Author: Joe Cortez

Travelers who love seeing the United States by road will soon have a new place to park their RV in the great Pacific Northwest. The Bend RV Resort in Bend, Oregon announced their plans to open in time for Labor Day 2024, with reservations available for dates after August 28, 2024, through the end of the year. 

A Full-Service Resort in the Oregon Outdoors

The new Bend RV Resort is located approximately 10 minutes from Downtown Bend, along the Deschutes River. The 176-site property is only minutes from the city’s Downtown and Old Mill District, showcasing the area’s local food and microbrew culture, alongside galleries for local artisans. 

The campground offers a home base for those who love the great outdoors but want all the amenities of a full-service hotel. In addition to the local national parks, travelers can spend time hiking, fishing in the river, or skiing down the mountains in the winter. At the RV resort itself, travelers can take advantage of the 6,000-square-foot clubhouse called “The Hub.” There, they can take a dip in the heated swimming pool and hot tub. They can also enjoy a game of pickleball on one of their five courts. 

Nearly every site has both 30-amp and 50-amp power, picnic tables, as well as full hookups, water, and sewer access for motorhomes. Every space is pet friendly and Wi-Fi access is available throughout the entire park. Additionally, 61 premium sites will also have a firepit built in. All types of RVs are welcome at the Bend RV Resort: fifth wheels, motorhomes, pop-ups, travel trailers, and vans. 

Outside of the RV sites, the resort will also have a full list of amenities available for travelers. Some of the facilities available for travelers include a fitness center, fenced dog park, convenience store, and a laundromat.   

How to Book a Night at the New Oregon RV Resort

Rates for the fall season start at $100 per night. Summer 2025 rates are expected to start at $125 per night. A two-night deposit is required on all bookings. Travelers can book their space at the new Oregon RV resort today.

See photos from the Bend RV Resort here: https://bendrvresort.com/gallery/

Travelers planning to take a brand-new Jayco trailer on the highway can look forward to some exciting new. Exclusive new appliances will be featured inside the cabin for select new models. Airxcel and Jayco Trailers announced they will partner together to feature the InVision line of appliances as the exclusive brand installed on new Jay Flight and Lightweight trailers. And it begins with the 2025 model year. 

InVision Appliances Give Jayco Galleys and Laundry a Lift

The 2025 Jayco trailer line ranges from the 19-foot Jay Feather Micro starting at $35,835 MSRP. And the line continues all the way up to the 42-foot Jay Flight Bungalow starting at $79,718 MSRP. Described as a line of “coordinating, high-end kitchen and RV appliances,” the company builds cooking, refrigeration, and laundry systems specifically for RVs. 

Under the agreement, Airxcel will install their line of kitchen appliances in new Jayco trailers. Depending on the floorplan, the installed appliances can range from simple cooking ranges, refrigerators, and microwaves. But it can go even further, all the way to laundry machines and dishwashers on the larger trailers. Emphatically, all appliances are sourced from their facilities in the United States. 

Upgrade a Home Run with Early Customers

“We are excited to introduce and offer the brand new InVision appliances in the Jay Flight and Lightweight series for the 2025 model year,” says Matt Fisher, director of product development for Jay Flight Travel Trailers at Jayco. “Initial feedback from our dealers and customers has been overwhelmingly positive. From the design to fit and function, we feel the InVision appliances are a home run.”

Although the full Jayco line ranges from fifth-wheel trailers to Class A motorhomes, the agreement will only run for the Lightweight and Jay Flight product lines. At the same time, larger trailers feature residential appliances from GE and other providers. 

InVision appliances are just one of the divisions of Airxcel serving the RV industry. Other arms of the company include Maxxair RV HVAC systems, Suburban appliances, Aqua-Hot water heaters, United Shade awnings, and Cleer-Vision Windows and Doors. 

With fewer drivers taking long road trips, demand for gas this summer is dropping. And that could prove a boon for RVers hitting the road for pre-Labor Day travel. The latest round of data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows the average gallon of gas costs $3.50. That number is down compared year-to-year, as more drivers elect to stay home. But for RVers looking at pre-Labor Day travel, the gas price drop comes at the perfect time.

Gas Production, Demand Signal Lower Prices 

What is behind this summer’s gas price drop? The AAA suggests that sweltering heat across the United States is to blame for the dropping cost of gas across the country. With the roads not as crowded, the overall demand for gas is lowering. 

Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that gas demand dropped by 610,000 barrels per day. At the same time, domestic gas stocks rose by a modest amount. With lower demand and production reduced because of Hurricane Beryl, analysts believe that gas costs for RVs could start trailing further downward. 

“The arrival of summer used to signal the start of a robust driving season, but that has not been the case recently,” says Andrew Gross with AAA. “We know that a record number of travelers were forecast to hit the highways for the July 4th holiday. But since then, they appear to be staying off the road, and the recent scorching heat is possibly to blame.” 

Meanwhile, oil prices continue to remain in flux. Current U.S. crude oil inventories are currently sitting around 5 percent below the five-year average for this part of the year. West Texas Intermediate prices have dropped by around 5 percent during the month. 

States with the Highest and Lowest Gas Prices

Across the nation, the South remains the cheapest place to fill up. Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Arkansas all have the lowest gas prices in the nation, with the average motorist paying less than $3.15 per gallon. In the continental United States, the Pacific West represents the high-end in gas prices. California, Washington State, Nevada, and Oregon are all the most expensive places to get gas. Drivers and RVers on the West Coast can expect to pay upwards of $3.98 per gallon. 

For RVers planning on visiting America’s Largest RV Show this September, gas prices in Pennsylvania remain at $3.66 a gallon. But even with the Keystone State being on the high end of the gas price drop, the trip could save potential RV buyers money on their next RV. Walking inside actual models is an invaluable part of the research journey — whether you buy an RV onsite or trade your RV for a newer model later.

If you own a Triple E motorhome, you might be on the lookout for a letter from the manufacturer about your RV. RV Business reports both Triple E and Forest River, on a smaller scale, are on the list for the latest RV recalls for the week beginning July 22, 2024. 

Triple E Floor Structures Behind Recall

The Triple E motorhome recall affects 329 Wonder W24RL, W24FTB, W24MBL, and W24MB motorhomes. The affected models were manufactured between the 2020 and 2024 model years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the floor structure to the crossmember may not be properly secured. This could cause the attached generator to fall. If your RV is affected, dealers will do the work to secure the floor structure to the crossmember for free. Affected RV owners are expected to be notified by mail after the week of August 7, 2024. 

Forest River’s Two New Recalls

Forest River also has two new active recalls, affecting a small amount of their RVs. The first affects 35 2024 Forest River Salem, Wildwood, and Stealth EVO travel trailers. According to the information provided, the RVs may have been shipped with a Federal Placard showing an incorrect rim size, which does not comply with current regulations. Affected owners will be contacted by mail starting after August 11, 2024. 

The second Forest River recall affects 17 2024 Salem, Puma, Wildwood, and 2025 Cherokee travel trailers equipped with certain Pacific Rim brand couplers. Those trailers were shipped with an incorrect load rating of 14,000 pounds. If the trailers are overloaded, it could cause the hitch to fall and cause damage. Owners who are affected can expect to get a notice after August 21, 2024. 

The recalls are issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in cooperation with the manufacturers. Whether you are already an RV owner, selling your RV, or looking purchase your next RV, tracking recalls for your model are important. Owners can contact their dealers or the manufacturers directly to learn more about the recalls. They can also find out if their RV is subject to a current recall at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. 

When it comes to RVing in the United States, travelers have plenty of spots to choose from. But according to fellow road warriors, Utah may lead all states in their list of the best places to RV in 2024. Last month, Dark Sky RV Park & Campground and Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground — both located in the Beehive State — were honored among The Dyrt’s 2024 Best Places to RV presented by State Farm. But the top spot went to campground on the other side of the Mississippi.

The Smoke Clears on the Top Place to RV in 2024

Leading the Dyrt’s list of the top 10 campgrounds in the country is an RV park in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Anchor Down RV Resort in Dandridge, Tennessee is just a short drive north of Gatlinburg. On the banks of Douglas Lake, the 175-site resort earned top honors in this year’s rankings. Its location is surrounded by Appalachian forestry and is in close proximity to family-friendly Pidgeon Forge. “That means guests at Anchor Down can experience the magic of Dollywood, treat themselves to a fantastic meal and still be back to their campsite in time for twilight s’mores,” the site notes. 

