Home Blog Page 315

What’s on your bucket list?

RV Travel
-
2
What’s on your bucket list?

Even if you don’t have an official bucket list, there are probably at least a few things you’d really like to do, see, or accomplish in your lifetime, right?

Maybe you’ve always wanted to visit Antarctica or hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Maybe there’s a campground you’ve always dreamed of staying at. Maybe you’d like to visit every National Park in America. Maybe you’d like to eat at the world’s best restaurant, or drink at the bar where your favorite movie or TV character(s) drank. Maybe there’s a festival you’ve always wanted to attend, or a musician or band you want to see perform live. Heck, maybe skydiving is on your bucket list! (Is it?) The list is endless…

So tell us: What’s on your bucket list? Please fill out the form below and include a photo, if you have one.

Oh, and if you’ve recently completed an item on your bucket list, fill out the form, too. We’ll still count it.

We’ll publish some of your answers, so be as detailed as possible. We can’t wait to see what’s on your bucket list, or what you’ve recently crossed off your bucket list.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

How many states have you visited in your RV?

RV Travel
-
24
How many states have you visited in your RV?

RVing around the country is what life was made for. Wouldn’t you agree? There’s so much to see and experience out there—from wide-open landscapes to the tucked-away places you only find by taking the slower route.

Some folks travel to check off states, others go wherever the weather (or grandkids) take them. No matter the goal, it’s hard to beat the freedom of having everything you need with you on the road. One week you might be parked beside a quiet desert trail, and the next you’re camping in the pines just outside a busy mountain town. That kind of variety is hard to come by in any other lifestyle.

RV travel also tends to shift your sense of time. Days are marked by sunrises, fuel stops, and finding the next good spot to stay—not by calendars or clocks. And while there are challenges, like repairs and weather delays, there’s also something deeply satisfying about solving problems as you go, learning the quirks of your rig, and discovering what kind of travel pace works best for you.

Everyone has a different story to tell—and a different route that got them where they are.

Whether you’ve covered a handful of states or nearly all of them, each one adds something to the journey—a favorite campsite, a scenic drive, a surprise detour that turned out better than expected.

How many states have you visited in your RV? Just a few? Quite a few? All of them? Please tell us by voting in the poll below. If you can, will you leave a comment saying the exact number and which has been your favorite to visit? We’d love to know! Thanks!

MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

RVT1208b

The biggest issues we’re seeing as camp hosts

Nanci Dixon
-
13
The biggest issues we’re seeing as camp hosts

RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Most costs across the board have risen. RVing is evolving. Has that changed how people are RVing? Are there still some areas that are crowded with campers? Are people more or less content with RVing?

RV Travel readers discuss their experiences and offer tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.

Our camp host issues

We are camp hosts in Minnesota in the summer with a respite from Arizona heat as well as family time with the kids and grandkids. We only get six to eight weeks as camp hosts when returning to our once home area, so our first issue is finding campsites for an additional one or two months. I have to be online the minute the regional campgrounds open up, or we won’t get anything anywhere close to the cities. Private campsites are booked up or going seasonal-only. It is so crowded up there!

A change in campers

I have seen a definite change in campers over the last 25 years that we have been camping in the area, and even more so as camp hosts over the last nine years there.

For the most part, about 98% of the time, the park with over 200 spacious sites is everything we could want and like about our summer volunteer “job”. The people are generally friendly, the park staff are exceptional, the sites are beautiful, and almost everyone is having a wonderful time with family. We like being able to answer questions and help people out. More than once, a newbie RVer has come up with a sewer hose in hand, asking what to do with it!

That said, we have seen the noise levels go up, the partying intensified, and more calls to the park or city police on the weekends.

Dogs

Loose and barking dogs are a concern for everyone. The barking dogs, at least. Dogs off-leash, we can address. I remind the owners that having dogs off-leash is a $200 fine. Amazing how quickly that leash clicks back on! Loose, running, and aggressive dogs get a call to the police.

Homelessness

With changes in the economy, we are seeing more homelessness and more domestic disputes. The park welcomes all, but even those without stable housing need to pay. My husband has paid for folks a couple of times, but the park has asked us not to do that anymore. So with nowhere else to go, some hide and sleep in the woods. You soon get to know who is way down on their luck and can’t afford $22 a night and food at the same time. I will admit that I have deliberately ignored a couple of times when a homeless family sneaked into the showers to clean up.

My pet peeve: fire pits!

Fire pits are my pet peeve. I was a Girl Scout. I know to put out a fire before I leave and to NOT put garbage in the fire pits.

Check out time is 3 p.m. at the park, and that gives a lot of time to sit around a roaring campfire. Many times, that campfire is still roaring when they check out. What the heck?!!

The other pet peeve is leaving garbage in the fire pit, sometimes still smoldering. Aluminum cans do not burn, and plastic emits toxic fumes. It only melts into a miserable mess.

