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January 14, 2024
Issue 1139
Members edition
Cover story
A campfire’s song echoes through time
By an avid, cherished reader, Matthew Day
I
t goes without saying we all have memories of our early camping experiences. You probably wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t. When I talk to people about their early camping days, there always seems to be one specific memory they remember most. Mine was always about the song.
All us friends would pack up our cars and trucks with coolers and green sleeping bags and tents, and head out to the wilds of New Mexico and find a spot up in the mountains, settle down and watch the sunset, talk of our futures and how we might make a difference in the world. Then we’d break out the guitars, maybe a mandolin, and sing the songs of those days that carried such positivity, and inspiration. The things we looked forward to in life. It was unpolished and of course unrehearsed—no slick harmonies, nothing but raw feeling. Laughing and correcting each other about what the lyrics were or how they went.
We’d relax for a while and build a small fire in a rock ring where untold numbers of past fires were enjoyed. We’d all take turns trying to build the perfect fire, and sometimes arguing guidelines on how that should be done. Then we’d heat up hot dogs and cans of chili, drink some beer or wine, trying to act older than we really were. No one ever overdid it, and everyone was respectful of the surroundings and each other. And by the way, this was before s’mores were ever heard of…
Then the guitars would come out again as the fire would settle down to that perfect light and warmth and we’d start singing. It was the words and meanings behind those songs we chose to sing, as many songs from that time had a common thread of love and peace. No one cared how it sounded. We sang sometimes to make a statement, we sang sometimes to be lighthearted, some songs meaningful, and some just plain silly. Although we were beneath a beautiful and unlimited panorama of stars, with sweet smells of open earth and nature, it was the song that brought us all together. A commonality that everyone shared from their heart. And many times touching the soul.
AS THOSE TIMES WANED, after growing up and starting families, most of us lost interest or were just too busy to go camping, but at least we tried to make it a point for all of us to make a day trip here and there. A few times when December rolled around, we’d pick up our permits at the Ranger Station and then hike around in the snow to find the perfect Christmas tree, which usually ended up being of the “Charlie Brown” variety. But singing would still be there but in the form of Christmas carols. Some of those stories are best shared another time.
Now, about half a century later, I think back and I’m still moved by those times with old friends, who are all but gone now in one way or another.
The music and songs are different now, but there are a few artists out there who still write songs of peace and love, like those who inspired us in those days. I truly hope they inspire some of the younger people of today.
Myself, I still camp and from time to time I’ll break out my guitar and start to play. The old muscle memory not failing my fingers and I croak out a few songs. Some old and some new. Or maybe just a few chorded rhythms. Someone will walk by and wave, or stop and listen for a few bars. Sometimes some really appreciate it, and I see a faraway look— nostalgia from their adolescence perhaps. But it always seems to me that everyone wishes to sing along.
So if you happen upon my camp out there somewhere, when my six-string friend and I are singin’ together, you are invited to sit and join us to sing along… and we won’t care what you sound like, because it’s all about the song.
Have an essay you wrote that you’d like to share? Want to get something off your chest? Share it with us!
Today’s RV Preview…
Westfalia is a name from the past that’s back in a Class B RV
By Tony Barthel
RV maker Roadtrek is introducing a new brand that is likely familiar to a lot of Americans—Westfalia. If that name sounds familiar, it should. That was the brand that emblazoned all those Volkswagen campers for so many years. … Today’s Westfalia prototype is a van conversion, or Class B camper, based on the Ram ProMaster with the 159-inch wheelbase. The company that is bringing this to market is another iconic name in the van conversion biz, Roadtrek.
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
Dealership totals new RV during delivery, offers new RV but “disgruntled” electrician apparently intentionally miswires it
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon relates more of your horror stories, including weeks spent by RVer fixing issues on a brand-new RV rather than multiple trips to a dealer 300 miles away, four months total for a brand-new RV back at the dealer for service and still not totally repaired, a service center that repaired electrical issues but the insurance wouldn’t cover it, and more rave reviews for service centers, including another Camping World location.
