Category: Wildsam

Shop Talk: See the (Sky)Light in a Vistabule Teardrop
In September 2011, Bert Taylor decided he wanted a new challenge. In the past, he’d started a company that made furniture assembled with wine corks. He’d been a woodworker who designed Red Wing Shoes stores. And just when he was getting the entrepreneurial itch again, someone told him about “teardrop” trailers from the 1930s.
As Taylor fell in love with the vintage, streamlined aesthetic, he knew designing one would be his next enterprise. When he told his wife he was going to start a new company, she said that was fine—so long as it was up and running by December 31.
She didn’t specify a year.
Bert Taylor in his domain (Photo Credit: Liam James Doyle)
Taylor ordered build plans online, but wasn’t impressed. “I got about three quarters of the way through,” he says, “and I realized this is not how you should build a trailer.” So he scrapped that project and started on his own designs. By June 2012, he had a working model and took it on the road. Next, he launched a website. Keeping his promise (sort of ), he put the trailer on Craigslist on New Year’s Eve of 2012. It was priced at $9,900. It sold within three hours.
Since then, Vistabule, the company Taylor launched, has moved out of his Minneapolis garage, into an 18,000-square-foot production facility in St. Paul, where it will soon build their one thousandth Vistabule. We spoke to him about canned ham trailers, the importance of light and of the allure of heading out for the horizon.
Q: Where did the inspiration for the Vistabule come from?
A: I had a friend who turned me on to vintage trailers from the 1950s and ’60s, like the Airstreams, the Shastas and Scotties. All these “canned ham” trailers. Then one day, he said: “Do an image search for teardrop trailers.” In the 1930s, people would make these little trailers in their garages. At the time, there was this aerodynamic push for airplanes, locomotives and automobiles to be long and sleek, and the teardrop trailer was from that era. I was just blown away. I thought: “Boy, at some point I’d like to do that.”
Q: But your shape is a little different from the classic teardrop. Why?
A: So much of it is form following function. When I decided I didn’t want to put my feet under the headboard, and I didn’t want to look at the back wall, I realized that if I turned the bed around 180 degrees, that meant the front of the trailer could come down quickly. And through the windshield, you could see not only the horizon, but also the sky. So it became more of a droplet.
It’s always sunny in St. Paul (Photo Credit: Liam James Doyle)
Q: Windows are a big feature in Vistabule trailers. Where did that come from?
A: Rather than a bed in a drawer, I wanted it to be more of an observatory. Typically a teardrop is very claustrophobic. It’s really just meant to be a place to sleep, and I didn’t want that. I needed a visually permeable space. If I’m in there, I want to feel connected to the outdoors. I want to be able to gaze out at things. Those were my parameters in the design process. And it turns out people really like that.
Q: There are a lot of teardrop companies out there. What makes Vistabule different?
A: We’re an aesthetically oriented trailer company. We don’t want to be generic. For the people who buy them, it’s really important how they look going down the road and how they feel in their mind’s eye. The Vistabule aesthetic is to have a Willys Jeep and be pulling this thing over the horizon. You don’t know where you’re going. You’ve got a cool vintage car and a cool vintage trailer. You’re having an adventure.
Q: What’s your hope for the company?
A: It kind of harks back to Wally Byam, who was the inventor of the Airstream trailer. He wore a beret, and he would take people all over the world on these caravans. There are all these iconic images of dozens of Airstreams in all of these exotic places, like the pyramids or remote regions in Africa. I always think of that when I think of my business. I’d like it to have that kind of following. It wasn’t just about the trailer itself, it was about the community it creates, the camaraderie that comes when you travel together.
Lead assembly technician Alex Monroe at work (Photo Credit: Liam James Doyle)
Q: Has that happened?
A: There is a community of Vistabule teardrops aficionados and owners who are always talking to each other online. We have rallies where we come together and have a lot of fun. People really love to share their knowledge about how they’ve customized their Vistabules. In the last few years I’ve seen this community grow. It’s become something bigger than the sum of its parts. And that’s something that I didn’t expect when I started this business. It’s been amazing to experience the joy people have for their trailers and their co-Vistabulers
Shop: Vistabule Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Founded: 2012 Specialty: Teardrop Trailers
Photo Credit: Vistabule
Take Your Pick
Vistabule sells two models of trailers today. The flagship Vistabule (starting at $23,995) is based on Taylor’s original design, while the more utilitarian Daytripper ($14,995) measures just 12 feet and weighs 1,000 pounds, making it an easy tow with nearly any vehicle.
Photo Credit: Vistabule
Deep Roots
In 2015, the family-owned business moved into an old factory in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood—one of the first businesses to occupy the space and begin the neighborhood’s revitalization. Today, prospective customers can visit the shop and work one-on-one with Vistabule’s team to design their trailer.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-07-28
A Riveting Pair: The Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer is Airstream x Frank Lloyd Wright
There is no evidence that architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Wally Byam, legendary founder of Airstream, ever met. Both would no doubt approve of the latest addition to the famed RV brand’s lineup. The new Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer manages to channel the design philosophies of both men, creating a towable that elegantly and seamlessly connects to the natural world just outside its aluminum shell.
A collaborative effort between Airstream and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the travel trailer, unveiled in June, took nearly three years to complete. Both organizations saw a connection between their brands, working to fuse Wright’s architectural heritage neatly with Byam’s innovative engineering tenets. Both of these 20th Century greats found inspiration in nature, and worked to help others find that inspiration, too.
Photo Credit: Airstream/ Andrew Pielage
Wright emphasized the importance of a building integrating into its surroundings. His projects were meant to exist harmoniously with the natural world, resulting in spaces both beautiful and functional. He played brilliantly with light and shadows, using distinctive materials like rock, wood, glass and fabric to blend his interiors with the exterior environment.
Nowhere is this more evident than at Taliesin West, the architect’s compound in Scottsdale, AZ. It was there that Wright perfected his ideas on holistic design and organic architecture. His approach came to be known as “Usonian” design, a term Wright used to describe his distinctly American architectural aesthetic and his drive to create buildings that served their occupants above all.
Photo Credit: Airstream/ Andrew Pielage
Airstream, working closely with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, took plenty of inspiration from Taliesin West when designing this special-edition 28-footer. Obvious examples include awnings made from the same fabric that Wright used as ceiling panels throughout the compound; interior light sconces resemble those found there, too. And in a nod to Wright’s propensity for bringing outdoor environments inside, the RV has the most windows ever incorporated into an Airstream vehicle. The result is a cabin that feels bright and airy, creating a sense that the space is larger than it actually is.
