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June 16, 2024
Issue 1161
Members edition
Happy Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to the dads out there, the grandpas and the great grandpas, the stepdads, the dad-figures, the dog and cat dads…
“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.” —Harper Lee
We wish you all a wonderful, special day. If your dad is still around, give him a big hug (or at least a phone call or FaceTime). If you have a story about your dad or grandpa or other father figure you’d like to share, please leave it in the comments at the bottom of this newsletter. We’d love to read them.
And if you don’t know the history of Father’s Day, click here to read Gail Marsh’s telling of it. It’s interesting!
This really makes my blood boil
By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER AND HEAD CURMUDGEON
Please excuse my language, but I’m pissed. I received an invitation on LinkedIn from another online publisher with a website about RVing. He wanted to collaborate. The website’s name is very close to RVtravel, and the design is even similar. I don’t care. It’s a free world. I eventually said, “No thanks.”
Why? Find out here.
Support our staffer Gail and a whole bunch of animals
Our staffer Gail Meyring, who keeps our finances in order and who has helped many of you with subscription problems, is helping raise money for PAWS, a non-profit pet welfare/adoption and wildlife rehab organization near Seattle. For every mile she walks during PAWSwalk between June 2nd and June 22, Darwin’s Natural Pet Products will donate $1 up to $25,000. Please consider donating to Gail’s efforts and help make her a local hero around Puget Sound, where PAWS is a beloved organization. Learn more or donate.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Would you pay $1,500 to test drive up to 113 motorhomes? You could have at this RV show
- Be warned: East Coast toll road fines equal BIG extra RV expenses
- What are these mystery lights at Yosemite National Park?
- Severe illness sickens more than 300 visitors to Grand Canyon
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Today’s RV review…
Ember RV Overland Series 221MSL – Updated, so let’s look again
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Ember RV Overland Series 221MSL. We have looked at this model in the past, but the company is continually making upgrades and changes to their offerings. Funny thing. Some of the aspects of this rig have changed simply because Ember’s expectations have finally come to pass. So, what we’re really looking at today is the completion of Ember’s vision. That is, until they refine that.
RV service centers and repairs report
Even dealer calls them “COVID campers”; they’re not safe!
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon again shares some of your RV service experiences, including more positive reports than negative.👍 Unfortunately, one RVer shares the ongoing issues they’ve had with their “COVID camper,” which was built during COVID.
UPDATED WEEKLY: A list of RV dealers, service centers, and mobile techs as recommended by our readers. Click here.
Finding a good service department is one of the most important parts of RVing
By Gail Marsh
We all have our “must-have” lists when purchasing a big-ticket item. We use these lists because they help narrow down our choices when, say, buying an RV. You may not want the same features on your RV that I do. That’s okay. Everyone is different. But one feature that all RV owners will undoubtedly want (and need, eventually) is a good service department. Is that “must-have” on your list? It should be! This is important information.
RV park charges campers extra $10 to use bathrooms; your thoughts?
By Gail Marsh
When one rule-breaker ruins the fun for others in the future, what’s to happen? After a few poor incidents and long wait times, this campground owner decided she would start charging her campground guests to pay to use the public bathroom/shower house. Read her rules and reasoning, then please leave your comments.
Lesson learned: Double-check the campground address, or be sorry!
By Nanci Dixon
Making a reservation? Double-check the campground address! We had been traveling all day in heavy winds and my husband was tired. We finally found a campground close by, called them and set up a reservation for the night. I asked the address again and, although it didn’t seem quite right, I said “Thank you” and hung up. I immediately put the address in the GPS and quickly realized it was not a suburb of our city, but a whole other city! A city half the state away! Learn from Nanci’s mistake.
Around the Campfire
RVers’ sightseeing tips that save you money
By Gail Marsh
A recent campfire conversation generated great tips RVers can use to enjoy special events, museums, and other sightseeing opportunities without breaking the bank. RVers travel to see new places and experience things that are not available back home. Here are some ideas that the campfire folks shared this past week for saving money while sightseeing.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Tricks for beating the heat while RVing
- Trailer users – Here’s a front/rear leveling tip
- 13 tips to keep your RV’s refrigerator cool all summer
- How to choose a cool campsite in the hot summer
- Paperwork organization: Keep your owner’s manuals, receipts, warranties in check
Must-have audio tour app for RVers changes the way you travel
By Steve Blume
I can’t imagine visiting a national park without my audio tour app. The night we arrived at West Yellowstone, my RV neighbor was so convincing when talking about his GuideAlong app that I downloaded the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park bundle based on his excitement. It was $19.99, but he said it was just like having a local tour guide in my back seat. That conversation forever changed how I visit parks and other well-known destinations. Learn all about it here.
