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Author: Tony Barthel

  • How an RV Warranty Works: An Owner’s Guide

    How an RV Warranty Works: An Owner’s Guide

    Look, we all know that there are warranties, and there are warranties. And we’ve neatly decided not to waste the time reading the fine print on our $50 printer’s warranty. But when it comes to big-ticket, high-stakes purchases? Of, baby! It pays to to pay attention. Now, no matter how much you’re spending on your RV, it not only classifies as a big purchase — it’s also full of features and amenities that are gonna get some heavy use. So, before you buy, it’s crucial to know how your RV warranty works. (Or, more correctly, how its warranties work. Don’t worry: We’ll explain.)

    Lucky for you, I was formerly a  warranty administrator at an RV dealership, and I have a few insights that I’d like to share about the value of an RV warranty and what you might consider if you’re RV shopping.

     

    A Little RV Warranty 101: Think Warranties

    Essentially, an RV warranty is a promise by the RV manufacturer to make good on any defects in the manufacturing process. Almost every RV manufacturer handles warranty claims the same way: While the warranty is the manufacturer’s, customer interaction is almost always the responsibility of the dealer. So, if you find that you have an issue with your RV, your dealership is an automatic first stop. 

    Now, one good thing about an RV warranty is that it’s very likely not a warranty. It’s a collection of warranties. So, when you see a shiny new RV with an X-year warranty sticker on it, that may not be the entire thing. RVs are built of components sourced from a number of manufacturers. I’m something of an RV expert, but I don’t know of any RV company that builds their own furnace, stove, refrigerator, air conditioner or many other major systems. (In fact, many RV companies don’t build the frames or axle/suspension systems either.)

    So, even if the RV you’re looking at carries a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on the RV itself, some components could have warranties that are covered long after the general warranty expires. 

     

    Some Subsystem RV Warranty Examples

    For example, Dexter’s torsion axles carry a 10-year warranty. The Alpha Ply rubber roofing on some RVs actually has a lifetime warranty. Many RV appliances including furnaces, air conditioners, and more have two-year warranties. 

    Often an RV builder will include individual paperwork for the variety of subsystems in the RV. The warranty that covers those systems will be stated in the paperwork. Sometimes the RV builder will also include listings of the various serial numbers of the components in the RV. They’re usually located in a place where they’re easy to find. (You know, like in the manual.)

    I recently bought a 2025 Rockwood Mini Lite and was really taken aback by the manual in this trailer that was put together in a binder with the specific model and serial numbers of all the various components in the RV. This is highly unusual and was a very welcome surprise. 

    The manuals likely also detail how to go about filing a RV warranty claim.

     

    How RV Warranty Claims Work

    Whether it’s for the RV in general or a system in the RV, all RV warranty claims essentially work the same way. Once you realize that you have a warranty claim, you can deal with the selling dealership — or, in some cases, with the component manufacturer or even the RV manufacturer. But know this: RV manufacturers generally expect warranty claims to come from dealerships. (And not all manufacturers are even set-up to handle warranty claims from individuals.)

    What’s going to happen is that a lot of photos of the issue will get taken and then filed with the RV’s manufacturer. From personal experience, I’ve found that no matter how many photos I took, the claims initially got denied for more photos. So, we take more photos and refile the warranty claim. The photos will also accompany a written description of the issue. I have had some RV companies that had really excellent web-based warranty claim systems. Others actually required that we fax in the claim. (Seemed ridiculous at the time — and more so today.)

    From there, the claim gets approved and almost all RV companies have a set rate for how long — in minutes — they expect the repair to take, which is included in the repair process. 

    One example that really sticks out in my mind was for an electric fireplace, which had failed. The RV company allocated 10 minutes to replace a fireplace. Plus, we got a replacement fireplace shipped to us. At the dealership, that almost covered putting the new fireplace in.

     

    How Dealerships Handle an RV Warranty 

    In the same fireplace claim that I just described, we spent probably 40 minutes figuring out what was wrong. Some 30-amp RVs have a switch that shuts off the electric fireplace if you turn on the microwave. So, our tech had to figure out if this was the problem — or if it was actually the fireplace itself. Then he had to remove the old fireplace and test it on his test bench. While he was doing all this, we took photos of the process to document what was wrong. Then we took photos of the serial and model number of the fireplace. 

