Category: Travel

RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More
Another week has come and gone, and as usual, there has been a lot of news from the RV and camping industries. So, before you head off into the weekend, here are a few stories you may want to know about.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- The SylvanSport Vast Wins an Award for Great Design: North Carolina-based SylvanSport received some major recognition this week when it took home the Good Design Award in Transportation from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The company’s Vast travel trailer earned that honor for being “the epitome of design and product excellence.” The camper was lauded for its tall ceilings, comfortable queen-size bed, composite construction, and other features and functionality. We felt very much the same about it when we reviewed RV, which you can read here.
- Tickets are Now Available for Hershey RV Show: The self-proclaimed “America’s Largest RV Show” is set to return on September 10-14 in Hershey, PA. Starting this week, those wishing to attend can now purchase tickets for the event, which promises to be an interesting one once again this year. If you’re planning on buying an RV this year, it may be worth it for you to plan a visit to Hershey in September. The discounts available at the show are always outstanding and well worth the price of admission.
Photo Credit: Keystone RV
- Keystone RV Announces Brand Refresh: Expect Keystone RVs to have a little different look in the coming months, as this week the company announced a brand refresh. That starts with embracing the tagline “Proven in the Wild,” which embraces Keystone’s long history of making RVs built for camping, while also leaning into the growing popularity of off-grid, remote adventures. The company will also have a redesigned logo, which includes a wedge-shape designed to evoke the Keystone namesake. Finally, the company is inviting fans and outdoor enthusiasts to share their stories of outdoor adventure using the hashtag: #ProveninTheWild.
- Hipcamp Names Its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America: Looking for some new places to camp this summer? Hipcamp may have you covered. The campsite discovery site and app has announced its 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America, with a great mix of well-known and hidden gem locations to stay. To create the list, Hipcamp staff analyzed the data from over 500,000 campsites in every state and found the best places to stay on private lands, public parks, and RV campgrounds. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty
- Love’s Travel Expands Offerings for RVers: Love’s Travel Stops have always been RV-friendly, but over the past few years, they have taken steps to further embrace the community. To that end, a number of their locations have gotten upgrades recently in an effort to appeal to more RV travelers. Those upgrades include everything from newly remodeled showers, larger restrooms, onsite laundry facilities, and more diverse food options. Some stores have even installed full RV hookups, making them an enticing place to stay on longer trips. RV Pro has a full rundown of which Love’s stores have recently been upgraded. For a full list of Love’s locations that are RV-ready, click here.
- Thousand Trails Kicks Off “100 Days of Camping” Campaign: Thousand Trails—a website that specializes in finding RV campgrounds, cabins, and other campsites— is inviting travelers to take part in the 100 Days of Camping this summer. There are roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the annual ad campaign—which has run for ten years—encourages people to get outside. Of course, Thousand Trails would prefer it if you stayed at one of their affiliated sites, and to help you do that, it’s offering discounts throughout the summer, as well as prize giveaways. The company is also holding a contest with campers encouraged to share photos of their summer travels with the hashtag: #100DaysofCamping. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Would Cut 5,500 National Park Service Employees: If passed as is, President Trump’s proposed 2026 Federal budget would cut more than 5,500 jobs from the National Park Service. According to National Parks Traveler, the fine print on the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” indicates that NPS staffing would be reduced from 13,648 people now to just 8,130 people in the coming year. This would put the Park Service—and by association the national parks themselves—at risk. That large of a drop in staff would likely lead to a further backlog of maintenance and construction, reduced working hours, longer lines at the entrance, and more. Fewer park rangers would also mean less safe environments in general, with fewer people around to offer assistance or conduct a search and rescue operation. Read more about the cuts here.
- Aluminum and Steel Tariffs Double to 50%: Staying on the subject of President Trump’s policies, this week he announced the doubling of tariffs on aluminum and steel imported to the US. Those metals will now be subject to a 50% tax from all countries, except the UK, which still sits at a 25% levy. Considering aluminum and steel are used in the construction of many RVs, the impact on this industry could be big. Expect pricing to go up on a wide variety of goods in the wake of these new taxes.
That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another round-up of the latest RV news.
The post RV News: SylvanSport Vast Travel Trailer Wins a Design Award, 5,500 Park Service Jobs at Risk, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-06-06
Go RVing Invites RVers to Go ‘Just Beyond Your Door’
Summer is nearly here, and the busy travel season is just around the corner. In June, we’ll even celebrate National Go RVing Day, which is designed to raise awareness of RV travel and the joys of living the RV lifestyle. This year, that day falls on June 14, and in preparation for that date, Go RVing has launched a new media campaign that not only includes the beautiful video above but also a sweepstakes that promises to give away “the Ultimate RV Getaway.”
Photo Credit: Go RVing
The new marketing campaign encourages RVers to go “Just Beyond Your Door,” with encouragement to not just go camping, but to embrace all of the great activities that go along with it. From hiking and biking to exploring new locations and immersing yourself in local culture, RVing can be the gateway to many adventures. Best of all, your motorhome, camper van, or travel trailer is the perfect base camp for those excursions, providing all the comforts of home even when you’re on the road.
The above video is at the center of the new campaign and will appear across a number of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, and others. The 30-second ad was produced using a high tech process that uses a massive LED volume state technology to produce realistic backgrounds for any location—real or imagined. The same technology is used by Disney to create its hit Star Wars show The Mandalorian. Here, it’s put to good use showing all of the opportunities that the RV lifestyle has to offer.
Photo Credit: cookelma/Getty
Another important element of the Go RVing media campaign is the launch of a fantastic giveaway. The organization—which is dedicated to promoting RVing in all of its forms—is giving away some wonderful prizes to help RVers embrace the travel season ahead. The top prize includes a $2,500 gift card for an RV rental, a $2,000 gift card to purchase gas, reserve a campsite, get food, and partake in activities. The winner will also get a Go RVing swag bag that features a hammock, water bottles, and other items. To sign up, simply click here and fill out the online form. This “Ultimate RV Getaway” sweepstakes closes on June 8, with the winner being announced on National Go RV Day.
Hit play on the video above to generate some inspiration for your next RV adventure, then head over to the Ultimate RV Getaway page to sign up to win the prize. And don’t forget to embrace your adventurous side and go just beyond your door.
The post Go RVing Invites RVers to Go ‘Just Beyond Your Door’ appeared first on RV.com.
2025-05-13
National Parks in Jeopardy Due to Potentially Massive Budget Cuts
America’s national parks—a mainstay for family vacations, cross-country road trips, and RVers—are under threat like never before. Last week, the Trump Administration released its preliminary budget objectives for 2026, which included massive budget cuts for the National Park Service that would impact staffing, maintenance, and general operations. The budget plan also floats the idea of ceding control of some national parks to the states, effectively removing them from NPS oversight and demoting them from the National Park System altogether.
