Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, July 14, 2024

Welcome to the RVtravel.com newsletter. “Home of the RVing Experts since 2001.”

July 14, 2024
Issue 1165
Subscribers edition

Why RV parks are no longer as safe as they were

By Chuck Woodbury
FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER

I have been RVing as a writer, editor and publisher for more than 4 decades. For 10 years, in the 1980s and ’90s, I was the subject of several hundred media interviews because of my unusual occupation — traveling the American West in a motorhome while publishing a quarterly “on the road newspaper” about what I found along the way. I called it Out West.

One question that came up frequently back in those Out West years was from both the media and my readers who asked, “Are campgrounds safe?” Most were referring to RV parks, not public campgrounds. I remember always replying, with barely a moment’s thought, “Yes, very safe.” Even then I kept a close eye on camping and RV industry news as well as crime reports in newspapers. I almost never saw anything about crimes at RV parks. It’s different today, where trouble is reported daily.

If the questions to me back then were about “trailer parks,” I would have answered far differently. “Trailer parks” or “mobile home parks” were often home to people who could not afford traditional housing. It was too often the only housing option for having a roof over one’s head. The same can be said today about an increasing number of RV parks. You have likely seen such places. I certainly have.

What is happening today is that many of the RV parks of yesteryear, where guests mostly visited on brief vacations, have now become permanent homes of financially strapped persons. I’d go so far as to say some of the parks are slums. Of course, to be clear, most RV parks are still fine places that mostly attract short-term vacationers.

Last February, we asked RVtravel.com readers if they had ever called the police because of an incident in their campground or RV park. More than 1,300 readers responded: 10 percent reported they had called the police at least once.

Please continue reading.

CHUCK’S ROADSIDE JOURNAL:
Something has happened that is driving our publisher crazy…
“My mind is driving me crazy. (Does this happen to you?)”

Last Sunday’s viral article

Why are campgrounds labeled “Full” when many campsites are vacant?
Wow! Nanci Dixon’s article last Sunday, “Reserved but empty campsites: The campground’s side of the story,” resonated with readers. As of noon yesterday, it had been viewed 445,000 times (imagine 4 1/2 filled Rose Bowl crowds) and drawn nearly 700 comments. If you missed it, here’s where to find it.

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

• MOST POPULAR: RV sales plummet—Industry struggles as consumers walk away from new rigs
• South Dakota county moves to restrict voting rights for full-time RVers
• The 10 hardest campgrounds to get into
• Hostage situation and shootout leave one dead in Yellowstone National Park
• Man uses bizarre weapon to threaten RVers

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

Today’s RV review…
Sneak peek at the new Brinkley Model 3250—Don’t call it a toy hauler

Today’s RV review is of the forthcoming Brinkley RV Model G 3250. Notice that there’s not a link there as I normally do because we are all peering into the future together at a completely new model that might look like a toy hauler, but really isn’t. Well, not completely.

Here are the details

RV service centers and repairs report
Hard to trust RV dealers’ service work. Camping World returns RV with mouse nest

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon relates a reader’s nightmare story about the never-ending problems with their new travel trailer and less-than-satisfactory service and repairs from their dealer; an explanation of how RV dealerships differ from car dealerships; and one report of an RV that sat at a Camping World awaiting repairs for so long the folks just gave up and retrieved it, only to find a mouse had made its home in the generator. However, there is one recommendation for an RV shop in Texas that came to someone’s rescue. Whew!

Click here to read

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

Ranking RV “catastrophes”: Frame flex issues not high on concern list

By Dave Solberg
During one of RVtravel.com’s weekly writers’ Zoom meetings recently, we started discussing the issue of RV frame flex and cracking. Dustin Simpson, contributing writer at RVtravel.com and owner of California RV Specialists, indicated he had at least 30 cases of this in his shop in the last month alone. He mentioned how many RV owners across his Facebook groups (with thousands of members) are discussing this hot topic. He asked me if I had ever seen anything as “catastrophic” as this issue and, honestly, right off the top of my head I could think of at least 10 other RV issues that I consider much worse. Continue reading.