Issues rather small

Those issues are easily handled and minimal compared with the joy we get from camping and being hosts in a most wonderful park.

Now, from readers’ perspectives…

Here are a few observations from our readers. These do not necessarily represent the views of RVtravel.com.

A number of readers write in about what has tarnished the camping experience for them. While there are a number of reasons, some come up consistently.

Generators and barking dogs

Steve T. says only a few wreck camping. “Camping in general is fun and for everyone. Only a few wreck it. For example, generators and barking dogs. I bet the people who complain are in that crowd. If it wasn’t for those clowns, crowding wouldn’t be an issue for me.”

No refund

Jerry D. is not happy about refund policies and wrote, “Refusing to refund payment even when playing by the cancellation rules, is soiling.”

Not canceling and 7:00 a.m. kids screaming

Patricia W. is perturbed by no shows and screaming kids. She writes, “So tired of people reserving and then canceling. I belong to a group, and this has caused us all to be scattered. Also, ignorance of people’s lack of respect for others. Pulling through spaces, kids waking us up at 7:00 a.m. riding and screaming on their bikes.”

Just isn’t fun anymore

Willard A. says it just isn’t fun anymore. “It just isn’t fun anymore. For 20+ years it was wonderful RVing and going different places, meeting new friends, and enjoying the road. No longer that way.”

Rude, self-important people with untrained children and animals

Joe V. really sees a difference in camping now and writes, “Was: friendly, helpful, polite campers. Now: rude, self-important, the-world-revolves-around-me people with untrained animals, and even more untrained and unruly children. Was: Clean, quiet campgrounds, pleasant, helpful hosts, and reasonable fees. Now: Loud, crowded, overpriced, with overworked staff. I’m this close to calling it a day as far as camping goes.”

Corporations buying out campgrounds

Cindy A. is saying goodbye to their favorite campground and writes, “We have a favorite nearby campsite that we’ve gone to for 10+ years. It was bought by Bluewater Development. Increased prices and added fees may bring an end to our trips. We are just looking for quiet, natural settings, not events, etc.”

What are your pet peeves?

Now, some questions for you:

  • Are you finding campgrounds booked up or is finding a site not a problem?
  • What do you like best about RVing?
  • What are your pet peeves?
  • Are you seeing more permanent and seasonal RV parks?
  • Are rising costs affecting your camping style?
  • Do you have favorite campgrounds or RV parks?
  • What is the most memorable experience you have had RVing?
  • Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share?

Please use the form below to answer one or more of these questions, or tell us what you’ve experienced with campground crowding in general.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Read last week’s Crowded Campgrounds column: ‘Cost, reservation availability, poor RV quality… killed the camping experience.’

RVT1208b

Florida man gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park

RV Travel
-
12
Florida man gored by bison at Yellowstone National Park

A 47-year-old man from Cape Coral, Florida, was gored by a bison while visiting Yellowstone National Park on Sunday, May 4, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Park officials say the man approached the animal in the Lake Village area and was attacked after getting too close. He sustained minor injuries and was treated by medics at the scene.

Yellowstone—and most national parks—require visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, and at least 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves. Bison, though seemingly docile, are unpredictable and can run up to three times faster than humans.

This marks the first reported bison-related injury in Yellowstone in 2025. There were two such incidents in 2024 and one in 2023. Bison have injured more people in the park than any other animal.

In one 2024 incident, an 83-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after a bison lifted her about a foot off the ground with its horns. Just weeks earlier, another woman went viral after being filmed dangerously close to a bison while taking a selfie.

Credit: NPS

The NPS warns that approaching bison can provoke defensive behaviors like bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing at the ground, snorting, or bellowing. For safety—and to avoid stressing the animals—visitors are urged to observe wildlife from a distance, using binoculars or a camera zoom lens.

MORE LIKE THIS:

RVT1208b

National parks face devastating cuts, with majority in jeopardy

Russ and Tiña De Maris
-
133
National parks face devastating cuts, with majority in jeopardy

America’s national parks have been called “our best idea.” From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the deep canyons of Zion, from the hissing geysers of Yellowstone to the quiet battlefields of Gettysburg, the National Park Service (NPS) protects the landscapes, wildlife, and history that define our nation’s identity. For more than a century, these places have been set aside for us and the generations to come. Are our national parks in peril?

Right now, the National Park Service is facing what many say is its biggest threat yet—and it’s coming not from wildfires or climate change, but from deep budget cuts that could permanently reshape, shrink, or even privatize the system we know today.

Numbers show our national parks in peril

Let’s start with the numbers. Despite making up less than one-fifteenth of 1 percent of the entire federal budget, the National Park Service delivers an astonishing return on investment. For every dollar the government puts into the parks, $15 flows back into the national economy. In 2024 alone, more than 332 million people visited park sites, bringing in a record $55.6 billion in visitor spending that supported over 415,000 jobs in gateway communities.

