America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1269
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —Jackie Robinson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National 7-Eleven Day, which means you get a free Slurpee®!
On this day in history: 1962 – First transatlantic satellite television transmission.
Featured news
A.I. may change how RVers choose campgrounds
For years, RVers have found campgrounds by searching Google, browsing campground directories, or reading reviews on sites like Campendium, recreation.gov, and Tripadvisor. Increasingly, many travelers are asking A.I. Questions such as “Best RV park near Glacier National Park?” or “Recommend a quiet campground in northern Michigan with full hookups and shade trees” are becoming common. Continue reading.
Looking for an RV campsite? Data center construction may be part of the problem
Wondering why some RV parks seem unusually full? The answer may have nothing to do with vacations. America’s booming data center construction industry is creating unexpected demand for campsites. In Iowa, for example, some longtime campers say they’re finding favorite RV parks filled with workers helping build massive new data centers. Learn more.
Roundup: This week’s news about U.S. state parks and their campgrounds
Here are the latest developments that affect RVers that occurred in the past week or are trending at state parks across the United States. If you’re traveling to a state park, you’ll want to read this and make sure you’re caught up.
This week’s recap of RV manufacturers’ product developments
Here is a digest of the most significant U.S. RV product developments announced or entering production during the past week. We look at new RVs from Airstream, Coachmen, Aliner, EarthCruiser, Grand Design, and more, plus the emerging RV trends we’re seeing right now. Click to read.
Gas prices start climbing again as war heats up
RV Travel readers who have delayed filling up their tanks in hopes of lower fuel prices may want to rethink their strategy. After several weeks of declines, gasoline prices have reversed course and are beginning to climb again across much of the United States.
Why bug bites seem worse than they used to be
You finally found the perfect campsite, but before long, you’re swatting mosquitoes or pulling a tick off your pant leg. If that seems to happen more often than it used to, you’re probably not imagining it. Health officials say ticks and mosquitoes are active for longer periods in many parts of the country, and some species are turning up in places where they were once uncommon.
Road rage scam lands driver in jail. Be careful this ruse isn’t played on you
A man was sentenced after dashcam footage showed him initiating a road rage incident, which resulted in him being rear-ended by a semi-truck. Tran attempted to hide his wrongdoing and profit from the accident he caused by filing a fraudulent insurance claim to collect an undeserved payout. Don’t let this happen to you!
The way used RVs are being valued is changing. Here’s what buyers should know
If you’ve been shopping for a used RV, you’ve probably noticed that used RV prices don’t always match the book value. For years, that published value has been the starting point for deciding what an RV was worth. But that’s beginning to change.
Shopping for an RV? Hidden fees can make a bargain cost more
A recent warning from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to automobile dealers is a reminder that hidden RV fees deserve a closer look. The FTC sent its warning letters to automobile dealers—not RV dealers. But many of the pricing practices the agency highlighted are ones RV buyers may recognize.
Hurricane season outlook softens, but travelers should still be prepared
News from AccuWeather is encouraging. The weather forecasting company has lowered its forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing the early arrival of El Niño and an increasing likelihood that it will strengthen into a Super El Niño later this year. However, it hasn’t softened by much…
RV review
This high-tech Chinese motorhome has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace
What happens when a sub-20-foot RV tries to fit a small apartment inside? The Feixiang S688 comes close, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a rooftop terrace, and a claimed 250 square of usable space. Panels fold out, the upper level lifts, and the RV “cabin” feels more like an apartment. Wow! Check this out.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
What’s hurting the RV industry, why RV fires start, the Overland Expo, and RV park evictions
Why does the RV industry keep building more RVs even when dealer lots are already overflowing? Tony dives into a blunt new op-ed from a major dealership executive calling for sweeping changes that could reshape RV pricing and inventory. Plus: a timely RV fire safety reminder, highlights from Overland Expo PNW, an Albuquerque RV park facing evictions, and a feel-good new video celebrating the RV lifestyle. Click through for Tony’s take on this week’s headlines.
QUIZ TIME: What percentage of RVtravel.com readers regularly use a lawn mower? Is it about one-third, one-half or two-thirds? See how they responded.
News briefs
As countless thousands of RVers and travelers from around the world drive historic Route 66 during its 100th anniversary year, the United States Postal Service has issued a set of First-Class Mail Forever® stamps celebrating America’s most famous highway. These are very cool!
