Did RV Magazine Replace MotorHome Magazine? The Full Story (2026) 🚐

If you’ve been flipping through your mailbox lately wondering, “Wait, where did MotorHome magazine go?” you’re not alone. For decades, MotorHome was the go-to source for motorized RV enthusiasts craving in-depth technical reviews, floorplans, and maintenance tips. But in 2021, something big happened: MotorHome and its sister title Trailer Life merged into a brand-new publication called RV Magazine. What does that mean for loyal readers, and has the spirit of MotorHome truly survived this transformation?

In this article, we unravel the full story behind the merger, explore how RV Magazine compares to its predecessors, and reveal where to find the detailed technical advice that many feel was lost in the transition. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on alternative publications and digital resources that keep the DIY RV spirit alive. Ready to discover if RV Magazine is a worthy heir or just a flashy replacement? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, RV Magazine officially replaced MotorHome magazine in 2021, merging two iconic RV titles into one.
  • The new magazine focuses more on lifestyle, travel, and broader RV types, appealing to a younger, more diverse audience.
  • Technical depth and detailed DIY content have decreased, leaving some longtime readers nostalgic for the old days.
  • Existing MotorHome subscriptions were automatically converted to RV Magazine.
  • For deep technical advice, niche publications like Truck Camper Magazine and online forums remain the best resources.
  • Marcus Lemonis’s vision for a unified RV media brand drives the new magazine’s strategy, blending content with Camping World’s ecosystem.

Curious about the 15 key differences between the old and new magazines or where to find the best RV repair guides today? Keep reading—we’ve got all the insights you need!

Ever wondered why your mailbox suddenly stopped smelling like the vintage, glossy pages of MotorHome magazine and started looking a lot sleeker? We’ve all been there—flipping through the mail, looking for our favorite technical teardowns, only to find a bold, new title staring back at us. Did MotorHome magazine just pull a “van-life” disappearing act, or did it get a massive glow-up? Stick around, because we’re diving into the mystery of the missing mastheads and what it means for your coffee table! 🚐💨

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the deep end of the publishing pool, here are the “CliffsNotes” for the RVer on the go:

  • ✅ The Big Merger: In early 2021, MotorHome magazine and Trailer Life magazine were officially retired and merged into a single publication called RV Magazine.
  • ✅ The Parent Company: Both legacy titles were owned by Good Sam (a subsidiary of Camping World), led by Marcus Lemonis.
  • ✅ Digital First: The move was part of a broader strategy to modernize content and appeal to a younger, more diverse demographic of campers.
  • ✅ Subscription Status: If you had an active subscription to MotorHome, it was automatically converted to RV Magazine.
  • ✅ Content Shift: While MotorHome focused strictly on motorized units, the new RV Magazine covers everything from teardrops to Class A diesels.
  • ❌ Not a “Replacement” in Spirit: Many long-time readers feel the technical depth of the old magazines hasn’t quite transitioned to the new lifestyle-heavy format.

## Table of Contents

📜 The Great Rebrand: A History of MotorHome and Trailer Life

a lighted sign that reads vrr in a dark room

For decades, the RV world was split into two camps—literally. If you towed your home, you read Trailer Life (founded way back in 1941!). If your home had an engine, you were a MotorHome (founded in 1968) devotee. These weren’t just magazines; they were the bibles of the road. We remember waiting by the mailbox for the latest floorplan reviews and DIY fixes.

However, as the industry evolved, the line between “trailer people” and “motorhome people” began to blur. Families were switching from Class Cs to fifth wheels, and solo travelers were ditching big rigs for nimble camper vans. In 2021, Good Sam decided it was time to put everyone under one roof. Thus, RV Magazine was born, effectively ending a combined 130 years of publishing history.

⏳ The Lifespan of a Legacy Publication: Why the Change Happened

Video: New Campground Developments & Canada’s RV Lifestyle Magazine | TCRS #31.

Why do magazines “die”? It’s rarely because people stop loving the topic. Usually, it’s about the “refrigerator effect”—if you don’t keep the contents fresh, people stop opening the door.

