RV Travel Newsletter for Saturday, June 29, 2024

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Saturday, June 29, 2024
Issue 1163
Free, abbreviated edition

 Featured articles 

Florida RV dealer Gigi Stetler arrested for theft of state funds

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A prominent Florida RV dealer is up on charges of theft of state funds. Gigi Stetler, 62, was arrested Wednesday night, June 26, and is facing a possible 30 years behind bars if convicted. The State of Florida says Stetler, through her parent company, RV Sales of Broward, has “collected and failed to pay a minimum of $471,447.35 in sales tax” to the Florida Department of Revenue from May 2019 to June 2023. Learn more.

“World debut!” Grand Design finally unveils its Lineage Class C motorhome

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
After a few “cutesy” video peek-a-boos of their new rig, they’ve finally done it. Grand Design has finally shown its Lineage motorhome, upfront and personal. There’s a lot of the same-old-stuff and some added bling. We’ve sifted through the details from a “salesman’s tour” and focused on the standout points. Here’s the first look.

Man steals truck camper with people sleeping in back

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Imagine the nightmare of waking in the middle of the night in your RV. But instead of being safely parked, the rig is rolling down the road. In this case, it was not a bad dream, but a real situation. It happened earlier this month in Boulder, Colorado, when a man stole a truck camper with two people sleeping inside.

New study proves wearing these colors attracts mosquitoes

By Gail Marsh
When it comes to avoiding mosquito bites, there are several proven strategies you can use to keep these pesky bugs at bay. These strategies were developed through the work performed by dedicated scientists, like Jeffrey Riffell, biology professor and researcher at the University of Washington. Riffell and his team study how mosquitos use their senses of smell and sight to locate and attack a food source (like a human!). Here are their findings. (Don’t wear these colors around the campsite!) 

Campground crowding (and more!)
“With all these extra fees, campsites are adding up to $300 a night!”

RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your concerns regarding “selfish people reserve all the weekends” at campgrounds, making it difficult for overnight or weekend campers to find a campsite. Also, at some campgrounds the price for a site is approaching $300 per night with all of the add-on fees. Yikes! And there’s an interesting suggestion about bringing back the Civilian Conservation Corps, “to help return our precious parks and land to a condition that makes us proud.” [That might also help solve some other ever-worsening societal problems. Hmmm. What do you think?]

Click here to read

RV walk-through
The mighty, feature-full 2024 Jayco Comet 18C Class B van

By Cheri Sicard
In this video, Isaac from Where RV Going gives us a tour of the Jayco Comet 18C, a compact Class B camper van with lots of great features. I was impressed with the large, rear wet bath with shower, folding sink, and cassette toilet. The toilet swivels, something I had not seen before, so you can find your perfect position. The decent-sized hanging wardrobe closet surprised me, too, as I have seen smaller closets in much larger RVs.

Click here read more and take the tour

More RVing news

Last Friday, RVtravel.com’s Gail Marsh reported on the tragic and senseless killing of an RVer in Nebraska. Gary Weaver was stopped at an Interstate 80 rest stop when accosted by a man who demanded his Jeep toad. The altercation resulted in the RVer’s rest stop murder, and the serious injury of his wife, Mary. Authorities say they now have recovered video of the incident, and charges have been filed against the alleged murderer.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Four miles of Interstate 5 in Southwest Portland, Oregon, is closed in all directions through 5 a.m. Monday while crews rebuild the overpass across Southwest 26th Avenue. Headed north-south? Take I-205.

A popular national park campground is closed… because of fleas. We have never heard of a national park campground closing because of fleas. But that was the plan on June 25, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. Title 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) authorizes the park superintendent to temporarily close all or a portion of a park area in order to protect park resources and public health and safety. Here are the itchy details.

“After two consecutive months of increases, the average values for both motorhomes and towables sold at wholesale auctions reversed course and declined slightly last month,” says Black Book market watcher Eric Lawrence. This information is for auctions that took place in May, the most recent month available for review. RV wholesale prices dropped, but there’s more to the story than that.

