America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1248
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Remember: You don’t need to receive an email alert from us to read our newsletters. Just click any time of day directly to www.RVtravel.com. The latest issues will be right there for you.
Today’s thought
“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” —Sir Richard Burton
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Gumdrop Day!
On this day in history: 1965 – The maple leaf is adopted as the flag of Canada, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign flag.
New to this newsletter? If so, you can read all of our previous issues from the most recent to all those back to 2016 — more than 1,000 of them altogether.
72 years of love: How one couple saved their marriage with 36,000 love letters
This good-news story is about how longtime RVtravel.com readers Joe and Helen Hesketh, from Bellevue, WA, saved their marriage with tenacity, commitment and more than 36,000 love letters. As they celebrate 72 years together, they share a very special tale of finding love again. This is one of our favorite love stories!
The things older RVs did better than newer RVs
Every RVer has heard some version of it at the campground, and here at RVtravel.com, we hear your comments every. single. week.: “They just don’t build ’em like they used to.” Sometimes that’s nostalgia talking, but most often it’s a very real reaction to how RV design has changed—especially over the last 20+ years. The truth is, “older vs. newer” isn’t a simple quality contest. It’s more like a trade… Continue reading.
The most important points to consider when buying an RV lot
Have you ever considered buying an RV lot for when you’re not on the road? The team from Nomadic RV Living produced an invaluable video as a comprehensive resource of the things you need to examine and consider before making a major purchase like this. Cheri summarizes their video here, too. Read or watch.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
Roadside Journal
By Chuck Woodbury
Our founder and publisher muses about whatever is on his mind as he has done for more than 35 years!
THIS WEEK:
• Only a fool would believe these ads.
• Part one: I have fallen in love with a dead woman.
• Part two: Bringing my fantasy woman to life. ♦♦Guaranteed to amaze you!♦♦
Today’s RV review…
2026 Keystone Cougar Sport 2700BH—Lots o’ sleep space
Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Keystone Cougar Sport 2700BH. What we’re looking at is one of the more affordable fifth wheel offerings in Keystone’s Cougar line. It has a triple-decker bunk in the back that is capable of sleeping six. This trailer has a lot to offer at a really fair price, with a couple of exceptions and a couple of fails on Keystone’s part… Continue reading.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Nevada boondocking area reopens after long closure from camper abuse
- A leadership change at Tiffin raises questions for luxury RV buyers
- Truck weigh station changes could benefit RVers
- Survey finds most RV owners happy with build quality
- Quartzsite’s secret weapon? It’s affordable, unconventional, and proud of it
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
BE MY VALENTINE, MR. TARANTULA…
Of the many curious Valentine’s Day stories, that of the male tarantula is most tragic. A male may travel for up to three months before finding a mate. To attract her, he will tap his legs on the ground to vibrate the soil. If the dance pleases her, a blissful union is consummated. Alas, the female may desire more from her mate than enduring love. Instead, she might eat him.
Even more easy DIY RV tips from smart RVers, part two
By Gail Marsh
What’s better than helpful tips? Helpful tips from actual RVers! Here is the “second edition” of an article I wrote last summer. Thanks to RVers who not only solved problems with their rigs but also took the time to share their tips with the rest of us! Boy, RVers sure are clever!
When it’s not OK to use cruise control
Everyone’s heard the story of the man driving his motorhome down a long, lonesome highway. Feeling a “call of nature,” the story goes, he sets the cruise control, climbs from behind the wheel, and heads to the bathroom. It’s a silly tale, but one with a moral: There are times when you should not use cruise control. One way may not be what you think.
The six critical photos you need to keep on your phone
What is it that most of us carry no matter where we go? Our smartphones! Where we go, it goes. And for that reason, it’s important that we always keep six critical pieces of information in the form of photos on our phones. Find out what they are.
Tony’s tips
Why your RV questions aren’t getting good answers
How do you get great answers to your RVing questions on social media? Sometimes a question only leads to more questions, not good information. In fact, some of the advice on social media could be downright dangerous. Here’s how to get the best answers to your RV questions.
Reader poll
Do you think popular campgrounds should limit stay length?
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this exceptionally cool soap?
This Scotch-scented soap is so exceptionally trendy that you may never want to take it from its box! But if you wash with it, you may find that every scotch drinker who passes by will give you an extra long look.
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. Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Travel destinations
The top 8 day trips from Quartzsite
Every winter, hordes of RVers descend on Quartzsite, Arizona, to camp free on public lands. Here, we join Jamie and Linda from Roaming with Rosie, who put together a video compilation of the best day trips from the boondocking capital.
An RVers’ guide to New Orleans
By Gail Marsh
We’ve wanted to visit New Orleans, but felt overwhelmed to do so. Fortunately, it’s possible to see the city, sample its cuisine, enjoy the music, and experience its unique spirit—all in one trip. Here’s how, and where you can camp near the city.
VERY INTERESTING… If you’d like to get a real sense of the type of people who build RVs in factories, this public Facebook group will provide many insights, as the workers talk (and often complain) among themselves.
Remember this?
