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Category: RV accessories

  • RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More

    Friday has arrived at long last, which means it’s time for our weekly round-up of the latest news and RV industry trends. As usual, it has been another busy week, so here are the stories you may have missed:

    Sabre 37RVMiles

    Photo Credit: Sabre

    • Sabre Introduces Floor Plan Designed in Collaboration with Popular YouTube Channel: We first mentioned this news item way back in January, when Sabre first announced its collaboration with the popular RV Miles website/podcast/YouTube channel. But now, the all-new 37RVMiles floor plan has made its official debut at long last, bringing some interesting features along with it. The 43′ fifth-wheel trailer comes with a spacious primary bedroom with a king bed, an L-shaped sectional sofa, a rear bonus room with additional beds, and a side patio deck. Check it out here.
    • New Trekker Adventure Truck Coming Soon From 27 North: While we’re on the topic of adventure trucks, 27 North made news this week by announcing a new model coming to its lineup in April. Dubbed the Trekker, the new vehicle is built for consumers looking for a light-duty off-road expedition rig. While not a lot is known just yet, company founder and CEO Pavel Bosovik tells RV News the truck will be 25 feet in length and 20%-50% lighter than the competition. As is typical with the company’s other vehicles—including a line of Class B vans—the Trekker will blend off-road capabilities with a luxurious interior.

    Photo Credit: Rossmönster

    • Rossmönster Debuts ‘Most Capable’ Sprinter Van on the Market: If you’re looking for a rugged and adventurous camper van, Rossmönster’s new Class B model may be a fit. The brand is best known for its bespoke adventure trucks, but this week it announced the Skye camper van, its first repeat-production model ever. That means customers can expect better availability and faster delivery times, on a vehicle that includes a fold-away queen-size bed, a 12-foot counter, and an off-grid power system. Read our coverage of the announcement here.
    • More Than 4,000 California Campsites Could Be Closed This Summer: We all know that the budget cuts and staff layoffs currently underway in Washington DC are going to have a profound impact on how the country operates. This week, the consequences of those actions hit home in a very concrete way when we found out that more than 4,000 campgrounds on national forest lands could be closed for some or all of the summer. The new leak came via a US Forest Service memo that was shared internally back in February, hinting at the challenges ahead. Of course, California isn’t likely to be the only state impacted, as the cuts will hit every state on some level.

    Photo Credit: National Park Service

    Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty

    • Booking Campsites Remains a Big Challenge: This week we learned that reserving your favorite campsite is still a challenge, thanks to so many campgrounds being full. According to the 2025 Camping Report from The Dyrt, 56.1% of people surveyed say that they ran into difficulty booking a site in 2024. That’s up from 45.5% in 2023, and close to the all-time high of 58.4% from 2022. In other words, if you want to go camping this year and know your travel dates, book those campsites as early as possible.
    • Go RVing Shares Insights on RVers Working on the Road: Remote work options have become more common in recent years, and some RVers are taking advantage of those opportunities to work while on the road. According to Go RVing’s 2025 Owner Demographic, 22% of those surveyed said their current job allows them to work from anywhere, with 54% indicating they’d worked from their RV. Curiously, more motorhome owners take advantage of this situation, with 65% of them working from their rig, compared to 50% of towable owners.

    Photo Credit: Cruise America

    • RV Rental Site Shares Stats Current Market Trends: We’ll keep the RV/camping stats rolling with yet another report on industry trends. Go RV Rentals, an online resource for discovering and renting a recreational vehicle, shared its 2025 RV Rental Price Index Report, which showed some interesting trends, including the average nightly rental cost of various RV models. Unsurprisingly, Class A motorhomes had the highest average rate at $313, with Class B camper vans next at $228, followed by Class C models at $214. The report also showed that the top three most expensive rental markets were Houston, Austin, and San Francisco, while Tampa, San Diego, and Phoenix were the most affordable. Read the full report here.
    • 28 Million Americans Will Go RVing This Spring: Not to be outdone by all the other industry studies being released, the RV Industry Association has one of its own to share. The RVIA Spring Travel Intentions Survey indicates that 28 million Americans will hit the road in an RV over the next few months, with most staying within 7 to 15 hours from home. Beaches and coastal areas are the top spring destinations, with the Florida Keys coming in at the number one spot. The report is filled with all kinds of other stats—like 72 million Americans going RVing in the next 12 months—and most respondents say they’re traveling for better weather or to escape their busy lives. Check it out here.

    That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another wrap-up of everything going on in the very busy RV industry.

    The post RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: MDC USA Expands Off-Road Towable Offerings, Yosemite Campground Reservations on Hold, and More

    As usual, it has been another busy week across the RV industry, with a number of interesting announcements. Before we sneak off into the weekend, here are a few items you may have missed:

    • MDC Campers Brings Full Line of Towables to the US: A few weeks back, we covered the launch of the XT12HR Off-Grid Extreme Edition towable from MDC USA, which is the American arm of an Australian overlanding brand. At the time, the big news was the launch of the rugged, off-road trailer built for traveling off-grid. Now, the MDC mothership says it is bringing its entire line-up stateside, creating a catalog of six options for RVers. In addition to the XT12HR and XT19HRT, which are already on sale here, the XT15-4E, XT16HR Island, XT16HR East West and XT17HRT Family will be joining the party. The goal is to offer an array of overlanding travel trailers at various price points and sizes. Visit the MDC USA website for more information.
    Dutchmen Denali

    Photo Credit: Dutchmen

    • Dutchmen Reveals New Denali Fifth-Wheel: This week, Dutchmen RV took the wraps off its all-new and updated Denali fifth-wheel luxury camper. The latest version of this iconic trailer brings a suite of intriguing features, including custom-built Amish cherry cabinetry, a custom rolling sectional sofa, three Dometic OmniChill air conditioners, two 16′ power awnings, and an all-metal baggage door package. Optional upgrades include a washer and dryer, a 5,500W generator, 200W solar panels, and more. Pricing starts at $99,999. Check out the fabulous new Denali here.
    • Park Service and Forest Service Lay Offs Threaten Federal Lands: Tens of thousands of federal employees continue to lose their jobs as part of sweeping cuts from the White House and the Department of Government Efficiency. This time around, the National Park Service and US Forest Service were hit hard, losing 4,475 and 3,475 jobs, respectively. This has put the national parks and other federal lands at risk, as both the NPS and USFS have struggled with budget cuts and a lack of staff even before these latest rounds of cuts. This could have a significant impact on the experience of visitors heading to those wild locations this year, where it is possible that ranger stations and visitor centers could be shuttered, park repairs and maintenance lacking, and campgrounds closed for extended periods. GearJunkie has more insights into the potential ramifications.

