Members RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, December 31, 2023

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December 31, 2023
Issue 1137
Members edition

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 Cover story 

Full tank, headlights gleaming: Here we come, 2024!

By Emily Woodbury

T

o you, our treasured reader, at the end of another year— 

As we bid farewell to 2023 (hard to believe, eh?), I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your readership and support. Your clicks, comments, and shares—the time you spend with us every day—have not only fueled our passion for bringing you the latest and greatest in the world of RVs, but it has also created a friendly and vibrant space for fellow RVers.

In today’s newsletter, we revisit the highlights of our year—your favorite stories, the most-discussed RV reviews, the best RVing gadgets, and the most-viewed videos. It’s a celebration of the content that resonated most with you.

Additionally, this isn’t just about looking back, but it’s also a glimpse into the exciting adventures that lie ahead. We are eager to embark on another year of exploration, bringing you even more engaging stories, breaking news, in-depth RV reviews, and the latest advancements in RVing technology.

Your feedback has been, and is always, invaluable in shaping our content, and we look forward to another year working right alongside you.

And, let us not forget what goes on behind the scenes. None of this would be possible without our exceptional staff and RV writers and experts. Their dedication and expertise provide you with the valuable insights and information that make RVtravel.com the resourceful platform it is. We owe a debt of gratitude to these passionate, absolutely wonderful individuals who work tirelessly to bring you the latest, most informative, and engaging stories about the RV lifestyle. (And hey, sometimes we’re even funny and entertaining!)

So here’s to you for making 2023 an unforgettable chapter. May the upcoming year bring even more wonderful journeys, shared stories, and an enduring spirit of exploration.

To a safe, healthy, and joyous road ahead.

Today’s RV review…

The best (and not so best) RVs and gadgets of 2023, Part 1: Tony’s wish list

Once again it’s time to look back on a year’s worth of RVs and gadget reviews from 2023 and pick out some of the highlights. And horrors. In fact, one of the most encouraging things I’ve seen is that RV companies are back to doing some innovative things. I’m even seeing brand-new floor plans and other signs that the RV industry isn’t resting on its laurels. 

This is going to be a two-parter, with the first part being my wish list for what I’d like to see the RV industry do moving forward. We all have desires for better build quality and such— that’s a given. But there are some concrete things I’d like to see that, I believe, would truly make a difference and not be that difficult for them to implement without increasing production costs.

Continue reading

PART TWO COMING TOMORROW in Monday’s RV Daily Tips newsletter. Not signed up? You’re missing out! Sign up here.

Top 5 most popular RV reviews of 2023

1. Now in the U.S.—You must see this 17′ micro Class B motorhome!

By Cheri Sicard
Imagine if a big Sprinter van had a baby. The result might look like the Wingamm Oasi 540, a cute little 17-foot micro Class B motorhome. While this micro Class B van is shorter than most, it is also wider, which gives the interior a larger and more open feel than most Class B’s. Take a tour.

2. RV inspector picks the best 4-season trailers for year-round fun

By Cheri Sicard
Most travel trailers are good for 3 seasons, at best, but can’t stand the freezing cold of winters without pipes cracking and other disasters. But there are some. If you are looking for a trailer that will supply year-round fun, no matter what the temperature, Duane, a certified RV inspector at RV Inspection and Care, is sharing his picks of the best 4-season trailers.

3. RV inspector’s picks: 3 best RV brands and models for travel trailers

By Cheri Sicard
Duane, a certified RV inspector from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, has become one of my favorite vloggers. Yes, his presentation could use a little spicing up, but his information is always rock solid. In the video below he answers a frequently asked question about his personal favorite best RV brands and models when it comes to travel trailers. See them here.

4. A Class B RV that won’t break the bank. Revisiting Wayfarer Vans

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is a new look at a company called Wayfarer Vans. The Colorado-based company offers very simple, but mostly complete, van conversions. Since the last time we looked at them, they’ve been listening to their many customers and made changes. Continue reading.

5. 2024 Jayco White Hawk 29RL—another “flat fifth wheel”

By Tony Barthel
This is one of those larger travel trailers that I call a “flat fifth wheel,” essentially. This is for someone who might want most of the benefits of a fifth wheel but in a travel trailer. Why would you do that? Lots of reasons, actually. Continue reading.

RV Service Centers and Repairs Report

Dealership tells RVer, “What did you expect? It’s used!”; trades RV in at $20K loss

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week Nanci Dixon shares some of your comments and suggestions, including to be sure to use your credit card to pay for repairs so you can dispute the charges, if necessary. One RVer bought a 2020 RV and paid Camping World over $1,500 for a complete inspection. Within two weeks there were problems with the RV. When he took it back to Camping World he was told, “What did you expect? It’s used and we can’t do any repairs.”[!] But, again, we received several recommendations for service centers and mobile techs.

