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Don’t sign an RV contract until you see this

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April 30, 2025

Don’t sign an RV contract until you see this

By Cheri Sicard
Buying an RV should be an exciting adventure, not a financial trap. Sadly, some RV dealerships use tactics that can leave customers with a bad deal.

In the video below, Deb from Deb’s RV Services, a certified RV inspector and registered technician, is here to warn consumers about these practices. This post will cover what to watch out for before signing on the dotted line.

It’s important to know what to look for when buying an RV. Some dealerships may try to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Here are two common issues Deb has seen during her inspections:

1. Outdated tires on brand-new RVs

2. Pressuring customers to sign contracts before repairs are completed

Tactic #1: Outdated tires—Are you getting ripped off?

Have you ever bought something new, only to find out a key part was already old? That’s what’s happening with some RV tires. (It’s not just RVs. CarMax did the same thing when I bought my truck, something I learned the hard way after an explosive blowout.)

Dealerships are selling brand-new RVs with tires that are already two or more years old. Why is this a problem? RV tires typically need to be replaced every five to six years. So, if you buy an RV with older tires, you’re starting with a reduced lifespan. Depending on the size and brand, RV tires can cost hundreds of dollars each. Buying an RV with older tires means you’ll have to shell out more money sooner than expected.

How can you tell if the RV you’re eyeing has old tires? Look for the DOT code on the tire’s sidewall. This code includes the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, a DOT code ending in “2422” means the tire was made in the 24th week of 2022. If you’re buying an RV in late 2024 and the tires are dated 2022 or earlier, that’s a red flag.

RV inspectors will include the tire date on their report. However, they usually can’t advise you to replace the tires if they’re within the manufacturer’s acceptable age range. So, what can you do? Use the tire age as a negotiating tool. If the tires are already a couple of years old, ask the dealership for a discount on the RV’s price. This can help offset the cost of replacing the tires sooner.

Keep in mind that not all tires are created equal. Cheaper brands may not last as long as higher-quality tires. This is another factor to consider when negotiating with the dealership. If the RV has older tires from a less reputable brand, it strengthens your case for a price reduction.

Tactic #2: Signed, sealed, delivered… but not fixed

Imagine buying a house, only to find out after you’ve signed the papers that the roof leaks. That’s similar to what can happen when dealerships pressure customers to sign RV contracts before repairs are completed.

Many RV buyers get an inspection to make sure everything is in good working order before they commit to the purchase. They want to hit the road with confidence, knowing their RV is ready for adventure. However, some dealerships try to rush the process. They pressure buyers to sign the contract before addressing the issues found during the inspection. This defeats the purpose of the inspection and can leave buyers stuck with an RV that needs repairs.

Here’s how it often plays out: The customer arranges for an inspection, and the inspector sends the report to the customer and the dealership. The dealership might then say, “We’ll take care of those repairs. Just sign the contract now.”

They might use tactics like claiming it’s the end of the month and they can’t guarantee the price if the customer doesn’t sign immediately. Deb strongly disagrees with this approach, calling it “BS.”

The best way to protect yourself is simple: Don’t sign the contract until after all repairs have been completed and you’ve personally verified them. Stand firm and don’t let the dealership bully you into signing before you’re ready. It’s your right to ensure the RV is in good condition before you commit to buying it.

Buying an RV is a big decision. By being informed and proactive, you can avoid common dealership tactics and ensure you get a fair deal. Ask questions, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Have you experienced these tactics? Share your stories in the comments below!

Have you stayed overnight in a Cabela’s parking lot with your RV in the last year?

Reader Polls

RV Travel

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April 30, 2025

8

Have you stayed overnight in a Cabela’s parking lot with your RV in the last year?

Every Cabela’s store has a different policy about overnight parking, but many of them allow or even encourage it. Have you ever stayed overnight with your RV in a Cabela’s parking lot within the last year? If so, what was your experience like?

