wpblogtesting

Author: Tony Barthel

  • Survey Says: Fewer No-Shows and Cancellations as Campers Get More Responsible

    Survey Says: Fewer No-Shows and Cancellations as Campers Get More Responsible

    Despite ongoing complaints of no-shows at many campgrounds, particularly public places, the incidence of campers bailing on their reservations has in fact decreased significantly this past year, according to web booking service The Dyrt. The company’s 2025 Camping Report – which surveyed campers who use its app, camping property managers, and residents across the US – states that cancellations and no-shows dropped by 16.7% in 2024 compared to 2023. Additionally, 70.7% of campers reported using all of their reservations for the year, an 11.8% increase.

    The decrease in campers canceling or breaking their reservations was seen across all categories tracked by the survey – including campers who arrived one or more days late (3.7%, down 0.5% from 2023), and those who left the campsite early (12.8%, down 3.9%). Of the campers who remembered to cancel their reservation – accounting for 32.7% of survey respondents – fewer than one-quarter did so less than two days in advance (6.9% overall, down 3.8%).

    Interestingly, there appears to be a correlation between a camper’s reported income and their likelihood of no-showing a reservation (though this too is self-reported). The overall percentage of campers who said they did not show up to a reservation in 2024 was 4%. However, this rate was higher, at 5.8%, among those who earned more than $250,000 per year – 45% greater than the norm. In the next income bracket, $101,000–$250,000, the rate was 4.4%. For those earning $50,000–$100,000, the rate was 3.2%. Finally, only 2.1% of the group earning under $50,000 annually admitted to no-showing a reservation in 2024.

    “I think there’s increasing awareness of the fact that it hurts other campers to reserve a campsite and leave it empty and the camping community is stepping up to do better,” says The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith, who also cites recent legislation in California and Washington, which limits stay lengths and caps total nights, as factors encouraging campers to cancel well in advance. The new rules also mean that fewer frivolous reservations are made in the first place.

    “The fact that cancellations and no-shows went down significantly is very encouraging,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “Fewer sites are going to waste, more campers are able to secure a spot, and property owners and managers have more predictability. It’s a positive for everybody.”

  • How to Reduce Trailer Sway While Towing

    How to Reduce Trailer Sway While Towing

    Towing a trailer can be stressful enough, especially if you’re a newbie. But when you’re out on the road among other drivers and with your friends aboard, trailer sway can be nerve-wracking. You may wonder if you’re hitched up correctly. Or if you’re on the verge of an accident. The bottom line is that you want to reduce trailer sway while towing your RV. (You’ve got other things to consider while driving after all.)

    So, how do you reduce trailer sway when towing? Let’s talk about causes, what to troubleshoot, and the best ways to keep the trailer from controlling the tow vehicle.

    I’ll break it all down into seven simple tips.

     

    Tip No. 1: Understand why it happens.

    Trailer sway can occur for a lot of reasons. A common experience is the trailer swaying back and forth even as you drive down a straight road. It can be everything from an annoyance to a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, it’s not overly difficult to mitigate.

    The source of trailer sway can come from a number of places. Large vehicles passing the opposite direction on two-lane roads can absolutely cause sway. Sometimes crosswinds can also be a source of sway. But sometimes, it’s your own towing situation. So, if it’s not those other causes that I mentioned, you could be the source. The good news? If it’s you, then you can do something about it.

     

    Tip No. 2: Take a closer look at your hitch.

    If you’re towing a travel trailer, sometimes called a bumper pull, the hitch can make a huge difference. Many of the hitches sold today have sway control as part of the design of the hitch.

    I have tried a number of hitches and some of them are absolutely better than others in this area. There are also some that can be adjusted each time you tow depending on how much sway control you’d like dialed in. This can be useful if the trailer’s weight changes significantly, such as if you have a toy hauler and you bring a toy sometimes but not others. It can also change whether or not your holding tanks are full, or even partially full.

    I have had hitches installed by RV dealers that were installed incorrectly and really made the towing experience lousy, even though they were great hitches. Following the hitch manufacturer’s directions, I then reinstalled the hitch and it made a huge difference.

    So, the advice here is: 1) to buy (or identify that you own) a high-quality hitch and 2) make sure your RV’s hitch is installed properly.

     

    Tip No. 3: Sync with those darned computers.

    Most modern vehicles have a good amount of antisway technology built into them. Did you know that there are now trailers coming out with anti-sway technology as well? And you can even buy anti-sway technology to add to your existing trailer.

    In some cases, the sway technology on your tow vehicle is intended to be disabled when you’re towing. Check the owner’s manual and see if there is mention of how these systems work when towing.

    Another possibility is that the hitch you’ve installed is not intended to be used with the sway technology of your tow vehicle. Again, the owner’s manual for the hitch and the tow vehicle should answer this question.

     

    Tip No. 4: Check the scale.

    One of the easiest ways to diagnose issues with any towing situation is to have your tow vehicle and trailer weighed. Many places that work with commercial trucks have what is called a CAT scale. For under $15, you can usually weigh the your tow vehicle and trailer. Many will also allow you to weigh the combination, and then detach the trailer and go back.
    Depending on the size of your combined rig, you might also be able to determine the weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer individually.

    I would suggest doing this when you’ve got the typical load you carry for camping. (And don’t forget to have all the people you bring with you in the tow vehicle as well. Realistically people count as cargo in this case.)

    Another place where you can get the rig weighed is at an RV rally. In many cases there will be a service where you can have your RV weighed wheel-by-wheel. This can be eye-opening. It can also be expensive. While the weighing process itself didn’t cost much, learning the weight of my RV reinforced my decision to buy a more tow-capable truck.

