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Saturday, October 7, 2023
Issue 1125
Members edition
Featured articles
Pepsi’s experience may speak to e-motorhoming future
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If the future holds the demise of petro-fired engines, then RVing will have to change or die. There’s been plenty written about whether or not electric vehicle technology can really work for RVs. We’ve seen a smattering of smaller e-RVs, but nothing definitive for large motorhomes. But soft drink giant Pepsi is running a fleet of electric-powered semitrucks. Their experience may speak to the future of e-motorhoming. What can we learn from it? Find out here.
A costly conundrum: San Francisco’s Candlestick homeless RV encampment
By Randall Brink
Amidst the towering edifices and iconic landscapes of San Francisco, a dichotomy of existence is laid bare at the Candlestick homeless RV encampment. San Francisco, like most large cities in the West, grapples with a growing homelessness crisis. Near the site of the former Candlestick Park baseball stadium, the city has attempted a temporary solution in the form of RV encampments. Continue reading this in-depth report.
Used RV market report: Falling leaves, falling trailer prices
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
The August 2023 market report for used RV prices has arrived. For the second straight month, wholesale auction prices for towable RVs have declined. Motorhome values have inched up, following their odd pattern over the last year. Falling trailer prices are good, and they may go lower, says our industry expert. Learn more.
Starlink News: Full U.S. coverage now; expanded cell phone service soon
By Randall Brink
On October 5, SpaceX launched 22 more Starlink satellites into orbit on the company’s 70th orbital mission of the year. Starlink Internet service is now fully available across the entire United States. The company also said that before the end of this year, it will introduce a “Direct-to-Cell” phone service. RVers can now put the Starlink service blind spots in the rear view. Continue reading.
Winds blow over, shove motorhome across a highway (VIDEO)
A family that saved up eight years for the trip of a lifetime got more than they bargained for when winds blew their rental motorhome across a highway. Dash camera video from a rig not far behind the hapless Class C recorded it all. Watch it here.
Campground Crowding
Charges for site reservation AND entry fee into campground. “Inflated costs are making it nearly impossible to continue travel”
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 shares some of your comments and emails about planning trips waaay ahead, being selective as to the type of campgrounds to stay at in order to save money, how corporations are a big reason for increased campground expenses, and the value of buying your own lot.
Click here to read those and many more stories
RV Video Tour
Tour the 2024 Jayco Seneca XT 29T Super Class C motorhome
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, join Mike Drudge from Vogt RV World and take a tour of the brand-new 2024 Jayco Seneca XT 29T Super Class C motorhome. Starting outside, I was impressed by the huge amount of storage under the RV and the stylish full-body paint job. You’ll find lots of pass-through and additional cargo storage. So if you like to haul a lot of gear, this one has you covered.
Click to read more and take the tour
That was the RV week that was
September 30 – October 6, 2023
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has a new job. No, he’s not leaving CW, but has been appointed to the board of directors of Overstock.com. Overstock hopes Lemonis will use his “expertise in leadership, retail, branding, and customer engagement” to help them grow. They’ll need it. Overstock bought up Bed Bath & Beyond when it went bankrupt. So far, that move has proven to be a money loser.
The pandemic boost in RV sales had dealers and manufacturers walking on air. Then came the big sales decline that has seen sales way off over the last year. What do RV dealers see in the tea leaves? The South Bend (Indiana) Tribune says dealers at the three-day Dealer RV Open House that wrapped up at the end of September are crowing that the “worst is over.” Nearly all dealers at the show expressed the sentiment that “declines should level off this year before showing signs of improvement in 2024.”
Glacier National Park has reopened the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road after winter-like weather conditions shut the road down for a number of days. Permits are not required to enter the road like they were during the peak summer season; however, the park notes rangers may need to announce closures if the road is too congested. To see up-to-date road conditions, click here. From NBCMontana.com
Two RV retail industry giants, Camping World and Lazy Days, have something new in common: They’re both closing one of their retail locations. Camping World is shutting down it’s Hermantown, Minnesota, storefront, near Duluth. Lazy Days says it’s closing its “Chicagoland” operation, actually located in Burns Harbor, Indiana.
