Issue 1226
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” —Edward Abbey
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Positive Thinking Day! We think that’s great!
On this day in history: 1609 – Henry Hudson reaches the river that would later be named after him – the Hudson River.
Featured news
A major shift could be coming for America’s wildest forests. The USDA has launched a proposal to roll back the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects nearly 60 million acres of National Forest land from roadbuilding and large-scale logging. Supporters call it common-sense forest management; opponents warn it could unravel vital protections. The public comment window closes soon. Here’s the story.
And in similar news… The Bureau of Land Management plans to repeal the year-old Public Lands Rule, which expanded conservation protections on millions of acres. Supporters say it struck a fair balance, while critics warn repeal could open the door to more drilling and mining near national parks. Learn more.
Thinking about renting out your RV? Read on. Burning Man’s brutal conditions have long made RV owners wary—and one Outdoorsy rental shows why. Despite signing a contract banning festival use, a renter secretly took a rented RV to the playa, where storms and high winds left it damaged. Thanks to hidden trackers, the owners caught him red-handed. Now, with repairs piling up, they’re preparing to sue. (And the owner has weighed in on the comments below that post.)
Ever worry that Grandpa—or even yourself—might be “pushing it” behind the wheel? General Motors is exploring a solution. Their newly patented “driver retirement score” collects data from both the driver and the vehicle, tracking reaction time, lane keeping, and even medical information, to rate drivers as acceptable, questionable, or unacceptable. If developed, this system could give families a clear, data-driven guide for knowing when it’s time to hang up the keys.
The federal government is looking for National Park Service visitor feedback from people who visit the parks—including RVers—about how it can make their experience better. They’re looking for ideas on making services more efficient, easier to use, and more enjoyable for everyone. From campgrounds and dump stations to visitor centers and other park amenities, here’s your shot at commenting on what you feel needs improving.
Every year, thousands of snowbirds head to the Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) near Quartzsite and Yuma, Arizona. These desert areas, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offer a place to call home, and access to a dump station, fresh water, and garbage disposal for up to 7 months. But last fall, the BLM proposed raising permit fees from $180 to as much as $600. Here’s what could happen.
Flying cars are moving from fantasy to reality. At last week’s Munich Auto Show, Xpeng and others unveiled electric vehicles that can actually take to the skies—think fold-out, two-seat aircraft built into a car. Xpeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier could hit mass production in China by 2026, priced around $281,000. Imagine zipping from your RV campground straight into the clouds! Check ’em out.
Wednesday’s opening day attendance at the 2025 Hershey RV Show was 6,497, down from last year’s 7,007 but an increase over 2022 and 2023. Nearly 1,500 RVs are on display at what is billed as “America’s Largest RV Show.” The show is on through tomorrow—get your tickets here.
Speaking of Hershey… Heartland RV, a division of Jayco, is introducing what it calls a “New Era of Heartland” at the 2025 Hershey RV Show. The company will debut more than 30 new models across its Sundance, Cyclone, Bighorn, North Trail, and Prowler brands. Here’s how the company explains its new campaign.
Additionally, Winnebago will debut several new models of Winnebago, Grand Design and Newmar RVs, plus display product updates at the Hershey RV Show. More than 120 models of the company’s brands of RVs will be displayed, with test drives available. Company representatives will be on-site to answer questions. Learn more.
EWWWW! That trusty water bottle you carry everywhere? It might be hiding a nasty secret. A Purdue University study found many reusable bottles crawling with bacteria—including some linked to fecal matter. Even the outside rims tested filthy, thanks to constant contact with germy hands and surfaces. Without regular scrubbing, your go-to hydration buddy could be more like a petri dish in disguise. Read this, then go wash your water bottle(s)!
There’s no better time to explore the U.S. national parks than in the fall. With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage, autumn transforms these natural wonders into spectacular playgrounds. Emily Hart, a solo traveler who has visited all 63 major national parks, highlights six top destinations she considers the best U.S. national parks in fall.
RV review
No amenities spared on behemoth Keystone Raptor 444 toy hauler fifth wheel trailer
It’s Hershey RV Show time, and the videos from influencers, content creators and others with an iPhone (or better) are starting to flood YouTube. Up first for us at RVtravel.com to show you is a fifth wheel toy hauler trailer on steroids—the 2026 Keystone Raptor 444. It’s everything anyone could want in a wheeled home with two balconies, two bathrooms, a king-sized bed, two exterior doors, and even a super-sized kitchen sink. Check it out.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
RV Travel readers offer tips and share frustrations about camping in these times
This week, Nanci Dixon relates readers’ concerns and recommendations for visiting a campground or RV park and reading the reviews before making reservations, just in case it’s not as advertised. Plus, we hear from more readers who are hanging up the keys due to increasing prices and decreasing enjoyment. Read more.
News briefs
California lawmakers are weighing $80 million to $200 million in aid to Valero Energy for maintenance at its Benicia refinery, set to shut down by April 2026. Postponing major overhauls can contribute to plant closures, and California gas prices could be directly impacted.
Black Book, part of the Hearst Business Media Corporation, has released its Black Book RV market commentary for September 2025. It showed that values for used RVs sold at wholesale auctions last month were mixed. Motorhome values went up, towable values went down (but not much). Here are the numbers.