However, the current presidential administration has proposed the largest cut to the Park Service in its 109-year history: a $1.2 billion slash, representing nearly 40% of the agency’s budget. To put that in perspective, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) warns this level of reduction could mean effectively shutting down 350 of the 433 national park sites across the country—wiping out more than 75% of the entire system. This, according to a story carried by forbes.com.

“These Trump cuts will devastate the NPS in a way that is not recoverable,” says John Donahue, a retired park service superintendent who spent 38 years working in the parks, starting as a gardener at Cape Cod National Seashore. “It may take another century to undo the damage our heritage is suffering.”

This isn’t just abstract budget talk. According to Forbes, the Interior Department has laid off 1,000 NPS probationary workers, accepted 700 buyouts, and is preparing to issue 1,500 more layoff notices in the next few days. The cuts come on top of a significant exodus as longtime staff have left under hiring freezes, early retirement offers, and restructuring mandates. That’s about 13% of the workforce gone—all while the department orders that parks remain open and fully operational.

How will that work?

According to Tim Whitehouse of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), it’s unclear whether the NPS can hire enough seasonal workers in time for the busy summer months. Forbes quotes Whitehorse, “There are just a lot of unknowns about how the seasonal program is going to work and whether it will be successful,” he says. Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has told park superintendents they will need approval from top leadership to close even a single trail or visitor center, adding another layer of bureaucracy to an already strained system.

What’s really behind the cuts?

Many conservation advocates worry this isn’t just about “efficiency.” Donahue suspects the deeper strategy is to cripple the agency so badly that some can argue it no longer functions, paving the way for privatization. “Cripple the agencies, then claim they can’t do their job—using that as a pretext to privatize the parks for the benefit of the wealthy,” he warns.

Indeed, the White House budget proposal suggests downgrading many national park units to state-run sites and slashing nearly $900 million from park operations. Another $158 million would be cut from the Historic Preservation Fund, which provides critical matching grants for tribal and local preservation projects. The administration argues that many of these programs are “duplicative,” ignoring the fact that these federal supports often unlock additional non-federal funding.

The cuts also threaten to eliminate the very regional offices that help parks operate efficiently, by providing contract officers, engineers, landscape designers, compliance experts, and other specialized staff that local park leadership often can’t manage on their own. As Donahue puts it, these support systems are essential for running the parks smoothly, and removing them just makes everything harder and more expensive.

300 billboards point to national parks in peril

The issue hasn’t gone unnoticed. On Monday, 300 billboards went up across the country calling attention to the struggles facing America’s national parks under the current administration.

The billboards are part of a campaign by More Perfect Union, a nonprofit advocacy group, aiming to show the public how the Department of Government Efficiency’s cost-cutting measures are actually causing more harm than good. The signs will appear in cities from Arizona to North Carolina, sending a clear message: The future of our national parks is at serious risk.

“Park system would be completely decimated”

The stakes go far beyond just operational headaches. Parks are more than just pretty landscapes or vacation destinations—they’re vital pieces of American history and culture, offering a shared space where people of all backgrounds can experience nature, learn about the past, and connect to something larger than themselves.

Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association—a non-partisan group, calls the proposed cuts “catastrophic.” “If enacted by Congress, our national park system would be completely decimated.”

texasmapstore.com. The company offers these maps to the public, click here.

For context, the NPS manages 85 million acres across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. These places include not just iconic national parks, but monuments, battlefields, seashores, rivers, and historic sites—all protected under a system designed to serve the public good.

So, where does that leave us?

As President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through it.”

How will future generations view the history being sown today? Are our parks in peril? Will they be hollowed out, underfunded, and handed off piece by piece, until what’s left is only a shadow of what RVers and other visitors see today?

Editor’s note: WE ARE SIMPLY STATING THE FACTS. 

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME, BUT ANY COMMENTS OR COMMENT CHAINS THAT BECOME TOO POLITICAL OR CREATE A HOSTILE OR NAME-CALLING “ENVIRONMENT” WILL BE DELETED AT OUR DISCRETION.

RELATED

RVT1208b

RV Daily Tips. Friday, May 9, 2025

Newsletter Editor
-
12
RV Daily Tips. Friday, May 9, 2025

Issue 2640

Today’s thought

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” ―Edward Abbey

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Lost Sock Memorial Day!

On this day in history: 2020 – The COVID-19 recession causes the U.S. unemployment rate to hit 14.9 percent, its worst rate since the Great Depression.

Tip of the day
Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy

By Gail Marsh
I don’t know about you, but I rarely look up when I’m inside our RV. That changed a few days ago. I happened to be contemplating very deep thoughts (read: relaxing) on the sofa when I noticed the intake air vent above me. Hmm… it looked dusty. Really dusty! “Is there a way to clean that?” I wondered. Because the vent was too high to reach, I went back to the bathroom where I could easily reach the vent. Wow! This one was dusty, too! Continue reading.

