Bontrager Standard 17FD Is a Teardrop-Style Travel Trailer That Delivers Best Value for Money

A growing number of American Gen Xers are choosing full-time RV living as an alternative to traditional retirement. According to the RV Industry Association, about 170,000 Americans over 55 live full time in recreational vehicles. Patty and Shane Gill of Texas have saved over US$100,000 in five years, with monthly living costs of US$3,500–US$4,000 compared to previous expenses of US$7,000–US$8,000. Only 16% of American Gen Xers feel they have saved enough for retirement, per the Schroders 2025 US Retirement Survey.

SlashGear has published a roundup of five campers and RVs intended for full-time living. The list includes the Paradigm Longhorn van conversion based on a Ford Transit (from $72,965), the Jayco Greyhawk Class C motorhome on a Ford E-450 chassis (under $200,000), the Winnebago ARKA adventure truck based on a Ram pickup (from $330,000), the Crossroads Hampton trailer (from $100,000), and the Newmar Dutch Star Class A motorhome (from $618,570).

Let's Go Aero has introduced the TreeHaus, an add-on for its LittleGiant trailer that creates a two-level camping setup. The upper level provides sleeping space for three to four people, while the lower level stores gear. The complete system weighs 565 lbs (256 kg) with a GVWR of 2,065 lbs. The TreeHaus costs $4,600 (€4,000), and a conversion kit for existing LittleGiant owners is $1,100. The base LittleGiant trailer weighs 480 lbs (217 kg), has 15 inches of ground clearance, and a GVWR of 1,980 lbs (898 kg).

City officials in Parsons, Kansas, have announced that the Marvel Park RV campground will close permanently on October 4. The decision was driven by repeated flooding and issues with campers, including non-payment of fees and rule violations. The campground is located in a floodplain north of Labette Creek; in late June, several people had to be rescued after heavy rain. The city is seeking a new location for an RV park.

Winter Texans will start arriving in the Rio Grande Valley in less than a month, but a local organization reports their numbers have been declining. According to a 2021 study by Welcome Home RGV, they spend $1.2 billion every season, with each couple spending about $13,000. The decline is attributed to the two-year closure of Isla Blanca Park, ownership changes, and the loss of several RV parks.

The Airstream Club International rally in Minot, North Dakota, drew more than 1,800 guests. While exact figures are still being tabulated, previous rallies have generated over $2 million in economic impact. Attendees also raised more than $40,000 for the Souris Valley United Way's Backpack Buddies program, which was matched by $10,000 from the Minot Area Community Foundation, providing three months of weekend food assistance for elementary school students.