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Campground Crowding: Which state has highest cancellation fees?

Nanci Dixon
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Campground Crowding: Which state has highest cancellation fees?

Updated weekly

More people than ever are taking up RVing. These newbies have determined that RVing is the safest way to travel in our pandemic times. The result is campground crowding like never before. In this weekly blog, RV Travel readers discuss their experiences. Maybe we can make some sense of this and find ways to work around the problem.

Here are a few observations from our readers.

NO-SHOWS… NO GO?

This has been a common complaint amongst our readers. Reservation systems show a site is booked, but nobody shows up to stay. This is especially frustrating at a time when campgrounds are already so crowded that it is almost impossible to book a site, months, sometimes even a year in advance. We know we’ve discussed this a lot in previous installments of this column, but week after week we receive more complaints. Here are a few of those:

Mark writes, “I hate it when I show up to find most sites are vacant and I had to take a less than nice site when on Reserve America it shows all sites full. If people book a site for a week and don’t show for half they should be put back on the site as open.”

And Tom C. says, “All of the campgrounds that we have used (state, federal, and private) require full payment in advance for the duration of the stay. If a person doesn’t cancel and doesn’t show up, there is no incentive for the campground to rent the reserved space, as it is already paid for, and there is really no maintenance cost to an empty site, so there is clearly more profit. I guess if they went ahead and rented the reserved site to another party, and the original party eventually showed up, it could create problems that the park would have to deal with, so it is just simpler not to re-rent a reserved site. I like the first-come, first-served approach covers all the bases.”

“There have been many complaints about empty sites in Florida state parks. Sites that have been reserved but not used. The Florida park service is 75-80% self-funding and many want it to be fully self-funding. The revenue from campgrounds helps fund the non-camping parks which generally don’t generate enough revenue to cover their expenses. Florida reservations require payment in full at the time of the reservation. The result is that there is no incentive for the park service to institute a system to free up these unused sites. The sites have been paid for and the park service has the revenue. That is what is important to them,” writes James D. 

Jack P. has a bold suggestion to penalize no-shows. “The individual state park does not have the ability to change or modify reservations, if, for example, the rangers see an empty spot that has been reserved. To correct this the park rangers should have access to the reservation system for their park and cancel any spots unoccupied or without a person occupying the site. Also perhaps a fix would be to prevent anyone from using the reservation system for a month or so if they reserve a spot and don’t cancel.”

Michael G. likes the way things are and as an RVer knows that things can come up. “In response to those concerned about empty sites. Anyone who has owned an RV for any amount of time knows that things can happen. If I am delayed due to bad weather, mechanical issues or a traffic accident, I don’t want to arrive only to find that my camping spot for which I fully paid for months in advance is occupied by someone else. If I fully pay for a site it should be mine even if I arrive a day or two days late. I prefer the system the way it is. Reservations are the best way to afford equal access for all. Leave the system the way it currently exists.”

CANCELLATION FEES BY STATE

One reason many people don’t cancel their site reservations is because of high cancellation fees (another thing we’ve continually discussed). There is little incentive to cancel and that can result in the number of no-shows and empty spots even when listing full online.

We looked at a small sampling of cancellation fees across the country and found that, yikes, the fees are HIGH! People may need to cancel out of the goodness of their heart for their fellow RVers rather than any monetary refund. Below are the state’s policies on cancellations:

Arizona

Arizona was clearest on its cancellation policy: “If the reservation is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance one night’s fees are forfeited. Campers who do not show up by 12 noon the day following the first night’s reservation will forfeit all payments and campsite will become available for first-come, first-served.”

California

“Customers will be charged a $7.99 cancellation fee if cancelled before 6:00 p.m. the day before arrival and forfeit the $7.99 reservation fee. Your original $7.50 reservation fee is nonrefundable. If you cancel your reservation after 5 p.m. the day before your arrival date, the first night’s campsite fee is forfeited. A campsite will be held for you until 12 p.m. the day after your arrival date. If you do not call the park before that time, you will be considered a ‘no-show,’ and the park will cancel your reservation. You will be refunded the amount paid for the campsite, less the non-refundable $7.50 reservation fee, the $7.00 cancellation fee, and one night’s camping use fee.”

Kansas

“Campsites may be reserved anytime during the current calendar year up to two days in advance of a planned stay. Transaction fees are non-refundable. Cancellation 15 days or more prior to arrival date results in a refund minus the transaction fee. Cancellation 14 to three days prior to arrival results in a refund minus one camping night and transaction fee. Cancellation less than three days prior to arrival results in a forfeiture of all fees. Cancellation within the minimum window of stay results in a forfeiture of all fees. If you notify the park office to shorten your stay within 14 to three days of arrival, this will result in a forfeiture of fees for one-night camping.”

New York

“If you cancel your reservation you will be assessed the following fees. It’s important to know the closer to your arrival date you cancel, the less money you will receive back as a refund. Cancelling 8 days or more prior to arrival – $7.25 Reservation Fee + $7.25 Cancellation Fee. Cancelling 7 days or less prior to arrival – $7.25 Reservation Fee + $7.25 Cancellation Fee + the cost of the first night’s stay. All fees are retained if you fail to arrive and do not inform the park of a cancellation in advance.”

