South Dakota governor Larry Rhoden has signed two bills into law that will affect how RVers vote in the future: House Bill 1066 requires that an individual have spent at least 30 consecutive days in the state to be eligible to vote; House Bill 1208 would allow individuals who only have a mailbox in the state, or who otherwise do not fulfill the definition of “resident” under H.B. 1066 to register to vote for federal-level elections – i.e. president, senator, and house representative.
Why Is South Dakota Important to RVers?
South Dakota has a strong appeal to full-time RVers wishing to reduce costs. The state’s lack of income tax, very lenient vehicle registration costs, and the convenience of the mail services there appeal to full-time RVers.
The ease of becoming a resident of South Dakota is key: individuals can become legal residents by simply spending one night in the state and obtaining a legal address there, such as a postbox run by a local mailing service that caters to RVers.
Why Were These Bills Introduced?
Full-time RVers vote based on the electoral district of their mailing service, and given that hundreds of RVers can be served by a single physical location, this gives them an exaggerated sway in elections, an unusual form of gerrymandering. It also presents a strange situation for local residents whose elected officials may be determined by those who’ve spent less than 24 hours in their entire life in their state. The new legislative measures are intended to restore the voice of people who are most directly affected by the outcome of municipal and state elections.
Speaking at the Senate just prior to the vote on H.B. 1208, Sioux Falls Democratic Senator Jamie Smith expressed his frustration, referring to the race between fellow District 15 Democratic lawmaker Erik Muckey and Republican Joni Tschetter, “A friend of mine over in the House won by nine votes, OK? You take out the mailboxes and he wins by hundreds of votes. Hundreds.”
What’s the Effect of the Bills?
If you are a legal resident of South Dakota, but you have never stayed for 30 consecutive days in a single place in the state, then you can no longer vote in the state except by applying for an absentee ballot and only for federal elections. Note that the voting residency requirement only needs to be satisfied once in a lifetime and does not expire, unless there is a clear indication by the person that they will not return.
Should RVers be concerned that their ability to vote will be restricted? In South Dakota, there is now a divide between “legal” residents and “physical” residents where elections are concerned. However, this is a situation unique to this state that only exists because of its extraordinarily low bar to residency. Another popular state for RV registration, Montana, has the same 30-day requirement just to be considered a resident in the first place.
With the new legislation, South Dakota is closing a loophole rather than creating an unreasonable barrier to representation. For RVers who don’t yet qualify to vote, the solution is simple: find a campground in South Dakota that you enjoy and book a month-long stay.
Winnebago’s Newmar division announced a new foray for the brand, which has traditionally built large diesel pushers. Dubbed the Freedom Aire, this new RV will be a Class C based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500-series chassis.
“We’ve spent the last couple years connecting with Newmar owners as well as new and long-time RVers and the messages are clear: consumers are hungry for smaller footprints that enable more freedom and maneuverability,” said Newmar President Casey Tubman in a press release about the 2026 model lineup.
One of the issues we’ve found with many Class C offerings on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is that the weight of the RV often leaves only a minimal amount for contents, but the heavier-duty 4500 chassis should help alleviate that. The first company we’ve seen use this chassis is another Winnebago division, Grand Design, who introduced their Lineage Class C last year based on this chassis.
Among the innovations the brand plans to bring to the Class C market are a king-sized Murphy bed that reveals a two-person dinette when not deployed. There will also be an option for an 920-amp-hour lithium battery system in the rig. Also available is a solar option that includes roof-mounted panels as well as Newmar’s first-ever external and movable solar panel option, increasing solar capacity by up to three times.
The company also announced significant upgrades to the Summit Aire, the company’s Super C line. The Summit Aire is now based on the Freightliner Cascadia commercial chassis. One of the reasons people choose an RV like this is towing capacity, with the Summit Aire boasting 30,000 lb. Both offerings in the Summit Aire line are 45 feet in length.
We previously reported that while RV shipments in general are up, the sales of motorized RVs are down. How far? Up to almost 24 percent in a survey by the RV Industry Association. We have also shared that RV buyers are trending younger and favoring towable RVs by a significant margin. It remains to be seen if Newmar can spur interest in the brand with a new demographic by entering this segment of the market.
Campspot has announced its Best Campgrounds in North America of 2025. The company, which provides management and reservation software for campgrounds, bases its awards on user review and feedback. For those looking for a getaway this year, you won’t go wrong with one of the winning campgrounds on the list.
