Issue 1180
We want to know…
We’re curious about which of the general RVing topics we regularly write about interest you the most. Would you please take a moment to respond to our brief poll by selecting the FIVE RVing topics that you prefer we focus on? Feel free to add another topic if you wish. Click here.
New 5th wheel nightmare: Problems pile up within weeks
In this latest video from consumer advocate Liz Amazing (her real name), RVers Richard and Andrea explain why their brand-new Forest River fifth wheel quickly turned into a nightmare. Buying a new RV should be exciting, but for Richard and Andrea, the excitement of buying their 2024 Forest River Sandpiper 3990 turned almost immediately instead to frustration.
All about RV VIN checks and how to avoid scams
Looking to buy a used RV, tow vehicle, or toad car? Knowing the vehicle’s history is essential for peace of mind. The last thing you want is a rig that’s been totaled in a wreck, stolen, or changed hands so many times it might be a lemon. Even if you’re just curious, a VIN check can uncover a lot about the vehicle and verify the seller’s claims. But be cautious—there are scammers out there ready to take advantage of buyers. Learn more.
Medicare coverage tips for RVers
By Gail Marsh
As a retired RVer, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing the right healthcare coverage—specifically Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage). If you plan to travel out of your home state in the coming year, it’s essential to carefully review and consider your many options. Here are some Medicare Part C tips for RVers like you and me.
Today’s RV review…
2025 Keystone Bullet Crossfire 260RBS—nicely updated
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Keystone Bullet Crossfire 260RBS and 260RBSWE travel trailers. In just a few years I have seen tremendous changes in this model. There are a lot of points of detail that show that Keystone has been listening to customers.
I used to see this as a decent entry-level couple’s camper. But now I would say the suspension, chassis, and interior have really elevated it from the status of being entry-level to more of a unit you might seek out. Continue reading.
RV service centers and repairs report
A true RV horror story: RV window warranty work goes terribly wrong
This week, Nanci Dixon reports on one reader’s ongoing nightmare ordeal with a service center, which you have to read to believe. No, we take that back. You still won’t believe it after you read it. Another reader states emphatically to stay away from a particular RV. And one reader asks for help regarding leveling his motorhome. Can you help him? 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
- Amazon Prime’s new fuel savings promise falls short in practice
- Don’t try staying with your RV at this RV park
- Oregon Forest Service roads targeted with hidden tire spikes
- Winnebago takes a beating in latest financial report
- September RV shipments down slightly; motorhomes drop by 30 percent
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Exposed: The “borderline scam” of RV dual-pane windows!
By Cheri Sicard
Josh the RV Nerd, one of our readers’ favorite RV YouTube channels [306K subscribers, 135M views!], is about to expose one of the RV industry’s biggest myths: RV dual-pane windows! According to Josh, RV dual-pane windows are “a borderline scam”! It’s not that they don’t have any value at all, but it’s probably not what you are expecting or have been led to believe. Here’s why.
More power, more problems: Life on the road with just 100 watts
By Jeff Clemishaw
I’ve met a lot of people in my travels with massive solar setups—sometimes more than 2,000 watts. Every time I hear these astounding numbers, I can’t help but wonder if that level of solar power is truly necessary. This is the story of how we made our small, 100-watt suitcase-style solar panel work.
10 ideas for smart, out-of-the-way RV shoe storage
By Gail Marsh
Athletic shoes, hiking boots, dress flats, casual shoes, steel-toed work boots, slippers, water shoes, flip-flops—so many shoes! We need to figure out shoe storage in our RV! Our rule has always been to take shoes off at the RV entry, which keeps dirt and debris out. But now, where do we put the shoes once they’re off? Here are 10 smart RV shoe storage ideas I liked.
Travel destinations
My stay at Albuquerque’s most-haunted former brothel
By Emily Woodbury
My recent non-camping road trip around New Mexico started in Albuquerque, where I was lucky enough to score a room at the haunted Painted Lady Bed & Brew, a former bordello (brothel) just a few blocks from Albuquerque’s popular Old Town center. What was once an old brothel is now a “Bed & Brew”—a bed and breakfast with a microbrewery. Did I see any ghosts? Click here to find out.
