All Recent Articles

More than one million Igloo coolers recalled due to finger amputations

News

-

May 15, 2025

More than one million Igloo coolers recalled due to finger amputations

Back on February 13, 2025, Igloo and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a cooler recall covering about 1,060,000 Igloo 90 Qt. Flip and Tow rolling coolers. The recall affected coolers that Igloo manufactured before January 2024.

Why the recall? Fingertip amputation and crushing hazards from the tow handle pinch point.

Expanded recall

Just last week, the recall was broadened to include an additional 130,000 units sold under models 34692, 34785, and 34790 manufactured prior to January 2024.

Pay attention

RVers often rely on large rolling coolers to keep perishables fresh during long trips. This is especially true for those who boondock, but may apply to any RVer owning the affected cooler models. Knowing which coolers are affected and how to mitigate risk is essential for any RV adventure seeker.

Affected cooler recall models

Initial recall models included a range of Latitude and MaxCold variants with SKU numbers like 34143, 27019, 34202, and others listed on the website. These coolers were sold from January 2019 through January 2025 for $80–$140 at Costco, Target, Academy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, and more.

Also included in the expansion recall are models 34692 (Latitude), 34785 (Latitude), and 34790 (MaxCold Latitude). They carry date codes stamped on the bottom in a circular imprint denoting month and year (07/2020–02/2023).

Reported injuries

Since February 2025, Igloo has logged 78 fingertip injuries. Twenty-six of the injuries were severe enough to involve amputations, bone fractures, or deep lacerations. Canada has reported four minor injuries as of early May 2025.

Check your Igloo cooler

Find the date code on the bottom—look for a circular imprint with an arrow pointing to the month and two digits for the year.

Compare against affected date ranges—if yours is prior to January 2024, you’re in the recall pool.

Confirm model number—check for “Igloo” on the side and SKU 34692, 34785, 34790 or any of the initial recall SKUs listed on the CPSC website.

What now?

If you have a recalled Igloo cooler, here’s what to do:

• Stop using the cooler immediately to avoid pinch-point injuries.

• Contact Igloo for a free replacement tow handle by calling 1-888-943-5182 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, M–F), emailing igloo90qt@sedgwick.com, or visiting the dedicated recall website.

• Follow Igloo’s “Recall Information” link for updates.

Igloo cooler recall alternatives

While waiting for your replacement handle, consider these highly rated cooler options favored by RVers:

• Yeti Tundra: Renowned for robust construction and ice retention up to a week.

• Dometic CFX3 Portable Refrigerator: Runs off 12 V DC power—keeps items chilled without ice.

• Coleman Classic 100-quart: Budget-friendly with wheeled portability.

Always look for products with minimal pinch points, smooth handles, and positive customer safety reviews.

More recalls that may affect RVers here.

RVT1209b

Amazon’s Starlink rival: Analyst weighs in on expected internet pricing

News

Russ and Tiña De Maris

-

May 15, 2025

11

We’ve talked about Amazon’s project to rival Starlink internet. In case you missed it, Amazon is getting into the satellite internet game with a massive project called Project Kuiper. Amazon wants to launch more than 3,200 satellites into low Earth orbit to bring high-speed internet to rural, remote, and hard-to-reach places. Think off-grid campsites, cross-country road trips, or small towns far from traditional broadband. Amazon’s satellite internet service is designed for places where regular internet service just doesn’t cut it. Sound familiar?

Amazon’s satellite internet service will differ from Starlink

Amazon’s biggest competition, SpaceX’s Starlink, is currently the leader with more than 7,000 satellites already in orbit and plans to launch up to 42,000 in total. Starlink is already available across the U.S. and in many other countries, and lots of RVers are already using it for internet on the road.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s Kuiper is just getting started. The first 27 satellites were launched last month. Amazon aims to have half of its satellite network up by mid-2026, with full deployment by 2029.

Bigger ain’t necessarily better

Even though Starlink has more satellites, that doesn’t automatically mean better service. Amazon is aiming for efficiency. It will have fewer satellites than Elon’s outfit—and that may be to the company’s advantage. A smaller network of satellites, put together in an optimal way, could translate to lower expenses and solid performance. It could also translate to lower costs for subscribers.

