Category: News

Video: What’s New From Leisure Travel Vans in 2026?
The steady stream of news regarding updates and upgrades to 2026 RV models continues, with Leisure Travel Vans offering a glimpse of what to expect in the year ahead. But rather than just send a stale press release announcing the changes to its Unity and Wonder Class B+ camper vans, we get all of the important information in the well-produced video above. That means, in addition to learning about the changes that are in the works, we actually get to see them in action, which is infinitely better than just reading a list of stats.
Photo Credit: Leisure Travel Vans
So what exactly can we expect from Leisure Travel Vans in 2026? As it turns out, there are several very nice quality-of-life upgrades coming. For instance, the vans now come with an all-new entry door that makes getting in and out of the rigs easier. There is also a new countertop extension in the galley kitchen, along with a two-burner stove. You’ll also get updated captain’s chair covers, a new tail light design, and the addition of a Truma Aventa Eco air conditioner with a heat pump.
Additionally, both the Unity and the Wonder also get new premium external paint colors, with options like Alpine Mist, Sandstone, Granite, and more. A 4kW LP generator now comes standard on the Wonder and is an option on the Unity. Other options include a black accent package and mineral Corian countertops.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Check out the video above to get the full rundown on each of these updates and to check out the stunning interiors of these luxury Class B models. If you think you know what a camper van offers, but haven’t seen the Unity or Wonder yet, you will probably be very surprised at everything these stylish RVs have to offer.
To find out more, visit the Leisure Travel Vans website.
The post Video: What’s New From Leisure Travel Vans in 2026? appeared first on RV.com.
2025-08-11
RV News: 2026 RV Upgrades From Thor and Airstream, Sprinter vs. Transit Debate, and Much More
Friday is finally here, which means the weekend is just around the corner. Before heading off on your next adventure, we have a rundown of the latest news from the RV and camping industry. Here are the biggest stories that you may have missed this week:
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
- Thor Motors Reveals 2026 RV Upgrades: We’ve entered that time of the year when the major RV manufacturers start to reveal the big updates and upgrades coming to their vehicles in the coming months. This past week, Thor Motors has been doling out that information over the course of several days, focusing on Class A, B, and C models, along with diesel coaches. We’ve compiled all of those updates into a single article, which you can read here.
- Airstream Shares 2026 Updates, Too: Airstream also got on the new model-year upgrades bandwagon this week, announcing new features coming to its travel trailers in 2026. Every towable in the current line-up is getting a refresh of some degree this year, with many models getting improved air ducts for better airflow and higher-quality backup cameras. The Basecamp gets a substantial update with the X-Package—which includes all-terrain tires, better ground clearance, and more—is now standard across the line. The Globetrotter and Classic get a security camera, while the latter also receives a much-improved couch. Check out the full story here.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
- Grand Design Debuts New Lineage Series M Floor Plan: Grand Design’s foray into the motorized space has been an impressive one, with the Lineage Series M line being especially noteworthy. This week, the company revealed an all-new floor plan that continues the Class C model’s already established legacy for luxury and performance. Highlights of the 25TK layout include an upscale bathroom with a patent-pending AquaHaven rain shower, a bed that converts between two twins and a king, and a full-width rear passthrough cargo bay. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: Aliner
- Aliner Adds Truck Camper to Its Line-Up: Best known for its innovative and affordable pop-up A-frame towables, Aliner has announced that it is expanding into the truck camper space. This week, the brand announced the arrival of the Switchback, a lightweight (just 375 lbs) slide-in model that utilizes the brand’s A-frame architecture. Features include a full-size bed, lockable storage, and a garage-friendly design. Learn more here.
- Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster—Which is Best?: If you know anything about camper vans, you probably already know that most are built on either the Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit platforms, with a few—but growing—number riding on a Ram ProMaster chassis. So which one is the best option for Class B owners? That’s the age-old question that GearJunkie looked to answer this week. I won’t spoil the results, but will say the final choice came down to which one was easiest to get serviced. Find out which model won out by clicking here.
Photo Credit: Wes Walker
- Camper Vans Continue to Be Popular Options: While we’re on the topic of Class B campers, it seems these models continue to be a hot topic. According to RV Trader, these motorized rigs remain at the top of the most-searched list, with Winnebago holding the number one spot. The Flying W is followed by Thor Motors, Roadtrek, Airstream, and Pleasure-Way. Winnebago has three models in the top five searches as well, with the Travato, Solis, and Revel all making the cut.
- New Go RVing Travel Campaign Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday: America’s 250th birthday may not be until next year, but Go RVing is kicking off the celebration early. The organization dedicated to promoting the RV lifestyle has launched a new travel campaign dubbed “RV 2 50” that offers a coast-to-coast adventure with a set of destinations hand-selected to provide an inspirational, historical, and educational look at the US. The campaign includes travel guides for the entire journey, which could take up to six months to complete. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- Gain Boondocking Skills at Hershey RV Show: Planning on attending the Hershey RV Show? Want to gain new skills and knowledge for boondocking in your RV? You’re in luck because industry veteran and camping expert Dave Helgeson will be on hand conducting seminars. Helgeson will conduct several educational talks focusing on boondocking basics, where to find places to camp, safety, and more. He’ll also give a chat on RV basics, including essential system maintenance, use of individual appliances, and prepping for your first camping trip. Find out more here.
