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Have you ever attended Burning Man?

RV Travel
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Have you ever attended Burning Man?

Burning Man is a… actually, we’re not entirely sure. We know Burning Man has a lot of art, music, RVs… But we’ll let the website explain itself: “Burning Man is a global ecosystem of artists, makers, and community organizers who co-create art, events, and local initiatives around the world. Most recognizably, tens of thousands of Burners gather annually to build Black Rock City, a participative temporary metropolis in the Nevada desert.”

The event isn’t a festival in the traditional sense—there are no scheduled headliners or official food vendors. Instead, it thrives on radical self-reliance and participation.

Attendees, or “Burners,” bring everything they need to survive in the desert, including their own shelter, water, food, and art installations. And, yes, that often means RVs and travel trailers decked out for dust, heat, and adventure.

Another hallmark of Burning Man is its gift economy. Nothing is for sale (except for ice and coffee), and instead, participants give freely—whether that’s a cold drink, a spontaneous dance party, or a handmade piece of jewelry. For many, it’s a transformational experience that blends community, creativity, and a break from the everyday world.

In 2025, up to 80,000 people attended Burning Man. Were you one of them? If you have attended Burning Man, have you done so more than once or just one time? Would you ever go back?

After you vote, please leave a comment and tell us about your experiences attending. We’re so curious…

MORE INTERESTING POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

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Preventing a leaking slide out motor from causing roof damage

RV Travel
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Preventing a leaking slide out motor from causing roof damage

By Dustin Simpson
This process describes the repair where, under certain temperature conditions, the slide cable system gearbox may leak oil/grease on the slide roof membrane. The following describes how to install a drip pan to prevent damage to the roof membrane and how to make basic repairs, if necessary.

If a leaking slide out motor has affected the roof membrane, use one of the following three options:

• Option 1 is to clean the membrane to eliminate any further bubbling.

• Option 2 is to remove the affected bubble in the membrane and cover the affected area with roof membrane tape using a short piece of tape to cover the damage.

• Option 3 is to remove the affected bubble in the membrane and apply roof tape along the complete roof edge.

Oil/grease leak on the slide roof membrane surface.

Locate the motor gearbox installed in the unit. Remove the two bottom screws and leave the center screw attached. Attach the drip tray with the two screws that you removed in the previous step.

Example of the BAL Drip Tray.

Options for fixing a leaking slide out motor

Option 1

If the bubble is small, use a non-abrasive and solvent-free cleaner like Simple Green, Dawn Dish Soap, or Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean the membrane.

Option 2

Add a drip pan to the existing leaking gearbox.

Option 2

Option 3

Clean the surface that the tape is to be applied to by wiping away any oil, dirt, moisture, or other contaminants the width of the roof tape. Cut a piece of roof tape long enough to cover the full length of the slide roof. The roof tape should slightly overlap the existing roof tape.

Option 3

This is intended to be used by trained RV technicians with the knowledge, tools and equipment to do the job properly and safely, not “do-it-yourselfers”. Not every unit is the same.

If you attempt to do repairs yourself, please be safe and make sure that if you have any questions, please contact your manufacturer tech support for help.

DIY product links for RV slide out maintenance:

• Acrysol Body Solvent Cleaner

• Scraper tool blue CRL stick

• Tapered Tip Stick and Handle

• The best caulking gun

• Geocel GC28100 Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant Clear, White

• Protect All Slide-Out Dry Lube

• Protect All Slide-Out Rubber Seal Treatment

• 303 Aerospace Protectant

• EternaBond Tape; 4″

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

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Grand Design Serenova 160LG travel trailer—big luxury in 20 feet

Cheri Sicard
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Grand Design Serenova 160LG travel trailer—big luxury in 20 feet

Small trailers usually ask owners to give something up. The Serenova 160LG, by Grand Design, takes a different path, fitting a queen bed, dry bath, big dinette, and garage-style storage into a body that’s only 20 feet and 2 inches long!

