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What’s the biggest ‘sticker shock’ in RVing today?

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Not too many years ago, one of the biggest selling points of RV travel was affordability. Sure, there were fuel costs and campground fees, but many RVers felt they could travel comfortably without breaking the bank. These days, however, it seems like nearly everything associated with RVing costs more than it used to. And it is certainly not the cheapest way to travel anymore!

This week’s newsletter included two stories that got us thinking. One reader was stunned to receive a $402.85 bill after using Virginia’s Express Lanes during rush hour. Meanwhile, Nanci Dixon shared her surprise at being quoted $70 for a single night at a familiar RV campground—a site she described as cramped, dusty, and far from luxurious.

Of course, tolls and campground fees aren’t the only expenses causing sticker shock. Fuel prices continue to fluctuate. RV repairs can quickly climb into the thousands. Insurance premiums have risen for many owners. Even routine maintenance items like tires, batteries, and roof repairs seem to cost more every year.

Yet, despite the rising costs, most RVers keep rolling down the road. For many, the freedom, flexibility, and memories created while traveling are still worth the expense.

The question is: Which cost makes you shake your head the most when you see the bill?

So, we’re curious. In today’s RV world, what causes the biggest sticker shock for you? Is it campground fees? Fuel prices? Tolls? RV repairs? Or perhaps something else entirely?

Vote in our poll below. And if your answer isn’t listed, leave a comment and tell us what’s hitting your wallet the hardest these days. Thank you!

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Save thousands on RV slide-out maintenance with this

Did you know that proper slide-out maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs? In this article and video, we’ll explain how the Camco RV rubber seal conditioner protects your RV slide-outs and keeps them in top working condition.

Regular maintenance of these seals prevents damage and extends the lifespan of your slide-out mechanism.

Why RV slide-out seals are important

The rubber bulb seals around your RV slide-out are essential components that help prevent water, dirt, and air from entering your RV. They create a seal when the slide-out is retracted, protecting your RV from environmental elements. Over time, these seals can become brittle, cracked, or damaged, which can lead to leaks, drafts, or even mold inside the RV.

How Camco RV rubber seal conditioner helps

Camco RV rubber seal conditioner is designed to protect and maintain the rubber seals around your RV slide-out. Here’s how it can help:

Prevents cracking and dry rot

Exposure to UV rays, weather, and temperature changes can cause the rubber seals to dry out and crack, leading to compromised sealing performance. The Camco treatment restores moisture to the rubber, keeping it flexible and preventing cracks.

Extends seal lifespan

Regular use of this treatment extends the lifespan of your slide-out seals. By keeping them conditioned and in good condition, you’ll delay the need for expensive seal replacement.

Reduces friction and wear

The treatment provides a slippery coating that reduces friction when the slide-out moves. This can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on both the seals and the slide-out mechanism.

Improves water resistance

Applying the seal treatment helps to enhance the waterproofing properties of the rubber seals, ensuring they effectively protect your RV from leaks and moisture.

Enhances overall slide-out performance

A well-maintained seal ensures your slide-out functions smoothly and efficiently. The treatment helps maintain a good seal, reducing air and water infiltration that can lead to mold, mildew, and other costly damage.

How to use Camco RV rubber seal conditioner

Clean the slide-out seals

Before applying the treatment, it’s essential to clean the rubber seals thoroughly. Use a mild soap or RV-safe cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and any old residue. Let the seals dry completely.

Apply the treatment

Shake the Camco treatment bottle well before use. Apply a generous amount to the rubber seals using a clean cloth or sponge. Ensure the entire seal is covered, paying special attention to areas that may show signs of wear.

Wipe off excess

After applying, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess product. Be sure the seals are evenly coated but not overly saturated, as excess product can attract dirt.

Inspect the seals

While applying the treatment, take the time to inspect the seals for any damage, cracks, or signs of deterioration. If the seals are compromised, it might be time to replace them.

Allow to dry and set

Allow the treatment to fully dry and set before operating the slide-out. This ensures that the seal is in optimal condition for protection.

Prevent costly damage with regular maintenance

Inspect seals

Regularly check the condition of your slide-out seals for signs of wear, cracking, or dry rot. Make it a part of your routine RV maintenance to ensure your seals are always in top condition.

Apply treatment seasonally

For maximum protection, apply the Camco treatment at the start of each season. This will keep the seals conditioned and ready to withstand the elements throughout the year.

Clean seals after use

After traveling or extended use, clean the seals to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could wear them down. Keeping them clean helps maintain their sealing power.

Conclusion

Taking care of your RV slide-out seals is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your investment and prevent major repairs. With Camco RV rubber seal conditioner, you can keep your seals in excellent condition, preventing water damage, air leaks, and costly repairs. Regular maintenance will help your RV slide-out function smoothly and ensure your RV stays in top shape.