    Now, you have two employees spending time diagnosing this, but our dealership only got paid 10 minutes time to affect the repair. That meant that the dealership had to pay one person, our tech, 40 minutes in time. And then they had to pay me (an employee of the dealership, not the owner) to document the process, file the claim, and then order the new fireplace. But we were only getting reimbursed our shop rate for 10 minutes. 

    As you can see, RV warranty work is generally a money-losing proposition for a dealership. 

     

    Why It’s Best to Return to the Dealership of Purchase

    So, if you shopped the dealership and then went to the next town over and bought the RV for less money, you can see why the local dealership has no interest in providing warranty service for you. Since RV dealerships aren’t franchised (like car dealerships are), they are also not compelled to provide warranty service to you if you didn’t buy the RV there. 

    Yes, it stinks but that’s the state of RV repair today. 

    This is one of the many reasons I highly recommend shopping your RV dealership first before you make a final buying decision. The caliber of their service department and the ability to complete warranty work is a big factor in your claim. 

     

    How to Take and Submit Pictures

    I had mentioned that the process of filing an RV warranty claim generally involves a lot of photos submitted to the RV manufacturer. That’s true. Basically, you’re going to want to be besties with your camera — for a lot of reasons. 

    First of all, if the various stickers on your RV’s systems are still in decent shape, you’ll want to take a photo of them. This will give you serial numbers and model numbers for the various parts. I usually snap a photo of things like axles and other items whose stickers can be damaged over time by use. 

    But if you do have an RV warranty claim, some dealers will take your photos and submit the claim on your behalf. This could save them time and also mean you don’t have to bring the RV in for service. (Not all dealers work this way, but remember the statement about shopping your RV dealership first.)

     

    What an RV Warranty Is Worth

    With a solid dealership ally on your side and reasonable claims, RV companies absolutely honor the warranties. Honestly, as long as I filed the claim properly, I don’t remember ever having a claim denied that was a legitimate claim. 

    In fact, there were times where I filed a claim after the warranty period, and the manufacturer still stood behind the system. This is not expected. (And also not typical.) But some RV manufactures might stretch the rules just a tiny bit depending on the circumstances. Naturally, this also depends on the RV manufacturer. Fortunatelym the dealership I worked at tended to favor brands that serviced our dealership well so we could, in turn, serve the customer well. 

    So, is the warranty on your RV legitimate? Rest easy. I have yet to see a circumstance where it isn’t. 

     

    When Your RV Warranty Clock Starts

    Know that the coverage of your warranty starts when the paperwork on the sale goes through. So if you’re planning on purchasing an RV, for example during the off-season, and then not using it until the weather is more cooperative, your warranty clock is still ticking. 

    I suggest taking the RV from the dealership right to a campground or a place where you can test as many systems as possible. Perhaps winter’s bite might keep you from using the water system but furnaces, the fridge, and many other systems work year-round. 

  • 2025 Thor Motor Coach Gemini TRIP 22MT Review

    2025 Thor Motor Coach Gemini TRIP 22MT Review

    If Class Cs interest you but you’ve been concerned that you have to leave your gear behind, this new 2025 Thor Motor Coach Gemini TRIP 22MT might be just the solution. With a large cargo bay, this model demonstrates a unique ability to handle cargo. 

    We got a full look and have the story.  

     

    At a Glance: Gemini TRIP 22MT

    I rated the 2025 Thor Motor Coach Gemini TRIP 22MT at a 6.7 out of 10 — an above-average score reflecting the really useful cargo bay and overall function of this Class C. 

    Moreover, the Gemini TRIP’s Ford Transit chassis, all-wheel drive (AWD), and safety systems — including lane departure warnings, precollision assist, TPMS, hill-start assist, and more — make it both a great motorhome on the road and off. Given that the Gemini TRIP 22MT comes with child safety seats, the emphasis on safety really makes sense when considering the potential passengers.

