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2026 Aliner Switchback—an attention-grabbing, folding truck camper

Cheri Sicard
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2026 Aliner Switchback—an attention-grabbing, folding truck camper

A hard-sided truck camper that weighs about 400 pounds is rare. The 2026 Aliner Switchback goes further because it is built for smaller pickups and still folds low enough to stay practical day to day.

That mix of low weight, quick setup, and hard-wall security is why the early reaction has been so strong. The video at the end of this post from Where RV Going? shows why this little camper is getting so much attention.

A compact fit for small and mid-size trucks

The Switchback was designed for small and mid-size trucks. Its bottom dimension is 41 3/4 inches, which puts it in range for trucks such as:
• Ford Ranger
• Toyota Tacoma
• Jeep Gladiator
• Ford Maverick, in theory, because the Maverick has 42 inches between the wheel wells. That Maverick fit has not been tested in the video, but the measurements suggest it could work.

The presenter also noted that, on a half-ton truck with a 5 1/2-foot bed, the prototype traveled with the tailgate closed. Closed height is listed at 65.5 inches, and on that half-ton it stayed under 7 feet tall, so many owners should be able to park it in a garage.

Low weight is the whole point

Aliner lists the Switchback at 375 pounds dry, while the walkthrough rounds it to 400 pounds. Either way, it is far lighter than a traditional slide-in and easier on payload, fuel use, and trail manners.

The company also describes it as a lightweight aluminum camper. That matters because the truck keeps most of its normal size while traveling. For hunters, backwoods campers, and solo travelers who want a small basecamp without a tall, heavy box in the bed, that is a big part of the appeal.

The fast setup and hard walls stand out

Setup follows the familiar Aliner pattern. Gas struts help lift the roof panels, the first wall flips up, a few latches lock everything in place, and the door swings forward. The whole process is said to take about 30 seconds.

That speed helps explain the price. The Switchback is expected to come in under $10,000, while the presenter says some comparable products reach the mid–$20,000 range and still rely on fabric sleeping space. The hard sidewalls also add peace of mind, which stood out in the early response from campers who had been sleeping under truck caps.

A simple interior, plus an unexpected towable option

Inside, the bed measures 60 by 72 inches, so it is a queen-size sleeping area. Aluminum slats support the bed, and the cushions can come off during the day to create bench seating on both sides. Interior peak height is listed at 69 inches, which should help the space feel more open than the footprint suggests.

The standard equipment is simple but useful: one set of LED lights, a double fan, two USB ports, two 110-volt outlets, and two 12-volt plugs, with one used for the fan, plus a 25-foot detachable power cord. There are also two solar ports, one on each side, and handles to help slide the camper in and out of the truck.

One of the more interesting ideas in the video is using it on a small utility trailer. The display trailer reportedly costs less than $1,000 and weighs about 300 pounds. Paired with the camper, total tow weight lands around 700 pounds, well below Aliner’s 1,250-pound Scout Lite.

Aliner1 Aliner2

Final thoughts

The Switchback looks small, but its pitch is bigger than it first seems. It gives truck owners hard walls, a queen bed, fast setup, and garage-ready height without the bulk of a standard slide-in. That is why this camper stands out. It keeps the truck usable and keeps the camping setup simple.

Learn more about the Aliner Switchback truck camper here.

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Safety for roadside workers and stranded motorists in spotlight this month

RV Travel
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Safety for roadside workers and stranded motorists in spotlight this month

The recent Interstate 95 bus crash in Virginia that killed five people and injured dozens more has once again focused national attention on the dangers that exist when vehicles traveling at highway speeds fail to react to changing traffic conditions. Those of us who travel in or with our RVs are particularly at risk for a bad outcome, due in part to the size of our vehicles and longer stopping distances.

While investigators examine what caused the Virginia crash, roadway safety experts say the incident highlights a broader problem occurring every day across America: Thousands of roadside workers, tow operators, emergency responders, construction crews, and stranded motorists are forced to work just feet from moving traffic, often in darkness or low-visibility conditions where a single missed warning can become fatal.

Have you ever blown a tire and had to change it on the shoulder of a busy interstate highway? If so, you know first-hand how vulnerable you feel.

Roadside workers face hazardous visibility challenges

According to the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), roadside workers face many of the same visibility challenges that contribute to thousands of pedestrian deaths each year, particularly after dark when drivers have less time to identify hazards and react.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roadside assistance providers — tow operators, mobile mechanics, and emergency roadside technicians — are struck and killed nearly four times more often than national crash data captures, because state police forms routinely record them simply as “pedestrians.” Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that fatal pedestrian incidents involving motorized vehicles rose 19% in 2024 alone.

