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Winnebago recalls some motorhomes for inadequate lights

RV Travel
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Winnebago recalls some motorhomes for inadequate lights

Winnebago Industries is recalling certain 2017 Brave, 2019 Itasca Sunova, 2019-2022 Adventurer, and 2022 Sunstar motorhomes.

The front turn signals may have a smaller than required luminous lens area. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

A small lens can make it difficult for other drivers to see the turn signal, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. As many as 1,446 RVs may be affected by the recall, which was issued March 23.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the non-compliant turn signal lights with new lights that comply with Federal Motor Standards.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 1, 2026. Owners may contact Winnebago Customer Care at 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 203.

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RV MAINTENANCE ADVICE: That’s the topic at RVtravel.com’s Facebook group where more than 91,000 members discuss keeping their RVs in tip-top shape (and how to fix things that break!).

MORE WINNEBAGO RECALLS

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Gasoline price jumps one dollar in last month

RV Travel
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Gasoline price jumps one dollar in last month

AAA reported on March 26 that the national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline was up 10 cents from the previous week and one dollar from last month.

The graph below shows the steep rise from $2.98 on February 26 to $3.98 today. Crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict nears the 4-week mark. The national average could reach $4 a gallon in the coming days for the first time since August 2022.

Gasoline demand is also on the rise as spring break season continues, another factor in rising pump prices.

Gas Prices March 26
SOURCE: AAA

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 8.72 million barrels per day to 8.92 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 244 million barrels to 241.4 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

Oil market dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI (a high-quality, light and sweet grade of crude oil used as a primary benchmark for pricing oil in the United States) fell $2.03 to settle at $90.32 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 6.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 456.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 0.1% above the five-year average for this time of year.

State statistics

Gasoline

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.84), Hawaii ($5.33), Washington ($5.30), Nevada ($4.86), Oregon ($4.86), Arizona ($4.63), Alaska ($4.57), Idaho ($4.25), Illinois ($4.23), and Utah ($4.16).

One Los Angeles Chevron station is charging $8.31 for both regular unleaded and diesel. According to the Los Angeles Times, the station on the edge of Chinatown was busy despite the price. Stanford economists estimate the average California household could spend about $857 more on gas from March through December this year.

EV charging

The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 41 cents.

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (52 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), California (46 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Idaho (43 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Utah (32 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Iowa (34 cents), Maryland (34 cents), Vermont (34 cents), South Dakota (34 cents), Delaware (36 cents), and New Mexico (36 cents).

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This town hit pause on an RV park. It all started with a blueberry field

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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This town hit pause on an RV park. It all started with a blueberry field

It almost boggles the mind. One minute it’s a quiet blueberry barren. The next, it’s ground zero for a fight over an RV park—and a possible RV park moratorium that could pause new campgrounds across the town.

What started as a plan that looked sweet at first has quickly ripened into something bigger: a debate over how much development a small town should take on—and whether hitting pause now might head off bigger conflicts later.

A proposed RV park in Northport, Maine, has prompted officials to send a 180-day RV park moratorium to town voters, giving the community time to sort out rules before projects move forward.

A campground plan meets local pushback

The proposal centers on land off Beech Hill Road in Northport. The developers’ plan covers two contiguous parcels totaling about 115 acres, with roughly half in blueberry barrens. The design shows a gravel road, lodge, and RV sites with water, electric, and sewer service built on the barren while keeping wild blueberry land in production.

Supporters see an agricultural-tourism opportunity and a property that is not as untouched as critics suggest. As one supporter put it, “Calling this property wild is like calling a 100-acre corn field untamed.”

Opponents see the land very differently. The site has been described as popular with hikers, stargazers, and photographers, and nearby coverage shows residents arguing that the project would change a scenic open-space landscape people already use and value.

That contrast is the heart of the story. To one side, it is working land that could host a resort. To the other, it is a familiar local landscape that could be changed in ways the town cannot easily undo.

