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December 10, 2023
Issue 1134
Members edition
Cover story
Are cross-country RV trips becoming a thing of the past?
By Dave Helgeson
I
have long dreamed of the day my wife and I could depart on a cross-country RV trip. Now that we are retired and able to travel more, I question if cross-country RV trips are still viable, or will remain just a dream.
Cross-country RV trips have long been a beloved way for individuals and families to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of a country. The freedom of the open road, the comfort of a home on wheels, and the sense of adventure have drawn countless enthusiasts to embark on these journeys. However, the future of cross-country RV trips is facing challenges that may make them a thing of the past. In this article, we will delve into the changing dynamics of cross-country RV travel and explore how escalating fuel expenses, rising campground fees and the erosion of spontaneity are reshaping this cherished tradition.
1. The impact of escalating fuel expenses
Fuel expenses have always been a substantial component of the budget for RV travel. However, in recent years, several factors have conspired to make this cost an even more substantial burden for those considering cross-country RV trips.
A. Fluctuating fuel prices
One of the foremost reasons that cross-country RV trips may be at risk of becoming a relic of the past is the erratic nature of fuel prices. Gasoline and diesel prices can fluctuate significantly due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and economic factors. These price fluctuations make it challenging for RV travelers to plan their trips and budget accurately. The unpredictability of fuel prices can result in unexpectedly high expenses, which can be discouraging for potential cross-country RVers.
Continue reading and please leave your thoughts
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Today’s RV review…
2024 Grand Design Reflection 100 Series 22RK—A fifth wheel for boondockers
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2024 Grand Design Reflection 100 Series 22RK. This is a new small fifth wheel series from Grand Design that follows the industry trend of offering more affordable choices. While this absolutely falls into that category, some of the decisions Grand Design made in achieving that are admirable. But then some are head-scratchers.
Click here to find out what Tony’s talking about
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
RVers share: How to locate good service centers and mobile techs
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon shares your comments and emails which we received in response to a reader’s question a couple of weeks ago about how other RVers find good, reputable RV techs. Here are some of our readers’ answers, along with some links to the recommended service centers and mobile techs.
Did you decorate your RV for the holidays?
If you decorated your RV (the inside or the outside or both) this year, we want to see a photo (or two or three!). Please submit a photo of your decorated RV, and/or a short paragraph or two telling us about your favorite holiday traditions.
RV industry’s rosy predictions for 2024 are “wishful thinking”
OPINION by Andy Zipser
Easing into various seasonal celebrations, and from there into year’s end, various RV industry representatives have been spewing predictions for 2024 that are short on context and long on wishful thinking and data cherry-picking. Call it the holiday effect, an irresistible compulsion to make things merry by spiking the statistical punch, morning-after hangover be damned. Continue reading.
Byrna non-lethal defense weapons for RVers—an alternative to firearms
By Randall Brink
Beyond the freedom and tranquility of RVing lies the question of how to defend yourself and stay safe while on the road. With freedom comes the responsibility for your safety, especially when venturing off the beaten path. Many choose firearms for defense and peace of mind. Yet some RVers struggle with concerns over legal issues and whether they would use a lethal weapon in a threat situation. For RVers seeking a non-lethal self-defense option that doesn’t involve lead, the Byrna line of launchers presents a possible less-worrisome alternative. Learn more.
Easily fix your RV’s overhead lighting yourself—no RV tech required!
By Gail Marsh
It began as a single blink. I thought perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me. Soon the blinking of the light increased. I wondered if a wire connection had come loose, but we’d been stationary for weeks. Finally, the blinking increased in frequency to the point that it could no longer be ignored—or tolerated. It was time to DIY our RV’s overhead lighting. Find out how here.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletters
- Even more tips, decor and gadgets to help decorate your RV for Christmas
- Video: Transform RV bedroom into office. No tools or screws needed
- See new sights and save with Groupon while RVing
- 7+ ways to use a delivery service on the road
- Tips for using five-gallon buckets for the RV and campsite
Your credit score may determine your insurance premium
By Randall Brink
Credit scores have increasingly become a factor in decisions beyond just the issuance and cost of credit. They are widely used by lenders, landlords, and even employers to assess an individual’s financial reliability. However, the use of credit scores has extended beyond these traditional assessments to the insurance industry. Insurance companies use credit scores in their underwriting process to determine the premiums an individual must pay for their insurance policy. This practice raises concerns about inherent discrimination and its potential implications for certain groups of consumers. Continue reading.
When you need a little Christmas while RVing far from home
By Gail Marsh
What can you do if you’re unable to join your family and friends at Christmastime? How can you fully enjoy the season when you’re RVing far away from your stix-n-brix home? Here are some tips for when you need a little Christmas while RVing.
Cassette tapes, Burma-Shave signs, CB radios and more: Take a trip down memory lane
By Gail Marsh
Ah, the good ol’ days. If you traveled America’s highways during the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, you probably witnessed several things that younger RVers today may never see or might not even recognize. Sit back and relax for a trip down memory lane.
Reader Poll
How would you describe your mental health?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment. [Remember, no one can see how you vote, including us.]
POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: Do you read in bed when you retire for the night? See how 1,700 RVers answered.
RVing Mistakes
RVers forget to disconnect, “tearing the innards of the electric pedestal to pieces”
In this new column, we are sharing some of the not-so-brilliant things we, the RVtravel.com staff, and you, our readers, have done while RVing. This week, Nanci Dixon reports on your “oops” stories, including taking a corner too sharp and knocking down a brick pillar, a couple of instances of leaving the power cord plugged into the pedestal when departing a campsite, and a tip on what trip route planning apps to trust (or not).