Both Wright and Byam believed that form and function should go hand in hand. That design principle is felt throughout the travel trailer. For instance, the rig includes a rear hatch to ease loading and unloading gear, also creating an alternative for entry and exit. But it’s also no accident that the hatch further opens up the interior space, adhering nicely to Wright’s approach of bringing users of his buildings closer to nature.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Other multifunctional features include twin beds that serve as couches in the sleeping space, but automatically convert to a king-size bed at the touch of a button. The kitchen/living area features a wooden dinette and a desk, both of which create extra space by folding out of the way when not in use. The table and desk are flanked by a set of wooden chairs and a footstool, which collapse for easy transport and storage. At the campsite, those same chairs—which strikingly resemble those found at Taliesin West—can be taken outdoors, with the stool doubling as a small table.
The travel trailer further distinguishes itself with the use of a whimsical graphic known as the Gordon Leaf Pattern throughout. Designed by one of Wright’s most prominent apprentices, this design element was named for Elizabeth Gordon, the longtime editor of House Beautiful magazine, one of the most influential design minds of the post-War period and major Wright ally. The pattern is most notably found on the door of the RV and in the kitchen, but is subtly incorporated throughout the trailer. It reinforces the idea of immersing yourself in nature at the campsite, while adding yet another link between Airstream and Wright’s work.
Photo Credit: Airstream/Andrew Pielage
Of course, this being an Airstream, the trailer comes with plenty of traditional RV features, too. Those include things like an energy-efficient 12V fridge, lithium house batteries, and 300 watts of solar panels on the roof. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner gas stove, a microwave, and a single-basin stainless steel sink, while the dry-bath comes with a porcelain toilet and glass-doored shower.
But the Wright-inspired design elements are what separate this RV from anything Airstream—or anyone else for that matter—has built before. Perfectly melding the architect’s design philosophy with Wally Byam’s ingenuity and vision, this is a rig that goes beyond what either man could have envisioned on his own. The result is something both new and fresh, and comfortingly familiar at the same time.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
The post A Riveting Pair: The Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer is Airstream x Frank Lloyd Wright appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-21
The Most Iconic Road Trip Vehicles of All Time
Let’s be real: vehicles are just tools. Whether you’re in a land-yacht-sized RV, a two-seat sports car or a big-bodied minivan, you just need to get where you’re going, safely and on schedule. On two wheels, four wheels or more, they’re merely a means to an end.
Whatever! We all know this is “true,” but not true in a deeper sense. Especially when it comes to the epic form of travel known as the road trip, we all recognize that vehicles are not created equal. Many will get you there. Few will get you there in style. And only the most beloved (or notorious) rigs in America’s century-plus history of road-tripping truly changed how we travel.
We set out to celebrate those vehicles. We started with big, frankly out-of-control lists of trucks, vans, RVs, muscle cars, you name it. Then we argued. (The Lamborghini Countach was a fraught topic.) We let the journey shape our list’s destination. (Three Fords? Yep, three Fords.) We winnowed. We ranked. We asked a few friends to ride along.
Here, in reverse order, are our choices for the ten iconic road trip vehicles that made travel what it is today.
Photo Credit: Ford Heritage Archive
10: The Ford F-150 — Big and Rich
The Era: 1975-Present
Classic Version: Early ’90s models have a special something.
Total Sales: More than 41 million!
Telling Detail: Several bed lengths reflect a heritage of workhorse versatility.
Cultural Moment: Hard to pick one, so we’ll go recent: Robyn Ottolini’s 2020 pop-country hit “F-150.” The late nights, the bonfires…
Michael Charboneau, contributor to the Los Angeles Times, Men’s Journal and others, writes:
If there’s any vehicle that can claim the title of “quintessential American truck,” it’s the Ford F-150. In a production run that spans nearly 80 years, more than 41 million F-series pickups have been sold. Today, you can find them everywhere from remote construction sites to suburban strip mall parking lots.
Photo Credit: Ford Heritage Archive
And yet somehow, this truck is not merely commonplace. In fact, the F-150 has long been my unattainable crush. When I was a kid, my dad had a green 10th-gen model. Although I never drove it, I did enjoy a fateful ride in the bed while he shuttled my buddies and me to an adjacent neighborhood for trick or treating. Gliding down the street with tree branches passing overhead, the wind gently rushing in my ears—that sold me on the magic of a pickup.
My crush deepened in high school. As a teenager I wanted nothing more than a regular-cab Bullnose (produced 1980-86, distinguished by its prominent grill and square headlights). To me, the rig’s clean, straight lines and blocky shape were perfect. These trucks looked solid and timeless; built to work, beautiful in their simplicity. I pored over listings online, dreaming about cruising with the windows down, my girlfriend beside me on the wide bench seat. I vividly recall falling for a handsome long bed with a red and silver paint scheme. Unfortunately it was in West Virginia, hundreds of miles away. At 16, I had no money anyway.
What would I have done if I got it? Probably what most people do: drive the hell out of it. Whether you slide a camper in the bed, tow a trailer or just toss a blanket in the back to look up at the stars, the F-150 is an ideal workhorse for exploring. It’s not sporty or fast, but it can promise one thing: It’ll get you there.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
9: Winnebago Brave — Land of the Free, Home of the…
The Era: 1967-2016 (Multiple reintroductions)
Classic Version: 1974 model with “thermosteel construction.”
Total Sales: ≈150,000+
Telling Detail: The trademark “eyebrow” over the front windshield.
Cultural Moment: In the 1996 film Independence Day, Randy Quaid’s character drives a 1967 Brave
The 1967 Winnebago Brave sent seismic shockwaves across the RV industry. Not only was this motorhome easy to drive with ample interior space, it also came with a long list of standard features, all at a surprisingly affordable price. As a result, it quickly became a smash hit, giving Winnebago its first major success in the motorized RV category.
But the Brave’s influence went well beyond being a popular option for weekend camping trips and cross-country family vacations. As other manufacturers scrambled to duplicate Winnebago’s success, the motorhome’s boxy design and distinctive profile replaced the more van and
bus-like designs that came before it. As a result, the Brave became the template for nearly all of the coaches that followed it, with its influence still felt across the RV industry to this day.
