Issue 1201
This is the abbreviated, free edition of this newsletter. Help support RVtravel.com with a voluntary membership donation and receive the ad-free weekend editions.
Today’s thought
“The function of journalism is, primarily, to uncover vital new information in the public interest and to put that information in a context so that we can use it to improve the human condition.” —Joshua Oppenheimer
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Goof Off Day! Woohoo!
On this day in history: 1963 – The Beatles release their debut album, “Please Please Me”.
The latest news for RVers
Camping World is under fire after a South Carolina TV station exposed complaints about its North Charleston dealership. The report highlights the experiences of several customers, including a senior citizen sold a moldy RV and a young couple whose dream of full-time RV living was ruined by constant defects. With multiple lawsuits and an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, Camping World’s practices are raising red flags. Click through to read the story.
A federal judge ruled the National Park Service must reinstate 1,000 employees fired earlier this year, but park management has told superintendents to hold off on contacting them. As parks brace for a busy visitor season, delays in rehires could mean more cuts to hours and services. Will these workers return in time to make a difference? Click to read the full story.
Imagine parking your RV after a vacation, unzipping the bike rack cover, and finding someone hiding inside. That’s exactly what happened to a British couple after their trip to France—but instead of praise for reporting the stowaway, they were hit with a massive fine. How did this happen, and could it happen to you? Click to uncover this crazy story.
Let’s clear the air about some significant changes happening at Thor Industries that have caused confusion and sparked rumors. The big news is that Heartland RV is being reassigned within Thor’s organizational structure. It’s moving under the umbrella of the Jayco family of RVs. Previously, Heartland operated as its own branch of Thor. Continue reading to learn more.
Pilot/Flying J unveiled its first B99 biodiesel station for commercial fleets in Decatur, Illinois, marking a big step toward sustainable fuel options. While primarily aimed at trucking fleets, RVers can also take advantage of this cleaner, low-carbon fuel—provided their rigs are equipped for the rapid-fill pump. With two more locations opening soon, could biodiesel be in your RV’s future?
From slowing down big rigs in New Mexico to raising speed limits in North Dakota, speed rules are a hot topic. Across the U.S., lawmakers are debating changes, with potential impacts for commercial trucks, RVers, and everyday drivers. While some aim to reduce accidents with split-speed limits, others propose higher speeds on interstates. Curious how these changes might affect your next road trip? Click to learn more about the latest developments.
As we reported earlier this week, the Army Corps of Engineers has been forced to close several popular campgrounds throughout the Susquehanna and Potomac River Basins in Pennsylvania. More Army Corps shutdowns are in today’s news. Here are the campgrounds that have been affected.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
You tell us: What’s the difference between campgrounds, RV parks and RV resorts?
This week, Nanci Dixon relates more of our readers’ complaints about the lack of maintenance and upkeep on RV parks with full-time residents, and the disappointment of first-time snowbirders in Florida and what they found in an RV resort. An RVer has learned the hard way to not pay full price when making reservations. And a longtime boondocker says even some boondocking spots are getting crowded. Read more.
FUN NEWS: Several dozen people gathered Saturday at an apartment complex along the South Carolina coast to remember a longtime resident who died the day before — an alligator named Walter who sunned beside a pond on the property for more than a decade.
More RVing news
Last month, we reported that the authorities shut down camping reservations in some of Yosemite National Park’s most popular campgrounds. With spring travel season upon us, the California park has announced Yosemite reservations are available and some of them are being released this week. Learn more and book your spot!
Speaking of Yosemite… Your plans may need a reroute if you’re coming in to the national park from the Merced, California, area. A landslide near Yosemite has shut down a major access route—indefinitely. Here are the details.
And now, speaking of closed roads… If you’re planning your next adventure to Washington’s Olympic National Park, there’s some exciting—and unprecedented—news to share. The much-loved Hoh Rain Forest is set to reopen after significant road repairs. The repairs will come thanks to a mix of state funds, community efforts, and an unexpected lottery twist. What a great story!
Camping World raised a massive 3,200-square-foot American flag in Greenville, North Carolina—without city approval. When the council voted against allowing the oversized display, CEO Marcus Lemonis refused to lower it, leading to daily fines… and they’re adding up quick. How long will this go on?
A public meeting in Oregon was canceled because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers couldn’t pay for the venue due to a freeze on government credit cards. The meeting was part of a series to discuss the 2025 Master Plan for the Cottage Grove and Dorena reservoirs. While other meetings are still scheduled, the cancellation raises concerns about public access to government decisions.
The Nature’s Best Photography 2024 award winners have been announced. Click here to see last year’s winners. (They’re amazing, of course!)
FUN NEWS: Serial Guinness World Record-breaker David Rush may have created a new title category by juggling in all 63 U.S. national parks. Rush, who holds the most concurrent Guinness World Records, visited all 63 U.S. national parks with his family over the course of five years, and at each park he took some time to film himself juggling.
