Issue 1200 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
The latest news for RVers
New U.S. rule mandates Canadian snowbirds to register with Homeland Security
With pressure between the U.S. and Canada continuing, reports indicate some Canadian snowbirds may change their plans to head south. Now a new U.S. rule may cause even more to stay away. Effective April 11, Canadian citizens who visit the U.S. for more than 30 days must register with U.S. Homeland Security. Read more.
New Canadian tariffs slapped on U.S. in retaliation for American actions
The Canadian government announced a plan to slap tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of American goods to strike back against the U.S. after it imposed punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum earlier this week. More.
RV dealers stock up on rigs; customer demand remains sluggish
When the RV industry reported that wholesale shipments were up in January, it was a banner headline for them, a good turnaround from a disappointing 2024. So now, RV dealers are stocking up their lots, anticipating the return of the RV buyer. But will they come? Read all about it.
Two-thirds of campers struggle with reservations on West Coast
Are you having trouble getting a campground reservation for a West Coast trip? You’re not alone. According to a report from camping app publisher The Dyrt, many of those surveyed reported facing the same issue. Learn more.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
Our readers discuss their feelings about the present-day camping
This week, Nanci Dixon shares more of your experiences with RVing and campgrounds. Several readers commented that they haven’t had problems with campgrounds being crowded. One RVer thinks there should be a nonrefundable deposit for campsite reservations. (What do you think?) Another RVer mentioned receiving an email from an upscale RV resort where they previously stayed with a 50% discount offer for an in-season stay. (Hmmm. Think about the implications from that offer.) Read more.
COMING TOMORROW: Nanci’s own experience with campground crowding. She can’t get a campsite!
More RVing news
National park visitors face reduced access and services across the country
Last year the National Park Service received record visits. But this year forebodes trouble: More and more national parks are announcing cuts in hours and service. RVers who want to visit parks this year will likely feel the effects. Here’s a sample of the cuts.
28 million Americans plan to RV this spring. Here’s where they’re going
A survey by the RV Industry Association indicates 28 million RVers plan to hit the road this spring. Does that mean crowded campgrounds? Here’s more.
Lawsuit accuses GEICO of unlawfully raising insurance rates
A proposed class action lawsuit accuses GEICO of failing to honor its accident forgiveness policy, which promises customers that their insurance premiums will not increase because of their first at-fault accident. GEICO advertises heavily to the RV market, so this news could affect many RVtravel.com readers. More.
NEWS BRIEF: 2024 National Park visits have reached new heights, but there’s something the park service isn’t telling the public, and they want park service media people to remain quiet…
NEWS BRIEF: Camping World Holdings announced yesterday that it has closed on the purchase of Lazydays in Elkhart, Indiana.
NEWS BRIEF (From yesterday): Due to high fire danger, and a high wind watch, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now banning all campfires and charcoal use. The ban will remain in effect until further notice through all the park.
Feds rehire 6,000 wildfire and public land workers
BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has rehired nearly 6,000 probationary employees, many of whom play key roles in managing public lands and wildfires. Learn more.
Federal payment freeze leaves RV volunteer couple out in the cold
Imagine yourself in your 70s and full-time RVing. To help make ends meet, you volunteer looking after a visitor center for the National Forest Service. You depend on that extra cash. Until it doesn’t come because the government has frozen the funds. Meet Alan Willes and Teri Gilfilen—it’s their true story of RVers and budget cuts.
NEWS BRIEF: Hungry? Have the Love’s Connect app? You can get a free Arby’s sandwich. Here’s how.
NEWS BRIEF: Drunk driving? No, marijuana driving! Marijuana use is up, making cannabis the third most-used substance in the U.S. Although not every marijuana user drives under its influence, a survey published by AAA shows that your chances of being involved in an accident with someone who does are far from reassuring.
RV and RV-related recalls
• Keystone recalls trailers due to miswired electrical box
• Hundreds of Airstreams recalled for couch fire hazard
• Jayco issues recall for potentially dangerous tire info
SHORT STOP: Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only place in the world where you can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source! Park policy is “finders-keepers”; keep any rock or mineral you find regardless of value. More than 35,000 diamonds have been found since the area became a state park in 1972. Notable diamonds include the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States. Oh, full-hookup RV camping is available.
Reader poll
Would you prefer to stay in a campground where kids were not allowed?
PREVIOUS POLL: Are you addicted to your phone?
Oh, you might like to read the results of this poll, too: Would you say that you are addicted to your cell phone? What percent of readers said “Yes”? Was it 8, 13 or 24 percent? Find out.
And now, time for a quick musical break. Here’s that blockbuster from 1946, Shaving Cream!
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of March 10, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.07
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Down 31 cents.
Diesel: $3.58
Change from week before: Down 5 cents; Change from year before: Down 42 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.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: It is sometimes difficult to hear the television or stereo in your RV during a pounding rainstorm. But the sound of the storm is a very nice reminder that you are cozy and dry, which is pleasing. This is an excellent time to relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars
- Orlando RV Show, March 13-16, Kissimmee, FL
- Phoenix RV Supershow, March 21-23, Avondale, AZ
Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave Solberg
Brain teaser
Which three letters will frighten a thief away?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
Even though food was canned in tin cans around 1813, it took about 40 years for someone to invent the can opener. Can openers for home use didn’t become popular until the 1860s. Before then? Hammer and chisel.
The perfect scam
PayPal Impostor Scam Steals Priest’s Life Savings
Retired priest Father Robert Banzin has devoted his life to the service of others. Now in his 80s, he continues to preach every Sunday. Father Bob gets an alarming email claiming that his PayPal account had been used for a purchase on eBay. Concerned, he calls a number he believes to be PayPal’s customer service and is informed that his bank account has been compromised. Within weeks, every penny of his life savings had been stolen. But all is not lost, as former students and parishioners rally to support him.
Laugh of the week
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
BUMPER SNICKER: Spotted on a pickup truck: “Yes, this is my truck. No, I will not help you move.” Send your bumper snicker to editor@rvtravel.com
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
enjoyed “Shaving Cream”
I also enjoy the song Shaving Cream. The lyrics were clever.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