America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1261
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
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Today’s thought
“Knowing how to think empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.” ―Neil deGrasse Tyson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cherry Cobbler Day!
On this day in history: 1900 – The children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, is first published in the United States. The first copy is given to the author’s sister.
Great ideas from real RVers (with photos!)
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s never truer than when attempting to share a great RV tip. Sometimes an idea demands a photo. Here are some great tips from folks who really RV. You will definitely get a new idea here!
Disconnected trailer causes RV crash. How owners can reduce the risk
An Indiana highway crash is serving as a harsh reminder about RV trailer safety after a disconnected trailer struck and flipped a camper on U.S. 41, near Evansville, sending two people to the hospital. Authorities are still investigating exactly what happened. But incidents like this highlight a reality many RVers already know: A trailer disconnect at highway speed can become violent in seconds. Here’s how you can reduce your risk.
Do you legally have to use your signal in a turn-only lane? RVer finds out the hard way
Folks recently gathered around the campfire to console Mark. Unfortunately, he was ticketed for not using his turn signal. Mark felt unfairly targeted. “There I was,” Mark explained, “in the right-turn-only lane. What did the officer think I planned to do? My big rig should have been a great, big, obvious clue since it was fully inside the turning lane. But I got a ticket!” Marty wanted to know, “So, why were you ticketed?” Read on to learn why.
Today’s RV review…
Winnebago ARKA world debut—an overlanding beast
Today’s RV review is of the new-for 2027 Winnebago ARKA 20Z, an off-road-capable, adventure-ready overlanding RV that is based on the Ram 5500 chassis, which has been modified for extreme capability. There are a number of this type of overlanding rigs out there, typically from smaller companies. But this one breaks a lot of new ground and really has hit the mark quite well.
Tony’s tips
Dear RV company websites, You need to do better
As someone who does RV reviews, I spend a lot of time looking at RV company websites. Often, it’s just to see if I can find a specification, but I’m also curious what standard features are included on RVs and other details. I’m not sure what the heck is going on in Indiana, but almost every RV company’s website is terrible. And you could argue that part of the frustration that so many prospects and buyers have with the RV industry is just the misinformation that’s out there. Continue reading.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- What BLM reversal of major public lands policy could mean for RVers
- State park campground expands, becomes largest in America
- Can an RV park legally shut off your power during extreme heat? Arizona case raises questions
- RVers hear ‘technician shortage,’ but RV repair company says the problem runs deeper
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: The problem with Luan; bears, coyotes, orangutans; and a really cool new A/C
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
FACTOID: The word “mortgage” comes from a French word meaning “death pledge” from mort (dead) and gage (pledge).
Transportation Secretary says, “Hit the road!” Seriously?? With these costs??
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has a message for Americans: Hit the road and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a great American road trip! Ordinary Americans are supposed to what? Cheerfully pile into the family SUV, hook up the RV, and pretend fuel prices aren’t punishing? Pretend campground rates haven’t climbed? Pretend food prices haven’t become ridiculous? Pretend a simple weekend getaway doesn’t now require a budgeting spreadsheet? Continue reading.
Truck campers not welcome at some RV parks
By Gail Marsh
An longtime RVtravel.com reader recently commented on my review of a truck camper RV. Jim Johnson said, “The problem with truck campers today is the RV parks that won’t accept them.” Jim’s comment prompted me to mentally review the countless RV parks we’ve visited. Turns out, he’s right! Looking back, I haven’t seen too many. Fifth wheels? Check! Travel trailers? Check! Motorhomes? Check! Tents? Check! But truck campers? Not many. I had to learn more.
Elvis Presley’s jet—now a converted RV—travels to Graceland
A piece of Elvis Presley history hit the interstate with no air filter, no prior fuel stop, and 1,659 miles ahead. Jimmy’s World had only driven the RV made from Elvis Presley’s jet a few short times, so this trip looked like one giant test drive with Graceland as the destination. Oh, what fun!
Reader poll
Overall, has the last year of your life been among the best, worst, or the same as others?
POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK
- How would you describe the condition of America’s interstate highways?
- If you suddenly became filthy rich, would you buy a new high-end RV?
- Do you wear socks in bed at night?
- How many TV/movie streaming services are you currently subscribed to?
- How many bumper stickers are on your RV or tow vehicle?
We want to know…
What do you like about your RV?
We spend a lot of time talking about RV problems, repairs, frustrations, and the things we wish manufacturers would do differently. But this time, we want to flip that around. What do you genuinely like about your RV? Maybe it’s the perfect floorplan. Maybe it’s the giant windows, the outdoor kitchen, the roomy shower, or the fact that your smaller rig fits just about anywhere. Please tell us here.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this S’More To Love Roasting Reel?
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.
BEWARE! Between 2020 and 2024, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 12,141 home fires involving grills, hibachis, and barbecues, including 6,110 structure fires and 6,031 outside or unclassified fires. These fires caused 15 civilian deaths, 171 reported civilian injuries, and $241 million in direct property damage.
Travel destinations
Visit the only “micronation” inside the U.S.: Slowjamastan
The Republic of Slowjamastan is a self-described “micronation” located in Southern California. If you like strange and unique stops along your RV route, Slowjamastan is both! This is neat!