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • Yosemite National Park Delays Summer Campsite Reservations: While we’re on the subject of the national parks, budget cuts, and layoffs, this week, Yosemite National Park announced that it is delaying the sale of campsite reservations for summer 2025. The NPS didn’t indicate why it had initiated a delay, but it seems likely to be due to uncertainty surrounding staffing for the busy travel season ahead. Park managers say they are still planning and preparing to welcome campers this summer, but it is unclear when reservations will open. A seven-day advanced notice will be provided ahead of the resumption of reservations, but the delay could impact campground stays between June 15 and July 14.
    • There Were Fewer Camping No-Shows and Cancellations in 2024: Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt says there were fewer no-shows and cancellations for campgrounds in 2024. The website’s 2025 Camping Report found that 70.7% of campers used all of their reservations last year, up from 58.9% in 2023. Furthermore, two years ago 16.7% of campers said they left a campground one or  more days early, but in 2024 only 12.8% said they did the same. That’s good news for campgrounds, which were often left with unused spaces due to no-shows, but were unable to offer those locations to other campers in case the original reservation holder showed up. It also showed more stability across the industry, although finding reservations at popular destinations remains a challenge.
    • RoverPass Shares 2024 Camping Insights, Too: The Dyrt isn’t the only camping-related website that has published campsite data from 2024. This week, RoverPass—an online platform for finding and booking RV campsites—shared its insights from last year courtesy of its Annual Report. Key highlights include more RVers booking reservations directly with campgrounds, seasonal trends based on location, and the curious news that small RV parks declined in traffic, while larger resorts grew. Dig into all of these trends and more here.

    Photo Credit: Venture RV

    • Venture RV Hits Major Manufacturing Milestone: Towables manufacturer Venture RV—a subsidiary of KZ—announced a significant manufacturing milestone this week when it revealed that the company had built its 35,000th recreational vehicle. That mark comes after 13 years in the business, building top-notch travel trailers and fifth-wheels. To celebrate, the brand invited some of its top dealerships to visit its factory in Shipshewana, Indiana. For more details, click here.
    • Blue Compass Notches 200,000 Sale and Helps Make a Wish: Speaking of RV industry-stalwarts hitting impressive milestones, RV dealership Blue Compass recently sold its 200,000 recreational vehicle. To celebrate, BC joined forces with Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee to gift a brand new 2025 Jayco Jay Flight SLX Travel Trailer to a local family, helping make one young lady’s dream come true. Find out more here.

    That’s a wrap for this week. Come back next Friday for another round-up of the latest news from across the RV and camping industry.

    The post RV News: MDC USA Expands Off-Road Towable Offerings, Yosemite Campground Reservations on Hold, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • LiquidSpring’s Pursuit of Excellence Takes it Coast-to-Coast

    For more than two decades, LiquidSpring has been building and refining the best and most advanced suspension systems on the planet. Over that time, the company has upfitted more than 20,000 RVs, expedition trucks, and emergency response vehicles with a smart suspension that monitors speed, steering, braking, and ride height to continually adjust performance more than a thousand times each second. The result is a smoother, safer, more efficient ride both on and off-road.

    Recently, in an effort to introduce its technology to a wider audience, the LiquidSpring team embarked on a cross-country journey of epic proportions. Along the way, they visited three of the most important vehicle-centric annual events while enjoying a motorized adventure unlike any other.

    LiquidSpring

    Photo Credit: LiquidSpring

    On a Cross-Country Mission

    LiquidSpring kicked off its long-distance road trip in Tampa, where the team attended the always-bustling Florida RV SuperShow. That event always sets the tone for the year, with all of the top motorhome and towable manufacturers on hand to show off their latest models. That makes it the perfect place to meet RV owners looking to upgrade their rigs or tow vehicles.

    After a busy few days in Tampa, the team next headed towards the setting sun, navigating backroads and highways from Florida to Texas before venturing into the desert Southwest. Their second destination was the  Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show in Arizona for a week of connecting with RVers, overlanders, and off-roaders. The landscapes in and around Quartzsite are perfect for demonstrating the capabilities of the LiquidSpring suspension system, which smoothly transition from tarmac to dirt without missing a beat.

    Finally, the journey wrapped up with a visit to King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. This legendary gathering of off-road adventurers will test the mettle of any vehicle and is the perfect proving ground for LiquidSpring. As usual, the state-of-the-art suspension demonstrated its worth and showcased its effectiveness at creating a smoother and more comfortable ride while traversing across the desert.

    Photo Credit: LiquidSpring

    Road Tripping in a Super C and a Ram Pick-Up

    All told, the LiquidSpring team’s country-spanning sojourn covered more than 2,500 miles from Florida to California, traveling on everything from smooth modern highways to rough desert trails. So what vehicles did they choose for this adventure? The squad made their way across country in a powerful and impressive Super-C RV and a top-of-the-line Ram pick-up truck.

    The Super-C in question was none other than a Renegade Veracruz, which offers outstanding off-grid capabilities and a plush interior. The RV rides on massive 41″ Goodyear G275 tires and features Elevation Off Grid’s comprehensive upgrade package. Those components are augmented by a LiquidSpring system that provides a 4-inch rear lift and 2-inch front lift which maintains a smooth and elegant ride while taking on difficult terrain.