Florida

 “A $17.75 cancellation fee will be assessed for each reservation being cancelled. Visitors canceling on the day of arrival will be assessed a $17.75 cancellation fee and the first night’s use fee.” 

Washington state

Washington wants you to plan carefully and well ahead of time. “If you cancel your reservation 29 or more days before your scheduled arrival date, the cancel fee is $8 online or $10 by calling the Reservation Center. If you cancel 28 or fewer days before your scheduled arrival date, you must pay for up to two nights or days regardless of when the reservation was made.”

SOME ADVICE FOR YOU…

Eric R. has some helpful tips and advice to snag a campsite. He writes, “A few tips for finding campgrounds that aren’t crowded. 1. Go local and avoid the big national chains. 2. When searching for sites near a particular destination look past the 1st or 2nd option that pops up. 3. Look at the reviews… if a place has a 1 star rating because it’s near a railroad track and you actually enjoy the sound of trains…then you are golden. One of the many lessons learned from the surge in RVers and the dwindling supply of places to stay is that I need to be more agile and expand my travel destination wish list.”

AND ON A POSITIVE NOTE…

Michael C. points out the positive about full campgrounds, particularly State and Federal ones: “It’s nice seeing full campgrounds. The money goes back into the state and federal parks. Better than being less than half full with a chance to be closed. Just my two cents.”

Now, some questions for you:

• Are you finding more and more campgrounds booked up? Or are you having no problem finding places to stay?

• If campgrounds continue to be crowded and RVing continues to become more popular, will it affect how or when you RV?

• Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share about finding campgrounds that aren’t as crowded?

Please use the form below to answer one or more of these questions, or tell us what you’ve experienced with campground crowding in general.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Read last week’s Crowded Campgrounds column here. 

##RVT982

New coast-to-coast trail lets you bike or walk across the U.S.

Emily Woodbury
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New coast-to-coast trail lets you bike or walk across the U.S.

Forget RVing across the country – what about biking or walking cross-country? If that sounds like something you’d want to do, you’re in luck. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy began working on the Great American Rail-Trail™ in 2019. Once completed, the trail will stretch more than 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C. to the state of Washington. Now that’s one way to sightsee!

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is currently working to connect gaps on more than 125 existing trails in 12 states across the country. So far, they’ve secured more than 18 million dollars in funding. The Conservancy believes now is a critical time to be part of a project like this, with more and more people exercising outside because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The trail is mostly built atop or near old railway lines, which account for more than 24,000 miles of multi-use trails in the U.S. The trail will be smooth asphalt in some parts, and gravel in others.

You can visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website here to learn more about the trail and follow along with its completion. Watch the video below to see the route (and some of the beautiful scenery along the way).

If you want to find beautiful biking trails to add to your bucket list, check out this Lonely Planet book, Epic Bike Rides of the Americas. And if you’re in the mood for a good biking story, 50 Shades of The USA: One woman’s 11,000-mile cycling adventure through every state of America is the one.

##RVT982

Cars to flat tow: Buick Encore GX AWD review

Nanci Dixon
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Cars to flat tow: Buick Encore GX AWD review

By Nanci Dixon
Last week I wrote that I am still looking for a tow car to “Wow!” me. If you’ve been following along, you know my requirements and what I’m looking for. This week, I decided to take a look at the Buick Encore GX AWD.

First, I made a mistake and thought one Buick Encore was the same as any other Buick Encore, and so test drove the Buick Encore. Whoops, my bad. That one is not flat towable. The 2020 Buick Encore GX AWD is entirely separate from the original Encore. Glad I didn’t fall in love. But I actually didn’t like that Encore. It was smaller than I wanted, didn’t have many bells and whistles, and the ride was rough. It was zippy though. No issues up the on-ramp or merging on the interstate.

Encore with Kayak
2020 Buick Encore GX

The Buick Encore GX AWD is flat towable. It must be an all-wheel-drive (AWD), not a front-wheel-drive (FWD), vehicle to be flat towable. Page 375 of the owner’s manual confirms that, and gives seven easy steps to flat tow behind an RV. Great! After following the steps to put the car in neutral, the only other thing to do is disconnect the negative battery cable and insulate the cable. I am thinking that there must be a switch that would do the same disconnect…

The AWD Encore has two engines available. The standard engine is a 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder, providing 137 hp. The larger AWD 1.3L turbo comes in at 155 hp @ 5600 rpm. It goes from 0 to 60 in 9.4 seconds and should zip up any interstate on-ramp. That is one of my criteria, along with good passing ability. Curb weight is 4,409 pounds.

I did test drive the Chevrolet Trailblazer and was disappointed in the power and shifting on the 1.2L engine. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX both come standard with the 1.2L 3-cylinder engine. There is an optional 1.3L turbo available on the Buick Encore GX and that should have more power.

