NEW: Now, near the bottom of every issue of this newsletter and our weekday RV Daily Tips, a national forecast map of severe weather and a link to a directory of U.S. highways with low bridges.
Issue 1177
The latest news for RVers
Campers are changing in a big way
A new study affirms what many long-term RVers already suspect — that today’s campers are far different from even a decade ago. Go back another decade or two and the changes are dramatic. The RV industry continues to promote the idea that RVing is all about getting back to nature. But the fact is, and it shows in this survey, that is very old thinking. Read more.
IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE:
RV CRASH TEST SHOCKER: Does any member of your family ride in a dinette seat while you drive down the road in a motorhome? You might think twice about them doing that after seeing what happens in this crash test. In tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) issue.
Death wish? FMCA RV club doubles its dues to try to save itself
FMCA, the struggling 61-year-old RV club, has raised its membership fee from $50 to $99 a year to help reverse its misfortunes. RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury, a long-time member of the club, believes this was a huge mistake that will only make things worse. Read more.
Fall price cuts: Used RVs become more affordable as temperatures drop
With autumn making its presence known by colorful leaves and cooler night air, the used RV market is cooling off. Wholesale auction houses are moving used rigs across the block and reporting fall RV price cuts. If you’re in the market for a used RV, it could bode well. And if you want a new RV? Read on, there’s something here about market reflection.
Hurricane Helene didn’t stop falling gas prices – but experts warn of uncertainty
Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad, falling gas prices are in the news. The national average for a gallon of gas still fell by three cents from last week to $3.19. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but it crushed demand. Read more.
Little Guy Trailers officially out of business; warranty customers up a creek
Last June we reported that Little Guy RV owners were concerned about the parent company, Xtreme Outdoors. Phone calls were not being returned, and rumors were circulating that the company may have gone out of business. In a sorry follow-up, today we can report that Little Guy Trailers is officially out of business. Unfortunately, this will leave Little Guy owners with a worthless warranty. Continue reading.
Love’s offering 15 cents off diesel and 10 cents off gas
Looking to save some money in your RV travels? Fuel purchases take a big bite out of the travel budget, so when you can knock something off that cost, it’s a good thing. Now the big truck stop operator, Love’s, is adding diesel fuel price discounts for RVers. Learn more.
Campground crowding (and more!)
“Crime and civil unrest affecting RV travels.” Plus, long-term RVers turning RV parks into “mobile home parks”
This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your complaints about higher prices for campsites, some due to corporate greed; Florida’s county parks becoming mobile home parks; the unease some RVers feel about the crime causing them to avoid certain areas; and an observation about a shortfall of online reservations and a way to get around it. But there are also more tips of how to find good campgrounds and available campsites. All those and more here.
More RVing news
New motorhomes from Thor: Thor Motor Coach has introduced its 2025 Super C RVs featuring the new Omni and Magnitude models built on the Ford Super Duty chassis. The motorhomes are equipped with a 6.7-liter diesel engine and four-wheel drive. Read more.
Property owner fined $1,000 a day for employee living in an RV: Countless Americans have found the price of housing so far out of reach that they’ve taken to living in RVs. But doing so can mean drawing the ire of local governments, as a pair of California vineyard owners have learned. Read all about it.
At least 50 campgrounds severely damaged by Hurricane Helene: According to David Basler, chief strategy officer for OHI, a trade association representing private RV parks and campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada, at least 50 campgrounds and RV parks — probably even more — were severely damaged or even wiped out by Hurricane Helene. Read more.
Gas prices could rise 15 cents as Iran-Israel conflict heats up: Less than a month ago we told you how RV fuel prices had actually plummeted in comparison to 2023. This summer’s fuel prices have been relatively good for those taking RV road trips. But hold onto your hats—and wallets. Gas prices could rise 15 cents per gallon, thanks to the Middle East conflict between Iran and Israel. Learn more.
I-40 between North Carolina and Tennessee closed indefinitely: Interstate 40, the major route between North Carolina and Tennessee, can be added to the list of victims of Hurricane Helene. A portion of the interstate on the Tennessee side of the border has collapsed. If a major interstate washout weren’t bad enough, local authorities have noted that a number of local bridges are gone, too. Read more.
And this week’s news briefs
• More certified RV technicians coming soon
• Blue Compass takes over yet another mom and pop RV dealer
• New fee hikes at Oregon state parks—How much more will you pay?
• Grand Canyon North Rim to switch to day-use operations
RV and RV-related recalls
Winnebago recalls more than 17,000 motorhomes
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is recalling a variety of 2013-2022 motorhomes. The turn signals may have a smaller than required luminous lens area that could increase the risk of a crash and injury. As many as 17,329 motorhomes may be affected by the recall. Learn more to see if your RV is among those recalled.
Saturday giveaway
No giveaway today, folks. We’ll be back with a prize next Saturday.
Reader poll
Have you ever had a problem with a slide-out that delayed your travel?
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of September 30, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.18
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Down 62 cents.
Diesel: $3.54
Change from week before: Up <1 cent; Change from year before: Down $1.05.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain teaser
A clock chimes 5 times in 4 seconds. How many times will it chime in 10 seconds?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Recipes of the day
4 fall recipes that put a twist on classic chili
Even if you already have a favorite go-to chili recipe, we encourage you to check these out. We have a few different takes on chili here (right down to chili mac and burritos!), so why not switch things up and try a new recipe? After you see these, we think you’ll want to!
Trivia
The U.S. has 154 national forests covering around 193 million acres.
The perfect scam
Terminally ill man’s fundraiser exposed as a scam
In this 2022 episode, Darlene Asher is the head of her local Minnesota dart league, a close-knit group of dart enthusiasts who rally around champion dart player Jeremiah Jon Smith when they learn he is dying from cancer. They raise thousands through fundraisers and a GoFundMe page, going as far as paying for Jeremiah’s wedding. It seems like they’re doing the right thing, so why does Darlene have doubts?
Laugh of the week
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
When I received the notice from FMCA that my dues renewal would be $99. I notified them that I would not be renewing!
In regards to the article about Loves offering up to .15 off of fuel… from what I have seen driving the highways, is that they usually charge .30 to .45 more per gallon (regular and diesel)… so where is there any savings?
I believe that’s true in some parts of the country. I often travel through Oregon and Loves is cheaper than the other stations around.
Loves is more expensive in Nevada. I’ve switched to Maverick unless my Open Roads provides a bigger discount.
Brain Teaser is forcing me to do algebra. Ugh, I hate algebra!
You just might be over thinking it..
Here we go again. You Northers stay North and Westerners stay West. Hurricane Milton is on its way to Florida. “DeJa’Vu all over again.” I don’t know if the climate is changing or not, but it is sure getting windy and rainy. Your next visit to Florida may be to see a big sand dune.
And those of us fortunate people in the Pacific Northwest are enjoying a gorgeous, sunny day. Sorry, all of you who are dealing with such terrible weather. Take care, Kelly.🤗 😀 –Diane
And Pacific Northwesterners stay where you are too. I don’t know if it is your fault or not, but this DID start in the Pacific. It was hot and sunny here today too and will be until ……. Stay High and Dry, Diane.
Plannin’ on it. Almost 78 years here in the beautiful PNW. Not going anywhere else anytime soon.😉 Thanks, Kelly. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