America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1266
Today’s thought
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” —Thomas Jefferson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Ugly Dog Day! We love ugly dogs!
On this day in history: 1787 – Oliver Ellsworth moves at the Federal Convention to call the government the “United States”.
Featured news
RVers in their 70s aren’t slowing down. They’re changing how they travel
Spend time in RV parks, snowbird destinations, or popular retirement travel areas and you’ll find plenty of RVers in their 70s who are still traveling extensively. For many, the biggest change isn’t whether they travel, but how they travel.
Gas prices just dropped below $4. Why RVers shouldn’t celebrate yet
For the first time since April, the national average gasoline price has slipped below $4 a gallon. That’s welcome news for RVers heading into summer travel season. But before travelers start revising their budgets, there’s a catch: Nobody knows how long the relief will last.
RV makers are pulling back. What that could mean for RV buyers
The RV market outlook for 2026 looked much brighter a few months ago. Now, some of that optimism is fading as manufacturers lower forecasts and reduce production schedules. The slowdown could create opportunities for buyers. If dealers see traffic slowing and inventory building, they may be more willing to negotiate than they were during the post-pandemic RV boom.
National parks could get billions for roads, campgrounds and other overdue repairs
National park visitors could eventually see improvements to roads, campgrounds, water systems and other aging infrastructure if Congress approves legislation that just cleared a key Senate committee. The projects funded through the program have included campground upgrades, road repairs, water and wastewater systems, visitor facilities, trails, and other infrastructure. Learn more.
License plate readers may soon do more than just read plates
For years, automatic license plate readers have done exactly what their name suggests: capture license plate numbers and compare them against databases used by law enforcement and other agencies. But some companies are now trying to do more than just read license plates.
Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel
How tariffs have affected Elkhart, van rental demand, and future RVers
Tariffs, rental trends, and some unexpected RV-industry insight—Tony Barthel reports from Indiana on how shifting tariffs are affecting RV prices, why Class B camper vans continue to dominate the rental market, and what those trends could mean for buyers. Plus, a heartwarming story from RV country as local kids get a behind-the-scenes look at how RVs are built. Read this week’s column here.
REMINDER: You are reading the FREE EDITION of this newsletter. Our donor edition does not contain ads.
Forget neck fans, you need a neck A/C!
Yep, that’s right! This is an air conditioner… for your neck! If you run hot, this might really help you survive the warm months. It’s not cheap, but it is worth it! Learn more about it here.
RV review
2026 Brinkley Model G 4150: Separate office, huge garage, lots o’ luxury
The 2026 Brinkley Model G 4150 is the kind of toy hauler that aims at buyers who want their RV to do more than simply carry toys. Brinkley’s Model G line has everything you need plus luxury features you don’t usually find in today’s toy haulers. The first impression inside is that Brinkley really wanted this to feel like a small luxury apartment with a garage attached. It’s not your typical toy hauler.
News briefs
Campspot’s Ready, Set, Summer Sale is on, and RVers can get up to 40 percent off at participating top campgrounds across North America. Check out all the campground bookings on sale here, then use the code READY26 by June 21 to get your discount. The sale ends tomorrow!
The full length of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to open to motorized vehicles Monday, June 22, for the 2026 summer season. Rockfalls or other natural events may delay this opening, as conditions can change quickly.
Love’s has opened a new travel stop in Gretna, Florida, off I-10 (Exit 174), giving RVers another convenient stop in the Florida Panhandle. The location features RV parking, an RV dump station, a dog park, laundry facilities, showers, and a CAT Scale, with four RV hookups expected to open in July.
Minnesota’s Gooseberry Falls State Park has been named the best state park in America in USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The popular North Shore destination topped nine other finalists nationwide, earning recognition for its scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and Lake Superior views. Park officials say the honor highlights what visitors have known for years—Gooseberry Falls is one of the Midwest’s premier outdoor destinations.
Joshua Tree National Park has implemented fire restrictions beginning June 15, due to hot, dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger. The restrictions will remain in effect through October 1, 2026, unless the California’s park leadership determines otherwise.
Outdoor hospitality company Open Road Resorts has announced the acquisition of Raccoon Mountain Campground and Caverns near downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.
New York state has designated a new highway route directing drivers to Underground Railroad landmarks connecting Auburn to Niagara Falls to honor abolitionist Harriet Tubman and those who escaped slavery. The state will install highway signs along the route, directing drivers to historical locations.
California residents can get into some California State Parks for free the rest of the year. On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California State Parks will offer a special free version of its Historian Passports in honor of Juneteenth and to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. The pass, which normally costs $50, will provide free admission for up to four people at more than 30 historic state parks across the Golden State. California residents can claim their free passes until July 6th.
Campers heading to Colorado this summer may want to pack extra water. Several campgrounds in the White River and Pike-San Isabel National Forests have little or no water available due to severe drought conditions and low or dry wells. Sylvan Lake State Park is also warning visitors that its spring-fed water supply is critically low, so campers are encouraged to fill tanks before arriving and check with local ranger districts for the latest conditions.
White Sands National Park will host its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Monday, June 29, at 8 p.m., in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The 1st Armored Division Rock Band will perform at the park’s amphitheater.
Since May, South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park has identified three bats with rabies, one of which was in the park’s campground. If you are in the area, keep your eyes open.
A California hiker is recovering after a grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park that left him with serious arm injuries. Daniel Crago, 32, was hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail on May 28 when he unexpectedly encountered a grizzly bear. Officials believe rushing water masked the sounds of both the hiker and bear before the encounter. The bear charged, bit Crago’s arm and dragged him a short distance before letting him go. Nearby hikers provided first aid until rescuers arrived. Crago is okay, but has undergone multiple surgeries.