Unique museums and upcoming events to attend across the U.S.
By Gail Marsh
When you’re in the mood for a unique museum experience, consider venturing beyond the traditional art and history exhibits. Here are three lesser-known museums across the U.S. that bring a fresh perspective to automotive heritage, metal artistry, and immigrant history. I also feature upcoming events at each museum. Click here.
Reader poll
Do you use regular dinner plates or paper plates when dining in your RV?
RECENT POPULAR POLL:
What’s your take on automated cameras for traffic enforcement? Click here.
Happy Halloween!
What lurks outside the RV at Blackwood Campground?
By Johnny Robot
It was Halloween night when Jake and Lisa pulled their RV into the only available spot at Blackwood Campground. The place was quiet—too quiet. Nestled deep within the Appalachian Mountains, Blackwood had a reputation. Locals whispered stories of disappearances, of people vanishing from their tents, RVs left abandoned. Continue reading this spooky tale.
Top 10 most haunted campgrounds and parks in the U.S.
By Cheri Sicard
WatchMojo.com has produced a list of the top 10 allegedly haunted campgrounds and parks in the United States. You won’t want to tell ghost stories around the campfire in these creepy locales. These locations are known for having the most ghost stories of their own. Would you camp at any of these places?
Awesome, easy Halloween RV decorations, recipes, and more
By Cheri Sicard
If you plan on taking the RV out for a Halloween camping trip, these easy, amazing ideas for Halloween RV decorations, easy-to-make recipes, and outdoor Halloween tips will be sure to spark some spooky creativity. There are 22 RV Halloween tips in all, so there’s bound to be something you like here.
Brain teaser
You’re wandering through a pumpkin patch on a crisp Halloween night when you come across a sign that reads: “In this patch, there are ten pumpkins. Some are orange, some are green, and some are white. If you pick two pumpkins, you’ll find one is always white. But, if you pick three, you could end up with all three colors. How many of each pumpkin color is there?” Can you figure out the number of orange, green, and white pumpkins?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Taking care of RV batteries, high-tech style
- All about RV fire extinguishers
- Why you should carry an extra hose in your RV
- Two gadgets for easy RV emergency window fixes
- Do you need a cover for your RV air conditioner?
We just hit our 2,500th issue of our RV Daily Tips Newsletter! Wow! Thank you for reading these thousands of issues! Not subscribed? You’re missing out! Sign up here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Replacing a broken frame leaf spring hanger before it damages your RV’s suspension
By Dustin Simpson
Today, I discuss a crucial topic for RV owners: finding and replacing the right leaf spring hanger in the unfortunate event that yours breaks free from your RV frame. Leaf spring hangers play a vital role in supporting the weight of your RV and ensuring a smooth ride. If one breaks or becomes damaged, it’s essential to replace it promptly to prevent further damage to your RV’s suspension system. Continue reading.
RV gadgets and gizmos
No new gadget review this week, but make sure you read the brand-new issue of our Great RV Accessories newsletter. Lots of good gadget reviews inside! Click here.
Video of the day
Incredible and funny Frankenstein-themed campsite
By Cheri Sicard
Cindy Lynn from RV Barndominium created a fun RV Halloween décor video. It started as a joke on her parents, but it’s actually a fun and festive way to get a campsite into the Halloween spirit (albeit minus the noise) with incredible RV Halloween decor. Check this out!
RV tire safety
When is a tire bulge evidence of external damage and not a defect?
By Roger Marble
Sometimes owners will see a bulge in the tire sidewall and assume the tire had a manufacturing “defect” because they do not remember any incident that could have caused the bulge. Here are a few examples. (Have you encountered any of these?)
Ask Dave
Recent popular questions:
- What is the best product to restore sun-faded RV fiberglass?
- Can you use Flex Seal on an RV roof? If not, then what?
- My RV’s flooring is soft. Can I remove the top boards to replace?
- I want to remodel my RV. How do I know where I can drill?
Vintage RVs
Interior designer beautifully restores a 1956 Spartan Imperial Mansion
By Paul Lacitinola
If you’ve ever met interior designer Sondra Phillips, you know her passion for campers and her knack for restoration. When she stumbled upon a 1956 Spartan Imperial Mansion for sale, it was a moment of serendipity. Despite its dilapidated state, Sondra saw potential in this vintage gem and eagerly embarked on an amazing transformative project.
