Welcome to the RVtravel.com newsletter. “Home of the RVing Experts since 2001.”
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Issue 1165
Subscribers edition
NEWS BULLETIN: As of 5 pm (PDT) today, July 13, electricity is out in Death Valley National Park. Also, the park is currently under a flash flood warning. The temperature at the time of the outage was 110 degrees.
Featured articles
South Dakota county moves to restrict voting rights for full-time RVers
By Nanci Dixon
Many people have been asking us about voting issues for full-time RVers, particularly in the State of South Dakota. South Dakota’s Minnehaha County, specifically, has cracked down on people who use a mail forwarding service in that county. It has been actively trying to restrict full-time travelers’ right to vote. Here’s the full story.
RV sales nosedive across the board
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Despite the RV manufacturing industry’s “cautiously optimistic” spin, there’s no magic in RV retail sales. Put simply, sales of new RVs are down across the board as RV consumers walk away from new rigs. According to the May 2024 report from industry number cruncher Statistical Surveys Inc., there are no winners in any category of new RV sales. Here’s the breakdown.
The 10 hardest campgrounds to get into
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If you’ve been reading RVtravel.com’s Crowded Campgrounds feature, you know many have complained that getting “a room at the inn” can be downright frustrating. Now camping coordinator The Dyrt points out what its members say are the ten hardest campgrounds to get into.
COMING IN TOMORROW’S NEWSLETTER:
Ranking RV “catastrophes”: Is the frame flex issue something you should really be concerned about? Join expert Dave Solberg as he breaks down RV “catastrophes” and see what he deems worthy of the title.
And: Why RV parks are no longer as safe as they once were
PLUS:
- Sneak peek at the new Brinkley Model 3250—Don’t call it a toy hauler
- Why one couple quit full-time RVing
- and of course much, much more!
Make sure you’re subscribed here.
Campground crowding (and more!)
Readers advise other readers to quit complaining
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Has that changed campground crowding? Is it easier to find a campsite now, particularly in state and national parks? This week, Nanci Dixon relates more readers’ comments comparing pros and cons of RVing to staying in motels/hotels, some who regretfully had to give up RVing due to circumstances, and several others who are still loving the RV life. And Kelly R. gives us a good dose of reality and common sense.
RV walk-through
2024 Airstream Bambi: adequate storage space but cargo weight limited
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we get a tour of the Airstream Bambi, Airstream’s smallest trailer, from the team from Big Truck Big RV. Even though this trailer is tiny, it still has the essential comforts of home—a shower, toilet, and kitchen facilities.
And although it has tons of storage space, what’s up with the tiny amount of cargo-carrying capacity? Yikes!
RVer severe weekend weather forecast for July 13-14, 2024
Here is the latest forecast of severe weather from the National Weather Service for today, July 13, through Sunday, July 14. If you are now located or plan to head to an area where extreme weather is forecast, please be prepared. If possible, stay away until the weather threat has passed.
Click here for the severe weather forecast
More RVing news
A hostage situation and shootout has left one dead in Yellowstone National Park. A man who was shot and killed by a park ranger during a July 4 shootout in Yellowstone National Park has been identified as 28-year-old Samson “Lucas” Fussner from Florida. Here are the details.
The expression “supply and demand” has been drummed into our heads. If there’s a big demand, the price will go up, right? Maybe that expression should be “oil drummed” into our heads relative to gas prices. But for some reason, the rule didn’t work. Despite huge volumes of holiday drivers, and Hurricane Beryl smacking into the coast of Texas, gas prices barely moved from last week and diesel prices continue to rise, up a nickel in the fourth consecutive price jump.
We’re not sure if this qualifies for the “dumb criminals” category but, if not, it comes close. Police in South Los Angeles arrived at an “assault with a deadly weapon” call on the 4th of July. In the end, the suspect was “shot” with less-than-lethal rounds after he feigned a weapon with something far less lethal. It all started as he threatened to burn his family in an RV. Read the full story here.
RVs in Texas tossed into trees! On Monday afternoon, July 8, high winds in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl picked up RVs and tossed them around, hurling some into trees in a Sabine County Texas RV park. Park guests and employees at Holly Park Marina crowded into the park office to shelter ahead of the oncoming storm. Be grateful this wasn’t you!
The Empire State has an empire-size problem: Too many tall vehicles hitting bridges and tunnels. Now a just-passed Assembly Bill A8582B would force GPS units to show tunnel and bridge heights. The bill says it would “require navigation systems utilizing GPS technology to identify the height of any bridge or overpass along a proposed route.” This will be very helpful for RVers. Read the full story here.
As we reported on July 3, a tragic RV explosion seriously injured three generations of family members in Massachusetts. While the youngest of the three men involved is on his feet, two other RV explosion victims have a long recovery road ahead. Here is an update.
Death Valley, California, shattered its previous record for the hottest temperature last Friday. Furnace Creek hit an astonishing 127°F, making it one of the hottest places on Earth. If you’re feeling the heat, you’re not alone—many parts of the Southwest are experiencing scorching temperatures as well.
And, speaking of… that Death Valley heat killed one and sent another to the hospital when temperatures hit the roasting point. Six motorcyclists were at Badwater Basin, a salt flat near the California-Nevada state line. Continue reading.
“Picture this: Yosemite’s majestic wilderness, stunning vistas, and … surprise! Used toilet paper waving hello near Rancheria Falls—a full roll too!” It’s the opener of a plea from one of Yosemite’s social media pages. Please! Pack out your toilet paper! Rangers say the sight is becoming all too familiar.
