Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, October 20, 2024

Issue 1179

Publisher’s corner: How some readers frustrate me

By Chuck Woodbury
There are a small number of readers who love to comment on our articles in mean-spirited ways. They call me names: I’m an idiot, I’m a left wing radical (simply because I live in Seattle) and I’m a Commie. Geez! Really? Do you think I might lose my patience with these folks once in awhile (like now)? Even though we have published 23,000 helpful, even life-saving articles on this website, if we post one article that challenges the beliefs of one of these know-it-alls, they call me names and threaten to unsubscribe. I have more to say about this.

Bad buying advice leads to RVing disaster

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Mike Pavel was assured by the seller that his Ram 3500 was a perfect match for his truck camper. It was—until a few miles into Mexico’s Baja, where the frame broke, leaving his Eagle Cap camper precariously tilted. As for the dealer’s promise? It didn’t matter. Mike Pavel was apparently under a misimpression—or perhaps even misdirection. Here’s the story.

Half-ton trucks: What to know before you tow

By Tony Barthel
How much can you tow with a half-ton pickup? It might surprise you that there is no single answer to this. It may also surprise you that your very light travel trailer may be much more than your V8 pickup is supposed to handle. What a half-ton pickup can tow varies widely depending on how it’s configured. Just because your truck has the big V8 and a tow receiver and, potentially, even a “tow package” doesn’t mean you can tow a trailer. Continue reading this important article.

Today’s RV review…
2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK—Details make the difference

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK. This is a couple’s mid-sized camper with a front kitchen and two slides. If you’re a follower of the Jayco brand, you might look at this and think White Hawk. But, alas, that name is no longer in the Jayco vocabulary. Here’s the scoop.

RV service centers and repairs report
Expecting more? Thor suggests settling for less with their ‘not high-end’ RVs!

In this week’s installment, Nanci Dixon relates a long tale of woe regarding numerous issues encountered after purchasing a new RV, leaving the buyer to relate: “I will never ever trust any RV dealer again.” Also, a couple bought a new Thor and it was in and out of the shop for two years, which has been the only mileage they’ve put on it, i.e., between their home and the shop. But we are happy to report two rave reviews regarding RV service this week. Read those stories here.

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

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

• Readers demand “Keep politics out of RVtravel.com”
• Missing RVer’s tragic fate revealed after police shooting incident
• The real reason Lake Mead boondocking area was closed
• “Ghost” campground reservation could cost you $3,000 fine
• Major shakeup: Forest River closes all manufacturing facilities in California

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

Adjusting your RV travels for medical needs

By Gail Marsh
For many people, the dream of RVing is the ultimate freedom—a life on the open road, exploring stunning landscapes, and living at your own pace. But what happens when health or medical necessities come into play? Whether you’re dealing with chronic conditions, new medical needs, or simply want to ensure you’re prepared for anything that comes up while RVing, there are ways to adjust your travel plans and keep your RV adventures rolling.

Important safety tips when leaving your RV behind

By Nanci Dixon
If you are leaving the RV for a couple of days in a campground, make sure to take a few precautions. We have left our motorhome at campgrounds for a couple of days or for several weeks due to family emergencies and, for the most part, everything has been fine. But there are a few things that I have learned to help keep our RV secure and put my mind at ease while we’re away.

Minimizing RV condensation: What to do about damaging interior moisture

By Cheri Sicard
Last year, I deliberately sought out this video because I was struggling with RV condensation. Now, as I prepare to head back down south, it’s the perfect time to revisit these tips. Jared Gillis from All About RVs offers a handful of practical solutions. Minimizing condensation is definitely something you’ll want to address because it can create a lot of problems. Read the article and watch the video.

RV electricity
Don’t let a space heater fire burn up your RV

By Mike Sokol
Dear Readers,
I know I sound like a broken record sometimes. But once again I’m heartbroken to report another electric space heater fire that has resulted in the deaths of a lot of innocent people. While this fire wasn’t in an RV, there are lots of lessons to be learned from this tragic event. So why do these fires happen? Here are the most common reasons.

