Issue 1205
Ads have been removed in this newsletter for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
” ‘Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Happy Easter!
Whether you’re celebrating Easter or just soaking up the spring sunshine, we hope today brings you a little extra joy—wherever you are, and whatever your plans look like.
Here’s to fresh starts, blooming wildflowers, and plenty of peaceful moments on the road.
From our RV to yours, Happy Easter and Happy Spring!
Remembering a friend, Gary Bunzer
By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER
Five years ago, on April 17, 2020, my friend Gary Bunzer died. Most RVers knew Gary as the RV Doctor. For a few decades, Gary was one of North America’s best-known RVing authorities. He wrote columns for many RV magazines and was a popular seminar presenter at RV shows across the country. He authored many technical manuals for the RV industry. Gary was just as beloved by the industry as he was by RVers themselves, no easy task. In 2016 he was inducted into the RV Industry Hall of Fame. He was a frequent contributor to RVtravel.com and our YouTube channel.
Gary was also my neighbor and good buddy. His “office” was a corner table in a coffee house just a short walk from our respective homes in Edmonds, Wash., and we met often to gab and plot projects we might do together to help better educate RVers. The girls at the coffee house called him Gare-Bear. Gary always wore a smile.
Gary died in the early days of COVID, which he caught while on a speaking tour. His family, friends, associates, and all RVers lost an amazing man — as good a human being as you could ever find. I had planned to write more today about Gary, but instead, here is what I wrote five years ago after learning he had died. Oh, my friend, I miss you!
RV hitch failure raises question: When did you last inspect yours?
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
Many RVers are aware of safety. They check tire pressure and make sure the running lights are operational. They try to “keep the weight down” to not overload their rig or tow vehicle. But sometimes, things happen that we don’t plan for. An RV hitch failure can ruin your whole day. Take Larry’s experience, for example, and don’t let this happen to you.
The best RV gear you can buy at Walmart
By Cheri Sicard
Did you know that Walmart stores typically carry a lot of RV gear and parts? As I rarely shop at Walmart, I didn’t, until a recent campground neighbor enlightened me. In her video, Grateful Glamper lets the world in on the secret of Walmart RV gear, and she has lots of great finds. I’ll break it down for you, too, or watch the video.
It’s roll-out time for your RV awning. Is it ready?
By Chris Dougherty
With summer almost here, you may have already rolled out your RV awning. It’s a great addition to any RV, and with a little care, it will provide many years of service. But just what kind of care does it need? Find out.
WHY SHOULDN’T YOU TICKLE AN EASTER EGG? Because it might crack up!
Today’s RV review…
Brinkley Model I 294 sets a new standard in travel trailers
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Brinkley Model I 294 travel trailer. Quite honestly, this is one of the best-made travel trailers I’ve come across. There is so much right with this rig, but the build quality and thoughtful design really set it apart. Continue reading.
Affiliate program for influencer$
Do you have a popular blog, social media or YouTube channel? If so, and you would like to promote free signups to the Sunday RV Travel Newsletter, let us know. Good money possible (paid monthly) for simply referring new RVT readers. No selling involved and very little time investment. Learn more: contact publisher Chuck Woodbury at chuck@rvtravel.com .
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Is Cracker Barrel banning “overnight camping”?
- Dilapidated, graffiti-tagged trailers moved again: Locals afraid, angry
- Tire dealers speak out: Tariffs are where the rubber hits your budget
- RV business leaders explain why Canadians are canceling travel plans
- New Dyrt feature lets RVers search for campgrounds by drive time, not just distance
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Buying an RV with lots of big windows may seem very appealing. But remember, if you plan to use it often in cold weather, those big windows will serve as poor insulation, which means you will need to run your heater far more often than if there were fewer or smaller windows. The opposite applies in summer for hot temps and air conditioning.
Got RV wisdom? Help new RVers solve real problems
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
Do you remember when you were first RVing—or maybe just contemplating starting out? All of us were full of questions. Since then, RVtravel.com readers have developed a wealth of experience and practical knowledge. Now, some new RVers need your help. They have questions, and we know you have answers.
