Category: News

RV News: Cortes Campers Launches Lightweight Towable, Genesis Reveals Luxury Overlanding Vehicle, and More
There is plenty of RV industry news to get to this week, including new towable from Cortes Campers, RV accessories and tech to get excited about, and much more. So, on that note, lets jump right in to see what’s been happening. Here are the stories to have on your radar:
Photo Credit: Cortes Campers
- Cortes Campers Debuts “World’s Lightest 18-Foot Camper”: If you’re looking for a lightweight towable to pull behind your midsize SUV, Cortes Campers may have covered it. The company has launched its new Cortes 18 Super Light, which it says is the lightest 18′ trailer on the market. The rig comes with a suite of great features, including a Furrion A/C unit, a 12V mini-fridge, Bluetooth speaker sound system, and either a double bed or a king-size mattress depending on the floor plan. The camper comes in several colors and utilizes a custom steel chassis with composite materials to maintain durability, while remaining lightweight. Check it out here.
- The Genesis X Gran Equator Concept Merges Luxury and Overlanding: The New York International Auto Show is taking place this week, with dozens of car manufacturers on hand to show off their latest models. One of those brands is luxury upstart Genesis, which revealed a splashy new concept vehicle meant to merge overlanding with posh handling and amenities. Dubbed the X Gran Equator, the SUV looks slick and features what designers call “athletic elegance,” although it seems to be lacking in actual overlanding features. The interior is spartan but functional, with upscale materials and design elements. Whether or not the concept actually becomes a production model remains to be seen, but it sure is pretty to look at.
Photo Credit: Goal Zero
- BioLite Gobbles Up Goal Zero: The portable power market has gotten crowded and competitive over the past few years, and this week we saw some consolidation. A few days back, BioLite—which is best known for its camping stoves, fire pits, and camp lighting solutions—purchased Goal Zero, the company that started the power station craze more than 15 years ago. The acquisition bolsters BioLite’s own efforts in this space, instantly giving them more visibility and a broader range of products. What it means for both brands’ collective portfolios remains to be seen.
- GearJunkie Reviews Dometic CFX 55IM Powered Cooler: Dometic is one of the biggest players in the powered cooler market, continually pushing the technology and designs of these devices forward. One of its newest models is the CFX 55IM, which not only promises to keep your drinks cold and your food fresh, but also to make ice cubes on the go. The GearJunkie team reviewed the electric cooler this week, giving it high marks for its performance and efficiency, although at $1,199 it is a pricey investment. Read the full review here.
Photo Credit: The Dyrt
- The Dyrt Adds New Feature to Instantly Find Available Campgrounds: Online campground discovery platform The Dyrt has added a new feature to help members find nearby campgrounds. This week, the company launched “Drive Time,” which gives PRO members the ability to search for campsite availability with a specified driving distance from their current location. Naturally, users can filter the results based on interests and book the site they want to stay at in seconds. The feature is live and available now.
- Pandemic RV Buyers Continue to Use Their Vehicles: It’s no secret that the Covid era was a boom time for RV manufacturers, with tens of thousands of people purchasing campers so they could enjoy being anywhere but home. But now that the dust has settled for those buyers, how are they enjoying those pricey pandemic purchases? According to a new study from Go RVing, 67% of them are still using their rigs to go camping, while 50% also say they’re using them for cooking and swimming. Better still, 68% of Covid buyers say they’re planning on purchasing a new RV, with 45% indicating they would do so in the next two years. For further insights, like age, income, and family demographics, read the full report here.
Photo Credit: Battle Born
- Battle Born Launches App for Android Users: iPhone owners have been able to use the Battle Born Mobile App for some time, but now it is finally available for Android users, too. This week, the company launched the software on the Google Play Store, bringing feature parity with the iOS version. The app allows RVers who use Battle Born batteries with Dragonfly Intelligence to monitor their systems remotely and receive alerts when issues occur. Download the app here.
- Gen-Y Hitch Intros New Torsion-Flex Model: In the market for a hitch that can smooth out your ride when towing? You’re in luck, as this week, Gen-Y Hitch introduced an all-new torsion-flex model called the Voyager. According to the brand, this latest addition to its lineup should provide better stability, too, thanks to reduced movement between the cargo carrier and the hitch receiver. Find out more here.
That’s a wrap for another week of RV news. Come back next Friday for the latest updates, insights, and trends.
The post RV News: Cortes Campers Launches Lightweight Towable, Genesis Reveals Luxury Overlanding Vehicle, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-18
RV News: Tariffs Come and Go, New Towbles and Truck Campers, and Electric RVs Hit Milestones
It has been another very busy week in the RV industry, and beyond. With so much to cover, we’re going to dive right into this week’s news. Here are a few items that may have flown under your radar.
- Tariffs are On Again, Off Again: Last week, we noted that President Trump had announced broad and sweeping tariffs on nearly every country on the planet, with tax levies on imports ranging from 10% to as high as 84% depending on the country. This week, the administration made an abrupt change of direction, announcing on Wednesday that most of those tariffs are now paused for 90 days, with China being the lone exception. That country will now face 125% tariffs as the trade war between it and the US continues to escalate. Why are we reporting on tariffs in our weekly news round-up? Because these fluctuating taxes are leading to increased prices, which will likely be seen in the cost of new RVs, but also parts used in repairs, add-on accessories, fuel, and more. We have a continuously updated article on this very topic, which you can find here.
Photo Credit: Escapod
- Escapod Launches New Teardrop Built for Mountain Bikers: Teardrop trailer manufacturer Escapod revealed a new variation of its popular TOPO2 model this week, with a very specific target audience in mind. The TOPO2 MTB is built specifically with mountain bikers, with special features for that crowd. Those features include a custom hitch that pivots the built-in Küat bike rack out of the way to access the galley kitchen The rig even comes with a bike repair kit conveniently integrated in that galley. Check out our full coverage of the new trailer here.
- GearJunkie Provides First Look at the AT Overland Aterra Truck Camper: Sometimes we get so caught up in Class A motorhomes, camper vans, and travel trailers that we forget how popular and versatile a good truck camper can be. That isn’t the case over at GearJunkie, where this week the team published a first look the new AT Overland Aterra. The slide-in model gets high marks for its lightweight and durable construction, not to mention its customizable interior. And with an MSRP of about $30,000, it has an attractive price, too. Read the full article here.
