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January 28, 2024
Issue 1141
Members edition
Cover story
A visit with two-story trailer owner Shirley Wallace
By Chuck Woodbury
Shirley Wallace grew up in a two-story travel trailer that her father transformed from a 1953 38-foot Spartan Manor. She and her sister lived on the second floor, which featured one bedroom to the front, one to the rear. The family moved from place to place in California for her father’s work as a carpenter. He constructed the second story in a way that kept the overall height lower than most highway tunnels and bridges.
Nine years ago I made a video about Shirley, which I posted to our YouTube channel. In it, Shirley told me about growing up in the trailer. Apparently, there was something appealing about the video, which I recorded on my iPhone. It immediately began attracting tens of thousands of views, then hundreds of thousands. Today, it is closing in on 1.6 million. Shirley has become a celebrity in the world of vintage trailers. People call to request visiting the trailer, which sits in the Visalia, Calif., backyard of Shirley and her husband, John. Shirley is recognized at vintage trailer rallies. “Aren’t you the person who owns the two-story trailer?”
I returned to see Shirley a few weeks ago. The trailer looks the same. Shirley was a little under-the-weather so I didn’t bother asking her for another photo. But she was as cheery as the first time I visited, and beamed when talking about the fame that has come her way.
Shirley is searching for a museum that might display the trailer one day. Let me know (chuck @ rvtravel.com) if you know anyone who might help her find such a place.
Here, again, is the video from nine years ago.
MODERATOR WANTED
We have a large presence on Facebook as the owner about 60 specialty groups about RVing. Cheri Sicard has been moderating the activity, but it has become too big a task for one person. If you “live” on Facebook and would like to join Cheri in managing the groups, let me know at chuck @ rvtravel.com. This could soon turn into a paid position, perfect for someone who loves sitting at a computer, or perhaps has a disability that prevents them from doing physical work. Please do not reply unless you have plenty of time to devote to this and know a lot about RVing and are familiar with Facebook.
For Lovers Only…
Listen up, romantics. If you have a special someone you’d like to surprise with a secret message right here on this website (could be your wife, husband, partner, child, neighbor, friend, etc.) submit it to us here. Don’t use their real names, use a special name that only they’ll recognize. Oh, how fun it will be when they read it! You’ll make their day! We’ll feature these in our upcoming newsletters beginning February 1, so keep your eyes open.
Today’s RV review…
The Cedar Creek 380MUD has two bedrooms and a mud room
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2024 Cedar Creek 380MUD fifth wheel. This is a large fifth wheel that addresses the needs of people who might be traveling with older children or another couple and want two separate bedrooms so everyone can have their own space. In fact, there’s even a secret hidden loft in this trailer. … Oh, and not to mention a mud room.
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
RVer was told “Part not in stock.” Threatening to call the police made it “magically” appear!
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week Nanci Dixon relates your bad and good service stories, including a shop who would not sell an A/C unit to the RVer unless they installed it. There’s a complaint about the high hourly rate for RV service, especially for someone on a limited income. One RVer was told the part he wanted would have to be ordered. He threatened to call the police, and the part magically appeared. Find out the rest of that story. Plus, there are a few more rave reviews for great service shops.
I don’t like absorption refrigerators, but I can’t get away from them!
By Andrew Herrick
As a former practicing RV design engineer, there wasn’t much I liked about absorption “RV” refrigerators. … I will certainly grant you that absorption refrigerators are an engineering marvel, but I still only faintly understand how a candle-sized flame and an ammonia-water solution inside a labyrinth of tubes can chill a fridge to 40 degrees below ambient temperature! I know it’s the magic of phase changes (distillation and evaporation) plus a little endothermy, but still, my poor brain… Read the pros and cons here.
Detailed tips on how to plan for an RV trip when you’re not a planner
By Nanci Dixon
We often get suggestions, comments and requests from our readers. We received this email from one of those readers, Walter B., asking for help with trip planning. Walter wrote, ”I so enjoy reading the various RVtravel.com articles but would greatly appreciate an article (or series) on trip planning for dummies. Maybe trip planning examples for part-time RVers, full-time RVers, boondockers, etc. …” Well, Walter, I am glad to go through some of the things that I do to plan our trips. RVtravel.com readers are all such a well-informed group of RVers that I think all of them could provide some great advice. Read tons, yes, tons, of trip-planning advice here. Can you add to the list?
The last 1914 Ford Model T Caravan—Is it the oldest surviving motorhome?
By Nanci Dixon
Check out this 1914 Ford Model T Caravan! It may just be the oldest surviving motorhome in the world! While the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company produced one of the first motorhomes in 1910, none are known to have survived. This 1910 Caravan falls between the Pierce Arrow and the 1915 Gypsy Caravans. Check this out!
We want to know…
Hesitant RVer-wannabe asks, “What do RVers do all day? Do they get bored? That’s my fear!”