“The Campspot Awards aim to recognize those parks that are delivering outstanding guest experiences and embodying the spirit of modern camping,” said Erin Stender, CMO of Campspot. “This year’s winners represent the variety and depth of camping in North America today. From peaceful retreats where you can disconnect to adrenaline-pumping destinations perfect for families, we’re thrilled to showcase parks that are truly exceptional. Every campground on this list provides a unique experience for campers, and they’ve earned their place as the best in the business.”
In addition to an overall top 10 for US and Canada, the Campspot awards also featured a variety of top 5 lists, including: the best campgrounds for RVs, tent camping, and glamping; unique campgrounds and hidden gems; the best for quiet getaways or families; and by size – small, medium, and large.
For RVs, here are three award-winning additional parks not listed in the top 10:
“The winners of the 2025 Campspot Awards each offer a distinct experience,” said Stender. “Whether it’s the unique desert landscapes of Ramble at Great Sand Dunes National Park, the peaceful riverside views and outdoor adventures at RiverWalk on the Yadkin, or the expansive amenities at River Sands RV Resort, there’s something here for everyone. It’s not just about the location—these parks create experiences that resonate with campers long after they’ve packed up.”
Overlanding continues to ramp up in popularity, as evidenced by the success of the inaugural Overland Expo SoCal, held March 15–16 in Costa Mesa, Calif., which saw an estimated 19,000 attendees. Featuring 303 exhibitors, 30 presenters and trainers, and 84 classes, seminars, demos, and activities comprising over 96 hours of sessions; it’s all in support of the overlanding community, those who wish to camp off the grid, often in more rural and rustic settings.
According to Overland Expo, the organization responsible for this event, attendees hailed from 46 states with the highest attendance coming from California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. There were also visitors from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, Mexico, and South Korea.
Though this is the first Overland Expo in Southern California, it’s part of an event series with four additional stops: West, in Flagstaff, Arizona; Pacific Northwest, in Redmond, Oregon; Mountain West, in Loveland, Colorado; and East in Arlington, Virginia.
What’s at the Overland Expo?
In addition to rows and rows of products and gear to support the overlanding lifestyle, a popular attraction is the custom builds. There are also a growing number of RV manufacturers in attendance to show off ready-made rigs designed specifically to address the needs of overlanding.
Beyond the exhibitor booths, attendees had access to a variety of immersive activities and expert-led sessions. Overland Expo veteran Chris Bradley shared insider tips in “How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo,” drawing from his experience attending every show since 2009. At the DIY Showcase and Creator Vehicle areas, the “My Perfect Rig” series gave attendees a first-hand look at overland builds and gear setups. Chef Corso led interactive cooking sessions at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion including “No More Deli Sandwiches,” inspiring attendees to elevate their culinary creativity when camping.
The weekend also included networking and social events, such as Women Who Wander Networking, which brought together female overlanders to share stories, tips, and inspiration. Subaru provided puppy adoptions and an in-booth party, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and checked out Subaru vehicles.
About the Overland Expo
“The turnout at Overland Expo SoCal far exceeded our expectations,” said Jessica Kirchner, Vice President of Consumer Events for Emerald, which organizes the events. “With 70% of attendees reporting SoCal as their first Overland Expo, exhibitors were particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with a new overlanding audience, eager to learn and begin building out their vehicles for adventure. Across the board, exhibitors considered the event a tremendous success, with many already securing their spots for next year based on the incredible turnout, strong sales and high engagement.
“Overland Expo SoCal appeals to seasoned adventurers and newcomers interested in exploring what’s next in overlanding. Overland Expo SoCal reflects our commitment to growing with the community and providing unforgettable experiences across the country.”
One of the objectives of the Expo series is to support the Overland Expo Foundation, which started in 2020, to help support the lifestyle with trail betterment programs and other benefits to the infrastructure and the people who support it. Part of the way the organization raises money is by raffling one-of-a-kind custom vehicles and motorcycles through vendor partnerships. In 2023, over $104,000 was raised through these raffles.
Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer, has placed the Heartland RV brand under the control of Jayco, another company in its portfolio. The company cited Jayco’s strong market position and optimized operations as reasons for the change. The change is not expected to disrupt Heartland dealership operations nor affect Heartland RV owners.
The move comes during a soft market for RVs and looming challenges facing the industry as a whole. According to Bob Martin, president and CEO of Thor, “aligning key Heartland brands under the Jayco umbrella creates potential to maximize the performance of those brands.”
What About My Heartland Warranty?
Customers who currently own Heartland products that are covered under that brand’s warranty should not be affected in any way. Ultimately, Thor is responsible for fulfilling that warranty through established channels. Further, many of the components in an RV, including those assembled by Heartland, are made by separate suppliers, each with their own warranties. These could include systems such as air conditioners, furnaces, kitchen appliances, and chassis components. Of course, these warranties will not be affected.
