Category: RV accessories

  • 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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  • 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:

    Thor hybrid Test Vehicle

    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.

  • 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:

    international RV travel

    Photo Credit: Zhanna Muzalevskaia/Getty

    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.

    The post RV News: Go RVing Day is This Weekend, Lance Camper for Sale, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • Meet The Maker: Moon Fabrications Takes One Small Step for Man

    When Matthew Pearson drove from San Francisco to Austin in 2018, he knew he needed help from his old friend Henry Proegler.

    Enamored by the burgeoning camper van movement, Pearson had recently left a series of corporate gigs to hit the road full-time—where, at one point, under the beating sun of the California desert, he designed a makeshift shade for his Sprinter van out of an old tarp and poles from a backpacking tent. Before long, he developed a prototype for a product he thought could revolutionize awnings. That’s when he set off to find Proegler, a documentary filmmaker who was running his own marketing agency. “I knew I needed Henry,” Pearson says. “But I didn’t know how much of Henry I needed.”

    Moon Fabrications

    Photo Credit: Richard Carpenter

    Pearson had refined the product—he called it MoonShade—which could easily attach to the C-channel track on a Sprinter van and pack into a small bag when not deployed. Initially, Proegler thought he would just help market the shade, but before long he was a partner in the business. “This is a dude I love, he had this dream, and I wanted to make it happen,” Proegler recalls thinking. “The way [Matthew] described it was that the strength is in the shade. It’s modular, it’s lightweight, it packs up small. That was the high-level business strategy.”

    They launched a Kickstarter in 2019, and in spring 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they started selling the MoonShade direct to consumers. “The inventory we thought would last 12 months, we sold in three,” Proegler says.

    Soon enough, the MoonShade was on back-order—a result of a grassroots marketing strategy that relied heavily on YouTubers and influencers who became early brand ambassadors—and whose input made the product more innovative.

    Photo Credit: Bryson Malone

    These days, customers can purchase the MoonShade in two sizes—the Original ($395) and the XL ($600) for larger vans—and with a variety of attachments including magnets, suction cups, and awning rail anchors compatible with essentially any vehicle. Plus, an RV-specific product is now coming to market, in addition to upgraded attachment points and the MoonShade Pro, which will transform into a fully enclosed outdoor room. Visit moonfab.com for more info

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • Tech Spotlight: RV Tow Bars

    Anyone who drives a motorhome knows how nimble they are not. Which is why most full-timers these days bring a daily ride along: a dinghy, typically attached to the back of their bus-like rig using a method known as flat towing.

    “Who wants to drive a 34-foot motorhome to the local restaurant?” says David Robinson, vice president at Roadmaster. “With flat towing, the RV becomes base camp and the dinghy goes to the lake or into the mountains.”

    To make it all work, motorhomes rely on tow bars: arms extending from the back of an RV that connect to the front of the dinghy vehicle. Not every vehicle can be flat-towed—it comes down to transmission types, steering systems and other factors. Research is necessary before moving forward with installation. But for those with compatible vehicles, there are several high-quality options out there.

    RV tow bars

    Photo Credit: Roadmaster

    Roadmaster Nighthawk

    Roadmaster was the first to bring collapsible bars, stainless steel and nonbinding models (making the bars easier to connect) to market. With an 8,000-pound towing capacity, the Nighthawk builds on that tradition, offering a first-of-its-kind LED light system along the bars. $1,291

    Photo Credit: Blue Ox

    Blue Ox Ascent

    For those pulling lighter vehicles, the Ascent has a 7,500-pound capacity, its own nonbinding system for easy attachment and comes equipped with rubber boots along the side to prevent dirt and debris from entering any moving parts. $1,274

    Photo Credit: Demco

    Demco Dominator

    Weighing just 30 pounds, the Dominator is among the lightest tow bars on the market, but it’s still plenty capable. With 7,500 pounds of towing capacity, it can handle most small cars and even some SUVs; thanks to independent arms, it’s among the easiest models to hook up. $1,420

    Photo Credit: NSA RV Products

    NSA Ready Brute II

    To simplify the towing process, NSA RV Products combined its popular tow bar—the Ready Brute—with its trademarked supplemental braking technology, meaning the whole tow bar is easier to install than most other models. Plus, with an 8,000-pound rating, there’s little it can’t handle. $1,500

    Photo Credit: eTrailer

    etrailer SD

    One of the most affordable tow bars, the SD is on the heavier side (41 pounds) and can handle up to 6,000 pounds—making it an economical choice for smaller dinghy vehicles. With self-supporting, extra-long arms, this model is easy to attach and won’t inhibit tight turns. $745

    This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.