Why the town is considering a pause

A moratorium does not automatically kill a project. It buys time. In Northport, Select Board members voted March 23 to put a 180-day moratorium on new commercial campgrounds and RV resorts before voters after an overflowing meeting on the issue.

The stated goal is to slow things down long enough to review local rules and, according to local reporting, potentially craft zoning language and begin a comprehensive plan update.

What this means for RVers

For RVers, this is not just a Maine story. It is another example of what happens when demand for more camping options meets a town that feels its rules have not kept up. That can mean fewer new places to stay in the short run, especially in scenic areas where every project gets a close look. That reading is an inference from the town’s move to consider a temporary halt while it revisits how such projects should be handled.

It can also mean something more useful down the road: clearer ground rules. Better-defined standards may not please everybody, but they can reduce the odds that every proposed park turns into a townwide brawl. That is also an inference based on the moratorium’s stated purpose of giving Northport time to sort out rules before more proposals move ahead.

The bigger picture

The Northport fight shows how quickly one campground proposal can turn into a broader question about who gets to shape a place. The project itself is sizable, with reporting describing about 80 sites plus glamping and wellness elements, so it was never likely to pass quietly.

And once a town starts talking moratoriums, other communities may watch closely. Scenic places often want tourism dollars, but they do not always agree on what kind of tourism fits.

What to watch next

The next step is the town vote on whether to adopt the 180-day moratorium on new commercial campgrounds and RV resorts. If it passes, Northport gets a six-month window to revisit the rules while this debate keeps simmering.

For RVers, it is worth paying attention. The next great place to camp may depend not just on where a developer wants to build, but on whether the local community thinks that plan belongs there. Whatever happens up in Maine, we know eventually one side will be like Marty Robbins—“You got me singin’ the blues.”

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RV shipments unimpressive again in February

RV Travel
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RV shipments unimpressive again in February

RV shipments continued their slide for the year 2026 in February.

Results for the RV Industry Association’s February 2026 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 29,206 units, an 11.1% decrease from the 32,871 units shipped in February 2025.

For the year, shipments were off 10.9% with 53,889 RVs shipped through the first two months compared to 60,500 last year.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month down 14.8% from last February with 25,268 shipments.

Motorhomes finished the month up 22% compared to the same month last year, but with only 3,938 units throughout the country. Shipments of Class A motorhomes totaled 668 for the month, an average of about 13 units per state.

RV shipments data for February 2026
SOURCE: RVIA

Park model RVs finished February up 20.1% compared to the same month last year, with 401 wholesale shipments.

RELATED

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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #86

Cheri Sicard
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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #86

Greetings, fellow RVers!

It’s finally spring, which means it’s time to head outside!!! This issue, among other great stuff we are liking, we focus on gear that helps to enhance your outdoor campsite living space. Read on!

Campsite upgrades

Wake folding camp table

Practical folding camp table

This table has become one of our favorite and most used camping accessories. It adds HUGE functionality to life outside the RV and around the campfire by keeping snacks nearby and drinks securely in place until needed. When not in use, it folds small and flat, making it perfect for RVers or even tent and car campers. Get more details, dimensions, and more.

Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station

BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 portable power station

This small, lightweight, portable power station is the perfect way to bring a small amount of power outside. Whether powering outdoor lighting, music speakers, or simply keeping your devices charged, the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 makes it easy. Learn more about this small portable power station here.

Solo Stove Ranger and cast iron grill with steaks cooking

Solo Stove Ranger: Smokeless fire pit with cooking functionality

The Solo Stove Ranger makes a terrific open campfire alternative that produces less smoke and is super easy to start, but add available accessories, and it becomes a versatile way to cook outdoors. Get details in these posts:

Outdoor shower Photo: WolfWiseOutdoor shower upgrades

Upgrading your RV’s outdoor shower can make it a luxurious and practical space, perfect for rinsing off after a day of adventure. With the right products, you can create an outdoor shower experience that’s not only functional but also comfortable and enjoyable. Discover terrific outdoor shower upgrades.

