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Members RV Travel Newsletter Issue 961

Welcome to RVtravel.com, the newsletter for intelligent, open-minded RVers. If you comment on an article, do it with respect for others. If not, you will be denied posting privileges. Please tell your friends about us!

Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter, now in its 19th year of continuous publication, is funded primarily through advertising and voluntary subscription contributions from our readers (Thank you!), plus the generous financial support of SoftStartRV, an inexpensive device every RV with an air conditioner should have.

If you shop at Amazon, please visit through our affiliate site (we get a little commission that way – and you don’t pay any extra). Thank you!

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Page Contents

August 15, 2020

If you would like to read this week’s issue with the ads included, click here.


Editor’s corner

With Chuck Woodbury

Before you dig into all the great information in today’s issue, would you please take a few seconds to answer a question? We’re curious how you found this newsletter. Did you receive an email reminder notice? Or did you stumble upon us while surfing the Web? We emailed more than 90,000 email reminder notices early this morning (Saturday), but we know many readers arrive here in other ways. How about you?

I’M CAMPING IN A BEAUTIFUL COUNTY PARK near my home. It takes me less than 30 minutes to drive here, so I visit regularly. I’d tell you the exact location, but, to be selfish, it’s already nearly impossible to get a campsite here and if I publicize the place I’ll never get one again (and neither would you with all the new competition). As is, most sites are booked all summer long.

When I’m here, surrounded by ferns, beneath the gorgeous canopy of fir and cedar trees, it’s as if the pandemic doesn’t exist. Few campers are wearing masks, but then there are very few around; it’s mostly families who are together all the time anyway.

I’ve been here, mostly by myself, for a week — thinking, writing, planning, catching up on reading, and plain ol’ relaxing. Gail joined me one night. We made a campfire, drank a little (too much) wine and put the rest of the world out of our minds. It was just two people and one little dog, warmed by a campfire — a glorious break from reality.

But the world is out there, and what a mess! The pandemic has turned everything upside down, hasn’t it? Nobody, not even scientists, medical researchers and other experts, know for sure what’s ahead. I don’t know about you, but there are days I can’t stomach reading or watching the news. It gets to be too much.

Camping World is pleading to buy your RV!

NEW RVS: GOING, GOING, ALMOST GONE
Meanwhile, people are buying RVs in record numbers. RV dealer lots are empty or nearly empty. “We’ll buy your RV,” Camping World is advertising. “You’ll never get a better price.” The shortsighted RV industry is still celebrating record sales like they will continue, which they won’t because the factories can only build so many because of COVID-19 rules and shortages of raw materials.

We have added a few new writers to our staff, but are looking for one or two more trained journalists who are not afraid to dig into stories that need to be told to keep RVers informed and out of trouble. The cheer-leading RV industry press is too afraid of losing advertisers to write or say anything that even hints of offending anyone. So they say nothing of importance. Hence, the need for us!

We are doing well at RVtravel.com with a soaring readership — more than double our page views six months ago. And I am not afraid to say once again that it is those readers who voluntarily subscribe who provide most of the funding to pay writers and help us remain a free, honest, independent voice. Two weeks ago, after I was interviewed on CNBC about the state of the RV industry, I received an email from one of the largest RV manufacturers, asking to advertise with us. I respectfully declined.

I am telling you, turning away money is damn hard for a guy who spent two-thirds of his life broke! But if I were to accept money from an RV manufacturer it would come with an understanding: “Write only nice things about us or we’ll drop you faster than a speeding bullet!”

A few years ago, the industry ganged up on Greg Gerber, who published the only RV industry website with a backbone. I won’t forget what they did to my friend. His only source of revenue was advertising. When he started writing about how messed up the industry was, the manufacturers and aftermarket companies blackballed him with a vengeance, pulling their advertising. They silenced Greg just like that — exactly what they wanted, and you and I lost a really good guy and valuable consumer advocate. The support we receive from our paid subscribers ensures that the industry can’t do that to us and I’m telling you, some would love nothing better!

In three weeks, we will begin our third decade of publishing this newsletter. Where were you 19 years ago when we began? (hint: 2001 terrorist attacks).

You know where I was? I was writing this newsletter, and have done so nearly every week since. Don’t ask me where the time went.

