America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1259
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you.” —William Least Heat-Moon
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Montana Day!
On this day in history: 1802 – Washington, D.C., is incorporated as a city after Congress abolishes the Board of Commissioners, the District’s founding government. The “City of Washington” is given a mayor-council form of government.
Senior RVing: Why I am not giving up RV life at 74
By Cheri Sicard
At 74, John’s biggest fear about RV life isn’t a breakdown, bad weather or money. It’s the day he might be told he’s done, and has to give up the road for good. Perhaps you feel the same. For John, full-time RV living for older persons isn’t only about travel. It’s about staying part of life for as long as he can. Continue reading.
RV air suspension (airbag) systems don’t last forever. Check yours before it’s too late
If you have a diesel pusher, Class A, or even a Class C with air-assist suspension, part of what makes your ride smooth is something you almost never see: your air ride system. And that’s exactly the problem. It’s out of sight, so it’s easy to ignore until something feels off. By then, you may already be dealing with worn components, air leaks, or a suspension system that’s no longer doing its job safely. Learn more.
Reader says you’ve been shopping for gas all wrong, shares money-saving tip
Earlier this week, reader Karen M. sent us this letter. Right now, we (and we know you, too) are doing everything we can to save money on gas, so we thought this would be a much-appreciated note. Thank you, Karen!
Today’s RV review…
2026 Grand Design Reflection 342BHTS—hmmm…
Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Grand Design Reflection 342BHTS. I specifically sought out this unit after reading Russ and Tiña De Maris’ article about the “worry-free” features in new Grand Design offerings; however, this doesn’t have that. This has one feature that, to me, is quite troubling and a few things that are head-scratchers. Let’s dive into it.
THE MORE YOU KNOW… The first commercial color television broadcast in the United States aired on June 25, 1951, on CBS. The one-hour variety show, titled Premiere, was broadcast from New York City to four other East Coast cities (Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.).
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Gas prices jump nearly 30 cents in a week
- Higher gas prices could affect next year’s Social Security COLA
- Could AI become the next tool in an RVer’s repair kit?
- Starlink’s growing pains could matter to RVers more than anyone
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Gas isn’t all gas, RV sales are down, government takes interest in big industry merger
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Hard water can slowly damage your RV, but here’s what helps
Hard water problems in an RV often start small. At first, you barely notice it. A few months later, the shower head sputters, the faucets develop a chalky crust, and the water heater does not work like it used to. Many RVers blame low water pressure or aging plumbing when hard water buildup may actually be the cause.
The art of cowboy communication; the Western spirit lives on
By Gail Marsh
I love learning about regional traditions as we travel around the country in our RV. Recently, I saw a boot hanging upside down over a fencepost in Nebraska. When we stopped for lunch at the local mom-and-pop eatery, I asked about the boot on the fencepost. I discovered that this tradition has deep roots in the past and several different explanations in the present.
Smart tips for RVers who drink wine
Many RVers love bringing along a few favorite wines. Traveling with wine in an RV isn’t as simple as tossing bottles into a cabinet and hitting the road. Between vibration, temperature swings, and limited storage, there are a few challenges that can affect both taste and the safety of the bottles.
BE SAFE! In 2024, 3,208 people were killed and more than 315,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving comes in many forms: adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. Texting is the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines visual, manual and cognitive distraction. Drivers should appoint a passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
Tony’s tips
Your RV is trying to tell you something—and it could save you money
Did you know your RV can talk? No, seriously. And what it’s saying is how to speak to your RV repair technician to help you save money—sometimes a lot! One way you can avoid a rip-off or help your RV technician is to familiarize yourself with the sounds of various RV systems when they’re working properly. Continue reading.
READER TESTIMONIAL: (In response to an important article we ran on Friday about hot skin condition.) “RV hot skin shared—I witnessed this in a small campground, 30 spots, in Mexico. We were all doing fine until a newly manufactured RV showed up, plugged in, and gave everybody hot skin. Luckily, I recognized what was happening and found the problem within the new arrival. I give credit to this newsletter for the knowledge.” —Richard
Reader poll (and article)
What do you look for FIRST when choosing an RV park?
Every RVer seems to shop for a campground a little differently. Some people go straight to the nightly rate. Some want the best hookups and easiest site access, and others will not book until they have read a stack of reviews. Continue reading and cast your vote here.
POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK
- Would you say that you are addicted to your cell phone?
- In what season(s) of the year do you most often RV?
- When washing your hands, do you wet your hands first or apply soap first?
- What would you prefer: a great steak or great piece of seafood?
- Have you ever stayed overnight in a Cabela’s parking lot with your RV?
RVtravel.com gets around!
Our readers are all over the World. 90 percent are in the USA, but here are the next nine countries where we have avid readers. In order, they’re: Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Germany, Ireland, France, and the Netherlands. How ’bout that?
Our amazing readers
RVtravel.com readers reveal the special times in their lives
By Chuck Woodbury
Awhile back, I asked you to write me about some of your special life moments or accomplishments of which few, if anybody you know, were aware. Here are your stories with recent additions. Keep ’em coming. Don’t be shy!
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this Budweiser BBQ Sauce Variety Pack? (Yum!)