Photo Credit: THOR/Harbinger
- Harbinger Builds 100th Electric Truck Chassis: Harbinger Motors—a company that builds electric chassis for the RV and shipping industries—announced that it had hit a major milestone this week. The brand has now produced 100 EV chassis, some of which have been shipped to THOR Industries for testing and possible inclusion in an upcoming electric RV model. Up until now, Harbinger hadn’t even announced that it had begun production on the vehicle platform, but now the company believes it has positive momentum on its side as it continues to ramp up its production capacity. More details can be found here.
- All-Electric Pebble Flow Travel Trailer Now in Production: Speaking of milestones, another electric RV went into full production this week. Pebble, the company behind the Pebble Flow travel trailer, announced that it has also commenced production of its high-tech towable. The first models will begin shipping to customers later this spring, delivering an all-electric camping experience unlike any other. Read our full coverage here.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Robb Report Picks the 16 Best Camper Vans: This week, luxury lifestyle website Robb Report shared its picks for the best camper vans for road tripping. The list includes several of the usual suspects, including the Airstream Atlas and Winnebago Solis. But it had a few fun surprises, too, like the inclusion of the VW ID. Buzz upfit from Peace Vans and Stoyteller Overland’s Beast MODE. Check out the full list—which includes some models not readily available in the US—here.
- Camping World’s Coleman Travel Trailers are the Best Selling Towables for 2025: RV dealer and accessories retailer Camping World is touting the sales of its popular Coleman travel trailer line through the first few months of the year. The company says that these models are best-selling towables by unit volume through the end of February, with brisk sales in both new and used models. The lightweight and affordable campers mark a success for Camping World, which partners directly with manufacturing partners on the production of these RVs.
Photo Credit: nüCamp
- NüCamp Celebrates 20 Years of Adventure: Lightweight towables and truck camper manufacturer NüCamp is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. As part of that celebration, the brand will be sharing exclusive content on its website throughout the year, helping current owners and future NüCamp fans to learn more about the company’s heritage and values. The site currently tells us to “stay tuned for more,” with updates soon to follow. While we wait for further news, we want to wish the entire team at NüCamp congratulations on its continued success.
- KOA Report Shows RV Industry Getting Stronger and More Resilient: The Kampgrounds of America 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report is out, and it has some good news for the RV industry. The report shows that interest in RVing—both buying and renting—continues to grow, even as distinct generational preferences reveal themselves. During the pandemic, the number of RV households in the US rose to a record 15 million. Last year, that number settled back to 10 million, which is where it was headed pre-pandemic. For 2025, RV ownership is expected to see a modest increase, with 1 in 5 non-RVers saying they’re considering buying a rig of their own. Rentals are also expected to increase by a similar margin, with Millennials and Gen Xers most likely to rent a vehicle. Also of note, 22% of current RV owners expect to upgrade to a new model in the near future. To read more of the report, click here.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- Outdoor Industry Unites to Prevent Sale of Public Lands: The Trump Administration, along with Republicans in the House and Senate, is looking to make tax cuts from the President’s first term permanent, while also adding more tax cuts moving forward. The problem is, those cuts will create a shortfall in federal funds. One of the solutions that they’ve come up with to cover that shortfall is to potentially sell some public lands to the private sector. Unsurprisingly, that hasn’t gone over well with the outdoor industry, which views access to public lands as vital to Americans. This week, The Conservation Alliance announced Brands for Public Lands, which is made up of more than 60 companies that have come together to oppose the sale. You can read more about those efforts here.
That’s all for now. Join us again next Friday for another review of the latest news from the RV and camping industry.
The post RV News: Tariffs Come and Go, New Towbles and Truck Campers, and Electric RVs Hit Milestones appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-11
Pebble Flow Electric Travel Trailer Now in Production
The Pebble Flow electric travel trailer hit a major milestone this week, as the company has announced that production has commenced on the high-tech towable. The first models have hit the assembly line at Pebble’s 60,000-square-foot facility in Fremont, CA, with initial deliveries on track for later this spring.
Photo Credit: Pebble
Designed for camping on and off-grid, the Pebble Flow is built on a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame. The trailer uses a variety of composite and sustainable materials to exceed industry standards for durability, while delivering a living experience unlike any other. That includes coming with a 45kWh house battery that connects to an optional 1.1kW solar panels, creating true energy independence at the campsite. Other optional features include a sleek, modern interior, a smart hitch that automatically connects to a tow vehicle, and an electric powertrain that helps propel it down the highway and slide into a campsite.
The first production models to roll of the assembly line will be the Pebble Flow Founders Edition. This version of the all-electric travel trailer includes all of the available features and comes with exclusive paint options and badging. It also grants unlimited roadside assistance for life, and grants membership to the exclusive Founders Club, with perks like priority software updates and invites to special events.
Photo Credit: Pebble
Customers who have preordered the Pebble Flow electric travel trailer will be notified 8-12 weeks before their estimated delivery date, giving them time to finalize their purchase. That includes selecting any options they would like to add to the rig, selecting additional accessories, and choosing a color. Preorders are still available on the Pebble website.
Congratulations to the entire Pebble team for reaching this important milestone. For more information on this exciting and innovative RV, visit pebblelife.com.

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2025-04-10
RV News: Sweeping New Tariffs, Outside Magazine’s Favorite Rigs, and Winnebago is Giving Away an RV
Another week has come and gone, which means we have a lot of news from the RV and camping industries to go over before heading into the weekend. Here are a few things that happened over the past few days that you might like to know about:
- Trump Administration Announces Sweeping New Tariffs on Most Countries: The biggest headline of the week—both in and out of the RV industry—is the Trump administration’s sweeping new tariffs. One Wednesday, the President announced a baseline of a 10% tax on all goods imported into the US, with much larger levies against some of the country’s biggest trading partners. This move is likely to have a long-term impact on the RV industry and the economy as a whole, with prices set to go up on cars, computers, clothing, fresh produce, and more. To read more about these new tariffs, click here. And check out our ongoing coverage of how these import duties might impact the RV space here.
Photo Credit: Airstream
- Outside Names Best Trailers, Truck Campers, and Van Conversions of 2025: The fine folks over at Outside magazine have made their selections of the best RVs of 2025. Well, the best travel trailers, truck campers, and van conversions, anyway. The list curiously leaves off Class A and C models. But if you’re interested in learning what the mag’s picks are for best van conversion, minimalist camper, off-road trailer, and luxury rig, you can read the results here. We won’t spoil the winners, but will say the Airstream Trade Wind did take the luxury category.