President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget includes a $1.25 billion reduction to the Park Service’s funding. That includes a $900 million cut to the operating budget, a $197 million cut to the Historic Preservation Fund, and a $77 million reduction to further recreation and preservation funding. It also includes a $73 million cut to park construction, most of which is focused on repairing, expanding, and improving existing infrastructure to enhance visitor experience.
Photo Credit: BlueBarronPhoto/Getty
That’s not all. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the new budget eliminates all the remaining funds allocated to the NPS in the bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act from a few years back. The NPCA also says that $267 million of the budget cuts directly impact park staffing, which was already deficient even before the Administration eliminated over 1,000 jobs earlier in the year.
Taken as a whole, these budget cuts could have a devastating impact on the National Park System. Historically, the Park Service has often been underfunded, which has led to understaffing and a backlog of maintenance issues. Recent legislation—like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Great American Outdoors Act—has tried to address some of those issues, with some progress being made. Now, much of that work looks to be undone, and the future of the park system looks more uncertain than ever before.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
According to the Park Service itself, the National Parks contributed more than $55.6 billion to the US economy in 2023 alone, supporting 415,000 jobs in the process. Many of those jobs—and revenue—support the gateway communities that are found just outside of the park boundaries. The NPCA says that in order for the Trump Administration to hit its budget numbers, as many as 350 park sites could be eliminated. The impact that could have on the travel and tourism sectors surrounding those locations could have deep and long-lasting consequences.
The final budget plan isn’t due until later in the month, at which time more details will likely be revealed. It will take much longer for the impact of the budget cuts to be felt, should they be approved by Congress. It isn’t hard to predict what impact those cuts could have, however, with under staffing and lack of updated infrastructure being the most obvious. It is highly possible that some areas of the parks could be closed to visitors, and campsites could be shut down, as well. Long lines, staggered entry times, and fewer Park Rangers onsite are already a reality, but those conditions will likely be further exacerbated.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
The budget process is in full swing, and the White House has made it clear it is looking to cut costs in far-reaching ways. But for a variety of reasons, the National Park Service should not be one part of the federal government that should be slashed. The NPS not only safeguards some of the most beautiful and wild places in the country, it helps make those places accessible to visitors. And, as already noted above, the parks deliver a lot of benefit back to the country’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
To be fair, budget cuts won’t take all of that away, but it would have an undeniable impact on the country. And once these things are lost, what hope is there for getting them back?
Stay tuned for further news on this development. If you’re motivated to help save the parks and what they have to offer, consider contacting your representatives in Washington. Also, stay connected with the National Park Conservation Association for more insights.
The post National Parks in Jeopardy Due to Potentially Massive Budget Cuts appeared first on RV.com.
2025-05-08
RV News: Tariffs Come and Go, New Towbles and Truck Campers, and Electric RVs Hit Milestones
It has been another very busy week in the RV industry, and beyond. With so much to cover, we’re going to dive right into this week’s news. Here are a few items that may have flown under your radar.
- Tariffs are On Again, Off Again: Last week, we noted that President Trump had announced broad and sweeping tariffs on nearly every country on the planet, with tax levies on imports ranging from 10% to as high as 84% depending on the country. This week, the administration made an abrupt change of direction, announcing on Wednesday that most of those tariffs are now paused for 90 days, with China being the lone exception. That country will now face 125% tariffs as the trade war between it and the US continues to escalate. Why are we reporting on tariffs in our weekly news round-up? Because these fluctuating taxes are leading to increased prices, which will likely be seen in the cost of new RVs, but also parts used in repairs, add-on accessories, fuel, and more. We have a continuously updated article on this very topic, which you can find here.
Photo Credit: Escapod
- Escapod Launches New Teardrop Built for Mountain Bikers: Teardrop trailer manufacturer Escapod revealed a new variation of its popular TOPO2 model this week, with a very specific target audience in mind. The TOPO2 MTB is built specifically with mountain bikers, with special features for that crowd. Those features include a custom hitch that pivots the built-in Küat bike rack out of the way to access the galley kitchen The rig even comes with a bike repair kit conveniently integrated in that galley. Check out our full coverage of the new trailer here.
- GearJunkie Provides First Look at the AT Overland Aterra Truck Camper: Sometimes we get so caught up in Class A motorhomes, camper vans, and travel trailers that we forget how popular and versatile a good truck camper can be. That isn’t the case over at GearJunkie, where this week the team published a first look the new AT Overland Aterra. The slide-in model gets high marks for its lightweight and durable construction, not to mention its customizable interior. And with an MSRP of about $30,000, it has an attractive price, too. Read the full article here.
Photo Credit: THOR/Harbinger
- Harbinger Builds 100th Electric Truck Chassis: Harbinger Motors—a company that builds electric chassis for the RV and shipping industries—announced that it had hit a major milestone this week. The brand has now produced 100 EV chassis, some of which have been shipped to THOR Industries for testing and possible inclusion in an upcoming electric RV model. Up until now, Harbinger hadn’t even announced that it had begun production on the vehicle platform, but now the company believes it has positive momentum on its side as it continues to ramp up its production capacity. More details can be found here.
- All-Electric Pebble Flow Travel Trailer Now in Production: Speaking of milestones, another electric RV went into full production this week. Pebble, the company behind the Pebble Flow travel trailer, announced that it has also commenced production of its high-tech towable. The first models will begin shipping to customers later this spring, delivering an all-electric camping experience unlike any other. Read our full coverage here.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Robb Report Picks the 16 Best Camper Vans: This week, luxury lifestyle website Robb Report shared its picks for the best camper vans for road tripping. The list includes several of the usual suspects, including the Airstream Atlas and Winnebago Solis. But it had a few fun surprises, too, like the inclusion of the VW ID. Buzz upfit from Peace Vans and Stoyteller Overland’s Beast MODE. Check out the full list—which includes some models not readily available in the US—here.
- Camping World’s Coleman Travel Trailers are the Best Selling Towables for 2025: RV dealer and accessories retailer Camping World is touting the sales of its popular Coleman travel trailer line through the first few months of the year. The company says that these models are best-selling towables by unit volume through the end of February, with brisk sales in both new and used models. The lightweight and affordable campers mark a success for Camping World, which partners directly with manufacturing partners on the production of these RVs.
Photo Credit: nüCamp
- NüCamp Celebrates 20 Years of Adventure: Lightweight towables and truck camper manufacturer NüCamp is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. As part of that celebration, the brand will be sharing exclusive content on its website throughout the year, helping current owners and future NüCamp fans to learn more about the company’s heritage and values. The site currently tells us to “stay tuned for more,” with updates soon to follow. While we wait for further news, we want to wish the entire team at NüCamp congratulations on its continued success.