In defense of the RV shut-off valve: A $15 plumbing mod you shouldn’t live without
By Andrew Herrick
RV plumbing code (NFPA 1192) does not require individual fixture shut-off valves. It ain’t like your house, which is likely governed by some version of the International Residential Code. (Now, before you click away, I promise this isn’t a deep dive into plumbing code. This article is written for every RV owner; I just want to alert you to this hidden difference between your RV and your house.) Continue reading about this very important mod. [BTW, the pictured shut-off valve is not the $15 valve Andrew is referring to, but it is one he recommends.]
A heart attack at Love’s Truck Stop: RV trips don’t always go as planned
By Gail Marsh
I’ve learned so much over the past couple of weeks. We were only four hours into our long trek to Florida when my worst nightmare unexpectedly became a reality. While parked at the fueling lanes at a Love’s Truck Stop, my husband, Keith, began to experience pain in his left arm. The pain quickly escalated and persisted, so we called 911. Continue reading.
This is one way to NOT haul your ORV—Youch!
Some RVers are just too clever for their own good. Give ’em a bungee cord, they’ll haul the world. This character has found the “ideal” way to carry that cumbersome extra vehicle. No tow hitch is required. This novel way to haul your ORV is NOT one we recommend.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- How NOT to sell your RV
- Why you need RV roof vent covers, plus cleaning tips
- My 11 favorite RV cleaning products
- 5 ways to reuse pull tabs while RVing
- Tips to avoid tail swing trouble
NOT RECEIVING OUR DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER YET? You’ll love it! It’s filled with RV tips and tricks, RV maintenance advice, cool gadgets, trivia, a poll question, a joke, websites we love, recipes, and much more. Read the latest issues here then sign up here. Easy unsubscribe if you don’t like it (but we know that won’t happen).
Don’t use or don’t like your RV sofa? Get rid of it and do these things instead!
By Gail Marsh
In the past, I’ve been a bit hesitant to make major changes to our RV. Oh, I’ve read about folks who strip everything out and completely redo the interior to “make it their own.” While I love the idea of switching things up, the very idea scares me more than a little bit. My fear doesn’t stop me from observing others who take on a major RV renovation, so here are some ideas from RVers who decided to take out the RV sofa.
Men more likely to continue RVing if partner dies than women, survey says
A recent RVtravel.com survey has unveiled an intriguing gender disparity in attitudes toward continuing the RV lifestyle after the loss of a partner. Read the results of the survey and some of your insightful and heartfelt comments here.
New global movement legally gives nature its own protective rights
By Nanci Dixon
There is a growing movement across the world recognizing the rights of nature and awareness of areas of devastation. The Rights of Nature Movement is aimed at legally supporting the rights of nature. It is based on the supposition that if humans have rights, nature does too. And when nature has rights, humans have responsibilities. Learn more.
Fact or Fiction?
Electric heaters that run off RV house batteries are practical to heat an RV during snowy winter
By Dave Helgeson
RV blogs, social media groups and You Tube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and some downright bad information. Can you tell the difference?
Fact or Fiction? Are portable electric heaters that run off RV house batteries practical to heat an RV during a snowy winter?
Click here to test your knowledge
Reader Poll
How would you rate RVtravel.com?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: Which of these would you prefer for a quick snack? What do you think—do our readers have a salty or sweet tooth? Do they prefer nuts to grapes or cookies to cheese sticks? Find out here.
RV Mistakes
Adult movie scene plays on outdoor RV speakers for whole campground to hear
In this column, we share some of the not-so-brilliant things we, the RVtravel.com staff, and you, our readers, have done while RVing. This week Nanci Dixon shares your stories about newbie towing mistakes and dump disasters, what can happen when you don’t tighten wheel lug nuts, and a reminder to be careful what movie you’re watching if your outdoor speakers are on. Oh, my!