For more expert RV maintenance tips and to keep your RV in perfect condition, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel. With the right care, your RV will stay protected and ready for your next adventure!

The Camco RV rubber seal conditioner is available here on Amazon.

More from Dustin

Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.

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Use self-fusing silicone tape for weatherproof connections

By Greg Illes
Standard vinyl electrical tape has been around for a long time—too long, some would say. The problem with this commonly used product is its adhesive. It doesn’t really stick very well and after awhile it starts to peel loose, leaving a gooey mess behind. But now there’s a self-fusing silicone rubber tape for weatherproof connections which works great.

A better alternative

Some years ago, a worthy alternative to standard vinyl electrical tape appeared—a silicone rubber tape that was self-fusing. It bonded to itself with enthusiasm and had no adhesive to age or create a mess. Furthermore, it was impervious to many chemicals, ozone and UV, which age and deteriorate lesser products.

This self-vulcanizing tape has seen a surge in popularity. It’s now sold in many colors and widths, all at affordable prices (although much more expensive than its cheaper brother). Sold by everyone from Ace Hardware to Amazon, a roll will run you anywhere from about $10-$30.

How do you use self-fusing silicone rubber tape?

You apply the tape by peeling off its backing (being careful not to let it touch itself because it bonds instantly). Wrap the tape around the object to be covered and make the first wrap go over itself. Then stretch the tape in the direction you want and continue wrapping.

It’s easiest to cut off a piece in advance rather than applying it from the roll. A little experience will show you how much to use, and it takes very little: Two to three inches will weatherproof most electrical joints.

Notice that the tape doesn’t actually stick to anything but itself. This means that it’s easy to remove, but it also means that it can’t be used for any application that requires a sticky seal. The best way to think of this “tool” is as a rubber-molding process. Once the tape is applied and wrapped around the object, it is literally as if the object were cast inside a mold. In fact, I’ve cut open 5-year-old wrappings, and they still looked as if they were just one solid piece of rubber.

What can you use it for?

Due to its stretchy nature, the tape is fabulously conforming. It will create a solid rubber sleeve around the most odd-shaped joints and other objects. In addition to electrical uses, the tape can be used for any purpose where a rubber coating is desired. For example, my flagpole gave up its rattle after I rubber-taped the base. Your imagination is your only limit.

Here are all types, styles, colors, and prices on Amazon.

Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it. 

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New musical roads added to Route 66: Hear the Mother Road sing

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Route 66 is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its centennial. RVers won’t want to miss the Mother Road’s new musical roads!

What is a musical or singing road?

A musical road is the kind of roadside surprise that turns an ordinary drive into a delightful memory. (I previously wrote an article about singing roads, which you can read here.)

The engineering for a musical road is complex, and the planning is time-consuming. However, the “singing road” idea itself is actually quite simple. It’s based on sounds (vibrations) we hear in everyday life. When a vibration occurs at a certain rate per second, it produces a distinct sound. The vibration or note comes from the spacing of the grooves, which is why speed matters so much. If you go too fast or too slow, the melody changes.

In simple terms, a musical road is a stretch of pavement with carefully spaced grooves or rumble strips. The strips make your tires vibrate in a way that produces a tune—as long as you travel at the right speed.

Route 66

To mark Route 66’s centennial, new musical roads have been added along the historic route. Each stretch will play music inspired by the local culture and surroundings. Watch a fascinating 3-minute video from National Geographic of a singing roadway installation below.

When drivers keep to the posted speed, the road plays a melody, creating a fun, shareable way to celebrate Route 66 while encouraging safe, attentive driving. (I doubt you can drive over one and not smile!)

The two men leading Route 66’s musical road effort are Chris Hill and Pete Thompson. They are the co-founders of Route 66 Musical Roads LLC. The company says local crews have been hired in each state to do the actual installation work.

Locate a Route 66 singing road

Missouri

The best place to start is Springfield, Missouri. You’ll find this Musical Road on St. Louis Street near Queen’s Gate 66. This Route 66 attraction is designed as a drive-through experience with no tickets or lines. By holding a steady 30 mph, you’ll hear the road play “America the Beautiful.” Listen to it here.

This singing road is part of Springfield’s effort to deepen its Route 66 identity. It’s an easy drive to combine with other Springfield Mother Road sights. See a map and discover additional sights and Springfield area experiences here.

Oklahoma

Tulsa, Oklahoma, also has a Route 66 musical road. The city says the route runs on the Southwest Boulevard Bridge, parallel to the Cyrus Avery Memorial Bridge. It sits near several other Route 66 landmarks, including Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, the East Meets West sculpture, and the Route 66 skybridge. Travelers can expect to hear Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” when cruising at about 35 mph. Learn about additional area attractions here.

