By Russ and Tiña De Maris Critics both outside and inside the United States have plenty to say about the country. Recently, more than one disparager has described the U.S. as “acting like a banana republic*.” Could it be due to a genuine U.S. $20 bill with a banana sticker that came out of a Texas U.S. Treasury printing plant? Sound like one of those great internet fakes? Nope, it actually happened – and it’s proved to send “bill collectors” bananas.
Start of an appealing story
All photos, currency.ha.com
Here’s the background. A college kid in Ohio poked his ATM card in a cash machine. What popped out of the cash dispenser was a $20 bill – with a Del Monte sticker on it. Was it a fruity idea from the produce company advertising department? Not at all. And no, it wasn’t just some nut that stuck a banana sticker on an existing bank note and let it loose on an unsuspecting public.
The bill has been authenticated, and apparently what happened is this. In 1996 in an obscure Texas facility, a run of $20 bills had made it through the first stage of printing. It’s in this process that the back is printed. Two subsequent stages follow. The front of the bill is printed, then in a third stage, serial numbers and the Treasury seal make it onto the bills.
Somewhere in the middle of this process, after the front of the bill was printed, but before the serial numbers were imprinted, the red, yellow, and green banana sticky migrated onto the run. Helping to authenticate the goof, portions of the treasury seal and serial numbers were printed right over the top of the banana seal. Result? A genuine, spendable $20 bill with a banana sticker.
Funny – not phony – bill at auction
Roll forward to 2004 when somebody decided to see if the produce market – er – collectors market would bear fruit in the form of “interest” on that $20 bill. An eBay auction for the “retained obstruction” bill (as collectors dub them) fetched $10,100. Too bad you can’t take those old bananas and make a profit! But wait – in 2006 the same bill came up for auction, this time on an auction site catering to numismatists. The funny, not phony, bill bid in at $25,300. Imagine what Andy Jackson would have thought if he’d known his portrait would fetch so much.
With that kind of return on your investment, it’s enough to make us RV travelers swear off the use of credit cards. After all, with the amount of money we go through, pumping petrol into our tanks, examining cash money could mean a real find. Imagine finding another $20 bill with a banana sticker. However, the chances of getting one can be much increased. The 1996 banana bill is now up for auction. Here’s a link to the auction site. If you’ve got enough room on your credit card, and you bid enough, you can get the real thing. Unless you’re out-bid by a hippie – the one looking for banana bread, man.
*Wikipedia: In political science, the term banana republic describes a politically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the exportation of a limited-resource product, such as bananas or minerals.
We stumbled upon this photo. There was no explanation of what it is, where it is, or anything else. So we’ll ask you a couple of questions:
• Do you know anything about this RV? If so, please tell us by leaving a comment below.
• How would you classify it? We’re thinking “World’s Longest Truck Camper” because it’s hard for us to imagine one any longer. But maybe it doesn’t get the “world’s longest” title. Still, you must admit it’s pretty darn long for a truck camper.
Or is this just an odd-looking Class C motorhome? Your expert opinion is requested.
And what do you suppose is the story on those funny windows near the back?
Issue 1507
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
“Bottom line is, even if you see ’em coming, you’re not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does. So what are we, helpless? Puppets? No. The big moments are gonna come. You can’t help that. It’s what you do afterwards that counts. That’s when you find out who you are.” ―Joss Whedon
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Bird Day!
On this day in history: 1914 – The Ford Motor Company announces an eight-hour workday and minimum daily wage of $5 in salary plus bonuses.
Tip of the Day
Play it safe when boondocking
By Bob Difley Get out of eyesight or earshot of another RV and you’ll find some RVers get a bit nervous. Concerns about personal safety abound. Are there bad guys around every corner? How can you play it safe when boondocking?
First, remember that thieves do not hang out in the boonies, though you should consider the following safety tips to thwart the “thief through convenience” if you make it too easy. Continue reading.
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new Luxe Elite Fifth Wheels. As he reports, “One of the more unusual things about Luxe fifth wheels is that you get them factory-direct, so that means if you choose to have paint that matches your truck or want certain interior colors or whatever it is, there is a lot of flexibility.” Learn more.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the Cherokee Grey Wolf 23MK Travel Trailer? If you missed it, you can read it here.
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. 5, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
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.
Use common sense to become a happy boondocker
Boondocking is not brain surgery. Anyone can camp overnight without hookups. Two or three days takes a little effort — no, not effort, but common sense in the use of your resources. Read more.
JUST PUBLISHED Firearm laws guide updated for 2021
The 2021 updated edition of the Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty Stateshas just been published. The book is always a best-seller among RVers, many of whom carry a firearm. The annual guidebook helps ensure they stay out of trouble when crossing state lines. What’s legal in one state may be a felony in another. More than 100 updates from last year. Learn more or order.
Reader poll
Is the person you feel closest to a blood relative or not a relative?
Many of us are not flying much these days, and not planning to anytime soon. If that’s you, and you have a major credit card that rewards you with airline miles, you might want to redeem those miles for cash. This may be especially appealing if money is tight right now. RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury recently cashed out his Capital One business Mastercard for a cool $2,700!
Website of the day
Volunteer at Florida State Parks
Florida needs your help! Do you live in Florida, or perhaps you just want to spend some time in the state? Consider volunteering with the State Parks!
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?????? Ladies, start 2021 in style. You’ll turn a lot of heads with these!
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:
• 43 percent have never taken an ocean cruise
• 50 percent do not have a Netflix account
• 50 percent of our male readers answered that they always carry a pocket knife with them
A 2016 Gallup poll found that more than 30 percent of Americans 65 and older didn’t have a will, nor did more than 50 percent of people ages 50 through 64.
*How much sleep do parents of newborn babies miss out on during the first two years of their child’s life? The answer is astonishing. Yesterday’s trivia tells you.