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:
- Lower slide room flap gets caught in rollers. Service center says it is due to using 303 Protectant?
- How can I test my RV’s “emergency start switch”?
- Our rig fills with sewer smells and there’s a vacuum when dumping. Why?
- A well-known motorcycle tech says caps damage TPMS sensors. What about on RVs?
- Why does one trailer taillight work but no other lights, whether hooked up or not?
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.
DON’T MISS ANY RV REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE ARTICLES! Every Tuesday we issue a free weekly email digest of all our articles from the past week on the subject. Sign up here for RV Repair and Maintenance Tips (and check out all our other reports and newsletters).
In the RV Shop with Dustin
Identifying your RV refrigerator information
By Dustin Simpson
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I show you how to locate your RV refrigerator’s information. Besides the model number, I’ll show you where to find the serial number, which is necessary when contacting any RV dealership or repair shop for repairs or replacement parts.
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
New and improved Dump Buddy is a must-have gadget for RV dumping
By Tony Barthel
Today’s gadget review is of the Dump Buddy. What’s a Dump Buddy? It’s essentially a plastic collar that goes around a sewer pipe in the ground and then another one that goes around your sewer hose elbow. … The idea of this gadget is to very securely hold your sewer hose in place when you’re getting rid of all those political promises you’ve created during your camping trip. That’s it. Read more.
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy indoor-safe propane heater for RVers
By Cheri Sicard
On a recent trip to Quartzsite, AZ, the Walmart in nearby Parker was doing a brisk business on the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy propane heaters. That’s because of the hordes of RVing snowbirds who flock here each winter when nighttime temperatures regularly dip into the 30s. Things were a bit too chill in Quartzsite before I got my Portable Buddy heater, but my RV now stays toasty, usually on the low setting. Continue reading.
PURGGO all-natural bamboo charcoal air freshener for cars and RVs—It works!
By Cheri Sicard
I was intrigued when the folks at PURGGO first pitched me this all-natural bamboo charcoal car air freshener. I own a few different carbon-filtered smell-proof bags, so I knew this method worked in enclosed confines. However, I was skeptical if it would really filter odors from the air inside a vehicle, let alone an RV. … Read more, and learn what “to hotbox” is, if you don’t already know.🤔
Travel Destinations
Death Valley isn’t dead: The magic of the life inside our great national park
By Chris Epting
I think that it’s time to rename Death Valley. Yes, I know the moniker has all that great foreboding mystique. Yes, the name itself is probably what draws many of the visitors in the first place. After all, when you tell people you’re going to “Death Valley” it’s a statement – a marker that says you’re interested in exploring the edge.
RVing with Dogs
Strict campground rules force RVer to lie about pets
By Gail Marsh
A recent blog conversation thread evoked a huge reaction. The topic? Dogs and RV campgrounds. At the center of the controversy was an RVer “forced to lie” about her pets. … The original blog posting came from a gal, Tracy. She owns four dogs. She admitted to frequently fibbing when making her park reservations. Read more then share your thoughts.
Dog owners: Beware of toxic xylitol in peanut butter and other foods
By Gail Marsh
RVing friends we know travel with their two dogs. They give both pups a calming medication before they head out on the road. These pills help the dogs handle travel days better. Our friends recently became aware that the peanut butter they use to “camouflage” the calming meds could be deadly to their pets. Their advice to dog owners is to beware of xylitol in peanut butter! Continue reading this important message.
Video of the day
How to camp next to the St. Louis Gateway Arch
By Cheri Sicard
The St. Louis Gateway Arch and the Gateway Arch National Park are iconic pieces of American history. Just because you might be traveling through St. Louis in your RV does not mean you have to miss this popular must-see attraction. In the video below, the team from Less Junk More Journey shares how you can actually camp near the Arch itself and immerse yourself in this national landmark.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE in the 2024 RV Video Awards! Click here to cast your vote.