Our best-selling gadgets on Amazon this month (so far):

  1. 50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
  2. Camp’N RV Vent Cover Opener Extendable Stick
  3. Wooden Adhesive Hat Hooks (as recommended here to hold your kitchenware in place)
  4. 96 Pcs. Wood Grain Slice Party Supplies Set (We knew these were cool, but turns out you all love these!)
  5. Gracula Garlic Crusher/Mincer (He IS cute!)

Other stuff we’re liking:

Van n Camp Window Covers

VannCamp insulated window covers

Sleeping in a van or RV can feel like trying to nap in a streetlamp. Even when it’s cloudy, light still sneaks in, and temperature swings can make nights rough. These insulated blackout window covers change all that. Learn more about this accessory that gives your van instant privacy and darkness.

Luluya collapsible water bottle

Collapsible water bottles

Water bottles can take up a lot of prime real estate in small cabinets. Yet if you do any kind of hiking or even sightseeing away from your RV, you need them. And if, like me [Cheri], you are carrying water for both yourself and your dog, you really need them! Until you fill them with water, they hardly take up any space. Once empty and dry, you roll them up to store, and an attached strap secures everything in place. Alternatively, you can store them flat. Not to mention, they hardly weigh anything. Check out why these are so handy around camp!

flexible holding tank repair material

Flexible holding tank repair material

Russ and Tiña De Maris tried all sorts of tank repair nostrums, with a variety of results, usually disappointing. Those that have worked were complicated and posed major safety issues. Others often just peeled off or didn’t hold. They’ve now tried a new flexible holding tank repair, and they’re really jazzed. Learn more about this invaluable repair material.

Leakingoil
Haha! That’s funny! Order one for yourself here.

Gadget quick takes

WD-40 pens

WD-40 Pen – INGENIOUS!

A Popular Mechanics Gear of the Year winning product, the chisel-shaped fibrous tip allows for precise application of Original WD-40 Formula exactly where it’s needed. The non-aerosol format keeps lubricant from getting on the parts that don’t need it.

Curious about what you could use WD-40 for around your RV? Oh, lots and lots of things!

Pocketed shower curtain liner

Waterproof shower curtain liner with 9 storage pockets

Instantly increase your RV’s bathroom storage with this practical, waterproof, pocketed shower curtain liner. Use with any shower hooks or rings; features 12 rustproof metal grommets at its top to prevent ripping and to keep the curtain securely on any standard shower rod. Use it for your soaps and shampoos, facial care, shaving needs, jewelry and accessories, even your toothbrushes! This is perfect for a hardly-any-storage RV!

LIKE SAVING MONEY? SO DO WE! Soooo many items are on sale right now. In fact, the thing you’ve been wanting might be on sale right now! But not for long! Click here to see.

Book - How to Survie a Freakin' Bear AttackThe book nook
How to Survive a Freakin’ Bear Attack… and 127 Other Survival Hacks You’ll Hopefully Never Need

Would you know what to do if a bear charged at you? What about if an earthquake struck? Or a tornado? What about if you were bitten by a snake in the middle of nowhere? What if you found yourself the sole survivor of some awful incident and had to make a new home for yourself, stranded? Could you spear a fish, or distill pure water using only a plastic bottle? Could you make your own rope, your own torch, or tell which of the unfamiliar plants and animals around you may or may not be edible? Amazon #1 best-seller How To Survive A Freakin’ Bear Attack… And 127 Other Survival Hacks You’ll Hopefully Never Need has all the answers you could ever need, but hopefully won’t! Learn more or order here.

More recent gadget articles and reviews:

Bob Ross Mini Paint by Numbers KitGadget giggles
Mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit

Discover the joy of painting happy little trees, just like Bob Ross did himself, with this one-of-a-kind miniature art set! The small size makes it a perfect gift for RVers.