Huge hurricane-force winds blasted into central Oklahoma Tuesday. Those more-than-gusty winds blew over Camping World rigs in Oklahoma City. Camping World wasn’t the only recipient of damage. The winds blasted from Tuesday night clear into Wednesday. Residents and businesses likewise suffered as trees snapped off, and limbs blasted onto properties and roadways. See the damage here.

In other windy news… Those same Oklahoma winds as above picked up this travel trailer, dropped it down, and smashed it to bits. This news video will not be promoted by the PR folks at the RV Industry Association (RVIA). Yes, what you see here is indeed an RV, our guess is a 5th wheel trailer. Oh, but wait: it’s not a trailer, it WAS a trailer. See the pictures, watch the video, and be very thankful this was not your RV!

Here’s something you don’t hear every day… A farmer is using RVers’ gray and black water to irrigate his crops. Wait, what?! Ever wonder where the poop goes when you pull the handle to dump your waste tanks? If you camp at the Jellystone Park in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, it goes to the farmer next door to irrigate his crops. Tell me more…

Play soccer with an elk? Sure! A pair of teenagers in Evergreen, Colorado, experienced a delightful surprise during their backyard soccer game when a curious elk decided to join in the fun and play along with them. The spontaneous encounter was captured on camera by their mom, Shira Moffatt, who described the scene as both “unexpected” and “incredible.” Watch the amazing, and very fun, video here.

New RV shipments from manufacturers to dealers are continuing the same trend they have for months. If you’re big into manufacturing motorhomes, you’re in big trouble. Manufacturers who turn out travel trailers and fifth wheels are feeling hopeful. Let’s break down the numbers from the RV Industry Association’s May 2024 survey of manufacturers.

It’s been three weeks since the “catastrophic” landslide that closed the Idaho to Jackson, Wyoming, Teton Pass highway. Three weeks of misery for RVers looking to get into the scenic country. But three weeks of misery is about to end. Teton Pass reopened on Friday, June 28. The big question is, can RVers use the pass?

Speaking of road closures… California’s Highway 154, a vital artery connecting the Santa Ynez Valley to Santa Barbara, has been closed indefinitely after severe cracks were discovered in the roadway on June 21, 2024. The sudden closure has sparked significant concerns about infrastructure safety and has left commuters and local businesses scrambling to adjust. Here’s the full story.

Colorado cracks down and is issuing hefty fines for “toll-weavers”, when a driver weaves in and out of express toll lanes, crossing over double, solid lines. These fines could cost you more than you think. The state is saying enough is enough! Here are the details.

In a brazen daylight heist, thieves made off with a valuable gold nugget from a shop in Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, AZ. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 25, leaving the local community and authorities stunned. Surveillance footage from the shop captured two men examining the jewelry display. According to reports, one of the suspects managed to grab the most expensive gold nugget before fleeing the scene.

It’s an unusual statistic to report. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic deaths are down, despite the number of miles driven going up. Normally, traffic death tolls go hand-in-hand with mileage driven. So why the difference? Find out here.

Californians once again have the opportunity to enjoy the state’s natural beauty without the barrier of entry fees to their beloved state parks. This pass system will grant them single-vehicle entry to more than 200 state parks, beaches, and recreation areas. Here’s how to get the pass (for free!).

In other state park pass news… The Texas State Parks Pass, which gives passholders and their guests unlimited free day-use access to all 88 Texas State Parks, is increasing its annual price on Sept. 1. This is only the second time the price has increased since the program was instituted in 2004. Here’s the new cost.

Washington, the “Evergreen State,” is a popular destination for out-of-staters, and home to lots of RV enthusiasts. That may explain a rather worrisome statistic. The State Fire Marshal’s office notes that in 2022, some 15 people died in RV fires. The agency wants that number down so it has provided these tips to keep an RV fire-safe.

Glacier National Park officials announced early Saturday morning, June 22, the complete opening of the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, allowing motorized traffic to travel the scenic route between West Glacier and St. Mary. If you plan to drive the road, get all the details here.

