have beat this horse to death with no real resolution: just more moaning and groaning.
It is really pretty simple. We campers talk the economic lingo re “supply and demand” as if we don’t realize that WE are the demand. We can control prices, but only if we can control our desire to roam. Change only happens when those who are impacted by it care enough to take a determined, often difficult, stance. Many campers will never get to that point since minor inconveniences seem to be their breaking point.
I hope the new Placerville RV “Resort” is going to get a serious makeover, when it was a KOA it was pretty dismal.
HEY RVTravel! So happy we’re back to the old comment platform!! I can BOLD, I can Italicize, I can underline, I can
strike! ! I can really express myself again. Thank you!!HEY, Matt! And we’re happy you, and a lot of other readers, are happy, too!!! The company that runs the comment section had to upgrade their security, so all we could do was wait in the meantime. It was a long time coming, but we’re glad to have the editing options back, and we’re glad there’s even more security now than there was before. Thank you all for your patience in the meantime.🤗 And just look at how creative you are!👍 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
The term “knock up” was used in a Sherlock Holmes story. It meant to wake someone up.
Thank you, Emily and Diane!