America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1258
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.” —Albert Einstein
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pretzel Day!
On this day in history: 1956 – SS Ideal X, the world’s first successful container ship, leaves Port Newark, New Jersey, for Houston, Texas.
Why your RV keeps breaking—and what repair techs say most owners get wrong
If you’ve spent any time around RVers, you’ve heard it or said it yourself: “These things just aren’t built like they used to be.” There’s truth in that. But talk to the folks who actually crawl under, climb on, and fix RVs every day, and you’ll hear something a little different. Many of the most common RV repair problems don’t start with a catastrophic failure. They start small. And they often start with things owners didn’t know—or didn’t think mattered. Continue reading.
Yes, RVing really does make your brain stronger
Say what?! It’s true. Exploring new places and trying new things can improve your mental well-being, strengthen your brain, and help you feel more fulfilled in everyday life. RVing fits that criteria! It can build brain strength. Who knew? Science shows that stepping outside your routine is one of the healthiest things you can do. Continue reading.
Can RVers buy in bulk? While in an RV? Really?
By Gail Marsh
We know that buying in bulk can save money, and saving money is on everyone’s mind. But how do RVers buy in bulk? We barely have enough space for the things we pick up at a convenience store. Where would we ever put a giant package of paper towels? Or family-size pack of chicken? Is buying in bulk even an option while living inside an RV? The answer is yes! And here’s how to do it successfully!
Today’s RV review…
2026 inTech Black Wing 826-X—Built how I’d build an RV
Today’s RV review is of the 2027 inTech Black Wing 826-X toy hauler. This is a no-slide wide-body toy hauler built by inTech, a company that definitely builds things very differently than is the norm in the RV space. What really stands out to me is how closely it resembles something I’ve often imagined building myself—a custom trailer based on a cargo hauler. Of all the production models I’ve seen, this might be the closest to that vision.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Two RV parts giants may merge—and RVers could pay the price
- Gas prices may have peaked, but RVers shouldn’t expect relief anytime soon
- Grand Design rolls out a ‘worry-free’ RV roof, promises fewer leaks
- Starlink satellites are becoming a problem in space
- California announces major expansion of its State Parks system
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: What does a Lippert-Patrick merger mean for RVers?
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Why your RV’s A/C is most likely to fail this summer
The weather is warming up, and air conditioners are a popular topic here on RVtravel.com right now. There’s a new A/C on the market, and we recently just told you why we love SoftStartRV™ so much. So, today, we want to remind you why this could be the summer your RV’s A/C fails… If you’ve spent any time RVing in the heat, you already know which appliance gets pushed the hardest. Yep, it’s your A/C.
A cheap slideout trick that can keep leaves and debris out of your RV
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Slideouts make an RV feel bigger, but they also create one more place for leaves, pine needles, dust, and other campground debris to collect. If you retract the room without checking the top first, all that mess can wind up where you do not want it—inside your rig. Years ago, Jim Twamley shared a simple fix on RVtravel.com, and we’d like to add to it…
The last 1914 Ford Model T Caravan—Is it the oldest surviving motorhome?
Check out this 1914 Ford Model T Caravan! It may just be the oldest surviving motorhome in the world! While the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company produced one of the first motorhomes in 1910, none are known to have survived. This 1914 Caravan falls between the Pierce Arrow and the 1915 Gypsy Caravans. This is so cool!
HA… HA…: If you ever get locked out of your RV, you must talk to the lock calmly. Communication is key!!!
Tony’s tips
Boondocking—Yes, you can do it no matter your setup
Here on RVtravel.com, we have reported a lot on how crowded some campgrounds are getting, and it’s true. Like many things, they’re also becoming increasingly expensive. Also, being in a place where you could hand a cup of sugar from your window to your neighbor’s really doesn’t appeal to me much. Boondocking is less challenging than many people assume, so let’s start at the beginning.
Reader poll (and article)
What do YOU do when a fellow RVer breaks campground rules?
RV camping works best when everybody acts like a good neighbor. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. Common troublemakers include barking dogs, loud music, talking loudly after quiet hours, and unsupervised kids. Then there are generators humming late, people cutting through occupied sites, and speeding through the campground. Continue reading, then respond here.
POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK
- Have you taken an ancestry DNA test like 23andMe or AncestryDNA?
- Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?
- Have you ever taken a scenic helicopter ride?
- Which do you most often prefer: a well-lighted campground or a dark one?
- If there were a permanent moon base, would you spend a week there if invited?