Why one couple quit full-time RVing

Most accounts of full-time RVing on YouTube present a romantic picture of going “where you want, when you want,” and doing so affordably. And, yes, sometimes that’s true. But for these two veteran travelers, the reality of full-time RV living was far different from what they expected when they set out in their fifth wheel trailer. Living “the dream” of seeing America with the comforts of “home” while earning their living operating an internet-based business simply didn’t pan out. Find out why.

RV air conditioning mess: Don’t let your A/C get completely clogged like this!

By Gail Marsh
It’s been hot, but it’s summertime, right? It certainly didn’t look like summertime when I walked outside a week ago. The ground all around our RV was covered in white fluffiness. Snow in July? In the desert southwest? Is this some kind of joke? Continue reading.

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• You might be merging lanes wrong. Are you?
• These are the home remedies we swear by for bug bite itching
• A quick note on tire “MAX PSI”
• Here’s an easy, cheap trick to keep outdoor cords and chargers dry
• The worst tip ever for preventing RV theft!

NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? Boy, are you missing out! It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter for a reason! Sign up here. If you don’t like it (we know you will!), it’s easy to unsubscribe.

The ultimate guide to liquid propane (LP) systems

This is Part 7 of Dave Solberg’s “Everything you need to know about RVing” series. Today, Dave looks at RV liquid propane (LP) and explains what you need to know about it including how to be safe using it. This is useful information whether you’re heading out on your first or 101st RV trip. Read all about LP here.

Letter is good reminder of something many drivers do wrong

The following letter from Richard H. serves as a good reminder. We see this often (almost every day often!) so read and be mindful.
Dear Editor,
You have probably run something on this in the past, but I felt I had to say it again. … Continue reading.

App review: Using national parks app improves visits

By Gail Marsh
When planning your next outdoor adventure, the Natparks app is the go-to app for nature enthusiasts. This innovative app is designed to enhance your experience in the great outdoors, offering everything you need to explore national parks with confidence. Let’s dive into what Natparks can do for you, where it gets its data, and how it can transform your next national park visit. It’s all right here.

Reader poll
Do you worry about breaking down with your RV in the middle of nowhere?

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: Do you start each day with a cup of coffee? So, do more RVers start their day with coffee or another beverage? Find out here.

Vintage RVs
Win a 1957 travel trailer and 1955 station wagon

By Paul Lacitinola
More than 38 years ago, a group of friends at Lake Tahoe realized there had to be a better way to get home safely after a night of drinking at local casinos. In 1985, they started the International Good Samaritans Safe Ride Program. This program provided sober designated drivers to help intoxicated people get home safely. … The program has saved many lives and prevented millions of dollars in damages. If you’d like to help support this wonderful cause, you can enter to win this 1955 Ford two-door Ranch Wagon, V8, and 1957 Mercury vintage camper.

Click here to learn how to enter

A.I. fiction: Space aliens invade selling vacuum cleaners

Our fake staff writer, Johnny Robot, is back with a bit of fiction this week written entirely using artificial intelligence. Linda, who lives on a ranch in Southern California, wakes up one night only to be greeted by little green reptile men and their flying saucer. What are they doing in her yard? Trying to sell her shaving cream and vacuums, that’s what! Make sure you read this story, which we present to illustrate how far A.I. has come, and hope that what you learn from our A.I. articles will help you identify it.

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:

• RV has two refrigerator vents, but top one blocked with plywood?
• My RV’s flooring is soft. Can I remove the top boards to replace?
• Looking for solar power station to run A/Cs when power is out
• RV air conditioner is barely cooling. Why?
• RV has electrical ground issue. Aluminum frame to blame?

Click here to see more questions for Dave.

RV cooking
My amazing, versatile Grilled Salsa recipe you MUST try

By Cheri Sicard
I make this incredible versatile grilled salsa almost every time I fire up the grill regardless of whether or not I intend to use it that night with the other foods I am grilling. Not only does everyone I serve it to say this is one of the best salsas they have ever tasted, you can also use it to make a bunch of other dishes.

