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Issue 1185
The latest news for RVers
Earlier this month California regulators put in place lower-air-polluting rules affecting refiners. As we recently reported, fuel prices will jump due to this regulation. But in the land known for its super-high fuel prices, California’s government has another trick up its Golden State sleeve. In an effort to reduce pump prices, the governor recently signed legislation to force refinery operators to keep a fuel buffer on hand. Not so fast, says Chevron—the new California refinery law will jack prices, and possibly create shortages. Here’s the story.
Big chassis manufacturers just can’t get a break. The RV industry is up in arms, since the sources of most motorhome chassis have essentially dried up for California and some other states. Now comes Nebraska, where the state has filed suit against four big chassis manufacturers and the trade group representing manufacturers. Is there a truck manufacturing conspiracy? Nebraska says they’ve colluded to take diesel trucks off the market. Oh, boy… Here’s what’s going on.
Travelers in a motorhome passing through Arcata, Calif., last Sunday found themselves in a terrifying situation when their RV’s brakes failed. The steep descent turned dangerous as the motorhome careened out of control. It hit a parked car, a retaining wall, and a palm tree before finally smashing through a guardrail. This is not a pretty sight!
Sheriffs in Kane County, Utah, are asking for the public’s help in finding two people who allegedly defaced ancient petroglyphs near the Utah-Arizona border. Do you recognize either of these two in the photos? Defacing artifacts is a crime and we need to catch these people! See if you’ve seen them and help solve a crime.
Results for the RV Industry Association’s October 2024 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 30,595 units, an increase of 7.8% compared to the 28,371 units shipped in October 2023. The number of new units heading down the road to dealers shows a slight upward trend overall, with travel trailers continuing to keep brightness in an otherwise dim picture. Motorhome shipments sputter. Learn more.
Blue Compass has bought two more Airstream dealerships. The company has acquired Airstream of New Hampshire in Nashua and Airstream of Maine in Lebanon, bringing its total number of Airstream locations to 12. More info here.
Last week’s “bomb cyclone” weather event that hit the Pacific Northwest has left a lot of RVers with questions. And with a lot of destroyed rigs. In one Lake Stevens, WA, RV park, at least 50 rigs were wiped out by falling trees. The area was out of power for days, and left many homes and RVs destroyed. Read the story.
In 2025, Acadia National Park will launch a new reservation system aimed at improving access to its popular campgrounds. Starting December 1, reservations for Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds will be available four months in advance, providing visitors with more planning time. Learn more about the changes to the system here.
The national park employee housing crisis has turned up in the Pacific Northwest. Now officials at Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park say they’re turning to property owners willing to lease places for employees to stay. It won’t be an easy commute—the Park Service is looking for homes up to 50 miles from the park. Learn more.
Here’s a new one for you (and everyone else, apparently)… “In 19 years, I’ve never seen anything like this!” That statement, from a North Carolina state trooper sums up a box-truck-versus-motorhome crash that uncoiled on North Carolina’s Interstate 95 early Nov. 26. The RV was carrying 35 reptiles and one, described as “highly venomous,” got loose. This is one unique situation.
As Zion National Park moves into its winter season, the National Park Service has outlined significant changes to shuttle operations and campground access. Learn more about the Zion shuttle, parking, holiday schedules, campground closures, and more. Click here.
A firefighter was hospitalized after he sustained an electrical shock while responding to an RV fire. On Monday afternoon, Nov. 25, the responder was part of a crew handling a call-out in Pinehurst, Texas. Here’s what happened and the scary way in which he got shocked.
Looking for a festive way to kick off the holiday season? Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve invites you to a delightful Prairie Christmas event TODAY, on November 30th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly celebration is packed with holiday cheer and is free for everyone to enjoy. Learn more (and hurry up and get there!).
