RV Travel Newsletter for Saturday, June 1, 2024

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Saturday, June 1, 2024
Issue 1159
Free, abbreviated edition

 Featured articles 

Used RV price averages go up, but maybe not why you think

“The average values for both motorhomes and towables sold at wholesale auctions rose for the second month in a row,” reports Black Book’s Eric Lawrence. Used RV price averages did go up, but there’s a tweak in the statistics that may give a false impression. So what’s behind the break in the pattern? Hang on, as we look a little more closely.

Would you rather pay more for fuel tax or pay mileage fee?

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A survey of Americans across the board shows many are willing to take a ten-cent hike in the federal fuel tax. Others think that ditching the gas tax in favor of a “fee per mile” would be better. As an RVer, would you rather pay more for fuel tax or pay a mileage fee? Before you get the chance to answer, there are a few things to know.

Devastating tornado slams KOA, launches RVs across the park

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
An Airstream trailer flew the length of a football field. What superhuman footballer was responsible? The same one that wiped out dozens of RVs at a Claremore, Oklahoma, KOA last weekend. RVs were turned every which way. Some rigs looked like they had been pushed over in some child’s “stack the dominoes” trick. An Airstream trailer flew the length of a football field and landed wheels up. Click here for the full story.

New scam targets private RV sellers

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Want to sell your RV? You’ll probably get more selling it yourself than by consigning it, but watch out, you could attract scammers. This scam targets private RV sellers, and several have reportedly fallen victim. Police in the U.K. say several people selling their motorhomes have been approached by a pair of men. In a typical “transaction,” they seem quite keen on the rig, in some cases handing over cash to the seller. In other cases, they transfer funds to the seller. All to the good, eh? Not quite… 

Campground Crowding (and more!)
Should state parks publicize their policies about “vagrants”?

RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon relates your concerns including one RVer’s comment about getting public campsites at half-price on a limited income, but with water and electric charged it’s almost full price. That same RVer also commented that private campsites are “out” due to the cost, and mention that even with their pop-up they have to pay the same rate as a 30-footer. Several RVers share their philosophy and positive attitudes about the advantages of RVing. But one RVer reports, “We usually try and stay at state parks, but we now ask about their vagrant policies.” Do you think those policies should be made public?

Click here to read

RV walk-through
Noovo Plus Class B motorhome, with drop-down bed, is impressive

By Cheri Sicard
The Noovo Plus is an impressive camper van built on the Super High Roof platform, with an innovative electrical lift bed and a unique U-shaped living room. With a 7-foot ceiling, the Noovo Plus offers an ideal home for off-grid living and remote working. If you are a tall person who has been searching for a Class B camper van, the Noovo Plus might fit the bill.

Click here to tour

More RVing News

A hiker in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park survived a grizzly bear attack when a miracle occurred. Shayne Patrick Burke, a disabled Army Reserve veteran, described his encounter with a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park as “the most violent” experience of his life. On a hike to photograph owls, Burke spotted a grizzly cub and was soon attacked by its mother. Here’s the crazy story of what happened next.

One source calls glamping “camping with training wheels.” Eight million people went glamping last year—9% of all campers. People are looking for a soft landing in the campground. And campground owners are responding, putting in more yurts, platform tents, and cozy cabins. So, will park owners decide to turn more and more RV sites into glamping sites? Will glamping sites push out RVers? Here’s more info.

FMCA, the Family Motor Coach Association, has cut the frequency of its printed Family RVing Magazine from monthly to every-other month. It is also polling members to determine if they are okay with digital-only publication.

National Park Service officials deny unpatriotic allegations in which construction workers in Denali National Park were supposedly told to remove the American flag from their trucks and heavy equipment. The crew is currently working on a 475-foot-long bridge in the park. On May 16, 2024, the NPS released a statement repudiating the original report…

This year has been relatively easy on RVers’ wallets fuel-wise. Prices for both gasoline and diesel have been fairly stable, even drifting down somewhat. Energy price pundits suggested we might skate by until hurricane season. But as we reported a few days ago, the 2024 hurricane season looks like it could be a busy one. Hold onto your hats, and wallets—hurricane season could jack up RV fuel prices.

The Bureau of Land Management says a wildfire that blasted through Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas early this week was caused by a shooter. Not only is the Red Rock Canyon area popular for RVers and other campers, the conservation area is home to the endangered desert tortoise. Their presence may have slowed response time for firefighters. Here’s the full story.

