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Category: RV News

  • Cruiser RV Adds Lippert Ground Control System as 2025 Option

    Cruiser RV Adds Lippert Ground Control System as 2025 Option

    Ensuring that your trailer is level can be a difficult task for RVers. Manual leveling can be a taxing — and imprecise — process. Cruiser RV gets that, which is why they have announced that they are adding new technology to select 2025 models to make auto-leveling easier for owners. The company now offers the innovative Lippert Ground Control system as an option to their 2025 Shadow Cruiser and MPG models. 

     

    Leveling as Easy as Pushing a Button

    When parking on uneven ground or campsites, manually leveling a trailer using hand controls can be challenging. The Lippert Ground Control system simplifies the entire process easy for RV enthusiasts of all skill levels. Instead of making constant adjustments to ensure your trailer is level, it provides a stress-free option. The Lippert Ground Control system simply works with the push of a button. Owners can activate the system either through a wall-mounted touchpad. Or they can use their smartphone with Lippert OneControl.  

    Using Hall Effect technology, the system will measure the jack-leg rotations instead of amps to determine when an RV is sitting level. This turns the entire process into a two-minute setup. When it’s time to pack up and leave, the same technology will move the RV height to match the tow vehicle. Thus makes make hitching up and getting back on the road simple. 

     

    A Long-Term System Meant for the Outdoors

    To ensure long-term durability, the Lippert Ground Control system is constructed out of heavy gauge steel and is powder-coated. The result is a durable, long-term system. It can be used in all types of climates and terrains. 

    “The Lippert auto-leveling option is a great addition to 2025 Shadow Cruiser and MPG models because it makes it easier to set up and keep the coach properly leveled,” says Zach Weaver, national sales manager of Cruiser RV. “This innovation directly addresses our customers’ needs by minimizing setup time and manual adjustments, allowing them to start their camping experience sooner and with less hassle.”

    The 2025 Shadow Cruiser and MPG models are currently available at RV dealers across the United States.

  • Nostalgia Goes Rad: Campers Flock to Popular ’80s Destinations

    Nostalgia Goes Rad: Campers Flock to Popular ’80s Destinations

    A new study shows campers are turning back the clock to a simpler time when they need an RV getaway. The Campspot (Re)Creation Vacation trend report suggests more modern travelers are flocking towards destinations that were popular in the Eighties. For those wondering what’s driving back traffic and time to popular ’80s destinations, the trend is motivated by travelers wanting to reconnect with a past that the remember as a happier time.

     

    Why the ’80s Are Making a Comeback

    The return to nostalgia is rooted in recreating memories that today’s travelers were able to build in their own childhood. Among the respondents, 88 percent of all travelers – which increases to 94 percent of Gen Z and 93 percent of Millennials — say they wish they could escape today’s world for a simpler time. Seventy-seven percent said they miss the simplicity of childhood. Seventy-two percent say their wish for simpler times will dictate where they travel to in 2025. More than half said they would gladly give up a week’s salary to go back in time and relive a childhood camping experience. 

    Nostalgia, however, does have a price. The wish to return back to our comfort zones will cost a little more in 2025 than it did in 1984. National Park Service average costs 40 years ago were between $6 and $15 in today’s money. Now, getting into a national park will cost you as much as $35 per person. 

    But it’s not just getting away that’s driving the return to favorite childhood destinations. In the group, 80 percent said it’s important to recreate some of the simple joys from their youth for their children and grandchildren. Seventy-eight percent say it’s important to pass on the traditions of camping to the next generation. The top skills they want to pass down including building a fire and cooking over it, along with fishing. 

     

    And Those Popular ’80s Destinations Are …

    So, where are today’s nostalgia-minded travelers going? In the West, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon are among the top three destinations for campers. In the Midwest, Michigan is the top place to visit, with travelers going back to Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Everglades are the top spot in the South, as travelers flock back to Miami. Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Mammoth Cave, Kentucky are also tops on the list. And in the Northeast, travelers are taking their families back to Bar Harbor, Maine, Lake George, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts.  

  • National Fuel Prices Drop Ahead of 2024 Holiday Travel

    National Fuel Prices Drop Ahead of 2024 Holiday Travel

    For those planning to use their RV during the holiday season, there’s good news ahead: National fuel prices are at their lowest they’ve been all year. In the latest AAA National Fuel Price Comparison, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.06. That price matches the 2024 low record in January. 

     

    Lower Demand, Seasonal Dynamics Contribute to Fuel Price Drop

    Trends measured by AAA show the average fuel price dropped by 11 cents in November compared to October 2024. They have also come down year-over-year by 23 cents. In addition, 28 states across the United States now have average gas prices below $3 per gallon. 