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  • RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More

    Another week has come and gone, and as usual, there has been a lot of news from the RV and camping industries. So, before you head off into the weekend, here are a few stories you may want to know about.

    SylvanSport Vast

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • The SylvanSport Vast Wins an Award for Great Design: North Carolina-based SylvanSport received some major recognition this week when it took home the Good Design Award in Transportation from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The company’s Vast travel trailer earned that honor for being “the epitome of design and product excellence.” The camper was lauded for its tall ceilings, comfortable queen-size bed, composite construction, and other features and functionality. We felt very much the same about it when we reviewed RV, which you can read here.
    • Tickets are Now Available for Hershey RV Show: The self-proclaimed “America’s Largest RV Show” is set to return on September 10-14 in Hershey, PA. Starting this week, those wishing to attend can now purchase tickets for the event, which promises to be an interesting one once again this year. If you’re planning on buying an RV this year, it may be worth it for you to plan a visit to Hershey in September. The discounts available at the show are always outstanding and well worth the price of admission.

    Photo Credit: Keystone RV

    • Keystone RV Announces Brand Refresh: Expect Keystone RVs to have a little different look in the coming months, as this week the company announced a brand refresh. That starts with embracing the tagline “Proven in the Wild,” which embraces Keystone’s long history of making RVs built for camping, while also leaning into the growing popularity of off-grid, remote adventures. The company will also have a redesigned logo, which includes a wedge-shape designed to evoke the Keystone namesake. Finally, the company is inviting fans and outdoor enthusiasts to share their stories of outdoor adventure using the hashtag: #ProveninTheWild.
    • Hipcamp Names Its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America: Looking for some new places to camp this summer? Hipcamp may have you covered. The campsite discovery site and app has announced its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America, with a great mix of well-known and hidden gem locations to stay. To create the list, Hipcamp staff analyzed the data from over 500,000 campsites in every state and found the best places to stay on private lands, public parks, and RV campgrounds. Check it out here.

    Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty

    • Love’s Travel Expands Offerings for RVers: Love’s Travel Stops have always been RV-friendly, but over the past few years, they have taken steps to further embrace the community. To that end, a number of their locations have gotten upgrades recently in an effort to appeal to more RV travelers. Those upgrades include everything from newly remodeled showers, larger restrooms, onsite laundry facilities, and more diverse food options. Some stores have even installed full RV hookups, making them an enticing place to stay on longer trips. RV Pro has a full rundown of which Love’s stores have recently been upgraded. For a full list of Love’s locations that are RV-ready, click here.
    • Thousand Trails Kicks Off “100 Days of Camping” Campaign: Thousand Trails—a website that specializes in finding RV campgrounds, cabins, and other campsites— is inviting travelers to take part in the 100 Days of Camping this summer. There are roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the annual ad campaign—which has run for ten years—encourages people to get outside. Of course, Thousand Trails would prefer it if you stayed at one of their affiliated sites, and to help you do that, it’s offering discounts throughout the summer, as well as prize giveaways. The company is also holding a contest with campers encouraged to share photos of their summer travels with the hashtag: #100DaysofCamping. Find out more here.

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Would Cut 5,500 National Park Service Employees: If passed as is, President Trump’s proposed 2026 Federal budget would cut more than 5,500 jobs from the National Park Service. According to National Parks Traveler, the fine print on the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” indicates that NPS staffing would be reduced from 13,648 people now to just 8,130 people in the coming year. This would put the Park Service—and by association the national parks themselves—at risk. That large of a drop in staff would likely lead to a further backlog of maintenance and construction, reduced working hours, longer lines at the entrance, and more. Fewer park rangers would also mean less safe environments in general, with fewer people around to offer assistance or conduct a search and rescue operation. Read more about the cuts here.
    • Aluminum and Steel Tariffs Double to 50%: Staying on the subject of President Trump’s policies, this week he announced the doubling of tariffs on aluminum and steel imported to the US. Those metals will now be subject to a 50% tax from all countries, except the UK, which still sits at a 25% levy. Considering aluminum and steel are used in the construction of many RVs, the impact on this industry could be big. Expect pricing to go up on a wide variety of goods in the wake of these new taxes.

