Issue 1231
Free edition
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Today’s thought
“Courage is being scared to death — but saddling up anyway.” —John Wayne
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Whole Hog Barbecue Day!
On this day in history: 1867 – United States takes possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 million. Celebrated annually in the state as Alaska Day.
Featured news
BIIIIIIG RECALL: Ford is recalling nearly 300,000 model year 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The 360-degree view camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions. Learn more.
Walmart just kicked its Auto Care Centers into a more digital, contactless era. Last Friday, Walmart rolled out a pilot program called the Auto Care Centers of the Future. It provides app-driven scheduling, locker-based key drop off, and live status updates. All of this on top of the same low-cost tire, battery, and oil services Walmart has offered for decades. The big change in Walmart’s car service centers is less face-to-face time and more control from your phone. Here’s what that means.
In a long-running GM oil lawsuit settlement over the company’s oil-burning Vortec 5.3L V8 engine, the attorneys came out as the real winners. After more than eight years in court, the case has settled. While some GM owners will see a few thousand dollars, the lawyers who argued the case will walk away with a whopping $57 million. Oh, boy…
RV travelers planning a trip to Yosemite should be prepared for challenges, as lawless Yosemite campers are taking advantage of the ongoing government shutdown. With much of the National Park Service staff furloughed, some visitors are occupying reserved campsites without permits. It’s creating confusion, safety risks, and frustration for those following the rules.
If you’re an RVer who spends long stretches off the grid, a free Starlink Mini could be a game-changer for staying connected. SpaceX is offering select longtime Starlink Residential subscribers in the U.S. and Canada the chance to claim this compact, travel-ready satellite dish at no upfront cost. Here’s how you can claim yours.
Utah’s two U.S. senators have put forward legislation that would change which vehicles are allowed on some Capitol Reef park roads. The measures introduced would authorize the operation of off-highway vehicles. This proposal would allow OHVs on certain park roads that are currently restricted or managed by the National Park Service. The proposal may also include other parks, as well. This legislation is sparking a debate that matters for RVers, local businesses, and people who depend on park access for mobility.
For RVers and travelers, the Grand Canyon remains open—but the people running it are struggling. Many staff members are unpaid as the national park shutdown drags on, relying on food donations and volunteers to keep the park running and themselves fed. Across the country, volunteers and nonprofits are stepping up to fill gaps left by the shutdown.
RVers and campers who have enjoyed Bottrel Campground in Alberta, Canada, may need to make new plans. After 134 years of continuous operation, a contract dispute with Rocky View County has temporarily turned this historic campground into a day-use-only area.
Sunset Bay Vacation Resort rests on the southern shore of the Great Sacandaga Lake in the town of Mayfield, NY. The Adirondack Park Agency approved a permit to add roughly 357 RV sites adjacent to the existing campground, which hosts about 299 seasonal sites. Not everyone is happy to see Sunset Bay’s recently approved expansion, however. Local residents turned in dozens of written objections during the public review.
OH MY GOURD! A pumpkin was placed on top of the University of Montana’s Main Hall for the 30th consecutive year recently, but the identities of the anonymous pranksters remain a decades-long mystery. The pumpkin has appeared each year since 1995 under the cover of night during homecoming celebrations. Who is in charge of this pumpkin?!
Be aware!
Thieves targeting RVs to steal their copper wiring
RVers need to be aware of an increase in the theft of RV shore power cords. The video at the bottom of this article from our friends at Endless RVing spotlights one such incident, why it matters, and simple steps owners can take to reduce risk. Continue reading.
Protect your RV decals with RejeX!
Tired of worrying about waxing over vinyl decals? RejeX is a liquid coating that seals, protects, and extends the life of your RV’s decals—without masking or fuss. Trusted by experts and backed by advanced aerospace technology, it’s easy to apply and keeps your graphics looking vibrant. Get your RV shining and protected today!
RV Review
2026 Brinkley Model Ix 23x—tiny, tidy, and totally towable
By Gail Marsh
The Model Ix 23x is Brinkley’s new smallest Model Ix trailer. It’s a compact, well-finished travel trailer that squeezes residential touches into a footprint that’s towable by many modern half-ton pickups. Brinkley pitches the Ix 23x as a premium, lightweight option for solo adventurers or couples who want a “no-compromise” interior without buying a large rig. Continue reading and learn more.
Campground crowding, comments & concerns
“As much as I prefer my RV, hotels are cheaper”
This week, Nanci Dixon shares a variety of comments from readers regarding their RVing experiences, including a most memorable camping experience, the high expense of some campgrounds, camping in Michigan, advantages of boondocking, what to do if the neighbor leaves their outdoor lights on at night, and much more.
