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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Issue 2083
Welcome to RV Travel’s Daily Tips Newsletter, where you’ll find helpful RV-related tips from the pros, travel advice, product reviews and more. Thanks for joining us. Please tell your friends about us.

RV Store on Amazon! Just about anything and everything you need for your RV at great prices. Visit now.

Today’s thought

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” ―Roald Dahl

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Goof Off Day! Have fun!

On this day in history: 1933 – Cullen–Harrison Act: President Franklin Roosevelt signs an amendment to the Volstead Act, legalizing the manufacture and sale of “3.2 beer” (3.2% alcohol by weight, approximately 4% alcohol by volume) and light wines.

Tip of the Day

Tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops

By Gail Marsh
We never had cause to complain before. In fact, I previously had a hard time believing the horror stories my RVing friends told about their rig repairs. But then, things changed. We quickly learned the most effective ways for dealing with unresponsive RV shops. I sincerely hope you never have problems like ours, but if you do, perhaps you will find these RV tips useful, as well.

Continue reading

 CONTEST!  Is this your RV?

Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig
Every day we post a photo of an RV either submitted by its owner or by our editors and writers as they move about the country.

Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.

Ask Dave

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook.” 

What size and type generator do I need for my RV?

Dear Dave, 
What size of a generator do we need for our RV? It’s a Montana High Country. Should it be an inverter generator or just a portable non-inverter? And can we get one that is wired in to switch auto? —Debra, 2021 Montana High Country

Read Dave’s answer

Video of the day

Quick tour of the amazing Wildwood Heritage Glen 291RL 5th wheel

By Cheri Sicard
Josh the RV Nerd (one of our readers’ picks as a favorite RV YouTube channel) has been in the RV business for more than 14 years. But even he was surprised upon touring Wildwood’s Heritage Glen 291RL fifth wheel, featured in the short video below. Josh was especially surprised at the spacious bedroom.

Josh says this just might be the full-time rig a lot of people are looking for.

This is a very short video, yet it will give you an enticing overview of this RV that has a whole lot to offer RVers.

Click here to watch

One of the U.S.’s most dangerous roads will have you bracing for impact!

By Nanci Dixon
Needles Highway is one of the most beautiful and dangerous roads in the U.S. I drove our subcompact car gently through the Eye of the Needle on Needles Highway in South Dakota, looking carefully ahead (it is a one-way road) and glancing at the scrape marks on the tunnel’s granite walls. The Needles Highway covers 14 miles of South Dakota’s Highway 87. It is breathtakingly scenic with drop-offs, mountain ridges and picture-perfect views. Continue reading.

Reader poll

Would you consider yourself an adventurous or a picky eater?

Tell us here

Helpful resources

• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS

Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.

Quick Tip

Check your roof

If you have not inspected your RV’s roof lately for possible leaks, do so now. Allowing water into your RV can result in large repair bills if not attended to quickly. Do not take a chance. Inspect soon or have a professional check.

??  MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY  ??
We’ve always wanted this but never bought it. Since it’s spring and raining a lot, now is the perfect time to use it! You’ll like it.

On this day last year…

Website of the day

The Best Ice-Fishing Road Trips in America
We know you probably have spring on your mind, but if you’ve ever wanted to try ice fishing, put these incredible places on your list for next year! We think this would be so fun! Did you know there’s an RV designed for ice fishing? Yep. Check it out.

Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com

Recipe of the Day

BBQ Sloppy Joe Sliders

by Virginia (Ginger) Dean from Toomsboro, GA

We really enjoyed these quick and easy bite-sized sloppy joes. It’s a tasty variation on a slider recipe. Sweet and tangy, store-bought barbecue sauce is jazzed up with ketchup, mustard, and onion flakes. The hardest part of this recipe is browning the ground beef. They’ll be great for a party. Set it out and let everyone make their own. We served ours with mini pickles and chips.

Click here for the recipe

Trivia

Speaking of sloppy joes… Ever wonder where such a strange, messy sandwich originated? Well, we did too.