Click here to read

Our most popular articles of 2023…

*Other than what has already been listed in other categories in today’s newsletter…

1. RVers, if you see purple paint on trees, stay away

This article was read by more than 1.2 million of you!

By Gail Marsh
As we travel across the United States, I enjoy learning about local traditions, laws, and folklore. My husband and I were married and lived in Iowa for many years. … Iowa is certainly flat, at least in the areas where we lived. I was used to the flat, treeless plain. Then we moved to Missouri. The first thing I learned about Missouri is that the roads are not laid out in square mile sections like Iowa’s roads. The second thing I learned? Missouri has a lot of trees! And many of these trees sport a distinctive swipe of purple paint on their trunks. What’s that?! Find out here.

2. Thanks for the memories, RVing. Goodbye!

By Brenda Odom
We are still healthy and able, but quickly tiring of changes that have come too quickly thanks to pandemics, road conditions, employment shortages, entitled behaviors, and more than a little bit of greed within the RV community. But if we were to name THE one thing that helped us make this final “Goodbye, RVing” decision, it would be the lack of knowledgeable, experienced, and available repair technicians. This is interesting and sad, but with a happy ending.

3. Has “greedflation” taken over RV campgrounds?

By Gail Marsh
Not many people would disagree that the United States is in an inflationary period. Prices are on the rise from the grocery store to the fuel pump and to campgrounds across the country. Are costs really rising or has “greedflation” taken over RV campgrounds? Continue reading.

4. Why Moose and Elks lodges are the way to go for RVers

By Jan Steele
When I hit the road eight years ago, I stayed at a lot of Mom ‘n’ Pop campgrounds for about $20 a night—with electric. Those don’t really exist anymore. Then I joined an RV travel club, Wandering Individuals Network, and was told two things: Get solar. And join the Elks. (As in the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Not the herds you see in the Northwest.) When you’re out on the road 365 nights a year you want the cheapest spot you can find. Joining the Elks, and later the Moose, are two of the smartest things I’ve done in my full-time RV life. Read more.

5. He accidentally tore off his awning. His insurance company gave him a brand-new RV for it!

By Rod Andrew
A momentary distraction, followed by howls of rage, led to a long and sometimes frustrating process. My wife and I make a great towing tandem. Rule number one: I never move our truck and trailer unless she is there to guide me, and I trust her judgment. Most readers of RVtravel.com will understand the wisdom of this arrangement, but, sometimes, our best plans… Continue reading Rod’s very interesting story with not just one, but two happy endings.

Our top 5 most popular daily tip articles

1. Tips for cleaning the inside of your windshield

Of all the parts on your truck or motorhome, your windshield is one of the most important to keep clean. Most folks have no problem cleaning the exterior of the windshield. Almost every fuel station has a cleaner, a sponge, and paper towels that will scrub the windshield’s exterior clean. However, the job isn’t done until both sides of the glass sparkle. So here are some tips for cleaning the inside of your windshield.

2. You replaced your RV dinette with what?!

“How many people can comfortably fit around your RV’s dinette table?” was the topic of an RVtravel.com poll. (You can see the poll results in this article.) Comments from RVers who took our poll demonstrate why so many folks are removing their RV dinettes and replacing them with … well, other things that make more sense.

3. Upcycle those empty medicine bottles for RVing. Here are 22 ways

By Gail Marsh
Every thirty days. That’s how often I end up with an empty medicine bottle. Over time all of these translucent, amber bottles pile up. So … what do I do with all of these bottles? I upcycle them! Check out these nifty uses for medicine bottles.

4. RVers, don’t leave home without it: 22 genius hacks for using Vaseline

You probably have some in your RV’s medicine cabinet right now. Its generic name is “petroleum jelly,” better known by the brand name Vaseline. While you wouldn’t want to spread this jelly-like substance on your morning toast, there are many helpful ways Vaseline can be useful to RVers.

5. Using painter’s tape while RVing in brilliant ways you’ve never thought of

By Gail Marsh
Among the “must haves” in our RV toolbox is a roll of painter’s tape. We’ve used the tape for many things, but never for painting. At least, not yet. We used to carry masking tape but disliked the sticky residue it sometimes left behind. So … painter’s tape it is! Check out these tips and tricks for painter’s tape and I bet you just might add a roll to your RV toolbox, too!