The Encore GX AWD starts at $27,195 MSRP; but after adding the trim level and all the options I could possibly want, it came in at $34,690 MSRP. Gas mileage comes in at 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The options included GPS, sunroof (another must for me), adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, collision alert, following distance indicator, surround vision, rear camera mirror, rear camera mirror washer, automatic Rainsense™ wipers, body-colored rocker panels, sport numbers, power lift gate, lane detection – and, yes, it parks itself!

Buick Encore GX sun roof

I actually like a boxier, more unique look than the Encore, but I’m willing to make some compromises. I do like the interior though. I used the build-it tool on the website and was actually getting pretty excited about it until I found that not one vehicle with my choices exists in the United States. I did find one that has 12 of my 18 choices and is only 500 miles away, though…

Buick Encore GX interior

Guess I won’t be test driving that one anytime soon. Actually, being in Arizona with the most positive COVID cases in the world, I will wait for a vaccine or numbers to go down dramatically before I test drive another car. My goal for a new car is my birthday in March, but I am pretty picky…

Update: I just learned about a current recall on some Buick Encore GX vehicles. You can read about it here.

Does anyone flat tow the Buick Encore GX AWD? If so, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments.

##RVT982

RV Tire Safety: Can a “sealant” to prevent flat tires cause problems?

Roger Marble
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RV Tire Safety: Can a “sealant” to prevent flat tires cause problems?

By Roger Marble
I just read a tale of woe from a motorhome owner who appears to have been sold a tire sealant that caused nothing but problems. Names have been changed to protect the “innocent.”

We purchased “anti-flat” tire sealant for the 6 tires on our motorhome, to provide some protection from tire leaks on trips. Our RV has had vibrations running at highway speeds, and based on forum feedback, it was recommended we try a “road force balance” on the tires.

We took our RV to “Billy-Bob-Jo’s Tire Emporium,” which has road force balance machines. They were unable to balance the tires – the machines got a different reading after each spin. They assumed their machines couldn’t handle the motorhome rims.

Then we took the motorhome to the nearby dealer for the company that made the RV chassis (since the front two tires were no longer properly balanced), and they called us about the “goo” they found inside the tires – because they were also unable to balance the tires.

Once they removed the tire sealant (about 45 minutes per tire), they were able to get all 6 tires balanced. It cost us around $1000 for the “anti-flat” treatment and another $500 to get the treatment removed and the tires balanced.

Then the RV owner asked: “Has anyone encountered balance issues when using tire sealant?” They then added: “If we don’t have any vibrations on the next road trip, we probably won’t put any sealant back inside the tires.”

What caused the tire sealant problems?

Clearly the material used either was inappropriate or improperly applied, if the tire sealant caused problems. Also, I do not understand why the owner felt it was necessary to even use such a product rather than use a TPMS and sign up for road service. They would have saved some money, not to mention avoid the aggravation of a bad ride and lost time from tire sealant problems.

Have you ever tried a “sealant” or “flat-proof” or other stuff to prevent a flat tire? Do you think it worked? Did the sealant cause problems such as balance issues? Please leave a comment below.

Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net or on RVtravel.com.

Need a tire question answered? Sign up for Roger Marble’s new Facebook Group: RV tire news, information and discussion, moderated by Roger. He’ll be happy to help you.

 ##RVT982

RV Short Stops – ‘Ma’ Rainey House & Blues Museum

Julianne G. Crane
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3
RV Short Stops – ‘Ma’ Rainey House & Blues Museum

By Julianne G. Crane

With the recent premiere of the film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey is introduced to a new generation.

Often referred to as the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey was a musical revolutionary. She incorporated various styles of blues, jazz, and her own personal flair.

“Ma” Rainey Home in Columbus, Ga. (ExploreGeorgia)

People can learn more about her life and career at the Ma Rainey House & Blues Museum in Columbus, Ga. The restored “shotgun” style house features exhibits honoring Ma Rainey’s extraordinary life. The Blues part of the Museum traces the history and influences of the blues tradition of the lower Chattahoochee River Valley of Georgia.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum is observing safety protocols. These include limiting the number of people being admitted and requiring the wearing of masks, according to the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department.

Some of Ma Rainey’s accomplishments

Born as Gertrude Pridgett on April 26, 1886, she passed at age 53 in 1939 of heart failure. During her almost 40-year career, “she tutored, sponsored, performed with, and recorded with many of the foremost pioneers of American blues and jazz. These included Louis Armstrong, Thomas A. Dorsey, ‘Blind Blake’ and Bessie Smith,” according to ExploreGeorgia.org.

Ma Rainey and her band helped popularize the Blues genre. (ExploreGeorgia)

Rainey recorded more than 100 records and inspired generations of musicians. For example, her deep, raspy vocals were said to have influenced Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Big Mama Thornton, and Janis Joplin.

Rainey was inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 She was also inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Georgia Women of Achievement in 1993. Rainey was commemorated by the U.S. Postal Service for her achievements in 1994 with a stamp in her honor.

If you go

Bedroom in Ma Rainey’s museum. (ExploreGeorgia)

Ma Rainey House & Blues Museum
805 Fifth Ave., Columbus, GA 31901
Phone: (706) 641-5933.
Free: Admission, Parking, Self-guided Tours
Family friendly, Suitable for all ages, Partially accessible
Open Year ‘Round, Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ma Rainey’s museum is about an hour southwest of Warm Springs, home to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Little White House”. It’s an hour northwest of President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains. (Read more about Plains and nearby Americus and Koinonia Farms by clicking here.)

