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The Kimberley Kube: A 2,500-pound off-road teardrop

Cheri Sicard
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The Kimberley Kube: A 2,500-pound off-road teardrop

For a lightweight, basic, hard-sided camper, let’s take a look at the Kimberley Kube. In the video at the end of this post, we get a tour from the team at ROA Off-Road, accompanied by Kimberley Kampers’ owner, James.

The Kimberley Kube is built for campers moving up from roof tents and small tent trailers, but who still want real off-road gear. The result is a compact camper that feels much bigger than its footprint.

Why Kimberley built the Kube

Kimberley Kampers spent 32 years building canvas campers, but the Kube moves away from fabric. James said that shift came from changing weather demands, especially in the U.S., and from younger buyers who want comfort without towing a big caravan/trailer.

It also lands in a smart middle ground. At 17’4″ long and a little over 6′ wide, the Kimberley Kube stays compact, easy to tow, and easy to store, while still giving campers a place to sit inside when the weather turns.

A lighter trailer with real off-road hardware

At about 2,500 pounds, the Kimberley Kube is built to tow easily. Its tapered nose and tail, shaped with help from an American aeronautical engineer, cut drag by up to 20 percent compared with a square trailer. Kimberley says that can trim fuel use by 7 to 8 percent, which matters even more for EV towing.

Underneath, it keeps classic Kimberley hardware: a hot-dip galvanized laser-cut chassis, independent trailing arm suspension, and vented disc brakes with electronic-over-hydraulic control. The pod is a single-mold fiberglass body bolted to the chassis. Outside, sliders double as steps and quick side seats.

Inside, it feels bigger than its footprint

Kimberley Kube camper interior

The cabin is where the Kimberley Kube separates itself from most teardrops. Big wraparound windows, privacy shades, and bug screens bring in light and airflow, while the low-clutter layout keeps sight lines open.

A king bed converts into a futon-style lounge, and the bed can be made from outside through the side windows.

Storage is better than expected, too. There is a 130-liter front-loading fridge that opens from inside, a slide-out table for meals or work, overhead aluminum cabinets, and a large drawer under the bed.

Kimberley Kube Lifestyle

Power, four-season use, and a kitchen that works

The front box starts with a 460Ah heated lithium battery and can grow to 920Ah. It also gets DC and AC charging, solar input, and a 2,000-watt inverter.

Diesel heat and hot water come standard, and a 12V air conditioner is an option.

Kimberley also paid close attention to U.S. weather. Most plumbing stays inside the cabin, the tanks are insulated, and heater elements help stop freezing. Inside, aluminum cabinetry, acrylic tops, and recycled PET insulation help hold temperature with less power use.

The U.S. version is wired for 110V at the factory, and buyers can choose natural or gray interior finishes.

Outside, the long slide-out galley is one of the Kimberley Kube’s best ideas. It includes a stainless worktop, hot and cold sink, filtered water, drawer storage, and a raised breakfast bar that opens up the whole cooking area.

Final thoughts

The Kimberley Kube feels closer to a compact hard-sided overland camper than a basic teardrop. It keeps the tough chassis, adds real insulation, and makes camp life easier.

For singles or couples who want off-road range without towing a large trailer, that mix is the point. The Kimberley Kube stays small, but it does not force campers to live small.

This Australian camper is now available in the U.S. Get more details here.

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Preventing roof leaks in a way you may not have considered

RV Travel
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Preventing roof leaks in a way you may not have considered

Just about everyone who owns any type of RV has been told that they must periodically reseal all the areas on or near their roof to protect against potential leaks. There’s another potential leak source that is just as likely to cause problem leaks as those seams and vents. What is it?

It’s the seal of roof-mounted air conditioners. Those air conditioners sit on top of the RV but between them and the roof is a 14-inch by 14-inch gasket or seal. That seal is very thick—up to 4 inches—and the unit actually sits on top of the seal.

Over time, the seal compresses under the air conditioner’s weight. With time and constant movement, the cooling unit can become loose in its mounting hole through the roof and voila! – a potential leak.