     

    Tip No. 5: Assess and adjust the way you load.

    How the trailer is loaded can absolutely affect sway. The ideal situation for a travel trailer is to have about 12-15 percent of the trailer’s weight on the tongue of the trailer.

    If your trailer has more weight toward the back of the trailer, it will cause sway and other handling issues. If possible, shift cargo more to the front of the trailer or even into the tow vehicle depending on space and cargo carrying capacity.

     

    Tip No. 6: Check your tires.

    Somewhere, I came across a study that stated that a lot of people drive around with underinflated tires. This can cause significant tire wear, reduce your fuel mileage, and even set you up for tire failure.

    If possible, I strongly recommend an in-tire tire pressure monitor. There are also some good choices where the sending units mount right to the valve stems of the tire.

    Of course, the cheapest thing to do is to measure the inflation pressure of the tires on your tow vehicle and trailer in the morning before you head out, and again during the day to watch for uneven warming.Properly inflated tires can truly make a big difference in helping you reduce trailer sway.

    While you’re checking the air pressure, also look at the tread of the tires. Make sure the tires are wearing evenly. If you see that they aren’t, the cause can range from improper inflation pressure to an alignment problem with the trailer to a wheel bearing on the trailer that needs maintenance.

     

    Tip No. 7: Slow down, Speed Racer!

    Okay, let’s be honest here. If you’re experiencing trailer sway, one of the factors that can cause sway is speed. You can actually travel too quickly for the situation at hand and cause trailer sway.

    If you are experiencing trailer sway, the first thing to do is slow down. While a lot of people will share on social media that “they have to keep up with traffic,” the truth is that the lane furthest to the right is the place to be when you’re towing anyway.

    Another thing to consider is that some trailer tires aren’t rated to go over 65 miles per hour. That could be you, so check the sidewall of the tire. Depending on your speed, try slowing down and see if this solves the problem. I have found that my own truck and trailer behave the best, and get the least lousy fuel mileage, at around 63 miles per hour. But, of course, each situation and vehicle are different.

     

    So, I’ve done all this. Now what?

    If you’ve gone through this whole article and you’re still experiencing trailer sway, there are a few steps you can take.

    One, there are electronic sway mitigation systems that you can install on your trailer. On example is the CURT True Course sway-control system. This is one of the electronic gadgets that can mitigate sway.

    Something else to consider to help reduce trailer sway. If you have weighed your tow vehicle and trailer, how close to capacity is the tow vehicle? Remember that the tow vehicle actually carries about 15 percent of the trailer’s weight. (And even more in a fifth wheel.) Be honest about the cargo carrying capacity of your tow vehicle. Perhaps, it’s simply not the right choice for the job.

  • Comparing Motorhome Chassis Options for Class Cs

    Comparing Motorhome Chassis Options for Class Cs

    When you step into a motorhome, you need to realize something: What you’re seeing is only half the picture. Motorhomes are unique in that they start with a structure — the chassis —that comes from one of the big vehicle manufacturers. From there, these motorhome chassis are delivered to the RV companies who go to work building the actual camping portion of the rig on the backs of these machines.

    So, you might be wondering: How do I know if a motorhome chassis is a good one? How do the different chassis compare against one another. It’s a big question. (And a good one, you savvy RV buyer you.) For the most part, what we’re going to look at in this article are chassis that sit under Class C motorhomes. (Mostly, anyway. We’ll say a short word on Class As at the end.)

    So, let’s get you started. We’ll start with a few important notes on motorhome chassis themselves. Then we’ll get into some differences in the ones on the RV market.

     

    A Note on Chassis Builds and Years

    One thing you’ll want to do as part of your research process is find out if the chassis year and model year are the same. Don’t be surprised if you find that the chassis itself is listed for one model year with the camper being from another. In other words, a motorhome chassis may sit on a manufacturer’s grounds for long enough that the model year changes. This isn’t a problem or a something to flag. Quite simply, it’s something to know. I have seen a quite a few people noticing this, so thought it was worth mentioning.

    You should also know that companies that make these chassis sell a lot of them to the trades. They are literally jacks of all trades and no usually RV-specific. You as likely to see a plumber with one of these as an RVer. So, when a chassis manufacturer builds a chassis, the core of their business is to the trades and that’s how these were designed.

    Therefore, I would strongly suggest driving a few examples around. Doing so will help you see if you have a strong preference for one over the other. Also, know that some RV companies have recognized this industrial nature and have taken steps to improve handling and ride. For example, the E-Series chassis in one RV may give a very different driving experience depending on any changes the RV builder employs. There is absolutely a difference in how one RV drives versus another even on the same chassis based on the changes these RV companies make.

     

    Looking Back on Class Cs

    For many years Chevrolet/GMC, Ford and Dodge built what are called cutaway chassis. Essentially, these could be recognized as the front portion of a van with the back a bare chassis. These would be shipped to RV companies who then built a camper onto the bare chassis portion. The result was a Class C.

    Both Chevrolet/GMC and Ford continue to offer a somewhat modernized version of these vintage chassis. Both are stalwart beasts with big V8 engines and plenty of cargo carrying capacity.What that means for you is that, despite the weight of the camper build on the back of the motorhome chassis, there may be plenty of capacity left over to carry your stuff, your liquids, and potentially even a trailer. That’s quite something.

    Nowadays, Dodge is Ram. And Ram doesn’t really offer one of these traditional platforms. I no longer see RV companies building rigs on the Chevrolet/GMC platform. So that leaves the Ford E-Series as the last of the traditional heavy-duty cutaway chassis.

