Issue 1194 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
The latest news for RVers
This was a brutal week for one Circle K gas station. We wouldn’t want to be the manager here! In Avon, Ohio, a fuel tanker driver made a costly mistake—filling the unleaded tank with diesel and the diesel tank with unleaded. It didn’t take long for frustrated customers to realize their vehicles weren’t running right after filling up. Now, the station is dealing with an expensive cleanup and a long line of angry drivers. Here’s what happened.
THOR Industries, the parent company of Airstream, has introduced a plug-in-hybrid Class A motorhome, taking a major step forward in the electrification of the RV industry. Developed in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger, the prototype combines a 140-kWh battery with a compact internal combustion generator, delivering an impressive total range of approximately 500 miles. Learn more here.
Did you have trouble getting camping reservations where and when you wanted them last year? If you did, you’re not the only one. According to The Dyrt survey, from 2019 to 2022, the number of campers who reported difficulty finding a campsite to book rose from 10.6% to 58.4%. After falling to 45.5% in 2023, it bounced back to 56.1% in 2024. Yep, last year wasn’t good for getting reservations. Here are the numbers (they’re not pretty).
Campground Views, an online platform that connects RVers with campgrounds and RV parks, now features more than 3,350 virtual drive-through tours across North America including Alaska. In addition, it includes information about more than 17,000 other conventional places to stay as well as 7,500+ boondocking locations. The virtual tours are what make the platform shine, providing users with a closer look at campgrounds, RV parks, dump stations, and free camping sites. Learn more and check out their new features.
The Escapees, far and away the leading RV club according to RVtravel.com editors, will hold its annual Escapade in Tucson, Arizona, March 16-21. The event at the Pima County Fairgrounds is the largest and most extensive gathering of the Escapees community and an excellent way to learn more about the RV lifestyle from professionals and experienced RVers. Escapades packs a wide variety of seminars, social gatherings, and nightly entertainment. Registration for attendance and camping is underway. If you have not yet registered, visit here to receive a $25 discount courtesy of RVtravel.com.
Starting today, President Trump will impose tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China—25% on Mexican and Canadian goods, and 10% on Chinese products. The move aims to pressure these nations to help curb migration and drug flows into the U.S. Trump sees the tariffs as a tool to advance domestic goals. However, the tariffs could raise costs for importers, disrupt supply chains, and potentially lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers including potentially those of oil and gas. Mexico, Canada, and China have vowed to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. exports like orange juice, whiskey, and peanut butter.
In late 2021, RVers were outraged when California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) pushed to ban portable generators unless they met zero-emission standards. CARB later compromised, allowing fuel-powered generators with strict regulations by 2024. Now, with wildfires raging, California has lifted the ban entirely.
If winter’s chill slows you down, you’re not alone. Used RV prices took a sharp drop in December, according to the latest report from Black Book, which tracks the RV wholesale market. Here are the numbers and the details.
The RV Industry Association has released its final report on 2024 wholesale shipments. While they highlight a more than 6% increase over 2023, the details tell a different story. For manufacturers relying on motorhomes as their main revenue stream, 2024 was a tough year. The industry ends on a mixed note—let’s break down the numbers.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
Most campers trying to squeeze into too few campgrounds
This week Nanci Dixon relates more frustration expressed by our readers regarding higher prices for campground reservations, ill-mannered dogs and their owners but also a tip on how to avoid them, and crowded campgrounds but tips on how to handle that situation. One longtime RVer states that 75% of RVers are trying to get into 30% of the campgrounds. There’s a recommendation for a great campground, and more tips on enjoying the lifestyle despite the sometimes negative changes. Read more.
More RVing news
Folks driving a big motorhome or pulling a trailer know they need big pull-throughs when stopping at a rest area. If your travels take you across Arizona’s I-10, a new rest stop notification system will help you know if there’s a space available at a rest area down the road. The I-10 Truck Parking Availability System’s aim is to improve safety and to support the economy by providing folks with long rigs with up-to-date parking availability at upcoming rest areas. Here’s more info.