For campers who want glamping comfort without a heavy tow load, this layout stands out fast.

In the video at the end of this post from Laura, That RV Girl, we see why the 160LG feels closer to a compact penthouse than a basic small trailer.

The exterior brings style and smart setup

The first impression is strong. The Serenova 160LG uses an aluminum cage, acrylic pop-out windows, and an automotive-grade front windshield, so it looks more upscale than most small trailers. A clean strip light above the front cap adds to that polished feel.

A few exterior details stand out right away:

  • The BAL® leveling system lets campers run each jack on its own or extend and retract them together.
  • The propane cover lifts off for tank access and stays in place with rubber latches.
  • Independent suspension adds another upscale touch to the running gear.

Storage is where this trailer separates itself. A small side compartment near the front door handles quick-grab gear, but the rear garage is the headline feature. It has tough flooring, dual access points, an LP quick connect, and a light-duty receiver hitch for cargo like a bike rack. The indoor/outdoor table even gets its own storage track.

The inside makes the 20-foot layout feel bigger

Serenova 160LG travel trailer floorplan
Serenova 160LG travel trailer floorplan

At 4,436 pounds UVW and 5,400 pounds GVWR, the Serenova stays light for many half-ton trucks and some properly equipped SUVs.

Inside, the entry door does more than open and close. It adds cubbies, netted storage, hooks, and a window with its own shade. Up front, the U-shaped dinette is the best seat in the trailer. Windows wrap the whole space, while the built-in screens and blinds switch the mood from open-air lounge to private sleeping area in seconds.

That front lounge also works hard. It gets standard outlets, USB ports, USB-C ports, wraparound counter ledges, accent lighting, soft-close European-style cabinetry, and a swivel TV.

The table drops with a simple pull-cord setup, so the dinette can sleep extra guests, such as two kids or one adult.

Nearby, the Compass Connect panel handles the awning, tank heaters, water pump, lights, and tank checks, while a Bluetooth sound system and Maxxair fan round out the living area.

Kitchen, bedroom, and bath details seal the deal

The kitchen makes good use of every inch. It includes a double-door fridge, drawer freezer, Greystone cooktop, convection microwave, treated stainless sink, drying rack, telescoping faucet, soap dispenser, and a pop-up charging station. Counter space is generous for a trailer this short, so it feels coffee-bar approved.

In the rear, the 60″x80″ queen bed sits under more cabinetry, open corner shelves with rails, wide window coverage, reading lights, and a second TV. Two drawers sit at the bed base, and an interior hatch reaches the rear storage compartment.

The bathroom keeps the momentum going because it’s a dry bath. It has a shower with skylight and retractable door, a foot-flush toilet, a pull-down sink, a medicine cabinet, extra shelving, a roof vent, and an on-demand water heater.

Dinette 160lg F2b Web

Final thoughts

The Serenova 160LG works because it doesn’t feel stripped down. It feels carefully packed, with the right mix of comfort, storage, and tow-friendly size.

For shoppers who want a compact trailer without giving up a queen bed, dry bath, or upscale finish, this one makes a strong case.

Learn more about the Serenova 160LG travel trailer here. MSRP: $64,008.

MORE LIKE THIS:

RVDT2910

New electric travel trailer moves closer to production

RV Travel
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New electric travel trailer moves closer to production

Aboard, a Southern California startup, says it is moving closer to production of an electric travel trailer designed to operate more independently of traditional campground hookups.

The trailer, currently in advanced prototype testing and validation, is an extended-range electric travel RV that combines power systems, towing controls and living functions into one integrated design.

Aboard electric trailer
Moving forward toward energy independence.

According to a company press release, the trailer is intended to provide quieter operation, built-in energy capability for camping away from hookups, automated comfort systems and automotive-style construction methods.

The trailer is designed with high-precision stamped body and door systems similar to those used in automobile manufacturing. The company says it is emphasizing simplified operation and a towing experience more comparable to driving a modern vehicle.

Configurations are expected to start at $80,000.

