RVers, it’s almost time to celebrate our beloved United States of America on our favorite summer holiday, the 4th of July. What better way to show your patriotism than with the best gear, gadgets, and accessories?
4th of July clothing for RVers
Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the day (and Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and all the others!). These shirts are very cool!
All RVs welcome here!
This T-shirt is for the patriotic celebrator who loves all RVs. Each type of RV makes up this American flag. Nice! Find it here in multiple colors.
For the all-around outdoor lover
This shirt is for the all-around outdoor and adventure lover. The flag here is made out of tents, mountains, hiking boots, lanterns, trees, campfires and, of course, RVs. It comes in multiple colors for both men and women.
Spice up the exterior of your RV with these American flag propane covers. It protects your propane from all weather types, and makes it look cute while doing so! This propane cover comes in a ton of different styles.
You DO carry a spare tire with you, right? Good! You never know when you’re going to need it. This beautiful (we love that it looks like an oil painting!) spare tire cover will protect your spare and make it look stylish while it’s at it. Learn more or order.
Awning side shade
This UV-light-blocking sun shade provides you with extra shade and a more stylish campsite. Learn more about it here.
Solar-powered string lights
These solar-powered string lights will bring the fireworks right to your campsite. These would look so nice hanging overhead while you have a campfire and play some games. Plus, we’re sure everyone would stop and compliment them! Here they are.
Picnic table cover
What better way to make your campsite more festive than with a picnic table and seat cover like this one? We like that these have elastic edges so they won’t blow off the table or benches. Neat! Check it out.
But wait! There’s more!
The hot dog is… GREAT!
With Americans eating about 20 billion hot dogs a year, there certainly needs to be a book for the greatest hot dog recipes and side dishes. Oh, wait… there is!
Today’s RV review is of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT, the sister to the Rockwood Mini Lite 2524FBT. For all those people holding out hope for a mid-sized travel trailer with good usability, premium build features, but no slide, your ship has come in. Well, really, it’s your RV.
If you don’t already know, there are a number of RV companies that make twins—here’s a story about that. Rockwood and Flagstaff are among those twins.
To be quite honest, I’ve been talking to the Rockwood-Flagstaff folks for some time about premium no-slide mid-sized trailers. That’s assuming that there might be a good market for these based on the responses I get here and in social media when I ask if others are also slide skeptics.
Airstream has been proving that buyers of premium trailers are just fine without slide rooms for decades now. I’m glad others in the RV industry are joining the party.
Not only are these simpler RVs, but they’re lighter since there is no need for the structure to support a slide room. For example, you could argue that Rockwood’s Mini Lite 2205S has some of the same floor plan characteristics but does have a slide room. That trailer is also two feet shorter yet is similar in weight to this model.
How the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT is built
Of all the factories I’ve been to, I’ve visited the Rockwood-Flagstaff plant the most. My wife and I are brand ambassadors for Rockwood. That came about after I bought my first Rockwood, started a Facebook Group to seek greater knowledge, and somehow 13,000 or so others jumped aboard.
I always suggest starting from the ground up. In this case, you’ll find Goodyear Endurance tires equipped with internal banded tire pressure monitoring sensors and balancing beads. Those tires ride on a Dexter torsion axle suspension system, a semi-independent setup that does an excellent job reducing harsh vibrations transmitted into the RV. That smoother ride can help minimize wear and tear over time.
Having watched them build Mini Lites and Micro Lites, I can attest to the fact that there are straps under the holding tanks. That means, yes, you can travel with water in them. This is not something universal.
Those tanks also have 12-volt heat pads, and the underbelly is enclosed, but not heated.
The wall build for Rockwood and Flagstaff is done in-house with an aluminum frame and block foam insulation. Then inner and outer walls are a man-made substrate and, finally, there’s fiberglass on the outer walls. These walls are then glued together using a vacuum process, which I think is the best way to accomplish this.
I also like the frameless windows, which generally require less maintenance. Some RVers don’t care for them because they don’t open as wide as traditional framed windows. But Rockwood and Flagstaff models typically include a powerful 12-volt vent fan as standard equipment. Buyers can also opt for a second vent fan over the bed for even better airflow.
Here’s a hint: We installed the Maxxair Pivot in ours, and that thing is incredible.
The roof construction is also fairly unique, featuring aluminum framing, foam insulation, and a fully laminated design topped with wood decking. Over that sits an Alpha Systems AlphaPly roofing membrane sealed with Alpha sealants. Brinkley RV has promoted this roofing system as being low-maintenance. From real-world experience, that claim holds up well.
A prototype shown at a rally
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A nifty table slides out from a cabinet on the road side of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
The slideout table has various segments allowing for different table sizes.
The drawers are built in-house by Flagstaff's cabinet shop and feature soft-close mechanisms
A cabinet right at the entry door with a shoe cubby and space for things that might be handy in a hurry.
Theater seats are the main seating choice in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
A pantry plus a drawer with a trash container in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
A pantry plus a drawer with a trash container in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
A good kitchen with a properly-sized 21" (vertical) oven and sufficient drawers and cabinets
A full-width bathroom has plenty of space to change clothes
Interior overview of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT - a no-slide travel trailer
A fireplace flanked by cabinets with a pull-out table above
Good cabinet space surrounding the bed with drawers, hanging storage and overhead cabinets
Good storage in the rear bathroom of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Interior of the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Bedside storage includes a hanging cabinet and drawer
Despite not having a slide there's still good interior space in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
The bathroom cabinets in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
A spacious shower which features a Showermiser water saving feature in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT prototype
What’s inside the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Up front, this trailer features a true queen-sized bed flanked by cabinets and drawers on either side. Of course, there is storage underneath the bed.