High visibility vests, reflective gear, and warning systems are standard in controlled highway work zones, but roadside recovery and emergency response environments are often less predictable, with shifting traffic patterns and limited physical separation between workers and vehicles. That gap becomes especially critical during summer travel season, when highway traffic increases and roadside incidents are more frequent on high speed roads.

Visibility gear is an important safety tool

The ISEA says visibility gear remains one of the most practical and underused safety tools for protecting workers and stranded motorists in live traffic environments, and is a critical focus now in June during National Safety Month.

For RVtravel.com readers, nearly all of whom are RVers, we suggest two easy ways to help be safer on the road and help keep ourselves and those roadside workers safe. First, watch this Michelin video of what to do in a front tire failure (following your instincts could get you killed!), and carry a safety vest with you at all times. They are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Amazon.

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What kills most people in national parks? Often the mistakes RVers see every summer

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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What kills most people in national parks? Often the mistakes RVers see every summer

Ask someone what the biggest danger in a national park is and they’ll probably mention bears, mountain lions or some other dramatic wilderness threat.

But the numbers tell a different story.

A recent analysis highlighted by Outside looked at fatalities across America’s national parks and recreation areas. It found that the biggest killers are often much more ordinary. They are the same hazards that experienced RVers see every summer. Water, roads, heat and overconfidence cause far more deaths than wildlife encounters.

None of this means national parks are unusually dangerous. In fact, the National Park Service says the mortality rate in parks remains very low compared with the U.S. population as a whole. Millions of people visit national parks every year without incident.

But when tragedies do occur, they often stem from everyday decisions rather than extraordinary circumstances.

What the data shows

According to National Park Service mortality data, motor vehicle crashes, drownings and falls rank among the leading causes of unintentional deaths in national parks. Medical emergencies also account for a significant share of fatalities.

In other words, the greatest danger in many parks may be the drive to the trailhead, a swim in a lake or river, or a moment of poor judgment near an overlook.

That finding may surprise visitors who worry most about wildlife encounters. But National Park Service data shows that driving, water hazards and falls consistently account for more unintentional deaths than the dangers that typically make headlines.

Those conclusions line up with what many RVers have witnessed firsthand.

Every summer, campgrounds fill with visitors who underestimate desert heat, ignore warning signs near water, drive unfamiliar roads while tired, or venture onto trails that exceed their physical abilities.

Water remains one of the most underestimated hazards

Several of the parks and recreation areas with the highest fatality counts have one thing in common: water.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area has long ranked among the park system units with the highest number of fatalities. Drownings, boating incidents, and heat-related emergencies have all contributed to that record.

Many visitors assume calm-looking lakes and rivers are no different from a neighborhood swimming pool. In reality, cold water, currents, submerged hazards and sudden weather changes can turn a recreational outing into an emergency.

That’s one reason park officials routinely encourage visitors to wear life jackets, even when they consider themselves strong swimmers.

“The biggest dangers in national parks usually aren’t bears or mountain lions. They’re water, roads, heat and simple overconfidence.”

Heat can overwhelm people faster than they realize

RVers who travel through the Southwest already know that summer heat deserves respect.

Yet every year visitors continue to underestimate it.

Recent incidents in desert parks have involved hikers and motorists who became stranded or incapacitated in extreme temperatures. Even healthy adults can quickly get into trouble when dehydration, exertion and triple-digit temperatures combine.

Trouble often starts when visitors decide to push on, anyway.

A trail doesn’t become safer because you’re almost to the viewpoint. A hike doesn’t get easier because you’ve already invested two hours in it. Heat illness doesn’t care how badly you want the photo at the end.

Familiar roads can create a false sense of security

Many visitors think of national parks as hiking destinations. In reality, millions experience them primarily through their vehicles.

That’s one reason driving consistently appears near the top of fatality statistics. Scenic roads may look relaxed and leisurely, but they often include sharp curves, steep grades, wildlife crossings, distracted drivers and unfamiliar conditions.

For RVers towing trailers or driving large motorhomes, mistakes can carry bigger consequences.

RVers may have an advantage here. Most already know that mountain grades, unfamiliar roads and long travel days demand patience. The challenge is remembering that the family in the SUV ahead may not have the same experience.

What RVers can learn from the data

The common thread running through many national park fatalities isn’t wildlife. It’s ordinary activities that become dangerous when people stop respecting the risks.

The good news is that many of those risks are manageable.

Experienced RVers already know the basics: Slow down on unfamiliar roads, carry plenty of water, respect weather warnings, wear a life jacket when appropriate, and don’t let a vacation schedule push you beyond your limits.

