Issue 1207
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.” —Edwin Way Teale
The 5 most underrated RVs on the market right now
By Cheri Sicard
Year after year, certain RV brands dominate the conversation, while others, equally deserving, get left in the dust. It’s easy to only consider the most popular options, but that means potentially missing out on some real gems. That’s why Josh the RV Nerd is diving into the RV market to highlight five underrated RV brands that deserve your attention. These aren’t necessarily the flashiest or most popular, but they offer a unique blend of value, quality, and innovation.
Can you really keep mice out of an RV? Depends on who you ask
We were recently browsing Facebook when we came across a post from an RVer struggling with mice in his rig. Poor Jerry F. absolutely hates dealing with mice—and we don’t blame him! Fortunately, 91 fellow RVers jumped in to share their advice on how to keep the critters out for good. Here’s what works, and doesn’t work, for RVers.
If you can’t answer these questions, you shouldn’t be towing
By Dave Kendall
Towing 6,000 to 18,000 pounds is serious business with potentially serious consequences. I’d rather ride with someone who does not know how to back up a trailer than someone who doesn’t understand towing, observe road conditions, is impatient, or passes other vehicles frequently. Here’s a quiz. If a driver cannot answer these questions, they shouldn’t be towing.
Today’s RV review…
RV review: Keystone Arcadia Select 24SRE—Are you seeing this?
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV is the Keystone Arcadia Select 24SRE fifth wheel, a more affordable member of Keystone’s fifth wheel family. It offers a surprising amount of storage in an unusual configuration. Check it out.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Thousand Trails announces major changes, hikes fees, top tier now $4,000 a year
- Camping World sells more RVs for less… and still loses millions
- City tows dozens of abandoned RVs dumped by manufacturer
- Starlink’s no-cost hardware deal: Smart move or marketing gimmick?
- T-Mobile’s $10 Starlink texting plan now open to Verizon, AT&T customers
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: 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.
Plugging your RV into a range outlet: Good idea or recipe for disaster?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
An RVer who posted on a social media site wants to know: “Can I use an adapter to plug my 30-amp RV into an electric stove outlet?” The RVer included a photo showing an adapter with the right configuration of pins on the plug, and a 30-amp RV “outlet” on the other end of the dog bone. Is a range outlet to RV adapter a wise idea? It’s not an uncommon issue, but…
How do I tell my partner that RVing isn’t for me?
By Gail Marsh
Jodi came to the campfire alone. Her husband was watching baseball back in their RV, but Jodi needed to vent. She also wanted advice. Here’s what she told those of us gathered around the fire: “I like having my own bed, shower, and my own things no matter where we go. But I can’t figure out if RVing is really my thing. My husband is content to sit around for days at a time just looking at the woods or the water. We could have done that at home!” Continue reading, and offer your advice.
Ever wonder what the inside of a semi-truck sleeper cab looks like? Here you go!
By Cheri Sicard
Have you ever wondered what’s inside those big semi-truck cabs you pass on the highway while RVing? I know I have. Apparently, so did the team at Jalopnik. They produced the semi-truck sleeper cab camper tour video to show what sleeping in a big rig is really like. Guess what? It’s pretty darn nice and not unlike sleeping in an RV! Check it out and wonder no more!
Reader poll
Is your RV model older than 10 years or newer than 10 years?
TAKE A GUESS: What season of the year do RVtravel.com readers most often spend in their RV? See if you’re right.
RV gadgets and gizmos
Save-a-Step stabilizes RV steps; no more bouncing!
By Gail Marsh
Boing! Boiiing! That’s the sound we used to hear when stepping on our RV’s steps. Well, maybe we didn’t exactly hear it, but the entire trailer bounced whenever anyone used our entry steps. It certainly felt like Boing! Boiiing! The flimsy two steps had way too much “give” in them, even if a child used the steps! Then I found Camco’s Save-a-Step.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win a set of these camping throw pillow covers?
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!
TODAY IS: National Lemonade Day AND National Orange Juice Day!
Travel destinations
RVing the historic route of the Pony Express
By Gail Marsh
On a recent trip back home, we stopped at the Interstate 76 – Julesburg, Colorado, rest stop. We were greeted by an amazing Pony Express statue. This roadside stop piqued my curiosity. I wanted to know all I could about this bygone era. I did a little digging and here’s what I discovered.
The Midwest at its best: Visiting Canal Fulton, Ohio
If you’re an RV enthusiast who enjoys a blend of history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm, Canal Fulton, Ohio, should be on your RVing itinerary. Nestled along the Tuscarawas River and the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail, this National Heritage Area offers a unique glimpse into America’s canal era.
Apps for RVers
The best weather apps for RVers
Our weather lately is nothing short of crazy! Tornadoes, unseasonable temperatures, flash floods, 85 mph sustained winds, and damaging lightning strikes! You name a weather condition—we’ve seen it! The unpredictable weather is proof that RVers need to pay attention as they travel. We need the best weather apps possible! Here they are.
An RVer’s guide to using the Seek app by iNaturalist
If you’re an RVer, you already know that every roadside stop is a chance to connect with nature and perhaps learn something new. Whether you’re parked at a scenic overlook or exploring a new campground trail, the Seek app by iNaturalist can transform your RV adventures and teach you something new everywhere you go.
