Here are your RV news highlights for the week of December 28, 2018, to January 4, 2019
Gas prices low now, higher for camping season
While some states are seeing gas prices under $2 a gallon now, prices may rise to more than $3 a gallon by May, according to Gas Buddy. More here.
Rates going up on Pennsylvania Turnpike
Effective Sunday, January 6, travelers using the Pennsylvania Turnpike will pay 6% more than before. Full story.
Grand Canyon stays open and clean during shutdown
While some National Parks are dealing with trash, illegal activities, and piling human feces, the Grand Canyon has stayed open due to The Grand Canyon Protection Plan, enacted in 2018. The policy utilizes transferred state funds, meaning it can keep staff on hand. For more, click here.
RV interest deduction back in the news
It was once possible to deduct the interest on your RV loan as if it were a second home. Then the law changed so that the interest could only be deducted on motorized units. It has gone full circle, and the motorized requirement has been removed from the tax forms. On a side note, before you get excited, the majority of RV owners with a qualifying non-motorized RV have a new standard deduction of $24,000. Full story.
Ford recalls 953K vehicles for faulty airbags
Just two weeks after issuing a recall for 874,000 F-Series pickups, Ford is announcing another two additional recalls of approximately 953,000 vehicles over Takata airbag inflators and an insufficient seat weld. “This action represents a planned expansion of previously recalled vehicles to additional model years within the geographic zones defined earlier by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” Ford said in a statement. Read more.
2019 GMC Sierra gets big, bold makeover
The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado have been about as close in recent years as two full-size pickups can be as different brands. But for 2019, the GMC Sierra has a new identity that differentiates the near-twins while still maintaining family ties. Read more in the Weekly Driver.
Indiana campground building cabins and campsites around lake
Plans are being made at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Hamilton County, Indiana, to build cabins and campsites around a 20-acre man-made lake on private property next to the park. Full story.
RV/MH Hall of Fame future looks bright
The RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, was in danger of closing in 2012. Now, just 7 years later, after Daryl Searer took the reigns, The Hall of Fame is expanding by adding rally and convention space that could bring an estimated $35 million a year to Elkhart County. Read about the turnaround.
Winnebago to expand product line in 2019
Winnebago is prepared for 2019 by adding new products to its catalog. In addition to its current line, the company will also be stretching its reach in the Class C, towable and even watercraft categories. Adding to its Class C sector, the Vita and Porto models, both under 25 feet, will be available. Also a “lightweight” fifth wheel, the Micro Minnie, is offered. The toy hauler market has four new Winnebago models. The Spyder toy hauler line includes two travel trailer models and two fifth wheel models. Winnebago has also acquired the Chris-Craft boat manufacturer. Full story.
Camping World announces management changes
Camping World Holdings Inc. announced a number of changes in its executive team, including the resignation of Roger Nuttall as president of the dealership group. Nuttall had served as president since January 2011. The company announced the appointment of Thomas Wolfe to President of Good Sam and Melvin Flanigan to Chief Financial Officer. Read more.
RV sales exhibit typical seasonal behavior during winter months
The average selling price for motorized units was $43,132, down $597 (1.3%) from the previous month. Towables came in at $12,593, a decline of $459 (3.5%) from October. One year ago the average motorhome sold for $46,718 and the average towable unit brought $13,325. Learn more.
2019 RVDA chairman focused on repairs not just sales
Mike Regan of the RV Dealers Association, who already has a successful sales background and is intent on delivering more RVs to the public, also wants to improve the repair turnaround time. His plans are to employ a new generation of RV technicians and train them through the RV Industry Association’s new RV Training Institute. Full story here.
Two FEMA trailers stolen, found from the air
While making a lot of noise when removing a trailer from a mobile home park, a man woke up neighboring residents. The man was removing a trailer placed there by FEMA due to the Camp Fire. The authorities were notified and it was discovered that two trailers were missing. Shortly afterward, a police helicopter spotted the shiny new trailer being towed. The police apprehended the crook promptly. The copter pilot then spotted the second trailer and ground patrols responded. The homeowner where the trailer was found pointed his finger at his brother, who happened to be the crook in the other theft. Full story.
Camping World, Lemonis face legal action
Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World, has had another federal securities lawsuit filed against him and other company officers for allegedly selling stock at “artificially inflated prices.” Read the story.
RV park proposed in Emerson, Georgia
The City of Emerson Planning and Zoning Commission heard from a real estate investor Thursday evening who aspires to construct an approximately 57-acre RV resort along the Etowah River. The estimated price tag to build it: $9 to $10 million. The plan is to eventually provide 270 RV spaces and cabins. Read more.
New service allows campers to stay on private property
A company in Canada called Pitched is bringing owners of rural property together with those who prefer an alternative to the regular camping scenario. Property owners are contacted and invited by Pitched to participate. The land owner sets his or her own fees and can suggest local activities or allow recreation on the site. Boondockers Welcome already offers a similar program.
Sources
RV Travel, US News, RV Daily Report, RV Business, IndyStar, Cook County Record, WFMZ, Global News, Mobile RVing, South Bend Tribune, KTAR, The Daily Tribune News, NBC Los Angeles
I sure hope Lemonis of Camping World ends up in prison for a few years. Such a low life scumbag deserves it.
OK! You highlighted the info about RV tax deduction changes and ended the notice with “On a side note, before you get excited, the majority of RV owners with a qualifying non-motorized RV have a new standard deduction of $24,000” So where is the info detailing the standard deduction of the $24K. I have tried for years, in forums, to emphasize that the vast majority of folks are not able to itemize deductions because they don’t have enough deductions to reach the standard deduction. So all this worry and hype just doesn’t apply to most folks. This is not to say that the towables should be excluded. I am happy to see that the law or rules have been changed.
Google “standard tax deduction for 2018” and you will have your answer.
Exactly. A simple 10 second search instead of demanding someone holds his hand and walks him to all answers on the subject.
The $24000 deduction is new this year. Last tax season, towables were removed from the list of deductions. This tax season, 2nd home interest once again includes towables. But in both motorized and towables cases, certain criteria must be met. Personally, I have always been able to itemize deductions. Probably not this year.
I’m with you on that note
Ironically I have been told by my tax person that I need to think about doing less donations, I am loosing money by the new tax changes and won’t be able to deduct them. He did not say how bad it would be but will find out after this tax prep review in February.