On the roadside of this floor plan are theater seats with a wider center armrest and storage cabinets overhead. On the subject of those cabinets, one of the members of Rockwood/Flagstaff’s in-house cabinet shop has been with the company since it started more than 50 years ago.
Across from the theater seating is a cabinet that provides additional storage along with a pull-out table that extends in sections. The RV also includes freestanding chairs to use with the table. Above that area is a small section of countertop that matches the height of the kitchen counters and uses the same solid-surface material for a consistent look throughout the interior.
Above that is a 12-volt smart TV which is flanked by more cabinets.
Another thing I’ve come to appreciate are the blackout roller shades on the windows.
Kitchen in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
The kitchen is the next stop in the interior tour, with a microwave in the overhead cabinet, below which is a three-burner propane stove with a real, honest-to-goodness 21” oven.
There’s a single stainless steel sink and pull-out faucet, and more storage below that.
Behind the fridge is a pantry cabinet of decent size. There’s also a trash can in a drawer here, answering the question of where one would put the trash.
Bathroom in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
I like RVs where the bathroom spans the width of the RV, and this is one of those. With that design, you do have enough space in the bathroom to change clothes. There is a larger linen closet over on the camp side of the bathroom, as well as the sink and medicine cabinet.
There’s also a window at the back—yes, with a shade—and that window opens for airflow.
The shower is decently large enough for even me to be comfortable. I like that Rockwood/Flagstaff use a Showermi$er, which allows you to redirect water back into the water system while you’re waiting for it to get hot in the shower, thereby not wasting water.
Boondocking and travel access in the Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Since there’s no slide, clearly everything is fully accessible all the time in this RV—one of the benefits of not having a slide room.
The holding tanks are decently large in this rig, at 54 gallons for fresh water and 29 each for black and gray water. With these same tanks, Peggy and I can stay off the grid for 7-10 days.
Something else you can get in this RV is Rockwood/Flagstaff’s Power Package, which is a substantial solar and lithium system from a company called Mastervolt that primarily makes systems in the marine industry. This system consists of 1,200 watts of solar and a 460 amp-hour lithium battery. There’s also a 3,000-watt CombiMaster inverter/charge controller. The package also comes with a 50-amp DC-DC charge controller, so you can use your tow vehicle’s charging system to replenish the battery.
I have this in my trailer. We sold our generator to friends, but, yes, we can run everything in the RV. This will be even better soon—I’ll share why in a future article. You just have to stay tuned.
Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT specificaions
Final thoughts on theFlagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT
Flagstaff and Rockwood have also introduced no-slide models in their more upscale Super Lite line—we have a review of the Flagstaff Super Lite 30FKT. These combat the lack of a slide room with a wider body and taller ceilings. They didn’t do that in the Mini/Micro line.
So this isn’t as open-feeling as models with a slide, and that’s a compromise not all buyers are going to be willing to make. Naturally.
Also, I think some dealers are going to insist that this lighter trailer is perfectly fine to tow with your half-ton truck. That may be the case, but not all half-ton trucks are created equally. And they’re not loaded equally. I still strongly suggest you use the towing calculator here rather than ever listen to any RV dealer out there. Of course, some dealers really do know what they’re talking about, but not many, from my experience.
I hope this model sells well and inspires Rockwood/Flagstaff to make other no-slide trailers. My wife and I have, uh, conversations about slides all the time. To be honest, with the rack-and-pinion slides in the Flagstaff/Rockwood line, I have never had an issue. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think about it.
Overall, this is a nifty new entry into the RV space for Flagstaff and Rockwood. I’m eager to read your comments on this article to see what you think.
By Gail Marsh
Driving your RV down the road demands your full attention. This is especially true when you come upon an unfamiliar road configuration like a roundabout or a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Like most everything else with RVing, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can ahead of time. So, here are some tips for navigating diverging diamond interchanges in your RV.
Background on DDIs
It all began with a term paper. Graduate student Gilbert Chlewicki began to pursue his master’s degree in traffic engineering in the fall of 2000. Gilbert had been interested in roadways since elementary school, often drawing different configurations and sketching unique highway designs. Chlewicki’s term paper was a success, and he continued to perfect his design.
On a trip to Versailles, France, Chlewicki saw a DDI in actual use. He was disappointed to learn that he was not the first to design the unique interchange, but at the same time very excited to see that the idea actually worked! (DDIs have been in use in France since the 1970s.)
Benefits of a DDI
The diverging diamond interchange has several benefits. Here are just a few:
Better sight distance at turns
Fewer conflict points
Potential points of conflict spread out throughout the interchange
Pedestrian crossings are shorter
Simple left or right turns from every direction
Increases left turn capacity with fewer traffic lanes
Greater functionality during power outages
Cost savings maximized
How to drive on a diverging diamond interchange
First, watch for signage—on overhead and street signs and on the roadway itself. Set your navigating device to your eventual destination and follow the directions it verbally gives you. Watch for barriers that may also be in place, helping to guide the traffic. Take your time. If you must change lanes, signal your intentions.