Travel Destinations
Bucket List Destinations: An RVer’s experience at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
By Luanne Porper
We finally completed one of our bucket list items—the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We were going to travel to California in our RV and the timing was perfect to spend a few days in Albuquerque and attend the Balloon Fiesta in early October. Read about this adventure that “everyone must experience.”
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook”.
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- What insulation value do RV windows have? Some models seem a little excessive!
- I want to install a 12-volt-powered fan in my RV refrigerator. What are my options?
- After repair to RV’s slide roof, something is sticking up under new roof membrane. How to fix?
- OPINION: With such poor RV quality, maybe we need Japanese manufacturers to take the lead?
- When using RV solar panel, should I turn off inverter when plugged into shore power?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
Have a question for Dave? Click any Ask Dave article and scroll down to fill out the form.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to prevent your RV compartment doors from opening while traveling
By Dustin Simpson
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I talk about RV compartment doors opening while traveling. It’s crucial to address the problem promptly to ensure safety on the road as well as prevent damage to your belongings. Here are some warnings and considerations.
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
No RV gadgets articles this week, but make sure you read Thursday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter. It’s filled with gadgets galore!
Video of the day
WOW! Free Texas camping with unlimited stays
By Cheri Sicard
Lou and Melody, the team behind the Living Our Dream Now YouTube channel, share an unusual free Texas camping location with unlimited stays.
RV Tire Safety
“Interply Shear” and other techno babble explained by tire expert
Some people do not understand why RV trailers have such a high failure rate and assume it’s because the tires are “made in China.” There is a technical reason and it is called “Interply Shear.” Tire expert Roger Marble explains Interply Shear in depth and how to avoid it. He even gives the Bottom Line info first, so those not interested can stop reading before he puts them to sleep with his “Engineer Speak” and “Techno Babble.”
Learn all about Interply Shear here
Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?
If so, stories you missed:
• Used RV prices report signals it may be time to buy
• Be careful driving in these cities with the most aggressive drivers
• Big Montana RV park project embroiled in legal dispute
• New RV sales numbers down in October
• Are you a CPAP machine user? New troubles for Philips and the FDA
• Campground Crowding: A few great tips for low-cost, no-crowds camping, including a cheap snowbird trick
• RV Video Tour: Oliver Travel Trailers: Too good to be true?
… and much more
Recipe of the Day
Delish Knish
by Craig Clark from Rockford, IL
Who wouldn’t love loaded mashed potatoes inside a buttery crescent roll? Packed with cheese and bacon, this knish recipe is easy to make. It’s not a traditional knish filling but it’s quite tasty. A great side dish or snack.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
This is from our Facebook group, RVing with Dogs. Hilarious!! Click to enlarge. Thanks for posting, Denise!
FOR THE LAUGH, BUSTER AND PEARLIE MAE DESERVE A HOLIDAY GIFT! Check out these Christmas gifts for dogs (and dog parents!).
Brain Teaser
I left my campsite and hiked south for 3 miles. Then I turned east and hiked for 3 miles. I then turned north and hiked for 3 miles, at which time I came upon a bear inside my tent eating my food! What color was the bear?
(Answer below.)
Do you have a brain teaser you think we should use? Send it to us here.
Trivia
Did you know that armadillos are excellent swimmers? Despite their appearance with a heavy, armored shell, armadillos can inflate their stomach and intestines, which allows them to float on the water’s surface. They can also hold their breath for an extended period, making them capable swimmers. This unexpected talent sets them apart from many other land-dwelling mammals.
Sunday funny
Resources
Best Club for RVers: Escapees. Click here to learn more or join. Endorsed by RVtravel.com.
What does financing an RV for 20 years REALLY mean?
In case you missed this article the first time around, here it is again. Important! Click here.
Stuck with a lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge, America’s premier RV lemon law attorney.
The Best RV Trip Planner Apps and Tools. Everything you need to help plan your trip is here.
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel Newsletter?
Roadskill
The ongoing adventures of Earl and Burl Squirrel, from the mind of RVtravel.com friend R.L. Crabb.
Brain teaser answer:
White. The only place you can hike 3 miles south, then east for 3 miles, then north for 3 miles and end up back at your starting point is the North Pole.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg and Cheri Sicard. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, Jan Steele and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Artificial Intelligence (AI) contributors: Johnny Robot and Milly MacWilly. Canine mascots: Archie and Astor “the Disaster”
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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Trivia – didn’t know armadillos could swim. I thought they only floated on their backs holding a Lone Star beer long neck.
Please fix the links to open in a new page. Having to start at the top and find where j was reading is really aggravating. Other than that keep up the good work!
While I agree with your request, if you open the link via <Ctrl> mouse left-click, the link will open in most browsers as a new tab. Or use a mouse button right-click, and you will be offered the option to open the link in a new tab.
Regarding the Brain Teaser…ugh! totally a trick question in the sense that NOBODY would be on a 9 mile hike at the north pole, let alone be camping there in a tent! Sorry! Foul ball! LOL
Man, did you completely miss the point!
Didn’t miss the point at all, and it is interesting. Just sayin’, trick question!
Santa does this hike every year when rounding up his reindeer. Gotta watch what you say or you may end up with a chunk of coal this year.
LOVE it 🙂 and bless you always
Be Good! Trick questions just may have trick answers. lol
Great Pet Pic today.
Great newsletter again today, and thanks to all who contributed and to all those who chose to comment!! Also I thought yesterdays brainteaser was a good one , and one I actually figured out..
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Roadskill is wonderful! I am so happy that you are carrying it. 🙂 I had no idea what the Brain Teaser answer was, but, now that I do, I had heard it in the past. Perhaps I will recall it in the future. 🙂