Heartland was also responsible for several brands that didn’t bear the Heartland name, including some products sold exclusively by Camping World and others sold by Bish’s. Those products will now be built by Dutchmen which is part of the Keystone family, also a Thor brand.
Martin said, “Under the leadership of (Dutchmen President) Aaron Young, these private label brands will be under leadership that has proven its ability to deliver private label offerings with strong margins. Consolidating this business with Dutchmen’s current lineup will improve our operating leverage at Dutchmen and empower Dutchmen to continue to provide high-quality private label brands previously offered by Heartland.”
My Jayco experience
I got to tour Jayco’s operations in 2024 and was shown their plants, pre-delivery inspection facilities, and more. The company was absolutely investing in operations and procedures despite the market being soft at that time. One of the most impressive aspects of this was the company’s investment in pre-delivery inspection facilities, where every RV that rolled out of a Jayco plant was subjected to a thorough top-to-bottom test.
Vice President of Marketing Trey Miller shared that Jayco is using newer software and control procedures to stay on top of customer requests and habits which has resulted in noteworthy changes to the product itself. Among those customer-driven changes were obvious ones like better mattresses, but also less obvious changes, such as moving furnace ducts from the floor. The attention to detail was clear and is one of the reasons Jayco continues to hold a solid reputation in the industry.
About Heartland RVs
Heartland Recreational Vehicles was founded in 2003 and was acquired by Thor Industries in 2010. Under Thor, Heartland RV built a 144,000-square-foot facility in Sturgis, Michigan, which features 40 stations and 34 assembly lines responsible for 5,000 RVs annually.
In addition to the house brands built for several dealership chains, Heartland also owns Cruiser RV and the DRV line of luxury fifth wheels. They also have nine travel trailer brands, a fifth wheel brand, and a toy hauler brand. It’s an extensive portfolio, and no confirmation was given as to which of these brands were making the transition.
It’s that time of year. Many RVers are beginning to make their plans for the season. Of course, that starts with going outside and spring cleaning your RV — an unenviable yet necessary task. So, we thought we’d share some of our best tips for spring cleaning your RV. That way, you can get the dirty work done and let the fun begin as the weather warms up.
In spring cleaning your RV, though, you’ll also find that it gives you a great opportunity to reevaluate the things you’re bringing with you. (And, perhaps, replace some of the items that don’t make the cut. Or, even better, sometimes leave some things behind.)
So, let’s get started!
Start with a Clean Slate
In personal practice, the first thing we do when spring cleaning the RV is to literally empty out the entire RV. Yes, all of it. (If you haven’t already done this in winterization, that is.) We pull everything off every shelf in our travel trailer. The we put those items in totes and boxes.
As we do this, the boxes get labels. And, to facilitate that, we get a roll of Post-It® Labeling and Cover-Up tape. Essentially, this is a Post-It® note on a roll much like other tape. And it’s really convenient for this task. Like a traditional Post-It note, this comes off without leaving a mess, and, being in a roll, you can use as much or as little as you need. This makes it easy to remember what’s what and what goes into which cabinet. In our case, we also label the cabinet doors with this stuff since it doesn’t leave any permanent reminder of your cleaning efforts. That way box A-1 matches cabinet A-1.
Naturally, as we empty the trailer, we realize that many of the items just hadn’t been touched in a while. (That’s a clue.) For example, at one point, we thought it would be funny to have pink flamingo wine glasses. But, quite honestly, they never got used. (Like not even once.)
Realizing that creates an opportunity for things like donations. I am always really surprised by just how much stuff manages to find its way into our donation box.
My wife Peggy is a spring cleaning icon.
We took a weekend and cleaned out every cabinet and drawer in our RV.
Then we prioritized all the things that were in it and only replaced those that we actually touch on a regular basis.
Clean Up and Wipe Down
Once all the shelves and drawers are empty, we take our shop vac and clean out the entire trailer. It’s amazing how much dust and grime end-up inside the trailer. But, really it’s a good thing, because we also use our rig quite a bit. So, it makes sense that dirt is one of the souvenirs we collect on the road.
With the shelves and drawers empty, and after being vacuumed, this also gives us the opportunity to wipe down the whole interior as well. It’s wonderful how refreshing the RV seems after this exercise.
Wiping down all the surfaces in the RV.
Do the Extra Checks
Faucet Filtration
While going through the shelves and drawers might be obvious, this is also a good time to take the aerators out of the faucets in your rig and give them a rinse. Many of the faucets and plumbing fixtures in your RV have tiny little screens to keep things flowing nicely. But little rocks and other debris can get caught in these over time reducing flow. On most faucets, for example, you can simply unscrew the tip and voila! There you’ll find the screen.