- AEONrv Hits the Road to Showcase New Flagship Model: RV start-up AEONrv is going on a road trip to show off its latest model. The company announced that it will be appearing at a number of events in the coming weeks, allowing interested customers to check out the new rig in person. The brand’s latest camper will be on display at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado, Aug. 22-24, and wraps up at Overland Expo East in Arrington, Virginia, Oct. 3-5, with several other stops along the way. Check out all of the locations here.
Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland
- RVs in the News: RVing, and the vehicles that make it possible, have gone mainstream. This week, a pair of stories related to the RV space made headlines in non-traditional RV media. Those include a story in Alabama’s Springfield News Leader about Storyteller Overland and its rugged GXV rig. Meanwhile, legendary design magazine House Beautiful shared some impressive RV interiors, noting the amazing use of space to provide comfort and amenities. Check that story out here.
- Trump Administration’s Sweeping Tariffs Go Into Effect: After talking about—and teasing—tariffs on most other countries for months, the Trump Administration finally followed up on that promise yesterday. As of August 7, 2025, import taxes as high as 50% are now in effect for the majority of US trading partners. Currently, the average tariff rate for US consumers is 17%, which is the highest it has been since the Great Depression. How this will impact the RV industry remains to be seen, but automakers have already felt the pressure with brands like Stellantis and Ford taking billion-dollar hits to their profits. Hopefully, most manufacturers can weather the storm and continue delivering top-notch products at reasonable prices. Stay tuned as this story will likely continue to unfold for weeks and months to come.
That’s all for this week. See you next Friday for another edition of our weekly RV news roundup.
The post RV News: 2026 RV Upgrades From Thor and Airstream, Sprinter vs. Transit Debate, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-08-08
2026 Thor Motors RV Upgrades Revealed
It’s that time of the summer again when RV manufacturers start announcing all of the important updates and upgrades coming to their most important models next year. Last week, we saw SylvanSport reveal its plans for 2026, and now Thor has gotten in on the fun. Over the course of the past few days, there has been a steady stream of press releases announcing Thor Motors RV upgrades for the coming year. And as usual, there are some great new additions for buyers.
Let’s dive in and see what’s in store.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
Class A Gas Models
Thor is well known for making outstanding Class A motorhomes, and in 2026 it’s bringing some exciting new additions to the lineup. Those include the all-new GG35 floor plan for the Indigo and Luminate models. Highlights of this new option include a spacious interior with a king-size bed, a convertible sofa bed, and the company’s popular and versatile Dream Dinette. A large closet comes prepped for a stackable washer and dryer, bringing plenty of comfort and convenience to this 37′ coach.
Not to be outdone, the 2026 Axis and Vegas coaches get a nice upgrade in the form of adjustable side tables that attach to the armrests on the standard leatherette seating. This replaces the larger center table found on previous models, freeing up space without sacrificing functionality. Additionally, the new 28.1 floor plan comes with a bedroom that features a walk-around queen bed, theater seating, and the aforementioned Dream Dinette, which is a first for these rigs.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
Finally, the 2026 Hurricane and Windsport models see updated exterior full-body paint options, and buyers can now select cabinets that come in an eye-catching two-tone color pattern. All floor plans also include larger, residential-style refrigerators.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
Class B Camper Vans
Thor Motors RV upgrades to the Class B camper van lineup start with the new 20U floor plan for the Sequence and Tellaro models. This layout includes a midship wet bath, a kitchen with a portable cooktop stove and a surprisingly large refrigerator, and rear couches that convert into a comfy bed. A removable table brings versatility to the dining space, while the cockpit captain’s chairs pivot to add extra seating space.
The Sequence and Tellaro, along with the Scope and Rize camper vans, also get an all-new Sport edition. These models deliver a somewhat stripped-down experience, giving campers all of the things they need, without a lot of extra frills. The goal is to offer buyers a well-built and equipped option at a more affordable price. Features include covered swiveling captain’s chairs, outdoor patio awning prep, blackout zipper window shades, slab-style upper cabinet doors, and pressed countertops with an under-mount sink and dry rack cover.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
Meanwhile, the already well-equipped Sanctuary and Tranquility Class B campers gain more off-grid capabilities. Upgrades include off-road tires, a 30A solar charger, and a factory-installed Starlink exterior plug for improved satellite internet compatibility. These rigs also get a new Silver Grey exterior color option, along with a Wind Sand interior decor that brightens the space with a clean, modern design.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
Class C Models
Those shopping for a Class C coach will find some nice upgrades to the Thor catalog for 2026, too, including a major refresh of the Four Winds, Chateau, Quantum, and Echelon ESpec models. Those four coaches now come with a more residential and modern feel, with interiors that boast updated cabinet doors and drawers, and two-tone color schemes. Outside, these motorhomes also get enhanced partial paint and optional full-body paint options with bold new styling to stand out at the campground.
Additionally, the Four Winds and Chateau models get the new 28G floor plan, a 30′ rig with a roomy interior. Notable features include a walk-around queen-size bed, a split-shower design for added space, a jack-knife sofa, and a Dream Dinette. This new layout was specifically built for buyers looking for a coach with more interior space, without the potential hassles that come with a larger RV with slide-outs.
Photo Credit: Thor Motors
The 2026 Compass AWD and Gemini AWD models get more boondocking-friendly, thanks to the addition of an expansion solar port. This gives owners the option to quickly and easily add additional solar panels at the campsite, adding flexibility to their charging options.