Here’s a video that will help you visualize the DDI ahead of time, so you’ll be better prepared to drive your RV safely through one.
Have you driven your RV through a diverging diamond interchange? Where was the DDI located? Do you have additional tips to share? Please do so in the comments below.
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
It’s a bit disconcerting: You have the RV out for a trip, and you notice water dripping. Dripping down the side of the rig. There’s not a cloud in the sky, but water is flowing away merrily. Or it could even be worse. You flip on the air conditioner for a hot day, and after a short while, what happens? A nasty drip, drip, drip of water falls from your air conditioning unit. It drips—onto the floor—INSIDE your RV!
What’s going on? In one instance, it’s nothing unusual. Not a thing to be worried about. In the latter, a normal thing, but happening in a place where it ought not. The water you see streaming down the side of your rig (or off your awning) is simply a byproduct of the weather. Condensation.
Where the drips should be…
When you fire up your RV air conditioner, it pulls humidity out of the inside air and pumps it outside. The higher the humidity, the greater the amount of water produced. Typically, the “condensate” drips into a pan in the base of the air conditioning unit. That drip pan has small holes that allow the water to harmlessly drip out on the roof. If the weather is hot enough, and there’s not much condensate, it may evaporate immediately. If not, then it will likely run down the roof and down the side of your rig.
… and where they shouldn’t!
But when there’s not a cloud in the sky and you see water dripping into your RV—look out. The chances are good that it’s still the air conditioner producing condensation. Unfortunately, the condensation isn’t making its way harmlessly onto your roof. What’s likely is that dirt, leaves, or other junk has gotten into your A/C unit and blocked the drain holes in the bottom of the pan.
A/C mounting bolts that need adjustment could contribute to this problem, but you’ll know that if the A/C unit drips when it’s raining. If the water level gets too deep, it runs up and over the lip of the pan and makes its way into your RV. Left unchecked, it can be worse than a nuisance—it can actually damage your rig.
And as to those four mounting bolts that “saddle” your A/C unit to the RV roof? If you get drips when it’s raining outside, that’s the first place to look. These bolts may need an adjustment, and in RARE circumstances, you might even need to replace the A/C-to-roof gasket. If you’re concerned that your bolts aren’t in adjustment, you’ll need to look for the specifications in your A/C manual. The A/C installation manual will spell out the proper specs. DON’T over-tighten those bolts, or you could run into more trouble!
An easy fix for water dripping into your RV
The fix is easy. Turn off the air conditioner unit. For safety’s sake, disconnect the power to the RV. Carefully access the roof and remove the shroud covering your A/C unit. Typically, a few screws or nuts hold it in place. Carefully lift the shroud and set it aside.
Look closely at the pan at the bottom of the unit. Remove any debris that blocks the drain pan. With the holes uncovered, your inside “rain showers” should be a thing of the past. Pop the shroud back on and make sure all the mounting hardware gets back in place and you’re good to go—driplessly!
We rely on them. RV tires. Without tires, RVers wouldn’t get out of the driveway, much less travel throughout this wonderful country.
But did you ever consider that RV tires can do more than simply take us from here to waaay over there? It’s true. Read on to see for yourself.
Reveals RVer’s personality
Tire covers for your RV spare tire do double duty. Of course, they protect your spare from road grime and debris. However, if your spare RV tire rides on the rear of your rig, a cover can show your personality to the world! Or, at least to that part of the world where you travel.
Tire covers can be silly or sentimental, boorish or beautiful. No matter which design you choose, fellow road riders will get a glimpse at your personality. Here are a few examples from Amazon. You can even design your own with photos of your favorite destination, travel partners, pets, and more!
Step up assist
In order to hook our RV to our truck, someone (usually my husband) must jump up on the truck tire to reach the tongue latch and connect the trailer brake mechanism. With two bum knees, he’s not too excited about this necessary part of RVing.
A tire step makes the job so much easier! A tire step is a simple but clever idea. One part slips over the truck tire and the other part functions as a step. This little boost enables my travel buddy to easily reach the fifth wheel hitch.
Stabilizers
Once we arrive at the campground, we use these tire stabilizers to reduce the “bounce” that comes when walking inside. They are easy to use, and their relatively small size means they take up little storage space.
Tire table
Another way RV tires can do more than roll us down the highway is to support this tire table. It’s designed to slip over the RV tire and provide a solid flat surface. It’s fully adjustable and folds flat for storage.
We use the table to hold board games, snacks, and even eat an occasional meal here if our site lacks a picnic table. We also like to place a fan on the table and face the fan near our entry door. The breeze keeps mosquitoes and other flying insects away from the door.
Wheel lock for security
Our RV tires also offer security. With this Chock and Lock, we know our rig is as secure as we can make it.
How about you?
Have you discovered additional tire products or hacks that make RVing easier? Tell us in the comments below.
America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001 Issue 1260 If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our work with a donation of your choice. Thank you!
Today’s thought
“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” —Mark Twain
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Dog Mom Day!
On this day in history: Absolutely nothing of importance happened! Do something amazing today and make history, will you?
Featured news
Gas prices rise again, up 25 cents a gallon on average The cost of RVing and any other activity that involves operating a motor vehicle got more expensive this past week. The national average retail price for regular gasoline rose 25 cents a gallon for the second consecutive week, to $4.55. Pump prices are now $1.40 higher than they were a year ago and have reached their highest level since 2022.