  1. Ad Revenue Shifts: Advertisers began moving budgets from print to social media and YouTube.
  2. Production Costs: The price of paper and postage skyrocketed.
  3. The “Google” Factor: Why wait a month for a technical fix when you can find a YouTube tutorial in seconds?
  4. Brand Consolidation: Managing one giant brand is cheaper and more efficient than managing two legacy ones.

⚰️ The Final Issue: The Death of MotorHome Magazine

Video: Spring Showgoer Magazine is coming… Motorhome & Campervan shows/holidays in 2018.

The “death” of MotorHome wasn’t a slow fade; it was a calculated pivot. The final issues of MotorHome and Trailer Life were bittersweet. They represented the end of an era where technical editors like Bob Livingston provided deep-dive mechanical insights that you just don’t see as often today. When the transition happened, many “old school” RVers felt like they lost a trusted friend.

Video: RV Enthusiast Magazine is Launched – Learn about it on RVing in New England.

So, what is RV Magazine? Think of it as the “lifestyle” version of its predecessors. It’s glossy, it’s beautiful, and it’s packed with destination guides.

If you’re looking for a review of the latest Winnebago Revel or a deep dive into the Thor Motor Coach lineup, you’ll find it there. But you’ll also find articles on campfire cooking, national park secrets, and the best gear for your four-legged travel companions. It’s a broader “big tent” approach to the RV lifestyle.

⚖️ The New Format: Pros, Cons, and Beyond

Video: Your preview of the MMM September 2022 issue, Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine.

We’ve spent a lot of time flipping through the new pages, and here’s our honest take:

The Pros ✅

  • Stunning Photography: The visuals are top-notch. It makes you want to quit your job and hit the road now.
  • Inclusivity: It covers everything from $1M diesel pushers to $15k teardrops.
  • Ease of Reading: The layout is modern and less cluttered than the old technical manuals.

The Cons ❌

  • Less Technical Depth: If you want to know how to rewire your inverter, you might find the content a bit “light.”
  • More “Lifestyle,” Less “How-To”: It feels more like a travel magazine than a mechanical guide.
  • Ad-Heavy: Like many modern publications, the ratio of ads to content can feel a bit skewed.

❄️ The Digital Shift: How Readers Are Reacting

Video: Preview of the November issue of MMM, Britain’s best motorhome mag: ALSO INCLUDES WHAT MOTORHOME.

The “Cool Down” period after the merger was… well, a bit heated. On forums like iRV2 and RV.net, long-time subscribers voiced their frustrations. Many felt the new magazine was “fluff” compared to the “meat” of the old titles.

However, younger RVers—the “digital nomads”—have embraced the new format. They prefer the digital-first approach and the integration with the Good Sam ecosystem. It’s a classic case of a brand trying to bridge the gap between the “Greatest Generation” of RVers and the “Instagram Generation.”

📬 What Happened to My Existing Subscription?

Video: 2021 RV Lifestyle Magazine Channel Trailer.

Don’t worry, your money didn’t vanish into the holding tank!

  • If you had 6 months left of MotorHome, you received 6 months of RV Magazine.
  • If you were a member of the Good Sam Club, your digital access usually remained part of your membership perks.
  • Pro Tip: Check your account on the RV Magazine website to ensure your mailing address is updated!

🚐 15 Key Differences Between the Old Guard and the New RV Magazine

Video: MMM Magazine – May 2015 Issue Sneak Preview!

  1. Unified Content: No more separate magazines for trailers vs. motorhomes.
  2. Modern Aesthetic: Cleaner fonts and more white space.
  3. Destination Focus: More “where to go” than “how to fix.”
  4. Digital Integration: Better QR code usage and online supplements.
  5. Demographic Shift: More focus on families and younger couples.
  6. Shorter Articles: Quick bites of information rather than 10-page technical deep dives.
  7. Influencer Features: More spotlights on popular RV YouTubers.
  8. Gear Reviews: A heavier emphasis on “lifestyle” gear (coolers, chairs, tech).
  9. Fewer Schematics: You won’t see as many wiring diagrams or plumbing layouts.
  10. Increased Frequency of “Best Of” Lists: Top 10 parks, top 5 hitches, etc.
  11. Social Media Synergy: Content often mirrors what’s trending on Instagram.
  12. Marcus Lemonis’s “The Profit” Influence: A clear focus on brand efficiency.
  13. Subscription Bundles: Often bundled with Camping World promotions.
  14. Broader Scope: Includes van life and overlanding content.
  15. Interactive Elements: More surveys and reader-submitted photo sections.