Those habits aren’t exciting. They won’t make the evening news, either.

But according to the Park Service, they’re far more likely to keep you safe than worrying about bears.

Sources include:
Outside Online

MORE RECENT NATIONAL PARKS NEWS

RVT1264b

Persian Gulf oil disruptions could keep fuel prices high

RV Travel
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Persian Gulf oil disruptions could keep fuel prices high

A major shipping route that carries much of the world’s oil may never return to normal, a development that could affect fuel prices after the current Middle East conflict ends.

Analysts say oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, may recover only partially even if hostilities ease. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil moved through the strait. Today, tanker traffic remains far below normal levels.

According to Irina Slav, writing in Oilprice.com, experts believe many shipping companies may continue avoiding the region because of security concerns, high insurance costs and the risk of future disruptions. Some estimates suggest oil shipments could stabilize at only 60% to 70% of pre-conflict levels.

The slowdown has already forced oil producers and shipping companies to look for alternative routes. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are expanding the use of pipelines that bypass the strait, while oil buyers are increasingly turning to suppliers outside the region.

Even if the waterway fully reopens, analysts warn that restoring normal shipping patterns could take months or longer. Tanker fleets have been redeployed, supply chains disrupted and insurance costs remain elevated.

For RVers and other motorists, the biggest concern is the potential impact on fuel prices. Any long-term reduction in oil shipments from the Persian Gulf could keep crude oil prices higher than they otherwise would be, especially during peak travel seasons.

While gasoline prices depend on many factors, energy analysts say the lingering uncertainty in the region could continue to influence fuel costs well into the future.

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Festival next week celebrates wonders of the night sky

RV Travel
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Festival next week celebrates wonders of the night sky

One of the most unfortunate developments on new model RVs in recent years has been built-in outside lighting. Sometimes it’s functional, but often it’s just for show—another “gadget” to help sell an RV.

Because some RVers feel compelled to turn on these lights at all hours, for whatever reason, the result is that at night, the Milky Way and all its stars and planets above are drowned out. What a shame, because a dark night sky could likely qualify as the eighth wonder of the world.

Lucky for us, dark sky areas are regularly being designated in national parks and other rural areas. But few places can match the beauty of the night skies above Bryce Canyon National Park.

And one of the year’s best stargazing events returns to the Utah park on June 11 to 13, when the annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival transforms the park into a giant outdoor classroom focused on the wonders of the night sky.

Bryce Canyon stars
NPS photo

If your plans are not set in stone and you can scoot over to this magnificent park in time for the festival, you’re in for a treat. The free event combines astronomy presentations, hands-on exhibits and nighttime telescope viewing in one of the darkest places in North America.

Daytime activities

During the day, visitors can safely observe the sun through specialized solar telescopes, explore astronomy exhibits and educational displays, and attend presentations by astronomers, researchers and other space-science experts. NASA and university exhibits are typically among the festival’s attractions, along with family-friendly activities designed to introduce visitors to astronomy.

After sunset, the festival shifts its focus to the night sky. Ranger-led programs explain the constellations, planets and deep-space objects visible overhead, along with recent discoveries in astronomy and space exploration.

Evening highlights

The evening’s highlight comes when volunteer astronomers and astronomy clubs set up dozens of telescopes for public viewing. Visitors may get a close look at Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and its moons, colorful nebulae, star clusters and even distant galaxies located millions of light years from Earth.

Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon has exceptionally low levels of light pollution. On a clear, moonless night, visitors can see about 7,500 stars with the naked eye, while the Milky Way often stretches across the sky above the park’s famous red-rock hoodoos.

Festival organizers say the event is designed for everyone, not just experienced astronomers. Most attendees are families, photographers, RVers and other campers looking to experience a truly dark night sky.

For many RVers, the festival offers a rare opportunity to view a universe that has largely disappeared from much of modern America.

Bruce Canyon campsite
RVtravel.com’ editor Emily Woodbury checks up on correspondence at North Campground after a day of hiking in the park.

Camping opportunities

We doubt you’ll be able to land a last minute campsite in the parks’ two campgrounds, but you can try. There are others in the nearby national forests. Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground is the most convenient, at a mile outside the park’s entrance.

Another excellent option, where the star gazing should also be magnificent, is about 30 minutes away in spectacular Kodachrome Basin State Park, where reservations are easier to come by than at Bryce Canyon itself.

If you camp in the national park, turn off your outdoor lights!

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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #91

Cheri Sicard
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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #91

Greetings, fellow RVers!

