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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, February 11, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2838 • New issue every weekday
If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our staff’s work producing it 260 days of the year with a donation of your choice.

Today’s thought

“Only people who are not happy with themselves are mean to others.” —Anon.

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Make A Friend Day! Hey, want to be our friend?

On this day in history: 1963 — The Beatles recorded their first album, “Please Please Me”.

Tip of the day
Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks

By Gail Marsh
You’re ready to roll on down the road. New adventures await! But no. The windshield is iced over or fogged up. Departure time is delayed—again. Have you ever wished you could quickly defrost/defog your motorhome’s or truck’s windshield? Me, too! Check out the quick solutions that I discovered. Then choose the trick that works best for you. You’ll hit the road in no time!

RV review
2026 Fendt Bianco Activ 550 SD—A German travel trailer with a “wow” bathroom

2026 Fendt Bianco Activ 550 SD – German travel trailer with AMAZING rear bathSome campers grab attention with a bold exterior or a huge living room. The 2025 Fendt Bianco Activ 55 SD gets noticed for a different reason: a full wall-to-wall bathroom across the entire rear of the trailer. At Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany, Myles from Myles RV of Firmly Unbound gives us a tour of this unique travel trailer. This is cool to see!

In the RV shop with Dustin
How to perform an exterior RV body reseal to protect RV from water damage

Learn the secrets of exterior body resealing in this informative article and video. Discover why it’s crucial to seal every nook and cranny of your coach to protect it from water damage. We’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of scraping off old sealant, tightening loose parts, and resealing your RV. Don’t let water ruin your travels!

61bs22vnbfl Ac Sl1500Have a hard time opening water bottle lids? 
These will help! Simply push one of these “lids” onto the water bottle lid and, voila, it’ll be much easier to twist off. These are designed with seniors and those with arthritis in mind, and they really help! Here’s an affordable pack of 3.

Article and video
Amazing cargo trailer RV dream home

In this video from Tiny House Giant Journey, we meet Jersey, who lives full-time in her converted cargo trailer RV dream home. After watching, you’ll never look at ordinary-looking cargo trailers going down the road in the same way again. No, really, you won’t believe it! 

Featured article
RVer’s Spartan trailer restoration highlights the legacy of a WWII classic

Brand loyalty is something every manufacturer, producer, and mom-and-pop business strives to achieve. It’s a bond that can last far beyond the life of a company. In the world of vintage camping, this loyalty is especially evident. Owners of vintage trailers are deeply proud of their rigs and love camping with fellow brand enthusiasts. So when Frank Stevens stumbled upon an all-original 1952 Spartanette on eBay, he knew exactly what he had to do. (This RV is goooorgeous!)

BUMPER SNICKER: “Our HOA is the National Park Service.”

Ask Dave
OK to leave RV water heater on when plugged into 120-volt power?

Read Dave’s answer.

Reader poll
Does your RV have a spare tire?

Respond here.

RoastingreelThe best marshmallow (and more) roaster! 
This is hilarious! Take your marshmallow or hot dog roasting to a whole new level with this roasting reel. Give it a crank at the perfect speed, and you’ll have the perfectly roasted or toasted… whatever… in no time! Makes a great and funny gift. Find it here.

Helpful resources

• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• UNITED STATES ROAD CONDITIONS FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS

Quick tip
RV site “Look out!” advice

Doing a “walk around” inspection before pulling your rig into an RV site is always a good idea. Joe B. adds a pointer as to something else to look out for: “Before backing or pulling in an RV site, I always walk around to check for low branches, obstructions, power, water pedestal, etc. However, I never looked down until after my wife saw a few pieces of metal on the ground. The picture shows what we found. I plan on buying a long magnet on a stick at a lumber box store and crawling under the rig before pulling out. From now on I will use it to check the area before backing in. It won’t pick up aluminum or glass; however, it’s better than nothing. This was at a private, very expensive, campground in Key Largo.” Thanks, Joe!