Lap desk puts your back to rest! If you use your computer on your lap, read your Kindle on the couch, or have a hard time holding that heavy, hard book, you need this lap desk! Staff member Emily uses this when she works and highly recommends it. It has 8 adjustable levels and a stopper to hold objects upright. Great for those with lower back pain or bad posture. Learn more or order.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“My collie, Oscar, with his baby sister, Sadie. Oscar traveled over 12,000 miles with me last year. Sadie joined us in June. We haven’t had a chance to hit the road together but she is getting used to riding in the truck going to the dog park and on short errands. Hope to load up and go in a week or two.” —Vanessa Simmons
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
This company may be the only one in America that raises four-legged chickens! This product is for consumers who prefer back legs. Thanks to Sharry Buckner for alerting us to this unique (and hilarious) product.
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.
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.
By Tony Barthel One of the complaints I read often is that there are more than a million people in the U.S. living in RVs, yet most RVs aren’t warrantied, or even built, for full-time living. It’s a fair issue, so I thought we might look at one brand of RVs that is outfitted for full-time living: the Luxe Elite.
You may not have heard of this company. I hadn’t until I ran across them in a forum for using heavy-duty trucks to haul fifth wheels. And, in fact, with the unit we’re looking at today, that’s not a horrible idea since this is a big rig with a GVWR of 24,000 pounds and an overall length of 45 feet.
Luxe is unusual in that they predominantly build units to order and sell factory-direct – so whatever you see that you like in this particular unit, or don’t, you can probably have built more to your taste. As with all fifth wheel manufacturers, there are a number of floor plans and lengths to choose from, and Luxe has more mainstream models than this 2021 Luxe Elite 44FL.
The 44FL is a front-living model that places a living room over the kingpin in the front of the trailer. In some ways being up here allows you to look down like an overlord on the folks in the lower section, which encompasses both the kitchen and, further back, the bedroom.
This kind of floor plan makes for a nice living room area, and that is even more true with dual opposing slides in the upper section, each of which has a jackknife sofa. At the back of the living room are theater seats with all the usual recline and massage functions. I love that this particular unit’s upholstery is blue.
Again, if there’s anything you don’t like here, you can alter that in your own build.
On the subject of those slide rooms, and all the slide rooms in Luxe models, they do not have an overlapping flap on the outside when closed. Instead the slide rooms fit flush with the exterior of the coach much like the door of a car. This is the first time I’ve seen that and it does make for a clean look.
The exteriors of these are painted and you can choose almost any paint colors you prefer. If you like the idea of a solid color, that can be done. If you like the swishes and swirls, that can be done too. I hope you’re sitting down for this… I actually liked the swooshy paint on these fifth wheels…!
Since these are all custom-built, you can choose the colors you want for the exterior. I saw examples in various forms where the tow vehicle and trailer were matched in color. It was a pretty impressive sight.
Back inside what caught my attention was just how spacious this floor plan feels. I guess the tremendous size of this rig explains that, but also the width of the openings between the kitchen and the rear bedroom opens up a large rig even more. It really does feel more like a house than a trailer.
All the appliances in these rigs are residential-grade and happen to be LG-brand appliances, not my first choice but that’s what you get. That brand includes the stove, soundbar, TV and refrigerator.
The drawers in the kitchen are plentiful indeed, and are all plywood on the inside and hardwood on the front surfaces. Another thing used here that I haven’t seen before are drawer glides that are under the drawers. These allow the drawer to take up more of the width of the allotted space. Furthermore, all these drawer glides are soft close, of course. It might seem like a minor detail but these are all things that caught my attention.
Another unique thing that Luxe uses is a marine-grade flooring in the slide rooms under the dinette and in the bathroom. It’s almost like a high-quality version of those carpets we all put outside our RVs. It’s waterproof and durable. The actual flooring in the RV is a panel flooring so if a panel does get damaged, it can be replaced without replacing the whole floor.
You can get a sleep number bed if you choose, which this unit had; and there’s also a stacking washer-dryer in the mid-bath. At the back end of the coach is a large, full bath, including a shower with a teak fold-down seat in it.
While I am impressed by appearance items and luxury trim, what really floats my boat is when companies go above and beyond behind the scenes. This reflects the kind of thinking that results in a better experience for the owner. Another bit of attention to detail is the number of temperature sensors inside the coach so that it’s not just a single point of measurement for the zoned climate controls.
There are access panels in the storage bays so you can get behind the water system. Under the sinks are shut-off valves so you can disable a faucet without having to shut the entire water system off. These kinds of things might sound like no-brainers if you look at your sticks and bricks house, but your RV is not likely to be built this way. These are.
I appreciate the padded walls in the Elite series trailers, not because of any personal experience in padded rooms but because the soft-touch walls add an additional layer of sound protection. There are always those noisy neighbors in campgrounds…
If you choose to be that noisy neighbor there is an opportunity to do so with a specific outdoor audio system that incorporates an AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity pumped through marine-grade outdoor speakers. Yes, we’ve all seen outdoor speakers on RVs before – but this is a specific entire system just for the outdoors. There’s another audio system altogether inside.
The braking system incorporates disc brakes on all three axles and the tires are Goodyear Endurance.
There seems to be extreme attention to detail with these – and that should be the case at this price point. The way the slide rooms sit flush with the outside walls and drop into a “bin” when extended, thereby creating a flat floor, is another example.
On the downside, I am not a fan of the “disco light” effect over the front living room, the dining room and in the extensive cabinet space in the bedroom. This effect means you can set the LEDs to change colors or just be a solid color. Just seemed a bit out of place to me.
Of course you’re going to need one heck of a truck to haul one of these around. With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 24,000 lbs., you might want a medium-duty truck – and now you’re spending even more of your kids’ inheritance. In fact, I came across these through a heavy-duty truck group with some folks re-purposing heavy-duty commercial trucks to haul around their fifth wheels.
One of the more unusual things about Luxe fifth wheels is that you get them factory-direct, so that means if you choose to have paint that matches your truck or want certain interior colors or whatever it is, there is a lot of flexibility. While there are spec units in the company’s showrooms in Southern California and Texas, which is where I found the particular example I looked at here, you can get your own custom model in about four-five months – which isn’t a horribly long wait nowadays.
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.
Think about the person in your life that you feel closest to for a moment. Are they a blood relative of yours or are they not related to you by blood? For some, their family (or a family member) is their best friend, and for others their best friends are their family.
