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Saturday, April 13, 2024
Issue 1152
Free, abbreviated edition
Featured articles
Grand Design’s motorhome debut: marvel or misfire? Anticipation turns to skepticism
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
With a press release full of superlatives, Grand Design RV has announced its entry into the motorized RV market. Dubbed “Lineage,” GD’s new Class C units are slated to roll out to dealers in July. What will the first Grand Design motorhome be like? There’s the mystery, and Grand Design’s own media folks aren’t helping much. Here’s what we know so far, and how potential customers have responded.
Woman riding in Airstream falls out, dies from fall
It’s a good warning to us all. For motorists traveling behind an Airstream trailer, it must have been a nightmare. They watched as a woman riding in the moving RV fell out and landed on the highway. Sadly, this is not a work of fiction, but actually happened last Saturday on New York’s State Route 12E in Brownville. Here are the details.
Make money filming campgrounds
Looking for a fun way to make some extra cash? Campground Views, a membership service that allows RVers and other campers to drive virtually through campgrounds and RV parks (just like with Google Street View) to find campsites they like, is looking for some help. And there could be excellent pay involved for the right person. Here’s more information.
Texans sue SpaceX in land dispute over Boca Chica State Park
By Randall Brink
SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink and a company synonymous with space innovation, has recently become a central figure in a controversial land swap deal at a popular RV destination in South Texas. This deal has sparked not only legal battles but also a heated debate over environmental and cultural preservation. Continue reading.
WE’RE HIRING! We’re looking for a news writer to join our team
Do you have a background in journalism? Love to write and know RVing inside out? Do you have a nose for news? If so, send an email to editor (at) rvtravel.com and tell us why we need you. Must have a background in deadline writing, and provide writing samples. This is a paid freelance position. Work from anywhere. Pay depends mostly on your skills and how much you choose to be involved. No beginners, please. Send an email to us at editor(at)rvtravel.com if interested. Thanks!
Campground Crowding (and more!)
Local parks feeling more like “housing” areas than RV parks; plus, RVing long-term is just “not financially feasible now”
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 your comments including from folks who had planned to RV for 10 years but have had to change their plans because it’s no longer financially feasible, plus lack of repair facilities, and increasingly unpleasant campers. Other RVers offer their perspectives on the causes of crowded campgrounds and what to do about no-shows, and some others explain how they make their RVing lives fun and meaningful.
RV Tours
Tour the 2024 Nexus Wraith—a super value, Super C motorhome
By Cheri Sicard
In [this video] we join Izzy and MJ from Endless RVing (one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards) for a tour of the 2024 Nexus Wraith, an impressive Super C motorhome that’s been completely redesigned for this year.
More RVing News
FDA warns you to not use these pain creams. You probably know that taking too many NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can lead to serious kidney damage. But many RVers are finding their personal “mileage” is leading to aches and pains. Some are turning to over-the-counter analgesic creams to slather on those painful spots, but the FDA is warning consumers not to use certain over-the-counter analgesic (pain relief) products. Here’s why, and what for.
Police bodycam footage of the aftermath of a wild motorhome chase from last month has been released. The rollicking Class C chase took off in Kearns, Utah, on March 19 when an RVer decided to take off after being stopped by police. According to the officer’s report, “As I approached on the passenger side, the RV reversed and rammed my police cruiser and fled the scene.” Another police took off on a chase. Before the 10-minute pursuit ended, at least four other cars were clobbered. Watch this crazy video!
Comparing internet WiFi just got easier. A new broadband label will make internet service comparisons easier. Under the FCC’s new requirements, broadband labels are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet services. The labels are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that best meets their needs and budget. Here are the details.
BLM camping fees could jump nearly 40% at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site near Three Rivers, New Mexico. More than 21,000 petroglyphs make this BLM site a popular draw. Visitors can view many glyphs from a one-mile walking path. The BLM is now taking public comment on its business plan which would mean big jumps in camping and day-use fees. Here are the specifics.
Should RVers be concerned about catching bird flu? A person in Texas is being treated for avian influenza (bird flu), according to a report from state officials. The deadly virus has sickened dairy cows in five states in recent weeks. Should RVers, who travel often from place to place, be worried about catching it? And, what exactly happens if they should contract the illness?