- French Manufacturer Debuts Hybrid Camper Van Models: A French RV manufacturer called Challenger Motorhomes has launched a line of hybrid camper vans that look to be game changers in terms of driving range. The X line of rigs includes the X150 and X250, both of which sleep up to four people and come with a wet bath, innovative onboard storage, and a well-equipped kitchenette. But most importantly, the rigs have hybrid gas/electric motors that give them a 559-mile range. That’s pretty impressive for any RV, let alone ones that look as comfortable as these do. No word if these Class B models will come stateside, but Autoevolution has a profile of them here.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Winnebago Teams Up with Minnesota Twins to Give Away an RV: Winnebago—in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins baseball team—has come up with a unique way to give away a boat or RV. Earlier this week, the company launched the “Hit it to Win it” sweepstakes, by parking an RV on the far side of the fence in right field at Target Field. If a Twins player manages to hit that vehicle with a home run ball, some lucky person will get to choose the RV or boat of their choice from the Winnebago catalog with a value of up to $200,000. You can sign up to win by attending a Twins home game visiting Gate 34 or online here.
Photo Credit: Amazon/Project Kuiper
- Amazon Set to Launch Starlink Competitor Next Week: It has been a long time coming, but Project Kuiper is finally ready to get off the ground. The Amazon-owned company will deploy 27 satellites next week, with the entire batch getting launched into orbit on April 9 aboard an Atlas V rocket. Those satellites are the first step towards building a true competitor to Starlink, bringing another option for internet access while camping. Eventually, Project Kuiper hopes to build a network of 3,200 satellites to blanket the globe, offering up to 100 Mbps downloads. That’s slower than Starlink’s theoretical top speed, but in practice, both services should operate similarly. Expect more information in the future, including pricing. Engadget has information on the initial launch here.
- The Dyrt Says Solo Camping Continues to Grow in Popularity: We’re up to the point in our weekly news round-up when we share an interesting stat of the week from The Dyrt. This week, the online campground discovery platform continued to share insights from its 2025 Camping Report, this time with an emphasis on solo camping. The annual rundown of the latest trends from the camping industry indicates that for the third year in a row, solo camping has grown in popularity. According to the survey, 30.6% of respondents said they camped alone for at least one night in 2024. That’s up from 29.8% the year before, and 18.8% in 2001 when The Dyrt first started tracking these numbers. What draws these individuals to solo camping? According to the report, 69% say they enjoy the solitude, while not having friends and family available (50.6%), and camping just being part of a longer solo trip (25.9%) were also cited. Also, almost half of those solo campers say they did bring their dogs with them. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Coleman
- Coleman Launches New “Pro” Line of Coolers to Take on Yeti: The Coleman cooler was once a staple at every campsite, but in recent years, this trusty brand seems to have been supplanted by the likes of Yeti and other premium cooler manufacturers. Now, the company is striking back, launching the new Coleman Pro line of coolers that are lighter than the competition, while still performing at the same high level. In fact, these new models are said to be even more durable than Yeti. The lineup includes both hard- and soft-side options in a variety of sizes. Best of all, they have more consumer-friendly prices, too. Check out the entire Coleman Pro collection here.
- Young RVers are More Adventurous and Diverse: Go RVing continues to share insights from its 2025 RV Owners Demographic Profile, this time taking a look at Millennial and Gen Z RVers. This year’s report showed that those two groups tend to be the most diverse at the campsite, with 42% of respondents identifying as being from a minority group such as Hispanic-Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and LGBTQ+ members. The report also noted that young RVers also tend to gravitate towards boondocking, seeking new travel experiences, and taking part in exciting activities. RV News has further insights here.
That’s it for this week. See you next Friday for another edition of our weekly RV news round-up.
The post RV News: Sweeping New Tariffs, Outside Magazine’s Favorite Rigs, and Winnebago is Giving Away an RV appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-04
RV News: Coachmen’s Brookstone Adds a Lux Patio, Newmar Reveals Compact Class C Model, and More
Happy Friday and welcome back to another edition of our weekly round-up of all the biggest news from across the RV industry. Here are a few interesting and important stories from the past week:
Photo Credit: Coachmen
- Coachmen Launches New Brookstone Floor Plan with Unique Rear Patio: Outdoor patios aren’t a new thing on RVs, but in the past they were usually found only on toy haulers. But now, a number of manufacturers are finding unique and fun ways to integrate a deck or porch on other models, too. This week, Coachmen took the RV patio to new levels by introducing the Brookstone 318RLL floor plan. This model uses marine-grade furnishings—like a large L-shaped couch and a boat-inspired table—to create a comfy-looking outdoor space. Add in a mini-fridge and you truly have a place you’ll want to hang out in. Find out more here.
- Newmar Reveals 2026 Lineup with New Compact Class C Model: We’re not even to the end of March, but Newmar is already showing off its line of RVs for the 2026 model year. This week, the luxury brand held its annual dealer meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, where it showed off a host of new vehicles, including updated versions of the Super Star and Supreme Aire Super C models, along with the King Aire and an all-new model called the Summit Aire. But perhaps most exciting was the introduction of the Freedom Aire, the brand’s first Class C model. The coach is built on the Mercedes 4500 chassis and includes a spacious dinette and a king-size Murphy bed. The new motorhome will be available in six floor plans that promise plenty of flexibility and versatility. Stay tuned for further updates as more info is revealed in the coming weeks.
Image Courtesy of welcomia/Getty
- Go RVing Study Finds Young Families Tend to Purchase Another RV: The Go RVing 2025 RV Demographics Profile continues to reveal all kinds of interesting information. This week, the organization revealed that young families—defined here as the 18-34 and 35-44 age groups—with kids under 18 living at home enjoy the bonding experiences and flexibility/freedom that come with RV travel. Those groups are also highly likely to purchase another RV in the future, with 84% of survey respondents indicating such. These young RVers are also very brand loyal, with 90% saying they would stick with the manufacturer of their current vehicle in the future. For further insights, check out this article from RV News.