Finally, the Tiburon and Delano Class C models also get the external solar port, along with a few other notable upgrades. Those include hydraulic leveling jacks, a rear ladder receiver, and an optional blind-spot monitoring system for added safety while driving.
That’s a wrap on the Thor Motors RV upgrades for 2026. Expect more news from the brand as we approach the Hershey RV Show in September.
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2025-08-05
RV News: A New Option to Lease an RV, the EcoFlow Trail Series Power Stations, and More
Believe it or not, another week has come and gone. That means it’s time for another quick round-up of the latest news from the RV and camping industries. It has been a relatively slow week, but here are a few stories worth having on your radar.
Photo Credit: Advanced RV
- Advanced RV Introduces Short-Term Lease Program: Leasing a vehicle is a common practice in the automotive space, but is practically nonexistent in the RV world. But Ohio-based Advanced RV is looking to change that with the introduction of a new short-term lease program. The company specializes in custom Class B models, usually built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform. To help new RVers take an ownership test drive, the brand is now offering leases of one to 12 months, at the end of which the lessee can decide if they want to purchase the camper van or return it to the company. Currently, there are 15 models to choose from, all of which are pre-owned. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: EcoFlow
- EcoFlow Launches Ultra-Light Trail Series Power Stations: For our money, EcoFlow is the most innovative company working in the portable power space today. The brand is constantly pushing the boundaries for what it can do with the batteries and tech available, while focusing on developing next-generation technology for the future. This week, the company announced the Trail Series of power stations, which are lightweight, highly portable, and very affordable. These new models come in two versions—the Trail 300 and Trail Plus 300. Both versions weigh just 5.69 lbs. and deliver up to 300W of DC power. They come with five charging ports, including two standard USB-A ports, a 100W USB-C port, a 140W bidirectional USB-C port, and a 12V car outlet. The “Plus” model also has a detachable handle that doubles as a 140W USB-C cable, a built-in multi-functional camping light, and compatibility with the EcoFlow app. Click here to learn more.
Image Courtesy of Voyagerix/Getty
- Escapees RV Club Announces First-Ever “Resort Getaway”: The Escapees RV Club has been around for nearly 50 years, and yet it is still finding ways to surprise and delight RV owners. This week, the membership-based organization announced its first-ever “Resort Getaway,” which is a five-day event set to take place at the Resort at Canopy Oaks in Florida. The goal is to create a fun and relaxing gathering point for members at an upscale campground that boasts oversized RV sites with full hookups, a massive clubhouse, heated pool and spa, pickleball courts, daily continental breakfasts, catered dinners, evening socials, and curated activities for everyone. The event is scheduled to take place November 3-7, 2020. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Spacious Skies
- Spacious Skies Campgrounds Invites You to Follow the Fall Color Trail: Spacious Skies Campgrounds, which has 15 deluxe campsites across the eastern US, always comes up with creative ways to get RVers traveling. Case in point, recently the brand shared its Fall Color Trail, which serves as a route for travelers to take to observe the peak colors of autumn as they’re taking place, with stays at Spacious Skies locations. The route starts in Abbott, Maine, and meanders south all the way to Savannah, Georgia, with more than a dozen stops in between. The trail rundown shares not only when to go, but also which trees will be changing colors when you’re there. It also provides estimated driving time and distance, and more. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: Getty
- Hankook Tires Says Americans Increasingly Likely to Go Off-Road: A new survey from Hankook Tires shows Americans are feeling more confident and eager for off-road travel and adventures. This week, the company revealed its Hankook Gauge index, which is purportedly the longest-running survey of consumer behavior in the tire industry. Among the revelations was that 7 out of 10 drivers were interested in trying adventurous driving experiences, with off-roading receiving the most attention. This is especially true with younger drivers, 85% of whom said they are looking for all-terrain driving options. And thanks to better vehicles and tires, these drivers feel ready to tackle technical driving, even in challenging weather conditions. Find out more here.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next week for another RV news round-up.
The post RV News: A New Option to Lease an RV, the EcoFlow Trail Series Power Stations, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-25
RV News: Thor’s Hybrid RV Wins Another Award, Outside Van is Moving, and the Best Places to Camp in the Country
The calendar says it’s Friday, which means it’s time for another edition of our weekly round-up of the latest news from the RV and camping space. Here are the biggest stories from the past seven days that you might want to know about:
Photo Credit: THOR/Harbinger
- Thor Wins Major Award for Hybrid Class A Model: We’ve shared news on Thor’s exciting Test Vehicle, which rides on a hybrid gas-electric chassis co-developed with Harbinger Motors. This week, the RV manufacturer earned further recognition when it took home a “World Changing Ideas” award from Fast Company. The annual awards are given out to businesses and other organizations that are tackling the biggest issues of our day. In this case, Thor’s prototype—soon to be a commercial product—promises a 500-mile range using an onboard gas generator to charge its hybrid battery packs. Read more here.
Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland
- Storyteller Overland Wins an Award, Too: Thor wasn’t the only RV manufacturer taking home prestigious honors this week. Alabama-based Storyteller Overland also gained some much-deserved recognition in the form of a 2025 Red Dot Award. The brand’s excellent GXV Hilt off-road vehicle was spotlighted, with the awards jury saying: “The GXV HILT convincingly combines robust construction with functional features and contemporary comfort.” We agree with that statement wholeheartedly.