However, do pay very close attention to these as you disassemble them. (Because you have to put them back on.) Many of these have a certain way that they go together to optimize flow and performance. Putting them back together correctly is the key to optimal water flow. I just take them apart carefully (it’s really easy), rinse them out in the house, and put them back together the way they came apart.
There are likely screens in the places where hoses attach to the outside of your rig, too, that might need a little rinse.
Mattress Moisture
Another place many RVers don’t consider —surprisingly — is under the mattress. RVs can be sources of pretty significant moisture. In some cases, that moisture can collect under the mattress. I like to lift the mattress and just make sure it’s dry under there.
If your RV has an issue with condensation developing under the mattress (which isn’t unusual in smaller rigs), you might consider something like a Froli Sleep System. This is like a plastic sheet of little springs that raise the mattress off the platform. The interesting thing about these is that you can get various firmness levels to the springs. So, you can also adjust the comfort of the mattress when you install one of these. In addition, you could literally create firmer or softer parts of the bed. Many RVers have told me that they simply put one of these Froli systems under their stock RV mattress and that it makes things pretty comfortable.
The Froli sleep system. (Image from Froli)
Reorganize and Refresh
Once all those things have been taken out of the camper and it’s time to put them back, consider changing how they’re stored. My wife, who’s very good at storage hacks, measured out the various cabinets and storage closets. Doing so, she found clear plastic containers — such that everything that’s in there now is in one of those. This does a couple of things. First, it stores those items well. Second, it makes them easy to take out.
You can get that can of SPAM that’s at the back of a cabinet or just reach the bread more easily. Whatever suits you. But I like how nice everything looks too. And these individual clear plastic storage totes also just look good and keep things from shifting too much.
I also put together one of those shelving units that my wife found for each of the closets in our bedroom. Then we put soft totes in those closets. So, now they’re better organized. Further, we can take the totes in and out as we come home. That means we can load them in the house and just carry them to the RV.
There are also baskets in the overhead cabinets for the same reason.
Another benefit to bringing everything out when spring cleaning your RV is that you can run all the silverware and containers in the camper through a home dishwasher. For us, we do our best when we’re out on the road, but the dishwasher at home just does a great job. So, this is an excuse to run it all. Emptying things out when spring cleaning your RV also gives you the chance to wash the bedding and towels — all the soft things that normally live in the camper.
The drawers and cabinets in our RV got their own reorganizing spring makeover.
Repeat the Process Outside
After we empty all the inside and clean and put everything back in a better-organized form, we do the same for the storage bays outside the RV. It’s really shocking how disorganized those outside storage bays get. So, once everything is out, it also gets reevaluated.
So, nope: We don’t need three separate sets of wheel chocks. Nor do we need four water hoses. (Three will do.) And that kind of stuff on repeat.
Taking all the items out of the storage bays on the outside of the rig allows you to do the same thing as the inside of the rig — improve your storage tote game. (Except the ones we place in the outside compartments are those black-and-yellow mini tubs.)
Being a nerd, I also put labels on all the totes that make the cut back inside the RV. So, there’s one tote with the air compressor. One with a power drill. Another with lanterns — that sort of thing. (It’s really easy to remember what’s in which tote when they have labels on them.)
Another thing we do is replace the rodent repellant in the rig twice a year. We happen to like the Grandpa Gus rodent repellant. (It has served us very well for quite a few years.) When everything’s out of the RV, and the rig has been vacuumed, we then replace the pouches of rodent repellant, which make the rig smell good to us but, theoretically, not to the varmints.
Organizing your storage bays.
Using Grandpa Gus rodent repellant as part of our spring cleaning.
Double-Check Seals and Stuff
Sealing the Deal
While we clean the rig, we also inspect all the seals and other breaches on the outside of the RV. You’re supposed to inspect all the seals on the RV every 90 days — and we do — but this is one of the seasonal reminders that it’s time to do this task.
I don’t know of any RV that doesn’t recommend inspecting all the seals on the exterior of the rig. While I’ve never had to mitigate a failing seal, it’s still best practice to know what condition they’re in and resolve any questionable seals. Think of anywhere there’s a hole in the sidewall or roof of the RV and know that there’s a flexible sealant there.
These are the things that need routine inspections.
You might also inspect any propane appliances to make sure that there aren’t nests or other blockages to safe operation. If they look clean in the business end of the appliance, they’re likely performing properly. But many spiders, for example, love the odorant that’s in propane and build webs which can actually cause the appliance to not operate properly — and potentially even become a safety hazard.
