RV fire in East Redmond injures one person

A mother and her three children under the age of 10 died in a fire that engulfed a fifth-wheel camper in rural Eagle Point, Oregon, on August 9. The fire was reported at 12:47 p.m. on Leafwood Drive. One family member escaped with minor injuries. The cause is under investigation, but authorities believe it was a non-criminal accident.

Yard 65 Restaurant and Brewery in Kiel, Wisconsin, has applied for a conditional use permit to join the Harvest Host program, which allows overnight RV parking. The permit would limit stays to one or two nights, with a maximum of two RVs at a time, at the owner's discretion. City staff report the permit would not significantly impact neighboring properties, traffic, utilities, or municipal services. The city council will consider the request at its next meeting.

A couple of airline pilots from Dallas started an RV rental business, investing about $782,000 in seven vehicles. Revenue was approximately $114,000 in 2024 and $95,000 in 2025. The business is not yet profitable but provides tax deductions and asset accumulation.

Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has introduced legislation to expand services for people living in vehicles while limiting unpermitted motorhomes and travel trailers to two hours of parking on city streets. The Vehicle Resident Assistance Program (VRAP) would direct $5 million toward services, create a vehicle storage program for people entering shelter or housing, and establish a vehicle permitting system for those living in motorhomes and travel trailers. The legislation also updates the city's Junk Vehicle Law, which hasn't been updated in 25 years, and is scheduled for discussion by the Public Safety Committee on Aug. 11.

A Ford Maverick Hybrid with the 4K Tow Package towed a 16-foot Bushwhacker Plus travel trailer weighing about 2,400 pounds over 5,000 miles, achieving a reported 16.2 mpg. However, the oil-life monitor dropped to 8% after 3,400 miles since the last oil change, suggesting an interval of about 3,500 miles under severe towing conditions. The route included 10% grades in the Bighorn Mountains and high elevations, increasing engine load.

A 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity AWD owner reports towing a loaded Coleman Lantern LT 18RB trailer weighing 3,440 pounds, just 60 pounds below Hyundai's published 3,500-pound towing limit. Owner Dan Mathisen confirmed the weight was measured on a scale and has towed the trailer over California mountain grades, including the Sierra Nevada and the Grapevine, without issues. He uses an Equal-i-zer weight-distribution hitch and an Echo wireless brake controller. The story highlights that dry trailer weight can differ significantly from actual loaded weight, and that maximum tow rating is not the only number to consider.