Encore RV Expands Dealer Network in Texas and Indiana

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 trailer fire on undeveloped land east of Redmond, Oregon, late Saturday night injured one person and left the fire district with no available emergency apparatus. Because all district fire resources were tied up with the fire, Redmond Fire & Rescue was unable to send the appropriate number of responders to a separate high-priority medical call in the city. First responders arrived around 11 p.m. to find the trailer fully involved in flames, which had spread to nearby rubbish piles. Initial response included three brush engines, one medic unit, one battalion chief and nine firefighters; an additional medic unit transported the injured civilian.

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.

Timbren, known for its suspension products, has announced the Brake Enhancement System (BES) for pickup trucks towing heavy trailers. The system features rotors with OnyxBond™ coating rated up to 500°C and OnyxBite™ low-metallic pads designed to resist brake fade. BES is intended for light- to heavy-duty pickups towing trailers, not passenger cars. It comes with a 42-month or 42,000-mile warranty.