Issue 1198 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
The latest news for RVers
Camping World paying millions of dollars to RVers who were victims of unlawful sales practices
We told you about this last Saturday, but it’s so important and so much money is being handed out to RVers that we want to be sure that those eligible for the money receive it… If you’ve purchased a new RV from Camping World since 2017, there could be a refund waiting for you. A big one! A recent court ruling in Oregon has uncovered unlawful practices, potentially putting thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars back in the pockets of RV owners. This development is a major win for consumers and could spark refunds nationwide. Are you eligible? Watch the video or read more for a quick overview of the issue.
700 Park Service workers cash in on “quit now, get paid until later” deal
The news is awash with stories about the effects of the White House’s push for “government efficiency.” We simply cannot cover every aspect of how things may or may not shake out in this arena. But we will post the most significant items of interest to readers. Here’s a question you may have wondered about: Did any National Park workers take advantage of the “quit now, get paid until later” deal? The New York Times says they did. Park workers have left early, and park visitors may regret it. Here’s the current situation.
Time to clear out the basement storage compartments. Nearly two-thirds of RVtravel.com readers say they shop at Costco. Now the big warehouse company says it’s opening even more Costcos in the U.S., with six slated in March, and at least one more in April as they move past the “900 locations on the worldwide map” as it works on fulfilling plans it announced last month. At that time, Costco officials said they were aiming to open 29 new warehouses before the end of this August. Here are the details.
And speaking of Costco… Costco’s member-only policy, and long hoses on the pumps (allowing fills on both side of a car or pickup) make things quicker. But the less-expensive fuel prices tend to draw flocks of fuel-starved drivers. Now Costco is spreading it out by extending fuel station hours. Here are the new hours at the pump.
It was a case that really stirred up RVtravel.com readers. Three people filed suit against the National Park Service for its “cashless payment” policy rolled out at some Park Service sites. Now a judge has tossed their cashless payment suit out—but left the plaintiffs a little bit of wiggle room. Will parks be forced to take cash? Get the latest here.
Have Starlink? Watch out for this scam! More than four-and-a-half million subscribers to Starlink make for a deep pond for phishing schemers. Now SpaceX is warning their customers that these crooked anglers are targeting subscribers with emails and texts seemingly coming from the big internet company. Here’s what the tipoffs are for the Starlink scam.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
Our readers offer their comments about camping and campgrounds
This week Nanci Dixon relates more of our readers’ experiences regarding RVing and finding campsites—some good, some not so good. Dennis S. says they “never have worried about not finding a campsite” and explains why. Daniel F. answered a number of questions about his experiences, and included a handy “tip” for all RVers (which you may or may not agree with). Nikki L., a full-time RVer, also responded to a number of questions. Do you agree with her assessments of RVing and RVers now compared to years past? She also has some tips to find campsites. Read more tips and gripes here.
More RVing news
Ticket prices at Disney theme parks across the U.S. are set to rise as demand increases under a new “dynamic pricing” model. Experts predict that the controversial system will launch in the coming months. It will adjust ticket prices up and down based on demand. And you could be paying a lot more than you budgeted for…
2024 was a disastrous year for the RV industry. Now that the calendar has turned, it will be interesting to see how 2025 shapes up. If statistics from the RV Industry Association are any indicator, RV dealers are taking a cautious approach. It’s a towables good, motorhomes bad scenario. While they’re snapping up towable units at a much higher rate, motorhomes are apparently considered bad news.
Camping World has acquired Lazydays locations in Tennessee, Washington, and Arizona, with more takeovers expected soon. Analysts call it a strategic move, but some RVers see it differently. Get the details here.
On Monday, February 24, around 3:19 p.m., dispatchers at Zion National Park got a flurry of phone calls. A significant rockfall occurred along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between the Great White Throne pull-out and the Big Bend Shuttle Stop. It must have been a bit exciting for those who witnessed the event, and it begs the question: How common are Zion rockfalls and what’s being done about them?
If you have a stolen RV to hide, it might be better to put it in a haystack than under a blue tarp. That’s the moral of the story from Jasper County, Texas. Sheriff’s deputies weren’t fooled in the least when they found a stolen RV under a tarp—just peeking out. It all came to light last Friday, February 21…
A second incident of a potentially rabid bobcat in Arizona in less than a year has turned up. Last August, a man was attacked in Saguaro National Park by a bobcat suspected of carrying the deadly disease. This time it was farther north, where a bobcat at a campground in Gila County tested positive for rabies. Bobcat rabies is rare, but something you don’t want to mess with, especially at a campground! Here’s the story.