Photo Credit: Ford Heritage Archive
8: Ford Mustang — Born to Run
The Era: 1964-Present
Classic Version: 1965 convertible.
Total Sales: 10+ million
Telling Detail: The famous galloping wild horse badge.
Cultural Moment: Steve McQueen’s 1968 Highland Green Mustang GT Fastback in the classic film Bullitt
With their distinctive looks and overabundance of power, American muscle cars, like the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Pontiac GTO, are the stuff of open-road fantasy. But for our money, nothing beats the dream of climbing behind the wheel of a classic 1965 Ford Mustang convertible, dropping the top and heading out for a long cruise up the coast. Any coast.
Photo Credit: Ford Heritage Archive
First introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been an American institution ever since. And while competitors have come and gone, this car remains a Ford stalwart. The original model came with a 271-horsepower engine and could do zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds. (Not bad for $3,163.) From the get-go, this car oozed cool, quickly becoming both a pop-culture and road icon. Today, this pony can still run, and the current convertible is as drool-worthy as ever.
Photo Credit: GM Archives
7: Chevy Suburban — Suburban Cowboy
The Era: 1934-Present
Classic Version: 1973 Custom Deluxe
Total Sales: 10+ million
Telling Detail: Extra-long rear side window, lighting up “the way back.”
Cultural Moment: In 2019, the Suburban became the first vehicle awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for its recurring prominence in the movies.
Few vehicles have occupied so many roles—and so much of America’s automotive attention—for so long. Released in 1934 in the era of woody station wagons, the Suburban offered something novel, or at least distinct. Neither a station wagon nor a truck, it eschewed wood for steel paneling and was marketed to both families and business owners with goods and people to move. Chevrolet called it the “Suburban Carryall”, a rig ready for a new generation of road tripper and laborer.
The 20th Century would go on, and the Suburban would go with it, ultimately becoming the world’s longest-utilized automobile nameplate. In the ’50s, the Suburban was first featured in the movies, and has since made more than 1,700 appearances. In the ’70s, it ushered in the modern era of SUVs, a role that would make it a practical choice for parents and police, just as common in high-speed chases as it was at soccer fields. Twelve generations later, like any true star, the Suburban can play most any part.
Photo Credit: Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo Ariese
6: Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GT — That’s Amore!
The Era:1927-1954
Classic Version: 1929 GT model
Total Sales: 3,000
Telling Detail: The 6C name nods to the six-cylinder engine.
Cultural Moment: This Italian icon won numerous major European races throughout its production history.
On road, on track, in whatever era of its three-decade life, the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 swaggered with style and power, speed and performance. But it was the 1929 GT edition that bent road-trip history to its will, adding a dash of luxury and comfort to the mix. As one of the first vehicles purpose-built for long-distance travel, it helped promote the idea that driving wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B.
Photo Credit: Centro Documentazione Alfa Romeo Ariese
Perhaps more importantly, this was the first automobile to carry the “GT” or “Grand Tourer” designation—and far from the last. In the decades that followed, everyone from Ford and Chrysler to Porsche and Ferrari built a touring-focused “GT” car of some sort. Most of those models followed the 6C 1750 template, marrying performance and comfort to deliver a road-trip-worthy driving experience. And while this vehicle may not be as well-known as some of the others on this list, they all owe it a debt of gratitude.
Photo Credit: Subaru
5: Subaru Outback — Home Ranger
The Era: 1994-Present
Classic Version: The 2001 stands out, with many still on the road.
Total Sales: About 3 million in the U.S. as of 2024.
Telling Detail: All-wheel drive, whether you need it or not.
Cultural Moment: In 1994, Paul “Crocodile Dundee” Hogan introduced this model with a confident Australian twang: “This here is the all-wheel-drive Subaru Outback.”
Kimberly King Parsons, author of acclaimed novel We Were the Universe, writes: When my family and I fled New York for Portland in 2017, the Subaru welcoming committee was idling curbside at the airport. The taxi line: Outback. The rental lot: Outback. Our new neighbors: an Outback with a “Coexist” sticker. By week two, I’d developed a tic—pointing out Outbacks to my kids, who’d long stopped caring. “There’s one! There’s another! My god, there’s a convoy!” The migration from Queens to this Subaru sanctuary felt like stumbling into some automotive monoculture where variety had been sacrificed to the gods of practical wheel clearance. We’d traded concrete canyons and subway grime for mountains that made us gasp and waterfalls so perfect they seemed computer-generated. We needed a car to match our new surroundings, something that wouldn’t fl inch at mud or judge us for tracking pine needles into its footwells. Soon enough, we bought a (very!) used Outback of our own. The kids named it Roo.
Photo Credit: Subaru
What nobody tells you about the Outback is how it beautifully embodies the charming paradoxes of the nation’s crunchier corners. (Subaru love runs strong in New England and the Rockies. In the cities of the Northwest, it’s almost impossible to look to the middle distance without seeing one, or seven.) It’s a vehicle designed for rugged adventure that may spend most of its time in Trader Joe’s parking lots. The all-wheel-drive system that Subaru made standard is both sometimes utterly necessary and often overkill—you’re prepared for apocalyptic weather events and driving conditions, and you can get to the coffee shop to chat about them.
We loved the wheels off of Roo, and recently traded her in for an electric van. These days I look at Outback drivers with gentle affection and nostalgia. Maybe that’s what makes it an icon: its role as the first chapter in so many outdoorsy road-trippers’ journeys. The Outback was our gateway to something with more batteries, more smugness, more rooftop solar. But I sometimes miss that sturdy wagon. Our van has impressive range, but it lacks that sense of belonging, that quiet announcement of Pacific Northwest citizenship that comes standard with every Outback. Lucky for us, we still have 17 reusable grocery bags and a forgotten kombucha rolling around somewhere under the passenger seat.
Photo Credit: Stellantis
4: Jeep Wagoneer — It’s Yelling Timber
The Era: 1962-1993
Classic Version: 1984 Grand Wagoneer
Total Sales: 500,000+
Telling Detail: Long body, high clearance.
Cultural Moment: In season three, episode two of Breaking Bad, Skyler White’s 1991 Wagoneer sits in the driveway as Walt throws a pizza on the roof of his house.