- Outside Van is Moving: For 18 years, Outside Van has been building unique Class B camper vans in Portland, OR, but later this year it will relocate to Gainesville, GA. The company was purchased by Fox Factory Holding Corp. in 2021, and the move will streamline operations and manufacturing. Our friends at RV News have more information here.
Image Courtesy of Hillary Bird
- GearJunkie Shares “10 Van Life Truths Everyone Should Know”: While we’re on the subject of camper vans, GearJunkie posted an interesting story this week about what it’s actually like to live in a Class B model for extended periods of time. The article is called “10 Van Life Truths Everyone Should Know,” and it includes tips on how to find good campsites, the best ways to maintain relationships, and why you should make sure the toilet is depressurized before opening it at altitude. There is a ton of wisdom to be found here, especially for those who dream about #vanlife and are aspiring to join that crowd. Read it for yourself here.
- Hipcamp Announces Best Places to Camp in America for 2025: If you need to find a great place to camp in the US, Hipcamp has always been a great option. But this week, the online discovery and booking service announced the 2025 Hipcamp Awards, revealing the best places to camp in the country. The awards are broken down into several categories—including tent camping, RV camping, glamping, and more—with some truly outstanding locations getting the nod. We won’t spoil the winners here, so you’ll have to head over to the Hipcamp website to discover them all for yourself.
- Keystone Puts New Furrion A/C to the Test in Death Valley: The advances in RV air conditioning technology have been incredibly impressive over the past few years, with A/C units getting more powerful and energy-efficient at a steady pace. Case in point, Keystone RV recently traveled to Death Valley to put the new Furrion Chill Cube through its paces. The new unit produces 18,000 BTUs and comes with a variable-speed compressor, soft start capability, and is reportedly very quiet, too. So, how well did it perform in the notoriously harsh conditions of Death Valley? Check out the video above to find out.
- Dometic Reveals Unrestricted Cooler Collection: Dometic is well known in the RV industry for its excellent line of powered coolers. But the company makes a wide range of other products for use at the campsite and in the outdoors. This week, that catalog expanded even further with the introduction of the Unrestricted Collection of soft coolers. The new product line-up includes two totes (regular and XL), two backpacks (regular and small), and a duffel. The bags are all made from durable 100% recycled Cordura and use PrimaLoft Gold insulation. Each is available now starting at $140.
Image Courtesy of Manu Reyes/Getty
- New Report Spotlights Trends for Modern RVers: Newbook, a company that creates property management software for campgrounds, has released its RV & Camping Consumer Insights Report for 2025, revealing some interesting trends in the process. The report was compiled from a survey of over 1,000 American RVers, with some surprising trends coming to the forefront. On a higher level, the results show that RVers are most interested in quick getaways closer to home, and value clean facilities and good internet connectivity as much as they do beautiful landscapes and traditional camping experiences. Dig a little deeper into the stats, and you’ll find that 78% of campground guests expect high-speed wireless internet. Other interesting notes include Gen Z and Millennials are four times as likely to book a tent camping trip compared to Baby Boomers, while 64% of travelers now book their trips online, with younger age groups leading the way in that category, too. Read more here.
That’s it for this week. Join us again next Friday for another rundown of the biggest news from the RV industry.
The post RV News: Thor’s Hybrid RV Wins Another Award, Outside Van is Moving, and the Best Places to Camp in the Country appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-18
RV News: Fund Raising for Flooded Texas Campgrounds, the 10 Best Locations to Camp in the US, and More
We are deep in the dog days of summer, but the news continues to the RV and camping industry news continues to flow at a rapid pace. It was another interesting and busy week on that front. Here are a few stories you may have missed:
- Texas Association of Campground Owners Raises Funds for Food-Damage Relief:As we all know by now, this past week has been a very difficult one for everyone living in Texas, where strong and sudden floods caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and personal property, while also claiming the lives of at least 120 people. Some of the damage impacted several central Texas campgrounds, completely wiping several locations away. Now, the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) is raising funds to assist those owners with getting back on their feet. The goal is a modest $30,000, with $25k already being raised as of press time. If you’d like to lend a hand, you can donate here.
Photo Credit: Barish Baur/Getty
- The Dyrt Shares the Top 10 Best Locations to Camp in the US for 2025: Looking for some new suggestions on where to go camping over the final months of 2025? Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt is here to help, offering up its picks for the ten best places to camp across the US this year. The locations were selected based on ratings and reviews from Dyrt members, who have a database of tens of thousands of campgrounds across the country. Needless to say, it wasn’t easy distilling it down to just ten entries, but the locations honored are among the very best places to camp. Not all of the sites are RV-friendly, but they earned a spot thanks to stunning wilderness views, excellent amenities, outstanding features, or a combination of all of the above. Check out the full list here.
Photo Credit: iKamper
- GearJunkie Has Everything You Need to Know About Camping in an EV: Just like a regular car, truck, or SUV, an electric vehicle can make an outstanding option for camping. EVs usually offer plenty of onboard power, near-silent running, and are better for the environment. But there are a few challenges to overcome, most notably how to keep it charged while staying at a remote campsite. This week, our friends over at GearJunkie took a look at the pros and cons of camping in an EV, providing excellent inside info on what to expect. The article is surprisingly comprehensive and shares a lot of great tips for towing, charging, and chilling. You can read it here.
Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze/Getty
- Can You Use Cruise Control While Towing?: Have you ever wondered if it is safe to use your cruise control while towing a travel trailer or fifth-wheel? Turns out the crew over at Jalopnik wondered the same thing, and recently shared an article exploring that very topic. What did they find? Essentially, most basic cruise control systems won’t account for the added weight of a towable, but will still maintain whatever speed is set for it. Newer, more sophisticated adaptive cruise control options are much smarter, however, and can adjust their settings to accommodate the additional weight. That’s due in part because those systems will also slow down and speed up the vehicle based on the traffic around them. These “smart” cruise control systems are safer and better equipped for the job. That said, it’s entirely up to the driver as to whether or not they trust a computer with such a heavy and complicated job.
- Tariff Turmoil Continues: The uncertainty and unease surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies continued apace this week, in part due to moving deadlines and shifting numbers. As you may recall, the administration announced sweeping tariffs on nearly every country back in April, but delayed implementation of most of those taxes in order to negotiate new trade agreements. The deadline for the resumption of the new tariffs came and went this week, with most now delayed until August 1. Those include a new 50% levy on all copper imports, which will likely impact the price of appliances, electric vehicles, and other electronics. Also, the President threatened Brazil with a 50% tariff due to ongoing legal actions against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The country—which the US enjoys a trade surplus with—has promised to match those tariffs in response. All of this continues to have a ripple effect on the economy and manufacturing, which could take months to play out. For up-to-date info on all tariff news, click here.
Photo Credit: Posnov/Getty
- Foreign Visitors May Have to Pay Higher National Park Entry Fees: While we’re delving into politics, a new executive order issued by the White House this week calls for higher entry fees for visitors who are not from the US. The EO doesn’t institute the increased fees itself, but instead calls on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to develop a plan to start charging more for foreign travelers looking to enter and explore America’s national parks. According to some estimates, the proposal could raise an additional $90 million per year for the National Park Service. Click here to learn more.
- Canada Eliminates Surtax on Motorhomes: In other import tax news, Canada has removed a 25% surtax on American-made motorhomes shipped north of the border. This applies to both new and used models and paves the way for US companies to see improved sales there. The move is largely seen as a way to bolster flagging sales at Canadian RV dealers, many of which have had a difficult time sourcing inventory. The reduced pricing should help all around. Read more here.
That’s it for this week. See you next Friday for another round-up of the latest RV-related news.
The post RV News: Fund Raising for Flooded Texas Campgrounds, the 10 Best Locations to Camp in the US, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-11
Voting Ends Soon for the 2025 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards
Listen up, Wildsam and RV.com readers. Time is running out to have your voice heard. Voting in the annual Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards will soon close, and we still want to hear from you! There is still time to cast your votes online for your favorite RV and RV accessories manufacturers, letting us know which brands deserve recognition for their outstanding products.
Simply click here to fill out our online form before July 25. Your responses let us know who you think are deserving of recognition. It also tells us which brands you want to read more about in upcoming issues and online articles.
As always, thanks for sharing your opinions.
The post Voting Ends Soon for the 2025 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-07
RV News: Airstream and Ember Updates for 2026, Grounded’s New E-RV, and Much More
Despite it being a shortened week due to the July 4th holiday, there is plenty of RV news to share from the past seven days and beyond. So as we head off for a long weekend, here are a few things to have on your radar.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- Airstream Announces 2026 Motorhome Upgrades: Airstream has announced a slew of new updates coming to its 2026 Atlas and Interstate motorhomes. Those upgrades include the inclusion of the company’s Advanced Power System—which comes with 10,300Wh self-heating lithium batteries—as standard equipment. The new models will come with a 1,000W single-burner induction cooktop, a 3,000W inverter, a 40-amp in-vehicle battery charger, a Victron SmartShunt for solar monitoring, a Victron BlueSolar charge controller, and a marine-grade alternator and regulator. All in all, some substantial improvements over previous models, making the Atlas and Interstate more off-grid ready.
Photo Credit: Ember RV
- Ember RV Shares 2026 Updates, Too: Airstream isn’t the only RV brand sharing updates for its 2026 models. Ember RV has also announced new features for its excellent Overland Series models, with highlights including 1,200W of solar standard, a 3,000W Victron inverter and Cerbo GX communication center, 270Ah deep-cycle Battle Born batteries, and no less than three Victron Bluetooth MPPT controllers. The new rigs will also offer side and rooftop solar ports for easy upgrades, and include a REDARC DC-to-DC trailer battery charger. The inside gets some nice bumps, too, including solid surface countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, a square stainless steel kitchen sink with a cutting board, a new shower with built-in shelf, and an upgraded 10.6-cubic-foot 12v refrigerator. This is just the tip of the iceberg, however, so visit the Ember website to find out more.
Photo Credit: Pebble
- Pebble Ships First Flow Electric Travel Trailers: RV start-up Pebble reached a major milestone this week by shipping the first full-production models of its all-electric travel trailer to buyers. The company announced that it had delivered several Pebble Flow Founder Edition towables to early backers, with a promise to ramp up production throughout the rest of the year. And as a bonus, a new feature called “Auto Dump” that takes the drudgery out of emptying your black tank. Read more here.