     

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Thor Motor Coach Gemini TRIP 22MT” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 2
    • UVW: 9,024 pounds 
    • CCC: 1,976 pounds
    • Exterior length: 23 feet 7 inches
    • Exterior height 11 feet
    • Exterior width: 7 feet 6 inches
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 38/37/20 gallons
    • Propane: 40 pounds
    • Awning: 14 feet
    • MSRP: $196,650

     

     

    Features We Love

    • Forward-facing seats that have accommodation for child safety restraints
    • Sliding table for the back seat
    • Swiveling cockpit chairs with bolsters
    • Cargo compartment with drop-down bed

     

    Road-side view of the Gemini TRIP 22MT. With the back door open, you can already get both an idea how big the cargo area is and a glimpse of the drop-down Skybunk.

     

    Benefits

    • Child safety seats. Many Class C motorhomes have limited seating and cannot legally accommodate child safety seats. That’s not true here with two captain-style chairs in the second row with three-point seat belts. Those kinds of features can transform this into a vehicle you could actually use as a daily driver if you have a child or grandchild who participates in group activities. 
    • Table versatility. At that second row is a table that slides back and forth to optimize its position depending on who needs it at the time. 
    • Great cockpit seating. The cockpit chairs in this also swivel 180 degrees so you can face rearward creating a space that will work for entertaining friends. There are also seat bolsters included to raise you up to the same level as the back seat occupants. 
    • Cargo space. The highlight of this entire camper is the cargo bay, which is large enough to accommodate bikes or kayaks. There is a door on the back of the rig and one on the side to allow for easy access to this space. 

     

    Challenges

    • Limited sleep space. The only bed in here is the drop-down bed over the cargo bay. You may have to move some cargo at nighttime depending on what you brought with you. (Although the bed does allow you to stop it at any height within its range and there is an adaptable telescoping ladder to get into it.)
    • Smallish living area. RV design is all about making tradeoff decisions with space. In the Gemini TRIP 22MT, the large cargo area — perhaps this models single strongest feature — comes at the cost of the living area, which is largely limited forward-facing seats and cockpit chairs. While the power-lift bed opens the possibility of retaking and using some space (once you get any outdoor toys out), don’t be fooled: This model is meant to push you into the outdoors.

     

    Best For

    • If you are someone who loves to bring adventure gear, this would be a great choice. For many Class C shoppers and owners, the prospects of doing that aren’t great in other models. But the Gemini TRIP 22MT has a much larger cargo space for outdoor toys. Likewise, Class lovers who may want an upgrade in storage would be wise to look at this model.
    • This could also be a great choice as a daily driver for someone whose children are involved in activities. You could have two kids who play tuba in the marching band and bring both tubas, plus have a kitchen and bathroom right there with you. 

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    There is one official bed in the Gemini TRIP 22MT and that’s the 60-inch-by-74-inch bed that’s on a power lift mechanism over the cargo bay. The bed can be raised and lowered to whatever position works well for you and stopped anywhere in the lift process. It is equipped with a telescoping ladder to accommodate these various heights. 

    If you brought an inflatable mattress, you really could use the floor of the cargo space as additional sleeping area. An extremely versatile space, this could also be a great place if you need room for a pack and play for a very young traveler — a rare RV luxury indeed! 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The bathroom in the Gemini TRIP 22MT is rather good with two very large, mirrored doors on the medicine cabinet and a decent-sized countertop adjacent to the sink. The 30-inch-by-36-inch shower features a flexible curtain that’s curved at the top to give more interior space. Overall, a good bathroom — frankly much better than that of most Class B vans, which are the logical competitors to this model.

     

     

    Living Area

    The only seating in the Gemini TRIP 22MT are those forward-facing seats along with the captain’s chairs in the cockpit. This isn’t the Class C to get if you like lounging in a lavish space. But the seats are comfortable enough, and that sliding table lets everybody have some room to eat. 

    Arguably, you could use the back cargo bay as part of the living space, as there is a deck above two large drawers that you can sit on. I like the magnetic Roman-style blinds back here. They have a warmer feel than a lot of the blinds in RVs and do a great job of keeping the light out. 