    That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another round-up of the latest RV news.

    The post RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Pleasure-Way Launches Plateau XLTW, Overland Expo Remains Popular, and More

    Welcome to another edition of our weekly round-up of the latest news from the RV industry. Here are a few things that went down over the past week that you might want to know about:

    Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTW

    Photo Credit: Pleasure-Way

    • Pleasure-Way Launches New Plateau XLTW Class B Model: Luxury RV manufacturer Pleasure-Way announced a new model this week, adding the innovative Plateau XLTW to its already impressive line-up. The XLTW rides on the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 chassis and boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Features include a luxurious front lounge, twin beds in the rear, and modern conveniences like a portable induction stove, a microwave, fridge/freezer, and more. The rig includes upscale Corian countertops, a private wet bath, overhead cabinets, hidden wardrobes, a massive 64-cubic foot gear garage with multiple access points, and 500W of solar panels. Find out more here.
    • Overland Expo West Attendance Tops 28,000: Overland Expo West took place two weekends ago and once again proved to be a very popular event. The annual gathering in Flagstaff, AZ, drew more than 28,000 attendees, reaffirming the continued interest and enthusiasm for off-road travel and camping. If you missed the event, there are three more Overland Expo shows yet to come this year. Those include Overland Expo PNW (June 27-29) in Redmond, OR, Overland Expo Mountain West (August 22-24) in Loveland, Colorado, and Overland Expo East (October 3-5) in Arrington, Virginia.

    Image Courtesy of welcomia/Getty

    • Family RV Association Joins Forces with RV Overnights: This week, the RV Family Association announced a partnership with RV Overnights, a membership program that connects RVers with unique host locations across the country for free overnight stays. The partnership grants RVFA members a 40% discount on the RV Overnights membership, which typically runs $49.99 annually, but is reduced to just $29.99 through the partnership. Seems like a great deal.

    Photo Credit: AEONrv

    Photo Credit: THOR/Harbinger

    • US Senate Blocks California Advanced Clean Trucks Act: Last week, the US Senate rejected the state of California’s moves to implement strict regulations designed to protect the environment. Over the past few years, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) has implemented new rules designed to encourage the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles in an attempt to reduce emissions going into the atmosphere. The most high-profile of those regulations are Omnibus Low NOx regulation and the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, the latter of which was set to potentially have a big impact on the RV industry. That ruling required truck chassis manufacturers to produce electric versions to help offset the more traditional gas models, which could have limited sales of medium and heavy-duty trucks, as well as RVs. Now, those rules have been struck down, although Governor Gavin Newsome vows to challenge the Senate’s rejection in court. Read more here.
    • 2025 Elkhart RV Extravaganza Set for September 22-25: One of the biggest events of the annual RV calendar confirmed its dates this week. The Elkhart Extravaganza will take place on September 22-25, with both Forest River and Thor confirming plans for that timeframe. Additionally, the RV/MH Hall of Fame’s RV Suppliers Show has also confirmed it will take place at the same time. While mainly aimed at RV industry insiders, these events always result in numerous product announcements, along with the reveal of new RV models and floor plans. As always, it should be a fun and exciting time.

    That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for another review of the latest news from the RV and camping industries.

    The post RV News: Pleasure-Way Launches Plateau XLTW, Overland Expo Remains Popular, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel, Mammoth’s ‘Rooftop Camper’, and More

    Memorial Day weekend is here, and with it comes the unofficial start of the busy summer travel season. But before you head off for your three-day celebration, we have plenty of news from the RV and camping industries to cover. Here are some things that went down this past week that you might want to know about:

    • Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel Floor Plan: This week, Forest River revealed a new floor plan under its Sierra and Sandpiper lines of fifth-wheel trailers. Dubbed the 3900HBLR, this model is pretty much exactly the same under both sub-brands, offering three slide-outs, a bath-and-a-half design, a king-size bed, a massive walk-in closet, a floor-to-ceiling butler pantry, and a dedicated coffee bar. Check it out here. Or here.
    • Four Wheel Camper Intros New Hawk+ Flatbed Camper: Four Wheel Camper, the manufacturer of lightweight, modular, and versatile truck-bed campers, has introduced a new model. The Hawk+ is designed specifically for flatbed trucks and includes a comfy bed, a kitchenette, and dinette, all in a package that weighs just 1,882 lbs, but offers a 6′ 6″ ceiling height and sleeps up to four people. Check it out here.
    • Jeep and Dometic Collab on Rooftop Tent/Awning Concept: Rooftop tents remain a very popular way for overlanders, off-roaders, and other outdoor enthusiasts to camp in relative comfort without springing for an RV. This past week, Jeep and Dometic shared a concept rooftop tent/awning model designed specifically for Jeep Wranglers. The project utilizes Dometic’s AIR Frame Inflation tech to create the shelter, which includes a queen-size mattress, while an integrated awning extends the living space further. Uncrate has the skinny here.
    • Mammoth Overland Reveals “Rooftop Camper”: Staying on the subject of rooftop shelters, last week at Overland Expo West, Mammoth Overland revealed a new model that promises to be a game-changer in that space. Like the Jeep/Dometic project mentioned above, Mammoth’s “SKL” shelter remains a concept for now, but of the two, it seems more likely to come to market. Made from lightweight and durable aluminum, the “camper” includes an integrated 208Ah solid-state battery, and is wired for solar straight from the factory. This enables it to power lights, recharge portable devices, and run an onboard HVAC system. No word on when or if the SKL will be available to purchase, or at what price. Find out more on the Mammoth Overland website.
    • Ford Sued Because it Recalled Transit Trail Off-Road Van Because Its Tires Were Too Big: Back in 2022, Ford launched the current generation of its versatile Transit van, which included an off-road-ready model called the Transit Trail. Last year, the blue oval issued a recall for this specific model because its tires were too large for the wheel wells and could cause rubbing and scrapping that could lead to premature wear and tear. Owners received replacement tires, but they weren’t nearly as large and rugged, greatly reducing the van’s ability to travel off-road. Considering many of those owners paid a $12,000+ premium, some were unsurprisingly annoyed with this solution. This has led to a class-action lawsuit against Ford for marketing and selling a vehicle for overlanding, only to not properly support said vehicle for those activities. Jalopnik explains the whole sordid affair here.
    • KOA Expands to The North Pole: Kampgrounds of America announced more expansion this week, adding two new locations to its already impressive roster. In addition to the Polson/Flathead Lake KOA Holiday in Montana into the fold, the company also expanded to the North Pole. Well, to North Pole Alaska anyway. That’s where the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA Journey is located, in case you’re planning a visit to the Last Frontier. RV Pro has more details here.
    • Solo Stove Made a Cooler with a Built-In Air Conditioner: Solo Stove is best known for its line of excellent portable fire pits, but now the company is jumping into the premium cooler space in a big way. This week, the brand introduced the Windchill 47, which not only offers up space for 65 cans of your favorite beverage, but also includes an integrated air conditioner to k
    • Sale of Public Lands Removed From Federal Budget Bill: One of the proposals put forward in the Trump Administration’s 2026 federal budget plan was to sell off some public lands to raise funds and reduce overhead. But GO P representatives removed that proposal at the last minute, which helped the budget narrowly pass through the House. The original idea called for selling up to 500,000 acres of public lands, much to the dismay of hunters, anglers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. For now, cooler heads have prevailed, although don’t be surprised if this issue comes up again in the future. Outdoor Life has a summary of the situation.
    • Pickleball Courts are the Most Popular Campground Amenity: Are you a fan of pickleball? If so, you’re not alone, apparently. According to The Dyrt, pickleball courts were the top new feature added to private campgrounds in 2024. According to the company’s 2025 Camping Report, 17% of all private campgrounds that added new amenities last year elected to add pickleball courts. That’s almost twice the number of sites that added the next most popular new feature, which was Wi-Fi. Now, you may be asking yourself, “who is still adding wireless internet in 2025?”, which is a good question. But as it turns out, Wi-Fi access is incredibly popular with campers, and 71.5% of private campgrounds already have it.

    That’s a wrap for our weekly round-up of the latest RV news. Come back next Friday for another recap of everything happening in this busy and interesting industry. Now, go enjoy the long holiday weekend.

