Issue 1232
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder
RV tech shares 5 signs of a bad RV frame
By Cheri Sicard
Towable RV frames break more often than most shoppers realize. Here, Jacob Rigor, an experienced RV technician, shares five frame and suspension features that signal better build quality and safer miles on the road. This is important for RV buyers!
Your RV’s generator is keeping me up all night. It’s too loud!
By Nanci Dixon
We are parked at a casino in a huge parking lot as we travel back to Arizona. They directed us to three different places, but said this would be the least noisy. Not so! While the lot is huge and away from the interstate, another RV pulled in right next to us. When I say pulled in right next to us, I mean like a parking space next to us! If I hadn’t put out safety triangles, we might not have been able to get out of our door! Continue reading.
Understanding Quartzsite’s long-term visitor areas: What to pay and what to expect
By Cheri Sicard
If you’re thinking about an extended stay in the snowbirding capital of the world—Quartzsite, Arizona—the Bureau of Land Management’s Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) are not only a budget-friendly choice, they’re, at least in my opinion, an essential part of the authentic Quartzsite RV experience. Here’s everything you should know about them.
Today’s RV review…
2026 Coachmen Apex Nano 183BH—A two-thumbs-up RV
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2026 Coachmen Apex Nano 183BH. This new floor plan is part of the company’s Apex Nano series, which means it’s a smaller trailer that’s also a bit narrower, appealing to some people who want something easier to tow. You might have guessed by the name of the trailer that this is a bunkhouse model, but there is so much packaged into this little rig that it’s absolutely worth a look.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- National parks losing $1 million a day in fees
- NOAA reveals winter forecast—Here’s what to expect
- Amazon Prime members get 25¢ off fuel, per gallon, every Friday
- Canadian snowbirds experience delays, changes at U.S. border
- Amazon hiring 250,000 seasonal workers across U.S. with opportunities for RVers
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
CAN YOU HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS? If you’re able, please consider donating to your local food bank this winter season. Whether you are able to donate money, food, or your time, everything helps. And if you are in need of food assistance, here is a list of food banks near you.
The best time to book RV sites for 2026 travel
By Emily Woodbury
For long-time RVers, securing the perfect campsite isn’t just about picking a date; it’s also about timing, strategy, and knowing how to navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of 2026 RV travel. With peak-season demand growing and digital tools evolving, even experienced road warriors need a smart approach. Here’s a look at the best time to book every type of campsite, and how.
Don’t ignore your propane regulator
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Hot water, a working stove, and heat make RV life comfortable, and propane makes it all possible. In travel trailers and fifth wheels, propane is stored under high pressure in cylinders, then reduced to a safe level by a low-maintenance—but important—propane regulator. Continue reading.
RVing proves to friends and family that it’s never too late to chase your dreams
By Sandi Sturm
I’m not sure my family ever really thought I was having a midlife crisis when we hit the road. It was expected, rather than something out of the norm. For you, though, it may be different. You may have worked at a job for 20-30 years, built a house, raised children, and bowled in the weekly league. But now you are telling everyone that you are selling the house and buying an RV. Of course, they think you’re having a midlife crisis!
Happy (almost) Halloween!
- How to keep your pets safe on Halloween
- Easy spooky RV Halloween decorations you can make
- Awesome, easy Halloween RV decorations, recipes, and more!
- 5 Halloween recipes—sweet, savory and spooky treats
Reader poll
How likely would you be to stay more than one night at a location with no internet access of any kind?
RV gadgets and gizmos
My new favorite power station: The Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is better than all the others
By Cheri Sicard
I have a new favorite power station! My previous favorite is no longer being made. My NEW favorite, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2, is even better, in lots of ways.
Ford’s new gadget is odd, but you’ll never lose your key fob again
By Gail Marsh
Ford’s new “Truckle” might just be the kind of clever gadget that actually makes RV life simpler. So, what is a Truckle? Well, in short, it’s a belt buckle for your key fob… Yes, that’s right. A key fob belt buckle! Check it out. (Would you buy one?)
You won’t believe this!
Could you live in 19 square feet? Tour the world’s smallest certified tiny house (with shower!)
By Cheri Sicard
Here, we join Levi Kelly of Levi Kelly Tours [755K subscribers, 136M views] for a tour of the world’s tiniest tiny house, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. The teeny tiny house on wheels measures just 19.46 square feet (1.8 square meters). It might be small, but it does not lack amenities, including a bed, a toilet, a shower, a kitchen, a heater, and an air conditioner. In other words, you could live in this tiny space if needed. See it to believe it!
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win the RevoClean drill scrub brush attachment set?
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 Chicken Fried Steak Day!
