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Visit the only ‘micronation’ inside the U.S.: Slowjamastan

Gail Marsh
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3
Visit the only ‘micronation’ inside the U.S.: Slowjamastan

The Republic of Slowjamastan is a self-described “micronation” located in Southern California.

If you like strange and unique stops along your RV route, Slowjamastan is both!

Getting there

map showing location of Slowjamastan Slowjamistan website

The 11 acres comprising this micronation are set along California State Route 78 between Ocotillo Wells and Westmorland.

Getting to the Republic of Slowjamastan is simple because there’s really just one main approach. Follow CA-78 west of Westmorland. The Republic’s official location page lists the coordinates as 33.125901 and -115.958612. For RVers, that makes Slowjamastan an easy add-on to a larger desert loop.

slowjamastan highway sign miocrowiki image

RVers should note that visits are by appointment and approval only. That’s because the property is private land and trespassing is illegal.

A bit of history

Slowjamastan began as a tongue-in-cheek project in 2021. Founder and disc jockey Randy “R Dub!” Williams first visited the area on August 14, 2021. The pandemic had derailed the DJ’s lifetime goal to visit every country in the world. So, Williams made his own country! He promptly sketched his idea for Slowjamastan on paper and, a few days later, posted about his idea online. Afterwards, Williams set out to find land.

Williams bought the land on October 4, 2021, and the ground was broken on November 11, 2021. Independence for the Republic of Slowjamastan was declared on February 6, 2022.

And now?

Williams remains the leader (Sultan) of his micronation, and his official desk is located in the nation’s capital of Dublandia. (No building. Just a desk. In the middle of the desert.)

Slowjamastan's Sultan leader and desk Slowjamastan website

I was surprised to learn that Slowjamastan now claims more than 31,000 citizens. Citizens of the Republic of Slowjamastan do not live within the Republic’s borders. (No one does.) Instead, they live in more than 120 different countries around the world and have registered for “official” citizenship online. You, too, can become a citizen of Slowjamastan!

Swift progress

image: wikipedia flag for Slowjamastan

Over the past five years, the micronation spoof has grown into a surprisingly developed brand of its own. The Slowjamastan official site now includes passports, has an official currency called the Duble, and flies its official national flag, featuring the nation’s official mascot, the raccoon.

The Republic also boasts a growing set of states within its borders, like Goodlandia, Bucksylvania, Hotdamastan, and more. Every state is governed by a list of Slowjamastan laws, too. You can read Slowjamastan laws here. (I especially like the law about using the left lane only to pass. The punishment for breaking this law is: “You will wear two pieces of bread on each side of your head and a name tag that says, ‘I’m an idiot sandwich’ for 15 days.”)

Slowjamastan has its very own national anthem. You’ll probably recognize the tune. Listen to it here.

Humor is certainly a huge part of Slowjamastan’s appeal, but the surrounding online community has grown into a full-fledged culture. Check out Slowjamastan’s “merch” for sale.

Watch a video about Slowjamastan filmed by Bartell’s Backroads here.

What else to see and do

An RV detour to Slowjamastan may not take long. That’s okay! After a whimsical photo, there’s much more for RVers to see and do while in the area. California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, lies just to the west. It offers about 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas, and hiking trails where you’re sure to see bighorn sheep, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti, and big desert views.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area is right in the same desert corridor and offers off-highway riding terrain, dunes, washes, springs, and camping areas.

To the east and south, the Salton Sea region brings birding, geology, wetlands, shoreline habitat, and wildlife viewing at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

Imperial Sand Dunes BLM image
Photo credit: BLM

Farther out, the Imperial Sand Dunes add another huge public-land playground for OHV travelers.

Where to stay

If you are looking for a place to park the rig, Agua Caliente County Park is a strong winter option. It has full-hookup sites, partial-hookup sites, and even a caravan area for larger groups. The natural springs pools are a favorite for visitors.

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park) is another good RV base, especially if you want to pair Slowjamastan with classic Anza-Borrego scenery. This campground offers RV sites with full hookups, a dump station, restrooms/shower house, drinking water, and access to the Borrego Palm Canyon trailhead.

For something a little simpler and quieter, Tamarisk Grove Campground (at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park) works well for smaller rigs. Here, RVers with rigs of 35 feet or less can camp from October 1 through May 31. There are no hookups, but within the park, you’ll find restrooms, showers, and drinking water.

You should go!

Check out the Republic of Slowjamastan, then head for Anza-Borrego’s trails and overlooks. Spend some time at the bird-rich Sonny Bono refuge and the Salton Sea shoreline. Or, if off-roading is your passion, visit the Imperial Sand Dunes. That mix gives RVers the oddball landmark they came for, plus plenty of legitimate things to see and do once the novelty photo is taken.

Have you visited unique stops like Slowjamastan? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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RV mod—Genius storage for an RV sewer tote

Video Editor
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RV mod—Genius storage for an RV sewer tote

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Joshua from RV Gear & Far as he shares a genius RV mod that creates storage for an RV sewer tote. These totes are super handy when you are at a campsite that lacks a sewer connection, as you can dump your black tank without having to move the RV. However, where to store it is always a conundrum.

Joshua says a lot of RVers store the sewer totes at the back of the RV, either strapped to the bumper or sometimes the rear ladder. However, there are two things he does not like about these solutions:

  • It’s unsightly.
  • The totes are sitting in the sun, exposed to UV rays with this method, which shortens the life of the tote by making the plastic brittle. Brittle plastic is something you DEFINITELY do not want in a container that holds sewage.