Speaking of rest areas, though… If your travel plans take you through the Midwest or Southwest, you may need to figure around some closures. Four rest areas in these regions are slated for closure for major revamps. Here’s the “lookout list,” at this time.
The first new Love’s Travel Stop of 2025 is now open. RVers looking for a spot to get off the roadway and hunker down for the night can add Elliston, Virginia, to the list of Love’s RV hookup locations, this one alongside Interstate 81. More info on the new location here.
A tragic RV fire in Spicewood, Texas, claimed the life of 4-year-old Isabella “Izzy” Rayne last Wednesday. Firefighters responded to the blaze but couldn’t enter the fully engulfed trailer. After the fire was out, they recovered Izzy’s body. Two adults, believed to be her parents, were injured and treated at a hospital. Learn more and view the GoFundMe set up by a family friend.
Kings River RV Resort in Kingsburg, California, is set to become the first RV park in the state to offer electric vehicle (EV) connections at every site, according to park owner John Grant. He said that every RV electrical pedestal will feature two 50-amp plugs—one for the RV and one for the electric vehicle. He said all 189 campsites are expected to be in operation by May.
As the California wildfires continue to burn, leaving thousands of homes destroyed, victims are working to rebuild their lives. Those who have lost their homes have received some relief from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. For wildfire victims with RVs, the county has extended stay limits at designated fire relief campgrounds, providing them with a temporary place to stay.
Utah is gearing up to unveil its latest natural treasure: Utahraptor State Park. Set to officially open in spring 2025, this park promises a blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes. And, camping, too… Nestled about 15 miles northwest of Moab in Grand County, Utahraptor State Park encompasses areas like Dalton Wells and Willow Springs. These spots are renowned for their recreational appeal and significant paleontological sites. Continue reading.
And speaking of new campgrounds… Here’s some good news, RVers! Exciting developments are underway at Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Maricopa County, Arizona. Beginning February 3, 2025, the park will begin constructing a new campground with 50 developed campsites. Each site will be equipped to provide a comfortable stay amid the natural beauty of the park. Learn more.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. MST on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Yellowstone National Park experienced a magnitude 3.9 earthquake near the Norris Geyser Basin. This tremor, the most significant in the park since March 2023, was felt by at least 33 individuals within a 30-mile radius. Yellowstone is no stranger to seismic activity, with thousands of minor quakes occurring annually. However, a magnitude 3.9 event stands out.
After Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis posted his defiance of the orders of the Greenville, North Carolina, city council, it looks as though the latter is beating a retreat. In a weekend session closed to the public, Greenville’s city council has told staff to write up an amendment that will allow Lemonis’ company to go ahead and fly the giant flag it installed in violation of city regulations. Here’s what happened.
If camping in a California national forest is in your plans, here’s a heads-up. Forest Service campground closures affect three campgrounds in the San Jacinto Ranger District. They are currently closed and probably will remain so for the rest of this year. More info here.
A man was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer at a Fort Lauderdale RV park on Wednesday evening. The officer, Lt. Jonathan Bohm, was alerted by a property manager about a man causing a disturbance at Yacht Haven Park & Marina Resort. Bohm responded in his unmarked car, requested backup, and encountered Damian Orozco, 49, who claimed to have a gun. During the confrontation, Bohm fired his weapon, striking Orozco, who later died at the hospital. The men had reportedly been arguing about a power-related issue.
Heading to Canada’s beautiful Jasper National Park soon? Camping reservations opened early this week, and they book up quick! Make sure you make your reservations now.
Traveling to Iowa this year? The new 2025 Travel Guide to Iowa was just released. Find it here.
RV and RV-related recalls
Winnebago recalls trailers for stovetop fire danger
An upside-down flame on a cooktop burner can be more than just a pain to heat your coffee—it could lead to a fire. Thus, Winnebago is a bit upside down over finding that problems with an improper separation between cooktops and furnaces have lead to an inverted cooktop flame. Winnebago Towable is recalling certain 2025 Winnebago Minnie travel trailers. Learn more.
