Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, February 2, 2025

Issue 1194 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.

Holy crap! Poo pyramid in my black tank!

By Jan Steele
Sh** happens! Poop pyramids happen! Especially if you dry camp, like I do, and are a full-time RVer, like I am. I’ve been on the road long enough to know better, but… My RV black tank just got graded an “F.” As in: I flunked flushing! Wow! How did this happen? Well…

You replaced your RV dinette with what?!

By Gail Marsh
Just like squeezing folks together in a phone booth, it’s certainly possible to squish a family of four into an RV dinette, but that doesn’t mean they can actually eat a meal there. Or even enjoy a hand-held snack, for that matter—at least not “comfortably” in our dinette. And I know we’re not alone. Comments from RVers who took our poll demonstrate why so many folks are removing their RV dinettes and replacing them with … well, other things that make more sense.

Original “holy grail” instruction manual for Chris-Craft kit trailers discovered

By Paul Lacitinola
David Irvine of Shelbyville, MI, owns a wooden boat built by a Chris-Craft employee in 1957. David also owns a 1954 Chris-Craft trailer. The trailers were offered as kits in 1954, but it is unknown how many were sold or built. David’s 8th-grade history teacher and friend, Spencer Adkins, Sr., knew David had acquired one of these unique campers and found an original 50-page instruction manual that no one knew existed. Check this out.

Today’s RV review…
Winnebago Revel Sport 44C—It’s what customers asked for

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Winnebago Revel Sport 44C four-wheel-drive Class B RV. The Revel is not your ordinary RV by any means. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4 chassis, this is a Class B van that also offers off-road prowess along with significant off-grid functionality. I can see why there’s such a demand for these. It breaks a lot of barriers and was clearly created by people who truly understand the customers who would be buying this rig. This is not the RV for everybody, though. Learn more.

RV service centers and repairs report
“Bad work, lost deposits, and even RVs held hostage over inflated bills!”

This week, Nanci Dixon relates important advice from our readers about doing your research before hiring a mobile tech or independent repair shop. Also, we hear about the frustration of an RVer who has received no assistance or service from his RV dealer regarding issues with his recently purchased trailer. And another very frustrated RVer asks for our readers’ assistance with how to handle a problem with their travel trailer which has been in the shop more than they’ve been able to use it, but the techs can’t fix the ongoing problem because they can’t recreate it. Ugh! 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

• Circle K mixes up fuel, leaving customers furious and stranded
• THOR unveils hybrid Class A motorhome with 500-mile range
• 2024 sees increased complaints about campsite availability
• Drive virtually through more than 3,350 campgrounds to find your perfect site
• California temporarily suspends controversial portable generator sales ban

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

RV electricity
Always unplug your RV while working on wiring

By Mike Sokol
Dear Readers,
The following comment was posted on my RVelectricity Facebook group. It’s an important reminder to unplug your RV from the pedestal outlet when working on any internal RV wiring. Never rely on simply turning off the circuit breaker on the pedestal while still having your shore power cord plugged in. Click here to read.

The best ways to make use of a toy hauler’s “garage” space

By Gail Marsh
People with toy hauler RVs have too much fun! I’ve been looking into the different ways folks are transforming these special “garage” spaces, and Wow! Here are just a few of my favorites.

RV battery problem? A converter issue? A romantic gesture? What’s going on?

By Gail Marsh
At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. Overnight, it seemed, our RV’s bedroom ceiling lights weren’t as bright as usual. Could this be an RV battery problem, a converter issue, or (ahem) a romantic gesture by my husband? Find out what’s going on with our lights here.

Dunedocking—How you can RV in sand

By Dave Helgeson
Sand dunes exist throughout the Western states and offer great camping opportunities for boondocking, er, dunedocking. While most of us associate sand dunes with the ocean, there are extensive inland sand dunes located throughout the West. Many of these inland dunes are administered by the boondocking-friendly Bureau of Land Management. Continue reading to learn more.

Love is in the air…
RVers’ small acts of love. What are yours?

By Nanci Dixon
I was reading a heartwarming article in the New York Times where people had written in about the special things that their friend, spouse, or significant other do for them. The small acts of love. It was not the “big” things. It was the little things that said “I love you” and “I appreciate you” that had meaning. Here are a few of mine. What are some of yours?

Around the Campfire
RVers debate: Are RV warranties worth it?