Ford to debut $30,000 electric pickup, but maybe not right for RV towing
For years, electric pickups have felt just out of reach for many RVers. Prices pushed into luxury territory, and real-world towing raised more questions than answers. Now Ford is working on a new, smaller electric pickup with a target price around $30,000, which is shaping up to be something closer to a practical tool, at least on paper.
Congress wants to make RV loan interest tax-deductible—but how much would RVers really save?
For many RV buyers, “RV loan interest tax deductible” could mean real savings. Two lawmakers from Indiana have introduced legislation that would make interest paid on RV loans tax deductible. For RVers carrying large monthly payments, the idea immediately raises a practical question: How much money could someone actually save?
Quartzsite’s $180 winter camping secret just got a national spotlight
A new feature in The Guardian is putting Quartzsite, AZ, the popular RVer desert town’s ultra-cheap winter camping, in front of a much wider audience. The article highlights how RVers can stay on nearby BLM land for months for about $180—a price that may surprise readers unfamiliar with long-term boondocking. Increased national attention could bring even more campers to Quartzsite next season.
Fatal New Jersey crash reveals little-known danger behind RVs
A deadly crash on the New Jersey Turnpike has drawn attention to a risk many RVers rarely think about—until something goes terribly wrong. A car struck the rear of a fifth wheel RV being towed down the highway. But what happened next is what makes this kind of crash so dangerous. The car didn’t just hit the RV. It went underneath it.
Satellite internet could hit 100 million users—RVers may not like what comes next
If you rely on satellite internet, a new industry forecast may give you pause. Global satellite internet users could climb toward 100 million within the next couple of years. At first glance, it sounds like a win, but that would be a massive jump from where things stand today—and it could reshape the experience RVers have come to depend on.
Proposed RV supplier mega-merger collapses, eases pressure on RV prices
Component giants LCI Industries (Lippert) and Patrick Industries have officially terminated merger discussions, ending what would have been one of the most significant consolidations in the RV supply chain in years. On the surface, that sounds like inside-industry news. But if you’re an RVer, it’s a development worth paying attention to, because this wasn’t just another corporate tie-up.
Study finds dangerous bacteria in waters of some national parks
A new federal study has found traces of the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri in warm recreational waters at several Western national park sites, including Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Olympic National Park, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Stay out of these waters!
Grand Canyon annual Star Party coming next month; you’re invited
The thirty-sixth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from June 6–13, 2026, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Learn more.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: The average campground conversation starts with: “Where ya headed next?” and ends 45 minutes later with life stories and generator opinions.
An easy way to open all medicine bottles
This easy-grip medicine bottle opener is a simple daily helper for RVing seniors and caregivers. Designed for weak hands or arthritis, it adds extra leverage, includes a non-slip mat for one-handed use, and even has a built-in magnifier with LED light to read tiny labels. Learn more or order.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
Lippert–Patrick is a no-go, General RV rip-off, Tom Hanks’ son is an RVer
Tom Hanks’ son says he loves living in an RV park and his comments are sparking fresh conversation about the reputation of RV living. Plus: A Michigan woman is sentenced for allegedly stealing more than $2 million from General RV; the Lippert–Patrick merger officially falls apart; and Lippert reports surprisingly strong earnings despite a sluggish RV market. Catch up on the latest RV news and behind-the-scenes developments impacting RVers here.
RV review New 2026 changes to the Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe fiberglass travel trailer
Small trailers live or die by the details, and the 2026 Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe has plenty of practical ones. This little trailer keeps the familiar Casita layout, but cleans up a lot of small issues that matter on the road and at camp. It also makes clear what is standard, what is optional, and where the 2026 model got meaningful updates. See what you think.
Tanner Toons with Tanner Woods
You may share this Tanner Toon, unaltered, on your website, blog or social media with our compliments. The musings from Tanner Woods’ creative mind appear in this newsletter every Saturday and Sunday and in many RV Daily Tips newsletters through the week. Sign up for our RV Daily Tips Newsletter so you don’t miss a single Tanner Toon.
News briefs
Long entrance lines and reduced services could become more common at national parks this summer as the National Park Service faces major staffing cuts and budget pressures. Advocates warn that with the agency’s workforce down nearly 25% since early 2025, parks like Yosemite National Park, already seeing two-hour entrance times, may struggle to handle peak-season crowds.
A bear attack that injured two hikers in Yellowstone National Park this week didn’t happen deep in the backcountry. It happened near one of the most visited parts of the park—close to Old Faithful—on a trail many visitors walk every day. Be careful out there!
Speaking of bear attacks… the body of a missing hiker was discovered on Wednesday on the Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park, his injuries consistent with a bear attack. Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are assessing the area. The section of the trail where the incident occurred is temporarily closed while the investigation continues. The man has not yet been publicly identified.
Prepare to pay more for your next visit to a Colorado State Park if you’re not a state resident. Effective May 1, visitors with out-of-state license plates are paying an additional $15 per day to visit, in addition to the regular fee.
KOA has added two new properties to its network of campgrounds: the Shelby/Broad River KOA Holiday in North Carolina and the Webster/Douglas Forest KOA Journey in Massachusetts.