Perhaps you have a close family and a close group of friends, but who do you feel closest to? We’re curious to know. Please vote in the poll below and tell us. We apologize if it takes a few moments to load, we know it can be slow sometimes. Thanks for your patience and thanks for voting!
By Bob Difley Get out of eyesight or earshot of another RV and you’ll find some RVers get a bit nervous. Concerns about personal safety abound. Are there bad guys around every corner? How can you play it safe when boondocking?
First, remember that thieves do not hang out in the boonies, though you should consider the following safety tips to thwart the “thief through convenience” if you make it too easy.
Tips to play it safe when boondocking
• Never open your door to anyone you don’t know after dark. For instance, once a couple knocked on my door at about 8:00 on a winter night in the desert and said their car ran out of gas. I told them, through the window, that I couldn’t help them. (I had no sympathy for them if they actually let that happen.)
• Don’t tell strangers that you meet in town, even those that seem perfectly harmless, where you are camped. If you want to socialize, do it in town until you get to know them better.
• Lock your door when you leave (I admit that I don’t always do this). You don’t want to come back and find a homeless person inside your rig.
• Boondock with friends or with club members. Many solo RVers belong to solos clubs (such as Loners On Wheels) and often camp together.
Theft prevention
• Don’t leave stuff laying around outside your rig when you leave. Camp chair, table, rug — OK. Portable generator — put in a locked compartment, or make sure you chain it up with a heavy-duty chain — not one a simple bolt cutter could cut through.
• Close your blinds and drapes so the curious can’t see what you have inside.
• Lock all your outside locker doors.
• Re-key your lockers. Most RVs have the same key to open lockers, which is easy for a would-be thief to acquire. (Here are some security locks on Amazon.)
• If you still feel uncomfortable, buy a simple red LED light and mount it near your entry door, operated by a switch on the inside. When you go out, flip the switch. The red light looks like you have a burglar alarm that is set. (Or check out these fake security cameras on Amazon.)
In all my years of RV boondocking I have never had a problem or felt in danger (even from the couple who ran out of gas), and the only theft was out of a campground.
Issue 1506
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
“With wintertime road closures, rough weather, and COVID restrictions, RVing in January 2021 is a bit like doing jumping jacks inside a portable outhouse. You can absolutely still do it – just be dang careful.” —Sent in by Greg Illes (one of our longtime readers and frequent contributors). Thanks, Greg!
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Spaghetti Day!
On this day in history: 1896 – Utah is admitted as the 45th U.S. state.
Did you see the news?Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Tip of the Day
Rough Road Ahead: Four essential tips to avoid the bumps
By Gail Marsh There are four key things to remember when you hit rough roads. You know, those bone-jarring, washboard-like highways where you hold your breath, white-knuckle-grip the steering wheel with both hands and pray that your RV does not literally shake apart behind you. At some point, you will hit sections of rough highway. And while cursing the Department of Transportation may release pent-up anger, these four tips are probably a bit more productive. They may save your rig… or even your life! Read them here.
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new Cherokee Grey Wolf 23MK Travel Trailer. He writes, “The number of things you get that you might only expect in higher-end RVs is surprising.” See what he’s talking about here.
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. 4, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
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.
Mini dehumidifier removes moisture from RV This mini dehumidifier from Pro Breeze quickly and efficiently removes moisture from the air. It is perfect for use in small areas like RVs. It extracts up to 9 ounces of moisture per day with a large 16-ounce capacity water tank that will automatically shut off when full. Very quiet, too. Learn more or order.
RV Electricity – This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session
Don’t let your connections corrode
Dear Readers,
I’ve received a number of emails and Facebook comments this week about 30-amp RV extension cord plugs overheating and melting. Now, these particular failures aren’t where the shore power cordset is plugged into the pedestal or the RV itself. These meltdowns seem to occur where a 25-ft. extension cord is plugged into the RV’s shore power cordset. And, yes, many times it’s the connector that’s laying on the ground. Continue reading.
Mike needs your assistance
If you didn’t participate in this poll (from Saturday) previously, would you please vote now to help Mike gather information for a research project he’s working on (possible correlation between the GFCI and potential hot-skin condition) aimed at RVers’ safety. It may take a moment for the poll to load. Thank you!
• Join Mike’s Facebook group, RV Electricity.
• Read more of Mike’s articles here.
Three common ways full-time RVers get their mail
How do you get your postal mail when you’re on the road full time? Don Humes, the owner of South Dakota’s Americas Mailbox, answers that question. There are basically three ways, one of which Don favors over others (and which most full-timers favor as well). Read more and watch Don’s two-minute video.
Amazon Deals of the Day! Here are more than 1,000 special deals, just for today. And the items just keep on changing. If you can’t find a great deal here on something you want, then, well, you must not need anything. If nothing else, it sure is fun to poke around here to see the incredible array of cool stuff that’s available today at bargain prices! Click here for today’s deals!
Quick Tip
Arrive at your destination with a cool RV!
“Traveling from Georgia to Mount Rushmore and to Arches National Park, we found it difficult to keep our Class C cool. While shopping at a dollar store I came across automobile silver window shades for $5.00 each that fit all of our windows. I purchased enough for all of our windows along with some inexpensive plastic clips. Problem solved very inexpensively. So far they have helped to keep the RV cool. I leave the rear window uncovered while driving to be able to use the rearview mirror and cover it up at the RV parks.” Thanks for the tip, Patrick Bonito Sr.! You can also find those reflective window covers on Amazon. The rolls are nice so you can cut them to custom-fit every window.
Website of the day
A Brief History of the RV
If you’ve got a few minutes, read this article from Smithsonian Magazine about the history of the RV. It’s a fascinating look at our homes on wheels!
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
Stinky sewer dump? This will do the trick!
If a sewer hose doesn’t fit tightly, sewer gases will escape and make the odor when dumping almost unbearable. It’s embarrassing and disgusting! This sewer adapter hose seal plugs the hole. No more stink! Read more about it here or order one here.
Trivia
Parents of newborn babies miss out on a combined six months’ worth of sleep in the first two years of their child’s life. That’s a lot of sleep!
