Yes, Trailer Life magazine is now RV Magazine, a consolidation that fundamentally altered the landscape of RV publishing. If you’ve been wondering, “Is Trailer Life magazine now RV magazine?”, the answer is a definitive yes, but the story behind the merger reveals a shift from gritty, DIY towing advice to a polished, commercial-focused lifestyle publication.
We remember the days when picking up a copy of Trailer Life meant finding a detailed guide on how to fix a leaking slide-out or tow a heavy fifth wheel with a half-ton truck. Today, that specific, no-nonsense voice has been largely replaced by a broader, more corporate tone under the Camping World and Good Sam umbrella.
The change wasn’t just a name swap; it was a strategic merger of Trailer Life, Motorhome Magazine, and HiWays into a single entity. Many long-time subscribers feel the new RV Magazine offers a “fraction” of the technical depth they once relied on, prioritizing new model showcases over practical maintenance tutorials.
Key Takeaways
- The Verdict: Trailer Life has been officially rebranded and merged into RV Magazine under the ownership of Camping World.
- Content Shift: The new publication focuses more on lifestyle and new models, while the deep-dive DIY and towing guides have significantly decreased.
- Commercial Focus: Readers should expect a higher density of Camping World advertising and product placements compared to the independent tone of the past.
- Digital Archive: Historical content from the original Trailer Life issues is still accessible via the RV.com Content Archive, though the current print edition is different.
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- 📜 The Great Rebrand: Is Trailer Life Magazine Now RV Magazine?
- 🏛️ A Brief History of Trailer Life and the Evolution of RV Publishing
- 🔄 What Changed? Comparing the Old and New Editorial Focus
- 📊 Content Showdown: Digital vs. Print in the Modern RV Era
- 🏆 Top 7 Reasons Why the Name Change Matters to You
- 🛠️ Essential RV Maintenance and Travel Tips from the New Team
- 🗺️ Where to Find the Best RV Destinations and Campgrounds Now
- 💬 Community Voices: What RVers Are Saying About the Shift
- 🔍 Search: Finding Your Way Through the New Digital Landscape
- 🚀 Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days
- 🤝 Join the Community: Connect with Fellow RV Enthusiasts
- 🆕 What’s New? Latest Updates from the RV Industry
- 📞 Contact Us: Get in Touch with the Editors
- 🏁 Conclusion: The Verdict on the Name Change
- 🔗 Recommended Links
- ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
- 📚 Reference Links
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the great rebrand, let’s hit the rewind button on the most critical takeaways. If you’re scrolling for a quick answer, here it is: Yes, Trailer Life magazine effectively became RV Magazine, but the story behind why and how is where the real drama lies.
- The Big Switch: Trailer Life, Motorhome Magazine, and the Good Sam HiWays were consolidated into a single publication titled RV Magazine.
- The Mastermind: This move was orchestrated by Marcus Lemonis and the Camping World/Good Sam empire.
- The Content Shift: Long-time readers have noted a significant reduction in “how-to” articles and a heavy increase in Camping World advertising.
- Digital vs. Print: While the print version exists, the digital archive of legacy content is now hosted on RV.com.
- The Cost: Subscriptions have shifted from being a perk of membership to a standalone cost, with many users feeling the value proposition has diminished.
If you’re looking for a free alternative to get your RV fix right now, check out our guide on rv magazine free for some solid digital alternatives.
📜 The Great Rebrand: Is Trailer Life Magazine Now RV Magazine?
Let’s cut to the chase. You pick up a copy of Trailer Life at the newstand, or you open your mailbox expecting that familiar, dog-eared cover, and instead, you see RV Magazine. Confusing? Absolutely. Frustrating? For many of us at RV Brands™, it’s a bit of a heartbreak.
The short answer is yes, Trailer Life is now RV Magazine. But the long answer involves a corporate consolidation that changed the landscape of RV publishing forever.