RVing bicyclists, watch out for goatheads!
By Gail Marsh
It was a RVing bicyclist’s dream: level terrain, clear skies with 73-degree weather, and little to no wind. Breathtaking scenery. Perfect! That is, until we happened to ride over a mass of goathead! Read on and I’ll explain.
A musical playlist inspired by our national parks. Can you add to it?
By Gail Marsh
Strike up the band! The theme for this year’s National Park Week (happening now!) celebrates musical connections to our national parks. The National Park Service challenges visitors to create a national parks musical playlist. The list should include music inspired by your favorite trips or park memories. Here’s my playlist. Can you add to it?
Reader poll
The sweet history of Easter’s favorite candy. Do you like Peeps?
Travel destinations
An RVer’s guide to visiting and camping in the Adirondacks
By Gail Marsh
The Adirondack Park region in New York is a treasure trove for RV enthusiasts. It offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Spanning approximately six million acres, it’s the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Yes, it surpasses the combined size of Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Continue reading.
WHY WAS THE EASTER EGG HIDING? Because it was a little chicken!
RVing hobbies
A perfect creative hobby for the RVer: Rock painting
By Nanci Dixon
I never ever thought I would paint a rock, but here I am, elbow deep in rocks, acrylic paints, markers, and spray sealer. With an old tablecloth, ideas from Facebook, Pennsylvania Dutch designs and a cup of coffee, I have started a morning ritual of painting a rock or two. It is wonderfully relaxing—no stress and no pressure. Continue reading.
In memoriam
We are fortunate to have a caring community of readers at RVtravel.com. If they don’t see comments from someone for a while, they grow concerned. That happened recently with one of our dearest longtime readers, Tommy Molnar. We are sad to report that on April 9, he lost his courageous battle with leukemia. His dear wife, Galeyn (aka Mrs. Tommy), advised us: “2 1/2 years after his last stem cell transplant, he thought he’d beaten the cancer, but in January of this year it came back with a vengeance and was not to be beaten again. He passed peacefully under the care of hospice.” Tommy had expressed in an email to our comments moderator, Diane, that he was surprised to learn his stem cell donor, Lukasz, lived in Poland. Once he was allowed to contact him (protocol), they became best email pals. We miss you, Tommy, and your always-positive and helpful comments. —Everyone at RVtravel.com
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win a two-pack of S’mores flavored Peeps?
It’s only fitting for today, right?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
20 years ago in the RVtravel.com newsletter
Alligator Road Trip
(Posted April 24, 2005) — A truck pulling a travel trailer was pulled over last week in Arizona for a faulty brake light. Guess what troopers found holed up inside? How about 32 alligators, 50 boa constrictors, some turtles and a few rats and chickens? Noah’s RV-Ark, eh? The Georgia driver said he was moving to California and was simply bringing his critters along. One of the gators was eight feet long and weighed a whopping 400 pounds. The gators were hauled off to a herpetological society. It’s not legal to transport an alligator without a license (keep that in mind on your own trips!). The chickens and rats presumably celebrated their reprieve from getting gobbled by a gator.
Easter word search
Let’s go camping on Easter! Can you find all the words? Want to play it online without printing? Click here.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Why vinegar should be in your cleaning arsenal for RV maintenance
- Tips for windshield wipers plus special tips for motorhome wipers
- Keep this small, essential item in your RV or run the risk of draining your fresh water tank
- Quick squeaky motorhome door hack: No more squeaks!
- CPAP placement tips for RVers
WHERE DID THE EASTER BUNNY EAT BREAKFAST THIS MORNING? IHOP!
RV tire safety
Why and how to photograph your tire sidewall info
By Roger Marble
I recently received this comment/message/question about tire sidewall info: “A material list on the tire sidewall? I’ve never seen this. It sounds like FDA package list of: flour, corn syrup. Reading black bumps on black might work in ideal lighting, but I have trouble finding the max PSI.” I replied with this.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- Should I use Flex Seal to protect 2-year-old RV’s rubber roof?
