America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1244
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Need an excuse to celebrate? It’s National Be Classy Day!
On this day in history: 1920 – Alcohol Prohibition begins in the United States as the Volstead Act goes into effect.
Costco enters RV sales through new Camping World partnership
Camping World has quietly rolled out a new way to sell RVs, and it runs through a name most shoppers already trust: Costco. The Camping World Costco RV program works much like Costco’s long-standing car-buying program. Costco members browse eligible new RVs online, get routed into Camping World’s inventory, and receive a prearranged, no-haggle price tied to a specific unit and dealer. On the surface, that sounds appealing, but…
Honda makes cars and generators—now it’s testing the RV waters
If you’ve spent any time in RV parks, chances are Honda is already part of your setup. Maybe it’s the CR-V or Pilot doing tow duty. Maybe it’s a red Honda generator quietly powering the coffee pot while the rest of the loop listens to something louder. Either way, Honda is a familiar name in RV country—just not on the RV itself. But that may be changing…
Featured news
Starlink’s new $50 Roam plan fixes one of the biggest frustrations RVers have had with satellite internet: getting cut off completely after hitting a data cap. Under the revised plan, service doesn’t stop when high-speed data runs out—but speeds can drop sharply, changing what the connection is actually useful for on the road. Here’s what that means.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning used-vehicle owners and buyers after two drivers were killed in December in crashes involving defective Chinese replacement air bag inflators that were likely imported illegally. The agency says it is aware of 10 crashes in the United States that resulted in death or serious injury from ruptured replacement inflators. Learn more.
California agricultural landowners gained a new opportunity for income diversification on January 1, 2026, when the Low-Impact Camping Areas Act took effect. The law allows counties to authorize limited, temporary camping operations on private agricultural land, creating a new category of rural camping that operates outside traditional campground permitting rules. Here’s more info.
If it feels like Yosemite camping reservations have turned into a competitive sport, you’re not imagining it. For many of the park’s most popular campgrounds, sites disappear within minutes of opening. That played out again earlier this week. At 7 a.m. Pacific Time, Yosemite released another round of peak-season campground reservations, and—as has become routine—the sites were quickly snapped up. Are you out of luck? Maybe, but maybe not.
Speaking of Yosemite… Yosemite Firefall reservations won’t be required this winter, a change that restores flexibility for RVers—but does revive some familiar Yosemite challenges. For the first time in several years, visitors hoping to see the glowing orange “Firefall” at Horsetail Fall can enter Yosemite National Park during the February viewing window without a timed reservation in advance. Here’s more info.
Using dashboard touchscreens while driving can significantly reduce safety, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Washington and the Toyota Research Institute. The study found that drivers have difficulty multitasking when interacting with touch-based vehicle controls, even during relatively simple tasks. Results showed that drivers using touchscreens… continue reading.
When we first reported on the Evotrex travel trailer, it introduced its trailer as the “world’s first power-generating RV.” An ambitious idea, especially as more RVers move into solar, lithium batteries, and generator-free camping. But how do those hybrid travel trailer power claims hold up once the trailer heads for real-world RV travel?
TAKE A GUESS: What was the most popular dog name for male dogs in 2025: Charlie, Buddy, Astro, or Hank? What about females? Is it: Bella, Luna, Daisy, or Lucy? Find the answer below.
RV review
2026 Rockwood Ultra Lite 301FKT: Wide-body, no-slide trailer
A lot of shoppers have been asking for a travel trailer that feels open and upscale, but skips the slide-outs. The 2026 Rockwood Ultra Lite 301FKT lands in that sweet spot. It brings back a classic front-kitchen, rear-bedroom layout, then updates it with modern build details and features that usually show up on bigger slide models. Check it out.
News briefs
Airstream is the first to get a new power system to extend off-grid stays. Harbinger, a U.S. automotive and industrial manufacturer, has introduced a new business unit called Harbinger Industria and named Airstream its first customer for off-grid power systems. Here’s what that new system looks like.
Late Wednesday morning, thousands of Verizon users found their devices without service and trapped in “SOS” mode. Verizon’s support team acknowledged an issue impacting “wireless voice and data services for some customers.” It took until late that night for the country’s largest cellphone provider to give the all clear. (If you’re still having troubles, Verizon recommends restarting your device.) To make up for it, Verizon is offering customers $20 in account credit that can be found in your myVerizon app.