In 1962, decades before luxury SUVs would become the most popular residents of American driveways, the Jeep Wagoneer broke automotive ground. Catering to drivers looking for space, utility and comfort, the Wagoneer wasn’t just an early SUV. It was one of the most reliably innovative vehicles of its time. The early models introduced features like power steering and braking, ceiling lights, automatic windows and air conditioning. In the decades to follow, the distinctive woody exterior would define the Grand Wagoneer models featuring V8 engines and Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive systems.
As the era of station wagons gave way to minivans in the ’80s, the stalwart SUV remained a favorite among America’s well-heeled travelers. But while the Wagoneer was an early innovator, its body barely changed over the decades and it was discontinued in 1993. Then, after nearly three decades on the shelf, the Grand Wagoneer reemerged in 2022 as a high-end SUV ready for a new era of automotive luxury.
Photo Credit: Airstream Heritage Center
3: The Airstream Clipper — Silver Gets the Gold
The Era: 1936-1941
Classic Version: The original 1936 trendsetter.
Total Sales: Unknown
Telling Detail: The riveted aluminum construction, a tribute to aircraft engineering.
Cultural Moment: In 2024, the Airstream Heritage Center exhibited “Clipper #1.”
Mattew Every, Contributor to Field & Stream and Wildsam and sometime Airstream resident, writes: The travel trailer is, by its nature, a nostalgic genre of vehicle. The phrase brings to mind throwback campsites and endless summers on the road. The reason for this, if you had to pick just one, is Airstream. Travel trailers have an inherent retro appeal, yet most of them on the road today look completely different than their predecessors. Most, except for Airstream—which, despite advances in technology and design, stays true to the aesthetics of Wally Byam’s 1930s design for The Clipper.
When I was confronted with a sprawling lot of new trailers at a dealership in 2020, I don’t exactly know why I landed on a Bambi, the Clipper’s 20-foot baby sibling. There was just a pride of ownership that I knew I’d have a hard time finding in another vehicle. It felt like a good pair of jeans, an L.L.Bean canvas tote, a Zippo lighter or a sturdy leather jacket. I knew it would wear in rather than wear out, and I couldn’t wait to watch it get better with age after every adventure.
With thousands of miles logged on my Airstream in the past five years, I can say I made the right decision. My Bambi doesn’t have any slide-outs or giant televisions or a whole lot of space compared to many trailers today. But open the door and you’ll feel right away that it’s something of quality. The Airstream has always been built to last. Mine has only gotten better with age. Every dent or scuff in the floor serves as a reminder that I’ve been places. And it’s those reminders that make an otherwise cold, riveted metal capsule feel like my home on the road.
Photo Credit: Greg Gjerdingen via WikiMedia
2: Dodge Caravan — Mini to the Max
The Era: 1984-2020
Classic Version: 2005, featuring Stow ‘n Go seating storage.
Total Sales: 14 million+
Telling Detail: Crosshair grille.
Cultural Moment: In 1996, MotorTrend magazine names the Caravan the “Car of the Year.”
Vans existed before 1984. But until then, no one had released one geared toward families, short enough to fit in a garage, low enough to make loading kids a breeze, nimble enough that it would feel like driving a compact car around America’s suburbs. Enter Lee Iacocca, the wily auto exec who had been dumped by Ford because, among other reasons, he’d been pushing for this concept. When Iacocca joined the lagging Chrysler in 1978, his team started designing a “minivan” atop a car chassis. Six years later, it would hit the market as the Dodge Caravan, alongside its near-identical cousin, the Plymouth Voyager.
Both were legendary vehicles—and the first-ever minivans—but it was the Caravan that left an indelible mark on family travel, becoming one of the country’s best-selling vehicles during its nearly 40-year run. (In 2019, the Caravan accounted for 54 percent of all minivans sold in the United States.) With its sliding doors, collapsible rear seating and ubiquity on roads across the U.S., the Caravan changed the way families thought about journeys near and far.
Photo Credit: Ford Heritage Archive
1: Ford Country Squire — King of the Road
The Era: 1950-1991
Classic Version: 1966 model with Magic Doorgate.
Total Sales: 1.8 million
Telling Detail: Distinctive wood paneling,
Cultural Moment: A 1979 Country Squire was the stand-in for the “Family Truckster” in National Lampoon’s Vacation.
Number one? Hear Us Out:
It was the 1950s. The war was in the rear-view mirror, the country rode high on optimism and everybody liked Ike. Middle-class income was on the rise; road trip culture was taking hold thanks to the president’s ambitious Interstate Highway System. Cross-country sojourns and family vacations were all the rage.
It was a time that changed how we travel in this country, right up to today. And the vehicle of that moment, more than any other, was the Ford Country Squire.
With its signature wood-grain paneling, expansive cargo space and room for eight, the Country Squire became a symbol of suburban success. This car—or one of its many imitators—found its way into countless driveways. And even when parked at a white picket fence, it hinted at the freedom of the open road. The “woodie” station wagon even played a direct role in the rise in popularity of the national parks as family destinations. During the 1950s, visitation at those iconic locations rose to over 25 million a year, on its way to 80 million just a decade later.
This wasn’t Ford’s first station wagon, of course, but it would become its most successful. The vehicle first rolled off the assembly line in 1949, although it wasn’t officially branded as the Country Squire until two years after that. By 1953, its trademark wooden side panels were replaced with simulated wood-grain metal, which remained a distinctive feature across eight generations. By the end of the 1950s, the wagon was selling 25,000 units a year, before reaching a peak of 143,000 in 1973. By that point, it had already achieved icon status—a true piece of Americana.
By the time the Country Squire was retired in 1991, it had been in production for over 40 years. By then, our appetite for station wagons had been supplanted by the ever-increasing demand for minivans and SUVs. But there is no doubt that this car left an indelible mark on American culture, becoming the most recognizable road trip vehicle to ever roam the country and creating an entire genre of road-trip rides.
For us, this Squire is the king.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-07-17
Tech Spotlight: Steering Stabilizers for RVs and Tow Vehicles
If you drive a big rig, chances are you’re familiar with steering wheel feedback, rut tracking and sway from crosswinds or passing semis. Everything from large, Class A motorhomes to Class Cs and B vans can experience these issues, and while products like aftermarket antisway bars, trac bars, or suspension upgrades help, what you really need might be a steering stabilizer.
Kathy Doran, Executive Operations Manager at Safe-T-Plus, one of the leading steering stabilizer manufacturers on the market, says this remedy will help your RV feel less like it has a mind of its own. “You can go from driving two-handed, white knuckled, to having your cup of coffee in your hand and occasionally looking up at the pretty scenery you’re supposed to be enjoying,” Doran says.