Storage for sewer tote under the RV

By contrast, Joshua’s mod lets you create storage for an RV sewer tote underneath the RV, both out of sight and out of the sun.

Actual instructions for this mod start at point 1:30 in the video. To create it, Joshua modified a BAL Hide-A-Spare system, which is made to hide a spare tire under the rig, to hold the sewer tote.

Watch the video to see what Joshua had to do to make it fit. He has options for RVs with or without enclosed underbellies.

The final result is a perfect storage and travel space for your sewer tote, which slides out for easy accessibility when you need it. Genius!

One caveat: Joshua says this mod will not work on an Airstream as they sit far too low. If your RV sits low, it might not work for you, either. In the video, he shows what to look for and how to make sure you have enough ground clearance for it to work.

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Amazing stealth camper van, where every inch has a purpose

Video Editor
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Amazing stealth camper van, where every inch has a purpose

Ryan Bell of Outdoors Embrace built “Megalodon,” his stealth camper van, to be a full-time home where no space goes to waste. After four years living in his “Great White Van,” he sold it, bought the largest Ford Transit he could, and turned it into a stunning, self-built rig with climate control, a central kitchen, a hidden shower, and a full media setup. We get a tour in the video at the end of this post.

He says it’s his home for the next few years, before he moves on to a future sailboat. The video shows why every inch of space in the stealth camper van has a job.

Why Megalodon feels bigger than a van

Stealth camper van in bed modeBell started broke and in debt, so Megalodon is more than a van build. It’s the result of years of trial, living on the road, and refining what matters most in a small space.

The layout puts the kitchen in the center, then builds outward into storage, work, sleep, and entertainment. His dad helped with brainstorming throughout the build, and Bell says the van is a love note to van life.

Right by the door, a Dometic CFX3 fridge slides out so groceries can go straight in from a cart. Next to it, a flip-up counter adds prep space and gives Ryan a spot for coffee outside.

The rest of the kitchen keeps stacking useful details: a Furrion three-burner stove, a convection microwave that also works as an air fryer, a slide-out spice rack, a cutting board, and a sink tall enough for washing hair.

Above the range, a soft-close pantry stores food. The dresser holds a coffee station, camera gear, clothes, medicine, laundry, and an emergency cassette toilet.

The hidden shower and climate setup are the big surprise

The dresser also turns into a two-person shower. Bell steps on a yellow latch, pulls the shower pan into the aisle, wraps a magnetic curtain around it, and switches on the lights. It recirculates heated water, vents humidity out, and reaches 111 degrees.

He pairs that with a Dometic RTX 2000 air conditioner and a Webasto diesel heater. Ryan says the van can hold 74 degrees in desert heat and stay warm below zero. He credits that less to battery size and more to insulation, with 5 inches in the walls and 3 inches in the ceiling, using Havelock wool and loose-fill wool.

Theater, gaming room, and even a studio

stealth camper van interior in gaming modeThe bed shifts into couch mode with a lifting table, so the van becomes a lounge for up to three people. A slide-out projector throws onto a pass-through screen for indoor or outdoor movie nights, and detachable speakers under the van expand the sound.

For work and play, Bell runs a Mac mini M1, a Steam Deck™ dock, T-Mobile home internet, a curved 30-inch TV, and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer. He also records music inside the van. He says he even recorded his brother-in-law’s album there.

Off-grid systems and sleep comfort tie it together

Under the van, a 25-gallon water tank, external fill hose, pump, and filter give Ryan several ways to source water, including from a separate tank or a flowing river. Drain lines let him winterize the system, and skid protection helps guard the tank.

Under the bed, the van carries a pure sine wave inverter, two 300Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries, 800 watts of BougeRV solar, and an alternator charger.

Up top, the queen bed is 4 inches wider than standard, layered with foam and multiple comforters. Blackout details, white-noise climate systems, a hammock for guests, vanity mirrors, and under-bed storage turn the van into the kind of place Ryan calls a sleep sanctuary.

Final thoughts

Megalodon works because Ryan didn’t treat any of the features as extras. The shower hides inside a dresser, the kitchen doubles as storage, and the entertainment setup also supports work and music.

That is what makes the build memorable. Every inch has a purpose, and none of it feels wasted.

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Overall, has the last year of your life been among the best, worst or the same as others?

RV Travel
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Overall, has the last year of your life been among the best, worst or the same as others?

Life has a way of throwing all kinds of seasons at us. Some years feel full of adventure, joy, milestones, and memories you’ll never forget. Other years? Well… sometimes it feels like you’re just trying to keep your head above water. And for many of us, most years land somewhere in between.

Maybe this past year brought exciting travels, family time, better health, new opportunities, or simply more peace than usual. Or perhaps it’s been a difficult stretch filled with challenges, losses, stress, or disappointments. Life can change a lot in a single year.

For RVers especially, the past year may have looked very different depending on fuel prices, health, finances, family situations, or simply where the road has taken you. Some people finally checked dream destinations off their bucket lists, while others may have spent more time parked at home than they expected.

So we’re curious…

Overall, has the last year of your life been among the best, worst, or about the same as others?

Vote in the poll below and, if you’d like, leave a comment. We’d love to hear what made this past year stand out—or not stand out at all—for you.

And as always, thanks for being here and sharing a little piece of your life with us. We appreciate it!

