Field Van Unveils Upshyft Camper Van Based on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

An Indiana overlanding creator installed a 400-watt solar system on a HiperLion camper, using two 200-watt BougeRV flexible panels connected to a Redarc system through a cable gland. The main challenge was routing wires on a pop-up roof, requiring enough slack for safe movement as the camper opens and closes. The panels are secured with 3M VHB tape and extra sealant, and are rated for temperatures from -40 to 185 degrees.

A 1965 Ford F-250 Custom Camper Special with a 1976 Mitchell & Sons "Fishing Hut Delux" slide-in camper is for sale in Tucson, Arizona. The current owner bought the truck in 2014 and the camper in 2018, and both underwent substantial refurbishment. The camper sleeps two and has a two-burner propane stove, sink with running water, Hydro Flame heater, Coleman cooler, ventilation fan, wooden cabinetry, 12-volt electrical system, and a portable toilet. The truck is powered by a 352 cubic inch V8 rated at 208 bhp and 315 lb ft of torque, with a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and a limited-slip Dana 60 rear axle with 4.10:1 gearing. The odometer shows 78,000 miles, around 6,000 of which were added by the current owner. The sale includes service records, refurbishment photographs, spare parts, the owner's manual, and a clean Arizona title.

Nearly 30 silver Airstream trailers gathered along the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina, this weekend for the Carolinas Airstream Club's Urban Rally. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is about $4.30, North Carolina's average is about $3.96, and many eastern stations posted $3.99. Owners report their trucks average about 10 mpg on flat highways and closer to 8 mpg in mountains, and are adapting with fuel-discount cards, route planning for cheaper fuel, and packing meals. Organizers expect the rally to provide an economic boost to downtown businesses and restaurants.

In Rapid City, South Dakota, Custer County Search and Rescue Director Sam Smolnisky helped extinguish an RV fire at a local campground. Smolnisky spotted the flames while driving with his family and tracked them to the source. The owners inside heard his knocking and got out safely. Smolnisky and other campground guests then grabbed hoses and sprayed the flames until the fire died out. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said Smolnisky’s quick actions prevented a larger fire and potentially saved lives.

A 40-year-old Mineral man is accused of using a front-end loader to flip a motorhome and stack a Dodge pickup on top of it on July 22. According to a probable cause affidavit, Kelly P. Dempsey said he damaged the vehicles to get back at a man who "slept with his girlfriend," but later told law enforcement he had targeted the wrong person's vehicles. He faces charges including first-degree malicious mischief, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. Dempsey failed to appear for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 13, and a judge issued a bench warrant with a $10,000 bail.

A motorhome caught fire Thursday afternoon on U.S. Highway 95 north of Moscow, Idaho. Volunteer firefighters arrived around 16:30; the motorhome rolled into a field, causing a small grass and brush fire. No injuries were reported.