America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1260
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Today’s thought
“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” —Mark Twain
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Dog Mom Day!
On this day in history: Absolutely nothing of importance happened! Do something amazing today and make history, will you?
Featured news
Gas prices rise again, up 25 cents a gallon on average
The cost of RVing and any other activity that involves operating a motor vehicle got more expensive this past week. The national average retail price for regular gasoline rose 25 cents a gallon for the second consecutive week, to $4.55. Pump prices are now $1.40 higher than they were a year ago and have reached their highest level since 2022.
Ford to debut $30,000 electric pickup, but maybe not right for RV towing
For years, electric pickups have felt just out of reach for many RVers. Prices pushed into luxury territory, and real-world towing raised more questions than answers. Now Ford is working on a new, smaller electric pickup with a target price around $30,000, which is shaping up to be something closer to a practical tool, at least on paper.
Congress wants to make RV loan interest tax-deductible—but how much would RVers really save?
For many RV buyers, “RV loan interest tax deductible” could mean real savings. Two lawmakers from Indiana have introduced legislation that would make interest paid on RV loans tax deductible. For RVers carrying large monthly payments, the idea immediately raises a practical question: How much money could someone actually save?
Quartzsite’s $180 winter camping secret just got a national spotlight
A new feature in The Guardian is putting Quartzsite, AZ, the popular RVer desert town’s ultra-cheap winter camping, in front of a much wider audience. The article highlights how RVers can stay on nearby BLM land for months for about $180—a price that may surprise readers unfamiliar with long-term boondocking. Increased national attention could bring even more campers to Quartzsite next season.
Fatal New Jersey crash reveals little-known danger behind RVs
A deadly crash on the New Jersey Turnpike has drawn attention to a risk many RVers rarely think about—until something goes terribly wrong. A car struck the rear of a fifth wheel RV being towed down the highway. But what happened next is what makes this kind of crash so dangerous. The car didn’t just hit the RV. It went underneath it.
Satellite internet could hit 100 million users—RVers may not like what comes next
If you rely on satellite internet, a new industry forecast may give you pause. Global satellite internet users could climb toward 100 million within the next couple of years. At first glance, it sounds like a win, but that would be a massive jump from where things stand today—and it could reshape the experience RVers have come to depend on.
Proposed RV supplier mega-merger collapses, eases pressure on RV prices
Component giants LCI Industries (Lippert) and Patrick Industries have officially terminated merger discussions, ending what would have been one of the most significant consolidations in the RV supply chain in years. On the surface, that sounds like inside-industry news. But if you’re an RVer, it’s a development worth paying attention to, because this wasn’t just another corporate tie-up.
Study finds dangerous bacteria in waters of some national parks
A new federal study has found traces of the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri in warm recreational waters at several Western national park sites, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Stay out of these waters!
Grand Canyon annual Star Party coming next month; you’re invited
The thirty-sixth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from June 6–13, 2026, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Learn more.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: The average campground conversation starts with: “Where ya headed next?” and ends 45 minutes later with life stories and generator opinions.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
Lippert–Patrick is a no-go, General RV rip-off, Tom Hanks’ son is an RVer
Tom Hanks’ son says he loves living in an RV park and his comments are sparking fresh conversation about the reputation of RV living. Plus: A Michigan woman is sentenced for allegedly stealing more than $2 million from General RV; the Lippert–Patrick merger officially falls apart; and Lippert reports surprisingly strong earnings despite a sluggish RV market. Catch up on the latest RV news and behind-the-scenes developments impacting RVers here.
RV review
New 2026 changes to the Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe fiberglass travel trailer
Small trailers live or die by the details, and the 2026 Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe has plenty of practical ones. This little trailer keeps the familiar Casita layout, but cleans up a lot of small issues that matter on the road and at camp. It also makes clear what is standard, what is optional, and where the 2026 model got meaningful updates. See what you think.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
News briefs
Long entrance lines and reduced services could become more common at national parks this summer as the National Park Service faces major staffing cuts and budget pressures. Advocates warn that with the agency’s workforce down nearly 25% since early 2025, parks like Yosemite National Park, already seeing two-hour entrance times, may struggle to handle peak-season crowds.
A bear attack that injured two hikers in Yellowstone National Park this week didn’t happen deep in the backcountry. It happened near one of the most visited parts of the park—close to Old Faithful—on a trail many visitors walk every day. Be careful out there!