The company plans a formal public unveiling May 29 at Outside Days in Denver, where attendees will be able to tour the trailer and learn more about available configurations.

Interest in trailers with larger battery systems and improved off-grid capability has grown as more RV owners seek flexibility beyond traditional campgrounds.

The manufacturer recently announced it completed an additional funding round that brings its total financing to $13 million as it continues preparing the trailer for production.

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Congress backs away from deep national park cuts

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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Congress backs away from deep national park cuts

If you’ve visited a national park recently, you’ve probably seen at least some signs of strain: long entrance lines, crowded campgrounds, packed parking lots, shorter visitor center hours, or fewer ranger-led programs than you remember from years past.

That’s why a recent congressional budget decision may catch the attention of RVers who spend part of their summer exploring America’s national parks.

The House Appropriations Committee recently backed away from some of the deepest proposed cuts to the National Park Service, approving a spending bill that keeps most core park operations funding in place. Supporters of the move say deeper cuts could have made staffing shortages, delayed maintenance projects, and other visitor-service problems even worse at parks already dealing with heavy crowds.

For RVers, the obvious question is simple: Will this actually make a difference on the ground this summer?

Staffing concerns remain

The answer appears to be yes—and no.

While lawmakers backed away from the most dramatic proposed reductions, the National Park Service continues to face staffing challenges that have been building for years. Many parks are operating with fewer employees than they had a decade ago even as visitation remains near historic highs in many locations.

That mismatch can show up in ways visitors notice immediately. Entrance stations may have fewer workers available during peak periods. Visitor centers may operate on reduced schedules. Campground maintenance and restroom cleaning can take longer. Ranger programs and educational activities sometimes become less frequent when staffing is stretched thin.

In some parks, staffing shortages have also contributed to delayed maintenance projects and longer waits for visitor services.

Avoiding deeper cuts may help prevent those problems from becoming even worse, but it doesn’t instantly restore staffing levels or eliminate years of accumulated challenges.

What RVers are likely to notice

For travelers planning national park trips this summer, the practical impact will probably vary from park to park.

Popular destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite national parks continue to experience intense seasonal demand regardless of annual budget debates.

Visitors should still expect crowded conditions during peak travel periods, especially around major holidays and weekends. Timed-entry systems, shuttle requirements, and campground reservation competition are likely to remain realities in many of the most heavily visited parks.

That doesn’t mean RVers will suddenly find empty campgrounds or shorter lines this summer. But it could help parks avoid the kind of service cuts that visitors would notice almost immediately.

The maintenance backlog isn’t going away

One challenge that remains largely unchanged is the National Park Service’s massive deferred maintenance backlog.

Anyone who’s encountered road construction, campground renovations or aging facilities in a national park has seen the issue firsthand. The park system still faces billions of dollars in deferred maintenance, and while recent federal funding has helped chip away at the backlog, plenty of work remains.

From roads and bridges to campgrounds and water systems, national parks continue to work through a maintenance backlog measured in the billions of dollars. NPS photo

For RVers, that means road work, temporary closures, campground renovations, and infrastructure projects will likely remain part of the national park experience for years to come.

Why this matters to RVers

National parks remain among the most popular destinations for RV travel in the United States. Millions of RVers visit parks every year, often planning trips months in advance around campground reservations and seasonal travel windows.

Because of that, staffing levels and operating budgets are more than political talking points. They can directly affect wait times at entrance gates, campground conditions, visitor services, and overall trip experiences.

For RVers planning national park trips this summer, the bottom line is fairly simple. Congress may have prevented conditions from getting worse, but it probably hasn’t changed what visitors will encounter this season. Popular parks are still likely to be crowded, campground reservations will still be competitive, and staffing challenges won’t disappear overnight.

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Keystone RV recalls some ’25, ’26 trailers for shock bolts issue

RV Travel
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Keystone RV recalls some ’25, ’26 trailers for shock bolts issue

Keystone RV Company is recalling certain 2024 Cougar, 2025-2026 Alpine, 2026 Montana, and Walkabout trailers. The shock bolts may have been incorrectly tightened. Improperly torqued shock bolts may damage or break the bolt if over-torqued and may vibrate loose if under-torqued.

