Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, August 25, 2024

August 25, 2024 • Issue 1171

Readers reveal how they feel about tipping campground workers

By Gail Marsh
I recently asked RVtravel.com readers, “Should you tip campground workers if they help you?” The poll results and the comments that followed sparked considerable debate within our RVing community. Here’s what our readers said.

Why I canceled my Thousand Trails membership after just using it once

By Chris Mott
Living in an RV full-time comes with logistical challenges—not the least of which is a place to park every night. I looked into camping membership options including KOA, Harvest Hosts, Good Sam, and Thousand Trails. There were varying prices, options, and features. Ultimately, I chose the Camping Pass offered by Thousand Trails, but canceled my membership after just one use. Here’s why.

How to choose the right RV storage facility

By Gail Marsh
Soon we may need to choose a new place to store our RV. The company that currently provides space for our rig has just announced that it’s raising monthly fees. I suppose it’s because demand is up. Way up! … So, we have 30 days to choose an RV storage facility. Here are things to consider when looking for RV storage.

Today’s RV review…
Palomino Pause 19.6—more affordable, still different

By Tony Barthel
There was a lot of interesting inventory at the 2024 FROG (Forest River Owners Group) International Rally in Goshen, Indiana, but one of the RVs that got a tremendous amount of attention was the Palomino Pause 19.6 overlanding travel trailer. We’ve looked at these in the past, but it was interesting to go and touch and see it for myself. Read Tony’s firsthand impressions.

RV service centers and repairs report
Reader says, “I would never let Camping World touch my RV”

This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your RV service complaints and warranty issues. However, once again, there is more praise for RV repair shops and dealers than complaints. How ’bout that? Read them here.

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

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• The best RV wheel chocks and how to properly chock your RV
• Easy ways to declutter your RV bathroom
• Tips for RV towing in the mountains
• Right site, wrong campground? Make sure to look at the details before booking a campsite
• Tank Blaster to the rescue—It really works!

Safe towing speed—How fast is too fast for towing?

By Cheri Sicard
What is a safe towing speed? How fast is too fast to tow? The team at Keep Your Daydream wanted to cover this topic for a long time. That’s because they say they frequently get passed by all sorts of RVs, from massive Class A’s to SUVs towing single-axle trailers. That led them to the question, “Is there a right speed to tow?” Read and watch what they learned from three RVing experts.

The things we dream of doing… What’s stopping you?

By Nanci Dixon
I was recently reading an article in AARP about forming strong relationships. In it, they asked a question that stood out to me: “If you always dreamed of doing something and haven’t, why not?” It is a question that bears contemplation along with a little bit of excitement. Continue reading Nanci’s insightful essay.

Camping evolution: As told by hot dogs

We saw this post by Rick Redner on our RVing over 70 Facebook group and it brought a smile to our face. We love this and think you will, too.

New series: Readers reflect on their paths to retirement

By Chuck Woodbury
I recently wrote about my struggle with successfully retiring. I asked readers to write to me about their paths to a successful retirement. Several dozen responded, most with very interesting tales to tell. Here is the second in a series.

RV Electricity
How many batteries equal a propane tank of energy?

By Mike Sokol

Dear Mike,
I’m curious just how much battery power is needed to equal a 20-lb. tank of propane? For example, my 3-way fridge can run for a few weeks on propane mode, but when I try to power it from my batteries and inverter, it won’t even last a day before the battery is dead. Can you explain why this happens? —JP  Read Mike’s answer.

Around the Campfire
Personal rights vs. doing what’s right when camping

By Gail Marsh
A few nights ago, several campers gathered around the campfire. We began to discuss the “unwritten rules of camping.” Several newbies in the fire circle were curious about these rules. Who created them? Who, if anyone, enforces them? Why are these rules needed? And why aren’t the rules written down? Good questions! Continue reading.

HAPPY 107TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE!
Celebrate with them!