Today, in addition to other great stuff we are liking, we turn a spotlight on portable power stations. How did we ever RV without these great gadgets that allow us to run our appliances and devices while boondocking, run silently, and can be recharged via AC connection, solar panels, or via a vehicle’s alternator while driving? Read on!

Portable power stations

No matter how you RV or how much or how little power you need, there is a portable power station to meet your needs. Check out some of our favorite options below.

Bluetti—a trusted industry leader!

Bluetti Elite 200 V2

This industry leader is well known for quality. They have power stations of all sizes of the spectrum. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Bluetti Elite 300: My new favorite power station! What makes the 300 so much better than the 200? In three words: even more power. But beyond that, it’s the ability to plug a 30-amp RV cord directly into it and use it to recharge your RV’s batteries.
  • Bluetti Elite 200 V2: My favorite prior to the release of the 300, this power station is still plenty powerful, just not quite enough to charge with a 30-amp plug.
  • Bluetti Elite 30 V2: Small, lightweight, and cute! This lightweight power station isn’t designed for serious, long-term boondocking or running large appliances. Instead, it’s ideal for charging phones, tablets, laptops, and other everyday electronics. It also makes an excellent small backup power source at home.

Oupes Mega 2 portable power station and solar panel

More great power station options

Our highest-trending products on Amazon in May:

  1. This funny garden flag for your campsite was our #1 best-seller. Go figure!
  2. Never tie your shoes again with these elastic, no-tie shoelaces. Nice!
  3. Yes, this really is the best insect-catcher/trap for your home and RV. Absolutely!
  4. Turn fresh or frozen fruit into delicious soft serve, no hard work required! This is the perfect summer gadget.
  5. We showed you this vintage-looking plug-in lantern lamp, and you have loved it!

Other stuff we’re liking:

trunk mate turns any SUV into a bed

Turn any SUV into a bed in minutes

The Blitz Bed is a folding platform that turns an SUV into a bed in under a minute, actually. It fits most SUVs, crossovers, and hatchbacks, while TrunkMate also offers versions for minivans and trucks. The appeal is easy to see: A vehicle can be camp-ready on the weekend and back to normal by Monday. Check out the Blitz Bed system.

outlet covers amazon image

Electrical outlet add-ons make RV life easier

When you live in a small space, the little stuff matters. RV outlet add-ons can make RV life easier. The smartest picks are the ones that plug into an existing outlet, stay low-profile, and solve a real problem without taking up extra floor space. Discover handy electrical outlet add-ons here. 

Jared gillis talking about new RV gadgets

Are these 5 new RV gadgets genius or gimmick?

Jared Gillis from All About RVs put five new RV gadgets to the test. Find out which ones made the cut and which ones not to bother with.

Gadget quick takes

ShowerorgHanging shower organizers

Seven pockets keep your shower needs organized and within reach; perfect for storing body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care products. But beyond that, use this handy organizer anywhere you can hang something to keep clothing, kitchenware, and all kinds of other things organized.

motion sensor trash can

Slim motion sensor trash can

The lid opens when your hand or any object is detected in the sensing area, eliminating the need for direct contact, particularly beneficial for RVers who like to avoid putting toilet paper in the black tanks. The slim design makes it ideal for small spaces. If your hand stays in the sensing area, the green light is always on, and the lid remains open. When the hand is removed, the green light starts flashing, and the lid closes automatically after five seconds.

MinisawTietoc mini chainsaw

Mini chainsaw is equipped with an 880-watt high-power motor, manganese steel chain and auto oiler system. Cut 6-inch branches with no effort, like a hot knife through butter. Smoothly cutting thicker pieces of wood that other chainsaws struggle with makes easy work of tree trimming and firewood cutting. Slim and lightweight (only 3.3 lb., 25% the weight of a bulky larger gas chainsaw), easy to handle, and works like a champ!

Must have: Affordable, simple solution for low voltage protection
Klein Tool’s RT250 is an electrical receptacle tester that tests the wiring conditions at an electrical outlet. Its LCD displays the voltage and identifies wiring faults. You could use an adapter to “step down” from the 30-amp outlet (or maybe two to come down from 50-amp outlets), testing the circuit before you plug in your shore power cord. Continue reading and make sure you have one of these!

Botany in a day bookThe book nook
Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification

Looking for a faster, easier, and engaging way to identify plants? Related plants have similar characteristics, and they often have similar uses. Rather than learning new plants one at a time, it is possible to learn them by the hundreds, based on plant family patterns with Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. Learn more or order.

More recent gadget articles and reviews:

Gadget giggles

windshield umbrellaWindshield blackout shade umbrella with personality!