Website of the day

53 Incredible Things To Do With Canned Biscuits
Making biscuits is easy… when they come from a can! Step up those biscuits with these delicious-sounding recipes. Yum!

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You have these, right? All RVers HAVE to have these. If you don’t have them yet, or don’t know about them (and how truly magic they are), you’ll want to try them out yourself.

Trivia

Lakes formed by meteor impacts are called annular lakes. The world’s largest annular lake is Lake Manicouagan in Quebec, Canada. The lake is so large that it can be seen from space and is known as the “Eye of Quebec.” It covers 750 square miles and was formed 214 million years ago.

ForloversonlyFor Lovers Only

TO: Silver Fox
FROM: Tshlaru
“Our Happy Valentine’s Day will be spent in our RV. Our favorite place to be! I’m so blessed to have you as my adventure partner. Happy 41st Anniversary to us as well. Let’s do this for another 41 years!”

TO: JT
FROM: ET
“Thank you for being my dream come true and for our 31 years of living that dream. I love you more than words can say.”

Readers’ pets of the day

Img 0832 3277d106869506c22ad26b766bbdc9de“Luna, Bucky, Miles (Doodles, ages 3, 2 and 4), love sitting in our camping chairs so much we have to compete for chair space. We ended up getting a three-person chair but still have a problem claiming a space.” —Bob McMeans

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.

Leave here with a laugh

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

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

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

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

WHY WE ASK FOR DONATIONS INSTEAD OF SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

OK to leave RV water heater on when plugged into 120-volt power?

Dave Solberg
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OK to leave RV water heater on when plugged into 120-volt power?

Dear Dave, 
We live in our motorhome full time. Do we need to turn off the gas/electric water heater when we’re not using it if we’re hooked up to shore power? —Larry, 2013 Winnebago Adventurer

Dear Larry,
Depending on the floorplan, your unit most likely has a 10-gallon Atwood water heater that runs on either liquid propane (LP) or 120-volt AC power when plugged into shoreline power or running on the generator. Although this is a much older model, it is very similar and was in a 2003 Winnebago Adventurer.

Water Heater
Water heater

Connected to shoreline power

When you are connected to shoreline power and have the water heater set to the electric mode, it will run on 120-volt power supplied by the distribution center. You can run it continuously, as there are no moving parts that would be subjected to wear and tear.

However, the unit will “cycle,” meaning the thermostat will sense when the temperature in the tank drops below 120 degrees and activate the heating elements, which will heat the water. This can happen many times depending on the ambient temperature. Even though there are no moving parts, any time an electrical component gets very hot and cools down, there will be some weakening of the components, in my opinion.

I leave water heater off

I personally leave the water heater off, as it typically only takes about 10 minutes for the water to get to temperature and I can wait that long for a shower. This is also a good idea if you are dry camping or boondocking and using the water heater on the LP mode as it will save 12-volt battery power and LP.

Since your water heater is an Atwood, it does not have an anode rod, but rather uses the tank as the sacrificial metal. Some long-term RVers that have Suburban units with an anode rod like to shut the water heater down either on LP or 120-volt power. That is because the constant heating and cooling activates the corrosive elements in hard water and increases the deterioration of the tank. Most of the units in my area are Winnebago and they have used the non-anode Atwood version for years.

 You might also enjoy these posts from Dave 

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

RVDT2838

Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks

RV Travel
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Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks

By Gail Marsh
You’re ready to roll on down the road. New adventures await! But no. The windshield is iced over or fogged up. Departure time is delayed—again. Have you ever wished you could quickly defrost/defog your motorhome’s or truck’s windshield? Me, too! Check out the quick solutions that I discovered. Then choose the trick that works best for you. You’ll hit the road in no time!

Cautions: No matter what, never attempt to drive a vehicle with a frosted/fogged-over windshield. It’s just not worth the risk of an accident. Also, never slosh hot water onto a freezing windshield. The temperature difference can cause the glass to break. Stay safe out there!