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Our sweet Maisie has a major case of FOMO (fear of missing out). She will sit on the little side table for 2-3 hours as we go down the road watching out the front window. She often falls asleep and would slip off the table so we put a non-slip pad on the tabletop. She gives our other furry family member the whole sofa while watching where we are going! It’s a win-win for everyone except when she snores in the ear of the passenger! In this picture, the passenger was able to sneak off the seat and take the picture!” —Julie Ford
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
Man in bed with his wife. . . He slides his hand slowly across her shoulders, across her waist, under her neck, then below her neck, then under her back. Then stops. Wife, sounding romantic: “Why did you stop?” Husband: “Got the remote. Go back to sleep.”
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.
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.
By Tony Barthel Forest River’s Cherokee division has been making waves in a lot of ways by delivering huge value and features at relatively affordable pricing. But they’re doing something else that breaks some ground as well – two kinds of skin on basically the same trailer. The difference between them is that there are the regular old Cherokee Grey Wolf models and then the “Black Label” edition models.
The Grey Wolf models are your typical “stick and tin” or aluminum skin on a wood frame – the way trailers have been built for decades. This build methodology is an inexpensive way to build a trailer and while it may require more attention to the skin (the windows don’t fit flush on the irregular skin shape), this isn’t really a big deal.
There are a lot of RV shoppers who want a fiberglass-skinned trailer and, for them, Cherokee has their Black Label models. These are essentially the same trailers except that they have a gel-coated fiberglass skin over the wood structure underneath. In addition, they feature frameless windows outside and sealed-edge countertops inside.
The interiors of the Black Label models have different upholstery coloring and other upgraded items as well.
In this case, a friend of mine in the RV business was showing me around a 2021 Cherokee Grey Wolf 23MK. A Black Label model of the same trailer coincidentally had just shown up.
Cherokee Grey Wolf 23MK Black Label
This has been a banner seller for Cherokee for good reason. While this isn’t a large camper, the floor plan features a couch along the rear of the trailer as you walk in through the back door, and a large dinette in a slide room on the street side.
One of the hallmark features that sold a ton of Cherokee trailers to my customers when I was selling RVs is the included Furrion fireplace and, in this case, that fireplace is on the wall at the far end of the living space. Above that are all the hookups for a TV, but Cherokees don’t come with a TV. This is smart, to me, as you can BYOTV.
Opposite the dinette is a wedge-shaped kitchen that features a huge farmhouse sink in black-toned stainless steel along with a black faucet. Cherokee also paints its cabinets black, and I haven’t liked it in the other models. But with the different upholstery colors and other accents in the Black Label model, it wasn’t as confining or unpleasant as the regular model seemed with this color choice.
The blinds are interesting “zebra” blinds. That means there are alternating blackout and light sections and moving the blind up and down varies the amount of light they block. It’s interesting.
Even with the slide in, this trailer is fully usable – which makes it great for stealth overnighting. The bathroom is beyond the living quarters and the toilet has a huge amount of space around it.
Oh, we’re not done in the dinette yet, so hold your horses. Cherokee has made a name for itself with these huuuuuuge drawers that extend under the entire side of each dinette seat. Pulling those drawers out was almost comical because they’re so long. It’s a great solution because you know whatever you want from under the dinette seats is going to be “back there.”
On the list of “I didn’t expect that but got it and was pleasantly surprised” is the fact that the Cherokees come with an inverter that is capable of handling lithium batteries – which have a different charging profile than traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries.
Since these models have been shipping with a 12-volt compressor-based refrigerator lately, having a higher battery capacity is not a bad idea. There is a “juice pack” when you get the 12-volt fridge that has a 50-watt solar panel on the roof. However, that’s not a lot of power, and mounting solar to the roof doesn’t mean it’s always in the best spot.
After all, if you’re like me, you’re going to want to camp in the shade and that’s not the best place to maximize your solar return. A solar suitcase is a great addition.
You might also appreciate that the controls for this trailer are the traditional buttons you’d expect. However, you can also scan a QR code with your smartphone and use that to control lighting and several other aspects of this trailer. Buttons and smartphones. That’s the way to go!
A few more of those surprise features include the outdoor “ultra refreshment” station which has a 110vac mini-fridge, an ice maker (also runs on 110vac), and a shower head with hot and cold running water. These all are behind a flip-down door that stays horizontal thanks to two cables. It sort of makes itself into a table.
Lastly, out back there’s a flip-down rack that’s rated to hold 200 pounds of cargo. Think generator or bicycles – that sort of thing. The roof is fully walkable, and Cherokee has moved to a PVC roof membrane that is warranted for 15 years.
One of the things I like about the Cherokee line is that, even if you choose the standard aluminum skin, the front cap is smooth – which helps a wee bit with aerodynamics. Many trailers with this kind of skin use a corrugated nose – and that doesn’t help with dragging a big box through the breeze.
I used to show people how the stripes on these are painted onto the aluminum-skinned models rather than being stickers.
I can see why Cherokee is taking so much market share. The number of things you get that you might only expect in higher-end RVs is surprising. Things like the fireplace, the rear cargo rack and much more.
I think I’m pretty clear about the fact that I really, really dislike the 2021 models’ black painted cabinet interiors – so if you share my feeling that these make the interior feel smaller, you might see if someone has a 2020 model… or just hit your local hardware store’s paint department.
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.
By Gail Marsh There are four key things to remember when you hit rough roads. You know, those bone-jarring, washboard-like highways where you hold your breath, white-knuckle-grip the steering wheel with both hands and pray that your RV does not literally shake apart behind you. At some point, you will hit sections of rough highway. And while cursing the Department of Transportation may release pent-up anger, these four tips are probably a bit more productive. They may save your rig… or even your life!
1. Slow down
As with any other road hazard, speed will exacerbate your problem. Not only does an increase in speed magnify the jarring, but it can also make you lose control of your rig. So, decrease your speed. Pull over to let others pass you, but do not let them intimidate you into increasing your speed. Let other drivers take the chance of putting their alignment or suspension out of whack. You slow down.