RV Tire Safety
Confusion on a question about “consumer grade” tires; why clarity is needed
By Roger Marble
Here’s another question on tire inflation and “ply rating” on an RV forum, and an example of “failure to communicate.” This one is a bit complex as the person asking the question about tires has an F-150 and wants to be sure his tires are “good enough” for his plans.
Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?
If so, stories you missed:
• Will you be affected by the Cummins “Dieselgate” debacle?
• Conservation or overreach? Critiquing the BLM Public Lands Rule and SEC’s new investment class in conservation leases
• SpaceX launches satellites for Starlink direct-to-cell service
• New 2024 guide helps keep gun-carrying RVers out of trouble
• No crowding, but high gas prices, poor RV and tow-vehicle quality, and “sketchy service centers” among RVers’ greatest concerns
• Tour the ULTRA-luxury American Coach diesel pusher
… and much more
Recipe of the Day
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
by Suzanne Marzano from Toledo, OH
If you don’t have time to make a Philly cheesesteak from scratch but crave its flavors, this casserole is for you. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. The thinly sliced beef is tender and juicy. Sweet caramelized onions and roasted peppers add a lot of flavor and texture. It’s filled with gooey melted cheese, just like the sandwich. Once baked, the crescent dough is flaky and buttery. It’s a nice crust for the quick and easy casserole.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Faraday is 14 and has been camping with us his whole life. He isn’t very fond of traveling but loves being at campgrounds. He makes himself at home wherever he goes, making new friends, inviting himself into other people’s campers, and annoying dogs whenever possible!” —Jim Thomas
Brain Teaser
One of these snowflakes is shaped like a star. Can you find it? Be sure to click to enlarge.
(Answer below.)
Do you have a brain teaser you think we should use? Send it to us here.
Don’t kill yourself or loved ones out of ignorance
• If you ever feel a shock when touching your RV, take action. Otherwise, you could kill yourself or loved ones.
• If you blow a front tire, do this. The result could be a disaster if you follow your instincts.
Trivia
Lake Superior, located in North America, is not only the largest of the Great Lakes but also holds the title of the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. What makes this trivia even more fascinating is that Lake Superior contains more water than all the other Great Lakes combined. It has a surface area of about 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometers) and an average depth of around 483 feet (147 meters).
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?
Brain teaser answer:
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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Very nice story Mathew Day. Thanks for sharing it.
I said that too, Cancelproof, but at the end of the free version. Apparently those comments, unlike those of the articles, do not convey to the bottom of the subscriber version. 🙂
I had trouble figuring out the glitch today myself.
Cheers Neal.
Wiffed on the puzzle. I never expanded the picture close to enough to see the star. 🙁 Oh well. 🙂
I expanded it and still didn’t see it..🤔
Thanks for sharing those memories, Matthew. As I read it, my mind started accessing similar times.
I usually enjoy the Brain Teasers, but not this week. The idea is fine. However, the snowflake to be found is so small and indistinct that it is almost impossible to see, even when enlarged. Just my opinion.
As I said, I usually like them so please keep them coming. They are just one part of a great publication.
I agree. This was not a brain teaser, this was a hide and seek. A teaser doesn’t require a magnifier, it requires thought.
I agree, again, with you Cancel…
Totally agree with George
This was no brain teaser at all! Most of us old geezers would need a GIANT magnifier to even see it. Then if you have cataracts like I do, it would have been a complete futile task even with a Hubble Telescope.
Truth …even when enlarged the “star” we were looking for was not the traditional star polygon.
Mathew Day is one fabulous writer. I loved his memories. And Gail Marsh’s story brought tears — she too, is one great writer.
Not liking the not opening a new window to read an article. Sometimes I forget to hit the back arrow. And when I do it takes me way back to the beginning of the page rather than where I left off and I have to scroll way down again.
I’ve been having that problem for months.