Photo Credit: Dometic
- GearJunkie Reviews Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent: As rooftop tents continue to gain in popularity, we see a lot of innovation taking place within that market space. One of the most intriguing is the Dometic TRT 140 Air, which is a lightweight, inflatable model that sets up in minutes. This week, the team at GearJunkie took a look at this unique offering, giving it high marks for its weight, easy installation, and host of features. Cons include a lack of space for bedding when not in use, the tent being rather noisy when in transit, and the risk of puncturing the inflatable frame. Read the full review here.
Photo Credit: Entegra Coach
- RV Pro Looks at the Latest Trends in RV Kitchens: The kitchens in our RVs are arguably the most important space in the entire rig. Sure, you want a comfortable bed and a fun place to hang out when relaxing, but a full-featured kitchen allows us to make our favorite meals and snacks anywhere we wander. Over the past few years, we’ve seen some significant leaps in kitchen technology, which has made life on the road even better. But what are the current trends in RV kitchens? According to a report this week, those include multifunctional appliances, energy efficiency, and residential-style designs and performance. Our friends at RV Pro have taken a deeper look into where things are headed. Read it here.
- Rivian Spins Off New Micromobility Brand for E-Bikes and Scooters: Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian announced a new spin-off company this week dubbed Also, Inc. The subsidiary brand will leverage the parent company’s expertise in battery and electric motor tech to build a line of e-bikes and scooters. The goal is to build a range of consumer options for sustainable travel, with options at a variety of price points. No word yet on when these new products will be available, but they’ll face serious challenges in the increasingly crowded e-bike market. Read more here.
That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another update on everything happening in the RV space.
The post RV News: Coachmen’s Brookstone Adds a Lux Patio, Newmar Reveals Compact Class C Model, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-28
RV News: Arkto Camper Reveals New Off-Road Towable, the Top Camping and Glamping Sites of 2025, and More
The calendar says it’s Friday, which means it’s time for another quick round-up of everything happening in the RV and camping industry this week. Before heading off into the weekend, here are a few stories you may want to know about:
Photo Credit: Arkto
- Arkto Campers Unveils Smaller, Lighter Off-Road Camper: If you’re in the market for an off-road, off-grid overlanding towable, there is a new option to consider. This week, Arkto Campers revealed an all-new model, dubbed the C10. Lighter and more nimble than the brand’s G12 trailer, this rig is built to take on tough terrain. The pop-up model has an interior height of 6’11”, sleeps up to three adults, and weighs just 2,750 lbs. It also comes with a Truma furnace, 15-amp shore power, a queen-size bed, LED lighting, plenty of onboard storage, and is solar-ready. Pricing starts at $64,000 CAD, which translates to about $44,500 by today’s exchange rate. To find out more, check out this story from our friends at GearJunkie.
- Thor Moves Heartland Brand Under Jayco Management: There is no question that Thor Industries is one of the biggest players in the RV space, with multiple sub-brands falling under its corporate umbrella. This week, the company made a strategic move by placing its Heartland subsidiary under direct control of Jayco. The reason for this strategic realignment? Like much of the industry, Heartland has faced challenges over the past few years, and the shift will provide more optimized and efficient manufacturing, operations, and customer service. No word on whether or not DRV Luxury Suites and Cruiser RV—which previously operated under Heartland—will also make the move.
Photo Credit: Noovo
- Noovo Camper Vans to Hold Open House April 5-6: Las Vegas-based Noovo, which manufactures a line of camper vans, will hold its first-ever open house. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at the company’s new headquarters located at 4495 Copper Sage St. The gathering will showcase Noovo’s van builds and will include guest speakers, factory tours, live music, food and drinks, and much more. For more information—and to reserve your free ticket—click here.
- Yosemite to Open Campsite Reservations on March 24: After delaying the start of campsite reservations for summer 2025, Yosemite National Park is almost ready to start letting you book your stay. The park will begin taking reservations on Monday, March 25, for anyone planning a visit for June 15-July 14. Those wanting a campsite from July 15-August 14 can make a booking starting on Monday, March 31. Both reservation windows will allow campers to claim a spot at the Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadows campgrounds. As usual, you’ll want to book as early as possible. Good luck!
Photo Credit: Caltrans District 10
- Rockslide Closes Road to Yosemite: While we’re on the topic of the country’s second national park, a rockslide on California Highway 140 between Midpines and El Portal has closed off access to Yosemite for the foreseeable future. That’s the route that runs to the main entrance, meaning it is very difficult to get into the park at all right now. Access is still available along Highways 41 and 120, although tire chains are required on those routes at the moment. As of press time, there is no estimate as to how long the road will be closed.
- The Dyrt Announces 2025 Glampy Award Winners: Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt has announced the winners of the 2025 Glampy Awards, given out annually to the best places to go camping. This year’s top ten list includes a wide variety of destinations in Utah, Idaho, Georgia, and West Virginia. We won’t give away the top spot, but a few of the winners include Cozy Heron Glamping in North Carolina and Twin Falls Glamping Tents in Texas. Check out the full list here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- 2025 Campspot Awards Revealed, Too!: It must be award season in the camping space, as this week Campspot also revealed its 2025 award winners, handing out accolades for the top places to go camping in the US and Canada, while also highlighting a host of subcategories. Some of those included the Top Campgrounds for RVs, the Top Campgrounds for Glamping, Top Unique Campgrounds, and Campspot’s picks for the Top Hidden Gems. Discover the full list of winners here.
- Roadsurfer Adds Colorado Camper Van and RV Rental Outlet: RV rental company Roadsurfer has launched its operations in Denver, Colorado. The company announced that it is now offering camper van and Class C rentals from that location, with pricing starting as low as $99/night. With the addition of this new outlet, the German-owned company now offers rentals in seven locations in the US—including Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Seattle—as well as Calgary and Vancouver, Canada.
Photo Credit: Ember RV
- Overland Expo SoCal Makes Very Successful Debut: If you’re active in the overlanding space, you know that Overland Expo is the place to be if you want to pick up new tips, scout out the latest gear, and meet others who share your passion. This combination of activities has let OXE become so popular that it has grown to include five different events across the country, including the latest edition—Overland Expo SoCal. The inaugural SoCal meet-up took place on March 15-16 and by all accounts was a major hit. In fact, organizers say it was the most successful debut of any of the shows ever, drawing 19,000 attendees for 303 exhibitors and 84 seminars. RV Business has the lowdown here.