Inspecting Appliances
I also use the shop vac to clean out all these spaces so they look clean again. Propane appliances that are free of dust and webs operate more efficiently and more safely.
If your water heater has an anode rod, you likely removed that when you winterized your RV. If you notice that it’s deteriorating, that’s normal. But it’s also where those little rocks might come from in the faucet aerators.
Since it’s out and easy to look at, see if your anode rod is still usable, or if it’s time for a new one. If there is some wear on it, that’s just normal. It’s a sacrificial element to keep the water heater itself from rusting away. I have a picture of a new one and one that is, truly, completely used-up.
Just to illustrate: a new anode rode versus one that is completely used up.
Bonus Tip: Maybe Freshen Your Spice Rack
I’ll leave you with this last tidbit. I love to cook. (You know, because cooking meanseating!) So, I have a set of spices just for the RV. Spring is when I go through those and freshen them up. Spices do age out and the temperature challenges that are the inside of an RV plus the vibration on the road can compact them.
If you have little bottles of compacted powder instead of spices, it might be worth replacing those with fresh spices.
Might be time to refreshen up your spice rack.
Final Thoughts on Spring Cleaning Your RV
It’s really refreshing to have your RV well-organized, smelling great, and looking good too. (It makes you want to get out there!)Doing the dirty work prepares you for another season of adventures and doing your best to disorganize the rig, which means that it’ll also be so much easier next spring.
In a marketplace that’s seen wild fluctuations, the cost of renting an RV is one of the few figures that has stayed much the same. According to an article by Go RV Rentals, the average rental price of $184 per night is only a dollar more, on average, than in 2023. This is not a new trend, either, as prices have only gone up an average of four percent over the past five years.
How Much Do RV Rentals Cost?
While the average cost of RV rentals has not changed, that’s not the whole picture. Depending on the category of RV and where it’s based, you may be paying far above that $184 figure – the most expensive listing in the survey was a Class A that goes for $1,400 a night.
Class As are indeed the most expensive category in the survey – and in general – though the average listing price was a more palatable $313. The cheapest RVs to rent were pop-ups, which averaged $90 a night. By location, Tampa came in at the bottom with an average of $164 per night, while Houston was the highest at $198. Shopping for the best deal? You’re looking at a pop-up in either Salt Lake City or Dallas at $80. On the other end of the scale, a Class A in Miami averages $373 a night.
Of course, these are all averages, and each listing will be priced lower or higher based on age, amenities, and other factors such as pick-up and drop-off, or pet accommodations.
Why Do Owners Rent Out Their RV?
In addition to traditional rental agency companies like Cruise America and El Monte RVs, many individuals rent their RVs out. In fact, there is a whole community of RV owners who specialize in renting them to others.
Some individuals who rent out their RVs do so to help defray costs. If someone’s monthly payment is $1,000 per month on an RV, it doesn’t take a lot of nights at the average rate to recoup that investment.
Other owners purchase used rigs – right here on RVTrader – specifically to put them into the rental market. One individual who spoke with us said that he and his wife have one trailer they use for rentals and are shopping for a second. For them, renting out their RV has become a great source of income, particularly during big local events. The only hassle is organizing the drop-off and pick-up of the trailer.
How Do Individual RV Rentals Work?
Like AirBnB and Vrbo, there are a number of platforms that match renters with owners and include various degrees of insurance and other security features as part of the process.
Owners are able to set the terms and price for their rentals based on their own conditions. Some owners choose to drop off and pick up their RVs, while others ask renters to do that themselves. Typically the cost of the rental only covers the RV itself and does not include camping or other fees; though owners can offer amenities and equipment like pots, utensils, dishes, and towels as part of the equation.
Interested in renting out your own RV? It’s important to do your research to see if it’s the right fit, especially if you are still actively using your RV and only renting part-time.
The Rise of RV Rentals
RV renting is a vibrant and growing industry, and it’s easy to see why. As rental platforms have matured, there’s an opportunity for experienced owners to turn their RVs into a source of income – and maybe justify adding another RV to their fleet.
Almost 1,500 RVs participated in the Family RV Association’s 110th International Convention and RV Expo in Perry, Georgia. At the four-day event, the organization acknowledged industry challenges, its rebrand, and its renewed focus on community.
Though overall membership is down, there were 352 first-time attendees at the gathering, according to FRVA president Paul Mitchell, who feels the association is on the right track. “I really got some great vibes out of everyone I’ve talked to. I feel this is one of the best conventions we’ve done in a few years.”
What Is the FRVA?
The Family RV Association (FRVA) is a member-driven organization that offers discount programs, organizes gatherings, and provides resources such as an encyclopedic web-based learning center.
