Issue 1182 • BEEN AWHILE? At RVtravel.com, we publish more than 350 newsletters and 2000 articles a year. You receive this special Saturday subscriber-only newsletter because you voluntarily subscribed sometime in the past. For most of you, it was a one-time contribution, years ago. (We do not send renewal notices; your participation is voluntary.) Won’t you please consider supporting our efforts again with an ongoing pledge of just $5 or $10 a month? We work hard and believe we are worthy of your help. Just click a button below. It would be hugely appreciated.
The latest news for RVers
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: New California emission rule to halt diesel motorhome sales in 6 states
Looking to buy a new diesel motorhome? If you live in one of six states, you may find you can’t. A new air quality regulation issued in California has effectively slammed the door on new diesel motorhome sales, not just in California, but in five other states as well. Learn more. And click here to see how the RV industry has responded.
And in other California news, certain Ford Super Duty trucks are no longer available for sale in the state. Need a BIG pickup truck to pull that oversize fifth wheel trailer? A Ford dealer bulletin has surfaced that warns the “Blue Oval” truck builder is shutting off the supply of certain Super Duty trucks in California. It’s all centered on Golden State emissions issues. The Super Duty shutdown is Ford’s decision—not something that California cooked up.
Diesel motorhome club calls it quits. The Diesel RV Club chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association has approved a resolution calling for the 20-year-old motorhome owners group’s dissolution. It has been one of FMCA’s most popular chapters. Learn why the once successful group finally decided to disband.
It sounds like the setup for a Wild West flick: two amateur thieves sneak into an old cowboy camp, pocketing whatever they can find. But this isn’t Hollywood—it’s real. Caught in the act by a hidden trail cam, these alleged “Cowboy Camp Crooks” thought they’d pull off a clean getaway in Canyonlands National Park. Instead, they’re now facing court, with all eyes on their unusual heist.
On October 12, Montana authorities responded to a boondocking site after reports that a man had apparently been killed by a bear. The victim was found in his tent in a horrific condition. When game experts were called in, they disagreed. They couldn’t find any evidence of a bear at the campsite, and the death of 35-year-old Dustin Kjersem was ruled a homicide. Now, thanks in part to DNA evidence, a suspect has confessed to the murder.
National Park Service workers have been scrambling since Hurricane Helene blasted through vast swaths of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bit by bit, pieces of the scenic roadway have been reopened. Now another 11-mile stretch has been reopened to travel in North Carolina. Learn more.
Towing an electric vehicle? Oregon will soon introduce pull-through charging stations, which pleases the RVIA, which says its advocacy for the expansion of pull-through charging stations is starting to bear fruit. The RV industry has a direct interest in all of this. Not only do some RVers use e-vehicles as toad cars, but RV manufacturers want to build e-motorhomes. Continue reading.
Campground comments and concerns
RVers notice “transient” workers filling campgrounds, leaving campsites a mess
This week Nanci Dixon reports on another RVer giving up on RVing and possibly going back to tent camping due to it becoming more difficult to RV spontaneously. Another RVer explains why he tries to avoid campgrounds “full of transient workers.” More RVers complain about the high cost of campsites, and to the point of staying in hotels. But a full-time RVer shares his tips for finding campsites at reasonable prices. Read more.
More RVing news
The Park Service challenge: Providing affordable and sustainable housing for its employees in some of the most beautiful but often remote locations in the country. Traditional housing options can be expensive, energy-intensive, and have a significant environmental footprint. To address this challenge, the NPS offers new solutions for park employee living.
With more than 450 campgrounds around the U.S., Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are popular with thousands of RVers. To that end, look to see plenty of RVers hit by the latest Army Corps campground fee hikes coming May 1, 2025. The latest wave of price hikes is hitting lakes in Northern Mississippi.
… Speaking of the Corps of Engineers — It will waive day-use fees at its more than 2,850 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of Veterans Day, November 11. The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events.
Traveling to Glacier National Park next year? The park will once again implement a pilot vehicle reservation system in 2025, from June 13 to September 28, for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork. Visitors can begin making advance reservations on February 12, 2025. Find more details here.