Oregon State Parks could raise campground fees… maybe. The agency wants your opinion on a proposal that “would increase the top end of the range to $29 per night before taxes.” Top end of what? Utility campsite fees. But they aren’t stopping there—RVers could take a decided hit.
After a 4-year closure, Yosemite finally reopens Crane Flat Campground. The campground hadn’t been upgraded since 1962 and had fallen into disrepair. The National Park Service shut the gates in 2020. Now Yosemite reopens the campground—with a whole new look.
Heads up if you’re planning a Rocky Mountain National Park adventure. The Park Service will be closing Wild Basin Road later this month. While the closure will affect everyone, including vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, it’s only temporary.
And speaking of National Park closures… Grand Canyon closures will affect both campers and trail hikers later this year. The Park Service earlier announced closures would be coming but have just released changes in those dates. It’s all part of upgrading of the Transcanyon Waterline, the park’s primary source of fresh water.
The BLM has hiked fire restrictions in the Pacific Northwest. On Monday, July 8, fire restrictions went into effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District. Here are the details.
Speaking of Pacific Northwest fire restrictions... Effective Monday, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of Washington state’s North Cascades National Park Service Complex. You can find all the details here.
And more fire restrictions: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented a burn ban on lands it manages throughout the state. The order bans outdoor burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes, and prescribed burns on all forest lands within DNR’s fire protection through Sept. 30. Learn more here.
Denali National Park is back open to the public. While normal operations start up, one exception will be the Riley Creek Campground and Day Use Area. These will remain closed because of ongoing firefighting and support activities in that area. Horseshoe Lake Trail will also remain closed. Here’s more info.
What’s new at campgrounds and RV parks
Stay up to date on news about campgrounds and RV parks across North America. Every week, learn about new parks, expansions, or special events coming up at campgrounds throughout North America. Read this week’s latest news here.
Saturday giveaway
How would you like to win this funny “Starter Fluid” tumbler/mug?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (July 13, 2024) 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
Is your RV longer than 24 feet or shorter?
RV and RV-related recalls
Tiffin recalls motorhomes: Wheel could come off
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. is recalling certain 2024 Tiffin Convoy, and 2023, 2025 Tiffin GH1 motorhomes. The wheel bolts for the spare tire may be missing. A spare tire that is installed without the correct bolts can detach, increasing the risk of a crash. More info here.
Keystone recalls trailers: Sidewall may detach during transit
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2024 Springdale 245ML, Hideout 24L0F, Aspen Trail 260THLOFT, 360THLOFT, and Colorado 360THLOFT travel trailers. The metal sidewall may be incorrectly attached and come loose during transit. Loose sidewalls that detach during transit can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of injury or crash or worse. Read more.
HAVE YOU SEEN THESE STOLEN RVs?
We’re beefing up our coverage of stolen RVs to help find as many as we can, and you can help. To see what was most recently stolen, click here. Then keep your eyes open.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of July 8, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.49
Change from week before: Up 1 cent; Change from year before: Down 6 cents.
Diesel: $3.87
Change from week before: Up 5 cents; Change from year before: Up 6 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain teaser
What English word has three consecutive double letters?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
Recipe of the day
Pick Your Berry Vinaigrette
by Debbie Lopez from Northern CA
This is a refreshing and light vinaigrette dressing for your salad. Depending on the berry used, the flavor will change. We opted for strawberries and loved the sweet and tangy flavor they create. But, raspberries would be more tart. Or, combine blueberries and strawberries for a sweeter dressing. Get creative! Delicious drizzled over a quick summer salad, it’s an easy way to use fresh fruit.
Trivia
Tesla cars have a feature called “Dog Mode.” When activated, Dog Mode keeps the car’s climate control system running to maintain a comfortable temperature for pets left inside the car. The touchscreen displays a message to inform passersby that the pet is safe and comfortable, along with the current temperature inside the vehicle. This feature helps ensure the safety and well-being of pets, even if their owners need to step away for a short period.
The perfect scam
Marlene is suffering from terrible back pain and preparing to have surgery in a few days when her computer suddenly begins flashing a fraud warning. The tech support operator tells her that her account has been compromised. Fearing the money she needs for her surgery will be lost, she pushes through the blinding pain and races to her bank and a cryptocurrency ATM in hopes of saving her money.
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Laugh of the week
Today in history
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
The RV Travel Newsletter and a cup of hot coffee – A great way to start a Saturday. Thanks to all the folks supporting this
Great comment Herman. Full agreement, it’s a fine way to start a Saturday.
Yes indeed! Just finished my second cup.
Thanks, Bill, Cancelproof and Herman! We truly appreciate all of you! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Thank you, Neal. Same to you! 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Diane! 🙂
👍🤗 –Diane
Thanks for all your hard work
Thanks for reading, Robert. We appreciate you! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you all so much for putting together a excellent newsletter for us.
We start our day with reading our Bible and coffee first. But the next thing is read your wonderful newsletter. Please keep up the amazing work you do to make this happen ✝️
Thank you very much for your kind words, Stephen. We appreciate them, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Not so sure about reading your coffee, but heartily agree with the kudos for the RV Travel crew.
Reading coffee grounds or reading tea leaves – not much different, I guess.
Guess I’m late to the Thank You Party…Thank you RV Travel LOL :))
It’s never too late for a Thank You. (Or, maybe you’re just fashionably late to the party.😉) So, thank you, Matt! We appreciate YOU, too! Have a good evening. 😀 –Diane
Laugh of the Week: Hey, everyone needs a starter RV.
Mississippi
Huh? Interesting comment, Gary. And even more interesting that our filter put it into the Spam folder.🤔😅 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com