     

    Ford E-Series: High on HP and Torque, Low on New Tech

    Definitely the senior member of this bunch, the current version of Ford’s E-Series cutaway debuted in 1992. Though it has seen a decent number of upgrades, including to the engine and transmission, this motorhome chassis doesn’t have many of the latest ergonomic nor technological features.

    What it does offer is a monster 7.3L gasoline V8 — dubbed the Godzilla engine. This big V8 has the benefit of a tremendous amount of horsepower and torque. (Which is great when overcoming the weight and wind resistance of the motorhome body.) Another advantage of this chassis is towing. If that’s something you want in a Class C, a model based on the E-Series platform might be worth looking into.

    On the flip side, if you’re interested in the latest safety technologies this might be one not to focus on. With the age of this platform, a lot of the newer features, like lane assist, predictive braking and other technologies, aren’t even on the options list.

    However, it’s a relatively proven and simple beast of a chassis that has remained popular for it’s durability and capability.

     

    Ford Transit: Newer Features, Less Cargo Carrying Capacity

    Ford is unusual in that it has two “cutaway” offerings for RV builders. As mentioned, the first is the E-Series; the other is their Transit. Other than the blue oval on the radiator shell, this has almost nothing in common with the E-Series — other than being a cutaway.

    This is a thoroughly modern vehicle. That means that it has newer features. Things like lane-drift warnings and preemptive braking (where a vehicle senses something stopped in front of it and applies the brakes). And it includes one of my favorites: wind-drift assist. All of these are available with a Transit.

    You can also get modern infotainment systems, far more comfortable seating, and many other features that weren’t even a consideration back when the E-Series was conceived.

    Under the hood, Ford’s Transit cutaway uses a 3.5 liter gasoline-fueled twin turbocharged V6 mated to a ten-speed automatic. This driveline does offer good horsepower and torque but uses a lot of technology to accomplish that. The ten-speed automatic, too, is much better suited to finding the right gear and working with the engine. So, that you have a better driving experience.

    Comparing the Transit to the E-Series

    This means that, especially with RVs built on the Transit chassis, you’ll want to look at how much cargo carrying capacity remains as the Transit isn’t quite as capable in this area as the E-Series.

    But the E-Series, being just an old workhorse, has greater cargo carrying and towing capacities. Something else that can be fitted to the Transit chassis from the factory is all-wheel-drive. For those who might like to go where the road can be more challenging, this could be the solution. For example, skiers who want to head into the winter weather or even some off-road conditions.

    But if you want something that’s even more capable, a Super C might be the place to look. Ford has an answer there, too.

     

    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Feature Options and Optimized Fuel Economy

    The Transit is a direct competitor to the Sprinter in many ways. They share a somewhat similar styling and comparable safety technologies available. Like the Transit, Mercedes-Benz offers a slew of safety technologies. Even so, the RV company that orders the chassis has to specify what they want built in. So, careful shopping is the order of the day if this has value to you.

    Also, know that it’s typically the RV company that orders these in fleet orders. That means that the number of features on the chassis can be dictated by what the RV company prioritizes. I’ve seen some with a full complement of safety and driving technologies and some that are much less well equipped.

    The Big Difference Between the Transit and the Sprinter

    Possibly the biggest difference between the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Ford Transit lies under the hood, where currently Mercedes-Benz offerings feature a 2.0 liter twin turbocharged four-cylinder diesel. The incredible technology of this engine means you still get decent performance despite the very small displacement of the engine.

    Being a diesel, it also means that you’ll get decent fuel economy, relatively speaking.
    But that engine can also be a liability as the number of places that are willing to perform even routine maintenance on it is somewhat limited. I’ve been told that even some routine maintenance items can be rather pricey.

    On the plus side, Mercedes-Benz has made a more capable 4500-series chassis available which I’ve seen under the forthcoming Grand Design Lineage. This more capable variant means more capacity for cargo and towing.

    Like the Transit, the Sprinter is also available with all-wheel-drive and Mercedes-Benz has a lot of experience in this field going back to the early days of the Unimog military vehicle.

     

    Super C Chassis: Employing the Power of the Pickup

    As long as we’re peering beneath the veneer, it’s worth noting that Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram offer what looks like the front of a pickup truck along with a bare chassis back. This is something you may find under a Super C type motorhome.

    These are typically available with the various company’s diesel engines and true four-wheel-drive meaning that they offer some off-road capability. They may also be well-suited to those who like to camp in more challenging weather, such as skiers who need all-wheel-drive
    People are almost as passionate about the brand of their pickup trucks as they are about their religion.

    Do know that all these of these chassis can be had in very capable iterations which is part of the appeal of the Super C motorhome. That means that, properly equipped, some of these Super C rigs can tow a substantial trailer.

    At the Forefront of Four Wheel Drive and Truck Innovation

    For example, we got to see a Jayco Seneca XT 35L recently which was based on the Ford F600 chassis. This meant a big Ford 7.3 liter diesel engine and ten-speed automatic.

    One of the benefits of these being based essentially on pickup platforms is that pickups are the most profitable area for vehicle manufacturers and the companies expend a tremendous amount of effort keeping these at the forefront of ergonomics and design.

    If a manufacturer innovates a feature, it doesn’t take long for the others to follow suit.
    Something else available on these chassis is true four-wheel-drive. While the Transit and Sprinter cutaway chassis offer all-wheel-drive, it is possible to get true four-wheel-drive on these chassis including low range. I’m not sure you’ll be tackling the Rubicon trail in a motorhome but the more capable off-road driving functionality can get you out of some sticky situations.