The recall notice was issued May 18.

Under certain conditions during travel, the vehicle may experience excessive bouncing or swaying with decreased stability, leading to an increased risk of a vehicle crash.

Indications of a problem may be a clunking or rattling noise while traveling over bumps, or visibly damaged components.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the shock bolts, free of charge. The remedy replaces the existing shock bolts with a higher-grade bolt kit while outlining specific torque requirements.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 1, 2026. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 26-483.

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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #90

Cheri Sicard
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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #90

Greetings, fellow RVers!

Today, we turn our focus to multi-taskers—in other words, items and gadgets that serve more than one purpose in your RV. That’s important when space is at a premium. Of course, as always, we include other great stuff we are liking, too. Read on!

Multi-taskers for RVers

Instant pot vs knockoff brand - which is better title card

Instant Pot vs. knock-off brand: Is the name brand worth it?

Multi-cookers do it all—slow cook, pressure cook, saute, steam, make rice, make yogurt, and much more. But can a knock-off brand that’s less than half the price of the famous Instant Pot be just as good? We put it to the test. Get the results of the Instant Pot vs. knock-off brand comparison here.

Hydrogen Peroxide Dawn

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.

ways to use canned biscuit dough in your RV

10 ways to use canned biscuit dough

Canned biscuit dough can be an RV kitchen essential. There is so much you can do with it for quick and easy RV cooking. Check out the many things you can make with canned biscuit dough. You’ll be impressed!

pool noodles Amazon image

Pool noodles galore!

Pool noodles, those colorful, inexpensive foam summer water accessories, have SO MANY uses around an RV that we had to break them up into several posts! Check them out:

Just a few of the uses for WD-40 while RVing

There are few RVers who don’t consider a can of WD-40 an essential item in their tool arsenal. This “can do” lubricant has a wide range of uses, making it a very handy and useful product. Discover more about everyone’s favorite multitasker here.

3 of the most versatile RV care products

hV with Tito DIY with essential RV care products

These three products aren’t just good; they are highly effective and versatile, each handling multiple tasks, which means less clutter and more space in the RV. Find out more.

THE MORE YOU KNOW: WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. It was developed in 1953 by the Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego, California. The team of chemists was trying to create a rust-prevention solvent and degreaser for the aerospace industry, and it took them exactly 40 attempts to perfect the formula.

Our highest-trending products on Amazon this month (so far):

  1. Never tie your shoes again with these elastic, no-tie shoelaces. Nice!
  2. Do you think you really know your family? Like, really know them! Well, many RVers might be questioning that because this fun game is our second best-seller so far!
  3. In the same realm as #2 is this game: Weird Things Humans Search For. Yep. It’s exactly as it sounds.
  4. Here’s a very practical summer item: this neck fan. We’re going to need it this summer!
  5. And, finally, do you like corn on the cob? If so, this might be a must-have summer gadget for you. Saves your teeth!

Other stuff we’re liking:

Andersen RV levelers—the best kind of wedgie!

Automatic leveling systems have come a long way, and some travel trailers have seven-point automatic leveling systems. However, you can save many thousands of dollars and simplify your RV experience with a set of leveling wedges instead. Discover why Tony Barthel loves his Andersen levelers.

The best patriotic RV gear, gadgets, and accessories

We rounded up the best gear to help you kick off summer on Memorial Day weekend, celebrate the 4th of July, and beyond. Check out the best patriotic-themed RV gear!