RVers traveling in the West often enjoy the sight of wild horses running on the open range. Travelers who cherish this vestige of the Old West wild horse country will be pleased with a recent U.S. federal court decision in favor of the horses. The decision represents the latest dispute in the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation and land management.
What kills people in national parks? There are 428 sites managed by the Park Service and each year, on average, 240 people die on those lands. How does that stack up statistically? With 300 million visitors per year, the chances of an untimely accidental death are slim—just eight-tenths in a million, but earlier this year, backpacker.com did a deep dive into nearly 20 years’ worth of statistics from the National Park Service. The site wanted to know, what kills people in national parks? Here, in brief form, is what they found.
Got mobility issues but still want to get out and see the land? A Colorado state park is making it easier. Cheyenne Mountain State Park’s TerrainHoppers give folks with mobility problems a lift. What’s a TerrainHopper? Think of it as a power chair on steroids. The $30,000 vehicles are designed to carry mobility-challenged people at walking speed across a variety of surfaces from flat trails to dirt, gravel and even on rocky inclines up to 35 degrees. More info can be found here.
February RV purchases: The RV dealers’ sales report isn’t pretty. A couple of weeks ago we reported on the latest RV manufacturers-to-dealers shipment numbers. The boil-out was that RV dealers are “off” of motorhomes, and apparently putting their bets on more folks buying towables like travel trailers and fifth wheels. Hot on the heels of that report, here comes what RV buyers are thinking, based on what they’re buying. It’s not pretty.
In case you missed this earlier—this weekend marks the start of the Yosemite National Park entrance reservation system. In an attempt to ease congestion and overcrowding, “Peak Hours Plus” is now in play. Here’s how it works.
RVers planning trips and watching the budget, here’s news. A week went by without motor fuel prices changing—but then, sure enough, they jumped. Gasoline prices jumped 6.5 cents a gallon to $3.57. At the same time, diesel fuelers can take greater comfort. Diesel rose 3.1 cents a gallon, up to $4.02 a gallon. Is there good news at the fuel pump?
Are you one of the millions who took to the road to watch last week’s eclipse? RVs played a big role in the solar eclipse, as you may have “observed” yourself. As touted by the RV Industry Association, one survey showed just how big a part recreational vehicles played in this solar achievement. The industry reports that Cairn Consulting said 29% of all those traveling for leisure would take in the big event. Here are the numbers.
North Vancouver, British Columbia, rescuers are familiar with the Kennedy Falls trail. A popular hike in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, it’s tough enough that people often get lost there. But last week, rescuers came out with a rescuee on a stretcher—with four legs. Kobe the dog went over the falls! Here’s Kobe’s scary story.
And lastly, this week’s funny National Park Service post from their Instagram account. Their post reads, “Fun fact. Most bobcats don’t go by ‘Bob.’ To put it simply, some insist on ‘Robert.’ Others prefer Rob, Robbie, Bo, Bobbi, Bobette, Roberta, Bobella, Kevin, and Bobina.”
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Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win this Easy Campfire Cooking cookbook?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (April 13, 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 (and article)
What’s your preference: gated or non-gated RV parks?
RV and RV-Related Recalls
Jayco recalls five lines of motorhomes for power steering issue
Jayco has recalled certain 2020-2022 Entegra Esteem, Odyssey, and Jayco Greyhawk, Redhawk and Greyhawk Prestige motorhomes. An inadequate connection between the power steering pressure line and the brake hydroboost unit could result in a sudden loss of power steering fluid. A sudden loss of power steering fluid can result in a loss of power steering and power brake assist, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Learn more.
Forest River recalls travel trailers due to improper wiring
An internal audit at a manufacturing plant indicates that up to 1,552 travel trailers may be improperly wired, which may lead to potential fires. The bad wiring job means Forest River, is recalling certain 2024 Aurora and Coachmen Catalina Travel Trailers. Improper routing may leave the distribution panel wire unprotected from the battery. An unprotected wire increases the risk of a fire. Read more.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
Please be on the lookout for this 2019 Grey Wolf trailer. It’s silver, grey and black with a blue stripe. A large grey wolf is pictured on the front. The spare tire cover on the back has a camper with a bear playing a guitar. Stolen from a storage lot within the last few days. Last seen in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The license tag is LNBM32.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Now this is reel camping fun! Cast a line and bring it back with a roasted marshmallow. Yeah, count us in! We want this!
