The Central Eastside is Portland, Oregon’s burly quadrant, a century-plus-old industrial zone full of muscular brick warehouses, a working neighborhood to the core. Duck into one cavernous garage in particular and you’ll find outdoor rigs that match the mood. Imposing Mercedes Sprinter vans fill the space, their finishes matte and futuristic, their interiors on the way to becoming mobile modernist cabins. Benchmark Vehicles began applying a refined finish-carpentry aesthetic and serious gearhead smarts to travel vans in 2014, garnering a following for a style that mixes backwoods brawn with quiet luxury. The work has landed the company on the front page of The New York Times and in the garages of scores of avid outdoorsfolk.
Founder Leland Gilmore sees himself in Benchmark’s audience. Twenty years back, he relocated to Portland from the Bay Area largely for the cycling scene, and today he pilots his own rig up Mount Hood for adventure in all seasons. At a table he built himself, Gilmore shared the story behind these endeavors—and the vehicles his team designs and builds to get folks out there.
Shop: Benchmark Vehicles
Location: Portland, Oregon
Founded: 2014
Specialty: Sprinter Vans
Benchmark founder Leland Gilmore; steps in the process that take vans from blank walls to road readiness. (Photo Credit: Will Matsuda)
Q: Your background is in woodworking and cabinetry. Why vans?
A: I was doing furniture contracts for Nike and other clients around town. And, kind of on the side, always working on my old cars. I’ve been a car guy my whole life. In around 2014, I was looking to get into the van world, which was pretty unknown at the time. I felt there was a huge need for really beautiful interior design there—everything was sort of the same.
My philosophy was, people want to spend money on their toys. They want a vessel that gets them out into nature and a comfortable space that they can use as a base camp. And I combined my furniture and interior design skills with my automotive skills and decided, okay, I want to create a brand. And we did that basically first, before really having even a business plan.
One van turned into five, turned into 20, turned into … We’ve done more than 100.
Q: Obviously, plenty of folks love vans. Who are Benchmark’s people?
A: Our clients are into mountain biking and cycling in general, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, triathlons. And those are all things I’ve been passionate about my entire life, so it was easy for me to connect with a group of people with similar interests—maybe they’re just in a different income bracket.
Q: What do they say they want?
A: Some folks come to us with 15 pages of notes—all the things they’ve seen from a hundred different builders. We’ll go through every single one of those. I’ll learn a lot from that person—their wishes and wants. And I try to guide and coach them in the direction of what functionally makes sense, financially makes sense, what works aesthetically and what’s pleasing to be in. Others might just say, I really liked that one.
Photo Credit: Will Matsuda
Q: Likewise, a lot of companies build out road-trip vans these days. What sets yours apart?
A: We have a look, from the outside to the interior. It’s a pretty simple assembly of goods and parts. Our exteriors are all very consistent and have a similar vibe. We don’t stray from certain parts and pieces. We stick with our core components. Our vans—they’re aggressive on the outside. There’s a lot of lighting. We prefer certain colors. The way we put together the exterior finishes and colors are just as important as the interior, and that creates a look that makes people think, “I want to rock that ride.” For interiors, it’s the finishes, the fit, how it all goes together. Lighting is huge—correct placement, the correct color temperature, all the things that set a mood inside the van.
Q: You’ve created a team here. What skill sets are you drawing on?
A: My team’s kind of all over the map from their backgrounds—builders, car enthusiasts, aftermarket junkies who want to put on all the coolest components. And our age range is from 20 to late 40s. We all learn different aspects of what we do from each other. It’s a small crew. We’re all here in the same building every day. We have our team meetings and talk about what we want to see in the next van or what worked in the previous van.
Q: To take a step back from the specifics of your builds, what kind of emotional response are you hoping to foster?
A: When you get in a really beautiful sports car, the second you touch the steering wheel or put your hand on the seat, you can feel the difference. That feeling is sensory—it shifts the chemical balance in your brain, like, okay, I don’t know why I like this, but I really like it. And a lot of times it’s hard to put into words. You get that feeling from being in one of our vans.
Photo Credit: Will Matsuda
Rock and Roll
1. Benchmark recently released a series of roofracks designed for the new (and much-coveted) INEOS Grenadier. In Gilmore’s eyes, the UK-designed, overlanding-oriented SUV is tapping a cultural niche similar to the Sprinter’s adventure-seeking audience. Several of the designs feature integrated light bars.