- Readers’ comments on refillable LP cylinders and legality of transporting them
- Can I use pressure washer on RV? What about decals?
- What can I run with one solar panel and one battery in my 5th wheel?
- My RV’s water is scalding hot. Can water heater be adjusted?
BUMPER SNICKER: “I never met a man I couldn’t blame.”
Recipes of the day
It’s finally in season! Delicious, light asparagus recipes for spring
Everyone, wave goodbye to winter vegetables (tired of them yet?)! It’s finally spring veggie time, and that means delicious, fresh asparagus! These are some of our favorite asparagus recipes. We think you’ll love them!
Readers’ pets of the day
Okay, we admit it. These aren’t any of your dogs, but they’re just way too cute not to share!
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
It’s said that 60 percent of parents give their children Easter baskets each year, but it’s also said that 81 percent of parents steal candy from their children on Easter every year. I guess they stock the baskets with the candy they like, huh?
Sunday funny
One Easter, a father was teaching his son how to drive when out of nowhere a rabbit jumped into the road. Slamming on his brakes, the son said, “I nearly ruined Easter! I almost ran over the Easter Bunny!” His father replied, “It’s okay, Son. You missed it by a hare.”
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
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 few songs from the past to celebrate the day
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
RIP Tom. You will be missed
God bless Tommy in Heaven.
Thank you all at RVtravel for the tribute to my Tommy. He was truly a wonderful husband, loving father, and friend to all. I will greatly miss him and all the wonderful adventures we shared. Tommy will live in my heart forever. 💔
💜💜 Take care, Mrs. Tommy. 🤗🤗(one for you and one for Tommy) –Diane
Galeyn: While I only knew Tommy thru his writings and our exchanges of some – I know he was a great person and very learned. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him personally. Just seeing his picture tells me he was a friendly and courageous man. God speed to Tommy and good health to you as you go forward with your memories. Thank you for sharing Tommy with all of us…..
Doug, I know Galeyn appreciates your very kind words. And I know you are still grieving the loss of your dear wife, Joan, on 9/11/24. I’ve never gone through anything as painful as you two, and many others, have. I can only wish you and Galeyn, and others, strength and peace and many happy memories of your time together with your loved ones as you go through the grieving process. Take care.🤗🤗 –Diane
Thank you for understanding Diane. Have a blessed Easter Sunday with family and/or friends.
God bless Tommy.. and bless you too, Mrs. Tommy 🙏
And thank you for sharing him with all the rest of us.
Goat heads are just the worst for cyclists. I use tire liners in my bicycles to prevent flats. Not to say that a goat head won’t jump up and get the sidewall though!
Today’s Thought: Christ is risen! Hallelujah.
Happy Easter and safe travels to all.
It’s sad that to a lot of people that there is no more to Easter than just colored eggs and Peeps.
Easter is originally a pagan holiday.
Jesus told his disciples he would return before their deaths. Some are still waiting.
Gary was truly an asset to all RVers. You could always treat his advice as 100% correct.
Here is a link to Diane’s personal tribute to Gary Bunzer, if anyone is interested. I miss you, Gary.😢 –Diane aka Mountain Mama at RVtravel.com
Beautiful comments Diane; beautiful property – my kind of campground! Thanks for posting.
Beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing it again MM 😔
I am glad to see the tribute to Gary. I email a note to his widow every year on the anniversary of his passing letting her know he is not forgotten.
That’s very thoughtful of you, Dave. I sure do miss Gary. Changing the subject, I was just thinking about you a few minutes ago (while folding the clothes from the dryer– don’t ask me why🤔) and was going to email you in the morning to see how you’re doing. Long time no hear. I hope you and your family are all well. I’m sure you had a busy day with grandkids, etc. Have a good night.🤗 –Diane
He is Risen. Hope is abundant for our salvation. May all my friends and all who enjoy RVT.com find hope, peace and love today and always.
Same to you Cancel 🤗
He is risen indeed.
So very sorry to hear about Tommy Molnar’s passing. I enjoyed reading his comments. Prayers to the family.