Defrost and clear the windshield faster

If several inches of snow have fallen onto the windshield, it’s best to remove most of the snow before applying any of these tips.

Potato tip

This Farmer’s Almanac idea is a classic. Cut a potato in half. The night before a frost, rub your windshield with the cut side of the potato. The sugars from the potato will prevent frost from forming. Use your windshield fluid and wiper to clear away the potato residue.

Air conditioner tip

Yep, you read that right. Here’s the air conditioning defrost/defog tip. (If you want to know the science behind this method, as well as a few additional tips, watch the video below.)

  1. Start the engine. Turn the heater on high/hot. Use the defroster setting.
  2. Activate your air conditioner.
  3. Be sure the air recirculation is turned off.
  4. Open windows a crack—even just a few seconds will help with the air exchange.

Visor trick

I was pleasantly surprised by how much quicker our windshield cleared when using this simple trick. The visor helps direct the heated air just where it needs to go!

  1. When exiting your vehicle for the night, flip the windshield visor down.
  2. In the morning, select the defrost setting.
  3. Turn the thermostat to a high heat temperature.
  4. Set the fan to its highest setting.

Note: If your vehicle features a remote start, you can preset the defrost, temperature, and fan the night before. That way, you won’t need to go outside into the cold until the windshield is clear. 

Magic recipe

Finally, here’s a simple defrost recipe made from items you may have inside your RV.

  1. 2/3 cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
  2. 1/3 cup water
  3. Gently mix the two ingredients together.
  4. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
  5. Spray the alcohol/water mixture onto your frosted windshield.

Note: You can keep the spray bottle of liquid right inside your vehicle all winter long, because the freezing point of the alcohol is 138 degrees below zero.

How do you clear the fog/frost from your windshield? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

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Amazing cargo trailer is RV dream home

Video Editor
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Amazing cargo trailer is RV dream home

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below from Tiny House Giant Journey, we meet Jersey, who lives full-time in her converted cargo trailer RV dream home. After watching, you’ll never look at ordinary-looking cargo trailers going down the road in the same way again.

Jersey built her cargo trailer RV with minimal plans and a micro-budget, but she got tremendous results for the effort. After an injury left her unable to work (she broke her back—YOW), Jersey decided to hit the road with her dog and car. Her tiny home is 72 square feet but highly practical and stylish. It took Jersey and her son just two weeks to transform the humble cargo trailer into the perfect home on wheels.

Jersey said the most challenging part of the entire build was cutting the holes for the windows.

What did she spend? The trailer itself cost $2,400. By the time she finished, including everything in the video tour, it came to around $7,000. She tows it with a Ford F-150 truck.

She has about 15 gallons of water and a portable collapsible shower, but I am still unclear on its function, as it sure looked small. An ordinary covered bucket acts as her toilet.

As she loves to cook, she designed her tiny home with lots of counter space, and she cooks on a small butane stove and a multi-purpose oven. She stores food in a 12-volt refrigerator freezer and a small dorm-style fridge for when she has more power. A Jackery 1000 portable power station keeps everything powered.

What do you think of Jersey’s cargo van RV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

RVDT2838

Does your RV have a spare tire?

RV Travel
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Does your RV have a spare tire?

Does your RV—whether it’s a motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, pop-up, van, or another type—have a spare tire? If it didn’t come with one, did you purchase a spare to carry with you on your travels?

Some RVs come equipped with a spare tire, while others don’t, and it can be easy to overlook this critical piece of gear—until you need it.

A flat tire can turn a relaxing road trip into a stressful situation, especially if you’re miles from the nearest service center or stuck on the side of a busy highway. Without a spare, you could be waiting for hours (or longer) for roadside assistance, assuming you even have cell service to call for help.

Even if you have a spare tire, it’s just as important to make sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition before each trip. Tires degrade over time, even if they’re not being used, and an old or underinflated spare won’t do you much good in an emergency.