If you’re rolling along I-20 through West Texas, Love’s has just opened a brand-new travel stop in Big Spring, right off Exit 176. Tucked conveniently between the Midland and Sweetwater locations, it gives RVers another reliable overnight option on this busy stretch of highway. And just minutes away, you’ll find a West Texas road trip attraction.
GOOD BOY, MARCUS! A Phillies fan’s birthday took a wild turn: After a disputed home run ball went viral, Marcus Lemonis stepped in. First, he sent the boy and his family to the World Series. Then, he sweetened the deal with an RV. What started as a rough night ended with unforgettable memories for the family. Here’s the story.
Traveling I-70 through Colorado’s Vail Pass this year? The Colorado Department of Transportation recently installed an electronic closure system on I-70 through the pass, which enables operational staff to close (or reopen) stretches of highway remotely. This can shave roughly 30–45 minutes off the old process of physically getting people to closure points. Learn more.
Nebraska’s Sandhills are calling. This fall, Nebraska’s Niobrara National Scenic River and its partners are offering a series of free night-sky programs. These special events are especially friendly to RVers who enjoy guided stargazing and informational talks on nocturnal wildlife. Learn more.
The Citrus County, Florida, Planning and Development Commission has voted 7-0 to advise the county to reject a proposal to build a 230-site RV park in Dunnellon along the Withlacoochee River because of environmental concerns.
The National Park Service reopened seven miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Tuesday from milepost 241.1, just south of Doughton Park and The Bluffs restaurant, to milepost 248.1, at NC 18 near Laurel Springs.
Beginning Tuesday, sections of Washington state’s Cape Disappointment State Park will begin closing until spring for renovations and repairs. Campground loops A, B and C will close on Sept. 16. Campground Loop D will remain temporarily open on a first-come, first-served basis until construction gets underway.
SLUGGISH? Police in Germany were called to an apartment building on a report of someone repeatedly ringing doorbells late at night. Residents of the building say their doorbells were repeatedly triggered late at night, suspecting local youths to be behind the prank. They were especially uneasy because whoever was ringing the doorbells was not triggering the motion sensor cameras outside the front door. Turns out it was just the local neighborhood slug. Yes, a slug.
The National Boy Scouts’ 32-foot Class C RV is headed to its final “campsite,” the World Scouting Museum in Charleston, West Virginia. This unique RV traveled across the Lower 48 states as a way to spread awareness and information about the Boy Scouts’ mission. It also celebrated 100 years of Scouting!
On Sept. 7, a vehicle with a single occupant drove over the rim of the Grand Canyon near the South Kaibab trailhead. Park rangers recovered the body of a 37-year-old Colorado man about 300 feet below, a suspected suicide.
RV and RV-related recalls
Jayco is recalling certain 2026 Seismic fifth wheel trailers. The certification label lists an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR). Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267 for info on the recall, number 9901638.
Cruiser RV is recalling certain 2025 Avenir travel trailers. The underslung axle may not provide enough clearance, allowing the wheel wells to contact and damage the tires. For info contact Cruiser RV at 574-206-7920.
Reader poll
Do you feel safe when staying overnight in a Walmart parking lot?
TAKE A GUESS: Do RVtravel.com readers feel lonely? What percentage say they feel lonely often or very often? 8 percent, 14 percent, 33 percent or 61 percent? Find out here.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Brain teaser
A special offer allows you to get a free Popsicle if you exchange two Popsicle sticks for one Popsicle. Peter has 20 sticks. How many times can Peter get a free Popsicle?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
A cockroach can live for a week after its head is cut off. Its nervous system, or “brain,” is scattered throughout its body, and thus its head is not really needed to stay alive. Cockroaches have been around for about 280 million years and can live a month without eating, but they need to drink water about every week. Since a cockroach can drink only through its mouth, a headless roach dies of dehydration within about a week.
Laugh of the week
The perfect scam
All That Glitters is Not Gold: Gold Bar Scams
A tech support scam leads to criminals stealing one woman’s life savings in gold bars. Gold bar scams have exploded in popularity as gold prices hit all-time highs. In this episode, Bob talks with a gold store dealer and a detective who are sounding the alarm about this trend. Hear how they are using gold bar sting operations to nab the criminals.
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
Search Google for the latest RV news from RVtravel.com.
If you have a skill/talent/service that could help make RVtravel.com better than it already is, please contact publisher Chuck Woodbury at chuck (at) RVtravel.com and explain. We want to be the best we can be. But we need help! All ideas welcome and appreciated. Volunteer or be paid.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Whatever happened to meeting your “forever mate” in a bar at 2 am for last call. The good old days are gone.
Met my wife of 46 years in a different bar – – the college snack bar. We did close out the other kind of bars a few times after that. 🙂
Go UGLY early and you never go home alone!
The girls all get prettier at closing time.
Forest management had been ignored with over-regeneration taking over not only natural resources but from house construction to what vehicles can be made, now reversing the burdensome regulations create concerns, however are truly needed!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Nice to have a headstart on Saturday’s news by following along all week. 🙂 Ha! I got the brain teaser the last time it ran. Bet I get it again, too. The laugh was great. I wonder if any of the 1500 adopted a dog? Have a great day and safe travels!
LOTW is the best ever. I’m upping my RV TRAVEL donation again because of it!
Thanks, Bill! We appreciate your support, and we appreciate YOU! (Are you going to get a new puppy?🤔😉) Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com