Gadget quick takes

multi function peeler

Multi-function peeler

Designed for everyday kitchen convenience, this 3-in-1 tool combines peeling, zesting, and bottle opening functions in one compact design. It helps streamline food prep and routine tasks, offering a practical, space-saving solution for small kitchens.

cold brew coffee or tea maker

Cold brew coffee or tea maker with easy pour lid

Easy-to-use design takes the complexity out of the brewing process. Simply fill the filter with your favorite coffee grounds or tea, add cold (or room temperature) water, and let it steep! The flip cap pour spout is thoughtfully designed for effortless pouring, eliminating the need for awkward tilting or messy spills. Equipped with a top-notch filtration system, the high-quality stainless steel mesh prevents coffee grounds or loose tea from entering the jar.

ScreenshotFold flat lemon juicer

The official Time Magazine-featured Dreamfarm Fluicer Fold-Flat Juicer! Innovative slimline design folds completely flat for space-saving storage—no bulky humps or bumps in your drawers.

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!

The Salad Project bookThe book nook
The Salad Project: How to build unlimited salads

Who doesn’t need to eat more salads? This book helps you take your salads to the next level with recipes for 56 flavorful, customizable meals featuring 28 creamy, zingy, herby, and spicy dressings from the culinary director of The Salad Project.

Nutritionist and chef Clem Haxby has discovered the secret to building a perfect salad: It’s all in the dressings. In The Salad Project, every chapter begins with a formula for what makes the best creamy, zingy, herby, or spicy dressing. (It’s all in the balance of salt, fat, acid, and sweet!) Each of the 28 dressings gets used twice, and Clem offers even more suggestions for other salad recipes to pair them with. Learn more or order.

Did you miss my cookbook review from the last Great RV Accessories newsletter? It’s my favorite! 

More recent gadget articles and reviews:

Gadget giggles

funny camping signHilarious campsite sign (we all do it)

Every camper knows the ritual: One partner wildly gesturing while the other pretends those directions make sense, at least one passive-aggressive, “NO, THE OTHER LEFT!”, 20 minutes of backing into the site, leveling blocks that somehow still aren’t level, a minor disagreement over hookups, and then proudly declaring your temporary patch of dirt home. This funny campsite sign celebrates the universal camping experience—because whether you roll in with a luxury motorhome or a well-loved travel trailer, we’re all basically putting on the same show for the neighbors. 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, May 21, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, May 21, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2909 • New issue every weekday

Today’s thought

“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” ―Cormac McCarthy

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Strawberries And Cream Day!

On this day in history: 1932 – Bad weather forces Amelia Earhart to land in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, and she thereby becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Tip of the day
Sip in style: Say goodbye to flat fizz, bugs and spills with these clever can lid gadgets

By Gail Marsh
I sighed as I poured out another fizzy drink that’d lost its fizz. Grandchildren often opened a can of soda or other fizzy drink, took three sips, and hastily slid the can back into the RV’s fridge. If the can miraculously managed to remain upright, it lost its fizziness within hours. Flat soda and other carbonated drinks would then find their way down the RV’s sink. Or, more often, the soda can would tip over and spill. Then I had a really sticky mess to clean up. There has to be a better way, I thought. Turns out, there are many better ways! 

Article and video
Turn any SUV into a bed in minutes with TrunkMate

Camping setups usually ask a lot from a daily driver. Here, Grant from TrunkMate presents the BlitzBed as a faster fix, a folding platform that turns an SUV into a bed in under a minute. 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. This is really neat! 

EVERYTHING IS ON SALE! Well, thousands and thousands of things! And probably one of the things you need (or want). Find out here.

Featured article
Yes, RVers need to follow proper campground laundromat etiquette

By Gail Marsh
Woweee! Who’d ever think that a conversation about laundering clothes could elicit such strong emotions? Yep, a recent campfire discussion focused on RV campground laundromats and laundromat etiquette. It was quite a conversation!

Great t-shirt of the day

Happyhour
We love this! Happy hour with a dog and a campfire, it doesn’t get much better than that! Comes in different sizes and colors. Learn more or order. (click to enlarge)

Ask Dave
Can I use a pressure washer to clean off my RV?

Read Dave’s answer.

Reader poll
How important to you are online ratings of an RV park when making a reservation?

Respond here.

