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RV review: Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT—no slide, full function

Tony Barthel
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RV review: Flagstaff Micro Lite 25FBT—no slide, full function

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.

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. 

Across the hall is the 12-volt refrigerator. My experience with this refrigerator has been very good. I do a lot of boondocking and wrote this article about how long I can be off the grid with this fridge. 

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 the  Flagstaff 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. 

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Navigating diverging diamond interchanges in your RV

RV Travel
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Navigating diverging diamond interchanges in your RV

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.

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Why would A/C drip water into my RV?

RV Travel
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Why would A/C drip water into my RV?

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!

drip ceiling

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!

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On a roll: RV tires can do more than you think!

Gail Marsh
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3
On a roll: RV tires can do more than you think!

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.

tire step Amazon image

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

tire x chocks amazon image

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

tire table amazon image

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

wheel chocks etrailer image

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.

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Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Lippert-Patrick is a no-go, General RV rip-off, Tom Hanks’ son is an RVer

Tony Barthel
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Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Lippert-Patrick is a no-go, General RV rip-off, Tom Hanks’ son is an RVer

A while back, I got a lot of criticism for my story about the perception of RV parks as being a haven for less desirable tenants, but here’s further proof of that perception. Apparently, Tom Hanks’ son, Chet, has been living in an RV as he works on his career in Nashville. 

In an interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, he was asked what it was like, and he responded that he loved it. He stated that he was the youngest person in the park by 30-40 years. 

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. 

This time, the RV dealership got hosed

We’ve all come across circumstances where RV dealerships have taken advantage of customers. In a role reversal, a Wayne County, Michigan, woman is accused of embezzling more than $2 million from General RV. 

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. 

Lippert and Patrick are not joining forces

If you haven’t already heard, the proposed merger between LCI Industries (Lippert) and Patrick Industries is off. While the negotiations had arrived at who was going to be responsible after the merger, apparently, it just didn’t work out. 

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. 

Meanwhile, Patrick Industry’s CEO, Andy Nemeth, said that the company’s acquisition plans will continue. 

“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.

To see all recent news for RVers, click here. 

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What month were you born?

RV Travel
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12
What month were you born?

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.
Most popular birthdays

So let’s see which months the RVtravel.com gang celebrates their birthdays. This should be fun. Please leave a comment.

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A letter about my mother, Ruthie, on Mother’s Day

Chuck Woodbury
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3
A letter about my mother, Ruthie, on Mother’s Day

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.

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New 2026 changes to the Casita 17′ Spirit Deluxe fiberglass travel trailer

Cheri Sicard
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2
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. 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

Casita Spirit 17' fiberglass travel trailer floorplans

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.

Casitakitchen Casitabeds

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.

Casitabath

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.

Learn more about the Casita Spirit.

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Congress wants to make RV loan interest tax deductible—but how much would RVers really save?

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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11
Congress wants to make RV loan interest tax deductible—but how much would RVers really save?

“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.

Sources:
RVBusiness report
Rep. Rudy Yakym announcement

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RV Shows in the U.S. and Canada in 2026

RV Travel
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RV Shows in the U.S. and Canada in 2026

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

  • March 4-7
    FargoDome
    Fargo, ND

Biloxi Boat & RV Show

  • March 5-7
    Mississippi Coast Coliseum
    Biloxi, MS

RV Shows in April

Abilene Boat & RV Show

  • April 16-19
    Taylor County Expo Center
    Abilene, TX

RV rallies

Click here for upcoming RV rallies across the U.S.

Show Promoters:

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 . 

Grand Canyon annual Star Party coming next month; you’re invited

RV Travel
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Grand Canyon annual Star Party coming next month; you’re invited

The thirty-sixth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from Saturday, June 6, through Saturday, June 13, 2026, on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Amateur astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe.

Due to impacts from the Dragon Bravo Fire, the North Rim Star Party will not take place in 2026.

South Rim events

On the South Rim, events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the Canyon Visitor Center Plaza. The list of speakers can be found on the park’s Star Party website. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00 p.m.

Parking is available in Lots 1 through 4, or visitors may arrive by the free Village Route shuttle bus. The last Village Route bus leaves the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at 9:30 p.m. To get a good seat for the speaker presentation, arrive early. Telescope viewing is best after 9:00 p.m. and continues well into the night; visitors may arrive any time after dark.

A light source is recommended for the walk to the viewing area, but white lights are not permitted on the Telescope Lot. Give your eyes time to dark-adapt, or use a red flashlight, easily made by covering any flashlight with red cellophane.

Here’s more information on the Grand Canyon Star Party.

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