    One of the reasons national fuel prices may be going down is due to gasoline demand. According to the Energy Information Administration, demand in November has decreased to 8.41 million barrels, a decrease of almost 1 million barrels. And despite reduced refining, as a result of lower demand, stocks increased slightly. 

    The news comes as travelers get ready to employ their travel plans ahead of the holiday season, from Thanksgiving and Christmas into New Years. AAA anticipated 80 million Americans traveled over the extended Thanksgiving holiday, with nearly 90 percent taking their trip by car.  

     

    States with Lowest (and Highest) Gas Prices Ahead of Holiday Travel

    The cheapest states to fill up the RV are located in the Great Plains and Southern United States. The lowest prices can be found in Oklahoma, with an average of $2.54 per gallon. Other cheap gas states include Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. On the other side, Hawaii remains the most expensive state for gas, at an average of $4.57 per gallon. California was a close second at an average of $4.44 per gallon, followed by Washington State, Nevada, and Oregon. 

  • KZ Announces New Sportster X Toy Hauler Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel

    KZ Announces New Sportster X Toy Hauler Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel

    KZ RV is putting a new spin on a customer favorite with the launch of the Sportster X Toy Hauler fifth wheel, calling it “a complete reimagination of what a toy hauler can be.”

    The Sportster X is an improved model of the company’s popular Sportster line of vehicles. Redesigned from the ground up, the company promises the new trailers combine the best in craftsmanship and innovation at an affordable price.

    Chassis and Garage Built for Larger UTVs

    The hallmark of the Sportster X toy hauler is a garage capable of accommodating larger utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). Garage length ranges from 11 to 15 feet, with the body and chassis built to haul the heavier load.

    The interior isn’t just about bringing the UTVs along for the ride. Trailers are outfitted with a JBL audio system both inside and out, with a mechless Bluetooth controller. Inside, a residential soundbar and subwoofer bring the theater experience wherever you decide to travel.

    Year-Round Comfort Indoor and Outdoors

    Comfort is not overlooked in the new trailer, as travelers are welcome to a whole host of new amenities. Some of the new features of the Sportster X include a ramp door patio railing kit and rear awning to turn the ramp into a comfortable outdoor lounge. Power awnings with LED light strips create the perfect ambiance for enjoying evenings outdoors. And with an advanced climate package, RVers can enjoy the Sportster X all year long.

    “It’s an affordable adventure without compromise, designed for adventurers who refuse to compromise,” Nick Francis, Sportster X project manager at KZ Recreational Vehicles, said in a statement. “With bold new features, a reimagined design, and a commitment to quality, it’s more than just a toy hauler – it’s a statement in modern RV innovation, offered at an affordable price point.”

    The company has yet to announce an MSRP for the new toy hauler trailers, or when it can be expected at dealers nationwide.

  • DRV Luxury Suites Unveils Sleek, Functional 2025 Floorplans and Updates

    DRV Luxury Suites Unveils Sleek, Functional 2025 Floorplans and Updates

    The season of new fifth wheel and toy haulers continues to move forward, with DRV showcasing their new generation of “Mobile Suites” trailers.

    New Interior Palettes and Easy-to-Clean Designs

    The cornerstone of the 2025 model year Mobile Suites are the new floorplans and interiors, featuring multiple color schemes and designs to improve life on the road. Travelers can choose between the beige and warm neutrals of Auburn Sands, the gray tones of the Coastal Villa scheme, or the blues and grays of Pacific Slate.

    But colors aren’t the only new feature of the improved fifth wheel trailers, which can accommodate up to six people. The new slide rooms have carpet-free flooring with heat registers moved from the floor, making it easier to sweep floors and keep the trailer clean. The new bathroom features a floating vanity for easy cleaning both in storage and on the road.

    Updated Kitchen Appliances and Entertainment Tech

    The suite of GE appliances makes it easier to cook and entertain inside the trailer, with a refrigerator, microwave, and range. When it’s time to settle in for the night, the entertainment center is anchored by a Klipsch soundbar for an immersive, theater-like experience. Batten strip LEDs replace the traditional puck lighting, improving the interior ambiance.

    “With up-to-date kitchen appliances, preparing and enjoying meals with family and friends becomes effortless,” Shawn James, general manager of DRV Luxury Suites, said in a statement. “The new lighting and audio systems enhance any occasion – whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or an exciting movie night with a group.”

    For outdoor living, Girard Legless Awnings create the perfect amount of shade without the hassle of leg supports. And at 43½ feet long with a gross vehicle weight rating of 21,500 pounds, the trailer is incredibly maneuverable for any campground setting.

    The two new Luxury Suites are currently being delivered to dealers across the U.S. Quotes are available directly from participating dealers.