While Cabela’s doesn’t offer any hookups or potable water, some of the stores do have dump stations or water stations, so you might not be completely without amenities.

Many RVers say they feel welcome at Cabela’s, especially because of the wide parking areas and well-lit lots. Some locations even have designated RV parking sections, giving you a bit of peace of mind when pulling in for the night. Others note that staff were friendly and didn’t mind a quick overnight stop, especially if you made a purchase or asked permission.

That said, not every experience is perfect. A few travelers have reported noise from nearby highways or early-morning deliveries. Some locations may also have stricter local ordinances or security patrols that limit or prohibit overnight stays. That’s why it’s always smart to call ahead or check online reviews before banking on a night there.

Still, staying at Cabela’s can be a great fallback when you’re between campgrounds or just need a quick overnight rest. The combination of large lots, potential amenities, and the ability to restock on gear or snacks makes it a convenient option for road-weary RVers.

There are 177 Cabela’s stores across the U.S. and Canada, which means there’s a good chance you’re near one right now. Take a look at their store locator map if you want somewhere free to stay overnight.

Quartzsite propane supplier vows to return after destructive blaze

News

Russ and Tiña De Maris

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April 30, 2025

3

Quartzsite propane supplier vows to return after destructive blaze

The April 15 fire that shook up RV park residents and closed down operations at a popular Quartzsite, Arizona, propane service is still having an aftermath, two weeks later. Pattie’s RV Park and Propane was the epicenter of the conflagration, and owners tell us they’re working hard to get the pumping station back open. The Quartzsite propane fire is still having repercussions.

Quartzsite propane fire starts with dropped cylinder

Although many of Quartzsite’s snowbirds had already left town, there was still business to be had on that Tuesday. A man rolled up to the propane outlet in a van. It’s reported that a propane cylinder he was carrying in the back of the van had fallen over. When he opened the door to fetch the container, it fell out, striking the pavement then exploding. The customer was seriously injured and had to be taken to Phoenix for treatment.

Mop up after fire. Michelle Doumit Park on facebook.com

By the time Quartzsite firefighters could respond, the propane station’s main building was ablaze, along with the customer’s van. The fire crew was able to extinguish the blaze without harm coming to any RVs parked in spaces nearby, but the van and the propane business building were total losses.

Business owner vows Quartzsite propane fire not the end of the business

We spoke with the business owner on Tuesday, April 29—a full two weeks after the fire. She told us that they have every intention of getting the propane facility back up and running “as soon as we can,” but are presently in a holding pattern, waiting for insurance interests to give a go-ahead.

While most of Quartzsite’s snowbirds have already “flown the coop” for cooler areas, there’s still a hot need for propane. One propane retailer in the area is shut down for the season, another major LP pumper is on reduced hours. The gas station at Highway 95 and Main Street is on a “hit and miss” basis for pumping propane. If you find someone who can pump your gas, good on you—it’s not always a sure thing.

Thousand Trails announces major changes, hikes fees, top tier now $4,000 a year

Cheri Sicard

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April 30, 2025

13

Thousand Trails announces major changes, hikes fees, top tier now $4,000 a year

Popular RV membership campgrounds organization Thousand Trails has recently implemented some major changes with fees as high as $4,000 a year.

Before diving into the new plans, it’s important to understand why Thousand Trails was so popular in the first place. The main draw was the potential to camp for $0 a night with full hookups. This includes water, sewer, trash, and electric. Duane had an upgraded membership that, even with annual dues, allowed him to camp for around $3 a night.

That’s a massive saving compared to typical RV park costs. Of course, boondocking (camping without hookups) is an even cheaper alternative, but it sacrifices the convenience of full hookups. For RVers who prefer the comforts of an RV park, Thousand Trails was often the most affordable option.

In the video below this article, Duane from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel discusses whether or not these Thousand Trails changes are actually improvements.

Major updates to Thousand Trails memberships

What exactly has changed with these new Thousand Trails memberships? There are three key differences that RVers need to know about.