One theory states the sandwich’s origin can be traced back to 1917 Havana, Cuba, where a bar owner named José “Sloppy Joe” Abeal y Otero created a sandwich consisting of ground beef stewed in tomatoes, possibly his version of the ropa vieja. This bar was frequented by Americans and Britons, including famous personalities such as Errol Flynn, Ernest Hemingway, and Graham Greene. However, Marilyn Brown, director of the consumer test kitchen at H.J. Heinz in Pittsburgh, says that research through the Carnegie Library suggests that the sloppy joe’s origins can be traced back to Sioux City, Iowa, in the 1930s, where a cook named Joe created the “loose meat sandwiches” that were sold at the time.

*When did the sales of Girl Scout cookies begin? Find the origin of our favorite cookies in yesterday’s trivia (and the original recipe, too!)

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Missy Ojo was a stray Heeler who adopted us. We had her for 11 years. She loved to RV… especially if water was involved.” —Jack Fetterman

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

Leave here with a laugh

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).

rv travel logoContact information

Editor: Emily Woodbury

CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.

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 2023 by RV Travel LLC.

What size and type generator do I need for my RV?

Dave Solberg
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What size and type generator do I need for my RV?

Dear Dave,
What size of a generator do we need for our RV? It’s a Montana High Country. Should it be an inverter generator or just a portable non-inverter? And can we get one that is wired in to switch auto? —Debra, 2021 Montana High Country

Dear Debra,
The size of generator depends on how many 120-volt components you wish to run at any given time. You will need to calculate the power requirements for items like the refrigerator, roof air conditioners, microwave, and any appliance or components plugged into outlets. You will also need to factor in the converter/charger or inverter/charger if you have one of these.

Watts used by appliances

Typically a 13,500 btu roof air conditioner will pull 2800 watts during startup and 1800 watts in run mode. You can get by with a 2500- to 2800-watt generator. However, I would recommend using a SoftStartRV™ installed on the air conditioner to reduce the startup draw. This size generator is the minimum and might be too small if you are planning to run other 120-volt components—especially if your roof air conditioner is a larger 15,000 btu one.

A residential refrigerator can run 1,500 watts, a microwave anywhere from 1,000-1,500 depending on the size, a TV 300-400, and a single-serve coffee maker draws 1,200 watts! Keep in mind, all of these will not be running at the same time. However, it is difficult to determine when they will cycle on and off during the day. Typically, if you are only going to run one roof air conditioner and a few appliances, you would be OK with a 3,500-watt generator.

Generator/inverter

If you are considering a portable, you definitely want a generator/inverter that will produce a pure sine wave rather than the industrial generators you find at home improvement locations or discount box stores. These produce raw power designed for power tools and lights and will ruin microprocessors in some of your electronic components. If you are looking at a permanently mounted generator such as Onan, it is already set for proper power.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

I do not know of any generators that have an automatic transfer switch built in, but rather an ATS box in the service compartment. If you are going with the permanently mounted version, you can get a Progressive Dynamics or Southwire ATS and run the power from the generator to the ATS as well as the shoreline cord, and then the power from the ATS to the distribution center. Currently your rig has a shoreline cord that is wired directly to the distribution center. If you go with a portable generator, I do not see a good way to have an ATS as you would still need to plug a cord into the generator manually.

An ATS is simply a box that switches the power source. It is set on default to provide power when available from the generator line coming in and switches internally when it senses power from the shoreline cord, which then creates an open circuit from the generator.

If no ATS

If you did not have an ATS, you would physically plug the shoreline cord into a “J” box that is an outlet wired directly from the generator.

Here you see the box on the left is the junction box with the shoreline cord wired into it, and then it is wired to the distribution center, which is similar to what you have now. The outlet to the right is the “J” box that has a line coming from the generator. When you plug the shoreline cord into the “J” box, power comes from the generator to the shoreline cord, through the junction box, and to the distribution center, just like if you were plugged into a campground source.