2. The full description of a Benchmark build is a spec-lover’s dream, detailing the company’s exacting material choices from insulation wool (Havelock) to custom floor-mat sets (Chilewich). A recent project’s kitchen setup rolled out with Le Creuset and YETI gear. Full specs and extensive image galleries for many projects can be scanned at benchmarkvehicles.com.
Photo Credit: Will Matsuda
A Van, A Plan …
Benchmark doesn’t technically sell vans—clients purchase them and hand them over for build out. But the company provides dealer connections and advice.
There once was an era when, for most RV owners, the onset of winter meant storing their rig until late spring. But manufacturers have made great strides in recent years, building trailers that can keep things toasty when the mercury takes a plunge. There’s perhaps no better example than the Arctic Fox Edge from Northwood.
The double-axle towable comes with all the amenities you’d expect from a modern travel trailer: a palatial kitchen with residential-style appliances and solid-surface countertops, a bathroom with a spacious shower and porcelain toilet and a primary bedroom boasting a king-size bed, copious storage and a separate entrance. Still, it’s the rig’s cold-weather capability that sets it apart.
Photo Credit: Northwood Manufacturing
“Build-quality and four-season performance are our number-one priorities,” says Donald Cochran, Northwood’s chief sales of cer. “But with the AFox Edge we wanted to take things a little further—and it shows in its specs.”
Those specs include high-density block foam insulation, staving off chilly drafts and keeping heat inside. Reflective materials in the roof and on the slides, plus additional insulation in the ceiling, bolster those efforts. Add a 1,000-BTU auto-ignition furnace, frameless thermal pane windows and fully wrapped and heated holding tanks, and you have a travel trailer that—as its name suggests—is built for arctic conditions.
Photo Credit: Northwood
Northwood’s Iron Horse chassis serves as the platform. Custom built for each floor plan, the chassis enhances the trailer’s durability and off road chops. “We’re the only manufacturer that builds our own chassis,” Cochran says. “That allows us to have complete control over the quality and integrity of every aspect of the trailer.”
Attention to detail shines through in the Arctic Fox Edge, an RV that performs equally well on- and off-grid all year long. Regardless of what’s going on beyond those well-insulated walls, you might just think you’re staying at the actual Four Seasons.
Dimensions
GVWR: 12,800 lbs.
Hitch Weight: 1,065 lbs.
Overall Length: 29′ 9″
Exterior Height: 11′ 4″
Illustration by Dee Duncan
The AFox Edge comes with a fi ve-point leveling system for maximum stability.
The Northwood SolX10 system provides 1,000 watts of solar charging.
A 13,500 BTU air conditioner keeps the trailer cool in the summer.
An 18’ powered awning with LED lighting provides shade and shelter.
The trailer comes with a MORryde CRE-3000 suspension and all-terrain tires, enhancing four-season and off – road performance.
Bluetooth outdoor speakers keep the party going outside the RV.
A rear ladder provides access to the fully walkable roof.
Insulated passthrough storage compartments make stowing gear a cinch.
A sampling of gear and accessories from some of Wildsam’s trusted partners.
Photo Credit: Midland
Midland
For adventurers, having a communications set up ensures peace of mind when traveling the open road. While cell phones are essential, they aren’t always reliable. Midland’s MXT275 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio brings powerful GMRS communication, making it the ideal base station to reach others instantly. Paired with the GXT67 Pro GMRS Walkie Talkie, connection in and out of the vehicle has never been easier. The ER50 Portable Emergency Radio brings real-time weather and emergency information to navigate changing conditions along the journey. Together, these communications tools bring safety while pushing the limits throughout outdoor adventure. midlandusa.com
Photo Credit: Nokian Tyres
Nokian Tyres
Nokian Tyres One reinforces every journey with pothole protection thanks to puncture-resistant Aramid fibers. Finnish innovation and American grit combine to form a rugged rubber compound that’s tough on potholes, smooth on the highway and keeps you safe in the moments that matter most. Designed in Finland, the Nokian Tyres One rolls out from Nokian Tyres’ award-winning Tennessee factory. This all-season tire is crafted for the demands of North American roads and ready for whatever lies on the road ahead. nokiantyres.com
You’ve heard of the smart home. Say hello to the smart RV.