  • Brand-New 2025 K-Z Ridgeway Fifth Wheel Promises Budget-Friendly Luxury

    Brand-New 2025 K-Z Ridgeway Fifth Wheel Promises Budget-Friendly Luxury

    K-Z Recreational Vehicles has launched their latest fifth wheel, the Ridgeway, giving RVers a cutting-edge option that promises luxury at a budget price. With three different trims at lengths up to 39 feet long, the trailer remains maneuverable across highways and at campgrounds.

    Each trailer features a king bedroom suite with a dual-entry master bathroom, giving everyone access to the restroom and shower without creating inconvenience.

    To improve comfort and ease of travel, the new “Space Saver Chassis” offers stability and strength, giving drivers a smoother ride when in transit alongside better durability. The available “Climate Package” comes with a fully-enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly, making it warm and welcoming throughout the year.

    The 27RK is the smallest of the three floorplans, designed for couples and small families traveling together. At a total length of just under 31 feet, the trailer is not only accessible but easy to drive. Campers can expect to find a rear kitchen with an L-shaped dinette for entertaining.

    The 31RL is the next size up, featuring a spacious rear living area designed to make everyone comfortable while traveling. At just over 35 feet in length, this trailer is designed to be the compromise in comfort and travel.

    At the top end, the 35BH trim features queen-over-queen bunk beds and a half bath accessible to everyone calling the trailer home. This 39-foot trailer is designed for groups who enjoy traveling together, or extended families who need the additional space at the campsite.

    Exact pricing has not been announced, though K-Z is playing up the value proposition of this new model. It is unclear when the new fifth wheel will be available at dealers. When it does launch, it will complement the company’s full line of trailers, including the Durango, Sportsmen, and toy haulers.

  • Campgrounds in Southern U.S. Sweep Campers’ Choice Awards – With One Exception

    Campgrounds in Southern U.S. Sweep Campers’ Choice Awards – With One Exception

    When it comes to premier camping, frequent RVers say there’s nowhere like the South to hitch up and enjoy the outdoors. Campgrounds in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee were among the top winners in the 2024 RVshare.com Campies awards, based on an August 2024 public vote.

    Taking the top spot as the best luxury RV resort and best winter escape campground is Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, located between Orlando and Tampa Bay. This unique campground offers 326 RV sites, including 11 “Motorhome Suite” sites. Each space offers full hookups for travelers, along with free cable and Wi-Fi throughout the campground. In addition to easy access to Central and Western Florida attractions, amenities include two pools and a waterslide, a kids park, pickleball and basketball courts, and a fitness center.

    For those looking to get out in the summer with their pets, the public survey says there’s no better place than the RiverWalk RV Park in Jonesville, N.C. Earning awards as the best summer escape campground and best pet-friendly campground, the campground is located in Yadkin Valley Wine Country, within driving distance to three state parks. The campground itself features riverside RV spaces and a beachfront dedicated for dogs to play in the water.

    Two other North Carolina RV parks earned honors in the awards. The ever-popular Jellystone Park Golden Valley in Bostic, N.C, just west of Charlotte, won the award for best campground views. The Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort in Rodanthe, N.C., won for the best waterfront campground for its location on the Outer Banks peninsula along the Atlantic Ocean.

    When it comes to traveling throughout the nation’s parks, Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah, Ga., was named the best state park campground. Among national parks, Elkmont Campground – situated in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tenn. – won honors for the best national park campground.

    The only campground in the north to earn honors was the Mendota Hills Campground in Amboy, Ill. Located west of Chicago, the campground features regular weekend events across their 130 acres of wooded and open land. Small wonder, then, that it was voted the best family-friendly campground.

  • Thor Motor Coach Introduces New 2025 Class B and Class C RV Floorplans

    Thor Motor Coach Introduces New 2025 Class B and Class C RV Floorplans

    Thor Motor Coach introduced new 2025 model year floorplans during America’s Largest RV Show in September 2024.

    The first new floorplan is available for the company’s popular 2025 Pasadena Super-C motorhome, sleeping as many as six people. The 38XL plan features two restrooms on board – one in the community area, and another in the master suite featuring a shower. For ultimate relaxation, the master suite features an inclining king-size bed, closet, and a stackable washer and dryer. For guests traveling with you, there’s also a cab-over bunk sleeper and two bunk beds.

    A kitchen featuring a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, and sink is the centerpiece of the entertainment area. Travelers can unwind around the 78-inch dream dinette with optional fireplace or take in a movie or the latest television with theater seating.

