wpblogtesting

Category: News

  • Google Shares Top 10 Most-Searched State Parks

    Google Shares Top 10 Most-Searched State Parks

    What are the most-searched state parks according to Google? That’s no longer a mystery. Last month, the search engine giant recently shared the most popular state parks according to user search counts.

    While many RVers have the goal of seeing all the national parks, state parks can likewise offer incredible experiences. Often state parks area may be less crowded than their national park brethren. Also, they tend to be less expensive to get into.

    So, which state parks were the most sought-after in Google search? Let

     

    No. 10: Jones Beach State Park – Wantagh, New York

    World-famous Jones Beach State Park is the home of over six miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The location is made up of more than 2,400 acres of maritime terrain on the south shore of Long Island. Among the eight million visitors to the park each year, families can enjoy their own piece of the beach for a day. (With many returning dozens of times through the summer.)

    With a design based on the theme of an ocean liner, Jones Beach offers many activities to those who visit the park. They can fish, swim in the ocean, and stroll the boardwalk. Visitors can also get a bite to eat at one of the many concession stands and restaurants, attend concerts, play sports, and so much more.

    At the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, guests can learn more about the ecosystem of the park. Naturally, they can also partake in swimming, sunbathing, bicycling, surfing, and visiting the playgrounds and splashpad.

     

    No. 9: Blue Spring State Park – Orange City, Florida

    Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 20. By 2023 that number skyrocketed to a record 729.

    To see the park’s wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Fish abound in the spring run and attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. Visitors can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available at the park), or take a guided river boat cruise.

     

    No. 8: Warren Dunes State Park – Sawyer, Michigan

    Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,500 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. Its rugged dune formation, rising 260 feet above the lake, offers spectacular views. This makes it particularly excellent for hang gliding. (A permit is required.) The park is home to three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails, and two popular campgrounds.

    The unofficial gateway to Michigan’s state park system from the West, the park is home to an extensive network of richly forested dunes, large open dunes, and interdunal wetlands. It also features significant bird diversity because it is a stopover location on a bird migration route.

     

    No. 7: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Carmel, California

    Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been called the crown jewel of the California State Park system. Landscape Painter Francis McComas called Point Lobos “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” World-class photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams spent years of their lives walking the woods and shores of Point Lobos for the perfect photograph.

    Originally known to indigenous people as “Isxhenta,” Point Lobos is considered a sacred place to be cherished. Today, people come from all over the world to become inspired by this unique place.

    Point Lobos SNR is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, scuba diving, and jogging. The offshore area, part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world popular with divers. On land there are rare plant communities, unique geological formations and incredibly rich flora and fauna.

    What is perhaps most remarkable is the ecological recovery of Point Lobos. Once the site was home to countless industrial activities, from whaling operations and gravel quarries to the largest abalone cannery on the West Coast. Now, Point Lobos is classified as a State Natural Reserve, allowing visitors to witness its incredible ecological recovery after years of heavy resource extraction.

     

    No. 6: Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison, Connecticut

    With a two-mile sandy stretch of beach, a bustling campground, and serene nature preserve, Connecticut’s largest shoreline park offers prime real estate. Activities include swimming, surfcasting, and strolling the boardwalk. (Or just soaking in the rays and sweeping views of the Long Island Sound.)

    “Hammonasset” means, “where we dig holes in the ground” — an eastern woodland Indian term used to describe the farming area along the Hammonasset River.

     

    No. 5: Letchworth State Park – Castile, New York

    Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs — as high as 600 feet in some places — surrounded by lush forests.

    Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth by hot air balloon is unforgettable. (You can catch a glimpse in this video clip.)

     

    No. 4: Starved Rock State Park – Utica, Illinois

    A few hours outside of Chicago is Starved Rocks State Park. This place features seasonal waterfalls, day hikes and beautiful sandstone canyons. Its 13 miles of trails take visitors through magnificent rock formations carved out of the earth by flowing water.

     

    No. 3: Silver Falls State Park – Salem, Oregon

    People call it the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system. On visiting, travelers know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national — and international — stage. Its beauty, boundless recreational opportunities and historic presence keep it there.

     

    No. 2: Liberty State Park – Jersey City, New Jersey

    With the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state’s most dramatic parks. A green oasis in the heart of metropolitan northern New Jersey, Liberty State Park serves as the gateway to the region’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources.

     

    No. 1: Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen, New York

    Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs. This generates 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge.