By Gail Marsh
Another evening of campfire discussion. After a bit of griping about the cold temperatures, someone brought up RV warranties, and suddenly “cold” wasn’t the hottest topic anymore. Joey and his wife plan to purchase an RV later this year. They have already chosen the manufacturer and fifth wheel. The problem? Joey thinks they should purchase an extended warranty and his wife doesn’t want the added expense. Here’s what other RVers advise.

Who publishes 400+ RV newsletters a year? Only us!
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Travel destinations

An RVers guide to visiting Hoover Dam and beyond

By Gail Marsh
Hoover Dam is a sight to behold, especially for RVers who can take advantage of the nearby Lake Mead area as a base for exploration. If you’re planning upcoming RV trips, you really should consider this one. Here’s a guide to visiting, and places to camp nearby.

Arizona’s Navajo Interactive Museum pays homage to incredible WWII Code Talkers

By Gail Marsh
Located in Tuba City, Arizona, the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum offers visitors an engaging and immersive experience of the rich history and culture of the Navajo Nation. Among its many exhibits, the museum pays homage to the incredible Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. The Code Talkers have always interested my husband and me, so we were excited to include this amazing museum in our RV itinerary.

Reader poll
Has an RV roof leak ever cost you an expensive repair?

Respond here.

Brain teaser

A word I know, six letters it contains, remove one letter and 12 remains. What is it?

(Answer below.)

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• 12 ways to support your favorite campground
• Tricks to finding quiet RV parks
• Know Your RV: One simple trick for a happy generator
• How to have a successful winter camping trip, even in negative temps
• How to properly weigh your RV

NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? Boy, are you missing out! It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter for a reason! It’s filled with RVing tips, maintenance and repair advice, RV reviews, recipes, websites we love, and more. Learn more and sign up here.

In the RV shop with Dustin
How to spot bad RV moldings

By Dustin Simpson
Moldings are a critical part of your RV’s structure—not just for aesthetics, but for protecting your RV from the elements. In this article and video, we’ll show you how to spot bad RV moldings, explore common issues that can arise, and teach you how to check if they need to be replaced.

RV gadgets and gizmos

Want the latest in the RV gizmo and gadget world? Well, you better click here then to read last Thursday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter!

Video of the day
The best griddle cooking temperatures

By Cheri Sicard
Many of our readers use the Blackstone Griddle (and others) as camp cooking accessories, so I thought a tutorial on the best griddle cooking temperatures would be handy. In the video below, griddle cooking expert Johnny Brunet gives us the lowdown.

RV tire safety
How to avoid tire failure

By Roger Marble
Tires fail from two basic causes: Low air pressure and/or long-term degradation of the rubber, usually from excess heat. Continue reading Roger’s explanation and how to avoid these issues. 

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:

• Is one 300 Ah lithium or three 100 Ah batteries better? What size converter?
• Lubricate pivot points of RV awning arms, and more maintenance tips
• What size and type generator do I need for my RV?
• Update on wobbly RV toilet. Now it’s good to GO!
• Is there a drip valve that prevents water from freezing in an RV?

NOTE: If you’re in the Davenport, IA, area today, be sure to attend Dave’s seminars at the Davenport RV Show. Don’t forget to stop by and tell Dave “Hi”.

RVing with dogs
Tips for RVing with your dog in the winter

By Gail Marsh
A surprising number of folks RV in the winter. Winter travel brings on a different set of challenges for RVers and their furry friends. This is true even if you simply travel through wintery weather to reach your sunny and warm destinations. Here are some winter tips to help your dog stay comfortable and safe through the colder months.

Recipes of the day
Celebrate National Tater Tot Day with these yummy tot recipes (Hint: perfect for game day!)

National Tater Tot Day means one thing: You HAVE to eat tater tots today! These recipes all look delicious, and if you don’t want to make them today, save them for next Sunday for the Super Bowl and thank us later! Here they are.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Barley isn’t too thrilled with the driving portion of RVing, but he loves surveying his new kingdom when we stop. This photo was taken one morning at Big Bend Campground on the Colorado River just east of Moab, UT.” —Chris Collins

• 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

Back in the early days of radio broadcasting, producers discovered that background noise, or the sounds of a crowd, was recreated if they had their actors repeat the phrase “walla walla” over and over again. What’s interesting, though, is that this phrase is different depending on countries. Americans say “walla walla,” but the British actors say “rhubarb rhubarb.” German actors repeat “rhabarber rhabarber,” and Japanese actors say “gaya gaya.” Hear “walla walla” in action.

Sunday funny

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

Dozens

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

• Weekly News Highlights. Every Saturday. 
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• 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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