- KOA Report Shows RV Industry Getting Stronger and More Resilient: The Kampgrounds of America 2025 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report is out, and it has some good news for the RV industry. The report shows that interest in RVing—both buying and renting—continues to grow, even as distinct generational preferences reveal themselves. During the pandemic, the number of RV households in the US rose to a record 15 million. Last year, that number settled back to 10 million, which is where it was headed pre-pandemic. For 2025, RV ownership is expected to see a modest increase, with 1 in 5 non-RVers saying they’re considering buying a rig of their own. Rentals are also expected to increase by a similar margin, with Millennials and Gen Xers most likely to rent a vehicle. Also of note, 22% of current RV owners expect to upgrade to a new model in the near future. To read more of the report, click here.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
- Outdoor Industry Unites to Prevent Sale of Public Lands: The Trump Administration, along with Republicans in the House and Senate, is looking to make tax cuts from the President’s first term permanent, while also adding more tax cuts moving forward. The problem is, those cuts will create a shortfall in federal funds. One of the solutions that they’ve come up with to cover that shortfall is to potentially sell some public lands to the private sector. Unsurprisingly, that hasn’t gone over well with the outdoor industry, which views access to public lands as vital to Americans. This week, The Conservation Alliance announced Brands for Public Lands, which is made up of more than 60 companies that have come together to oppose the sale. You can read more about those efforts here.
That’s all for now. Join us again next Friday for another review of the latest news from the RV and camping industry.
The post RV News: Tariffs Come and Go, New Towbles and Truck Campers, and Electric RVs Hit Milestones appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-11
Tips for Attending an RV Show
Whether you’re an avid RVer, someone new to the lifestyle, or just interested in checking out the latest motorhomes and travel trailers, attending an RV show can be a lot of fun. After all, RV expos are a great place to see the newest vehicles firsthand, compare them to one another, and decide which models most fit your needs. You’ll also get the chance to explore the latest design innovations and industry trends, while chatting with knowledgeable sales staff and brand ambassadors.
On the other hand, if you’ve never been to an RV show before, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Even the smallest shows have rows and rows of vehicles on display, often requiring several hours just to get around to all of the models you want to see. Add in large crowds, a noisy environment, and overly enthusiastic salespeople, and it’s easy to get sensory overload.
But fear not! For the most part, RV shows are a celebration of RVing in all of its forms, with plenty to see and do. Beyond just wandering through dozens of new campers, you can also interact with vendors that support the lifestyle, attend educational seminars, and connect with fellow RVers, too. And if you happen to be in the market for a new RV, you can even save thousands of dollars off MSRP.
But before attending an RV show, we have a few tips that might help you get the most out of your time. Read on for more.
Photo Credit: McCaig/Getty
Why Do You Want to Attend an RV Show?
Before you go to an RV show, ask yourself why you want to attend? If you want to go just to see some new vehicles, you’ll likely have a great time checking out the latest models. That’s especially true if there are some high-end luxury coaches on display. In which case, you can attend the event at your leisure, wandering through the expo hall or outdoor grounds, checking out any RV that catches your attention. Your goal is probably to have fun, enjoy the event, and come away more informed about RVing in general.
On the other hand, if you’re attending an RV show with plans of potentially purchasing a new RV, you’ll want to approach the event in a very different way. While you’ll still have a good time checking out a range of vehicles, you’ll mostly want to stay focused on the models that appeal to you and fit within your budget. Chances are, that will keep you plenty busy, as there could be dozens of options to explore. Even if you’re interested in a few specific models, there will likely be multiple floor plans to check out and—depending on the size of the show—it could take more than one day to see them all.
If you’re at the show to buy a new rig, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. Not only will you be exploring a number of RVs, you’ll also be talking to salespeople as you haggle over the price and discuss potentially trading in your current RV. At larger RV expos, like the Florida RV SuperShow or the Hershey RV Show, that could potentially take two or three days. So, be patient and give yourself plenty of time to collect all of the information you need. After all, buying an RV is a significant investment, and you’ll want to feel comfortable that you’re making the best decision possible.
Photo Credit: Mike Watson Images/Getty
Dress Appropriately
When deciding which RV show to attend, check to see if the event is indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. In each case, you’ll want to dress appropriately. That means cushy, supportive walking shoes and clothing that will keep you comfortable. Inside, the environmental conditions will be dry and accommodating, so dress for the season. If the show takes place outside, check the weather conditions and dress for the expected temperatures. If rain is in the forecast, bring an umbrella or rain jacket, because the show will go on even if Mother Nature isn’t as accommodating as she could be.
Make a Plan
Once again, if you’re attending the show without any intentions of buying an RV, you can feel free to wander around as you see fit. But if you are looking to purchase a new vehicle, it makes sense to come up with a plan ahead of time. This will help you use your time more efficiently, allowing you to stay focused on interacting with the brands you are interested in, while checking out the RVs that most meet your needs and budget.
Visit the website for the show a few days before you plan to attend. The site should have the hours that the show is open for each day of the event, and it will also list all of the brands and manufacturers who will be on hand. Some expos will even provide a map of where those exhibitors are located at the show, making it easy to track them down once you get there. This will help you make the most of your time, potentially keeping you from crisscrossing the expo grounds multiple times in search of a specific manufacturer. By carefully plotting out where each brand you want to visit is located, you can avoid wasting time by wandering aimlessly.
If you know the type of RV that you’re interested in—motorized vs. towable, for instance—you can further narrow down which brands and models are of interest before you arrive at the show. Check out the manufacturer websites to research the options that most make sense for your needs. You can further refine that search based on your budget, but keep in mind that you may be able to stretch your dollar further at the show. Many dealers are willing to price their models substantially lower at an RV expo as they look to move inventory while connecting with an engaged audience.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
Come Prepared
You can make the most of your time at the expo by being as prepared as possible. That means bringing all of the notes from your pre-show plan, including which manufacturers and models you most want to see. But it also includes having the information about your current RV close at hand, including make, model, floor plan, optional add-ons, and so on. This will speed things along if you are trading in that vehicle, and help the sales staff get you the best deal possible.
On that note, if you are trading in an RV, it also helps to have a good sense of the value of that vehicle ahead of time. Do some research online to see what your current model sells for at used RV sites or when buying directly from an owner. Some dealers offer tools to assist with that process, providing trade-in values for a wide range of vehicles. This can be helpful when attending an RV show, as you’ll have a better sense of your current rig’s worth. If you’re not happy with a trade-in offer from one dealer, see what you can get elsewhere or even consider selling it yourself.
Being prepared also means coming to the show with a notebook and pen—or a mobile device—so you can take notes. You’ll be seeing a lot of RVs and it can be incredibly overwhelming at times, with specific models sometimes blurring together in your brain. That’s why we prefer using our smartphone or a tablet, as you can not only take notes, but easily add photos, too. This will help you keep track of the vehicles that interest you the most, allowing you to come back to explore them further later in the day. It’ll also help you to eliminate models that may not fit your needs, helping you to further whittle down your choices.
Spend Time in Your Top Choices
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates for your next RV, spend some time in each model. Sit, relax, soak up the atmosphere, and thoroughly explore the floor plan. Take note of the things you like and don’t like about the specific models, and consider what each brings to the table. Don’t be afraid to hang out in the rig for as long as you like. This is a major purchase, and you want to make sure you’re making the right choice for you and your family.
