Coachmen RV Unveils
Freedom Express Liberty Edition
Coachmen RV announced the return of a classic with the launch of the Freedom Express Liberty Edition travel trailer. This new offering revives one of Coachmen’s most recognized travel trailer lines, which has been reimagined for today’s modern camper.
Coachmen RV’s reintroduced Freedom Express travel trailer is offered as the Liberty Edition in the United States, with a Maple Edition available in Canada.
Built on the Freedom Express platform, the Liberty Edition is said to combine elevated styling, features, and livability into a premium package. It is available exclusively at U.S. dealers. Coachmen also introduced the Maple Edition, a Canada-exclusive version of the Liberty Edition, tailored for the unique needs and preferences of Canadian RV buyers. This version will be available through select Canadian Coachmen dealers.
“The Liberty name has a strong legacy in our history and bringing it back was about more than just a nameplate,” said Mike Kaiser, general manager of Coachmen. “We saw an opportunity to reintroduce a product line that stood for comfort, freedom, and pride in ownership, but do it in a way that aligns with today’s expectations for design and performance.”
The Freedom Express features new exterior graphics.
Key enhancements include distinctive exterior graphics, premium interior finishes, exclusive Liberty badging, and a features package aimed at streamlining setup and elevating the overall camping experience.
The Liberty Edition launched with two floor plans: the 330BHJJ, a family-friendly bunkhouse model, and the 330RKS, a well-appointed couples coach. Ultimately, the lineup will include four floor plans.
For more information, visit coachmenrv.com.
Sokol Sets Record Straight on Grounding Monitor Interrupters
A grounding monitor interrupter, or GMI, will be required on all new RVs manufactured beginning in late 2026. As reported in RVBusiness, electrical expert Mike Sokol addressed contradictory information that has been published from numerous sources regarding the installation of this device.
A grounding monitor interrupter, or GMI, is mounted inside an RV.
Mounted inside an RV, not on a campground pedestal, the GMI is designed to confirm that the chassis of a trailer or motorized RV is properly bonded, or grounded, to the campground pedestal ground. “If the GMI inside the RV doesn’t detect a proper low-resistance ground connection from the pedestal, it will disconnect the connection to the shore power cord and won’t allow AC power to reach the RV’s electrical system. The purpose of this Ground Monitor Interrupter is to prevent hot-skin voltage shocks,” Sokol explained.
Sokol said the inaccurate information about how and where the GMI devices will be installed seems to have been caused by incorrect AI-generated content.
Sokol offered this corrected explanation:
- GMI devices will be required to be installed internally in all new RVs built beginning in late 2026
- GMI devices will not be installed in campground pedestals
- There are currently no GMI devices designed for campground pedestals
- There are no GMI devices available for retrofit to existing RVs
- A campground pedestal with improper grounding will cause the GMI inside the RV to interrupt AC power from the pedestal to the RV itself, which cannot be bypassed
- Campground pedestals will need to be tested for correct grounding (bonding)
- There will be special training and test gear required to test pedestals for correct grounding so that a GMI-equipped RV will receive AC electric power from the shore power plug
- Adding a grounding rod to a pedestal or RV will not create a bonded ground that will allow the GMI to turn on power to the RV itself
Sokol is the author of No-Shock-Zone RV Electrical Safety.
For more of Sokol’s insights, visit RVelectrcity.com.
28 Million Americans Plan to Go RVing This Winter
As economic uncertainty and unpredictable travel logistics shape vacation choices, 28 million Americans chose RVing as their holiday travel choice — a 33 percent increase from last year. The latest data from RV Industry Association’s Holiday Travel Intention Survey confirms the appeal of RVing as a cost-effective and controlled travel solution for holidays and beyond.
Some of the survey findings:
7 million Americans planned to go RVing at Christmas.
Nearly 4 in 10 leisure travelers (39 percent) plan to take an RV trip in the coming year — a significant increase from last year — while purchase interest remains steady at 26 percent.
Younger generations are driving the future of RV travel, with Gen Z (35 percent) and Millennials (32 percent) showing the highest RV purchase consideration for 2026. These younger travelers view RVing as a tech-friendly, flexible, and affordable way to explore.
Taking a road trip, especially four to seven hours away from home, is the top reason given to travel by RV this winter. In addition, 40 percent will use artificial intelligence to plan their trip and find campgrounds.
70 percent of RVers will plan three or more trips in the next year, spending roughly $1,500 per trip.
67 percent of RVers plan to bring their pets along on winter RV trips.
KOA Extends Partnership With JR Motorsports
KOA will be a primary partner for one race with Connor Zilisch and the No. 1 Chevrolet and will support other JRM Chevrolets as a full season associate partner.
JR Motorsports announced that Kampgrounds of America Inc. will return to the organization for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. KOA will be a primary partner for one race with Connor Zilisch and the No. 1 Chevrolet, support multiple JRM Chevrolets as a full-season associate partner, and maintain a year-long partnership with Wyatt Miller, uniting motorsports and outdoor enthusiasts.
“KOA has been a big part of my NASCAR career from the very beginning, and I am proud to wear their colors again next season,” Zilisch said.
With over 500 campgrounds across the United States and Canada, including a large number within driving distance of most major tracks on the 2026 schedule, KOA offers fans a variety of accommodation options to amplify their race weekend experience.
Zilisch will drive the No. 1 KOA Chevrolet when NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, July 4, 2026.