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Slide-out resealing: A guide for long-lasting protection

RV Travel
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Slide-out resealing: A guide for long-lasting protection

By Dustin Simpson
When it comes to resealing your RV’s slide-outs, you’re on the right track. The good news is that you can use any appropriate brand of sealant, regardless of what the manufacturer might suggest. The key is making sure you’re using a high-quality sealant that’s designed for RVs and compatible with your slide-out materials.

Sealant separation on the exterior side out roof line at beltline molding.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resealing your slide-out:

1. Gather your supplies

  • Sealant: A self-leveling RV sealant like Dicor or Alpha Systems works great. Both are popular choices and will get the job done.
  • Caulking gun: You’ll need this caulking gun to apply the sealant. Tip: Cut the tip very small to apply. A trick I do is pinch the tip to help apply flat between the roof and molding edge.
  • Utility knife: To remove the old sealant.
  • Cleaning supplies: Isopropyl alcohol, a rag, and a scraper to clean the surface before applying the new sealant.
  • Masking tape: Optional, but it helps to create clean lines.

2. Remove the old sealant

Carefully use your utility knife or a scraper to remove the old, cracked, or peeling sealant. Take your time to avoid damaging the surface underneath.

Remove the old sealants with Acrysol body solvent cleaner and a plastic scraper.

3. Clean the surface

Clean the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt, grime, or leftover residue. A clean surface is crucial for the new sealant to adhere properly.

5. Tighten or replace screws

Make sure to lightly tighten the screws before you reseal and replace any that are damaged. Here are the black replacement screws, and here are the white screws.

4. Apply masking tape (optional)

If you want to keep the lines clean and avoid any excess sealant, apply masking tape along the edges where you’ll be applying the sealant.

5. Apply the new sealant

Load your sealant into the caulking gun and apply a smooth, even bead along the edges of the slide-out. Start at one end and work your way to the other, keeping a steady hand.

6. Smooth the sealant

Use a caulking tool or your finger (wearing a glove) to smooth out the sealant and ensure it fills all gaps. This step helps to create a watertight seal.

7. Remove masking tape (if used):

Carefully remove the masking tape before the sealant dries to avoid pulling up the new sealant with it.

8. Let it cure

Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 24 hours, but it’s best to check the product label.

9. Inspect your work

Once the sealant has fully cured, inspect your work to make sure there are no missed spots or bubbles.

By following these steps to reseal your RV’s slide-out, you can ensure that your slide-out is properly sealed and protected from the elements, regardless of the brand of sealant you choose. Just remember to do this regularly to keep your RV in top shape!

Hope this helps you reseal your RV’s slide-outs. Happy RVing!

More from Dustin

Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.

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Dear RV company websites, You need to do better

Tony Barthel
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Dear RV company websites, You need to do better

I was recently deeply honored when a friend within the RV industry reached out and asked if I would review the company’s revised website. This surprised me because I thought that the company already had one of the best RV industry websites in the business, so the fact that they were redoing the whole thing was significant. 

As someone who does a lot of RV reviews, I spend a lot of time looking at RV company websites. Often, it’s just to see if I can find a specification, but I’m also curious what standard features are included on RVs and other details. 

If you don’t know, I used to do this same type of work in the automobile industry. I wrote car reviews for newspapers and my own website. Car company websites, even 15 years ago, were solid representations of their brands’ products and provided a lot of detail. Of course, some were better than others, but even the worst ones were still good. 

Then again, car companies have a lot of money. But they also have limitless supplies of great photos for the media, plus b-roll if you’re doing video. The resources are seemingly endless. 

When you’re in charge of a business, one of the things you want to control is the messaging around that business. To me, it’s a basic tenet of running any business. 

I’m not sure what the heck is going on in Indiana, but almost every RV company’s website is terrible. And you could argue that part of the frustration that so many prospects and buyers have with the RV industry is just the misinformation that’s out there. So you’d think that RV companies would want to control the messaging. 

Well, actually, some do. But only a very few. 

What would a great RV company website look like?

Every RV company’s website lists its models and most of the specifications of those models. That’s sort of the ground floor, and it is information that is useful. 

Within the specifications are the dry weight and dimensions of their rigs, too. Again, helpful and arguably necessary information. 

But that’s also where things stop, and that’s unfortunate.

What’s going on? In thinking of Paul Harvey, where’s the rest of the story? 

Another thing I’ve noticed is that some websites do work relatively well only on specific computer platforms or browsers. For example, a website I was looking at for a review I am writing works really well on Google Chrome, but I found that out when a lot of the features of that site didn’t work at all on Apple’s Safari browser. Same computer. 

As someone who has created a bunch of websites for a bunch of small businesses, one of the basic things you do is get as many different platforms of computer, phone, tablet, and all of that as you possibly can and see if there’s something that doesn’t work somewhere. Or, if something looks bad on certain platforms. For example, a great website on a desktop computer may be almost unreadable on a smartphone. 

But, guess where a lot of people are looking at the internet? 

I have also heard from a few RV companies that they provide all the information I’m looking for in their print brochures, and that’s where they prioritize information distribution. I knew it was the ‘20s, but I didn’t think it was the 1920s. 

Even more opportunity

Some of the other questions I see people seeking answers for are about replacement parts and sealants. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see several people ask what the best type of sealant is for their RV’s roof or where to find a replacement part for something that simply wore out or broke. 

Literally every day, I see people asking what’s the best lubrication for their slide mechanism or how to treat their slide seals. 