Another bear attack! A teenage hiker was scratched by a black bear after a mother bear with cubs charged a group of teens on the Mount Si Trail near Seattle, WA. Another teen injured an ankle while fleeing. Officials temporarily closed the trail following the incident but it has been reopened. The bear has not been located.
Season 7 of “The RVers“, an RV lifestyle-oriented television series, is back on Destination America, Discovery’s travel-oriented network, with episodes every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Las Cruces KOA in southern New Mexico has been upgraded from a KOA Journey to a KOA Holiday after years of campground improvements. Since 2020, owners have added upgraded RV sites, paved roads, improved Wi-Fi, a bathhouse, dog park, camp store, community spaces, and new recreation amenities.
SoftStartRV™ will help keep you cool
Weak campground power and hot weather are a bad combination. SoftStartRV™ helps your RV air conditioner start with less electrical demand, reducing breaker trips and enabling 20- and 30-amp hookups to power one or two A/Cs in the hot summer. Read why RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury endorses this product.
Extreme weather
- 🔥 Hottest this weekend: The desert Southwest will once again be America’s furnace. Death Valley, California, is expected to peak around 118–121°F, making it the hottest spot in the nation. Nearby desert communities along the Colorado River, including Bullhead City, Arizona, and Lake Havasu City, Arizona, could reach 110–115°F, while Phoenix is forecast to hit 108–112°F. Even overnight temperatures may stay above 90°F in some locations.
- 🥶 Coldest this weekend: Among popular Lower 48 destinations, the coolest weather is expected in the high country of the Northern Rockies. Mountain valleys near West Yellowstone, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, could see overnight lows in the upper 20s to low 30s, with daytime highs struggling to get out of the upper 50s and low 60s. Campers there may need jackets, hats, and an extra blanket while much of the country swelters.
Message from the Publisher
Offensive ads?
Hello, all you wonderful fellow RVers. We are still receiving complaints from readers that they are encountering obnoxious pop-up ads on this website. We have tried to eliminate such ads, and our staff does not see them. How about you? Please take this very brief poll and let me know what you are experiencing. I will respond next week about the findings and how we will move forward. —Chuck Woodbury/founder and publisher
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
Reader poll
Have you survived a life-threatening disease or accident?
IT’S AMAZING AND TRUE! View and participate in more than 2,000 of our previous polls!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You know how the people who shop at Walmarts are an, um, interesting crowd? (Not you, of course.) Well, that crowd has created a viral sensation… and this is it. Hilarious!
Health news
Bad news for McDonald’s?
A large study tracking more than 205,000 people for nearly 40 years found that eating three servings of French fries per week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while baked, boiled or mashed potatoes showed no significant increase in risk. The research also found that swapping potatoes for whole grains lowered diabetes risk, while replacing them with white rice had the opposite effect.
RV and RV-related recalls
- Alliance RV is recalling as many as 1,354 model year 2020-2026 Midwest Automotive Design Luxe Cruisers, 2021-2026 Ultimate Coach, G-55, 2022 Ultimate Entertainer, 2022-2024 Revolution, 2022-2025 Professional Series, 2022-2026 Ultimate Cruiser, Ultimate Limo, Patriot Cruiser, Ultimate Traveler, 2023 Signature, 2023-2024 Athletic Series, 2023-2026 Day Cruiser, Freedom, G-45, 2024-2026 Business Class, and Ultimate Weekender recreational vehicles for wiring fire danger. Learn more.
- Winnebago Industries is recalling certain 2026-2027 Revel and Revel Sport motorhomes. The tire information label states an incorrect tire. Recall number: 207. Info: (641) 585-6939 or (800) 537-1885
- Ford is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 17V669. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral. Recall number: 26S42. Info: (866) 436-7332.
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Trivia
Hailed as an engineering marvel when it opened to traffic in 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was the first superhighway. The Interstate Highway System didn’t open until 1956, and when it did, it took many cues from the turnpike. Its initial 160 miles featured smoothed curves, reduced grades, standardized rights of way and lack of cross-traffic, which set the standard for what’s today defined as a “normal” travel experience.
Our highest-trending products on Amazon this month (so far):
- The Mr. Grip Screw Hole Repair Kit (more on that here)
- The Liquid Ant Killer Bait Stations, 12-Pack that we recommended here
- The Over Cabinet Plastic Bag Holder that we say is great for using as a small trash can
- Yep, it’s true. This Bacon Bubble Machine for Dogs is our fourth best-seller so far.
- And this sweetheart camping chair for two. We love it!
Laugh of the week
Top scams RVers should watch for right now
Summer travel is in full swing, and scammers are taking advantage of busy campgrounds, packed highways, and distracted travelers. Here are three scams RVers should watch for this week:
- Unpaid toll text scams: These continue to explode nationwide. A text claims you owe a small toll balance and need to pay immediately to avoid penalties. The link leads to a fake payment site designed to steal your credit card information.
- Fake campground Facebook pages: Scammers are creating pages that mimic real campgrounds and responding to reservation inquiries before the campground can. They collect deposits through payment apps, then disappear.
- Roadside assistance impersonation scams: After a breakdown or service request is posted online, scammers contact drivers pretending to be a tow company or roadside service provider and demand payment upfront before help arrives.
Miss The Perfect Scam podcast? Listen here.
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.
Learn current road conditions in every state. This is a very handy resource.
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
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