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Saturday, February 10, 2024
Issue 1143
Free, abbreviated edition
Top story
Federal judge calls Thor’s warranty a scheme to deprive RVers of rights
By Ron Burdge
On January 6 a Federal judge in California issued a stinging rebuke to Thor Motor Coach while denying Thor’s motion to have an RV breach of warranty lawsuit transferred to Indiana. The judge noted that Thor had for years been using warranty terms that were unenforceable in California, saying, “that scheme is contrary to California public policy and the court should not condone or encourage it.” The Federal Court pointed out how Thor was using a warranty that said people would not have a right to a jury trial, which Thor had known for years was contrary to California law. Read more.
Featured articles
New Florida initiative may ban RV stealth campers
By Gail Marsh
Governor Ron DeSantis is working with the Florida state legislature to ban RV stealth camping on public property throughout the state. At a press conference on Monday, DeSantis said he wants to prevent situations like the ones in San Francisco, New York, and other locations of homeless encampments throughout the United States. Continue reading.
BLM closes popular boondocking area in Arizona
By Randall Brink
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently announced the closure of a public land area near Apache Junction, Arizona, home to many RV boondockers. The move has sparked dissension and discussion among residents, the homeless community, and outdoor enthusiasts. The closure took effect on February 5, 2024, and marks a significant change for the area, known for its scenic beauty and as a refuge for those without a permanent place to call home. Learn more.
Truckers are frightened by proposed CDL rule changes. Are you?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
RVers sometimes find themselves at odds with the trucking community over road safety issues. This time it appears they could be on the same page. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has proposed a number of changes in the CDL (commercial driver’s license) rules. Aimed at “increasing flexibility,” at least one of the proposals is causing a push-back among truckers, who fear it will make the roadways unsafe. What do you think of these proposed changes?
Market prices indicate now might be the time to buy an RV
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
The latest wholesale used RV market information is out. The December sales figures, according to Eric Lawrence with Black Book, show a mixed bag, with motorhome prices up and towables down. But, says Lawrence, the overall indicators suggest that for some buyers, now might be the time to buy an RV. Continue reading.
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
Campground Crowding (and more!)
“Then he went on social media and told the WORLD about it! It’s the internet that’s ruining RVing!”
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? Is it easier to find a campsite now, particularly in state and national parks? This week, Nanci Dixon shares your observations about how and when to avoid crowded campgrounds, the expectation to pay more in a state park if you’re from out-of-state, increased prices changing how/when RVers travel, and one reader’s complaint that the internet is ruining RVing.
Hitch Ball Lubricant extends the life of your hitch mount!
Protect hitch balls and receivers from corrosion with this high-film strength and waterproof grease. Formulated to stay where you apply it, this lubricant reduces friction, wear, rust, water corrosion and noise. Compatible with any variety of trailer applications like receiver hitches, ball mounts, hitch balls, locks, couplers, jacks, and more. Learn more or order here.
RV Tours
Tour an amazing 2020 Airstream Globetrotter 30
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Mark and Trish from Keep Your Daydream, our readers’ pick for the BEST RV video channel for 2024, for a tour of the Airstream Globetrotter, one of the iconic brand’s larger trailers. Yes, they bought this trailer used, as it is a 2020 model. I think the video is valuable to show you how often the used RV market is your best bet when it comes to buying an RV.
A must-have gadget for RV dumping
Dump Buddy® will change the way you empty your waste tanks. No longer will you need a second set of hands to prevent a spill. Rocks and branches are a thing of the past. Dump Buddy securely fastens your waste hose to the waste pipe, preventing a spill. Whether you are doing a simple dump at the end of a trip or need a more permanent hookup for longer stays, Dump Buddy is there to assist. Read Tony Barthel’s review of it here, or click here to find it on Amazon.
More RVing News
A Reuters® market analyst says a projected increase in U.S. manufacturing could trigger a diesel shortage this year. The analyst, John Kemp, says that manufacturing market indicators point to a return-to-normal increase in industrial production. He says the slowing in U.S. manufacturing is unusual, and has lasted for much longer than a “normal” slowdown, but thinks it’s about over. When that happens, a sort of “perfect storm” could lead to diesel shortages—and higher prices, of course. Here’s more information.
RV sales are down. Way down. For RV retailers, the official 2023 RV retail sales figures are probably no surprise. In fact, they may be hearing a line from Mr. Bojangles: “I met him in a cell in New Orleans, I was down and out.” Indeed, compared to 2022, last year’s sales were decidedly down and out, to the tune of nearly 16% overall. Here’s the breakdown, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.
Idaho BLM campground, Huckleberry Campground, now offers 50-amp service and reservations are now accepted. The campground is located along the shores of the St. Joe River, 29 miles east of St. Maries, Idaho, on St. Joe River Road. Learn more about this upgraded place to camp here.
Sticking to the slow lane since last week, the national average for a gallon of gas dipped slightly for a few days before rising a fraction of a cent higher to $3.15, reports AAA. However, seasonal demand trends, higher costs for oil, and routine refinery maintenance will likely push pump prices slowly higher soon. Read the full report here.
There could be changes afoot that may affect RVers with big rigs at Utah’s Zion National Park. Park staff say they’re “consulting neighbors” and others over concerns of the safety of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. These new concerns could mean dramatic changes. Learn more here.
An atmospheric river created a temporary setback in Death Valley’s road repairs. Several park roads were closed after flash flooding on the night of February 6. Caltrans removed debris and reopened CA-190 by mid-morning on February 7. The National Park Service cleared debris and reopened Badwater Road by late afternoon. Side roads to some attractions are still closed. Learn more about those closed attractions here.