    Campers and day-visitors can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities ,and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek. (The latter is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.)

    Feeling inspired? These parks’ presence on Google’s list means they are top of mind for travelers. (Just like you.) So, crowds are almost guaranteed. But these destinations are popular for a reason, and if you spot a place you’ve thought about, maybe give it a second look. Whether you’re drawn to waterfalls, beaches, or quiet hiking trails, these top-searched parks prove that adventure is often closer than you think.

  • EPA Lifting Diesel Restrictions for Vehicles

    EPA Lifting Diesel Restrictions for Vehicles

    Owners of diesel-fueled vehicles including motorhomes and pickups have long complained about conditions that happen when diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) runs low. Under current guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when DEF levels get low, the engine’s power output derates and performance drops significantly. However, the EPA is now changing that position and lifting diesel restrictions for vehicles.

    On August 12, in Des Moines, Iowa, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the change in an official statement. Zeldin gave clear guidance urging engine and equipment manufacturers to revise DEF system software in existing vehicles and equipment to prevent these sudden shutdowns. The alteration would give operators more time to repair faults without impacting productivity or safety. 

     

    Why the EPA Is Lifting Diesel Restrictions Now

    Many owners of diesel-powered motorhomes have complained about the derating when availability of DEF is limited but the destination isn’t and the diesel engines in the motorhomes suddenly reduce power significantly making it difficult to travel anywhere near highway speeds. 

    When DEF runs out or a system sensor fails, current systems can force a vehicle to drastically reduce speed or become inoperable. In many cases, vehicles are limited to as little as five miles per hour within hours of a DEF-related fault, causing significant disruptions in logistics, agriculture, and construction. Although this derate strategy was intended to ensure compliance with EPA’s Tier 4 Emissions Standards, it has caused needless frustration, operational delays, and real economic hardship for countless farmers, truckers, and equipment operators.

    Many owners of large diesel-powered RVs have complained about this system as a number of failures have occurred with sensors so, even though the driver still has sufficient DEF, the failed sensor caused the RV to derate and operate in limp mode. Since the sensor issues were not uncommon, availability of replacement parts, especially in some rural areas where RVers like to travel, was problematic. 

    Zeldin stated that the complaints did not go unnoticed,“We have heard loud and clear from small businesses across the United States that the current DEF system is unacceptable. It is unacceptable that farmers, truckers, construction workers, and many other small businesses continually experience failures of diesel-powered equipment when they need it most — costing millions of dollars in lost productivity.” Zeldin continued, “Today, we are responding to those concerns by calling on manufacturers to take action to update their software and eliminate the unnecessary sudden loss of power and frustrating shutdowns that too many Americans have experienced.” 

     

    When the Implementation Will Take Place

    Starting with model year 2027, EPA requirements state that all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to avoid sudden and severe power loss after running out of DEF. To fix the problem for vehicles already in use, EPA’s new guidance, developed in collaboration with manufacturers, will work to ensure that the necessary software changes can be made on the existing fleet. 

    In addition to providing certainty to manufacturers about how EPA wants this issue resolved, the agency is not requiring separate approvals beyond that provided in EPA’s guidance. In a statement released by the EPA, the organization wrote that its statement should serve as notification to the manufacturers to proceed with the fix and changes to 2027 model year vehicles.

     

    What It Means for RVers

    The changes mean RVers will have more time to get to a store, truck stop, or service center if they run low on DEF. For RVers traveling in rural areas where DEF can be hard to find, this will make a big difference. Instead of a sudden slowdown or speed cap, the updated rules build in a much bigger cushion.

     

    Low DEF Grace Periods – New EPA guideline

    Vehicle Type   First Power Reduction Final Speed Cap
    Heavy-Duty Pickups & RV Tow Vehicles 45 mph at 80 hours / 4,200 miles
    Motorhomes Follow chassis guidelines (heavy-duty pickup or medium-duty truck) Same as chassis type
    Semi Truck Tractors 15% power drop at 10 hours / 650 miles 25 mph at 160 hours / 8,400 miles

     

    Since 2010, most on-road diesel trucks and many types of nonroad equipment (such as tractors and construction machinery) have used selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that inject DEF into exhaust streams to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

  • RV Recalls Announced in August 2025: See the List

    RV Recalls Announced in August 2025: See the List

    A large number of RV recalls were announced by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) in August 2025. Among the brands included in the RV recalls for August are Brinkley RV, East to West RV, Forest River, Grech RV, Jayco, Keystone RV, Storyteller Overland, Tiffin Motorhomes, Winnebago, and Ford Motor Company.

