Members RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, February 25, 2024

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February 25, 2024
Issue 1145
Members edition

 Cover story 

Is staying overnight at Walmart in an RV “camping”?

By Chuck Woodbury
FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER

A

mong our many groups at Facebook is one called “Walmart RV Camping.” It’s about staying overnight in a Walmart parking lot to sleep and then move on the next morning. We have written about this dozens of times through the years. In a survey involving more than 3,600 RVtravel.com readers, nearly half reported they had spent at least one night in a Walmart parking lot. Thirteen percent said they stay at least once a month. With RV parks routinely charging $50 a night or more, and Walmart charging nothing, can you blame them?

Members of the Facebook group advise us to change the group’s title because staying at Walmart is not camping. I agree (sort of). But, then, my definition of camping is MY definition, and, frankly, I do not even know what camping means anymore. For example, I would suggest that traveling and staying in the Winnebago fifth wheel pictured below is not camping no matter where it’s parked. To me, camping has always involved some element of “roughing it.”

If an RV has a microwave, air conditioning, big screen TVs, Dolby stereo system, heated floors, wine coolers and mood lighting, I don’t consider that the RV is meant for camping as it is defined (which varies, see below).

This essay is an exercise in thought more than anything else.

Here are a few definitions of camping from various dictionaries:
• Live for a time in a camp, tent, or camper, as when on vacation.
• Camping is a form of outdoor recreation or outdoor education involving overnight stays with a basic temporary shelter such as a tent. Camping can also include a recreational vehicle, sheltered cabins, a permanent tent, a shelter such as a bivy or tarp, or no shelter at all.
• The act of staying and sleeping in an outside area for one or more days and nights, usually in a tent.

Ask yourself, do you camp as defined by any of those definitions?

A few examples of how today’s RVers “camp”

Is someone who stays in an RV at the “campground” below (also known as an RV park and RV resort), are they camping?

Continue reading and see more photos

Coming in tomorrow’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

Is an RV considered a “home” in a bankruptcy proceeding?

The homestead exemption is a legal regime to protect the value of the homes of residents from property taxes, creditors, and other circumstances. So does an RV qualify as a home that cannot be taken away from its owner as the result of a bankruptcy? Find out tomorrow. (Sign up to receive the RV Daily Tips Newsletter.)

Yesterday’s top news for RVers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

• RV manufacturer’s recalls lead entire auto industry
• Man catches freeway ride on a travel trailer—VIDEO
• Starlink News: A sleek new dish for RVers; retiring older satellites; illicit Starlink usage in Ukraine

Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here. 

Today’s RV review…

2024 Forest River Vibe 28RL—Yep, a flat fifth wheel

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Forest River Vibe 28RL. This is yet another of the larger travel trailers that I consider to be a flat fifth wheel. Why? Essentially this is the kind of floor plan you’d normally find in a fifth wheel, but this is a travel trailer…. Read about many things Tony likes about this trailer, and a couple of things he doesn’t.

Read more

RV Service Centers and Repairs Report

Reader cracks the code: Are the best service centers the independent ones?

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 complaints about poor RV service, but also several recommendations for service centers and techs.

Click here to read

UPDATED WEEKLY: A list of RV dealers, service centers, and mobile techs as recommended by our readers. Click here.

Rodents damage wiring in almost 30% of RVs and tow vehicles; it cost one RVer $24,000

By Nanci Dixon
In a recent poll, 28% of RVtravel.com readers answered that they had issues with mice chewing wiring on their RV or tow vehicle. And these weren’t just nibbles—they tore through the wiring and left expensive damage! We are no exception! Continue reading.

RV tech asks: Am I a crook, too? Understanding the facts behind DIY vs. dealership pricing

By Andrew Herrick
Even though I’m a certified RV tech and RV designer, I still read many of the columns here on RVtravel.com. I sift out lots of good nuggets! Just the other week, I read this entry from the Service Centers and Repairs Report: … Continue reading Andrew’s explanations for the difference between DIY and dealership prices. This is very helpful information.