2. Drive in the left lane, if possible
We’re talking about four-lane highways here, of course. You may find that the left lane offers a bit smoother ride. You’ll need to keep a keen eye on the traffic behind your rig, though. Give yourself plenty of time to signal and switch lanes (back into the right lane) if a vehicle from behind you approaches. (Note: Many states restrict driving in the left lane to passing or exiting.)
3. Consider an alternate route
Yes, I know it may take additional time to reach your destination but consider the alternative. Find a different route using a map or app on your phone. Consult your travel atlas and state road map. Or ask a “local” about alternate routes you might use. Take the time to locate a safer, smoother route. You just might save your rig – and your nerves, as well!
4. Make sure you have the necessary equipment
Consider upgrading your tires and shocks. This will help a lot on rougher roads and provide greater comfort when on better highways, too. You may not know when road conditions will deteriorate. Be prepared for emergency situations, for both long and short trips. Keep your emergency roadside insurance contact information inside your vehicle. If your RV or tow vehicle becomes disabled, slowly move off the highway (if possible) and onto the shoulder. Carefully drive until your entire RV is well off the road. You’ll need a jack, spare tire, and a lug wrench to fix any flat caused by the rough conditions. You will also want some orange warning cones, triangles, or flares to alert other travelers about your breakdown. In case of injuries caused by a blowout or other road mishap, you’ll want to have a well-stocked emergency medical kit on hand, as well.
No one likes to drive over rutted or pothole-riddled roads. The fact remains, however, that many, many of our highways need serious repair. Unless and until our roads are fixed, RVers must know what to do to protect themselves, their rigs, and others as they travel along these highways.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person stays at one job for 4.6 years. However, the numbers show that for younger people, the average time is 3.2 years, but for people over the age of 65, the average is 10.3 years. Millennials are staying at jobs for shorter periods of time than older generations used to. It’s not uncommon to switch jobs every two-three years. In fact, this is what job recruiters look for on resumes.
Where do you stand? Have you ever worked for one employer continuously for 20 years or more? If you answer yes, will you tell us what you do (or did) as a profession in the comments below the poll? We’d like to know. Thanks!
Welcome to my J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session, a weekly column where I answer your basic electrical questions. If you’re a newbie who’s never plugged in a shore power cord (or ask – what’s a shore power cord?), or wonder why your daughter’s hair dryer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, this column is for you. Send your questions to Mike Sokol at mike (at) noshockzone.org with the subject line – JAM.
I need your assistance
If you didn’t participate in this poll (from Saturday) previously, would you please vote now to help me gather information for a research project I’m working on (possible correlation between the GFCI and potential hot-skin condition) aimed at RVers’ safety. It may take a moment for the poll to load. Thank you!
Dear Readers,
I’ve received a number of emails and Facebook comments this week about 30-amp RV extension cord plugs overheating and melting. Now, these particular failures aren’t where the shore power cordset is plugged into the pedestal or the RV itself. These meltdowns seem to occur where a 25-ft. extension cord is plugged into the RV’s shore power cordset. And, yes, many times it’s the connector that’s laying on the ground.
But it worked just fine for the last year…
Well, oxidation (corrosion) on most all metals occurs from a combination of oxygen and moisture, so having your 30- or 50-amp shore power cord hooked to an extension cord laying on the ground is asking for trouble. Now, it might work just fine for the first year or so. And if you’re in a dry desert environment it might work forever. But the first time it rains the brass contacts in your plug and extension cord will begin to oxidize (corrode). After that begins it’s a fast ride to overheating and meltdown failure, especially if you’re running a portable space heater or air conditioner in your RV.
What’s a mother to do?
I used to bag and gaff-tape all my sound and lighting power connectors that we knew would be in the rain, but for RV owners there’s a simpler and more elegant solution. I found this cool cord cover a few days ago and have asked for a review sample.
But in the meantime, I think it’s a great idea you might want to try yourself. Note that it will accept a 30- or 50-amp extension cord, even with the power-grip handles.
Lift me up – Don’t let your connections sit in water and corrode
However, I don’t like the idea of this cord cover laying on the ground where just a few inches of water could flood it out. I think that placing it on an overturned 5-gallon bucket is a much better solution.
Of course, if the water gets over 2 feet deep you’re in really deep do-do, so I think a regular bucket is more than fine. As soon as my sample unit comes in I’ll a take a picture of it on a bucket in my flooded back yard. In the meantime, you can get one for yourself HERE.
OK, everyone. Remember that electricity is a useful and powerful force, so we all need to pay attention to safety precautions while using it.
Let’s play safe out there….
Mike Sokol is an electrical and professional sound expert with 50+ years in the industry. His excellent bookRV Electrical Safety is available at Amazon.com. For more info on Mike’s qualifications as an electrical expert, click here. Join Mike’s popular and informative Facebook group.
And you don’t want to miss Mike’s webcasts on his YouTube channel.
For information on how to support RVelectricity and No~Shock~Zone articles, seminars and videos, please click the I Like Mike Campaign
Welcome to RVtravel.com, the newsletter that cares. Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter, now in its 20th year of continuous publication, is made possible in large part by the voluntary subscription contributions from our readers.
Sunday, January 3, 2021 Non-Members (advertising supported) edition
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Catalytic converter thefts on the rise. The scary truth
By Tony Barthel
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and are becoming ever more common according to a few sources. Stealing a catalytic converter is relatively easy and can net the thief a good return on their minimal time investment. How much? On the black market, used cats, as they’re called, can go for sometimes several hundred dollars. They may take as little as a minute to steal. Continue reading – you’ll be shocked! Includes videos and tips to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen.
Park Service needs help with Yosemite cold case
The National Park Service needs your help with solving a very cold case from California. In 1983 the body of a woman believed to be between the ages of 18 and 30 was found in Yosemite National Park. The victim was dumped at Summit Meadow, along Glacier Point Road. A CT scan has been used to put together a new facial reconstruction image that may help someone identify this victim. Learn more.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s review, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the Coleman Lantern LT 202RD Travel Trailer. He writes that this “is a couples’ smaller camper that packs a fair amount of amenities into a small box without a slide room. Even at under 25’ in total length you still get a queen-sized bed, a dinette and even a jackknife sofa all in a package that my friend towed with a mid-size pickup.” Check it out here.