Las Cruces, New Mexico: A desert destination for RVers
Las Cruces, a true desert destination, is nestled in southern New Mexico’s scenic Mesilla Valley. This Chihuahuan Desert city of about 117,000 is situated between the Rio Grande and the majestic Organ Mountains. What makes Las Cruces a great destination for RVers? Read on to find out.
Brain teaser
What gets smaller every time it takes a bath?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy
- Get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan
- You’re using laundry detergent all wrong!
- How do you hang a TV wall mount on an RV wall?
- Easy and inexpensive RV tank sensors upgrade
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?)
In the RV shop with Dustin
Slide-out resealing: A guide for long-lasting protection
When it comes to resealing your RV’s slide-outs, you’re on the right track. The good news is that you can use any appropriate brand of sealant, regardless of what the manufacturer might suggest. The key is making sure you’re using a high-quality sealant that’s designed for RVs and compatible with your slide-out materials.
RV tire safety
Tire speed rating: Can you really drive 112 mph?
By Roger Marble
A quick look at almost any RV owner blog, and you will find someone saying that they drive at “xx” mph because that is the “Speed Rating” on the tire sidewall. This is definitely not a good idea and, in my opinion, is definitely unsafe. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
What appliances should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet? • Is there a difference between RV and residential CO detectors? • Dealer told me RV’s solar panels could run almost everything. Is that true? • Are professional-grade tools really worth the money? • How can I keep my RV cool in Death Valley this summer?
RV gadgets and gizmos
Drinking from a reusable water bottle? Use caution!
Reusable bottles are convenient, significantly reduce waste, and can keep your beverages colder/hotter longer. For many RVers, the day starts with filling up a reusable water bottle. The bottle is then placed inside the truck’s (or RV or car) cup holder, where it’s easily accessible. Once at the campground, the water bottle is all but forgotten while the campers set up and settle in. And that’s where the problems start…
DID YOU ENJOY THIS ISSUE?
If this newsletter taught you something, made you smile, or gave you a helpful idea, and if it’s been awhile since you made a contribution, would you consider continuing to support RVtravel.com with another voluntary pledge? Our small team works hard to bring you honest, independent RV news and information all year long. Advertising helps, but reader support is what makes a big difference. If you think what we do is worth a few bucks, we’d again truly appreciate your help. Thank you!
Video of the day
RV mod—Genius storage for an RV sewer tote
Here, we join Joshua from RV Gear & Far as he shares a genius RV mod that creates storage for an RV sewer tote. These totes are super handy when you are at a campsite that lacks a sewer connection, as you can dump your black tank without having to move the RV. However, where to store it is always a conundrum. Here’s his trick.
Live cam
Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii
Readers’ pet of the day
“Gunner (Pyrenees, age 5) is a lovable BIG dog that I would never take on an RV trip. Home is where his heart is. He would rather be outside in -40 temperatures than inside with us. On the other hand, when the temps hit 80 and up, then coming inside where it’s cool is acceptable. We boondock in the desert, and I would have hated it had he gotten cactus in his paws.”
• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• 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.
Trivia
Do you know where the saying “When it rains it pours!” comes from? Today, we use the phrase to indicate that bad things tend to flood into our lives all at once. But the phrase was originally an incredibly smart marketing slogan. Historically, in humid climates, or on rainy days, table salt poured very poorly because the humidity caused the salt to clump together. Back in the early 20th century, the Morton Salt Company introduced magnesium carbonate to its table salt. Including this anti-caking agent resulted in salt that would pour out freely, despite the humid weather. “When it rains it pours” became the company’s new marketing slogan (still a registered trademark of the company!). Even today, the Morton Salt label features a girl walking under an umbrella with a container of salt pouring out freely.
If you want to have a wonderful day, send $10, $50 or $100 to a local food bank. Millions of our fellow citizens, including little kids, are going hungry. If you have ever considered donating, now is the time. You will feel so good if you contribute—helping people less fortunate than you go to bed without the pain of an empty stomach. Find a local food bank here.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
A bar of soap.
FREE IS GOOD! From Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Perks members get a free cookie, bag of chips, or fountain drink when you purchase an entree from May 18 to 24.
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
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
The Transportation Secretary article was, IMO, vile, partisan, and disrespectful. Are gas prices higher than last year? Certainly, and will no doubt be higher next year, but I can’t recall any similar articles about being unable to travel in 2022 when the average price of gas was over $5.00 per gallon, as per this AAA chart:
Correct chart:
…. who knew there was more than one chart? “Gotcha”. Right on Sandra. Thanks.
We haven’t visited Slowjamastan but The Republic of Molossia in Nevada is another “micro-nation” inside the U.S. So much fun and worth the visit. Also on our list is Parque Amigos de Jose Marti in Ybor City, a neighborhood of Tampa. The park has been legally owned by the Republic of Cuba since 1956, making it foreign enclave within the US! There are several active and historic micronations- self-declared, unrecognized independent states- exist within Texas
Gunner is a great looking dog!
and yes, definitely a cold weather guy!
thanks for sharing.