Maybe some of our readers have found something that automatically switches for a portable generator. However, as I stated earlier, you still need to remove the generator, start it up and plug some type of cord/line into it so an ATS would not be needed.

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

RV’s batteries charge with solar but drain overnight when plugged in. Why?

Dear Dave,
It seems my two 6v in-house batteries only charge through the solar controller. The battery voltage is fine during the day but they drain during the night while parked with no use. That occurs whether it’s plugged into shore power at 30 or 50 amps. I also plug into standard house power 115v at home to maintain the batteries, but it doesn’t work. Help. —Reno, 2022 Thor Magnitude BT36

Read Dave’s answer.

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here. 

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

We have a popular forum for Ask Dave. Please be as brief as possible. Attach a photo or two if it might help Dave with his response. Click to visit Dave’s forum. Or send your inquiries to him using the form below.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

##RVDT2083

Tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops

Gail Marsh
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9
Tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops

We never had cause to complain before. In fact, I previously had a hard time believing the horror stories my RVing friends told about their rig repairs. But then, things changed. We quickly learned the most effective ways for dealing with unresponsive RV shops. I sincerely hope you never have problems like ours, but if you do, perhaps you will find these RV tips useful, as well.

Frustration overload

The timing couldn’t have been much worse. We’d planned our trip for months. Arrangements were made and in place. Stop mail delivery? Check! Alert neighbors/police that we would be away? Check! Arrange for the stix-n-brix lawn to be mowed during our absence? Check! RV pre-trip checklist completed? Checkity, check, check!

We were ready to go. Then we discovered that our RV’s “previously fixed problems” weren’t fixed at all. Even though our rig had spent an extended time at the dealership for (you guessed it) repairs, several issues were not fixed. Instead of getting an early morning start to our long-awaited vacation, we cautiously drove the fifth wheel directly to the RV shop.

Not welcome

I’m not sure if it was seeing our rig parked outside their office door or seeing my husband and me standing at the service desk so early, but we failed to receive a “good morning” welcome. We calmly explained our problem. Then we waited. The gal at the desk sat silently looking at us for so long I wondered if perhaps she hadn’t had her cup of “wake up coffee” yet. (Yes, I was frustrated. I tried not to show it.) She finally acknowledged our predicament and replied, “Well, we don’t have any open appointments for another three weeks.”

Sorry, not sorry!

We explained that we didn’t feel comfortable driving our RV until all repairs were addressed. She told us to park it in the back lot. So, that’s what we did.

Then the game of “RV Tag” began. Basically, “RV Tag” is when the consumer tries to “catch” the repair mechanic or service desk to talk about an RV problem that needs fixing (or still needs fixing). We weren’t very successful at this game at first. Then we discovered some tips for dealing with unresponsive RV shops.

Think: C.A.L.M.

“Calm” is a good word to describe the best demeanor to use when dealing with almost anyone in any situation. Each letter in the word “calm” can be a mental prompt for RVers, as well. It can help us remember the steps to take when dealing with unresponsive RV shops.

C is for “Contact.” Call, text, and/or email the shop. Clearly state your RV’s problem. Ask for a response within a specific timeframe. Use a firm but polite conversational tone. Remember to leave your own contact information.

A is for “Appeal to the supervisor.” If you’re dealing with a larger company, chances are the RV tech or service desk clerk has a supervisor or manager. Appeal to this person. It’s important to remain professional as you explain your situation. Avoid ridiculing or disparaging anyone’s ability to the supervisor. Instead, ask the supervisor to help resolve your RV problem.

L is for “Look for a second opinion.” Ask the dealership if a different mechanic in their shop could take a look at your RV. Or take your rig to a different RV shop for a second opinion. Perhaps a different pair of eyes will identify and address your RV problem more efficiently.

M is for “Make a complaint.” If you feel that the RV mechanic or shop provided poor service, make a complaint to that effect on the company’s social media page. Maybe your negative review will save other RVers.

Dealing with unresponsive RV shops can cause stress and heighten frustration. Remaining calm (and following C.A.L.M. tips) will hopefully bring about a satisfactory resolution.