Pandemic or not — I’m saying to you, get out there with your RV and make the best of it. Sure … there’s a lot we can’t do, but there’s a lot we can do! So go! Now!

chucksignature

SHARE US WITH A FRIEND!
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Notes

Kicked out!

Two weeks ago, we wrote about a family that got evicted, with a sheriff’s escort, for violating a Montrose, Colorado, RV park rule that prohibited the delivery of mail or packages. My article attracted nearly 130,000 views, and the live video the incredulous couple made as they left the park has passed 150,000 views. The campground has since been bombarded with hundreds of angry emails and phone calls along with one-star reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor and campground rating websites. We had planned to do a follow up this week, but will hold for the next issue. As much as this is a story about one incident, it’s also about how social media can have a profound effect on a business or even a person, in both positive and negative ways.

More angry readers removed from this website
I am happy to report that we continue to ban readers who visit this website to pick fights rather than contribute to thoughtful discussion. Most are angry old guys. We’ve had it with them, and have banned them from commenting ever again. Already, I have noticed an improvement in the civility of the readers who comment. This website must be a place where we respect each other’s beliefs, and agree that we can disagree but always with respect. Angry know-it-alls who pounce on those who disagree with them with anger, name-calling and even hate are not welcome. We shall be an island of civility in the vast cyberspace sea.

We get around!
Most RV Travel readers are in the United States (807,000 unique visits in the last 30 days), with about 6 percent in Canada. But in the last month, 2,258 visitors read this website in the Netherlands, 2,000 in the U.K., 1,987 in Finland and 1,280 in Australia. But that’s not all! We attracted 34 readers in Slovenia, 19 in Namibia and 5 in Botswana. Heck, we even had a visitor from the tiny African country of eSwatini. Are you reading this outside North America? If so, where?


Stories in tomorrow’s newsletter

• The sales lots are empty! The service centers are full!
• Canada tightens travel restrictions from Lower 48 to Alaska.
• Oregon state parks “temporarily” yank nonresidents’ welcome mat.
PLUS: Campground updates • Latest fuel prices • Latest RV recalls • Free and bargain camping locations • Reader survey • and much more …


Last week’s Tip of the Day in RV Daily Tips Newsletters

Stupid RV tricks we’d rather forget.
Fridge not cooling? Diagnosis of problem may be easy.
Replace the bat-wing antenna for more entertainment.
RV fueling etiquette at the truck stop.
Solar RVing in the shade.


Clintoons • By Clint Norrell

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CLINT NORRELL

Will moth balls repel mice from your RV? Here’s the verdict

Theories abound about ways to keep mice and other rodents out of your home or RV. Some RVers say dryer sheets like Bounce will repel the creatures, others say Irish Spring soap will do the trick. And there are a dozen other ideas of what will keep mice and other rodents from taking up residence where you don’t want them. One of the most touted methods that some RVers swear by is using moth balls. Do they work? Find out in the short video here.

Horrific blast wipes RV from face of the earth

Never, ever, have we seen an explosion like this one that wiped a motorhome off the face of the earth. Thankfully, nobody was killed or even hurt. The explosion wasn’t caused by the RV itself, but by something close by that probably was not what an RVer should park near. So watch, weep, and learn a lesson.

“We’re (finally!) towing a dinghy and loving it!”

By Nanci Dixon
We love having a dinghy vehicle to drive once we park the motorhome. It only took a few car rentals and unhooking the RV to go grocery shopping to realize the value. Hooking up the tow arms, wiring, checking the turn and brake signals on our tow car has been easy. … Then comes the rub. My husband pulls out slowly until both the tow arms click in. But they don’t, at least not at the same time. One tow arm clicks in and the other moves in and out while the car pulls precariously to one side. Learn how they solved the problem – and “it works every time!”

This innovative spring system improves your RV handling

By Barry Zander
While it’s become standard equipment on many emergency vehicles, the LiquidSpring suspension system also improves RV handling. This might sound like an advertisement, but it actually follows up on a recommendation from a tech-savvy buddy, who had a LiquidSpring system installed in his Class C. This sounds very impressive!


Last year at this time, these were the most popular articles

Reduce anxiety maneuvering at the fuel stop
Alternatives to hitch ball grease
Tip for RV park owners: How to make money at the expense of RVers
Our “Super Lube” axle disaster. Is there one waiting for you?
How important is leveling for an RV absorption fridge?