Brain teaser
What English word has the same pronunciation even after you remove four of its five letters?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Water gadgets you need for your RV
- How do you hang a TV wall mount on an RV wall?
- A hydroplaning safety guide for RVers
- RV DIY: How to replace RV vinyl trim
- Upcycle a shower curtain: Practical and fun ideas for RV living
IF YOU’RE NOT SUBSCRIBED to our RV Daily Tips newsletter, boy, are you missing out! It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter, and for good reason! It’s filled with RVing tips, maintenance and repair advice, RVing videos, articles, websites we love, laughs, and more! Sign up here.
Word search
Can you find all the words that represent the month of May in today’s word search? Print or complete the interactive word search here.
Are you enjoying this newsletter?
If so, would you consider saying “thanks” again, if it’s been awhile? RVtravel.com would not be possible without the financial support of you, our voluntary contributors. Thank you! Your support helps us avoid relying on advertising, and keeps our resource-rich work unbiased and free for all RVers to enjoy. Every contribution makes a difference. As you know, when you contribute you receive a special member-only ad-free version of our weekend newsletters forever as one way for us to say thank you. If it’s been awhile and you are so inclined, we would very much appreciate another contribution. Learn more or donate.
In the RV shop with Dustin
What condensation damage can do to RVs and how to avoid it
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I discuss how condensation can lead to various issues in RVs, affecting both the roof and the body. Watch my video, too, to learn about potential problems associated with condensation and ways to mitigate damage. Click here.
RV tire safety
How long can you park an RV without causing “flat-spotting” on the tires?
By Roger Marble
Ted sent in this question: “How long can a trailer sit and you not have to worry about flat spots developing on the tires? I have seen some units sitting in lots for years.” Good question and, as with many simple questions about tires, there is NOT a simple answer such as “You can park for up to 83 days with no problems.” Here are the facts.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- My RV’s frameless window leaks. How do I reseal it?
- What can I do to reduce blind spots when driving my older Class C?
- What is the oily leak on the cab floor of my Class C?
- Can I use silicone to seal the gap under my Class A windshield?
- Can I put EternaBond tape over existing Dicor sealant?
BUMPER SNICKER: Sawdust is man glitter.
Video of the day
A whimsical and nostalgic visit to the Sock Monkey Museum
By Cheri Sicard
Have you ever felt a wave of nostalgia wash over you at the sight of a simple toy? For many, the sock monkey embodies that feeling. But what if there were a place where you could immerse yourself in a world dedicated to these cuddly creations? Welcome to Long View, Illinois’ Sock Monkey Museum, a place where childhood memories come to life!
Recipes of the day
Lemonade recipes (food and drink) to kick off summer on National Lemonade Day
The weather is warm and sunny and it’s National Lemonade Day, which means we better celebrate! We put together a few lemonade recipes, both food and drink (think: lemonade muffins and a grilled lemonade!) to get the day started. Here you go!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Cash is our one-year-old Goldendoodle rescue who loves traveling and camping with us. He’s the perfect companion.” —Janet Lambert
• 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.
Trivia
The month of May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, who was associated with fertility and spring. In Roman mythology, Maia was considered the goddess of growth, and the Romans honored her with a festival on May 1—what we now call May Day, a celebration of flowers, dancing, and the arrival of warmer weather.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
Queue
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.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Brain teaser: H also works, aitch.
OMG how in the world did you come up with THAT?
Would not want to play Scrabble with Chic Sanders.
Remove the “h” and you don’t have a word….
Plus, it says “remove four of its five letters.” So “haitch”/”aitch” (how the letter “h” is pronounced) doesn’t qualify. Have a great day, Gary. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Also Arrgh.
Your Things an RVer should know, is perfect. Have RVed for almost 50 years and never hit anything and only 2 flats where I hit fodder on the road. Worked in RV park in Jackson, WY and seen numerous problems and neglect coming into park.
Cash is a beautiful dog, but looks so sad staring out the door at his owners. He’s probably thinking, “Whatever they’re doing, I can help them with it.” My dogs are always very “helpful.”
Sunday Funny – the truth hurts
It can be taken in more ways than one.
Well, duh.🙄 But this is referring to how difficult it is to make a bed in some RVs, which can be painful, I’m sure. Have a great day. Gary. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Looks like Dustin’s link is broken. Can’t get my Dustin fix today! 😆
Sorry, Annapolis Travels. It was scheduled correctly but the program didn’t publish it (along with a couple of other items, including the regular newsletter😱). Our IT dude is working to fix it so it doesn’t do that again.🤞 Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Hey y’all! May the fourth be with you!
And also with you. 🪐
That’s how Lou Holtz says it. 😁
Cash is darling!
The single best weather app is Storm Shield. It has great maps and can pin your current site and sites you are going to, even to your actual camping site within the park. Alarms for any kind of weather (tornado, severe thunderstorm, squalls, flood, winter storm, lightning, etc). Storm Shield does not have advertising and will work successfully with one bar of cellular service. I pay $29.99 annually and it has saved me, literally, on three occasions in the Storm Zone that is tornado alley. I have had it for three years and I would never travel any longer without it.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great week and safe travels!