Arizona

Winslow, Arizona, is singing too. This musical road attraction is at the east end of Third Street near the 9/11 Memorial. It plays the melody from the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” when drivers travel over it at about 35 mph. That makes it a very natural RV stop for anyone who wants to pair Route 66 music with a quick visit to Standin’ on the Corner Park. Look here for other area sights in the area.

New Mexico

Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is the one to watch next. It’s expected to be completed by June 15, 2026. Here, the city is planning two sets of musical rumble strips on the west side of Historic Route 66. The eastbound traffic is set to hear “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” Westbound traffic will hear the Santa Rosa Lions fight song. Find more to see and do in the Santa Rosa area here.

Also check out Tijeras, New Mexico. It’s where the original classic Route 66 musical road installation helped make the idea famous. Originally installed just east of Albuquerque as a traffic-calming project, it was built in 2014. To hear it play “America the Beautiful,” drivers should maintain a 45 mph speed. To find it, travelers typically leave I-40 at Exit 170 to take NM 333. Look eastbound between mile markers 4 and 5. Discover other amazing things to see and do while in the area here. (Note that this singing highway has faded with age and weathering.)

Celebrate!

musical road speed sign image: screen shot of you tube video

The Route 66 centennial is a good excuse to visit a musical road on the Mother Road. The official Route 66 Centennial website is promoting kick-off events, caravans, exhibits, monuments, and other celebration projects across the corridor. Springfield and Tulsa are already pairing their musical roads with nearby Route 66 landmarks and public art stops. That means RVers can treat each musical road as much more than a quick detour. Instead, take time to enjoy museums, sculptures, festivals, and local history along the way.

You should go!

So, if you are road-tripping the Mother Road in 2026, pick the musical road nearest you and roll over it at the right speed. Each singing roadway gives RVers a different kind of “get your kicks” moment. Every location is a fun reason to listen, then stop, and celebrate the centennial one mile at a time.

Have you ever driven over a musical road? Tell us using the comments below.

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The slow down and move over law—Are you doing it right or breaking the law?

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When you see a vehicle stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, what do you do?

A recent AAA Foundation study found lots of drivers know the phrase “slow down and move over” but are unsure what it actually requires. This helps explain why roadside workers and stranded motorists remain at risk.

RVers should know and appropriately respond

Every state has some form of the slow down, move over law. They require drivers to either move over one lane away from a stopped vehicle with flashing lights or, if you can’t safely change lanes, slow down to a reasonable speed. Those two options, to create distance or reduce speed, are the basic safety choices demanded by law.

So why the confusion?

The slow down, move over law is confusing because states don’t all use the same wording. Some laws say the law applies only to emergency vehicles. Other states add tow trucks, DOT crews, utility trucks, or any disabled vehicle. A few states specify an exact speed reduction while others say simply “slow down.”

This patchwork of definitions and penalties makes it hard for drivers to remember exactly what to do in every state. To date, 19 states and Washington, D.C., require motorists to slow down and move over for all vehicles with activated hazard lights. That means police, EMS, road workers, trash vehicles, fire trucks, highway maintenance, construction vehicles, utility trucks, and private disabled vehicles, as well.

diagram of lawful move over, slow down law Image: NHTSA
Photo credit: NHTSA

Varying highway configurations

Adding more confusion are questions like these: How does the law apply to multiple lanes of traffic? What about interstate highways? One-way thoroughfares?

Here’s what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises:

Four-lane roads (two lanes each direction): If you’re in the right-hand lane and see an incident on the shoulder ahead, move one lane left if it’s safe and clear. If traffic or road markings make that maneuver unsafe, reduce your RV’s speed and pass with caution. Create as much lateral space away from the incident as you can.

Divided highways and medians: When a physical median separates directions of travel, and you can’t move away from a stopped vehicle on your side, the law typically still expects you to slow down and proceed with extra caution. Don’t assume the median removes responsibility. You must slow down and watch carefully for people who may be standing on or near the roadway.

Other real-world situations RVers may face: As you travel, you’ll likely see police, ambulances, tow trucks, state DOT trucks, utility crews, and sometimes private vehicles with hazard lights along the road. It’s best to treat any stopped vehicle with active lights as a call to move over or slow down or both.

Why it matters especially for RVers

RVs have bigger blind spots, wider turning radius, and longer stopping distances. This makes last-second lane changes and speed adjustments riskier for you and others. Creating space early reduces the chance of a multi-vehicle scramble and keeps roadside crews out of harm’s way.

The AAA research also points out that many drivers fail to both move over and slow down, leaving responders or others at risk.

Practical RV tips

Make the following behaviors a habit as you drive.