    The post RV News: Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel, Mammoth’s ‘Rooftop Camper’, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Overland Expo West is This Weekend, New Models from Ember RV, and More

    It is finally Friday, which means it is also time for our weekly round-up of the latest news from the RV and camping industries. As usual, we have a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in.

    Overland Expo 2024

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • Overland Expo West is This Weekend: This probably isn’t news if you’re already planning to attend, but if you happen to be in the Flagstaff, AZ area this weekend and are looking for something to do, Overland Expo West takes place over the next three days. As the premiere overlanding and off-road adventure event of the year, you’ll find dozens of lectures and seminars to attend, hundreds of vendors to interact with, and thousands of like-minded attendees to meet. Highlights this year will include the reveal of the 2025 Ultimate Build projects, game nights, a film festival, and much, much more.
    • Ember RV Launches Two New Models at Overland Expo: While we’re on the subject of Overland Expo, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that our friends at Ember RV will launch two new models at the event. The off-road, off-grid-focused RV brand will unveil its new Overland Series 221MSL and the E-Series Spark LE 12RK, both of which bring great features for boondocking and overlanding. For instance, the newly upgraded 221MSL now comes with a MAX Solar Package that includes 1,200W of solar panels, a 3,000W Victron inverter, and a 270Ah Battle Born GameChanger lithium battery. Meanwhile, the Spark LE 12RK is a new rear-kitchen design in a rig that offers an affordable entry into this space. Find out more at the Ember RV website.
    • GearJunkie Goes Camping in an $800k Storyteller Overland Vehicle: Ever wondered what it’s like to go camping in an $800,000 Storyteller Overland GXV Epic off-road vehicle? While most of us will likely never get a chance to spend a night in a rig like that one, GearJunkie’s vehicles editor Bryon Dorr did, and he lived to write about it. He lauded the GXV for its ease of driving and long list of amenities, but found it had a few confounding design choices. For instance, the rig sleeps up to four people, but can only safely carry two passengers. He also says the engine is a little under powered. But, it does offer a refined, luxurious experience in a rugged package. Read the full review here.

    Photo Credit: Winnebago

    • Newsweek Once Again Names Winnebago One of “America’s Most Trustworthy Companies”: For the second year in a row, Winnebago Industries has been named one of the most trustworthy companies in America by Newsweek. The companies that earn a spot on that coveted list do so thanks to an independent survey of 25,000 people. That survey assesses how those companies perform in a number of areas, including customer trust, employee trust, and investor trust. You can explore the full list here.
    • Will Fewer People Go RV Camping This Summer?: The RV Industry Association—better known as RVIA—has released its 2025 Travel intentions Survey, and has found that the number of people planning an RV trip this summer may be flat, or even down compared to last year. According to RV News, the survey indicates that 45 million people went RVing last year, while 44 million plan to do the same this year. That’s a relatively small decline, but could be indicative of concerns about the economy, the rising cost of many goods, the slow drop in fuel prices, and other factors. Click here to find out more.

    Photo Credit: Cedar Point

    • USA Today Announces Best RV Campgrounds of 2025: USA Today has shared its picks for the 10 Best RV Campgrounds in the US, with some great options for those looking for a new place to park their rig. The list includes Gulf State Park in Alabama, Spacious Skies Campgrounds – Minute Man, and Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country. We won’t spoil the whole list, though, so you should click here to read the rest for yourself. 
    • Ironman Tires Intros New Trailer-Focused Tire: Looking for a new set of tires for your towable? Ironman Tires may have just what you’re looking for. This week, the company announced its first-ever all-steel model in the form of the All Steel HD. The rugged model is made specifically with towing in mind and is built for use on travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and utility trailers. The new tire is available now and comes with a 72-month warranty. Best of all, they’re affordably priced, too. Click here for more.