Kit includes: Three pre-printed canvases with numbered sections, including 2 of landscapes and 1 of Bob’s famous face (each canvas measures approx. 3-1/8 x 2-3/4 inches), 7 paint pots, miniature paint brush, miniature easel for displaying finished paintings, full-color, fold-out sheets with detailed painting instructions, 32-page book on Bob Ross, including painting tips. Order here.

AmazonfindsrvtOur all-time favorite products at Amazon
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVtravel.com’s favorite Amazon finds! This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!

FINISHED READING THIS ISSUE? Great! Now you can move on over to today’s brand-new RV Daily Tips newsletter.

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 26, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 26, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2869 • New issue every weekday
If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our work with a donation of your choice. Thank you!

Today’s thought

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Spinach Day!

On this day in history: 1915 – The Vancouver Millionaires win the 1915 Stanley Cup Finals, the first championship played between the Pacific Coast Hockey Association and the National Hockey Association.

Tip of the day
Use your cell phone’s camera these 14 ways to make life easier while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Winter weather is winding down and spring has finally arrived. Are you planning to go RVing soon? Your cell phone camera can help so much! And not just for sending travel pictures to family and friends back home. Curious? Then, by all means, read on!

Article and video
The five details most RV buyers overlook

Most RV buyers focus on price, floor plan, and flashy features first. That makes sense, but the biggest regrets usually come from the less obvious stuff. A better RV choice often comes down to build quality, weight, ride, tank sizes, and whether the rig actually works well on a normal travel day. Jason Epperson of RV Miles breaks it all down here.

Featured article
How it Happened: The history of the Coleman company

When you hear “Coleman” what comes to your mind? A tent or lantern? That green cooler? It’s no wonder that Coleman has become practically synonymous with camping and the great outdoors. This company has been around for more than 120 years! And here’s how it happened…

Our all-time favorite products at Amazon
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVtravel.com’s favorite Amazon finds! This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!

BUMPER SNICKER: “This vehicle requires emotional support snacks.”

Ask Dave
The local U-Haul says my LP tank needs to be recertified? What you need to know

Dave discusses LP tanks here.

**If you’re near Las Vegas, NV, be sure to see Dave at his always educational and entertaining seminars at the Las Vegas RV Show March 27-29.

Reader poll
How would you describe your mental health?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Sanitary sewer hose storage

Your sewer hose is a useful, necessary item. It is, however, germy. The best approach is to consider it a source of ill health or disease and take necessary precautions. Store it in a closeable plastic container, and save your utility bumper for something else. —From “100 RV Tips and Tricks: Bonus Edition With Motorhome Tips”. Available on Amazon.

Website of the day

Etymological Map of America
Spend a few minutes on this article and the maps it includes. Read about the meaning behind every state name, as well as many city names. This is fascinating! You’ll surely learn something new here.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Sometimes we wish we were the inventor of some of these products. This is one of them. It’s brilliant and a wonderful way to spark creativity! Do one of these every day and you’ll get your creative juices flowing.

And the survey says…

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

• 3 percent of people never send text messages.
• 76 percent own an RV that is 30 feet or longer.
• Only 28 percent say they bought an RV to “be with nature.” The other 72 percent say that wasn’t part of why they wanted to RV.

Recent poll: Would your dream RV have more than one bathroom?

Trivia

If you’re experiencing somnambulism, what are you experiencing? Sleepwalking! Yup, that’s the medical term for it. Did you know that sleepwalking is thought to be genetic? If both parents are sleepwalkers, there’s about a 60 percent chance their children will experience it too.

SPRING HUMOR: Spring camping tip: If it looks dry, it’s probably mud. If it looks like mud… it’s definitely mud.