For camping and RV parks in Georgia, click here.

Writer’s Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I am highlighting places that can be safely experienced from the road or in an outdoor public space such as a park or college campus. Therefore, if you know of cities with outstanding public art collections, or unique places, please let me know so I can feature them.  

— Julianne G. Crane
Read more of Julianne’s RV Short Stops posts here.
Read more about the RV Lifestyle by clicking on RVWheelLife.com

 ##RVT982

RV Daily Tips. Friday, January 8, 2021

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Friday, January 8, 2021

Issue 1510
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

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Today’s thought

“If you hang out with chickens, you’re going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles, you’re going to fly.” ―Steve Maraboli

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bubble Bath Day!

On this day in history: 1790 – George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.

Tip of the Day

Beware of RV bumper junk

By Jim Twamley
In my RV travels I have seen all kinds of “bumper junk” attached to both the front and rear of RVs. It’s understandable RVers want to take along things that make RVing more fun. Some don’t have the extra storage capacity required to stow things like ladders, BBQs and bikes. The only places left are the roof, ladder and bumpers. But beware of all the RV bumper junk. Find out why here.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

Today’s RV review…

In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews changes to the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G. As he reports, “Winnebago has made some upgrades based on their passionate and enthusiastic following of Travato owners.” See what those upgrades are here.

Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2021 Four Wheel Campers Flatbed Camper? If you missed it, you can read it here.

For previous RV reviews, click here.

Is this your RV?

If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send a photo for comparison), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific Standard time today, Jan. 8, 2021. 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.

In this past week two readers claimed their $25 gift card: Karen K. of Richfield, MN, and Frank H. of California.

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.

How robots build cars, but not RVs

On each stop of an RV assembly line, workers with power drills and staple guns piece together one part or section of an RV. Considering that so many people — including those with minimal skills — touch each RV in the production process, it’s no wonder that the level of quality of the RVs they turn out is all over the place. Now, contrast that process with the fascinating scene in this video in a German Mercedes-Benz factory, where robots perform all but the final detail work. Watch the video.

Yesterday’s featured article: Two NYC millennials see an RV up close and personal

Hanging out with mops and brooms
Most RVs aren’t equipped with broom closets. Got a basement storage compartment long or wide enough to stick those long-handled tools? Stick ’em up to the ceiling by attaching spring-loaded broom clips to the lid of the compartment. Here’s the ever-RV-popular Command Strips version.

You may have missed these recent popular stories…

Reader poll

How frequently do you drink a soft drink?

Take a sip then tell us here.

Quick Tip

Use cordless drill for rear stabilizer jacks

My Keystone Cougar fifth wheel trailer has manual crank rear stabilizer jacks. By using my cordless drill with a special socket sized for the jack, deploying and retracting the jacks is a breeze. No more being stooped over and cranking like crazy with the manual wrench. Thanks to Ray Burr at loveyourrv.com.

??????  MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY  ??????
Think you’re having a bad day? You won’t after you take a look at this…

Website of the day

Quick Draw
This will keep you busy for a few minutes! See if Google can guess what you’re drawing (make sure your volume is up).

Clubs and useful organizations
PLEASE NOTE: We may receive an affiliate commission if you join any of these.

• Harvest Hosts: Stay free at farms, wineries and other scenic and peaceful locations for free. Save 15% on membership.
• AllStays: The best website for RVers! Your membership will become your RV-bible.
• Overnight RV parking. Directory of more than 14,000 locations where you can stay for free or nearly free with your RV. Modest membership fee.
• Boondockers Welcome. Stay at homes of RVers who welcome you in their driveways, yards, farmland or other space on their private property. Modest membership fee.
• Escapees. Best Club for RVers: All RVers welcome, no matter what type of RV, make or model.

Protect your RV “pigtail”
That 7-way connector on your travel trailer or fifth wheel is a critical component. When not plugged into your tow rig, the thing is susceptible to the onslaught of dirt, rain and even bugs. Here’s a plug cover that slips right over your precious plug and keeps out the crud. One user says, “This works perfectly to keep the plug on my RV clear. I remove it when not in use and place it in my ‘RV emergency tool kit.’ This way, it’s not knocked around when driving.” Learn more or order.

Trivia

Fortune cookies are not from China. They were invented in the early 1900s in San Fransisco by Makoto Hagiwara, who served them at his tea garden.

*Why is it illegal to own a hamster in Hawaii? It’s fascinating, really… We told you yesterday.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Our Shih Tzu getting ready to light up her cigar.” —Alan Householder

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.

Leave here with a laugh

Do they allow laughing in Hawaii or is it just a low ha?

Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!

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

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RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

This website utilizes some advertising services. 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.

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.

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

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

RV Review: Changes to 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G

Tony
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8
RV Review: Changes to 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G

This review looks at the changes and upgrades to the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G, the best-selling Class B RV. What’s new and changed for the 2022 model year. 

