America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1259
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for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“You go away for a long time and return a different person—you never come all the way back.” —Paul Theroux
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is World Naked Gardening Day. If that’s not your thing, then you might want to celebrate National Truffle Day.
On this day in history: In 1924, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge proclaims ancient lava fields in Idaho as Craters of the Moon National Monument to “preserve the unusual and weird volcanic formations.”
Featured news
Gas prices jump nearly 30 cents in a week
The cost of RVing took a big jump last week as the price of fuel rose in dramatic fashion, climbing nearly 30 cents per gallon, according to AAA. Analysts say the increase may not be short-lived. If crude oil prices remain elevated or supply disruptions continue, drivers could see additional increases at the pump in the coming weeks.
Higher gas prices could affect next year’s Social Security COLA
Painful fuel fill-ups can sometimes have an unexpected side effect: They may help push future Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) higher. Anyone with an RV knows what a 50-cent jump at the pump can do to a budget. Economists say sharp increases in gasoline prices can ripple through the same inflation measurements used to calculate annual Social Security COLAs. Learn more.
Could AI become the next tool in an RVer’s repair kit?
As RV repair backlogs continue to frustrate owners, some RVers are beginning to experiment with artificial intelligence before making the service call. AI-powered tools are beginning to enter parts of the RV service and support world, particularly as owners and companies look for ways to reduce repair bottlenecks and simplify troubleshooting. Would you trust AI?
Starlink’s growing pains could matter to RVers more than anyone
Starlink has reshaped RV travel, but a growing number of complaints could signal issues ahead. A report from Fast Company cites FCC filings involving SpaceX, with users raising concerns about billing, reliability, and customer service. For RVers who rely on it off-grid, those complaints may hit close to home.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
RVers hoping to “beat the crowds” may be running out of time
For years, experienced RVers have relied on a simple strategy to avoid packed campgrounds and traffic-clogged national parks: Travel earlier in the season. But in 2026, that quieter “shoulder season” may not be feeling quite so quiet anymore. The old strategy of “going a little earlier” no longer guarantees lighter crowds.
Waiting for cheaper used RVs? The market may be turning
After a long stretch of falling prices, the used RV market may be starting to turn. A new report from National Powersport Auctions shows sales activity picking up, especially for towables and lower-priced units. The biggest bargains may not last much longer.
They sold everything to live in an RV at Disney World. Some RVers may understand why
A Florida family skipped the “wait until retirement” plan, sold their home, and moved into an RV full-time at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Their lifestyle has drawn attention—and sparked a familiar question for RVers: Are experiences worth more than space and stuff?
RV shipments are improving—but buyers may still have the upper hand in 2026
The RV Industry Association expects RV shipments to grow in 2026, with projections pointing to a modest rebound over last year. But the year has started slowly, and much of that growth is expected to come later.
RV review
2026 Northern Lite 10-2EX LE—a ‘right-sized’ option
By Gail Marsh
The 2026 Northern Lite 10-2EX LE is a full-size truck camper. It checks off many of the boxes regarding comfort and utility. For me, at least. “Right-sizing” is the new “downsizing.” At least for me. I believe the 2026 Northern Lite 10-2EX LE is a strong choice for RVers who want to downsize (or right-size) to a premium truck camper. This model is built for year-round weather, smart storage, and cozy comfort. Could it be the right-sized camper for you?
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
Gas isn’t all gas, RV sales are down, government takes interest in big industry merger
A proposed merger between Lippert Components and Patrick Industries is now under antitrust scrutiny from Senator Mike Lee, who warns it could raise prices and impact supply. At the same time, new RV Industry Association data shows RV shipments are down this year. Add in new higher-ethanol fuel rules, and RVers may be heading into a more expensive season. Click here to read Tony’s news analysis.
News briefs
According to the 2026 Camping Report from The Dyrt, 72.2% of campers traveled with a partner in 2025, while 49.7% brought dogs. Another 38% camped with friends, 29.7% with children, and 29.2% reported taking at least one solo trip.
Volunteers removed more than 130 pounds of dog waste from just two trails during two cleanup days, according to a recent report from Colorado’s Summit Daily. Dog poop is not harmless, and this raises serious concerns. (Please clean up after your dogs!!)
To help with crowding, California State Parks will begin a pilot program requiring reservations to visit McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on Friday-Sunday and holidays during peak visitation season, May 15 through September 27.
Colorado’s State Forest State Park in the high mountains of northern Colorado is known as the moose-viewing capital of the state. First-come, first-served camping is open through May 22 as conditions allow. Beginning May 23, it’s by reservation only.
Love’s Travel Stops has opened a new location with three RV hookup sites and an RV dump station in Delta, Ohio, at exit 39 of I-90.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground in Grand Canyon National Park have been turned on as the water supply improves. Campfires are only permitted in established South Rim campfire rings.
If your travels include visiting greyhound racing, change is a-comin’. The U.S. House has passed a measure that would effectively end greyhound racing in America if enacted. The bill now heads to the Senate. Greyhound racing was once the sixth most popular sport in the U.S.
ODD NEWS: A new speed limit sign posted outside a recycling center in Wisconsin is drawing attention for its oddly specific number: 17.3 mph. Why? “Because it makes you pause. It makes you look twice. And most importantly, it breaks that ‘autopilot’ feeling we can all fall into when driving familiar routes.”