Keep out the sun while giving your vehicle some personality! 100% Blackout sun shade: The innovative 240T reflective double-textured fabric can block out 100% sunlight and harmful UV rays, keeping the vehicle cooler and preventing fabrics, leathers, and other materials from heat or sun damage. Order here.

AmazonfindsrvtOur all-time favorite products at Amazon
This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!

FINISHED READING THIS ISSUE? Great! Now you can move on over to today’s brand-new RV Daily Tips newsletter.

RVtravel.com All-Star Staff

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, June 4, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, June 4, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2919 • New issue every weekday

Today’s thought

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” —Thomas Watson, president of IBM, 1943

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

On this day in history: 1896 – Henry Ford completes the Ford Quadricycle, his first gasoline-powered automobile, and gives it a successful test run.

Trusted by Full-Time RVers
Americas Mailbox offers secure mail forwarding, scanning, and residency services tailored to life on the road, plus tax savings. Learn more.

Tip of the day
Blowing in the wind: Truckers’ tips for safe driving

By Nanci Dixon
Several interstates are notorious for wind, particularly in the spring and fall. I-40, I-10, and I-8 have all sidelined us at one time or another. I-40 near Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona, periodically reports that semi-trucks have literally blown over in the wind along the interstate. So if trucks have a hard time in a windstorm, what about RVs? What do the truckers do to stay safe while the wind blows?

The tips here are ones that long-haul truckers know about driving during a windstorm, but they are also very useful for RVers.

Article and video
Master carpenter builds incredible skoolie conversion from scraps

Here, we meet Brad Nott, a master carpenter who used the scraps in his shop and leftover parts to build an incredible skoolie conversion. This vehicle might have started life as a 1985 Crown school bus, but I am sure nobody back then envisioned what it would one day become.

Featured article
RVtravel.com readers have seen real-life UFOs, even an RV UFO!

By Cheri Sicard
Awhile ago we asked if you have ever seen a UFO or some other type of inexplicable phenomenon in the sky. Some of you have had some astounding, unbelievable real-life UFO experiences. Think we’re alone here? Well, maybe not… Read about your experiences here.

Get your outdoor games ready! Don’t have any? As an RVer, you need one (or two or three). They are so fun! See all your options here.

Ask Dave
I find most campground water is horrible. Can I travel with a full fresh water tank?

Read Dave’s answer.

Reader poll
Do one or more of your pets sleep in bed with you at night?

Respond here.

Funny campground flag

Easy
You’d have everyone at the campground laughing at this one! Order one here—under $10!

Quick tip
Important “rest stop” safety checks

Do a safety walk-around at every “rest stop”: Thump your tires – they should all “sound” the same. Feel the wheel hubs – excessive heat is a warning. Check lighting, hitch, safety chains, breakaway cable. Look for “loose stuff,” like a bumper-stored dump hose. Save time, save money, maybe save someone’s life.

Website of the day

Savor regional flavors and big thrills at the 10 best state fairs
Get your Ferris-wheel-ridin’, corn-dog-eatin’ self ready to have some fun! This list ranks the top 10 state fairs around the country as of 2025.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We use one of these, and we gotta say, we love it! You’ll use it much more than you think. Trust us.

And the survey says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 25 percent married the first person they ever dated.
• 18 percent have done a serious remodel in their RV, and another 33 percent have done a minor remodel.
• 25 percent have ridden in a hot air balloon.

Recent poll: How would you rate your health considering your age?

Trivia

Think there’s just one type of grass? Wrong! There are about 1,400 species of grass just in the U.S. alone. Grasses also make up about 25% of all plant life on Earth.

Celebrate National Cheese Day

Readers’ pet of the day

20260516 182109 16030505b98297d293c59c93e74fbadf“Mojo (breed: don’t know, but if loveable is a breed…) (age 3?) came to us when we went to donate some things at a rescue after our 16+ year old Pomeranian had passed. He had been to 49 states and several Provinces in Canada. I didn’t think we could have another in our full-time RV life… but WRONG! Mojo loves it as much as we do!” —Jeri Shepard

HELP! WE’RE RUNNING LOW ON PET PHOTOS! Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

FREE IS YUMMY! Tomorrow, June 5, only. Stop in at a Krispy Kreme and get a free doughnut of your choice (some types are excluded). No purchase necessary. Membership not required.

Version 1.0.0USA National Parks with Your RV
Planning a National Park RV trip? This full-color atlas was built specifically for RVers, with RV-safe routes, campground tips, dump stations, fuel stops, and easy-to-read maps for all 63 U.S. National Parks. Skip the stress, avoid costly wrong turns, and travel with confidence using a guide tested by RVers who’ve actually driven every route themselves.