     

    • Winegard Launches RV Halo Smart Hub:   Last week week, Winegard announced the availability of its new RV Halo Smart Hub, a device that makes connecting with the company’s line of smart sensors much easier. When installed, the hub allows owners to use their smartphones to monitor their RVs remotely, keeping tabs on the temperature, humidity, location, and more. Just install the RV Halo app on your smartphone and connect to your rig.
    • Is the Chinese Government Spying On Us Through Our Solar Panels?: Solar panels have helped create new sources of clean energy in recent years and have become a great option for off-grid camping. But a new report from Reuters says that US officials have discovered unexplained communications devices in Chinese-made solar equipment, including power inverters. According to the story, the comms devices included cellular radios that could relay information about America’s power grid back to Chinese officials and potentially could be used to shut down some devices remotely. This mostly seems confined to large-scale terrestrial solar installations at the moment and not those used on RVs. But still, it is an important story to keep an eye on. Read more 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: Overland Expo West is This Weekend, New Models from Ember RV, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • Wildsam Road Ready May/June: Vehicles & Gear to Take You Way Out There

    Wildsam Road Ready

    Photo Credit: Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres Outpost extends every adventure with pothole protection thanks to puncture-resistant Aramid fibers. Finnish innovation and American grit combine to form a rugged rubber compound that’s forged for the extremes, smooth on the highways, and ready for any conditions. Designed in Finland, the Nokian Tyres Outpost rolls out from Nokian Tyres’ award-winning Tennessee factory. This all-terrain tire is crafted for the demands of North American roads and ready for whatever lies on the road ahead.

    nokiantyres.com

    Photo Credit: Midland Radio

    Midland Radio

    Midland’s MXT575 MicroMobile GMRS 50-Watt Two-Way Radio and the GXT3000 GMRS Walkie Talkie 2 Pack bring seamless communication to every adventure. The MXT575 is the most powerful GMRS radio allowed by law, making it the perfect base station for your vehicle. Equipped with a Fully-Integrated Control Microphone, you can hide the base away to save space. The walkie talkies bring up to 27 hours of battery life and repeater capability for extended range at a price that won’t break the bank. Use the walkie talkies outside the vehicle as you handle spotting and recoveries along the trail, or simply keep in touch with home base at the campground. Redeem your
    exclusive discount at midlandusa.com/pages.

    The post Wildsam Road Ready May/June: Vehicles & Gear to Take You Way Out There appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Tiffin Takes Over Entegra Coach Production, A Solar Awning Can Now Power Your Rig, and Much More

    It’s Friday at long last. But before we all head off into the weekend, we have a rundown of the top stories from the RV and camping industries from this past week. Here are a few things you might want to know about:

    RVs for Full-Time

    Photo Credit: Entegra

    • Jayco Hands Off Entegra Production to Tiffin: Big news from the RV industry this week, as Thor Industries has announced a strategic move to free up production capacity while continuing to give consumers and customers impeccable service. The company announced that production of Entegra Coach’s diesel motorhomes would move from under the Jacyo banner to Tiffin instead. This will allow Jayco to ramp up production on new models, while Tiffin continues to provide the outstanding customer service it is known for.

    Photo Credit: Rossmönster

    • GearJunkie Reviews Rossmönster Baja Trail LX Overland Vehicle: If you’ve been eyeing a Rossmönster off-road adventure truck, but were unsure of the camping experience, you may want to check out this review from our friends at GearJunkie. The writer took the Baja Trail LX model for a week-long off-road camping adventure and shares his thoughts on what it was like. The overland vehicle gets high marks for drivability and luxurious amenities, but is also on the pricey side. Still, it looks like a great option for those who can afford the $380,000 price tag.
    • Go RVing Announces “Go Beyond Your Door” Campaign: Just in time for the busy summer travel season, Go RVing has launched a new initiative promoting the benefits of the RVing lifestyle. The new “Go Beyond Your Door” campaign features a fantastic video that spotlights the benefits of RV travel and encourages all of us to go beyond our vehicle’s door to embrace the opportunities around us. To celebrate, the organization is also launching a sweepstakes for the “Ultimate RV Getaway.” Sign-up is free, and if you win, you could take home gift cards for RV and campsite rentals, along with Go RVing swag bags. Winners will be chosen on June 14, which just so happens to be Go RVing Day.

