Issue 1196
• Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
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The latest news for RVers
RV video news: Ford’s fall, South Dakota residency changes, Yosemite updates, Starlink and more
In the world of RVing and camping, the scenery changes rapidly, from vehicle sales to state park fees. This week brings several noteworthy updates, from a legendary truck losing its top spot, to shifts in residency policies for RVers. Plus, there’s news on state park fees, a national park reservation system, and the latest in mobile connectivity. Join RV Miles and dive into the details.
In 2023, around 28,000 catalytic converters were reported stolen in the U.S. Various products have been trotted out that promise to make it harder for a catalytic converter thief. But here’s a wrinkle akin to products that thwart bank robbers: Blast the thief with… well, you’ll see! This new product seems to work very well in a very interesting way. Check it out.
Arizona State Parks and Trails will be raising fees on entrances, camping, and tour tickets for its more than 30 parks to help support park operations. Because the agency does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate the parks, this increase will help fund future park improvements, staffing, and amenities. Here’s how you may be affected.
RVtravel.com has published several articles about the dangers of RV hot skin. Simply put, an RV with hot skin is one where a metal part, such as the door handle, bumper, or even the siding, is carrying electrical current that it shouldn’t. Many RVers have experienced hot skin when receiving an electrical shock from their RV. RV hot skin conditions are more than just annoying—they can be deadly. Starting in 2026, RV manufacturers must include new protection systems to ensure RV hot skin prevention.
Exciting news for RV enthusiasts and travelers: T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to launch a satellite-to-cell service aimed at eliminating mobile dead zones. This initiative is particularly beneficial for those who frequent remote areas where traditional cellular coverage is sparse or even nonexistent. Learn more and see how you can test the new beta system here.
The Bureau of Land Management manages 245 million acres of public land, offering some of the best free and low-cost camping in the West. Camping options include primitive sites, developed campgrounds with hookups, long-term visitor areas, and countless opportunities for free dispersed camping (boondocking). But how do you find these treasures? And once on BLM land, how do you navigate? There’s a new app for that, and it’s great!
Truckers are dealing with a growing crime that is costing them money and frustration. We wonder if the same thing is happening, but less publicized, with RVers. Have you ever had something stolen from a vehicle you were towing, perhaps when driving through big towns in long stretches of stop-and-go traffic or where stoplights never seemed to end? Do you lock the vehicle you’re towing? If not, it might be wise to do so from now on, and this is why.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Canada and Mexico. Additional import duties will be announced later in the week, according to an Associated Press report. According to Airstream-provided statistics, the average Airstream trailer uses around 1,200 square feet of aluminum sheeting, so will these aluminum tariffs affect Airstream?
HUGE GRAND DESIGN RECALL BELOW! Don’t miss it!
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
“I’m homeless, living in my RV because I can’t afford rent anywhere else”
This week Nanci Dixon shares more of your experiences with the current state of RVing, including campground reservations and costs, among many other things. More RVers are having difficulty finding campgrounds they can afford, and Allen vented about several things that many others have commented on, plus one complaint we haven’t heard before. Also, based on a request (plea?) from Gary L., we ask for your feedback on the ongoing debate regarding RV parks and campgrounds—can those terms be used interchangeably? Those topics and much more here.
More RVing news
While the impact of the federal hiring freeze on wildfire fighters has been widely published, here’s another concern. A group of U.S. senators is concerned that national parks could likewise be impacted. In a letter to newly minted Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum, they raise the specter of national parks closing to the public.
And in similar news… Last week, a group of U.S. Senators urged the new Secretary of the Interior to reconsider the complete shutdown of National Park Service seasonal hires. Now, sources indicate that some seasonal workers, particularly those in safety roles, may be hired. The exemption will allow seasonal hires for law enforcement positions such as law enforcement rangers and public safety dispatchers. Here are the details from two anonymous sources.
Are RV sales finally dwindling? Yes! If you think things are just too crowded, you may find some cheer in the latest statistics on the sale of new RVs. RV sales declined. Last year nearly 7% fewer new RVs were sold, compared to 2023. That information comes courtesy of Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI), the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based outfit that monitors retail and consumer data for the RV industry. Here are the numbers.