AND TO THINK… Amelia Earhart crossed the Atlantic alone in 1932. Today, many RVers consider it a major accomplishment if they can back into a campsite without marital tension.

Need an RV home base or mail forwarding?
Americas Mailbox helps RVers manage mail, licenses, and registrations from anywhere in America. Learn more here or call (605) 718-1234. Ask about tax savings.

Quick tip
Another way to ease new fittings onto sewer hose

Putting new fittings onto your sewer hose? We’ve all heard the idea of dipping the hose in hot water to make the fittings slip on easier. Here’s the polar opposite: Stick the new fittings into your freezer for a few minutes—they’ll contract and slip in the hose easier.

A “cool tool” indeed: The Magnetizer/Demagnetizer
This gadget, recommended by Dave Solberg and Dustin Simpson, instantly magnetizes or demagnetizes steel tools and other small parts. You can convert any tool blade to a magnetic retriever of things like screws, nuts, and metallic particles. No batteries or electricity required. Never lose a screw again! Read more about it here, or buy one for yourself here.

On this day last year…

Website of the day

The best pizza in the world
This is your guide to the best pizza in the world. No, really, it’s THE official pizza guide. Call this a pizza bible, because that’s exactly what it is.

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:

• If given the chance, 46 percent would ride a spaceship into space.
• 54 percent have never spent a day, or at least never more than one day, in New York City.
• 68 percent have ridden in a helicopter—41 percent more than once!

Recent poll: Overall, has the last year of your life been among the best, worst or the same as others?

Trivia

Modern horses were introduced to North America by the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, spreading to the Plains by the late 1600s. At first, people referred to them as “elk dogs,” as the animal was as large as an elk but could be trained to carry items, like their dogs. Unlike dogs, horses didn’t have to be fed meat and could instead live off grass, or cottonwood bark in the winter, making them easier to care for and travel with.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We want to sit and read by this. We want to sit and watch TV by this. We want to sit and admire this… Okay, fine, we just really want this. How perfect for all campers!

Readers’ pet of the day

Lil 452dafccf0c1d8c5eb8787d1444ef7a6“Lil (age 16) has traveled with us from Colorado to Maine, Alaska, Florida, and many places in between. She is the undisputed queen of the motorhome.” —Bob Farnsworth

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 GOOD! Heading to Connecticut? Here’s where to go to plan every facet of your visit, and then some.

Thursdayrvt

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.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean off my RV?

Dave Solberg
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Can I use a pressure washer to clean off my RV?

Dear Dave,
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my RV? It seems a simple garden hose doesn’t get off the grime, and especially bird droppings and tree sap. —John, 2013 Forest River Wildwood

Dear John,
I do not advise using a pressure washer to clean your RV for many reasons. It is important to understand the dynamics of a pressure washer and the three factors that affect the cleaning efficiency.

Pressure per square inch

First, there is pressure per square inch (psi). Most people think that is the only thing to look for, i.e., the higher the pressure, the more force and cleaning power. Therefore, many RVers think that just getting a lower psi machine will be safe. Wrong.

Water flow rate

Just as important is the water flow rate. I ran a company called Easiwash that made a commercial pressure washer that was sold and installed mostly in fast serve restaurants, with Sonic being our biggest customer. It only had 2000 psi, but produced 3.6 gallons per minute, so it out-performed most 3600 psi units.

Nozzle

The final factor to consider is the nozzle, which comes with various orifice degrees and sizes. You will notice several colors that manufacturers use to quickly identify the nozzle for the best application.

The first two numbers of the model are the degree or angle of the spray, and the last are the size of the orifice. For example, a 15050 has a 15-degree fan and a .050 hole. Most of these are yellow for quick reference and gave a nice fan size at 2000 psi. The green nozzle was a 25100, which had a 25-degree fan and a .100 orifice. It was larger and only produced 400 psi. The red tip had a 0 degree fan and shot a laser beam that would rip apart concrete!

