Van Build Day One: Laying the Foundation

Sales of certified pre-owned RVs and campers are increasing in the US as consumers prepare for summer road trips. Buyers are prioritizing affordability and dealer-backed inspection standards over new units. The trend reflects broader demand for flexible domestic travel options.

Los Angeles City Council candidate Raul Claros parked a 30-foot RV in MacArthur Park for the weekend to draw attention to crime, homelessness, and quality-of-life issues. The move coincided with another federal raid by the FBI, DEA, and LAPD targeting an open-air drug market. Claros stated the raids have not changed conditions for residents and pledged, if elected, to establish a command center in the park to coordinate city departments and law enforcement.

A Missouri man took a camper he believed was abandoned after seeing a 'free' sign on nearby furniture. Police determined the camper was stolen from a business, valued at $1,200. The suspect admitted he should not have taken it without permission and was arrested.

According to Blue Capital Holdings data, Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park recorded 124,968 summer RV visits over five years (2021–2025), ranking ninth nationally. Glacier National Park in Montana led with 429,693 visits, followed by Yosemite in California with 423,672. In 2025, Grand Canyon visits dropped 20% year-on-year to 20,854, attributed to heat, crowding, and access issues. The North Rim reopened May 15, 2026, after the Dragon Bravo Fire, but the North Rim Campground will open in June without water or RV hookups, with Stage 2 fire restrictions in place.

A 2025 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid AWD with the 4K Tow Package towed a single-axle camper weighing 3,014 pounds dry on 55-mph roads. After adding 450 pounds of cargo to the trailer and 200 pounds in the truck bed, the total combination approached the vehicle's limits. The tongue weight of 355 pounds, near the 400-pound maximum, raised concerns about using a weight-distributing hitch on the unibody Maverick. The owner opted for a sway bar kit instead.

A GMC Sierra EV owner towed a 28-foot Airstream 224 miles from Brooklyn to Somerville, Massachusetts, without stopping to charge, arriving with 14% battery remaining. The trip was conducted at an average speed of 60-65 mph. The implied full-pack towing range is approximately 260 miles. The result highlights the capabilities of large-battery electric pickups when towing aerodynamic trailers.