Readers’ pet of the day

Img 1582 D8ad6d694d11eeaaaa3df1ae1dc2ac27“Sami (Goldendoodle, age 10) has been camping coast to coast with us and loves to travel. With his inviting look and wagging tail, he is quick to become the greeter at each of our campsites. Hiking and relaxing are his favorite activities.” —Donal Carbaugh

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!

• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

GOOD DEAL! Are you a member of AARP? Get 15% off your check at Denny’s every day. Just present your AARP membership card with your check, or mention your AARP membership number over the phone for pick-up orders. (Discount not to exceed $10.)

Leave here with a laugh

Ancientruins

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

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

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

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

The local U-Haul says my LP tank needs to be recertified? What you need to know

Dave Solberg
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The local U-Haul says my LP tank needs to be recertified? What you need to know

Dear Dave,
While filling up propane at a U-Haul, I was told my LP tank certification would expire soon. Do the LP tanks on a Class C motorhome have to be recertified? —Anthony, 2015 Thor Chateau

Dear Anthony,
The propane cylinder that came standard on your Class C is classified as an American Society of Mechanical Engineers  (ASME) propane tank. It is mounted to the chassis rail horizontally. Propane cylinders used on trailers are classified as Department Of Transportation (DOT) cylinders.

LP Tank
ASME tank on motorhome
DOT Cylinder
DOT cylinder on trailers

DOT cylinders must be recertified

According to the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 180.209(e)), DOT cylinders (types 4B, 4BA, 4BW, and 4E) must be recertified 12 years after their manufacture date, and every 5 years thereafter if requalified by visual inspection. If recertification is completed using a proof pressure test, the interval extends to 10 years. The cylinder type and manufacture date are stamped on the upper collar or handle.

For more specific information, visit the Code of Federal Regulations for DOT Requalification of Propane Cylinders here.

DOT Cylinder Date
DOT cylinder date

ASME tanks do not require formal recertification

According to Manchester Tank and the RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF), ASME tanks used on motorhomes are made of a thicker metal component and do not require recertification. Instead, they require visual inspection for excess rust and pitting, loose or missing brackets, and damage. DOT cylinders must also be inspected for the same issues.

Overfill prevention device

Both DOT cylinders and ASME tanks are equipped with an overfill prevention device (OPD), which prevents the cylinder from being filled beyond 80% capacity. This allows room for expansion of the LP during hot temperatures.

Since October 1, 1998, DOT cylinders have been required to include an OPD with a triangular handle. Filling stations are not permitted to refill DOT cylinders that do not have this triangular valve.

OPD Handle
OPD handle

ASME tanks, however, may still have the older-style valve but have long included OPD protection and can be legally refilled.

What you experienced is common at many filling locations. Some employees misinterpret the regulations and assume that all propane containers require recertification, often using the general term “propane tank” to describe all cylinder types.

 More posts from Dave on LP cylinders 

DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!

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

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

RVDT2869

Use your smartphone’s camera these 14 ways to make life easier while RVing

RV Travel
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Use your smartphone’s camera these 14 ways to make life easier while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Winter weather is winding down and spring has finally arrived. Are you planning to go RVing soon? Your smartphone camera can help so much! And not just for sending travel pictures to family and friends back home. Curious? Then, by all means, read on!

Note: Always use a secure phone storage app (like Keepsafe) when storing critical, confidential information in your smartphone.

Personal information

• Credit cards. Take a photo of the front and back sides of your credit cards and store them in a secure app on your phone. When buying things online, you can refer to the credit card photo without digging through your purse or wallet to find it.

• Credit cards (part 2). Open your wallet or credit card holder just enough to see the tops of your credit cards and take a picture. That way if your wallet is ever lost or stolen, you’ll know what cards to cancel.

• Medications. Take a photo of all your medications. Or make a list of them and take a picture of the list. Be sure to record dosages, prescribing doctors, and drugstores where you had the prescriptions filled. You can also take a picture of your health insurance card(s).

