Welcome to the RVtravel.com newsletter. Be sure to check out all our other RV-related newsletters.
This is the abbreviated free edition of this newsletter. For the ad-free, full edition, please become a voluntary subscriber for a one-time donation of your choice. Your support means a lot to us!
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Issue 1147
Free, abbreviated edition
NOTICE DIFFERENT ADS IN THIS ISSUE?
We’ve made some changes. Publisher Chuck Woodbury will explain in tomorrow’s newsletter.
Featured articles
Bye-bye biodiesel? Chevron may foreshadow the future
Biodiesel, that renewable biofuel, has been heavily touted as a way to reduce carbon emissions. But does a move by Chevron suggest we may soon say bye-bye biodiesel? Chevron’s renewable energy group has shut down two big biodiesel production plants. Learn more.
RV stocks take a beating this week; Thor drops like a rock
Big RV manufacturer Thor announced it had missed its profit expectations for last quarter. As big as Thor is in the market, other RV stocks took a beating based on the news. Thor Industries Inc.’s stock dropped like a rock, falling 14% in morning trades. The company revised its predictions for fiscal year 2024. Continue reading.
Train versus motorhome – RVer escapes death by seconds (Video)
If RVers are like cats with nine lives, one in Langley, British Columbia, used up one of his nine lives this week. On Tuesday, a Class A motorhome decided to conk out in the worst place—on a railroad crossing. It was a case of train versus motorhome, and the outcome was predictable. Watch the RV get blown to smithereens here.
Starlink Roam news for the week of March 4, 2024
This week’s Starlink news reported by Randall Brink includes: SpaceX is gearing up for the third test flight of Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, with a target launch date set for March 14; New Jersey man arrested for trafficking Starlink terminals; and an update on Starlink’s 10,000+ space lasers! Read the Starlink news here.
Check recalls on your vehicle using your license plate number
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a new tool allowing consumers to check for recalls using only a vehicle’s license plate number, making it even easier to learn about new recalls. Here’s how it works.
Campground Crowding (and more!)
Disabled veteran writes of being turned down at campgrounds, judged, and snubbed; plus, are campgrounds really ‘handicap-accessible’?
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs than has been the recent trend. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your stories regarding the difficulty in finding campsites in certain areas, pros and cons of work camping, the benefits of boondocking over resorts, and the often-expressed opinion that RVing still beats staying in hotels. Plus, one wounded Marine combat veteran vents about what he and others in a similar position have to deal with frequently after fighting to defend our rights. (What about their rights? Hmmm?)
RV Tours
Class B+ 2024 Coachmen Cross Trail EV 20XG Xtreme
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join The Vancaskeys for a tour of the 2024 Coachmen Cross Trail EV 20XG Xtreme, a Class B+ motorhome with a lot going for it. Coachmen makes several versions of this motorhome, but in the video, we are looking at the EV Extreme version with enhanced electronic and off-road features. If I were in the market for a Class B motorhome, I have to say, this one would be high on my list.
JUST A REMINDER! The RVtravel.com YouTube channel is back and better than ever! Learn more about what’s to come with our good friend and host Keith Ward. Keith, take it away!
More RVing News
Here’s a new one for you — a traveling lake! It just happened in California’s Death Valley National Park. Sustained high winds blew Lake Manly about two miles north. The winds also sped up evaporation, lowering the water level. Are we kidding you about this? Nope. It’s true. More information on the moving lake is here.
Last November we reported on proposed legislation in Utah that could see road-ragers’ cars taken away from them. That legislation has gone from proposed to passed, and is now headed to the governor. Many RVtravel.com readers commented on the story, some concerned that rights were at stake. But in Utah, road rage isn’t just flipping the bird, if you will. Continue reading.
A famous NASCAR racer has bought a new RV. He won’t be breaking any speed records in his new ride, but the famous, two-time Daytona 500 winner is still excited. Look who’s RVing! It’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. RVers were curious to find out which RV Earnhardt bought. Would it be a fifth wheel toy hauler? Or maybe a unique, two-story rig pulled by a semi? No, on both counts. He bought a… Well, click here to find out.
Yellowstone National Park gets a $40 million anonymous donation. Wow! Was it you? The donation to bring in new housing was addressed as an “urgent need.” See what they plan on using that big (to say the least) chunk of cash for here.
The U.S. Forest Service has indefinitely closed Miracle Hot Springs in Sequoia National Forest, California, following two tragic deaths at the site. The closure highlights serious concerns about public safety at this popular, but remote, hot springs destination. Read more about those deaths, and what this means for this popular destination.
File this in the “dumb crooks” category. The area bomb squad got a call-out when Douglas County, Colorado, sheriff’s officers found a hand grenade in an RV. It might never have happened if those involved hadn’t put out “cop bait” on the RV. Why would they do that? Find out here.
Gas prices jump. Again. Pump prices have maintained a steady march higher, rising eight cents since last week to $3.39. More expensive oil is a likely culprit, as crude accounts for nearly 60% of pump prices. More info can be found here.