That’s where market analyst Julia Ostian with The Market Monkeys puts in her two cents. Ostian says she doesn’t have definitive figures, but she writes, “We can make some educated guesses by looking at its main competitor.” She expects Kuiper to be cheaper than Starlink to stay competitive. How much cheaper? Here’s the breakdown by where customers are on the planet:

U.S. and Europe: Around $50–$80/month
Emerging markets: As low as $20–$40/month

Over time, as more companies jump into the satellite internet space, prices could drop even more—some experts predict as low as $16 a month by 2035.

Amazon says Kuiper isn’t trying to replace city internet just yet. Instead, it’s focused on serving the underserved areas, like backcountry RV parks, remote national parks, or even stretches of highway with no signal. If it works, Kuiper could be a game changer for full-timers, boondockers, and weekend warriors alike.

Bottom line for RVers

If you’ve been dreaming of fast, reliable internet at your favorite out-of-the-way campsite—or just want a solid backup for sketchy campground Wi-Fi—Amazon’s internet satellite service, Project Kuiper, might be worth watching. It’s not available yet, but if the pricing lands where analysts expect, it could be an attractive alternative to Starlink in the next year or two.

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, May 15, 2025

Daily Tips Newsletter

Newsletter Editor

-

May 15, 2025

18

Issue 2644

Today’s thought

“What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” ―Ralph Waldo Emerson

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bring Flowers To Someone Day!

On this day in history: 1905 – The city of Las Vegas is founded in Nevada, United States.

Tip of the day
Easy and inexpensive RV tank sensors upgrade

By Cheri Sicard
Jared Gillis, of All About RVs, is not a big fan of RV tank sensors, but he gets so many questions about them and sees internet threads constantly with questions that he thought he would address the topic.

Like many of us, Jared is not a fan because tank sensors are often wildly inaccurate. I know that mine are, to the degree of rendering them useless. Even when they are working, the RV tank sensor lights that come standard in most RVs don’t give you precise information. Jared shows an example where the tank level could be anywhere from one-third to one-half full.

Jared has an easier solution that he says will provide far more accurate results: this wireless tank sensor.

Ask Dave
Will these power sources keep my RV refrigerator running while driving?

Hi, Dave,
My rig now has three Deka Intimidator AGM 12-volt 105-Ah batteries (Group 31). I installed three 250-watt solar panels along with a HQST 60-amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller connected directly to the house batteries, bypassing the inverter. Should this setup along with my diesel’s alternator allow me to run just the original refrigerator during travel days of 4 to 5 hours? I also have a Freedom SW 3012 Xantrex inverter. Thanks for your time and expertise!! —Wayne, 2003 Winnebago Journey DL Read Dave’s answer.

Article and video
Genius steamed vegetable RV cooking hack

By Cheri Sicard
Do you carry a box grater in your RV? These handy gadgets shred four different textures. They are a bit bulky, but you can maximize space by putting them over smaller items when in storage. The RV cooking hack (well, it is also a home cooking hack, but it makes sense for RVers) shown in the short video makes even more sense to having this object along. If you love steamed veggies, you are going to love this.

Featured article
Cat-astrophic problem: Where to put the litter box in an RV?

By Gail Marsh
A gal on an RVing with Cats Facebook page recently inquired, “Where do you put the litter box? My 24’ RV is so small!” As always, RVing friends came through with several recommendations. And also… some places NOT to put your cat’s litter box. Check them out here.

Reader poll
How many bumper stickers are on your RV or tow vehicle?

Respond here.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: On a cold and rainy day, it is satisfying to camp with an RV, even though some people may think the best time to camp is in warm, tamer weather. When the weather is foul, it’s a special feeling to be inside, sheltered from the storm, warm and cozy, maybe with a good book or snuggled up with your special someone.

Quick tip
Keep up with—or stay ahead of—routine maintenance

Even better than keeping up with routine maintenance, stay ahead of it. Replace your brake pads before they’re totally gone; replace belts and hoses before they break; replace wiper blades before they become totally useless. From “RVing: Less Hassle—More Joy: Secrets of Having More Fun with Your RV—Even on a Limited Budget” Available on Amazon.

Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.

On this day last year…

Tip: How to be an RVer and still pursue your hobby
Ask Dave: Important follow-up to Grand Design quality and frame flex issues story
Video: RV Electrical 101—A beginner’s overview
Featured article: Campers share their biggest pet peeves. We bet you’ll agree

Website of the day

The Creepiest, Coolest Ghost Town in Every State
These are both creepy and cool, that’s for sure! As the weather gets sunnier and warmer, it’s the perfect time to explore these old historic ghost towns. How many have you been to?

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
It wouldn’t be a campsite without one of these on your plate or in your hand, would it? But once you use this to help with it, you’ll never go back!

And the survey says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 38 percent bought their first RV more than 30 years ago.
• 69 percent say they always or almost always turn the lights off when they’re leaving a room at night.
• 63 percent say they prefer to be constantly moving when in their RV. They say it’s about the road trips – moving often, exploring, sightseeing, etc.

Recent poll: Would you say you ‘visited a state’ if you simply drove through it without stopping, or with minimal stopping?

Trivia

Ever wonder what’s actually in Spam? Spam is a canned precooked meat product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation, first introduced in 1937. The labeled ingredients in the classic variety of Spam are chopped pork shoulder meat, with ham meat added, salt, water, modified potato starch as a binder, sugar, and sodium nitrite as a preservative.

Reader’s pet of the day

“Bella (Labradoodle, age 10) was rehomed 9 years ago because her family didn’t have time for her, and she had spent most of her time in a kennel. So grateful they picked us. Bella loves camping and pontooning and is always ready for fun. Here she is wrapped up in a coat, ready for a chilly night in the trailer.” —Debbie Jenson

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

Leave here with a laugh

Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

Will these power sources keep my RV refrigerator running while driving?

Dave Solberg

-

May 14, 2025

1

Will these power sources keep my RV refrigerator running while driving?

Hi, Dave,
My rig now has three Deka Intimidator AGM 12-volt 105-Ah batteries (Group 31). I installed three 250-watt solar panels along with a HQST 60-amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller connected directly to the house batteries, bypassing the inverter. Should this setup along with my diesel’s alternator allow me to run just the original refrigerator during travel days of 4 to 5 hours? I also have a Freedom SW 3012 Xantrex inverter. Thanks for your time and expertise! —Wayne, 2003 Winnebago Journey DL

Hi, Wayne,
According to the Winnebago brochure online, the Journey came standard with a Norcold double door refrigerator and had an option for a double door with an icemaker or a four door option. It looks like all three were absorption, meaning they could run on LP or 120-volt power.

Running the RV refrigerator on 120-volt power

I am not a fan of running the refrigerator on LP while driving, although you will find many owners that do it. So let’s look at running the refrigerator on 120-volt power through the inverter while driving.

With the new AGM batteries, you have 315 Ah (105 x 3) of which you should only draw down 50% State Of Charge (SOC)—so that means approximately 155 Ah. Since they are new and AGM, I would also assume they are not sulfated and have close to 100% capacity.

I don’t have the exact power specifications of your refrigerator running on 120-volt power. However, tests show a residential model running through an inverter can run approximately four hours on a 100 Ah AGM battery before getting to 50% SOC. So, I would estimate your refrigerator could last three times that, or 12 hours, with no additional charge.

Solar panels

Now, factor in the solar panels that will provide a charge if you are getting direct sunlight while traveling. That could produce 750 watts of power. However, most are under 80% capacity. That alone would be plenty to keep the batteries up longer than the 4-5 hours you need.

Then the diesel alternator will provide a charge through the Battery Isolation Management (BIM) solenoid. So, I do believe there is plenty of charging power to run the refrigerator for much longer than you need.

You might also enjoy these posts from Dave

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

RVDT2644

Genius steamed vegetable RV cooking hack

Video Editor

-

May 14, 2025

1

Genius steamed vegetable RV cooking hack

By Cheri Sicard
Do you carry a box grater in your RV? These handy gadgets shred four different textures. They are a bit bulky, but you can maximize space by putting them over smaller items when in storage, for instance, tuna or tomato sauce cans, spice bottles, small cooking tools, etc.