Airstream has expanded its World Traveler travel trailer lineup with the new 2027 World Traveler 17RB, a 17-foot single-axle model aimed at RVers seeking a compact trailer that can be towed by many crossovers, SUVs and light-duty pickups. Details here.
Yellowstone National Park has lifted the remaining temporary trail, backcountry campsite, and fishing closures near Old Faithful that were put in place after a May 4 bear incident in which two hikers were injured by an adult female grizzly bear with cubs.
… Also: Yellowstone National Park hosted 903,025 recreation visits in June 2026, down 3% from June 2025 with 928,250 visits.
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park could become Pennsylvania’s 126th state park if the state approves a proposal backed by the property’s longtime owners and Centre County commissioners. The family, which has owned the attraction for four generations, says turning it into a state park would help preserve it from future development.
Campground Views recently celebrated an impressive milestone: During the month of June, the platform recorded a record-breaking 1,018,980 individual views of its virtual campground tours. RVtravel.com has always praised this website for its users’ abilities to virtually “drive-though” a campground to inspect and instantly reserve an individual campsite.
The Dyrt has released its 2026 Best Places to Camp Near Cities list, highlighting campgrounds located within 50 miles of the nation’s most populous cities and selected based on ratings and reviews from members of The Dyrt Community.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing updates to fees for FWP-managed lands and waters, including state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and fisheries conservation areas, and is asking the public to weigh in on the changes. Learn more and/or submit a comment.
A 47-year-old woman was killed on July 4th when a large tree toppled onto a travel trailer during severe thunderstorms at an RV park in Fox Township in northern Wisconsin. Authorities said high winds associated with the storm caused the tree to fall.
Michigan drivers should be extra cautious beginning today through July 19 as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across the state’s highways picking up litter. An estimated 19,000 participants collected almost 40,000 bags of trash from roadsides during three pickups in 2025.
While the RV industry continues to struggle with declining shipments and slower sales, custom van builder DM Vans says it has already sold out its entire 2026 production—three months ahead of schedule. The Colorado-based camper van builder credits its direct-to-consumer model, hand-built vans, and strong customer trust for bucking the industry trend.
Reader poll
Have you ever asked ChatGPT or another AI an RV-related question?
QUIZ TIME: What percentage of RVtravel.com readers call their spouse or significant other “Honey”? Is it 17 percent, 27 percent or 35 percent? We asked readers of RVtravel.com on Thursday. See how they responded.
RV festivals
10 small-town festivals this week worth an RV detour
Every once in a while, RVers stumble upon a small-town festival that ends up being a highlight of their trip. Many, maybe most, are held in scenic small towns with camping nearby, and sometimes right at the festival grounds. Here are a few that are underway now.
RV and RV-related recalls
- If your RV barbecue kit includes a Cuisinart wire-bristle grill brush, it’s time to take a closer look. Conair has recalled about 1.72 million Cuisinart metal wire-bristle grill brushes after reports that small metal bristles can break loose during cleaning, and be swallowed. Learn more.
- Jayco is recalling certain 2026 Heartland Cyclone travel trailers and Cyclone fifth wheel trailers. The inverter may have been installed without a grounding connection. The electrical system may overheat without a ground, increasing the risk of a fire and risk of injury from electrical shock. Recall number is 9905661. Jayco is also recalling certain 2026 Seismic fifth wheel toy haulers for the same reasons. Recall number is 9901660. Info: 800-283-8267 for both recalls.
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Brain teaser
They fill me up, and you empty me almost every day; if you raise my arm, I work the opposite way. What am I?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday RV Travel newsletter.)
Trivia
The Statue of Liberty is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776.
Laugh of the week
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Summer travel is in full swing, and scammers are targeting people who are booking trips, driving long distances, and spending time outdoors. In addition, watch out for a Medicare scam. Here are three scams to watch for this week:
- Fake DMV “final notice” texts: Messages claim your license or vehicle registration will be suspended unless you immediately pay a ticket or fee. The link leads to a fake government payment page.
- Package delivery phishing messages: A text or email says a package couldn’t be delivered to your campground, RV park, or home. It asks you to update your address or pay a small redelivery fee, but the goal is to steal your information.
- Too-good-to-be-true vacation rentals: Scammers copy real listings for cabins, campsites, and RV rentals, then offer a lower price if you pay them directly. Once the deposit is sent, the listing—and the scammer—disappears.
Miss The Perfect Scam? Listen to the most recent 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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Thank you for today’s laugh, RV Travel. I will cogitate on the brain teaser in odd moments, but nothing immediately comes to mind. Have a great weekend and safe travels!