     

     

    Kitchen

    The Gemini TRIP 22MT is a smaller Class C with no slide. So, the kitchen isn’t all that big, but it’s not bad either. There is a counter extension that lifts to be flush with the rest of the countertop — not something you’ll typically find in many RVs. 

    A smaller 12-volt fridge provides the cool while a single-induction cooktop along with a convection microwave puts the heat in the kitchen. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    This RV features 12-volt heating pads on the holding tanks which can enable you camp in colder climates. This also sports a hydronic heating system using the vehicle fuel (diesel) providing a really comfortable and continuous heat. 

     

    Storage Space

    This is where the Gemini TRIP 22MT shines. And it’s not just that large cargo compartment in the back, either. Naturally, that cargo area is the main storage feature of this rig with cargo tie-downs in the compartment and the ability to easily swallow up a couple of bikes or a kayak or lots of adventure gear. 

    There are also a number of exterior storage bays on the Gemini TRIP 22MT that are made of a rotomolded plastic. (So they don’t get damaged by damp contents.) Many of those also have motion-sensing lights inside. However, I would like to see some provision on these to limit their ability to flop down and potentially cause paint damage. (Perhaps a chain of some sort?)

    Inside, someone was really thinking when they designed the storage in this Class C. There is a hanging closet just past the refrigerator that could be a pantry, a closet, or whatever. The space is divided into two halves with a floor in the top half that can be lifted out if you choose to use the space for hanging storage. 

    There are two very large drawers on the road side of the cargo bay and a number of cubbies with nets over the front. 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Gemini TRIP 22MT

    Overall, I believe the Gemini TRIP 22MT answers a question that a lot of RVers ask: Where can I keep my stuff? In the case of this rig, there’s all that storage in the back including drawers and cubbies. I also think it could serve a number of people with the realistic second row seating. 

    One thing I did see that I wish were different was over the cab, where there is a larger window in the cap. There really isn’t much storage at all up there, and the window is just another thing to leak. I would rather they dump the window altogether and use this for a bit more storage — perhaps for the bedding that you’ll use in the power-operated bunk. 

    But I can see this being a popular choice, and there is a lot to like about it. 

     

    A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

    RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

    The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.

     

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Gemini TRIP 22MT

    What Other Campers Are Saying

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  • 2025 RV Shipments Up Almost 14 Percent Ahead of Tariffs

    2025 RV Shipments Up Almost 14 Percent Ahead of Tariffs

    Overall RV shipments are experiencing an almost 14 percent rise in the first quarter of 2025, according to an RV Industry Association (RVIA) report. Fifth wheels, travel trailers, and truck campers have seen the largest rises in units shipped. Meanwhile, motorhome shipments saw a decrease over the same period. These RV shipments, which represent wholesale shipments to dealers no retail sales, are being shipped before any new tariffs take effect. The time of the shipments dealers can be well stocked with pretariff units.

     

    Fifth Wheels Top Gainer Among 2025 RV Shipments

    Fifth wheel numbers saw the greatest growth with a 30.8 percent increase over the same period last year. By March, 18,243 units rounded out the fifth wheel total for the quarter. Travel trailers, too, showed a big gain, seeing a 14.5 percent increase over last year’s shipments with 68,114 units shipped in the first quarter. 

    Truck campers also gained with a nine percent increase year-over-year with 888 units shipped. Folding camp trailers (aka pop-up trailers) showed a more modest growth of 2.5 percent in the first quarter of the year.

     

    Motorhome Shipments Drop Over 10 Percent

    All the news wasn’t rosy for shipments of every RV type. While towables saw an overall rise with 17.2 percent, motorhome shipments dropped by 10.5 percent. Total shipments of motorhomes units moved from 10,416 in 2024’s first quarter to 9,318 in 2025. Class A motorhomes saw 4.1 percent drop; Class Cs saw a 9.4 percent drop; and Class Bs saw a substantial 18.1 percentdecline in shipments. 