By Gail Marsh
We saw an interesting post this week. It came from our BLM RV Camping Facebook group. John F. said, “I’m an RVer wannabe approaching retirement and I have what might sound like a silly question, but I’m serious. When RVing full-time and not working, what do you do all day? Sightsee the area? Read? Are you bored a lot? That’s [one] of my general fears of retirement, being bored. I guess I want to do something meaningful. IDK! Thanks!”
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Adjusting trailer brake controllers
- Unusual uses for safety pins while RVing
- Electric power: Learn to read the meter at your campsite
- Tips and tricks for using binder clips while RVing
- An easy way to convert kilometers to miles
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).
A sweet story of remembering what RVing is really all about
By Clint Norrell
With enough time and exercise under my belt after having my knees replaced, I convinced myself that, “Yes,” I could get in and out of a kayak again. Like RVs were for awhile, kayak inventories were, at the time, low. You couldn’t just narrow down your preferences online and then go to the local shop and find it. I found an acceptable second choice and bought it… then I sold my ultra-lite canoe. I wasn’t going to be boatless for months this time. … Continue reading this story by cartoonist extraordinaire Clint Norrell about how he and his wife accidentally stumbled upon the reason why they began RVing in the first place.
Ever wonder why Yogi Bear is the mascot of popular campground chain?
By Gail Marsh
Yogi Bear campgrounds (also known as Jellystone Parks) have a rich history that dates back to their conception in the 1950s. These campgrounds, known for their family friendly atmosphere and association with the beloved Yogi Bear cartoon character, are a popular choice for RVing families across the United States. Read the history here. (Does the short Yogi Bear theme song video here bring back memories?)
The truck driver spreading smiles with unusual cargo
By Gail Marsh
Growing up, I dreamed of being an over-the-road truck driver. Of course, back then there were only three viable career options for girls. I could be a nurse, a secretary, or a teacher. I fainted at the sight of blood and my typing skills were nothing to write home about, so I became a teacher. Continue reading and check out the cargo on this semi. (Love it!)
COMING NEXT SUNDAY: The truth about online RV product and business reviews: Can you trust them? Don’t miss it!
Readers’ RVing Mistakes
RVers use all electronics at once, trip main campground breaker and learn cold lesson
In this 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’s installment from Nanci Dixon includes more black tank horror stories, including a “brown mist” coming out of the top of the trailer, and another’s toilet overflowing and flooding the entire floor of the 36′ trailer. (Yikes!) Also, the thrilling adventures from parking on even a slight slope. And the wonderful camaraderie of the brotherhood of firefighters (heartwarming). Oh, and hear what happens when you use too many electronics at once. Hint: You probably won’t have happy neighbors in the campground.
Reader Poll
How do you feel about RVers who constantly walk through your campsite?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
And the Survey Says…
Half of RVers are asked their RV’s age when making reservations
In a recent RVtravel.com poll, we asked our readers whether they have ever been asked their RV’s age when making a reservation. (Thanks to longtime reader George Bliss for the poll idea!) The results revealed a spectrum of responses, but we’re right at about 50/50, yes and no.
Here are the results and some of your comments
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:
- Water pipes inside RV froze. We thawed incoming hose, but not all fixtures work
- I want to change the RV kitchen faucet. How do I disconnect supply lines?
- Why do RV slides only work when plugged into tow vehicle, not with shoreline power?
- RV’s furnace sail switch was replaced. Now the furnace feels hot. Will it catch on fire?
- Beeping sound in bedroom quits when light turned on. What is it?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
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
Quick Tip: RV drawer removal secret
By Dustin Simpson
An RV owner in a California RV Specialists Facebook group posted the below photo and asked, “I don’t see any obvious release tabs on these drawers… Got the secret? Please share.”
Travel Destinations
RV tripping to Bryce Canyon National Park: What to know, what to do, where to stay
By Dale Wade
We are on the road again traveling Nature’s Highways to Bryce Canyon National Park (BRCA). There is nothing quite like Bryce Canyon camping. On February 25, 1928, Bryce Canyon officially became a national park of 35,835 acres. The National Park Service ranks BRCA fifteenth of the most-visited parks with 2.34 million visitors in 2022. The park hosts 300,000+ visitors monthly from May through September. Spectacular views from the top step of the immemorial Grand Staircase and its tribe of hoodoos seemingly standing watch earn BRCA a place on your bucket list. [Hoodoo you love?]
Video of the day
How to stop RV condensation and prevent mold
By Cheri Sicard
The video below is much needed as it addresses a conundrum most RVers face at one time or another: How to stop condensation in an RV. Preventing condensation is vitally important to prevent both water damage and mold. One of our reader’s favorite RV vloggers, Jared Gillis from All About RVs, is here to help in the video below where he shares his best RV condensation prevention tips.
Click here to continue reading and watch the helpful video
RVing With Dogs
RVing with dogs discussion prompts “must-haves” list
By Gail Marsh
In a recent Facebook conversation, a gal appealed to other participants in RVtravel.com’s RVing with Dogs Facebook group: “Help! This is my first time RVing with dogs. I plan to bring my two retrievers along on my full-time travels. I need a list of ‘must-haves’ for my pups. Can you please help?”
