Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, March 9, 2025

Issue 1199 • Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.

Today’s thought 

“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” —Walter Hagen

PUBLISHER’S CORNER: Home sweet roam…
By Chuck Woodbury

I lived in Sacramento, California, many years and made many friends. Nowadays, when I plan to visit, I call ahead to let them know I’m coming. They often suggest I stay in their guest room. Sometimes I do, but I usually politely decline, explaining that I have already reserved a space at an RV park. (That’s a lie, but it saves an extended conversation, as in, “Oh, come on. Stay with us!”)

For me, it’s a matter of sleeping in my own bed and of not having to cart away my clothes, toiletries and other essentials then return them later. Also, as a writer, I need alone time to think and write. Many people who have never traveled with their own RV do not understand how a person like me who has traveled that way for a long time can be so incredibly comfortable in their own private, rolling mini-home.

I suspect many readers understand how this goes.

Gas vs. diesel: Which is better?

By Cheri Sicard
Which is better: gas or diesel? Izzy and MJ of Endless RVing take a deep dive into each to help you decide. Before we begin, know that there is no one “right” answer. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. Learn more and make the decision for yourself.

Don’t ignore the danger—A slipping trailer jack foot could ruin your trip

A slipping banana peel in cartoons is funny—a slipping trailer jack foot? Not so much. Russ and Tiña De Maris share two close calls that could have ended in catastrophe, including a trailer nearly rolling away at a boondocking site and another heart-stopping moment in a commercial RV park. What caused the jack to slip? What damage could have followed? And most importantly, how can you prevent this nerve-wracking scenario? Click to learn from their mistakes before you make the same ones!

The problem with RV manufacturers’ warranties: Are they worth buying a new RV?

By Scott & Vanessa Russell
The debate between new versus used RVs is as old as RVing itself. Sure, there is depreciation to consider, as well as the price. However, one of the biggest reasons people go with a new RV is often the manufacturer’s warranty. But is it really worth it? Here’s everything you should know. 

Today’s RV review…
Wayfinder RV Go Lite Cloudbreaker 15—a micro maestro

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of a trailer you can only get at one dealership network. That isn’t something I would normally cover, quite honestly. But I think this trailer is so different that there are absolutely going to be some of you for whom this is the perfect little rig. For the purpose that this is intended for, I think this is a pretty remarkable little trailer. Check it out.

Your thoughts wanted:
Are motorhomes headed to extinction?

Sales of motorhomes are declining dramatically. Shipments from manufacturers, with rare exceptions, have dropped each year for the past 4 decades to a very small percent of the entire RV market. What happened? Read more, answer a poll, and then please let us know what you think.

RV service centers and repairs report
A good way to find a certified mobile RV tech in your area

This week Nanci Dixon relates more of your RV service center horror stories. Fred B. wrote about the discrepancy between advertised hourly rate and actual billing. (We bet you’ve experienced this. Let us know in the comments.) There’s a tip from Marjorie D. about how to find a certified mobile RV tech. And there are three (3!) rave reviews for service centers and mobile techs. All that and more 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

• Tariffs may hit RVers’ wallets harder than expected
• Beware of low-cost but dangerous knock-off RV parts
• Latest model flying car is here
• Video news: How new tariffs will impact the RV industry
• California may close 4,000 campsites due to Federal budget cuts
• Got AAA? Save big on fuel every time you stop at Love’s

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

Love at the RV park: Billy and Milly

Are you in for a treat! Our Johnny Robot, an artificial being who represents the writer of the future (who looks remarkably like a wind-up toy), has a story today about two RVers, Billy and Milly, who fall in love at the RV park. It’s a gripping tale filled with drama, suspense and even humor. And the ending should warm even the coldest heart. And, get this! It was written in 30 seconds using artificial intelligence. Johnny explains. Get Kleenex (you’ll need it). Who would have thought Billy could win Milly over? (Or did he?)

DON’T FORGET…
It’s an hour later than it was yesterday! Did you change all your clocks?

RVer gets hilarious lesson in “porta-potty pressure dynamics”

We received this letter and hilarious story from reader Steve Comstock. Steve wrote, “I am sending this in response to Chuck’s “RVers are like Kindergarteners” story in the newsletter. I hope he will find it to be entertaining. Regards, Steve”. Well, Steve, we all find this story entertaining! Get ready to laugh at this RVing-worst-nightmare!

RVers, here’s how the 511 traffic system works

By Gail Marsh
When you’re on the open road in your RV, staying informed about traffic conditions isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The 511 traffic system offers real‑time travel information that helps you dodge unexpected delays, plan alternate routes, and keep your trip stress-free. Let’s see what information it provides, discover the states where it’s available, and learn how it can make your RV adventures smoother and safer.

What do snowbirds do when they can’t flee south?

By Rod Andrew
As I write, I’m a snowbound snowbird, sitting at my dining room table, looking over a frozen river at a snow-covered hillside. The view could be a Christmas card scene and, until New Year, we enjoy it. Since I don’t skate and my knees don’t like skiing anymore, my appreciation of winter is mostly aesthetic. And just as we start to appreciate the snowy scenes… things go very wrong.

Travel destinations

Popular HGTV show destinations for RVers

By Gail Marsh
Embarking on an RV adventure to visit the hometowns of your favorite HGTV (Home & Garden Television) stars is an exciting way to experience the charm and creativity featured on television. Whether you choose to see Laurel, Mississippi; Waco, Texas; or Snohomish, Washington—you’ll experience unique attractions and bonus! There are comfortable RV accommodations near each HGTV destination. How fun!