Beleaguered RV park residents in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, may have gotten a bit of a break. We reported earlier on how folks at the Hoback RV Park got notices to break camp and move – right in the middle of a cold winter. New owners said their failing septic system forced the decision. But on December 22, Teton County commissioners voted to extend a sewage shutdown order, giving residents until May to find a new place to park. But the legalities of the whole situation are about as clear as black water, so we’ll keep you posted as to what flushes out.
ktxs.com
This is NOT the recommended way of checking your tow hitch connection. It happened when an RVer hit some ice just north of Roscoe, Texas, on Highway 84 Wednesday afternoon. The toppling travel trailer took the tow rig with it in the incident. It wasn’t clear if injuries resulted, but the old trucker’s maxim well-applies: Snow? Go slow. Ice? No go!
Corey Harrison
Pawn Stars celebrity Corey Harrison, also known as Big Hoss, has been accused to trashing an RV he rented from the peer-to-peer rental company RVshare. He told the RV’s owner, William Villafana, that he wanted to use it as an office on a three-day trip to the California desert. Villafana said Harrison returned it in six days, with the body of the RV badly damaged and the inside trashed – approximately $20,000 to $30,000 in damage. Harrison refused to pay for repairs. Villafana has filed a complaint with the North Las Vegas Police Department.
A little too late? Canada’s federal government is pumping $850,000 into an ad campaign to discourage Canadian snowbirds from heading south of the border. One advert pictures a sorry-looking older fellow in a hospital bed, dark background music playing. “Seniors are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19,” reads the caption. True enough, but by now, many of the birds have already flown the coop.
NPS on facebook.jpg
Last summer, a major bloom of waterborne bacteria forced Zion National Park officials to curtail ranger patrols of The Narrows. It’s a popular trail that includes a section where wading through water is included. Recently, the toxic bloom subsided and “Ranger John” was the first official to walk the trail. He reported, “The graffiti was the worst I’ve ever seen, it seemed like the entire stretch I walked had something left on the rock: a handprint, a name, and I won’t go into detail about the poop. All in all, I picked up 14 pounds of trash (9 pounds were human waste) and cleaned probably 1000 handprints or etchings in less than a mile. While it hurts to see such a unique and beautiful place treated like this, I feel honored that I have the responsibility to protect it.”
For believers in bad luck, Norman Hoyt may have been begging for it when he tried to get a property use variance for an RV park in Warsaw, Indiana. Hoyt asked the local zoning board to allow him to build a 13-site RV park next door to an auto repair shop. Neighbors raised a variety of objections, from “the constant noise and aggravation” a campground would bring, to other “potential land use nuisances.” One interesting objection came from a zoning board member who, on learning that the campground would entertain families, objected that the small park didn’t appear to have anything to keep kiddies entertained. In the end, the zoning board gave the potential park a unanimous thumbs-down.
Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue photo
Park rangers had to hike through the snow to help rescue a bicyclist in Washington’s Olympic National Park. The man in his 60s was riding along a snow-covered Olympic Hot Springs Road in the Elwha Valley when an 18-inch-diameter tree fell – smashing down on the man and his bike. The victim was able to get out from under the tree, and managed to squeak out call for help on the edge of cellular range. The area where it all happened is out-of-reach to motor vehicles due to road washouts, and rescuers had to hike into where they could grab an ATV and pickup truck to go the balance of the trip. A medevac was called out to airlift the man to a hospital. Planning on recreating away from civilization? Always use the buddy system – physically distanced, of course.
Keep your doors locked! That’s the warning from Beaumont, Texas, police. They say RVers at the Jefferson County RV Park had been lax about security, allowing a carload of prowlers to cruise into the park on a Sunday and door-shake their way into a number of RVs. The result was the theft of several items, including two firearms. Much of the loot was recovered after a sharp-eyed deputy sheriff on the following Tuesday spotted lights on in a lot of RVs at the wrong time of day – early in the morning. Another deputy spotted a car leaving the park, and stopped it after it zipped into a dead-end road.
Composite: R & T De Maris
Arizona is a popular snowbird spot for Canadian visitors. Although their numbers are down, some in Arizona wonder – will they be competing for COVID-19 vaccinations? State health officials say it doesn’t matter which flag you fly under – the determinant is your priority group, not your place of residence. And how much will Canadians have to pay for the poke? Same as Arizonans: Vaccine jabs are free of charge for all. For those who make the trip into the U.S., they may actually get their vaccine much sooner than if they’d stayed at home. Media reports suggest Canada’s vaccine rollout is months behind that of the U.S.
greatbendks.net
“I don’t want to walk out my front door and see a damn camper. It degrades the neighborhood.” Sound like the words of some angry John Q. Smith? Nope, it’s the words of somebody with a bit more power – and it shows. Attribute the statement to Alan Moeder, a member of the Great Bend, Kansas, city council. The council has been batting the issue of RV parking back and forth since before November. Now the august body has determined RV owners can’t park their rigs just anywhere on their property. Instead, they may only be parked so that, “the entirety of the RV, including the hitch, must be behind the primary elevation.” Evidently Moeder got his way – if anyone drives by your house in Great Bend, they’d better not see your “damn camper.”
Don’t buy a portable generator Use your car’s engine instead. Save money. Save hassle. Learn more at cargenerator.com.
Is it coronavirus? Your chances of getting carjacked are way up this year. In Minneapolis, the crime was up 537% last month. In Chicago, the rate is more than twice the norm. Statistics from across the country show cars stolen in potentially violent altercations are way up. The cause? With people wearing masks because of the pandemic, it’s harder to identify crooks from surveillance video, and drivers are less likely to be concerned about somebody in a mask who approaches them. Juveniles are fingered in many jackings, and often it’s to score social-media bragging points. Authorities say, “keep your head on a swivel,” as carjackers take advantage of distracted people. And if someone demands your car – give it to them. Your life is worth a bit more than your ride.
reuters on youtube.com
A Russian cat spared certain death has a new job title: Deputy environment minister. A worker in a chilly Russian waste-sorting facility thought something was a little odd with a bag that sailed past him on a conveyor belt. So Mikhail Tukash grabbed the bag and cut it open and peeped inside. Two small eyes peered back at him – a black and white short-haired cat. When news (or was it mews?) broke out, Minister of the Environment, Gulnara Rakmatulina adopted the cat, whose nine lives would have been put to the test had not Mikhail grabbed him back from the mechanical separator, not far down the conveyor belt. Rakmatulina assigned the cat the new title, but a name will come after a public contest.