Microchips have long been a trusted method for reuniting lost pets with their owners. However, the unexpected shutdown of the Texas-based microchip company “Save This Life” has left many pet owners in a bind. The company ceased operations on February 11, without prior notice, leading lost pets completely untraceable. Learn more, and check your pet’s microchips NOW!
Automotive site FuelArc has compiled and published statistics it says show Tesla’s Cybertruck is substantially more likely to kill occupants by fire than Ford’s Pinto. The Cybertruck versus Pinto report is sure to raise controversy. FuelArc says the chances of dying as a fire fatality in a Cybertruck are 17 times higher than for Ford Pinto occupants.
Zion National Park is practically “loved to death.” With millions of visitors each year, it’s one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. Making it easier for visitors to get around without traffic congestion, in 2024, Zion became the first national park to have an all-electric shuttle fleet. What’s up with the 2025 Zion shuttle bus schedule? Here’s when it starts up again for the season.
Rattlesnakes are biting earlier than ever! It may be a record: An Arizona man was bitten by a rattlesnake on the last day of January 2025. It could be the record for the earliest rattlesnake bite, as typically the reptiles don’t get active until warmer weather. Banner Health Care, a major Arizona medical provider, said it saw its first rattlesnake bite case and determined the public should know more.
On February 8, a truck carrying thousands of chopsticks spilled its load onto Interstate 580 near Redwood Road in Hayward, California. The California Highway Patrol described the incident as a “sticky situation,” likening it to a “giant game of pick-up sticks.” Officers worked to clear the roadway, reminding drivers to secure their loads properly to prevent such hazards.
Earlier this month, 100,000 organic eggs, valued at $40,000, were stolen from a trailer at Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. The theft comes amid soaring egg prices due to a nationwide bird flu outbreak. Authorities are investigating, but no suspects have been identified yet. The company is increasing security measures to prevent future thefts.
Speaking of bird flu… Did you know that more than 156 million birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, have been affected by the bird flu across the United States since January 2022, leading to significant impacts on poultry industries?
RV and RV-related recalls
Nearly 22,000 Grand Design RVs recalled for risk posed by faulty steps
A few months ago, we ran a similar recall notice about Grand Design step problems. That recall affected fewer than 700 RVs. This time, the Grand Design step recall is much bigger. If you own a Grand Design fifth wheel, READ ON.
Winnebago recalls motorhomes: Propane tanks may fall off
Winnebago is recalling certain 2025 Minnie Winnie, Navion, Porto, Spirit, View, and Vita recreational vehicles. The LP tank mounting bracket fasteners may have been improperly tightened, causing the tank to detach. A detached tank can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Learn more.
Saturday giveaway
How would you like to win a flashlight hat?
Yes, this baseball hat has a flashlight built into it!
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!
TIRED OF EXPENSIVE EGGS? Rent a chicken! We’re serious! Check out Rent The Chicken to learn more.
Reader poll
How likely do you think it is that you’ll live to be 100?
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of February 10, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.13
Change from week before: Up 5 cents; Change from year before: Down 6 cents.
Diesel: $3.67
Change from week before: Up <1 cent; Change from year before: Down 44 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration. Here’s the link for propane prices around the U.S.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars
- Houston RV Show, February 14-16, Houston, TX
- Chicago Camping & RV Show, February 13-16, Rosemont, IL
- Austin RV Expo, February 14-16, Austin, TX
- Utah Sportsmen, Vacation & RV Show, February 13-16, Sandy, UT
- Birmingham RV Show, February 14-16, Birmingham, AL
**Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave & Cheri Helgeson - Black Hills Sports Show & Outdoor Expo (with RVs), February 14-16, Rapid City, SD
- Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show, February 14-16, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Cincinnati – Dayton RV Show, February 14-16, Dayton, OH
**Seminars by Neal Davis
For more upcoming RV shows and seminars, click here.
Brain teaser
Can you find the hidden heart? This is a tough one! Click the image to enlarge.
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Recipes of the day
Brussels sprouts that “wow”: Tasty twists on a classic winter veggie
Even if you don’t like Brussels sprouts, we know you’re going to love the ones in these recipes! These include things like bacon, apple, blue cheese, and andouille sausage… Seriously, what’s not to love? Check these out.