Additionally, if your RV didn’t come with a spare, finding a storage solution for one can be tricky but well worth the effort. Whether mounted on the rear, stowed underneath, or carried in a storage compartment, having a spare tire on hand could save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

So, do you carry a spare tire with your RV? Let us know in the poll below—thanks!

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RVDT2838

How to perform an exterior RV body reseal to protect RV from water damage

RV Travel
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How to perform an exterior RV body reseal to protect RV from water damage

By Dustin Simpson
Learn the secrets of exterior body resealing in this informative article and video. Discover why it’s crucial to seal every nook and cranny of your coach to protect it from water damage. We’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of scraping off old sealant, tightening loose parts, and resealing your RV. Don’t let water ruin your travels!

Why exterior body reseal is important

Prevents water damage

Water can cause extensive damage to your RV’s interior, leading to costly repairs and potential mold growth. Proper sealing keeps water out, preserving your RV’s condition.

Maintains structural integrity

Ensuring all exterior joints and seams are sealed helps maintain the structural integrity of your RV, preventing weakening and deterioration over time.

Enhances longevity

Regular resealing extends the life of your RV by protecting it from the elements, including rain, snow, and UV rays.

Improves aesthetic appeal

Keeping your RV well-sealed and maintained enhances its appearance, making it look newer and more attractive.

Step-by-step process of exterior body resealing

1. Inspection

Start by inspecting your RV’s exterior for any cracks, gaps, or areas where the sealant has worn away or deteriorated.

2. Cleaning the surface

Thoroughly clean the areas to be resealed. Remove dirt, debris, and old sealant using appropriate cleaning agents and tools.

3. Scraping off old sealant

Carefully scrape off old, cracked, or loose sealant using a plastic scraper or a sealant removal tool. Ensure the surface is smooth and free from any residue.

4. Tightening loose parts

Check for any loose screws, bolts, or parts around the areas to be resealed. Tighten them to ensure a secure fit before applying new sealant.

5. Apply new sealant

Choose a high-quality RV sealant suitable for exterior use. Apply the sealant evenly along the seams, joints, and any other areas where water could potentially enter.

6. Smoothing the sealant

Smooth the sealant with a caulking tool or your finger to ensure it fills all gaps and adheres properly. This helps create a watertight seal.

7. Drying and curing

Allow the sealant to dry and cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves leaving the RV undisturbed for a specified period.

8. Final inspection

Once the sealant has cured, perform a final inspection to ensure all areas are properly sealed and there are no missed spots or gaps.

Tips for effective exterior body reseal

Use the right sealant

Different parts of your RV may require different types of sealant (e.g., silicone, polyurethane). Ensure you use the correct sealant for each specific area.

Regular maintenance

Regularly inspect and reseal your RV’s exterior, especially after extreme weather conditions or at least once a year.

Pay attention to high-risk areas

Focus on areas that are more prone to water ingress such as roof edges, and around windows, doors, and seams.

Keep records

Maintain a log of resealing activities, including dates and materials used. This helps track maintenance and identify when resealing is due.

Watch the weather

Perform resealing during dry weather to ensure the sealant adheres and cures properly without being compromised by moisture.

Final thoughts

Exterior body resealing is a critical maintenance task that protects your RV from water damage and extends its lifespan. By following a step-by-step process of scraping off old sealant, tightening loose parts, and applying new sealant, you can ensure your RV remains watertight and in excellent condition.

Watch our video to learn more about the secrets of exterior body resealing and keep your RV safe from water damage. Don’t forget to subscribe for more valuable tips on maintaining your RV and enhancing your travel experiences!

More from Dustin

Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.

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2026 Fendt Bianco Activ 550 SD—A German travel trailer with a ‘wow’ bathroom

Cheri Sicard
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2026 Fendt Bianco Activ 550 SD—A German travel trailer with a ‘wow’ bathroom

Some campers grab attention with a bold exterior or a huge living room. The 2026 Fendt Bianco Activ 550 SD gets noticed for a different reason: a full wall-to-wall bathroom across the entire rear of the trailer. At Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany, Myles from Myles RVs of Firmly Unbound gives us a tour of this unique travel trailer.