The Winnebago View already boasted impressive features—abundant solar capability and massive holding tanks, for instance. But with the 2024 launch of the 24T floorplan, the industry giant also rolled out Winnebago Connect: smart-tech control for nearly every onboard feature, including climate, power systems, slideouts and more. The system even features a “Pet Minder” function, for supervising four-legged companions.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
“We know our pets are family,” says Chris Kuelbs, a senior manager for the brand’s digital product division. “This alerts you via our mobile app if you’re away and the temperature in the coach approaches or exceeds a set range.”
So-called multiplexing set-ups to control RV systems aren’t new. But because Winnebago built Connect entirely in-house, it offers arguable advantages over the third-party technology common in other rigs. Winnebago’s customer service team can troubleshoot remotely, fixing bugs while owners recline at camp. Accessed on the vehicle’s 10-inch touchscreen or remotely via smartphone, Connect uses a built-in modem to enable over-the-air software updates. Owners can add full internet service for an additional fee.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Other new features worth noting on the 24T include power-reclining theater seating, a Murphy bed that packs away when not in use and a spacious rear garage large enough for two full-size e-bikes, featuring multiple 120V AC outlets for recharging while in transit. And, thanks to its Mercedes Sprinter chassis, the View includes lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blindspot warnings and a digital rearview mirror.
While the 2025 View 24T is Winnebago’s first vehicle to feature the Connect system, the company has bigger plans.
“Stay tuned,” Kuelbs says. “Our intent is to release this to the entire Winnebago model lineup, including our towables.”
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Dimensions
GVWR: 11,030 lbs.
Overall Length: 25′ 8″
Exterior Height: 10′ 7″
Illustration by Dee Duncan
The View comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an optional upgrade.
A 5,000-pound trailer hitch makes it easy to tow a cargo trailer or boat.
240 watts of solar come standard from the factory.
The large gear garage is heated, and features LED lighting and L-track cargo tie downs.
The powered awning includes LED lights and can be deployed using Winnebago Connect or a smartphone.
A 15,000 BTU air conditioner and 25,000 BTU furnace keep the View comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.
The View comes with an amplified digital TV antenna and is satellite ready.
The View’s built-in LP tank has a 50.76 lbs. capacity.
Automatic hydraulic leveling jacks stabilize the vehicle at the campsite.
The world of RVs can be sprawling, especially when you consider the field’s full spectrum, somehow embracing both landship Class As and nimble, tiny, camp-ready trailers. Looking forward into 2025, we tried to take it all in. We roamed big shows and scoured remote corners of the internet, searching and sifting to pick some all-stars from the crop of new vehicles hitting the road. We found a dynamic world of high design and sometimes whimsical ambition—an industry that’s exploring every cultural niche and lifestyle pursuit it can think of. We noticed a growing cohort of “destination” trailers, speaking to folks who see their rig as something more than a means from Point A to B. We saw many clever remixes of nostalgic looks and high-tech amenities. Some of the most interesting vehicles take age-old RV categories and blur their boundaries. Read on—you’ll see the rides that caught our eye. And maybe yours?
Photo Credit: Bowlus
The Best High-Tech Tin Can
Bowlus Rivet
MSRP: $150,000
GVWR: 3,500 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Length: 25’ 3”
Lightweight and built to last, the Bowlus Rivet impresses with its retro styling and high-tech features. The travel trailer’s self-powered electric drive system makes it easy to tow behind just about any vehicle, including an EV. At the campsite, the Rivet’s 8kWh battery pack and 660-watt solar array allow owners to camp off-grid for up to two weeks at a time. It’s no less impressive inside, with yacht-inspired styling and amenities, including a gorgeous galley kitchen.
