Subscribers RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, December 14, 2025

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1239
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.

Today’s thought 

“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” —Maya Angelou

FLOOD WATCH: Thanks to readers who have inquired about the safety of our Seattle-based staff during the current floods. We are all okay and should remain so during the coming week despite another round of heavy rains predicted to begin late tonight. 

RVtravel.com publisher Woodbury celebrating 50 years as on-the-road reporter

By Chuck Woodbury
I realized the other day that I took my first RV trip 50 years ago. I was 29. And now, just like that, a half century has passed. I’m not sure how I will celebrate my Golden Anniversary as a roving journalist, but unofficially it may have begun last week when our RVtravel.com contributor Tony Barthel learned of my milestone. He asked me to join him and his wife, Peggy, on their StressLess Camping podcast on YouTube to talk about it. Watch (or listen to) the interview here.

The poll results are in, and the biggest campground etiquette complaint is…

If you’ve used your RV this year, we bet you’ve had a moment or two when you looked out your window at a campground and thought, “Wait… Are those kids cutting across my site again?” You’re not alone. In a poll last week, we asked you about the biggest campground etiquette issue you ran into this year. Your answers painted a clear picture of what’s getting under RVers’ skin these days. Here’s what you had to say.

The five best flat-tow vehicles for 2025-2026

Flat towing is one of the easiest ways for motorhome owners to bring a second vehicle along on trips. When it is done with the right vehicle and the right gear, setup takes only a few minutes, storage is simple, and the towed vehicle tracks smoothly behind the RV. Here, we dive into what flat towing is, why so many RVers like it, and the five best flat-tow vehicles to consider for 2025–2026.

Today’s RV review…
2026 Keystone Cougar ‘Half-Ton’ 29RLP—a few nice things, a few big deal-breakers

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Keystone Cougar 29RLP travel trailer. This layout is common in fifth wheels, but it’s a travel trailer so you don’t have the steps inside. So, I describe this as a flat fifth wheel. There’s a lot right with this RV and floor plan, but also… there’s a lot wrong, too. Check it out. 

HERE’S AN IDEA: Be nice! Yeah, that’s it! Just be nice! It’s the holiday season, and many people around our country and our world are struggling. It’s totally free to be nice! Say good morning to those you pass. Give someone a wave. Buy someone a coffee. Tell someone you’re thinking about them. That’s it! Be nice!

Yesterday’s top news for RVers

• National Park Service announces 2026 fee-free entry days, changes who qualifies
• Marcus Lemonis steps down, as Camping World announces new CEO
• Grand Design’s fifth wheel frame flex problems addressed
• Starlink debuts mall vending machine selling discounted satellite dishes
• Starlink keeps RVers connected anywhere—Amazon Leo promises even more options

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

Do you know about Amazon’s secret tips for RVers?

By Gail Marsh
I do not live under a rock. So why am I just now learning about Amazon’s secret tips and tricks? What a lot of RVers don’t know is that Amazon quietly runs several programs on its site that can save cash, get you free or cheap samples, and even let you trade old gear for Amazon credit. Yep, it’s all true! 

Buying land: What’s better, an RV or a tiny house?

You’ve traveled the country, seen wonderful sights, and have memories to last five lifetimes. Lately, you’re thinking about buying a permanent pad in your favorite destination. If you decide on a permanent pad, should you choose an RV or a tiny home to live there? There’s no single right choice. There are, however, several important things to consider when making your decision between an RV and a tiny house.

How EVP systems work and why RVers should care about them

By Gail Marsh
You may think you’ve memorized the alphabet soup of important initials connected to RVing. You know all about FHU (full hookups), GVW (gross vehicle weight), and so much more. How about EVP? Huh? Whoa! Back that big rig up! I’d never heard about this set of letters, and I wondered, “What are EVP systems and why should RVers care about them?” Well, here’s how they work… 

Reader poll
Do you wave to fellow RVers on the road?

Respond here.

TAKE A GUESS: The majority of RVtravel.com readers say THIS is their favorite season for RVing? Is it summer, fall, winter, or spring? Find out here.

RV gadgets and gizmos
20 items to always keep in your vehicle for winter emergencies

Being prepared for winter emergencies is crucial for your safety. Here’s a list of 20 items to keep in your vehicle during the winter. (Note: Many of these items may prove useful in all seasons, not just winter.)  These are important! 

Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this adorable RV Christmas snow globe? 

We love this! It comes in two styles and colors, so we’ll ask you which one you like. 