Ask Dave
RV roof leak damage estimated at more than rig is worth. How hard is it to repair?

Dear Dave,
I bought this 2017 Jayco in 2020 from a second owner, trusting him with selling an undamaged trailer. It seems either the first owner or this one did not report an issue with a tree falling upon the camper with a small limb piercing the roof liner. I inspected everything except the roof… Read the rest of Phillip’s question and Dave’s answer.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Ways you can prevent RV fender skirt cracks

Prevent RV fender skirt cracks! Join Terry and me [Dustin] in this video as we replace the fender skirts on this 2020 Grand Design Reflection. I’ll show you and explain why fender skirt cracking is so prevalent. The video shows you how we install fender skirts to prevent cracking.

Article and video
Genius RV storage hacks and tips

By Cheri Sicard
Keeping an RV organized can feel like a never-ending battle. Space is limited, and clutter seems to multiply overnight. In the video, Ben and Charity from the Grateful Glamper share smart RV storage hacks that can transform your rig from chaotic to livable. (Don’t feel like watching a video? Remember, Cheri always writes an accompanying article!)

Featured article
RVs reach cargo-carrying capacity with just two passengers. Is your rig dangerously overweight?

By Tony Barthel
Is your RV dangerously overweight? Do you know its real cargo-carrying capacity? One of the things I’ve noticed in the RV Reviews column here on RVtravel.com is that a lot of RVs can be significantly overweight without much effort. Whether that be a motorized rig or a towable, overloading has been a big problem. Unfortunately, the manufacturers seem to do more to avoid the problem than to correct it. In fact, sometimes I wonder if it’s being purposely hidden. The bad thing is that your life can be in danger and you may not even know about the risks. Continue reading this very important information.

UPDATE: Changes coming to our commenting system

We’re making some upgrades to how comments work on RVtravel.com. Starting Sunday evening, May 11, we’ll be switching to a new commenting system that’s faster, smarter, and more enjoyable to use. Our current software just isn’t cutting it anymore, so it’s time for a fresh start. The new system will include everything you already like, plus some great new features we think you’ll enjoy. Learn more.

You may have missed these recent popular stories…

SPEAKING OF THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED... Yesterday’s Great RV Accessories newsletter is live and shouldn’t be missed! Like gadgets? You’ll love this!

Reader poll
How would you describe the condition of America’s interstate highways?

Respond here.

Cleaning gel gets rid of dust and grime everywhere!
Say goodbye to dust and grime in hard-to-reach places. Give your car a professional-looking detail in minutes with this, and clean areas in your RV like vents, blinds, window and door grooves, computer keyboards, and so much more. This stuff is amazing! The gel is made of natural ingredients, and won’t damage any surface. Simply press/push it into those hard-to-reach places, pull it up, and watch everything sparkle. Learn more or order.

Quick tip
Doing a roof reseal? Careful around the TV antenna 

When sealing around roof accessories, the temptation can be “more sealant is better.” Not around the TV antenna. Get too much sealant around it, you could hinder (or even stop) the rotation of the antenna.

On this day last year…

BAD, BAD GPS! DW has a group of college football tailgating friends, and we all planned a get-together at a couple’s lake house. They assured us that “RVs almost as large as ours go past their house ALL THE TIME.” Ignoring advice from RVtravel.com readers to always check with Google Earth first, I punched the address into our RV GPS and hit the road. The closer we got, the worse the road became—until three miles out, the GPS told us to turn onto a rutted, narrow dirt road. I yelled “NO!”—there was no way the RV would make it. We ended up finding a nice campground 45 minutes away and commuted from there. Lesson learned: I’ll always check Google Earth from now on. 😉 —Neal Davis

Website of the day

Report Fraud
If you’ve been scammed, or know someone who has, use this website from the Federal Trade Commission as a resource and report it! Tell them what happened and help stop it from happening to someone else.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Wow, baby! This is diva-tastic! It might blind you when the sun hits it (seriously, is this safe??), but hey, you’d be glamorous, that’s for sure!

Trivia

Louisa May Alcott, the author of “Little Women,” was ambidextrous. When she tired of writing with one hand, she would switch to the other.

Readers’ pets of the day

“Gurti and Cheeki, mixed terriers, ages 6 and 7. These rescue dogs have known nothing but camping with us on our full-time RVing ventures. We always joke about them having a bad hair day, every day!” —Larry Chasey

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!

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.

RV roof leak damage estimated at more than rig is worth. How hard is it to repair?

Dave Solberg
-
1
RV roof leak damage estimated at more than rig is worth. How hard is it to repair?

