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Arizona RV park fire destroyed multiple homes in minutes. Here’s why snowbirds are especially vulnerable

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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Arizona RV park fire destroyed multiple homes in minutes. Here’s why snowbirds are especially vulnerable

A fast-moving brush fire near Wickenburg, Arizona, destroyed multiple RVs and forced evacuations Monday, leaving some residents with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

For many RVers across the Southwest snowbird corridor, the scene hit uncomfortably close to home.

The so-called Jones Fire burned near U.S. 60 northwest of Phoenix and spread quickly through dry brush with windy conditions. Fire crews eventually stopped the fire’s forward progress, but not before flames reached the Arrowhead RV Park near Wickenburg. Local television reports said at least eight RVs were destroyed, while some reports suggested the number could be higher. Residents described losing nearly everything they owned.

That is part of what makes RV park fires different from many other wildfire stories.

For a large share of snowbirds, the RV is not just a recreational vehicle sitting in storage between vacations. It is their home. When a rig burns, owners may lose their housing, medications, financial paperwork, computers, tools, family keepsakes, and transportation all at once.

And unlike a traditional neighborhood evacuation, many RV owners face additional challenges when trying to leave quickly.

Flames can spread fast in RV parks

Wildfire experts often focus on vegetation, wind, and terrain. But RV parks can introduce another problem: density.

A burned RV sits damaged inside the Arrowhead RV Park near Wickenburg, Arizona, after the fast-moving Jones Fire swept through the area. Multiple RV homes were destroyed as residents evacuated the park. azfamily.com image.

Many parks place rigs relatively close together. Once one RV ignites, heat can quickly spread to neighboring units, especially when awnings, skirting, storage sheds, propane cylinders, vehicles, and dry landscaping are nearby.

Modern RVs also contain large amounts of combustible material, including fiberglass, foam insulation, plastics, fabrics, and lightweight composite construction. Fire officials have long noted that RV fires can intensify rapidly once flames enter the interior.

Television footage from the Wickenburg fire showed burned RV shells and heavy damage inside the park after flames moved through the area.

For many residents, the RV was the home

The emotional toll may be especially severe in snowbird communities because many residents spend months living in their rigs full-time.

Some own little or no conventional real estate elsewhere. Others carry important records, medications, work equipment, or irreplaceable possessions inside the RV because the rig effectively serves as both house and vehicle.

That reality appeared throughout coverage of the Wickenburg fire, where residents described losing nearly everything.

One television report quoted a resident who said the family escaped with only moments to spare before the fire overtook the area.

Evacuating an RV is not always simple

Many non-RVers assume evacuation simply means starting the engine and driving away.

In reality, leaving quickly can be far more complicated.

Some RV owners may have mobility limitations. Others may be disconnected from tow vehicles, have dead starting batteries, mechanical issues, slideout problems, or partially dismantled seasonal setups with patios, skirting, storage structures, or utility hookups.

In some parks, roads can also become congested quickly during a sudden evacuation order.

That combination can leave residents with very little time to react when fast-moving brush fires approach.

Insurance questions may follow

The Wickenburg fire may also leave some RV owners reexamining insurance coverage.

Not all policies cover personal contents the same way. Emergency lodging coverage, replacement value terms, detached structures, and full-timer liability protections can vary widely between policies.

Owners who primarily use their RV as a residence may face very different insurance needs than occasional vacation travelers.

And after major fire losses, replacing an RV can be difficult and expensive, especially if owners suddenly need both temporary housing and transportation at the same time.

Why this story resonates across Arizona’s snowbird belt

Wickenburg sits within a region heavily traveled by seasonal RV residents moving between Phoenix-area communities, Quartzsite, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and other winter destinations.

That helps explain why this fire may feel personal to many RVers far beyond the immediate burn area.

The images coming out of the park were not just of damaged recreational vehicles. For many readers, they looked like homes destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Sources:
Arizona’s Family coverage of the Jones Fire
Arizona’s Family video report on destroyed RVs
12News report from the RV park fire scene

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RVers hear ‘technician shortage,’ but RV repair company says the problem runs deeper

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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10
RVers hear ‘technician shortage,’ but RV repair company says the problem runs deeper

RV repair delays have become so common that many owners almost expect them now.

The rig goes into the shop for what sounds like a simple repair. A refrigerator issue. Slide problem. Air conditioner failure. Maybe an electrical gremlin nobody can quite pin down.

Then the waiting starts.

A week becomes three weeks. Three weeks become two months. The RV sits in the same spot behind the service fence every time you drive by. Phone calls start sounding familiar. “Waiting on approval.” “Waiting on parts.” “Waiting to hear back from the manufacturer.”

And somewhere in the conversation comes the explanation most RV owners have heard by now: There are not enough technicians.

That may be true. But one mobile RV repair company says the industry’s service headaches go a lot deeper than simply not having enough people turning wrenches.

In a recent guest piece published by RVBusiness, an independent mobile RV technician argued that many RV repair delays actually begin long before a technician ever starts the repair itself. The bigger problem, she says, often involves warranty approvals, manufacturer paperwork, parts bottlenecks, incomplete documentation, and a repair system that has become increasingly tangled as RVs grow more complicated.

And, honestly, a lot of RV owners will probably read that and think: “Yeah. That makes sense.”

Why modern RV repairs can bog down so easily

Anybody who has owned a newer RV for very long already understands how many companies are packed into one coach.

The RV manufacturer may have built the unit itself, but the refrigerator came from one supplier. The leveling system came from another. The air conditioner from somebody else. Add in solar gear, inverters, electronics, slide systems, tank sensors, multiplex controls, lithium battery systems, water heaters, and smart app connectivity, and suddenly, troubleshooting one failure can involve a small army of vendors.