- RVs Move America Week Registration Now Open: The RV Industry Association’s annual RVs Move America Week is scheduled for June 1-5 this year, with the event taking place in Washington DC. The conference is mainly aimed at movers and shakers from within the industry, who gather to talk strategy, plan collaborations, and lobby senators and representatives. Registration opened this week for those who will be attending. For a full schedule of events, click here.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday with more RV industry news briefs.
The post RV News: Arkto Camper Reveals New Off-Road Towable, the Top Camping and Glamping Sites of 2025, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-21
RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More
Friday has arrived at long last, which means it’s time for our weekly round-up of the latest news and RV industry trends. As usual, it has been another busy week, so here are the stories you may have missed:
Photo Credit: Sabre
- Sabre Introduces Floor Plan Designed in Collaboration with Popular YouTube Channel: We first mentioned this news item way back in January, when Sabre first announced its collaboration with the popular RV Miles website/podcast/YouTube channel. But now, the all-new 37RVMiles floor plan has made its official debut at long last, bringing some interesting features along with it. The 43′ fifth-wheel trailer comes with a spacious primary bedroom with a king bed, an L-shaped sectional sofa, a rear bonus room with additional beds, and a side patio deck. Check it out here.
- New Trekker Adventure Truck Coming Soon From 27 North: While we’re on the topic of adventure trucks, 27 North made news this week by announcing a new model coming to its lineup in April. Dubbed the Trekker, the new vehicle is built for consumers looking for a light-duty off-road expedition rig. While not a lot is known just yet, company founder and CEO Pavel Bosovik tells RV News the truck will be 25 feet in length and 20%-50% lighter than the competition. As is typical with the company’s other vehicles—including a line of Class B vans—the Trekker will blend off-road capabilities with a luxurious interior.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
- Rossmönster Debuts ‘Most Capable’ Sprinter Van on the Market: If you’re looking for a rugged and adventurous camper van, Rossmönster’s new Class B model may be a fit. The brand is best known for its bespoke adventure trucks, but this week it announced the Skye camper van, its first repeat-production model ever. That means customers can expect better availability and faster delivery times, on a vehicle that includes a fold-away queen-size bed, a 12-foot counter, and an off-grid power system. Read our coverage of the announcement here.
- More Than 4,000 California Campsites Could Be Closed This Summer: We all know that the budget cuts and staff layoffs currently underway in Washington DC are going to have a profound impact on how the country operates. This week, the consequences of those actions hit home in a very concrete way when we found out that more than 4,000 campgrounds on national forest lands could be closed for some or all of the summer. The new leak came via a US Forest Service memo that was shared internally back in February, hinting at the challenges ahead. Of course, California isn’t likely to be the only state impacted, as the cuts will hit every state on some level.
Photo Credit: National Park Service
- Sierra Club Joins Coalition Suing DOGE Over National Park Layoffs: A coalition of unlikely partners—including The Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates and Japanese American Citizens League—have joined forces to take on Elon Musk ant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The newly-formed government agency has sent shock waves throughout the country with its efforts to reduce government spending by laying off tens of thousands of workers, including those at the National Park Service, US Forest Department, and the Bureau of Land Management. Now, DOGE is facing push back from the above organizations, who are suing to prevent those staff reductions, which could have long-term detrimental effects on public lands. Find out more here.
- Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Go Into Effect: In other news out of Washington, the tariffs on all steel and aluminum imported into the US promised by President Trump a few weeks back have officially gone into effect. Moving forward, those imports will be subject to a 25% tax increase, with countries like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil most impacted by the new levies. This could have a lasting impact on the RV industry, of course, which is why we’re tracking all of the important tariff news here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- Booking Campsites Remains a Big Challenge: This week we learned that reserving your favorite campsite is still a challenge, thanks to so many campgrounds being full. According to the 2025 Camping Report from The Dyrt, 56.1% of people surveyed say that they ran into difficulty booking a site in 2024. That’s up from 45.5% in 2023, and close to the all-time high of 58.4% from 2022. In other words, if you want to go camping this year and know your travel dates, book those campsites as early as possible.
- Go RVing Shares Insights on RVers Working on the Road: Remote work options have become more common in recent years, and some RVers are taking advantage of those opportunities to work while on the road. According to Go RVing’s 2025 Owner Demographic, 22% of those surveyed said their current job allows them to work from anywhere, with 54% indicating they’d worked from their RV. Curiously, more motorhome owners take advantage of this situation, with 65% of them working from their rig, compared to 50% of towable owners.
Photo Credit: Cruise America
- RV Rental Site Shares Stats Current Market Trends: We’ll keep the RV/camping stats rolling with yet another report on industry trends. Go RV Rentals, an online resource for discovering and renting a recreational vehicle, shared its 2025 RV Rental Price Index Report, which showed some interesting trends, including the average nightly rental cost of various RV models. Unsurprisingly, Class A motorhomes had the highest average rate at $313, with Class B camper vans next at $228, followed by Class C models at $214. The report also showed that the top three most expensive rental markets were Houston, Austin, and San Francisco, while Tampa, San Diego, and Phoenix were the most affordable. Read the full report here.
- 28 Million Americans Will Go RVing This Spring: Not to be outdone by all the other industry studies being released, the RV Industry Association has one of its own to share. The RVIA Spring Travel Intentions Survey indicates that 28 million Americans will hit the road in an RV over the next few months, with most staying within 7 to 15 hours from home. Beaches and coastal areas are the top spring destinations, with the Florida Keys coming in at the number one spot. The report is filled with all kinds of other stats—like 72 million Americans going RVing in the next 12 months—and most respondents say they’re traveling for better weather or to escape their busy lives. Check it out here.
That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another wrap-up of everything going on in the very busy RV industry.
The post RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-14
Rossmönster Reveals Adventurous and Innovative Skye Camper Van
Rossmönster, a brand best known for its burly adventure trucks, is bringing its years of design and manufacturing expertise to the Class B market. Yesterday, the company took the wraps off what it calls “the most capable 170” Sprinter van on the market, which comes our way in the form of the Skye, a rugged off-road model that deftly combines both performance and comfort.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
So, how exactly does the Skye camper van stand out in the increasingly crowded Class B space? Well, for starters, it’s made by Rossmönster, which means it offers a build quality that matches or exceeds anything else currently available. It’s also designed from the ground up for off-grid, off-road camping, with the capability to take you just about anywhere you want to go in style and comfort. That starts with using the Sprinter chassis, which provides a reliable and proven base to build upon.