     

    Freightliner: Even Bigger Is Out There

    If these pickup-based models aren’t enough, Freightliner offers chassis for use in motorhomes. While it might be assumed that these are big truck companies that make industrial machines better left for moving vans, and that’s certainly one of the customers who buys them, it may surprise you to find how nice these can be to drive.

    Like with the “cutaway” chassis, these can be ordered in trim levels. These range from simple to sensational. They can include things like air seats and many of the safety technologies you might expect in a passenger vehicle. Since these Freightliner rigs initially started out for delivery trucks and school buses, they have remarkably good turning function. After all, commercial vehicles need to be able to get out of tight spots.

    They also offer incredible cargo carrying capability. So, if towing is something that’s a high priority, a Super C based on the Freightliner chassis might be just the answer.

     

    Class A Motorhomes: New Legislation Putting a Damper on Diesel

    There may be some challenges to the future of the Class A motorhomes based on how pending legislation is going to go. Six states, led by California’s Air Resources Board’s example, are currently slated to outlaw diesel-powered motorhomes and other heavy commercial diesel vehicles.

    There is a lot of information about this and it remains to be seen how deeply this will cut once the dust settles, but we left big Class A motorhome chassis out of this article until we see how that market goes.

     

    Conclusions on Motorhome Chassis Comparison

    As with any RV purchase, knowing what you want before you start seriously shopping can really help you with the final outcome. Do you want to be able to tow a larger load? Are you planning to go where four-wheel-drive is useful? Do you spend a lot of time in very rural places where service might be more difficult to obtain? Hopefully this article has been a good starting point in your shopping adventure.

  • Senators Warn: Hiring Freeze May Lead to National Park Closures

    Senators Warn: Hiring Freeze May Lead to National Park Closures

    In the wake of the federal government’s cutbacks on hiring, 22 senators sent a letter to newly-confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum warning that the deep staffing cuts could bring about national park closures. The letter was prompted by a January 20 federal hiring freeze. The freeze resulted in more than 2,000 job offers to seasonal Park Service employees being rescinded. The administration has also offered early retirement and resignation options to millions of federal employees. That offer would apply to all federal employees who work for the Park Service. The Democratic senators have denounced these cuts and fear national park closures could be the result.

    According to an article in SFGate, the letter from the senators stated that, “If a significant number of National Park Service employees take one of the offers — or further terminations are made — park staffing will be in chaos.” The senators wrote, “Not only does this threaten the full suite of visitor services, but could close entire parks altogether.”

    National park closures, however, have not been stated as an objective of the current hiring freeze under the Trump administration.

     

    Park Service Employees Resign, Seasonal Workers Reduced

    That letter was shared with SFGate by Don Neubacher. Neaubacher is a former Yosemite superintendent and member of the executive council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. He is credited with stating that around 1,900 Park Service employees have already resigned. “That’s a little less than 10 percent of the park’s workforce,”

    In a typical summer, the Park Service will bring on more than 6,000 seasonal employees according to the letter. Whether this could result in national park closures remains speculative.

    “Without seasonal staff during this peak season, visitor centers may close, bathrooms will be filthy, campgrounds may close, guided tours will be cut back or altogether cancelled, emergency response times will drop, and visitor services like safety advice, trail recommendations, and interpretation will be unavailable,” they wrote.

     

    Staffing Already Down as Visitation Increases

    Staffing is down 20 percent already since 2010, but visitation has increased by 16 percent. According to the letter, an estimated 415,000 jobs and $55.6 billion in total economic output in the national economy are created as a result of people visiting the parks. 

    “Americans showing up to national parks this summer and for years to come don’t deserve to have their vacations ruined by a completely preventable — and completely irresponsible — staffing shortage. And local economies don’t deserve to have their livelihoods destroyed for political gain.”

    The U.S. senators who signed the letter are Senators Jeff Merkley, Angus King, Patty Murray, Martin Heinrich, Jon Ossof, John Fetterman, Mark Warner, Jack Reed, Ron Wyden, Jeanne Shaheen, Bernie Sanders, Richard Durbin, Richard Blumenthal, Kirsten Gillibrand, Edward Markey, Chris Van Hollen, Mazie Hirono, Cory Booker, Tim Kaine, Alex Padilla, Maria Cantwell, and John Hickenlooper.

  • 2025 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS Review

    2025 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS Review

    If you have a family, it’s common — and awesome — to want to share the RV experience together. But it’s also common for families to have a smaller tow vehicle, such as an SUV. And there are not that many great RV choices with these parameters. Fortunately, Jayco has a trailer for those families: the 2025 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS. This model sleeps up to eight, features a very usable outdoor kitchen, and comes in around 4,500 pounds (dry weight). This in itself tells a compelling story about the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS. 

    So, you may ask, where’s the compromise? Let’s dive into the details and talk about the strengths and limitations of this lightweight travel trailer. 

     

    At a Glance: Jay Feather Micro 199MBS

    I rate the 2025 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS three and quarter out of five. One of the real surprises is that this little camper packs a lot of sleeping spots. Even so, some people really don’t like Murphy beds — and especially don’t like examples that head east to west. (Someone has to sleep in the corner.) 

    Another major plus is the off-road tires it comes with. That, with higher ground clearance and torsion axle suspension, mean that this trailer is set-up for finding adventure off the beaten path. So, the individual who seeks this kind of adventure may be just fine with the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS, regardless of the orientation of their sleeping arrangements.  