     

    Pretariff Shipments and the Coming Summer Season

    The RVIA numbers represent wholesale shipments to dealers but don’t represent retail sales. The models being shipped today are also still shipped before any new tariffs take effect. This enables dealers to stock their inventories with pretariff units. Some dealers have shared that interest rates have still been a challenge to their ability to complete more retail sales. So the shipments, in combination with this, might represent an opportunity for buyers who are in a position to purchase.

    RVIA’s President and CEO, Craig Kirby, sees the upcoming selling season optimistically, “Heading into the summer selling season, RV shipments are up nearly 14 percent in the first quarter, and our research shows an estimated 72 million Americans planning RV trips this year.” Kirby says, “While we’re keeping a close eye on consumer confidence and potential tariff effects, one thing remains clear: Even in times of economic uncertainty, Americans turn to travel and the outdoors. The RV lifestyle has enduring appeal offering freedom, flexibility, and memorable adventures on the open road.”

  • Heartland RV Announces Layoffs, Facility Closure in Reorg

    Heartland RV Announces Layoffs, Facility Closure in Reorg

    Heartland RV has announced the closing of its Sturgis, Michigan manufacturing facility and the layoff of hundreds of employees, according to Modern Campground. The decision is part of THOR Industries’s reorganization of the brand under the Jayco leadership, as reported on April 7. In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filing filed by the Heartland RVs on April 22, 2024, the company stated that 121 employees were being permanently let go, and the facility was to be closed permanently.

     

    Heartland RV Layoffs and Plant Closure Impact Michigan and Indiana Workers

    The layoffs are part of a bigger group of layoffs for Heartland RV with about 500 workers across four facilities in Indiana and Michigan, according to reporting by Indiana station WNDU. The layoffs come for workers at Cruiser RV, Heartland RV and DRV, all pieces of the Heartland family. The slate of layoffs will go into effect on June 20. 

    Originally, the 144,000-square-foot Sturgis facility was intended to produce 5,000 units annually. The plant was built with a variety of funds, including $700,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Overall, the facility received $35.9 million in state and local incentives. 

    Heartland RV has had a number of challenges that are meant to be addressed by the integration with Jayco. The industry is reporting shipments on the rise for towables in general. The move addresses concerns by management about challenges at Heartland RV. However, additional efficiencies are expected to come from the layoffs. 

  • 2025 Forest River Recalls — and What Owners Can Do

    2025 Forest River Recalls — and What Owners Can Do

    Several recalls relating to Forest River RVs have been announced in 2025 that will affect thousands of RV owners. From entry steps to propane explosions, owners can review the list below and see if any 2025 Forest River recalls pertain to their RV. Below, readers will also find the respective recall numbers to address the issue with Forest River.

     

    List of 2025 Forest River Recalls

    MORryde Entry Steps

    Over 4,000 fifth wheel and travel trailers equipped with MORryde entry steps being recalled by Forest River according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue at hand are removable steps built by MORryde. According to the recall, the clip-on mounting bracket could come loose allowing the steps to detach.

    Among the Forest River brands being affected are 2024-25 Aurora, Cascade, Catalina, Cedar Creek, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Sierra and 2025 Campsite Reserve, Impression, Pause, Puma, Sabre, Salem, Vengeance, and Wildwood fifth wheel trailers. 

    Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1915.

     

    InVision Cooktop 

    Another recall was issued on certain 2025 Shasta Oasis and Spirit travel trailers equipped with InVision three-burner cooktops. According to NHTSA, the issue is that an aluminum tubs could crack causing a gas leak. 

    Forest River’s internal number for this recall is 53—1883.

     

    What Owners Should Do

    Owners may contact Forest River customers service at (574) 821-1311. Alternatively, they may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to NHTSA.gov.

    In both cases dealers will be empowered to do inspection and are authorized to make necessary repairs.

     

    How to Find Recalls on Your RV

    In many cases recalls are handled through the NHTSA. You can use their website to search for recalls that may affect your RV or even your own personal vehicles here.

     

    What Is a Recall — and Why Are They Common?