RV and RV-related recalls
Reader poll
Which do you normally choose, a pull-through campsite or a back-in?
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
What do bread and your butt have in common? Think… think… You’ll never, ever guess. But when you see this, you’ll understand. Bread can save your butt!
Latest fuel prices
The latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of March 17, 2025:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.06
Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Down 40 cents.
Diesel: $3.55
Change from week before: Down 3 cents; Change from year before: Down 48 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration. Here’s the link for propane prices around the U.S.
RV History
In 1966, less than 10 years after the rise and success of Winnebago’s travel trailers, Winnebago began production of its first self-contained motorhome, a 19-footer called the F-19. It was built on a Ford chassis, then in late 1966, the famous D22 was built on a Dodge chassis for the 1967 model year. By the way, the company’s name was changed from Modernistic Industries to Winnebago Industries in 1961 by founder John K. Hanson, who named it for the county in Iowa where it was located. In 1969, the Winnebago Chieftain motorhome debuted. Among its many standard features was a built-in vacuum cleaner.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars
- Phoenix RV Supershow, March 21-23, Avondale, AZ
**Seminars by RVtravel.com’s Dave Solberg - Las Vegas RV Show, March 28-30, Las Vegas, NV
- Colorado Springs RV Show, April 3-5, Colorado Springs, CO
- Washington State Evergreen Spring RV Show, April 4-6, Monroe, WA
- Vacationland RV & Camping Show, April 5-6, Auburn, ME
For more upcoming RV shows and seminars, click here.
OFF-SEASON DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: Visit Iceland in the spring for fewer crowds, slightly warmer weather, and a chance to see puffins returning to nest along the cliffs in April and May. RV rentals are widely available.
Trivia
There were an estimated 10,000 grizzly bears in California in 1850, and less than 75 years later, there were none.
The perfect scam
Dream Kitchen Renovation Ruined by a Scam
Suzi and Gary retire to Tucson and find the perfect house with a less-than-perfect kitchen. They love to cook and entertain, so they put their energy and money into renovating their dream kitchen. Construction starts and is going smoothly until the payment for cabinets is due. The designer requests immediate payment by wire transfer, but a week later they discover that the designer never received the payment. Suzi and Gary discover that they are the victims of a BEC (business email compromise) scam.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Don’t speed when driving. Slow down. Use the right lane when possible. Lowering your speed five or ten miles per hour won’t delay your arrival time by much, and you’ll save fuel and be safer. What’s the hurry?
Laugh of the week
Thanks for sending, Howard S.!
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
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.
RE: Today’s thought…
I found that quote interesting to say the least (if not ironic).
Thank you, Joshua Oppenheimer.
We ordered a new travel trailer from Camping World, Harrisburg, Pa. We were told it would come in by August but didn’t arrive until October. When they gave us the bill, it was several thousand more than we were quoted. They told us that was because they figured in a trade in, even though we told the salesman multiple times we were not trading in our old unit. The experience made us to never want to go to a dealership owned by them.
Never final sign until the unit is delivered to you.
Did the initial paperwork show a trade in?
Dealers will lowball a trade and make it sound good, but they know they will make additional profit selling your old vehicle.
We’ve walked out of many car dealers because of this.
I always take NADA, Blue Book and Edmunds trade in values with me.
PS: years ago we ordered a new car. This particular dealer would put a chrome dealer logo on the trunk, which required drilling holes. I told them I did not want the logo and it was specified on the contract.
When we went to pick up the car, the logo was on the trunk. I basically told them it was not the car I ordered and refused it.
They had to refund my deposit since they broke the contract.
I disagree with todays thought. Journalism is to report the facts, both sides, so people can make an informed decision. When used in any other way it becomes an opinion.
Facts have only one side.
Carol you are correct I should have said facts and both sides of the story, my mistake
Another reason why I like the BBC for news. Just tell me what is going on and I will decide how I feel about the issue.
RV history, I would love to have one of the early model winnebagos but restoration is a lot of work or money, but they have character
Camping World raised a massive 3,200-square-foot American flag
The size of the flag doesn’t make you more patriotic. You would think Camping World would focus on their RV business instead of violating laws and being petulant. Not impressed by them.
Hi, Garland. Just look at all of the relatively cheap advertising Camping World is getting for each of its huge flags. “Advertising” coverage all over the country for just a few hundred bucks a day. Pretty savvy marketing on its part. Too bad it can’t follow the rules/laws. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
It seems to me that this is just indicative of the attitude of the senior management. They don’t care about following the law or ethical business practices, and they’re currently paying millions of dollars in fines and restitution to customers they swindled. The outpouring of hatred online whenever anyone mentions them is incredible. This is going to catch up with them soon if they don’t get rid of their CEO and bring in someone customer-oriented to turn the company around.