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 8
    • Hitch weight: 635 pounds
    • UVW: 4,505 pounds 
    • CCC: 1,245 pounds
    • Exterior length: 23 feet 1 inches
    • Exterior height 10 feet 6 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet 5 inches
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 55/30/30 gallons
    • Propane: 2x 20-pound portable tanks
    • Awning: 15 feet

     

    Features We Love

    • Jayco warranty and predelivery inspection process
    • Higher ground clearance and torsion axle suspension
    • Azdel substrate in the wall lamination
    • Lippert quick drop stabilizer system
    • Full outside kitchen
    • Wider ladder and roof rack

     

    Benefits

    About the Build
    • Warranty and predelivery inspection. Jayco’s warranty is longer than most with two years on the full trailer and three years on the exterior structure. Another big plus is that Jayco has purpose-built a number of facilities that fully inspect every RV they make using an extensive checklist called predelivery inspection (PDI). These are separate from final manufacturing and test all the systems and the finished build of their products. The company reports that early warranty claims are reduced with this process. This process is not at all common in the RV industry. 
    • Lamination. Laminated RVs, like this one, use a sandwich of materials to create the walls. In this case Jayco employs Azdel as a component of this which is a human-made product that is impervious to water damage. This kind of build material can also help an RV last longer and Azdel has better sound insulating properties than the Luan that some RVs use in the wall build. 

     

     

    Outdoor Features
    • Off-road capabilities. If you truly do plan to go off road or to places where the road ends and the trails begin, the Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires are worthy accomplices in this kind of adventure. I also really like the torsion axle suspension which uses a rubber core along with torsion bars to provide a much smoother ride in a towable RV. The less jarring and jiggling the RV is subjected to, the better it is for the RV. 
    • Stability. Lippert’s quick drop stabilizers offer a significantly more stable support than traditional stabilizer jacks. What’s more, they’re rated to be used with a power driver like your electric drill. While we all use a power driver, these are actually built to be used with one. 
    • Outdoor dining. You could argue that the prospective owner of this kind of trailer is out seeking adventure and, thus, more likely to spend time in the great outdoors. As such the outside kitchen in this rig features a flat-top griddle and bar-sized refrigerator along with a hot and cold spray port. This is basically all you need to prepare meals under the stars and the sky. And this is a well-designed outdoor kitchen. 
    • Roof access. The wider ladder on the back of this rig is easier for someone to climb up to access the roof, where you’ll also find a roof rack to store things like kayaks and such. But another benefit of the wider ladder is that you can use it to hang towels and swimsuits after a splash in the lake. 

     

     

    Challenges

    • East-to-West Murphy bed. Not everyone loves this. And there’s a reason why. As I’ll mention in the Sleeping Space section, this orientation pushes one sleeper into a pocket against the front cap. With means that they probably don’t need to be the one who takes a lot of bathroom breaks at night. 
    • Limited indoor living and cooking space. Every RV has its strengths and weaknesses. The Jay Feather Micro 199MBS is designed to get you outdoors with all your people and have room for everyone to sleep at the end of the day. But this model is also made to push you outdoors. Even the cooking area is more impressive outside. Inside, it’s not the kind of place where everyone can chill, cook, or entertain. That’s definitely not the intent behind this design.

     

    Best For

    • Families with smaller tow vehicles. This could be a great choice for someone who has a family, likes adventure but doesn’t necessarily have a huge tow vehicle. With sleeping for eight, this might be a good match for some capable SUVs and half-ton pickups. Of course, it’s always wise to know what your tow vehicle can pull and also what it can carry as the tow vehicle carries about 15 percent of any travel trailer.
    • Pet companions. Another group you might not think of are people who like to travel with pets. The lower bunk on this can flip up so those pets who like to sleep in crates might be very pleased with that lower space. The lower bunk might also be a good spot for pets with two-legged travelers taking to the upper bunk. 

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    The thing that makes or breaks trailers like this is the Murphy Bed. This bed is located in the front of the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS. By day, you have a couch. But, remove the back cushion and flip down the platform, and boom! There’s a 60-inch-by-76-inch bed. Now, it should be noted that this is a “pocket” bed. That means that one of the two people who could sleep here has to sleep against the front of the trailer. So, it’s always best to choose the person who most frequents the bathroom in the middle of the night to take the outer spot. 

    There are also two double-over-double bunks at the back of this little trailer, each able to accommodate two people and support 600 pounds. Each of these bunks measure 42 inches by 72 inches. So, full-sized adults might get their own bunk. With that in mind, each bunk does have a window that opens for air flow plus both household and USB power outlets. 

    One of the nifty things about these bunks is the built-in ladder. This ladder folds into itself so you don’t have to worry about storing it. It’s a nifty device. 

    If you really want to max out the sleeping capability of this rig you can also fold-down the u-shaped dinette for yet another bed for two. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The bathroom offers a decent amount of space given the exterior of this rig. While some smaller trailers don’t have a sink, this one does. And there’s good space around the toilet in here. 

    The shower is interesting. There’s a panel on a retractable mechanism much like the window shades in some homes, but this one is an unusual woven-looking material. I like this better than glass doors since this won’t break. (Which would, you know, leave glass all over.)

     

     

    Living Area and Kitchen

    With a space of this size, it’s probable that the occupants will be outside enjoying the beautiful places. The living space in the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS is pretty small. However, when the bed is up there is a couch and you have a U-shaped dinette. So, you may be able to seat all the people you can sleep. 

    There’s also a nifty plastic table that slides in under the bottom cushion of the couch that can be used indoors or out. This might be where the couch sitters enjoy a meal, but you might also use it for prep space as the kitchen has almost none. 

    There is a three-burner propane cooktop and a small sink along with a convection microwave. But there’s no propane oven. There is a new larger 12-volt refrigerator for 2025 that features the freezer on the bottom. 