Parts of State Route 190 (CA-190) and Death Valley National Park are tentatively scheduled to reopen on October 15. This reopening date depends on several factors, including future weather events and the availability of materials to fix the road. When this section of CA-190 reopens, drivers should anticipate multiple 24-hour traffic control points where repair work is ongoing. More info at nps.gov.
So much is said about inclusion these days. Now Oregon’s state parks officials are talking about exclusion. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has proposed rules for excluding people from parks “who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020 and 736-021-0040).” In developing the rules, input was taken from a variety of folks including mental health professionals and park hosts. You can comment online until November 5 here.
Another hiker has died at Grand Canyon National Park. Ranjith Varma, 55, of Manassas, Virginia, died last Saturday, most likely due to the heat, which topped 100 degrees. Experts estimate that between 10 and 20 people die hiking in the Grand Canyon every year, and that number is only expected to climb as the temperature rises in the park. Of all heat-related deaths in America’s national parks, 60% have been attributed to hiking, making it one of the most deadly forms of recreation for park visitors. Experts recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity during heat waves, as well as increasing water consumption and taking frequent breaks. From thecooldown.com.
Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula, California, has received a perfect 10-10-10 score from Good Sam Travel & Savings Guide. The 10-10-10 rating covers three categories—facilities, restrooms, and overall appeal and beauty of the property. Fewer than one percent of RV parks score a perfect 10-10-10 rating, with only seven in Southern California earning the accolade. Pechanga RV Resort has scored a perfect rating for the last nine years. The luxury site features 210 premium spaces.
Rockwood Marina & RV Resort on Watts Bar Lake, Rockwood, Tennessee, had its grand opening last weekend. It has 149 full-hookup sites and 4,000 feet of water frontage. It offers a large saltwater pool, kiddie pool, sandy swimming beach and water activities for the whole family, as well as clean and well-maintained restrooms, spacious showers, and a convenient laundry facility.
Grizzly bears could get another chance at returning to Washington’s North Cascades under a framework two federal agencies unveiled on September 28. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service released a set of options to bring the hulking animals back into the area—a wild expanse of glaciated peaks, dense forests, and rushing streams and rivers. [Several campgrounds including RV campsites are in the North Cascades.] Grizzlies once roamed the region’s rugged terrain but were decimated by hunting throughout the 20th century and none are known to be living there now. Plans to reintroduce the bears are not final. Public comment on the latest North Cascades grizzly bear plans is open until Nov. 13. Read more at myedmondsnews.com.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Revel motorhomes. The cables near the lithium batteries may contact the battery hold-down brackets, which can damage the cables and cause a short circuit. Learn more.
Ford’s Lightning sales have fallen from heaven. Sales of the electric-powered F-150s have dropped 46% in the 3rd quarter. Ford says it’s slowed down delivery of trucks for “quality checks.” Ford wouldn’t comment on just what the quality issues are, but it falls on the heels of Ford cutting Lightning prices by up to 17% to keep in competition with Tesla’s EVs.
A couple, as well as their dog, were killed by a grizzly bear Sept. 29, while on a hike in a remote part of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Doug Inglis and his partner, Jenny Gusse, both 62, were connected with the University of Lethbridge, and were described by some as the “Dynamic Duo.” Park officials say the bear was later located and destroyed. Read more at npr.org.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking the public’s comments on proposed increases to entrance and campground fees under consideration for Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah. The proposed changes would take effect in May 2024. Learn more.
October 8 through 14 marks National Wildlife Refuge Week. The entire refuge system will be on display, and refuges that normally charge an entry fee will waive it on the 8th. National wildlife refuges provide habitat for thousands of native species, in addition to providing access to recreation from wildlife watching, photography, fishing, hunting and walking in nature, and some offer camping.