Photo Credit: no_limit_pictures/Getty
Be Ready to Wheel and Deal
After you’ve picked out a favorite model or two, it’s time to chat with a salesperson. Not only will these people be very helpful in answering any questions you have about an RV, they’ll likely be the ones taking you through the sales process once you’re ready to buy. At some shows, that process can involve some haggling on price, while other events will simply have “final pricing” already displayed on the vehicle. But the discussion will also include potential optional add-ons, trade-in pricing, delivery charges, financing options, and so on. In other words, it can take some time to figure out the final cost of the RV, often requiring some back and forth with the salesperson, even if haggling isn’t involved.
Keep in mind, until you’ve signed on the dotted line, you’re not committed to purchasing any RV. You can always take the offer sheet with you and think about it over lunch or even overnight. You can even chat with other dealers and manufacturers to see if they can match or beat the deal, allowing you to find the best all-around price possible. Always take your time and consider all of your options. When you’re ready, the sales staff will be more than willing to help you finalize the purchase.
Image: Bruce Challgren
Have Fun!
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when attending an RV show is to have fun. That can be challenging sometimes, especially if you’re there to purchase a new camper and have spent all day wandering the aisles in search of the perfect model. But don’t let that stress you out so much that you don’t enjoy the event. After all, you are there to find a vehicle that will make your life more enjoyable. Enjoy the food, attend a seminar, catch some live music, chat with RV manufacturers, tour motorhomes and fifth-wheels that aren’t in your price range—all of that can be incredibly enjoyable, so savor it while you can.
And of course, many big RV shows actually have camping on—or near—the premises, allowing you to really immerse yourself in the expo experience. That’s a great way to meet other attendees, swap notes on your favorite vehicles, and more. If you have the time and inclination, bring your current rig and make a weekend out of the experience.
That’s it! Now go find an RV show near you and start planning your visit. We have a list of popular options that you can read up on here.
The post Tips for Attending an RV Show appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-08
RV News: Sweeping New Tariffs, Outside Magazine’s Favorite Rigs, and Winnebago is Giving Away an RV
Another week has come and gone, which means we have a lot of news from the RV and camping industries to go over before heading into the weekend. Here are a few things that happened over the past few days that you might like to know about:
- Trump Administration Announces Sweeping New Tariffs on Most Countries: The biggest headline of the week—both in and out of the RV industry—is the Trump administration’s sweeping new tariffs. One Wednesday, the President announced a baseline of a 10% tax on all goods imported into the US, with much larger levies against some of the country’s biggest trading partners. This move is likely to have a long-term impact on the RV industry and the economy as a whole, with prices set to go up on cars, computers, clothing, fresh produce, and more. To read more about these new tariffs, click here. And check out our ongoing coverage of how these import duties might impact the RV space here.
Photo Credit: Airstream
- Outside Names Best Trailers, Truck Campers, and Van Conversions of 2025: The fine folks over at Outside magazine have made their selections of the best RVs of 2025. Well, the best travel trailers, truck campers, and van conversions, anyway. The list curiously leaves off Class A and C models. But if you’re interested in learning what the mag’s picks are for best van conversion, minimalist camper, off-road trailer, and luxury rig, you can read the results here. We won’t spoil the winners, but will say the Airstream Trade Wind did take the luxury category.
- French Manufacturer Debuts Hybrid Camper Van Models: A French RV manufacturer called Challenger Motorhomes has launched a line of hybrid camper vans that look to be game changers in terms of driving range. The X line of rigs includes the X150 and X250, both of which sleep up to four people and come with a wet bath, innovative onboard storage, and a well-equipped kitchenette. But most importantly, the rigs have hybrid gas/electric motors that give them a 559-mile range. That’s pretty impressive for any RV, let alone ones that look as comfortable as these do. No word if these Class B models will come stateside, but Autoevolution has a profile of them here.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
- Winnebago Teams Up with Minnesota Twins to Give Away an RV: Winnebago—in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins baseball team—has come up with a unique way to give away a boat or RV. Earlier this week, the company launched the “Hit it to Win it” sweepstakes, by parking an RV on the far side of the fence in right field at Target Field. If a Twins player manages to hit that vehicle with a home run ball, some lucky person will get to choose the RV or boat of their choice from the Winnebago catalog with a value of up to $200,000. You can sign up to win by attending a Twins home game visiting Gate 34 or online here.
Photo Credit: Amazon/Project Kuiper
- Amazon Set to Launch Starlink Competitor Next Week: It has been a long time coming, but Project Kuiper is finally ready to get off the ground. The Amazon-owned company will deploy 27 satellites next week, with the entire batch getting launched into orbit on April 9 aboard an Atlas V rocket. Those satellites are the first step towards building a true competitor to Starlink, bringing another option for internet access while camping. Eventually, Project Kuiper hopes to build a network of 3,200 satellites to blanket the globe, offering up to 100 Mbps downloads. That’s slower than Starlink’s theoretical top speed, but in practice, both services should operate similarly. Expect more information in the future, including pricing. Engadget has information on the initial launch here.
- The Dyrt Says Solo Camping Continues to Grow in Popularity: We’re up to the point in our weekly news round-up when we share an interesting stat of the week from The Dyrt. This week, the online campground discovery platform continued to share insights from its 2025 Camping Report, this time with an emphasis on solo camping. The annual rundown of the latest trends from the camping industry indicates that for the third year in a row, solo camping has grown in popularity. According to the survey, 30.6% of respondents said they camped alone for at least one night in 2024. That’s up from 29.8% the year before, and 18.8% in 2001 when The Dyrt first started tracking these numbers. What draws these individuals to solo camping? According to the report, 69% say they enjoy the solitude, while not having friends and family available (50.6%), and camping just being part of a longer solo trip (25.9%) were also cited. Also, almost half of those solo campers say they did bring their dogs with them. Find out more here.
Photo Credit: Coleman
- Coleman Launches New “Pro” Line of Coolers to Take on Yeti: The Coleman cooler was once a staple at every campsite, but in recent years, this trusty brand seems to have been supplanted by the likes of Yeti and other premium cooler manufacturers. Now, the company is striking back, launching the new Coleman Pro line of coolers that are lighter than the competition, while still performing at the same high level. In fact, these new models are said to be even more durable than Yeti. The lineup includes both hard- and soft-side options in a variety of sizes. Best of all, they have more consumer-friendly prices, too. Check out the entire Coleman Pro collection here.
- Young RVers are More Adventurous and Diverse: Go RVing continues to share insights from its 2025 RV Owners Demographic Profile, this time taking a look at Millennial and Gen Z RVers. This year’s report showed that those two groups tend to be the most diverse at the campsite, with 42% of respondents identifying as being from a minority group such as Hispanic-Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, and LGBTQ+ members. The report also noted that young RVers also tend to gravitate towards boondocking, seeking new travel experiences, and taking part in exciting activities. RV News has further insights here.
That’s it for this week. See you next Friday for another edition of our weekly RV news round-up.