(click to enlarge)

It’s usually very easy to access the bolts that snug the air conditioner to the roof. This is done by opening or removing the interior return grille on each unit, thus exposing three or four through-bolts and nuts. In turn, this hardware can then be snugged down with a socket, ratchet and extension – tools that almost everyone owns.

A leak created by a loose air conditioner can easily traverse the interior of the roof and drip out in areas far from the leak, complicating efforts to determine the source. Checking the tightness of your air conditioner should be on your list of maintenance items to be checked yearly. It could save you lots of dollars.

Courtesy: Motorhomes of Texas

Don’t have a SoftStartRV™ for your RV’s A/C? You need one! Here’s why.

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A forgotten piece of military history hides in the California desert

Gail Marsh
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7
A forgotten piece of military history hides in the California desert

The Valley of the Names sits in the stark and unforgiving desert near Winterhaven, California, just west of Yuma, Arizona.

In this vast stretch of desert sand, you’ll discover a bit of history along with memorable nostalgia. If you listen closely, you can almost hear echoes from the past.

A bit of history

During World War II, the area now known as the Valley of the Names took on new importance as part of the Army’s Desert Training Center. General George S. Patton Jr., the first commanding general, ordered camps and airfields built here in the early 1940s. “Young Camp,” as it was called, readied U.S. troops for fighting in North Africa.

Valley of the Names image: RV.com
Photo credit: Mary and Jim Zalmanek

Camp conditions were less than optimal. Reports say that troops were allowed only one canteen of water each day. That water had to suffice for drinking, cooking, and washing. Daytime temperatures caused blistering conditions inside the Army tents, so many soldiers preferred the surrounding desert as the nighttime cooled. In the evening, with little else to do, soldiers arranged dark rocks to form names, symbols, and messages to reflect their thoughts, hopes, and feelings. These incredible images still remain today, some more than 80 years old.

Today

Today, there’s little evidence that these 1.4 million acres of stark desert were once home to the world’s largest military installation. After the war ended, the military relinquished the area to the Department of the Interior. Now the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the large desert region, now known as The Valley of the Names.

If you visit The Valley of the Names today, you’ll find that many visitors have continued to arrange dark rocks into names, dates, initials, and little memorials.

Volunteers periodically clear storm debris and reset rocks that get displaced.

Watch a fascinating video overview of The Valley of the Names here.

Getting there

The Valley of the Names lies on a stretch of public land in the BLM Yuma Field Office recreation corridor.

To get to the valley, take Picacho Road from Winterhaven and bear left at the fork onto Barney Oldfield Road.

Remember that the route is mostly dirt and gravel with loose sand. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Also keep in mind that summer temperatures can be brutal. Plan your visit to avoid the heat.

Nearby things to see and do

If you want to turn the Valley of the Names into part of a bigger desert loop, there is plenty nearby. The Picacho Trail is a 14-mile ride with rocky terrain and loose sand, which makes it a good match for off-road explorers.

Mittry Lake adds camping, birding, boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, while Senator Wash South Shore offers gravel beach access, drinking water, showers, and camping beside the reservoir.

Where to stay

For RVers looking for a base camp, three solid spots stand out.

  • Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area is the classic boondocking-style option north of Yuma on the California side of the Colorado River. Long-term permit options and RV use are allowed.
  • T.K. Jones Campground and Boat Launch is the more developed choice, with about 125 RV sites, a boat launch, and a 14-day stay limit.
  • Senator Wash North Shore is another good fit if you want a quieter reservoir setting with secluded camping areas, gravel beaches, and nearby dump station access.

You should go!

Visiting The Valley of the Names takes a bit of effort and desert common sense. Follow route directions carefully and use a reliable vehicle that’s equipped to take on the desert terrain. Bring plenty of water and be ready for heat with sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.

Treat the rock displays like fragile public-land art. Do not move, remove, or rebuild the stones already in place. The BLM recommends that you not bring your own rocks into the area. In addition, do not disturb the existing rocks along the route in order to preserve the habitat for native animals and plants.

Have you visited The Valley of the Names? Tell us in the comments below.

