If you drive a big rig, chances are you’re familiar with steering wheel feedback, rut tracking and sway from crosswinds or passing semis. Everything from large, Class A motorhomes to Class Cs and B vans can experience these issues, and while products like aftermarket antisway bars, trac bars, or suspension upgrades help, what you really need might be a steering stabilizer.
Kathy Doran, Executive Operations Manager at Safe-T-Plus, one of the leading steering stabilizer manufacturers on the market, says this remedy will help your RV feel less like it has a mind of its own. “You can go from driving two-handed, white knuckled, to having your cup of coffee in your hand and occasionally looking up at the pretty scenery you’re supposed to be enjoying,” Doran says.
A steering stabilizer is essentially an additional control system that combines a horizontal shock absorber and spring specifically for your steering. They typically have a vehicle-specific fit and are easy to install, and can work wonders at reducing wheel feedback, creating a firmer, more confident feel on the road. These three products are among the industry’s most popular.
Photo Credit: Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus was founded by a trucker in 1980 who developed a steering stabilizer for semi trucks experiencing accidents from front tire blow-outs. Now, they make stabilizers for Class A, B and C motorhomes, camper vans, tow rigs and more. Their stabilizers are vehicle-specific, and feature simple, bolt-on installation. These stabilizers are also known for their positive centering ability, which helps with oversteering by automatically guiding your rig’s steering wheel back to center after a turn. MSRP: $456
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Roadmaster Reflex
Roadmaster makes steering stabilizers for everything from heavy Class A’s to Class B vans or Class C motorhomes. The Reflex series has a vehicle-specific fitment and is designed to correct oversteer, keep the steering wheel from jerking over bumps, and generally improve the feel of the vehicle. They attach to your rig’s steering mechanism on one end and chassis, and feature a heavy duty, tempered-steel spring that works to maintain its neutral position, returning your vehicle to center after unexpected events. $570
Photo Credit: Bilstein
Bilstein B6 Steering Damper
The term “steering damper” is often used interchangeably with “steering stabilizer,” and while they are similar products, a steering damper like Bilstein’s B6 acts more like a traditional shock absorber. Its primary function is to dampen the effects of bumps and rough roads, while also helping the vehicle return back to center and control steering. Some RVs already have steering dampers from the factory, and the B6 can be a direct replacement. If your rig doesn’t have one, Bilstein also sells bracket kits for specific vehicles. $169
Our RV expert shares his insights and advice on a variety of topics. Got a question of your own? Send them to us at knowhow@wildsam.com.
Photo Credit: THOR
Hot Hot Highway Heat
Q: We have a 2023 Thor ACE 32B on a Ford F-53 chassis. The dash air conditioner blows warmer air when we’re on the highway. At idle, 40-degree air comes out of the dash vents. At highway speeds, the air hits 60 degrees—no difference when the A/C is switched to recirculate. Neither RV dealer nor Ford dealer can solve the issue so far. Any insight?
—William Taylor, Findlay, Ohio
A: This is a fairly common problem. The heater and A/C controls in the dash are operated by vacuum servos, which rely on engine intake manifold vacuum. When the engine is idling, it produces peak vacuum, and therefore the system works fine. Then, as the engine’s load increases, vacuum drops off. If there is any leakage in the hoses or other components in the HVAC system, there won’t be enough vacuum. The system will then default to Defrost mode and divert airflow causing symptoms like you describe.
The system needs to be diagnosed for vacuum leaks. It could be something as simple as a cracked or loose hose. Many well-equipped shops have smoke injection machines, designed to push smoke into the vacuum hoses and system. Smoke comes out, revealing the leaks. To ensure better operation, add a vacuum storage tank: Crown Automotive produces one. Also add a one-way check valve that when the engine is under heavy load it, doesn’t reduce the vacuum in the tank.
Photo Credit: Eco-dynamic
Towable Twofer
Q: I’m a longtime camper and never missed an issue of Trailer Life with your articles and columns back in the day. I am looking at adding to my solar array and changing to AGM batteries because of conventional battery maintenance issues. My favorite supplier has closed. Can you recommend another source?