Trivia
Amazon Web Services, the National Football League’s data partner since 2017, tracks every player’s movement of every game using sensors embedded in their shoulder pads — not to mention one in the football itself. The league collects millions of data points per game and uses artificial intelligence to analyze movement patterns, assess injury risks, and suggest rule changes meant to improve player safety.
The perfect scam
No new episode today from them today. Sorry!
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.
I just want to tell you that you all are doing a good job putting this newsletter together. Thank you to all your staff and contributors. You add a lot of value to RVing.
Thank you, Ted. Like I’ve mentioned to a couple others this morning, we appreciate your kind words, and we appreciate YOU!👍 It’s nice to get good feedback for our efforts to provide our readers with useful and sometimes entertaining RVing and other information. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
time to stop using Arizona parks, make them affordable.
Love this newsletter!!!! Thank You so much!
Thank you, Sarah. Like I mentioned to Robert, we appreciate your kind words, and we appreciate YOU! We love what we’re doing, and we love it when we get positive comments from our readers regarding our efforts. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Those flashlight baseball hats are terrible! I am only telling you this because I have two and have a good spot to store a 3rd and would love to improve my chances to get it free of charge. 🙂
Seriously, while my hats are used in a lot of ways, one of the best is walking the dog outside daylight hours and be able to clearly see what I am picking up. Then on the way back, flip up the trapdoor on the propane tank cover and check the levels. Or when reaching into the cubby to turn the water heater bypass valves during winterization.
I’m sure you don’t need this hat for any of those purposes. So please don’t register for this week’s giveaway.
I wonder how many states do not use taxes to fund their state parks and the like. It makes sense to me that ‘users’ like campers and day-use folks provide the funds for the parks, not the state’s general population. If this becomes more common, the costs of using those parks will probably become much more expensive.
Really appreciate all the work you do
Thank you, Robert. We appreciate your kind comment, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Belated Happy Valentine’s day to Mountain Mama!!!!!
🥰 Awww, thanks, Larry. Happy belated Valentine’s Day to you, also. Have a great day!🤗 –Mountain Mama aka Diane P.S. When I meet new people when walking at the local track every day, sometimes they apologize when they don’t remember my name. I tell them if they forget, just read the license plate on my car parked nearby, “MTNMAMA”, because I also answer to Mountain Mama.🤣
…”to the place I belong, country roads”…..🎵
Yes, I definitely thank John Denver for that. And with my 18+ acres of absolutely gorgeous mountain property with a river (Index Creek) running through it– gotta live up to my name.👍 Take care, Larry. –Mountain Mama
I second the motion………
Thank you, Doug.😊 Happy belated Valentine’s Day to you, also. Have a great day.🤗 –Diane
You might want to consider having the Saturday Giveaway appear only in the paid subscriber issue as a perk for those who voluntarily support RV Travel. Otherwise, the vast majority of your giveaways go to people who get a free subscription and don’t support the publication – other than seeing ads. Just a random thought. My free advice comes with a full money back guarantee.
Hi, Dave. I think that’s a terrific idea!👍👍 I’ve emailed it to Chuck and Emily to see what they think (in case they don’t notice your comment). There may be some reason they haven’t done that. We’ll see. Thanks!!! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
You may get a commission if someone buys the item online. So, you could show the giveaway item on both newsletters and make it clear that only paid subscribers can enter the giveaway. Or, just don’t show the entry form on the free version. Rename it “Saturday Giveaway for paid subscribers”. My opinion and $10 will get you a nasty cup of coffee at Starbucks.
Thanks, Dave. That’s a good point. I’ll pass this along to Chuck and Emily, also. But I’ll pass on the coffee. Never could get used to the flavor. All of my grandparents drank coffee, but neither parent did. Both of my sisters did, but not me. My 6′-tall grandmother told me that coffee would stunt my growth. Must be true, because I was 6’2″ tall most of my life. Age and gravity have taken their toll, however. Both of my sons are 6’8″. Boy, do I feel like a shrimp when I’m around them!🤣 Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
Dave, the giveaway is for all subscribers, free or paid. In some areas of the country it is illegal to force people to pay to be eligible to participate and/or win a contest. So our contests are free to all.
bummer
I like this idea…no free milk from the cow
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!