Photo Credit: Winnebago
The Best Starter Kit RV
The Winnebago Access delivers excellent build quality, plenty of amenities and great customer service in an affordable package, ideal for families and couples. MSRP: $23,000
Photo Credit: Forest River
The Best for Campground Movie Night
The Forest River Rogue Armored 26L140’s primary bedroom comes with a built-in 4K video projector and a window blind that converts to a screen. Popcorn seasoning is up to you. MSRP: $70,000
Photo Credit: Brinkley RV
The Best Mobile Office Space
The Brinkley Model Z 3515’s rear office includes an adjustable-height desk for road warriors looking to clock in from the great outdoors. MSRP: $120,916
Photo Credit: Keystone
Note From the Field: “My favorite couple’s travel trailer is the Keystone Cougar 22MLS. It’s only 27 feet, meaning many half-ton trucks can tow it. You don’t need a monster truck. It also has a redesigned basement for storage, more headroom and a bigger sleeping space.” —Josh Winters (@JOSHTHERVNERD)
Best Game-Changing Camper
Lance 1172 Truck Camper
MSRP: $84,266
Dry Weight: 4,063 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 5-6
Length: 20’ 4”
This one redefines what we thought possible with a truck camper. Two slide-outs create a surprisingly spacious interior and modern amenities stack up: a large dinette, a dry bath, a well-appointed interior kitchen, a plush couch. With room for up to six adults, the 1172 makes the perfect basecamp for anglers, hunters, hikers and other outdoorsy wanderers. A residential queen-size bed will be a welcome luxury after a long day on the trail.
Photo Credit: Coachmen
The Best for Continental Flair
Compact and nimble, the Coachmen Euro 25EU offers the space and comfort of a Class A motorcoach while driving like a camper van. The RV’s European styling helps it stand out on the road and at the campsite, too. MSRP: $218,878
Photo Credit: Newmar
The Best for Retired Major Leaguers
The Newmar King Aire is the kingpin among luxury RVs, with high-end features like Italian leather furniture, quartz countertops and heated tile floors. All floorplans include a primary bedroom suite with a massive bathroom, a second half-bath and a kitchen with upscale residential appliances. MSRP: $1,637,440
Photo Credit: SylvanSport
The Best Off-Road Explorer
The SylvanSport GOAT gets high marks for its versatility and rugged design. Built for off-road travel, this pop-up camper quickly transforms into a toy hauler or utility trailer, extending its use well beyond the campground. MSRP: $19,495
Photo Credit: Westfalia
Best for Nostalgia Surfers
Westfalia Wave Pop-Top
MSRP: $179,849
GVWR: 9,350 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Length: 20’ 9”
The storied Westfalia brand returns to North America in groovy form with the Wave Class B camper van. Available in two models—the Wave Skylight and Wave Pop-Top—this neo-throwback delivers a lot of features in a form factor that is somehow both modern and retro at the same time. The Pop-Top model comfortably sleeps six, practically unheard of in a vehicle of this size. That’s enough space for your whole crew to roll on down the road.
Photo Credit: Airstream
The Best Very Limited Edition
The Airstream Interstate 19X LE Outland Edition’s premium Sony sound system and colorful LED lights turn any campsite into a dance party. But with only 30 units produced, most of us will be lucky even to see one. Still, pretty cool stuff. Consider the standard Interstate 19X as a more accessible alternative. MSRP: $344,000
Photo Credit: Outside Van
The Best for #VANLIFE
Built with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, the Outside Van Parks is made for exploration. This Class B model rides on an AWD Sprinter chassis, comfortably sleeps two and has the best dry bath we’ve seen in a camp van. MSRP: $236,000
Photo Credit: Keystone
The Best for Free-Range Families
With two bathrooms, a spacious primary bedroom and a second bedroom with bunk beds, the Keystone Montana High Country 397FB is the perfect family fifth-wheel. It even comes with built-in desks for schooling on the road. MSRP: TBD at press time
Photo Credit: Alliance RV
Note From the Field: “If I’m picking a towable, I’d have to say the Alliance RV Benchmark 44LFT. You have big windows and tall ceilings. It feels like a tiny house rather than a large RV. They knocked it out of the park with this destination trailer.” —Matt Foxcroft (@MATTSRVREVIEWS)
Photo Credit: Gulf Stream
Best for Retro Cute
Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser
MSRP: $38,684
GVWR: 4,384-5,060 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 4-6
Length: 23’ 1”- 26′ 1″
Stepping inside a Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser is a bit like traveling back in time. These lightweight towables embrace the wood-grain paneling and color schemes of a bygone era to crank the nostalgia vibes. Modern appliances—like a 12V fridge and a microwave—do little to break the illusion that you’re somehow camping in the 1950s. Charming and fun.