I know the standard answer to this is “go to the selling dealership.” But a lot of those dealerships just don’t have a reference guide for selling parts for RVs that are even a few years old. I know when I was managing warranties and such, people would want to get a replacement bit, and there was frequently little that I could do to help them. 

WiFi in campground
You may share this illustration, uncropped, on your website, blog or social media with our compliments. The musings from Tanner Woods’ creative mind appear every Sunday in this newsletter. Laughter is good.

So what would I put on the perfect RV website? 

I would start with extensive images and specific details about anything that might matter. 

For example, Brinkley RV makes a huge deal about the AlphaPly roofing system on their products, calling them near-maintenance-free. But I know of another brand of RV that uses the same roofing system and doesn’t say a word about it on their website. In fact, the way I found out about this was by talking up Brinkley’s roof among some friends, and one of those friends worked for the brand that also uses the AlphaPly system and pointed it out. 

And it’s a great roofing system! Sell to your advantages. And I bet the RV salespeople would use this to their advantage, too. 

I would also have a good number of photographs of each model in my catalog and, ideally, even a walk-through video with details and information. For example, take a look at Alliance RV’s website and notice that they have a video walk-through of almost all their products. 

As for maintenance of slide rooms, it would be easy enough to take Lippert’s informative videos and just put them in a blog post about maintaining the RV. Lippert does a good job with videos about their systems, but not many people seem to use them compared to how many people ask about maintaining these systems on the ol’ interwebs. 

Interstate commerce laws

Something I don’t know anything about, but that’s never stopped me from blathering on about it, is interstate commerce laws. But I wonder if there are any restrictions against an RV company selling replacement parts on its website? Or at least making a parts resource catalog available that their dealers could take advantage of when ordering replacement parts. 

When I was doing warranty work at a dealership a while back, one of the RV companies had a tool where you could click on a region of an RV and then drill down and find parts for that RV based on the serial number. This made ordering replacement parts ridiculously easy, and I wondered why this wasn’t available to owners. 

You don’t necessarily have to have prices—perhaps let someone find the parts they need and then work with a local dealership to order those parts. 

There is so much opportunity in providing real information to customers. That would create a strong relationship with those customers—at least in my opinion. 

Yes, a very few companies actually do this, but I’ve found that the vast majority don’t. And with today’s technology and fewer committees, it would be pretty easy to create a resource that would make customers and prospects really appreciate your brand. 

At least, that’s how I see it. Er, um, that’s the rest of the story. 

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Elvis Presley’s jet—now a converted RV—travels to Graceland

Cheri Sicard
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2
Elvis Presley’s jet—now a converted RV—travels to Graceland

A piece of Elvis Presley history hit the interstate with no air filter, no prior fuel stop, and 1,659 miles ahead. Jimmy’s World had only driven the RV made from Elvis Presley’s jet a few short times, so this trip looked like one giant test drive with Graceland as the destination.

The trip was hot, funny, stressful, and strangely successful. The Elvis Jet made it to Memphis, got asked to leave Graceland again, and still kept rolling toward Oshkosh.

Join the trip in the video at the end of this post.

The first highway run started with nerves

Before the first real highway push, the crew found a trashed air filter buried under parts, then realized it was Sunday, and most stores were closed. The plan became simple: Get it onto I-4, reach a truck stop 10 miles away, add fuel for the first time, and hope nothing leaked.

Grizzly packed like a man expecting the end of the world, with a sleeping bag and his beloved “wooby,” while Jimmy admitted he was nervous. The RV had only gone about 8 miles at 40 mph before this, and it had touched 65 mph once for about three seconds. Then came “clear prop,” warning lights on the dash, and the first merge into traffic. Cars immediately honked, slowed down, and filmed it like a parade float with wings.

Fuel, fans, and the first wave of problems

The first fuel stop was a win. The Elvis Jet took 62 gallons, the custom filler neck did not dump fuel on the ground, and the receipt landed at $88.34 after a fan and snacks (that’s changed now). The fan helped with the heat, although it also sat in a spot that did not help visibility much.

Soon after, the trip turned into an electrical hunt. Flashers, turn signals, a high beam, brake lights, and later, a flickering headlight switch all caused trouble. Rain showed up, but the wipers needed airplane power, so Rain-X had to do the job.

At another stop, the crew checked mileage and got 11.3 mpg over 382 miles, better than expected for something that looked like a private jet and drove like a bus.

Nashville grades exposed what this thing really was

By day three, the route to Nashville meant hills, heat, and one missing piece the team wanted badly, the exhaust brake switch. They could not find it after the earlier teardown, so the plan became manual downshifts, light brake use, and a lot of hope.

A scale ticket gave one of the best clues about why the jet felt odd at speed. It weighed 22,000 pounds, with 9,000 on the front axle and 13,000 on the drive axle. That matched the old motorhome’s empty weight almost perfectly. On a 5 percent downhill grade, the crew managed speed with gears instead of panic, and a trooper in the rain still did not pull them over.

Graceland finally happened, then ended fast

The Elvis Jet made it into Graceland’s parking area, paid the oversized fee, and got a warm reaction at first. Staff liked that people could walk up to this jet, touch it, and look inside, unlike the covered aircraft nearby. Then one older man told them to move it, so visit number two ended much like visit number one.

After Memphis, the RV life part got louder. Fresh water vanished, gray water readings made no sense, a sink backed up, lights went out, and one fuse had melted completely. The good news was that several of the worst issues came down to blown fuses, so brake lights, turn signals, and hazards came back.