    But the kitchen that might get the most use is the one outside. That kitchen sports a flat-top griddle, small refrigerator, and hot-and-cold spray port. While there isn’t a proper sink, a basin or bucket can serve that purpose. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    In line with the adventuresome appearance of this, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 199MBS has radiant-barrier insulation in the floor, front wall, and roof, and forced heat ducts that run into the underbelly area where the holding tanks are located. Jayco tests the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS to ensure it can hold ambient temperatures between zero and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

     

    Storage Space

    The answer to the question about storage space depends heavily on how you use this trailer. If you’re going to bring seven others with you, storage space is going to be really tight. But there is space under the lower bunk and drawers under the front couch. Small cubbies are placed in the compartment that holds the Murphy Bed, and there are cabinets the full width of the trailer over the bed/couch in front. 

    But the Murphy Bed, drawers under the couch, and spot for the folding table inside the trailer really cut into the size of the passthrough storage up front. 

    There is a rack on the roof of the trailer. So, that would be where you might put some items, but I would imagine this would be more of a place for things like kayaks and such — rather than the toolbox and black tank supplies that often find a home in passthrough storage bays. 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Jay Feather Micro 199MBS

    From the standpoint of build materials and methods and interior design, this trailer has a lot to offer. This is not necessarily the trailer to choose if you and your crew are seeking a camping experience where you’re sitting back watching movies or reading books. 

    But if what’s outside is what’s in your heart, then this could be the perfect catalyst for that sort of getaway. 

     

    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.

    That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Jay Feather Micro 199MBS

    What Other Campers Are Saying

    Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

  • New Study Points to Younger, More Diverse RV Owner Profiles

    New Study Points to Younger, More Diverse RV Owner Profiles

    RV industry advocate Go RVing found that RV owner profiles are averaging younger in a 2025 survey, reports RVIA. However, also of note, the number of households that own an RV fell sharply since the last survey, done in 2021. The new total is 8.1 million households, down from 11.2 million households reported in 2021. The number also fell below the 2011 number, 8.9 million households. 

    Go RVing says the 8.1 million figure better aligns with industry data, including wholesale RV shipments and retail registrations. In addition, 16.9 million households expressed a strong interest in buying an RV in the next five years.

     

    RV Owner Age Decreases, Demographics Diversify

    The study found the median age of RV owners to be 49, down from 53 just four years ago. RVers ages 35 to 54 increased to 46 percent of all owners, driving down the overall median age. Concurrently, more non-Caucasian consumers bought RVs. Caucasians comprised 85 percent of RV owners in the initial 2021 study. Now, this group represents 73 pervent of RV owners 

    Go RVing Chief Marketing Officer Karen Redfern says the report points to the increasing diversity of RVer demographics. 

    “As the RV industry continues to evolve, it is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in outdoor recreation, flexible work arrangements and experiential travel,” Redfern notes. “By embracing innovation, targeting new audiences, and providing exceptional customer experiences, the RV industry can drive sustained growth and solidify its place as a cornerstone of the American lifestyle.”

     

    Future RV Owner Profiles Are Even Younger

    The Go RVing study added to its RV owner profiles by building an “intender” profile. Intenders are consumers among the 16.9 million households saying they are likely to buy an RV in the next five years. Among the intender profiles, many are also currently RV owners.

    The median age of intenders is 42, with 19 percent of intenders ages 18 to 34, Fifty-three precent range from ages 35 to 54. A third of Intenders are young families, defined as consumers under 45 with children under 18.

    Among growth audiences — defined as consumers identifying as African American, Hispanic, Asian American, and/or LGBTQIA+ — intenders are even younger. Only 15 percent of growth audience intenders are over 55, compared with 39 percent of current RV owners and 27 percent of all intenders.

     

    Less Income Means More Research

    Growth audience intenders also have lower household incomes and are likelier to live in multigenerational households. A total of 12 percent said they lived with parents, compared with eight percent of all intenders and four percent of current RV owners.

    Consumers continue to spend more time researching their next RV purchase before visiting the dealership. The study found dealership and manufacturer websites remained the most popular online research sources.

    Over half of current RV owners (51 percent) said visiting the dealership was their best experiential resource, followed by conversations with friends and family (42 percent) and RV/outdoor consumer shows (33 percent).

     

    An Increase in Annual RV Trips and Mileage

    RV owners today use their vehicles more than four years ago. RVers reported using their RVs at least 30 days a year, up 50 percent from the 20 days reported in the initial study’s findings. On average, owners make nine annual RV trips, traveling an average of 250 miles.

    RV rental use continued to increase in the past four years. The new study found one-fifth of RV owners said they rented an RV, while an additional 32 percent said they considered renting but had not yet rented.

    The report sought insight into the motivations for choosing RV ownership. Most RVers said they wanted to spend time in nature (54 percent) or unwind and relax (52 percent). Nearly half (49 percent) said they enjoyed the ability to bring pets on their RVing trips.

    As younger consumers own RVs, the vehicles have become a means to accommodate remote work and alternative lifestyles. Nearly a quarter of RVers (22 percent) said someone in their home works remotely. Among remote workers, 54 precent said their work has been done from an RV.

    The survey, conducted by Ipsos, polled 5,500 consumers. Go RVing said the new study significantly changed survey methodology to count RV-owning households more accurately. 

  • EXPLORE Act’s Passage Modernizes Future for RVers

    EXPLORE Act’s Passage Modernizes Future for RVers

    The Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (aka EXPLORE Act) has become law and is intended to do a lot for outdoor recreation, including RVers. The act, signed January 4, 2025, is slated to spend $1.2 trillion on outdoor recreation. This includes monies  intended to improve camping, increase access to public lands, expand camping seasons in some places, and upgrade connectivity in many rural places.