  • Scan early for warning lights on the shoulder ahead.
  • Check mirrors and signal before changing lanes.
  • Don’t attempt to squeeze between other vehicles that are also changing lanes. Instead, wait for a safe gap in traffic and then make your move.
  • If traffic prevents a lane change, lift off the throttle and pass the emergency situation slowly.

If you must stop because of an emergency of your own, pull your RV well onto the shoulder (as far as safely possible). Activate your RV’s hazard lights and set reflective triangles behind your rig as an early warning to other motorists.

Enforcement and penalties

It’s important to know that some states impose steep fines or criminal charges when noncompliance injures or kills a responder. Other states focus on education and high-visibility enforcement campaigns.

Knowing that penalties differ from state to state is another reason to default to the most protective behavior. That is, move over and slow down when safely possible, and always slow down if safely moving over isn’t possible.

Have you witnessed confusion or noncompliance with the move over, slow down law while RVing? Tell us using the comments below.

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RV review: Outdoors RV Backcountry 20MKS—Boondocking champ

Today’s RV review is of the 2027 Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS travel trailer. Outdoors RV is unusual in that it is located in La Grande, Oregon, and specializes in travel trailers and fifth wheels that are truly ready for more extreme climate conditions. The company also builds its own chassis and states that they are off-road ready. 

The company has created a very loyal following and has quite the reputation for building a very high-quality and substantial product. These are not inexpensive, nor are they light, but many RV owners are looking for just this type of build quality. 

Some other unusual things about these trailers include the fact that there is a built-in safe by the bed that the company describes as a “quick-access home defense bed safe.” There are wild things near where the company builds these. 

There are also provisions for an axe and a shovel in the front pass-through compartment, which also features a nice metal sliding tray. You know you always want whatever’s the least convenient to reach in any storage situation, and this drawer helps to alleviate that. 

The company really focuses on off-grid camping with their insulation and build practices. 

How the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS is built

At the base of it all is a chassis built by Outdoors RV that the company states is off-road certified. That includes 5,200-pound axles with KYB shock absorbers and eight-lug wheels shod with 16” Goodyear Endurance 235 E-range ten-ply tires. I couldn’t find a reference to a tire pressure monitoring system, which is unfortunate. But that is something you could add after the fact. And should with any trailer. 

Something that Outdoors RV does that’s different than almost any other RV company that I am aware of is the thickness of the compartment doors on things like showers and such. I always scratch my head (maybe that’s where the hair went) seeing RVs that make the claim that they’re winter-ready, but then have a thin plastic door on the outdoor shower compartment. These are very different, with a 1”-thick and gasketed compartment door for the outdoor shower. 

While much of this RV is really well made, a couple of things made me say, “Hmm.” One of those was the use of a Schwintek slide. Those are fine if you maintain them properly and don’t ask people on social media how to maintain them. As always, Lippert has a great video about maintaining your Schwintek slide. That’s where I’d get my answers. 

Countertop in the bathroom

One thing that I saw that was a super-bummer is the countertop in the bathroom. It is a laminated T-mold-type countertop. It is truly unfortunate to use this in a bathroom where water can get between the plastic edge and the particleboard underneath and destroy the counter. This is counter to so many other things in this RV that point to a better quality of construction. 

One thing I noticed was that there were furnace vents in the floor of this rig. What I don’t like about these is that things can fall into the vents throughout the year (like pet hair if you have pets). Those things then get heated up for the special smell when you first kick on the furnace as the weather gets colder. I believe there are magnetic sheets you can put over these vents, though. 

Inside the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS

This is the first time I have seen an Outdoors RV with a Murphy bed, and it’s done differently than some. The bed platform itself is hinged and utilizes a mattress that is forced to bend in the middle, though that mattress seemed to be pretty comfortable. 

In front of the bed platform is a dinette. The dinette table also swings down from the pretty clever bed platform. This gives you a dinette, but there were also theater seats in the slide of this RV, so you have decent options here. 

Something you’ll notice in the video is that we thought the latches that hold the mattress up sat on the dinette cushions. However, we didn’t see little “wings” that swing up from under the dinette cushions that are intended to hold the bed platform in place. It’s one of those things where if you know, you know—and we didn’t know. I learned this in a video from Thompson RV, which is a big seller of these units and the closest dealer to the factory. 

Kitchen in the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS

In addition to good seating and decent space, this has a really top-notch kitchen where there are solid surface countertops and plenty of them. There’s also a three-burner propane stove with a 21” oven (you know I loved seeing this!) along with a typical RV microwave and decently sized sink. There’s also a nice backsplash behind the stove with a mountain scene on it. 

Since there’s a plentiful amount of counter space, there are also good drawers and overhead cabinets. 

This also uses the dual-swing 12-volt fridge where you can access it from either side. I have this same fridge and wrote an article about how efficiently it operates. I like this fridge. 