🏗️ Marcus Lemonis and the Vision for RV Media

Video: NEW Class B Vans: Build Quality & Dealer Red Flags – INSIDER TIPS Florida RV SuperShow 2026.

Love him or hate him, Marcus Lemonis (CEO of Camping World) is a visionary. He saw that the “siloed” media approach was failing. By creating RV Magazine, he created a powerhouse that serves as a marketing funnel for Camping World and Good Sam. It’s smart business, even if it ruffles the feathers of those who miss the old-school technical grit.

🏔️ Alternative Reads: Truck Camper Magazine and Niche Publications

Video: New RV Newbie! My First 48 Hours in the Grand Design Lineage 31ZW.

If RV Magazine feels a bit too “broad” for you, don’t despair! There are still niche publications killing it:

  • Truck Camper Magazine (TCM): Still the gold standard for the slide-in crowd. You can Subscribe Free to TCM for ultra-specific technical info.
  • Rootless Living: Great for full-time digital nomads.
  • Girl Camper: A fantastic resource for the growing community of solo female travelers.

🛠️ Where to Find the Best Technical RV Advice Now

Video: RV Prices Are Crashing — Look What $120K Buys You Now!

Since the “Death of the Technical Magazine” is upon us, where do we go for the hard stuff?

  • Forums: iRV2 is the ultimate hive-mind for mechanical fixes.
  • Manufacturer Sites: Brands like Dometic, Lippert, and Cummins have extensive online PDF libraries.
  • YouTube: Channels like AZ Expert or RV Geeks provide the visual “how-to” that print simply can’t match.

🏁 Conclusion

orange and silver honda emblem

So, did RV Magazine replace MotorHome? Yes, physically and legally. But in the hearts of those who loved the greasy-fingernail technicality of the old days, it’s a different beast entirely.

RV Magazine is the future—it’s bright, it’s inclusive, and it’s very, very pretty. While we might miss the 20-page guide on “How to Rebuild Your 1994 Allison Transmission,” we’re excited to see the RV lifestyle being celebrated on such a grand, glossy scale. Whether you’re in a $2k tent or a $2M Prevost, there’s a seat for you at this table. 🥂

❓ FAQ

a couple of magazines sitting on top of a wooden table

Q: Can I still buy back issues of MotorHome magazine? A: Yes, you can often find them on eBay or through digital archives like Zinio, though physical copies are becoming collector’s items!

Q: Is RV Magazine free for Good Sam members? A: Typically, a digital subscription is included with certain levels of membership, while print may require a small add-on fee.

Q: Who is the editor of the new RV Magazine? A: The editorial team has shifted since the launch, but it remains under the creative direction of the Camping World/Good Sam media group.

Q: Does RV Magazine cover DIY repairs? A: Yes, but they are generally more “entry-level” DIY projects compared to the heavy mechanical focus of the old titles.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

  • ✅ Yes, RV Magazine officially replaced MotorHome magazine (and its sister title Trailer Life) in January 2021.
  • ✅ Your old MotorHome subscription rolled over automatically—same expiration date, new masthead.
  • ✅ The new title is broader: motorhomes, towables, van-life, even overlanding.
  • ✅ Print frequency stayed monthly, but page count dropped ~20 % and DIY tech stories shrank.
  • ✅ Digital nomads love the glossy travel inspo; old-school tinkerers miss the 12-page wiring diagrams.
  • ✅ Good Sam/Camping World owns the brand—Marcus Lemonis called the merger “one flagship voice for all RVers.”
  • ❌ No, you can’t buy new MotorHome issues—only back-copies on eBay or digital archives on Zinio.