A steering stabilizer is essentially an additional control system that combines a horizontal shock absorber and spring specifically for your steering. They typically have a vehicle-specific fit and are easy to install, and can work wonders at reducing wheel feedback, creating a firmer, more confident feel on the road. These three products are among the industry’s most popular.
Photo Credit: Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus was founded by a trucker in 1980 who developed a steering stabilizer for semi trucks experiencing accidents from front tire blow-outs. Now, they make stabilizers for Class A, B and C motorhomes, camper vans, tow rigs and more. Their stabilizers are vehicle-specific, and feature simple, bolt-on installation. These stabilizers are also known for their positive centering ability, which helps with oversteering by automatically guiding your rig’s steering wheel back to center after a turn. MSRP: $456
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Roadmaster Reflex
Roadmaster makes steering stabilizers for everything from heavy Class A’s to Class B vans or Class C motorhomes. The Reflex series has a vehicle-specific fitment and is designed to correct oversteer, keep the steering wheel from jerking over bumps, and generally improve the feel of the vehicle. They attach to your rig’s steering mechanism on one end and chassis, and feature a heavy duty, tempered-steel spring that works to maintain its neutral position, returning your vehicle to center after unexpected events. $570
Photo Credit: Bilstein
Bilstein B6 Steering Damper
The term “steering damper” is often used interchangeably with “steering stabilizer,” and while they are similar products, a steering damper like Bilstein’s B6 acts more like a traditional shock absorber. Its primary function is to dampen the effects of bumps and rough roads, while also helping the vehicle return back to center and control steering. Some RVs already have steering dampers from the factory, and the B6 can be a direct replacement. If your rig doesn’t have one, Bilstein also sells bracket kits for specific vehicles. $169
The post Tech Spotlight: Steering Stabilizers for RVs and Tow Vehicles appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-16
Tech Q&A: A/C Blows Warm Air on the Highway, a Solar/Battery Upgrade, and More
Our RV expert shares his insights and advice on a variety of topics. Got a question of your own? Send them to us at knowhow@wildsam.com.
Photo Credit: THOR
Hot Hot Highway Heat
Q: We have a 2023 Thor ACE 32B on a Ford F-53 chassis. The dash air conditioner blows warmer air when we’re on the highway. At idle, 40-degree air comes out of the dash vents. At highway speeds, the air hits 60 degrees—no difference when the A/C is switched to recirculate. Neither RV dealer nor Ford dealer can solve the issue so far. Any insight?
—William Taylor, Findlay, Ohio
A: This is a fairly common problem. The heater and A/C controls in the dash are operated by vacuum servos, which rely on engine intake manifold vacuum. When the engine is idling, it produces peak vacuum, and therefore the system works fine. Then, as the engine’s load increases, vacuum drops off. If there is any leakage in the hoses or other components in the HVAC system, there won’t be enough vacuum. The system will then default to Defrost mode and divert airflow causing symptoms like you describe.
The system needs to be diagnosed for vacuum leaks. It could be something as simple as a cracked or loose hose. Many well-equipped shops have smoke injection machines, designed to push smoke into the vacuum hoses and system. Smoke comes out, revealing the leaks. To ensure better operation, add a vacuum storage tank: Crown Automotive produces one. Also add a one-way check valve that when the engine is under heavy load it, doesn’t reduce the vacuum in the tank.
Photo Credit: Eco-dynamic
Towable Twofer
Q: I’m a longtime camper and never missed an issue of Trailer Life with your articles and columns back in the day. I am looking at adding to my solar array and changing to AGM batteries because of conventional battery maintenance issues. My favorite supplier has closed. Can you recommend another source?
—Ralph Spear
A: Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries don’t require refilling and do generally last somewhat longer than conventional lead-acid batteries. However, if you are a heavy user of solar power, you might want to consider switching to lithium. They last much longer, are much lighter and maintenance free and have more usable capacity for a given size. You can discharge them more deeply without damaging them. Prices have been coming down, and there are good used ones available at a substantial savings. Suppliers include RV Solar Concepts and Precision RV Service, We’d love to hear from readers about their favorite solar supplier.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Airbag Advice
Q: Is there a consensus on the use of air bags for trailer towing?
—Kathy and Cliff Andrews, Keizer, OR
A: I doubt there is any consensus—folks argue about everything. But air bags are a great addition to many tow vehicles. Without knowing the specific year, make and model and the make and model of trailer, or its approximate tongue weight, I can only provide generalities. It’s important for the tow vehicle to be fairly level when hitched up and towing. Stiffer rear springs could keep the rig level, but when you are not towing the vehicle might ride very stiffly. Air bags allow you to add pressure when the trailer is attached and reduce pressure when not towing. Some kits even have onboard compressors with remote filling capabilities, so you can adjust pressure from the cab.
One important thing to remember: air bags should not be used to enable a vehicle to be overloaded. Never exceed the maximum gross rear axle weight rating or the tire ratings. Several companies manufacture air bags for pickup trucks. Kelderman Manufacturing, Firestone Airide and Air Lift are all well-known producers of air suspension systems, including those for light trucks. AccurAir Suspension also offers air suspension kits for various vehicles, including pickups.
Ask Us Anything!
Share your tech tales and send us your questions: knowhow@wildsam.com.
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The post Tech Q&A: A/C Blows Warm Air on the Highway, a Solar/Battery Upgrade, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-15
Buyer’s Guide: Luxury Class C Models for Ultimate Comfort on the Road
Who says you need a Class A motorhome to have an upper-crust camping experience? These opulent RVs will have you rethinking what a luxury Class C model can deliver.