    Recalls can span from important safety issues, such as the one regarding the gas stoves to mislabeling of safety information. With the ever-increasing complexity of vehicles along with the dizzying maze of regulation some of that can trigger a recall. But sometimes it truly is a safety item. A recall doesn’t mean the vehicle is necessarily bad, but is generally done to correct an issue discovered after it was released to the public. 

    It should be noted that all RVs are built from components from a wide number of suppliers. In both these cases, the issue at hand was a supplier-side issue and not the fault of Forest River. All new RVs come with information on who provided the components.

     

    Best Practices for Owners

    As an owner, it is a best practice to make a list of model and serial numbers of as many of these components as possible when the RV is newer and the labels on the components themselves are still easily readable. One way of doing so, especially with items that are exposed to the elements such as frames, axles and other critical running gear, is to photograph the serial and model numbers on the components when the labels are still readable.

  • Cuts to USACE Recreation Facilities Hit the Dakotas

    Cuts to USACE Recreation Facilities Hit the Dakotas

    Beginning this month on May 1, 2025, several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreational areas both North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana will be temporarily closed or experience service reductions, according to the USACE Omaha District release. According to the agency, staffing shortages and resource limitations following the cuts to USACE will limit the ability to “safely open and maintain all recreation sites at normal levels of service.”

    Many RVers like these places for the generally pleasant surroundings and very affordable pricing. These facilities typically have large recreational reservoirs and are also popular for fishing or boating. The release also warned that safety patrols in these areas that do remain open may be reduced.

    In addition, janitorial services will also be reduced meaning restrooms and other common facilities could be less pleasant. For those who wish to visit any USACE site, the agency suggests that one should contact the location before planning a visit. 

     

    Areas Affected by Cuts to USACE

    Campground Closures

    The following campgrounds will be fully or partially closed for the 2025 season:

    • East Totten Trail Campground, North Dakota
    • Wolf Creek Campground, North Dakota
    • Hazelton Campground, North Dakota
    • Cattail Bay Authorized Camping Area, North Dakota
    • Beaver Creek Campground (partial loop closure), North Dakota
    • North Shore Campground, South Dakota

    These closures will also impact supporting services. Those services include the following: janitorial services, refuse removal, mowing, park attendants, fire ring cleaning, and weed control. At each location, USACE will post closure signage. For any reservations that have been made through Recreation.gov, full refund will be processed.

     

    Day Use Area Closures and Reductions

    Several comfort stations and vault toilets will be closed at day use areas. These include:

    • Good Soldier Day Use/Boat Ramp, South Dakota – one vault toilet closed
    • North Shore Beach Day Use/Boat Ramp, South Dakota – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
    • Old Fort Thompson, South Dakota – one comfort station closed
    • Left Tailrace, South Dakota – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed

     

    Visitor Center Impacts

    Educational and interpretive programs at the following visitor centers will be affected:

    • Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum, Montana – reduced to one day per week (from five)
    • Oahe Visitor Center, South Dakota – closed
    • Fort Randall Visitor Center, South Dakota – closed
    • Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point, Nebraska – reduced hours (Wednesday-Saturday)

     

    Powerhouse Tour Suspensions

    Powerhouse tours at the following project sites will be suspended beginning mid-May:

    • Garrison, North Dakota
    • Oahe, South Dakota
    • Fort Randall, South Dakota
    • Big Bend, South Dakota
    • Fort Peck, Montana – available only during Fort Peck Interpretive Center hours

    The release goes on to say these temporary adjustments following the cuts to USACE are being made to ensure visitor safety, protect environmental resources, and sustain critical hydropower and dam operations across the Missouri River Basin.

    Speaking about the cuts to USACE, Col. Robert J. Newbauer, Omaha District commander, says,“We understand these closures may disrupt plans, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s flexibility as we take the necessary steps to provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences this summer,” 

     

    About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approximately 37,000 civilian and military personnel delivering engineering services in over 130 customers, according to the agency. Among the tasks they are charged with include building and maintaining America’s infrastructure including maintaining water ways for use within communities including flood control. 

    Where the Corps oversees these facilities there are generally very affordable and rather pleasant camping facilities which are enjoyed by many. Cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers budgets will likely affect more of these facilities. 