Note: Thankfully, we were able to take our trip just two days later than originally planned. Our RV was fixed by our original shop, but by a different mechanic. We remain in good standing with our RV shop and enjoy a friendly relationship with all of the wonderful folks who work there. 

Have you ever dealt with an unresponsive RV shop? How did you resolve your issues?

##RVDT2083

Quick tour of the amazing Wildwood Heritage Glen 291RL 5th wheel

Video Editor
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2
Quick tour of the amazing Wildwood Heritage Glen 291RL 5th wheel

By Cheri Sicard
Josh the RV Nerd (one of our readers’ picks as a favorite RV YouTube channel) has been in the RV business for more than 14 years. But even he was surprised upon touring Wildwood’s Heritage Glen 291RL fifth wheel, featured in the short video below. Josh was especially surprised at the spacious bedroom.

Josh says this just might be the full-time rig a lot of people are looking for.

This is a very short video, yet it will give you an enticing overview of this RV that has a whole lot to offer RVers.

To begin with, the Heritage Glen 291RL has the feel of a house, not an RV. It’s tastefully and stylishly outfitted.

But there is a lot to like beyond aesthetics, even more than what the YouTube shorts video below shows. For instance, he does not even cover features like the solar system.

So why does Josh like this rig so much? All its practical features such as:

  • Opposing living room super slides
  • Kitchen island
  • White accent lighting
  • Carpet-free hardwood-style floor
  • Mega-sized pantry
  • Full-size refrigerator/freezer
  • Washer and dryer
  • A north/south-facing bed that’s easy to walk around.

Watch the short video to truly appreciate this spacious 5th wheel.

##RVDT2083

Is this your RV?

Jessica Sarvis
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0
Is this your RV?

If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send either the photo you submitted or a photo of your RV if someone else submitted the photo), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific time today, March 22, 2023. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.

If this isn’t your RV, send us a photo of your RV here (if you haven’t already) for a chance to win in future issues.


We’ll have another photo in tomorrow’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter (sign up to receive an email alert so you don’t miss the issue or those that follow). Some of these photos are submitted by readers while others were taken by our editors and writers on their travels around the USA.

Would you consider yourself an adventurous or a picky eater?

RV Travel
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21
Would you consider yourself an adventurous or a picky eater?

When it comes to eating, how would you rate yourself: adventurous or picky? Maybe somewhere in between?

As RVers, and as travelers, we’re bound to come across new foods on an almost daily basis. Maybe you’ll try rattlesnake in the Southwest, geoduck in the Pacific Northwest, reindeer sausage in Alaska, scrapple in Pennsylvania, or alligator along the Gulf Coast. Have you tried any of these? Would you?

In the poll below, tell us how adventurous or how picky you are. Once you’ve voted, please leave a comment and tell us about the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten. We want to know!

RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Newsletter Editor
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21
RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Issue 2082
Welcome to RV Travel’s Daily Tips Newsletter, where you’ll find helpful RV-related tips from the pros, travel advice, product reviews and more. Thanks for joining us. Please tell your friends about us.

Today’s thought

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” ―Walt Whitman

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National French Bread Day!

On this day in history: 1952 – Alan Freed presents the Moondog Coronation Ball, the first rock and roll concert, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tip of the Day

RV Mods: Improve your fire escape-ability

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Steve Barnes, a longtime RVtravel.com reader, took to heart one of our RV safety videos that stressed the importance of regularly checking your RV’s egress windows – fire escapes. Steve reports, “I checked my fire escape after one year. A year ago, when it was brand-new, it was jammed.” Steve took it back to the dealer, who repaired it. But keeping in mind the advice to keep up with these things, Steve did another test a year later. Once again, his window was stuck.

Says Steve, “I freed it, lubed the seal with slide-out lube, and the metal parts with bicycle chain lube. I reassembled using only one of four friction clips. The clip jammed. Removing it was a major job.” With all of the friction clips out, the window finally was completely “unstuck,” but Steve notes what should have been a simple 20-minute “test” turned into a three-hour repair ordeal. Better, though, three hours spent with a fix, than finding out in a real-world “test” that getting out of his RV just wouldn’t happen.