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
Wacky, weird UFO sites to visit in the U.S.
By Gail Marsh
As of November 2024, the Pentagon has analyzed 1,652 reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). Of those, 757 were recorded between May 2023 and June 2024, with 21 still classified as unexplained. Even if you’re not a UFO enthusiast, this is certainly intriguing. It reminds me of the fascinating places you can visit and learn more about UFOs right here in the USA.
The real “mother” of the Mother Road
U.S. Route 66 is the road Americans call the Mother Road. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Mother Road, and the fact that 2026 is its big Centennial Celebration. But did you know the Mother Road actually had a “mother”? Read on to learn all about her.
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
Remember this?
From the archives: Video: American life in 1957. How things have changed!
This fascinating seven-minute video shows what life was like in America 69 years ago, at least in white, suburban America. To many middle-class Americans back then, it was the best of times, filled with hope and promise. Give it a watch.
Brain teaser
What starts with a P, ends with an E and has thousands of letters?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- RV hitch failure raises question: When did you last inspect yours?
- Water gadgets you need for your RV
- I replumbed my RV sink with flex pipe. Genius or totally unhinged?
- A hydroplaning safety guide for RVers
- Deadly ‘RV hot-skin condition’ can spread from your neighbor’s RV
If you’re not subscribed to our RV Daily Tips newsletter, boy, are you missing out! It’s informational, educational, and very entertaining. Our readers love it! Learn more or sign up here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RVer baffled by chipping paint on her RV
This was posted in one of my Facebook groups. Lizzie asked: “What is causing the paint chip pops and the touch-ups to re-pop? It goes on one side from the top to the bottom, the back right side, and above the storage covers.” Here’s Dustin’s answer.
RV tire safety
Should you be concerned with a tire sidewall “bump”?
In this post, tire expert Roger Marble discusses the difference between a tire sidewall bump and a depression, and what might be covered under a warranty. Read it here.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
Can I use a 2-prong plug in a 3-prong outlet? • Follow-up on RV rodent problem with unique fix • I can’t find the make or model of my RV furnace or how to access it • I can’t wrap my head around a load-leveling hitch. Do I need one? • Do RV codes require licensed technicians on assembly lines to install electrical and plumbing components?
RV gadgets and gizmos
Is the Blackstone Griddle worth all the hype? Oh, yeah, it is!
By Nanci Dixon
We were on the lookout for a new grill as our decades-old one was rusting through and literally falling apart. As camp hosts, we have the opportunity to ask a lot of people what they like. As we do our rounds around dinner time, we get to see and smell them in action, too. The Blackstone Griddle name came up so often, I wanted to know what all the love was about.
BUMPER SNICKER: “I Spent My Kids’ Inheritance on Diesel”
Video of the day
Exploring the abandoned Indiana State Sanatorium
By Cheri Sicard
Some abandoned places stay off-limits behind locked gates and no-trespassing signs. That is why this stop at Indiana State Sanatorium felt so different. While staying with her friend at a campground near Raccoon Lake in Rockdale, Indiana, Mona of the This Van Life of Mine channel spotted a sign on the way into town. A quick search revealed that the now-abandoned Indiana State Sanatorium was open to the public.
RVer health
Allergy season is underway. Don’t wait for symptoms
Spring allergy season is arriving earlier in many parts of the country, catching plenty of travelers off guard. Experts say the best defense is to start preparing before symptoms hit, not after. Here’s how to stay on top of your symptoms.
Live cam
Sea otters at the Vancouver (Canada) Aquarium
Readers’ pets of the day
“Volunteering and fostering with a Minnesota animal rescue led to these four Chihuahuas: Sophie, Grace, Bodie, and Poppy. The two on the left came first, followed by a pair of foster fails on the right who quickly became family. Life with four dogs meant outgrowing a twin-bed Winnebago Travato and upgrading to a Winnebago View. All four love RV life—camping, walks, and hikes are favorites. They’re happiest at quiet state parks or boondocking in secluded, wooded sites.” —Steve Kuzmeski
HELP! WE’RE RUNNING LOW ON PET PHOTOS! 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
The arrowhead was authorized as the official National Park Service emblem on July 20, 1951. The design may have been inspired by key attributes of the park system, with the sequoia tree and bison representing vegetation and wildlife, the mountains and water representing scenic and recreational values, and the arrowhead itself representing historical and archeological values.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
Post office.
FREE IS GOOD! Montana offers several free visitor publications, including a road map and its Indian Country Guide.
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.
Cute little RV. And, it’s electric!
And they have a place to stay while waiting to “tee off”.
The Chihuahua traveling team is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
We choose fuel stations and RV parks the same way: Do we fit?
Thanks Karen for the advice on saving money for gas! I loved the cowboy communication system. I always wondered why people put boots on fence posts. And YES UFOs are real! 👽 Great articles this week.
On the Brain Teaser, I thought it was postage, but DW said post office. I had to digress to her this time.
I’m a little late in adding to this commentary.
1957! That is the year I graduated from college (UC Berkeley) and began my 41 years of working. Now, 28 years into retirement, 1957 is still like yesterday to me. What a life!