RVIA: Economic Pressures Driving More to RVing This Summer

The Henderson County Fire Department (Tennessee) issued a statement about Thursday's crash on Interstate 40 that left one dead and several injured. The department was dispatched to the highway at approximately 11:15 a.m. after reports of a crash involving a motorhome. At the scene, a motorhome had left the roadway with nine occupants inside. One person was pronounced dead at the scene after being trapped beneath the motorhome. The other eight sustained injuries of varying severity and were taken to local hospitals. One critically injured patient was flown by helicopter to a regional trauma center. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Fire crews from multiple agencies battled a multi-vehicle fire on Highway 89 near Pilgrim Creek Road after an RV towing a vehicle caught fire, according to the Cal Fire Siskiyou Unit. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Aug. 6. The RV and the towed vehicle were fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Highway 89 at Bigalow was closed to through traffic while crews extinguished the fire and investigated its cause.

US company Lightship has unveiled the AE1 caravan with its own electric motor and 78 kWh battery, which actively assists the towing vehicle. The Trek Drive system activates the motor when load increases, cutting EV range loss to 5–10% instead of the typical 50%. The caravan also features regenerative braking and 1800 W solar panels, providing up to 48 km of extra range per day. The base version costs around €155,000, while the top version is approximately €255,000.

At the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, police and fire chiefs participated in a motorhome demolition derby to raise funds for CHOC, a local children's hospital. The event, organized by Sunnyside Promotions Racing, raised approximately $53,000. Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles won for the second consecutive year.

Average values of pre-owned RVs and campers are 11% higher than a year ago, according to National Powersport Auctions (NPA) August report. Sustained retail demand and quality inventory keep prices elevated, with ample supply across motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and campers. As wholesale prices begin seasonal adjustment in fall, dealers have opportunities to acquire inventory at favorable prices. NPA's August auctions feature over 700 pre-owned RVs, including special events in Lakeland and Philadelphia.

The City of Riverside is progressing through early steps to add the estimated $30 to $33 million Blackjack Beach and RV Waterpark Resort. After the Washington County Board of Supervisors approved a development review, inspection, and code enforcement agreement in July, the Riverside City Council has done the same. Mayor Allen Schneider noted that the annexation process is lengthy, taking four to six weeks. The project includes 154 RV parking spots, a clubhouse over 14,000 square feet, and a waterpark resort over 70,000 square feet.