But it set Steve to thinking…

Continue reading

 CONTEST!  Is this your RV?

Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig
Every day we post a photo of an RV either submitted by its owner or by our editors and writers as they move about the country.

Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.

Ask Dave

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook.” 

Is an after-market paint protection on an RV worth the money?

Dear Dave,
We just purchased a new trailer and it has been recommended that we get Platinum Shield Paint Protection applied to the manufacturer’s RV paint job to protect it from yellowing. Does this make sense, and are many owners having this product applied to their new vehicles? —Walter

Read Dave’s answer

Video of the day

24 RV overnight stops better than Walmart

By Cheri Sicard
As you may or may not have heard, many Walmarts are no longer allowing overnight RV parking. The more urban the area, the more likely you will be to encounter this. Sometimes you just need a quick place to pull over and sleep. What to do? In the video below, the team from Let’s Turn It Up World has compiled 24 RV overnight stops that beat Walmart (even if Walmart were still an option).

Click here to watch

ABCs of Full-Time RV Living

By Nanci Dixon
We are full-time RVers, living our dream. We belong to that ever-growing group of adventurous people that have sold their sticks and bricks houses, gotten rid of almost all their belongings, and left friends and family to live the dream of RV living full-time. … Everything you want to know about full-time RVing is here.

Reader poll

Have you ever rented an RV?

Tell us here

Quick Tip

Keep the dust out of your RV

Taking your RV into a super-dusty area? Here’s a tip to help keep the dust out of the rig for the duration: Cover up any vent openings that connect the inside of your rig to the outside—the refrigerator and the water heater are examples. While you’ll have to leave the water heater turned off for this one, it may pay dividends. Cover the vents with cheap household air conditioner filters, and tape the filter on with heavy-duty masking tape. Be sure to pull the filter off the water heater before firing it up. You may need to use solvent to clean the tape adhesive, but it’s better than dust in your house.

On this day last year…

Website of the day

Stops to Make Along the Civil Rights Trail
RVing along the Civil Rights Trail should be high on your list of trips to take. It’s not too late to add this to your 2023 travel plans.

??  MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY  ??
Haha! The product seems great, but it’s also worth it just for the label! 3…2…1… fire!

And the Survey Says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 59 percent of towable owners bought a vehicle specifically to tow their RV.
• 55 percent say spending time alone is easy for them. In fact, it’s necessary.
• 20 percent have performed CPR on someone in a medical emergency.

Recent poll: Did you ever own a car with fins?

Recipe of the Day

Roasted Asparagus With Tomatoes and Gorgonzola

by Marjorie Koslow from North Wales, PA

Love asparagus and feeling adventurous? Give this roasted asparagus recipe a try. Gorgonzola cheese tastes similar to blue cheese. The tomatoes are sweet and that’s a nice contrast to the tangy cheese. Roasted perfectly, the asparagus is tender with a slight crunch. It’s very easy to prepare and would be delicious alongside steak or chicken.

Click here for the recipe

Trivia

The tradition of Girl Scout cookie sales dates back to 1917, when a Muskogee, OK, troop, The Mistletoe Troop, began selling sugar cookies in their high school cafeteria as a service project. Want to try out the original recipe? Find it here.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“This is Skylar, our little rescue girl. We took her everywhere. Liked camping/exploring, the beach, and barking at everyone as I drove… She would sleep on the couch and wrapped herself in her blanket even in the summer! Unfortunately, she got very sick last Nov. and sadly left us last month. She is missed, greatly.” —Bill Haidet

We’re so sorry you lost your sweet Skylar, Bill. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful life. It’s true what they say: Who rescued who?

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

Leave here with a laugh

Our artificial staff member, Milly, tells one of her favorite bar jokes.

RV Store at Amazon!
Just about anything and everything you need for your RV at great prices. Visit now.