News briefs
A pickup truck towing a travel trailer was blown over during a sudden windstorm on Saturday evening, Oct. 11, highlighting the importance of RV wind safety for anyone traveling on open highways. Powerful gusts can turn an ordinary drive into a dangerous situation in seconds. This incident serves as a stark reminder for RVers.
A weekend getaway to Joshua Tree National Park took an unexpected turn Sunday, Oct. 12, when a vegetation fire broke out at the park’s popular Black Rock Campground, forcing weekend campers to evacuate as the wildfire spread.
Parlez-vous français? Quebec is making sure French isn’t just for croissants and café au lait. If you’re selling RVs there, it now has to be on your labels, too. The province’s Bill 96, updated in 2024, pushes businesses to speak French everywhere your customers can see—on packaging, manuals, instructions, warranties, and even warning signs. Basically, if it’s in the RV box or attached to the RV, it needs a French version. Does your RV “speak” French?
Winnebago is recalling certain 2025 Access trailers. The shelf above the bed may have been installed incorrectly, which can allow the shelf to detach. A shelf that detaches can hit an occupant, increasing the risk of injury. Learn more.
Washington state’s annual Discover Pass has increased from $30 to $45. The pass provides one year of unlimited entry to all Washington state lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
E15 fuel is now legal to sell in California while the Air Resources Board completes its work to study whether it can meet the state’s clean air requirements. The use of E15 reduces California’s dependence on petroleum and further diversifies the state fuel supply to help avoid gasoline price spikes and costs to consumers, according to Gov. Newsom’s office.
An RV park will be part of a $157 million Mattel Adventure amusement park in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The 180-acre attraction will include hotels, shops, an indoor rainforest attraction, and a 10-acre lake.
FREE IS GOOD! Texas State Travel Guide.
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Now, that was stupid…
A California Highway Patrol officer stopped a vehicle driving with a fake license plate that had been hand-drawn to resemble an official California plate. The CHP’s Merced station said an officer pulled the vehicle over when he noticed “something unusual about the rear license plate.” The driver told the officer they had lost the original plate. “While we appreciate the effort to stay compliant after losing the original plate, California law requires vehicles to display state-issued plates only,” the post said. “If your plates are lost or stolen, you can easily get replacements through the DMV instead of breaking out the art supplies.”
Reader poll
Have you ever met a celebrity or other well-known public figure on an RV trip?
More polls from this week:
- What tip percentage do you typically leave at a restaurant?
- Have you stayed in an Airbnb rental in the last year?
- On a typical day, how far do you usually walk?
- Do you believe in two years more or fewer people will live in RVs on city streets?
Help wanted finding stolen trailer in Illinois
Detectives at the Peoria County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office could use your help finding the 30-foot Forest River Salem trailer shown above, which was stolen from Storage of America located on Route 29 in Peoria County, most likely in August. Contact Detective Gilmore at 309-657-4915 if you have information.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We have to admit this little thing looks like it could really work (especially judging by the thousands of amazing reviews). If you have a dirty… well, pretty much anything… you’ll want to check this out.
Upcoming RV shows & seminars. Click here.
Trivia
What’s the medical term for when a part of your body “falls asleep”? It’s called paresthesia. A limb falling asleep, also sometimes called “pins and needles,” happens when a person pinches a nerve by sitting in an odd way that puts pressure on that point. Once you move out of that position, your body sends signals back up to the brain saying, “Back to normal!” and the sensation will soon fade. The word paresthesia is derived from the Greek roots para (“beside” or “abnormal”) and aisthesia (“sensation”).
Laugh of the week
The perfect scam
This Job Scam is Suddenly Everywhere
Dorothy is looking for a part-time job that will enable her to work from home and accommodate her medical disability. After applying for numerous jobs and posting her résumé online, she receives a message about an app testing job. It seems like a great fit, since she has done similar work in the past, but the complicated system has Dorothy adding her own money to an account in order to unlock elements. It’s a scam that has exploded in recent months—task scams are now the single biggest scam facing job seekers.
Toss and Chop food prep and salad scissors make chopping a breeze
Cheri Sicard writes, “This has long been my favorite and one of my most-used RV kitchen gadgets. These ingenious double-bladed kitchen scissors make it easy to cut, dice, or even mince almost anything, right in the bowl. The Toss and Chop takes up hardly any room, is easy to clean, and needs no electrical power. I even use my Toss and Chop in my home kitchen. Learn more about this handy RV food prep gadget here.”
Today in history
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
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