    This monthly list of RV recalls for August exceeds the recalls from the previous month of July.

     

    List of RV Recalls Announced by NHTSA in August 2025

    Brinkley RV

    Affected Models: 2025 Model Z

    Recall. Brinkley is recalling 37 units of their 2025 Model Z,  as wiring might not be secured properly. Improperly secured wiring can cause a short which may lead to fire. 

    Action for owners. Owners should reach out to a Brinkley dealer who will secure the affected electrical wires free of charge. Brinkley expects to mail out owner notification letters in August 2025. Owners may contact Brinkley customer service at (574) 501-4280. Brinkley’s number for this recall is REC-2503.

     

    East to West RV

    Affected Models: 2024–26 East to West RV Entrada

    Recall. Forest River is recalling certain 2024–26 East to West Entrada Class C motorhomes due to an incorrectly wired seven-way harness. The wiring may cause brakes on a towed trailer to lock-up when the RV’s brakes are applied. 

    Action for owners. Owners should contact an Entrada dealer, who will will disconnect, cap, and mark the power wire as a tracer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (574) 264-6664. Forest River’s number for this recall is 504-1968.

     

    Forest River

    Affected Models: 2026 Rockwood and Flagstaff Travel Trailers

    Recall. Forest River is recalling certain 2026 Rockwood and Flagstaff travel trailers as the breakaway switch was wired to the incorrect side of the battery disconnect switch. When the battery disconnect is used, it makes the trailer brakes inoperative. 

    Action for owners. Owners should contact a Forest River dealer, who will rewire the breakaway switch, free of charge. All vehicles are located on dealer lots. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (574) 642-8942. Forest River’s number for this recall is 10-1966.

     

    Grech RV

    Affected Models: 2022–23 Terreno, 2025 Terreno, 2021–25 Turismo, 2022–25 Strada

    Recall. Grech RV is recalling 2022-23 Terreno, 2025 Terreno, 2021-25 Turismo and 202-25 Strada motorhomes. At issue: The awning could extend during transit.

    Action for owners. Grech is currently working on a remedy for this issue. The expect to send out notification letters to owners by August 30, 2025. A second letter will be mailed when the remedy is devised. Owners of Grech RVs may contact Grech customer service at (951) 688-8347.

     

    Jayco

    Affected Models: Jay Flight SLX Travel Trailers

    Recall. Jayco is recalling 173 Jay Flight SLX travel trailers due to a missing exhaust vent from the exterior wall. Without the vent carbon monoxide can build-up inside the trailer posing a serious risk to occupants. 

    Action for owners. Owners of affected RVs should reach out to a Jayco dealer who will inspect and install a furnace duct vent, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 12. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at (800) 283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901636.

     

    Keystone RV

    Affected Models: 2026 Springdale and Hideout

    Recall. Keystone RV is recalling certain 2026 Springdale and Hideout travel trailers. The pivot brackets on the bunk bed may bend or break. Bent or broken brackets may allow the bunk bed to fall, increasing the risk of injury to whoever is occupying the beds at the time.

    The recall was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 25, 2025. The trailers were manufactured between May 23, 2025, and July 24, 2025.

    Action for owners. Dealers will replace the brackets with brackets that have reinforced welds, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Keystone RV customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 25-472.

     

    Storyteller Overland RV

    Affected Models: 2023 Mode LT

    Recall. Storyteller Overland is recalling certain 2023 Mode LT models due to a shore power inlet being installed improperly. One hundred six (106) units are affected by the recall. 

    Action for owners. Owners of RVs affected by this recall should reach out to a Storyteller Overland RV dealer who will replace the shore power inlets, free of charge. Storyteller Overland RV expects to mail owner notification letters on September 19. Owners may contact Storyteller Overland customer service at (888) 999-7442.

     

    Tiffin Motorhomes

    Affected Models: 2024 Convoy, 2023-26 GH1, 2025 GT1 and 2026 GH2

    Recall. Tiffin is recalling certain 2024 Convoy, 2023-26 GH1, 2025 GT1, and 2026 GH2 motorhomes based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and equipped with the 2.0 liter diesel engine and a second alternator. The second alternator may not have been programmed correctly. Four hundred eighteen (418) units are affected. 

    Action for owners. Owners of motorhomes affected by this recall should reach out to a Tiffin dealer who will install a new wiring harness and update the alternator programming, free of charge. Tiffin expects to mail owner notification letters on September 19, 2025. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at (256) 356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-145.