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

rv travel logoContact information

Editor: Emily Woodbury

CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.

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 2023 by RV Travel LLC.

Is an after-market paint protection on an RV worth the money?

Dave Solberg
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9
Is an after-market paint protection on an RV worth the money?

Dear Dave,
We just purchased a new trailer and it has been recommended that we get Platinum Shield Paint Protection applied to the manufacturer’s RV paint job to protect it from yellowing. Does this make sense, and are many owners having this product applied to their new vehicles? —Walter

Dear Walter,
Since you did not provide a make, model, and year of your new trailer, it’s hard to determine what type of RV paint scheme you have. It could be full body paint, a combination of paint and decals, or just decals. However, with all of these, the underlying material is a fiberglass skin typically produced by Filon/Kemlite (Crane Composites).

Over the years there have been dozens of aftermarket paint protection products with most coming from the automotive industry. Typically they are a spray-on polymer, which is designed to coat the unit and provide protection from fading and also scratches.

RV paint, fiberglass, and decals

If you have a full-body paint job, typically there are a couple of layers of the actual paint and then a variety of layers of clear coat. Most trailers only have one or two layers and this clear coat can fade when exposed to the sun. The front end of trailers is the most affected as they are exposed longer to the harsh UV rays of the sun. Just like a car, some type of UV protection is required to keep the paint and clear coat looking new.

Fiberglass starts with fibers and resin in sheet stock and a clear finish added called gelcoat. Back in the 1990s, most manufacturers had very little gelcoat, but rather had a matte finish on the panel that would hide waves and imperfections. Then the market wanted an automotive “shiny” finish, so more layers of gelcoat were added and the more glossy the sidewall became. The matte finish fiberglass would start to fade and turn a pink color if not protected, while the gelcoat version would get cloudy and chalky. Decals are manufactured with two different materials and can last 3-7 years.

Is RV paint protection worth the money?

Almost every dealer and service center offers some type of paint and fabric protection as an aftermarket application. Check any RV forum and you will find strong opinions both for and against. Also, if you ask any dealer, they will definitely tell you it is worth the money. Of course, they make more money spraying about $50 worth of product!

An RV paint job on a motorhome

One thing I do know is the outside appearance of your RV is the number one item that affects resale value. The more it is faded and looks rough, the harder it is to sell and the less money you will get for it, no matter how well the rest has been maintained. So I do feel it is important to properly treat the exterior of your rig. However, I am not a big fan of shelling out thousands of dollars for a spray-on application. In fact, consumer reports and automotive publications state these aftermarket protections are not worth the money; rather, a good wax with UV protection is sufficient.

The recommendation from Crane Composites

Filon/Kemlite, a product of Crane Composites, the largest provider of the fiberglass outer skin, recommends Meguiar’s: #56 Boat and RV Pure Wax. This has a UV protection, and they recommend it every six months depending on how much it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Here is where the discussion turns to why some owners decide to go with the paint protection. Who washes and waxes their RV every six months? Not me! I believe Crane Composites is putting a little added protection to their warranty as they cannot determine how much exposure any RV will get.

I have talked with several RV owners that wax the unit once a year or more frequently, and keep the unit covered when not in use. The units look new even 10 years later.

Plus, I have seen units that came from California and Arizona that look 25 years old in just a few years.

A cracked RV paint job

The bottom line in your case is what is the cost and what is the warranty? If it is guaranteed to not fade or discolor for 10 years, it’s probably worth the investment. Let’s see what our readers have found in the past. Readers?

 You might also enjoy this

How to protect your RV’s decals from fading and sun damage

By Dustin Simpson, California RV Specialists
We all know that RV decals have a tendency to peel, crack, curl up and fade over time. It is unfortunate when this happens because it really takes away from the value of a travel trailer or motorhome. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this problem and help protect your investment.

Continue reading.

Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”

Read more from Dave here. 

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

We have a popular forum for Ask Dave. Please be as brief as possible. Attach a photo or two if it might help Dave with his response. Click to visit Dave’s forum. Or send your inquiries to him using the form below.