Idaho gets a new state park. Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is opening this summer, ending a 30-year hiatus of new state parks. The park, situated roughly 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho, will host an opening celebration on June 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new park spans 677 acres and features more than 2,000 miles of trails, wildlife viewing, fishing ponds, and breathtaking views of the Bitterroot and Lemhi mountain ranges.
Anissa Osborne, 56, and her husband, Christopher Osborne, 51, a couple known for documenting their RV lifestyle online, was found dead inside their RV at a campground in Florida’s Osceola National Forest in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide. The pair had been working as campground hosts.
Visitors to Oregon’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will soon need a smartphone to pay camping and day-use fees as the Forest Service rolls out a cashless “scan and pay” system at recreation sites beginning May 15. Officials say the switch will cut down on cash handling and free up staff to focus more on campground maintenance and visitor services.
33 dead federally protected black vultures were found last month dumped along the side of a road along Foothills Parkway West, between Chilhowee and Wall inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Got info? Head here.
Denali National Park and Preserve has opened its Denali Park Road to private vehicle traffic as far as the Teklanika Rest Area.
Summer travel through North Cascades National Park could be far more difficult this year after winter storms, rockslides, and flooding caused major damage to roads and visitor infrastructure. A key stretch of the North Cascades Highway remains closed as crews work to rebuild sections of the roadway.
A wild burro in Golden Valley, AZ, got an unexpected rescue after falling into a septic tank at an RV park and spending hours stuck in sewage overnight. With help from local residents and the Bureau of Land Management, crews lifted the exhausted donkey to safety, gave it a rinse, and watched it safely wander back out onto the desert.
Alabama’s Gulf State Park is set to hold a ribbon-cutting for its new RV park on Monday, May 11, at 1 p.m., at the new campground, 2555 Gulf RV Resort Boulevard in Gulf Shores. The campground sits on what was the golf course and features 103 modern campsites, a clubhouse, pool, splashpad, and other amenities.
Thermos is recalling more than 8 million insulated food jars and bottles after reports that the lids can forcefully eject and become projectiles. Consumers are urged to stop using certain Stainless King and Sportsman models immediately following the safety notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEWS: Did you know you can receive a daily roundup of the latest news for RVers? Delivered to your inbox Monday-Friday, we’ll send you the biggest headlines. Stay up to date, learn about important closures, recalls, and much more. Click here and subscribe to “Breaking RV News.”
Sewer fitting grip help! Gadget to the rescue!
If you find the bayonet mounts for your sewer hose connections are getting a bit hard to twist off and on (hate to say it, but it sometimes comes with age), here’s a tool that might help. An adjustable oil filter wrench, made to get a grip around automotive oil filters, can also provide a handy grip and plenty of leverage on the bayonet fitting of your sewer hose, and the termination cap as well.Here’s one we recommend.
TAKE A GUESS: Would RVtravel.com readers rather have full hookups or a spectacular view? Find out here and see if your guess is correct.
RV and RV-related recalls
Grand Design is recalling more than 1,200 model year 2025-2026 Lineage motorhomes. The epoxy adhesive securing the solar panels to the roof may fail, allowing the solar panel to detach. Learn more.
Winnebago is recalling certain 2026-2027 Solis Class B motorhomes. The liquid propane (LP) hose may be incorrectly routed over (rather than behind) the exhaust heat shield, which can cause the hose material to harden, become brittle, and develop micro-cracks. Learn more.
Roadtrek is recalling certain 2024-2026 Westfalia Wave SL, 2022-2026 Zion Slumber, Play Slumber, 2026 Play Tuff SL, 2025-2026 Play+Slumber, and 2024 Pivot Slumber RVs. The pop-top latch may disengage during transit, causing the pop-top to lift. Recall number: 2026-01. Info: 888-762-3873.
Ford is recalling nearly 180,000 model year 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt. Recall number: 26S30. Info: 866-436-7332.
Lightning strikes enhance the growth of mushrooms. Multiple experiments conducted at a Japanese research facility found that exposure to brief, high-voltage charges, simulating nearby lightning strikes, diffused through the soil and yielded enormous increases in mushroom production. The mushrooms exposed to the electrical discharge grew larger and showed a 50-100 percent increase in mass. The research concluded that the electricity in the soil stimulated the hyphae, the elongated cells that act like roots in mushrooms, which increased the laccase enzyme. The enzyme triggers rapid reproduction and improved growth.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ? Do you own one of these? We know many people do, including us, and boy will it save your butt (and your head and your neck and your sanity) this summer! If you don’t already have one, you might want one…
Laugh of the week
From John Jurena on Facebook: “Taken from the highways of Boston!”
SATURDAY SILLY (BUT TRUE): The national average gas price is now high enough that some RVers are probably considering downhill-only road trips.
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Summer road trips are ramping up—and scammers are finding new ways to target travelers. Here are three scams RVers should keep an eye out for this week:
• Fake campground Wi-Fi networks: Scammers are setting up public Wi-Fi names that look official at campgrounds and rest stops. Connect to the wrong one, and your personal info could be exposed.
• RV parts “flash sale” scams: Ads on Facebook and other social platforms promise huge discounts on generators, solar gear, or towing equipment. The sites often disappear after payment.
• Fake roadside assistance calls and texts: Messages claim your roadside assistance membership has expired or needs renewal immediately. The goal is to steal payment info before you hit the road.
Missing The Perfect Scam podcast? You can listen to the latest episode here.