     

    Winnebago

    Affected Models: 2024-25 EKKO

    Recall. Winnebago is recalling certain 2024-25 EKKO motorhomes due to a faulty valve extension on the inner dual wheel which could be damaged by contacting the outer wheel. This can cause the inner tire to lose air pressure which can overload the outer tire and potentially lead to tire failure. 

    Action for owners. Owners should reach out the a Winnebago dealer, who will inspect and replace the faulty valve extensions as necessary, free of charge. Winnebago expects to have owner notification letters in the mail on October 2, 2025. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at (641) 585-6939 or (800) 537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 200.

     

    Ford Motor Company

    Affected Models: 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

    Recall. Ford is recalling certain 2025 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. When towing a trailer the taillights on the trailer may fail to illuminate due to an improperly manufactured body control module. This failure can cause reduced visibility to other drivers increasing the risk of a crash which could lead to injury or worse. The recall could affect 213,121 vehicles. 

    Action for owners. Dealers will replace the body control module C on vehicles with less than 9,000 miles. For vehicles over 9,000 miles, dealers will perform a functional check on the body control module C and replace it as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed October 13, 2025.

    Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25C42.

     

    How to Find Recalls on Your Own RV

    In many cases, the NHTSA handles recalls. You can use their website to search for recalls that may affect your RV. You can also subscribe to the NHTSA’s recall notices on their website with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

  • RVIA Shares RV Travelers’ Labor Day Plans

    RVIA Shares RV Travelers’ Labor Day Plans

    Travel over the Labor Day weekend looks to be busy if the survey by the RV Industry Association is correct. In their newly released Fall Travel Intention Survey, the RVIA reports that some 7.4 million Americans are going to be spending part of the Labor Day weekend traveling by RV, which is an increase over last year. Why?

    Travel, Your Way

    “RV travel continues to offer comfort, affordability, and a direct connection to the outdoors that makes it stand out as the premier way to experience autumn across America,” said Monika Geraci, RV Industry Association spokesperson. “From scenic road trips to national and state park adventures, and from beach getaways to leaf-peeping in the Northeast, RVers can enjoy so many ways to explore just beyond their door.”

    Survey Says…

    Road Trip With the Whole Family: These road trippers are expected to travel about 4–7 hours from their home base with 74 percent stating that they’ll be bringing pets along for the adventure.

    It’s All About the Journey: For respondents, the top “destination” is the road trip itself; of course, many proposed itineraries also include national and state parks, coastal destinations and festivals, fairs, concerts, and theme parks.

    Word of Mouth, or Word of Machine? Almost a third of the respondents indicated that they were using artificial intelligence-based tools to help with the planning of their getaway. Also in play are trip-planning websites, social media, and app-based services.

    Shifting RV Trends

    In addition to travel destinations and intentions, the survey also revealed broader attitudes towards RV travel.

    • The Affordable Option: 60 percent of respondents cited affordability of RV travel as a top reason they plan to take an RV trip this fall. Enjoying the RV lifestyle and escaping the “busyness of life” rounded out the top three reasons given.
    • Stable Costs: 47 percent of RVers cite economic uncertainty as a reason to travel by RV this fall, up from 33 percent this summer.
    • Younger Buyers: Millennials and Gen Z show the greatest year-over-year increase in RV purchase interest (up 16% year-over-year).
    • Shorter Trips: Most RVers plan to stay within a 4–7 hour drive from home.
    • Remote Work: More RVers than this time last year are planning to work remotely while RVing this fall.
  • Campers Beware! Animal Encounters Endanger RVers

    Campers Beware! Animal Encounters Endanger RVers

    As summer travel reaches a peak, it’s more important than ever to remember that we are mere visitors in our parks and natural spaces. While some wildlife are featured attractions, others can turn a relaxing outing into a life-or-death situation. Two recent high-profile incidents underscore the importance of staying alert and taking the necessary precautions when out on an adventure.

    Mountain Lion Attacks Young Hiker

    A family was hiking on a popular trail in Olympic National Park, Wash., when a mountain lion bit their four-year-old child. The child’s father intervened and wrestled the child out of the animal’s mouth, according to the Guardian. Witnesses credit the father’s quick actions for his child’s survival.