    Photo Credit: Xponent

    • Xponent Solar RV Awnings Now Available: Looking for an efficient way to add solar panels to your rig without installing them on the roof? If so, the Xpanse solar awning by Xponent might just be what you’re looking for. The device functions like a typical awning when installed on your RV, and includes such features as rugged build quality and built-in smart sensors to automatically retract when wind conditions get too high. But, it also comes with a 1200W solar panel built right in, and easily connects to your lithium house batteries. The unit can be deployed and monitored using a smartphone app, and when closed it is only 6″ wide. Pricing starts at $9,900 with IRS tax credits potentially taking the initial investment down to $6,930. Find out more here.
    • National Park Service Facing $1.2 Billion Budget Cut: If you’re a fan of America’s national parks, you may have received unsettling news this week. The Trump Administration released its preliminary 2026 budget plan, which proposes a massive $1.2 billion budget cut for the Park Service. This sent up alarm bells across the outdoor industry, with many experts indicating that the parks are already woefully understaffed and lacking funds to repair or expand infrastructure. The National Parks Conservation Association even pointed out that in order to reach these goals, the NPS would have to shut down more than 300 national park units. Read more of our coverage on this story here.

    Photo Credit: RollAway

    • RV Rental Demand Remains Strong: RV rentals have become very popular in recent years, with more and more opportunities for the general public to find a rental that meets their needs. Now, the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association (RVRA) is confirming the continued popularity of this trend. Recently, the RVRA surveyed RV dealers to get a sense of the current rental market. They found that two-thirds of respondents say that bookings for the summer ahead are equal to or greater than last year. In fact, 34% said they are seeing an increase in bookings, while 29% say those levels remain the same year-over-year. Read more here.
    • The Dyrt Says 3 Out of 4 Campers have Camped in their Vehicle: If you’re a regular around here, it’s probably no secret that vehicle-based camping is very popular. But this week, The Dyrt reaffirmed that information with more data from its 2025 Camping Report. According to the online campground discovery site, three out of four respondents to its annual survey say they’ve slept in—or within close proximity—of their vehicle. That can include RVs, of course, but also car camping in trucks, SUVs, wagons, and other models. Furthermore, 53.4% indicated they preferred vehicle-based camping options, with 50.6% saying they bought a camper van, motorhome, or towable within the last five years.

    Photo Credit: Dometic

    • Dometic Introduces New Next-Gen RV Furnace: Dometic had announced a new OEM furnace that promises to be more efficient and issue-free than current models. The 35K Furnace Essential reportedly produces 22% more airflow compared to its nearest competitor, keeping RV interiors warmer in the process. But the device—which is aimed at vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers—also has some key component changes, like a patent-pending, debris-resistant sensor that eliminates moving parts that could potentially break down. The furnace is a preview of things to come, with changes coming to the entire Dometic line throughout the rest of the year.
    • AdventureGenie Adds Open Road Fuel Centers to Its AI Trip Planner: This week, AI-driven trip planning site for RVers AdventureGenie and the Open Roads diesel fuel-saving app announced a partnership. The two companies are joining forces in hopes of saving their shared audiences some money. AdventureGenie says that it is now integrating Open Fuel’s gas station locations into its trip planning software, making it easier than ever for users to find stops along their route where they can fuel up and save. The service makes it easier to know when and where to stop while en route, possibly saving hundreds of dollars along the way. Find out more here.

    That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for another edition of our weekly roundup of the latest RV news.

    The post RV News: Tiffin Takes Over Entegra Coach Production, A Solar Awning Can Now Power Your Rig, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: NüCamp 20th Anniversary Teardrops, Yosemite’s New Reservation Rules, and More

    Friday is here at last, which means the weekend is in sight. It also means that it is once again time for our weekly round-up of RV and camping industry news with a quick rundown of everything that happened this week. Here are a few stories you might want to know about:

    • NüCamp Reveals 20th Anniversary Teardrops Trailers: We already noted that 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of teardrop trailer manufacturer nüCamp, with celebrations expected to take place all year long. This week, the brand revealed special 20th anniversary editions for its TAG XL, TAB 320, TAB 360, TAB 360 CS and TAB 400 trailers. Just 20 anniversary editions will be built for each of those models, which will include custom graphics packages, a upgraded premium interior, and individually numbered badges. They’ll also come with a Boondock Black Canyon package that adds an additional 120W solar panel, a water heater, a heated holding tank, underglow lights and a tri-fold multifunctional mattress. Visit the nüCamp website for more info.
    • Yosemite Announces New Reservation Rules: Planning on visiting Yosemite National Park this summer? If so, then you may want to read up on the park’s new reservation system, which has taken some time to roll out. In a nutshell, a reservation will be required for anyone wanting to visit the iconic destination between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  on Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-28). From then on, reservations will only be required from June 15 through August 15 and again for the Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 1). You can start booking your reservations on May 6 through recreation.gov. Note: Campground reservations are handled separately.