The Consolidation of the Giants
Back in the day, you had your Trailer Life for the towable crowd, Motorhome Magazine for the motorized enthusiasts, and HiWays for the Good Sam loyalists. They were distinct voices in a noisy room. Then, the music stopped.
Under the leadership of Camping World and Good Sam, these three titans were merged. The logic was sound from a business perspective: streamline operations, reduce overhead, and create a “one-stop-shop” for the modern RVer. But for the purists? It felt like a forced marriage where the personality of the original partners was lost.
“Trailer Life, you can’t actually find them on the shelves anymore; it’s turned into RV Magazine.” — Common sentiment from industry veterans
Why the Name Change Matters
It’s not just a cosmetic tweak. The name change signals a shift in editorial focus. Trailer Life was known for its gritty, practical advice on towing, maintenance, and the specific quirks of travel trailers. RV Magazine attempts to cast a wider net, covering everything from Class A motorhomes to tiny fifth wheels.
But here’s the rub: Does it cover everything well? Many readers argue that by trying to be everything to everyone, the new magazine lost its soul. The “down-to-earth” camping articles that made Trailer Life a staple in our glove compartments have been replaced by glossy lifestyle shoots and product placements.
🏛️ A Brief History of Trailer Life and the Evolution of RV Publishing
To understand where we are, we have to look at where we came from. The story of Trailer Life is the story of the American RV industry itself.
The 1970s: Fuel Crises and Lightweight Dreams
The late 1970s were a pivotal time. With the fuel crisis hitting hard, gas prices skyrocketed, and inflation was running wild. Manufacturers had to pivot. They couldn’t just build massive, gas-guzzling behemoths anymore.
- The Shift: The industry moved toward lightweight, aerodynamic trailers.
- The Tow Vehicles: Forget the heavy-duty diesel pickups we see today. In 1979, people were towing these “lightweight” rigs with station wagons, coupes, and even sedans.
- The Gear: Equipment was primitive. We’re talking manual hand pumps for water and iceboxes instead of fridges.
Trailer Life was the bible for this era, teaching folks how to make do with less and how tow safely with underpowered vehicles. It was a survival guide for the budget-conscious RVer.
The Golden Age of Print
For decades, Trailer Life was the undisputed king of the towable world. It wasn’t just a magazine; it was a community. It featured:
- Detailed floorplan reviews.
- DIY repair guides that you could actually follow with basic tools.
- Campground directories that felt like a map to hidden gems.
Then came the digital age. As the internet grew, print media began to struggle. Rising paper costs, declining ad revenue, and the convenience of digital search forced publishers to adapt.
The Marcus Lemonis Era
Enter Marcus Lemonis. His acquisition of Camping World and Good Sam marked a new era of corporate consolidation. The decision to merge Trailer Life, Motorhome, and HiWays into RV Magazine was a strategic move to centralize the brand.
“The consolidation was driven by Marcus Lemonis… as a business decision.” — Industry Analysis
While this created a unified brand, it also sparked a firestorm of debate among long-time subscribers who felt the new publication was “too close to a Camping World advertisement.”
🔄 What Changed? Comparing the Old and New Editorial Focus
So, what exactly did you lose when Trailer Life became RV Magazine? Let’s break it down.
The Content Shift: From “How-To” to “How Much”
The most glaring difference is the ratio of educational content to promotional content.
| Feature | Old Trailer Life | New RV Magazine |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Towing, Maintenance, DIY | Lifestyle, New Models, Travel |
| Ad Density | Moderate, varied vendors | High, heavy Camping World focus |
| Article Depth | In-depth technical guides | Shorter, lifestyle-oriented pieces |
| Target Audience | Towable enthusiasts, DIYers | General RVers, new buyers |
| Tone | Practical, gritty, community-driven | Polished, commercial, broad |
The “Camping World” Bias
One of the most common complaints we hear from the community is the perceived bias toward Camping World products.