Leave here with a laugh

Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

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

RVtravel.com All-Star Staff

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

WHY WE ASK FOR DONATIONS INSTEAD OF SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

I find most campground water is horrible. Can I travel with a full fresh water tank?

Dave Solberg
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I find most campground water is horrible. Can I travel with a full fresh water tank?

Dear Dave,
I have come to the conclusion that most RV campgrounds have very poor water quality. It is either very hard or even contaminated, leaving me scrambling for a good water source. Is it OK to fill up at home before leaving and travel with a full fresh water tank? —Glen, 2024 Jayco JAY FLIGHT SLX 210QB

Dear Glen,
This is has become a popular topic of discussion lately, as water quality at the campground source has become increasingly worse, for some reason. Most campgrounds are located in remote areas far from the municipal services of a town, especially a water treatment plant. They must use water from a well and rely on the underground source, which is almost always hard water.

Water Faucet
Water faucet

How water is treated in a municipal water system

In a municipal water system, the treatment plant will draw water from the main well and treat it for coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. The first step is to add chemicals like salt or aluminum to get dirt and other small particles to bind together and be removed. The water is then gently mixed to form “flocs,” which are larger, heavier particles that float to the bottom. These are then separated and removed during the sedimentation process.

Then the clear water is sent through several filters with different pore sizes that remove parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Extremely fine filters remove dissolved particles such as dust, while charcoal is used to remove tastes or smells.

The last step is often disinfection, which can be done in several ways, including ultraviolet exposure or using chemicals such as chlorine, which are all designed to kill any remaining germs or viruses. Some municipal treatment plants add fluoride and adjust for pH, as well.

Well water

Well water can contain sediments like sand and clay, germs, chemicals, and toxins. And since it is hard water, it will have calcium and lime, which can build up in your fresh water system and clog the pipes.

This all sounds pretty horrible. However, campgrounds that provide “potable water,” or drinking water, must adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which is a federal law dictating national standards for drinking water quality.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the national baseline. Individual states enforce the rules and may have additional regulations. Campgrounds are required to have water tested by a certified, licensed inspector and post results annually.

However, these regulations do not cover water hardness or pH, and, as mentioned, are only conducted annually. Most RVer don’t use the campground source for drinking water. Rather, they bring bottled water and use the campground source for the toilet, shower, and other non-drinking functions.

Good idea to test and filter the campground water

I personally like to test the water before hooking up to the campground source using this test kit available on Amazon here.

Water Test Kit Rvdt 2919
Water Test Kit

 

It is also a good idea to use a filter that will clear calcium, lime, and sediment from clogging pipes and faucets. I like the model that has a replaceable filter, as most campgrounds in my area have very hard water and just a couple trips require a new filter. They can be replaced with an inexpensive model found on amazon here.

Water filter
Water filter

Back to your question, should you travel with a full fresh water tank fill from home.

Pros

You know the water is high quality that has been treated by your local municipality and may also have fluoride and be pH balanced.

You can fill the tank with soft water from your system for better showering, washing hands, and especially if you have an onboard washing machine. Some RVers use the campground source with a filter and portable water softener.

Water Softener
Water softener

You have water readily available if you are going to dry camp or boondock with no access for potable water.

Cons

Water weighs 8.34 lbs. per gallon. According to the specifications, your water tank has a capacity of 52 gallons. That means you are adding 433 lbs. of sloshing weight to your cargo carrying capacity.

Even quality water sitting in a plastic tank can get a bad taste and even go bad over time. Don’t let the water sit too long before using it.

Plan your trip

I typically take enough water in the fresh water tank to use the toilet a few times before getting to my destination, and then use the campground source. The more people traveling with me, the more water I bring.

Clearsource
Clearsource

For the ultimate water purification, I use the Clearsource filtration system, which you can find on Amazon here.

 You might also enjoy these posts from Dave 

DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!

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

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

RVDT2919

Blowing in the wind: Truckers’ tips for safe driving

RV Travel
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15
Blowing in the wind: Truckers’ tips for safe driving

By Nanci Dixon
Several interstates are notorious for wind, particularly in the spring and fall. I-40, I-10, and I-8 have all sidelined us at one time or another. I-40 near Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona, periodically reports that semi-trucks have literally blown over in the wind along the interstate. So if trucks have a hard time in a windstorm, what about RVs? What do the truckers do to stay safe while the wind blows?

Truck trailers are measured in “sail” area, the area that can catch the wind. A 53-foot tractor-trailer has about 500 square feet of area that can be pushed, create thrust or be disrupted by high winds, similar to having a sail. RVs have “sail” too – just, thankfully, less.

The tips below are ones that long-haul truckers know about driving during a windstorm, but they are also very useful for RVers.