The post RV News: Sweeping New Tariffs, Outside Magazine’s Favorite Rigs, and Winnebago is Giving Away an RV appeared first on RV.com.
2025-04-04
How the 3-3-3 RV Rule Keeps You Safer on the Road
If you’ve been around the RV space for any amount of time, there is a good chance you’ve heard of the “3-3-3 RV rule.” But if you’re new to RVing, you may not have been introduced to this concept before or at least haven’t had it explained. Essentially, this “rule” is more of a set of guidelines meant to keep you safer on the road and more relaxed at the campsite. So, what exactly is the 3-3-3 rule? Read on to find out.
Photo Credit: Cavan Images/Getty
What is the 3-3-3 RV Rule?
There are several variations of the 3-3-3 rule, but all of them share the same goal—ensuring safe travel and maximizing comfort and relaxation. The most common version of the rule states that you should never drive more than 300 miles in a day, you should stop every three hours to take a break, and you should arrive at your campsite before 3:00 p.m. Often, the rule also suggests that you stay at your destination for three days, allowing yourself time to rest and recharge before returning to the road.
Now that we’ve explained the basic tenets of the 3-3-3 RV rule, we can take a look at each of the guidelines to better understand their importance.
Photo Credit: _jure/Getty
Limit Driving to 300 Miles Per Day
If you’re hitting the road in a comfortable car, truck, or SUV, 300 miles of driving may not seem like a lot. But if you’re behind the wheel a large Class A or Class C motorhome, or in a truck towing a travel trailer or fifth-wheel, your highway speed will be noticeably reduced. Add in traffic, road construction, potential detours, and a few stops along the way, and it can easily take five or six hours to cover that distance. That’s a lot of time in the driver’s seat, where remaining hyper-aware of your surroundings and changing conditions can be both mentally and physically exhausting.
If you’re making a cross-country RV road trip, limiting your driving distance to 300 miles a day will certainly add additional days to your trip. If you’re crunched for time and need to travel further in a day, be sure to share the driving duties with someone else. This will help you stay fresh and alert, while reducing stress. On shorter trips, adhering to the 300 mile limit ensures you get to your destination safer and more energized.
Photo Credit: simonapilolla/Getty
Take a Break From Driving Every Three Hours
Often when we hit the road, we’re in such a hurry to get to our destination that we end up driving for hours at a time, only stopping when we need to refuel. This approach does allow us to cover longer distances at a faster pace, but it also leads to stress, tension, and fatigue. To stave off those conditions, consider stopping every three hours. This gives you a chance to get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, and breathe in some fresh air, all of which are good for mind and body.
There are plenty of reasons you might want to stop while on the road for extended periods. For instance, you can pull over at a convenience store to grab a snack and a drink, or stop at a restaurant for lunch along the way. You can also go for a short walk, visit a roadside attraction, or take in that silly tourist trap you’ve always been curious about. The point is, anything that can get you out from behind the wheel—even for a brief time—can be refreshing. Take as little or as much time as you want before resuming the journey.
Photo Credit: Zhanna Muzalevskaia/Getty
Arrive at the Campground by 3:00 PM
There are a number of reasons why arriving at the campground by 3:00 p.m. is a good idea. For starters, if you don’t have a reservation for the night, getting to your destination early gives you a better chance of nabbing a first-come, first-served campsite. It’ll also give you plenty of time to park your RV and set up camp before dark. You may even have a few hours of daylight left over to take advantage of the campground amenities, like taking a dip in a pool, going to the gym, or just enjoying a beverage while watching the sunset.
This rule is also about showing respect for your neighbors at the campsite. When someone arrives late and tries to set up camp after dark, it can be noisy and disruptive to those who are already there and are trying to relax or even sleep. Getting to the campground early avoids that situation and allows everyone to enjoy their vacation time more thoroughly.
Image Courtesy of welcomia/Getty
Stay at Your Destination for Three Nights
This may be the hardest of all of the 3-3-3 RV rules to adhere to. After all, our road trips are often all about seeing as much of the country as we can while en route to a specific destination. But if you have the time and inclination, spending three nights at each of the places you stop along the way brings a lot of benefits. For example, it allows you to slow down, take your time, and truly explore the locations you’re visiting. It also gives you time to relax and unwind before resuming the journey. Driving long distances can take a toll on the body, and stopping for a few days will help alleviate those annoying aches and pains.
It is also important to keep in mind that packing and unpacking your RV takes time, keeping you busy upon arrival and prior to departure. Extending your stay makes that process less stressful and easier to handle, giving you quality downtime to actually enjoy the places you are visiting.
So, that’s the 3-3-3 RV rule in a nutshell. Keeping these guidelines in mind as you plan your next road trip can bring plenty of benefits, including more rest and relaxation and less stress. After all, RVing should be about having fun and enjoying the journey as much as we do the destination.
The post How the 3-3-3 RV Rule Keeps You Safer on the Road appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-27
RV News: Arkto Camper Reveals New Off-Road Towable, the Top Camping and Glamping Sites of 2025, and More
The calendar says it’s Friday, which means it’s time for another quick round-up of everything happening in the RV and camping industry this week. Before heading off into the weekend, here are a few stories you may want to know about:
Photo Credit: Arkto
- Arkto Campers Unveils Smaller, Lighter Off-Road Camper: If you’re in the market for an off-road, off-grid overlanding towable, there is a new option to consider. This week, Arkto Campers revealed an all-new model, dubbed the C10. Lighter and more nimble than the brand’s G12 trailer, this rig is built to take on tough terrain. The pop-up model has an interior height of 6’11”, sleeps up to three adults, and weighs just 2,750 lbs. It also comes with a Truma furnace, 15-amp shore power, a queen-size bed, LED lighting, plenty of onboard storage, and is solar-ready. Pricing starts at $64,000 CAD, which translates to about $44,500 by today’s exchange rate. To find out more, check out this story from our friends at GearJunkie.
- Thor Moves Heartland Brand Under Jayco Management: There is no question that Thor Industries is one of the biggest players in the RV space, with multiple sub-brands falling under its corporate umbrella. This week, the company made a strategic move by placing its Heartland subsidiary under direct control of Jayco. The reason for this strategic realignment? Like much of the industry, Heartland has faced challenges over the past few years, and the shift will provide more optimized and efficient manufacturing, operations, and customer service. No word on whether or not DRV Luxury Suites and Cruiser RV—which previously operated under Heartland—will also make the move.
Photo Credit: Noovo
- Noovo Camper Vans to Hold Open House April 5-6: Las Vegas-based Noovo, which manufactures a line of camper vans, will hold its first-ever open house. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at the company’s new headquarters located at 4495 Copper Sage St. The gathering will showcase Noovo’s van builds and will include guest speakers, factory tours, live music, food and drinks, and much more. For more information—and to reserve your free ticket—click here.