Reader poll
Do you still enjoy RVing as much as when you started?

Respond here.

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
What percentage of RVtravel.com readers have, or would consider, staying at a nudist RV resort? Find out here.

Campgrounds and RV parks
College student’s impulse land buy becomes New Hampshire RV haven

By Gail Marsh
Forty-five years ago, when Kevin McCauley was a student at New England College, he made an unusual but life-changing decision. On a break between classes, he wandered into Hillsborough, New Hampshire. There, he stumbled upon 500 acres of forested land that was for sale at just $200 an acre. Wait until you see what he did with it all these years later.

Brain teaser

If 3 cats can catch 3 bunnies in 3 minutes, how long will it take 100 cats to catch 100 bunnies?

(Answer below.)

RV gadgets and gizmos
Using the powerful and versatile OUPES Mega 2 power station and solar panels

By Cheri Sicard
The OUPES Mega 2 Power Station is one powerful portable power station. Pronounced “oops” (as in no more power oops). How powerful is the OUPES Mega 2? A 2,500W continuous AC pure sine wave inverter provides power via four AC outlets. Even better, it can handle surges of up to 5,400W. That can power a lot of commonly used devices and appliances! Here’s my full review.

Vintage RVs
You’ve got to see this vintage trailer-turned-houseboat

By Paul Lacitinola
Bill and Laura McKee have always been drawn to the excitement of water skiing and boating, spending countless hours on the lakes of Northern California and Oregon. Their love for adventure took a unique turn in 2016 when they embarked on a journey to build a houseboat. However, they added a twist… 

Travel destinations

Visit some of California’s most haunted hotspots

By Gail Marsh
Enjoy some spooky thrills and ghostly encounters? Here are three of California’s haunted hotspots that RVers love. If you’re RVing in the Golden State this month and you’re brave enough, check out these spine-chilling (not to mention interesting and historic!) locations.

Unique Midwest fall festivals RVers will love

By Gail Marsh
It’s not too late! As the crisp air of late autumn settles over the Midwest, the region comes alive with festive events that capture the spirit of the season. From cultural celebrations to food and drink festivals, here are some 2024 Midwest fall activities RVers love. You don’t want to miss these!

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Want to scare your campground neighbors away? Put these up for Halloween! Want to scare them away for good? Leave these up year ’round!

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Trailer sway: Causes, cures, and getting away safe
• How to fix sticky RV windows
• Level makes trailer re-hitching easy
• You can do way more with leaf blowers than you think! Here are 6 other ways to use them
• RV Towing: 8 common towing mistakes and how to avoid them

NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? Boy, you’re missing out! It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter. We try to make it as informational and educational as possible, but we always make sure it’s fun, too. Sign up here. (Easy unsubscribe if you don’t like it… but we doubt that will happen!)

In the RV shop with Dustin
Expert maintenance tips for RV water heaters and refrigerators

Join me in the video and article below as we dive into essential maintenance tips for keeping your RV water heater and refrigerator in top shape. I’ll share my expert advice on the important checks and services needed to ensure your RV appliances run smoothly. Let’s get started!

Video of the day
Preparing for an Alaska RV trip on a budget

By Cheri Sicard
The sisters behind the Two Tired Teachers YouTube channel (two retired teachers with more than 60 years of teaching experience between them) are gearing up for their Alaska RV trip on a budget. RVing to Alaska tops the bucket lists of many U.S. and Canadian RVers, so the sisters decided to share their budget-friendly Alaska RV trip planning tips.

RV tire safety
Why do tires fail? The answer from a Tire Design Engineer

Why do tires fail? Tires fail due to two basic causes: low air pressure and/or long-term degradation of the rubber, which is usually from excess heat. Roger Marble explains those causes and what an RV owner can do to decrease the potential of having a tire failure, and also tells you some things to consider when purchasing tires in this informative post.