Chuck: Thank you for sharing your thot’s about Gary Bunzer with us. While we can’t share your personal grief, we can appreciate your writing about it. He had helped me more than once with Rv things I couldn’t make sense of. He has been missed by me and I am sure the entire Rv community – at least those of us who knew of his expert advice and that ever present smile.
Gary is missed every time I have a new RV problem, for his always reliable information, but mostly as a personal friend whose insight and perspective were treasured. He was, and always will be, missed by the whole RV family who had the good fortune to know him.
That’s for sure, Jack and Jean.👍 What a wonderful human being Gary was. This world definitely needs more people like him. Take care.🤗 –Diane
Tommy I will miss your comments
Reference RV tire safety, the information on the tires is raised dots so blind drivers can read them too.
🤣🤣🤣 So that’s why the info is raised! I was wondering.🤔 Changing the topic–the ice cream truck just drove by! Sheesh!!! Had to check out the window to make sure I wasn’t just hearing things. Have a great day, impavid.🤗 –Diane
Word puzzle is a fun addition! Enjoyed the riddles too! Thanks for the smiles! 😃
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Tommy and her family.
Sorry Mrs. Tommy.
A fitting tribute to Tommy and Galeyn:
“On this day in history: Absolutely nothing interesting (or at least significant) happened! We think you should do something interesting today that makes history… (in a good way, please).”
I saw this statement and almost choked. My wonderful wife Galeyn was born on this day in 1952. I thought everyone knew this! Juuuuusssssssssssst kidding! But for me, this was a great day. She has stuck with me through all my medical BS (and there has been a lot!). It was a great day in history.
posted by: Tommy Molnar 2/10/2025
Stay safe and give your loved ones a great big bear hug, Joe
Thank you, Joseph. I forgot that Tommy had posted that tribute to Galeyn. Have a good evening/night. 🙂 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you for finding and sharing this Joseph. My Tommy was one in a million.
Another great edition of RV Travel. At 80 it’s hard to believe how many happy memories I have had; over half of them traveling with an RV. Not as much fun as it used to be. Too many rude people out there today. But somehow the nice people cancel out the bad people. Stayed in 49 States and eight provinces since 1981. Plus an airplane flight to Hawaii on our 50th Anniversary. Keep on camping, everyone. Enjoy life. Wear a smile. (People will wonder what you’ve been up to.)
I have been wondering about Tommy Molnar, haven’t seen him post lately. I had hoped for the best, but feared the worst. Very sad news. I enjoyed his insight and he felt like a friend. Rest In Peace Tommy.
Thank you, Matt. A lot of our readers have commented on how sad they are to hear about Tommy, and his wife, Galeyn aka Mrs. Tommy, has been reading the comments. She wrote to me this morning and mentioned, “It’s nice to know that many other folks thought highly of Tommy…”. He and I exchanged many emails over the years, in several of which he raved about Galeyn. This is very selfish of me, and is less than 1% of what Galeyn and their family and friends are going through, but I sure miss him. Such a nice guy. Take care.🤗 –Diane
Same here. Did not always agree with Tom, but always respected his comments and RV knowledge.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Very sad about Tommy. 🙁 I pray his wife is comforted as she mourns. His absence can’t be filled; there is no one else like him. He certainly won’t be forgotten. Safe travels!
Shout out to OuterLimits Rv Mobile Service, Roswell NM. Have had Maxx and Robert repair a couple of issues recently. They were prompt, friendly, very knowledgeable, and attentive to our RV home. Will definitely recommend their services.
Reading this on Friday the 25th, reminded of Gary’s passing and then near to the end to learn that Tommy Molnar had passed was sad indeed. While I don’t believe I have met anyone that contributes to these comments, many names are familiar to regular readers like myself. At times it feels like a family or community as we enjoy travel and seeing things and perhaps even more sharing our experiences and what we have learned along the highway of life. I am lifted by the many kind comments to Mrs Tommy and the family, it is a blessing to see an outpouring of concern for them. Thanks to all that shared your thoughts today to take a minute to prove that there is still love and kindness around today.