Secret tips to make sure thieves won’t steal your RV

By Gail Marsh
Sometimes in our Saturday newsletter we list stolen RVs (and only the ones we’re made aware of—we’re sure there are dozens, maybe hundreds, more). We’re hopeful that someone out there will spot a missing rig and call the authorities. A reader reached out and asked us to offer some tips about securing our RVs so that our rigs won’t end up on the “Stolen RV” column. So, let’s take a look…

Around the Campfire

RVers share new “beefs”—complaints I haven’t heard before

By Gail Marsh
A few nights ago at our Florida campground, folks around the campfire shared some of their most recent “beefs” or annoyances they’ve experienced. I’m not talking about barbeque here. These beefs were complaints that I had not heard before. While they may not be new to you, when these RVers shared these new beefs, I was genuinely surprised! (There’s a doozy about campfire dousing!)

Click here to read

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• The best tips and tricks for an RV driving day
• Tips to clean a gunky gray water tank. Yes, yours is gunky too
• How to conquer the fear of breaking down in remote areas
• 12 places and ways to use motion-sensing lights in your RV
• DC to DC charger: Does your RV need one?

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).

RVs reach cargo-carrying capacity with just two passengers. Is your rig dangerously overweight?

By Tony Barthel
Is your RV dangerously overweight? Do you know its real cargo-carrying capacity? One of the things I’ve noticed in the RV Reviews column here on RVtravel.com is that a lot of RVs can be significantly overweight without much effort. Whether that be a motorized rig or a towable, overloading has been a big problem. Unfortunately, the manufacturers seem to do more to avoid the problem than to correct it. In fact, sometimes I wonder if it’s being purposely hidden. The bad thing is that your life can be in danger and you may not even know about the risks. Continue reading this very important information.

No power? No hookups? You’d better be prepared!

By Nanci Dixon
No power? No hookups? Be prepared! We are anticipating a few days dry camping without any hookups in some heat. I am getting everything ready and realized that I should be prepared for a power outage at any time. Continue reading.

What’s better for you: Class C motorhome or Class B van conversion?

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Here’s a question that some new-to-RVing wonder about: “I’ve never had an RV before, and I’ll be traveling alone with my dog. I’m intimidated by big vehicles, and I want fuel efficiency but comfort, too. What do you think about a Class B motorhome?” Here are a few things to think about.

Readers’ RVing Mistakes

The RV “Professor” claims to know everything—leaves big, stinky mess in his wake

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 a story about a good Samaritan who saved the day (and more) for one of our readers. Also, the most important lesson new RV owners learned when the dealership’s RV “Professor” showed them how everything worked on their new RV but he forgot one “minor” step. Oops! Also, our own Dave Helgeson reports on major things falling off his RV and what he learned. You can learn from his experiences, also.

Click here to read

Reader Poll

Have you ever replaced any of the furniture in your RV?

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

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: How do you feel about spending a week without access to social media? See how more than 1,600 other RVers answered.

Outstanding but affordable RV parks

In this column, we’re sharing information taken from our Facebook group, Outstanding but affordable RV parks. Also, from time to time, we’ll include our staff’s favorite affordable campgrounds. We hope to provide real options for folks looking to RV in reasonably priced, well-kept RV parks all across the country.

Click here to see this week’s picks for outstanding but affordable RV parks.

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:

• Is a combination LP and CO detector effective?
• Some fun facts I learned about electricity this week
• What is the best portable generator for my trailer, and the correct way to connect it?
• We have heard that we can’t use the slideroom when it is retracted as it will ruin the mechanism. What?
• LP leak repaired by dealer, but Grand Design says leak test was performed wrong
• Bonus: Updates from RV shows halfway through the spring show season—It’s a buyers’ market; units below cost

Click here to see more questions for Dave.

Last day! If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the Pennsylvania RV Supershow in Harrisburg, and attend some of Dave’s many informative and entertaining seminars. Stop by after the seminar to say “Hi”—and tell him we sent you.