Top 5 news stories for RVers

1. Homeless people living in RVs stretch for miles in wealthy county

By Chuck Woodbury
The epidemic of “houseless” people who live on the streets in mostly old or dilapidated RVs continues to grow. In this case, they line a stretch just off U.S. 101 in Novato, California, for two miles in one of the wealthiest counties in America, where the average home price last year exceeded $1.4 million. Learn more and see a video of the remarkable scene.

2. New “chain” of RV parks could be a game changer

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
When the pandemic hit, RV manufacturers saw a huge demand and began cranking out rigs at an unprecedented rate. Yet, even before the pandemic, RVers were crying out that finding a place to “put in” at day’s end was getting harder and harder. Too many RVers, not enough RV parks. Now the company that’s catered to long-haul truckers since the 1960s is turning up the gas on attracting RVers and their money. Learn more.

3. Humans not needed to operate this new fully automated RV park

By Randall Brink
A fully automated RV park has opened in Tifton, Georgia. The Stafford commercial real estate firm of Atlanta says that the 34-site facility is fully automated for reservations and check-in/out. RV travelers booking reservations at Tifton Overnight are issued a gate code to enter the facility. … The “fully automated” aspect of Tifton Overnight will be interesting to watch. Is this the future wave for major interstate route overnight RV accommodations? What do you think about this?

4. Travel trailer stolen with RVers sleeping inside

This is a true story. A couple was snoozing in their tent trailer at a rest area near midnight, their four-wheel-drive tow vehicle still attached, when all of a sudden their world began to shake, rattle and roll. Thieves had carjacked both the vehicle and the attached trailer. Find out what happened next in this bizarre incident.

5. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act likely to pass this time

By Randall Brink
The U.S. Senate again considers America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which aims to “modernize public campgrounds and ensure increased access to public lands.” The legislation was introduced in 2022 as the Outdoor Recreation Act but was still tied up in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee when the session ended. The bipartisan package incorporates several ground-breaking recreation bills…. Continue reading.

Reader Poll

Will you celebrate New Year’s Eve tonight?

Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.

Tell us here

Ask Dave: Top 5 most popular articles

1. Can I leave the RV’s water heater on electric all the time when plugged into shore power?

Dear Dave,
My RV’s water heater uses both LP and electric. Can I leave the electric on all the time to heat water when connected to shore power? Thank you. —Ben, 2003 Monaco Knight. Read Dave’s answer.

2. Is it better to have the front of the trailer a bit too high or a bit too low?

Dear Dave,
I cannot find a hitch receiver that makes my camper completely level. I have tried five types with different drops. None is right on the money. I finally settled on one that puts the camper an inch higher in the front than if it were completely level. So my question: Is it better to have the front of the trailer a bit too high or a bit too low? —Emma Jean H. Read Dave’s answer.

3. When plugging in your RV at home, should you unplug shore power while using charger?

Dear Dave,
I keep my camper plugged into a 20-amp outlet when it is in the driveway. Before I leave on a camping trip, I attach a charger to be sure the camper battery is as charged as possible. Should I unplug the shore power while using the charger? —John. Click here for Dave’s answer.

4. How long can fresh water be stored in the RV’s tank?

Dear Dave,
I was wondering how long I can store water in my 80-gallon fresh water tank. We went on a trip in early March of this year and I came home with roughly 3/4 tank of water. It is now the end of April. What are my options? Thanks, Dave. —Scott, 2023 Grand Design Solitude S class 5th wheel. Dave’s answer is here.

5. Should I leave the RV’s scissor jacks extended or retracted during storage?

Dear Dave,
We’re in a seasonal campground (April through October) and are now getting ready to close up for the year. Sometimes I’ve done this, sometimes not, so here are my questions. Should the leveling jacks (scissor-type) be left down or up? And should I leave the camper level, or tilted up towards the rear? I don’t cover it, BTW. Thanks. —Jerry, 2021 Forest River Wildwood 27RK. Click for Dave’s answer.

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. 

Top 5 gadgets and gizmos-related articles

1. Gadget prevents RV catalytic converter thefts

By Dustin Simpson
If you haven’t heard, catalytic converter theft is a major problem on trucks and motorhomes. We want to introduce you to a product we sell and install called the CatStrap™. It just might prevent your vehicle’s catalytic converter from being stolen on your tow car, truck, SUV or RV. Continue reading.