- Yosemite to Open Campsite Reservations on March 24: After delaying the start of campsite reservations for summer 2025, Yosemite National Park is almost ready to start letting you book your stay. The park will begin taking reservations on Monday, March 25, for anyone planning a visit for June 15-July 14. Those wanting a campsite from July 15-August 14 can make a booking starting on Monday, March 31. Both reservation windows will allow campers to claim a spot at the Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadows campgrounds. As usual, you’ll want to book as early as possible. Good luck!
Photo Credit: Caltrans District 10
- Rockslide Closes Road to Yosemite: While we’re on the topic of the country’s second national park, a rockslide on California Highway 140 between Midpines and El Portal has closed off access to Yosemite for the foreseeable future. That’s the route that runs to the main entrance, meaning it is very difficult to get into the park at all right now. Access is still available along Highways 41 and 120, although tire chains are required on those routes at the moment. As of press time, there is no estimate as to how long the road will be closed.
- The Dyrt Announces 2025 Glampy Award Winners: Online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt has announced the winners of the 2025 Glampy Awards, given out annually to the best places to go camping. This year’s top ten list includes a wide variety of destinations in Utah, Idaho, Georgia, and West Virginia. We won’t give away the top spot, but a few of the winners include Cozy Heron Glamping in North Carolina and Twin Falls Glamping Tents in Texas. Check out the full list here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- 2025 Campspot Awards Revealed, Too!: It must be award season in the camping space, as this week Campspot also revealed its 2025 award winners, handing out accolades for the top places to go camping in the US and Canada, while also highlighting a host of subcategories. Some of those included the Top Campgrounds for RVs, the Top Campgrounds for Glamping, Top Unique Campgrounds, and Campspot’s picks for the Top Hidden Gems. Discover the full list of winners here.
- Roadsurfer Adds Colorado Camper Van and RV Rental Outlet: RV rental company Roadsurfer has launched its operations in Denver, Colorado. The company announced that it is now offering camper van and Class C rentals from that location, with pricing starting as low as $99/night. With the addition of this new outlet, the German-owned company now offers rentals in seven locations in the US—including Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Seattle—as well as Calgary and Vancouver, Canada.
Photo Credit: Ember RV
- Overland Expo SoCal Makes Very Successful Debut: If you’re active in the overlanding space, you know that Overland Expo is the place to be if you want to pick up new tips, scout out the latest gear, and meet others who share your passion. This combination of activities has let OXE become so popular that it has grown to include five different events across the country, including the latest edition—Overland Expo SoCal. The inaugural SoCal meet-up took place on March 15-16 and by all accounts was a major hit. In fact, organizers say it was the most successful debut of any of the shows ever, drawing 19,000 attendees for 303 exhibitors and 84 seminars. RV Business has the lowdown here.
- RVs Move America Week Registration Now Open: The RV Industry Association’s annual RVs Move America Week is scheduled for June 1-5 this year, with the event taking place in Washington DC. The conference is mainly aimed at movers and shakers from within the industry, who gather to talk strategy, plan collaborations, and lobby senators and representatives. Registration opened this week for those who will be attending. For a full schedule of events, click here.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday with more RV industry news briefs.
The post RV News: Arkto Camper Reveals New Off-Road Towable, the Top Camping and Glamping Sites of 2025, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-21
RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More
Friday has arrived at long last, which means it’s time for our weekly round-up of the latest news and RV industry trends. As usual, it has been another busy week, so here are the stories you may have missed:
Photo Credit: Sabre
- Sabre Introduces Floor Plan Designed in Collaboration with Popular YouTube Channel: We first mentioned this news item way back in January, when Sabre first announced its collaboration with the popular RV Miles website/podcast/YouTube channel. But now, the all-new 37RVMiles floor plan has made its official debut at long last, bringing some interesting features along with it. The 43′ fifth-wheel trailer comes with a spacious primary bedroom with a king bed, an L-shaped sectional sofa, a rear bonus room with additional beds, and a side patio deck. Check it out here.
- New Trekker Adventure Truck Coming Soon From 27 North: While we’re on the topic of adventure trucks, 27 North made news this week by announcing a new model coming to its lineup in April. Dubbed the Trekker, the new vehicle is built for consumers looking for a light-duty off-road expedition rig. While not a lot is known just yet, company founder and CEO Pavel Bosovik tells RV News the truck will be 25 feet in length and 20%-50% lighter than the competition. As is typical with the company’s other vehicles—including a line of Class B vans—the Trekker will blend off-road capabilities with a luxurious interior.
Photo Credit: Rossmönster
- Rossmönster Debuts ‘Most Capable’ Sprinter Van on the Market: If you’re looking for a rugged and adventurous camper van, Rossmönster’s new Class B model may be a fit. The brand is best known for its bespoke adventure trucks, but this week it announced the Skye camper van, its first repeat-production model ever. That means customers can expect better availability and faster delivery times, on a vehicle that includes a fold-away queen-size bed, a 12-foot counter, and an off-grid power system. Read our coverage of the announcement here.
- More Than 4,000 California Campsites Could Be Closed This Summer: We all know that the budget cuts and staff layoffs currently underway in Washington DC are going to have a profound impact on how the country operates. This week, the consequences of those actions hit home in a very concrete way when we found out that more than 4,000 campgrounds on national forest lands could be closed for some or all of the summer. The new leak came via a US Forest Service memo that was shared internally back in February, hinting at the challenges ahead. Of course, California isn’t likely to be the only state impacted, as the cuts will hit every state on some level.
Photo Credit: National Park Service
- Sierra Club Joins Coalition Suing DOGE Over National Park Layoffs: A coalition of unlikely partners—including The Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates and Japanese American Citizens League—have joined forces to take on Elon Musk ant the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The newly-formed government agency has sent shock waves throughout the country with its efforts to reduce government spending by laying off tens of thousands of workers, including those at the National Park Service, US Forest Department, and the Bureau of Land Management. Now, DOGE is facing push back from the above organizations, who are suing to prevent those staff reductions, which could have long-term detrimental effects on public lands. Find out more here.
- Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Go Into Effect: In other news out of Washington, the tariffs on all steel and aluminum imported into the US promised by President Trump a few weeks back have officially gone into effect. Moving forward, those imports will be subject to a 25% tax increase, with countries like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil most impacted by the new levies. This could have a lasting impact on the RV industry, of course, which is why we’re tracking all of the important tariff news here.
Photo Credit: welcomia/Getty
- Booking Campsites Remains a Big Challenge: This week we learned that reserving your favorite campsite is still a challenge, thanks to so many campgrounds being full. According to the 2025 Camping Report from The Dyrt, 56.1% of people surveyed say that they ran into difficulty booking a site in 2024. That’s up from 45.5% in 2023, and close to the all-time high of 58.4% from 2022. In other words, if you want to go camping this year and know your travel dates, book those campsites as early as possible.
- Go RVing Shares Insights on RVers Working on the Road: Remote work options have become more common in recent years, and some RVers are taking advantage of those opportunities to work while on the road. According to Go RVing’s 2025 Owner Demographic, 22% of those surveyed said their current job allows them to work from anywhere, with 54% indicating they’d worked from their RV. Curiously, more motorhome owners take advantage of this situation, with 65% of them working from their rig, compared to 50% of towable owners.