By Tony Barthel
There is a huge market for Class B RVs, and Winnebago has the tiger by the tail with their popular Travato model. So what do you do when you’re number one in a field – keep going the same or make changes? 

Winnebago has made some upgrades based on their passionate and enthusiastic following of Travato owners. The 2022 Travatos will have a number of things that can make a big difference to owners. 

But first, the Travato is a line of Class B RVs based on the Ram Promaster chassis. Those of you who have been to Europe might recognize this van’s origins as the Fiat Ducato. Since Fiat owns Chrysler, you get Chrysler’s Ram branding on their Fiat vans – hence, Ram Promaster. 

Advantages of a Class B RV

One of the advantages with these is that they can serve both as a recreational vehicle and a regular daily driver. There are both the front individual seats in the cab of the Promaster as well as two second-row seats which incorporate three-point seat belts. 

The back of the Travato also leaves enough of the original van’s functionality in place that you can also use it for those runs to the hardware store and that sort of thing. The bed in the Travato flips up to the side of the coach. That leaves a long hallway down the middle of the vehicle. A bunch of 2 X 4s? No problem. ¡Nessen problema!

What’s new and improved in the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G

One of the most common complaints about Class B’s is the bathroom, which is invariably a wet bath. The confined spaces of a cargo van turned RV means some things just have to go. Unfortunately, bathroom space is often the first thing. But the Travato has a rear bath that actually works well. 

Yes, it’s a wet bath, but there is actually a decent amount of room around the toilet such that you can actually have full function in there. And that’s as far as I’ll go. 

For the new version, Winnebago angled the bathroom wall back towards the rear of the coach. That provides less space in the bathroom but gives up to four additional inches in the sleeping area – which is a welcome upgrade. 

How else has the bathroom changed?

There are going to be people who cheer when they hear that that bathroom has been changed in other ways, too. The floor has been raised slightly and uses a gravity-fed drain. Previous models have a drain system that require you to turn on a sump pump. The faucet handle for the small stainless steel sink is much improved. Winnebago has included an Oxygenics showerhead – the same one we all use to replace the horrible factory-sourced model. This should earn them some sort of award. 

On the bathroom wall is a new pocket system that looks like a shoe pocket because, well, it is. But it also has another deep pocket as well.

What’s new in the sleeping area in the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G

The sleeping area has been looked at and the Froli™ system is gone. Instead there is a slatted base mounted on an aluminum frame. This is much lighter and easier to switch between day use and night use. Furthermore, Winnebago included a step in the frame making it easier to get into the bed. 

This is the first place we’ll see RAM® Tough-Track™ mounting hardware and, in this case, it’s above the bed. The RAM Tough-Track is a rail-based standardized mounting system. Users can mount all sorts of shelves, racks and other things on it. In the case of the mount over the bed, you could mount a device to hold tablets and phones. Or use it to help secure cargo with the bed up. 

The big bench that was a block in the sliding door is now gone, replaced by a pedestal at the door. On the pedestal is a grab handle that incorporates more of the RAM Tough-Track and a mount for a Lagun table. Those Lagun tables are nifty in that they can be moved about and also taken on and off. 

As before, the two front seats in the cab of the Travato swivel around so they face the second-row seats. This creates a nice lounge/gathering spot. The pedestal comes into play one more time as it has a pop-up power system on its top. 

System controls easier to access

Winnebago moved all the controls for the various systems in the Travato to a single row above the sliding door. This is much easier to access while also not requiring you to tell someone seated in the second row to move their heads so you can see the level of your tanks. 

I was surprised to see that Winnebago put a square stainless steel sink in this but with a residential drain plug. Usually you get those cheap RV-specific drain plugs in RV sinks. But this was a little thing that just seemed to make a lot of sense – like using that Oxygenics showerhead. 

The door handles on the upper cabinet require just a single pull to open the positive latches, sort of like a car door. Again, it’s a small thing, but the attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed.

More attention to details in the 2022 Winnebago Travato 59G

That attention to detail extends to the rear doors, where Winnebago attached a strap to the inner door handle. This makes it easier to open the back doors of the van from the inside since the bathroom wall extends so close to the inner door handle. Apparently, a lot of Travato owners had done this and Winnebago listened. 

Winnebago also put the Nautilus water system to work inside the driver side rear door. All fill and flush water functions are in a single spot inside the coach’s heated interior. 

Handy outdoor shower/changing room

The dual rear doors can still be opened to 90° with a rod that goes across them. Winnebago includes a curtain that can easily hang from this rod. There’s a shower built into that Nautilus system. This big open space can also double as a shower or changing room or whatever you choose. 

The new screens for the sliding door and rear doors are made in-house by Winnebago and essentially roll up when not in use. Then you just untie the screen and they drop down. There’s a zipper to complete the seal so you can keep the bugs out but the breeze flowing. 

The Travato also has optional swing-out windows in the back that have a screen for day use when the window’s open or a privacy shade for night use. 

The last notable change is the floor – which is now a honeycomb floor that incorporates insulation. There’s also an optional runner for on top of the flooring.

What’s not to like

Class B RVs have absolute advantages and absolute disadvantages, and both owe to the configuration of the vehicle itself. 

