Issue 1233
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for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” —John Steinbeck
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Calzone Day!
On this day in history: 1800 – John Adams becomes the first President of the United States to live in the Executive Mansion (later renamed The White House).
Featured news
A viral story this month has travelers questioning new U.S. border fingerprint rules for Canadian snowbirds. At the Peace Arch Border near Blaine, Washington, Jacquie and Steve Ree were charged $60 for fingerprints and photos after crossing into the U.S. Officers searched their entire RV for more than an hour—an incident that drew attention from media on both sides of the border and raised questions about possible new procedures.
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a winter in Yosemite, here’s your chance—though it won’t come with a paycheck. A new volunteer listing seeks someone to work full-time from November through early April at Yosemite’s Valley Visitor Center, greeting visitors, leading walks, and sharing park information. But the unpaid nature of the role has sparked a big debate… 40 hours of work each week? For free? Here’s the story.
What’s one way to get your RV repaired? Set up shop inside the service center! After weeks of waiting for Camping World RV repairs, RVer Nick Naoum decided he’d had enough of sitting by the phone. Instead, he packed up his work setup—a folding table, laptop, and personal Wi-Fi—and brought it straight to Camping World. Day after day, he set up inside the dealership’s service area, determined not to be ignored. Here’s what happened.
Big, important Starlink update: A Starlink dish RV update could be critical if your equipment has been sitting unused. SpaceX warns that dishes inactive for 21 months or more and running software older than version 2024.05.0 risk becoming “permanently inoperable” on November 17. Here’s what you need to know.
It would seem that when many jump in their motorhome or hitch their towable, the desirable destination is far more likely someplace out in nature, rather than on the pavement of a big city. But Rapid City proves it can be both. Named the 2025 RV City USA by RV Trader, this town is one of the top RV-friendly South Dakota towns. Here’s why.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has drafted administrative rules that would apply to its rest areas, welcome centers, carpool lots, roadside parks, and scenic turnouts that would put a cap on how long any vehicle can remain on those properties. Here’s what that means for overnight stays at rest areas, and more.
Prices for used RVs rose in Camping World RV sales 2025, according to a company report. It gives buyers more options, though a bit of caution is still warranted. In the third quarter, the company sold 33% more used RVs than the same period last year, while used inventory jumped 41%. All this provides shoppers with a wider selection than in recent years.
A recent Reddit post from Zion National Park reminds RVers why the RV camping “leave no trace” ethos really matters. One RVer shared photos showing deer digging through trash left behind by careless campers. “The campers next to our site set up camp, left everything out, then took off,” the user wrote. “The deer came in a few minutes later and ate whatever they could.” This is so sad.
RV review
World Debut: Axiom Vendetta—A 47-foot, 12-sleeper RV built for the bold
By Gail Marsh
If you like the idea of taking a group of friends or a big family on the road, then, boy, the Axiom Vendetta was designed for you. This luxury toy hauler/fifth wheel pushes the boundaries of RV space to what you might expect in a park model RV. It also allows plenty of storage so you can carry gear, cook real meals, and still have plenty (and we mean plenty) of room to spread out. This 12-sleeper RV is nuts! Check it out.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
“Too expensive to camp, owe too much to sell; RV sits in storage”—an RVer’s tough reality
This week, Nanci Dixon shares more of your complaints about the declining etiquette in campgrounds, increasing expenses of RVing, and difficulty in getting reservations in some areas. Others offer their suggestions on how to avoid those situations or at least tolerate them. And one RVer has a suggestion on how to “never lose a day driving.” Read it here.
News briefs
Results for the RV Industry Association’s September 2025 survey of manufacturers found that total shipments of recreational vehicles ended the month with 25,684 units, an increase of 4.4% from the 24,595 units shipped in September 2024. For the year, RV shipments are up 4.2% with 267,234 units. Here are the stats.
Canada’s tourism industry had a banner summer of 2025, with revenue between May and August of nearly $60 billion, a 6% year-over-year increase driven by Canadians who explored their own country rather than others, including the USA.
On Thursday, a tanker truck veered off Interstate 15 near milepost 92/93 south of Blackfoot, Idaho, and struck a pillar of the Riverton Road Overpass, compromising the overpass’s structural integrity. North and southbound lanes of I-15 are now closed with motorists being rerouted at exits 89 and 93.
