America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1242
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.” —Zig Ziglar
Is a 3D-manufactured RV in your future?
Does a 3D-manufactured RV sound like science fiction? Well, think again. In fact, that “science fiction” could be this week, even tomorrow. Today, parts and even shells of entire RVs are already constructed using 3D manufacturing. But we’re talking about entirely 3D-printed RVs. Continue reading.
The best New Year’s resolution tips for RVers
By Gail Marsh
I rarely make New Year’s resolutions, but 2026 might be different. Some RV duties are more challenging now than when we were younger. To keep RVing, we need some workarounds that can address common stress points. This year, a few resolutions could enhance our RV travels, so here are some I’m considering.
The easiest way to find a quality campground or RV park nearby
You’re rolling down the road, daylight is fading, and you realize it’s time to answer the big question every one of us eventually faces: Where are we sleeping tonight? If you’re an RVer who doesn’t like planning far in advance, or if you experience a last-minute change of plans, read on… This might just change the way you find campgrounds and RV parks.
Today’s RV review…
RV review: 2026 Alliance Delta Solo RB152—a nice package
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is another debut: the 2026 Alliance Delta Solo RB152 travel trailer. This is the smallest RV that Alliance makes in the form of a single-axle, no-slide trailer. In fact, this is the same layout as the first new trailer I bought, a Rockwood Mini Lite 1905s, and Alliance has done some things I wish I had had on my own trailer. But there are also some things I liked better in that trailer. What are those? Find out here.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Why staffing shortages in national parks are changing the visitor experience
- Motorhome carrying 15 overturns in Florida, raising safety questions
- Why motorhome rollovers are so dangerous—and why seatbelts really matter
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Fact or fiction: Are all RV keys really the same?
RV owners hear the same line all the time: Every camper uses the same key. It sounds scary, and it keeps forums and Facebook groups spinning. Here, a certified RV technician breaks this down in detail and shows what is true, what is half-true, and what really matters for RV security. You’ll learn something here.
Before you trust A.I. to help buy an RV, here’s what to know
Artificial intelligence is starting to play a bigger role in how RVs are bought and sold. AI in RV shopping is being pitched as a way to reduce confusion, speed up research, and make the buying process smoother. That may be true—but before RVers trust new technology to guide a major purchase, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s changing and who benefits most.
Antique shopping while RVing? Yes, you can!
By Gail Marsh
I’ve always enjoyed antique shopping. My husband loves it even more when we’re RVing. Why? The confined space in our RV prevents us from buying large or bulky pieces. They simply won’t fit. Antiquing while RVing mixes the thrill of the hunt with scenic detours. It sparks my curiosity when I happen upon unrecognizable objects. Continue reading.
THE MORE YOU KNOW: From the book, Word and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickson: company. “A business company, in the strictest sense of the word, is a group of people who sit down and share bread together. For company derives from the Latin con ‘together,’ and panin, ‘bread.’ The idea is that a company consists of friends so close that they sit at the same table sharing any bread they have.”
What about you?
What do you wish for in 2026?
What is your wish for the world or for yourself or family in 2026? It could be one thing that applies to many (think: peace, kindness, a little more patience), or it could be something personal you’re hoping for—for yourself, your family, or even your travels this year. As we turn the page on a new year, it feels like a good moment to pause and name what we’re hoping for, big or small. Please share your wish(es) here.
Just for fun
Take a walk around the world… from your chair!
By Emily Woodbury
Ah, my YouTube algorithm knows me so well—walking, traveling, discovering new places—except I’m currently sitting at my desk. So how can I be walking and exploring the world while sitting at a desk? With the YouTube channel @Tourister! This amazing channel offers real-time virtual walking tours from cities and landscapes around the world, all filmed in gorgeous 4K HDR quality that makes you feel like you’re actually there. Check this out!
Reader poll
Do you make your RV’s bed every day?
TAKE A GUESS: Do RVtravel.com readers prefer a real wood campfire or a propane firepit? Find out here.
From the archives…
5 ways around the RV 10-year rule
This article was a big hit when it was published in January 2024, and the advice still holds true. While we can all understand the sentiment behind the rule is to keep out junker RVs, it remains unpopular because there are many, many well-kept RVs that are older than 10 years. Continue reading.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win a dash cam for your car or RV?
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
Small, historic U.S. train depots worth a visit
If you love tiny-town charm, roadside history, and easy pull-through parking for an RV, historic train depots can make the perfect stops. These national treasures are often free (or donation-based) museums. Small town depots frequently host local rail-themed festivals that are a hoot to visit. Here are a few favorites.
RVer health
Blood stem cell mutations may protect against Alzheimer’s disease
RVtravel.com readers are mostly in their 60s and older. Because of their “senior” status, issues relating to Alzheimer’s disease may be of special interest. We therefore present this information that comes to us from the Baylor College of Medicine. A recent study has found that specific mutations in blood stem cells may lower the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more.
Brain teaser
How can 8 + 8 = 4?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- RV battery comparison made simple: Factors to consider
- Know your plugs: 50A vs. 30A RV hookups—When 50-30 doesn’t equal 20!
- A quick, easy trick to keep your sewer hose clean
- Tips from a pro: How to digitize your family photo albums
OUR TOP 10 TIPS IN 2025: Click here to see which tips you read and loved the most!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Light up your RV steps and stay safe after dark
One of our favorite simple AND affordable RV upgrades: Magnetic solar step lights. These lights auto-activate at dusk, giving your entry steps a clean, illuminated glow, and more importantly, helping prevent slips, missteps, and nighttime injuries. These are the ones I recommend.