RV dealer lots felt quieter last fall, and the numbers suggest that RV sales cooled in late 2025. New RV sales dropped nearly 12% nationwide in November compared with the same month last year, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. That marks a clear shift from November 2024, when sales were essentially flat. But this was not everywhere, and not for every rig…
It’s on! The 2026 Florida RV SuperShow, also known as the Tampa RV Show, is in full swing at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa through Jan. 18. The annual event, running Jan. 14–18, features more than 1,300 RVs from dozens of dealers, new model debuts, accessories, and industry showcases from major brands and manufacturers. Public hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sunday).
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will carry out multiple road construction and maintenance projects from Jan. 5, with work continuing through mid-April in some areas. Park officials say the projects will affect traffic on several major roadways, including routes commonly used by visitors traveling between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and popular park destinations.
Vermont State Parks is seeking work campers in exchange for a campsite, most with full hookups. Duties include customer service, cleaning and fee collection. Learn more.
According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas went up a couple of cents since last week to $2.84. Drivers are still paying less than last year, when the national average was $3.08. Pump prices are typically low in January thanks to a dip in demand and cheaper winter blend gasoline.
WHERE WERE YOU 25 YEARS AGO? The staff of RVtravel.com was right here, publishing this newsletter. Now, 12,000+ issues later, we’re still here. What’s the big deal? Why does that matter to you? Here’s why.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has approved an expanded camping ban that now includes most private property, aiming to address the movement of homeless encampments from public to private areas. Previously, the county could only address encampments on public property, which often resulted in camps moving to private property.
RVer favorite Buc-ee’s plans to open its first travel center in North Carolina by May 2027 along Interstate 40 in Mebane, between Greensboro and Durham. Buc-ee’s opened its first location in Virginia last year and will also open its first stores in Arizona and Ohio later in 2026. New locations in Florida and Tennessee are in the pipeline.
The Forest Service e-bike access policy just took a noticeable step forward around Lake Tahoe, where officials approved Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on more than 100 miles of trails. The change follows several years of environmental review and public input. It applies to select routes on national forest land in the Tahoe area.
Utah and the U.S. Forest Service have finalized a 20-year agreement granting the state expanded authority over roughly 8.2 million acres of national forest land. The “shared stewardship” compact increases Utah’s role in decisions involving logging, wildfire mitigation, recreation infrastructure, and land management.
HE’S JUST BEAR-Y COMFY? A bear evicted after months of living beneath a California home may have found a new crawlspace nearby. The bear was removed from an Altadena house last week with help from the nonprofit BEAR League and blocked from returning with an electrified mat. Days later, residents about half a mile away reported a bear now living under their home, though officials haven’t confirmed it’s the same animal. What a guy!
Kentucky State Parks will close multiple lodges and campgrounds throughout 2026 as part of a statewide renovation effort. The closures will affect visitor access across several parks while infrastructure upgrades are made to electric and water hookups, parking pads, and other facilities.
Just a month after all Grand Canyon National Park hotels closed during repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline, another series of breaks has forced one of the park’s most sought-after stays to shut down again. Phantom Ranch will begin canceling overnight stays starting Saturday, Jan. 17, due to the location of the latest waterline break. Affected guests are being contacted, refunded, and offered options to reschedule or stay at South Rim lodging.
The Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest data for the Consumer Price Index this week, which shows that food prices rose 0.7% last month, the largest gain since October of 2022. (EDITOR’S TIP: If you’ve never visited a Grocery Outlet store, stop by. You will likely find some of your food staples at highly discounted prices).
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has directed California State Parks to offer free entry at more than 200 participating parks on Monday, January 19, 2026, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
HEALTH NEWS: Good news for coffee drinkers—at least those who drink it black. Those who drink black coffee and coffee with low levels of added sugar and saturated fat had a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality, compared to people who don’t have their morning joe. But add more than a dash of sugar and a tablespoon of half-and-half, and the benefits disappear. —Tufts University
A property near Moody Lake in Florida’s Pasco County is slated to become a large RV resort and hotel, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The plan calls for a 350-site RV park and a 250-room, four-story hotel in Dade City.
Grech RV has introduced the 2027 VACANZA-ion, a new mid-level Class B camper van built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter all-wheel-drive platform, expanding its range of Sprinter-based motorhomes.
PET NAME ANSWER: The top pet names of 2025 have been revealed, according to Rover.com. The top dog names were: Charlie, for male dogs, and Luna, for females. The top “trending” name was Elphie. For cats, Milo took the gold for male, and Luna, again, for female. The top trending cat name is “Tater”.