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of April 8, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.59
Change from week before: Up 7 cents; Change from year before: Down <1 cent.
Diesel: $4.06
Change from week before: Up 7 cents; Change from year before: Down 4 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
Grilled Mahi Mahi With Papaya BBQ Sauce
by Malinda Coletta from North Providence, RI
The papaya barbecue sauce on this grilled mahi mahi is amazing. Papaya is mixed with onion, sugar, rice vinegar, and juice and zest from a lemon and lime. A Scotch Bonnet pepper adds a lot of heat, so use it sparingly. It can be left out, and the homemade barbecue sauce will be just as delicious. It pairs well with the mild and sweet-tasting Mahi Mahi. The sauce can be used with any white fish. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or pork, too.
Trivia
A recent study by FinanceBuzz found that McDonald’s prices have increased by 100% since 2014. Ten years ago, the average price of a 10-piece McNuggets meal was $5.99. Now, the meal usually goes for $10.99.
The Perfect Scam
The Perfect Scam is a weekly podcast profiling America’s biggest scams. Listen to experts tell stories from fraud victims and their families.
This week, we bring you an important episode about a new development in the tech world that threatens to make things much easier for criminals — artificial intelligence. AI is already being used to supercharge the common grandparent and impostor scams because it’s relatively cheap and easy to clone a person’s voice and make it say whatever you want. In just the first few minutes of this podcast from AARP you will realize how dangerous this scam can be.
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. 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.
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So now people are upset that prices have doubled at McDonald’s. Who do you think was going to pay for the minimum wage tripling? Yep, you got it, the consumer.
They got what they voted for massive inflation.
True. The powers that be that create the rules are the least affected by them. In this case get ready for more job losses as people are replaced by machines, not to mention store closings.
The largest franchise owner of Burger King’s in California is cutting back employees, hours and installing self serve kiosks to order from cutting jobs.
The pay at fast food places and some other places were never meant to be a living wage, but more of a supplemental income or a first time job for younger or retired people.
Somehow Dairy Queen can still offer the $7 meal deal (used to be $5) that includes the meal, drink, and a sundae! WAY better deal than McD!
Plus, it tastes better and is made at the time of order. Everything at Mickey D’s tastes the same and sits in warming bins waiting to be slapped together.
Cheaper to go the frozen food section of your local grocery and air fry em. I do not fast food and I am finding the local restaurants are far cheaper to get a nice 10 dollar meal then what the fast food charges. Just a thought.
I had to laugh at the Mystery Product. Part of the fun of roasting over an open fire is turning the fork in the flames and watching the marshmallow catch fire.
What’s next, a battery operated fork??
some of those mystery products of the day are just way too funny, keep ’em coming, the highlight of starting the day with a good laugh
Hi, Robin. That’s probably the most fun I have proofing the newsletters, i.e., seeing what Emily has picked out for the day’s Mystery Product.😄 Well, that and the Joke of the Day.😄 Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Those fast food junk places are a waste of money…and ones health.
Trivia. The price increase is “only” 83.5%. Who checks the math on this stuff? lol
I totally get that the RV incident was totally tragic but I have been told never to ride in one while its being towed and this just proves it. Stupid is as stupid does. I also was told it is a fine if they catch you in one. Lesson learned. As for RVing? I have a seasonal site in Maine. I am tired of towing a trailer. Like to go to one spot and rest for the summer. Can we say snow bird?
Tried twice today to look at the Nexus RV video. Both times the video quit and cycled back to the beginning. I was on my desktop.
Hi, Barrie. Not that I had time to watch the whole video (lots of proofing left to do on tomorrow’s newsletter)…but I did, just to see if it worked for me. It did. And I haven’t seen any other comments about folks having problems viewing the entire video, so it must be something on your computer? Sorry. Have a good evening. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com