After that, Rossmönster went to work doing its thing, giving the Skye a custom-built interior unlike anything currently on the market. Highlights include a plush queen-size bed that conveniently folds into a storage compartment, freeing up extra space when not in use. The rig also comes with a hydronic heated floor, an onboard bathroom with a shower and cassette toilet, and seating for four people. The roomy kitchen especially stands out, with a two-burner induction cooktop, a microwave that doubles as an air fryer, and a 150L refrigerator/freezer. But most impressive of all is the 12′ countertop, which is perfect for meal prep or as a workspace while on the road.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
As noted, the Skye camper van is made for of-grid adventures, which are made easier thanks to a 400W solar panel, a 1,000Ah LiFePo4 house battery, and a 3,000W inverter. A high-amp alternator charger powers up the batteries while driving, and a shore power connection provides electricity when staying at a traditional campsite. The exterior also comes equipped with a KC light bar, a Lippert powered awning, and an array of accessories from Owl Vans, including running boards, a rear ladder/tire carrier. Optional upgrades include a rugged bumper, an Owl cargo carrier, and a pop-top tent that brings the sleeping capacity to four.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this van is that it is the first repeat-production model in Rossmönster’s history. Normally, the company works with each individual client, building a custom adventure truck to meet their specific needs. But with the Skye, the brand delivers its trademark precision craftsmanship and design sensibilities in a vehicle with greater availability, making it accessible to a larger audience.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
The new Rossmönster Skye camper van is available for order now. Pricing starts at $233,983. For more information, visit rossmonster.com.
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2025-03-13
National Park Visitation Hit an All-Time High in 2024
2024 was a banner year for America’s national parks, with record numbers of people flocking to those iconic locations. Last week, the National Park Service released its visitation numbers for last year, which saw 331.9 million people pass through the entrance gates of such famous places as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier. That number tops the previous record of 330.9 million visitors set back in 2016.
In addition to managing the 63 locations designated as “national parks,” the NPS also oversees another 370 “units” that include national historic sites, battlefields, seashores, memorials, and parkways. Those places range in size from the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia, which covers just .2 acres, to the sprawling wilderness that is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. That remote and wild destination spreads out over 13.2 million acres.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
The Park Service not only released the overall national park visitation numbers for 2024, but also released its list of the most popular destinations that fall under its care. This year, there were a couple of shake-ups on that list, with the Blue Ridge Parkway—a perennial favorite with road trippers—slipping out of the number one spot for the first time in years. That happened because large sections of the scenic route were shut down this past fall due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
Utah’s Zion National Park and Arizona’s Grand Canyon NP continue to battle it out for the number two and three positions on the most visited national parks list. This year, Zion took that honor, which went to the Grand Canyon last year. Both finished behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has been number one for decades.
El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Photo Credit: Getty
The top ten list of most visited national parks—with the total number of visitors—is as follows:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
2. Zion National Park (4.94 million)
3. Grand Canyon National Park (4.91 million)
4. Yellowstone National Park (4.74 million)
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (4.15 million)
6. Yosemite National Park (4.12 million)
7. Acadia National Park (3.96 million)
8. Olympic National Park (3.71 million)
9. Grand Teton National Park (3.62 million)
10. Glacier National Park (3.20 million)
And the list of top ten sites managed by the Park Service looks like this:
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (17.18 million visits)
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (16.73 million)
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
4. Gateway National Recreation Area (8.92 million)
5. Lincoln Memorial (8.47 million)
6. Gulf Islands National Seashore (7.80 million)
7. Natchez Trace Parkway (7.36 million)
8. George Washington Memorial Parkway (6.78 million)
9. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (6.41 million)
10. Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5.29 million)
With a recent survey indicating 80% of all campers plan to stay in a national park in 2025, the new visitation record may not stand all that long. Then again, with the Park Service facing severe budget cuts and staff layoffs, it could be a very challenging year for the organization and visitors alike. Hopefully, most of those issues will get sorted ahead of the busy summer travel season, but as of now, many campgrounds are closed, visitor centers have limited hours, and guided hikes and tours are on hiatus. If you’re planning a visit to a park in the months ahead, be sure to check what services are available before you go.
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2025-03-10
RV News: New Models from East to West RV, Camping on Farms Grows in Popularity, and Much More
It’s Friday, which means it’s also time to review all the big news and stories from the RV and camping industry this week. Here are the stories you should be know about heading into the weekend:
- East to West Debuts New Della Terra Travel Trailer Model: Earlier this week, Forest River subsidiary East to West RV showed off a new travel trailer that first made an appearance last fall at the annual Elkhart Extravaganza RV event. The 32′ Della Terra 263RK tips the scales at 7,243 lbs. and ships with solar prep, a 30-amp charge controller, and a 20′ awning. Inside, you’ll find a massive 60″ window in the kitchen, which is also equipped with a dinette or optional free-standing table. Other standout features include a king-size bed, washer/dryer prep, an entertainment center with a smart TV and a fireplace, and 6′ 9″ ceilings. Visit the East to West website for more information.
Photo Credit: East to West RV
- East to West has New Ahara Fifth-Wheel Floor Plans, Too: The new Della Terra wasn’t the only thing East to West showed off tis week. The brand also revealed two additions to its Ahara line of fifth-wheel trailers. The new models include an updated version of the existing 390DS and the 395FB, which makes its debut in 2025. The 390DS is a swanky, spacious model with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, while the 395FB includes a breakfast bar, a walk-in closet, and built-in office space for working on the go.
Photo Credit: Airstream
- Airstream Launches Electric Basecamp 20Xe: Iconic RV brand Airstream is getting into the electric travel trailer space. Last weekend, the brand revealed the new Basecamp 20Xe, an upgraded version of the existing Basecamp 20 model that includes 600W of solar panels, a 10.3kWh house battery, and a 3000W inverter. The rig also comes with off-road tires, making it easier to reach that remote campsite. To learn more, check out our full coverage of the towable. here.
- Rossmönster Adventure Trucks Coming to Happy Daze RV: Legendary overland vehicle manufacturer Rossmönster has struck a deal with Happy Daze RV to bring its amazing off-roaders to a broader audience. This week, the two brands announced that the dealership would be the official distributor of Rossmönster adventure trucks and vans. This should make it easier for anyone who has been interested in these RVs to actually see one in person and get a sense of what it has to offer before buying.