Brain Teaser

A man wanted to encrypt his password but he needed to do it in a way so that he could remember it. He had to use seven characters consisting of letters and numbers only (no symbols like ! or <). In order to remember it, he wrote down “You force heaven to be empty.” What is his password?

(Shhh. Don’t give it away. Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday News newsletter.)


Reader Poll

Are you happy at your present location or would you prefer to be elsewhere?

Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment. We’ll post the final results in next week’s newsletter. CLICK HERE.

The most popular poll in this past week’s RV Daily Tips newsletters:
Did you ever take a typing class? See how nearly 2,000 other RVers responded.


Okay to let passengers ride in a moving travel trailer?

Many states allow passengers to legally ride in a travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer. But most do not. Few towable RVs have safety belts, meaning if you were to get in an accident with a passenger in the RV, they could be horribly injured or even killed. Check out the photo taken August 12 which was released by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. The pickup towing the trailer lost control, and you can see the result.

Oh, an unimaginable horror! Be careful not to do this

By Chuck Woodbury
To any parent, the idea of accidentally seriously hurting their child — or any child — by doing something that causes great harm, even death, is almost too difficult to comprehend. When we think such a thing in relation to our own child, we want to instantly force the thought from our mind. But we have heard stories, and those of us who are parents I believe feel the pain with each one. These photos will make you think … and cringe.

The masked bandit that robbed our campsite and got away!

True story: it happened in the campground. Click to read.

How would you answer, “Do you have any regrets?”

By Nanci Dixon
I come across the question “What do you regret?” many times on the Facebook groups I belong to, but it’s such an open-ended question that it’s hard to answer. Many times the question is from people considering taking the leap to full-timing. … Each time I see that question it causes a few moments of reflection. What do I regret? What good are regrets anyway? Can regrets cause change? Read more.

Remember when the internet was miles away?

By Barry Zander
Remember when Starbucks charged $8 for an hour of internet and $12 for a day? $30 for the week? In 2006 that would have been a blessing, but there was no such thing at the time. When I told my company bosses that we were selling the house and traveling – but I planned to continue working from the road – they said, “No.” Apparently they reconsidered, coming to the realization that my contacts with our national sales force had value, so my computer stayed busy for the next few thousands of miles. Continue reading.

Tarantula migration underway. Keep your eyes open

They are big, ugly arachnids. Most people are afraid of them, but they shouldn’t be. The big spiders are docile and will only bite if provoked, and even then their mild poison will sting, but that’s about it. … Right about now, the males of the species in the Southwest are feeling a little horny. It’s the time of year where they begin their search for a female. Read more.

Airstream Touring Coaches – What you need to know – Part One

This is Part One of a four-part series entitled, What You Need To Know About Airstream Touring Coaches. In this series, Andy Pargh, The Gadget Guru, interviews Justin Humphreys, the Vice President of Sales of Airstream, Inc., and various topics are discussed regarding Airstream’s Sprinter Touring Coach Business as well as the specific models in the lineup. Watch Part One here.


Popular articles from last week

This would be a great place to watch the movie “Jaws.” If you want to watch this very cool TV in person, you’ll need to head to Texas to the World’s Largest Flea Market. We’ll tell you more if you’re interested. Click here.

Video and article: The don’ts of “camping” at Walmart.
One RVer’s wacky way to get rid of RV toilet odors.
Will the Quartzsite RV show go on? Here’s the latest!
Got your popcorn and tickets? Walmart drive-in theater is ready to roll!
I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore! (From Editor Chuck Woodbury)
RVelectricity: Hard start capacitors vs. SoftStartRV. Big difference!
Downsizing: An emotional roller coaster.
Our electrical near-disaster yields lessons.
COVID-19 scammers are after you! Here’s how to protect yourself.
More on rodent repellents: Does mint oil keep them away?
He turned an old Air Force jet engine into an RV!
Hertz, once No. 1, now bankrupt and selling used trucks cheap.
Author claims killer airbags in 12 million cars, trucks nationwide.
RVers evicted from RV park for receiving a FedEx delivery.
Campground Chatter with Janet Groene, August 8, 2020.


SWELL CONTEST OF THE DAY

The drone features a HD camera for great aerial videos!