#1 No more lifetime memberships

The biggest change is the elimination of lifetime memberships. Previously, you could purchase a lifetime membership and use it as long as you paid your annual dues. Now, Thousand Trails memberships are only available in two-year or four-year terms.

At the end of your term, you have a few options:

• Renew: Continue the membership for another two or four years.

• Upgrade: Move to a higher-tier membership with more benefits.

• Downgrade: Switch to a lower-tier membership with fewer benefits.

• Cancel: Stop the membership altogether.

#2 Memberships cannot be resold

Another significant change is that new memberships cannot be resold. In the past, members could resell their memberships on the used market and recoup some of their initial investment. This is no longer an option with the new plans.

#3 Upgraded plans are all-inclusive

The upgraded Thousand Trails plans now include all the features and benefits in one price. Dues, access to the Trails Collection, and other previously separate fees are now built into the cost of the upgraded memberships. This simplifies the pricing structure and makes it easier to budget for your camping trips.

Breaking down the new Thousand Trails membership plans

Thousand Trails now offers a range of membership plans to suit different RVing styles and budgets. Let’s take a closer look at each option:

Regional camping pass

The Regional Camping Pass is the most basic membership option, making it ideal for weekend RVers and those who primarily camp in a specific region.

• What it is: This pass grants access to one zone of Thousand Trails parks. Thousand Trails divides the United States into five zones. You can choose the zone that best suits your travel plans.

• Cost: The undiscounted cost is $755 per year, per zone.

• Adding zones: You can add additional zones for $125 per year, per zone.

• Stay limits: You can stay at any park within your chosen zone for a maximum of 14 days.

• “Out of System” rule: If you stay five or more nights at a Thousand Trails park, you must be out of the system for seven days before making another reservation. However, if you stay four nights or less, you can move from park to park without any waiting period.

• Reservation window: You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

• Trails Collection add-on: For an additional $450 per year, you can add access to the Trails Collection, a network of more than 110 Encore resort parks located across the United States, with many in coastal locations.

• Trails Collection stays: Stays are limited to 14 days, with a seven-night waiting period between Encore stays. Most Encore parks offer $0-a-night stays, though some may charge extra. The reservation window is 60 days.

Upgraded memberships

The upgraded memberships offer more flexibility and benefits for part-time and full-time RVers. These plans eliminate the zone restrictions and offer longer stay limits.

The Journey Membership

The Journey Membership is the first upgrade tier, providing access to all Thousand Trails parks nationwide.

• Access: All 80+ Thousand Trails parks across the country.

• Stay limit: Increased to 21 days.

• “Out of System” rule: There’s no time out of the system required between park stays.

• Yearly dues: None – the cost is all-inclusive.

• Trails Collection: Included in the membership.

• Reservation window: 120 days.

• Extras: One cabin stay annually, and the option to add an extra week to any Thousand Trails stay twice a year for $29 per week, along with additional family benefits and savings.

• Cost:

- Two-year plan: $2,000 per year (undiscounted).
- Four-year plan: $1,800 per year (undiscounted).

Explore Membership

The Explore Membership builds on the Journey plan, offering the same benefits with an extended reservation window.

• Benefits: Same as Journey.

• Reservation window: Extended to 150 days.

• Extras: An Additional week stay at a getaway cabin.

• Cost:

- Two-year plan: $3,000 per year (undiscounted).
- Four-year plan: $2,700 per year (undiscounted).

Adventure Membership (Flagship Plan)

The Adventure Membership is the highest tier, providing the most flexibility and benefits, including access to Trails Collection Plus.

• Benefits: All the benefits of Explore and Journey.

• Reservation window: Extended to 180 days.

• Additional stays: Add stays at a Thousand Trails park four times annually for $29 each time, or buy stays at a Thousand Trails park during high season twice annually for $99.

• Trails Collection Plus: Automatically upgraded.