Bathroom in the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS

The bathroom in here is pretty spacious for being a corner bathroom. It has a porcelain foot-flush toilet and an oval stainless steel sink. The countertop material is truly a disappointment, as I wrote before, considering how nice the rest of the camper is. 

The shower is quite decent and has plenty of headroom. I like the Nautilus-style retracting shower door/curtain thingamabobber. 

While I see that this is an option, there was a Maxxair high-performance vent fan both in the bathroom and main living space of this RV. That’s how I would equip this RV if it were mine. 

2027 Outdoors RV Backcountry Series 20MKS specifications

Boondocking and off-grid camping with the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS

Outdoors RV has a lot of focus on off-grid and backcountry camping in their messaging. Fortunately, their RVs are an integral part of that story. 

An example of this is the 3,600-watt propane-fueled generator that is standard on this trailer. Well, except in California. No generators there any longer. 

There are 400 watts of solar standard, as well, with the option to bump that up to 600 watts or even 1,000 watts. 

A while back I shared an article about why I’m not a big fan of tankless water heaters. Apparently, neither is Outdoors RV, with this model featuring a 10-gallon gas-electric traditional water heater. This is four gallons larger than is customary in RVs with tank-style water heaters. 

This trailer also has really large holding tanks. They are supported so that you can travel with water in them. 

As for travel access, the model I saw didn’t have much battery to it so I couldn’t bring in the slide. But I would guess that you might be able to squeeze by it to get to the kitchen and bathroom when it’s closed. 

Final thoughts on the Outdoors RV Backcountry Series MTN TRX 20MKS

I am a big, big fan of this company’s products for the build quality and ability to withstand temperature extremes. Most of this RV also shows an attention to detail and quality build. 

I had mentioned the handy drawer slide in the front pass-through compartment. Another piece of detail is that the controls for the optional power stabilizer jacks and the battery disconnect, along with several USB power outlets, are here in the pass-through. They are protected by a sliding door—a nice touch. I could imagine using these 12-volt power outlets to power a small cooler, for example, or an air compressor. 

Another thing that attracts people to these RVs is a higher-than-average interior ceiling height at 6’11”. 

I know I keep harping on that countertop in the bathroom but, again, it’s like smashing your thumb with a hammer. The rest of you feels fine, but you can’t stop thinking about your dad-blamed-thumb. 

I think this could serve couples really well with both theater seating and a dinette along with a true queen-sized bed, on-board generator plus solar, and huge holding tanks. 

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More about these RV reviews

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.

Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. 

You can also check out Tony and Peggy’s RV podcast.

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Another quirky micronation stop for RVers

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Recently, I wrote about Slowjamastan, believing it to be the only micronation within the U.S. Turns out, I was wrong!

Reader James Starling commented that another (older) spot also claimed to be its own micronation. It’s located near Dayton, Nevada. I just had to find out more.

The Republic of Molossia

If you like offbeat roadside stops, The Republic of Molossia is one of those places you’ll certainly talk about later. This self-styled micronation near Dayton is best treated as a planned stop rather than a drop-in detour.

History

Molossia’s story goes back to 1977. That’s when Kevin Baugh and James Spielman founded it as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein. The official history regards May 26, 1977, as the founding date of this micronation.

leader of the micronation Molossia Molossia's website image
Photo credit: The Republic of Molossia

Baugh said the idea came after watching the movie The Mouse That Roared, when the two decided to create a tiny nation of their own.

Today, Baugh is still the president and the head of government. That makes Molossia nearly 49 years old and still going strong.

What you’ll see

Molossia's bldgs Molossia's website image
Photo credit: The Republic of Molossia

For visitors, the fun is in the details. Molossia’s Red Square is the public face of the nation and includes several sites. Once there, you’ll see the post office, trading company, presidential office, bank, Tiki Hut Bar and Grill, Peace Pole, Pineapple Fountain, Heroes Monument, and more.

Where to stay

RVers looking for a place to stay have a few nearby choices:

Dayton RV Park sits right in Dayton and offers nightly stays with 30- to 50-amp service in 50 spaces.

Dayton State Park has 10 campsites that can handle RVs up to 34 feet, plus a dump station, flush toilets, picnic tables, and barbecues.

Silver City RV Resort is a bigger full-service option, with more than 200 pull-through and back-in sites, full hookups, 30- to 50-amp service, free WiFi, a pool and spa, and a convenience store on site.

Getting there

Set your GPS for 226 Mary Lane, Dayton, Nevada. That is the official address listed by Molossia, and the site says visitors should check in at the customs office before touring. RVers should note that visits are by permission only.

If you want to visit, The Republic of Molossia asks that you contact them with the date, time, and number of people in your group by sending them an email at mininfo@molossia.org.