    The child was airlifted to a trauma center in Seattle. He was later listed as being in satisfactory condition and station KIRO reported that he had been released from the hospital. The animal, wearing a tracking collar, was later found and put down. The GPS collar reported that it had been near a scenic lookout known as Victoria Overlook on Hurricane Ridge.

    Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare – less than one a year, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation, with fewer than 30 fatal attacks recorded in North America since 1868. They typically avoid humans, though sightings are reportedly on the rise, with their numbers having rebounded after the introduction of hunting restrictions and bans.

    Bear Attacks Woman in Camper

    A woman camping in Lake Tahoe’s Eagle Point Campground awoke to find a bear in her camper. The bear was not deterred by the woman’s screams nor by her banging pots and pans in an attempt to scare it. The animal swiped at the woman, leaving cuts and bruises, before finally exiting the RV. Later that same day, the bear broke into another RV where people were sleeping.

    Ultimately it was determined that this bear was threatening to humans and was put down. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the bear had been causing problems for months. The animal had previously triggered numerous calls to 911 on break-ins to both homes and vehicles. Authorities used DNA evidence to confirm that it was the same animal in the multiple encounters.

    Do you know the recommended safe distance to keep from common wildlife? (Credit: National Park Service)

    How to Stay Safe Around Animals

    Common sense says you should watch your surroundings and maintain your distance, but what do you look for and how far do you stay away? The National Park Service’s article on “7 Ways to Safely Watch Wildlife” has the answer.

    One tip that’s true for all animals is to help prevent them from seeing humans as a source of food. Obviously, you want to keep critters out of your picnic basket, but you should also be diligent about food waste and scraps. Even crumbs left at a picnic table can cause animals to become less wary of us two-legged creatures. Use wildlife-resistant food storage or trash containers where available or required and make sure they’re securely closed.

    Unfortunately, once they see humans as a reliable food source, wildlife can lose their inhibition and become aggressive toward people. This puts you at risk of injury and the wildlife at risk of being removed and humanely killed by wildlife managers.

    Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors and get in touch with nature. While stories of animal attacks are harrowing, the truth is that these animals are merely searching for their next meals wherever they can. And in some cases, that can bring them into conflict with human visitors, usually with severe consequences for the animal. Treating the local fauna (and flora) with respect and maintaining a healthy sense of caution can help ensure that they don’t see you as their next source of food.

  • RV Recalls Announced in July 2025: See the List

    RV Recalls Announced in July 2025: See the List

    A number of RV recalls were announced by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) in July 2025. Among the brands included in the recall are Airstream, Bowlus, Forest River, Grand Design, and Winnebago. 

     

    List of RV Recalls Announced by NHTSA in July 2025

    The following RV recalls have been issued by the NHTSA in July 2025. They are presented in alphabetical order by manufacturer.

     

    Airstream

    Affected Models: 2025 Interstate

    Recall. Airstream is recalling 2025 Interstate motorhomes due to a faulty Parametric Special Module, which could fail to lock controls and enable the awning extend during transit. The recall affects 244 units.

    Action for owners. Owners should reach out to an Airstream dealer, who will correct the PSM pinning assignment, free of charge. Owners may reach out to Airstream customer service at (877) 596-6505 or (937) 596-6111 ext. 7401 or 7411.

     

    Bowlus

    Affected Models: 2025 Endless Highway, 2024-25 Volterra, 2024 Terra Firma, 2025 Rivet

    Recall. Bowlus is recalling 2022-23 and 2025 Endless Highway, 2024-25 Volterra, 2024 Terra Firma and 2025 Rivet trailer that have been equipped with the elongated hitch because the owners manual doesn’t contain specific instruction to retighten the two hitch bolts as part of routine maintenance. Without this the bolts could loosen allowing the top and bottom of the hitch to separate and create a hazard. 

    Action for owners. Owners of RVs affected by this recall should reach out to a Bowlus dealer who will inspect, replace and tighten hitch bolts as necessary, free of charge. Bolus will also provide a supplement to the owner’s manual with the necessary hitch bolt maintenance instructions. Owners may contact Bowlus customer service at service@bowlus.com. The NHTSA number for this recall is 25V417000.

     

    Forest River, Inc.

    Affected Models: 2026 Westbrook and Tracer

    Recall No. 1. Forest River is recalling specific 2026 Westbrook and Tracer Recreational Trailers due to a potentially improperly routed propane line which could rub against the furnace and cause a leak. 

    Action for owners. Owners of RVs affected by this recall should reach out to a Forest River dealer who will replace and reroute the the propane gas hose, free of charge. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (574) 862-1025. Forest River’s number for this recall is 48-1954.

