Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, September 8, 2024

Issue 1173

RV manufacturers boost profits with cheap Chinese parts

By Ron Burdge
RV manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to boost their profits. For some, this involves sourcing the most affordable products for their builds, which makes sense. But now there’s a growing trend to buy parts and components made-in-China. Why? Because it’s a lot, a lot, cheaper than buying parts made in the USA. So what’s the problem? Continue reading.

Editorial

FMCA’s efforts to save club do not make sense

America’s oldest general-interest RV club, the Family Motor Coach Association, has made some highly questionable decisions lately in an attempt to reverse the club’s misfortunes. But, as RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury writes, these recent attempts will likely just speed up its demise. Read more.

BREAKING NEWS:
1.2 million Ram pickups recalled: Brake system may fail.

Liz Amazing battles Jayco over RVers’ defective $250,000 motorhome

Consumer advocate Liz Amazing (her real name) goes to bat for a couple whose repeated attempts to fix their brand-new but defective $250,000 Jayco motorhome failed. In the video, the couple explains that even when they were able to get the RV in the shop, most repairs failed a short time later. As a result, after a year of ownership, the motorhome had spent half its time out of action. Read more and watch the video.

Today’s RV review…

2025 Prime Time RV Avenger 25MKO—Now, that’s a great idea

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of a prototype of the 2025 Forest River Prime Time RV Avenger 25MKO travel trailer. I could see this floor plan really making sense for people. It’s a relatively affordable RV that offers a unique use case and a pleasant interior design. Well, for some people…

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

• RV dealer gets 20 years in prison for ripping off customers
• Midwest’s humidity getting you down? Blame the cornfields
• Florida state parks whistleblower fired, but citizens support him
• RV manufacturers expect shipments to increase by year’s end
• Is the Oklahoma ‘Disneyland-style’ 750-site RV park on the skids?

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

RV service centers and repairs report
“I wouldn’t go to Camping World if I broke down in front of it!” Plus, an insane list of problems in just ONE RV!

This week Nanci Dixon relates your service center reports including a negative one and two positive ones regarding Camping World, a rave review for an RV dealer in Wisconsin, and a lonnng list of issues regarding a Forest River XLT camper. Yikes! Plus, an RVer is asking for your help in finding a part for his r-pod. Any ideas? Read them all here.

Walmart pickup service makes stocking up easy for RVers

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
One of the most distasteful parts of life for the male side of this writing team is shopping. If more than a couple of weeks pass without stocking up, one of the most pleasant parts of life can get a bit edgy. Enter RVing Walmart—and their pickup service, where you can shop without ever setting foot in the door. We’ve found it works great in our RV lifestyle. Here’s why and how it works.

Be prepared for an emergency: Do, and have, these three things

By Steve Blume
From campgrounds, I am frequently walking in remote locations and away from civilization, not toward it. When I was younger, I was bulletproof; but with age comes wisdom, and with wisdom, caution. Accidents happen. In emergency situations when you might be unable to respond, especially alone in remote areas, give the responders a place to start. Here’s how.

Making a “life map” can help you appreciate the past and plan for the future

By Nanci Dixon
For anyone who has the rest of their lives, those of us still above ground, a life map is a momentous way to reflect on the past and plan for the future. A reflection and a plan, no matter what life stage one is at. I was rambling through emails and recommended reads when a headline caught my eye. An audible groan escaped my lips. But then…

RV electricity
How to check 30-amp outlet polarity

By Mike Sokol
Dear Readers,
There was a lot of confusion in the RVelectricity Facebook Group about the proper wiring polarity of a 30-amp RV outlet. In fact, there were at least a dozen completely incorrect answers in the comments. So what is this polarity thing? Learn more here.

MIKE’S PRO TIP: I used to drag out a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towels to clean the inside of my windshield periodically, but unless I was home to think about and do the task right then, chances are I would forget about it until the next time I had to drive at night. My wife gave me a pack of Windex Wipes for my truck, and now I can clean up the inside of my windshield any time it gets a film of streaky dust. Works great and it’s always at the ready. You can buy them here.

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Don’t use a jack to change your tire; do this instead
• How to diagnose your RV’s air conditioner health
• How to choose the best ceiling fan for your RV
• A must-have for RVers? Walkie-talkies! Here’s why
• How to get rid of fruit flies while RVing

Reader poll
Are you a Felix or an Oscar?

In other words, are you a perfectionist, a slob, or somewhere in between?

Respond here.

Which season is RVtravel.com readers’ favorite?
A) Summer; B) Fall; C) Winter; or D) Spring. Find out here.