The clear advantages include the fact that this could easily be a daily driver and even serve as the family’s stuff-getter, including hardware store runs. That means no separate vehicle needed for daily use. But that same convenient size for driving also means limitations and, to me, one of the biggest is in water tank size with only 21 gallons of fresh water aboard. 

Considering that you can get the Travato 59GL model (as opposed to the non-“L” model) with 9,600 watt-hours of lithium batteries aboard and 215 watts of solar on the roof, you could really stay off the grid for a significant amount of time, with the only limitations being small holding tanks.

One thing to note that I’ve heard from more than one Travato owner is complaints about the AC unit being right over the bed. Yep, this is good for cooling but this non-ducted AC unit isn’t going to win any “quiet” awards – so you’re better off finding camping where you don’t have to sleep under this thing. Lastly, a few owners have also reported that the effective privacy screens for the front windshield reduce how closely you can see the nose of the van. 

Still, overall it’s easy to see why Winnebago sells so many of these and will likely continue to do so by listening so carefully to their fan base and making some small but very significant changes to the usability of this model. 

The video focuses on the 59GL which has the same floor plan as the “L” model but also features a lithium battery system.

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. 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.

Got an RV we need to look at? Contact us today and let us know – thank you!

How frequently do you drink a soft drink?

Emily Woodbury
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How frequently do you drink a soft drink?

According to a poll by Gallup, 48 percent of adults in the U.S. say they drink at least one soda a day. Among those drinkers, the average amount of soda consumed each day is 2.6 glasses. Young adults drink the most soda while older adults tend to drink slightly less.

How frequently do you drink a soft drink? Every day? A few times a week? Seldom? Never? Please tell us by voting in the poll below. Thanks!

Beware of RV bumper junk

RV Staff
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12
Beware of RV bumper junk

By Jim Twamley
In my RV travels I have seen all kinds of “bumper junk” attached to both the front and rear of RVs. It’s understandable RVers want to take along things that make RVing more fun. Some don’t have the extra storage capacity required to stow things like ladders, BBQs and bikes. The only places left are the roof, ladder and bumpers. But beware of all the RV bumper junk.

Bumper junk is a safety hazard

RVers need to be careful how they store this stuff because “bumper junk” can block signal lights, a major safety hazard. The biggest culprits in this regard are ladders. I see ladders strapped on the back of one out of three RVs on the road. I wonder what non-RVers think when they see a ladder strapped to another ladder on the back of an RV?

Sometimes we forget how long our rigs are while traveling down the road. If the person passing us on our driver side doesn’t see the signal, it could easily result in an accident. Always check and double-check your mirrors to make sure you are clear to merge or change lanes.

Ladders on the back of RVs and more bumper junk

If you are going to hang a ladder on the back of your RV, be sure the taillights are clearly visible. I use a fold-up ladder that is tall enough to wash the rig but can be neatly stowed away. I don’t particularly like these ladders because they aren’t as stable as a standard ladder, and the rungs are skinny and make your feet hurt when you’ve been standing on them for awhile. This type of ladder, however, does not interfere with the taillights and I don’t use a ladder often enough to warrant hanging a standard ladder on the back.

Bicycles can also block your taillights. Whether you mount them on a ladder or on the back of a towed vehicle, be sure they don’t obstruct your signal lights. Send a clear signal that safety comes first.

Related:

How to carry extra propane safely (Hint: It’s not on the bumper)
Get a “bumper crop” from your RV garden! (If you’re staying put for awhile.)

If you’re in the market, here are fold-up and telescoping ladders on Amazon.

##RVDT1510

Escape trailers recalled for potential stove gas leak

Chuck Woodbury
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0
Escape trailers recalled for potential stove gas leak

Escape Trailer is recalling certain 2020 19, 21C, 21NE and 5.0 travel trailers equipped with Dometic 3 burner cooking stoves. The stove’s saddle valve securing bolt may be overtightened, possibly damaging the O-ring seal and causing a continuous gas leak.

A gas leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy
Escape Trailer will notify owners, instructing them to visit a Dometic repair center that will install a remedy kit of gaskets, washers, thread locker bolts, and two round orange labels, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2021. Owners may contact Escape Trailer customer service at 1-604-703-1650. Escape Trailer’s number for this recall is E012020.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

* * *
While you may not own one of these recreational vehicles, if you know someone who does be sure to tell them. RVtravel.com posts recall notices like this as they are issued so please check this website often.

Read all recent RV recalls by clicking here. We also publish a weekly recap of recalls in the free Sunday edition of our RVtravel.com newsletter. Sign up here.

PHOTO ABOVE: Escape 19

##RVT982b

 

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, January 7, 2021

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, January 7, 2021

Issue 1509
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

[activecampaign form=34]

Today’s thought

“We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” ―Martin Luther King Jr.

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tempura Day!

On this day in history: 1782 – The first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opens.