    The legislation intends to modernize government systems to make access to parks more efficient. Encouragingly, it also unifies agencies within the government to reduce the number of silos of information and action. 

     

    Bill Passed as a Rare Bipartisan Achievement

    In contrast to so many other issues, but similar to the America the Beautiful Act, the EXPLORE Act received by bipartisan support in Congress.

    “The unanimous passage of the Outdoors for All Act in the Senate marks a historic milestone in expanding outdoor access for all Americans,” says Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “As one of the final acts of Congress in 2024, this bipartisan achievement underscores the vital role parks and green spaces play in uniting us. For the first time, this legislation ensures that tribal nations can directly access funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, while also providing essential resources to underserved urban communities.”

    “This is a victory for tribal communities who have long sought equitable access to outdoor recreation funding,” says Dr. Ken Lucero, Tribal and Indigenous Lands Director for Trust for Public Land. “Including tribes as eligible recipients ensures their voices and priorities are recognized and supported in the preservation and creation of outdoor spaces.”

    EXPLORE Act Passage Celebrated by Outdoor Recreation Communities

    According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the act doesn’t actually cost additional funds or promote use of spaces that could harm those natural resources. The act was almost universally praised by a variety of watchdog groups and was passed with bipartisan support. 

    The Wilderness Society states that the legislation streamlines and improves the permitting process for outfitters and organized groups so they can spend more time doing what they do best—helping others enjoy and recreate on public lands. Another celebrant is the RV Industry Association (RVIA), an advocate for the RV lifestyle, which stated that the ruling would grow local jobs, includes access to public lands, responsibly extend federal land shoulder seasons to provide more access to those lands and bring together agencies to better manage those lands. 

     

    What the EXPLORE Act Could Mean for RVers

    Improved Connectivity Could Be Coming

    One aspect of the ruling is to bring better internet connectivity to public lands. While some have criticized this, the result is potentially good. For example, having greater connectivity will allow visitors to update reservations, create new reservations without having to contact park employees and volunteers. It could also improve access to emergency services. This connectivity is primarily in already-developed areas like lodges and campgrounds. 

    Jason Epperson of RVMiles in his YouTube news video noted that parks already have radio transmission towers. Epperson theorized that replacing these with less visually offensive cell towers could increase connectivity and reduce visual blight. 

     

    Projected Impact on the Outdoor Recreation Economy

    The passage of the EXPLORE Act is also a victory for the outdoor recreation economy, now valued at $1.1 trillion annually and supporting 5 million jobs. By investing in trails, parks, and infrastructure, the legislation fosters social connection and resilience while ensuring the outdoors is open to everyone.

    The bill is actually a package of a dozen or so public lands-related pieces of legislation, and it has broad support from both democrats and republicans and a wide variety of public lands stakeholders including environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the National Wildlife Federation, and business interests like the RV Industry Association and the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Association. Supporters say it will grow rural jobs, increase access to public lands, provide gateway communities assistance for outdoor recreation businesses and modernize facilities.

    The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish ten long-distance national bike trails, at least 80 miles each in length, using trails and roads already in existence, and identify ten more that could become national bike trails in the future.

    The bill sets a unified federal policy for recreational climbing, including placing and maintaining fixed anchors for recreational climbing and allowing them in federally protected wilderness areas.

     

    Less Restriction of Filming on Public Lands

    The bill will drop permit requirements for people filming on public lands as long as that filming is “merely incidental to, or documenting, an activity or event that is allowed or authorized at the System unit, whether any individual receives compensation.” 

    There is a provision for permits for groups of six or more who are filming or photographing, but they cannot charge for these permits and the permitting system has have an automated system. 

    Groups of more than eight, groups using more than basic hand-held equipment and tripods, and groups who are impeding and intruding on the experience of others will still need to apply for and obtain a permit and pay a fee.

     

    Cleaning Up Maps, Bathroom, Accessibility, and More

    The EXPLORE Act requires the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service to provide and update maps showing motorized and non-motorized use areas. Additionally, iy requires the agencies to support their gateway communities — the towns at the entrance to popular areas like national park s— and provide technical and financial assistance to businesses through low-interest business loan programs.

    The bill allows for land management agencies to create cooperative cost-saving management agreements. For instance, a forest service campground on the edge of a national park could be run by the National Park Service to create efficiency. A state park can agree to work with a federal park to share employees or facilities, according to an article on RVMiles.com. 

    The new legislation requires secretaries to seek to increase and improve parking and restroom facilities.The secretaries also must establish new wheelchair-accessible trails and do an inventory of trails to provide accessibility data, including measuring each trail’s average and minimum tread width and slope. The EXPLORE Act supports veterans by requiring the agencies to assist with programs and jobs focused on continuing national service and develop strategies for encouraging outdoor recreation by veterans and service members.

     

    Modernizing Permits and Passes

    The bill dramatically cleans up and modernizes the permit process for public lands tour operators and guides, events, and special activities. Those activities still require permits, but much of the red tape in the application process will be removed, saving both the government and the applicants time and money.

    The bill establishes a digital version of the America The Beautiful public lands passes that allow access to most federal lands for one fee. Starting in 2026, you will be able to purchase it online and have immediate access. It also allows federal agencies to partner with state and local agencies to allow people to buy multiple passes in one transaction. (Imagine you buy your state park pass when you renew your license plates, as several states do — you could theoretically add a federal pass simultaneously.)

    The EXPLORE Act requires all of the federal land agencies to look at seasonal closures of parks, campgrounds, marinas, etc, and, where feasible, reduce the length of time those facilities close, allowing for more access in the shoulder seasons.