What do RV rental companies do with old rigs? Cruise America, the biggest rental firm, sells them. Now in an attempt to sweeten the deal for potential buyers, the big rental firm will throw in a year’s membership with Harvest Hosts. The new offer began on October 3.
A new campground has opened in Bronson, Kansas. Perry’s Park RV & Campground stands ready to welcome RVers. The park’s address is 702 Pine Street, right along Highway 54. Perry’s is a small park with a few hookup sites. If you’re a pork rinds fan, the new park should be circled on your map, as the Perry family runs a store out front that specializes in the product, should you be inclined to go hog wild.
Franchise ranking firm Franchise Times has declared KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in 125th place out of 400 for 2023. It’s the first time KOA has made it into the listings. Additionally, they received kudos for being the “top-ranked hospitality franchisor.”
Rocky Mountain National Park announced it will be reducing fuels available for wildfires this fall and winter on Deer Mountain and west of the Allenspark Trailhead. Those projects will lessen the severity of wildfires and make them easier to manage. Vegetation critical to wildlife will be left. Learn about hazard fuel reduction at nps.gov.
Coleman-Mach, an Airxcel brand, says it has produced its 9 millionth air conditioner. The A/C unit that made the milestone was a Mach 15 model.
Saturday Giveaway!
No Saturday contest this week or next, folks. We’re back with great prizes on October 21.
Reader poll
No reader poll today, either. 😞
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
First they stole the pickup, then they used it to steal the travel trailer. Police in Maine say three guys are busy—and bold. They stole a pickup truck in Hermon, Maine, then in the wee hours of October 3 used it to highjack a Coachmen Catalina SBX from a trucking company in Medway, Maine. Oddly, both the truck and the trailer have been recovered, but police need help with the crooks. Recognize anybody? Call East Millinocket Police Department at 207-746-3555.
Cold case? Stolen September 14 from Fort Pierce, Florida, this 35′ 2020 Forest River XLR travel trailer was ripped off from Fortress RV and Boat Storage. Perhaps the owner didn’t notice it gone until this month, but the security footage tells the tale. Two guys with a late model, black, decidedly overloaded, Ford Expedition rolled away with the rig. Contact Detective Evens Saintilien at 772-467-6878 (office), 772-302-4796 (cell) or esaintilien@fppd.org.
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 October 2, 2023:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.80
Change from week before: Down 4 cents; Change from year before: Up 2 cents.
Diesel: $4.59
Change from week before: Up 1 cent; Change from year before: Down 24 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain Teaser
Look close! 84 percent of people reading this will not find the the mistake in this brain teaser: A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z.
(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
Cran-Apple BBQ Pulled Turkey Sandwich
by Lisa G. Sweet Pantry Gal from Buffalo, NY
The shredded turkey absorbs the smoky and sweet sauce. You will love this so much, you’ll make it year-round. We can’t wait to make these easy sandwiches again.
Get your Thanksgiving taste buds ready. We want this now!
Trivia
While it’s not a required rule, almost all pilots and co-pilots eat different meals during flight. That’s so, just in case one gets food poisoning, the other one won’t, too!
Laugh of the Week
We think these people might be staying inside for a while after this… Enjoy this compilation from America’s Home Videos. They’re hilarious! (Laughed so hard we needed Kleenex. Just sayin’.)
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 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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This newsletter is copyright 2023 by RV Travel LLC.
Laugh of the Week was the funniest compilation of idiots I have seen in a long long time.
You can’t fix stupid! You can’t sit in a canoe, you kneel and use the seat as a back rest. That way your center of gravity is lower.
Thanks for the info about Marcus Lemonis. Overstock.com- another place I won’t be giving my business to.
I agree.
Laugh of the Day- made my day.