Three small towns in Arizona all RVers will enjoy

By Gail Marsh
Exploring Arizona’s small towns offers RV travelers a blend of history, natural beauty, and unique attractions. Here are three charming destinations to consider and where you can camp near each of them.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
This could have been your daughter or granddaughter!
Rest In Peace, little girl.

Reader poll
Should e-bikes be allowed on traditional bike trails?

Respond here.

TAKE A GUESS: Do RVtravel.com readers love or hate peanut butter? Find out here.

Take a break: A song from the past to tickle your funny bone

We hope you enjoy The Automobile Song as much as we do.

Sunday giveaway 

No giveaway today. Sorry! We’ll be back next week with a prize that makes up for missing a week! 

A very unique short stop…
What will you find inside Nevada’s Lovelock cave?

Cannibalistic giants! Back in 1911, while mining for bat guano, two men exploring Nevada’s Lovelock Cave made a shocking discovery. The men found more than 40 abnormally large human skeletons. There was something else very strange about them, too…

Brain teaser

They fill me up, and you empty me almost every day; if you raise my arm, I work the opposite way. What am I?

(Answer below.)

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Water pump noises could mean leaks in your RV’s water system
• Pay attention to passing motorists’ warnings of trouble
• Unusual ways RVers can use old water hoses
• Self-stick hat hooks keep kitchenware in place—brilliant!
• An interesting way to find boondocking spots in the Southwest

HOLD YER HORSES, PARTNER… You’re NOT signed up for our RV Daily Tips newsletter? Well yee-haw on over here and sign up. You’re missing out!

In the RV shop with Dustin
Easy leaking toilet fix: Replace the “ball seal” on your RV’s toilet

By Dustin Simpson
Welcome to “In the RV Shop with Dustin”. We recently had a customer in the shop with a toilet that was leaking water from the bowl into the holding tank. After performing a simple operation and visual inspection, we narrowed down the culprit to the “ball seal.” Did you know this replacement is so easy that just about anyone can do it? It’s true!

Gadgets and gizmos
My new favorite gadget is the secret to the best coffee

By Nanci Dixon
I have a new favorite gadget! I am a morning person. I have no desire to languish in bed—I want my coffee! Then, I want to sit on the sofa with my feet up and read the day’s issue of RVtravel.com. I have finally found the perfect way to make that morning Joe delightful and eliminate the high cost of coffee shop drinks. Continue reading.

Video of the day
Unusual tricycle camper—This is a must-see!

By Cheri Sicard
Ever seen a house on three wheels? This video from Velvet Motors showcases Kevin Cyr’s tricycle camper, one of the coolest and most unique mobile homes you’ll ever see. Kevin’s camper is art, engineering, and a love for adventure all rolled into one. Every part of this 3-wheel camper was carefully planned to make the most of the space and be as useful as possible. Check this out!

Random RV Thoughts

• At this very moment, as you read this, thousands of people across North America are daydreaming about their next RV trip. Some are at work, others at home, others just out shopping. Daydreaming about an RV trip is not as good as taking the actual trip, but it’s better than daydreaming (day-worrying) about things like mowing a lawn or ironing clothes.

• An excellent way to make instant friends in a campground is to walk with a cute dog (heck, even an ugly dog!). Your fellow campers will comment, which opens the door to further conversation and maybe even a new friendship.

We welcome your Random RV Thoughts. Send to editor@rvtravel.com

RV tire safety
What are RV “4 corner weights” and why are they important?

By Roger Marble
The idea of “4 corner weight” is usually talking about Class A and C motorhomes longer than 27 feet. The data shows that probably more than half of those larger units can be significantly (1,000 lbs. or more) unbalanced side to side on an axle. Smaller RVs can probably get away with just learning the weight on each axle with the RV and tow vehicle loaded to its heaviest and hooked up ready to travel… Continue reading.

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:

• Cold water has rotten egg smell in one RV sink. Why?
• Wire with connector hanging under my Winnebago. Should I be concerned?
• How to hook up a portable satellite feed in RV
• Why do new RV batteries show only 3 of 4 lights green on monitor? 
• Why are there so many different sized queen beds in RVs?

RVing with dogs
How to find the perfect dog-friendly RV park

By Gail Marsh
When Ron RVed with his dear wife, Lois, he was never lonely. Ron will continue RVing even though Lois passed away last year. However, he recently adopted a dog. “I’ve never RVed with a dog before—or any pet for that matter. How can I find a good RV park? One that’s good for me and my dog?'” Here’s how.

Recipes of the day
From appetizers to subs and sliders: 5 meatball recipes everyone will love

We shared this with you last year, but since today is National Meatball Day we just had to share it again! These meatball recipes are so delicious. They’re great for parties, holidays, or for any dinner for just you and your sweetheart. Check these out.

Readers’ pet of the day

“We were camping two hours from our Tampa Bay home in Crystal River, where the overnight temps dipped to a freezing 21 degrees. My Bailey, a year-old Shih Tzu, found a comfy place in the morning to snuggle while I drank my coffee and read my digital paper.” —Robin Newcomer

• 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

Did you know that RV isn’t an acronym for recreational vehicle? Nope, it’s an initialism. But what does that mean and what’s the difference? Read Gail Marsh’s story here then quiz yourself to see if you understand the difference. It’s fascinating!

Sunday funny

(Read this one out loud. You’ll laugh harder.) 

I bought myself a locket today and I put my own picture in it. I am now independent. (Get it? In-de-pendant.)

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

Read it here | Back issues

Brain teaser answer:

A mailbox.

Vintage postcard of the week

Postcards owned by Colleen and Ed Weum, Pacific Northwest Postcard Club. Read more about their 90,000 postcard collection here. 

Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

And finally… a song from the past to tickle your funny bone

We hope you enjoy The Automobile Song as much as we do.

RVtravel.com All Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.