Caravan Salon is one of the biggest RV and caravan shows in the world, and the crowds show up early. The doors opened on a Saturday morning, and the aisles filled fast. In the middle of all that, this single-axle Fendt stood out with a clean look, a front windshield, and a floor plan that feels different from most small travel trailers.

Key specs

For a single-axle caravan, the 550 SD is on the larger side. In Europe, weight is often listed as MIRO (mass in running order), which is similar to an unloaded weight figure.

Spec Measurement
Length 25 ft. 4 in. (772 cm)
Width 7 ft. 7 in. (2.32 m)
Interior height 6 ft. 6 in. (2.66 m)
MIRO (mass in running order) 3,200 lbs.
Payload (approx.) 550 to 700 lbs.


That payload is the main trade-off. Single-axle trailers often carry less gear than many U.S. buyers expect, so packing choices matter.

Exterior details that feel more like a car than a camper

The sidewalls use a solid, pebbled aluminum-style finish, with a seam and rail system running along the side. Instead of a built-in awning, the rail is meant for add-ons that slide in, like awnings and patio setups that are common across European caravans.

The windows are dual-pane acrylic with a light tint. Out back, the molded fiberglass rear cap has an automotive-style finish that looks unusually clean compared to many trailers sold in the U.S.

A bright, cozy interior with smart storage

FENDT Bianco Activ floorplan

Inside, there’s a removable carpet, which shows up a lot in European models. The front lounge is a U-shaped dinette with a freestanding table, plus a large skylight overhead. The seating is cloth, with firm cushions that still feel comfortable because the fabric is soft.

Storage wraps the upper walls with cabinets and open shelving. The windows include both a bug screen and a privacy shade. The acrylic latches let the windows swing open wide for airflow. Power and lighting are well placed, including USB ports, a European outlet, and individual reading lights.

Kitchen, bedroom, and a bathroom that changes the whole layout

Across from the dinette sits a TV that can swivel toward the seating area or the bed. The Dometic refrigerator and freezer run on propane and electric, and the panel front keeps the look tidy. The kitchen keeps counter space minimal, but includes a three-burner gas stove, a good-size (although not very deep) sink, soft-close drawers, utensil dividers, and a narrow pantry or spice area.

The bedroom uses a corner bed with a rounded mattress edge. It saves space, but the bed sits against the wall, so making it can be annoying. Storage is strong, with cabinets around the bed, hooks and shelves, and a larger wardrobe area across the aisle.

The real headline is the full rear wall bathroom. It includes a cassette toilet (the waste tank slides out like a suitcase), tons of storage, and a large fiberglass shower with stainless steel fixtures, a vent, and a skylight. Myles noted the shower height felt good, with no loss of headroom stepping in, so comfortable for someone around 6 ft. 4 in. to 6 ft. 5 in.

The big question for US buyers

The posted price was about 36,000 euros, which Myles estimated to be around $40,000 to $50,000 USD. For a single-axle trailer, that’s higher-end, and it’s not a price point commonly seen in similar U.S. models.

If U.S. manufacturers copied one idea from this layout, the full-width rear bathroom might be the one worth watching. What would matter more to most buyers: that huge bathroom, or a bigger bed and more payload?

Learn more here.

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Nevada boondocking area reopens after long closure from camper abuse

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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Nevada boondocking area reopens after long closure from camper abuse

When Government Wash, in Nevada, closed nearly a year and a half ago, many RVers felt like they were watching another good place slip away. The gates went up, access disappeared, and a favorite no-frills camping spot at Lake Mead National Recreation Area seemed destined to join the growing list of places that used to welcome RVs.

Now Government Wash is back. And while no one enjoyed the wait, the reopening suggests something worth paying attention to: This wasn’t a closure that led to permanent loss. It was a reset—and one that may actually work in RVers’ favor if the changes hold.

Why it closed—and why that matters now

Pressure to close came from multiple issues. NPS photos.