Want to be a camp host this summer? The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across the state. Learn more. (pdf)
RV and RV-related recalls
Forest River recalls trailers with wrong safety chain guidelines
Forest River is recalling certain 2017-2025 Coachmen Catalina and 2020-2025 Aurora travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the Federal placard may exceed the safety chain rating. An incorrect weight rating may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash which could result in injury or worse. Learn more.
Keystone recalls trailers for emergency exit design flaw
Keystone is recalling certain 2024-2025 Outback 330RL travel trailers. The side window was incorrectly labeled as an emergency exit, which can delay passengers from exiting in the event of an emergency. Read more.
TODAY IS NATIONAL MINNESOTA DAY! Did you know that Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined? Thanks to its 11,842 lakes, the state boasts around 90,000 miles of shoreline. When you include rivers and streams, it has more than 180,000 miles of shoreline!
The Saturday giveaway has been moved to Sunday’s issue
See you tomorrow!
Reader poll
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Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of February 24, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.13
Change from week before: Down 2 cents; Change from year before: Down 12 cents.
Diesel: $3.70
Change from week before: Up 2 cents; Change from year before: Down 36 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
- New Hampshire RV Show, February 28-March 2, Bedford, NH
**Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave Solberg
- Ocala RV Show, March 6-9, Ocala, FL
- Chattanooga RV Show, March 7-9, Chattanooga, TN
- Orlando RV Show, March 13-16, Kissimmee, FL
- Phoenix RV Supershow, March 21-23, Avondale, AZ
**Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave Solberg
For more upcoming RV shows and seminars, click here.
Brain teaser
A boy is walking around in a carnival and he sees a single man in a booth. He walks up to the man and asks what the booth is for. “Well,” says the man. “I can write your exact weight on this slip of paper. If I get it wrong, I pay you $20. If I get it right, you pay me $20.” The boy looks around and, seeing no scales, agrees. Five minutes later, the man has received $20 from the boy. How?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Recipes of the day
3 yummy peanut butter recipes with a unique ingredient…
It’s National Peanut Butter Day so we’re re-sharing these recipes we posted last year. They’re all delicious, they all have peanut butter, but they all have one unique ingredient that really makes them stand out. If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’re going to want to make these!
Trivia
The phrase “See you later, Alligator” is a reference to swing music fans. The phrase originated in the 1930s where, in jazz and swing communities in Harlem, an alligator was a reference to a well-dressed fan of jazz and swing music (probably because of the popularity of alligator skin clothing and accessories like shoes and belts). This phrase was an insider’s nod.
The perfect scam
Family Fights to Disentangle Father from Romance Scam, Part 1
When Alfred’s sons notice unusual transactions on their dad’s bank statements, they start asking questions. But Alfred’s reaction tells them that there is much more to the story than he is letting on. The family spends the next several years trying desperately to disentangle their father from various scams, one even involving an online romance with an imposter posing as WWE wrestler Alexa Bliss.
Laugh of the week
You understand this sign if there’s a dog in your family. Want this sign for yourself? Here’s another version of it.
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.
In reference to Nanci Dixon’s article:
Not an experience but response to campgrounds hard to find in Florida in winter. There is a narrow, no snow band in the U.S. and huge numbers of people want to travel to warmer spots than staying “up north.” The difficulty and higher prices are simply a reflection of the law of supply and demand. I would open up my property (e.g., Boondockers Welcome) but I will not jeopardize myself in an extremely litigious society if someone trips over a blade of grass.
And Carl that is the problem with society, no self responsibility. Every issue is always someone else’s fault.
This is in reference to your link to low bridges. It does not show any in Texas, but I know of at least one leading to a popular attraction in Denison, Texas. If you are in town and google the directions for Eisenhower’s Birthplace, they will take you under two railroad bridges via E Owings St. As I recall (so not exact) the max height was 11’8″. My RV has a height of 11’3″ but I didn’t risk it. There is a way around (over the tracks instead of under) using E Main St then S Crockett Ave.
Thanks Steve! I appreciate when people are helpful!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekend and safe travels!
Today’s funny needs a modification: After each line, “Let dog in” should be “Go out clean up after dog”! HA!
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