  • Cortes 18 Announces New Lightweight Possibilities for RVs

    Cortes 18 Announces New Lightweight Possibilities for RVs

    RV maker Cortes Campers recently announced a limited production run of their new Cortes 18 model, which replaces the traditional metal frame with one made of composite. According to the company’s website, replacing a traditional steel chassis with our new patented advanced composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, can result in significant weight savings and enhanced performance.

     

    The Unique Building Process of the Cortes 18

    Using fiberglass makes the Cortes 18 chassis approximately 68 percent lighter. Further, the carbon fiber option achieves an even greater weight reduction — around 80 percent. 

    The composite materials also result in superior durability, with the benefit of being corrosion-resistant. The lighter weight can enable less-capable vehicles to tow the diminutive Cortes 18 and the lack of corrosion implies a longer life span for the trailer.  Other unique aspects of the model include the fat that the holding tanks are actually molded into the camper itself. The company has applied for a patent on the build process, referred to as monocoque construction. 

    The idea is that the body and frame form a single structural unit, eliminating the need for a separate frame and making the entire structure stronger. Interestingly, this evokes a process similar to that of many exotic vehicles and airplanes, which undergo a similar build. 

    This Cortes 18 model — the 18BB — features all the usual things found in a fully equipped travel trailer, including toilet, shower, and a full kitchen. The dry weight of the trailer is 1,885 pounds which is remarkably light. 

    The exterior is molded fiberglass utilizing vacuum infusion. The company first sprays gelcoat, then adds all the dry fiberglass and core. After that is complete, they inject resin under vacuum pressure, which vacuum-infuses and cures in one process. The process is commonly known as “vacuum infusion”. Many others use what’s called a chopper gun to shred up fiberglass which is applied by hand to the mold. That results in inconsistencies and also a great deal of labor cost. The process Cortes uses is less expensive and more precise.

     

    About Cortes Campers

    Cortes is a subsidiary of U.S. Lighting Group which builds a variety of products including products or the RV industry. 

    “When we started this company, we said we were going to build campers the same way they build airplanes, except with 21st Century materials,” U.S. Lighting Group CEO Paul Spivak said after touring various RV manufacturers. 

    The company only plans to build 100 of the new models which are available now through the company’s dealer network.

  • “Fork in the Road” Decimates National Parks Service Staff

    “Fork in the Road” Decimates National Parks Service Staff

    An estimated 2,400–2,500 National Park Service employees, representing about 12.5 percent of the agency’s staff, have taken offers to retire or resign according to the National Parks Conservation Corporation and reported in National Parks Traveler. Among those who reportedly took either an early retirement buyout or “fork in the road” offer, which had them either resign immediately but remain on the payroll through the end of the fiscal year, were some of the heads of the Park Service’s cultural and natural resources divisions.

    The offers are but one of several government measures to reduce the number of federal employees across a number of departments. Earlier this year, seasonal and probationary employees were affected by a separate cut. This time, early retirement was offered to more established employees who qualified and others were offered the “fork in the road”. An estimated 1,100 employees took the latest “fork in the road” offer adding to the 700 employees who did the same in February. Another 700 took the early retirement offer.

    National Parks Facing Sell-Off of Lands

    It is no exaggeration to say that National Parks are facing an existential crisis, not only with crippling staffing shortages, but with the lands themselves potentially going up for sale.

    The Public Lands in Public Hands Act has been drafted to prevent the sale of pub lands as a means to balance the federal budget. A bipartisan effort, the act is sponsored by U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasque and Ryan Zinke, the latter having served as Interior secretary during President Donald Trump’s first term. “What we’ve seen in the U.S. Senate is that they want to put public lands on the ledger to essentially balance this tax giveaway to billionaires. So we have to have some courage. We have to have folks speaking up,” Vasquez said.