  • California Bans Sale of Single-Use, One-Pound Propane Bottles

    California Bans Sale of Single-Use, One-Pound Propane Bottles

    California has banned the sale of single-use, one-pound propane tanks. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1280 into law, and the new regulation went into effect on January 1, 2025. The legislation aims to reduce the millions of disposable propane cylinders that end up in landfills, parks, and waterways each year. Beginning January 1, 2028, only refillable propane canisters and cylinders will be offered for sale within the California market. 

    The ban targets the commonly-used green, nonrefillable propane canisters that are popular among campers, tailgaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. These propane bottles fuel portable stoves, heaters, and lanterns. State officials argue that these single-use tanks create significant environmental hazards and are difficult to properly recycle.

     

    Enforcement and Penalties

    Retailers who are found to be selling single-use propane tanks in violation of the new law may face fines or other penalties. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local agencies will oversee enforcement, ensuring businesses comply with the regulation.

    California joins a growing number of cities and states pushing for more sustainable outdoor recreation practices. With the ban in place, officials hope to see a drastic reduction in hazardous waste. At the same time, the regulation promotes greener alternatives for camping and outdoor cooking.

     

    Environmental Waste and Risk Reduction

    The National Propane Gas Association states that California is the largest customer for natural gas and propane. Annual sales stand at 535 million gallons. All of which makes sense because of the unique camping opportunities in the state. According to CalRecycle, California discards over four million single-use propane tanks annually. Many of these are improperly disposed of. This leads to potential fire hazards, toxic leaks, and increased landfill waste. The metal containers often end-up in recycling bins. However, because they contain flammable gas residue, they pose risks at waste processing facilities.

    “These small canisters are a big problem,” say Jared Blumenfeld, Secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency. “They litter our parks and beaches. And they’re dangerous to handle. We need to move toward sustainable alternatives.”

    So, as California bans propane bottles of this variety, the expectation is that the regulation will do more than reduce waste. It could also increase waste disposal safety.

     

    California Bans Single-Use Propane Bottles — Not the Use of Propane

    The state is encouraging consumers to switch to refillable propane canisters. These are already available at outdoor retailers and some gas stations. Refillable options enable campers to use them multiple times, significantly reducing waste and long-term costs. Therefore, when California bans propane bottles that cannot be reused, it does not constitute a ban on the use of propane itself.

    While environmental groups have praised the move, some outdoor recreation businesses have raised concerns about the transition. One camping gear retailer in Los Angeles noted that, “Many customers rely on disposable tanks for convenience, and refilling options aren’t as widely available yet.”

    Manufacturers are now working to expand the availability of reusable propane tanks and exchange programs. This move reflects one similar to the existing system for larger barbecue-sized propane tanks.

    Some RVers advocate the refilling of the existing one-pound propane tanks. However, safety advocates discourage this. They note that the single-use tanks are not intended to be refilled. The warning label states that the tanks can rust from the inside out and cause a failure. Refillable tanks, on the other hand, are built differently. Fortunately, with the ban in place, these should become widely available by the time the enforcement of the law begins to take place in 2028. Refillable tanks already exist now. 

  • 2024 Report Spotlights Increase in RV Shipments

    2024 Report Spotlights Increase in RV Shipments

    The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is reporting a 6.6 percent increase in total RV shipments for 2024. December alone saw a 7.6 percent increase in RV with shipments, with 1,631 more units shipped than the previous year. Leading these RV shipments were towable RVs, particularly traditional travel trailers. This RV type showed an 11.4 percent increase in December. However, motorhomes bucked the trend with a 17.7 percent drop in shipments the final month of the year.

    In a press release from the RVIA CEO Craig Kirby states, “The RV industry showed resilience and an upward trajectory in 2024.” The organization also predicts that the trend will continue into 2025. Among additional areas of industry growth, park model RVs saw five percent year-over-year growth.  

    The RVIA is an organization that promotes and supports the RV industry with lobbying efforts and marketing resources. They also support the RV Technical Institute, a training system for RV technicians and provide insight into the industry. 

    The organization states that the industry accounts for $140 billion dollars in economic output with 680,000 jobs representing 2.2 percent of the national gross domestic product. 

  • Lippert Announces RV Owner Classes for 2025

    Lippert Announces RV Owner Classes for 2025

    Since 2022 Lippert, the largest supplier of parts to the RV industry, has provided classes specifically for RV owners who want to learn more about maintaining and repairing their RVs. This year, the Lippert RV Owner’s School has scheduled four class sessions avaialble at two locations. The first session starts in Dallas, Texas on April 8. The three following sessions are through their Lippert Technical Institute in Mishawaka, Indiana from June 24 through August 19, 2025.

    The objective of the classes is to enable RV owners to learn more about the function of systems on their RVs and be able to make repairs themselves. Within the framework of the course are RV owner classes on axles, slide-room systems, and more. Understanding how these systems work and what to do if they don’t can save an owner a lot of time and money. 

     

     

    Web-Based RV Owner Classes Also Available 

    In addition to the in-person RV owner classes, Lippert Technical Institute has a web-based portal. This portal includes instructional material and videos directly from the company to help RV owners on the road with DIY repairs. 

    Prices for the 2025 classes have not been established yet, but the company’s website has details. Those interested may also request to receive information via an email subscription. Lippert also has a YouTube channel that covers many of the topics owners inquire about.

    In addition to training for owners, the Lippert Technical Institute provides training for technicians. Their course provide certifications in a number of areas. (Personally, this reporter had the privilege of going through the classes which taught a lot about the RV and how to properly maintain it. Completing the course definitely makes one better aware of what to do if things don’t function properly which offers a better RV experience. For those who want to expand their knowledge, this presents an great opportunity to do so.)