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Chet stated, “You think ‘Oh, you’re going to live in a trailer park. It might be a little sketchy. It might be a little dangerous.’ It’s all just retirees.”
As I wrote in the article about the perception of RV parks, I still feel we can all do more to help let the world know that RV parks aren’t sketchy places. Changing the reputation of RV parks to one that’s more positive can help those hoping to build new parks by overcoming a less favorable reputation.
State prosecutors allege that Susan O’Hara used client information and General RV’s computer systems to issue checks under an assumed identity and then cash them.
O’Hara was sentenced to 30 months to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $2,147,858.55 in restitution to General RV Center. She pleaded guilty to three counts of embezzlement and one count of forgery, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
If you heard a gigantic whooshing sound coming from the general Elkhart, Indiana, area, it was a collective sigh of relief by just about everybody else in the RV industry. While none of the several dozen people I reached out to within the RV industry would go on the record, there wasn’t one person who was positive about the merger.
“We are definitely active in the market right now,” Nemeth said, “cultivating deals, regardless of an LCI transaction or not. We feel really good about our continued position to be on offense in this market—to be able to take advantage of opportunities that are out there.”
Patrick Industries acquired RecPro in the fall of 2024, specifically to reach the aftermarket, and has subsequently added hundreds of products to the company’s offerings.
The company is also looking to make strides in composite roofing and flooring products.
More on Lippert
While RV sales remain sluggish, things are looking good for Lippert. In an earnings call with President Jason Lippert, the company reported a 27% increase in net income for the first quarter of 2026.
“Achieving this balance has taken time, discipline and continuous refinement of both our teams and our strategy,” said Lippert. “Our European operations deliver the strongest quarterly results we have seen since building that platform. Our transportation business continues to perform very well as we integrate Freedman Seating and Trans/Air Climate Control systems. Altogether, our diversified performance meaningfully contributed to LCI achieving an 11.5% EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] margin in our Q1 in what we call a pretty turbulent quarter. For the first quarter of 2026, revenue grew 4% year-over-year to $1.1 billion. We expanded profit margins by nearly 100 basis points and grew adjusted diluted EPS [earnings per share] by a robust 18%.”
Consolidated net sales increased 4.3% to $1.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up from $1.0 billion in the same period of 2025. The $44.9 million increase was primarily driven by a $29.3 million increase in the OEM [original equipment manufacturer] Segment, reflecting sales price increases to cover higher material costs, sales from acquired businesses during the year ($46.8 million in the first quarter) and an increase in North American RV sales driven by recent innovations and a higher mix of premium fifth-wheel units, partially offset by a decrease in North American travel trailer and fifth-wheel shipments.
Our huge RVtravel.com staff was sitting around our giant world headquarters break room, guzzling coffee, gabbing about various things, when the subject arose about birthdays. We wondered if RVers were born pretty much equally throughout the year, each month about the same as another. Okay, we weren’t in a break room because we don’t even have an office and our staff isn’t huge at all, but itty-bitty. But a few of us were talking about this during an online chat.
It turns out, through some quick research, that births do not occur equally throughout the year. They follow a distinct seasonal pattern, with peak months (often July through September in the U.S.) having higher birth rates than others, particularly February, which is the least common due to its shorter length, and being a winter month.
A high number of births in late summer/early autumn suggests a surge in conceptions during the winter months (December/January). Hey, people snuggle more: we all know that! The most common birthday is September 9. The chart below shows the top 10 most popular birthdays, which, as you can see, are almost all in September.
So let’s see which months the RVtravel.com gang celebrates their birthdays. This should be fun. Please leave a comment.
I lost my mother almost 18 years ago, on July 5, 2008. It seems like yesterday. I think of her nearly every day. I miss her terribly.
She was a happy, happy person. That was her nature. My father was more serious. When she was around him, she was quieter. But without him, she was full of it: She reminded me of a college girl—so youthful in spirit.
I tell the story sometimes about driving her from Northern California after my father died to live with me in Seattle. That turned out to be only five months before her own death. (Those months with her ended up being the most rewarding, happiest time of my life.)
She was in the passenger seat. She loved being on the road. Her father and mother took her and her brother on a trip on Route 66 in the early 1930s from Southern California to Chicago. Maybe that’s where she fell in love with road trips. She and my father owned RVs for most of their married life and traveled often with them.
As we passed through Oregon, she spotted a huge barn in a farm field off the east side of Interstate 5. In huge letters—they must have been at least 12 feet tall—spread from the front of the slanted roof to the back, was the single word ANTIQUE.
I observed her as we passed. I had noticed the barn myself. I saw the gears in her head spinning. “I guess they only have one antique,” she said.
That was my Ruthie—always finding something to say that just came out funny. I know I got my sense of wanderlust from her and my often sarcastic sense of humor, too.
Ruthie and me when I was a young fellow
I miss her so much. If your mother is still living, call her. Visit her. Tell her how much you love her. She won’t always be there. I wish I could have my Ruthie back for even one day. I have so many questions for her that I put off asking when she was alive. And I want to give her a big hug and a big kiss and tell her how much I love her and how much I appreciate everything she did for me, from changing my diapers to being my biggest fan when I grew up and became a writer.
Happy Mother’s Day, Ruthe Elizabeth Woodbury, wherever you may be.