Reader poll
Do you think campground etiquette has changed since you started RVing?
TAKE A GUESS: What kind of coffee pot do the majority of RVtravel.com readers use? A regular drip coffee maker, a Keurig or other single-serve coffee maker, or a French press? Find out here.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
**Today and tomorrow are the last days to catch Dave Solberg’s educational and entertaining seminars at the Ford Towing Bootcamp at the Florida RV SuperShow.
Have you seen this stolen RV?
This 2005 Skyline Nomad travel trailer, Oregon plate R840714, was stolen overnight Wednesday from Douglas and 8th Avenue in Longview, Washington. The owners had just bought it 8 days earlier and recall it has an Oregon Ducks sticker on a window or door. VIN 1SN200M245D001052. Have info? Contact the Longview PD.
EVER WONDER… why the batteries used to power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles deteriorate over time? These research teams have an answer.
Brain teaser
Put a coin into an empty bottle and insert a cork into the neck. How can you remove the coin without removing the cork or breaking the bottle?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
Out of 1,000 people, 504 are men (50.4%) and 496 are women (49.6%). For every 100 girls, 107 boys are born, but males have a higher risk of dying younger than females, both in childhood and at adult ages.
Laugh of the week
Who publishes 400+ RV newsletters a year? Only us!
RVtravel.com would not be possible without the financial support of our voluntary contributors like you. Your support helps us avoid relying on advertising, and keeps our resource-rich work unbiased and free for all RVers to enjoy. Every contribution makes a difference. As you are aware, when you contribute, you receive a special member-only ad-free version of our weekend newsletters forever as one way for us to say thank you. If it’s been awhile since you contributed and you want to contribute again (but it’s not necessary), click here to donate. Thank you!
The perfect scam
Phone Scams and the Human Trafficking Connection
Have you ever thought about who might be on the other end of those scam calls and messages we all receive? The answer could be far more sinister than you might imagine. The “scammer” may also be a victim of human trafficking. These people are lured by the promise of well-paid jobs to travel to countries in Southeast Asia and are then forced to work in prison-like scam compounds. A BBC journalist and brave volunteers work to expose this brutal practice.
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.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
I have been a subscriber for a number of years, and I’m very thankful for the newsletter. But I was wondering why it is ad free on Saturday and Sunday but when you click on an article to read the ads are popping up. Just wondering.
Thank you for being a subscriber, Joe. Yes, the weekend newsletters themselves are ad-free for subscribers, which means we produce two versions of those newsletters. But we just don’t have the time or staff to produce two versions of every post that is linked in those newsletters, unfortunately. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Love the Laugh. But you left out the high beam switch on the floor along with the windshield washer bulb.
I worked at a used car lot when I was 14. Washing and moving cars around the lot.
I had to learn what the third pedal was for the hard way.
But that was 63 years ago.
One of my first cars was an aging 72 Nova, with a rusted out floor that was so bad you could see through to the road in some spots. And the dimmer switch, located near one of those holes, would sometimes work, and sometimes shut the lights off completely. Yes, what a thrill those days were!
My first car was a 1964 MG 1100. 4 on the floor, British, hi/lo beams on the steering column with the turn signals. Windshield wiper switch on the dash. Transverse engine, front wheel drive. Positive ground. Liquid suspension, no springs. Anti-freeze. I bought it for $95. Only had it for about 6 months, sold it for $50. It had 94k miles on it then in ’69.
And the manual choke!
And three on the tree manual shift
Loved laugh of the week. Now add a foot switch for high beam headlights and a foot pump for windshield washer fluid and you’re all set.
I learned to drive on an old truck that also had a big button to step on for the starter to engage. Anti-theft today!
My sister took her driving test in a car her father-in-law won in a raffle. The examiner asked her how you turn on the high beam lights and she pointed to the left on the floor–the guy didn’t notice there was nothing there and accepted her answer, but the high beams on that old car actually had a pull-knob somewhere on the dash!
16 years old, working at a car wash & pumping gas. The business’s mechanic had a pickup with 3 on the tree and stalled easily going from a dead stop. The mechanic bet me a Coke I couldn’t move his truck 50 feet without stalling it. Wrong kid to bet. Sure, my mom’s car was automatic, but my dirt bike he didn’t know about taught me about clutch control. And I knew the shift pattern. That Coke tasted pretty good. The challenge to today’s kids? Stop the car half-way up a hill and get it going without rolling backwards.
We use our old Coleman drip coffee maker on our RV’s cooktop. No Electric needed!
George K
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!