    On the Gemini TRIP Class B+ motorhome, the new 22MT floorplan maximizes space in an easy-to-drive platform. In addition to adding more storage space and rear garage area, the floorplan offers a queen-size drop-down bunk and a private bathroom. Adding to the comfort is an Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system to ensure hot water at every stop. Powering everything is up to 600 watts of solar power, 200-amp hours of lithium battery power, and a four-kilowatt generator.

    For those who are looking for simplicity, the Tranquility 24A and Tellaro 20H are built with van chassis without skimping on the amenities. The Tranquility is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500, offering all-wheel drive for easy travel over the road. Inside is a king-size bed, multiple table configurations, and a kitchen with portable cooktop, refrigerator, and microwave.

    On the Tellaro 20H van, based on the RAM ProMaster 3500 XT, travelers can find an expanding sleeper sofa, pull-out bench, and portable cooktop that gives you the versatility to outfit the van the way you see fit. Combined with swiveling captain’s chairs, open living area, and restroom in the rear, the van is designed to maximize space on an easy-to-drive platform.

    Although Thor has not provided a timeline for their new floorplans to arrive at dealers, all of their available models available to order can be browsed on their website.

  • Outside Van Launches New Class-B “Parks” Van

    Outside Van Launches New Class-B “Parks” Van

    For some, traveling the country in an RV is about having the convenience of technology in an easy-to-drive package. Portland’s Outdoor Van is targeting this segment of the market for the 2025 model year with its new Parks van.

    The Parks van is built around an all-wheel drive chassis and is designed to sleep up to two adults. It is designed for travelers who want to have all the travel convenience of a full-size RV, but in an maneuverable package that can fit in both campgrounds and national parks.

    Inside the van is a full restroom and shower, including a “High Top” shower designed to accommodate taller travelers. The cassette-based toilet offers electric flushing so it can be used anytime, complete with a wash sink and vanity.

    During the day, the van features a dinette area with two bench seats and a small table to share. At night, it is easily converted to a sleeping area for both travelers to enjoy the night.

    An improvement from similar vans in the category, the Parks van features a full galley kitchen to allow RVers access to their food anywhere. The galley offers a refrigerator, cooktop, and stainless-steel sink. Storage cabinets keep everything well organized between stops.

    The entire power system is managed by a smart control system powered by Garmin. On the control panel, travelers can see their current power usage, battery life, power inverter status, as well as manage fuses. The control panel is also the center for the entertainment system. For added convenience, a pre-drilled passthrough is available to install any roof-based communications devices.

    Outside Van says they will debut their van at the Elkhart Dealer Open House but have not set a MSRP for the new package. It will be available through their nationwide dealer network by the beginning of October 2024.

  • Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    Winnebago Launches Connect App for Remote RV Monitoring and Management

    New Winnebago owners will now have all the capabilities of their connected home in their RV, no matter where their adventures take them. The legacy RV manufacturer has launched Winnebago Connect, offering full control integration from the palm of travelers’ hands.

    Proactive Automations Improve Energy Usage, Comfort, Safety

    The system goes beyond monitoring the RV by integrating smart technologies into one smartphone application. One of the key advantages of Winnebago Connect is the ability to manage energy usage and optimize off-grid power when boondocking. The system can adjust power usage and systems to maximize consumption while keeping everyone in the RV comfortable.

    But it’s not just power usage that can be controlled through Winnebago Connect. When RV temperatures go above a certain range, the system can automatically open vents to allow fresh air in before turning to the air conditioning system. If wind gusts get to a hazardous level, the system will automatically retract awnings to prevent damage to the RV. And for those who travel with pets, Connect will provide push notifications to let them know when conditions get too hot or cold for their four-legged friends, allowing users to adjust from their phone.

    Detailed Telemetry Simplifies Remote Troubleshooting

    Should something go wrong with the RV while on the road, Winnebago Connect can also help with troubleshooting and diagnosis. Customer care agents can connect remotely to review the RV’s current status to determine what issues owners could be facing.

    “Winnebago Connect is game-changing technology for the RV industry because it transforms how customers can engage with their motorhome, and how Winnebago can respond to user needs through intelligent software,” Kim Weckert, vice president of digital transformation for Winnebago, said in its press release. “Winnebago Connect is sure to create more opportunities for new and long-time RVers alike to experience the outdoors exactly as they wish.”

    Availability and Cost

    Winnebago Connect is available on the 2025 Winnebago View and Navion 24T floorplans, expanding to other models in the years to come. The system comes with three subscription tiers, based on the level of control RV owners want. The basic option comes with pre-trip checklists and power management systems. The Premium plan at $10 per month allows monitoring and control anywhere campers have a cellphone signal. For $99 per month, owners can add 10G wireless connectivity, turning their RV into a mobile hotspot perfect for e-mail, internet browsing, and social media.