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Work is underway for first RVs on the moon

Chuck Woodbury
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0
Work is underway for first RVs on the moon

By Chuck Woodbury
PUBLISHER SINCE 2001
Many RVers are explorers at heart. I am. When I set out on my first extended RV trip (many decades ago), it was to explore. As an aspiring professional writer, it was to search for stories to write — people, places, things. I just expected they would show up as I traveled the backroads, which, eventually, they did.

I have since explored places farther away — Europe, Asia and even down under in New Zealand. What wonders I have beheld. What fascinating people I have met. What beauty I have seen.

But now, I want so badly to explore beyond our “pale blue dot.” I see the photos from the Mars rovers and it makes me crazy. I want to go there, but I know I never will. I was born too soon.

But I still deceive myself just enough that I can hope that while I can never make it to Mars, perhaps I could make it to the moon. I realize the probability is a tiny, tiny, tiny fraction of one percent. Still, that’s enough to maintain hope (especially after a few glasses of wine).

Now, from NASA, comes word that work is underway on the first permanent base on the moon. Scroll up to see the rendering. Seeing such an image drives me wild with desire, like a starving man being shown a photo of a cheeseburger, fries and a chocolate shake.

Moon rover
Photo: NASA via SWNS

And look at the illustration of the two astronauts out for a ride in their rover, that looks sort of like a dune buggy. In a very broad sense, it could be said they are recreational vehicles. They are definitely made for off-road, which we call “overlanding,” which is obvious considering the moon has no roads.

That illustration was my inspiration for the headline of this article, which you may call click-bait if you wish. I maintain, though, that there is truth in it. The moon settlers who will travel with those vehicles may do it for science, but there is no way they will not be doing what you and I do when we explore unknown places, enjoying the scenery.

If I lived back at the turn of the 19th century, I would have volunteered to join the Lewis and Clark expedition. What was out there in those vast unexplored lands? If I were born 40 years later, I would have been on the first covered wagons headed to the promised lands of the West.

RVing and wanderlust go hand and hand. I’ve had my fill of both. But there is never enough, and I want more. I sometimes get angry at myself that I am too damn old to ever make it to anywhere beyond our itty bitty corner of the universe here on Earth.

I want to be the first RVer on Mars.

Chuck Woodbury has written in his Roadside Journal for more than three decades. His earliest work is available in his book “The Best From Out West,” available at Amazon.

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How to keep ants out of your RV, and what to do if they get in

Emily Woodbury
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5
How to keep ants out of your RV, and what to do if they get in

A few weeks ago, we had a lively discussion about mice and rats getting into your RV. On that same topic, a few of you mentioned you’ve had issues with ants. Yep. RVers are familiar with those issues, too, but we don’t talk about those tiny pests as often.

Ants may be tiny, but they can become one of the biggest annoyances an RVer faces. It often starts with just a few scouts on the counter. A day later, there’s an ant highway leading to a single forgotten crumb behind the coffee maker. Sound familiar?

Ants are most common during warm weather, especially in spring and summer. Campgrounds with lots of trees, grass, and irrigation systems are prime ant habitat. They’re also more likely to show up after rain, when colonies are disturbed, and ants go searching for food and dry shelter.

How to prevent ants from entering your RV

The best way to deal with ants is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Keep food sealed in airtight containers, wipe down counters regularly, and sweep up crumbs before heading to bed. Don’t forget pet food, which can be a major ant magnet. Even a few pieces of kibble left in a bowl overnight can attract scouting ants looking for an easy meal.

Many RVers are surprised by how little food it takes to start an invasion. A sticky soda spill, a few crumbs under the dinette, or a trash can that hasn’t been emptied can be enough to attract an entire colony. The cleaner your RV stays, the less likely ants are to stick around once they find their way inside.

It’s also worth checking where utilities enter your RV. Ants can use power cords, water hoses, sewer hoses, stabilizer jacks, and even tire treads as bridges into your rig. If you’re parked directly over or near an ant colony, they may discover these pathways within hours.