THE MORE YOU KNOW: Want to boost your chances of living to 100? San Jose, CA, just ranked as the top U.S. city for longevity, based on factors like quality of life, health, environment, and lifestyle habits analyzed by World Depopulation.
RV and RV-related recalls
- Winnebago is recalling certain 2022-2027 EKKO motorhomes. The touchscreen display may register unintended or phantom inputs and turn on the generator without the operator’s knowledge. Learn more.
- Newmar is recalling certain 2026 Freedom Aire motorhomes. The front chin spoiler may detach during transit, becoming a road hazard. Recall number: 630 RSB. Info: 800-731-8300.
- Jayco is recalling certain 2026 Entegra Condor and Jayco Granite Ridge motorhomes. The tempering mixing valve may not have been installed on the water heater, which could allow the water to reach scalding temperatures. Info: 800-283-8267.
- Ford is recalling more than 140,000 model year 2024-2026 Ranger trucks. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which could cause a fire. Recall number: 26S29. Info: 866-436-7332.
- Forest River is recalling some 2026 East to West College Avenue and 2026-2027 Entrada RVs. The fender may contact and damage the rear tire. Recall number: 504-2048. Info: 574-264-6664.
Reader poll
Would you trust AI to help diagnose or fix an RV problem before calling a professional?
IT’S AMAZING AND TRUE! View and participate in more than 2,000 of our previous polls!
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Brain teaser
What starts with a P, ends with an E and has thousands of letters?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
“Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!” Where did that saying originate? During the 1800s, strings were strung across a wooden frame to support a mattress. Tighter strings meant a more comfortable bed. Early mattresses were made of straw and feathers where, alas, bugs took up residence. The result? Bug bites and sleepless nights, hence the still-familiar saying.
Laugh of the week
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Early summer travel is picking up, and scammers are adjusting right along with it. Here are three scams showing up more often this week:
- “Overbooked campground” refund scams: You get a message saying your site was double-booked and you’re owed a refund—just “confirm your card details” to receive it. It’s a phishing attempt.
- Fake event and festival ticket links: With summer events ramping up, scammers are posting links to discounted tickets for rallies, festivals, or local attractions near campgrounds. The tickets either don’t exist or are duplicates.
- Toll road text scams (“You owe a fee”): Texts claiming you owe unpaid tolls from recent travel, with a link to pay immediately. These are spreading fast and are designed to catch travelers moving between states.
Miss The Perfect Scam podcast? Find the latest episode here.
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.
Learn current road conditions in every state: This is a very handy resource.
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
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Brain Teaser is TOO easy this week.
And did you know the word “gullible” does not appear in any dictionary 🙂 Go check.
Made ya look.
I agree. Had it instantly. But I still got a little satisfaction about it! Makes up for the ones I can’t take enough time to solve.
For the laugh of the week, when I took driver’s ed back in the 1970’s, one of the girl’s in the car was Catholic. The first time she drove, the instructor told her to turn, she took her hands off the wheel and did the sign of the cross. That is how she learned how to tell left from right. Our instructor slammed on the parking break on his side and went ballistic. She was in tears and someone else had to drive. She only did that once. The rest of the summer she kept her hands on the wheel.
Some people may need this.
But marking the gloves just the opposite would help when backing a trailer, showing the direction the rear of the trailer moves.
Swing the bottom of the wheel the direction you want the trailer to go. National Tractor Trailer School 101!
A comment about the dog poop in the Colorado park. Many times I’ve seen a poop bag dispenser but no garbage can to dispose of the used bag! It would be easier to empty the garbage cans once a week than pick up the entire trail. And they didn’t mention the pounds of garbage they had to pick up along the same trail! In the UK there are trash cans everywhere and everyone picks up.
Carry in, carry out. The dog carries it in and you carry it out. Same as other trash.
Trash cans along the trail is an open invitation for wild animals.
I’ve gotten a few of the toll road scams which is funny as I live in Oregon and haven’t even been on any toll roads.
I pity people who can only give directions by “left and right” and cannot fathom the concept of compass cardinal directions (NSEW). They don’t seem to understand that left and right are not sufficient because they are dependent upon the direction of travel. My wife has an even better “internal compass” than I do. You can blind fold her, spin her, and she still knows what general direction she is facing. We pretty much agree when it comes to navigation terminology.
I have a great internal compass too! It’s such a gift and I treasure it.
Obviously neither of you have sat in a Barany chair.
So do I. Probably from all the MRIs I’ve had.
Would I use AI for RV Repair? Just did. It returned 3 potential solutions listed by varying degrees of effort to solve (easiest to hardest). We knew the first one wasn’t the solution or the problem would be already fixed. We have a May 18th appointment with Lippert Service in Howe, IN to have the repair done. We did not tell Lippert the AI solution(s). Just had the service writer document the symptoms and hope there’s an earlier appointment cancellation that we can get into.
I must be getting old. When I read that today is “World Naked Gardening Day”, my first thought was thorny rose bushes!
San Jose would be great to live in order to live to be 100. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to live there to be ninety, much less 100.
Laugh of the Week would have been funnier to me if the writing would have said “Camper backs left/right” and the gloves would have each been on the other hand. That’s when most people starting out with trailers need it! Maybe if I have to teach someone to back a trailer again I’ll do that! Hmmm