Here are the remaining dates/times in 2026 to visit:

• Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9:00 a.m. PST
• Saturday, July 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m. PST
• Saturday, August 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. PST
• Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
• Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST (last tour of the year)

Note: Tours are subject to change.

In the area

If you want to keep exploring within roughly a 50-mile radius of Dayton, there is a lot to add onto the same trip. About 20 minutes east in Carson City, you can visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum and take the Carson River Aquatic Trail.

Dayton State Park gives you river access, mining ruins, and short hikes, while Fort Churchill State Historic Park is about a half-hour away. It preserves Nevada’s first, largest, and most elaborate military outpost.

You can also head to Historic Downtown Dayton, Lahontan State Recreation Area, Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa, or Virginia City for a bigger dose of Nevada history, Old West architecture, and mining-era character.

For RVers, Molossia works best as a fun half-day add-on to a Dayton, Carson City, or Virginia City loop. It is small, strange, and deliberately playful, which is exactly why it makes such a memorable stop in Western Nevada.

Have you visited The Republic of Molossia? Tell us about quirky stops you’ve experienced while RVing. Use the comments below.

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RVT1256

Why do tires fail at 0 mph?

Sometimes people apparently think tires “fail” because of “magic.” Or, at least “magic” seems to be the only explanation if you do not understand tire design, materials and engineering.

The real reason for tire failures can many times be traced to a force we Tire Engineers call “interply shear.” Here is a picture of a radial tire that is in the process of coming apart as it fails.

This particular tire was discovered while we were doing a “free-spin” inspection. You can clearly see the steel belts were in the process of coming apart.

Do a “free-spin” inspection on your tires

You can find out if your tires have started to come apart by doing a “free-spin” inspection, as shown in this video. Doing a free-spin inspection would be part of what I would consider a BASIC annual tire inspection of your tires after they are two years old.

You can do this inspection by blocking the tires on your vehicle and applying the parking brake. Jack up one tire and slowly rotate the tire, and watch for “out of round” or “side to side” movement, as seen in the video. Do one tire at a time.

If you see any significant movement, I would consider that tire suspect. I would have it dismounted to confirm and/or replaced, if there was additional evidence of the tire in the process of failing.

It is true that “run-low-sidewall” failure can occur when the load is greater than what the tire can tolerate at the inflation pressure being used. “Interply shear” can occur even when the tire is properly inflated for the measured load.

Rubber in tires loses strength

Rubber in the tire structure loses strength. The RATE the tire loses strength is a function of TIME and temperature, with higher temperature causing faster degradation of the rubber strength. The “shear” or rubber tearing starts at the molecular level and NEVER repairs itself. This tearing will continue to grow until the tire is removed from service.

I have been able to confirm the above, in laboratory testing, by subjecting tires to 100°F with higher than normal inflation. Two tires failed after a few weeks. The failures occurred within hours of each other. It is very rare to get that level of repeatability in tire testing.

Why do tires fail this way

So, the next part is: “Why do tires fail in this manner?” People need to remember that rubber is an “organic” material, so its level of strength includes a “time” function, unlike steel.

Here (pdf) is a reference for how to calculate the strength of an inorganic item like steel. If you look at any of the formulas, you will not see a “T” or Time function. Most materials, like metals or stone, do not change or lose strength as the item gets older, unless we see other degradation or damage being done to the item.

Organics, like wood, plastic or rubber, do lose strength over time. This is part of the reason we see old wood structures falling down, while stone or metal structures can still be used when they are hundreds of years old.

Rubber, as used in tires, is only good for a few years. The time limit gets shorter as we increase the temperature.

I hope this post hasn’t been too technical for you

Roger Marble

MORE POSTS ON INTERPLY SHEAR

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If you have tire questions, check out Roger’s posts on RVtravel.com. There are hundreds of posts covering everything to do with tires.

If you still have a question for Roger after searching the above posts, send your inquiries to him using the form below.

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What did your father teach you?

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Father’s Day is just a week away, and it got us thinking about the lessons that stay with us long after childhood. Some fathers taught us practical skills—how to change a tire, cast a fishing line, balance a checkbook, or work with our hands. Others taught us something less tangible but just as important: patience, kindness, perseverance, or how to treat people with respect.

The older many of us get, the more we realize how often those lessons show up in everyday life. Maybe it’s a phrase your father repeated so many times that you can still hear it today. Maybe it’s advice you didn’t fully appreciate until years later. Or perhaps it’s an example he set through his actions rather than his words.

Of course, fathers come in many forms. For some, it was a stepfather, grandfather, uncle, mentor, coach, or another father figure who made a lasting impact. Whoever filled that role, chances are they left you with a lesson you’ll never forget.