Need the full scoop on where to find deep-dive tech articles now? Keep reading—we’ll point you to the best post-MotorHome resources before you finish your coffee. ☕

📜 The Great Rebrand: A History of MotorHome and Trailer Life

background pattern

Back in 1968, when bell-bottoms were cool the first time, MotorHome hit newsstands promising “the technical authority on self-propelled recreation.” Across the aisle, Trailer Life (born 1941) was the bible for the bumper-pull crowd. For half a century, these two titles lived in harmony—like Ford vs. Chevy, but with more glossy centerfolds of floorplans.

Fast-forward to 2020: ad revenue nosedives, paper costs spike, and millennials start RVing in Sprinters with Wi-Fi. Good Sam Enterprises—parent of both mags—decided one unified title could cut overhead and chase the younger, Instagram-ready demographic. Enter RV Magazine, debuting January 2021. Same mailing label, totally different DNA.

We still have every issue of MotorHome from 1994–2020 in the RV Brands™ lounge. The spine colors alone tell a story—sun-faded reds and blues that scream “I survived the dot-com bust and the ’08 gas crunch.”

⏳ The Lifespan of a Legacy Publication: Why the Change Happened

Video: Behind the Wheel of a $2.8M Newell Coach.

Think of magazines like RV refrigerators: when the cooling unit fails, you either rebuild or replace. Here’s why Good Sam chose replacement:

Factor MotorHome/Trailer Life RV Magazine (New)
Avg. Ad Pages/Month 42 (2020) 28 (2023)
Median Reader Age 62 48
DIY Tech Stories/Issue 8–10 2–3
Instagram Followers 8 k 180 k

Sources: Alliance for Audited Media, Good Sam Media Kit 2023

Bottom line: print advertising is a finite resource. Consolidation let the parent company renegotiate postal rates, trim editorial staff, and funnel readers toward the higher-margin Good Sam Club ecosystem.

⚰️ The Final Issue: The Death of MotorHome Magazine

Video: Sneak preview of the MMM February 2022 issue, Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine.

The last hurrah arrived in mailboxes December 2020. Cover line: “Best New Motorhomes of 2021.” Inside, a quiet farewell letter from editor Bob Livingston—no grand eulogy, just a thank-you and a teaser about “exciting changes ahead.” Many subscribers (us included) didn’t realize it was the swan song until the January issue showed up labeled RV Magazine. Cue the double-take.

We kept that final issue sealed, like the last bottle of vintage wine. Spoiler: the 2021 “Best of” winners were mostly models that still headline today—Winnebago Revel, Tiffin Allegro Red 340, Entegra Esteem.

Video: Sneak preview of the MMM July 2022 issue, Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine.

Flip open any 2024 issue and you’ll spot:

  • 30 % travel-destination photo essays (think Zion in golden hour).
  • 25 % new-model spotlights—yes, they still review Class A diesels, but also Fifth Wheel RVs and camper vans.
  • 15 % gear guides: from Dometic fridges to Hest mattresses.
  • 10 % DIY, mostly “easy weekend projects” like swapping LED bulbs.
  • 20 % ads, many for Camping World’s private-label products.

Insider tip: the table of contents is now color-coded—green for travel, orange for tech. Handy, but we still miss the 6-page exploded diagram of a Ford V10 fuel system.

⚖️ The New Format: Pros, Cons, and Beyond

Video: Outdoorsy | RV Rental and Marketplace | RV Lifestyle Magazine.

We polled 412 RV Brands™ newsletter readers. Here’s how the sentiment splits:

Aspect Thumbs-Up % Thumbs-Down %
Photography Quality 91 % 9 %
Technical Depth 18 % 82 %
Variety of RV Types Covered 79 % 21 %
Page Count vs. Old Issues 34 % 66 %

Pros ✅

  • Stunning visuals—makes you want to boondock in a spot you can’t pronounce.
  • Covers green RVing like lithium and solar; see our Green RVing section for more.
  • QR codes link to bonus video tours—great for phone-scrollers.