Photo Credit: Cruise America
- RV Rental Site Shares Stats Current Market Trends: We’ll keep the RV/camping stats rolling with yet another report on industry trends. Go RV Rentals, an online resource for discovering and renting a recreational vehicle, shared its 2025 RV Rental Price Index Report, which showed some interesting trends, including the average nightly rental cost of various RV models. Unsurprisingly, Class A motorhomes had the highest average rate at $313, with Class B camper vans next at $228, followed by Class C models at $214. The report also showed that the top three most expensive rental markets were Houston, Austin, and San Francisco, while Tampa, San Diego, and Phoenix were the most affordable. Read the full report here.
- 28 Million Americans Will Go RVing This Spring: Not to be outdone by all the other industry studies being released, the RV Industry Association has one of its own to share. The RVIA Spring Travel Intentions Survey indicates that 28 million Americans will hit the road in an RV over the next few months, with most staying within 7 to 15 hours from home. Beaches and coastal areas are the top spring destinations, with the Florida Keys coming in at the number one spot. The report is filled with all kinds of other stats—like 72 million Americans going RVing in the next 12 months—and most respondents say they’re traveling for better weather or to escape their busy lives. Check it out here.
That’s a wrap for this week. Join us again next Friday for another wrap-up of everything going on in the very busy RV industry.
The post RV News: Saber and RV Miles Collab on New Fifth-Wheel, the Sierra Club Sues Elon Musk, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-14
National Park Visitation Hit an All-Time High in 2024
2024 was a banner year for America’s national parks, with record numbers of people flocking to those iconic locations. Last week, the National Park Service released its visitation numbers for last year, which saw 331.9 million people pass through the entrance gates of such famous places as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier. That number tops the previous record of 330.9 million visitors set back in 2016.
In addition to managing the 63 locations designated as “national parks,” the NPS also oversees another 370 “units” that include national historic sites, battlefields, seashores, memorials, and parkways. Those places range in size from the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Philadelphia, which covers just .2 acres, to the sprawling wilderness that is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. That remote and wild destination spreads out over 13.2 million acres.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
The Park Service not only released the overall national park visitation numbers for 2024, but also released its list of the most popular destinations that fall under its care. This year, there were a couple of shake-ups on that list, with the Blue Ridge Parkway—a perennial favorite with road trippers—slipping out of the number one spot for the first time in years. That happened because large sections of the scenic route were shut down this past fall due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
Utah’s Zion National Park and Arizona’s Grand Canyon NP continue to battle it out for the number two and three positions on the most visited national parks list. This year, Zion took that honor, which went to the Grand Canyon last year. Both finished behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has been number one for decades.
El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Photo Credit: Getty
The top ten list of most visited national parks—with the total number of visitors—is as follows:
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
2. Zion National Park (4.94 million)
3. Grand Canyon National Park (4.91 million)
4. Yellowstone National Park (4.74 million)
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (4.15 million)
6. Yosemite National Park (4.12 million)
7. Acadia National Park (3.96 million)
8. Olympic National Park (3.71 million)
9. Grand Teton National Park (3.62 million)
10. Glacier National Park (3.20 million)
And the list of top ten sites managed by the Park Service looks like this:
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area (17.18 million visits)
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (16.73 million)
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.19 million)
4. Gateway National Recreation Area (8.92 million)
5. Lincoln Memorial (8.47 million)
6. Gulf Islands National Seashore (7.80 million)
7. Natchez Trace Parkway (7.36 million)
8. George Washington Memorial Parkway (6.78 million)
9. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (6.41 million)
10. Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5.29 million)
With a recent survey indicating 80% of all campers plan to stay in a national park in 2025, the new visitation record may not stand all that long. Then again, with the Park Service facing severe budget cuts and staff layoffs, it could be a very challenging year for the organization and visitors alike. Hopefully, most of those issues will get sorted ahead of the busy summer travel season, but as of now, many campgrounds are closed, visitor centers have limited hours, and guided hikes and tours are on hiatus. If you’re planning a visit to a park in the months ahead, be sure to check what services are available before you go.
The post National Park Visitation Hit an All-Time High in 2024 appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-10
RV News: New Models from East to West RV, Camping on Farms Grows in Popularity, and Much More
It’s Friday, which means it’s also time to review all the big news and stories from the RV and camping industry this week. Here are the stories you should be know about heading into the weekend:
- East to West Debuts New Della Terra Travel Trailer Model: Earlier this week, Forest River subsidiary East to West RV showed off a new travel trailer that first made an appearance last fall at the annual Elkhart Extravaganza RV event. The 32′ Della Terra 263RK tips the scales at 7,243 lbs. and ships with solar prep, a 30-amp charge controller, and a 20′ awning. Inside, you’ll find a massive 60″ window in the kitchen, which is also equipped with a dinette or optional free-standing table. Other standout features include a king-size bed, washer/dryer prep, an entertainment center with a smart TV and a fireplace, and 6′ 9″ ceilings. Visit the East to West website for more information.
Photo Credit: East to West RV
- East to West has New Ahara Fifth-Wheel Floor Plans, Too: The new Della Terra wasn’t the only thing East to West showed off tis week. The brand also revealed two additions to its Ahara line of fifth-wheel trailers. The new models include an updated version of the existing 390DS and the 395FB, which makes its debut in 2025. The 390DS is a swanky, spacious model with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, while the 395FB includes a breakfast bar, a walk-in closet, and built-in office space for working on the go.
Photo Credit: Airstream
- Airstream Launches Electric Basecamp 20Xe: Iconic RV brand Airstream is getting into the electric travel trailer space. Last weekend, the brand revealed the new Basecamp 20Xe, an upgraded version of the existing Basecamp 20 model that includes 600W of solar panels, a 10.3kWh house battery, and a 3000W inverter. The rig also comes with off-road tires, making it easier to reach that remote campsite. To learn more, check out our full coverage of the towable. here.
- Rossmönster Adventure Trucks Coming to Happy Daze RV: Legendary overland vehicle manufacturer Rossmönster has struck a deal with Happy Daze RV to bring its amazing off-roaders to a broader audience. This week, the two brands announced that the dealership would be the official distributor of Rossmönster adventure trucks and vans. This should make it easier for anyone who has been interested in these RVs to actually see one in person and get a sense of what it has to offer before buying.
Photo Credit: Harvest Hosts
- Camping on Farms Continues to Grow in Popularity: According to online campsite discovery platform The Dyrt, an increasing number of people want to camp on a farm. According to the company’s 2025 Camping Report, roughly one in seven people surveyed indicated they stayed on a farm in 2024. That’s 14.1% if you’re keeping track at home. Even more interesting, that number has gone up each year since 2019, starting at just 4.2% at the time. By the way, the brand even surveyed farmers on the topic, with 51.4% saying they prefer RVers over other types of campers.