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:

• No leveling jacks on RV, so can I just use a block on the outside dual wheel?
• Replaced RV’s on-demand water heater; why no hot water in sink?
• Why are 2026 model year RVs available already?
• Gear on RV’s slide room mechanism has stripped twice. Can I adjust it?
• Why won’t RV’s furnace work when camping but works for service tech?

This is the final day (Sunday) to watch Dave present his very educational (not to mention entertaining) RVing seminars at the Myrtle Beach (SC) RV Show at the Convention Center. You’ll learn a lot! Click here. 

An RV pizza party…
Make wood-fired pizza at camp with the Solo Stove Pi Fire

By Cheri Sicard
Those who follow my posts know I am a big fan of the Solo Stove Ranger because of its grilling capabilities (learn more here). But with the Solo Stove Pi Fire accessory, the company has elevated the cooking you can do at your campsite (or backyard patio) to include authentic wood-fired pizza. Wow! The Pi Fire accessory is a portable pizza oven that sits atop the Solo Stove. Check this out.

Cheri’s amazing easy no-knead Neapolitan pizza dough recipe

When the fine folks at Solo Stove sent me their Pi Fire pizza oven to try out, I was super excited at the thought of making authentic Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza during RV trips. I am a certified pizza freak, and I like most styles, but Neapolitan, with its thin, chewy crust accented by a light smoky char from the fire, is my absolute favorite. Here’s my easy, no-knead, delicious dough recipe.

RVing with pets
Predator protection for your pets while RVing

By Gail Marsh
When you’re RVing in the U.S. with pets, keeping them safe from predators is a top priority. This is especially true as animals like wolves, bears, and mountain lions are reintroduced into their original habitats. Here’s a guide to understanding the risks along with suggestions for practical predator protection for your furry friend when enjoying the great outdoors.

Recipes of the day
5 Halloween recipes—sweet, savory and spooky treats

These Halloween recipes are perfect for both adults and children, and if you make them for a group, they’re going to be a hit! Most of them are sweet but there are a few adorable savory recipes here, too. Click here.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Bucky (Goldendoodle) loves to camp with us and loves hikes and walks. We recently bought a backpack designed for dogs to enable us to walk and hike when the ground temperature is too hot for his paws. Plus, this lets us go places that are not good for furry dogs to walk, like thick brush. The backpack also helps in very crowded areas like markets. It’s a perfect complement to our RV style.” —Bob McMeans

• 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

Kansas has been scientifically proven to be flatter than a pancake. Mathematically, the value 1.000 indicates perfect, platonic flatness. A pancake was purchased from IHOP and was compared to Kansas’ terrain. The pancake had a flatness of 0.957, and Kansas measures 0.9997, just about as close to flat as flat gets. Sorry, Kansas!

If you’re reading this and saying “Kansas isn’t ALL flat!” Well, you’re right. It’s actually only the seventh flattest state (Florida is #1). The “flat as a pancake” study was done by Utah (not flat) State University.

Sunday funny

Reader Mr. Ratcliffe sent this in and wrote, “I saw this sign during my last trip at the campground bathhouse.” Huh?

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

As 1 cat can catch 1 bunny in 3 minutes, so 100 cats can also catch 100 bunnies in 3 minutes.

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

• Weekly News Highlights. Every Saturday. 
• RV Daily Tips. RVing tips, advice, maintenance and repair guidance, RV reviews, gadgets, and more. Monday-Friday. 
• Great RV Accessories. The best gadgets for RVers. Every other Thursday. 
• Daily RVing news. Get the latest news about RVing every weekday afternoon straight to your inbox.
• RV Maintenance & Repair tips. Don’t ever miss a maintenance or repair article. Every Tuesday. 
• New! RV Reviews. We write one RV review every day! They’ll be delivered to your inbox every other Friday. 
• New! RV Recalls. Never miss an important RV or RV-related recall. Every other Wednesday.

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