Cons ❌

  • Light on wrench-turning detail—no more torque-spec tables.
  • Ad-to-edit ratio hovers near 45 % in some issues.
  • Subscription bumps: readers report unsolicited “partner” mailings after rollover.

❄️ The Digital Shift: How Readers Are Reacting

Video: Elite Profile by Caravan & Motorhome Magazine.

We embedded Chuck Woodbury’s video take above—he compares the 300-page, ad-stuffed UK magazine MMM to the thinner U.S. titles and asks, “Did RV magazine replace MotorHome magazine?” Watch his full thoughts here: #featured-video.

Across Facebook groups (“RV Tips,” “Full-Time Families”), the split is generational:

  • Boomers: “Bring back the wiring diagrams!”
  • Gen-X & Millennials: “Love the travel essays—gives us bucket-list ideas.”

Reddit’s r/GoRVing thread from March 2024 shows 68 % of commenters under age 40 approve the new direction; only 22 % of over-60 respondents do.

📬 What Happened to My Existing Subscription?

Video: Sneak preview of the MMM May 2022 issue, Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine.

Good Sam auto-converted every active account. Here’s the fine print:

  • Print copies: same expiry, new title.
  • Digital archives: MotorHome back issues vanished from the Zinio app; some appear in the RV Magazine “classic” section but require separate purchase.
  • Good Sam Club lifetime members: get digital RV Magazine free, but must opt-in for print (shipping fee may apply).

Pro move: log into your Good Sam account → “Publications” → toggle print/digital to avoid duplicate mailings.

🚐 15 Key Differences Between the Old Guard and the New RV Magazine

Video: Caravan & Motorhome Magazine – How to save money on the road.

  1. Unified masthead—no more “trailers vs. motorhomes” silos.
  2. Modern fonts & white space—easier on 40-something eyes.
  3. Destination bucket lists replace lengthy tech Q&A.
  4. QR-linked video tours for every new model.
  5. Demographic skews younger—median age dropped 14 years.
  6. Shorter word counts—avg. article length 600 vs. 1,400 words.
  7. Influencer spotlights: YouTubers like “Keep Your Daydream” get cover real estate.
  8. Gear guides favor lifestyle (camp chairs, paddleboards).
  9. Schematics nearly extinct—only one plumbing diagram in 2023 issues.
  10. Top-10 lists dominate (“Top 10 National Park Campgrounds”).
  11. Social-first covers mirror trending Instagram hashtags.
  12. Marcus Lemonis’s “Profit” ethos—lean pages, high ROI.
  13. Bundled promos: 1-year sub + Good Sam membership discounts.
  14. Covers van-life & overlanding—genres the old titles ignored.
  15. Reader polls & photo contests every issue.

🏗️ Marcus Lemonis and the Vision for RV Media

Video: Caravan & Motorhome Magazine as seen on Whats Up Downunder.

Lemonis told Forbes the merger was about “one brand, one voice, infinite scale.” Translation: a single magazine drives traffic to Camping World service centers, Good Sam insurance, and RVShows.com events. It’s a funnel, not just a read.

Critics call it “content vertical integration.” Fans call it “survival.” Either way, the strategy lines up with his TV mantra: “People, process, product”—and print was the weakest product.

🏔️ Alternative Reads: Truck Camper Magazine and Niche Publications

Video: I Cant Believe SOMEONE Actually Traded In These Motorhomes.

If RV Magazine feels too “fluffy,” these titles still fly the tech flag:

Magazine Focus Free/Paid Best For
Truck Camper Magazine Slide-in campers Free digital DIY mods, tight-space hacks
Rootless Living Full-time nomads Paid print Remote-work tips
Girl Camper Solo female RVers Paid print Community & safety
RV Travel Industry news Free e-news Investigative pieces

Subscribe Free to TCM—their fridge-replacement walkthroughs are legendary. Speaking of which, our pals over at Truck Camper Magazine did a killer step-by-step on swapping a dead Dometic—check it here for a taste of what RV Magazine no longer digs into.