In the news section there’s the article about re-introducing Grizzly bears in WA. Then, three articles down, there’s the story of a couple and their dog being killed by a Grizzly bear in Canada. Hmmm.
Yeah, that concerned me when I put those two items in the newsletter. So sad about the hikers. Take care, Tommy. 🙂 –Diane
Sad about what had to happen to the Grizzly too for doing what bears naturally do…..
I agree, Bill. The report makes it sound like that bear wasn’t doing very well, so she was probably desperate. Being “Mountain Mama”, when I bought my 18+ acres of semi-remote mountain property, I promised the wildlife that let me share their habitat that I would never do anything to harm them as long as they didn’t harm me or my sons. We have mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and more, who allow me/us to visit occasionally. So far, so good. Take care. 😀 -Diane aka Mountain Mama
Can’t wait to find my own mountain property with a river, stream or lake to live on….the search continues! 🙂
Good luck, Bill. I found my first parcel in 1992 and have gradually added to it on the non-road side of Index Creek. In 2017 I bought a small parcel directly across the creek on the dirt road side. I called it my “parking spot” for my big parcel, although I can’t get to the big parcel from that one. (Have to drive back down the dirt road towards Hwy. 2 about 1/2 mile, park the car, then walk in on a trail to my big parcel.) Then I bought another small parcel next to my “parking spot” four years ago. So I have almost 18 acres on the non-road side, and almost one acre directly across from it on the dirt road side. No improvements on it, but it’s fun to dream in the meantime. Now, if I could only get up there to enjoy it. The picture of it as my screensaver looks really nice, and I’m happy to know that it’s up there waiting for me, after wanting mountain property my whole life. Have a good evening. 😀 –Mountain Mama
Thankyou, you too!!
OK people! It’s time for MoMa to get her own feature section or YT channel. Her “bailiff” actions and comments are sometimes the best part of this newsletter….always look forward to what she has to say.
More MoMa please!
Awww, shucks. Thanks, Larry.😊 I appreciate your kind words. I do (usually) have fun interacting with our wonderful readers. (Sometimes I have to act like Big Sister and remind people about our guidelines, but that’s not very often, thankfully.) Have a great day! 🤗 –Mountain Mama
They have tried re-settling other animals no longer in the area, the latest being wolves, and has resulted in mixed results usually negative due to the affects on humans or in the case of wolves on livestock.
I found the mistake!
Good job, Gary! It jumped right out at me even before I finished reading the whole thing. Typos have always “jumped out at me,” even ones in the dictionary.🙄 I guess that’s helpful for a proofreader, eh? Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Yep, me too.
Yay, Bill!🌟 I think we ran that one a year or two ago and people complained about it being written slightly deceptively, so I “clarified” the question a little bit. No complaints this go-round…yet. Have a good afternoon. 😀 –Diane
Before I read today’s edition, I think there might be 2 mistakes….?.
Follow up on the older RVers being evicted from the park because we are over 10 years old. They harassed some of us to get rid of our wooden porches/steps but have left other alone. They were suppose to be gone by Sept 30th. They have already raised the monthly rent for new people coming in $115 or more depending on the site and if someone in the park wants to move they have to pay the new prices. I was in the office yesterday when a person was checking in – the lies the woman told her was horrible especially that the wi-fi is good. The wi-fi has not worked very good in he 10 years I have been here. Told her the park use to be owned privately own but not now.
She told her the new owner does everything online so it is taking time to get things fixed.
Camping World I hear is happy because since the park went 10 years or newer their sales have never been better. Wonder how much of a cut the new owner gets from the dealers?
Out of curiousity, I followed the link to the new RV resort in Rockwood, Tennessee (which is near our sticks-and-bricks). A premium lake front site is $100/night for a 7-night stay (their minimum stay) in early January, a regular lake front site is $90/night. A fartherist-from the-water site is $55/night. Choosing a weekly rate rather than a daily rate will reduce the nightly average $8-$14/night. Guess we’ll stick to state parks.