Photo Credit: Crossroads RV
The Best for Camp Cocktails
Destination trailers have grown in popularity recently, but the Crossroads Hampton HP374BAR still manages to stand out amid the trend. Its dedicated wet bar just might make it the ultimate party RV. We’ll have ours shaken, not stirred, thank you. MSRP: $100,588
Photo Credit: Leisure Travel Vans
Best for Small Scale Living
Looking for an RV that drives like a camper van but offers plenty of luxury? The Leisure Travel Vans Unity has you covered. We especially like the Corner Bed model, which includes a spacious sleeping area, a comfy lounge space and a gorgeous galley kitchen. MSRP: $195,470
The Best for Spoiling Yourself
Luxury Super Cs don’t come any plusher than the Renegade RV XL X45BDM. This model features porcelain tiled floors, maple hardwood cabinets and 1.5 baths. An outdoor entertainment center can combine big-game watching with fresh-air lounging. MSRP: $762,559
Photo Credit: Jayco
Best Escape Pod
Jayco Pinnacle 38SSWS
MSRP: $120,243
GVWR: 17,650 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Length: 40′
What’s not to love about this action-packed travel trailer? Built for couples—plus occasional overnight guests—this roomy towable feels like home in all the right ways. You’ve got your theater seating, multiple smart TVs, a modern island kitchen—and not one fireplace, but two. We especially love the massive primary bedroom suite, complete with king-size bed, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and its own couch. Washer/dryer prep, ample storage, and large holding tanks make this model ready for full-time living.
Photo Credit: Living Vehicle
The Best for Off-Grid Glamping
With its 100-gallon freshwater tank, 600W solar panel and 4,800Wh lithium house battery, the Living Vehicle HD30 is an invitation to get far, far gone. The travel trailer’s foldout side patio, spa-like bathroom and luxurious bedroom don’t hurt either. MSRP: $399,995
Photo Credit: Mammoth Overland
The Best for “True” Extremes
Outstanding build quality, off-road tires and a beefy suspension give the Mammoth Overland ELE (Extinction Level Event) legitimate off-road cred. But let’s be real: The standout attributes are the sealed interior cabin, air purification system and on-board bear spray defense system. What’s out there, anyway? MSRP: $67,000
Photo Credit: Ember RV
The Best for a Freestyle Lifestyle
There is a lot to love with the Ember Overland Edition 221MSL, which comes equipped with 1,200W of solar, off-road tires and a burly suspension. Of note: the versatile EmberTrack space, which can be used for bunks, gear storage or an office. MSRP: $66,023
Photo Credit: Thor
The Best for Serious Rough-Housing
THOR Outlaw
MSRP: $295,350
GVWR: 26,000 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Length: 39′ 10″
The THOR Outlaw stands out as one of the few Class A toy haulers on the market. The design combines these two distinct styles by adding a 10’ 2” garage to the rear of a luxurious motorcoach. The result is a distinctive blend of comfort and functionality, with room to haul a UTV or a golf cart. As you would expect, the rear cargo ramp converts into a patio, extending the living space to the outdoors.
Photo Credit: KZ RV
The Best Trail Buddy
Available in both travel trailer and fifth-wheel models, the KZ Sportster X is a toy hauler ready to pack out everything from kayaks and e-bikes to large UTVs. Copious amounts of storage, elevated interior design, LED accent lighting and integrated JBL Bluetooth sound system help accentuate the fun. MSRP: TBD at press time
Photo Credit: Tiffin
The Best Classy Class A
A king-size bed, 1.5 baths, a gigantic closet and a drop-down front bunk all elevate the Tiffin Phaeton 44 OH. Optional upgrades can run to a washer/dryer combo, a dishwasher and an outdoor gas grill. MSRP: $550,559
Photo Credit: Forest River
Note From the Field: “We don’t often get a truly new thing, but electric fold-down decks are trending. The Forest River Sabre 33RLP is by far one of my favorites. The deck is only four feet wide, so it doesn’t take up all your campsite space, and it’s like a big window when it’s closed.” —Jason Epperson (@RVMILES)
Photo Credit: Storyteller Overland
The Best Backcountry Beast
Storyteller Overland GXV HILT
MSRP: $446,322
GVWR: 19,500 LBS.
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Length: 27′
This animal’s heavy-duty off-road chassis allows it to roam just about anywhere. But it’s the 16.8kWh house batteries and 120-gallon freshwater tank that allow you to stay out in the hinterlands about as long as you want. Inside, this burly number is surprisingly refined and luxurious. We love the HILT’s massive U-shaped dinette with seating for five and its comfortable queen-size cab-over bed. An upscale wet bath and galley kitchen add a touch of class and convenience.