From the archives: Jaw-dropping super-rare 1970s Camelot Cruiser RV
This super-rare, one of only three, vintage 1970s Camelot Cruiser RV is like a perfectly preserved time capsule of the swinging ’70s in ALL its avocado green shag carpet glory. One hundred percent original, this motorhome was said to have remained in long-term storage before being acquired by the selling dealer in November 2022. Ya gotta see it!
Brain teaser
Find a number less than 100 that is increased by one-fifth of its value when its digits are reversed.
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Some of our most popular tips for RVers… ever!
- A simple trick to get more heat from your electric fireplace
- Defrost your vehicle’s windshield in half the time with these tricks
- An RV tech’s 7 tips to diagnose RV furnace vibration
- Tips to maximize storage: Think outside the box (RV)
IF YOU’RE NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER… Well, why not? That’s just blasphemous! It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter for good reason! Sign up here (pretty please?).
Quick tip
A big-trash-bin alternative
“I was struggling with keeping a trash receptacle in our motorhome…. I searched Amazon and found this Glad Roomate Undercounter Waste Bin, reasonably priced at $18.19, in which regular plastic grocery bags fit perfectly. The lid opens two ways and can either clip to a door or drawer or be mounted with an adhesive strip. We both love the trash bin; it’s made our life in the RV much better.” Thanks for the tip, Chris (and Keri)!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Performing RV suspension hanger and bushing inspections
Your RV’s suspension system plays a critical role in safety, handling and tire life. Suspension hangers, shackles, bolts and bushings carry the full load of your RV while traveling, and when these components wear or fail, the results can be costly—and dangerous.
RV tire safety
Does your TPMS sometimes lose the signal? Here’s what to do
By Roger Marble
I occasionally see posts from people complaining that their tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) does not always provide a reading from the tires. While there are a number of reasons, I believe the most likely is that… Continue reading.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
What is ‘burping’ an RV? Do I need to do this? • RV engine battery goes dead periodically. What is best booster? • OK to leave RV water heater on when plugged into 120-volt power? • Why does RV furnace light on second attempt but not first? • Is a battery tender necessary when RV is not being used?
RV gadgets and gizmos
Small gadgets for RVers with big wins
By Gail Marsh
Sometimes the smallest items make the biggest difference. Check out these three gadget helpers I’m liking right now that make RV life easier and help keep you more organized.
BUMPER SNICKER: “If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.”
Video of the day
DIY ‘chuck box’—The ultimate off-grid cooking kit
From morning coffee to toasted burritos, Jon Moore’s favorite camp upgrade isn’t a new pan or a fancy stove; it’s a portable camping kitchen that keeps everything in one place. He calls it a chuck box, a nod to old chuckwagons, and the idea is simple: a place for everything, and everything in its place. Check it out!
For Lovers Only
TO: Heather
FROM: Mike
“Valentine’s Day is special, like every day I am with you. On July 7th we will celebrate being married 42 years, the best years of my life. You have always been my best friend, and I cherish every day. We have many wonderful memories together, traveling, and watching our kids grow into wonderful adults, and watching them be great parents. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel grateful for you and everything we have and have accomplished together. You mean so much to me. I love you very much and am so happy we found each other. You make me smile. 🙂 You have been the best mom and grandma (GiGi) that anyone can ask for. You are a wonderful woman whom I grow fonder of every day. I love you so much, you are my best friend. Thank you for being with me. Much love.”
This is our final entry in our For Lovers Only series. In case you missed some of our readers’ romantic wishes, you’ll find them here. Thank you to all who contributed—we have loved reading your love notes and stories!
Live webcam
New Orleans, Bourbon Street
Readers’ pets of the day
“We have three RV travelers we call the Three Stooges: Bailey, Teddy & Biggie (ages 14, 6, and 2). All three of them love to travel and do nothing but sleep while we’re driving. They all think they are very large dogs in spirit, but all three are just big babies.” —Gary Winkler
• 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 pet more than once.
Trivia
President James Garfield could write in Latin and Greek at the same time, one with each hand. While not common, it is possible, sometimes described as a form of “split-brain” capability.
Sunday funny
And this, folks, is what you call brilliant marketing!
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
45 (1/5 of 45 = 9, 9 + 45 = 54)
FREE IS GOOD! Get a free official State of Alaska vacation planner, including destinations, things to do, and much more to inspire you as you plan your trip.
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.
Bailey, Teddy & Biggie are adorable. I bet the little dogs with big dog attitudes keep you hopping. May you have many more travel adventures with “the three Stooges.”
Wonderful article, Chuck! Technology leads us down some amazing roads!
Did you happen to notice the date on the giveaway today?
Don’t know if it’s my iPad but two of your articles would not come up. Said “ This is embarrassing. Not found on server.” The two were about the fantasy woman and things older rvs did better.
New Orleans article for me.
RE: Purchasing RV Lot. At least one more consideration – meet your neighbor(s) before deciding. We wound up with a demented gentleman who made us miserable with his antics; one particularly egregious act was disconnecting the hose from our propane tank. Residents told us he had a “crush” on the prior owner and blamed us for her departure. Another lady in the same park had a neighbor who threw depleted double AA batteries at her lot and her car. This isn’t typical of course, however, after a cordial chat with your neighbor or other residents in the same development, if you have any doubts, it’d be wise to avoid purchase. HOAs are not authorized to intervene in such situations.
Wow, I am really happy that I’m not a tarantula!