• Cost:

- Two-year plan: $4,000 per year (undiscounted).
- Four-year plan: $3,600 per year (undiscounted).

Trails Collection Plus explained

The Trails Collection Plus is an enhanced version of the Trails Collection, available exclusively with the Adventure Membership.

• Stay Limit at Encore Resorts: Extended to 21 days.

• “Out of System” rule: There’s no time out of the system required between Encore park stays.

• Reservation window: Extended to 90 days.

Are the new Thousand Trails memberships worth it? A cost analysis

To determine if the new Thousand Trails memberships are a good value, it’s helpful to compare them to the average cost of RV camping. Let’s use $50 a night as the average cost of RV camping across the country. Keep in mind that this is just an average; prices can vary depending on the location and amenities.

• Regional Camping Pass: At $755 a year, you’d need to camp more than 15 nights to make it worthwhile.

• Journey Membership: At $2,000 a year, you’d need to camp more than 40 nights to come out ahead.

• Explore Membership: At $3,000 a year, you’d need to camp more than 60 nights to make it a better deal.

• Adventure Membership: At $4,000 a year, you’d need to camp more than 80 nights to be worth the cost.

Who should buy which membership? Recommendations based on RVing style

The best Thousand Trails membership for you depends on your RVing habits and travel style.

• Regional Camping Pass: This pass is ideal for weekend and part-time RVers who primarily camp in one region. According to industry statistics, the average weekend or part-time RVer spends about 30 nights a year camping. If this describes you, the Regional Camping Pass could be a good fit.

• Journey Membership: The Journey Membership seems to be the “sweet spot” for saving money. It’s a good option for part-time RVers who spend three or more months traveling each year. If you camp more than 40 nights a year, this membership could save you money.

• Explore and Adventure Memberships: These memberships are best for RVers who travel more than three months a year or are full-timers. The Adventure Membership is especially appealing to full-timers due to the benefits of Trails Collection Plus, including the ability to move between Encore parks without a time out of the system. If you spend six months or more traveling, the Adventure Membership is definitely worth considering.

Getting the best deal: How to find discounts on Thousand Trails memberships

It’s important to remember that the prices quoted so far are undiscounted. Thousand Trails often runs sales throughout the year, offering significant discounts on their memberships.

The changes to Thousand Trails memberships bring both advantages and disadvantages. While the loss of lifetime memberships and resale value is disappointing, the all-inclusive pricing and new Trails Collection Plus option offer added convenience and value.

To decide if a Thousand Trails membership is right for you, consider your RVing style, budget, and travel habits. Analyze how many nights a year you typically camp, and compare that to the cost of each membership level.

RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Daily Tips Newsletter

Newsletter Editor

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April 30, 2025

16

Issue 2633

Today’s thought

“We don’t need a list of rights and wrongs, tables of do’s and don’ts: we need books, time, and silence. Thou shalt not is soon forgotten, but Once upon a time lasts forever.” ―Philip Pullman

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! If you’re not ready to adopt a new friend just yet, you can celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day instead.

On this day in history: 1885 – Governor of New York David B. Hill signs legislation creating the Niagara Reservation, New York’s first state park, ensuring that Niagara Falls will not be devoted solely to industrial and commercial use.

Tip of the day
A hydroplaning safety guide for RVers

By Gail Marsh
When the skies open up and the roads turn slick, hydroplaning can become a serious threat. This may be one of my biggest fears when driving our RV.

Nothing reduces fear like information, so let’s take a closer look at what hydroplaning is, discover ways to avoid it, and learn basic safety tips if it does happen when you’re driving your RV.

DID YOU KNOW? Even a small amount of water—often as little as 1/12 of an inch—combined with speeds as low as 35 mph can set the stage for hydroplaning. Continue reading.

Ask Dave
What is the oily leak on the cab floor of my Class C?