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

##RVDT2082

RV Mods: Improve your fire escape-ability

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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20
RV Mods: Improve your fire escape-ability

Steve Barnes, a longtime RVtravel.com reader, took to heart one of our RV safety videos that stressed the importance of regularly checking your RV’s egress windows – fire escapes. Steve reports, “I checked my fire escape after one year. A year ago, when it was brand-new, it was jammed.” Steve took it back to the dealer, who repaired it. But keeping in mind the advice to keep up with these things, Steve did another test a year later. Once again, his window was stuck.

Says Steve, “I freed it, lubed the seal with slide-out lube, and the metal parts with bicycle chain lube. I reassembled using only one of four friction clips. The clip jammed. Removing it was a major job.” With all of the friction clips out, the window finally was completely “unstuck,” but Steve notes what should have been a simple 20-minute “test” turned into a three-hour repair ordeal. Better, though, three hours spent with a fix, than finding out in a real-world “test” that getting out of his RV just wouldn’t happen.

But it set Steve to thinking. Even with the egress window fixed, how would he and his loved ones get out of the upper end of a fifth wheel trailer? Steve set about building his own fire escape rope with mooring hardware. Here’s what he did:

Bore a hole through the floor into the cargo area, taking care to watch out for water and electrical lines. Insert a 7/8″ eye-bolt with the eye on the passenger side of the floor, and complete the bolt install with oversize washers and a lock washer.

Obtain 12′ (or other appropriate length) of 7/8″ hemp rope. Knot in hand-holds, which for Steve took up 3′ of this total rope length; hence, his 12′ original length became 9′ of usable length. Steve says hemp has a better grip, and will burn slower than a synthetic.

Attach the completed escape rope to the eye-bolt, and coil for quick use.

He recommends putting another fire extinguisher near the escape hatch, as well as a chunk of wooden dowel to hold the window in the open position. In case you need to use the escape, open the window and prop it. Toss a blanket or towel over the sill edge, toss your rope and make an escape.

Steve observes the rope escape set him back less than $20 and an hour’s worth of effort. He recommends practicing the setup at least three times a year, and keeping in mind the ability of any travelers who may have disabilities, and “annual impairment – also known as old age.”

Our thanks to Steve for his forward-looking suggestion.

##RVDT1820

24 RV overnight stops better than Walmart

Video Editor
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1
24 RV overnight stops better than Walmart

By Cheri Sicard
As you may or may not have heard, many Walmarts are no longer allowing overnight RV parking. The more urban the area, the more likely you will be to encounter this. Sometimes you just need a quick place to pull over and sleep. What to do? In the video below, the team from Let’s Turn It Up World has compiled 24 (yes, 24, not 17 like their video title says) RV overnight stops that beat Walmart (even if Walmart were still an option).

Walmarts used to be the go-to. But due to local ordinances, liability issues, and people taking up residence in the parking lot and leaving behind trash, you can no longer count on a Walmart being welcoming to an overnight stop.

But there are alternatives. Some are free, some have small fees attached. Be sure to watch the video for more details. The couple also shares their favorite apps for finding these great RV overnight stops, as well as tips for overnight stops RV etiquette.

Here are the options they cover:

  • Harvest Hosts: The yearly membership fee (about $100) gives you access to thousands of overnight stops at wineries, breweries, farms, museums, other tourist attractions, and even churches. Spend a little with the host and you are good to go! (Want 15% off your membership? Click here and enter the code RVTRAVEL)
  • Boondockers Welcome: Owned by Harvest Hosts, this inexpensive membership gives you access to more than 3,000 private residences that have opened their property to overnight RVers. Many have inexpensive hookups too!
  • BLM land dispersed camping: Tou can boondock overnight or longer, usually up to 2 weeks, free on this public land.
  • National forests: In addition to paid campgrounds, many national forests also offer free dispersed camping.
  • City and county parks: Many cities and counties have parks that allow overnight parking. Some also have campgrounds with hookups.
  • Cracker Barrel: Like Walmart, many of these restaurants do not have a problem with overnight RVers, but it can vary from location to location.
  • Big box stores: These stores, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, also will depend on the individual store manager and local ordinances, but the team has had good luck scoring overnight RV parking at these kinds of store.
  • Cabela’s (Bass Pro):  Once again this will depend on location. Some Cabela’s used to have dump stations and welcomed RVers openly, but we have recently heard these are no more. So overnighting at Cabela’s, like other retail locations, will depending on the individual location’s rules and ordinances.
  • Truck stops: These are great for overnighters and I personally use them all the time. There is some RV etiquette involved here, so be sure to check out the video. But some truck stops now have designated spots for RV overnight stops!
  • Rest areas: Some states, like Kansas, have dedicated RV parking at their rest areas. Others, like Ohio, are even putting in affordable RV hookups in their rest areas. Still others just allow a safe place to pull over and sleep awhile. Rest area rules vary from state to state.
  • Churches: The team has had luck with large churches; just be sure to contact them to ask. (As a side note, many churches are now part of Harvest Hosts.)
  • Shopping malls: Like many of the suggestions, it will depend on local ordinances and management. But if you are shopping, you can often score an overnight spot.
  • County fairgrounds: This is one of my favorites that I use often. Many fairgrounds throughout the country offer RV parking, usually with hookups, at extremely reasonable rates. Of course, this does not apply when the fair is going on.
  • Casinos: In the good old days you could pretty much count on being able to overnight at pretty much ANY casino—yes, even in Las Vegas. Those days are sadly gone, but many casinos still do allow free overnight parking.
  • Ski areas and winter parks: Many allow overnight RVers, not only in winter but during their down seasons as well.
  • Golf courses: Public golf course parking lots often allow overnight parking in the off-season. Again, this will depend on local ordinances. Also, if you are a golfing RVer, Harvest Hosts has an awesome golf course upgrade that gets you access to courses all over the country that will allow you to RV overnight.
  • Big home improvement stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc., with large parking lots often allow overnight parking. As with all of the retail options, you need to check with the store manager and obey local ordinances.
  • City and county visitor’s centers: Not all allow overnight parking, but many do.  I have been seeing these show up on Harvest Hosts lists lately too.
  • Chain-up pull-out areas: These are prominent in the mountains and in winter are used to allow drivers room to install snow chains. At other times of year, they aren’t really used.
  • Fitness centers: A lot of van lifers have fitness center memberships in order to use showers. You may also be able to overnight in their parking lots.
  • Elks Lodges: If you are an Elks member, many have terrific low-cost campgrounds and/or free overnight parking.
  • Wall Drug: If you happen to be traveling here, they have RV parking that allows you to stay overnight.
  • Colleges and universities: I have my doubts about this one, but the video says in off-season, you might be able to stay in the stadium parking lots.
  • State parks: Many have reasonably priced campgrounds.

##RVDT2082

Is this your RV?

Jessica Sarvis
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0
Is this your RV?

If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send either the photo you submitted or a photo of your RV if someone else submitted the photo), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific time today, March 21, 2023. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.

If this isn’t your RV, send us a photo of your RV here (if you haven’t already) for a chance to win in future issues.


We’ll have another photo in tomorrow’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter (sign up to receive an email alert so you don’t miss the issue or those that follow). Some of these photos are submitted by readers while others were taken by our editors and writers on their travels around the USA.

Have you ever rented an RV?

RV Travel
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30
Have you ever rented an RV?

If you’re renting an RV there’s a pretty good chance that it won’t be your dream RV. But most longtime RVers will agree that it’s a great way for you to test the waters and see if the lifestyle is good for you.

Renting an RV can also be a great way to see what size and style RV is right for you and your traveling companion(s). More on that here.

Have you ever rented an RV? If so, have you done so more than once or just one time? After you vote, please leave a comment telling us why you rented one and about your experience. If you’ve never rented one, would you like to?

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