Speaking of bear attacks… the body of a missing hiker was discovered on Wednesday on the Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park, his injuries consistent with a bear attack. Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are assessing the area. The section of the trail where the incident occurred is temporarily closed while the investigation continues. The man has not yet been publicly identified.
Prepare to pay more for your next visit to a Colorado State Park if you’re not a state resident. Effective May 1, visitors with out-of-state license plates are paying an additional $15 per day to visit, in addition to the regular fee.
KOA has added two new properties to its network of campgrounds: the Shelby/Broad River KOA Holiday in North Carolina and the Webster/Douglas Forest KOA Journey in Massachusetts.
Idaho gets a new state park. Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is opening this summer, ending a 30-year hiatus of new state parks. The park, situated roughly 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho, will host an opening celebration on June 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new park spans 677 acres and features more than 2,000 miles of trails, wildlife viewing, fishing ponds, and breathtaking views of the Bitterroot and Lemhi mountain ranges.
Anissa Osborne, 56, and her husband, Christopher Osborne, 51, a couple known for documenting their RV lifestyle online, was found dead inside their RV at a campground in Florida’s Osceola National Forest in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide. The pair had been working as campground hosts.
Visitors to Oregon’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will soon need a smartphone to pay camping and day-use fees as the Forest Service rolls out a cashless “scan and pay” system at recreation sites beginning May 15. Officials say the switch will cut down on cash handling and free up staff to focus more on campground maintenance and visitor services.
33 dead federally protected black vultures were found last month dumped along the side of a road along Foothills Parkway West, between Chilhowee and Wall inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Got info? Head here.
Denali National Park and Preserve has opened its Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as the Teklanika Rest Area.
Summer travel through North Cascades National Park could be far more difficult this year after winter storms, rockslides, and flooding caused major damage to roads and visitor infrastructure. A key stretch of the North Cascades Highway remains closed as crews work to rebuild sections of the roadway.
A wild burro in Golden Valley, AZ, got an unexpected rescue after falling into a septic tank at an RV park and spending hours stuck in sewage overnight. With help from local residents and the Bureau of Land Management, crews lifted the exhausted donkey to safety, gave it a rinse, and watched it safely wander back out onto the desert.
Alabama’s Gulf State Park is set to hold a ribbon-cutting for its new RV park on Monday, May 11, at 1 p.m., at the new campground, 2555 Gulf RV Resort Boulevard in Gulf Shores. The campground sits on what was the golf course and features 103 modern campsites, a clubhouse, pool, splashpad, and other amenities.
Thermos is recalling more than 8 million insulated food jars and bottles after reports that the lids can forcefully eject and become projectiles. Consumers are urged to stop using certain Stainless King and Sportsman models immediately following the safety notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEWS: Did you know you can receive a daily roundup of the latest news for RVers? Delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, we’ll send you the biggest headlines. Stay up to date, learn about important closures, recalls, and much more. Click here and subscribe to “Breaking RV News.”
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RV and RV-related recalls
- Grand Design is recalling more than 1,200 model year 2025-2026 Lineage motorhomes. The epoxy adhesive securing the solar panels to the roof may fail, allowing the solar panel to detach. Learn more.
- Winnebago is recalling certain 2026-2027 Solis Class B motorhomes. The liquid propane (LP) hose may be incorrectly routed over (rather than behind) the exhaust heat shield, which can cause the hose material to harden, become brittle, and develop micro-cracks. Learn more.
- Roadtrek is recalling certain 2024-2026 Westfalia Wave SL, 2022-2026 Zion Slumber, Play Slumber, 2026 Play Tuff SL, 2025-2026 Play+Slumber, and 2024 Pivot Slumber RVs. The pop-top latch may disengage during transit, causing the pop-top to lift. Recall number: 2026-01. Info: 888-762-3873.
- Ford is recalling nearly 180,000 model year 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt. Recall number: 26S30. Info: 866-436-7332.
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Brain teaser
Only one letter in the alphabet is not in any U.S. state’s name. What letter is it?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
Lightning strikes enhance the growth of mushrooms. Multiple experiments conducted at a Japanese research facility found that exposure to brief, high-voltage charges, simulating nearby lightning strikes, diffused through the soil and yielded enormous increases in mushroom production. The mushrooms exposed to the electrical discharge grew larger and showed a 50-100 percent increase in mass. The research concluded that the electricity in the soil stimulated the hyphae, the elongated cells that act like roots in mushrooms, which increased the laccase enzyme. The enzyme triggers rapid reproduction and improved growth.