RV tire safety
Happy New Year! Tire safety is a good start for the New Year
Tire expert Roger Marble discusses this post he saw last year, and why the information contained in it concerned him very much: “Choosing Safe Tire Replacements for my RV: Bridgestone vs. Firestone vs. Goodyear”. Read about Roger’s concern and some safety tips here.
FACTOID: Men grow beards because testosterone activates facial hair follicles that are genetically programmed to respond; women usually don’t because their hormone levels and follicle sensitivity are much lower.
Live webcam:
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a small, former railroad town in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. Years ago, it came upon hard times. Local business leaders came together and decided to turn their ailing community into a realistic Bavarian village. Using only private funds, they did just that. Today, the town is booming thanks to millions of tourists who visit every year. Many campgrounds, public and private, are close by. [Note: There’s not as much tourist activity in the town as usual because of the ongoing closure of parts of Hwy. 2 to the west of Leavenworth, due to road washouts and mudslides after three recent atmospheric rivers pummeled the area.)
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
What is best to keep hair from clogging RV’s shower drain? • My RV floor is creaking and getting worse. Is it an easy fix? • Looking to upgrade to newer Tiffin. What is the markup? • RV’s theater seat ‘leather’ is peeling. Why, and what are my options to replace? • What is the best backup camera when towing a travel trailer?
Today is National Spaghetti Day! Here are some recipes you can make to celebrate.
RV gadgets and gizmos
KeySmart puts bulky keys into single fold-up device
The KeySmart Pro is a compact, Swiss-style key organizer designed to turn a noisy, bulky keyring into a single, streamlined fold-up device—perfect for everyday carry and especially useful for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. This is handy!
Video of the day
Check out this amazing Class C mobile RV garden!
Robin Barrett from Creativity RV did something a lot of RVers, especially full-timers, only dream about. She created an RV garden in her Class C motorhome that actually produces flowers, food, and culinary herbs even while she’s traveling down the road. Check it out.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bobby, my 17-year-old ‘Cairn Terrorist’, does not like to get wet, but he loves to be paddled around lakes when we camp.” —Cindy Sloan
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 think of a widely used product whose name is an anagram of its function? It’s Spandex! The stretchy synthetic material was named because of what it does: expands. Spandex is an anagram, a shuffling of letters of “expands.”
Sunday funny
In 1987, Myrtle Young appeared as a guest on “The Tonight Show.” She brought along her cherished collection of more than 200 uniquely shaped potato chips, collected from her work as a potato chip inspector. Chips resembled Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield, animals and other curiosities. Little did she know that Johnny Carson had hidden some normal potato chips by his desk. When Young turned briefly to talk to Ed McMahon, Carson quickly grabbed one of his chips and crunched loudly into it—as if it were one of Young’s. She grimaced in sheer horror! TV Guide later named her appearance as the funniest moment ever on television. Watch the video below.
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
When you think in terms of time. 8 a.m. (or 8 p.m.) + 8 hours = 4 o’clock.
FREE IS GOOD! Receive a free beautiful 2026 Catholic Art Wall Calendar from Heart of the Nation.
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
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
That state-of-the-art motorhome from 1910 looks like it was modeled after a Swiss chalet. It has flower boxes and a cute little window in the gable end. I would love to see what the inside looked like. Thanks for sharing a piece of RV history.
Thanks for the train depot article. I’ve now added Northwest Railway Museum to our want to go list of places to go. Another fun railroad activity is to ride the rails on a cart. Joseph Branch Railriders is in the Blue Mountains near us in Oregon. https://jbrailriders.com/
Good way to keep the black tank clean is one simple rule. Walk to the campground bathroom for number 2. It also makes the dump station visit much less unpleasant.
Can’t argue Larry – but you must have the constitution of no more than a 30 year-old! Most of the older camping folks I know have self-contained rigs for the simple reason that it is too far to the park’s toilets in the middle of the night.
I don’t have to watch the Johnny Carson video because I was watching that night. And yes, it was the funniest moment on TV. Right behind Suzanne Pleshette saying, “Bob- are you ok?” And him saying, “Yeah. I just had the funniest dream…” Years ago, and we still talk about it.
“8 a.m. (or 8 p.m.) + 8 hours = 4 o’clock.” You will never find 4 o’clock at the airport; there will be only “16:00 hrs”
Pretty lame and stupid Brain Teaser in my opinion regardless of how time is displayed.
8+8=16 slide the 16 under a square root sign. square root of 16=4
makes about as much sense as the clock to me.
Bobby is a natural Furry Sailor 🥰🐶
Thanks for the video of Stevie Wonder and Superstition. Great tune, performance, and trip down memory lane.
So nice to see Bobby traveling at 17.
keep on paddling and camping.
Vintage Postcard. I think I have seen that RV somewhere.
Thank you for sharing your sweet picture of Bobbie, Cindy! I hope that you have many more traveling adventures together. Thank you, Emily and Diane, for the Johnny Carson clip and the Stevie Wonder clip. I enjoyed both, but had to do a double-take when I saw the 1974 clip described as “the past,” implying DISTANT past. But, upon reflection, I realized that 50+ years ago would be considered by most in that way. Have a great day and safe travels!