Photo Credit: Entegra Coach
Entegra Coach Condor
Adventure and luxury collide in this outstanding rig. Built for comfortable off-grid camping, this Condor flies on a Ford Transit AWD chassis that makes getting to and from remote campgrounds a breeze. And once you’re there, you’ll enjoy such upscale amenities as residential vinyl flooring, a spacious wet bath, twin beds that convert to a king and a JBL sound system with six removable wireless speakers. An outdoor kitchen comes standard, as does a 200W solar panel and a powerful HVAC system for four-season camping. MSRP starts at $218,550.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
Grand Design Lineage Series F
Expansive and powerful, this Super C model is Grand Design’s second motorized RV. It comes with four-wheel drive and a custom-built suspension system, making it one of the smoothest-riding RVs on the road. Inside, you’ll find a massive king-size bed, power theater seating, a booth dinette and washer/dryer prep. The large bathroom, with a residential-style shower, is especially impressive. MSRP starts at $292,418
Photo Credit: Leisure Travel Vans
Leisure Travel Vans Unity
Available in six floor plans, the Unity is an easy-to-drive Class C that doesn’t skimp on luxuries. The fit and finish utilize upscale materials
and components throughout, including generous wood, Corian solid surface countertops and premium synthetic leather upholstery. All models come with a spa-inspired dry bath, beautiful LED accent lighting and plenty of storage inside and out. An autostart generator and lithium house battery are standard. MSRP starts at $210,200.
Photo Credit: Renegade
Renegade Veracruz
Renegade is known for some of the most luxurious RVs on the road, and the Veracruz is no exception. From maple hardwood cabinetry, solid surface countertops and plush fabrics, to soft-close drawers and tiled kitchen backsplash, no detail has been overlooked. Modern appliances, a powerful and efficient HVAC system, three LED TVs and an 8,000W Onan quiet diesel generator round out the standard features. MSRP starts at $263,760.
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
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2025-07-14
The Ride: Meet the Opus OP4 Inflatable Pop-Up
Pop-up campers have been a staple of the RV industry for decades, often serving as an entry point for first-time buyers and families on a budget. But California-based Opus Camper sees the humble pop-up in a different light, utilizing innovative design and clever engineering to build rugged and lightweight models designed to go practically anywhere. These aren’t your daddy’s pop-up, that much is certain.
The company has several models in its catalog, but the Opus OP4 is its most capable. The trailer rides on a galvanized steel chassis with a custom powder-coated aluminum frame, giving it outstanding durability while keeping weight to a minimum. An independent trailing arm suspension, single-coil dual shock absorbers and all-terrain tires ensure excellent performance on- and off-road.
Photo Credit: Opus Campers
One of the OP4’s signature features is its “air tent” design. The rig uses a built-in air compressor to inflate nine individual “air beams,” which in turn pop the top and expand the living space, revealing eight-foot ceilings and 10 windows. The whole process is quick and easy, and doesn’t require owners to turn a crank, as with most traditional pop-ups.
“The air tent is something that is much more common in Europe and Australia, and we wanted to bring it stateside,” Opus managing director Paul Liner tells us. “It helps keep weight to a minimum, and once you’re at the campsite, you just open the OP4’s two lids, close some valves and hit a button. The whole thing automatically expands in about two or three minutes.”
The OP4’s other signature feature is its outdoor kitchen, which effortlessly slides out from the side of the trailer at mealtime. It’s equipped with a four-burner gas stove, a sink with running hot water and a meal-prep station with a built-in dish rack. When you’re ready to hit the road, the entire mechanism quickly and easily slides back into place for transport. A 12V slide-out mini-fridge is located nearby, keeping food fresh and drinks cold.
Photo Credit: Opus Campers
When fully deployed, the OP4 comfortably sleeps six, with two double beds and a surprisingly large and comfortable lounge area converting to a third sleeping space. The trailer also comes with a 40-gallon freshwater tank and dual lithium house batteries to power the integrated air pump, water heater, LED lighting and fridge. Optional add-ons include solar panels, an HVAC system and even a home theater complete with projector and screen.
“Our add-on canopy is a really popular upgrade,” Liner says. “It inflates and deflates with the camper, and covers the exterior kitchen and refrigerator, adding more outdoor living space.”
Pricing for the OP4 starts at a little under $35,000, making it an affordable option for overlanding and off-grid exploration. And like a traditional pop-up, it easily parks in a garage when not in use.
Dimensions
GVWR: 4,200 lbs. Hitch Weight: 400 lbs. Overall Length: 17′ Exterior Height: 5′ 4″ (closed), 9′ (popped up)
Illustration by Dee Duncan

1. Air tent automatically deploys in two minutes
2. Slide-out kitchen with stove, sink and counter space (Opposite side)
3. Dual-zone 12V fridge (Opposite side)
4. 40-gallon freshwater tank
5. Cruisemaster DO35 articulating hitch
6. Two gallon Jerry can holders
7. Durable powder-coated aluminum frame
8. Private outdoor bathroom with toilet and shower
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2025-07-09
Wildsam Road Ready July 2025: Vehicles and Gear to Take You Way Out There
Special thanks to some of our trusted partners from within the RV industry.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
LiquidSpring
Upgrade your Class A Gas motorhome with LiquidSpring® – the premium hydraulic suspension solution that elevates your driving experience. Our Smart Suspension system delivers unmatched stability and control, eliminating the sway, bounce, and fatigue of traditional suspensions.
Experience the revolutionary Tru-Earth Leveling technology – simply press a button and watch your motorhome level automatically on uneven terrain. No more crawling underneath with blocks, no more frustrating jack adjustments. Park anywhere with confidence, knowing you’re always perfectly level for cooking, sleeping, and living comfortably.
Whether you’re navigating mountain passes or settling in for an extended stay, LiquidSpring’s hydraulic system responds in real-time to road conditions, giving Class A drivers the smooth, controlled ride typically reserved for high-end diesel pushers. Your passengers will notice the difference immediately – less motion sickness, less noise, and more enjoyment of the journey.
Invest in the comfort and stability your Class A deserves. Experience the hydraulic advantage with LiquidSpring. liquidspring.com
Photo Credit: GaragePros
GaragePro Tire Savers
Preventing flat spots during RV storage doesn’t have to be hard.
Long-term RV storage is part of the deal, which can result in flat spots on your tires when they sit on flat surfaces where the rubber meets the ground without moving. According to Edmunds, “…if conditions are right, a month of being stationary might be enough to cause problems.”
Park Smart Tire Savers cradle your tires to help prevent flat spots during storage. Made of solid heavy-duty vinyl, these ramps won’t crush, crack or slip, unlike those made of hollow plastic. These Tire Savers have no weight limit, come in multiple sizes and have a lifetime warranty. Uniquely designed with the driver in mind, you can drive up and over the ramps, which is particularly useful for RVs with multiple axles, making it easy to come and go as needed.