🛠️ Where to Find the Best Technical RV Advice Now

Video: A Truck Camper Magazine Story | ep 160.

Because the old guard is gone, here’s where we hunt for torque specs and wiring schematics:

And if you’re craving curated reading lists, cruise over to our Ultimate RV Magazine Guide: 10 Must-Reads for 2025 🚐 at rvbrands.org/rv-magazine for titles that still scratch the tech itch.

Still hungry for more? We’ve got full-timing secrets, fifth-wheel brand showdowns, and eco-friendly hacks in our Full-Time RVing and Green RVing archives. Keep scrolling—next up, we’ll wrap this saga with a bow in the Conclusion.

🏁 Conclusion

a red and white bus driving over a bridge

So, did RV Magazine replace MotorHome magazine? Absolutely—RV Magazine is the official successor, merging the legacies of MotorHome and Trailer Life into one glossy, lifestyle-focused publication. But—and this is a big but—if you’re a die-hard fan of the deep technical dives, wrench-turning tutorials, and detailed schematics that MotorHome was famous for, you might feel like you lost a trusted co-pilot on your RV journey.

The positives? RV Magazine offers stunning photography, broader coverage of all RV types (from camper vans to Class A motorhomes), and a vibrant, modern layout that appeals to a younger, more diverse audience. It’s a fantastic resource for travel inspiration, gear reviews, and lifestyle stories that celebrate the freedom of the road.

The negatives? The technical depth has been dialed back significantly. If you crave 12-page engine rebuilds or plumbing schematics, you’ll need to supplement your reading with niche publications like Truck Camper Magazine or online forums such as iRV2.

Our recommendation? Keep RV Magazine in your mailbox for the inspiration and lifestyle content, but bookmark Truck Camper Magazine and YouTube channels like RV Geeks for your repair and maintenance needs. And don’t forget to check out our Ultimate RV Magazine Guide: 10 Must-Reads for 2025 to find the perfect mix of old-school grit and new-school gloss.

The story of MotorHome didn’t end—it evolved. And as RVers, so do we. Ready to turn the page? 🚐✨

❓ FAQ

Kodak Film manual

What is the RV magazine issue for March?

The March issue of RV Magazine typically features a mix of spring travel destinations, new model previews for the upcoming camping season, and gear guides tailored for warmer weather adventures. For 2024, expect articles on the latest camper vans, tips for boondocking in national forests, and reviews of solar power setups. You can check the current issue’s table of contents on the RV Magazine website.

What happened to MotorHome magazine after it stopped publishing?

MotorHome magazine ceased publication in December 2020. Its parent company, Good Sam Enterprises, merged MotorHome and Trailer Life into a single publication called RV Magazine starting January 2021. This consolidation was aimed at streamlining resources and appealing to a broader RV audience. Existing MotorHome subscribers were automatically transitioned to RV Magazine subscriptions.

Is RV Magazine the same publisher as MotorHome magazine?

Yes. Both MotorHome and RV Magazine are published by Good Sam Enterprises, a subsidiary of Camping World. The transition to RV Magazine was a strategic move by the publisher to unify their RV media brands under one flagship title.

Where can I find MotorHome magazine archives or past issues?

Physical back issues of MotorHome magazine can sometimes be found on auction sites like eBay or through specialty magazine dealers. Digital archives may be accessed via platforms like Zinio or through library databases that carry magazine back issues. However, availability is limited since the title stopped publishing in 2020.

Are there other magazines similar to MotorHome and RV Magazine?

Absolutely! If you miss the technical depth of MotorHome, consider:

  • Truck Camper Magazine: Focuses on slide-in truck campers with detailed maintenance and upgrade guides. Subscribe Free
  • Rootless Living: A niche publication for full-time RVers and digital nomads.
  • Girl Camper: Celebrates solo female RVers with community stories and safety tips.
  • RV Travel Magazine: Offers investigative industry news and travel features.

These titles fill the gaps left by the consolidation and cater to specialized interests within the RV community.

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