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Campground crowding, comments & concerns
Crowding no longer biggest complaint by RVers; RVing etiquette and campsite rates now top the list
This week, Nanci Dixon shares your thoughts about whether or not campgrounds are truly crowded. One reader commented: “I think the overcrowding is being overstated… My biggest concern is the reduced or lack of respect and courtesy for others.” That sentiment is echoed frequently, unfortunately. A reader says fuel costs and increased campground costs (including some no longer accepting discount memberships), are limiting their travels (but they have a plan for the future). And there’s a good tip about finding a site that has cell service. Read more.
RV and RV-related recalls
Forest River travel trailers recalled: Fresh water tank may fall off
Forest River is recalling certain 2024-2025 Viking and Clipper travel trailers. The company says two model years of travel trailers have a bad fresh water tank bracket. That could lead to the tank dropping out while you fill it, or worse, as you drive. Learn more.
Winnebago trailers recalled. Spare tire may fall off
Winnebago is recalling certain 2024-2025 EKKO travel trailers. The wheel bolts may not have been installed, allowing the spare tire to detach. A detached tire can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash, which can lead to injury of nearby motorists and pedestrians. Learn more.
Brinkley recalls fifth wheels over risk of pin box detachment
Brinkley RV is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model Z Fifth Wheel trailers equipped with CURT Helux Pin Boxes. The pin box fasteners may have been improperly tightened. The fasteners can loosen and fall out, allowing the tow vehicle to detach from the pin box and increasing the risk of a crash. Learn more.
Oliver Travel Trailers with faulty water heaters recalled
Oliver Travel Trailers is recalling certain 2016-2024 Elite I and Elite II travel trailers equipped with a Truma AquaGo Water Heater with Burner Assembly, part number 77000-90400. The water heater burner bracket assembly may become loose, causing wiring damage and the flame to be misdirected. A misdirected flame increases the risk of fire or burn injury. Learn more.
Saturday giveaway
How would you like to win this Camco fleece RV blanket?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner.
Reader poll (and article)
RVers, tell us how you plan your RV trips
Respond here and read Gail Marsh‘s article.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Not only is this one of our readers’ favorite states, but it’s also one that most of you spend a lot of time in. That being said, this might come in very handy for you!
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of November 25, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.04
Change from week before: Down <1 cent; Change from year before: Down 19 cents.
Diesel: $3.54
Change from week before: Up 5 cents; Change from year before: Down 61 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Recipes of the day
Sweet and savory fall recipes to make the most of the season
It may seem like fall is over, but it’s not! These sweet and savory recipes have all the flavors of the season, plus they’re a perfect transition into the winter months. Check these out and let us know what you think.
Trivia
The largest bookstore in the world, Barnes & Noble on Fifth Avenue in New York City, spans over 154,000 square feet and houses more than 12 miles of shelves!
The perfect scam
Danny searches for a new four-legged best friend after his beloved Weimaraner dies of cancer. Alison looks for a second Maine coon to keep her current cat company after a difficult move. Both families find themselves caught in the web of online con artists riding the rising wave of pandemic demand for pets.
Laugh of the week
You’ll get a kick out of this old Candid Camera clip. We did!
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Sure brought a smile to my face watching the Candid Camera bit!
Half the carts in most Walmarts are like those in the clip…like they just did 150 laps around Talladega.
I was thinking the same thing!
I recently experienced a flat front tire on my Class B+ motorhome while traveling at highway speed. Apparently, the hubcap had come off and it broke the valve stem. Is this a common problem? Can I take steps to prevent it from happening again? I am tempted to remove the hubcap on the other front wheel.
Hi, Jan. I just emailed your comment to tire expert extraordinaire Roger Marble to see if he can answer your question. I’m sure he’ll get back to you as soon as he is able. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Sorry to hear of your problem. Not “normal” in my experience. What chassis is your RV? Are the “hubcaps” standard on that chassis in “normal” (non-RV) use. Can you send me a picture of the wheel with a hubcap? tireman9@gmail.com Short term I would remove the caps. Are the caps bolted on or do they “snap” on? Too bad you were not running TPMS as that might have given you some warning