Dear Dave,
There’s an oily spot on the driver side floorboard of my Class C RV. There’s nothing under the mat so it must be coming from above. Nothing on my shoe after driving. It does not appear that the brake pedal piston is leaking. Help! —Bill, 2013 Coachmen Freelander 19CB Read Dave’s answer.

ALSO FROM DAVE: Why are there so many different sized queen beds in RVs?

In the RV shop with Dustin
When do I release my RV slide-out button?

Back in the day, Dave Solberg and I did a weekly livestream where RVers could come on and ask us questions. Here is an excerpt from one of those shows. Question: When extending or retracting slide-outs, when should I release the button? I usually count three seconds after the slides are fully extended or retracted before releasing the button. Am I damaging the hydraulic motor holding for that long?

Article & video
Family of six lives off-grid in massive DIY school bus conversion

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we meet the Kuperuses—Cam, Tara, and their four awesome kids. The Kuperuses wanted to make travel a priority for their family. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, they decided to create their own opportunities. They invested time and resources to build a school bus conversion that allows them to actively include their kids in travel and take advantage of trips whenever possible. Check their “home” out!

Featured article
Dental disaster and Mexico border blunders: One RVer’s now-hilariously unlucky day!

Letter to the Editor: By Fred Burns
Everyone has their good and bad days throughout life. I consider myself fortunate as I think I’ve had more “good luck” than most over the years. I always attribute this to my Irish luck, since I’m 100% Irish. But my luck ran out on Saturday, March 21, 2015. The number of negative things that happened to me that day defy reason. I’m not talking about life-altering events, just an unbelievable number of minor incidents. Here is my day from hell.

TIP FROM GEORGE: The best thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to make repairs on your RV because you’re not going to get an appointment anywhere fast. The second-best thing you can do is do a thorough check of the underside of your RV because it would be better to find an issue well before you hit the road.

Reader poll
What would you prefer: a great steak or great piece of seafood?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Properly orient your LP regulator

LP gas regulators have a vent. If the regulator is mounted with the vent side up (yeah, it’s been known to happen), moisture is far more likely to make its way inside. Positioned with the vent down means you’re less likely to have regulator problems.

On this day last year…

Tip: RV turning tips to help you feel more confident driving
Ask Dave: Water won’t go into the RV’s freshwater tank. Your thoughts?
RV walk-through: The 2024 Arctic Wolf 27SGS 5th wheel by Forest River makes good use of space
Video: How to paint an RV for less than $300
Featured article: This sticky Seattle location is a very strange place to visit

Website of the day

30 Top Things to Do in New Jersey
New Jersey is a beautiful state with tons to do! And did you know that it’s the “diner capital of the world”?

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Maybe you already have this, but if not, you’ll see why every RVer is going to want to buy one (or two!). This is a brilliant invention!

Trivia

A little Oreo cookie trivia for you. The actual creme filling does not contain milk. A recent study revealed that “[the creme] is more of a frosting rather than a cream like cream cheese or cream fillings in pastries.” The study also revealed that an Oreo experiences “significant structural loss” within a minute of exposure to milk. So all those times you thought it was taking forever for milk to soften your Oreos, all you had to do was wait 60 seconds. And if you thought vegans couldn’t eat anything like this, well, you’re wrong. Oreos are a pretty tasty vegan treat, don’t you agree?

Readers’ pet of the day

“Charlie (Lab, age 6) has been my companion since he was seven weeks old. Spoiled rotten. Loves to go camping. So many new smells to discover!” —Ron N.

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

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

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Pack along a small fan in your RV that can operate on 12-volt power. It will come in handy on a hot day when you simply need to cool yourself and don’t have the power to run your air conditioner, or don’t want to. It can also double as a low-power hair blow dryer, although it might take a long time to do the job.

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.

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

Ask Dave: What is the oily leak on the cab floor of my Class C?

Dave Solberg

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April 29, 2025

3

Ask Dave: What is the oily leak on the cab floor of my Class C?

