Rising fuel prices push RV owners to choose local destinations

Field Van, based in Reno, Nevada, and Fresno, California, has introduced the Upshyft, a custom camper van conversion built on an AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 with a 170-inch wheelbase. The vehicle offers seating for up to nine people and sleeping capacity for six or seven, thanks to a configurable interior. Key features include a 650 Ah lithium-ion battery bank, a 3,000 W inverter, a 34-gallon (129-liter) freshwater tank, an Elwell Timberline hydronic heating system, and a Super Pacific Cloud Cap rooftop tent.

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has acquired a limited-edition Airstream caravan created in collaboration with Supreme. The 22-foot (approximately 6.7 m) model was released in 2022 in a run of around 100 units and sold out quickly. Haaland bought it in the United States and had it transported to Europe. The official launch price was $90,000; British media estimate his purchase at £67,000. The footballer said he intends to use the caravan as intended — towing it and spending the night inside.

An Indiana overlanding creator installed a 400-watt solar system on a HiperLion camper, using two 200-watt BougeRV flexible panels connected to a Redarc system through a cable gland. The main challenge was routing wires on a pop-up roof, requiring enough slack for safe movement as the camper opens and closes. The panels are secured with 3M VHB tape and extra sealant, and are rated for temperatures from -40 to 185 degrees.

A 1965 Ford F-250 Custom Camper Special with a 1976 Mitchell & Sons "Fishing Hut Delux" slide-in camper is for sale in Tucson, Arizona. The current owner bought the truck in 2014 and the camper in 2018, and both underwent substantial refurbishment. The camper sleeps two and has a two-burner propane stove, sink with running water, Hydro Flame heater, Coleman cooler, ventilation fan, wooden cabinetry, 12-volt electrical system, and a portable toilet. The truck is powered by a 352 cubic inch V8 rated at 208 bhp and 315 lb ft of torque, with a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and a limited-slip Dana 60 rear axle with 4.10:1 gearing. The odometer shows 78,000 miles, around 6,000 of which were added by the current owner. The sale includes service records, refurbishment photographs, spare parts, the owner's manual, and a clean Arizona title.

Nearly 30 silver Airstream trailers gathered along the Pamlico River in Washington, North Carolina, this weekend for the Carolinas Airstream Club's Urban Rally. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is about $4.30, North Carolina's average is about $3.96, and many eastern stations posted $3.99. Owners report their trucks average about 10 mpg on flat highways and closer to 8 mpg in mountains, and are adapting with fuel-discount cards, route planning for cheaper fuel, and packing meals. Organizers expect the rally to provide an economic boost to downtown businesses and restaurants.

In Rapid City, South Dakota, Custer County Search and Rescue Director Sam Smolnisky helped extinguish an RV fire at a local campground. Smolnisky spotted the flames while driving with his family and tracked them to the source. The owners inside heard his knocking and got out safely. Smolnisky and other campground guests then grabbed hoses and sprayed the flames until the fire died out. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office said Smolnisky’s quick actions prevented a larger fire and potentially saved lives.