According to the National Park Service, Government Wash had reached a breaking point. Long-term encampments, unmanaged vehicle traffic, and years of accumulated trash had taken a toll on shoreline areas and made access harder for everyone else. The result was an 18-month shutdown that frustrated casual campers but gave managers time to step in before the area was written off entirely.

That context matters. Places that slide into unmanaged use don’t usually reopen at all. Government Wash did.

What RVers will notice right away

The most obvious change is structure. Instead of a wide-open free-for-all, Government Wash now has clearly defined campsites and access routes. For RVers, that translates into fewer rigs crowding shoreline access, less chance of blocked exits, and a clearer sense of where camping is actually allowed.

The cleanup removed tons of debris and old encampments, and access roads were improved to make travel safer and more predictable—especially for tow vehicles and motorhomes. It’s still primitive camping, but it’s no longer chaotic.

What RVers should know before heading back to Government Wash

Government Wash remains dry camping, but it’s no longer “pull anywhere and hope for the best.”

Campsites are now defined rather than informal, which should reduce crowding and the awkward sprawl that once put rigs nose-to-nose along the shoreline. RVers should expect fewer improvisational setups and more emphasis on staying within marked areas.

There are still no hookups and no services, and space remains limited for oversized rigs. Self-contained RVs are the best fit here, and arriving with daylight—and a plan—will make the experience smoother.

Overnight stays are now limited, a change aimed squarely at preventing long-term encampments from taking root again. For short stays, that likely won’t feel restrictive. For RVers who once used Government Wash as an extended base camp, it’s a reminder that this area now favors turnover over tenure.

The upside is straightforward: cleaner shoreline access, fewer abandoned vehicles, and a much better chance that Government Wash stays open instead of becoming another “formerly allowed” camping area.

Why this reopening is different

Government Wash didn’t reopen because attention faded or enforcement relaxed. It reopened because the area was restored to a condition park managers believe is sustainable.

For RVers who worry—often with good reason—that public camping access keeps shrinking, that distinction matters. In this case, the closure appears to have bought time instead of sealing fate.

Government Wash didn’t reopen because it was forgotten. It reopened because it was worth fixing. For RVers, that’s the real takeaway. Places like this don’t disappear all at once—they fade when they’re loved too hard or managed too late. This time, Government Wash got a second chance. What happens next will decide whether it keeps it.

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RVT1248b

Trailer maker Alliance RV to add motorhomes to lineup

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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2
Trailer maker Alliance RV to add motorhomes to lineup

Alliance RV has been a towables company since day one. Now it’s stepping into motorhomes—and the clue is parked right out front. With Alliance RV motorhomes now officially on the table, the Elkhart builder is making its move by buying a Class B van specialist instead of starting from scratch.

Rather than designing a first coach and learning the hard lessons in public, Alliance RV LLC has acquired Midwest Automotive Designs, a longtime builder of Class B vans based, like Alliance, in Elkhart.

That choice tells you a lot about how this expansion is meant to work.

This isn’t a toe in the water

Midwest Automotive Designs has been building Class B vans for more than 20 years, mostly on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. These aren’t early prototypes or first-year experiments. Midwest already has finished vans on the road—and people who know how to build them.

That matters because jumping from trailers to motorhomes isn’t a small step. The systems are different. The expectations are higher. And when manufacturers get it wrong, owners usually find out the hard way.

By buying an established Class B builder, Alliance skips the rookie phase.

Midwest will continue operating as its own business unit, and production will stay in Elkhart. The roughly 200 employees who build those vans today will still be the ones building them going forward. This isn’t a logo swap—it’s a knowledge transfer.

Why RVers should care

Class B buyers tend to be picky, and for good reason. When your entire RV fits into a van, every design decision counts. Storage, access to systems, layout flow—there’s nowhere to hide mistakes.

Alliance has earned a following in towables by paying attention to owner feedback and making steady, practical changes over time. If that mindset carries over into Midwest’s vans, it could show up in the small details that matter most to people who actually live with their rigs.