Forest River fifth wheels recalled for potential carbon monoxide poisoning
A major goof by Forest River design engineers has put users of some fifth wheels at risk of “carbon monoxide poisoning or death,” by the company’s own account. If you have one of these rigs, you should STOP using the water heater until the Forest River carbon monoxide recall work is completed. Forest River, Inc. is recalling certain 2025 East to West Ahara fifth wheel trailers. Read more.
Saturday giveaway
How would you like to win this gigantic snack box?
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 odors from your RV’s toilet sometimes stink up your RV?
Yesterday’s poll results made us happy, but sad, too.
We asked readers “Are you excited about your life?” Our first reaction when we saw the results was to be happy. But the answers from some readers made us sad. Read the poll here.
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of January 27, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.10
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Up <1 cent.
Diesel: $3.66
Change from week before: Down 6 cents; Change from year before: Down 21 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars
- Colorado Springs RV & Outdoor Show, January 30 – February 1, Colorado Springs, CO
- Fort Wayne RV & Camping Show, January 30 – February 2, Fort Wayne, IN
- Oregon State Salem Spring RV Show, January 30 – February 2, Salem, OR
- Alabama RV Show, January 31 – February 2, Huntsville, AL
- Davenport RV Show, January 31 – February 2, East Moline, IL,
**Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave Solberg - Richmond RV Show, January 31 – February 2, Richmond, VA
For more upcoming RV shows and seminars, click here.
Brain teaser
A word I know, six letters it contains, remove one letter and 12 remains. What is it?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Recipes of the day
The best chicken wing recipes for Super Bowl Sunday
Next Sunday is the Super Bowl, and you better start thinking about what you’re doing to make… we mean devour! These chicken wing recipes are a good place to start. We included a good variety here so there’s something for everyone. Enjoy!
Trivia
This weekend marks the 100th anniversary of the Nome Serum Run, a historic dog sled relay that saved remote Nome, Alaska, from a diphtheria outbreak. More than 150 sled dogs led by 20 mushers transported an antitoxin 674 miles across harsh terrain in only 127.5 hours, enduring temperatures as low as minus 85 degrees.
The perfect scam
Phony Home Contractors Steal Over $450,000
80-year-old David lives in a tight-knit community, frequently helping his neighbors with yard care and other tasks. So when he gets a knock on the door from two brothers claiming they are working on his neighbor’s home, and noticed a hole in his roof, David agrees to let them fix it. But one repair turns into many as the brothers find more and more work that needs to be done on his house. David’s daughter is suspicious, and when she finds out that the work has cost her father over $450,000, she jumps into action to help catch the criminals.
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.
Wasn’t the Nome Serum Run the origin of the Iditarod?
yes and no, the Iditarod started in the early 70’s to save the dog sledding culture and the Husky breed, they just happen to use the same route as the Nome Serum Run.
Where did you hear that nonsense? I was raised in Alaska and the Iditarod and Fur Rendezvous have been going on before the 64 quake. Learn your facts.
Hi, Doc, and Matt. Here’s a link to the Iditarod in Wikipedia, and to the history of the Iditarod on Iditarod.com. Interesting. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thanks MMama.
You’re welcome, Matt.🤗 –Mountain Mama
Early 70’s like I said Doc.
Thank you for another informative and interesting issue, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekdnd and safe travels!
No pet picture today??
Hi, Diane. The Pet of the day is in every daily newsletter except on Saturday. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Regarding the new tariffs, bring orange juice to the border, I have fuel & gas.
😂🇺🇸
Indeed that Sweet Alberta crude is so clean you could fry chicken in it, however, it is still not a good substitute ingredient for making a screwdriver. 😂🥂✌️
The AZ rest stop signs are a huge waste of money and should be embarrassing to the bureaucrats who came up with the idea. Letting a trucker/rv’er know how many spots are open at a rest site one or two hours down the road is laughable. Most of those sites turn over in minutes as the drivers use the restrooms and leave.