One of the most popular – and most unique – member programs is the Medical & Travel Assist insurance benefit which, in addition to standard travel coverage, also transports a member’s RV and family back home if there is a medical emergency on the road. Also popular among members are the significant savings across all aspects of camping life, including tires, campgrounds, maintenance, and repair. But the sense of community and fellowship is what keeps members coming back to its national conventions and many regional gatherings.
Founded as the Family Motor Coach Association in 1963 by a gathering of bus conversion owners, the organization previously catered exclusively to motorhome owners. Shifting industry trends prompted a vote in 2017 to include owners of other types of RVs, culminating in an official rebranding in September 2024.
Like many in-person all-volunteer organizations, membership is down. With well over 100,000 members at its height, the FRVA currently has about 55,000 and is losing about 1,000 members per month. While some members simply age out of the lifestyle, there are many reasons why others don’t renew.
“Things are expensive – driving around in a diesel pusher isn’t cheap,” said vendor Jim Metry of SoftCell water softeners. “Tampa is the worst Tampa I have ever had – there were some changes and the vendors really felt it,” he added, referring to the Florida RV SuperShow in January that saw roughly 10 percent fewer attendees this year.
What’s at the FRVA Convention?
Vendors and booths run the gamut at the FRVA convention, with everything from travel clubs, caravans tours, to upfits and gadgets – and of course, brand-new RVs. Need a break from shopping? You’ll find seminars on topics such as personal safety, boondocking, crafts, and many other topics besides.
In attendance at the convention in Perry, Georgia, were Patrice and Kevin McCabe from the TV show RV There Yet? in a separate hall with additional vendors, RVs and seminars. “We were delighted that they gave us an entire building,” said Patrice McCabe, “We believe a better-educated consumer can make better decisions with their money. Our concept is to educate the consumer so they can make better decisions. It can be daunting for someone walking up to a booth whereas the seminars can really help people.”
Bernie Culliton of Camper’s Inn RV expressed a positive outlook, noting many serious intenders among those taking tours of the RVs on the show floor. “Typically we see a lot of trade-ins here. The people at an FRVA Convention are generally RVers so they’ve already arrived with something.” The only wrench in the works? The current economic uncertainty surrounding tariffs, which has an enormous impact on the cost and operation of motor vehicles.
When’s the Next FRVA Convention?
The FRVA has two major national conventions per year with the second one this year scheduled for Gillette, Wyoming, on July 16–19. There are also regional and special-interest chapters across North America with their own gatherings and organized caravans.
So! You’re preparing to post your listing for your RV on RV Trader, huh? (That’s awesome.) But as you prepare, know this: There are some surefire things you can do to amp up your chances of finding an RV buyer. Chief among them? Making your RV listing photos count — and some small details can make a very large difference.
Your RV listing photos really tell the story of what you have — and why it likely is someone else’s dream RV. Looking at the thousands of listings here on RVTrader (and using my experience selling RVs on line at an RV dealership), I’ve come up with this list of must-have RV listing photos to help you tell a better story about your RV.
First: good news! You don’t need a fancy camera.
The good news about any RV listing photos you take is that the modern cell phone camera is so exceptional that it’s really sufficient any picture you need to take. With the combination of how smart these little cameras are, plus a few photo tricks, you can create images that truly tell the story of your RV.
So, I hear you asking: What photo tricks? Many smaller RV spaces are dark — even darker to a camera than they appear to the naked eye. Therefore, it’s smart to do things like put a small work light to use. Things like baggage compartments can be illuminated to better tell an accurate — and more attractive — story of your RV.
As I’ve mentioned in other articles, you should also turn on the lights inside your RV. Having the interior lights on makes such a difference in RV listing photos. It brightens up the interior and makes it much more inviting.
It is also advisable toclose the blinds in the RV. That way, items in the background don’t become distractions. Doing so also helps to even out the lighting inside the rig, which makes it easier to see the details in your photos.
Full Interior Photos: “What if I open that?”
The first thing I learned when working at the RV dealership (and constantly listing RVs on RVTrader) is that people love to see inside of compartments and appliances. (This also really details how well an RV might have been cared for.)
So, open the refrigerator and freezer! Make sure to include a photo inside that appliance. Likewise, the microwave interior is another one you won’t want to miss. You don’t necessarily have to take a photo inside of every drawer or cabinet, but if you open all the drawers in sort of a waterfall or cascading style, you’ll be able to show their condition. (Also, if you have something that’s not typical in an awesome way—like Coachmen’s utensil drawer — I would definitely show that off with a photo.) When you do this, i’s wise to remove everything from inside the drawers, cabinets and storage bays to show the condition and size of these areas. (You know, rather than how much of your belongings they’re going to have to remove if the deal goes through.)