Make RV life easier

• Video. We’ve made videos of some RV procedures (e.g., emptying tanks, winterizing) with our smartphone cameras. The videos were a huge help when we first began to RV, and now we share the “how to” videos with newbie RVers.

• Vehicle plates. Keep a photo of your RV’s and vehicle’s license plates in your phone for quick reference. Also, take a picture of your VIN number(s) for future reference.

• RV parts. Your smartphone camera can help if you need assistance with your RV. For example, when we needed a new awning, we sent a photo of the awning manufacturer’s tag to our RV parts store. The photo helped them determine which awning to order for us.

Out and about

• Route. Take a screenshot of your travel route. That way, if you lose cell service you can still stay on the right roads.

• Parking. When visiting a new-to-you location, your camera can help you remember where you parked your car. This is especially useful in large, multilevel parking lots or expansive concert venues. Take a quick photo as you exit your car along with other visual cues, like parking level, section number, etc.

• Shopping. Take a photo of the mall’s map kiosk and you’ll quickly locate the store(s) you want to visit. When you see an item that you want to buy, snap a photo of it along with the cost. Use the photo to check other stores or online for a lower price.

• Claim check. A quick photo of your claim check can help you retrieve your coat or other belongings, if you misplace your claim check ticket.

• Accident record. If your RV is involved in an accident, use your smartphone camera to record damages to your vehicle as well as any other involved vehicles. Take a photo of everyone’s insurance cards and driver’s license.

• Hobbies. If you see a project you’d like to replicate, take a picture of it. Use it as a guide when designing and making it for yourself.

• Refrigerator. Take a photo of the inside of your RV fridge before you head to the grocery store. That way when you shop, you’ll know what items you have back in the RV and won’t double up on purchases.

• Menu. If you forget your reading glasses, take a photo of the menu. You can enlarge the picture to read it better—even without your glasses.

Do you use your smartphone camera in an unusual way? Tell us your ideas in the comments below.

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What do RVers 60 years or older have in common?

Chuck Woodbury
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What do RVers 60 years or older have in common?

By Chuck Woodbury
I am putting my byline on this article, but I didn’t write most of it. Technically, nobody wrote it, no person except for this paragraph and the next few that I wrote.

It’s the product of artificial intelligence. I’ll take a guess that you are likely as tired of hearing about A.I. as I am. I detest it. I fear it for its potential abuse. It has caused me incredible grief as I see it used to write articles, books and anything else that involves words, printed or in cyberspace.

But it is here to stay! Period!! So I live with it, and use it for ethical purposes.

I trust only a fraction of what I see and read online anymore as being human-created. You shouldn’t. Don’t trust what you read, what you see on YouTube, what you hear … the technology is already so good that anything we say or do can be faked.

That said, I personally like using A.I, mostly ChatGPT. I use it for research, proofreading, generating ideas, and for taking long, technical discussions and turning them into short articles that I can understand, and that you can understand.

Like I said, it’s here to stay. Remember years ago when cheap hand calculators came out and everybody screamed that nobody would ever learn math again? Same deal.

I am constantly frustrated that I cannot tell you what I am learning about A.I. There is good about it, but there is very bad “bad” about it. I will not go into more detail because it would take forever to explain it all to you and how I feel about it. That frustrates me!

So, back to the headline of this article. I went to ChatGPT a few minutes ago to see if it could help me understand the readers of RVtravel.com better so we could write articles that were of special interest to you. I’m always looking for insights about what you want to read so we don’t bore you.

Most of our audience is older than 60. Some are in their 50s, but 95 percent are 60 and up, even into their 80s and even a handful in their 90s.

So I asked ChatGPT what RVers aged 60 and older had in common. I wondered if it could provide an insightful answer. Below is what it spit out to me in about 30 seconds. Yes, 30 seconds! How does it do it???

So, again, full disclosure… What is written below was created entirely by an algorithm. I don’t see anything wrong with the results. What do you think? Please leave a comment.