Tip of the Day

RV Mods: Quiet that noisy water pump

RVers away from “city water” connections sometimes complain of a noise when using the RV water system. They may not be used to the sounds produced by the RV water pump. Other times there are genuine issues that can often be resolved to bring quiet back when running water. Here are some ways to quiet that noisy water pump.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

Today’s RV review…

In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2021 Four Wheel Campers Flatbed Camper. See how these RVs are designed for the adventurous who like to be off-grid. Learn more.

Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the RKS Purpose Off-Road Trailer? If you missed it, you can read it here.

For previous RV reviews, click here.

Is this your RV?

If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send a photo for comparison), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific Standard time today, Jan. 7, 2020. 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.

In this past week two readers claimed their $25 gift card: Karen K. of Richfield, MN, and Frank H. of California.

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.

Two NYC millennials see an RV up close and personal

If you want to see how RVing has changed, especially how the marketing of RVs to consumers has changed, and how the audience has responded, watch this episode from “The Ellen Show.” Two New York City millennials see an RV up close and personal. Watch their reactions, it’s pretty funny. Read more and watch the video.

Yesterday’s featured article: How to prevent being shocked while swimming

??????  MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY  ??????
If one of these were put in front of you would you taste it? We would… but boy, would we be hesitant!

Reader poll

Did you camp with a tent before buying your first RV?

Think back then respond here.

Quick Tip

Storage racks and bags

The vinyl-clad wire racks and bins are great for storing towels and sheets since they provide for good air circulation. Stacked racks can be held with plastic electrical ties. For extra blankets, pillows, sweaters or any bulky items, use the plastic storage “bags” that have the vacuum attachment in them. Put your items inside the bag, seal it, hook up your vacuum cleaner hose and suck out the excess air. The bag and contents will seem to collapse to a fraction of the original size. They will expand just fine when you need them. Thanks to Ron Jones, AboutRVing.com. (From the editor: Here are some vacuum seal storage bags that come with a hand-pump. Talk about space-saving for the RV!)

Website of the day

International Space Station
Leave Earth for a few minutes and explore NASA’s fascinating International Space Station website. Learn about everything going on at the station, all of which is incredible when you think about how it’s floating in outer space!
Psst: You can actually see the ISS with your naked eyes. Learn how here. 

This book is a must-have for state park campers!
This recently published book, “50 States: 500 State Parks,” is a must-have for all state park campers and explorers. The beautiful book takes you on a journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history or an enjoyable hike, state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.

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:

• 74 percent have a current passport
• 11 percent plan a special drive or trip each year to view fall colors
• 44 percent watch the evening news on TV every night

Recent poll: Does your RV have at least one permanently mounted solar panel?

Stolen RVs: Help us find these RVs for their owners.

Trivia

It is illegal to own a hamster in Hawaii. Why? The Hawaiian climate is similar to a hamsters’ natural desert habitat, and agricultural officials have expressed concern that if a hamster escapes or is released on one of the islands, it could establish wild colonies and damage crops and native plants.

*One in _____ Americans is from California.
A.) 3
B.) 8
C.) 16
We told you yesterday. 

 Run your RV A/C with only normal household power. Yes, it’s possible!

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“6-year-old Chico the Chihuahua is excited about life in general. He loves our full-time RV life and everyone loves him!! He’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face who needs a little unconditional puppy love. He dances on his back feet for attention or to remind you it’s dinner time.” —Patricia Smith

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.

Leave here with a laugh

A police officer is interviewing three police trainees. He shows all three a photo of a suspect and then hides it. He asks the first man, “This is your suspect, how will you recognize him?” The man says, “That’s easy! He only has one eye.” The officer says, “That’s because it’s his side profile!” He asks the second man, “This is your suspect, how will you recognize him?” The man says, “He only has one ear!” The police officer is annoyed, “What is wrong with you two? It’s his side profile!” Extremely frustrated, the officer asks the same question to the third man who responds, “The suspect wears contact lenses.” The officer is impressed! The suspect does, indeed, wear contacts! “Good work!” He replies, “How could you tell?” “Easy! He can’t wear regular glasses because he only has one eye and one ear!”

Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!

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

Become a Member!

This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support?  Learn more or contribute.

Join us: Facebook • Twitter • YouTube

See all of our many Facebook groups here.

Need help? Contact us.

RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

This website utilizes some advertising services. 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.

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.

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

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

RV Review: 2021 Four Wheel Campers Flatbed Camper

Tony
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4
RV Review: 2021 Four Wheel Campers Flatbed Camper

By Tony Barthel
“Overlanding” is a term that is being bandied about more and more. Essentially, it refers to camping in places that aren’t really places, at least not as far as traditional maps are concerned. Forests, deserts, and hidden spots that your local tourism bureau isn’t going to tell you about. One of the vehicles well-suited for getting you there might be a camper from Four Wheel Campers in Woodland, CA. 

Four Wheel Campers makes a variety of campers that fit a variety of trucks. All their models share the fact that you bring your own truck and they’ll build a camper for it. 

This can take the form of a traditional drop-in camper as you might have seen many, many times. But where they really stand out is in their flatbed campers. Available for both full- and mid-sized trucks with flatbeds, these are semi-permanently mounted campers that take up the entire surface of the truck bed area along with having a “nose” that extends over the cab of the truck where the bed is located. 