Some RVers place ant barriers around jack pads or use food-grade Diatomaceous Earth around common entry points. Others spray the ground around utility connections or place bait stations outside the RV to intercept ants before they reach the door. Whatever method you choose, it’s a good idea to inspect hoses, cords, and jacks periodically, especially if you’re staying in one location for several days or longer.

If you frequently camp in the South, Southwest, or other warm climates where ants are active year-round, a quick exterior inspection when setting up camp can save a lot of frustration later. Avoid parking directly next to visible ant hills, and take a moment to look around picnic tables, utility pedestals, and landscaped areas where colonies often hide.

What to do if you find ants inside

One of the biggest mistakes people make is immediately reaching for an insecticide spray bottle. While sprays may kill dozens of ants on contact, they often do nothing to address the thousands more hidden in the colony. In some cases, spraying can even cause the colony to split and relocate, making the problem worse. Baits work more slowly, but they are designed to attack the colony itself.

Instead, find the trail and use ant bait stations (these are the best). Worker ants carry the bait back to the colony, helping eliminate the source of the problem rather than just killing the ants you can see.

As tempting as it may be, don’t wipe away every ant as soon as you see them. If you’ve placed bait, allow the ants to continue following their trail for a day or two so they can carry the bait back to the nest. You may actually see more ants at first, which is often a sign that the bait is working.

Before leaving a campsite, take a quick walk around your RV. Ant colonies are often hidden beneath picnic tables, landscaping timbers, rocks, tree roots, utility boxes, and electrical pedestals. It’s also worth checking your power cord, water hose, and storage compartments before packing up, especially after an extended stay. Spotting a nearby nest—or a few hitchhiking ants—can help prevent you from bringing unwanted guests to your next campground.

A few ants may seem harmless, but if they’re ignored, they can quickly turn a relaxing camping trip into a frustrating battle. The good news is that ants are usually easier to prevent than they are to eliminate. Keeping food sealed, cleaning up crumbs promptly, watching for entry points, and using bait stations when needed can go a long way toward keeping your RV ant-free.

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Best regional fast food chains in every state

Video Editor
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2
Best regional fast food chains in every state

By Cheri Sicard
Sometimes, when you’re on the road and in a hurry, fast food is the only option. But did you know that regional fast food chains often offer better options than the big national chains?

In the video down below by Mashed [5.46M subscribers, 2.16B views], you can see their picks of each state’s best regional fast food chain.

I agree that, in many cases, regional fast food chains are better than the big ones, but only sometimes. For example, I recently stopped at a Taco John’s during a drive through Wyoming and found it to be simply awful in every way. On the other hand, New Mexico’s Blake’s Lotaburger received an honorable mention in my Best Green Chile Cheeseburgers of New Mexico article.

I haven’t tried all these regional fast food chains, but I have tried many.

Also, please note that each regional fast food chain is located by the state where it started, but some now operate in multiple states. As these regional chains improve, they tend to expand their reach. For example, I’ve noticed that two favorites of mine, Wisconsin’s Culver’s and Kansas’s Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, are now found far beyond their home states; New Jersey’s Jersey Mike’s can now be found on the opposite coast, and many places in between; and Georgia’s Waffle Houses are in MANY states throughout the South and beyond.

In my opinion, if you catch these rising star regional fast food chains on the way up, you’ll have a better chance of getting outstanding food. For example, I used to love Waffle House breakfasts, but a recent visit showed me that they are not what they were when I lived in the South 40 years ago.

According to Mashed, the best regional fast food chains in every state are listed below. Watch the video to learn more about the food served at each establishment and see some mouth-watering eye candy of the food, too.

How many have you tried? What are your favorites? Do you have other chains to add to the list? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.