Dear Dave,
I bought this 2017 Jayco in 2020 from a second owner, trusting him with selling an undamaged trailer. It seems either the first owner or this one did not report an issue with a tree falling upon the camper with a small limb piercing the roof liner. I inspected everything except the roof…

It was repaired/painted using an elastomeric paint. However, it apparently was a hit-and-miss job. A year-and-a-half into my ownership and after a heavy rain, I noticed some puddling of water on the floor in front of the bathroom shower plumbing access panel. I examined the plumbing and no leak was found. Much to my dismay, upon pushing up on the RV ceiling next to a speaker, water poured out!

My dilemma

Here’s my dilemma. I found the punctured area, which had grown from a small pencil-size hole to the approximate size of a 24″ circle. I immediately cleaned the area with denatured alcohol and applied a strip of Permabond tape. Living in South Carolina, I am not worried about extreme temperature fluctuations, in addition to having a cover for this RV.

Just recently I’ve noticed a separation on the front right where the front and sides meet behind the black rubber seam. Apparently the water seeped forward, traveling down the outside of the luan paneling between the exterior aluminum and paneling, pooling under the bottom of the storage area.

I’ve received detailed drawings from Jayco regarding the framing of this unit. My question is: How difficult will replacing the outside corner wood frame be? RV dealerships want to charge as much as this one is worth for their repairs. I thank you in advance. —Phillip, 2017 Jayco 212QBW

Dear Phillip,
Unfortunately, without seeing the damage and peeling back some of the wall or flooring, it is difficult to determine the extent of repairs needed. Once you see water damage, it’s generally too late and there is much that has rotted under the floor and inside walls.

Questions for you

I have a couple of questions or, better yet, concerns. First, you stated the ceiling leak started with a pencil-size hole that grew to a 24″ circle. Was that a 24″ hole or a large area of water damage? Had you seen it initially as a pencil-size hole but didn’t address it at that time? Also, you stated you applied a strip of Permabond tape, which I am not familiar with. However, I do not know of any roof sealant tape that is 24″ wide—most are only 6″. So I am wondering how the 24″ issue was sealed. This also emphasizes the importance of inspecting the roof and seals to prevent moisture penetration and eliminating a small issue from becoming a catastrophe.

We had a similar situation at the RV Lifestyle & Repair club on a 2006 Forest River Salem that was purchased to renovate for video content. I went to the workshop for an introduction video shoot. I noticed the entire front seam had new hex screws every inch and silicone that looked like it had been applied with a scoop shovel.

Salem Trim
Salem trim

This was not a factory installation and indicated what must have been a moisture leak and attempt to stop it without removing trim and getting to the real issue.

Much hidden damage

Sure enough, once we took out the interior bed frame and looked at the damage, the entire front wall, floor, and joists were rotten.

Rotten Floor
Rotten floor

The leak started in the roof cap at the front and ran down inside the wall, as you have encountered. This meant the front wall and wooden framework needed to be replaced.

Salem Wall
Salem wall

Once the floor was removed, we found the joists were rotten much farther back than determined. The entire floor needed to be rebuilt as far back as the entrance door, which included the entire front dinette and most of the kitchen.

Salem Rotten Floor
Salem rotten floor
Rotten Joist
Rotten joist

Estimate for repair

I would guess the dealership estimated for the worst case rather than a small corner repair like this one.

This is why I always recommend getting a unit inspected by a qualified RV technician and also have the roof inspected at least every spring and fall.

Floor Leak
Floor leak

A major repair would be more than 20 hours of labor at least, in my opinion, and with labor rates at $200, that puts it at $4000 without materials.

If you are handy and have some help, this could be done as a DIY project IF you have the facility, tools, and patience. Check out the video of the entire process on the RV Lifestyle & Repair site here.

 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.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

RVDT2640

Forest River trailers recalled—Fire hazard wasn’t meant to be included

Russ and Tiña De Maris
-
2
Forest River trailers recalled—Fire hazard wasn’t meant to be included

Forest River is pulling over more than 1,100 travel trailers after realizing they accidentally wired up a potential fire hazard—because nothing says “relaxing RV getaway” like the risk of your solar system shorting out and torching your rig.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2025 Campsite Reserve travel trailers. The Forest River solar controller may be wired incorrectly without overcurrent circuit protection. Wiring without circuit protection may become damaged and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. 1,167 of these RVs are affected by the recall.

Forest River solar controller recall remedy

Dealers will rewire the solar controller power wire, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 11, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-499-2100. Forest River’s number for this recall is 99-1926.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1- 888-275-9171) or go to www.safercar.gov.

What happened?

Forest River calls it a “manufacturing error.” Instead of wiring the solar controller “on the breaker side,” it says “the solar controller may be wired to constant hot of a 30AMP mini-breaker.”

The Forest River solar controller recall is just the latest that sees the company with the highest number of recalls in the entire RV industry. It ranks 4th in the list of recalls by the NHTSA, behind only GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

More Forest River recalls

RVT1208b

The future of the RV industry: Bracing for what’s to come

Cheri Sicard
-
8
The future of the RV industry: Bracing for what’s to come

The RV industry is always changing, but lately, it feels like some big shifts are on the horizon. Josh the RV Nerd from Bish’s RV is here to give his monthly industry update, and this time, it’s all about navigating some potentially rough waters. The industry might be entering an uncomfortable phase, and the big players aren’t exactly shouting it from the rooftops.