Travel destinations
Historic tree carvings tell stories of Basque shepherds across the West

By Gail Marsh
In the vast, rugged landscapes of the Western United States, you can hear the winds whisper through ancient pines and aspens. It’s there where you’ll find a unique form of storytelling: arborglyphs. These tree carvings, made primarily by Basque shepherds in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offer visitors a peek into the lives, hopes, and artistry of these solitary shepherds.

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:

• Where is RV fresh water tank’s low-point drain? I can’t find it
• Reader says: “RVIA is all hat, no cattle.” What about RV electrical codes?
• Why no 12-volt power to RV LP leak detector or holding tank sensors?
• What is best product to restore sun-faded RV fiberglass?
• Some used RVs I’m looking at have a “303 roof.” What is that?

Retirement stories: Part 4. Three readers tell how they did it

With Chuck Woodbury
A month ago I wrote about my struggle with successfully retiring. As much as I try, I can’t seem to do it. In my essay, I wrote about how I had concluded that a person cannot simply retire. There’s more to it. I asked RVtravel.com readers for their stories. Here are this week’s responses.

PRO TIP: Keep a detailed log of your RV’s maintenance and repair history. This log should include things like oil changes, tire rotations, and any repairs or upgrades. It can help you stay on top of regular maintenance, make informed decisions about repairs, and provide valuable information if you ever need to sell the RV. Here’s one we recommend.

In the RV shop with Dustin
The truth exposed about Grand Design’s frame failure

By Dustin Simpson
Today we’re diving into an important topic: inspecting a Grand Design RV that’s experiencing major frame failures, even after being “fixed” by the manufacturer three times. Unfortunately, these issues aren’t as rare as we’d like, and it’s crucial for RV owners to be aware of what to look for.

Brain teaser

What has thirteen hearts, but no body or soul?

(Answer below.)

RV gadgets and gizmos
Cord cover protects sensitive cables and eliminates trip hazards

By Nanci Dixon
I needed a way to cover up our expensive, sensitive Starlink cable so it didn’t get crushed. Not to mention it’s a trip hazard. Covering it with a patio rug made me cringe as everyone stepped on it. I knew from seeing electrical cords under a raised protector that there had to be something to help. A three-hour Amazon search followed. I compared almost all the reviews until I found just the perfect three-channel cable and cord cover. Check it out.

Air Horn Defender is small but powerful for personal safety

By Cheri Sicard
The Air Horn Defender unleashes a piercing sound that can be heard up to 1 mile away, providing an unmatched self-defense option to deter threats from both man and beasts and attract immediate attention in emergencies. All RVers should have this.

Video of the day
Best regional fast food chains in every state

By Cheri Sicard
Sometimes, when you’re on the road and in a hurry, fast food is the only option. But did you know that regional fast food chains often offer better options than the big national chains? In the video below by Mashed (4.5 million subscribers, 1.6 billion views), you can see their picks of each state’s best regional fast food chain.

RV tire safety
How fast can you safely drive on ST-type tires?

By Roger Marble
There are still a number of folks asking about tire operational speed and specifically with regard to ST-type tires. I hope this post will help.

RVing with dogs
RVer pleads: Dog owners, don’t ruin your campsite for the next guest!

By Gail Marsh
When RVing with dogs, using portable fencing can be a fantastic way to give your furry friend some freedom while keeping them safe. However, it’s important to be mindful of how you use these fences, especially when it comes to managing your dog’s bathroom habits within the confined space. Here’s why.

Recipes of the day
3 non-breakfast, drool-worthy bacon recipes

Nope, bacon isn’t just for breakfast! These three bacon recipes will have the RV smelling delicious in no time. And one of them is even a salad! See, you can eat healthy and still have bacon! Wink. See the recipes here.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Bella is our 6-pound Toy Poodle mix. She loves driving in our RV with us and especially likes the parks with views, like the Tetons!” —Dave Craswell

• 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. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once.

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 American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the longest continuous walking trail in the United States, stretching approximately 6,800 miles. It runs from the Atlantic coast in Delaware to the Pacific coast in California, crossing 15 states. It offers both hiking and biking routes and connects many smaller trails, parks, forests, and communities across the country. It’s the only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail in the U.S.

Sunday funny

These are actual comments left on U.S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:

• “A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
• “Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”
• “Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.”
• “Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
• “The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.”
• “A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.”
• “The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
• “Too many rocks in the mountains.”

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

A deck of cards

RVtravel.com All Star Team

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