    Photo Credit: LiquidSpring

    The Veracruz was flanked by a Black Edition Ram 3500, which already displays robust engineering straight from the factory. LiquidSpring added a 2-inch lift kit with up to 4 inches of automatic ride-height adjustment based on surface conditions. The rig is further equipped with Elevation Off Grid premium features that include BFG KO2 tires, Baja Designs lighting, and a 23Zero rooftop tent, making it an excellent basecamp for nearly any adventure.

    Photo Credit: LiquidSpring

    The Ultimate Road Test

    For LiquidSpring, this coast-to-coast road trip wasn’t just about reaching each of the destinations along the way. It was also a chance to demonstrate how its amazing suspension system merges comfort and capability, proving once and for all that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

    Whether you’re looking to upgrade your work vehicle, RV, or adventure truck, the LiquidSpring intelligent suspension delivers a smoother, safer ride. It also lessens wear and tear on the vehicle, extending its lifespan and further protecting your investment. To learn more about the long-term benefits and value of this game-changing system, visit liquidspring.com.

    The post LiquidSpring’s Pursuit of Excellence Takes it Coast-to-Coast appeared first on RV.com.

  • This DIY Plug-&-Drive Diesel Module Will Add up to 90 HP and 2 to 4 MPG

    Looking to get rid of that annoying dead pedal and turbo-lag safely? Want to improve your diesel pickup or RV’s throttle response and fuel efficiency?  Think you have to spend thousands of dollars and possibly sacrifice your warranty to do it? No, you don’t!

    For over 20 years the experts at Diesel Modules have helped thousands of diesel owners improve mileage and add horsepower with their non-invasive, warranty-friendly performance modules. Design for easy customer installation, their performance modules allow diesel owners to safely gain up to 30% more HP and up to 20% improved mileage with their proprietary “Combustion Efficiency Programming”. Best of all, because the performance modules are post-ECM installation, they honor all factory stock settings and leave no footprint in the engine’s computer.

    diesel modules

    Photo Credit: Diesel Modules

    The video above shares more technical details of how the add-on performance module works and the benefits it brings to diesel truck and RV owners. The average install time of the module is 25 minutes for pickups, C class, and Sprinters and about 60 minutes on diesel pushers. The product is made in the USA and includes a three-year warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied. Watch the video to the end, and you’ll also get an exclusive discount code to take an additional $50 off the sale price of the module.

    For more information on Diesel Modules and the company’s game-changing products, visit dieselmodules.com The site makes it easy to find the right performance module for your vehicle.

    Photo Credit: Diesel Modules

    Here are just a few happy customers:

    J. Rossman –May 2024

    I installed this unit on my 21 Entegra motorhome. I was a little skeptical at the time but thought “I’ll Give it a try”. My mileage went from a little under 7 mpg on the highway to a shade over 8 mpg driving at 70 MPH. I recommend this to anyone. You will also feel better acceleration from a stop and it helps to maintain the speed on hills. I’m impressed.

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    P. Doherty –July 2021

    Best money I have ever spent. The module was easy to install and had excellent directions. My motorhome tows great now, especially on hills and EGT is lower. The delivery time was also excellent and I actually got to talk to a real person Thanks.

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    G. Jackson–March 2021

    I installed the module on my motorhome with a Cummins 8.9L engine and saw good results. I can tell I have more power and torque. I have had my unit for almost 1 year and I am very happy with it. I have also just recently installed the same unit on my uncle’s motorhome which has Cat C7 in it. So far it is performing just as well as my unit is performing.

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    W. Shannon –October 2023

    The module is as described. It was an easy installation and is working awesome. New life in the engine, especially when towing. Installed on a Damon Ultrasport 2000. awesome support from the company. Thanks!

     

    The post This DIY Plug-&-Drive Diesel Module Will Add up to 90 HP and 2 to 4 MPG appeared first on RV.com.

  • Tech Spotlight: Hitches

    You’d be forgiven if “hitch” wasn’t the first thing you thought about when choosing a towable. But, as you barrel down the road with your home-on-wheels, your hitch can, literally, make or break you. Most towables come with factory-installed hitches, but many RVers install aftermarket upgrades. To learn more, we reached out to J.D. from Big Truck Big RV, who runs a YouTube channel devoted to all things recreational and vehicular.

    RV hitches

    Photo Credit: B&W

    Fifth-Wheels

    “Ultimately, the hitch decision comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish,” says J.D. (The creator doesn’t use his last name for publication.) “Traditionally, fifth-wheel kingpin hitches are the most common. When you want something more convenient or flexible, the gooseball comes into play.”

    “Kingpin” hitches (sometimes called companion hitches) are similar to those on 18-wheelers. A heavy frame—the coupling device—bolts into the truck bed, while the trailer features a large steel pin that slides and locks into place. They leave little room for truck-bed storage. One of the best traditional kingpins is B&W’s Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500. The CURT Helux Pinbox, using a trademarked coil spring design, significantly reduces the force applied to a vehicle’s frame.

    Gooseneck hitches use a ball receiver installed directly into the truck bed, and bolt to the frame below. The trailer then uses an adapter to attach to that ball—creating a lower connection point for heavier towing. Gooseneck hitches can add strain to your trailer’s frame, so research first. The Reese Goose Box is one of the only versions approved by Lippert, the largest manufacturer of fifth-wheel chassis in the country.

    Photo Credit: Blue Ox

    Travel Trailers

    Travel trailers attach to tow vehicles via more traditional bumper hitches. Because they can be heavy, specialized connection points are necessary to help drivers prevent sway. Among the most popular options is the SwayPro from Blue Ox, which comes in various models and evenly distributes weight over the axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. Weigh Safe also offers models with built-in scales to measure the tongue weight on the hitch.

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

    The post Tech Spotlight: Hitches appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road

    In the RV world, almost everyone is towing something. (About 4 out of 5 RVs sold in the nation are towables of one sort or another.) We’ve gathered some essential knowledge, answers to common questions and a few clutch products, so you can roll forth with confidence.

    RV towing

    Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Tow Ratings: What You Need to Know

    There’s no doubt about it: Towing thousands of pounds down the highway is a serious responsibility. There are potential dangers to you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information available as a built-in safeguard to the practice.

