Buying an RV: Hidden Costs, Risks, and Lessons from Renting

A man in Berkeley, California, died from leptospirosis contracted in an RV where he and his partner were breeding wild rats. The couple, both in their 70s, had at least 100 rats and did not seek medical care for months. The woman also contracted the disease and was hospitalized. Nearly 200 rats were removed before the RV was towed and destroyed; cleanup is expected to take at least 30 days due to the bacteria's survival in soil.

An owner of both types argues that hardshell rooftop tents are more convenient and durable than soft-shells. Hardshell models like the Thule Widesky at $3,999 are more aerodynamic, weather-resistant, and often feature crossbars for extra cargo. Soft-shell tents like the Thule Approach 2 S at $2,499 are cheaper and lighter, but their covers are prone to mildew, and setup and packing require more effort.

Hyundai Motor Group has accumulated hybrid sales in the US of 1.487 million units as of May 2026, with 65% being SUVs and minivans. May sales surged 74.4% year-on-year to a record 43,392 units.

Hyundai Motor Group is adjusting its US production strategy by expanding hybrid output at the HMGMA plant, originally built for EVs. By May 2025, cumulative US hybrid sales reached about 1.487 million units, with 65% from RV models (SUVs and minivans). The Tucson Hybrid led sales (258,000), followed by Sportage Hybrid (199,000) and Santa Fe Hybrid (159,000). Kia recently started Sportage Hybrid production at HMGMA, turning the plant into a flexible facility for both EVs and hybrids.

A company based in Manasquan, New Jersey, has unveiled the Sequoia Salt Vans camper van. The vehicle includes all-terrain tires, high-quality shock absorbers, a kitchen with an induction hob and a 130-liter refrigerator, a shower, and a toilet. The sleeping area is a fold-down king-size bed. The $350,000 price tag has drawn criticism online; the manufacturer stated the conversion required 800 hours of work.

The peer-to-peer camper sharing platform Yescapa has announced its expansion into the United States. The service, previously available in Europe, now offers rental of tens of thousands of vehicles across 20 key US cities. The platform combines listings from private owners and professional rental agencies.