So we’d love to hear from you: What did your father—or father figure—teach you? Tell us in a few sentences below by filling out the form. We’ll publish a selection of your responses in next week’s issue as we celebrate the fathers and father figures who helped shape our lives. Thank you!

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Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Go RVing, reservations down, service comes to you

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National go RVing Day!

If you suddenly are feeling overwhelmed with the desire to go RVing, there’s a good reason. The RV Industry Association has empowered influencers, manufacturers and campgrounds to share the message that RVing rocks the house. They’re doing this through the Go RVing website and encouraging participants to share the message about how RVing is super awesome. 

The first wave of these campaigns is supposed to have started June 12 and go through the weekend. So, if you’re seeing a lot of Go RVing-related stories and content and all of that, well, now you know why. 

Let me do my part here… Go RVing. 

RV parks show fewer reservations

According to an article in RVBusiness, RV parks are reporting weaker sales over Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s figures. They go on to predict lighter sales over the summer, too.

“Across the Campspot platform, we’re seeing a clear softening in campground demand year-over-year through May 2026,” said Lucas Greenberg, the chief revenue officer for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company, which tracks reservation data from its customer base of more than 2,600 parks.

Comparing same park performance year-over-year, Greenberg said overall site nights are running about 1.2% below last year’s pace.

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), which has more than 500 campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada, is also seeing a softening demand for overnight campsites, although KOA attributes the decline to changes in consumer booking patterns.

“After a steady first quarter, we’ve seen short-term reservation activity moderate over the past month compared to last year,” Kimberly Wootteon, KOA’s vice president of commercial strategy, said in a written statement. Like Campspot, KOA saw fewer reservations over the Memorial Day weekend. 

“Memorial Day serves as an important indicator of summer travel demand. Holiday occupancy across the KOA system was modestly lower than 2025, finishing just under 5% compared to last year’s occupancy,” she said.

Lippert service comes to you

RV component company Lippert has taken to the road with some of its service team and is providing upgrades and other services on-the-spot at a few national events, including having done so at the DLM Dream Races in New Weston, Ohio, last weekend, June 5-7. 

Lippert’s Director of Marketing, Rachel Yessa, was quoted in an article on RV News as saying “A lot of people are out there boondocking; they are out there for the entire weekend. If something happens with their awning or their air conditioner, or whatever the case is, we want to be able to support them.”

Overall the company stated that this initial event was an incredible success with people approaching Lippert’s team members as they arrived. 

According to RV News, the next such event will be at the 42nd King’s Royal, July 16-18. The third such event will be the World 100 race, September 10-12. 

“NASCAR is a great venue for our viewers, and we will continue to be very selective on making sure that whatever sponsorship partnership we select is going to be meeting as many RVers where they are as possible, and not just sponsoring for the sake of sponsorship,” Jarod Lippert, Chief Marketing officer for Lippert, said. “It is about getting in front of actual users of the product, which in this industry is very difficult. It can be very fragmented.”

Another way the company is bringing service out to the customers is with three certified factory service locations in Howe, Indiana; Red Bay, Alabama; and Hemet, California. 

“The worst thing in the world for us is when customers cannot use the RV as it was intended,” Jarod Lippert continued. “Our goal is to always just keep people enjoying that investment, and not have an unfortunate occurrence disrupt their vacation.”

Are you part of the latest RV trends? 

According to a study by the U.S. Travel Association, money spent on domestic travel is continuing to grow but people aren’t traveling as far due to rising costs. Well, duh. 

Do you ever wonder who spends money on these surveys? You could just read my article about my own adventures traveling within my home state. 

In another nod to the Go RVing day, campgrounds, dealers and other such businesses were encouraged to “Come up with creative campaign taglines such as, ‘You don’t have to go far to escape’ or ‘Local go-getter traveler’ and cross-promote them on targeted social media posts, blog posts and email newsletters,” Go RVing said. “Have ambassadors and customers share their favorite close-to-home RV adventures or itineraries and turn this into social, blog and email content or series.” 

Okay, I got the message. Read my article about my own adventures traveling within my home state.

Great American Outdoors Act

While many people have analogized Congress as being the opposite of progress (not just this one, but generally speaking: pro is to con as progress is to congress), it seems that they may be able to move forward a bipartisan bill to consider the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) 250. 

The legislation, introduced by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and 93 bipartisan original cosponsors, modernizes and updates public land and water infrastructure, increases outdoor access and safety, and supports the outdoor recreation economy.

The GAOA 250 invests $1.9 billion annually in America’s national parks and public lands over each of the next five years. So, who’s writing this big check? They are hoping for private donations, onshore energy revenue and new foreign visitor fees.

According to the House Committee on Natural Resources, by fixing roads, bridges and trails, the bill is expected to support roughly 72,500 jobs nationwide. 