     

    Affected Models: 2025 East to West Entrada, 2025-26 Forester, 2025-26 Freelander, 2025-26 Leprechaun, 2025-26 Sunseeker, 2025-26 Solera

    Recall No. 2. Forest River is recalling certain 2025-26 Sunseeker, Solera, Forester, Freelander, Leprechaun and East To West RV Entrada motorhomes. The fuel line extension connectors may have faulty claims allowing a fuel line to leak representing a fire risk. 

    Action for owners. Owners of RVs affected by this recall should reach out to a Forest River dealer. The dealers will inspect and replace the fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. East to West RV Entrada owners may contact customer service at (574) 264-6664. Forester, Solera, and Sunseeker owners may contact customer service at (574) 206-7600. Leprechaun and Freelander owners may contact customer service at (574) 825-8602. Forest River’s number for this recall is 51-1955.

     

    Grand Design

    Affected Models: 2025-26 Lineage

    Recall. Grand Design is recalling specific 2025 and 2026 Lineage RVs equipped with the Lippert Modular entrance doors. The latch mechanism could fail leaving occupants unable to exit the vehicle in an emergency. The recall affects 663 units.

    Action for owners. The fix is to install a new retainer clip and install a secondary retainer tot eh tension rod at no cost to the owner. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at (574) 825-9679. Grand Design’s number for this recall is M910051.

     

    Winnebago

    Affected Models: 2025-26 Revel Sport, 2024-25 Vita, 2025 Porto, 2025 Adventure Wagon, 2024-26 View, 2024-26 Revel, 2024-26 Navion, 2024-26 EKKO

    Recall. Winnebago is recalling up to 2,119 Class B motorhomes under various badging because air bag (supplemental restraint system) wiring can get caught int he seat mechanism when eh driver or passenger seats are adjusted. 

    Action for owners. Owners of affected RVs should reach out to a Winnebago dealer who will inspect and re-route the wiring, free of charge. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at (641) 585-6939 or (800) 537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 199.

     

    How to Find Recalls on Your Own RV

    In many cases recalls are handled through the NHTSA. You can use their website to search for recalls that may affect your RV. You can also subscribe to the NHTSA’s recall notices on their website with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

     

  • Camper Explosion Kills Two Women in Maine, LG Leak Suspected

    Camper Explosion Kills Two Women in Maine, LG Leak Suspected

    On July 26, 2025, at around 12:30 p.m. two women were killed in a camper explosion in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, reports the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. The Maine Fire Marshall, Chief Shawn Esler, says a suspected propane leak was the likely cause of the explosion. The tragedy occurred from inside the camper while the two friends were staying at Powder Horn Campground. Both victims were from Massachusetts. Their names are Nancy Pilsch, a 57-year-old from Leominster, and Alesia Ventura-Large, a 58-year-old from Marlborough. Pilsch was the owner of the camper.

     

    Investigating the Cause of the Camper Explosion in Maine

    A local Maine station WGME cites the fire marshal’s press release as indicating that the explosion was ignited by one of the women when they lit a candle.
    public to consider installing gas detectors where LP gas is used.

    “We learned that when they arrived to the camper, there was a rotten egg smell in their
    camper,” State Fire Marshal Chief Shawn Esler says. “They opened up some windows and
    doors and subsequently lit a candle to help with the smell that was in the trailer. This is
    what we believe is the ignition source.”

    As to the liquid propane (LP) gas leak itself, fire investigators are investigating at two potential causes: a possible system failure and the stove. Officials, including the Maine Fuel Board, have indicated that one of the knobs on the stove appeared to be in the “on” position.

    The women were rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to the injuries.

    Esler says the camper had a smoke detector, but not an explosive gas detector. The Old Orchard Beach deputy fire chief says the two friends were in town for a short
    weekend visit and were inside a camper at the time of the explosion.

     

    Incident Highlights Propane Safety for RVers

    The Propane Education and Research Council, PERC, has a number of resources for those
    who utilize propane, which is the majority of RVers. Among those resources are articles and
    videos about what to do if you suspect you smell a propane leak.

    The advice from the Maine officials were to add a liquid propane detector to an RV or home
    in addition to a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. All modern RVs are outfitted with a CO
    detector, which is wired in to the RV’s 12-volt electrical system. However, a liquid propane detector is a different device altogether and warns if it detects liquid propane. This can happen if there is a leak in the RV’s propane system or if a stove burner is left on without being lit, for example.