It’s too early to say what future models might look like. But this much is clear: Alliance isn’t dabbling in motorhomes. It’s entering the Class B market with a company that already knows what van buyers expect.

For a trailer builder, it’s a notably careful way to pull into the motorized lane.

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RVT1248b

National Parks looking for 2026 Washington state campground hosts

RV Travel
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3
National Parks looking for 2026 Washington state campground hosts

If you’ve ever wanted to trade campground fees for a free place to stay, the National Park Service is now recruiting volunteer campground hosts for summer 2026 in Washington state, and RVers across the country are eligible to apply.

Dozens of host positions are currently open at national park sites, offering RVers the chance to camp without paying site fees in exchange for light volunteer duties.

Where camp hosts are needed in Washington

At Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, multiple hosts are needed between May and early September. Volunteers receive a campsite with hookups in exchange for helping monitor camper check-ins and assisting with basic campground upkeep.

Another role, at Willaby Campground in Olympic National Forest, runs from late April through October. Duties include greeting visitors, answering questions, and helping maintain facilities. The site is best suited for smaller rigs (under 20 feet) and includes electrical hookups plus a $35-per-day stipend.

At San Juan Island National Historical Park, volunteer couples are being recruited for visitor services roles. Hosts receive a full-hookup RV site—including water, sewer, electricity, and Wi-Fi—while assisting park visitors during the busy season.

What hosts do

Most campground host roles are unpaid, with compensation typically provided through a free campsite or hookups. Responsibilities vary by park but often include:

• Welcoming and assisting campers
• Light cleaning and maintenance
• Restocking restrooms
• Monitoring campground activity and reporting issues to rangers

Hosts are not law enforcement—they simply serve as extra eyes and ears for park staff.

Requirements

Applicants generally must have:

• Their own RV or trailer
• A valid driver’s license
• The ability to perform light physical tasks (walking, lifting, etc.)

Hookup availability, rig size limits, and length of stay vary by location.

How to apply

All positions are listed on Volunteer.gov, the federal volunteer portal. RVers can search by state, park, or amenities (such as sites that include lodging or hookups). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and popular parks tend to fill quickly, so early applications are encouraged.

For RVers looking to cut travel costs while spending a season in scenic public lands, campground hosting remains one of the most popular ways to stay—and stay free—in America’s national parks.

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Stolen SUV, power pole, and motorhome nap ended this Oregon morning badly

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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1
Stolen SUV, power pole, and motorhome nap ended this Oregon morning badly

If this sounds like the setup to a joke, well… Police say a nap in a stolen SUV motorhome in Oregon turned into a very real—and very odd—Sunday morning for the people who woke up without power.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called early Sunday after a stolen SUV slammed into a power pole in Redmond, Oregon, knocking out electricity in the area. The driver left the SUV behind and vanished before deputies could find him.

He was gone for a few hours, anyway.

Later that morning, a nearby homeowner called 911 to report a burglary. When deputies arrived, they discovered the suspect had apparently decided the morning’s excitement warranted a rest. Police found him snoozing inside a motorhome parked in a shop on the property.

Investigators say deputies arrested the man without incident and booked him into the Deschutes County jail on charges that include unauthorized use of a vehicle, burglary, and a parole violation. It would seem he’ll get more sleep there than he did in the motorhome.

Police have not said whether the motorhome suffered any damage. But the episode serves as a reminder that even a short crime spree can take an unexpected—and very public—turn when someone mistakes a motorhome for a safe place to lay low.

For RV owners, it’s a reminder that an unlocked rig—even one parked at home—can look like an invitation to someone making very bad decisions.

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Chrysler recalls 456,287 cars, trucks with trailer towing problems

RV Travel
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Chrysler recalls 456,287 cars, trucks with trailer towing problems

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.

Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash—not good.

Chrysler issued the recall on February 2. As many as 456,287 vehicles may be affected.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 24. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10.

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