- Old Days: You’d read a review of a trailer from Forest River, Keystone, or Jayco, and the advice was neutral.
- New Days: There’s a noticeable push toward products sold at Camping World, and the “how-to” sections often feature products available exclusively through their network.
The Loss of Niche Expertise
Trailer Life had writers who were experts in specific niches—fifth wheel towing, bondocking, or vintage restoration. RV Magazine tries to cover it all, but the depth often suffers. As one user on the forums noted, the new magazine contains “a fraction of the information and articles” of the three original magazines combined.
📊 Content Showdown: Digital vs. Print in the Modern RV Era
The transition wasn’t just about the name; it was about the medium. The industry is screaming that print is dying, and the shift to digital is inevitable. But is it the right move for the RVer?
The Digital Advantage
- Accessibility: You can access the Content Archive on RV.com to read historical articles from Trailer Life and Motorhome Magazine.
- Searchability: Finding a specific part number or repair tip is instant.
- Updates: Digital content can be updated in real-time, unlike a monthly print issue.
The Print Nostalgia
- Relaxation: There’s something about flipping through a physical magazine without visual noise or pop-up ads.
- Discovery: You stumble upon articles you didn’t know you needed.
- Tangibility: It’s a coffee table piece, a conversation starter, and a keepsake.
“If I’m interested in a product I research it myself and tend to over-research due to my background.” — Veteran RVer
Many users find the digital experience “not relaxing” due to the sheer volume of ads and the lack of a curated experience.
The Hybrid Reality
Currently, RV Magazine offers Digital Editions, but the print version is still available for those who miss the tactile feel. However, the consensus is that the value proposition has shifted. With the price of a subscription rising to $20/year for 12 issues, many are asking if it’s worth it.
🏆 Top 7 Reasons Why the Name Change Matters to You
Why should you, as an RVer, care about a magazine name change? Here are seven reasons why this shift impacts your road trip, your wallet, and your hobby.
- Loss of Specialized Knowledge: If you’re a towable enthusiast, the specific, deep-dive advice on towing dynamics and trailer maintenance has been diluted.
- Increased Commercial Bias: The new magazine is heavily influenced by Camping World and Good Sam, potentially limiting your exposure to independent dealers and brands.
- Subscription Value: The cost has increased while the page count and article depth have decreased. Is $20/year worth a “fraction” of the old content?
- Community Fragmentation: The merger scattered the distinct communities of Trailer Life, Motorhome, and HiWays into one, potentially losing the unique voices of each group.
- Digital Dependency: The shift to RV.com means you need internet access to get the full experience, which isn’t always available in the backcountry.
- Event Rebranding: The Colorado RV Adventure & Travel Show was rebranded as “The Ultimate RV Show,” now exclusively featuring Camping World dealers, barring other competitors.
- Alternative Options: The change has forced many to seek out alternatives like Rootless Living, RV Today, or RV Enthusiast, which may better suit their specific needs.
🛠️ Essential RV Maintenance and Travel Tips from the New Team
While the editorial focus has shifted, RV Magazine still offers some value. Here are the types of tips you can expect, and where you might need to look elsewhere for the gritty details.
What You’ll Find Now
- Lifestyle Guides: Tips on decor & design, family travel, and pet-friendly camping.
- New Model Reviews: Highlights of the “best and most interesting RVs on the market,” often featuring brands like Forest River.
- Gear & Accessories: Recommendations for the latest gadgets, though often skewed toward Camping World inventory.
What You Might Miss
- Deep-Dive DIY: The old Trailer Life was famous for its step-by-step guides on fixing a water pump or rewiring a solar system. These are less common now.
- Vintage Restoration: If you’re restoring a classic Airstream or vintage trailer, the specific advice you used to find is harder to locate.
Where to Go for the Old School Advice
If you need the “how-to” that RV Magazine doesn’t cover, check out:
- RV Enthusiast: A digital-only alternative with a strong focus on how-to articles.