- Progressive and Harvest Host Release 2025 RV Travel Trends Report: The Dyrt isn’t the only outlet to have insights into how RVers are traveling these days. This week, Progressive Insurance and Harvest Hosts revealed their 2025 RV Travel Trends Report, with some interesting insights to offer as well. For instance, did you know that 45% of RVers book their travel plans two months or less in advance. Gen Zers are especially spontaneous, with 38% saying the book just two to three weeks out. Other interesting notes include 52% of respondents say they don’t travel without their pets, while 59% say their biggest worry is overcrowded campgrounds. Read more here.
Photo Credit: Larry Crain/Getty
- More Tariffs Go into Effect: This week, the Trump administration enacted more tariffs against Canada, China, and Mexico, although our southern neighbors did end up getting a one-month reprieve from the import taxes. Curious as to how all of this may impact the RV industry? We’ve been keeping a close eye on the topsy-turvy turn of events and have a continually updated article on RV.com covering the constantly evolving situation. To stay up to date, check out that story here.
That’s all for this week. Join us again next Friday for another rundown of the latest RV industry news.
The post RV News: New Models from East to West RV, Camping on Farms Grows in Popularity, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-07
RV News: Supertramp’s New Hard-Sided Truck Camper, What It’s Like to Own an EarthRoamer, and Much More
The RV and camping industry had another busy week, with a slew of announcements and stories. Here is our weekly round-up of the most important things you might like to know from the past seven days:
- Supertramp Launches Hard-Sided Truck Camper: Supertramp Campers has made a mark in the truck camper space by creating a line of excellent pop-up models made from durable carbon fiber. Now, the brand is jumping into the hard-sided space with the introduction of the Flagship HT, a lightweight four-season option that comes with some nice features, including 330W of solar and 800Ah lithium house batteries. Inside, the camper is bright and airy, thanks to a surprising number of windows, and is equipped with a queen-size bed, a 65L refrigerator, keyless entry, and a portable cassette toilet. Prices start at $ 65,975. GearJunkie has a first-look at this impressive new entry.
Photo Credit: Phoenix Pop-Ups
- The Cyberphoenix is a Slide-In Camper for the Cybertruck: While we’re on the subject of truck campers, Tesla Cybertruck owners also have a new option from Phoenix Pop-Ups to convert their EV into an RV. The Cyberphoneix is a slide-in model that includes a kitchenette with a stove and sink, a powered cooler, and an indoor and outdoor shower. The camper comes with an 800W solar panel, a 400Ah lithium battery, and a 2,000W inverter. Find out more here.
- Autoevolution Takes a Look at the “Family-Ready” 2025 Thor Riviera: If you’re in the market for a new family-friendly Class A model, you may want to head over to Autoevolution to check out their review of the 2025 Thor Riviera. The car-focused website lauds the newest edition of this diesel pusher for its roomy interior, modern design, and very long list of amenities. The reviewer was even impressed with the Rivera’s $354,060 price tag, acknowledging that’s a lot of money while also saying buyers get a lot of bang for their buck. The coach is available in three floor plans, with room for up to eight people depending on the model. Find out more about the Thor Riviera here.
Photo Credit: EarthRoamer
- What It’s Like to Own an EarthRoamer Overland Vehicle: In the overlanding and expedition communities, owning an EarthRoamer adventure vehicle is an aspirational goal. After all, these go-anywhere truck-based off-roaders are built to take on the toughest terrain on the planet, while delivering a luxurious living experience in a remote location. But with price tags that start around $800,000, you can understand why anyone would be hesitant to make such a big purchase without doing a lot of research first. This week, our friends over at GearJunkie offered help with that process by providing an in-depth look at what it’s like to own, drive, and live in an EarthRoamer. The story provides lots of insight and details and is worth a read, even if you just admire these engineering marvels from afar. Check it out here.
Photo Credit: Kawasaki
- Kawasaki Debuts Electric UTV: This week, Kawasaki took the wraps off its first-ever all-electric four-wheel vehicle by introducing the new NAV 4e. The iconic Japanese company calls the ute a “PTV”—as in personal transportation vehicle—and has equipped it with an electric drivetrain that gives it a maximum speed of up to 19 MPH. The basic entry model is disappointingly powered by lead-acid batteries, but the LE and Limited editions make the leap to lithium cells. The high-end version even comes with a 7” digital display, an onboard audio system, a brush guard front bumper, floor lighting, a flip-down windshield, and upgraded seats. The plush new EV is designed more for cruising neighborhoods and campgrounds, rather than off-road trails. Pricing starts at $12,999.
- Pleasure-Way Salutes Its Top Dealers: Canadian Class B manufacturer Pleasure-Way took time this week to recognize its top dealerships, which it says exemplifies outstanding customer service, knowledge, and overall sales and service performance. This year’s winners include the following: Fretz RV in Souderton, PA; Happy Daze RV in Sacramento, CA; Johnson RV in Sandy, OR; La Mesa RV Center, San Diego, CA; La Mesa RV Center in Davie, FL; La Mesa RV Center in Phoenix, AZ; La Mesa RV in Mesa, AZ; National Indoor RV in Lewisville, Texas; Oconnor RV in Chilliwack, British Columbia; Traveland RV in Airdrie, Alberta, and VR Rive-Sud Levis – Quebec. Congrats to these great RV dealerships.
Photo Credit: BlueBarronPhoto/Getty
- 80% of Campers Plan National Park Stays for 2025: If you haven’t been keeping up on current events, you may not know that the National Park Service is facing some severe challenges heading into the busy 2025 travel season. Thanks to budget cuts and the firing of over a thousand staff members, the NPS is now scrambling to provide services to visitors. If you’d like to know more, we detailed all of this in a dedicated post on RV.com yesterday. All of that information is put further into context when this week The Dyrt revealed that 80% of the respondents to its 2025 Camping Report indicated they were planning to camp inside a national park this year. With some campground reservations closed or delayed, it could be even more difficult to book a stay at your favorite park this year. Watch the Park Service website for updates and use recreation.gov to help book your site.
- Will the EPA Repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Regulations?: If you’ve been following the drama surrounding California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rules, you probably already know the regulations have been controversial. In short, the California Air Resources Board is looking to spur the adoption of large electric trucks by mandating that chassis manufacturers should move to EVs or face a sales ban in the state. Because those chassis are also used for RVs, this meant a potential ban on sales of motorhomes in the state, unless EV quotas were met. Now, those regulations—along with the Advanced Clean Cars II and the Omnibus Low NOx regulation—have been submitted to the EPA for review and now face possible repeal. Considering the Trump Administration isn’t all that keen on electric vehicles, there is a good chance that this regulatory action could go away. Stay tuned for further updates and for more info on the topic, read our summary here.
That’s a wrap for this week. See you next Friday for another rundown of the most important news stories from the RV and camping industry.
The post RV News: Supertramp’s New Hard-Sided Truck Camper, What It’s Like to Own an EarthRoamer, and Much More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-02-28