Customized 1946 Spartan Manor trailer is spectacular
By Paul Lacitinola
Step into a piece of history with our custom-renovated 1946 Spartan Manor trailer, meticulously rebuilt from the frame up to suit a variety of exciting uses. Whether you dream of an event trailer, mobile business hub, poolside bar, guest accommodation, or classic travel trailer, this Spartan Manor is ready to exceed your expectations.
Classic rock and rediscovered youth at the casino campground
By Nanci Dixon
It is time to seize the night while we still can! We are camping at Dakotah Meadows RV Park at Mystic Lakes Casino in Minnesota. As I was setting up the RV and chatting with our new neighbor, he mentioned that they were there to go to The Marshall Tucker Band 51st and the Jefferson Starship 50th anniversary concert tour at the casino. Really? I loved those groups! And we are right here! If they have tickets left, I could go! Read more.
History: This Ford station wagon had rear lounge, but never got to market
From the outside, the 1969 Ford Aurora II looks like a normal station wagon, complete with wood paneling. However, inside it was anything but usual. It came with a wrap-around couch and a passenger seat that could completely turn 180 degrees so everyone, back and front, except the driver, could socialize face-to-face. Check this out.
Reader poll
Do you leave online campground reviews after your stay?
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: Have you ever felt threatened by a wild animal? See how more than 1,000 other RVers responded.
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:
- How do I find the source of a leak when shower is on?
- RV generator shuts down; only starts with starting fluid. Fuel pump?
- Campground water has sulfur smell. What to do?
- Shouldn’t my solar panel keep RV battery charged during storage?
- What is water pump “cycling,” and does my RV have a leak?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
Travel destinations
RVing NM’s otherworldly Valley of Fires National Recreation Area
By Cheri Sicard
After spending the last six months exploring here, I have come to think of New Mexico as the land of otherworldly landscapes. I talked about this in my article about City of Rocks State Park, and I encountered it again at Bandelier National Monument (story coming soon), and at the topic of this post, the Valley of Fires National Recreation area. And all these odd landscapes are distinctly different from one another!
In the RV shop with Dustin
The RV electrical adapters all RVers need
By Dustin Simpson
RV electrical adapters are essential accessories that allow you to connect your RV to different power sources, ensuring you can safely and efficiently power your appliances and devices. Here are some common RV electrical adapters you might need.
RV gadgets and gizmos
Motion sensor solar security lights—protection from man and beasts
By Cheri Sicard
These motion sensor solar security lights are meant to be mounted on sticks-and-bricks homes. However, forget about mounting and they also make a terrific RV accessory for two reasons: … Learn about them in Cheri’s rave review here.
5 great Cornhole accessories to take your game up a notch
By Cheri Sicard
Who doesn’t love Cornhole, especially in summer around the campsite? If you are ready to take your Cornhole game up a notch, the awesome Cornhole accessories on this page will help you do just that. Some are definitely for serious die-hard fans, and others will add fun and challenges to the Cornhole experience for even casual players. Continue reading.
LIKE GADGETS? WE DO TOO! That’s why we have a whole newsletter for gizmos and gadgets for RVers. It gets delivered to your inbox every other Thursday. Learn more and sign up for the Great RV Accessories Newsletter here. You’ll love it (and if you don’t, you can always unsubscribe.. but we doubt you’ll want to)!
Video of the day
7 steps for managing the cost of full-time RVing
By Cheri Sicard
Have you been thinking of hitting the road, simplifying your life, and living the RV lifestyle but you are not sure how to afford RV life? In the video below, Bob Wells of Cheap RVing Living, our readers’ pick for best Budget RV YouTube channel, discusses the cost of full-time RVing and shares what he says are seven essential money steps to RV freedom. (I know the video title says six, but I counted seven.)
RV tire safety
How to make your RV tires last as long as possible
This week, tire expert Roger Marble explains everything you need to know in order to maintain your RV tires. He covers in detail the steps you must take so they have the longest, and safest, life.
Click here to read this valuable information
RVing with dogs
Three reasons to not take your dog RVing
By Gail Marsh
Did you know that there are three circumstances when you should not take your dog RVing with you? It’s true! Check this out to keep your fur baby a safe, healthy, and happy camper.
Recipe of the day
Sherry’s Old-Fashioned Homemade Banana Pudding
by Sherry Wilkins from Cabot, AR
There’s nothing like homemade banana pudding, and this recipe is super simple. The from-scratch vanilla pudding is smooth and creamy. When you layer the pudding between vanilla wafer cookies and sliced bananas, this classic Southern dessert is a fantastic treat.
Artificial intelligence
Robot and human RVer fall in love at campground. Relationship doomed
In today’s edition we asked our Johnny Robot (Chat GPT) to write a heartwarming story about a robot in the shape of a man who falls in love with a solo woman RVer in the campground. But, sadly, a relationship could never be: Read the story by our staff “writer” Johnny Robot. You might even need a Kleenex.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Roxie (4) and Shorty (14), our Rough Collie and Border Collie, love to hike in the hills near our home.” —Donna Loenker
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. 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!