Jimmy also said the employee who welcomed them at Graceland lost her job, and he tried to help her find work. The trip still rolled through a Bass Pro car show and all the way to Oshkosh, without a single traffic stop.

The road trip worked because it stayed weird

This run was never clean or smooth. It was hot, loud, under-tested, and full of roadside fixes, yet the Elvis Jet still made the trip it set out to make.

That is what makes the whole thing memorable. More of the build lives in the Elvis Jet video series here.

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RV review: Winnebago ARKA world debut—an overlanding beast

Tony Barthel
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4
RV review: Winnebago ARKA world debut—an overlanding beast

Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2027 Winnebago ARKA 20Z, an off-road-capable, adventure-ready overlanding RV that is based on the Ram 5500 chassis, which has been modified for extreme capability. There are a number of this type of overlanding rigs out there, typically from smaller companies. But this one breaks a lot of new ground and really has hit the mark quite well. 

How the Winnebago ARKA™ 20Z is built

From the stock Ram 5500 four-wheel-drive, Winnebago has upgraded the suspension, tires, bumpers, and more. The chassis has been upgraded with BuckStop™ components, including suspension and bumper that can be set to easily accept a winch. This rides on 41” off-road tires that both accentuate the rugged appearance of the rig and also provide additional capability off-road. 

It might seem odd how much distance there is between the cab and the RV box, but this was intentional to allow the vehicle to flex in extreme off-road conditions. 

The RV portion of this rig has a metal brush guard around it for added protection. There are some pretty intense lights on the exterior, too. 

On the lower portion of the rig are aluminum gearboxes. Out back is a full-sized spare tire, and there’s even a winch to lift it onto the carrier—a very nice touch. These big donuts are weighty. 

I really like that this uses a SmartPlug® power system. All the exterior cabinet doors are very thick. This is well-suited for colder climates. 

In fact, I got to speak with Kenny Phillips, who is a Winnebago Brand Ambassador and the co-host of the Beyond the Wheel podcast, about his experience testing a prototype of this RV back in January. 

His impression was that this rig is extremely well-suited to off-road adventures. He and his wife, Sabrina, took a prototype into the snow and found it to be exceptionally capable to the point that he remarked, “You could almost use the ARKA to help recover lesser vehicles.” 

The roof-build on this RV is a vacuum-bonded fiberglass structure with raised sections where there was going to be a hole (such as a vent cap, etc.) so that water is better able to run off. 

Living in the Winnebago ARKA

The floor plan of this RV is almost like a large camper van; there are double doors in the back, along with an included ladder to get in, if need be. There’s a reconfigurable rear seating area that can go from U-shaped seating to dual benches and, of course, it can fold down to gain additional sleeping space. 

Phillips indicated that, when he was testing the prototype, it was able to swallow his e-bike, tools, and recovery gear and still leave the seating area intact. But you can also configure the space to accommodate a large kayak or the like. There are built-in L-tracks in the floor to tie things down. 

The cabinetry is all aluminum with compression latches that won’t pop open during transit. But the aluminum cabinetry is also likely to have no issues withstanding the kind of off-road shenanigans owners will put this through. 

I love the fact that the storage above the dinette/seating area is a soft, almost luggage-style container that can be removed if one wants to. The window coverings are roll-up zippered panels, which really help with the ability to withstand weather temperature extremes. 

The lounge in the back features two Lagun tables. 

Something that sounds terrific is the heated floor in this RV. “I thought this was going to be a gimmick, but it turned out that we really liked this feature,” said Phillips. “The heat it provides was so even and pleasant.” 

Unusual bathroom in the Winnebago ARKA

The bathroom in this RV is really different in that it’s set between the cab-over bunk and the main living space. The whole room is a shower when that’s what you want, and there’s a medicine cabinet. 

The toilet is a cartridge model, but the unusual thing about the way it’s built is that it can swing into a cabinet. Therefore, even though this is technically a wet bath, it doesn’t feel like a wet bath and really almost performs like a dry bath. It’s well-designed. 

There’s also a provision for hanging wet clothes and such in this space. And there’s a waterproof, magnetic curtain between the bedroom and this shower. I also like that there’s a seat in here that doubles as the step up into the bedroom. 

Bedroom in the Winnebago ARKA

The main sleeping space is over the cab. This, too, has been done very well. There are essentially two mattresses here, so you can configure the space to have two individual beds or push them together and have a single large sleeping space. 

There are also reversible nightstands that can be placed on the outside of the bed as nightstands or flipped over and used to add even more sleeping space and make the surface of a king-sized bed. 

Interestingly, Kenny Phillips said that the mattresses are made in-house by Winnebago and are very comfortable. “These aren’t the typical RV throwaway mattress, at all.”

There’s also a skylight with a cover, and that skylight can be opened. Again, the window coverings are the thermal material with zippers to be able to control temperatures more easily. 

Boondocking and off-grid camping

This is truly meant to be a boondocking rig. It comes with 800 watts of solar, with an additional 400 watts available as an option.

One of the most unusual and useful features built into this RV is a Pioneer® air exchanger that does a number of things. Most importantly, it is a dehumidifier that removes a lot of humidity from the cabin. The process is very efficient and can substitute for using the A/C in some conditions. In addition, it can help the A/C work more efficiently.

While Kenny Phillips was able to use the RV during winter and didn’t take full advantage of this feature, he did say that it seemed to improve air quality even in drier places.