The smaller the orifice, the higher the pressure—similar to the pressure when your thumb is applied to the end of a garden hose.

What pressure washing can do to your rig

Don’t get me wrong, you can use a pressure washer and you will see many RV owners doing so. But you need to understand the critical areas that can cause moisture penetration or damage to materials. Even if you dial the pressure and flow down and use the right tip, you must be careful where you aim the stream.

Windows have a butyl tape between the frame and the sidewall and it can collect grit and dirt and looks bad. Aiming the stream directly at the butyl tape can cause moisture to penetrate into the sidewall and force the butyl tape to move and not effectively seal the joint.

If the window is a slider type, the joint between the two panes of glass has a simple felt-like tape that is not a solid seal, and pressurized water could blow into the rig. Even the tip-out type window has a light rubber seal around the perimeter that can be penetrated by a pressure stream.

Also, many RV windows have weep holes at the bottom of the frame to allow moisture to escape, but will also allow moisture to penetrate with a pressurized stream.

Decals

Decals—No, no, never, never, uh, uh, uh! Even though decals look solid and smooth on the sidewall of your rig, they are actually porous. Using any type of pressure can saturate them and cause damage. Plus, if the water gets under a crack in the material or a loose edge, it will lift the decal like a kite and ruin the material. Always wet the decal with low pressure (less than 60 psi) water and hand wash with mild detergent.

RV roofs

Manufacturers of soft RV roof material such as EPDM, TPO, and even the new PVC do not recommend using a pressure washer on their material. I have found EPDM to be the toughest to clean. It seems to have a “grain” or rough surface and gets more dirt, which eventually causes more mold and mildew… not to mention how bird droppings seem to cling to it!

 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

RVDT2909

Sip in style: Say goodbye to flat fizz, bugs and spills with these clever can lid gadgets

RV Travel
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Sip in style: Say goodbye to flat fizz, bugs and spills with these clever can lid gadgets

By Gail Marsh
I sighed as I poured out another fizzy drink that’d lost its fizz. Grandchildren often opened a can of soda or other fizzy drink, took three sips, and hastily slid the can back into the RV’s fridge. If the can miraculously managed to remain upright, it lost its fizziness within hours.

Flat soda and other carbonated drinks would then find their way down the RV’s sink. Or, more often, the soda can would tip over and spill. Then I had a really sticky mess to clean up. There has to be a better way, I thought.

Put a lid on it!

Canlids

To Amazon I went, determined to find a solution. I asked the grandkids to help me analyze the options. And, wow, did we find options! There were these flat, reusable, silicone lids: A bargain at less than $4 for a set of six lids! Not only could they keep drinks fizzy, but we could also assign each person a color and know immediately whose drink belonged to whom!

The caps looked to be easy on/easy off, even for the youngest campers in our RV, and came with a money-back guarantee. I ordered them immediately, and the reusable lids really live up to their reputation.

Turn a can into a bottle!

One of the older “grands” was intrigued by a different solution to the fizzling fizzy problem. This device magically turns a can into a bottle! This seemed like another winner. And it is! Although, to be honest, magic really isn’t involved at all. Still, it’s a great solution. It makes it much easier to drink from, and probably more sanitary, too.

Canlids2Alternatively, there are these magnetic can lids with a different drinking spout, which might be even easier.

Trouble opening?

Cantabcover

Oh, and if you have trouble opening can lids, they make these easy can tab openers that not only easily open the lid, but swivel around to cover the hole when you’re not drinking, protecting the can from bugs, dust, etc. Helpful in more ways than one!

Keep those drinks cold

71bioyqt4ol Ac Sl1500If your soda, beer, or sparking water get warm or hot fast, you need this! This mini can cooler fits all 12 oz. cans and insulates your drinks so they don’t get warm. Perfect for summer! Plus, it also comes with a drinking lid.

I am probably the last person in the campground to discover these can-lid solutions, but just in case you’re facing the problem of fizz failing, too, I recommend you give one or all of these products a try!