RVing with Dogs
Dog-centric campground is the “Disneyland for Dogs”
By Gail Marsh
4 Paws Kingdom in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, is a one-of-a-kind destination. Why? It’s specifically designed for RVers’ furry companions. This dog-centric campground offers an ideal blend of amenities for both humans and pets, making it a great place to stay for dog lovers. This place is amazing!
Pros, cons and tips for dog Halloween costumes
By Gail Marsh
Many RV parks love to celebrate Halloween. There may be pumpkin decorating, RV decorating contests and, of course, trick-or-treating for the littlest campers. One RV park we visited hosted a costume contest—for dogs! Dressing up your pup can be a lot of fun. However, responsible RV pet owners need to consider both the pros and cons of dog Halloween costumes.
Recipes of the day
Delicious food recipes featuring beer for National Beer Day
As the headline says, these are not beer recipes, but food recipes that include beer! And delicious recipes at that! We’ve got beer-battered fish tacos, Guinness beef stew, beer cheese dip, onion beer bread, and even beer mac and cheese. Yum! Check these out.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Dally Mae and Ember Rae, Mini Australian Shepherds. Both girls absolutely love camping, trail hiking, and playing frisbee! Both are super loving and friendly and absolutely love meeting people. They are on social media through TikTok and Instagram and love getting in front of the camera. They are always ready for their next adventure. They love playing hide and seek with each other indoors or out!” —Lee Ann Breedlove
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.
Trivia
Speaking of beer… On October 17, 1814, an enormous wave of beer flooded the streets near Tottenham Court Road in London, killing eight persons. It came from the Meux and Company Horse Shoe Brewery, where a massive vat suddenly burst, releasing more than 320,000 gallons of porter. The wave of beer was nearly 15 feet tall as it tore through the brewery’s walls. Some locals were seen drinking it from the streets.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
There are 8 white pumpkins, 1 orange pumpkin, and 1 green pumpkin. If you pick two pumpkins, one will always be white because there are so many more white pumpkins. But with three, you can pick one of each color.
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Once again, a screwy brain teaser. “If you pick two pumpkins, one will always be white”–unless, of course, one is green and one is orange. Statistically speaking, with eight white pumpkins you’re indeed likely to pick at least one that’s white when picking only two, but I wouldn’t want to bet my life on it. Someone really needs to think about these puzzlers.
Amen!
Agree. The probability of always getting one white pumpkin when picking two is high, but the possibility of getting one green and one orange pumpkin exists, even though a long shot.
Yup!
Not me! I NEVER think about these puzzlers. I’m saving my brain space for more important stuff, like…where did I leave my car keys?
All good unless you start finding them in the freezer…
Or milk in the pantry and chips in the fridge. Oops.
You would have a small chance of getting a green and an orange pumpkin when picking two pumpkins. Unless you were looking at the pumpkins while picking that is.
To be more precise, you have a 5% chance of picking both the red and the green.
Yeah, the only way you will always get a white pumpkin picking two is if there are 9 white pumpkins. And then getting three colors with three picks wouldn’t work at all. This is worded poorly. “You’ll almost always” would be better and I wouldn’t be scratching my head because my math didn’t work.
Agreed. A faulty brain-teaser; the laws of probability don’t allow for the ‘answer’ to be true.
The mistake most of us made is reading the brain teaser as a probability question vs a question of choosing what to pick.
I think your teaser is incorrect. It seems to me that you can pick any two pumpkins an possibly end up with the orange one and the green one.
Agreed!
Thank you for confirming why I never do brain teasers. This was a straight-up brain annoyer
Teasing my brain could be fateful. Teasing it with pumpkins could be worse, UNLESS it has been squished into a pie.
Oh what beautiful, precious doggies! Dally Mae and Ember Rae are absolutely adorable 🥰🐶
Thank you for pointing out the problem with Medicare HMO when traveling. We switched to a PPO now. Thank You.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! You have a beautiful pack, Lee Ann! Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