Protect your investment and save 20% now with code Wild0725 at YourGaragePro.com. 800-992-2018
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2025-07-08
Voting Ends Soon for the 2025 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards
Listen up, Wildsam and RV.com readers. Time is running out to have your voice heard. Voting in the annual Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards will soon close, and we still want to hear from you! There is still time to cast your votes online for your favorite RV and RV accessories manufacturers, letting us know which brands deserve recognition for their outstanding products.
Simply click here to fill out our online form before July 25. Your responses let us know who you think are deserving of recognition. It also tells us which brands you want to read more about in upcoming issues and online articles.
As always, thanks for sharing your opinions.
The post Voting Ends Soon for the 2025 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Awards appeared first on RV.com.
2025-07-07
Meet The Maker: Moon Fabrications Takes One Small Step for Man
When Matthew Pearson drove from San Francisco to Austin in 2018, he knew he needed help from his old friend Henry Proegler.
Enamored by the burgeoning camper van movement, Pearson had recently left a series of corporate gigs to hit the road full-time—where, at one point, under the beating sun of the California desert, he designed a makeshift shade for his Sprinter van out of an old tarp and poles from a backpacking tent. Before long, he developed a prototype for a product he thought could revolutionize awnings. That’s when he set off to find Proegler, a documentary filmmaker who was running his own marketing agency. “I knew I needed Henry,” Pearson says. “But I didn’t know how much of Henry I needed.”
Photo Credit: Richard Carpenter
Pearson had refined the product—he called it MoonShade—which could easily attach to the C-channel track on a Sprinter van and pack into a small bag when not deployed. Initially, Proegler thought he would just help market the shade, but before long he was a partner in the business. “This is a dude I love, he had this dream, and I wanted to make it happen,” Proegler recalls thinking. “The way [Matthew] described it was that the strength is in the shade. It’s modular, it’s lightweight, it packs up small. That was the high-level business strategy.”
They launched a Kickstarter in 2019, and in spring 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they started selling the MoonShade direct to consumers. “The inventory we thought would last 12 months, we sold in three,” Proegler says.
Soon enough, the MoonShade was on back-order—a result of a grassroots marketing strategy that relied heavily on YouTubers and influencers who became early brand ambassadors—and whose input made the product more innovative.
Photo Credit: Bryson Malone
These days, customers can purchase the MoonShade in two sizes—the Original ($395) and the XL ($600) for larger vans—and with a variety of attachments including magnets, suction cups, and awning rail anchors compatible with essentially any vehicle. Plus, an RV-specific product is now coming to market, in addition to upgraded attachment points and the MoonShade Pro, which will transform into a fully enclosed outdoor room. Visit moonfab.com for more info
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2025-06-12
Tech Spotlight: RV Tow Bars
Anyone who drives a motorhome knows how nimble they are not. Which is why most full-timers these days bring a daily ride along: a dinghy, typically attached to the back of their bus-like rig using a method known as flat towing.
“Who wants to drive a 34-foot motorhome to the local restaurant?” says David Robinson, vice president at Roadmaster. “With flat towing, the RV becomes base camp and the dinghy goes to the lake or into the mountains.”
To make it all work, motorhomes rely on tow bars: arms extending from the back of an RV that connect to the front of the dinghy vehicle. Not every vehicle can be flat-towed—it comes down to transmission types, steering systems and other factors. Research is necessary before moving forward with installation. But for those with compatible vehicles, there are several high-quality options out there.
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Roadmaster Nighthawk
Roadmaster was the first to bring collapsible bars, stainless steel and nonbinding models (making the bars easier to connect) to market. With an 8,000-pound towing capacity, the Nighthawk builds on that tradition, offering a first-of-its-kind LED light system along the bars. $1,291
Photo Credit: Blue Ox
Blue Ox Ascent
For those pulling lighter vehicles, the Ascent has a 7,500-pound capacity, its own nonbinding system for easy attachment and comes equipped with rubber boots along the side to prevent dirt and debris from entering any moving parts. $1,274
Photo Credit: Demco
Demco Dominator
Weighing just 30 pounds, the Dominator is among the lightest tow bars on the market, but it’s still plenty capable. With 7,500 pounds of towing capacity, it can handle most small cars and even some SUVs; thanks to independent arms, it’s among the easiest models to hook up. $1,420
Photo Credit: NSA RV Products
NSA Ready Brute II
To simplify the towing process, NSA RV Products combined its popular tow bar—the Ready Brute—with its trademarked supplemental braking technology, meaning the whole tow bar is easier to install than most other models. Plus, with an 8,000-pound rating, there’s little it can’t handle. $1,500
Photo Credit: eTrailer
etrailer SD
One of the most affordable tow bars, the SD is on the heavier side (41 pounds) and can handle up to 6,000 pounds—making it an economical choice for smaller dinghy vehicles. With self-supporting, extra-long arms, this model is easy to attach and won’t inhibit tight turns. $745
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2025-06-11
Ask an RV Expert: Seasonal Maintenance, Tire Talk, and Where to Learn to Drive an RV!
Advice and tech Q&A from our RV and overlanding expert to help you sort out your issues. Here are a few answers submitted by our readers. Have a question for us? Send it to knowhow@wildsam.com.
Yellow spring flowers and camper vehicle wild camping in the distance. Caravan vacation in Spain.
Seasonal Maintenance: Springing Into Action
It’s been a long winter, and for many RVers, warm-weather adventures and the road beckon. Not so fast, though! After months of inactivity, wind, rain and sun can take a toll on your vehicle. A bit of seasonal preparation can prevent major highway problems.

A top-down approach is logical. Climb up on the roof and thoroughly inspect the roof material and any sealers that prevent water from seeping in around vents, air conditioners, solar panel mounts, etc. Over time, these deteriorate, which can lead to serious interior damage if neglected. If you find any cracks or deteriorated sealants, carefully scrape away the old material and replace it with new products such as lap sealant. A heat gun or even a blow dryer can be used to soften up stubborn baked-on material. Inspect the sidewalls and slide-out rooms and lubricate the sliding seals. Local RV shops can step in on any of these tasks if you’re not feeling confident.
Clean your rig inside and out. Check all the cubbies and compartments for moisture incursion and rodent damage. De-winterize the water system: add freshwater, fill the water heater, test the pump and flush through all the lines by running the sinks, toilets and showers. Add toilet chemicals. Operate all appliances, extend the awning and then lock it in place for travel. Don’t forget to inspect fire extinguishers and propane, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Batteries are all-important. Wet-cell batteries should have their water levels checked and get topped off with distilled water. Inspect and clean the terminals. Many local auto-parts stores will test batteries for free. (A fully charged lead-acid 12-volt battery should read 12.65 volts and have a specific gravity of 1265.) Complete the job by testing all the lights and electrical accessories on the RV.