  • Alabama: Milo’s Original Burger Shop
  • Alaska: Arctic Roadrunner
  • Arizona: eegee’s
  • Arkansas: Slim Chickens
  • California: The Habit Burger Grill
  • Colorado: Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard
  • Connecticut: Duchess
  • Delaware: Casapulla’s Subs
  • Florida: 4 Rivers Smokehouse
  • Georgia: Waffle House
  • Hawaii: Zippy’s
  • Idaho: Boise Fry Company
  • Illinois: Beef-A-Roo
  • Indiana: Schoop’s Hamburgers
  • Iowa: Maid-Rite
  • Kansas: Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
  • Kentucky: Indi’s Fast Food Restaurant
  • Louisiana: Dat Dog
  • Maine: Gifford’s
  • Maryland: Chap’s Pit Beef
  • Massachusetts: Boloco
  • Michigan: National Coney Island
  • Minnesota: My Burger
  • Mississippi: Ward’s
  • Missouri: Lion’s Choice
  • Montana: The Pickle Barrel
  • Nebraska: Runza
  • Nevada: Don Tortaco Mexican Grill
  • New Hampshire: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches
  • New Jersey: Jersey Mike’s
  • New Mexico: Blake’s Lotaburger
  • New York: Golden Krust
  • North Carolina: Cook Out
  • North Dakota: Burger Time
  • Ohio: Skyline Chili
  • Oklahoma: Braum’s
  • Oregon: Burgerville
  • Pennsylvania: Wawa
  • Rhode Island: Del’s Lemonade
  • South Carolina: Rush’s
  • South Dakota: B&G Milkyway
  • Tennessee: Pal’s Sudden Service
  • Texas: Whataburger
  • Utah: Arctic Circle
  • Vermont: Al’s French Frys
  • Virginia: Elevation Burger
  • Washington: Taco Time Northwest
  • West Virginia: Tudor’s Biscuit World
  • Wisconsin: Culver’s
  • Wyoming: Taco John’s

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Does today’s technology enhance or detract from the RV experience?

Gail Marsh
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22
Does today’s technology enhance or detract from the RV experience?

Think back. Try to remember your very first RVing experience. Where did you camp? How did you decide on your route? What activities did you enjoy? As I think back over the years, I just have to smile—and marvel at all of the changes, too.

RVing has changed a lot, and the biggest shift may be how much technology is now woven into our RV trips from start to finish. Is technology a good thing or bad? We’ll get to the poll in a moment. First, let’s give a quick rundown of the technology impacting RVing today.

Booking and check-in tech changes

Today’s campers can book and manage stays through a variety of apps like Recreation.gov. You can use Google Earth to virtually “see” your campsite before you arrive. Some campgrounds even offer online instructions and QR-code check-in when you get to the campground. What a difference from pre-tech days!

Navigation

“Getting there” has also become easier with today’s technology. RVers use smartphone-based GPS tools along with built-in vehicle navigation. In other words, getting there is no longer limited to a Trip-Tik or impossible-to-refold highway map.

Newer trucks and drivable RVs continue to bundle more driver confidence and safety technology into the driving experience like lane departure, rearview cameras, and more. That’s been a major change, as well.

Tech assist upon arrival

Many travel trailers now come with power tongue jacks that make hitching and unhitching easier. There’s also auto-leveling, power stabilizing jacks, and motorized awnings that simplify setup.

Inside today’s RV

The RV industry is openly leaning into smart systems. Winnebago, for example, highlights smart connected coach features through Winnebago Connect. This includes control of power, lighting, climate, and tank levels—all from a touchscreen or mobile app. The same system also includes maintenance reminders, push notifications, and remote control of lights, locks, and other systems.

Winnebago is not alone. Other manufacturers also incorporate similar technology and continue to search for new ways to insert technology into the RVing experience.

Comfort tech

Comfort tech has moved well beyond the cockpit and into the coach itself. You need not look far to find powered reclining seats, smart TVs with Bluetooth audio integration, and premium sound.

Add in features like on-demand tankless water heaters and washer/dryer capabilities, and it is easy to see why many RVers now expect the comforts of home rather than “roughing it” for a weekend.

Family tech

Technology has also impacted everyone in the family. Kids zoom around campgrounds on electric scooters, teens drive golf carts, and, at night, families gather around to watch a movie on their RV’s outdoor television.

Pet tech, too!

Then there’s pet-friendly tech. For example, Winnebago Connect includes a Pet Minder function that helps maintain the right interior temperature for pets. There are also third-party tech RV pet monitors (like Waggle, for example) designed to send alerts about heat, humidity, and power loss so owners can react quickly.