The walls are two-inch-thick insulated walls. The structural aluminum isn’t the full width of the interior space, so that eliminates the heat loss of aluminum studs on the outside surface. If you’ve ever seen laminated RVs in the winter, it’s really easy to spot where the aluminum studs come into contact with the exterior, as aluminum is a terrible insulator.

The standard power system in this RV is a 48-volt system and uses a 165Ah Lithionics battery pack. The system is recharged through the standard 800 watts of solar and can also be charged using the 6500-watt alternator. In other words, there’s no specific generator aboard, nor do you need one with this many ways to recharge the battery.

You can also add a second Lithionics battery and 400 additional watts of solar.

My thoughts on the Winnebago ARKA™ 

Quite honestly, I think Winnebago totally nailed it with this design. I’ve seen a lot of this type of vehicle, and the compromises are usually pretty evident. It seems that Winnebago has really worked around a lot of those compromises in this RV and created something that is flexible and durable and hits the mark. 

Something else they’ve done is provide metal panels behind the interior walls so that you can add things like MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) panels or other things to better configure the RV to your style of adventure. 

In speaking with Kenny Phillips, he said that his wife, Sabrina, was particularly happy with the quality of the ride and comfort in the Ram pickup cab, so it would seem that Winnebago has struck a good balance between capability and comfort. 

On the subject of capability, this is also designed to tow up to 15,000 pounds, so you’re in Super C territory here. 

The air conditioner standard on this RV is the SDG split system A/C that runs on the native 48-volt power. I would imagine this is very similar to the unit used in the Grand Design Lineage Class B RVs, and it’s a great system.

These aren’t going to be cheap. However, compared to similar vehicles, I don’t think the price is out of line. I’ve seen some of these approaching and even exceeding half a million bucks, but the MSRP of this unit is $331,901.

A potential “drawback” of owning an ARKA

One of the biggest problems owners might have is one that Kenny and his wife experienced. “When we would walk out into the parking lot, there was a crowd around this RV, and people would be asking all kinds of questions. 

At last year’s RV open house, my wife and I saw the Dynamax Isata 5 Explorer Edition, and we were pretty impressed with that. However, quite honestly, the ARKA would be the rig I would choose just because of the ruggedness as well as the clever ways they’ve done things, including that dehumidifier and the heated floors. 

The Winnebago ARKA debuted this weekend at Overland Expo West. If you’re there, seek it out. I think the company has done an exceptional job with it. 

An honest look at RVs from RV industry insider Tony Barthel, where you learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about RVs, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A, Class C, and Class B RVs, as well as some interesting class-breaking RVs. You can find more reviews online at StressLessCamping.com.

P.S. No, you’re not going crazy. Russ and Tiña De Maris wrote about this RV earlier this week. But Tony has a different take. 

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Las Cruces, New Mexico: A desert destination for RVers

Gail Marsh
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7
Las Cruces, New Mexico: A desert destination for RVers

Las Cruces, a true desert destination, is nestled in southern New Mexico’s scenic Mesilla Valley.

This Chihuahuan Desert city of about 117,000 is situated between the Rio Grande and the majestic Organ Mountains. What makes Las Cruces a great destination for RVers? Read on to find out.

Getting there

Las Cruces sits in southern New Mexico at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25. You can follow the interstate network into town from almost any direction. It is also less than an hour from El Paso and only about 45 minutes to White Sands National Park.

Downtown Las Cruces

For RVers, one of the best parts of Las Cruces is how walkable it is to enjoy. The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership boasts that the downtown area is a safe, vibrant, and diverse community. You can take the Mesquite Historic District walking tour to see for yourself. This tour is a mile loop with seven stops.

In the same compact area, Plaza de Las Cruces serves as a gathering space for concerts, festivals, markets, and cultural celebrations. You won’t want to miss the award-winning Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market that stretches seven blocks and draws nearly 300 rotating vendors.

Downtown also offers you several museum stops: the city’s Museum of Art, Branigan Cultural Center, Museum of Nature and Science, and Railroad Museum, all of which sit within the urban core. Best of all, the museums have free admission.

University

Las Cruces is also the home of New Mexico State University. As with many university towns, NMSU features special events, sports contests, and galleries that may interest RVers.

Park base

Whitesands
White Sands National Park. Photo credit: Emily Woodbury

Las Cruces also works well as a base for seeing national parks. White Sands National Park’s visitor center is located about an hour away. It’s important to remember that services between Las Cruces and White Sands are limited, so plan ahead. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is farther out, about 197 miles from Las Cruces.

Only about ten minutes from Las Cruces is Old Mesilla. Mesilla Plaza is a well-preserved historic town and has been named a National Historic Monument. Within the thick-walled adobe buildings, visitors will find wonderful galleries, restaurants, museums, and gift shops. You can shop inside the Billy the Kid gift shop, where Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang.

Editor’s note from Emily: Have a drink at the Golden Eagle Restaurant (and see if you can spot a ghost) and dinner at La Posta De Mesilla, an old stagecoach station-turned restaurant. 

RVers enjoy leisurely walking through this area, which holds so much history.