Click here and get hungry

Travel destinations
Unique roadside attractions worth an RV stop

By Gail Marsh
You want to arrive at your reserved campground before dark, but sometimes the drive gets long and even monotonous. That’s when you should stop the RV and see these roadside attractions.

Henry Ford Museum a “must see”

By Chuck Woodbury
For anyone interested in automotive history—and American industrial history—a visit to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., is a must. I can’t begin to tell you all that is there. But I will tell you about a few of the vehicles that I found especially interesting. Continue reading.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Eliminate unstable entry steps with Solid Stance Step Stabilizers

By Dustin Simpson
I wanted to chat about a game-changing upgrade for your RV’s entry steps: Solid Stance Step Stabilizers by Lippert. If you’ve ever struggled with wobbly or unstable entry steps on your RV, you’re going to love what Solid Step Stabilizers has to offer. Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of upgrading to Solid Stance Step Stabilizers for your RV’s entry steps!

Continue reading

RV gadgets and gizmos
15 incredible camping inventions and unusual camping gear

By Cheri Sicard
The camping inventions and unusual camping gear covered in the video below will be useful to all kinds of campers, both RVers and tenters, and anyone in between. These camping gadgets might be unique, but they’re still incredibly useful.

Click here to read

For the love of watermelon…
Health benefits of watermelon for those aged 50+

Enjoy eating watermelon? Good, you should! This delicious melon has many health benefits, especially for those of us aged 50 and up. Read on to learn the health secrets of summer’s favorite melon.

PLUS:

• How to choose a watermelon: Three things to look for in perfect melons
• RV made from a watermelon? Carve one yourself!
• Our favorite watermelon-cutting tool. Cut the whole melon in seconds! 

Video of the day
5 essential tips to improve your cornhole game

By Cheri Sicard
Are you ready to smoke your competition at cornhole? In the video below, GunnerBriz shares five tips that will seriously improve your cornhole game. For many RVers, cornhole is a favorite campsite pastime. How surprised are your friends going to be if suddenly you arrive with a vastly improved game?

Click here to read more and watch the video

RV tire safety
How to identify an improper trailer brake setting

By Roger Marble
This is just a quick post regarding the “evidence” you might need to confirm improper brake force setting on a trailer. This [image in post] is definitely “brake flat-spotting” from trailer tire lock-up. Higher force on relatively light loaded tires can cause this. Once there is a spot, the next time you hit the brakes the tire is more likely to stop at the same spot again.

Here are examples of what to look for

RVing with Dogs
Best ways to keep dogs from wandering from RV

By Gail Marsh
RVing with your dog is a great way to explore the outdoors and create lasting memories. Here are four containment solutions to consider.

Click here to read

AMAZON PRIME DAY IS COMING UP, but thousands of items are already on sale! Click here to shop the best deals of the year.

Recipe of the day
Tomato Pie

by Cathie Valentine from Graniteville, SC

Tomato pie is a light and refreshing summertime meal. If you grew up in the South, every family has their take on this classic recipe, and Cathie’s version is delicious. There’s a deep dish crust that leaves a lot of room for the juicy tomato slices. Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor that’s classic in summertime dishes. A mixture of mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese binds the savory pie together. This tomato pie will be a nice addition to brunch or a lighter dinner with a side salad.

Get the recipe here

Readers’ pet of the day

“Bella (Poodle mix) can’t wait to get someplace warm! Are we going? I’m ready!”—Dave Craswell

We assume you’ve found someplace warm by now, Bella. Enjoy every minute of it!

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

Want to see your pet in this newsletter? 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

What English word has three consecutive double letters?
(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

The era of the $19-a-day car rental is long gone. In Consumer Reports’ Spring 2024 member survey, 6,236 respondents who rented a car over the past 12 months said they spent an average of $86 a day including taxes and fees.

Sunday funny

There is no way you won’t laugh through this entire video!

Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

Bookkeeper

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