Tires need love too! Give them a good overall inspection, looking for uneven wear, tread depth, cuts, curb and pothole damage. Older tires may have sidewall cracking from age and weathering. The best way to inspect trailer tires is to remove them, so you can see the back sides and check the wheels for damage, cracks and corrosion, etc. Trailer wheel-bearing inspection, repacking, seal replacement, brake inspection and adjustment should all be done on a regular basis in conjunction with tire inspection. Once a year is a good cadence, and getting that moment out of the way before you hit the road for peak travel season makes a lot of sense.
Of course, tire and wheel removal is not so easily done on a motorhome. If you suspect problems, consider taking your rig to a tire shop. Motorhomes will require another set of maintenance items, including engine oil changes, fluid checks and flushes (depending on how long since the last ones) and generator maintenance (check owner’s manuals for schedules). Check tire date codes. They are stamped on the sidewall after the marking “DOT.” The last four digits are the manufacturing date. The first two of those digits indicate the week, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example 1118 would indicate the 11th week of 2018. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires more than six years old.
Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure, including the spare. Read the recommendations on the sidewall, and never exceed maximum rated pressure.
Got a question for columnist Ken Freund? Write knowhow@wildsam.com.
Photo Credit: Getty
Let’s Talk Tire Pressure
Q: I recently read, in “The Rally” section of the February/March issue of Wildsam, the exchange regarding tire pressure and monitoring systems. The author noted keeping the tire pressure at 60 psi cold for his Goodyears. I just wanted to point out that if he has a dual-axle trailer, and the tires are Goodyear Endurance brand, the inflation pressure could be significantly less than 60 psi. Based on Goodyear’s published specs for the Endurances, depending on weight carried per tire, pressure should be in the 40 to 45 range. Over-inflation can lead to failure.
As an example, our 30-foot Airstream weighs in at 7,600 pounds ready for travel, or 1,900 pounds per tire. We have run 47 psi in our Goodyear Endurance tires for several years, now on our 2nd set. (The first set aged out.) Inflation pressure is a frequently debated issue. What’s your take on it for the situation described by the author?
—Phil Abele

A: Thanks for writing! Our previous correspondent didn’t include the size and model of his tires, so I didn’t address that in my reply. According to the load-inflation chart for the Endurance tires, every single 14-inch tire has a weight rating in the 65 psi column. That means that all of these tires are designed to withstand at least that much inflation pressure.
Tires that are overinflated for their actual load, but are within their maximum rated inflation pressure, are likely to wear near the center of their treads, provide an unnecessarily harsh ride and bruise more easily from hitting sharp edges in the road surface. However, they likely will run cooler than at lower-inflation pressures for a given load, and they shouldn’t be at a significantly higher risk of blowouts than a similar tire inflated to the correct pressure.

Photo Credit: MDC USA
Towable Twofer
Q: I recently acquired a full-size pickup truck and a large RV trailer with a conventional hitch, and I have a couple questions. Where can I get driving instruction and practice? And then, regarding adding a friction-type anti-sway bar to the hitch assembly: Do I need to have that professionally installed, or should a good DIYer be able to do it?
—Cynthia Boccio, Currie, NC
A: I’m glad to hear that you are interested in safety training. Depending on the level of your driving experience, there are several options. There are online classes, instructors who will travel to you and classes at fixed locations around the country. You might check out rvschool.com or rvbasictraining.com. You might also ask a local driving school or campground host if they know of a local RVer who offers instruction.
It’s also good to add a sway control. Fishtailing can occur quickly and build up to a dangerous uncontrollable jackknife situation in seconds. Camco, Curt and Reese are some of the companies that offer the popular friction-type controls. They generally mount using a threaded ball stud at one end and a metal plate with a ball attached, which gets bolted in place. The stud requires a larger drill bit, but most DIYers should be able to do it if they can drill holes and follow instructions well (as this is a safety item).
Photo Credit: Forest River
A Stable Destination
Q: We purchased a 42-foot destination trailer, which we will be keeping permanently on a lake lot. I have seen most of these trailers leveled and stabilized with concrete masonry units under the frame on all four corners or even in six locations. Is this the correct method for permanently stabilizing this type of trailer? Do I need to be worried about doors being out of square doing this? Is there a better way?
—Troy Corbett
A: For folks unfamiliar with the term “destination trailer,” this is a class that fits somewhere between travel trailers and park models. They are typically larger (102″ wide) and taller (11’4″ to 11’11”) than travel trailers, and most are at least 38 feet long. Some of their features make regular towing and camping impractical, such as glass patio doors and house-type appliances that don’t work well for anything but being on a permanent or semi-permanent site.
Now, to the question. The more supporting points under the frame, the more level and secure the trailer will be. The fewer support points, the more frame flex you will have. I recommend more than six points for such a large trailer. Soil conditions and frame design will determine how many piers or blocks need to be used. I suggest that you find a local company that specializes in moving and situating mobile and manufactured homes in your area. You can also inquire at local mobile home parks for mover and installer references and referrals.
Photo Credit: Getty
MPH vs. KPH
Q: We think we have a stumper for you! We have a 2007 Monaco Cayman XL motorhome that we bought last year and have gone on a few trips with it. On one of our trips, we noticed that our odometer was set for kilometers, not miles. We have tried everything we could find as a suggested fix: We’ve pressed and held the trip set, we’ve pressed it twice, etc. We tried when the vehicle was running and when it was not running. Any ideas?
—Lynn Mondello
A: Your motorhome’s owner’s manual says “the trip reset button located below and to the right of the speedometer is used to switch between the odometer, two trip meters and the transmission temperature. Select trip meter 1 or 2 and hold the trip button down for 3 seconds to reset.” However, it does not specify how to toggle between metric and Imperial measurements. This is an important function, because the coaches are sold in both the USA and Canada. I would try going to the main odometer, then hold it for at least three seconds. If necessary, try it both with the engine off but key on, and with the engine running. If all else fails, call customer service!
Ask Us Anything!
Share your tech tales and send us your questions to knowhow@wildsam.com. Perhaps our RV expert can help you solve your problems.
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2025-06-10