Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, January 12, 2025

Issue 1191 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.

Rediscovering the camping I fell in love with so many years ago

By Nanci Dixon
We are camping again after three long (at least to me) months of sitting still. We have pulled the RV out and even though we are camped just 18.8 miles from our home, it seems a world away. To top it off, we are meeting dear friends to camp together. We are doing the camping I fell in love with so many years ago. Sitting in my rocking chair looking at the mountains… Continue reading.

Should you cancel your RV’s insurance while storing it?

By Gail Marsh
We all agree that having RV insurance is a good idea. You never know what dangers await when traveling down the road. Honestly, who could relax if they traveled without insurance? But then, you bring the rig home. You winterize it, take it to storage, and get out your checkbook and get ready to pay monthly fees on an RV you don’t even use. Wait.. Should you keep paying for RV insurance on a rig that simply sits for months at a time? Find out here.

A propane near-disaster serves as important reminder

By Nanci Dixon
We just took our RV out of storage for a short camping trip and went to check the amount of propane in the 20-gallon tank. It didn’t even register. We knew we had been almost empty when we parked it so we were not overly concerned, but we knew we should not have let it get so low. We filled it up and drove about 10 miles to the campsite. As my husband was backing up… Continue reading.

Today’s RV review…
2025 Alliance RV Avenue All-Access 23ML fifth wheel—I like this one

On my most recent trip to Indiana (I’ve been four times this past year!), I got the chance to look at a number of fifth wheels. Well, who am I kidding. I got to look at a lot of RVs. I mean, it was Indiana, after all. But one of the RVs I really liked was the Alliance RV Avenue All-Access 23ML. This is a shorter fifth wheel trailer with a wider stance. Learn more.

OTHER RV REVIEWS THIS WEEK:

• New, high-tech Pebble Flow set to hit campgrounds in spring
• Ember RV E-Series Spark 18FBE—a big deal in a small trailer

RV service centers and repairs report
“The guy that did our RV walkthrough doesn’t even camp!”

This week Nanci Dixon shares more of our readers’ reports on RV service and repairs, including an unbelievable “unfortunate” experience with Good Sam roadside assistance, an RV that has been in the shop for longer than it’s been out and usable, and a brand-new RV with so many issues that the warranty ran out before they were fixed. The employee that did the walkthrough with that customer in the brand-new RV “doesn’t even camp and really didn’t know a lot and misinformed us about some of the features.” Plus, there are more recommendations to learn how to fix things yourself as much as possible. Read more.

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

• U.S. state implements campground demand-pricing. Will others follow?
• Sky-high vehicle insurance rates may get better in 2025
• Motorhome prices seemingly surge; towable RVs see decline in latest used market analysis
• A growing scam could leave you stuck with a stolen vehicle

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

Letter to the Editor
Anyone else flush their toilet like this?

We received this note from reader Karen Shipman a few days ago. Yes, Karen, this happens to us, too, and we’re sure almost every other RVer! Read her message about what happens to her when she gets home after spending time in her RV. We bet you’ll relate!

Need a free place to stay in your RV? Ask a church

By Gail Marsh
My husband and I were traveling in our RV, aiming to reach our reserved campground well before nightfall. However, a terrible accident brought traffic to a standstill. We wondered where we’d ever find sanctuary for the night. With the Interstate closed, we scoured the internet for nearby campgrounds, local parks, and any other potential place that came to mind. Then divine inspiration hit! We discovered a nearby Lutheran church. Continue reading, and keep this handy tip in the back of your mind.

What to do about squeaky slideouts

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A squeaky slideout can drive any RVer to distraction. There’s just something jarring to the nerves about this noise. Perhaps it’s the same affliction that hits us when fingernails are drawn across a chalkboard. What’s to be done to exorcise those squeaks? This!

Why you need a label maker in your RV

By Gail Marsh
As a kid, our son loved our label maker. For a while, he labeled anything and everything that could be labeled! Perhaps once you read this article, you’ll understand. You need a label maker in your RV. It’s time to find out why. Here are several practical ways to utilize a label maker in and around your RV.

Disaster preparedness

Our hearts are with the beautiful city of LA, the surrounding areas, and everyone affected by the horrific wildfires.
Want to help? Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Emergency Foundation or the American Red Cross.
More ways to donate or volunteer can be found here.

You must pack an evacuation “go” bag

By Nanci Dixon
With all the fires and evacuations in California and the hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods elsewhere, it is a good reminder to have an evacuation “go” bag at the ready. What happens if you need to swiftly vacate your home or RV with the chance of never being able to return with it intact? What do you need? Here’s what you need, and now that you know, make sure you pack up a bag… now!

Other related articles:

• Are you ready for an emergency? You sure?
• Every RVer should keep this emergency safety item handy at all times
• Why every RVer needs to have a bug out bag

Travel destinations

Go on a mind-bending adventure at one of Santa Fe’s most popular attractions

By Gail Marsh
Imagine walking into a seemingly ordinary two-story Victorian house, only to discover secret portals that lead to otherworldly dimensions, enchanted forests, and glowing caves. That’s exactly the kind of mind-bending adventure waiting for you at the House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This 20,000-square-foot venue offers visitors an interactive and unforgettable experience. Check it out.

