Security and stability: two takes on van life

Multiple accidents occurred in Osceola, Iowa, in March 2026, involving motorhomes and trailers. In one incident, a Ford F350 towing a camper struck a parked Chevrolet Silverado while turning, causing $5,000 in damages. Another crash involved a Nissan Rogue hitting a parked GMC Envoy, which then struck a Casey's building, causing $5,000 in structural damage. Four accidents were reported, with one resulting in a pregnant woman being hospitalized.

Chet Hanks, 35-year-old son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, moved to a trailer park in Nashville, Tennessee to focus on his music career. He bought a Jayco Eagle motorhome after enjoying a stay in an Airstream in California. In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Hanks said life in the park defies stereotypes: most residents are retirees, not young people, and the environment is safe. He also noted his motorhome has a kitchen and a separate shower.

On RVBusiness’ Capitol Talk, the merger between Harvest Hosts and Escapees RV Club was discussed. Executives explained how the combination strengthens both brands. The group also noted a special but overlooked centennial this year.

At a mini-summit during the 2026 Florida & Alabama Outdoor Hospitality Convention & Expo, three experts presented data on the RV and campground market. Scott Bahr (Cairn Consulting Group) noted that active camper households are slowly declining but the industry remains ahead of pre-COVID levels. Robert Preston (Climb Capital) stated that the era of 'big dumb money' in park investments is over, urging owners to focus on infrastructure improvements (bathhouses, pedestal replacement, signage). He also highlighted that 39% of new campers enter through glamping, and 81% of guests expect to pay more for amenities but lose trust if the experience doesn't match the cost.

Lily the cat went missing in 2023 during the Rosales family's move from San Francisco to New York. The animal escaped at a stop in Wyoming while the owners visited Yellowstone National Park. Two and a half years later, local residents found the cat by the number on its collar and contacted the owners. The owner flew to Wyoming and retrieved the pet.

Chrysler is considering series production of the Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept, an off-road minivan with all-wheel drive and raised suspension. First shown in 2025, the project has gained momentum internally. Ground clearance is increased by nearly 7 cm, it rides on BFGoodrich off-road tires on 18-inch wheels, and rear seats are replaced by a storage or sleeping module. The powertrain is expected to be the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 without a hybrid option.