For a lot of RVers, that peace of mind is part of what makes today’s RVing much less stressful than in the past.

Not everyone loves technology

Of course, not every RVer loves every gadget. More tech can mean more convenience, but it can also mean more systems to learn and more things to troubleshoot. It can also mean more time staring at a screen when some people would rather just watch the sunset.

Poll

RV technology can make travel easier, safer, and more comfortable. However, it can also change the feel of the RV experience in ways some campers appreciate more than others.

So, where do you stand? Answer the poll and then leave a comment.

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Bayernhof Music Museum: A quirky ‘must-see’ near Pittsburgh

Gail Marsh
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6
Bayernhof Music Museum: A quirky ‘must-see’ near Pittsburgh

If you like eccentric houses, antique music machines, and hidden passageways that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a storybook, you’ll love the Bayernhof Museum.

This unusual museum is located at 225 St. Charles Place in the Pittsburgh/O’Hara area of Pennsylvania. It’s the former Bavarian-style mansion of collector Charles B. “Chuck” Brown III. His massive 19,000-square-foot home was built to house Brown’s huge collection of self-playing instruments and unique architecture.

Who was Charles Boyd Brown III?

The genius behind the Bayernhof Music Museum began with the eccentric millionaire, Charles B. Brown III. Brown made his fortune as founder and CEO of Gas Light Manufacturing. He never married but wanted his name to live on in perpetuity through his oddly wonderful mansion.

Charles B. Brown III named his property Bayernhof to honor his German heritage. Bayernhof translates as “Bavaria Courtyard.” He designed each room with its own theme based on “Mad Ludwig’s” castles in Germany.

The eccentric Brown oversaw construction of Bayernhof beginning in 1976. The quirky mansion was completed in 1982 with an estimated total building cost of $4 million dollars. (Today, the estate is valued at nearly $20 million.)

While Brown wanted his mansion to become a museum eventually, he understood that hidden passageways, strange building materials, and a massive size would not draw the public’s interest. So, he began to collect musical instruments, music boxes, organs, and more, with the intent that visitors would be interested in his musical collection.

Touring Bayernhof allows visitors a brief glimpse into the mind of a true eccentric. Brown delighted in the unexpected and his mansion’s hidden features and secret rooms are just the beginning. Brown displayed his unusual character in his day-to-day life. He loved hosting friends and was known for telling outrageous stories. At the time of his death, Brown owned 283 identical blue Brooks Brothers shirts—all hanging in his closet at Bayernhof. Eccentric? No doubt!

What to expect

When you visit Bayernhof, expect the unexpected. The entire visit feels like a guided, theatrical production. The curator brings many of the instruments to life, so you hear music as you walk through themed rooms, bars, and even a waterfall area.

Exterior of Bayernhof Music Museum Pittsburg Image: wikkipedia
Photo credit: Bayernhof Museum

Expect more than a hundred working automatic instruments that include player pianos, orchestrions, nickelodeons, mechanical violins, huge Wurlitzer organs and band organs, and elaborate music boxes.

You will also see lots of oddball décor, secret passageways, and anecdotes about Brown’s eccentric life. Many pieces are more than a century old, and most musical objects remain in playable condition.

Highlights

The Bayernhof Music Museum has so many, many weird and wonderful rooms to see (and instruments to hear) that it’s impossible to name all of them. Here are just three standouts:

Exterior of Bayernhof Music Museum Pittsburg Image: museum website
Photo credit: Bayernhof Museum

The indoor pool/grotto room is an unexpected, dramatic centerpiece. It’s the central area from which you’ll discover several of the museum’s themed rooms and photo ops.

The large orchestrion/Wurlitzer band organ set is made of several impressive machines that actually fill entire rooms. Visitors delight in hearing the multiple instruments playing loudly and joyfully all at once. This isn’t something you’ll experience at most other museums.

The music box and automatic-violin collection is delicate, intricate, and often surprising. Some devices play multiple violins; others animate tiny figurines while music plays. These antiques reveal the clever engineering of long-gone craftsmen.