We reported last week that skeletal remains had been located in a California national park. Those remains in Joshua Tree park have now been confirmed to be those of missing hiker Trammell Evans. “We are saddened to share that the remains of Tram Evans have been discovered near Covington Flats in Joshua Tree National Park.” Learn more.
Today marks the Lunar New Year, celebrated in China, South Korea, Vietnam, and around the world. It’s a time to welcome spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar, with festivities centered around family and fortune. Each year is represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon. The holiday lasts 15 days, starting with the first new moon and ending with the first full moon
And, lastly, in case you ever wondered who was behind the National Park Service Twitter (X) account… It’s a prairie dog.
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The best product for holding tank sensor maintenance
Dustin Simpson writes, “I’m sure at some point you’ve emptied your tanks only to find that your sensors are reading full. Over time, holding tank sensor probes build up with sludge/scum and this is what causes incorrect readings. Thetford’s Level Gauge Cleaner is specially formulated to dissolve tissue, waste, sludge and soap scum buildup and works with both black and gray water tanks on all RVs. It prevents buildups and restores level sensor operation fast. Read more about it here.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win this very unique road trip puzzle, shaped like the United States?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (February 10, 2024) by 7 p.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email via RVcontests@gmail.com that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Reader poll
Which team will win tomorrow’s Super Bowl?
So, who will be this year’s Super Bowl Champion, the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers? The game is tomorrow. Voting ends right before kickoff.
RV and RV-Related Recalls
If you’re driving one of these cars, stop or risk danger
If you drive any of the vehicles below, stop right now. You could be in danger. If your vehicle is a 2003 or 2004 Toyota Corolla sedan, 2003 or 2004 Toyota Matrix hatchback or 2004 or 2005 Toyota RAV4 SUV, Toyota does not want you to drive it until a dealership replaces a potentially hazardous recalled airbag. These defective airbags can rupture, projecting sharp metal pieces into the vehicle, posing a grave risk of injury or death to occupants. More information is here.
GM recall for pickups with tailgate pop-open problem
A GM recall for a host of 2020 through 2024 pickups could affect more than 323,000 owners. GM is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate’s electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park. Yikes. Learn more.
Important! Forest River issues two CRITICAL recalls for Prism motorhomes for carbon monoxide danger
If you’re a Prism owner, PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY. Forest River has issued two recalls for Prism motorhomes. We are including information on BOTH recalls here. Be sure to read through to the bottom of the story to see if your motorhome might be on the recall list. This is a critical recall that could mean life or death for you and your loved ones. While they may look redundant, they cover different models and years. Read both recalls here.
Allegro Bay motorhomes recall sparked by fire
Tiffin is recalling certain 2022-2024 Allegro Bay motorhomes. The standard house batteries may shift position during travel, which can cause the battery terminals to contact the steel hold-down bar. Battery terminals that contact the steel hold-down bar can cause electrical arcing and increase the risk of a fire. Learn more.
Some Jayco motorhomes are being recalled for a bad seat weld
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Entegra Anthem, Aspire, Cornerstone, and Reatta XL motorhomes. The pedestal mounting plate on the driver’s seat may be improperly welded, causing the plate to separate and the seat assembly to loosen or detach. Learn more here.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
New Iberia, Louisiana, police would like to hear from anyone who knows something about this missing travel trailer. Parked on a concrete slab in New Iberia, it vanished along with its yellow front level pads sometime before January 20. The 40′ SportTrek by Venture RV was loaded with many of the owner’s possessions. Know something? Call 337-369-2306.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
You want your RV and/or house to smell good, right? Well, this is one way to make it smell good… and looks like you’re keeping your partner and/or spouse for it, too!
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of February 5, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.14
Change from week before: Up 4 cents; Change from year before: Down 31 cents.
Diesel: $3.90
Change from week before: Up 3 cents; Change from year before: Down 65 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Upcoming RV shows
Click here for a directory of upcoming shows.
Recipe of the Day
Super Bowl Taco Showdown
by Pat Thompson from Memphis, TN
Truth be told, we could sit down in front of the big game and make quite a dent in this delicious taco salad all by ourselves! It’s easy to make and very filling. Adding Italian dressing makes this different than other taco salad recipes. It’s surprisingly delicious and brings a hint of tangy flavor.
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Trivia
According to the National Chicken Council’s 2024 Wing Report, Americans will devour 1.45 billion wings while watching Kansas City and San Francisco battle for the championship trophy tomorrow.
Laugh of the Week
A few groaners for you:
• Where does Batman go to the bathroom? The batroom.
• What do you call a pony with a sore throat? A little horse.
• What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me, something smells.
• Why didn’t the melons get married? Because they cantaloupe.
• What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
Today in History
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg and Cheri Sicard. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Social Media staff: Gary Pratt. Mascots: Archie and Astor “the Disaster”
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
RVtravel.com is a participant in many affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of the potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
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It may be helpful if you mention whether the stolen RV’s you feature had hitch locks installed at the time of the theft. This could serve as a wakeup call to anyone who does not lock up their hitch. Even when we are in a gated RV park we always install our 5th wheel lock. Better safe than sorry, IMHO. Your thoughts?
If our 5th wheel is not being connected or disconnected, the tongue is locked. Either the truck hitch is locked or the open pin is locked along with tires
Glad to see they have upgraded the electrical at Huckleberry campground. We camped there a few years ago and “fried” our a/c due to low voltage. Had to replace the whole unit.