1. Know how your rig performs in the wind. The “sail” area can cause an RV to move out of its lane and out of control. There are after-market parts that can improve handling for RVs in the wind.

2. Reduce speed in the wind. Don’t let the vehicles behind you force you to drive at unsafe speeds.

3. Check existing wind speeds before setting out. There are several apps available to check the forecast and existing winds. Windy, WindAlert, and Windfinder are all good apps that we use consistently. Check out both the prevailing wind and gust speed. The gusts are the ones that can unexpectedly cause an accident.

4. Check out the weather reports. A wind advisory or a red flag warning are both indications of windy weather. Arizona weather reporters tend to say “breezy,” when in Minnesota they would say it is “windy.” If we hear “windy” in Arizona, Oklahoma, or Texas, we take in the chairs and tables, fasten down the patio rugs and stay in place. Winds have been so strong at times we have had to pull in the slides.

5. Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid distractions. A sudden gust of wind during a windstorm can jerk the wheel out of your hands. Avoid distractions. Rubber-necking, reaching for something, even turning on the radio can be enough to lose attention on the road conditions.

6. Watch the signs on the road. They are there for a reason. Wind socks, gusty winds ahead, dust storm area are all signs to be cautious. Bridges and open mountain ridges are all the more prone to gusts that can cause loss of control.

7. Watch the road, too. Flags flying straight out, grass laying horizontal and trees moving back and forth not only give an indication of the amount of wind but also the direction.

8. Pull over and stop when wind speeds are too high to drive safely. Find a campsite or spot to wait it out. We once spent four days in Oklahoma waiting out gale winds.

For a trucker, when it is determined that an accident is due to high winds, that trucker or company could be charged with negligence. Truckers have dispatchers that do the route planning for them. RVers are on their own determining the safest routes, particularly when high winds are expected. Don’t let an accident happen to you.

And as the old Irish blessing goes, “May the wind be always at your back.”

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Master carpenter builds incredible skoolie conversion from scraps

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Master carpenter builds incredible skoolie conversion from scraps

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we meet Brad Nott, a master carpenter who used the scraps in his shop and leftover parts to build an incredible skoolie conversion. This vehicle might have started life as a 1985 Crown school bus, but I am sure nobody back then envisioned what it would one day become.

A Cummins 855 Big Cam “pancake” engine powers the bus, then and now. The previous owner of the bus had done some body work, so the exterior was in decent condition when Brad got it—except that it had no windows!

Brad added a LOT of great features to his skoolie conversion, including:

  • A 14-inch roof raise
  • 2600 watts of rooftop solar
  • A rooftop “solar maintenance platform”
  • A diesel heater
  • Plumbing
  • A massive electrical system
  • Starlink satellite internet
  • 6-camera security system
  • Two air conditioners
  • Reverse osmosis water filter system
  • Heated floors

skoolie conversion interiorThe interior showcases Brad’s superior craftsmanship. I love the way he incorporated favorite items from his sticks-and-bricks home into his home on the road. He and his wife have enough room to take the entire family along, including their two kids and their spouses and five grandkids.

With so much solar, there is no need for propane in the rig.

skoolie conversion rooftop solar arrayThe kitchen puts many sticks-and-bricks homes to shame. I wish I had a kitchen like this!

The stylish bathroom features a faux-wood-framed shower with a cobblestone floor and a composting toilet.

The back bedroom provides a calming private sanctuary space.

What do you think of Brad’s skoolie conversion? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Do one or more of your pets sleep in bed with you at night?

RV Travel
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Do one or more of your pets sleep in bed with you at night?

Many pet owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them at night. Come on, you know it’s hard to turn down that begging face!

Is sleeping with your pets a good thing? A bad thing? Is it healthy? If you missed the article on this topic from the RV Pet Vet, Karel Carnohan, DVM, from a few years ago, read it here. In it, she explains the benefits and risks of sleeping with a pet.

For many people, the companionship and comfort of having a furry friend nearby helps them sleep more soundly. A warm ball of fluff curled up by your feet (or, let’s be honest, taking over half the bed) can be a source of emotional support and reduce nighttime anxiety.

ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? Check out RVtravel.com’s group RVing With Dogs. More than 96,000 members.

Dogs, especially, may provide a sense of security, alerting owners to unusual sounds or movements. On the flip side, pets that shift positions frequently, snore, or decide 3 a.m. is the perfect time for a grooming session can interrupt your rest more than they help it.

Allergies are another consideration. Even if you’re not allergic to your pet, dander, pollen, and dust they bring into the bed can trigger symptoms. There’s also the issue of space—especially in an RV bed, which might already be more compact than what you’re used to at home. Still, many pet lovers willingly sacrifice legroom and sleep quality just to have their companions close.