An Indiana man visiting Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park on October 23 dug up a 2.71-carat white diamond. Dewey White named the pea-sized gem the Hope Diamond because he had “hoped to find a diamond.” It was the fourth-largest diamond registered at the park this year.
A partnership of state and local entities will provide funding to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open from November 3 through January 4 amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Doug Uhlenbrock, a longtime employee of the Family RV Association (formerly FMCA), has been named executive director. The club had 51,603 members as of June 30, down 8,052 from the first of the year.
Drivers are paying less for gasoline than when October began. The national average for a gallon of regular was $3.15 a month ago and $3.07 a week ago. On Thursday, says AAA, the average price was $3.03. California’s price was the highest ($4.57) and Texas the lowest ($2.59).
Chunkosaurus Rex topped Chunk Norris for the top spot in Texas State Parks Fat Squirrel Week. Chunkosaurus is a visitor favorite at Dinosaur Valley State Park, moving fast in the pursuit of acorns.
The 2026 annual park entrance license for South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas is now available for purchase. The license is valid from Oct. 1, 2025, through May 23, 2027. The resident license is $40 for one year or $60 for two. The pass does not cover camping fees.
On October 24, the National Park Service announced three convictions for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, where the dangerous activity has been illegal since the mid-1980s. Besides criminal penalties, jumpers face forfeiture of their equipment and potential bans from entering national park lands.
As Americans change their clocks this weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding everyone to check for open safety recalls on their vehicles and equipment. More than 29.3 million vehicles were recalled in 2024, a near-record.
Black Book, which publishes vehicle appraisal guides, has released its latest RV market report which showed values for used RVs sold at wholesale auctions declined in September. The average selling price for a motorhome was $63,678, down $6,563 (9.3%) from August, and towables $16,376, down $916 (5.3%).
Tomorrow is Texas State Parks Day. Day use of the 89 state parks is free to everyone.
REMINDER: Clocks fall back one hour tonight at 2 a.m. at the end of daylight saving time. You gain an hour of sleep, but it’s going to be dark very early tomorrow evening. Waaaahhhhh.
RV and RV-related recalls
• Forest River is recalling certain 2021 XLR toy hauler travel trailers. The mounting brackets may be improperly located or secured, which might allow the fresh water tank to detach when full. Learn more.
• Forest River is recalling certain 2026 Coachmen Catalina travel trailers. The chassis outrigger may puncture the tire. Forest River’s recall number is 103-1999. Contact info: 574-825-4995.
• Jayco is recalling certain 2025-2026 Entegra Condor and Jayco Granite Ridge motorhomes. The certification label may have the front and rear axle information reversed. Jayco’s recall number is 9903641. Contact info: 800-283-8267.
Reader poll
Do you like candy corn?
More popular polls:
- Should e-bikes be allowed on traditional bike trails?
- Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?
- Do dogs belong in public spaces?
- Have you ever had a problem with a slide-out that delayed your travel?
In case you missed it…
October’s most popular news for RVers:
- New 2026 RV rule could leave you without power at some campgrounds
- New rules on long-term camping on government lands leave RVers uncertain and confused
- Homeowner fighting city over RV carport he erected without building permit
- A quick peek at new towable 2026 Brinkley RVs
- Thieves targeting RVs to steal their copper wiring
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Brain teaser
Without it, I am dead. If I am not it, then I am behind. What am I?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
The White House is said to be haunted by many famous ghosts, with Abraham Lincoln the most popular haunt of them all. Longtime White House staff member Jerry Smith was the first to describe a Lincoln encounter. What he described was so eerie it was written about in a 1903 newspaper. Many additional sightings have occurred over the years, most often in the Lincoln Bedroom or the Yellow Oval Room. It’s been said that White House dogs often bark at nothing. President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan’s dog, Rex, would never go into Lincoln’s bedroom—instead, he’d just stand outside it and bark.
FREE IS GOOD! Free museum admission this weekend for Bank of America cardholders. Check website for details.
Laugh of the week
A young Montana cowboy was walking a pretty girl home from the Saturday night barn dance. He was falling in love, and it was a beautiful, romantic evening. “Edna, I bet you’ve been out with a lot of worse-looking fellows than me,” he said, bashfully. Edna didn’t answer. He tried again. “I said I bet you’ve been out with a lot of uglier fellows than me.”