     

    Modern RV Safety Features

    Modern RVs with automatic ignition systems for water heaters and furnaces will have some protections built-in that prevent them from simply flooding the RV with unburned propane. (Which is why they will typically make three attempts to light an appliance and then shut off the gas and signal a warning. This is where that red light on RV water heaters indicating a direct spark ignition (DSI) fault illuminates. Usually this is the result of air in the propane lines which can be eliminated by simply lighting a burner on the stove.

    But the propane detector is not necessarily installed on your RV. There are a variety of
    these available including ones that are a direct replacement for the CO detector in your RV
    and units that plug into a wall outlet. Campers should also be equipped for fire safety.

    Like natural gas, propane does not naturally have an odor, color, or taste. So manufacturers
    of LPG put chemical “odorants,” so propane would be immediately detected if ever there is a
    gas leak. One of those is Mercaptan whose odor is often associated with the smell of a
    rotten egg, decomposing cabbage, or sulfur.

  • 2025 RV Shipments for June Make 15.9% Jump

    2025 RV Shipments for June Make 15.9% Jump

    RV shipments from manufacturers to dealers are up by 15.9 percent over the same period a year ago, according to a monthly report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). June’s survey of manufacturers reported 29,332 RVs shipped in June this year compared with 25,308 in the same period in 2024. Year-over-year, 2025 RV shipments are up 190,705 units. This 6.8 percent increase….

     

    Closer Look at June’s 2025 RV Shipments

    Following an industry trend, towable RVs remain the clear leader in sales. These types of RV ended the month with a 15.3 percent gain from 26,532 units shipped. Motorized RVs saw a 22.4 percent jump from a smaller set of sales with 2,800 units compared to last June. 

    However, motorized shipments are still down in total for the first six months of the 2025. In the year-to-date, 18,664 motorized units have shipped compared to 19,189 for the same period last year — a 2.7% decrease overall. All three types of motorized RVs shared similar numbers. Class As are down 3.3 percent; Class Cs are down 2.1 percent; and Class Bs are down 3.9 percent in 2025. 

    Among towable units, travel trailers led the numbers with 20,730 units shipped, marking a 13.9 percent increase. Fifth wheels followed with 5,157 units shipped and a 19.9 percent increase. 

     

    What’s Moving the RV Shipment Numbers Upwards 

    In a number of reports retail sales have actually declined with many dealerships reporting a significant drop in sales. So, what’s going on? 

    Many RV companies are hoping to ship units before any tariffs kick in. RV companies are also introducing new models and new floorplans for 2026, some of which have had features and equipment reduced to be more attractive price-wise. 

    With shipments up but sales down, this is a great time for buyers to jump on this trend as many dealerships are making very attractive deals. One of the reasons sales are down are interest rates but aligning with a local credit union might be a great insider tip to finding a better loan rate. 

    RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby says, “This past month new 2026 model year units started arriving on dealer lots as manufacturers and suppliers continue to innovate and improve RVs to meet the needs and preferences of today’s RVers at every price point. With owners using their RVs more than ever before, the RV lifestyle continues to bring joy and adventure to millions of families, friends, and solo travelers this summer.”

  • Shoe-Stealing Fox Wanted After a Campground Crime Spree

    Shoe-Stealing Fox Wanted After a Campground Crime Spree

    Over the last several months, the summer campers at the Lizard Creek Campground in Grand Teton National Park have reported a series of crimes that appear be the work of a local criminal, reports Jackson Hole News & Guide. Mysteriously, shoes have been stolen from outside tents and campers. As of July 11, the count of missing shoes rose to 32. Amid this crime wave, the perpetrator or perpetrators remain at large, but park officials believe the primary suspect to be a shoe-stealing fox. Or, possibly, a crime ring of foxes. 

     

    Shoe Crime and Its Victims

    Already, visitors to the park have given the thief (or thieves) several clever names. Some of the catchiest have been “Sneaker Snatcher,” “The Midnight Mismatcher” and “Swiper the Fox.” The shoes themselves have not been stolen in pairs, but, rather, just individual shoes. Park officials have urged are campers to keep their shoes in a secure location to prevent further theft. Keeping shoes inside a bear box, a vehicles, or, at the very least, a tent are offered as precautions. 