The RV cooking hack (well, it is also a home cooking hack, but it makes sense for RVers) shown in the short video makes even more sense to having this object along. If you love steamed broccoli and other veggies, you are going to love this.

Steamed veggies the easy way

Put the washed, trimmed broccoli inside the grater, then place the grater over a pot of boiling water, and steam until done to your liking.

I usually grate some cheese to put on top before beginning, that way the steaming even helps clean the grater as the broccoli cooks.

Don’t limit yourself to broccoli. This easy camping and RV cooking hack also works with cauliflower, squashes, carrots, cabbage wedges, kale, and other larger veggies.

Click here to watch. (Sorry, YouTube won’t let us embed it.)

Ford recalls nearly 274,000 SUVs over brake line flaw

Russ and Tiña De Maris

-

May 14, 2025

1

Ford recalls nearly 274,000 SUVs over brake line flaw

“You don’t miss your water ‘til your well runs dry.” May that sentiment not apply to towing an RV with a big SUV and you find your brake fluid is gone. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Navigator and Expedition vehicles.

The front brake lines may contact the engine air cleaner outlet pipe and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of front brake function. A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.

Potentially 273,789 rigs are affected by this Ford SUV brake recall.

Ford SUV brake recall remedy

Dealers will inspect the front brake line and replace the brake line or air cleaner outlet pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S47.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.

How could this happen?

In late February 2025, Ford noticed a rise in warranty claims related to brake problems in 2022 Lincoln Navigators. This raised a red flag and prompted a closer investigation.

Between March and April 2025, Ford looked into how these vehicles were being built at its Kentucky Truck Plant. They discovered that the way radiator hoses were stored during engine installation may have been causing problems.

Before November 20, 2024, the hose could accidentally catch on a front brake line during assembly, which might bend the brake line. If bent, the brake line could end up rubbing against other engine parts, which could eventually cause it to leak.

After November 20, Ford changed the process to prevent this from happening. But vehicles built before that date—especially 2022 Expeditions and Navigators—might still have this issue due to the older assembly method and a new brake line design introduced that model year.

How widespread is the Ford SUV brake recall problem?

As of April 17, 2025, Ford is aware of 45 warranty reports of a front brake line leak received between November 4, 2022 and April 8, 2024. Additionally, Ford is aware of two field reports received on August 4, 2022, and April 10, 2025, and two Customer Service Reports received on June 26, 2024, and August 28, 2024.

MORE RECALLS

RVT1209b

Amazon pushes into RV territory with $8 million, 200-site RV park

News

Russ and Tiña De Maris

-

May 14, 2025

4

Amazon pushes into RV territory with $8 million, 200-site RV park

Internet giant Amazon is getting into all kinds of markets. RVers have been closely watching the company’s move to become an internet satellite provider through Project Kuiper. Now Amazon is getting into the RV park business. Well, sort of. Hermiston, Oregon, will soon become the home of a new Amazon RV park.

Amazon RV park to benefit both the company, and the community

Company offspring Amazon Web Services wants to build a huge data center near Hermiston. While under construction, plenty of workers will need a place to stay. Amazon recognizes that a lot of the temporary construction workers move from job site to job site in RVs. Why not build an RV park as a spot for these folks to stay during the build?

Amazon’s forte isn’t the construction business, so the company approached Hermiston city officials and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. “Here,” says Amazon. “We’ll give you $8 million, you build us an RV park on city land on or near the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center. Build 200 RV sites, you can keep 100 of them for yourself, and reserve the other half for us to rent from you.” Nah, we don’t think they used those exact words, but that’s what it boiled down to.

City grabs the deal

On Monday, May 11, the city council voted 6 to 1 to take the $8 million and run. While officially speaking, “The [other 100] remaining spaces will be available for events,” Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan told us the city has plans to rent those spaces out to RVers visiting the city at any time, not just during events.

Morgan told us that the city hopes to have the new “Amazon RV park” completed by the end of 2026. Amazon will dole out the $8 million in four payments through the construction period.

RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Daily Tips Newsletter

Newsletter Editor

-

May 14, 2025

7

Issue 2643

Today’s thought

“Life is like a prism. What you see depends on how you turn the glass.” ―Jonathan Kellerman

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Dance Like A Chicken Day!

On this day in history: 1804 – William Clark and 42 men depart from Camp Dubois to join Meriwether Lewis at St. Charles, Missouri, marking the beginning of the Lewis and Clark Expedition‘s historic journey up the Missouri River.

Tip of the day
What’s better for you: Class C motorhome or Class B van conversion?

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Here’s a question that some new-to-RVing wonder about: “I’ve never had an RV before, and I’ll be traveling alone with my dog. I’m intimidated by big vehicles, and I want fuel efficiency but comfort, too. What do you think about a Class B motorhome?” Here are a few things to think about.

Depending on your circumstances, a van-conversion RV may be just the ticket to getting into the RV lifestyle. It’s small enough you can park it in your garage but still has the comforts of a kitchen and bathroom. It looks so much like a large van, why, it couldn’t be all that difficult to drive, could it?

All these things are true. It may be that a Class B is, as Goldilocks said, “Just right.” But before you plunk down your money… Continue reading.

Ask Dave
RV’s two smaller slide rooms retract but larger kitchen one will not

Hi, Dave,
My Teton has three slides with a single hydraulic pump with three valves. The bedroom and dining slides work fine but the kitchen slide will not retract. It is the heavy one with fridge and other appliances. Any ideas? Thanks. —Herb, 2003 39′ Teton Experience 5th wheel Read Dave’s answer.

In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of wheel bearing pack service for safe RV travel

Join Ashley in our RV shop as she highlights a critical yet often overlooked maintenance task: wheel bearing pack service. If you’re gearing up for your next adventure, don’t forget to ensure your travel trailer or 5th wheel is road-ready! Here’s why this service is so important.

Article and video
RV tech’s RV buying advice—10 steps to follow

By Cheri Sicard
Buying an RV can be exciting. But it can also be a minefield if you don’t know what you’re doing. Through helping tons of people navigate the RV-buying process, one thing has become clear to certified RV tech Jacob Rigor: skipping steps leads to trouble. Often, it means getting a raw deal from the industry. Other times, it just means ending up with an RV that doesn’t quite fit. The good news is that with the right approach, these pitfalls can be avoided.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Always double-check that your refrigerator is shut tight before hitting the road. If not, you could have a mess on your hands.

Featured article
Get your teeth cleaned, a chiropractic adjustment, your hair cut, and your dog bathed at the world’s largest truck stop

By Emily Woodbury
Iowa 80, located off Hwy. 80 in Walcott, Iowa, is the world’s largest truck stop. How large are we talking? 220 acres large (which, by the way, is four times larger than the average truck stop). The site receives more than 5,000 visitors daily, which evens out to about one million cups of coffee and 90 tons of meat served annually. Holy cow! Learn more.

Reader poll
How many TV/movie streaming services are you currently subscribed to?

Respond here.

Previous poll: What percentage of RVtravel.com readers always or sometimes wear socks to bed? Is it about a third, half or two-thirds? Find out here.

Camp at thousands of amazing destinations without crowds or stress—now with hookups!
If you’ve been considering a Harvest Hosts membership, now is the time to buy. Save 15% on a membership and never worry about securing crowded summer campground reservations again. Camp in peace and quiet on farms, wineries, breweries, at museums, and much, much more. Learn more.

Quick tip
Screening out bright light

Pestered by brilliant light shining in their rig windows (including the windshield) but not wanting to go to a “black out” situation, Phil came up with a hit: “I bought some solar screen material like you would use for south-facing windows, cut it to shape (slightly oversized) for the windshield and side windows. My wife hemmed the edges, into which I inserted some flat, round, super-strong magnets. The magnets have no problem holding the screening on the metal body that surrounds the doors and windshield. Now, I can quickly cover all three windows and keep the intense heat buildup under control, no matter which way the rig is facing.” Here are some disc magnets on Amazon.