“Would you keep quiet,” Edna said. “I’m trying to think!”
The perfect scam
Thieves Drain Crypto Wallets in Sophisticated Phishing Scam
After several years of investing in crypto, Glen has built up a sizeable nest egg. The money means security and the ability to buy a home. One day, when trying to log in to Coinbase, he realizes that his account is locked. Seconds later, he receives a call from “Coinbase support.” The customer service agent explains that due to a major data breach and the high volume of hacks, they are now being instructed to reach out and assist customers directly. He walks Glen through the account recovery process, which is reassuring, but within a day, Glen’s account is drained of $180,000.
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
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The article about our new harassment of Canadian Snowbirds at our northern border sends a clear signal to our Canadian neighbors they are no longer welcome in our country. What bureaucrat thought this was a good idea?
Think about it!
Don’t have to think hard.
Amen!
Border laws being enforced…Amen.
Four years of unfettered and uncontrolled immigration stopped …. Amen.
Knowing once again who is entering our country ….Amem.
Enforcement of laws written and passed by congress finally….Amen.
Recognizing we have more than one border again….Amen.
Reagan Library suing Doug Ford and Ontario (hopefully)…. Amen.
Canadians paying their fair share for drug research and development….Amen.
Law Enforcement actually enforcing laws….Amen.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen.
Amen!
Garbage…Amen
Amen.
Yah. The harassment of us, by Canadian authorities, at their border isn’t new. We attempted to cross into Canada several years ago. And, guess what? They pulled us over, searched our vehicle and trailer, required proof of legal documents (ID, etc). In the proccess they destroyed a laptop when putting a crew cab seat back down and (shocker!?) didn’t mention it; found that out after we got to our destination. And that was the SECOND time we had been stopped and searched….trailer and all….at the Canadian border. Must be because we’re American and we’re not welcome there. This is very anecdotal, but so are the incidents being reported by Canadians.
We too got a little delayed at the border three weeks ago. Blaine, WA. Thought we’d take a ride to the airport, test ride, for future plans. Stupid questions and no sense of humor. Delayed and secondary search. An extra 35-45 minutes to the trip. I really don’t think they opened up the car while we were in this huge building being asked the same stupid questions. Most of the personnel working for their border protection were standing outside as it was lovely day.
Probably to do with the crackdown on guns smuggled into Canada but you weren’t fingerprinted picture taken and charged for it
As someone who has had the pleasure of a powder sniffing dog in my RV at the Canadian border more than once, you are correct. Guns and ammo…. big NO NO going into Canada and don’t carry more than $7,000 US because they WILL confiscate it.
And yet, almost 40% of Canadians in Alberta and Saskatchewan would vote to become Americans if given a opportunity.
Enforcement of laws is a good thing, especially after 4 years of ignoring laws written and passed by congress.
It is no more difficult or inconvenient to go from Canada in the US than it is to go from the US into Canada. The only difference is that NOW the US CBP is once again protecting the border and immigration law.
The USA is not a Canadian Territory, nor is it the 11th province. Sorry for the 20 minutes of inconvenience so you can spend 5 months not shoveling snow this winter. Go Jay’s.
Or perhaps, as the CSA recommends, do your due diligence and research the required documentation and forms in order to be prepared for your crossing. It’s not rocket science and Canadian authorities require us to know their rules and procedures, too.
REMINDER: Clocks go ahead one hour tonight at 2 a.m. for daylight saving time. You gain an hour of sleep, but it’s going to be dark very early tomorrow evening. Waaaahhhhh.
Hmm? Spring forward, fall back! I believe we are falling back into Standard Time.
Yes. Spring forward, fall back. We turn clocks back one hour tonight.
Carl, you are correct! This common error is one more reason to abolish DST.
I would rather it stay at DST. Who cares if it’s darker in the morning? Better having it light later in the evening. In a few weeks, it will be dark at 5PM.
It’s not to help school kids. Most schools have a 7-8am starting time. And if they are bused their parents sit in the car waiting for them to be picked up.
On that comment, we agree.