RV Tire Safety
Do I need to carry a spare RV tire?
By Roger Marble
I see this question on various forums every few weeks: “Do I need to carry a spare tire?” Basically, I would say “yes.” Having your own spare tire is a reasonable precaution. I consider that a spare tire is much like having a selection of tools, a can of oil, jug of water, roll of duct tape, and at least two each of every fuse in your RV. These items can be considered “cheap insurance.” … Continue reading for questions we need to ask ourselves about carrying a spare tire (and be sure to watch the amazing video at the end!).
Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?
If so, stories you missed:
• A new development in homeless RV law: the Homeless Union
• Don’t be a statistic. Stay alive and unhurt when visiting the parks
• San Diego settles a homeless RVer dispute
• Starlink Roam users question extent of space debris
• Full-timer regrets selling house. “RVing is not what everyone tells you. Think twice before hitting the road.”
… and much more
Recipe of the Day
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pot Roast
by Hanan Hussein from Bothell, WA
Wow, this beef roast slow cooks to perfection in the Crock Pot. The beef bottom round roast is full of flavor. There’s a very subtly sweet and tangy flavor from the honey mustard. We loved the addition of potatoes and mushrooms. They really soaked up the flavors from the juices. A cozy and comforting dinner.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Doc (Berger Picard mix) loves camping especially if fishing is involved. His breed is known for sheep herding. We have no sheep or cattle but when we go fishing, his nickname is ‘the fish herder’. And herd he does!” —Sue Swensen
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Brain Teaser
Susan and Lisa decided to play tennis against each other. They bet $1 on each game they played. Susan won three bets and Lisa won $5. How many games did they play?
(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
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, might not be the birthplace of the hamburger, but it is the first restaurant to ever serve a hamburger. In 1900, Louis Lassen made and served the very first hamburger on two slices of toasted white bread with no “catsup.” The burgers served today are still cooked on the 1898 cast iron grill that cooked that first burger and they are still served on toasted white bread without “catsup.”
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:
They played 11 games. [Because Lisa lost three games to Susan, she had lost $3 ($1 per game). So, she had to win back that $3 with three more games, then win another five games to win $5.]
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.
CONTACT US
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Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
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This newsletter is copyright 2024 by RV Travel LLC.
The brain teaser answer should be “at least” 11 games. Could have been any number more as long as the difference in games won didn’t change.
GOOD thinkin, Don!
I said 11 and thought I was smart. DonH has a few more neurons firing faster than mine. He’s pretty sharp.
RV Travel has taken a turn for the worse over the last couple of years. Articles are opinionated, which leads to readers complaining about everything.
More articles from Chuck, Dave S., Roger, Dave H., Dustin and Tony. The rest need to find work with Camping World. I am no longer going to contribute to poor journalism.
Ron looks like you are opinionated. Did you turn off your TV because you think the articles/news is opinionated?
Leaving as a reader because of opinions and complaining…. ? You understand that you formed an opinion and are complaining about opinions and complaining.
👍Thanks, Cancel. I was going to say the same thing but decided to keep my mouth shut. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Just as Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others. It could be said that the RVTravel newsletter is the worst rv newsletter, except for all the others. I’ll be sticking around.
Thanks, Dave! I’m very glad to hear that you’ll be sticking around.👍 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Ron, I must disagree. I don’t feel that RVtravel.com has taken a turn for the worse. And I do not know where you come up with readers “disagree about everything.” I have not seen a decrease in the quality of our publication though the years, but the opposite. We don’t please everyone — that’s not possible. But the open rate on our email alerts is incredibly high compared to others in the industry and our readership has never grown faster. Alas, it’s impossible for me to reply to you properly without writing thousands of words about how challenging it is to publish these days. But I do appreciate your comments. Thanks. — Chuck/publisher
Ron, can’t handle the conversations that do not always agree with your thoughts? Small thoughts fit easily into a closed mind, but big thoughts require an open one. (David Eddings)
Relax and consider the options/ other opinions to truly enhance lifr
I enjoy reading the newsletters, most times I don’t read any until the Sunday version shows up in the email box. I may not agree with some of the op-ed opinions but that is okay too, at times the replies to articles are better than the article itself. I don’t have a favorite op-ed writer but do enjoy the Ask Dave, Rv reviews and the tire guru. Keep up the non-AI writings.
Hi, Rusty. Thank you for your kind words. And have no fear, real people work here. (Not sure why that just popped into my head.🙄 But it’s true, and will continue to be true.) Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Great video Chuck. The trailer speaks volumes about the creativity that was harnessed and of the hard working generation of men and woman that it was born of. Thanks for the great newsletter.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Thank you, too, Chuck for highlighting the two-story RV! Does the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart not want it? I’d think they would, but maybe they already declined it. 🙁 Ha! I got the Brain Teaser right! 🙂 Doc looks like a really great dog. I hope Weagle gets there soon! 🙂 I hope all y’all at RV Travel have a great week! 🙂