Travel Destinations

High desert RVing in beautiful Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Embark on a journey through Capitol Reef National Park. From its fascinating history as Wayne Wonderland to its breathtaking landscapes, Dale Wade unveils the wonders awaiting RVers. Discover scenic drives, ghost towns, and hiking trails that rival Zion without the crowds. Plus, see where to camp and what areas best suit RVers. Prepare to be amazed by the rich flora, fauna, and geological marvels of this beautiful national park.

Learn more about this amazing park here

In the RV Shop with Dustin

Understanding the causes of shrinkage in RV window glass seals

By Dustin Simpson
Join me today as I talk about factors that cause RV window seals to shrink and discolor. … RV window glass seals play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your RV’s windows, preventing leaks, and ensuring a comfortable interior. However, over time you may encounter issues like shrinkage, where the seals seem to contract or pull away. In this post, I explore the common causes of shrinkage in RV window glass seals and how to address and prevent this issue.

Read more

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).

RV Gadgets and Gizmos

WaterStorageCube’s collapsible water storage containers are perfect fresh water solution for RVers

By Cheri Sicard
Check out these unique, lightweight, and easy-to-carry, extra water storage containers! I know many RVers are going to like these, especially anyone who has ever struggled with big, bulky, heavy water bottles.

Learn more

Video of the day

If you see these valuable vintage RVs, BUY THEM!

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Marc from the Mobile Dwellings YouTube channel goes over some of his favorite RV brands if you are thinking of doing a vintage RV restoration project. In it, he covers valuable vintage RVs that are well-made and hold their resale value. If you find any of these in decent condition at a decent price, Marc says to buy them!

Continue reading and watch the video

RVing with Pets

Small, even invisible, pet threats to be aware of while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Most RVing pet owners know about the big threats to pets, like alligators, coyotes, or even other campground pets. You may be surprised to learn that there are also small, even invisible, pet threats when RVing! Take a closer look and see for yourself.

Click here to read

RV Tire Safety

When to replace tires? Find out here

By Roger Marble
Here’s a post I saw recently on an RV forum regarding when to replace tires: “I heard somewhere that people are changing out the tires on their coaches every four years regardless of mileage. Is this true and, if so, why? Do they do that on school buses, heavy trucks, fire engines, etc.?” What followed were almost 50 posts with various and inconsistent answers. Here’s my answer on replacing tires.

Read more

Recipe of the Day

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken

by Brenda Staub from Living Water Ranch, KS

When you can’t go out to dinner, this recipe lets you recreate the steakhouse favorite at home. The homemade honey mustard makes this dish unique and delicious. Sweet and slightly tangy, its flavor soaks into the chicken breasts. Browning the chicken in bacon grease also adds a smoky flavor. Then it’s topped with mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a lot of cheese. Serve with a baked potato for a yummy meal. You’ll have a lot of honey mustard left over that can be used for dipping.

Get the recipe here

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“We rescued Rocky (GSD mix) at 10 months old, and two weeks later, we departed for the winter in the motorhome. In 10 years, we never slept in separate buildings. Picture taken after I discovered the sunglasses in the motorhome and was emailing recent travelers to discover the owner. He died at 11 from causes the vet could not determine; similar symptoms as COPD.” —Brad Teubner

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

Brain Teaser

I am as simple as a circle, worthless as a leader; but when I follow a group, their strength increases tenfold. By myself I’m practically nothing. What am I?

(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

It actually takes the Earth 365.25 days to complete its annual trip around the sun. That extra six hours each year would keep accumulating over time. The result? According to the Smithsonian Institution, our seasons would shift so that in the United States, summer would eventually begin in December and winter would start in June. Inserting a leap year keeps the seasons tied to the months to which we’ve traditionally linked them.

Ever wonder about the history of leap year? And what happens to people (five million of them!) who are born on February 29th? Read all about leap year in this post from Gail Marsh. It’s fascinating!

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

Brain teaser answer:

Zero.

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, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Social Media staff: Gary Pratt. 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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