Dear Dave,
There’s an oily spot on the driver side floorboard of my Class C RV. There’s nothing under the mat so it must be coming from above. Nothing on my shoe after driving. It does not appear that the brake pedal piston is leaking. Help! —Bill, 2013 Coachmen Freelander 19CB

Dear Bill,
Your Coachmen Freelander 19CB is on a Ford E350 cutaway chassis similar to this clipart I received from Coachmen several years ago.

How to determine type of fluid

From what I can tell by the photo you provided, the cab floor of your rig is the standard rubber membrane type. The dark color makes it difficult to determine what the fluid is. With any engine fluid leak, I start by placing a piece of cardboard or large white paper underneath the affected area. The color of the fluid will help determine what it is and hopefully identify where it is coming from.

Red would be transmission fluid, clear or light brown would be brake fluid, and antifreeze could be either green or orange, depending on the brand. Water would be clear and oil would be either a bronze, if it is recently changed, or dark in color.

Place the cardboard or paper on the driver side floor and let the engine run for a period of time. If this happens every time you drive, it should show up pretty quickly.

If nothing shows up at idle, you will need to drive it to simulate airflow coming from underneath. However, since you indicated there was nothing under the mat, you should be able to see a stain.

Another area that I would look at is the engine cover or “dog house” directly next to the stain. If you have a valve cover leaking or other “spray” coming from an engine component, it could be shooting through the seal between the dog house and the floor. Take the cover off and see if there are signs of the same fluid on the inside cover. Once you identify the color, you can start to pinpoint the origin of the leak. It could be a bad heater core leaking antifreeze, or water coming through the engine compartment during a driving rain.

PS. Check to make sure the dog or cat isn’t sleeping there!

You might also enjoy this from Dave

How do I find what’s causing the water leak in my RV?

Dear Dave,
While city water is hooked up to my RV, the water starts to leak, causing the living room floor to leak. What could this be? —Jason, 2001 Tiffin Phaeton

Read Dave’s answer.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

##RVDT2633

Family of six lives off-grid in massive DIY school bus conversion

Motorized RV Review

Video Editor

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April 29, 2025

8

Family of six lives off-grid in massive DIY school bus conversion

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we meet the Kuperuses—Cam, Tara, and their four awesome kids. The Kuperuses wanted to make travel a priority for their family. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, they decided to create their own opportunities. They invested time and resources to build a school bus conversion that allows them to actively include their kids in travel and take advantage of trips whenever possible.

Is there a better way to create lasting family memories?

Why go with a bus instead of a regular RV? Finding RVs with quad bunks (four bunkbeds) and diesel engines is like finding a unicorn. They’re super rare! The Kuperuses needed space for their four kids, so a custom solution was the way to go. Also, they could design it exactly how they wanted it.

Building a bus as a family was a lot of work, but the Kuperuses dove in headfirst. They did most of the work themselves, but they got some help from friends, family, and contractors. The kids got involved, too. They helped with painting, learned how to use tools, and built things from scraps.

Inside the Kuperuses’ school bus conversion

The first thing you might notice is how open and spacious it feels. That’s partly because they skipped the upper cabinets. It creates a much more airy and comfortable vibe.

This bus has a rear engine, which is great for keeping noise and heat in the back. Other features include cruise control, exhaust braking, and a rearview camera. To add a bit of flair, they included a retro radio in a little storage cubby. Insulated curtains provide privacy and help with temperature control.

Instead of the usual couches, the Kuperuses opted for custom swivel seats. These seats recline and can even face each other for some “direct combat” for the kids while on the road. The goal was to keep everyone together while traveling.

Under the seats, you’ll find storage for baskets and homeschool supplies. Lights provide a workspace over the table, or they leave one on for a night light. The table folds down to keep the space open when it is not in use. Holes in the ceiling allow them to hang a laundry rack or even a hammock chair.

The kitchen features custom cabinets with cool leather drawer pulls. A butcher block countertop with a tongue oil finish is both beautiful and practical.