Quit struggling with hose and cable hookups at the campsite
Are you tired of struggling to hook up your coax cables, water hoses and other connections when you arrive at your campsite? It’s a snap with Cable and Hose Grips from J Wright Concepts. Save time and frustration! Life is too short to hassle with the little stuff! Learn more or order.
Oregon State Parks have reopened yurt and cabin reservations along the Pacific coast. Reservations were opened on December 24, although actual use won’t begin until January 2 on a staggered basis, with others opening the 10th, and finally the last on the 15th. Campgrounds not now open will not reopen yurts and cabins until their normal opening dates. A two-night minimum reservation is required, and each unit will have at least one “open” day between reservations to allow for thorough cleaning. Make a reservation at stateparks.oregon.gov.
While Sunbelt park operators have been bracing for a major downturn in business this winter with the continued closing of the Canadian border and continuing concerns about the pandemic, business levels have remained strong at many parks that cater to snowbirds. Park operators say first-time RVers are helping offset the loss of Canadian customers. Sunbelt park operators told Woodall’s Campground Management they are seeing increasing numbers of people with mobile jobs who are working from the road. Some operators are also seeing something they don’t typically see at this time of year: large numbers of families traveling with young children.
Time for a new water filter? Get ready for spring and summer travels. No matter what RV park you visit, you will find this water filter the most popular by far. It’s inexpensive and works great. It greatly reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine and sediment with its 20 micron sediment filter. With this offer get 2 filters, which should last you for about 6 months. Learn more or order.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
All these vehicles were stolen New Year’s Eve from a home in Rancho Cucamonga, California. License tags: Truck/camper 7B89389. Trailer 4TG7737. “They took everything!! Please keep an eye out,” the owners pleaded. If found, contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.
POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS
The Charleston County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office is searching for the pictured suspect for allegedly stealing three catalytic converters off three RVs on Dec. 28 at Coastal RV in Ravenel. The suspect is a slender while male, between 25 and 35 years old. He was wearing blue jeans, a camo jacket, blue shirt, a blue and white hat and a face covering. If you have information contact Detective James Jacko at 843-529-5357 or via email at jjacko@charlestoncounty.org.
Stolen RVs – Help us recover stolen RVs. The more eyes we have searching for them, the better chance of getting them back to their rightful owners, and maybe putting the crooks who stole them in the slammer! See recent stolen RVs.
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There comes a time in many RVers’ lives when they are eternally grateful they were wise enough to bring these with them on a trip.
Pickup truck news
According to our recent survey, about 80 percent of RVtravel.com readers own at least one pickup truck. Recognizing that, we’ll provide the latest news highlights about the vehicles here each week.
Seat belt bracket issue prompts GM truck, SUV recall
In case you missed this news here last Sunday: Faulty seat belt brackets have prompted a recall of 624,000 pickup trucks and SUVs from the current and past two years of General Motors’ brands. … Vehicles affected have 40/20/40 split-folding front bench seats. Vehicles with front bucket seats are not being recalled. Learn more.
Reader poll
Does your RV have at least one permanently mounted solar panel?
New book plans the road trip for you! This new book by Moon plans the 50 best road trips across the U.S. (organized by region) for you so you don’t have to do a thing! It’s perfect for jump-starting your 2021 travel planning. Each road trip lists must-see places, the best foods, gives you local tips and much more. Learn more about it here.
Brain Teaser
• You will know that I am coming from the jingle of my bell, but exactly who I am is not an easy thing to tell.
• Children, they adore me for they find me jolly, but I do not see them when the halls are decked with holly.
• My job often leaves me frozen.
• I am a man that all should know, but I do not do business in times of sleet or ice or snow.
• I travel much on business, but no reindeer haul me around, I do all my traveling firmly on the ground.
• I love the time of Christmas, but that’s not my vocational season,
• And I assure you that is because of a sound economic reason.
Who am I?
(Answer below)
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. 3, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
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.
This is one cool puzzle!
If you’re like a majority of people, you’ve done a puzzle or two (or 10) during quarantine. If you’re in need of a new one, check this one out. A vintage car with an Airstream on the beach. Puzzles don’t get much cooler – plus the sunset is beautiful! Get one for yourself here. It’s the perfect winter activity!
News briefs
Planning a visit to Los Angeles County? Then add a 10-day quarantine to your agenda. “Because of the likelihood of exposure to COVID-19 while traveling outside of L.A. County, for everyone that traveled or are planning to travel back into L.A. County, you must quarantine for 10 days,” reads the order. Anyone experiencing symptoms or who tests positive must quarantine for 10 days, or until fever-free for 24 hours. The mandate was issued Monday.
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a new RV parking ordinance in Longmont, Colorado. It will be illegal to park an RV on streets, alleys, in city parks, or on public rights-of-way. Exceptions will be made for folks actively loading or unloading a rig, or parked while shopping. Those with relatives coming who want to park outside a resident’s home can do so – after they buy a $25 permit good for a week.
How far will your dollar go in buying an RV park? Apache Junction, Arizona’s Meridian RV Resort changed hands for $11.6 million on December 14. The 252-site “five star, 55-plus senior community” was picked up by Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc., which also operates Thousand Trails.
Police in Louisville, Kentucky, reopened downtown streets after shutting down the area Friday afternoon due to a report of a suspicious motorhome found parked on a city street outside the Humana Tower. It turned out the RV was a rented by a family, who were visiting the Kentucky Science Center.