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

• Is this the highest-priced gas station in the Lower 48?
• Starlink lower-cost family plan rolls out for some
• New cell booster promises signals 3x farther
• No Ford e-SUVs; company “pivots” to hybrids
• Disney World backpedals on potential wrongful death lawsuit

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

Reader poll
Do you lock your RV when you take a 10-minute walk around your campground?

Respond here.

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: How old were you when you landed your first paying job? Were more of our readers under the age of 15 or over? Find out here.

RV gadgets and gizmos
The best indoor rugs for RVers

By Gail Marsh
When you’re living the RV life, your space is your sanctuary. That’s why choosing the right indoor rugs can make a world of difference, not just for comfort but also for safety. Here are some tips for the best indoor rugs that can make your RV feel like home while keeping it functional and stylish. Continue reading.

You goat this!
Reader Miles Olin sent this photo to us and wrote, “Saw this goat in the cab of this truck on our travels this month. A better driver than most that we encountered.”

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:

• 2 of 3 RV batteries overcharged—stunk. Replace all 3?
• I want to remodel my RV. How do I know where I can drill?
• RV roof sagging around air conditioners. Would rubberized paint help?
• Follow-up to RV roof sagging around air conditioner – Due to condensation?
• My travel trailer has “hot skin.” Can I just replace the shoreline cord?

In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of an insert molding screw cover. Have you inspected yours?

By Dustin Simpson, California RV Specialists
In my experience, one of the most missed items on an RV is the insert molding screw cover. This protective plastic covers the screws at the roofline edges as well as the vertical and horizontal side seams of all RVs. Unless you visually inspect under the insert moldings, you will not see the potential for water damage until it’s too late. Learn more.

RVing with dogs
The best RV dog ramps for 2024

By Gail Marsh
When you’re on the road, your RV isn’t just a vehicle, it’s your home on wheels. And for your four-legged friend, it’s the ultimate adventure! But whether you’re traveling with a spry young pup or an older dog who needs a little extra help, a good dog ramp is a game-changer. Check these out.

Video of the day
Amazing short Sprinter camper van built for disabled vet

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join our favorite RV builder channel, DualEx Builds [818K subscribers, 55M views]. We watch as this master craftsman builds a camper van for a disabled veteran client. As with all DualEx’s builds, this one features superb design and craftsmanship. This man has serious skills and a well-outfitted shop to implement them.. This is amazing.

RV tire safety
How fast can you safely travel with ST-type tires?

By Roger Marble
Is it OK to run 70 or 80 mph or faster with ST-type tires? Yes—If you believe in MAGIC! I continue to read posts on various RV trailer forums about driving at 70 to 80 mph or more with their RV trailer equipped with ST-type tires. Here are my thoughts.

Vintage RVs
An epic 1966 road trip in a 1961 VW Bus

By Paul Lacitinola
In the summer of 1966, Chuck and Toni Miltenberger, along with their best friends, set out on what would become the first of many memorable road trips. They had no idea at the time, but that 7,000-mile adventure in their 1961 VW Bus would spark a lifelong passion for travel and exploration. Continue reading.

Recipe of the day
Delicious zucchini recipes to enjoy this summer

Just because summer is almost over doesn’t mean your zucchini-eating has to be! Give one of these three yummy zucchini recipes a try. Let us know what you think!

Readers’ pet of the day

“We have two German Shepherds. This is our youngster, Triton, only 17 months old. He was raised in our motorhome and has so far traveled from Texas to Oregon.” —Dawn Miller

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

HELP! We’re running low on pet photos!
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once.

Brain teaser

Walk on the living, they don’t even mumble; walk on the dead and they loudly groan and grumble. What are they?

(Answer below.)

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

Did you know that there’s a campground in Australia where you can sleep underground? Coober Pedy, a town in South Australia famous for its opal mines, has an underground campground called Riba’s Underground. Due to the extreme heat in the region, many residents live in “dugouts,” which are homes carved into the rock. The campground offers a similar experience, where visitors can set up tents in a cool, underground space! Learn more about it here.

Sunday funny

Click to enlarge. 

Thanks for sending, Karen Hoffman!

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

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