Photo Credit: Harvest Hosts
- Camping on Farms Continues to Grow in Popularity: According to online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt, an increasing number of people want to camp on a farm. According to the company’s 2025 Camping Report, roughly one in seven people surveyed indicated they stayed on a farm in 2024. That’s 14.1% if you’re keeping track at home. Even more interesting, that number has gone up each year since 2019, starting at just 4.2% at the time. By the way, the brand even surveyed farmers on the topic, with 51.4% saying they prefer RVers over other types of campers.
- Progressive and Harvest Host Release 2025 RV Travel Trends Report: The Dyrt isn’t the only outlet to have insights into how RVers are traveling these days. This week, Progressive Insurance and Harvest Hosts revealed their 2025 RV Travel Trends Report, with some interesting insights to offer as well. For instance, did you know that 45% of RVers book their travel plans two months or less in advance. Gen Zers are especially spontaneous, with 38% saying the book just two to three weeks out. Other interesting notes include 52% of respondents say they don’t travel without their pets, while 59% say their biggest worry is overcrowded campgrounds. Read more here.
Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty
- More Tariffs Go into Effect: This week, the Trump administration enacted more tariffs against Canada, China, and Mexico, although our southern neighbors did end up getting a one-month reprieve from the import taxes. Curious as to how all of this may impact the RV industry? We’ve been keeping a close eye on the topsy-turvy turn of events and have a continually updated article on RV.com covering the constantly evolving situation. To stay up to date, check out that story here.
That’s all for this week. Join us again next Friday for another rundown of the latest RV industry news.
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2025-03-07
RV News: Supertramp’s New Hard-Sided Truck Camper, What It’s Like to Own an EarthRoamer, and Much More
The RV and camping industry had another busy week, with a slew of announcements and stories. Here is our weekly round-up of the most important things you might like to know from the past seven days:
- Supertramp Launches Hard-Sided Truck Camper: Supertramp Campers has made a mark in the truck camper space by creating a line of excellent pop-up models made from durable carbon fiber. Now, the brand is jumping into the hard-sided space with the introduction of the Flagship HT, a lightweight four-season option that comes with some nice features, including 330W of solar and 800Ah lithium house batteries. Inside, the camper is bright and airy, thanks to a surprising number of windows, and is equipped with a queen-size bed, a 65L refrigerator, keyless entry, and a portable cassette toilet. Prices start at $ 65,975. GearJunkie has a first-look at this impressive new entry.
Photo Credit: Phoenix Pop-Ups
- The Cyberphoenix is a Slide-In Camper for the Cybertruck: While we’re on the subject of truck campers, Tesla Cybertruck owners also have a new option from Phoenix Pop-Ups to convert their EV into an RV. The Cyberphoneix is a slide-in model that includes a kitchenette with a stove and sink, a powered cooler, and an indoor and outdoor shower. The camper comes with an 800W solar panel, a 400Ah lithium battery, and a 2,000W inverter. Find out more here.
- Autoevolution Takes a Look at the “Family-Ready” 2025 Thor Riviera: If you’re in the market for a new family-friendly Class A model, you may want to head over to Autoevolution to check out their review of the 2025 Thor Riviera. The car-focused website lauds the newest edition of this diesel pusher for its roomy interior, modern design, and very long list of amenities. The reviewer was even impressed with the Rivera’s $354,060 price tag, acknowledging that’s a lot of money while also saying buyers get a lot of bang for their buck. The coach is available in three floor plans, with room for up to eight people depending on the model. Find out more about the Thor Riviera here.
Photo Credit: EarthRoamer
- What It’s Like to Own an EarthRoamer Overland Vehicle: In the overlanding and expedition communities, owning an EarthRoamer adventure vehicle is an aspirational goal. After all, these go-anywhere truck-based off-roaders are built to take on the toughest terrain on the planet, while delivering a luxurious living experience in a remote location. But with price tags that start around $800,000, you can understand why anyone would be hesitant to make such a big purchase without doing a lot of research first. This week, our friends over at GearJunkie offered help with that process by providing an in-depth look at what it’s like to own, drive, and live in an EarthRoamer. The story provides lots of insight and details and is worth a read, even if you just admire these engineering marvels from afar. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: Kawasaki
- Kawasaki Debuts Electric UTV: This week, Kawasaki took the wraps off its first-ever all-electric four-wheel vehicle by introducing the new NAV 4e. The iconic Japanese company calls the ute a “PTV”—as in personal transportation vehicle—and has equipped it with an electric drivetrain that gives it a maximum speed of up to 19 MPH. The basic entry model is disappointingly powered by lead-acid batteries, but the LE and Limited editions make the leap to lithium cells. The high-end version even comes with a 7” digital display, an onboard audio system, a brush guard front bumper, floor lighting, a flip-down windshield, and upgraded seats. The plush new EV is designed more for cruising neighborhoods and campgrounds, rather than off-road trails. Pricing starts at $12,999.
- Pleasure-Way Salutes Its Top Dealers: Canadian Class B manufacturer Pleasure-Way took time this week to recognize its top dealerships, which it says exemplifies outstanding customer service, knowledge, and overall sales and service performance. This year’s winners include the following: Fretz RV in Souderton, PA; Happy Daze RV in Sacramento, CA; Johnson RV in Sandy, OR; La Mesa RV Center, San Diego, CA; La Mesa RV Center in Davie, FL; La Mesa RV Center in Phoenix, AZ; La Mesa RV in Mesa, AZ; National Indoor RV in Lewisville, Texas; Oconnor RV in Chilliwack, British Columbia; Traveland RV in Airdrie, Alberta, and VR Rive-Sud Levis – Quebec. Congrats to these great RV dealerships.
Photo Credit: BlueBarronPhoto/Getty
- 80% of Campers Plan National Park Stays for 2025: If you haven’t been keeping up on current events, you may not know that the National Park Service is facing some severe challenges heading into the busy 2025 travel season. Thanks to budget cuts and the firing of over a thousand staff members, the NPS is now scrambling to provide services to visitors. If you’d like to know more, we detailed all of this in a dedicated post on RV.com yesterday. All of that information is put further into context when this week The Dyrt revealed that 80% of the respondents to its 2025 Camping Report indicated they were planning to camp inside a national park this year. With some campground reservations closed or delayed, it could be even more difficult to book a stay at your favorite park this year. Watch the Park Service website for updates and use recreation.gov to help book your site.