Where is this?
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this Blackstone griddle cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Show-Stopping Recipes on Your Outdoor Gas Griddle
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
Visit the nation’s only fake national park
California has many wonderful national parks, but did you know that California is home to the only fake national park in the country? It’s true! Bixby Knolls “National Park” is located at the corner of Roosevelt Road and Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach, CA. Here’s more about it.
Ludington, MI: The perfect RV base for beaches, history, and more
By Gail Marsh
Ludington, Michigan, is a great Midwest destination. It sits right on Lake Michigan and has the kind of lakefront setup we love. You’ll find easy beach access, a walkable downtown, and plenty of outdoor scenery close by. Read on to learn more.
Brain teaser
Sometimes I am born in silence. Other times, no. I am unseen, but I make my presence known. In time, I fade without a trace. I harm no one, but I am unpopular with all. What am I?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- CPAP placement tips for RVers
- The best quick and easy “life hacks” for RVers
- Detailed tips on how to plan for an RV trip when you’re not a planner
- Which do you most often prefer: a well-lighted campground or a dark one?
- How to fix drill batteries that won’t charge
RV gadgets and gizmos
The cheapest Harbor Freight hitch cargo carrier put to the test
Cheap gear usually comes with a catch. In this case, the surprise is that the cheapest hitch cargo carrier that Tristan of SUV Camping could find held up far better than expected. After two months, 3,000 miles, wet weather, and off-road use, this $60 Harbor Freight rack proved to be more than a throwaway buy.
In the RV shop with Dustin
What you need to do to protect the exterior body of your RV
Maintaining the exterior body of your RV is essential to keep it looking good and protect it from the elements. Here are some tips, as well as my favorite products for RV exterior body maintenance.
RV tire safety
“Cold inflation pressure”: A clarification of tire terms
By Roger Marble
Proper tire inflation is obviously a critical safety item. Here are definitions of the terms I am using when discussing tire inflation.
REMINDER: This is peak tire-blowout prep season! As temperatures rise, so do tire failures. Right now is the smart time for you to check tire age, pressure, and sidewall cracking before summer travel begins.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
RV dealership repair misdiagnosis. Who can you trust? • Why different microfiber cloth colors? Can you launder them like normal towels? • Is Top Tier gasoline really necessary? • Switching to 600Ah lithium batteries. Is 200W solar panel sufficient? • Does it matter what color engine antifreeze I use?
PHOTO ANSWER: The “Subway to Nowhere” is in Goldfield, Nevada, a once-booming gold mining town.
Video of the day
How to make yummy campfire Dutch oven nachos
Join Amanda Outside in the video at the bottom of this post as she uses a cast iron Dutch oven and a campfire to make some yummy nachos your entire crowd is going to LOVE! This is a super-easy recipe to try your hand at campfire Dutch oven cooking. You will need… Continue reading and watch the video.
Live cam
Stork nest (or “storchennest”) in Germany
Readers’ pet of the day
“Tanc (Bernese Mountain Dog, age 2.5) loves, loves going for walks with us. Always prefers cold temps. Fall at Beaver Lake, Arkansas.” —Mina Neuburger
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
In January, 1935, Krueger Brewing Company debuted 2,000 cans of beer. But sales of beer in a can were poor: Drinkers were skeptical of metal containers. But soon, major brewers followed. During World War II, cans of beer were shipped to U.S. troops. When they came home, they preferred canned beer. Aluminum flip-top cans arrived in 1960. By 1969 cans outsold bottles in the U.S.
FREE IS GOOD! Complete guide to New Jersey’s RV parks and campgrounds for 2026, plus lots of activities celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and the FIFA World Cup 26. By mail or online.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
A fart. (Sorry.)
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.
Learn current road conditions in every state: This is a very handy resource.
And finally… A song from the past
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Love the live webcam of the stork’s nest in Germany!
Tanc – you look like a perfect campground companion to walk the grounds. I hope you make lots of memories with your folks! Don
The 69 year old kid in me still gets a kick out of fart jokes! I know, I know, grow up🥴
Never too old for a good fart joke.
🤣✌️
If only my dog could talk. She would say “will you stop blaming me.”
Loved the surfer sounds of the early 1960s! Brings back some great memories.
Interesting little tidbit on U.S. Army and beer regulations. U.S. Army regulations said Troops could not be sold any beer that was greater than 3.2% alcohol. The other side of the story, they declared all beer sold or delivered to Troops was 3.2%, regardless of actual content.