Photo Credit: Grounded
- Grounded Launches G3 Electric Camper Van: It was a big week for electric RVs, as Detroit-based Grounded revealed its G3 e-camper van. The company has been manufacturing e-RVs for a couple of years now, with its G1 and G2 models debuting in 2023. Its latest vehicle is built on the Chevy BrightDrop platform and has a range of 286 miles. It also comes with all-wheel drive, fast-charging capabilities, and a modular interior that can be configured to suit your needs. GearJunkie has the skinny on this promising new EV here.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
- Rossmönster Reveals Havn Off-Road Camper Model: Rossmönster is a specialty RV manufacturer with a focus on off-road, off-grid adventures. That’s why it is so appropriate that the brand announced a new model at last week’s Overland Expo PNW. The new Havn rig rides on a 24-foot Mercedes 3500 chassis with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and other rugged features. It also sports a queen-size bed, hydronic heated flooring, 800W solar panels, and a 1,000Ah lithium battery. Check it out here.
Image Courtesy of Chase and Lindsay Garrett
- Hughes Autoformers Changes Name to Power Watchdog: Big news from the RV accessories space this week, as Hughes Autoformers announced a name change to match its signature product. Moving forward, the company will be known as Power Watchdog, a nod to its line of outstanding surge protectors and voltage boosters for use at RV campsites. The identity change comes with the introduction of the new Watchdog Power Center, a device that promises to be the “end-all-be-all of RV power protection.”
Photo Credit: Lance Camper
- REV Group Sells Lance Camper: Late last week, REV Group—the manufacturer behind such brands as Renegade, Fleetwood, and Holiday Rambler—announced the sale of Lance Camper to Vision Kore, Inc. The move signals REV’s exit from the non-motorized RV space, allowing it to focus more tightly on Class A, B, and C models. Lance will also continue producing towables and truck campers, now under the management of Vision Kore.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Winnebago Says More Women are Participating in Outdoor Activities: A new survey conducted by Winnebago Industries reveals that 52% of women plan to increase their outdoor activity levels in 2025. That’s up 6% compared to last year, with 55% of respondents saying they spent more than six hours a week outside. Spending time in nature is both physically and mentally good for us, and it seems more women are embracing those positive benefits. To read more about this survey, and the other things it revealed, click here.
Photo Credit: Blaupunkt
- General RV Now Sells E-Bikes: In yet another sign that e-bikes have become incredibly popular with RVers, General RV announced this week that it will begin selling Blaupunkt models in its 23 stores. The bikes feature a folding frame for easy storage and weigh just 47 pounds, which is fairly svelte for an e-bike. Check them out here.
- Overland Expo PNW Welcomes 16,000 Attendees: 2025 continues to be a good year for the Overland Expo events. Last week, the Pacific Northwest Edition (PNW) took place in Redmond, OR, where more than 16,000 people were in attendance. And in a further nod to how popular overlanding has become, those attendees hailed from 48 states and nine countries. Those are pretty impressive numbers for one of the regional Overland Expo shows.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for another rundown of the top stories from the RV and camping industries.
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2025-07-04
Pebble Ships First Travel Trailers, Introduces “Auto Dump” Waste Disposal System
There was good news for fans and supporters of the Pebble Flow travel trailer this week, as the company announced it has shipped the first production models of the all-electric towable. And in true Pebble fashion, that announcement included the reveal of an innovative new feature that makes emptying the trailer’s black tank easier and safer than ever.
First announced back in the fall of 2023, the Pebble Flow includes a long list of high-tech amenities. Those include an optional electric propulsion system designed to make towing easier and more efficient with a wide range of vehicles. The rig’s Magic Hitch feature allows it to sense its proximity to the tow vehicle and safely attach itself while the owner looks on. Other features include the ability to camp completely off-grid for up to seven days, remote-controlled positioning at the campsite, and an InstaCamp option that auto levels and stabilizes the camper, adjusts the thermostat, and turns on the lights, all at the touch of a button.
Photo Credit: Pebble
Needless to say, all of these unique features generated plenty of excitement around the Pebble Flow, which in turn led to a significant number of customers placing orders for the travel trailer well ahead of its release. And as we previously noted, production started earlier this year, with the company reaching the milestone of making the first deliveries on June 30.
“Delivering a Pebble Flow to our earliest customers and believers is a defining moment for our team,” Pebble CEO and Founder Bingrui Yang said via a press release. “This product reflects years of engineering and thoughtful iteration, built on the belief that every detail, from setup to travel, should feel effortless and intuitive. This is the moment we’ve been building towards, and we can’t wait to see more and more Pebble Flow travel trailers on the road.”
In that same press release, Pebble revealed another new feature called “Auto Dump.” Available exclusively on the Founders Edition of the travel trailer, Auto Dump is hailed as “the RV industry’s first automated, one-touch waste disposal system.” Essentially, owners simply attach a built-in hose to a sewer inlet, hit a “dump” button on the Pebble App, and then return the hose to its integrated storage compartment once the process is complete.
Photo Credit: Pebble
While that sounds simple, a lot is going on in the background to make it happen. For instance, Auto Dump uses recycled gray water as part of its self-cleaning rinse cycle. The trailer also comes with a macerating toilet that helps liquify waste faster and utilizes a pump-powered hose to assist with drainage. Combine all of these aspects, and Pebble has made the dumping process as easy and safe as possible, removing the possibility of user error and eliminating annoying splashes and spills. The company even expanded the waste tank to 18 gallons, which is larger than those found on prototype models.
“We didn’t just slap a button on the old system; we rebuilt the entire experience,” said Stefan Solyom, Chief Technology Officer at Pebble. “Auto Dump makes the worst part of RVing something you barely even think about. It’s one of those upgrades that makes you wonder why it wasn’t always this simple.”