    However, visitors to the area seem to have taken advice opposite what is being recommended. Instead, many leave their shoes out in order to get a glimpse of the furry felon. Emily Davis, a park spokesperson, says that warnings have been put out to educate guests, not encourage any interaction with the shoe-stealing fox. Nonetheless, the playful wanted posters in the Lizard Creek Campground seem to foster the opposite approach.

    Likewise, this video on Grand Teton National Park’s Instagram page gets further in on the fun. In it, campers put out shoes as offerings.

     

    Officials are perplexed as to why the animal is stealing the shoes. In the text of the Instagram post, the caption reads,  “What does the fox do with the shoes? We still don’t know … Maybe it’s a toy. Maybe it’s fashion.” Understandably, the story itself has even garnered a wider audience, being reported on July 16 in USA Today. 

     

    Suspects and Motives

    Speaking to park officials, the Cowboy State Daily reports that a collared fox has been documented in the area, but it isn’t known if this is the culprit. The collar is part of a University of Wyoming study that is tracking a number of animals including foxes, coyotes, and wolves to evaluate the wolf recovery in the park and document the behaviors of the animals. Among the potential motives for the shoe-stealing fox, bringing toys back to their young to play with, common among canines, has been considered.

    Foxes dwell among the humans in the area for a variety of reasons. The species often find human presence a protection against predators and discover humans to be easy pickings when it comes to handouts. Unfortunately, this can be a bigger problem for the fox. Animals that should be wild but become conditioned to see humans as an easy mark for food are actually euthanized. 

    “Where we as a park get concerned is, ‘When do you cross that line from habituation to food conditioning and start associating people with food?’” asks biologist John Stephenson, a Grand Teton wildlife biologist, sharing to the Cowboy State daily.

    There are foxes in the park that have become used to humans and tolerate us. These animals are typically not a threat, according to Stephenson. 

     

    The Real Dangers of Food Conditioning

    When foxes become food-conditioned, problems arise. Food-conditioned animals are a danger to both people and themselves. The Grand Teton National Park ark staff in 2018 euthanized a food-conditioned fox that had been observed walking from car to car begging for food. In 2024, a rabid fox attacked humans three separate times in Arizona’s Saguaro National Park.

     

    Food-conditioned animals can spread diseases to humans and their pets. Part of the process involves evaluating whether the creature loiters in developed areas for extended times showing it no longer considers humans a threat. 

    Park officials are urging campers to store all food and scented items, including shoes, toiletries, and pet food, in bear boxes or hard-sided vehicles at all times, even daytime.

    Visitors should always maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from foxes. The larger the predator the greater the distance. For example, the park recommends a distance 100 yards from larger predators like bears and wolves.

  • Record Numbers of July 4 Road Trips to Increase Holiday Traffic

    Record Numbers of July 4 Road Trips to Increase Holiday Traffic

    Record numbers of travelers are expected to hit the roads for the July 4 holiday, as AAA projects 72.2 million people planning to travel at least 50 miles or more from home. The 2.2 percent increase in car travel over last year, means that an estimate of additional 1.7 million people could be on the move. Those numbers are the highest on record. For those traveling on the road, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) estimates that roughly seven million will be doing so by RV for the Independence Day holiday.

     

    What’s Behind the Summer Road Trip Surge

    The surge in summer road travel is not limited to the holiday alone. According to the RVIA, 44 million Americans plan to RV this season, with over 70 percent doing so in a planned summer trip. But owners aren’t the only ones on the road. RV rentals have risen 24 percent year-over-year. 

    In an Allstar Coaches press release, Rob Tischler, the CEO of the Florida-based RV rental agency, says, “Travelers want to escape the chaos of commercial travel and take back control of their vacations. With the freedom of the open road, luxury accommodations, and savings of up to 38% compared to traditional travel, RV rentals just make sense financially, and for convenience.”

    Spurring some of the increase in road travel are consistent fuel prices with fuel prices being at their lowest level since 2021, according to Yahoo Finance.

    In AAA’s press release, they shared that INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest days on the road. Afternoon hours will be the most congested.

     

    Expect Heat to Rise with the July 4 Traffic

    However, temperatures for the weekend could hit records with a heat wave covering much of the eastern portion of the United States. Higher temperatures can affect both vehicles and individuals. Yale Medicine has a number of good tips to help be safe in the heat. 

    Interestingly, AAA’s release included a statistic that the company responded to over 700,000 calls for roadside assistance over the Independence Day holiday period last year. That’s why they recommend having a vehicle properly maintained and carrying an emergency kit as part of travel plans. 

    The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.