Among other topics, Josh covers topics that will help those looking to buy an RV, whether it be new or used.

Heartland production shuts down: The real story?

In a significant move, Heartland RV, including its Cruiser RV and DRV Mobile Suites divisions, has halted production. To understand why, it’s important to know that Heartland is now a subsidiary of JAYCO, both of which are owned by Thor Industries. Some people are going to hear that Heartland RV is gone for good, but that’s not quite the case. Heartland RV is not disappearing entirely, but its products will now be manufactured in JAYCO plants. More on that here.

As Josh puts it, “If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense, and then decisions have to get made.”

The unfortunate side effect of this change is that hundreds of employees at the Heartland facilities have lost their jobs. This is a tough blow to the local community and something that Josh doesn’t take lightly.

In the short term, Heartland’s existing lineup of RV models will likely be produced in JAYCO facilities. This isn’t new. Brands like Starcraft and Highland Ridge have had their products built in JAYCO plants before.

However, Josh believes that in the long term, the RV industry will see increased “homogenization” of products. This means that Heartland brands could become more similar to JAYCO products to streamline production. It’s also possible that some Heartland brands or models could be discontinued, similar to what happened when Crossroads became a subsidiary of Keystone.

Looming uncertainty: Navigating the “X Factors”

The situation with Heartland and JAYCO sets the tone for the overall feeling in the RV industry right now. There are a lot of uncertainties on the horizon, making it difficult to predict what’s going to happen.

One of the biggest issues is the ongoing back-and-forth about tariffs. Are they happening or not? Are they only for certain countries? This uncertainty is causing unease, and when you can’t predict the future, the best thing you can do is prepare for the worst.

Josh believes that the industry will continue to see more streamlining and homogenization. In other words, some brands might disappear altogether, or they might become nearly identical to other brands. This would allow manufacturers to build multiple brands in a single factory.

In the short term, this could mean job losses and fewer choices for consumers. However, in the long term, it could lead to new and innovative floorplans as designers have more time to experiment.

Pricing pressures: Brace for a surge

While manufacturers might be absorbing some costs right now, Josh is hearing that RV prices are likely to increase on 2026 models. He originally estimated a 4-6% increase, but now he’s expecting it to be closer to 10%. This isn’t exactly good news, but it’s important to be aware of what’s coming.

This situation is similar to the price surges that happened during the pandemic. During that time, consumers generally had the money and the desire to spend it. However, Josh isn’t sure if that’s the case now. RV pricing may very well surge significantly, but it remains to be seen if consumers will be willing to pay those higher prices.

What about those “COVID buyers”?

A common belief was that people who bought RVs during the pandemic would quickly lose interest and leave the lifestyle. However, the data shows that this hasn’t happened. Those “COVID buyers” are still camping more often than people who bought RVs in previous years. They also seem enthusiastic about upgrading their RVs.

So, what’s really going on? Josh believes that many of these buyers are still camping, but they might feel “stuck.” They bought their RVs when prices were at their peak, and now they’re facing higher interest rates and loan balances. While they might want to upgrade, the financial situation might not make it feasible. They may be using their RVs simply because they feel obligated, given the investment they’ve made.

New vs. used: A shifting RV industry landscape

Reports of RV shipments being up 14% might sound positive, but it’s important to consider the context. Shipments are up compared to last year, which was a down year. Dealers were overstocked and selling off older inventory.

This year, dealers stocked up for what they hoped would be a strong show season. Additionally, Canadian dealers bought extra inventory to avoid potential tariff-related price increases. The real effects of the current climate haven’t been reflected in the statistics yet and the industry might see some significant changes in the coming months.

What about the used RV market? Right now, it’s fairly stable. However, Josh believes that used RV prices and trade values are likely to increase soon. The used RV market is closely tied to the new RV market. When new prices go up, used prices tend to follow. During the pandemic, some people were able to trade in their used RVs for more than they originally paid because new RV prices had surged.

Currently, trade values are low, but purchase values are reasonable. In the next couple of months, it’s likely that purchase values will increase. Trade values will probably increase, too, as dealers need to acquire used inventory. This could be good news for those who already own an RV and are looking to trade up. However, it could be bad news for first-time buyers.

Manufacturing news: Grand Design and Brinkley

Grand Design is expanding its Lineage motorized division with the Lineage VT Series Adventure Van. Some eagle-eyed viewers even spotted prototypes in the background of Josh’s videos.

This new van is different from their other motorized offerings and is designed for off-road use.