Win this incredible drone!
This terrific drone could be yours within a few days if you win today’s contest! In yesterday’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter we published a secret phrase. Simply email that phrase to us at RVcontests@gmail.com . We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (August 15, 2020) by 11 a.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won you’ll have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER of the Retro Travel Trailer Party Lights was Robert Beede of Summerville, South Carolina.


Resources

Our NEWEST Facebook Groups: RVing over 60RVing During the PandemicRV Tires with Roger MarbleCoronavirus News for RVersRV Parks where you can fish without a licenseRVing Fulltime RVing with DogsTowing Behind a MotorhomeRVing with a DisabilityRV Travel TipsTrucks for RV Towing

Where to complain about bad RVs, dealers, service, RV parks. This is an ever-expanding list of resources where you can report, share or discuss your problems with RV manufacturers or dealers.

Best Club for RVers: Escapees. Click here to learn more or join. Endorsed by RVtravel.com.

The RV Show USA
Listen each Wednesday evening on Facebook or YouTube for the live taping of America’s only syndicated radio program about RVing.

Directory of RV parks with storm shelters
In case you’re on the road with your RV and the weather report is showing a tornado headed your way, have this list handy.

RV Clubs
Check out our Directory of RV Clubs and Organizations.

What does financing an RV for 20 years REALLY mean?
In case you missed this article the first time around, here it is again. Important! Click here.

Stuck with a lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge, America’s premier RV lemon law attorney.


RV Tech Corner with Mark Gorrie

Fifth wheel tires wearing unevenly. Why?

Dear Mark,
My fifth wheel has approximately 10,000 miles on it. I’ve noticed that the tires on the rear axle are wearing unevenly on the inside. What causes this? Read Mark’s response.


RV Electricity

Can I make more power by stepping up the voltage?

Dear Mike,
After reading some of your articles about voltage from the electric company, I see there could be up to 10,000 volts or more of power coming to the transformer on the power pole, which then gets stepped down to the 120 volts we need for our homes and RVs. If that’s the case, why can’t I just step it back up to 10,000 volts with a transformer to make more power? Or am I missing something important? —Steve

Read Mike’s response.

This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session:

Can I swap in a lithium battery?

Dear Mike,
The sales guy at the local RV shop tells me I can just drop in a lithium battery to replace my pair of old Trojan lead-acid batteries, but I’m suspicious. Is there anything else I should check to make sure this works? Can I replace two 6-volt batteries with a single 12-volt battery, and will it give me more power, as this guy suggests? —Derick

Read Mike’s answer.

Sign up for Mike’s popular and informative RV Electricity group on Facebook.


RV Tire Safety

Leaking valve stems – Does your tire dealer know what it’s doing?

Roger Marble recently received this question from a reader:
“I just replaced 6 235/80R 22.5 XRV Michelin tires on my 2013 Monaco Monarch Class A motorhome. The dealer installed balancing bead bags and new valve stems. … A couple of the rears were below the 95-pound alarm point when cold and I decided to add air. When I removed the TPMS sensors, the valve stem seats leaked on three of six tires.” Read the rest of the question and Roger’s explanation and caveat here.


Building an RV Park

Surprise visitors, perc tests and off-roading, Oh My!

By Machelle James
We had unexpected company stop by for my birthday last week. A HUGE Monaco Coach came pulling up in my driveway and I started freaking out. Who is this stranger and does he know we are not open yet? How is he going to turn around? I was in full-fledged panic mode until I walked over and the man said, “Do you have any spaces open yet?” Continue reading.


The RV Kitchen

Coleslaw Souffle Salad

A showy summer salad. Turn a tub of deli coleslaw into your own classy, creamy conversation piece. Make it up to a day in advance and pull it out of the fridge with a Ta-DAH. Try it again with lime gelatin and a different flavor of coleslaw from the deli. Make it in individual molds or chill in a one-quart pan and serve it in scoops or squares. Get the recipe.


The Digital RVer

How to make Google Maps more accurate

By Chris Guld, Geeks on Tour
When we’re traveling, I depend on Google Maps to know where I am. It can be very distressing when I realize that my little blue dot, which represents my location, is actually a block or two off from where I really am. When that happens, it’s time to calibrate the compass. Here’s how to do it.