- iRV2 Forums: A massive community where you can ask specific technical questions.
- YouTube Channels: Many former Trailer Life contributors have moved to video platforms for their tutorials.
🗺️ Where to Find the Best RV Destinations and Campgrounds Now
One of the joys of Trailer Life was its campground directory. While RV Magazine still features travelogues, the comprehensive directory has been largely replaced by digital tools.
The Digital Shift
- Good Sam Campgrounds: The primary focus is now on the Good Sam network.
- RV LIFE: For route planning and campground reviews, many are turning to apps like RV LIFE Pro.
- Campendium & Hipcamp: Independent platforms that offer a wider variety of bondocking spots and unique stays.
The “Ultimate RV Show” Controversy
The rebranding extended to events as well. The Colorado RV Adventure & Travel Show is now “The Ultimate RV Show,” presented by Camping World.
- The Catch: It’s free to attend, but it’s exclusively used by the local Camping World dealer to sell new and used RVs.
- The Controversy: Other dealers in the region are barred from displaying, leading to accusations of “sleazy” business practices.
💬 Community Voices: What RVers Are Saying About the Shift
We’ve scoured the forums and social media to bring you the real talk from the RVer community.
The Disappointed Veterans
“I’m really not seeing the value in it… it only contains a fraction of the information and articles of the other 3 magazines provided.”
“The disagreements over the worth of Airstream trailers seem destined to go on endlessly.”
The Pragmatists
“If I’m interested in a product I research it myself and tend to over-research due to my background.”
“ALL printed media is dying… rising costs, reduced page counts, and excessive advertising.”
The Alternatives Seekers
Many are turning to Rootless Living and RV Today for a more balanced view.
“I think I’ll check further into the Rootless Living and RV Today print issues.”
The Digital Adopters
Some have embraced the shift, finding the RV.com archive useful for historical research, even if the current content feels different.
🔍 Search: Finding Your Way Through the New Digital Landscape
With the consolidation, finding specific information can be tricky. Here’s how to navigate the new digital landscape.
Using the RV.com Archive
- Content Archive: Visit RV.com and look for the “Content Archive” section. This is where you can find historical articles from Trailer Life and Motorhome Magazine.
- Search Tips: Use specific keywords like “towing,” “maintenance,” or specific brand names to filter results.
Leveraging Community Forums
- iRV2 Forums: Despite the security verification hurdles, this remains a goldmine for specific questions.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups dedicated to specific brands or types of RVing for real-time advice.
The Role of Apps
- RV LIFE Pro: For route planning and campground reviews, this app is essential.
- AllStays: Another great tool for finding campgrounds and services.
🚀 Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days
If you’re looking for a reliable tool to plan your next trip, RV LIFE Pro offers a free 7-day trial. It’s a great way to test out features like route planning, campground reviews, and weight distribution calculators.
👉 CHECK PRICE on:
- RV LIFE Pro: RV LIFE Official Website | Amazon
🤝 Join the Community: Connect with Fellow RV Enthusiasts
The best resource you have is the community. Whether you’re a full-timer, a weekend warrior, or a bondocker, there’s a group for you.
- iRV2 Forums: The largest online community for RVers.
- Facebook Groups: Search for “Full-Time RVing,” “Fifth Wheel Owners,” or “Class A Motorhome Enthusiasts.”
- Local Clubs: Join a local FMCA or Good Sam chapter for in-person meetups.
🆕 What’s New? Latest Updates from the RV Industry
The RV industry is constantly evolving. Here are the latest trends and updates.
The Rise of Lightweight Trailers
Manufacturers are continuing to prioritize lightweight, aerodynamic designs to appeal to a broader range of tow vehicles.
The Shift to Electric and Hydrogen
With rising fuel prices, there’s a growing interest in alternative energy sources like hydrogen and biodiesel.
The Decline of Print
As noted by many, print media is dying. The focus is shifting to digital, with more content being produced for online platforms.