Fridge in a Jayco Redhawk SE 22C.
Another fridge shot from a Jayco Eagle 355MBQS.
Buyers love to see inside things, like this microwave.
A U-shaped drawer under the sink has space for cutlery.
Bathroom Tactics
Another area people really want to see is the bathroom. Flat out, the bathroom can be a real good indicator of how well the RV was kept. Weird as it may seem, take photos of the details inside the shower and even inside the toilet. These go a long way to telling the story of what you have for the buyer. (And they also show how transparent and honest you are.)
The overall view of the bathroom is also important, and here the wide-angle lens on most modern cell phone cameras can be your ally. That being said, take it easy with wide angle lens. It does make the RV look bigger, but you don’t want someone to feel like the RV is bigger than it is.
Good example of a bathroom shot.
Quality Images: “No blur, no clutter.”
Speaking of opening things up, photos inside the outside baggage compartments are also very helpful. Your prospective buyer is going to want to see just how much of that great camping gear that they have is going to fit into this new RV. So, maybe take a photo of them empty. And then take a photo with some organized gear laid in.
Honestly, though, as a rule: The less clutter and personal stuff you have in your RV listing photos, the better.
Now, if you have that work light we mentioned, put it to work here too. For the record, I never want to advocate doing anything other than telling the honest story of your RV, but a camera and the human eye do perceive light differently. So, what I’m advising is to create a photo that more closely matches how the human eye captures things.
Another area that you’ll want to address is the exterior of the rig itself. Photos of each side and then an overall shot are something you’ll absolutely want. You will also want a shot of the roof. (Maybe even multiple shots of the roof.) RV roofs are an area that some owners don’t maintain, so clear shots of the condition of the roof could really work in your favor if your RV roof is in good condition.
Great view here of a roof. So many listing don’t include a roof picture. Having one — or several — can help you stand out.
Photos inside compartments and drawers are helpful, but it is best to empty these first.
Images of Modifications: “Show your work.”
I’m not sure if there is any RV out there that hasn’t been modified in some way, shape, or form. Most RV buyers know this. So, it can be very helpful to a buyer to detail any changes you’ve made to the RV.
Don’t forget, some of the changes can really be valuable. For example, one of the photos I have here is of the hanging cabinets inside my current RV. I built a shelving system and used soft totes to create drawers of sorts. Even so, this is also something that is an easy thing for the next buyer to take out if it doesn’t suit them. It’s pretty unusual, even on longer journeys, that I have any hanging clothes even though I do a lot of speaking at RV conventions and functions. So, I really don’t need hanging storage in my RV, but I do need provisions for a lot of items since I can be on the road for several months at a time.
But, in the previous RV, which I did list on RVTrader, I had also removed the glass shower enclosure and created a custom curtain system for the shower. You can bet that my listing had photos of this that helped the buyer understand what I had done. And, again, this modification could be removed and replaced with what the factory had done. So, it was also important for me to share that this didn’t have to be a permanent change.
Any modifications are worth detailing such as these closet organizers I put in.
Oddities and Curiosities: “What is that thing?”
Every RV has something that you might see in a photo and wonder exactly what it is. Some photos can even capture an aspect of the RV that makes it look like it was damaged.
For example, even to the naked eye, the windshield on our current travel trailer sort of looks out of skew. It’s how all the windshields on this model are, but it still looks odd. So, when it comes time to sell this trailer, I’m going to make sure to have a good shot of the front of the trailer showing that everything is as it should be.
When you look at the photos you’re going to share with the world, you might have a friend give them a look-see as well. Sometimes something can pop-up in a photo that you didn’t really notice. Or, it’s been part of your RV all along, and you’re used to it.
But if there is something that might cause someone to question it perhaps a close-up or more detailed photo of that item would help tell the story you want to share.
If there are unique features these are worth highlighting like this pop-up indoor shower.
Honest Photos: “No surprises.”
Since an RV is a vehicle, every RV has some damage — whether it’s extremely minor or something that might need attention. I would suggest that you detail that damage in your photos. If it’s truly minor, someone probably won’t care at all. (Except, of course, that they’ll credit you as being an honest person, even if just subconsciously.)
But if it’s something that needs attention, it’s better that that prospective buyer is aware of it rather than have them think they’ve got a perfect rig only to find that you have to replace a window or whatever the damage happens to be. The basic principle here is to be the kind of seller you’d want to buy from.
One Last Thing: “Everything looks clean.”