Reader letters

Dear editor:
I would like to rent an RV with bathtub? I live in Maryland. —Darrie

Dear Darrie,
That’s not a question we get every day. You might want to check with RVshare.com.

Dear Chuck,
My partner and I have just returned home to Arizona, after an 8-day trip. We couldn’t sit at home another day, so off we went, cautiously. We took enough food/drink for the duration, so no need to stop or shop along the way. Reservations were booked and paid for online. So very little interaction at most stops. Our first observation was how few people were wearing any masks — anywhere. None of the owners/employees at RV parks we visited. That was very surprising, and frankly disappointing to see. Our other observation was the number “new” RVs that pulled in every evening, with temporary tags. Read more and Chuck’s response.


Facebook Groups of Interest

Camping Tips and Hacks
Camping by Boat
Cargo trailer toy hauler conversions

Plus, join us in our own groups HERE.


Readers’ Pets of the Day

“Abby & Blitz happy hiking! Tongue out hiking stop.” — Crews

Pets featured in this past week’s RV Daily Tips:
• Monday: Walt & Disney Tuesday: Lacey & Zoey Wednesday: Niki & Roza • Thursday: CoCo Lynn • Friday: Clementhyme


Two cats test positive for coronavirus. Should you be worried for your pet?

By Terri Nighswonger
Two cats in Brazos County, Texas, have tested positive for COVID-19. The cats were swabbed as part of a study being conducted at Texas A&M University to understand how pets living in high-risk households might be impacted. Continue reading.


Trivia

In 1940, a year before the start of the U.S. involvement in World War II, the army of the United States ranked 18th in size in the world, smaller than those of Belgium, Portugal and even Switzerland. It had fewer than 200,000 men, compared with 7 million trained Nazi soldiers.

Bumper sticker of the week

Have you seen a funny bumper sticker? Send it to editor(at)RVtravel.com

Joke of the Week

A woman in labor suddenly shouted “Shouldn’t! Wouldn’t! Couldn’t! Didn’t! Can’t!”

“Don’t worry,” said the doctor. “Those are just contractions.”

Leave with a song from the past

Patsy Montana was the first female country music performer to have a million-selling single with her signature song “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury and Patsy were friends in her later years. Here’s Patsy in 1935, at her best.


Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?

Read it here | Back issues


If you have not contributed to RVtravel.com for some time and would like to do so again, you may do so here. Thank you.


RV Travel staff

CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com

Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Emily Woodbury, Russ and Tiña De Maris. Contributing writers: Mike Sokol, Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, Nanci Dixon, Terri Nighswonger, Barry and Monique Zander, Mark Gorrie, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Social media director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES — OUR STAFF MEMBER IN HEAVEN, Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor.

Honorary Correspondents: Loyal readers who regularly email us leads about news stories and other information and resources that aid our own news-gathering efforts.
• Mike Sherman • George Bliss • Tom and Lois Speirs • Alan Warren • Steve Barnes + others who we will add later.

Are you interested in our affiliate program? Learn more.

REGIONAL AND LOCAL ADVERTISING: We can now run banners on RVtravel.com in your town or in a designated area near you, for example to readers within 100, 200, etc., miles of your business. Learn more here.

Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.

RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

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Edstep
2 years ago

Chuck. We are out traveling for a short time. Trip into Kansas to visit with a son and help him find a home. I was called to assist because of a background in Real Estate. Camper is set up at Iola Storage and RV Park and we are enjoying the time away from the S&B. Another trip up to the UP for three weeks is planned for the Fall.

Gary G
2 years ago

Chuck: I would take the advertising funds, with the stipulation that RVtravel is still going to “call it like it is”. If they can’t handle the truth, and make quality products, have them advertise with those they can control. Just a thought.

Admin
Chuck Woodbury
2 years ago
Reply to  Gary G

Gary G., having been in the publishing world for decades, I know that no matter what agreement is made, if someone is taking money from someone else, there are still “strings.” Sometimes it’s real, but sometimes it’s just in your head and you become timid about speaking truth. Hard to explain.

SUSAN
2 years ago
Reply to  Chuck Woodbury

Agreed! :  if someone is taking money from someone else, there are still “strings.” 

Susan
2 years ago

I like this section:

FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES — OUR STAFF MEMBER IN HEAVEN, Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor.