Although it only has 57 RV sites, RoadRunner Travelers RV Park took second place on the 2024 ranking list. The main reason is its incredible location. While it is over a six-hour drive to major cities like San Antonio and Dallas, the park is central to many of Texas’ natural wonders. The RV park is within the immediate vicinity is Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the Parque Nacional Cañon de Santa Elena in Mexico. And the show doesn’t end at night. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, stargazers come from around the world to see the big and bright stars deep in the heart of Texas. 

Utah’s Two Appearances in the Top 10 

Dark Sky RV Park & Campground is one of two RV destinations honored in Utah. Of note, Utah is the only state with multiple entries on the list. Less than four hours away from Las Vegas and Sonoma on the Arizona-Utah border, campers seek out this park for peace and quiet. It is also complete with full hookups set with 75 feet between them for full privacy. However, that distance doesn’t mean it’s anti-social. Regular gatherings include social hours, local markets, and even guided meditation sessions. 

Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground is the other honoree in Utah. And its proximity to Bryce Canyon National Park is own of its treasured virtues. Guests can park the RV at one of the 250 sites. From there, they can catch a shuttle to the park’s top spots for hiking and sightseeing. And if you decide to stay in, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Ruby’s Inn. The RV park features an on-site pool, live music on the regular, and is even a rodeo stop. 

Other RV parks honored by the survey are in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Washington, and Wyoming. To see the full list of best places to park in 2024, visit The Dyrt. And to find the right RV to take there, there’s no time like the present to start your journey.

Every RV owner is required to carry insurance for their motorhome — a fact especially relevant to new RV owners. While specific requirements may vary based on where an owner lives (and the type of RV owned), the need for insurance leads owners to a search for the best RV insurance company for them. And RVers quickly find that levels of coverage can vary significantly. 

When it comes to finding the best overall plan for their RV, travelers may want to start their search at Progressive, American Family Insurance, and Foremost Insurance Group. All three were named among the best RV insurance companies according to a study by Forbes Advisor, updated on July 12, 2024.

Determining the Top RV Insurance Companies 

To determine the best RV insurance companies, Forbes Advisor took into consideration the number of complaints filed against the companies according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, coverage options, insurance discounts, and collision repair. Eight insurance companies were considered, with Progressive, American Family, and Foremost getting the top ratings. 

Best RV Insurance According to Forbes

According to the study editors, Progressive takes the only five-star rating. Among the reasons were the “wide variety of discounts for RV drivers.” The he wide-ranging “coverage features that financially protect your RV and belongings” were also noted. Progressive is one of the largest companies protecting all types of RVs and motorhomes — Class A homes to tow-along trailers. The Cleveland-based company also rated high for their low number of complaints and options. Some of the add-ons travelers can choose with their RV coverage include pest protection, pet injury coverage, roof protection, and vacation liability. 

Matching Insurance to an Owner’s Specific Needs

Part of the Farmers Insurance Group, Foremost Insurance came in second with a 4.7-star rating. Forbes editors singled out their product as best for adjacent structures. This includes offering coverage for collisions with sheds, decks, covered porches, and other stand-alone buildings not attached to the RV. It is available nationwide for Class A, B, and C motorhomes and the majority of the U.S. for luxury motor coaches and trailers. Foremost also earned top marks for offering insurance if owners decide to rent out their RV during the year. 

American Family Insurance came in a close third with a 4.5-star rating. It stood out for having the lowest number of complaints among all major RV insurance companies. The editors note having the fewest complaints “indicates that American Family has good customer service that keeps issues from escalating.” The company offers coverage for everything. From Class A motorhomes to mounted truck campers, coverage options include limited pet insurance, custom equipment coverage, and rental reimbursement. On the downside, American Family Insurance is only available in 19 states in the country. That is notably less when compared to the availability of Progressive and Foremost plans.

Nationwide Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance also earned marks above four stars as the best insurance companies for discounts and collision repairs, respectively. 

While RVing can be an expensive hobby on its own, the good news is that insurance costs do not add an exorbitant cost to your travels. What matter is that an owner finds the best RV insurance company for their specific needs. According to Trusted Choice, drivers of a Class A motorhome can expect to pay around $1,150 per year on average for insurance, while Class C drivers should budget approximately $900 annually for their insurance costs.