Veterans Day news
If you’re a veteran, reservist or active-duty military, and you’re on the road on Veterans Day, you might want to pull off at a TravelCenters of America location for a free meal. TravelCenters of America is continuing its tradition of inviting all active-duty military, veterans, and reservists to enjoy a complimentary meal on Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. Here are the details.
And speaking of Veterans Day (tomorrow)… In honor of Veterans Day, the National Park Service (NPS) is waiving entrance fees to parks for everyone on November 11. In addition, current military and their dependents, veterans and Gold Star Families can get into all national parks for free with the Military Pass on any day. Learn more.
To show appreciation for their service, all veterans and active-duty military members who camp at a Missouri State Parks campground Monday, November 11, 2024, will receive a promotional code for a free night of camping. More details here.
RV and RV-related recalls
Winnebago recalls thousands of RVs for hood bracket safety concern
Winnebago is recalling certain 2014-2024 RVs. The hood bracket adhesive may have been incorrectly applied which can allow the bracket to detach. A detached hood bracket may become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. Learn more.
Winnebago recall: Is your RV’s door glass about to fall off while you drive?
Winnebago is recalling certain 2020-2024 Winnebago View and Navion recreational vehicles equipped with certain Lippert Metallarte door assemblies. The door assembly may have been manufactured with incorrect window adhesion, causing the window to loosen or detach. More info here.
Forest River RV stoves can detach from cabinets
Forest River is recalling certain 2025 Vibe and Cedar Creek travel trailer vehicles. The stove may detach from the cabinet. A stove that detaches during use increases the risk of injury. Learn more.
Saturday giveaway
How would you like to win a pair of microwaveable (heated) slippers?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner.
Reader poll
Do you use solar panels to power your RV?
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of November 4, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.07
Change from week before: Down 3 cents; Change from year before: Down 33 cents.
Diesel: $3.54
Change from week before: Down 4 cents; Change from year before: Down 83 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Brain teaser
Only one color, but not one size, stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies. Present in sun, but not in rain, doing no harm, and feeling no pain. What is it?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Recipes of the day
Cajun and other New Orleans recipes to celebrate National Louisiana Day
Today is National Louisiana Day, so we’ve compiled a list of delicious recipes you’d eat if you were in Louisiana! There’s a shrimp po’boy recipe, a gumbo recipe, a twist on jambalaya, some Cajun pork chops, and even Louisiana’s special “dirty rice”. Good stuff here! Enjoy!
Trivia
Located in Cawker City, Kansas, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine weighs more than 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of more than 40 feet. It was started in 1953 by a local man named Frank Stoeber, and it continues to grow as visitors add more twine.
The perfect scam
Online “love” leads to $60,000 theft
Debbie leads a fulfilling life but yearns for companionship. She meets a seemingly great guy online named Russell who claims to be a successful businessman. After weeks of daily texts and phone calls, Russell says he’s dealing with a work crisis overseas. He asks her help to make some bank transfers. Debbie is familiar with the nuances of accessing money abroad and trusts Russell. Big mistake. After he steals almost $60,000 from her, Debbie bravely tells her story.
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
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I cannot get today in history to open. What gives?
Worked fine for me.
Worked for me too
Winnebago has had this problem with both front and back hoods on their motor homes for years. My 2003 and 2012 diesel pushers had hoods come off.
A Brite spot for those Diesel RV Club (DRVC) members who have just found out their club is shutting down! Ramblin’ Pushers Incorporated, another FMCA chapter who has a very similar mission is offering any DRVC member a one free year of membership in their club. For more information and to apply for a free one-year membership go to http://www.ramblinpushers.org .
How pathetic, the California and 10 states following suit are going to prohibit Diesel motorhomes after 2025! The average motorhome travels around 3000 total miles a year. The people take anywhere from 4 to 8 trips. Every time they go on those trips, they spend money in the local communities. This is not a major pollution factor! It is a lifelong dream of those who enjoy motorhomes. The priorities of this state are pretty sad!
Brian, your error is in assuming that California bureaucrats have ever used any logic, reasoning, or intellect in their decision-making.