In a move one trucking industry official describes as a “money grab,” Colorado has a new law aimed at big trucks. To bring the hammer down on those who hammer the accelerator, fines for speeding will double for commercial rigs. Even though the new law doesn’t directly apply to RVers, some takeaways could help them.

April RV shipments: Travel trailers are keeping RV manufacturers alive. While the RV Industry Association says wholesale RV shipments to dealers are up 9.5%, there’s much more to know. Right now, travel trailers are keeping RV manufacturers alive. That’s our sum-up from the April 2024 RVIA shipment survey. Here’s the full story.

The National Park Service has finalized a Day Use Visitor Access Plan for Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. The plan manages day use visitor access in a way that protects the park’s resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations. The plan establishes two timed entry reservation systems from late-May through mid-October. Here are the details.

Free U.S. fishing days are here! Time to introduce your travel partner, child, or grandchildren to the joys of fishing, and if you act fast you can fish for free. Many U.S. states allow both fishing pros and novices a chance to fish without a license, and for many places, these special free fishing days happen during the first weekend in June (that’s now!). Here’s the full list.

And, lastly, in funny National Park Service X posts…

TODAY IS NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY!
It’s the best day of the year! Go play!

What’s new at campgrounds and RV parks

Stay up to date on news about campgrounds and RV parks across North America. Every week, learn about new parks, expansions, or special events coming up at campgrounds throughout North America. Read this week’s latest news here.

Saturday Giveaway!

How would you like to win this BBQ/picnic caddy?

Carry all your BBQ/grilling and picnic supplies with one hand and keep them organized, too! This BBQ caddy holds a roll of paper towels, condiments, tongs, spatulas, plates, and more!

Click here to enter!

Reader poll
Do you like your RV’s interior color scheme?

Tell us here

RV and RV-Related Recalls

Aluminum Trailer Company recalls toy haulers for fire risk

Another RV manufacturer suffers from the Suburban stove backlight syndrome. This time Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Toy Hauler 5th wheel trailers. The LED backlight circuit board in the cooktop range may fail, causing the board to overheat. More info here.

BAD NEWS DEPARTMENT
U.S. fire officials are concerned about the upcoming wildfire season. Upwards of a quarter of the U.S. government’s wildland firefighting jobs are vacant. One reason: Pay is low and risks are high. Forests are overgrown, and rising heat and drought add to the dangers. The federal government will likely continue using private contractors or borrowing crews from Mexico and Canada, which is not ideal. — NPR

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
These are some of those “must-have” RVing gadgets that not everyone has! You’ll see why. Don’t you dare store your “that” without this! 

Latest fuel prices

Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of May 27, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.58
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Up <1 cent.
Diesel: $3.76
Change from week before: Down 3 cents; Change from year before: Down 10 cents.

For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.

2024 guide helps keep gun-carrying RVers out of trouble
Through the years, this book has been our all-time best seller. And now, the 2024 edition is hot off the press. For RVers who carry a firearm with them when they travel from state to state, the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States is considered an essential reference. It is an easily readable narrative designed to unlock the complexities of state firearm laws. Readers agree it is indispensable for staying on the road and out of jail. Learn more about it here.

Recipe of the Day
Buffalo Cheeseburger, Crunchified

by Stormi Choate from Friona, TX

We love the spiciness of the Buffalo cheeseburger recipe. Infusing the burger patties with pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick to the burgers. And, the sauce… It’s zesty and slightly tangy with a hint of heat from Buffalo sauce. Blue cheese crumbles bring their bold flavor. Topping with potato chips adds crunch. This is a savory and indulgent cheeseburger with a unique twist.

Click here for the recipe

Trivia

The smallest state park in the United States is the “Acton State Historic Site” in Texas. This park is only 0.01 acres in size! It’s unique because it contains the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, the second wife of the famous frontiersman Davy Crockett.

The Perfect Scam

When James receives a call from a company offering to sell his Lake Tahoe time-share, he jumps at the chance to offload it. They find a buyer in Mexico and draw up a contract through an escrow company in New York City. James is told he only has to pay a fee to transfer the property, which will be reimbursed by the buyer. Unexpected fees and expenses continue to pile up, but James does not get any closer to completing the sale. Little does he know that his time-share sale is connected to a dangerous Mexican drug cartel.

Laugh of the Week

Today in History

RVtravel.com All Star Team

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