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Want a cleaner, safer dump station routine? Try this setup
- Taking care of RV batteries, high-tech style
- Half-ton trucks: What to know before you tow
- Adjusting your RV travels for medical needs
- Your RV’s entry steps are hiding clever storage space in plain sight
YOU CAN’T CALL YOURSELF A REAL FAN of RVtravel.com if you’re not signed up for our RV Daily Tips Newsletter! It’s one of the best newsletters in the entire galaxy! Read a few issues here, and if you like what you see, become a real fan and sign up!
Travel destinations
Avoid the crowds at Acadia National Park; visit and camp here instead
By Gail Marsh
I understand. You love Acadia’s rugged coastlines and granite lookouts, but want fewer crowds. Consider Maine’s “little Acadia,” Camden Hills State Park. Perching over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay is a perfect destination. Camden Hills State Park is a quieter, smaller version of that classic Maine experience. Camden Hills gives you the same “mountains-meet-the-sea” vibe without the Acadia traffic. It’s perfect for RVers.
Be in three states at once at Cumberland Gap’s Tri-State Peak
By Gail Marsh
You’ve probably heard about the “four corners” area. What about the “three corners” Tri-State Peak area? The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is an ideal stop or a relaxing multi-day trip in the Cumberland area. Tri-State Peak is a marked overlook inside Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The peak marks the place where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet. Learn more.
IT’S A FACT: All but the smallest RVs come fully furnished!
Brain teaser
There’s a red-eyed mummy among the others. Can you find it? Click the image to enlarge.
(Answer below.)
In the RV shop with Dustin
Furnace experts share inspection and maintenance tips for RVers
Regular furnace maintenance is crucial, especially before the colder months. In our video, we’ll talk about things we inspect such as key components, including burners, vents, and electrical connections. We’ll explain how to check for blockages, rust, or debris that could hinder airflow and efficiency. Continue reading and watch the inspection.
RV tire safety
What does ‘MAX’ inflation mean on tire; importance of 4-corner weights
This week tire expert Roger Marble discusses the significance of the “MAX” inflation listed on a tire sidewall. He also discusses the importance of obtaining 4-corner weights on travel trailers. Click here to read.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
Does Dawn dish soap keep RV black tanks clean? • How to safely store fuel in a portable container • My RV’s rubber roof has “gooey” spots. Can I fix it with RV Roof Magic? • Navigating the crossroads of trailer safety chain hookup • Should I cover my RV’s roof air conditioner during storage?
BUMPER SNICKER: “0-60 in 15 minutes!”
Video of the day
RV trash: Where and how to get rid of it
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, we join Sean and Kristy of the Long Long Honeymoon for a campfire discussion of dealing with trash while RVing. Certainly, most problems related to disposing of trash while RVing are going to affect boondockers. Otherwise, you can use receptacles at the RV park or campground where you are staying. But boondockers will need to come up with other plans, or else cart the trash home with them and dispose of it there. That’s where these tips come into play…
Readers’ pet of the day
“Tucker (3-month-old Australian Labradoodle) is getting ready to embark on his very first kayaking adventure at Summersville Lake, WV. After a few anxious moments, he did great, even swimming from kayak to kayak.” —Julie Smith
• 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
Can you guess what the first fast food chain was in the U.S? If you guessed McDonald’s, Burger King or Dairy Queen, you’re wrong. It was White Castle! Walt A. Anderson, who had been running food stalls around the country at the time, and his partner, Edgar “Billy” Ingram, opened the first White Castle location in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas.
FREE IS GOOD! Sweet Home Alabama official vacation guide. Heading to or through Alabama? Get this guide to help plan a great trip!
Sunday funny
A few Halloween jokes to make you giggle:
How do French skeletons say hello?
Bone-jour!
Why didn’t the ghost dance at the Halloween party?
She had noBODY to dance with!
What product do witches use on their hair?
Scare spray!
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Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
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
And finally… A spooky song from the past
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
So so cute so thanks for sharing
Happy Halloween, everybody. Be safe and watch out for the little ones.🎃
What is with ALL of the advertisements in the links?
Nobody ever said there wouldn’t be. The ad free version is only for the main newsletter on Saturday/Sunday issues….not any of the links.
I wish people could see how much food goes to waste here in a Grass Valley, California mobile home park. The “needy” people get more food than they can eat and give a lot of us. Then there’s one couple who can easily afford their food — and they go to the food bank regularly. As far as I’m concerned — there’s no lack of food around here. My impression is that food banks are a joke.
I agree. America has an obesity problem. I’ve known people who can afford plenty but shamelessly take advantage of free food, including my parents. Have never heard of anyone in the US starving unless on a hunger strike or mentally ill.
Thanks for sharing Tucker’s kayak adventure!