    How Visitors Can Support National Parks

    Gregg Bafundo – a former U.S. Forest Service wilderness ranger who was fired, reinstated, and fired again, all in the past two months – said that rather than boycotting the parks, the best way to support the National Park system and other public lands is to show up. “What we need the American people to do is to use their public lands. We need the American people to not be afraid to get out there. We need the American people to show up and swarm their national parks and their national monuments and their national forests to show the value that these lands have. I don’t think we’re going to change the course of this administration by saying, ‘Oh, please don’t do that.’

    “Because the fear is that when these lands are gone, they’re gone forever.”

  • Electric RV News: Industry Confident Despite Uncertain Market

    Electric RV News: Industry Confident Despite Uncertain Market

    While EV sales have declined, electric RVs are slowly marching forward, with two manufacturers making the news in recent weeks. Harbinger Motors, based in Garden Grove, California, has begun production of their electric commercial truck chassis, which was the basis of Thor’s plug-in hybrid Class A prototype that was demonstrated at the 2024 Elkhart Dealer Open House.

    Conversely, GM has temporarily paused production of its Brightdrop electric delivery van. The Brightdrop has found favor with a few boutique RV makers who convert the vans to RVs. But sales are sluggish, with GM reporting only 274 units sold in total in the first quarter of 2025.

    Thor Prototype Previews Future Electric RVs


    At its open house last year Thor Motor Coach had a prototype motorhome based on the Harbinger chassis on a test track for journalists and RV dealers to try out. The vehicle itself looked very much like other Thor motorhomes, which are based on a Ford truck chassis. Other than a very unusual paint job, the Thor prototype resembled a Thor A.C.E. and was about the same size.

    To address the range anxiety commonly associated with EVs, an on-board gasoline engine extends the estimated range of the vehicle from 150 miles with a fully-charged battery alone to up to 500 miles. The ample battery capacity means equipment like kitchen appliances, the air conditioner, and such can all be run from the battery, without relying on a generator, similar to the Pebble Flow.

    My experience driving the prototype reminded me of the difference between driving an electric car and a gas-powered one. The motorhome offered reasonable acceleration and good overall performance; the handling was notable for being able to maneuver in the tight test course and navigate very tight turns – much tighter than one might expect a vehicle of this size to be able to handle.

    GM BrightDrop RV Sales Sluggish Despite Promise


    GM’s BrightDrop commercial van has had trouble finding traction with customers thus far, but there is at least one RV company that’s seen its potential for camper van conversions. RV maker Grounded bases their Zevo motorhome on the BrightDrop, promising 270 miles of range. Part of the RV upfit includes adding 1,000 watts of solar and adding an rail-based modular system to the interior that allows customers to fit and retrofit components like a shower, seating, or storage according to their present needs.

    Electric vehicles face a perennial chicken-and-egg problem between sales volumes and infrastructure: Drivers of EVs often report problems with a lack of charging stations – or ones that are out of service; on the other hand, there isn’t a big enough customer base to justify building out a more robust charging network, their operators claim. Though the benefits to RVing are obvious: quieter operation, less air pollution at campgrounds, extended off-grid autonomy, with the drastic ebb and flow of funding and public faith, the future of electric motoring is uncertain, but not without promise.

  • Coleman Travel Trailers Top US Sales Charts

    Coleman Travel Trailers Top US Sales Charts

    Camping World’s house brand, Coleman, was the most popular travel trailer brand in the US in 2024 based on sales volume, according to Statistical Surveys. Corporate cousin Jayco’s Jay Flight, meanwhile, was the top-selling North American brand in 2024 when including Canadian sales.

    The Coleman RV range is part of the Thor portfolio and is manufactured by one of its subsidiaries. Until recently that was Heartland RV, but Heartland itself was recently rolled into Jayco, with its house brands moved to Keystone’s Dutchmen RV branch.

    Camping World Chairman Marcus Lemonis stated in a press release related to the finding, “the Coleman portfolio represents our most traded-in unit and our most sold used unit, all contributing to our record year-to-date new and used combined unit market share. These lineups give us the ability to work directly with our manufacturing partners to ensure we are meeting the customer where they want to be in terms of both price and payment.”

    Statistical Surveys, Inc. is a subsidiary of Trader Interactive. The conclusions were reached by measuring unit volumes in the U.S. and Canada through February 2025.