Visiting Northern California’s fascinating albino redwoods

By Gail Marsh
Nestled within the dense and towering redwood forests of Northern California are rare and mysterious albino redwoods. These trees are often stunted and appear more like bushes than full-sized trees. They are extremely rare, with only about 60 known specimens scattered across California and Oregon forests. Here’s where to find them.

BONUS DESTINATION: Visit and camp at Texas’ first-ever state park. Learn more.

Reader poll (and article)
What most often determines where you travel in your RV?

By Gail Marsh
The Magi followed a star. Migrating birds follow their instincts. What do RVers follow? What drives you to travel to the places you go? How do you decide whether to go west or head east? How do you determine whether to travel down south or up north? Interesting questions! Let’s look at a few possibilities.

RV gadgets and gizmos

Clip-on fan for Mr. Heater Buddy heaters cuts propane usage in half

By Cheri Sicard
If you have a Portable Buddy or Big Buddy propane heater, you are going to want to know about this amazing accessory made for them. It’s a four-blade, heat-powered fan that clips onto the heater instantly without using any tools. The heat from the portable propane heater powers the fan that helps distribute the warm air. It’s saved me so much propane! Learn more.

USB rechargeable spin-scrubbing brush cleans RVs inside and out

By Cheri Sicard
Amazon recently sent me an offer on this spin-scrubbing brush set. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I gave it a go. And I am so glad I did. I am not a great housekeeper. I would almost rather go to the dentist than clean. Almost. The spinning scrubber brush makes it easier. And with so many different attachments, I can use it to clean almost any surface in my RV, inside or out. Check it out.

Brain teaser

Two mothers and two daughters went out to eat. Everyone ate one burger, yet only three burgers were eaten in all. How is this possible?

(Answer below.)

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Tips for finding free (or nearly free) overnight RV spots
• Don’t make these 7 RVing mistakes like other RVers have!
• Cables in a tangle? Use this quick tip to tame them
• How to manage smelly dog odors in an RV
• My 11 favorite RV cleaning products

DON’T SUBSCRIBE TO OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER UNLESS…
You like learning new things about RVing, enjoy being entertained by other RVers, need maintenance tips and advice, and enjoy Tony’s RV reviews… If you DO like all that stuff, well then, what are you waiting for? Sign up here!

In the RV shop with Dustin
Say goodbye to RV tank sensor issues with these tips

By Dustin Simpson
Struggling with inaccurate tank sensor readings in your RV? You’re not alone! Many RV owners experience false readings from their holding tank sensors, leading to confusion and frustration. In this article and video, we’ll explain how holding tank sensors work, why they sometimes fail, and how to properly clean and maintain them to ensure accurate readings every time. Click here to read.

Video of the day
Alternative to Quartzsite: Low-cost AZ desert boondocking at the Imperial Dam LTVA

By Cheri Sicard
Most long-term visitors to Quartzsite, AZ, the famous RV winter haven in the desert, will stay at one of the La Posa or Tyson Wells Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVA), but there is another LTVA that you might find more appealing a little more than an hour away. If the hustle, bustle, and crowds of Quartzsite are too much for you, the Imperial Dam LTVA is generally far less crowded.

RV tire safety
TPMS settings may not be right

By Roger Marble
If your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warned on a temperature increase and not on the low pressure, then I suspect the TPM system is not programmed correctly. Read all about TPMS settings here. 

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:

• What seminars at an RV show are best for a new RV owner to attend?
• RV’s dashboard is loose. How do I fix it?
• Do I need to keep my stored trailer plugged in?
• What is the rule of thumb for using RV roof vents?
• Which has better training to become Certified RV Technician: NRVTA or RVTI?

TODAY: If you’re in the Chicago area, be sure to catch Dave at his seminars at the Chicago RV Show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, hosted by RV Supershows. You’ll learn a lot, and you’ll laugh a lot. Be sure to stop by and tell him “Hi”.

Recipes of the day
Not-your-average Italian tortellini recipes

Nope, you won’t find your average tortellini in marinara sauce here! These recipes are a little bit different, but just as delicious. We’ve listed a few soups, a salad, and even a way to fry tortellini! It’s all right here.

Readers’ pets of the day

“Tugg and Reggie, Boston Terriers. It’s not an RV, but more like a dog house on wheels!” —Roger Gruzynski

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.

Trivia

The longest highway in the world is the Pan-American Highway (a vast network of roads), stretching about 19,000 miles. It connects Alaska in the United States to the southern tip of Argentina, passing through 14 countries. However, there’s one break in the route called the Darién Gap, a dense jungle between Panama and Colombia where no road exists.

Just for fun

This festive little hay bale sits right along the Blue Ridge Parkway in SW Virginia. Photo taken by reader Libby Wilcox.

Sunday funny

This is hilarious!

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

They were a grandmother, mother, and daughter.

Today’s weather forecast across the nation

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.

RVtravel.com All Star Team

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Our policy on using artificial intelligence.