📞 Contact Us: Get in Touch with the Editors
If you have feedback on RV Magazine or want to share your story, you can reach out to the editors.
- Email: Check the “Contact Us” page on RV.com.
- Social Media: Follow RV Magazine on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
🏁 Conclusion: The Verdict on the Name Change
So, is Trailer Life now RV Magazine? Yes, it is. But the transformation is more than just a name change; it’s a fundamental shift in the soul of the publication.
The Positives
- Unified Brand: A single publication for all types of RVs.
- Digital Archive: Access to historical content on RV.com.
- Modern Aesthetics: A polished, professional look.
The Negatives
- Reduced Content: A “fraction” of the original information.
- Commercial Bias: Heavy focus on Camping World and Good Sam.
- Loss of Niche: Diluted expertise in specific areas like towing and maintenance.
Our Recommendation
If you’re a new RVer looking for inspiration and lifestyle content, RV Magazine might suffice. However, if you’re a veteran RVer who values deep technical advice, independent reviews, and the “how-to” spirit of the old days, you might want to explore alternatives like Rootless Living, RV Today, or RV Enthusiast.
The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the spirit of Trailer Life lives on in the hearts of those who remember it, even if the name has changed.
🔗 Recommended Links
- Rootless Living: Rootless Living Official Website
- RV Today: RV Today Official Website
- RV Enthusiast: RV Enthusiast Official Website
- RV LIFE Pro: RV LIFE Official Website
- Books on Amazon: RV Maintenance Books | RV Travel Guides
❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Who owns Trailer Life?
Trailer Life is currently owned by Camping World Holdings, Inc. through its subsidiary, Good Sam. The magazine was consolidated into RV Magazine as part of a broader business strategy.
Read more about “🏆 Top 10 Luxury Motorhome Brands for 2026: The Ultimate Guide”
Who owns RV magazine?
RV Magazine is owned by Camping World Holdings, Inc. and is published under the Good Sam brand. It serves as the successor to Trailer Life, Motorhome Magazine, and HiWays.
Read more about “Did RV Magazine Replace MotorHome Magazine? The Full Story (2026) 🚐”
Did RV magazine change its name?
Yes, Trailer Life magazine (along with Motorhome Magazine and HiWays) was rebranded and consolidated into RV Magazine. The name change reflects a broader editorial focus covering all types of RVs, not just trailers.
What happened to Trailer Life magazine?
Trailer Life was discontinued as a standalone publication and merged into RV Magazine. The content was consolidated, and the print edition now covers a wider range of RV topics, though many readers feel the depth and focus on towing-specific issues have diminished.
Read more about “Is There an RV Magazine? Discover 10 Must-Reads for 2025! 🚐”
Is Trailer Life magazine still being published?
No, Trailer Life is no longer published under its original name. It has been replaced by RV Magazine. However, historical content from Trailer Life is available in the Content Archive on RV.com.
Read more about “Is Trailer Life Magazine Still Published? The Truth Revealed (2026) 🚐”
Did Trailer Life magazine change its name to RV Magazine?
Yes, Trailer Life was rebranded as RV Magazine. This change was part of a consolidation effort by Camping World and Good Sam to create a single publication for all RV enthusiasts.
Read more about “10 Best RV Magazines Free to Read Online in 2026 🚐”
Where can I find the latest issues of Trailer Life magazine?
You can find the latest issues of RV Magazine (the successor to Trailer Life) on the RV.com website or through subscription services. Historical issues of Trailer Life are available in the Content Archive on RV.com.
Read more about “Is MotorHome Magazine Still Published? The Truth Revealed (2025) 📰”
📚 Reference Links
- Camping World: Camping World Official Website
- Good Sam: Good Sam Official Website
- RV.com: RV.com Content Archive
- iRV2 Forums: RV magazine, what the………… – iRV2 Forums
- My Grand RV: RV Magazines – My Grand RV Forum