By using the flatbed instead of the pickup box you utilize the entire surface of the truck so you get more space inside. In addition to the flatbed, it’s possible to mount storage boxes under the flatbed so you get more storage than you might with a typical drop-in camper. 

Another thing you get is the ability to spec the truck to the type of drive train you’re looking to use. This means that you can get trucks with some serious off-road capabilities. Hence – overlanding. The company’s website has a number of quotes from owners who are adventure-seekers such as hunters, fishermen, climbers and such who appreciate that they can use these campers to take their RV and all their gear with them even when the road has long disappeared. 

Having a flat-bed-based camper or even a pickup camper also means that you might be able to tow something like a boat or dirt bikes too. 

I recently looked at one of Four Wheel Camper’s “Fleet” models on a Toyota Tacoma flatbed platform with four-wheel drive. 

One of the interesting things about these is that the whole camper sits on a flatbed so that means the bottom of the entry door is above the rear wheel. Remember those old cartoons where they said, “Watch out for the first step – it’s a big one!”? That’s this. Of course, there are step options that extend down from that door to facilitate entry. 

I saw a number of YouTubers who used a step ladder instead of the attached steps. This helped not only get into and out of the camper, but also helped to facilitate popping the latches that hold the pop-up in place. 

All of Four Wheel Campers’ products are pop-up campers.

To pop the top, you unlatch a series of latches on the outside and then go inside and push the top up. This is relatively easy. It’s counterbalanced with hydraulic struts, so it’s an easy affair. The company has an interesting “push bar” to facilitate securing the front of the camper. 

From there you can fully stand up inside. 

From the door to your left is a two-person dinette that folds into a bed and has a flexible table that moves around like the planchette on an Ouija board. 

Across from the door is a two-burner stove and a sink with a drain that goes directly outside. Some of the people whom I worked with to learn more about this camper indicated that best practices include putting a bucket or catch bag under the external drain from the sink to catch the water. 

To your right is a cabinet that can hold a cassette toilet. When it’s not time to go you have a bit more surface area. When it’s time to go you get to take care of business right there in the camper. There are certainly adventurers, fishermen, sportsmen and the like who would have zero issues with this. 

One of the more innovative features is the bed, which is above the cab of the truck – as you might expect. That bed is on a large drawer-like slide mechanism. When it’s time to sleep you can accept the bed as is or slide out a lower drawer-like platform and substantially increase the size of the sleeping area. 

A tip shared with me by a couple of owners of these is to put some sort of air gap between the bottom of the cushions and the surface of the bed itself to minimize condensation and moisture buildup. A handy tip if you’re planning on getting one of these. 

This might seem like a great place for one of those Froli™ sleep system platforms… 

I can see the flatbed model making the most sense only because you maximize the surface area, especially on a mid-sized truck. But that means you have to have a mid-sized truck with a flatbed. Fortunately, Four Wheel Campers has a direct affiliation with Norweld, who can convert your everyday Toyota Tacoma into a flat bed. There are options to do so with only the flatbed, but the hot tip is to get the flatbed with under-bed storage compartments. 

While there are certainly storage compartments inside the Four Wheel Camper, in a space of this size it never hurts to have more and the additional storage bays seem to be worth the price of admission. The flatbed conversion itself is listed at $6,799 from Norweld, or $8,999 with the storage boxes. 

There is also a more substantial package that includes a 43-liter (11.36 gallons) under-tray water tank and a rear storage drawer as well – but this option is $11,799. 

If you’re not interested in taking the bed off your pickup, Four Wheel Campers is there for you with drop-in and cap-style campers as well. This also means you’re not getting rid of the pickup box but it does have the advantage of being easily removable so you can continue off-roading while leaving the camper behind. 

Back up in the camper, the windows that are incorporated into the material portion of the pop-up are interesting. With the optional thermal package there are essentially three layers that can be opened: a full cover of the window space, a cover of just the window portion and then the window itself. 

Lighting in the campers comes in the form of LED strips that are dimmable – a nice touch. The company also offers a number of solar charging options, or you can simply bring your own panels to the party. 

You’ll definitely want some form of charging if you take advantage of the truck’s four-wheel-drive to get you to places where other humans aren’t, as the optional refrigerator is 12-volt DC only. The truck will charge your house battery when you’re driving, but you’ll want something to charge it when you’re not. 

There is an increasing number of people on the social channels that I follow who are embracing this “overlanding” style of RVing. And why not? It gives you the chance to go places where few others are and see some incredible nature. 

There’s beauty across this great land and here on the left coast, there are tens of thousands of acres of incredible free camping on BLM lands and other public areas. So it makes sense to have a company that builds these kinds of campers in a place where they can be used year-round. 

However, I would caution someone buying one of these to be very careful about payload and truck capacity. While a full-size four-wheel-drive, three-quarter-ton pickup will take something like this and barely notice it, a pickup camper on the back of a Tacoma takes about 1,295 of the available estimated 1,400 pounds of payload. 

There are also a number of people who make YouTube content who have these, including We’re The Russos and Dr. Hannah Straight.

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. 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.

Got an RV we need to look at? Contact us today and let us know – thank you!

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