    Tow ratings are provided by manufacturers to ensure that their vehicles are used properly and safely. Trying to tow a trailer (or dinghy vehicle we’ll cover dinghy towing in more depth in a later issue) that is too heavy or large for the tow vehicle can lead to expensive breakdowns, even dangerous failures.

    Overloaded vehicles often have brake and automatic transmission failures, which can cost thousands of dollars and ruin trips. Plus, warranties may not cover damages caused by exceeding manufacturer limitations. If a vehicle and its load are not balanced and distributed correctly, uncontrollable swaying (fishtailing) and jackknifing can occur—potential liabilities to drivers.

    All of which is to say: Knowledge is power here. Before buying a tow vehicle, motorhome or trailer, take the time to thoroughly read the brochures and/or check the specifications online. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    Trailer tow ratings are typically higher for fifth-wheel trailers than for bumper-pull trailers. Do not confuse the two.

    Tow ratings vary considerably between various option packages, engines, axle ratios and models. Take the time to look up your vehicle’s combination of features exactly.

    Basically, what you’re trying to do is find the right, safe combination of tow vehicle and towed RV, fitting these various specs together into a viable package.

    Several key acronyms are essential for towing safety:

    • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable loaded weight of a given vehicle. That’s counting passengers,
      cargo and fuel.
    • Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum allowable weight for a particular axle to carry.
    • Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the maximum allowable weight for the combined vehicle and trailer.
    • Maximum tow rating is the most weight a tow vehicle may pull. A 2024 Toyota Tacoma, for example, is rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds though it’s not a good idea to literally max-out towing capacity. Better to aim for something like 80 percent of the factory tow-limit rating.
    • Maximum tongue weight is the most weight that can be applied to a particular conventional ball-type trailer hitch. Maximum pin weight is the most weight that may be applied to a   fth-wheel hitch.

    Photo Credit: Reese

    Hitches

    For a towable RV, choosing the right trailer hitch is essential. Many conventional hitch-type trailers put enough tongue weight on the tow vehicle that a weight-distribution hitch is needed. (Brands to look for: B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite and Reese.) These help move some of the hitch weight forward to the front axle, helping to balance the load and prevent rear-end sag. Ensure that you match the weight rating of the hitch bars to the tongue weight of the trailer.

    Fifth-wheel hitches come in many types and ratings. Always use a hitch rated for more than your trailer weighs. Many pickup trucks today come with short beds, and some sort of sliding hitch is needed to allow the towing vehicle to make sharp turns without the front of the trailer corners hitting the back of the cab. The most convenient models can be adjusted remotely from the cab.

    Another important thing to know is that the weakest link determines the strength of the “chain.” For example, if your tow vehicle has a maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds, but has a hitch rated for only 5,000 pounds, your maximum towing capacity is limited to 5,000 pounds. Conversely, if your tow vehicle has a hitch rated for 10,000 pounds, but the vehicle tow rating is only 7,000 pounds, then you are limited to the lower number, in this case 7,000 pounds. Consult with your RV dealer or hitch installation shop for further information.

    Photo Credit: RVi Brake

    Brake Controls

    Most RV trailers come with electric brakes (hydraulic “surge” brakes are typically found on boat trailers and rental cargo trailers). If you have electric trailer brakes, you will need a brake control. Many newer tow vehicles come with them from the factory. If not, you will need to purchase one. (Names to know: Tekonsha, Hopkins, Redarc, Curt and Reese.) I strongly recommend choosing a “proportional” control, which matches trailer braking application to the tow vehicle’s rate of deceleration, rather than a so-called time-based unit that ramps up trailer brake force over time.

    Towing Q&A: Answers to a Few Common Questions

    Photo Credit: Ford

    Single vs. Double Axle

    Q: I’ve towed double-axle travel trailers for many years with load levelers and a three-quarter-ton truck. No issues. I’ve seen a lot of the West. I’m downsizing to a new Chevy Colorado pickup and thinking that a single-axle travel trailer may give me a lot of porpoising bounce. Is that true? How would load levelers work in that case? I’m looking for the best ride in my travels and getting the most trailer for my new weight restriction.

    —Lee Smith, Twain Harte, CA

    A: Keep in mind that a Colorado pickup is actually similar in size and tow rating to older American full-size pickups, particularly so-called half tons. It’s not a mini-truck. The 2025 Colorado offers a range of towing ratings based on options. If you have lightweight towing needs, the WT and LT trims are rated up to 3,500 pounds. The TurboMax engine provides an impressive tow rating of 7,700 pounds—the highest for any midsize pickup truck. I would say there are more concerns with single-axle trailers swaying or fishtailing under certain driving conditions, compared to multi-axle trailers. I recommend using at least a friction-type sway control to ensure straight-line tracking.

    Porpoising is more a function of the types of suspension on the trailer and tow vehicle. For example, rubber torsion axles respond to bumps differently than leaf-sprung axles Spring rates and travel, tire types and capacity vs. load weight all affect ride quality. Longer leaf springs provide more wheel travel over bumps, and therefore can provide a more stable ride. Overly stiff tires or over-inflation also can cause a bouncy ride. Another big factor is that some trailers don’t come with shock absorbers (however, aftermarket retrofit kits are readily available to remedy this).

    You mention “load levelers.” There are many types, including air-bag type springs, added leaf type “helper” springs, etc. These can be used to level the ride height. But for ride quality and safe towing, make sure the trailer weight is balanced and not too heavy or light on the hitch weight. It should be around 10-12 percent of total trailer weight. Use a truck scale to measure axle and hitch weights. If your truck sags in back due to hitch weight, consider using a weight-distribution type hitch with spring bars matched to the tongue weight. This moves hitch weight forward so it is shared with the front axle, which helps stabilize the vehicle and improve ride. Load levelers don’t shift weight forward.

