RV Driver Gets Stuck in South Dakota Needles Eye Tunnel

Brooklyn Campervans, a Brooklyn-based Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conversion shop, has been ranked first in VanLife Pro's 2026 list of the top 10 camper van builders in the USA. The ranking weighed published pricing, third-party certification, warranty, and platform specialization. The shop operates solely on custom commissions, with conversions starting at $92,000 on a client-supplied chassis. The Elevate v4 model, priced at $292,000, features an electric elevator bed, a walkable solar deck, and a recirculating shower.

Airstream has announced a design partnership with Pininfarina, the Italian firm known for shaping Ferraris. The collaboration, unveiled during Monterey Car Week, aims for a "conscious and careful evolution" of Airstream's design language. Pininfarina designers have already toured Airstream's facilities in the US. The first outcomes are expected before Airstream's 100th anniversary in 2031.

Forest River, one of the largest RV manufacturers in the US, has introduced the Teleos, a new travel trailer brand and model. The trailer features a waterproof composite body, no wood in its structure, an induction cooktop, and a 10 kWh EcoFlow power system. The expected price ranges from $75,000 to $90,000. Production will be made to order.

At a recent meeting, the Hillsville Town Council heard a pitch to create an RV park on a property bordered by Little Reed Island Creek and Water Plant Road. Town Engineer Steven Bowman noted the town lacks zoning for an RV park, requiring a special use permit, and that extending water and sewer lines is feasible. Developer Doug Brinkley proposed 40 RV sites initially, with potential expansion to 200, and floated converting a barn into a restaurant. No action was taken; the plan has not yet gone to the Planning Commission.

Residents of Holliday Outt RV Park gathered Sunday afternoon for a community picnic supporting those affected by Thursday's wildfire. The fire destroyed several mobile homes and damaged the park's water system, leaving residents without clean drinking water. Community members donated food and water over the weekend. Park owner Rick Garrett said repairs to the water system are expected to begin Monday.

Blue Compass RV announced the acquisition of Brown’s RV Superstore in South Carolina, a dealership serving northeastern South Carolina for over 40 years. The acquisition brings Blue Compass RV’s total dealership count in the Carolinas to 13. The 12-acre property, located on South Carolina Route 151 in McBee, includes 31,000 square feet of retail and service space with 20 enclosed service bays. The store will be renamed Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast and will continue to offer brands such as Jayco, Forest River, Brinkley, Grand Design RV, and Thor Motor Coach.