The ‘Fasta Pasta’ pasta cooker cooks pasta perfectly; minimal water and no propane
Nanci Dixon writes, “This is my new favorite ‘As seen on TV’ pasta cooker. It really is perfect for the RV!” To cook the perfect pasta all you do is add pasta, water, and microwave. It uses little water and no propane—no “real” cooking involved. Read Nanci’s review of it here. It’s great!

Whatever you do, don’t take a cicada from a Wisconsin State Park! From the file marked “Why would anyone do that?” comes this information about cicadas from Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources. Following multiple reports of individuals harvesting cicadas at Big Foot Beach State Park, the Wisconsin DNR says enforcement actions will be taken against individuals who continue to violate these laws.

Severe weather swept across the Midwest last Saturday, bringing significant disruptions to local businesses and recreational areas. The storms caused extensive flooding and damage, impacting campgrounds and state parks across the Midwest. If you planned a visit to the affected areas, contact the RV campground or state park to ensure that it’s safe to proceed with your plans.

Another mysterious monolith appears, but this time in Colorado. On Wednesday, a tall, shiny pillar was discovered in a privately owned field approximately 70 miles north of Denver in Larimer County, Colorado. Situated about two miles north of Horsetooth Reservoir, the monolith has drawn significant attention from curious onlookers eager to unravel its origins. What’s the story behind these mysterious monoliths? 

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 these retro Class A motorhome string lights?

How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (June 29, 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!

Don’t take a break on your brakes!
Every RVer needs one of these!
Wonder what it would be like to have your brakes go out while you’re going down a long, steep grade? You might find out if your brake fluid is moisture-contaminated. Water in brake fluid boils and can wipe out your braking ability! Buy yourself a brake-fluid tester for about $10 that warns you if there’s too much water in your fluid. Simply dip the tester into your rig’s brake fluid and you’ll be able to see where you stand. Learn more or order.

Reader poll
How comfortable are you at the wheel driving or towing your RV?

Tell us here

RV and RV-related recalls

Ford recalls more than half-million pickup trucks for dangerous defect

Imagine driving down the road and, suddenly, your pickup drops down into first gear. Ford is recalling more than a half-million F-150 pickup trucks for this very problem. A loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor (OSS) and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into first gear, regardless of vehicle speed. More details here.

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE STOLEN RVs?

Latest fuel prices

Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of June 24, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.44
Change from week before: Up <1 cent; Change from year before: Down 13 cents.
Diesel: $3.77
Change from week before: Up 3 cents; Change from year before: Down 3 cents.

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

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This is el cool-o! We can’t say too much for fear of giving it away, but we’ll just tell you to have some tortilla chips with your wine… okay?

Recipe of the day
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato Salad

by Crystal Schlueter from Babbitt, MN

Holy cow, this is a unique potato salad recipe. Like Crystal says, it’s a cross between Buffalo chicken wings and loaded baked potatoes. Super creamy, it has a great kick from the wing sauce. We loved all the extra toppings. Red pepper adds a pop of sweetness. Onions give the potato salad a savory flavor. Bacon adds a touch of smokiness. There are tons of fantastic flavors in this potato salad. A must-make for a tailgate but would be delicious at a cookout too.

Click here for the recipe

Trivia

When you think of the color of the universe, you probably think of a very dark blue or even black. But you’re wrong! The average color of the universe is a color called “Cosmic Latte.” Scientists at Johns Hopkins University used data from an Australian observatory to classify the light emitting from more than 200,000 galaxies. While the colors varied from galaxy to galaxy, the average color of all of them was a creamy, white color: “Cosmic Latte.” Oh, and if you ever want to use that color to code, it’s #FFF8E7. Now you know!

The perfect scam

Lindsay, an Army veteran and single mother of a young daughter with cystic fibrosis, is taking a much-needed day to reconnect with an old friend over a game of golf. A friendly older man named Rob asks to join them. As they spend the afternoon on the golf course, he tells them that he spends his time raising money for various charities. He even knows of some great opportunities for fundraising for two causes close to Lindsay’s heart: wounded veterans and cystic fibrosis. But as soon as she hands over the money, Rob stops returning her phone calls.

Laugh of the week

Today in history

RVtravel.com All Star Team

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