Let me share something from my old dealer days. There were time when RVs would come into our dealership that clearly hadn’t seen a bath in a very long time. Or, even worse, they had all sorts of evidence that they had been parked under trees. I’ll tell you right now: It really affected the value of what we offered someone.
So, if you can, perhaps give your RV a thorough cleaning once you’ve removed everything from it. Once again, an RV that is clearly in need of a bath really creates an obstacle for buyers who want to get something that’s ready to roll on their next getaway.
This is particularly true of RV roofs whose normally bright white surfaces really show off dirt and sap. If it’s in your budget, perhaps even a professional detailing or thorough cleaning will truly make a difference for buyers.
The bottom line in all of this is that you’re doing your best to tell and honest story of the RV you have listed. The better your photos tell that story, the more the RV’s next owner will be able to sort through all the listings and find the vehicle that helps them enjoy the great American road trip whether they do in reality or just in their dreams as they shop.
What are the travel trends for RVers in 2025? Progressive and Harvest Hosts joined forces to collaborate and to research these trends. Recently, they published a 2025 RV Travel Trends report detailing their findings, which shares insights into preferences among the respondents in addition to their priorities.
Based on over 2,000 responses collected in 2024, the survey found that 92 percent of respondents planned to travel the same amount or more in 2025 compared to 2024. However, despite campground availability being identified as a top source of anxiety, 45 percent said they planned their trips less than two months ahead of time.
If there’s one key lesson to take away from the survey, it might be to plan your itinerary well in advance.
Alaska: Top Bucket-List Destination Across All Age Groups
When it comes to bucket-list destinations, Alaska ranked at the very top for all age groups, with 22 percent of all respondents naming it as their number-one pick. Canada, New England, Florida, and Yellowstone National Park rounded out the top five in this category. But for their 2025 itinerary, however, the Northeast stood out, with 24 percent listing it as their top destination.
Broken down by individual states, the most popular destinations were, in order: Alaska, Florida, Maine, Utah, and Arizona. Looking to avoid long lines at national parks this year? You’ll want to steer clear of Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, and Banff (in Alberta, Canada), which were the top picks.
How Travelers Decide on a Destination
What’s the first place you look when considering a vacation spot? According to the survey, the answer varies greatly by age, with 30 percent of those over 65 indicating that they use travel guides, compared to 13 percent of those 35–54 saying that they prefer to look up videos instead (29 percent). Amongst those 55–64, there was little preference, with all sources being equally considered, including internet searches, social media, RV memberships, and camping apps.
Money Matters — But Less Than You Might Think
Though finances rank in the top three considerations for RV travel across all age groups. (Except for those over 65, where it was edged out by inclement weather.) Only 10 percent of respondents said that it negatively impacted their travel plans in 2024. In fact, 16 percent actually traveled more.
Seventy-one percent of RVers in the survey spend less than $10,000 per year on RV ownership costs. That figure includes camping fees, fuel, insurance, and more. Here there was great variation between age groups: 45 percent of those 35–54 reported spending over $10,000 over the course of the year, dipping to 22 percent of those over 65. The main determining factor, however, is whether respondents RV part-time (15 percent) or full-time (71 percent).
Common RVer Complaints: Crowds, Climate, and Campgrounds
What do RVers consider when booking a trip? Campground availability (mentioned by 45 percent of respondents). Local weather (44 percent). And their own health (39 percent). These three factors were top of mind for respondents. And once they get there, their biggest sources of anxiety are crowded campgrounds (59 percent), the outright lack of campsite availability (53 percent), and RV repairs and breakdowns (51 percent).
Fifty-nine percent of respondents said RV travel apps provide considerable relief to these concerns, allowing them to quickly book alternative accommodations and plot RV-friendly routes that include plenty of opportunity to stop, fuel, and regroup.
Who Were the Respondents?
The survey was conducted in late 2024, polling email subscribers of Harvest Hosts and Escapees RV Club. Seventy-two percent of respondents were current or former Harvest Hosts members. Of the people who responded to the survey, 67 percent were 65 or older — and 77 percent were retired. Interestingly, Go RVing’s 2025 survey of 5,500 consumers found that the median age of RV owners had fallen to 49, with those 35–54 accounting for 46 percent of all owners.
Potentially owing to the age of those who completed the survey, only five percent travel with children whereas 52 percent travel with pets. The number of respondents also skewed higher than market averages on ownership of Class A motorhomes. Motorized RVs sell about four percent of the market, but 26 percent of those who responded to the survey have a Class A motorhome. That made it the most represented category in the survey.
Taken all together, then, some universal and enduring truths emerge. For one, campgrounds are busier than ever. And while modern camping apps can help you find nearby spots, the best strategy is to book well in advance. (Also, stay on top of your RV maintenance.)