Photo Credit: Pebble
Pebble promises to continue scaling up production on the travel trailer as it works diligently to fulfill its backlog of preorders. Anyone interested in learning more about this innovative electric travel trailer can visit the company’s website for a full list of specs and features. The site also allows interested buyers to preorder a Pebble Flow of their own with a fully refundable $500 deposit. Pricing starts at $109,500, with many customers eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $12,450, which greatly assists with lowering the initial cost of ownership.
Having already seen a pre-production Pebble Flow in the past, we’re looking forward to seeing a final version of this exciting towable out in the wild.
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2025-07-03
Voting is Now Open for the 2025 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards
It’s that time again. Time for Wildsam and RV.com readers to let their voices be heard. In what has become an annual tradition, we’re asking our audience to share their opinions, letting us know what vehicles, products, and services are the best that the RV industry has to offer. This is your chance to sound off and give your favorite brands some well-earned recognition.
To participate, just fill out our online survey, sharing your thoughts on such topics as the best fifth-wheel or motorhome manufacturer. We want to know who makes your favorite RV batteries and trailer hitches, along with a host of other products that improve your life on the road and at the campground. Basically, if it’s an RV, or an RV-related accessory, we want to know which ones you think are best.
We’ll continue collecting surveys through September 15, at which time the polls will close, and we’ll start tabulating the votes. Later this year, we’ll announce the winners in each category, handing out Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards to those who earn top honors.
To get started with our survey, click here. And as always, by completing the online form you’re not only showing support for your favorite RV brands, you’re helping us to get to know you a little better, too.
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2025-06-23
RV News: Thor’s Hybrid Motorhome Recognized for Innovation, the Dyrt’s Best Places to Camp in 2025, and More
Friday is here at last, which means it’s time for a quick round-up of the biggest news from the RV and camping industries from this week. Here are the biggest stories you may want to know more about:
Photo Credit: THOR/Harbinger
- Fast Company Declares Thor Hybrid Motorhome a ‘Game-Changer’: We haven’t heard much about the hybrid Thor Test Vehicle since it made its debut last fall. But the Class A model built in conjunction with Harbinger Motors has been called a “game-changer” by the team at Fast Company. The magazine recently announced its list of 2025 World Changing Ideas, with Thor’s high-tech coach earning a spot alongside new battery technologies, plastic-eating microbes, large-scale solar power ideas, and more. The Test Vehicle—which was originally expected to become a consumer product sometime this year—will reportedly have a 150-mile range on electric only and can drive up to 500 miles using a gas range extender. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Remote Vans
- Remote Vans Shares Updated 2026 Line-Up: Bespoke Class B manufacturer Remote Vans has shared a glimpse of its 2026 line-up, which includes updated versions of its Friday, Oasis, and Aegis models, along with the newcomer T-45 Series. Improvements for the new model year include reduced weight and upgraded features to enhance off-grid living. For instance, the Friday now comes with a 16.8kWh house battery, while the Oasis and Aegis Series are specifically built for remote camping. As for the new T-45, customers can expect a refined experience with a modern kitchen, queen-size bed, an onboard shower, and more.
- The Dyrt Shares the Best Places to Camp in 2025: If you’re looking for new places to camp, The Dyrt is always an excellent source. Doubly so this week, as the online campground discovery platform has announced the winners of its 2025 Best Places to Camp. To make things easier, the country has been broken down into separate regions with winners revealed for each area. Those regions include the Central Region, Midwest Region, Mountain Region, Northeast Region, Pacific Region, and Southeast Region. All of those links should keep you busy for a while.
Photo Credit: American Coach
- American Coach Reveals New Influencer-Inspired Floor Plan: This week, luxury RV manufacturer American Coach revealed a new floor plan for its American Eagle line of motorhomes. The MY26 45FW version of that vehicle was designed and built as part of a collaboration with Kris and Hillary of Fuel Your Wander fame. The rig features an array of nice touches, including 1.5 baths, three slides, a studio bar with a panoramic window, and a fireplace cabinet with a pull-out workstation. Check it out here.
- US Senate Wants to Sell 3.3 Million Acres of Public Lands: Remember a few weeks back when we shared the news story about the US government potentially selling off public lands? For a time, it seemed like that crisis was averted. But as you’ll see in this story from GearJunkie, it’s not only back, it’s worse than before. A new proposal is making its way through the US Senate, with Republican Senators proposing the sale of more than 3.3 million acres of public lands spread out over 11 states. Most of those lands fall under the supervision of the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. The proposal has been added to President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” under the guise of potentially lowering the cost of housing. But vague wording in the legislation leaves it open for wealthy investors and corporations to potentially buy the land for other uses. There’s more going on here, too, so the article is definitely worth a read. And as a follow-up, here are 23 places that could be lost should this idea move forward.
Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty
- National Go RVing Day a Success: Last weekend was the annual National Go RVing Day, which gives the industry a chance to expose more people to what RV camping and lifestyle are all about. In the lead-up to the event, Go RVing launched a contest that ran parallel to its “Just Beyond Your Door” campaign that has been running for several weeks. Now, in the wake of those efforts, the organization is touting its success. It seems that more than 12 million people were exposed to RVing content in a variety of fashions, including 6 million video views. That’s a lot of goodwill for both RVers and the RV-curious alike. RV Pro has more details.