—Ralph Spear
A: Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries don’t require refilling and do generally last somewhat longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. However, if you are a heavy user of solar power, you might want to consider switching to lithium. They last much longer, are much lighter and maintenance free and have more usable capacity for a given size. You can discharge them more deeply without damaging them. Prices have been coming down, and there are good used ones available at a substantial savings. Suppliers include RV Solar Concepts and Precision RV Service, We’d love to hear from readers about their favorite solar supplier.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Airbag Advice
Q: Is there a consensus on the use of air bags for trailer towing?
—Kathy and Cliff Andrews, Keizer, OR
A: I doubt there is any consensus—folks argue about everything. But air bags are a great addition to many tow vehicles. Without knowing the specific year, make and model and the make and model of trailer, or its approximate tongue weight, I can only provide generalities. It’s important for the tow vehicle to be fairly level when hitched up and towing. Stiffer rear springs could keep the rig level, but when you are not towing the vehicle might ride very stiffly. Air bags allow you to add pressure when the trailer is attached and reduce pressure when not towing. Some kits even have onboard compressors with remote filling capabilities, so you can adjust pressure from the cab.
One important thing to remember: air bags should not be used to enable a vehicle to be overloaded. Never exceed the maximum gross rear axle weight rating or the tire ratings. Several companies manufacture air bags for pickup trucks. Kelderman Manufacturing, Firestone Airide and Air Lift are all well-known producers of air suspension systems, including those for light trucks. AccurAir Suspension also offers air suspension kits for various vehicles, including pickups.
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.
Special thanks to some of our trusted partners from within the RV industry.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
LiquidSpring
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Experience the revolutionary Tru-Earth Leveling technology – simply press a button and watch your motorhome level automatically on uneven terrain. No more crawling underneath with blocks, no more frustrating jack adjustments. Park anywhere with confidence, knowing you’re always perfectly level for cooking, sleeping, and living comfortably.
Whether you’re navigating mountain passes or settling in for an extended stay, LiquidSpring’s hydraulic system responds in real-time to road conditions, giving Class A drivers the smooth, controlled ride typically reserved for high-end diesel pushers. Your passengers will notice the difference immediately – less motion sickness, less noise, and more enjoyment of the journey.
Invest in the comfort and stability your Class A deserves. Experience the hydraulic advantage with LiquidSpring. liquidspring.com
Photo Credit: GaragePros
GaragePro Tire Savers
Preventing flat spots during RV storage doesn’t have to be hard.
Long-term RV storage is part of the deal, which can result in flat spots on your tires when they sit on flat surfaces where the rubber meets the ground without moving. According to Edmunds, “…if conditions are right, a month of being stationary might be enough to cause problems.”
Park Smart Tire Savers cradle your tires to help prevent flat spots during storage. Made of solid heavy-duty vinyl, these ramps won’t crush, crack or slip, unlike those made of hollow plastic. These Tire Savers have no weight limit, come in multiple sizes and have a lifetime warranty. Uniquely designed with the driver in mind, you can drive up and over the ramps, which is particularly useful for RVs with multiple axles, making it easy to come and go as needed.
Protect your investment and save 20% now with code Wild0725 at YourGaragePro.com. 800-992-2018
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.
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.
A little over a year ago, we reviewed the DJI Power 1000 portable power station, calling it an excellent first entry into this very competitive market space from a company best known for making camera drones. Now, the brand is back with a larger model that delivers more storage capacity and an impressive array of ports. In fact, in terms of number and type, the new DJI Power 2000 may have the best line-up of ports of any power station on the market today, making it easy to recommend for anyone who needs a reliable charging solution on the go.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Battery and Charging Specs
As you would expect, the larger Power 2000 device comes with a bigger battery compared to its predecessor. This unit features a 2,048Wh power cell, which is double the size of last year’s model. It can also output up to 3,000W, allowing it to power more devices, including some that require a higher capacity, like a microwave, air conditioner, or a hair dryer.
One of the few drawbacks of having a larger battery is that it usually takes longer to recharge. But thanks to some impressive technical wizardry, DJI managed to include truly impressive fast-charging capabilities in the power station. According to the company, the device can fully recharge from an AC wall outlet in under 90 minutes, which proved true in our testing. The Power 2000 shipped to us with a 20% charge, but when plugged in for initial charging, it was fully topped off in less than an hour.