    Photo Credit: Lucy Hewett

    • White House Brings Temporary Tariff Relief to Automobile Industry: Tariffs continue to be a major topic of conversation and concern across a wide variety of industries. But this week, the Trump administration announced that it was easing some of the tariffs impacting the car industry. The move comes after American automakers expressed concerns over how tariffs would impact their bottom line, with GM cutting profit expectations by 20% and saying the import taxes will cost the company $5 billion. The latest executive order protects car companies from having to pay additional taxes on steel, aluminum, and parts made in Canada and Mexico. Other tariffs will remain in place, however, so prices are still expected to go up. Read more here.
    • House of Representatives Votes Against California’s Strict Emissions Policies: While we’re on the topic of politics, this week the US House of Representatives struck a blow against California’s ability to enforce strict environmental policies, particularly where they involve vehicles. On Wednesday and Thursday, the House voted on three separate measures that rescind the state’s exemptions that allowed it to place tough emissions standards on heavy and medium-duty trucks. Part of those regulations required manufacturers to sell zero-emissions chassis and vehicles in an effort to reduce pollution. This spread over into the RV industry, as some of the chassis found on those trucks are also used in motorhomes. As of now, the California here. Truck Emission Standards (CARB’s Omnibus rule) and California Truck NOx Emission Standards (CARB’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulations) are in jeopardy, although the Senate would also need to pass a bill striking down the exemptions. It should be noted that independent observers say the move to regulate states’ rights is unconstitutional and won’t stand up in a court of law, perhaps signaling lawsuits to come. Read more here.

    Photo Credit: Harbinger Motors

    • Harbinger Unveils First Hybrid Chassis: Harbinger Motors continues its march towards cleaner, more energy-efficient power trains for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. This week, the company announced its first-ever hybrid chassis, which is built on an electric platform and uses a gas motor as a range extender. The platform includes a 50-gallon gas tank and an 800V generator, which work in tandem to give it an estimated 500-mile range. The hybrid chassis will start shipping to partners in 2026. Our friends at RV News have more info here.
    • Renogy Launches Ranger Power Box Line-Up: Renogy—one of the top manufacturers of RV power systems—revealed a new line of products this week. The brand announced the launch of its Ranger Power Box devices, which utilize Anderson connectors, an 800W MPPT solar charge controller, and a 12V hybrid output all incorporated into an easy-to-install single grab-and-go enclosure. The Raner series is designed to work with Renogy’s new low-profile solid-state lithium battery, giving RV manufacturers, overlanders, and vanlifers more options for designing power systems for their rigs. For more info, visit renogy.com.
    • XOVERLAND Acquires Overland Journal and Expedition Portal in Media Consolidation: There was big news this week in the overlanding space, as XOVERLAND announced the acquisition of Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. The merger, which involves print, video, blogs, online outlets, forums, and podcasts, creates the largest media conglomerate in all of overlanding, with new branding revolving around Overland Collective. The team at GearJunkie has the entire scoop.

    Photo Credit: Overland Expo

    • Overland Expo Reveals ‘Ultimate Builds’ for 2025: Staying on the subject of overlanding, this week Overland Expo showed off its “Ultimate Build” vehicles for 2025. This year’s winners include a Suzuki V-Storm 800DE overlanding motorcycle and a 2025 GMC Sierra HD AT4, both of which are beautiful. Click on both links to explore these build outs further.
    • The Dyrt Says Older Campers Prefer RVs: Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt continues to reveal interesting stats from its 2025 Camping Report. This week, the site announced that campers over the age of 55 prefer RV camping over staying in a tent, cabin, or other shelter. In fact, the study showed that 61% of respondents in the 55 and up age demographic felt this way, a 50% increase over other age groups. 79.1% of that same age demo said they plan to visit America’s national parks in their retirement, while another 73.6% said they looked forward to “open road exploration.” Read more of the report here.

    That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of our RV news round-up. See you next Friday for another rundown of the latest stories from the industry and beyond.

    The post RV News: NüCamp 20th Anniversary Teardrops, Yosemite’s New Reservation Rules, and More appeared first on RV.com.

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