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  Susan

I just want to give Gary a hug (and then for us to go to my mountain property for target practice, like we had planned). 🙁 —Diane at RVtravel.com

Kenneth Hanigan
2 years ago

Thank you for this. I learn so much from reading it regularly. I was surprised to read you have to drop some people with attitude, seems strange anyone wouldnt read this for its value and if you dont like it dont read it. Mother used to say if you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything. Seems even more appropriate in todays world.

Tony
2 years ago

Hey Chuck, I never saw a list of all the winners of that big contest you had with the grand prize being the Micro-Air Easy Start as well as other fantastic prizes. Have the winners been announced? Did I miss the announcement?

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  Tony

Hi, Tony. Nope, you didn’t miss anything. We’re still in the process of getting all the information together about the winners, so maybe the list will be posted next week(?). Thanks for asking. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com

Admin
Chuck Woodbury
2 years ago
Reply to  Tony

Tony, I think we have them all now. Some winners had not claimed their prizes so we were waiting for that. We’ll have an announcement next weekend.

Gerri Johnson
2 years ago

19 years ago, we bought our 1st Winnebago adventure and drove to Alaska. We are on our 3rd…Itasca Meridian

DPHooper
2 years ago

I receive my RVTravel Newsletter every Saturday via email.
Its part of my morning coffee routine.
We are fulltime and I value the information and stories.
I very much appreciate your level of integrity, remaining unbiased.
Very much dislike the negativity and prejudice pushed by the national media.
Thank You

DAVE TELENKO
2 years ago

WOW Chuck very cool that you were friends with Patsy Montana. I also enjoy reading my daily RVTravel with my cup or two of coffee, now as an added bonus we get to listen to good ol yodeling!
Thanks for the memories
Snoopy

Ernest Medina
2 years ago

Chuck, this is the first time to write to RV Travel so here goes. Chuck I value this association with RV Travel, I have learned valuable lessons with you folks. We have owned our 30 ft Winnebago two years now, I have done all the upgrades for a better ride and it’s because I picked up ideas from your subscribers input. Please continue the great work you and staff are doing. Keep up the great work ! …
Ernest Medina, Texas

Admin
Chuck Woodbury
2 years ago
Reply to  Ernest Medina

Ernest, thanks for the comment. We work hard to be helpful, and I am very happy we were able to be so for you.

Howard
2 years ago

Chuck I see the nice family picture of evicted Montrose people but your article says 2 Men protested the eviction-and there were prior behavioral problems with the children – hope you clarify this in your follow up – suspect the real story is both sides had absences of good judgement and situation escalated to a place where all involved were losers

BadWolfe
2 years ago

We are not experiencing a problem finding a camping site. That’s not to say it isn’t challenging, but maybe its just the way we are camping? We are in Washington State and have been getting away at least once every two weeks, picking 2 nights in the middle of the week. We outfitted our 23′ Class C so that we can be independent of Full Hookup sites and so far it has worked perfectly. Not sure that anyone is interested, but it didn’t take much to make sure the RV could camp independent of shore power and at any type of campsite we find.
It really has made a difference being able to get away during the isolation of the current temporary Covid World. I have to admit how surprised I was at the mental health value we receive from these short get-away trips. I hope others can do the same.

ESprings
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWolfe

I also own a 23′ class C, and would be very interested to learn about your modifications to enhance dry camping. Thanks

BadWolfe
2 years ago
Reply to  ESprings

Ok, partial list: remember that you asked. (he said with a smile…)

  • added a cell phone antenna receiver (it claims that it can captures cell signal from 50 miles away) I just call it a miniature cell tower. So many times this has come in handy. Even neighbors have come over for emergency cell service to either family or a service need for their RV)
  • Sirius XM for music and news (I am a news junkie)
  • Portable fire pit, with a burn proof BBQ mat. (this allows us to set the campfire safely in almost any condition)
  • Gas firepit (yup, we have one to bring when we call and find out there is fire danger and no burning allowed)
  • Portable Honda 2200iu (super quiet) generator with an extended muffler. (If we really need power, we really try to be respectful to any neighbors and be as quiet as possible)
  • 300 Watt Solar panels on top of RV. (problem is the wife enjoys deep woods more than open area camping)
  • Of course, the SoftStart. (nuff’ said about how this helps the A/C)
  • ARP for the Fridge.
Dalmom
2 years ago

We are on the road to S. Dakota and have reservations at the Rushmore Shadows resort for two nights. Next stop is Polson Resort in Montana for three nights. Third stop is Jackson Hole Wyoming and staying at the Moose Creek Ranch. We are looking forward to this and getting out of Texas, temps today will hit 105. YIKES!