Small trailers live or die by the details, and the 2026 Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe has plenty of practical ones. The walk-through in the video at the end of this post (from the manufacturer) shows a trailer that keeps the familiar Casita layout, but cleans up a lot of small issues that matter on the road and at camp. It also makes clear what is standard, what is optional, and where the 2026 model got meaningful updates.
Exterior features that matter at camp and on the road
Up front, the Spirit Deluxe starts with a standard 2-inch coupler, safety chains with C-clips, and a 7-pin connector for the standard electric brakes. That means the tow vehicle still needs an electric brake controller. This trailer also had the optional electric jack, which includes a manual override, plus two 20-pound propane bottles with an auto-changeover regulator, a bubble level, and a standard solar-powered exterior light. Solar power exterior lights are so smart! I am surprised we have not seen more of these.
Along the side, the screen door, frosted entry window, grab handle, and outside 110 outlet are standard. Keyless entry is gone for 2026, so Casita moved back to a two-key lock setup. The optional 15-inch aluminum wheels come with upgraded Goodyear Endurance tires, and there is still a Zerk grease fitting behind the hub for the bearings.
A new pass-through port can route Starlink or coax cable. Also smart!
The larger fresh water tank is optional, and the storage area around it remains small but useful. Standard scissor jacks, a locking fresh water fill, sewer hose storage in the bumper, a spare tire, optional 150-pound rear receiver hitch, detachable 25-foot 30-amp power cord, solar plug-in, city water hookup, and optional outside shower round things out. Tank sizes are 15 gallons for black water and 32 for gray. The standard freshwater tank is only 15 gallons; however, there is a 25-gallon tank upgrade offered.
Awning setup and exterior updates for 2026
Casita spent time on the awning because it still trips people up. The crank goes in first, the awning rolls out a few inches, then the support legs drop before the awning extends farther. It can be done by one person, but the legs need support as it opens.
The big warning: This awning is a sun shade. It should not stay out in strong winds or bad weather.
On the body, buyers can still choose the all-white look or the gray-bottom gel coat shown above. The bathroom window is now a larger optional window, and the standard sliding windows got a more secure lock for 2026. Timber Trail decals are available in black, blue, or gray.
Interior upgrades, kitchen options, and sleeping space
Inside, this trailer has gray cabinet doors and gray wall material, though Casita also offers oak cabinetry and a lighter “sand dune” wall finish. One of the biggest changes is the cabinet hardware. The old push-button latches are mostly gone, replaced by flip-up doors with pinch locks. The Maxxfan now includes a built-in light and a shade.
All refrigerators are now 12V. This one has the optional 4.3-cubic-foot fridge with a separate freezer. It also has a microwave cabinet with a 110 outlet, optional propane furnace, optional propane cooktop with self-igniters, and the optional deep sink. Above the cooktop, the Furrion vent fan recirculates through a charcoal filter instead of venting outside.
In the back, the main bed is a full-size 76 by 54 inches. Standard cushions make the bed, while an optional 9-inch pillow-top mattress is available for owners who plan to leave it set up full-time. The rear still converts to a dinette. Under that area, the lithium battery now sits inside the trailer, and Casita says the floor is now all-composite Kay-Cel construction with no wood.
Bath, controls, and the small details that add up
The bathroom sink is now standard for 2026, though it can be left out by request. There is also a chrome shower faucet, dry storage under the sink, a halo light, and a standard fan. The main control panel can run all interior lights, and each light still works on its own switch. A voltage meter and USB ports are built in, with one blank spot left for a future 12V add-on.
The fuse box handles both 110 and 12V circuits, and the converter auto-detects AGM or lithium battery type. The water heater bypass remains easy to reach for winterizing. The TVs now need Wi-Fi because Casita no longer installs digital antennas.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe looks like a tidy year of smart fixes, not a total redesign. Better window locks, better cabinet latches, inside-mounted lithium battery placement, and standard features like the bathroom sink make this trailer feel more sorted.
For anyone comparing small fiberglass trailers, this one keeps the classic Casita formula and improves the parts that owners touch every day.
“RV loan interest tax deductible” may sound like a niche tax issue, but for many RV buyers it could mean real savings at a time when financing costs have become painfully expensive.
RV buyers have spent the past few years watching monthly payments climb right alongside RV prices. Even as some dealers cut prices and manufacturers slow production, high interest rates continue to make financing difficult for many shoppers.
Now a new proposal in Congress aims to ease some of that pain.
Two lawmakers from Indiana—home to much of the RV industry—have introduced legislation that would make interest paid on RV loans tax deductible. Supporters say the proposal would apply to motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and other qualifying RVs financed through loans.
For RVers carrying large monthly payments, the idea immediately raises a practical question: How much money could someone actually save?
The answer depends on the RV, the loan, and the buyer’s tax situation. But for some owners, the savings could be large enough to notice.
Why this proposal is getting attention
The proposal arrives at a time when RV financing has become one of the biggest obstacles facing buyers.
A few years ago, many RV loans carried interest rates in the 4% to 6% range. Today, buyers commonly report rates closer to 7%, 8%, 9%, or even higher depending on credit scores, loan terms, and the age of the RV.
That difference changes the math quickly on a large purchase.
An $80,000 RV financed for 15 years at 8% interest can generate more than $6,000 in interest payments during the first year alone. Under the proposed legislation, at least some of that interest could potentially become deductible on federal taxes.