    Photo Credit: Jeff Johnston

    Tire Pressure Monitoring System

    Q: I owned a 2020 travel trailer with a factory-installed tire-pressure monitoring system. I would pressurize my 14-inch tires to 62 PSI. On one summer trip, with temps in the 90s, a one-year-old tire suffered a blowout. Before the mishap, the TPMS indicated 68 PSI—and 142 degrees (The other tires showed similar pressure, but were at least 10 degrees cooler.) After that, I kept the cold pressure to 60 PSI.

    In 2024, I traded that RV for a newer trailer, with a newer version of the TPMS installed. I keep cold pressure for my 15-inch Goodyears at 60 PSI. But as with my previous trailer, one tire runs 10 degrees hotter than the others, with higher tire pressure on hot days. This makes me nervous. The TPMS sensors are clamped to the inner wheel rim. Is it possible that the trailer brake adjustment for the hotter wheel is too tight?

    —Duane Humlicek, Burlington, KS

    A: Unfortunately, tire failures are all too common on RV trailers. Often, but certainly not always, the cause is low-quality imported tires that fail, seemingly, for no reason. There are other causes—overloading, under-inflation, curb or pothole impacts, misalignment, road debris and—of course—nails and other sharp hazards. Many times, blowouts are caused by continuing to drive when punctures have reduced inflation pressure, but the cause goes undetected. I recommend all RVers use tire pressure monitoring systems.

    Now, to your specific question: I would say the most common cause of one tire running hotter than others would be uneven weight distribution in the trailer. Often this is caused by a heavy slideout room mechanism, or the uneven placement of holding tanks, appliances, etc. A good way to determine this is by taking the rig to a truck scale, which gives individual wheel weights. If you find that one part of the trailer is heavier, try to move things around to reduce the difference.

    A dragging brake could certainly raise temperatures. A quick check: Jack up each trailer wheel one at a time and turn each one by hand. Listen and feel for a dragging brake. Another good check: Use an inexpensive non-contact infrared handheld temperature gauge (e.g., the Ames Instruments 12:1 Infrared Laser Thermometer). Hop out right after towing, and go around quickly to each wheel and tire, measuring them separately. If the center hub on one is significantly hotter than the others, there’s your culprit. If the hubs are a similar temperature, but the tire treads of one are significantly hotter, it’s more likely to be extra weight on that tire.

    Another possible cause: a misaligned axle. This usually happens from bumping curbs on right turns or from big potholes. Some alignment shops will check trailers.

    Ask Us Anything!

    Share your tech tales and send us your questions: knowhow@wildsam.com.

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

    The post RV Towing 101: Tips, Advice, and Information to Keep You Safe on the Road appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Keystone Cougar Tops Sales Charts, Ford Transit Trail Goes Bye-Bye, and Much More

    Another week has come and gone, and as usual we have a lot to cover in our weekly RV and camping news round-up. Here are a few things that happened this week that you might like to know about.

    • Keystone Cougar is the Number One Fifth-Wheel in North America, Again: We’re big fans of the Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel here at RV.com, which is why we were happy to see it get recognition from consumers as well. This week, Keystone announced that the Cougar has regained the crown as the best-selling fifth-wheel model in North America. In a press release announcing the win, Keystone says that modern floor plans, integrated technology, and outstanding build quality all contribute to the Cougar’s appeal. We simply think it is one of the best all-around towables on the market, with outstanding features inside and out. Explore more here.
    Forest River Georgetown

    Photo Credit: Forest River

    • Forest River Named Ford Motorhome’s Top-Selling Account: It seems Forest River’s motorized division is doing quite well for itself. Recently, Ford named the RV manufacturer as its top-selling motorhome account, meaning it has shipped more vehicles built on a Ford chassis than anyone else. The company builds several of its Class A coaches on the Ford F-53 chassis, including the FR3 and Georgetown models, both of which have risen in popularity in recent years. Additionally, the Class C Forester, Solera, and Sunseeker all ride on Ford’s E350 and E450 chassis.
    • Happy 15th Anniversary to inTech: Towables manufacturer inTech was founded on February 15, 2010, which means tomorrow marks its 15th year of operation. To celebrate, the company introduced the new Aucta Sycamore travel trailer, which is its first foray into building a bunkhouse model. Over the past decade and a half, inTech has grown to become one of the leaders in the lightweight towable space, using aluminum manufacturing, high-tech construction techniques, and excellent materials to separate itself from the pack. That approach has paid off, earning it a reputation for making modern, well-built, and affordable RVs. Happy anniversary to the entire inTech crew.

    Photo Credit: Ford

    • Ford Discontinues Transit Trail Van: Sad news for fans of the Ford Transit van, which is a popular platform for Class B manufacturers. This week the Blue Oval killed off the off-road version of that platform, which was designed for driving and camping off-road. Jalopnik reports that the Transit Trail model—which went on sale in 2022—was dropped from the lineup due to supply chain constraints. Apparently, the automaker was having issues with acquiring some of the parts that add the “Trail” moniker to this Transit variant. There may be a ray of hope though, as Ford hasn’t ruled out bringing the Transit Trail back at a later date once the supply chain issues are sorted out. Fingers crossed, they can make that happen.
    • Is Camping Inflation Proof?: The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report continues to be a treasure trove of data and information. This week, we learned that four out five people who went camping in 2023 either camped the same amount or more in 2024. Perhaps more surprising, those campers did so despite rising costs, crowded campgrounds, and challenges to making reservations. There are a lot of ways to interpret that data, but it seems like a lot of people still consider camping a cost-effective way to get away and enjoy some time in the outdoors, even if there are a few additional hurdles to overcome.