A Magic Chef propane three-burner cooktop handles the cooking duties, but they still need to add an exhaust vent. Instead of an RV-style fridge, they went with an apartment-style fridge that uses less power and offers plenty of space. The pantry has drawers for efficient storage. A diesel heater underneath keeps things cozy on chilly mornings.

This bus has engine-driven air conditioning. Ductwork runs from the back to the front, delivering cool air throughout the bus. It is outfitted with 2,000 watts of solar power. This is enough to keep them going for about two cloudy days, as long as they don’t use the air conditioner too much.

The shower and bathroom are separate. The bathroom door has magnet latches and doubles as a partition when open to isolate the sleeping quarters. An angled vanity with a small sink helps save space.

The kids’ area has quad bunks with full-size mattresses. The walls and partitions are made of 3/4-inch plywood. Each child has their own space with baskets for clothing and “treasures.” There are individual lights, USB charging ports, and curtains for privacy on each bunk. The parents’ area at the back has a queen mattress.

Skoolie conversion exterior transformation

The bus is a 2007 Thomas HDX Saf-T-Liner (40-footer) with a CAT C7 engine (275 horsepower). They unlocked sixth gear for better highway performance.

Ample underbody storage was a must-have. The bus has fresh, gray, and black water tanks that they built with 3/8″ high-density polyethylene sheets, plastic-welded. There are 100 gallons of fresh water under the frame rails, plus water filters. An instant tankless water heater has a custom vent for a sleek look.

The black water tank is located in another compartment, as are the diesel tank for the heater and other mechanical components.

What do you think of this unique DIY school bus conversion? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

What would you prefer: a great steak or great seafood?

Reader Polls

RV Travel

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April 29, 2025

10

What would you prefer: a great steak or great seafood?

Okay, say you’re at a BBQ and your friend offers you two things: a nice, juicy steak or a great piece of seafood. Which would you pick, the steak or the seafood? What about at a restaurant? Are you choosing the salmon or the steak? The steak or the lobster? The steak or the shrimp?

We know it can be a tough decision, so in today’s poll, you have the option to say that you’d like both equally (“Surprise me!” you’d say). Or, perhaps you’re a vegetarian or just don’t like either option and you could say “neither” and just eat the sides. (Hey, sometimes the sides are the best part!)

Maybe your answer depends on where you are. At a coastal seafood shack with the ocean breeze in your hair, you might be all about the fresh catch of the day. But put you in a mountain cabin with a fire crackling in the background, and suddenly that grilled steak sounds like the ultimate comfort food.

There’s something about the setting that makes the choice feel even more personal.

And let’s not forget about the mood factor. Craving something light and zesty? Seafood wins. Want something rich, savory, and indulgent? Steak’s got your back. And sometimes, it’s all about who’s doing the cooking—if your friend’s known for their grilled tri-tip, well, that might tip the scales.

Well, what’re you having? Tell us below, and feel free to leave a comment after you vote, too.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

RVDT2633

Major recall: GM pulls 600,000 SUVs for potential engine failure

News

Russ and Tiña De Maris

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April 29, 2025

7

Major recall: GM pulls 600,000 SUVs for potential engine failure

Some travel trailer RVers find an SUV far more convenient as a tow rig than a pickup. A big SUV may just be the ticket, and GM has plenty of them to fill the bill. But a major GM SUV recall may sideline some of those tow rigs. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.

The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in those vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Potentially 597,630 of these rigs are affected by the recall.

GM SUV recall remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine and, as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner’s manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is N252494000.

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.nhtsa.gov.

What’s behind the GM SUV recall?

The company says that engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.

If your engine hasn’t already died, here are the “telltale signs of corruption” that might give you a warning. Drivers may be alerted to the condition prior to failure from: (a) knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises; (b) illumination of the check engine light; and/or (c) engine-performance issues, including hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, or a no-start condition.

Needless to say, this GM SUV recall could be a big problem for many in the RV community.

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