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RVTDT2909

Turn any SUV into a bed in minutes with TrunkMate

Video Editor
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Turn any SUV into a bed in minutes with TrunkMate

By Cheri Sicard
Camping setups usually ask a lot from a daily driver. In the video at the end of this post, Grant from TrunkMate presents the BlitzBed as a faster fix: a folding platform that turns an SUV into a bed in under a minute. 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.

Why the BlitzBed feels easier than most car sleeping platforms

Many car sleeping platforms come with loose parts, bags, and a setup routine that is hard to remember in the dark. The BlitzBed folds out from the trunk and folds back into it without disassembly, a carrying case, or labeled plastic bags.

When it is packed away, the trunk still looks neat and self-contained. TrunkMate says many owners leave it installed full-time, and each side weighs under 25 pounds if it needs to come out. Buyers can choose a single or double setup, add drawers underneath, and pick from two colors.

How the double bed handles a 60/40 seat split

The double bed setup uses two modules sized for uneven rear seats, and they can swap sides if needed before locking together with included carriage bolts. Each corner also has lashing points, and tie-down straps secure the platform in the cargo area.

Setup stays short: Fold the rear seats, pull out the integrated frame, rest the supports on the seat edge, then unfold the bed.

Three support sizes help level different seat designs, and Captain Seat Bed Supports are available for second-row captain’s chairs. Adjustable legs set the height between the wheel housings, and a standard twin-size mattress fits the double bed.

Lower height and single-bed mode both help comfort

TrunkMate kept the platform lower than many sleeping systems because mattress thickness eats headroom fast. The legs can raise the bed for more storage, but the lower setting is better for lying down in most SUVs. Bed length also adjusts without measuring, and the frame extends to 6 feet 3 inches.

Each side works on its own. In single-bed mode, one 24-inch-wide section pairs with a standard single-size mattress and leaves the 40-split seat open. That gives solo travelers room to change and climb in or out without leaving the vehicle, while still making space for larger items. Buyers can start with the single and upgrade later.

Storage under the bed is more than empty space

Open cubbies at the foot of the bed hold quick-grab camping gear. For a tidier layout, the BlitzBed sleeping platform can be ordered with locking drawers or upgraded later.

Those drawers lock shut while driving and lock again when fully extended, which helps on a slope. Their removable tops double as prep surfaces, the false top tilts open for hands-free access, and the two-panel layout still allows drawer access when something sits on top.

Fit guarantee and ordering details

TrunkMate says it has tested the BlitzBed in thousands of vehicles and backs listed models with a 100% fit guarantee. Each unit is hand-made in the U.S. and ships fully assembled. Mattress sizing help is on TrunkMate’s website.

A weekend bed that does not take over the car

The BlitzBed works because it respects the vehicle’s day job. It opens fast, stores cleanly, and adapts to uneven seats, solo trips, and gear-heavy weekends without turning the trunk into a pile of parts.

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RVDT2909

How important to you are online ratings of an RV park when making a reservation?

RV Travel
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How important to you are online ratings of an RV park when making a reservation?

Do you check online reviews of RV parks and campgrounds before making a reservation? If so, how important to you is it that it has a high, or at least a decent, rating?

Or do you simply return to familiar places, where you already know if they’re up to your standards or not?

Some RVers say they won’t book a site unless it has at least four stars and a solid number of recent, detailed reviews. Others trust their instincts—or rely on word of mouth from fellow travelers met on the road or at rallies. For some, the photos, amenities list, and general vibe from a park’s website are enough to make a decision.

Then again, many campers prefer the tried-and-true. They return to their favorite parks year after year, where the check-in is easy, the sites are familiar, and they already know the best spot to catch the sunset. In that case, reviews aren’t even part of the equation.

But what about when you’re venturing into a new area or planning a trip during peak season? Do reviews become more critical then? We want to hear how you weigh the options when deciding where to park your rig for the night—or the month.

Curious minds would like to know. Please leave a comment! Remember, it may take a few moments for the poll to load. So stand by, partner!

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