Brinkley RV is upgrading its warranty to include a 3-year seals and gaskets guarantee. This extends two years beyond the base warranty and covers a major area of concern for RV buyers. They’re not changing the construction of their RVs, and they’ve always used the same sealing system. The new warranty is retroactive to existing owners, so if you own a Brinkley RV, you might be in luck.

This is similar to Grand Design’s 5-year frame warranty and is an example of the RV industry moving toward better warranty coverage.

The road ahead

The RV industry is facing some challenges, but there are also reasons to be optimistic. By staying informed and working together, the industry can navigate these changes and continue to provide amazing experiences for RVers everywhere.

RELATED

RVT1208

Would you pay $995 for a VIP pass to test drive 125 motorhomes?

Steve Blume
-
6
Would you pay $995 for a VIP pass to test drive 125 motorhomes?

Are you seriously considering purchasing a motorized RV within the next 12 months? National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) will host their second annual Music City Motorhome Expo VIP Experience from May 31 to June 4 at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, TN.

This location, known for its spacious and scenic setting, is the perfect backdrop for this unique event. Last year, I posted a similar headline and article after attending this event, raving about the experience. This year, I am giving you a heads-up so you can go, too! This is a truly one-of-a-kind purchasing experience for serious buyers, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

“I’m not sure there is another single dealer location in America with all these lines that could put together an event like this,” said Brett Davis, founder and CEO of NIRVC. “We will have over 125 new first-to-be-seen 2026 coaches from 12 manufacturers—brands like Tiffin, Newmar, Entegra Coach, Fleetwood RV, American Coach, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler, Grech RV, Luxury, Coachmen, and Pleasure-Way RV.

“Not only can you test drive them, but you can talk with company presidents and top technical people. Last year, we had over 800 test drives. This year, we are projecting over 1,200.

“Several manufacturers use this event to launch their new 2026 models. If you are test-driving a Tiffin, don’t be surprised when Leigh Tiffin shows up to ride along. You can’t create a better VIP experience than this.”

Wilson County Fairgrounds
Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, TN has ample space for attendee coaches and 125 new ones on display.

At the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, I was so turned off by the crowded coaches and lines that I left a day early.

Here, only two tickets are sold per coach on display, so take your time; there is no crowd. Your all-access ticket includes four nights and five days of 50-amp camping on-site, seminars, happy hours, three excellent and plentiful meals per day with snacks in between, and entertainment by Scotty McCreery and Sara Evans! Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and converse with industry experts and other RV enthusiasts, making this a truly unique and valuable experience.

More than 125 new 2026 coaches are here to test drive or take home.
With twelve of the top motorhome manufacturers here, there is something for everyone.

With the discount code already applied, the ticket price for two people is $995 on the NIRVC site or $500 for a day pass. Your ticket cost is credited when purchasing one of their new or pre-owned RVs within a year. Additionally, NIRVC will deduct another $2,000 from a Class A or Super C purchase or $1,000 from a Class B or C purchase to defray your travel expenses to and from the Music City Motorhome Expo.

“Based on requests from last year, we added another day for test drives and included the weekend for working people,” explained Brett. “Also, people wanted to see these coaches with all the lights on at night, so we have an evening event in the middle of them.”

“We flew into the event last year,” said Keith. “What many articles fail to convey is that this is not just an event to kick tires and do test drives. We rented a trailer and stayed on site. You get so much more for the ticket price, including live private concerts after the three dinners. For the price, you could go just for the extras and hang out with like-minded shoppers. We met so many new RV friends at this event. The icing on the cake was buying a new RV!”

Allan Hoffman shared, “My wife and I were in attendance for 3 days. This is precisely how one should buy a coach costing 100s of thousands of dollars. Touching, feeling, examining, and driving coaches easily justified the ticket price.

“Access to techs, executives, and current owners sparked conversations that one could only dream of at a super show. I expressed to NIRVC President Brett Davis that this is the appropriate experience and level of access to ensure one makes a confident decision and drives a very healthy level of competition among the manufacturers. Many coaches were sold based on the opportunity to compare and contrast over multiple days. Many were repeat buyers or folks trading.”

“If you are in the market for a motorhome, paying that to kick the tires and TEST DRIVE different coaches is a BARGAIN,” according to Bill. “Nowhere else in the country will you have that opportunity all in one location. I will spend that any day of the week to avoid a $100,000+ mistake by choosing the wrong coach!”

I like how Susan Banks describes it. “It is a genius way to drill down to what you want. This is just the beginning of a new way of shopping.” As of the writing of this story, less than 50 tickets remain, so don’t wait to book the 2025 Music City Motorhome Expo VIP Experience!

What do you think? Is this a way of buying your next RV that appeals to you? Let me know in the comments.

RELATED

RVT1208b

Great RV Accessories Newsletter #64

Cheri Sicard
-
3
Great RV Accessories Newsletter #64

Greetings, fellow RVers!