Tours, timing, cost, and more

Tours are strictly guided and by appointment only. The museum limits groups to keep the experience intimate (12 people max), and children must be at least 12 years old.

Typical tour start times are in the morning and mid-afternoon (approximately 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). They run roughly two and a half hours, so plan that into your day.

Admission is a modest $10 per person, and you must call ahead to reserve your spot: 412-782-4231. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled start.

Other nearby sights

While in the area, consider these other popular spots to visit.

Three nearby RV campgrounds

If you want to park the rig and stay in the area for a night or two, these popular, highly reviewed options are within reasonable driving distance of the Bayernhof:

  • Mountain Top Campground. Located about 25–35 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh depending on traffic, this campground offers full hookups and seasonal amenities with great views.
  • The Blue Canoe RV Resort. This riverfront campground on the Great Allegheny Passage is popular with cyclists and families. The camp’s amenities and scenic access make it an easy choice for a longer stay.
  • Pine Cove Beach Club and RV Resort. A family-friendly RV resort with a large swimming complex and on-site recreation, this campground is highly recommended by RVers passing through the region.

You should go!

The Bayernhof is one of those rare roadside curiosities that’s both a museum and an experience. You get firsthand storytelling from an enthusiastic curator, working historic instruments you can actually hear, and an eccentric house chock full of surprises.

It’s the kind of quirky, memorable stop that turns a routine road trip day into a story you’re sure to share around the campfire.

Have you visited this area of Pennsylvania while RVing? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Quick tip: Try this! Labeling your supplies will save you lots of time

RV Travel
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5
Quick tip: Try this! Labeling your supplies will save you lots of time

By Nanci Dixon
We store a lot of our cleaning supplies, spray lubricants, fluids, etc., in a large plastic container in one of the storage bays of our motorhome. Before, every time I wanted to get one of these products, I was lifting each bottle or can out of the bin to read the label. It was frustrating and time-consuming!

storage bin with assorted cans, bottles

One day I had the idea to label the tops with a marker, or if the tops were too dark for a marker, a piece of tape. Now, I spend hardly any time at all hunting for the product I need!

Close up container with labels

I also labeled what they are for on the sides of the can—somehow I can never quite remember which RV part that T-9 can is for versus T-3.

It only took a few minutes to label everything, but it has made a surprisingly big difference. If you keep a lot of maintenance and cleaning products in your RV, this simple trick can save time, reduce frustration, and make routine tasks just a little bit easier.

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RVtravel.com Missed Connections

Emily Woodbury
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2
RVtravel.com Missed Connections

You know about “Missed Connections”, right?

Missed Connections are personal messages posted in a paper or online by someone who had a brief encounter with a stranger and wishes they had spoken up, exchanged contact information, or met again. The posts typically describe where the encounter happened, what the person looked like, and what made the moment memorable, in hopes that the other person will see the message and respond.

For example: “You and I locked eyes at the campground picnic last week. You: tall, brown hair, red sunglasses, and blue flip-flops. Me: Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, tan sandals. I was too shy to come up and say hi, but would love to see you at the next picnic. Hot dog or hamburger?”

Or, “I met you at xxxx campground on May 14th around 6 pm. You were outside with your husband, and our dogs said hello before we started chatting. You told me about the mobile tech that fixed your RV when you were traveling to Arizona, but I forgot to write his name down, and I’ve been trying to remember ever since! Help!” 

The concept dates back to newspaper personal ads in the late 20th century, but it became especially popular in the early 2000s through the Craigslist Missed Connections section. People used it to reconnect with strangers they saw on trains, in coffee shops, at campgrounds, concerts, airports, and other public places. At its peak, thousands of posts were made daily, turning missed opportunities into a unique form of modern-day romance and storytelling.

Today, while social media has made it easier to find people directly, missed connections remain a nostalgic reminder of chance encounters and the enduring hope that a brief moment with a stranger might lead to something more.

Do you have a “missed connection”?

Tell us about it! You can keep it anonymous, if you like. Just write “Anonymous” as your name, but make sure you leave specific enough details so that the person will know it’s for them and from you. Where were you? What day? Time? Wearing?