Problems spur a management swap at Crater Lake National Park. Over the past several years, problems with the contract concessionaire, Crater Lake Hospitality, raised concerns about the park’s management, prompting the National Park Service (NPS) to threaten to terminate the contract. Park officials announced Monday, March 4, that ExplorUS, a Kansas-based hospitality company, will take over the concessions contract at Crater Lake. Here’s what that means.
Greater demand for camping has prompted a Colorado field office of the Bureau of Land Management to spend some big money. Since 2019 to today, the Royal Gorge Field Office of the BLM spent a million dollars on expanding camping site availability and comfort at two campgrounds. Learn more.
If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Washington state’s Olympic National Park, you’ve probably seen them. Perched on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch Lodge invites guests to meals and overnight accommodations. For decades, people have listened to the crashing waves from cabins above the beach. But erosion of the bluff in front of those popular cabins is leading to their demolition.
Most associate spring break with beaches in Florida—but Texas has its own spring break capital. As the weather warms up, expect big crowds at Big Bend National Park. The Park Service has issued a warning.
RVer? Aviation lover? This is for you! The Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, is a paradise for aviation enthusiasts and RVers alike. Held from April 13 to 18, this event promises an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of an airshow with the comfort of RV camping. More information can be found here.
And, lastly, our favorite Tweet of the week from the National Park X (formerly Twitter) account:
Don’t miss out on the latest, breaking news for RVers!
Stay up to date with the news! Get the latest news about RVing every weekday afternoon straight to your inbox. Sign up to receive these timely emails here. (You can easily unsubscribe if you wish.)
Don’t want to sign up? Don’t worry. This Saturday newsletter isn’t going anywhere. Continue reading this newsletter every week for a recap of the latest news for RVers.
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win these National Park compression packing cubes?
Not only do these packing cubes keep your drawers, closet, and suitcases organized, but these are compression packing cubes, meaning the air gets sucked out of them so they take up half the space! And they’re National Park themed—how cool is that?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (March 9, 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
Do you have Starlink?
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.
RV and RV-Related Recalls
Toyota is recalling some Tacoma trucks for axle shaft problems
Toyota is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners. This can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Up to 381,199 pickups may be affected. Learn more.
Jayco recalls popular model motorhomes for fire risk
Jayco is recalling seven motorhome models for fire risk. The battery relay contactors may become stuck in the closed position. Relays that are stuck in the closed position increase the risk of a fire during battery charging. Learn more.
Shock hazard leads to Winnebago recall
Winnebago is recalling certain 2024 Solis motorhomes. The lavatory may have an incorrect standard outlet installed when there should be a GFCI-protected outlet. A lack of proper circuit protection increases the risk of electric shock and injury. More info here.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
This 2016 Thor Tuscany motorhome was stolen Feb. 29 from a storage facility in Sublimity, Oregon. The Oregon license number is D24179, the VIN is 4UZAB2DT0GCHS0369. The town is southeast of Salem along state route 22. If you spot it, call the local police at 503-588-5032.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of March 4, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.35
Change from week before: Up 10 cents; Change from year before: Down 4 cents.
Diesel: $4.02
Change from week before: Down 4 cents; Change from year before: Down 26 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
Corned Beef Gravy
by Amanda Michelle from Hebron, KY
This creamy gravy is filled with corned beef in every bite. It’s a great twist on gravy to go over toast or biscuits. Easy to make, this can be prepared in a snap. Serve for breakfast or dinner. We poured it over homemade biscuits, and it was fantastic. This budget-friendly recipe has a St. Patrick’s Day feel to it.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This here ain’t no “barrel” but you can get a “beer and a ball” inside! Well, not really, but it’s so realistic it sure looks like you could. How fun would this be to make?
Trivia
Earth’s population may be up to 8.1 billion, but that’s nothing compared to the 27 billion chickens we share our planet with!
Laugh of the Week
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. Director of Video: Keith Ward. 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.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020
This newsletter is copyright 2024 by RV Travel LLC.
The pop up ads have made this RV newsletter, annoying and unreadable. Sorry to see it go from my daily view.
Somebody has to foot the bill. No such thing as free lunch. Man up and donate. Easily worth my small donation. 10 cents a day brings me great information and entertainment.
We get it but you must admit it’s pretty excessive and counter productive when the ads become the focus of the article?
Agree. Unfortunately this won’t help the newer readers discover how great this newsletter really is. All the additional and excessive ads dissuade readers focus away from the material.
The ads don’t bother me at all the news letter is very interesting and informative to me.
Every time I scroll down, it reverts to the top again. It’s not the ads. Yuck.
Your Saturday drawing link jumps directly to Amazon product page. Does not go to sign up.
keep scrolling…the link is lower in the article
change your DNS server to one that filters out ads
The ads do not bother me. I do not pay attention to them. Only read what you put in the newsletter. Still enjoy it now for about 10 years. Go Chuck and crew.
Your ads are very annoying. Sorry to see the newsletter go from my daily reading.
The new ads are so distracting it is no longer enjoyable to read the newsletter. This may be the last one I read.
Get off your phone and get on your laptop with an ad blocker and you won’t see them.