2. Around the Campfire: All the stuff they don’t tell new RVers they need!

By Gail Marsh
We were the last to arrive at the campfire because we were trying to help a newbie RVer set up. … The RV dealership gifted Lois with a “Welcome Bucket.” The salesman assured this new-to-RVing gal that it contained everything for a weekend of camping. While the gift bucket held many items, some necessities were obviously missing. Here’s the thing when you’re new to RVing (or new to anything): You don’t know what you don’t know. Continue reading.

3. These systems will keep your RV cool all summer long, even when dry camping

By Dave Helgeson
The dog days of summer are once again upon us, leaving many RVers concerned if they will be able to stay cool enough to sleep well at night. This is especially true when dry camping with no shore power. If you want to keep your RV cool all summer long, keep reading.

4. RV toolbox essentials–Don’t leave home without them!

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If you’ve been on the road at all, you’ve experienced it: Something on your rig broke. You can’t always get help with the fixing—you need to do it yourself. Being prepared with a few tools and some of the essential “emergency supplies” can go a long way to making it easier. What toolbox essentials should you have on hand? These!

5. RV life is easier with these three favorite gadgets

By Gail Marsh
RV life has its challenges. Why not make your RV life easier with these three innovative gadgets? Have you ever seen these before?

Top 5 most-watched videos

1. How to choose a watermelon: Three things to look for in perfect melons

Summer’s favorite fruit—ripe, juicy watermelon—is incredible when it’s good. The problem is, it’s pretty bland and boring when it’s not. Have you wondered how to choose a watermelon? A perfect watermelon that will deliver that sweet, juicy, flavorful, magical, summer fruit experience? The folks from Food Chain TV are here to help. Continue reading and watch the video. (Wow, you must really love watermelons for this to be our second most-read story this year! [After the purple paint on trees story above.]) 

2. 5 things to NEVER do in an RV

That RV Tech is back with another informative video. In it, he shares 5 things you should never do in your RV. Veteran RVers might think some of this is common sense. But, as we’ve said before, you don’t know what you don’t know, so new RVers take note. Even veterans might learn a thing or two in the video below. Click here to watch.

3. How to clean the inside of your windshield in under 2 minutes!

Traveling RVers and especially RVers with pets have no doubt experienced the frustrations of a dirty inside windshield. Dogs especially like to leave nose prints everywhere. Fret no more. Rebecca from the Good2Know YouTube channel is here to show you how to clean the inside of your windshield quickly, easily, and with no streaks. See how here. [This is different from the post above.]

4. 5 common RV problems and how to fix them

In the video below, Jared Gillis from All About RVs covers five common RV problems and how to fix them. I have to agree with Jared’s overall assessment that the stress related to problems with your RV goes down in severity the more you know about how to fix them. And since these five issues constitute some of the most common RV problems, the information contained in the video should help ease a lot of RVers’ stress. Click here.

5. RV slide maintenance: Do’s, don’ts and tips

The team from Keystone RV Center has produced a great video on RV slide rooms including RV slide maintenance, important do’s and don’ts, and tips to keep your RV slide working and in tip-top shape! According to our host, Junior, there are three rules to the RV slide room…

Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?

If so, stories you missed:
• James Bond actor Pierce Bronson could face jail time for Yellowstone behavior
• Is it another “Dieselgate”? Cummins to pay $1.675B penalty in emissions defeat case
• Off-roaders summon BLM to court over road closures
• Fuel tax rates change with new year. Will you be hit?
• Seattle tries again to get homeless and their RVs off city streets
• Campground Crowding: RVer says “the kind of folks camping has really gone downhill”
… and much more

Read it here | Back issues

Recipe of the Day

Sauerkraut and Pork for New Year’s Day

by Marcia McCance from Stone Mountain, GA

We loved this recipe for sauerkraut pork chops because it’s easy to make, and the result is delicious. The pork is tender and juicy. Sauerkraut adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish. Broth helps to keep the pork moist. Super tender, the pork can be cut with a fork. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’ll make you feel cozy and happy. We used the original scrumptious recipe and browned the meat directly in the Instant Pot on the saute setting. Use the other cooking variations to mix up the recipe and customize it for your taste buds.

Get the recipe here

Readers’ Pets of the Day

“These are Heidi and Ranger (St. Bernards). They love to go camping with us. 400 lbs. of gentle giants.” —Norman Fears

HELP! WE’RE RUNNING LOW ON PET PHOTOS! Please send us a photo of your pet. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

Trivia

In Spain and several Latin American countries, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Each grape is eaten with each bell strike, representing good luck for each month of the upcoming year. This tradition, known as “Las doce uvas de la suerte” (The twelve grapes of luck), is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

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?

Read it here | Back issues

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.

RVtravel.com is a participant in many affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of the potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

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