Places to stay

  • Leasburg Dam State Park is a popular state park near Las Cruces. Positioned along the Rio Grande, Leasburg is just 15 miles from town. It offers RVers 12 water and 30-amp electric and four water and 50-amp electric sites, plus an RV dump station on premises. Visitors will also find campground restrooms and showers. For RVers who want a quieter spot with fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and easy city access, it is a smart choice.
  • Hacienda RV Resort is an in-town option. This campground sits off I-10 at exit 140 and has 113 big-rig-friendly sites. Hacienda features full hookups with 30/50-amp service, paved roads, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a hot tub, a dog park, and sites up to 110 feet long. That makes it a strong pick for longer rigs, remote workers, and anyone who wants a more resort-style stay while still being close to Old Mesilla and the rest of southern New Mexico.
  • Sunny Acres RV Park is another convenient base, especially if you like being able to walk for a meal or a few errands. The park is for those 55+, has large sites, full hookups with 30/50-amp service, cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry, private restrooms and showers. RVers will appreciate the easy access to I-10, I-25, and US-70. Guests are within walking distance of restaurants, groceries, a bus stop, antique shopping, and more.

You should go!

Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an RV-friendly hub. It offers walking/hiking/biking trails, a vibrant art scene, and wonderfully authentic food. Plan a trip today!

You can download the official Las Cruces visitor guide here.

MORE NEW MEXICO TRAVEL:

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Do you legally have to use your signal in a turn-only lane? RVer finds out the hard way

Gail Marsh
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42
Do you legally have to use your signal in a turn-only lane? RVer finds out the hard way

Folks recently gathered around the campfire to console Mark. Unfortunately, he was ticketed for not using his turn signal.

Mark felt unfairly targeted. Read on to learn why.

Turn-only lane

“There I was,” Mark explained, “in the right-turn-only lane. What did the officer think I planned to do? My big rig should have been a great, big, obvious clue since it was fully inside the turning lane. But I got a ticket! I think some officers enjoy ticketing out-of-towners. It’s so aggravating.”

Marty wanted to know, “So, why were you ticketed?”

“I didn’t use my turn signal. That’s why.” Mark explained. “Even though I was clearly in the turn-only lane. The law says to use turn signals when required. Doesn’t being in the turn-only lane negate the need to signal?”

Safe and legal

Even when a lane is clearly marked as turn-only, signaling is still the safest habit and, in most places, the legal expectation.

For example, California’s driver handbook says to always signal when you turn, even when no other vehicles are around. They also advise signaling 100 feet before the turn.

Washington state’s Supreme Court has ruled that a signal is required even when a driver is already in a dedicated turn lane. In the summary of their decision, the judges said:

We are asked to decide whether the phrase “when required” compels drivers to use their signal every time they turn or change lanes on a roadway. We hold that it does. The plain language (ROW 46.61.305) requires drivers to ensure turns and lane changes are done safely and with an appropriate turn signal. The phrase “when required” relates to the manner in which the required signal is made—continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled.

Why it matters

Turn signals matter, even in turn-only lanes.  A turn-only lane shows where you are headed, but it does not always show exactly when you are about to move, slow, stop, or commit to the turn. The California DMV says turn signals are one of the main ways drivers communicate intent, and it also reminds drivers to check blind spots before turning.

Legalese

The legal gray area concerning signal lights usually comes from wording differences between states. Some laws focus on signaling before a turn or lane change, while others add timing language, such as signaling continuously for the last 100 feet before the turn.

Washington state’s high court read its statute as requiring the signal on roadways even when the vehicle is already in a dedicated turn lane. They concurred that signaling helps alert drivers and pedestrians who may not realize what the vehicle will do next.

Cheap insurance

From a safety standpoint, the turn signal is cheap insurance. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) says dedicated left- and right-turn lanes improve safety because they let turning vehicles slow down and get out of the through traffic stream before making the turn.

FHWA also reports crash reductions for these lanes, including 28–48% fewer left-turn crashes and 14–26% fewer right-turn crashes. Adding a turn signal gives that already safer setup one more layer of warning.

Lesson learned

For RVers, the practical rule is simple: Signal early, hold your lane, and make your move obvious. That gives cars behind you time to react, especially in busy city traffic where a driver may not immediately notice that your lane is turn-only. It also helps when you are driving a longer rig, because the people around you need more time to understand your path and adjust their spacing.

A good campground-to-highway habit is to treat every turn the same way: Signal first, then brake, then turn. If your RV or tow vehicle is in a lane marked left-turn-only or right-turn-only, the signal is still the smarter move even if the lane markings already hint at your destination. Signaling reduces confusion, keeps traffic flowing, and makes your intentions clear to anyone who did not notice the pavement arrows or overhead signs.

Do you signal when in a turn-only traffic lane? Tell us in the comments below.

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2026 Winnebago Access 25RK— There’s a lot to like here

Gail Marsh
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1
2026 Winnebago Access 25RK— There’s a lot to like here

There’s a lot to like about the 2026 Winnebago Access 25RK travel trailer.

A quick glance at this travel trailer’s floor plan tells me it features a rear kitchen, a nice bathroom, and a private bedroom. With those three key areas checked off, it’s time for a closer look.

Behind the walls

Winnebago builds the Access™ 25RK on an NXG-engineered frame. It features durable sidewall metal, a one-piece TPO roof membrane, and a fully enclosed underbelly with radiant foil insulation. There’s also heated pass-through storage and a power tongue jack.

This tandem-axle trailer has two 4,400-pound axles, which helps explain why it feels like a step up from smaller, lightweight campers. The main living area is arranged around a single slide-out that helps expand the interior for an open feel.