✌️😎
The people who accidentally set their clocks ahead an hour would show up 2 hours early for church the first Sunday in November. Always an interesting thing to observe.
Sure it will be dark very early tomorrow evening.
That’s the Forecast for every evening.
DARK with widely scattered light in the morning!
“Clocks fall back one hour tonight at 2 a.m. at the end of daylight saving time” is what the article says. It is correct.
Hi, Ron. It was corrected after several folks mentioned there was an error. Have a good afternoon. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
It’s great to have the Daily Reader Poll back! Also, your “Reminder” is 6 months off. Spring Foward Fall Back is the slogan that most of us have known for years. So, readers, don’t “go ahead one hour tonight” as the current reminder states.
I know others have commented………….NO, FALL BACK!!
REMINDER: Clocks go ahead one hour tonight at 2 a.m. for daylight saving time. You gain an hour of sleep, but it’s going to be dark very early tomorrow evening. Waaaahhhhh.
I welcome all Canadians to the USA. Proud to be their neighbor. I am ashamed of our administration and so called leaders in the way they and Americans are being treated.
🤣🤣🤣
Regarding DST… I would prefer keeping DST year-round.
More daylight at the end of day than early morning. More daylight family time around dinner. All day long, most of us are indoors at the office or at school. Lets keep more daylight for after school and office hours.
DST ALL YEAR LONG!
I would agree 100% but I would take Standard time too. Just one or the other all year please! PS I have way too many clocks in my home~ hehe
I’m Canadian” and I’ve been harassed by Kanadian officers when coming back home just for purchasing a boat in the US. To hear about Kanadian officer’s harassing Americans doesn’t surprise me at all as Kanadians for decades have been subjected to “antiamerian” rhetoric from many politicians and our traditional media.
Makes them feel superior and provides them with someone to blame.
Indeed…AntiAmerican rhetoric in Canada is alive and well. I think Doug Ford poked the wrong bear last week tho. A bad decision based on having an advanced case of TDS is costing his own people dearly. Definitely put the puck in his own goal with Carney between the pipes and with Carney actually playing a pretty good game, now down by one… ouch. Talk about punching above his weight on a National issue. He really messed up. Ouch.
Game 7…. Go Jays.
When did we start spelling Canadians with a K ?
Canadians that know they live in an increasingly Kontrolling, Soviet style police state with KGB style techniques use a K. Canadians don’t have God Given inalienable rights. The Canadian Charter defines rights granted from the govt, not from God, and specifically indicates the Gov’t may modify these rights over time. This is how they CAN and DO regulate speech including by de-banking citizens for speech violations. Only one America with American rights that are derived at birth, from God and not the state.
Go Jay’s.
But we are becoming a dictatorship. Too many of our freedoms are being taken away because of persons Ego.
But we will have a big beautiful ballroom.
Can you name a single freedom that has been taken away? Just one. Tell us a single freedom now gone. I’ll wait for your reply.
The freedom to exploit the indentured servitude of undocumented workers is being taken away.
I’m also waiting…..
Aargh! Sorry, everyone. The daylight saving time reminder has been corrected. We’ve been having so much trouble this week getting the poll to work that we missed that “minor” detail in the reminder. We’re looking forward to getting the extra hour of sleep tonight (which we obviously need!). Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
You still have it wrong. We are not going into daylight savings time. We are going into standard time.
Dang! Thanks, Chuck. It’s been fixed. I didn’t write it, but I obviously didn’t catch that when I proofed it, either. I really need that extra hour of sleep tonight… or maybe a nap to reboot my brain! Have a great day. 😀 -Diane
When referring to The White House the “T” is capitalized. I know. I used to work there.
Thanks, Dana. I never knew that. It’s been corrected. It’s interesting that some groups such as The White House Historical Association, as well as Wikipedia, refer to it as “the” White House. According to Wikipedia, President Theodore Roosevelt established “The White House” as the building’s formal name in 1901 via Executive Order. (That’s one of the few places Wikipedia got it correct.🤔) Thank you for teaching me something new today, Dana. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I can’t wait for the White House to be haunted by it’s current occupant.
Great pammie! there are only two kinds of humans; decent and indecent. Wishing death on our President Trump, the President elected by over 80 million people is indecent, uncalled for and immature. grow up