Food is so important while out camping and RVing, as good food can definitely enhance the experience. But with limited kitchen space, what are RVing foodies to do? Use that space wisely! This issue can help, as we focus on kitchen storage and items that really pull their weight. Of course, there’s other great stuff we are liking too, as usual. Read on!

Using your RV kitchen storage to maximum effect

Mason Jar bags for RV spice storage

Finally, a practical RV spice storage solution!

By Cheri Sicard
These clever little bags look like Mason jars but are lightweight, resealable, and space-saving—absolutely ideal for tiny kitchens on the go. They keep everything fresh, are easy to label, and fit perfectly in drawers or baskets. Learn more about storing spices or other food items in these here.

Tips and gadgets to increase RV kitchen storage space

By Nanci Dixon
No matter how much or how little cabinet storage there is in an RV, it just never feels like enough. But there are ways to pack and things you can use to create more space. Get Nanci’s RV kitchen storage tips here.

Hat hooks for dishes

Hat hooks keep RV kitchenware in place!

Organize your drawers and keep everything in place while driving with self-sticking hat hooks! This tip from a reader is brilliant! Check out this clever RV kitchen storage hack here.

RV kitchen storage solutions

Tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage solutions

By Gail Marsh
Many folks complain about the lack of usable storage space inside their RVs. I’ll bet that if you scan your RV interior right now, available space will look you right in the eye! Not convinced? Here are some tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage. Learn how to put the outside of your RV’s cabinets to practical use.

Other stuff we’re liking

Must-have RV pet gear and services

RV pet gear

By Cheri Sicard
Traveling with pets can make RV adventures better, but there are some things to think about for your furry friends when taking them on the road. In this post, our favorite RV gearhead, Joshua, from RV Gear & Far, covers some must-have RV pet gear and services to make traveling with pets less stressful. Discover this essential pet gear and pet services here.

Glass of water Pixabay image

Water gadgets you need for your RV

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Planning on boondocking away from shore power but still need that essential shore-power-driven equipment? You know you need an inverter. There’s a market full of power inverters available, and sifting through them can be difficult. Need some help with the options? Learn about Russ and Tiña’s RV water gadget picks.

Miss your sewing machine? This one was practically made for an RV

Kids sewing machine

By Nanci Dixon
Looking for a practical yet small and lightweight sewing machine for your RV? Shop in the kids’ department! Discover this unique but practical idea for sewing RVers.

Our top 5 best-selling Amazon products for RVers this month:

  1. Disposable shower drain cover (Dave Solberg recommended them here)
  2. Valterra lead-free check valve (Nanci Dixon wrote about this here)
  3. Glasses holder for car/RV visor
  4. Drip-free caulking gun (Dustin Simpson recommends this one)
  5. RV refrigerator/converter vent latch (Dustin wrote about this here)

The book nook

Moving to Mexico the Easy Way: A No-Nonsense Guide to Northern Baja for Expats, Digital Nomads, and Retirees (and RVers!)

No, my newest book, Moving to Mexico the Easy Way: A No-Nonsense Guide to Northern Baja for Expats, Digital Nomads, and Retirees, is not specifically an RV book, but it does contain a fair amount of information for RVers traveling to Northern Baja and the popular snowbirding destinations there like Rosarito, Ensenada, San Felipe, and more. If you’ve ever been curious about moving to or RVing around Northern Baja, Mexico, this comprehensive guide is for you!

Dump BuddyNew and improved Dump Buddy is a must-have gadget for RV dumping
Don’t miss Tony Barthel’s review of the new and improved Dump Buddy. What’s a Dump Buddy? It’s essentially a plastic collar that goes around a sewer pipe in the ground and then another one that goes around your sewer hose elbow. You simply use the knob to tighten the collar around the sewer pipe and then flip up the second collar and tighten that around the sewer hose. Read Tony’s review here or order on Amazon.

Gadget quick takes

pantry storage bins
• Pantry storage bins: The compact design of this storage container easily fits into small or crowded kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and pantry shelves. The built-in dividers create four sections, making it easy to separate and organize your items. Plus, they’re refrigerator and freezer safe so that you can use these throughout the kitchen.

compact kitchen drawer organizer

• Compact kitchen drawer organizer: This unique design creates more space in your drawer. Fits up to 24 pieces of cutlery. Save space by condensing and organizing silverware.

space saving hangers

• Space-saving hanger connectors: With these clothes hanger connector hooks, you will have 3x more closet space by vertically hanging items. Hanger hooks allow you to fit more clothes in your RV closet than ever before.

MAKE SURE YOU READ today’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter before leaving. Lots of good stuff inside for RVers! Click here to read.

Gadget giggles

sorry not sorry pillowsSorry not sorry!

There is not an RVing couple on earth who hasn’t argued over parking the camper. These whimsical decorative pillows show your sentiments, no matter how you really feel.
Order from Amazon:

More gadget articles you might like:

READ PAST ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER! Click here.

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

1...314315316...2,229Page 315 of 2,229