Here we go…

Again, every word below was written using Artificial Intelligence. Not a word was changed.

The photo at the top of this article and the cartoon version below were also created nearly instantly using ChatGPT.
Older RVers, image created using artificial intelligenceWhat RVers Over 60 Tend To Have In Common

If you spend time around RV parks, rallies, or even the RVtravel.com readership, one thing becomes obvious: a large share of RVers are over 60 — and they’re not slowing down. In many ways, they’re redefining retirement.

Freedom is the big draw.
With careers winding down or finished, schedules loosen up. Many older RVers travel when they want, stay longer in places they love, and skip the rush that defined earlier decades.

Comfort usually matters more than “roughing it.”
That doesn’t mean luxury for everyone, but dependable rigs, comfortable beds, easy leveling systems, and full hookups often rank high. Convenience counts when you want travel to be relaxing, not exhausting.

Finances shape travel decisions.
Many live on fixed incomes — Social Security, pensions, or retirement savings — so budgeting campground fees, fuel, and maintenance becomes part of the lifestyle. Value, reliability, and cost predictability often outweigh flashiness.

Community is part of the experience.
Older RVers often enjoy campground friendships, rallies, shared meals, and swapping stories. For some, RV travel replaces workplace social circles with a new, mobile community.

Health and safety stay top of mind.
Trip planning may include proximity to medical care, pharmacy access, and safe, well-reviewed campgrounds. These considerations rarely stop travel — they just shape it.

Perhaps most important: attitude.
Many RVers over 60 aren’t retreating from life — they’re leaning into it. They’re checking off bucket-list destinations, visiting grandkids, volunteering, or simply waking up to new scenery whenever the mood strikes.

If anything unites RVers in this age group, it may be this: They’ve worked hard for the freedom — and now they intend to use it.

Your comments, please…

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The five details most RV buyers overlook

Video Editor
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The five details most RV buyers overlook

By Cheri Sicard
Most RV buyers focus on price, floor plan, and flashy features first. That makes sense, but the biggest regrets usually come from the less obvious stuff. A better RV choice often comes down to build quality, weight, ride, tank sizes, and whether the rig actually works well on a normal travel day.

Jason Epperson of RV Miles breaks it all down in the video at the end of this post. Here are Jason’s five important factors to keep in mind whenever you find yourself RV shopping. (I know the video says 8, but I counted 5, as some are combined.)

#1 Build quality comes first

Many RVs look similar on the lot, yet they can be very different once a buyer checks the hidden areas. One brand may build strong slides but weak cabinets. Another may be solid one model year and rough the next. Since RVs are not built like cars, a certified RV inspector is a smart move on both new and used units. A good inspection can catch problems before delivery, and reviews or referrals help because inspector quality varies, too.

During a walk-through, buyers should also check under the bed and inside the pass-through storage. Solid wood cabinetry, ceramic toilets, and solid-surface counters usually hold up better. Fiberglass trailers often use welded aluminum framing, while metal-sided trailers usually use wood framing.

#2 Cargo capacity is not a throwaway spec

Cargo carrying capacity tells a buyer how much weight the RV can actually handle. It is the difference between the unloaded weight and the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). Some large fifth wheels offer less than 1,200 pounds, while some smaller trailers carry 3,000 pounds or more. For a larger trailer, 2,500 pounds or more is a healthy target. The factory loading sticker is the number that matters, not the online listing. Water adds up fast, too, because 50 gallons weighs more than 400 pounds.

#3 Better suspension can add years

Suspension affects ride quality, towing stability, and long-term wear. Coil springs and independent systems handle potholes and washboard roads much better than basic leaf springs, and they can also reduce sway. Torsion axles and slip or roller systems help, though not as much. On motorhomes, especially gas Class A and Class C models, suspension quality can change the whole driving feel. Owner forums and Facebook groups often reveal more than a brochure.