Laugh of the week
SATURDAY SILLY (BUT TRUE): The national average gas price is now high enough that some RVers are probably considering downhill-only road trips.
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Summer road trips are ramping up—and scammers are finding new ways to target travelers. Here are three scams RVers should keep an eye out for this week:
• Fake campground Wi-Fi networks: Scammers are setting up public Wi-Fi names that look official at campgrounds and rest stops. Connect to the wrong one, and your personal info could be exposed.
• RV parts “flash sale” scams: Ads on Facebook and other social platforms promise huge discounts on generators, solar gear, or towing equipment. The sites often disappear after payment.
• Fake roadside assistance calls and texts: Messages claim your roadside assistance membership has expired or needs renewal immediately. The goal is to steal payment info before you hit the road.
Missing The Perfect Scam podcast? You can listen to the latest episode here.
Today in history
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A bit of a quibble, Naegleria fowleri is not a bacteria, it’s an amoeba. Much larger than a bacteria, on a microscopic scale of course. It isn’t so much a drinking hazard. The problem is it can get into a person’s nose where it eats its way up nerve tissue into the brain itself. There’s no real treatment for it and it’s almost always fatal. Definitely horror movie stuff. But at 10 cases per year in the US, it’s pretty rare. I don’t think I can post a link here, but googling Naegleria fowleri with CDC will give you a fact sheet on it. (former water treatment guy here)
Thanks, Gary. Here’s the link you referred to (and I think you could have included it in your comment): https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html Have a great day. 😀 -Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you! That’s it. I wasn’t sure from the rules if I could include a link. Now I know.
You’re welcome, Gary! If a link is included in a comment, it may be held for moderation, just to make sure it’s safe to publish. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Don’t get in the water. Definitely a No-Brainer!
Well the problem is, N. fowleri is a naturally occurring species in our water. It may not be present in large numbers, but you can’t assume it isn’t there in any natural water body. I’ve seen some recommendations for wearing nose clips. But the thing is, to get ‘infected’ by it, it’s not just hitting your nose with water, the water, with the amoeba in it, has to get up into the nasal cavities where the amoeba can attack the olfactory nerves and start from there. Thankfully, it’s a case where a lot has to happen for the problem to occur.
Tanner Toons is something I can relate to. I love RVing with all its nature noises. My husband not so much.
Another quibble, based on the thought that “history” isn’t reserved for the U.S.:
Victory Day on May 9 commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and is Russia’s most significant non-religious holiday.
…and May 8th commemorates the victory of the United States and allies over Nazi Germany.
I suspect that there is a typo in the story about the new Twin Peaks park in Idaho. 2,000 miles of trail in a 677 acre park–just over one square mile–seems like a stretch.
Thanks, David. I just looked it up and here’s what it says on the Idaho State Parks & Recreation website for the Twin Peaks Ranch State Park: “Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is located 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho, and spans 677 acres of remote, scenic high country. The park provides access to over 2,000 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails,…” So, I guess we’ll just have to take their word for it. (I’m picturing 677 acres of border-to-border trails, covering the entire area.😉) Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
2,000 miles of trails in a one square mile area would be one trail about every 2 1/2 feet. That sound like the security line at the airport!
OK. I put on my thinking cap and think I figured it out. It says, “The park provides access to over 2,000 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails, making it a gateway into the expansive backcountry of Lemhi County.” It doesn’t say there are 2,000 miles of trails within the park itself. Ah ha! But, yeah. Lines at the airport… Have a great day, Dave. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
On this day in history: Absolutely nothing of importance happened! Do something amazing today and make history, will you?
Please make it something “positive” and not news worthy! (If it is positive – the news probably won’t touch it!)
(never know in this day and age what motivates some folks!)
On this day in history: Absolutely nothing of importance happened! Do something amazing today and make history, will you?
I do hereby proclaim today as “National Go Get a Haircut Day.” I just did, and it feels great..lol.
Can you please tell us what state things happen in. On the story with the wild burro I can find several Golden Valleys in different states.
Well, shoot! I apologize, Roy. I should have added Arizona to the post. (We usually do include the state.) I also didn’t notice that the news item didn’t include a link to our article about it. I’ve (belatedly) corrected both of those oversights. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.👍 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com