Photo Credit: Grand Design
You Need It? They Have It:
A Super-High-quality Class C:Grand Design Lineage Series M
Trailer powerhouse Grand Design’s first motorized foray doesn’t disappoint.
Photo Credit: Pleasure Way
A Go-Anywhere In-Style Class B:Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS
Camp off -grid with 500W solar panel and 600Ah lithium batteries.
Photo Credit: Northwood
A Foolproof Year-Round Camping Solution: Northwood AFox Edge
A well-equipped travel trailer built to take on the elements.
Photo Credit: Entegra Coach
A Class A with a Buttery-Smooth Ride: Entegra Coach Cornerstone
Comfortable and refined, both inside and out.
Nate Kantor keeps his first Airstream parked outside the Nomadicana warehouse on the western outskirts of Salt Lake City. When days of installing air foam, polishing aluminum and carving cabinetry in the workshop grow long, Kantor sneaks off to this 1974-built beauty, which served as his full-time home when he was a photographer roaming the West. There, he finds inspiration.
In particular, a seafoam green guest book, a keepsake from when he rented out his trailer at a different moment in life, reminds him that, even while his designs for one-of-a-kind travel trailers grow more varied and bold over time, his motivation for running his shop remains the same.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
“So many people were able to enjoy this space and have life-changing experiences,” he says, “because it’s a real person’s space, with character and stories behind it.”
That marriage of modern mobile living and nostalgia led Kantor to open Nomadicana in 2023. He now salvages and retrofits Airstream trailers with a small team united by the conviction that these silver, spaceship-esque spaces are a traveler’s most sustainable shot at a secure home on wheels. They can withstand alpine conditions, desert heat and the test of time. Best of all, in Kantor’s view, they have stories pre-baked into their shells, with room for plenty more.
Q: What inspired your first build?A: I got into all this in 2018 with my partner at the time. Work had us moving back and forth. I think I’ve always romanticized van life for the self-reliance aspect behind it—the idea of being able to park anywhere and get electricity from the sun. But I more or less fell in love with the process because of my Dad. He was always fixing stuff and making it better than it was before. Anytime he’d see a vacuum by a dumpster in our neighborhood, he’d take it. It’d usually be a simple fix, and then he’d give it to someone else. He’s definitely an inspiration. He helped with our first build. We just like to understand something in order to appreciate it. I often take something apart to see how it works. I don’t think he intended to pass that skill down or teach it, it just happened.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Q: Why salvage vintage Airstreams instead of working with newer trailers?A: They’re made to last—kind of a rare thing in a disposable world. You can find vintage campers of different types, but a lot of them are built with wood and materials that are more likely to have rotted out or deteriorated over time. Airstreams are essentially built like something that could take people across the sky. They’re one of the few structures that holds up over time. The name brand and nostalgic factor also make them desirable. I really like the vintage look. The way things used to be made, it has a different softness to it. I just love learning about materials, trying to improve something that’s already really good and solving any design problems.
Q: What’s your build philosophy?A: There’s a common architectural saying that form follows function. I think form is a function. These Airstreams are utilitarian spaces. I think the goal is to be able to live comfortably in nature in spite of any external conditions. I call it designing with decay in mind. We try to avoid things that are glued on, like edge banding on cabinets, because it takes one road trip through Nevada in the summer to delaminate all that. Even the patina of the aluminum has its own beauty to it. It’s a sign of age, but it doesn’t look bad, whereas most materials that builders use now have a lot of plastics that tend to yellow—they don’t age gracefully. My goal is for our work to last another 50 years or longer, and hopefully be enjoyed by a lot of people and passed down. I don’t want it to be just another disposable item.
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Q: What are some standout projects so far?A: It’s been really fun to teach other people how I approach things and get their feedback. In a lot of ways, I see this as a design collective where we get to build really cool stuff. Our first client build took like six months, because everything was so intricate and custom and specific—we really went all out. That’s what got me to realize we needed to figure out ways to do this a little faster, but without sacrificing quality. We were able to do the next one in less than half that time. Now, we’re actually doing a project for a hotel in Colorado where they want eight trailers. Those won’t necessarily be traveling on the road, but will still get a lot of foot traffic. I get excited about that—about creating inspiring spaces for a lot of people to stay in.