- Will the EPA Repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Regulations?: If you’ve been following the drama surrounding California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rules, you probably already know the regulations have been controversial. In short, the California Air Resources Board is looking to spur the adoption of large electric trucks by mandating that chassis manufacturers should move to EVs or face a sales ban in the state. Because those chassis are also used for RVs, this meant a potential ban on sales of motorhomes in the state, unless EV quotas were met. Now, those regulations—along with the Advanced Clean Cars II and the Omnibus Low NOx regulation—have been submitted to the EPA for review and now face possible repeal. Considering the Trump Administration isn’t all that keen on electric vehicles, there is a good chance that this regulatory action could go away. Stay tuned for further updates and for more info on the topic, read our summary here.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for another rundown of the most important news stories from the RV and camping industry.
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2025-02-28
RV News: Keystone Cougar Tops Sales Charts, Ford Transit Trail Goes Bye-Bye, and Much More
Another week has come and gone, and as usual we have a lot to cover in our weekly RV and camping news round-up. Here are a few things that happened this week that you might like to know about.
- Keystone Cougar is the Number One Fifth-Wheel in North America, Again: We’re big fans of the Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel here at RV.com, which is why we were happy to see it get recognition from consumers as well. This week, Keystone announced that the Cougar has regained the crown as the best-selling fifth-wheel model in North America. In a press release announcing the win, Keystone says that modern floor plans, integrated technology, and outstanding build quality all contribute to the Cougar’s appeal. We simply think it is one of the best all-around towables on the market, with outstanding features inside and out. Explore more here.
Photo Credit: Forest River
- Forest River Named Ford Motorhome’s Top-Selling Account: It seems Forest River’s motorized division is doing quite well for itself. Recently, Ford named the RV manufacturer as its top-selling motorhome account, meaning it has shipped more vehicles built on a Ford chassis than anyone else. The company builds several of its Class A coaches on the Ford F-53 chassis, including the FR3 and Georgetown models, both of which have risen in popularity in recent years. Additionally, the Class C Forester, Solera, and Sunseeker all ride on Ford’s E350 and E450 chassis.
- Happy 15th Anniversary to inTech: Towables manufacturer inTech was founded on February 15, 2010, which means tomorrow marks its 15th year of operation. To celebrate, the company introduced the new Aucta Sycamore travel trailer, which is its first foray into building a bunkhouse model. Over the past decade and a half, inTech has grown to become one of the leaders in the lightweight towable space, using aluminum manufacturing, high-tech construction techniques, and excellent materials to separate itself from the pack. That approach has paid off, earning it a reputation for making modern, well-built, and affordable RVs. Happy anniversary to the entire inTech crew.
Photo Credit: Ford
- Ford Discontinues Transit Trail Van: Sad news for fans of the Ford Transit van, which is a popular platform for Class B manufacturers. This week the Blue Oval killed off the off-road version of that platform, which was designed for driving and camping off-road. Jalopnik reports that the Transit Trail model—which went on sale in 2022—was dropped from the lineup due to supply chain constraints. Apparently, the automaker was having issues with acquiring some of the parts that add the “Trail” moniker to this Transit variant. There may be a ray of hope though, as Ford hasn’t ruled out bringing the Transit Trail back at a later date once the supply chain issues are sorted out. Fingers crossed, they can make that happen.
- Is Camping Inflation Proof?: The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report continues to be a treasure trove of data and information. This week, we learned that four out five people who went camping in 2023 either camped the same amount or more in 2024. Perhaps more surprising, those campers did so despite rising costs, crowded campgrounds, and challenges to making reservations. There are a lot of ways to interpret that data, but it seems like a lot of people still consider camping a cost-effective way to get away and enjoy some time in the outdoors, even if there are a few additional hurdles to overcome.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- Yosemite Reservation System On Hold Pending White House Approval: As a surge of visitors hit America’s national parks over the past few years, many locations had to get creative with how they handled the influx of travelers. For Yosemite National Park, that meant instituting a reservation system that required anyone coming to the park to book a specific time of entry. The goal was to spread out those arrival times throughout the day, better manaing the crowds and keeping traffic to a minimum. Last year, the National Park Service announced that the reservation system would become a permanent fixture. But now, it has been put on hold while administrators wait for approval from the President. Whether or not that approval comes remains to be seen, but for now, reservations are not required to enter this truly breathtaking place. The Los Angles Times has a full breakdown of this story.
- Trump Administration Carves Out Special Exemption for National Parks Hiring: If you’re planning on visiting any national parks this summer, there is a good chance those destinations could be understaffed. That’s because the Trump Administration has placed a hiring freeze for the entire federal government, which up until now has prevented the hiring of seasonal workers to fill roles within the national parks. But according to The Washington Post, the White House may have carved out an exemption that would allow the Park Service to begin staffing up for the summer. As of the time of publication, that exemption hasn’t been confirmed yet, but reliable sources say it is coming. Apparently, someone convinced the administration that the national parks can be dangerous places, especially when there isn’t enough staff to cover all of the duties and responsibilities. Read more about this emerging story here.
Photo Credit: Camping World/Keystone
- US Imposes Tariffs on All Imported Steel and Aluminum: One of the biggest stories of the week—both in and out of the RV industry—is the Trump administration’s decision to levy a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the US. This could have deep and lasting consequences for the economy, causing prices on a variety of goods—including cars and RVs—to go up as a result. At the moment, it is unclear what the long-term effects these tariffs will have on the RV industry, but it has the potential to cause prices to go up. We’ll be following that story closely in the weeks ahead and have a continually updated article on the subject that you can read here.
- Gen-Y Hitches Committed to Keeping Affordable Prices: Speaking of tariffs, this week Gen-Y Hitch became one of the first companies in the RV industry to address the potential impact of the new import taxes. This week, the hitch manufacturer said that it is committed to production costs and retail prices at their current levels, while still meeting demand for its products. It can do that—in part—because the hitches are made in the US using North American steel. Read more here.
That’s a wrap for this week’s RV industry news. See you next Friday for another rundown of the latest new RV announcements, camping reports, and more.
The post RV News: Keystone Cougar Tops Sales Charts, Ford Transit Trail Goes Bye-Bye, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-02-14