If you let more than one pet sleep with you, please leave a comment after you vote and tell us how many. We’re curious. (Do you blame us?) Thanks!

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21 brilliant uses for Dawn dish soap in your RV

Dawn dish soap (the original blue formula) does a great job cleaning dishes, silverware, and cookware. In addition to cleaning dishes, there are many unusual uses for Dawn detergent while you’re RVing, too. Discover all the ways to use Dawn dish soap (besides washing dishes) here.

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Campground vandalism is costing RVers more than they may realize

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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Campground vandalism is costing RVers more than they may realize

Most RVers have seen it.

A campground restroom closed for repairs. A picnic table covered in graffiti. A sign peppered with bullet holes. A fire ring damaged beyond use.

It’s easy to assume those things happen because public land agencies don’t have enough money to keep up with maintenance. Sometimes that’s true. But a recent vandalism case at a Wyoming campground highlights another reason some campground improvements never happen.

The Bureau of Land Management is investigating damage to a vault toilet at Continental Divide Campground near Rawlins, Wyoming. Someone fired multiple rounds into the restroom, causing an estimated $5,550 in damage.

The repair bill is significant. But the bigger story may be what that money could have paid for instead.

Campground upgrades get pushed aside

The damage isn’t limited to what’s broken. Campers also lose the improvements that money could have funded.

According to the BLM, money and staff time spent repairing vandalism can’t be used for other projects.

That means the cost of vandalism doesn’t stop at the damaged restroom.

It may mean a campground road waits longer for grading. A worn picnic table stays in service another season. A sign replacement gets postponed. A campground improvement moves to next year’s wish list instead of this year’s work schedule.

Most RVers have experienced the results. You pull into a campground and find a restroom closed. A campsite fixture looks like it should have been replaced years ago. A road is rougher than it ought to be.

Sometimes those delays happen because agencies have limited budgets. Sometimes they happen because crews have spent time fixing damage that never should have occurred.

The damage isn’t limited to what’s broken. Campers also lose the improvements that money could have funded.

The costs add up faster than many campers realize.

The Wyoming incident is hardly unique

Land managers across the West routinely deal with vandalized signs, damaged gates, graffiti, destroyed campground fixtures and shot-up facilities. In some cases, repair costs reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Those bills don’t arrive in a vacuum. The money has to come from somewhere.

While one damaged toilet may not seem like a major issue, repeated incidents can force agencies to spend substantial amounts of time and money simply restoring facilities to the condition they were already in before the damage occurred.

That’s frustrating for campground managers.

It’s also frustrating for campers who wonder why certain repairs or improvements never seem to move very quickly.

A safety issue, not just a maintenance issue

The Wyoming case also carried a more serious concern.

BLM officials noted that someone could have been inside the vault toilet when the shots were fired.

That detail turns the incident from simple property damage into something much more troubling.

Campgrounds are places where families expect to relax, hike, fish, ride bikes and enjoy the outdoors. Most visitors never think twice about walking into a restroom or using a campground facility.

Incidents like this serve as a reminder that reckless behavior on public lands affects more than property.

Why this matters to RVers

Most RVers take pride in public campgrounds.

Whether it’s a BLM campground, a Forest Service campground, a state park or a national park campground, these places depend on a combination of funding, maintenance and responsible visitors.

The vast majority of campers do their part. They pick up after themselves, respect facilities and leave campsites in good condition for the next visitor.

Unfortunately, it only takes a few people to create expensive problems for everyone else.

What RVers can do

Most campers will never shoot up a restroom or carve their name into a picnic table. But experienced RVers can still play a role in protecting the campgrounds they enjoy.

If you spot fresh vandalism, report it to campground staff or the managing agency. A damaged sign or restroom may seem obvious, but land managers sometimes don’t learn about problems until visitors report them.

If you witness vandalism in progress, avoid confrontation and contact authorities when it’s safe to do so.

And when facilities are damaged, resist the temptation to assume campground managers simply aren’t doing their jobs. In many cases, maintenance crews are spending time and money fixing problems created by a small number of visitors.

For RVers who rely on public campgrounds, protecting those facilities ultimately helps preserve the camping experience for everyone else.

When RVers encounter a closed restroom, a damaged facility or a campground improvement that seems long overdue, the reason may not always be a lack of money. Sometimes the available money has already been spent repairing damage that never should have happened in the first place.

And in Wyoming, one vandalized restroom just became the latest example.

SOME PRIOR CASES OF PUBLIC LANDS VANDALISM

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