Learn more about this vintage travel trailer renovation company at nomadicana.co
Photo Credit: Spenser Heaps
Nomadic Notions
1. For a project dubbed “Anza,” the Nomadicana team channeled a Cali desert vibe via white oak, unlacquered brass, Marmoleum flooring, terracotta tile and a light, airy color palette. The 26-foot trailer is also wired for solar, with an expandable 1200wh Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle battery.
2. When Nate Kantor talks of Airstreams being built “like something that could take people across the sky,” he’s referring to the brand’s vaunted “semi-monocoque” construction style. Semi what now? “Monocoque” construction is used in airplane design: frame and body are one, with aluminum skin riveted directly to structural ribs. Airstream’s technique is called “semi-monocoque” because those ribs are fastened to the flat trailer frame, rather than the full-circle ribs of jet construction.
Metal Band
Nomadicana strikes up a communal vibe, offering to help would-be owners find the right rig if needed. Rebuild estimates range from $50,000 to $175,000.
Our resident RV maintenance expert provides advice on a wide variety of topics.
Image Courtesy of MAD.vertise/Shutterstock
More Questions on Winter RVing in New Jersey
Thank you for being so helpful with my questions about our 22-foot Keystone Cougar and wintering full-time in New Jersey. A few more queries for you here!
— Shelly Sterling-Williams, Bogota, NJ
Q: Staying warm while keeping the humidity level under control has been a big challenge. Thoughts?
A: I suggest using a hygrometer (relative humidity meter) to monitor humidity inside the coach. They’re not expensive.
Q: Should we stuff the storage compartment with storage bins to keep that area warm?
A: Depending on the size of the storage area(s), you could store seasonal clothes there— blankets, towels, bed linens, etc. If that’s not enough, try some foam boards. Empty plastic storage containers don’t insulate well.
Q: Should we try to put something over the outside door before the snow comes?
A: The outside door is fully weatherproof and should be fine in snow. However, if cold intrusion is a problem, rig up an insulating curtain on the inside. (However, make sure it won’t slow egress in case of a fire.)
Q: I was told to change the filter in my 10-cubic-foot Furrion refrigerator every six months. Do I really need to?
A: The filter you refer to is only used for food odor control. It’s not necessary for safe operation—many RV refrigerators don’t even have this feature. Replacement frequency really depends on what kinds of food you have stored in the fridge, and if they are well sealed. Many folks use a package of baking soda, at significantly lower cost. That said, the filter is easy to replace—it basically snaps in. Look at the mounting points on the new one before removing the old one.
Photo Credit: Dometic
Replacing a Faulty Thermostat
Q: We have owned our 2019 Forest River Impression 20RB since new. The Dometic Single Zone LCD Thermostat has always been very sensitive to the touch—hard to select the mode or temperature you’re aiming for. We suspect we need to replace it. What do you think?
— Jim and Pat Thompson, Seaford, DE
A: I haven’t heard of those exact symptoms, but it sure sounds like the circuit board is going bad. Replacements are not very expensive. I suggest changing it for a model that has the features you want. A DIYer can change one quite easily—just keep track of which wire goes to which terminal. I always take a picture of the wiring before taking it apart.
Photo Credit:
Slo-Flo Resolved
Q: We have a new 2024 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL. We have very low water pressure in the shower— worse on city water, marginally better on the internal tank. The flow is not enough to keep the tankless water heater engaged. Water pressure and flow at both bath and kitchen sinks are good. To keep hot water in the shower we have to turn on hot in the bathroom sink. The tankless water heater is factory installed. What’s going on here?
— David Reece, Fort Wroth, TX
A: In my initial response to David, I noted that I strongly suspected the shower head had a flow restrictor installed. It could have been partly clogged with debris—or maybe something was just wrong with it. In a second note, he related that the original dealership had investigated and asked about a brass fitting on the water intake: a pressure regulator he’d used for years. The dealership advised removing it, but that didn’t resolve the problem. A new multi-position head did the trick, working fine with the old pressure regulator.
Photo Credit: Anetlanda/Getty
Tune In
Q: My wife and I are part-time campers, thinking of full-timing it. Currently we have DirecTV in the house as well as in our 2020 Winnebago Adventurer. At some point, we lost local channels in the rig. DirecTV told us to switch the control box, but as it turns out, the local stations are SD vs. HD, so only available with an antenna. Any suggestions? My wife likes to tape her soaps, and (in fairness) I like the golf channels.