- Micro-Air Introduces Bluetooth-Enabled A/C Soft Starter: RV accessories manufacturer Micro-Air has launched a new soft starter to make firing up your vehicle’s air conditioner easier. The EasyStart Breeze BT takes everything we love about a soft starter—namely, reducing the amount of power needed to start an A/C unit and making it easier to run two air conditioners—and adds Bluetooth technology to the mix. This allows owners to connect to the unit from their smartphone to get real-time updates and monitor performance. Learn more here.
That’s it for this week. We’ll be back soon with another edition of weekly recap of the latest RV news.
The post RV News: Thor’s Hybrid Motorhome Recognized for Innovation, the Dyrt’s Best Places to Camp in 2025, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-06-20
RV News: Go RVing Day is This Weekend, Lance Camper for Sale, and More
Another week has come and gone, and once again we have plenty of news to share. Here are the biggest stories from the past few days that you might want to know about:
Photo Credit: Zhanna Muzalevskaia/Getty
- National Go RVing Day is Tomorrow: Saturday, June 14th, has been designated as National Go RVing Day by the RV Industry Association. This is an annual event designed to celebrate the joys that come from camping in an RV and the benefits it brings to travelers. June just also happens to be National Camping Month and Great Outdoors Month, so unless you have something else going on this weekend, why not head out for an impromptu camping trip? Our friends at Good Sam can even help you find a place to stay.
Photo Credit: Lance Camper
- Lance Camper is For Sale: There was big news from REV Group this week, as it was announced that the specialty vehicle manufacturer is planning to sell Lance Camper. The plan was revealed as part of REV’s quarterly earnings call, in which the strategic sale of Lance was discussed as the brand looks to “concentrate on scalable operations with stronger competitive positioning and margin potential.” No word on potential buyers, but discussions are ongoing. Read more here.
- RV Trader and Harvest Hosts Join Forces: One of the biggest stories from the RV industry this week is that RV Trader and Harvest Hosts have announced plans to integrate their respective platforms. RV Trader is one of the largest online resources for buying and selling new and used RVs, while Harvest Hosts is a member-based organization that connects users with unique places to camp in their RVs. In the coming months, the two companies will start sharing data, creating a way for users to purchase a motorhome, camper van, or towable, while also finding places to camp while on the road. Stay tuned to both sites to see how this unfolds. And to find out more, click here.
Photo Credit: Harvest Hosts
- Harvest Host Sees Surge in Member Travel Activity: In other Harvest Hosts news, the company reported a significant surge in activity amongst its members, resulting in a record number of stay requests from mid-April through May. For May alone, that number topped out at 61,738, which is much higher than in 2024. The rest of the year is looking good, too, as HH says it expects record-breaking numbers throughout 2025. RV Pro has more.
- Campspot Says Short “Pop-Up Escapes” are the Hot Travel Trend of 2025: Online campsite discovery and booking platform Campspot says that short, one- to three-day camping getaways are all the rage for 2025. The company joined forces with Pilot Flying J convenience stores to survey travelers and found that almost nine out of ten respondents said they are planning just such a trip this year, with 91% indicating they’ll take a local camping trip rather than an international vacation. Further data shows that these kinds of experiences resonate especially well with Gen Z and Millennials, with 73% and 75% of those age groups opting for just such a trip, respectively. Read more here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- RVezy Sees Jump in American Bookings: More RV-industry trends, this time from RVezy, a website that facilitates peer-to-peer RV rentals in Canada. This week, the company said it has seen a 300% spike in bookings from American travelers heading north of the border. That puts it on pace to shatter previous records heading into the busy summer season. It is also in contrast to the number of Canadian travelers coming to the US, which has seen a dramatic drop in recent weeks.
Photo Credit: Ford Motors
- Transfer Flow Launches 2025 Summer Photo and Video Contest: Summer is still officially a week away, but that hasn’t stopped our friends at Transfer Flow from launching their 2025 Summer Photo and Video Contest. In fact, the aftermarket fuel tank systems manufacturer has been taking submissions since May 18. But if you haven’t entered yet, don’t worry—the contest runs through July 31, giving you plenty of time to send in the best images from your adventures. Just capture a photo of your vehicle and Transfer Flow system in some amazing place or on some wild adventure and submit it for review. Winners will be reimbursed for their fuel tank and any accessories they purchased at the time. For full rules and details, click here.
- China’s Caravan Salon Event Sees Record Crowds: If you need further proof of RVing’s continued growth in popularity, look no further than the 2025 Caravan Salon event held last month in Beijing. The RV-focused gathering saw 18,268 attendees, which may seem relatively small compared to some of the biggest events held stateside. But that number represents a 51% year-over-year growth rate, which is definitely impressive. RV News has more here.
- Redarc Launches High Capacity BCDC Charger: Looking to improve the performance of the batteries in your RV? Redarc’s latest product is designed to do just that. This week, the company that specializes in automotive and RV charging solutions launched its new BCDC Alpha100 R, which is a 100-amp battery-charger from direct-current (BCDC). The device brings a lot to the table, including auxiliary charging, start battery recovery, a built-in smart battery monitor, and the ability to use extra solar power to maintain or revive a dead battery. All of this in a compact, easy-to-install form factor. Find out more here.
That’s it for another edition of our weekly RV news round-up. See you next Friday for another look at the biggest stories taking place in the RV camping space.
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2025-06-13