BadWolfe
2 years ago

Chuck, I’m trying to answer your question about how we first found out about RV Travel. Unfortunately it was just so long ago, I can’t really remember. It quickly became such a part of the weekly routine that we were calling it “RV Saturday”, as we looked forward to this publication each Saturday morning. Now it is our daily joy to read and we thank you and your staff for everything you folks do to make this happen. Especially enjoying the new writers you have recently brought on staff!

Ron L
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWolfe

I can duplicate BadWolfe’s reply. We traded up from our pop-up to our 25′ travel trailer in 2001 and I’m sure that it was around the same time that I discovered rvtravel and have been an avid reader (and donator) for many of those years. I refuse to miss an issue and offer advice in the comments when appropriate and when my experience and knowledge comes into play. We traded in the TT in 2007 for our first DP and upgraded that one in 2013 for our current rig. Keep the issues coming….they are appreciated and extremely helpful to many.

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  Ron L

Thank you very much for your kind words and your support, Ron! We appreciate them/it/you! 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  BadWolfe

Thank you for your very kind words, BadWolfe, and for being with us for so long! It’s nice when we hear that our efforts are appreciated. Take care, and stay healthy. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com

Ron Seidl
2 years ago

Chuck, I really liked the way you phrased your comment on not revealing your favorite local camp place. On my Facebook group feed, I frequently see posts looking for recommendations on where to camp. But if I give out my favorite spaces on FB, then it will be ever so harder for me to book a spot. I don’t know the solution. Might be a good topic for discussion.

Phil Atterbery
2 years ago

Chuck, I know your “hid-a-way” camp spot is in WA state. As I read your description, I felt you were describing a campground we enjoy in Ft. Bragg CA. The name is the Pomo Campground, just south of town on CA 1. The spots are cut out of the forest & you’re at the base of 100ft pines & cedar trees. Probably the last place in the state that will allow a campfire in a washing machine tub. Just beautiful.

Tommy Molnar
2 years ago

The trivia info was enlightening. It shows how great our country used to be when called upon to step up and produce what needed to be produced to win the war. It makes me proud.

WEB
2 years ago

I am confused, not that it took much, but the dealer promotion video (FOUR in total!) “Airstream Touring Coaches” says it is Part 1, dated Aug 9th. I looked at last week Sunday’s publication and the promotion was not there. The article states that subscribers will be the first to view Part 2 when released. I looked at The Gadget Guru’s website today and Part 2 is already there. Reinforces my belief that you cannot trust a salesman. 🤨

Admin
RV Staff
2 years ago
Reply to  WEB

Sorry, WEB. There was a mix-up when the posts were published. Not the salesman’s fault. Also, Andy has just explained to me that the notification is for subscribers to The Gadget Guru’s YouTube channel, not to our newsletters. —Diane at RVtravel.com

Tim Tauzer
2 years ago

We are currently traveling and parked at the Elkhart Fairgrounds RV Park. Everywhere we have gone in this area the storage and factory lots are FULL of new RV’s. Lots leaving every day. If they can get them delivered to dealers there should be a good supply of new units.

Kim
2 years ago

For the last few weeks the poll boxes have not been loading for me. I’m using Google Chrome.

Bill
2 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Google “how to unblock cookies on chrome browser”. That might do it.

Kim
2 years ago
Reply to  Bill

Thanks. Tried that. Added to accept all cookies from rvtravel.com. Rebooted
PC. No joy. Oh well, someone will figure it out eventually.

Norm Knutson
2 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Chrome has a problem on some devices, but Firefox works great loading the poll.

Kaeleen Buckingham
2 years ago

We are supposed to leave tomorrow morning for a get away. However so much of the state of Colorado is on fire I am not sure we can get to the campground and then I am concerned if we need to be evacuated all of our escape routes home will be blocked! So sad! Someone send Colorado some very much needed rain!