— Lance Arnold, Elyria, OH
A: Dish and your current DirecTV are the two options for mobile RV satellite reception. You can get their services anywhere in the country. And yes, you can use an external antenna for over-the-air TV—this can be iffy, depending on where you go. IPTV, or TV over Internet (TCP/IP connections), can get you to services like Netflix, Hulu, Roku, etc. Most charge a moderate monthly fee. However, campground Wi-Fi likely can’t give you the needed bandwidth for streaming. If you don’t want to be a bandwidth bandit, you can get TV applications on your computer. There are a number of TV applications like LinuxTV, in addition to streaming via a web browser. Some, such as Miro on Linux using Bittorrent, can be throttled so you don’t hog bandwidth.
When the first International Harvester Scout rolled off the assembly line 64 years ago, the term “sport utility vehicle” was not yet part of America’s automotive lexicon. Equipped with four-wheel drive, beefy suspension and only two doors, the original Scouts were rugged—designed for hard work on the farm and harder miles off-road.
Available with a truck bed or a full-length hardtop, the often-two-toned Scouts had few peers outside of military-inspired Jeeps of the era. In some ways, International Harvester—which mostly built commercial agricultural and trucking equipment—created the template every SUV has copied since. And before Scout was discontinued in 1980, they also spawned a cult following.
A bright orange car parked above a blue lake on a fall day. Leaves are turning in the background.
By the time Ryan Duvall moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1999, the newspaper columnist was nostalgic for the 1974 Scout II he’d driven in high school. At that point, he wasn’t aware he’d landed in the city where the original Scouts were built. But when he saw an uncanny number of them around town, he tracked down a 1976 Scout Traveler for himself and began researching the origins.
He connected with other Scout owners and former employees, and in 2019 organized a meetup for International Harvester drivers. Today, he runs Harvester Homecoming and is creating a museum to honor Fort Wayne’s truck-building history. The nonprofit also hosts an annual festival that attracts upwards of 20,000 people and 500 vehicles. “I thought, the things that happened here, we should be honoring,” Duvall says. “Honoring these amazing Scouts.”
Today, the community he brought together has reason to celebrate. In 2021, Volkswagen Group acquired Navistar (which had bought International Harvester in the ’80s), and launched Scout Motors—an independent American company promising a resurrection of the iconic brand.
Photo Credit: Scout Motors
The Scout Motors team sought out enthusiasts like Duvall as they prepared to launch two new vehicles, which they officially unveiled in October 2024. “We wanted to create something that felt like the original vehicle,” says Chris Benjamin, chief design officer for Scout Motors. “Something original owners would look at and say: ‘That’s a Scout.’”
The new Scout will be available to consumers in 2027 in two models: an SUV (the “Traveler”) and pickup (the “Terra”), both modern electric vehicles that honor their predecessors. With 35-inch tires, low front overhang and slanted rear windows, the new Scouts are unmistakably nodding to the past. The Scout Motors team even invited Duvall and other owners to the reveal event in Franklin, Tennessee.
“I had tempered my expectations. I was buckled up for something way newer than it was old,” Duvall says. “But I was wrong. I was emotional when they pulled them out. They hit a home run.”
Josh Gordy is the Camp Keeper at Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Georgia. Here’s the story of how he started that gig after a career in the NFL.
“Back in 2011, the land that the park sits on came up for sale and it was right in the area where I grew up. I was playing in the NFL at the time. I wanted the opportunity to buy some land and hold onto it for the family—and then ambition started to roll in our stomachs. We started thinking: What can we do to capitalize on it? My mom and my late uncle suggested an RV park, and we broke ground in 2012.
Photo Credit: Josh Gordy/Warthen RV Park
“I didn’t know anything about RVing. But I spent a lot of my life outside, and we eventually became more connected with the recreational side of the industry. Every little thing we do in the park ties back to our ability to help people recharge. We’re getting a fishing pond built and a walking trail constructed— peaceful activities. That was a big ‘why’ to the mission. I just love adding value to the place and giving people a place to recharge and clear their mind, because you gotta unplug a little bit. We host events for people to come together and get to know each other, too.
“Being African American, it’s no secret there are not a lot of owners of businesses like this in the country. So, naturally, a big portion of our clients are African American. We want to add value to our community by providing a great product. We attract a diverse community, and that’s what makes us good. We say people come to us as strangers but they leave as family.”
Gordy played with five NFL teams, winning a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 2010-11.