    Photo Credit: Kraig Becker

    • Yosemite Reservation System On Hold Pending White House Approval: As a surge of visitors hit America’s national parks over the past few years, many locations had to get creative with how they handled the influx of travelers. For Yosemite National Park, that meant instituting a reservation system that required anyone coming to the park to book a specific time of entry. The goal was to spread out those arrival times throughout the day, better manaing the crowds and keeping traffic to a minimum. Last year, the National Park Service announced that the reservation system would become a permanent fixture. But now, it has been put on hold while administrators wait for approval from the President. Whether or not that approval comes remains to be seen, but for now, reservations are not required to enter this truly breathtaking place. The Los Angles Times has a full breakdown of this story.
    • Trump Administration Carves Out Special Exemption for National Parks Hiring: If you’re planning on visiting any national parks this summer, there is a good chance those destinations could be understaffed. That’s because the Trump Administration has placed a hiring freeze for the entire federal government, which up until now has prevented the hiring of seasonal workers to fill roles within the national parks. But according to The Washington Post, the White House may have carved out an exemption that would allow the Park Service to begin staffing up for the summer. As of the time of publication, that exemption hasn’t been confirmed yet, but reliable sources say it is coming. Apparently, someone convinced the administration that the national parks can be dangerous places, especially when there isn’t enough staff to cover all of the duties and responsibilities. Read more about this emerging story here.

    Photo Credit: Camping World/Keystone

    • US Imposes Tariffs on All Imported Steel and Aluminum: One of the biggest stories of the week—both in and out of the RV industry—is the Trump administration’s decision to levy a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported into the US. This could have deep and lasting consequences for the economy, causing prices on a variety of goods—including cars and RVs—to go up as a result. At the moment, it is unclear what the long-term effects these tariffs will have on the RV industry, but it has the potential to cause prices to go up. We’ll be following that story closely in the weeks ahead and have a continually updated article on the subject that you can read here.
    • Gen-Y Hitches Committed to Keeping Affordable Prices: Speaking of tariffs, this week Gen-Y Hitch became one of the first companies in the RV industry to address the potential impact of the new import taxes. This week, the hitch manufacturer said that it is committed to production costs and retail prices at their current levels, while still meeting demand for its products. It can do that—in part—because the hitches are made in the US using North American steel. Read more here.

    That’s a wrap for this week’s RV industry news. See you next Friday for another rundown of the latest new RV announcements, camping reports, and more.

    The post RV News: Keystone Cougar Tops Sales Charts, Ford Transit Trail Goes Bye-Bye, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.

  • Wildsam Road Ready February/March: Vehicles & Gear to Take You Way Out There

    A sampling of gear and accessories from some of Wildsam’s trusted partners.

    RV gear and accessories

    Photo Credit: Midland

    Midland

    For adventurers, having a communications set up ensures peace of mind when traveling the open road. While cell phones are essential, they aren’t always reliable. Midland’s MXT275 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio brings powerful GMRS communication, making it the ideal base station to reach others instantly. Paired with the GXT67 Pro GMRS Walkie Talkie, connection in and out of the vehicle has never been easier. The ER50 Portable Emergency Radio brings real-time weather and emergency information to navigate changing conditions along the journey. Together, these communications tools bring safety while pushing the limits throughout outdoor adventure. midlandusa.com

    Photo Credit: Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres

    Nokian Tyres One reinforces every journey with pothole protection thanks to puncture-resistant Aramid fibers. Finnish innovation and American grit combine to form a rugged rubber compound that’s tough on potholes, smooth on the highway and keeps you safe in the moments that matter most. Designed in Finland, the Nokian Tyres One rolls out from Nokian Tyres’ award-winning Tennessee factory. This all-season tire is crafted for the demands of North American roads and ready for whatever lies on the road ahead. nokiantyres.com

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  • RV News: Ember’s New Lightweight Towable, RVers are Getting Younger, and More

    It’s Friday, which means we’re back for another round-up of all the latest news from the RV industry. There were more than a few interesting announcements this week, so let’s dive right in.

    • Ember Launches New Lightweight SPARK Travel Trailer: We’re big fans of Ember RV here at RV.com, and this week the company gave us yet another reason to love it. The brand announced a new addition to its E-Series line of lightweight travel trailers by adding the SPARK LE 12RK to the line-up. This model is the smallest in the Ember catalog, coming in five feet shorter than any other model. But don’t let its size fool you; this rig still exhibits the same high build quality we’ve come to expect, along with plenty of great features. Those include a 200W solar package, two beds, an 18,000-BTU furnace, and an 8,000-BTU air conditioner, and a rear kitchen accessible through a cargo door. Check it out at emberrv.com.
    RV industry news

    Photo Credit: KOA

    • KOA Partners with Interactive Mapmaker: If you’ll be camping at a KOA in the near future, it’s about to get a lot easier to find your campsite. This week, Kampgrounds of America announced that it is partnering with CampMap to create interactive digital maps of its campgrounds. The new maps, which are expected to go live in late March, will also allow RVers to select an exact site and book it directly, making it easier than ever to get the exact campsite you want. Expect the rollout to be complete ahead of the busy summer camping season.
    • RVing is America’s Favorite Way to Camp: Last week we shared the first of what will likely be many bits of information to come out of The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report. In that preliminary data, we learned that more and more people are going camping, including a surprising number of first-timers. This week, we also learned that of the 81.1 million people who camped in 2024, 53.4% say they preferred camping in some type of RV. Furthermore, 49.6% of respondents indicated they own a camping trailer, 32.6% said they own some kind of an RV, while 20.3% say they have a camper van. Those are promising numbers all around indeed.

    Image Courtesy of welcomia/Getty

    • RVers Continue to Get Younger: While we’re on the subject of data from the RV space, this week Go RVing published its 2025 RV Owners Demographic Profile Study, following up on its original report from 2021. According to the findings, the average RVer continues to get younger, with the median age now sitting at 49, down from 53 just four years ago. The report also says that 46% of all owners now fall between the ages of 35 and 54, which is also up significantly. Finally, the RV market is also becoming more diverse. In 2021, 85% of all buyers were Caucasian. Now, that number has fallen to 73%. GO RViing members can read the full report here.
    • New Service Looks to Provide “RV Help” When You Need It: A new website called RV Help is looking to be your one-stop-shop for finding RV techs, inspectors, and service providers. The site is compiling a database of contacts across the country, with the goal of making it easier for RVers to find someone to help repair their vehicles while on the road and at home. As of now, the site includes more than 1,500 mobile service technicians and inspectors, of whom 500 have already logged in to verify and claim their credentials. The goal is for that number to climb to more than a thousand by summer. Check out—and bookmark—the website here.