For a middle-income couple in roughly the 22% federal tax bracket, that could translate into tax savings somewhere around $1,300 during the first year.
That is not enough to transform an expensive RV purchase into a bargain. But it also is not trivial. For many RVers, savings like that could cover campground fees, fuel, insurance costs, or several months of travel expenses.
The biggest benefit would likely come during the early years of a loan, when interest payments are highest.
Who might actually benefit
As with most tax proposals, the fine print matters.
The legislation could eventually include income phaseouts, caps on deductible interest, limits tied to loan size, or other restrictions that narrow who qualifies. Some versions of similar proposals involving vehicle loans also contain rules tied to U.S.-built vehicles.
Another important question is whether taxpayers would need to itemize deductions in order to benefit. If that becomes part of the final structure, some middle-income RV owners may discover the real-world advantage is smaller than it first appears.
Many RV owners technically can already deduct interest under existing IRS second-home rules. But the current system only helps taxpayers who itemize deductions, and far fewer Americans do that today. Supporters of the new proposal appear to be aiming for a broader tax break that could reach more financed RV buyers.
Buyers who pay cash, of course, would receive no benefit at all.
That means the proposal would likely help financed buyers with larger loans the most—particularly owners purchasing newer and more expensive RVs.
What this says about the RV market
In some ways, the proposal may say less about taxes than it does about how difficult RV affordability has become.
For years, the RV industry often emphasized monthly payments rather than total purchase cost. Longer loan terms helped keep payments looking manageable even as RV prices climbed sharply during and after the pandemic boom.
But higher interest rates exposed just how expensive financing can become over time.
Many buyers now discover that interest alone can add tens of thousands of dollars to the true cost of an RV. That reality has become a growing frustration, especially for younger buyers trying to enter the lifestyle for the first time.
The proposed deduction appears designed to soften that blow, at least somewhat.
Whether it would meaningfully boost RV sales remains unclear.
A tax deduction may help some shoppers justify a purchase. It may also slightly reduce the sting of today’s higher borrowing costs. But critics are likely to argue that the proposal does little to address the larger issue: RVs themselves have become extremely expensive.
A deduction worth perhaps $1,000 or $1,500 a year may not dramatically change buying decisions when some RV payments already rival mortgage payments.
Still, even modest savings tend to get attention when financing costs remain high. And for an RV industry still working through a post-pandemic slowdown, any proposal that makes ownership feel more affordable is likely to draw strong support.
RV shows present a rare opportunity to see many recreational vehicles without driving from RV dealer to dealer. Here is a list of RV shows in the U.S. and Canada in 2026.
Most RV shows charge an admission, but for most RVers it’s a modest investment for the opportunity to see a wide range of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers and even pop-up trailers in one place, often at special “show prices.”
Some of the bargains are real, others are simply prices an RV dealer would likely accept back at the dealership from an RV buyer with sharp negotiation skills.
Most RV shows are held January through March, then again September through November. Those held in the late spring and summer are sometimes part of large national and regional rallies.
RV Shows in the U.S. and Canada
The information below is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Before attending an RV show, please check with the organizers to be sure the dates shown here are still correct.
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Video below: Why attend an RV show
RV Shows in June
Tampa Bay Summer RV Show
June 18-21
Florida State Fairgrounds
North Tampa, FL
Overland Expo PNW 2026
June 26-28
Deschutes County Expo Center
Redmond, OR
RV Shows in September
America’s Largest RV Show®
September 16-20
Giant Center
Hershey, PA
North Carolina RV Supershow
September 25-27
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Concord, NC
Washington State Evergreen Fall RV Show
September 25-27
Evergreen State Fairgrounds
Monroe, WA
RV Shows in October
Toronto Fall RV Show
October 16-18
Toronto Congress Centre
Etobicoke, ON, Canada
Myrtle Beach RV Show
October 23-24
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Myrtle Beach, SC
RV Shows in November
Phoenix RV Supershow
November 6-8
Phoenix Raceway
Avondale, AZ
RV Shows in 2027
RV Shows in January
Greenville RV Show
January 7-10
Greenville Convention Center
Greenville, SC
Original Pittsburgh RV Show
January 8-10, and January 15-17
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh, PA
Atlanta Camping & RV Show
January 21-24
Atlanta Exposition Center South
Atlanta, GA
Kansas City RV Show
January 29-31
Kansas City Convention Center
Kansas City, MO
Shreveport-Bossier Boat & RV Show
January 29-31
Shreveport Convention Center
Shreveport, LA
RV Shows in February
Springfield RV Camping & Outdoor Show
February 12-15
Eastern States Exposition Grounds
West Springfield, MA
The Annual Chicago RV & Camping Show
February 18-21
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont, IL
Charlotte RV Show
February 26-28
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Concord, NC
RV Shows in March
Red River Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show
Don’t see your show here? Then please send the details so we can list it. And if you want some extra visibility on this popular page, let us know and we’ll provide details. We can show your banners only within a local area you specify — 200, 300, 500 miles, etc., of your show location. Email Chuck (at) rvtravel.com .
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This T-shirt is for the patriotic celebrator who loves all RVs. Each type of RV makes up this American flag. Nice! Find it here in multiple colors.
The 4th of July isn’t complete without a hot dog, hamburger, grilled corn… If you’re the grill master, this is the apron for you!