Wold’s RV Sales in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, had a most unwelcome happening last Tuesday night. A passing motorist spotted flames shooting out of the dealership’s windows at around 9:45 that night. It took an hour for firefighters to get the building fire under control, which they say was caused by arson. No RVs outside the building were damaged.
dailytrib.com
Some residents near Marble Falls, Texas, are up in arms about a new RV park, set to open next spring. The County Line Luxury RV Park is a proposed 125-site outfit that would sit on 35 acres on County Road 403, an area presently populated by multiple-acre mini-ranches. Locals say the water supply in the area is “iffy,” with complaints of cloudiness in times of drought. But county officials say they’re powerless to intervene, as state law doesn’t allow for counties to dabble in zoning issues.
Campground reservations for Maine State Parks open Friday, February 5, 2021, at 9 a.m. EST. Reservations for Sebago Lake State Park open February 1, same time.
More room at the inn for RVs, if you’re heading to Huntsville, Texas. The planning commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a 141-site RV park. The Lagoon Ranch RV Resort butts up to the Sam Houston National Forest. If Sam were alive today and RVing, he’d find a park with fishing ponds and a resort-style pool next door to the forest bearing his name.
COVID-19 has sounded a death knell for shopping malls that were struggling to survive before the pandemic struck, according to a new report from Coresight Research, which focuses on disruptions between physical and digital retail. It has predicted that up to 25,000 stores would close by the end of 2020 and that more than half of those closures will happen in malls. Within five years, this trend will spell an end for as many as 300 of the 1,200 malls currently in operation in the United States, the report said.
file photo
Rangers at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park were kept busy on Tuesday when snow caught drivers unprepared. A number of vehicles were caught by snowfall and had to have help to get out. Roads to both Bryce and Inspiration Points were temporarily shut down, leaving Sunset Point the only accessible viewpoint to motorists.
Campground and RV Park News
Developments in places where we stay across the USA
Janet Groene reports each week on developments at RV parks and campgrounds across the USA and Canada. There’s a lot of good information here that you can use to plan your travels. Read the current installment of “Campground and RV Park News” here.
Quartzsite Update
Here’s an excellent look at what’s currently happening at Quartzsite, Arizona, the RV Snowbird Capital of the West. The Big Tent, the centerpiece of the annual Quartzsite RV Show coming in two weeks, has yet to go up. The crowds on the public lands are noticeably smaller with many vendors in the small down noticeably absent. We hope to have an update next week. Prime season is just getting underway, but our guess is that crowds will be smaller this year. Stay tuned.
Two of the best black tank dumpin’ gadgets
Tony Barthel writes: “Dealing with the black tank is one of the least enjoyable parts of the RV lifestyle. When a product comes along that makes the process even a little bit friendlier, I’m in. As such, two Camco products have really made my black tank dealings less miserable and have taken some of the frustration out of parts of this process.” Read more about these two helpful products here.
Things to smile about this week
A weekly roundup of news stories that will make you smile (and maybe shed a tear or two…). This week, a little girl sees her parents for the first time with new glasses, a Jeep parade, Hammy the Hamster’s Christmas maze, a biodegradable plastic, and a weird, weird relative… Enjoy it all here.
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of December 28, 2020: Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.24 [Calif.: $3.09]
Change from week before: Up 2 cents; Change from year before: Down 33 cents. Diesel: $2.64 [Calif.: $3.40]
Change from week before: Up 2 cents; Change from year before: Down 43 cents.
Book 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.
We work hard to bring you this newsletter Out staff of editors and writers works tirelessly to bring you an average of 10 newsletters every week. If you appreciate our efforts and would like to help us become even more valuable to you and other readers, won’t you please considering making a volunteer contribution of whatever you can easily afford and believe is fair? We would appreciate it very much. Thank you. Learn more or contribute here.
Upcoming RV shows
Most of the RV shows in the early part of 2021 have been canceled. We will restart our show directory feature here as shows begin again. In the meantime, see the frequently updated schedule here.
Free and bargain camping
From OvernightRVparking.com
Lake Park Campground (City Park), Lewisville, TX
ALMOST FREE! Overnight parking is allowed! The City Park has 119 E/W sites, 6 are pull-thrus. At least 21 sites have 50A. Dump station, laundry, free Wi-Fi, and traffic control gate on-site. The 662-acre park has a swimming beach, two boat ramps, two courtesy docks, a fishing barge, and two golf courses. Open all year. Sites reservable by phone. 2-day minimum reservation on Holiday weekends. Maximum stay: 14 days in any 30-day period. $20/night; $475/month including utilities; camping fee includes a day-use fee for the remainder of the park. Click here for details.
Bedford Area Welcome Center, Bedford, VA ALMOST FREE! Overnight parking is allowed! Welcome Center has 3 E/W/S RV spaces. Wi-Fi. Dump Station ($10, free to registered campers). Sites not level but manageable for most RVs. The lot is well-lit, appears safe, with possible highway noise. Gas station and convenience store across the street, no other travel-related businesses within walking distance. Open all year. No reservations. Maximum stay: 3 nights. $25/night. Click here for details.
Overnight RV Parking, with more than 14,000 locations listed, is the largest and best resource for locating free and inexpensive places to spend a night in an RV. For membership information and a demo of the site, click here. A modest membership fee required, but try the free demo. Watch a video about OvernightRVparking.com.
Other resources:
• Two excellent guides to free campgrounds. The West edition and the Heartland edition.
• Harvest Hosts: Members can stay free overnight at farms & wineries.
Say goodbye to back pain
As RVers, we spend a lot of time sitting while we drive from place-to-place. These orthopedic memory foam support back and bottom cushions will relieve you from any lower back pain and will instantly improve your posture. The washable covers can be removed, and a breathable mesh will keep the cushions from making you sweat. Look at all those amazing reviews! Click here.
Brain teaser answer:
The ice cream man!
Sunday funny
RV Travel staff
CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury.Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Emily Woodbury, Russ and Tiña De Maris.
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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.
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We stumbled upon this photo. There was no explanation of what it is, where it is, or anything else. So we’ll ask you a couple of questions:
That was the RV week that was
Get ready for spring and summer travels. No matter what RV park you visit, you will find this water filter the most popular by far. It’s inexpensive and works great. It 
Stolen RVs – Help us recover stolen RVs. The more eyes we have searching for them, the better chance of getting them back to their rightful owners, and maybe putting the crooks who stole them in the slammer! 
Things to smile about this week