    Photo Credit: Garmin

    • Garmin Updates SERV Control Panel: Garmin’s SERV is a smart control system for your RV. It adds touchscreen controls to a host of functionality, including lights, power, music, security cameras, and more. This week, the company updated the system with the new SERV+ option, which adds digital input and output channels, allowing owners to monitor their systems without the need for installing an external module. The system comes in 7″ and 10″ tablet sizes, both of which can be mounted in portrait or landscape modes. Find out more here.
    • Camping World Expands into 44th State: Camping World continues to spread across the US. This week, the RV dealership and accessories retailer announced the acquisition of three Hitch RV locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. That marks the company’s first foray into Delaware, which means it now operates in 44 states across the country.

    And that’s all for this week. We’ll be back next Friday with another rundown of the most interesting and informative stories from the RV and camping industries. See you then!

    The post RV News: Ember’s New Lightweight Towable, RVers are Getting Younger, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • RV News: Weather Limits Attendance at Florida SuperShow, Forest River Expands Luxury Van Efforts, and More

    Another week has come and gone, which means it’s time for our Friday round-up of the latest happenings from the RV industry. Here are the most important things that went down over the past seven days:

    • Forest River Acquires LA West Coaches to Expand Luxury Van Line: Remember OGV Luxury Coach? If not, don’t feel too bad. The Forest River-owned upscale brand may have fallen off your radar since its launch back in 2023. At the time, the idea was to bolster Forest River’s presence in the luxury space by building high-end bespoke camper vans. Well, it seems those efforts may get another shot in the arm after it was announced this week that the company is purchasing LA West Coaches, which operates in a similar space. No word yet on how the new acquisition will be folded into the mother ship, but it seems likely that the two Class B manufacturers will work in synchronicity with one another.
    • Weather Impacts Attendance at Florida RV SuperShow: It’s been a couple of weeks since the Florida RV SuperShow came, and while there was an upbeat and optimistic toneat the event, attendance failed to match last year’s numbers. According to RV News, the 2025 edition saw 68,612 people pass through the gates, which is down from roughly 75,000 attendees in 2024. The primary reason was poor weather over the course of several days, with cool temperatures and heavy rain putting a damper on the festivities. Still, it was a very successful event with dozens of manufacturers on hand showing off their latest and greatest vehicles.

    Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty

    • 81.1 Million Americans Went Camping in 2024, Including 5.8 Million First-Timers: Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt has released its 2025 Camping Report, and as always it is filled with lots of insightful information. Look for a steady stream of quotes, stats, and projections to come from this document in the days and weeks ahead. But for now, the most important takeaway is that more Americans than ever are going camping with 81.1 million saying they did so last year. What’s more, 5.8 million of them were first-timers. The data comes from polling Dyrt members, the general public, and campground managers, providing a true cross-section of people.
    • Hipcamp Shares Industry Predictions for 2025: Hipcamp—a website for booking campsites online—has shared five bold predictions for the camping industry in 2025. Those predictions include demand for family glamping outings doubling in the year ahead and more people using their smartphone apps to make on-the-go bookings. The site also says more people will buy weather insurance to provide protection for their trips, agritourism will grow in popularity, and we’ll see a 60% increase in”astrotourism,” which involves traveling to see a solar eclipse, a comet, the aurora borealis, or some other celestial event. Read more here.

    Photo Credit: DartSolar

    • Solar Panel Manufacturer Building 2,000W Expandable Roof-Rack Model: If you’re looking to maximize the amount of solar power you can add to your rig, you may want to pay attention to what a company called DartSolar is up to. The tech start-up is developing an expandable panel designed to mount on the roof of an EV to provide electricity while traveling off-grid. According to our friends at RV Pro, the brand released a 1,000W model last year and is now working on doubling that capacity. That’s enough to add as much as 40 miles of range to an electric vehicle each and every day. When driving, the panel reduces itself in size to a 360W model, but continues to provide modest gains. While 2,000W is impressive, apparently DartSolar is already making a 3,000W version. Now, if only they would consider making something for the RV market.
    • RV Women’s Alliance Launches New Nonprofit Foundation: This week, the RV Women’s Alliance (RVWA) announced it is launching a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal of further elevating, educating, and promoting women in the RV industry. The new foundation will include new educational programs and workshops, scholarship opportunities, a mentor program, and leadership development initiatives. Donations to the new RV Women’s Alliance Charitable Foundation are tax-deductible, of course, and allow donors to help further the careers and input of women throughout the industry.

    And that’s a wrap for this week. Thanks for dropping by and be sure to visit next Friday for another rundown of the latest RV and camping news.

    The post RV News: Weather Limits Attendance at Florida SuperShow, Forest River Expands Luxury Van Efforts, and More appeared first on RV.com.

  • Video: Check Out the New Airstream Flying Cloud Midnight Flamingo Edition

    The Florida RV SuperShow is a place where many manufacturers show off their latest and greatest motorhomes and travel trailers, and of course, Airstream was no exception. At the show, the company revealed the all-new Midnight Flamingo edition, an upgrade package available on the 2025 Flying Cloud model. This beautiful new addition to the Airstream line-up adds striking black exterior accents, enhanced interior décor, and a high-quality sound system from Klipsch. That’s all on top of the amazing features and amenities already found on this towable.

    Airstream Flying Cloud Midnight Flamingo

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    The video above comes our way courtesy of Myles RVs and takes us on an extensive tour of this exciting new addition to the Airstream catalog. The Flying Cloud featured in the clip is the 27FB floor plan, which is a front bedroom model. In this case, the travel trailer features two twin beds, although a queen-size mattress is available. The towable is also equipped with a split bathroom layout, with the toilet, vanity, and sink on one side of the rig and the spacious shower on the other. The open kitchen includes a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and sink, while the nearby dinette has room for four. A lounge area with a TV also adds additional comfort and space.

    Of course, the Midnight Flamingo package is the star of the show here, with exterior blackout elements and a dash of style to the Flying Cloud’s already good looks. Those accents aren’t just eye-catching, however, as they also add functionality, adding an extra measure of protection along the front stone guards, removable LP covers, and bumper storage. Airstream has also removed its signature chrome trim on its wheels and replaced it with black rims, along with additional midnight trim—including special badging— that add symmetry to the entire package.