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!

Travel destinations

Zion National Park’s new Discovery Center to open in 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park in 2026 (or beyond) there’s a new reason to consider the park’s less-visited east side. That’s because if work stays on schedule, the new Zion National Park Discovery Center should open in late 2026. Here’s what to expect.

California winter beach camping: 5 RV-friendly coastal spots

California’s coast is magical in the winter, offering dramatic skies, crashing waves, and peaceful solitude. If you’re an RVer looking to park near the surf, this guide highlights some of the best spots for California winter beach camping.

Brain teaser

One family wants to get through a tunnel. Dad can make it in 1 minute, mom in 2 minutes, son in 4 and daughter in 5 minutes. No more than 2 persons can go through the tunnel at one time, moving at the speed of the slower one. Can they all make it to the other side if they have a torch that lasts only 12 minutes and they are afraid of the dark?

(Answer below.)

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• See new sights and save with Groupon while RVing
• Tackling the never-ending RV maintenance checklist
• Tips for using five-gallon buckets for the RV and campsite
• 5 tips for successful holiday RV travel
• How to use your RV toilet even in winter

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! 

From the archives…
RVers ask: Our RV’s steps hurt our aching knees. What to do?

Paula and Larry S. wrote to us with a concern. They wrote, “What do people with bad knees or legs do for better entry steps? The ones that come with campers nowadays are much better, but our camper is 2008. We need steps closer together and with a better handrail now that we are well over 65. I am sure others do, too.” Continue reading.

Confuse-Us say: RV without toilet like meal without exit strategy.

In the RV shop with Dustin
It’s time to clean those dirty, yellowed or clouded headlights

If your pickup truck, tow vehicle, or motorhome has yellowed or clouded headlights, it is likely due to the plastic or acrylic components. This yellowing or clouding can occur over time due to exposure to UV rays, environmental factors, and general wear and tear. Cleaning your headlights is an important safety task.

RV tire safety
Inflating new RV tires: What you need to know

RVtravel.com and RV forums have many posts on the question of “How much pressure?” for tires. Also, there is much made of the adjustment of the cold pressures after fitting new tires. We tire design engineers know that new tires will “grow” and the tire can lose more than 5% of that initial inflation when first installed. Here is a recommendation from Roger Marble.

Ask Dave

This past week’s special series on Twelve Days of Christmas RV Tools:

First day: anemometer • Second day: infrared temperature sensor • Third day: water heater flush wand • Fourth day: Kill A Watt electricity usage monitor • Fifth day: magnetizer/demagnetizer • Sixth day: non-contact voltage tester

Video of the day
How to troubleshoot your RV water heater

Cold shower in the RV with the electric water heater “on” is never a good surprise. In this guide, certified mobile RV tech Emily from RV Repair Woman walks through how she tests a Dometic/Atwood electric water heater and finds the problem without guessing or throwing parts at it. It’s all broken down for you in the article, too.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Here’s Shorty (Border Collie, age 15) adventuring in the snow. Sadly, Shorty passed away last December, but he was the best dog ever! He loved to travel, hike, kayak, ride in his trailer behind my bicycle, and just be with me. Best little companion a gal could ever have.” —Donna Loenker

• 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.

Christmas tree factoid: A survey by the National Christmas Tree Association revealed that 21.58 million real Christmas trees were purchased in 2023. The average real Christmas tree buyer was 42 years old, lived in a household of more than 3 people and owned a home. Here’s where real farm-grown trees were purchased: Choose & Cut Farm: 25% • Chain Store: 21% • Nursery: 16% • Retail Lot: 15% • Non-Profit (Boy Scouts, churches, etc.): 13% • Online: 6% • Other: 4%

Trivia

On average, our night skies are getting brighter each year from increasing light pollution. In the United States, 80% of the population is no longer able to see the Milky Way.

Sunday funny

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

Read it here | Back issues

FREE IS GOOD! Free one-year digital subscription to Animal Wellness Magazine weekly newsletter. Includes unlimited access to pet health articles, blogs, and product recommendations. (No credit card required.)

Brain teaser answer:

First Mom and Dad – 2 minutes. Dad comes back – 3 minutes. Both children go to Mom – 8 minutes. Mom comes to Dad – 10 minutes and they both get to their children – 12 minutes.

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 song from the past

ABBA’s 1974 megahit “Waterloo.” It’s hard to listen to this without tapping your feet or jumping from your chair to dance!

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