#4 Tank sizes and factory prep should fit the trip

Tank size only matters when it matches the way the RV will be used. Off-grid campers need enough fresh water first. Campers who stay in parks with water but no sewer need larger gray and black tanks. Bigger RVs do not always have bigger tanks, so buyers should check the numbers.

Factory prep can matter too. Inverter prep, solar prep for small add-ons, winterization kits, and easy plumbing access all make ownership easier. On the other hand, cheap extras like outdoor speakers or Wi-Fi prep are usually not worth much.

#5 Daily usability beats flashy extras

A buyer should check a few plain, everyday things before signing:

  • Whether under-bed storage lifts easily
  • Whether full-size plates fit in cabinets
  • Whether there is space for shoes, trash, towels, laundry, and toilet paper

Slides deserve extra attention. The RV should still allow access to the fridge, sink, and bathroom with slides in. Hydraulic and rack-and-pinion slides are usually stronger for bigger rooms, while in-the-wall systems like Schwintek are better left to smaller, lighter slides.

Power setup matters just as much. A 30-amp RV fits almost any campground pedestal, but a 50-amp rig can run far more, especially multiple air conditioners. Buyers should also check outlet placement, bedside charging, and whether USB or USB-C ports work on battery power or only when plugged in.

The bottom line

Price and floor plan still matter, but they should not make the whole decision. The best RV for a buyer is the one that carries the load, handles the road, and still works well with the slides in on a travel day. A careful check before purchase can save a lot of money and frustration later.

Thinking about buying an RV soon? Here’s all the information you’ll ever need to get started. 

RVDT2868

How would you describe your mental health?

RV Travel
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How would you describe your mental health?

You can be honest. Remember, we (or anybody else) can’t see how you vote. How would you describe your mental health?

Are you happy all the time—what some would describe as happy-go-lucky? Is your mental health pretty good? Is it pretty bad? Really bad? Please vote as you most often feel. We know some days can be harder than others.

Mental health is a deeply personal journey, and it can shift over time. Some people find joy in small, everyday moments, while others may be navigating challenges that feel overwhelming.

If your mental health feels steady, that’s great—celebrate that. If it feels shaky or like you’re struggling to keep afloat, know that it’s okay to feel that way too. Everyone experiences highs and lows, and there’s no shame in admitting when the lows feel heavy.

Sometimes, just putting words to how you feel can be a step toward clarity. Are you noticing patterns, like mornings that feel brighter or nights that seem heavier? Are there specific triggers that weigh on your mind? Awareness is a powerful first step in addressing mental health, whether through self-reflection, talking with loved ones, or seeking professional support.

If you’re feeling depressed or alone, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988. There is always someone there to talk to. Reaching out can make a difference—you don’t have to go through it alone.

MORE POLLS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU:

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Grand Design recall: Steps may open unexpectedly

RV Travel
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Grand Design recall: Steps may open unexpectedly

Grand Design RV is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lineage Class C motorhomes. The entry door position switch may have been improperly installed, which can lead to intermittent or unreliable contact.

As a result, the position of the door may be misinterpreted by the RV, potentially causing the entry steps to deploy unintentionally and without warning while the vehicle is in motion.

Steps extending while in transit increase the risk of a crash. This is not good, of course, and can result in injury or damage to the vehicle and, more importantly, people.

There is little to no warning to the driver that this condition has occurred.

As many as 1,127 motorhomes may be affected by the recall, which was issued March 20.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the door position switch, free of charge. The remedy will involve the dealer disabling the mechanical plunger style switch and installing a magnet switch, which should take less than one hour.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 11. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is M910058.

MORE GRAND DESIGN RECALLS

The RVtravel.com newsletter is an “original,” says Google!
What is the longest continuously published newsletter about RV travel in the United States? Here’s what Google says: “The RV Travel Newsletter has been in continuous publication online since 2001… It is widely recognized as ‘America’s longest continuously published RVing newsletter’.” BE HISTORIC! SIGN UP (if you aren’t already)

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