Key specs

  • Exterior length: 29’4″
  • Exterior height: 11’2″
  • Exterior width: 8′
  • Awning length: 16′
  • Interior height: 6’8″
  • Freshwater tank capacity: 60 gallons
  • Black tank capacity: 49 gallons
  • Gray tank capacity: 98 gallons
  • LP capacity: 40 pounds
  • GVWR: 8,800 pounds
  • Dry weight: 6,520 pounds
  • Furnace: 30,000 BTU
  • Dry hitch weight: 670 pounds
  • Hitch height: 22 inches
  • Price: $39,130

Interior and living space

2026 Winnebago Access 25RK Image: Winnebago website

Entering from the rear side door puts you in the Access 25RK kitchen. Cabinets are a blend of light and dark finishes—a pleasing combination. The area immediately appears bright, modern, and roomy.

The lighter wall color, along with mid-tone floors and upholstery, helps the RV feel fresh and comfy. The central traffic path is easy to move through, and the floor plan does a nice job of separating cooking, lounging, and sleeping areas without making the trailer feel chopped up.

Kitchen

The rear kitchen is compact but thoughtfully arranged. There are plenty of drawers and cupboards for basic kitchen necessities. Winnebago equips the Access 25RK with an undermount stainless-steel sink, a residential-style faucet, a 1.1 cu. ft. microwave, and a 10 cu. ft. 12-volt refrigerator. You’ll also see a recessed 3-burner cooktop with backlit knobs.

I was happy to note that designers fit a pantry into this kitchen. I only wish pull-out drawers had been added for better accessibility.

Right inside the door, you’ll discover a handy shoe cubby integrated into the back of the dinette. I love this dedicated space to control shoe clutter.

Living room

The living area is simple, but it works well. The slide out holds theater seating, with a fold-down middle console with cupholders. A smart TV is mounted on the opposite wall for comfortable viewing.

The booth dinette sits opposite the theater seating, as do two additional storage cabinets. This arrangement is good for meals, card games, or simply relaxing after a day outside.

Bath

The bath is a practical mid-size and covers the basics well. There is adequate space for access to the commode, with a storage cabinet and towel rack, as well.

The 2026 Winnebago Access 25RK lists a 30″ x 36″ shower with a 14″ x 22″ skylight. It’s not luxuriously huge, but definitely doable. You’ll also see a roof vent, a dedicated medicine cabinet, and under-sink storage.

Bath

Bedroom

The front bedroom gives the Access 25RK a more residential feel than many trailers this size. First of all, there’s an actual door for separation and privacy. The bedroom offers a queen bed, underbed storage, and a wardrobe for hanging clothes (or stacking storage solutions, if you prefer.)

You’ll also discover dual nightstands with charging ports, and above the bed is a shelf for additional storage, if needed.

Bed

Overall take

The 2026 Winnebago Access 25RK is a smart pick for RVers who want a rear-kitchen trailer with good storage, an open common area, and a private bedroom. I think the Access 25RK is a very nice balance of comfort, towability, and value. Winnebago also backs up the layout with useful basics like the tankless water heater on the 25RK, the 6’8″ interior height, and the wide-body 8-foot construction.

Watch a video walkthrough below from Clear Creek RVs. Could this be the RV for you? Tell us in the comments.

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Tire speed rating: Can you really drive 112 mph?

Roger Marble
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0
Tire speed rating: Can you really drive 112 mph?

A quick look at almost any RV owner blog, and you will find someone saying that they drive at “xx” mph because that is the “Speed Rating” on the tire sidewall. This is definitely not a good idea and, in my opinion, is definitely unsafe.”

“Speed Symbol” on tire sidewall

Some, but not all, tires come with a “Speed Symbol” on the sidewall of their tires. This is usually found on many “P” or passenger-type tires. There are standards in Europe for the Max design operational speed.

Here is a basic chart covering tire speed in Europe:

Europe Tire Speed
Europe tire speed rating (click to enlarge)

NOTE that the various European speed numbers are “maximum” speeds and not “average” speeds. These ratings come from European standards, not U.S. DOT standards.

In the U.S., the Tire and Rim Association (TRA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE, now SAE International) have specified tests for brand-new tires, such as:

A Load Range “C” tire would have a 2-hour “break-in” at 75 mph, then run 1/2 hour at 34 psi at 80 mph, then 1/2 hour at 85 mph, which is the test end. If there are no external indications of structural failure, the tire is considered to have “passed” the “high speed” test. That test tire is then scrapped and is not to be used in any additional testing.

It appears that the European “Speed Rating” letter is being interpreted as the acceptable continuous operational speed. This is NOT a proper interpretation of the various standards.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) says this about the “Speed Symbol: “The Speed Symbol, or V in this example, indicates the maximum speed for the tire, but it is more like a performance rating that reflects the handling characteristics after it is installed on the vehicle.”

Here is a video on reading the tire sidewall information.

Bottom line:

RVs basically use three types of tires:

  • Class A uses Heavy-Duty Truck-type tires.
  • Class C will normally use LT-type tires, many of which carry a “Speed Rating” number.
  • ST-type tires were developed and approved based on a 65 mph speed test. I would consider 65 to be the MAX speed rating for up to 30 minutes, then the tire “life” may have been “consumed.”

I almost always limit my speed in my RV or when towing my 26′ trailer to 60-65, so I can’t suggest any faster for you as being acceptable for tire life.

So, the answer to the question in the title of this post, “Can you really drive 112 mph?” is “Definitely Not.”

Roger Marble

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If you have tire questions, check out Roger’s posts on RVtravel.com. There are hundreds of posts covering everything to do with tires.

If you still have a question for Roger after searching the above posts, send your inquiries to him using the form below.

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