Brain teaser
Using only addition, how can you get to 1000 by using only 8’s?
(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
Albert Einstein did not wear socks. Historians don’t know exactly when he decided to shun this item of clothing. But the reason seems to have been his frustration with the holes he found in his socks, specifically the ones caused by his big toes. By not wearing socks, Einstein’s mad-professor image was reinforced even further, though it’s unclear how religiously he stuck to this odd fashion choice.
Sunday funny
“How hot is it?” Hot enough for some heat jokes!
By Gail Marsh
Currently in western Colorado, we’re battling extreme heat. Oh, it gets hot here in the summertime, I’m told. But this? This is unusually hot for so early in the summer season. It’s so hot, in fact, that previous heat records are being shattered all across the Western U.S. It’s so hot some days it feels like our RV might melt. It’s so hot that RVers deserve some jokes about it!
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?
Brain teaser answer:
The answer is 888+88+8+8+8=1000.
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RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Brain teaser left out an important part. Using only eight 8’s and addition, how do you get 1000?
my calculator agrees with the answer
Good catch. Since 1000 is divisible by 8, doing 8+8+8 125 times would get to 1000
Or just add it 120 times less, 😆
8+2 = 10 and rotate the other 8 90 degrees to make two zeros.
I’ve driven motor homes, pulled trailer and 5ers and all kinds of trucks and fire trucks and semi’s so paying $1500 to drive more motor homes would not be a thrill to me.
Love that quote from Harper Lee.
Happy Father’s Day to every father or father figure.
I have been fortunate to have several father figures in my life who helped shape me.
Great article from Steve Blume on the Guide Along app. I checked their website and 64 tours are available ranging from $4.99 to $89.99 for a bundle. We will definitely try it next time we visit one of these National Parks.
Also added Valley of Fires National Recreation Area to our bucket list to visit next time we’re in NM.
More labor intensive but you can add up 125 8’s , answer 1000.
Donna- your dogs look wonderful. They must be great pals for you!
Thank you, Drew! They are both great dogs. Shorty is my traveling companion for now. He just loves going and and doing anything I want to do.
I am a Dad. Today I received the best card a Dad could receive. It read:..”Dad, Thank you for teaching me how to be a Man, even though I am your Daughter.” If I read the inside again, I would cry again. She and her wonderful husband came over and trimmed up things in the yard that I could not get to. THAT is a Father’s Day gift!
That’s very sweet, Kelly. What a wonderful daughter you raised. That reminded me of when I was about 10 and our family was up at my grandparents’ house at Anaco Beach, outside of Anacortes, Washington. At that time it was about a 2-mile secluded beach, with only about 6 houses/cabins on it. (We could walk the entire length of the beach and not see anyone! Now it’s wall-to-wall houses.) We would sometimes take the 12-foot boat and little motor and go across Burrows Bay, in the Salish Sea, to go around a couple of small islands. My dad and I went one time and a storm blew in and the water got very rough before we could get back. I was sitting in the bow of the boat, bent down because the waves were splashing me in the face. Over the noise of the storm, I could barely hear my dad yell at me, “Sit up and take it like a man!” I sat up–and got soaked. I told that story a few years later and he didn’t remember yelling that at me.🤣 (Maybe instead of three daughters he wanted a son.🤔) Have a good night, Kelly. Thanks for the funny memory of my dad. And Happy belated Father’s Day. 🤗 –Diane
I wanted a daughter and got both a daughter and son, I guess. She normally wears jeans and cowboy boots and manages a farm. (She wore boots under her wedding dress!?? and had wedding outside, on the farm she manages.) But she can be a girl and occasionally surprises me when she wears a dress. Ha! She is all Daddy’s Girl. I’m glad you found a memory of Your Dad, on Father’s Day.
I haven’t worn a dress in almost 50 years! Guess I’m still a tomboy at heart. Or a Mountain Mama wannabe (hiking boots and jeans at my wild mountain property, if/when I can get up there). Take care, Kelly.🤗 –Diane aka Mountain Mama
Make memories for your boys, Mountain Mamma, and you live on forever. Nite!
That’s a nice thought, Kelly. My two 6’8″ “mountain men” love our undeveloped mountain acreage almost as much as I do. (I had wanted to own mountain property since I was a kid. Got the first parcel in 1992, when they were 13 and 16, so they don’t have as many years into this “dream” as I do.) We haven’t even spent a night up there yet! And now we’re all working 7 days a week, so it’s difficult to get up there at all. But that beautiful property with the river running through it is the “legacy” I’m leaving them, so that makes me happy.😊 –Mountain Mama
I’ve got an idea. Have you ever thought about getting an RV and going up there for a night? I hear that RVing is fun.
Thanks for the great idea, Kelly! Yeah, I’ve heard rumors to that effect also.😉 My boys and I are weighing our options (lots of them). Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