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    Inside, the Midnight Flamingo package adds additional blackout features, along with new textures and a flat color palette. Charcoal-colored fabrics are featured throughout, with easy-to-clean, durable materials taking center stage. Black light fixtures, a black faucet, and black handles on the cabinets and drawers also look strikingly beautiful and elegant.

    One of the more standout features for the Midnight Flamingo package is the integrated Klipsch audio system. This feature provides premium sound throughout the trailer for listening to music, podcasts, audio books, and watching movies. Owners can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to stream from their favorite mobile devices, with four Klipsch brass cone speakers replacing the standard speakers that Airstream typically uses. The result is a beautiful sound experience unlike any other.

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    Currently, the Midnight Flamingo package is available on the Flying Cloud 25FB and 27FB floor plans. For more information, check out the video above and visit the Airstream website.

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  • RV News: Roadtrek’s Play Line Expands, New RV Accessories, and More

    After a flurry of news from the big Florida RV SuperShow last week, things have calmed down a bit this week. Still, there are plenty of things to catch up on, so let’s dive in.

    Roadtrek Play+

    Photo Credit: Roadtrek

    • Roadtrek Expands ‘Play Series’ Line of Class B Models: Here’s an announcement of new RV models that slipped under our radar last week. Camper van specialists Roadtrek were also on hand in Tampa and announced some new additions to its Class B Play Series. Those additions include the Play+ and the Play+Slumber, both of which bring some exciting enhancements. For instance, the Play+ model comes with a 300Ah lithium house battery, an electronic sofa bed, an updated interior décor, and more. Meanwhile, the Play+Slumber is built to comfortably sleep up to five people, making it an excellent option for families. Find out more here.
    • KOA Announces Icon Awards for Excellence: Last week, Kampgrounds of America announced the new KOA Icon Awards, designed to shine a spotlight on the campgrounds that exhibit exceptional operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to the KOA brand. The awards are given to the top ten percent of the company’s campgrounds in North America, which will be highlighted with special logos on KOA.com. Winners were announced at the brand’s recent annual convention held in San Antonio, TX.

    Photo Credit: Rosshelen/Getty

    • RV Trader Lists Best Dogs for RVing: Dogs and camping are a natural fit, allowing us to enjoy time outdoors with our four-legged friends. But have you ever wondered if some dog breeds are a better fit for the RV lifestyle or even which type of dog works best for your approach to RVing? This week, the RV Trader—an online platform for buying and selling recreational vehicles—shared a blog post that looks to answer those questions. The post, which you can read here, matches RV personality types (casual campers, adventure seekers, etc.) with the dog breeds that make the best companions for them. The article also shares which dogs are best overall for RVing. Why won’t spoil who comes out on top, but let’s just say there aren’t a lot of surprises.
    • Vanlife Move Seeking RVs and Extras: Have a particularly good looking RV or face? Paramount Pictures is currently shooting a film in Washington state and is looking for vehicles—and extras—for an upcoming shoot. Scenes for the movie will be shot in Enumclaw, WA (Feb. 12-14) and Grand Coulee, WA (Mar. 27-30). Per RV Pro, the producers are looking for “sprinter vans, camper vans, RVs, teardrops, pop ups” and so on. But if you don’t have a rig, you can also send them your headshot for a chance to appear in the film. Contact the production team at vanlifemoviewashington@gmail.com.
    • Harbinger Raises $100 Million in Funding: Harbinger Motors, which develops and manufactures electric truck chassis, has raised $100 million in its latest round of funding. Why is this news on an RV website? Because the company has partnered with Thor Industries to develop hybrid and electric RVs. In fact, Thor is one of the primary investors in Harbinger with the hopes of creating low- or zero-emission vehicles that are easier on the environment. The latest influx of funds will help it ramp up production and continue further research and development. Our friends at RV News have more insights here.

    Photo Credit: Soaring Eagle

    • Soaring Eagle Campers Joins RVIA: Lightweight aluminum truck camper manufacturer Soaring Eagle has joined the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The brand received approval for membership last month and officially became a part of the community on January 1, 2025. Membership provides access to more RV shows and should help the start-up gain wider exposure. It also means Soaring Eagle campers are built to RVIA’s exacting standards.
    • Transferflow Offers New 40-Gallon Refueling Tank System for Truck Bed: Looking to upgrade the range and fuel capacity of your tow vehicle or work truck? This week, Transferflow announced a new addition to its extensive catalog of refueling products. In this case, the latest offering is a 40-gallon tank designed to fit in the bed of a truck and under a toolbox. The unit is compatible with gas, diesel, and kerosene, and comes with everything you need to install, including a 12V pump, 12′ hose, a nozzle, fuel cap, and more. For more details, click here.

    Photo Credit: RVi

    • RVi Launches Line of Universal Permanent Jack Pads: RVi is best known for its line of flat towing products, including portable braking systems, but this week it expanded its catalog with a new product. The company announced a line of universal permanent jack pads called GrabPads, which come in 8″-9″ and 10″-12″ sizes. They’re also sold in two-, four-, and six-packs to meet a wide array of RV needs. The pads install in under 30 seconds and add additional stability and support. Check them out here.
    • Love’s Continues to Expand RV Hook-Ups: Love’s convenience stores are usually some of the best places to stop for gas, drinks, and snacks on any road trip. But now, the company is expanding its appeal to RVers by adding even more hookups to various locations. According to RV Travel, Love’s will add 83 RV hookups to 17 of its locations, which will bring the total number of stores that cater to RVers to over a hundred. Reportedly, those outlets will also expand the fresh foods they have on offer, giving us even more reasons to stop—and stay—in the months ahead.

    That’s a wrap for this week’s RV news round-up. See you next Friday for another recap of everything happening in the industry.

    The post RV News: Roadtrek’s Play Line Expands, New RV Accessories, and More appeared first on RV.com.

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