That same committee said that the bill would streamline contracting processes, expedite environmental reviews and require regular reports on the progress of infrastructure. 

Source: Outdoor Recreation Roundtable 

hybrid travel trailer power claims
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More on those EV trailer companies

I believe that many of us who are RVtravel.com readers and writers have looked at those new EV trailers with a great deal of skepticism. However, according to The EV Report, EV trailer maker Evotrex has raised an additional $30 million, bringing the total raised to $46 million. 

While the skeptic in me is still not sure about those EV trailers, and I own an EV, I was curious when I saw that another company, Lightship, has found a customer for their EV trailer chassis in Exedy Drones, a maker of agricultural drones. 

By having a big 240,000 watt-hour battery on board and a cargo carrying capacity of 8,700 pounds, the chassis used in their trailers could make sense for a number of commercial applications. Now, that actually makes sense to me. 

Scott Binder, Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Technology at Exedy, said, “For end users, PowerSled means all-day power without the constant noise, exhaust fumes, or compromises that have historically come with mobile energy. It is a cleaner, quieter and more capable solution built to support how modern fleets, like ours, operate.”

Quite honestly I could see some construction company owning a cargo trailer with one of these chassis and using it to power the tools they need to build houses before the local power company comes to bring on the power. 

That’ll leave a mark

Finally, I often have encouraged people to regularly walk around their RVs when they stop for whatever reason—fuel, bathroom break—whatever. Apparently the owner of the RV in this video may not have followed this advice. 

Warning: If you’re offended by bad language (it’s very brief, but sort of amusing), maybe watch this on mute. 

Catch up on all the latest news for RVers here

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Glamping news highlights from across the USA

Here is news about glamping from the last 30 days. Glamping, a term derived from “glamorous” and “camping,” refers to an outdoor travel style that pairs the immersive, natural setting of traditional camping with modern comforts of a luxury hotel including beds with real linens, air conditioning, fire pits, saunas and hot tubs.

Accommodations include cabins, yurts, safari tents, tree houses, covered wagons and glass domes. “Glampgrounds” may include facilities for high-end RVs, but often do not.

Here’s the latest news

Yosemite gets major new glamping resort
A new 71-unit safari-style glamping resort has opened near the west entrance of Yosemite National Park. Operated by Under Canvas, the property offers furnished canvas tents with private bathrooms, wood floors, and porches. Rates start around $314 a night. The resort is also certified as a DarkSky destination for stargazing.

Utah resort named nation’s top glamping destination
The Dyrt’s 2026 Glampy Awards named Zion Glamping Adventures in Utah the best glamping destination in America for the second year in a row. The annual rankings are based on guest nominations and focus on unique design, amenities, and overall experience.

West Texas glamping retreat earns national recognition
Space Cowboys, a glamping resort near Big Bend National Park, was ranked No. 2 in the United States by The Dyrt. The property features mirrored “space pods,” yurts, and luxury tents designed for dark-sky stargazing.

Under Canvas continues rapid expansion
Luxury glamping company Under Canvas is expanding its national footprint. Industry reports note the company recently added Yosemite and Columbia River Gorge locations and is preparing to open a White Mountains, New Hampshire, resort this month.

Glamping market nears $1 billion in North America
A new industry report estimates the North American glamping market will approach $1 billion in annual revenue this year. Analysts cite growing demand for outdoor vacations that combine nature with hotel-like comfort.

Family travelers drive glamping growth
Market researchers report that family travelers now account for about half of all glamping demand. Larger accommodations, private bathrooms, and resort-style amenities continue to attract families seeking alternatives to hotels and traditional campgrounds.

Dark-sky glamping becomes major trend
New glamping developments increasingly promote dark-sky experiences and stargazing. The newly opened Yosemite Under Canvas resort highlights its DarkSky certification as a key selling point, reflecting growing consumer interest in night-sky tourism.

Luxury camping moves further into the mainstream
The 2026 State of Glamping Report found that glamping is no longer a niche travel option. Travelers increasingly expect upscale amenities, private accommodations, wellness features, and environmentally conscious operations.

Investors pour more money into glamping
Industry analysts report increasing institutional investment in U.S. glamping properties. Larger hospitality companies and investment firms are funding expansions as glamping continues to outperform many traditional outdoor lodging segments.

Sustainability becomes a selling point
Many new glamping developments are emphasizing solar power, eco-friendly construction, and low-impact tourism. Industry forecasts suggest environmentally focused amenities are becoming increasingly important in attracting guests.

RV parks increasingly adding glamping facilities
RV park operators are adding glamping tents, yurts, and cabins to boost revenue. Industry observers say the trend is likely to continue, meaning RVers will likely see more mixed-use facilities that combine RV sites with luxury camping accommodations.

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