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The RV cheater vent is a simple fix for plumbing issues

RV Travel
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The RV cheater vent is a simple fix for plumbing issues

By Dustin Simpson
In this article and video, we’ll introduce you to the RV cheater vent, a clever and easy solution that can save you time and money on plumbing repairs in your RV. Learn why this simple fix can help you avoid complicated and costly repairs, and how you can DIY to keep your RV’s plumbing system running smoothly.

What is an RV cheater vent?

An RV cheater vent is a small, low-cost device that helps improve the drainage and ventilation of your RV’s plumbing system. It acts as an alternative to traditional venting systems, preventing issues such as clogs, slow drainage, and foul odors inside your RV. If you’re experiencing plumbing problems in your RV, a cheater vent might just be the solution you need!

How does it work?

Plumbing ventilation

Your RV’s plumbing system needs proper ventilation to ensure that waste drains quickly and smoothly. The cheater vent works by allowing air to flow into the drainage pipes, which helps the water and waste move through the system without restriction.

Preventing backflow and clogs

When plumbing pipes are not properly vented, water may back up, causing slow drainage and clogs. The cheater vent solves this issue by ensuring there’s a continuous airflow, preventing airlocks that could result in backflow or standing water.

Eliminating odors

Poorly ventilated plumbing can also lead to foul odors in your RV. The cheater vent helps minimize these odors by improving airflow and promoting the efficient movement of air and waste gases.

Why use a cheater vent?

Avoid complex repairs

Plumbing repairs in RVs can often be expensive and complicated, especially when they involve venting systems. The cheater vent offers a quick and easy fix for common plumbing issues without the need for expensive repairs or complicated installations.

Cost-effective solution

Compared to traditional plumbing repairs, the cheater vent is an affordable option. It helps you save money on professional repairs while keeping your RV’s plumbing system functioning properly.

DIY friendly

Installing a cheater vent is simple and can be done by most RV owners. It doesn’t require professional help, making it a great DIY project that can be completed in a short amount of time.

Prevent future problems

By installing a cheater vent, you’re actively preventing common plumbing problems such as backups, slow drainage, and the buildup of unpleasant odors. It’s a proactive step that ensures your RV’s plumbing system stays in good working condition.

How to install an RV cheater vent

Locate the drain line

Identify the location where the cheater vent will be installed. It typically goes on the drainage pipe near your RV’s bathroom, kitchen, or waste tanks.

Choose the right size

Make sure you select a cheater vent that fits your plumbing system. These vents come in different sizes, so check your pipe diameter before purchasing.

Installation process

The vent usually attaches to the existing drain pipe with a clamp or screw-on mechanism. Simply align the vent with the pipe, secure it in place, and make sure it’s airtight to avoid leaks.

Test the system

After installation, run water through the plumbing to make sure the vent is working properly. Check for any leaks or slow drainage to confirm everything is functioning smoothly.

When should you consider installing a cheater vent?

  • Slow drainage: If you notice that water is draining slowly from sinks, showers, or toilets, a cheater vent may improve the airflow and speed up the drainage process.
  • Foul odors: If you’re experiencing unpleasant smells from your plumbing, it’s a sign that your vents may not be working properly. Installing a cheater vent can help alleviate this issue.
  • Clogs and blockages: If your RV plumbing system is prone to frequent clogs, this will help ensure proper air circulation and prevent future blockages.
  • Leaky vents: If the existing plumbing vent is cracked or damaged, a cheater vent offers an easy replacement option.

Final thoughts

An RV cheater vent is a simple, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly solution to improve your RV’s plumbing system. Whether you’re dealing with slow drainage, clogs, or foul odors, this little device can help prevent complex and costly plumbing repairs. It’s a must-have for any RV owner looking to maintain their plumbing system efficiently.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert advice, tips, and tricks on keeping your RV in top condition! Protect your RV and make plumbing repairs easier with the cheater vent!

Again, here’s where to order one.

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More from Dustin

Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our published articles on RVtravel.com.

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