Those same fast-charging capabilities apply to other methods of recharging the Power 2000’s battery, too. For instance, DJI sells a 1kW fast-charger for use in a vehicle that can replenish the battery in 145 minutes. That’s perfect for when you’re driving from one campsite to the next or en route to a worksite. Additionally, owners can connect two solar panels for recharging in the field. The new power station even sees a boost in that department, with a 12% faster charge time compared to the Power 1000.
To add some context to all of these specs, the 2,048Wh battery is enough to recharge most smartphones more than 100 times or a laptop as many as 18 times. It’ll run a mini-fridge for up to 38 hours or a coffee machine for nearly two hours. In other words, depending on your usage, it is enough capacity for use at the campsite for several days without recharging the power station itself. It also works well for content creators working in the field and can serve as a home back-up solution. DJI is even prepping expansion batteries for the Power 2000 that can expand the capacity by a factor of ten. While that won’t be practical for portable use, it does provide interesting possibilities for use at home or potentially even an RV.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
All the Ports You Need
If you’ve ever read any of our other power station reviews, you’ve probably seen us lament the fact that most units are almost always missing a port or two. In recent years, that’s usually because a device is lacking in USB-C ports, which have quickly become the industry standard for charging just about everything. That isn’t the case with the DJI Power 2000, which offers the best selection of charging ports we’ve seen in a device of this size.
The Power 2000 includes four 120V AC outlets, including one high-capacity 30A port for demanding appliances like a portable air conditioner. It also comes with four standard USB-A ports and four additional USB-C ports—two that offer 160W output and two rated for 65W. This being DJI, the power station also has two dedicated SDC ports for charging drones, something that definitely appeals to the company’s core audience.
All of these ports add versatility to the device, making it easy to keep a wide variety of gadgets and appliances running wherever you need them. So much so, that for once we’re not asking for additional ports of any kind. Sure, this model lacks the 12V “vehicle” port that many other models offer, but for us, that has always been the least useful charging option anyway. During our testing, it wasn’t missed at all.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Other Stand Out Features
In addition to adding ports, battery capacity, and increased power output, the DJI Power 2000 includes several other noteworthy features. For instance, the unit can be used as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep important devices and appliances running in the event of an unexpected electrical outage. Should such an outage occur, the power station can automatically start providing electricity in as little as .01 seconds, ensuring mission-critical items—like computers or internet networking equipment—continue operating without missing a beat.
DJI also went to great lengths to ensure the Power 2000 is durable and safe. In addition to its rugged outer shell, which provides plenty of protection while outdoors, the unit has a battery management system circuit board built to resist environmental elements like dust and moisture. The power station is also made from flame-retardant materials to prevent fires and has 21 fuses to detect and protect against other anomalies.
Additionally, the power station is one of the quietest we’ve ever tested, even when recharging multiple devices. It comes with a bright, easy-to-understand LCD screen for monitoring power in and out and current battery levels, something that can also be done remotely using the DJI app. Furthermore, the device’s lithium batteries are good for approximately 4,000 charge cycles, giving the Power 2000 a lifespan of ten years with daily use.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
A Serious Contender
With everything that DJI has brought to the table, the Power 2000 is the complete package when it comes to portable power stations. The combination of capacity, power output, and charging ports makes it easy to recommend to anyone currently in the market for this kind of device. Add in impressive fast-charging capabilities, remote monitoring and control via smartphone, the ability to use it as a UPS, and the option to dramatically expand storage with add-on batteries, and you get a complete power solution for any need.
If we had to dock this power station any points, it might be due to its weight and a lack of charging cables. The unit weighs in at a shade over 48 pounds, which isn’t particularly heavy for this category, but is worth noting. We also would have liked to have seen a 12V vehicle charging cable included in the box to go along with the 120V AC cable that is included. We understand that DJI wants to upsell us on its high-capacity vehicle charging solution, but most competitors do include the 12V cable in the box. But other than those very minor nitpicks, there isn’t much to complain about here.
As already noted, if you’re in the market for a portable power station at the moment, this model should be at the top of your shopping list. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else that offers similar specs along with so many truly useful charging ports. And priced at $1,299, it is safe to say the DJI Power 2000 delivers a lot of bang for the buck for outdoor enthusiasts, content creators, and use around the home. We’re excited to see where the DJI ecosystem goes next.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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