That is part of what makes modern RV repair feel so different from a few years ago.

The actual hands-on repair might only take a few hours once somebody finally gets authorization, finds the part, confirms who is paying for what, and tracks down the documentation needed to diagnose the problem in the first place.

“Sometimes the actual repair only takes a few hours. The waiting is what eats up the calendar.”

Meanwhile, owners mostly just see the calendar pages turning.

Why “technician shortage” may not tell the whole story

That disconnect may explain why so many RVers get frustrated hearing the phrase “technician shortage” repeated over and over.

Because from the customer side, it often does not look like anybody is actually working on the RV at all.

And, to be fair, dealerships really are struggling to hire and retain qualified technicians. That part is real. RV systems have become far more complex than they used to be, and finding people who can troubleshoot electrical systems, solar charging, inverters, smart controls, and appliance integration isn’t easy.

But the piece argues that the industry may be oversimplifying the problem when nearly every repair delay gets blamed on staffing shortages alone.

A lot of the slowdown, the tech says, happens in the background. Warranty claims. Photos. Emails. Approvals. Questions bouncing between manufacturers and suppliers. Waiting for parts. Waiting for responses. Waiting for somebody to decide who covers the bill.

RVers have seen enough of it by now that many have simply adjusted their expectations downward.

Why mobile RV repair keeps growing

That may also help explain why mobile RV repair has exploded in popularity.

A growing number of owners would rather pay somebody to come out to the campsite than leave the RV sitting at a dealership for weeks waiting to move three spaces forward in line.

Not every repair can happen that way, obviously. Some larger warranty jobs still require dealer involvement. But many RV owners have discovered that smaller independent repair operations and mobile techs can sometimes move faster simply because they are working through fewer layers of scheduling and authorization.

And increasingly, owners are learning to do at least some troubleshooting themselves. Not necessarily because they want to become part-time RV technicians, but more because they are tired of losing the camping season while waiting for an appointment.

That is probably one reason RV repair YouTube channels, owner forums, and Facebook troubleshooting groups (like RVtravel.com’s, with more than 100,000 members) have become so popular. Many RVers no longer assume the dealership will always be the fastest—or even the best—source of answers.

Why RV owners increasingly feel they are on their own

None of this means the RV industry is uniquely bad. Modern vehicles, boats, farm equipment, and even home HVAC systems have all become more electronic, more specialized, and more dependent on supply chains and manufacturer support.

But RVs may be especially vulnerable because they combine so many different systems from so many different suppliers into one rolling package that also bounces down the highway like during an earthquake every time it moves.

That reality may be why the “technician shortage” explanation no longer fully satisfies many RV owners.

From their perspective, the real problem often feels bigger, messier, and far more complicated than simply not having enough mechanics in the shop.

Source:
RVBusiness guest commentary

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RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, May 12, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2902 • New issue every weekday

REMEMBER: You do not need to receive an email alert from us to read our newsletters. Just visit our homepage, www.rvtravel.com, at any time of day, and the latest issues and articles will be there.

Today’s thought

“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” —Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Odometer Day! How exciting! 🙄

On this day in history: 1941 – Konrad Zuse presents the Z3, the world’s first working programmable, fully automatic computer, in Berlin.

Tip of the day
Get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan

By Gail Marsh
Many RVs feature roof vents with a built-in ceiling exhaust fan. Our current RV has two exhaust fans—one in the galley area ceiling and one in the bathroom ceiling. An RV exhaust fan can help make your interior living space much more enjoyable and perhaps even healthier! Here are some tips to help you get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan.

WOW! Most items $5 or less at Amazon. Many below $2. Have fun scrolling through!

Article and video
Three of the best, most versatile RV care products and how to use them

Want to keep your RV looking its best for years to come? It’s possible without spending a fortune on dozens of different products. After 18 years of RV ownership, Brian Pursel, from RV with Tito DIY, has learned what works and what doesn’t. (Many of our writers have recommended these items, too.) Here, he shares the top three essential RV care products that have stood the test of time.

SPEND YOUR ETERNITY IN QUARTZSITE! Not only can you enjoy Quartzsite, AZ, as an RV snowbird, but you can spend your ever after there in the town’s cemetery. Here’s the scoop.

Featured article
Half of RVers feel lonely. Here’s what to do about it

By Gail Marsh
Many people go RVing to get away from the stress of everyday life. They long for solitude and quiet. They revel in the open expanse that Mother Nature provides in her isolated, off-the-beaten-path spaces. And then, there’s Lindsey. Lindsey recently lost her husband to cancer. They’d been married for less than four years. No children. Just Lindsey. Continue reading for great tips to fight loneliness anytime, anywhere.

Lodge cast iron scrapers: Small gadget, big results
Sometimes the smallest tools make the biggest difference—like these Lodge Cast Iron Scrapers. This plastic scraper lifted off stuck-on food with ease, no scratching or buildup. Now I (Cheri) use them all the time. The two-pack includes a pan scraper and a grill scraper made of durable, dishwasher-safe polycarbonate with edges that fit different pan shapes. Learn more or order.

Ask Dave
Is there a difference between RV and residential CO detectors?

Find out here.

Livingbestlifedump

Reader poll
If you suddenly became filthy rich, would you buy a new high-end RV?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Climb into a warm and cozy bed

Cold and damp out? If you’re in an RV park, use an electric heated mattress pad to pre-warm your bed. You’ll save LP from not having to crank up the heat. Inverter users beware: Not all mattress pads and electric blankets can “digest” inverter power!

Website of the day

Certified Dark-Sky Parks
This list of certified dark-sky parks is brought to you by the National Parks Conservation Association. (Lots of other great stuff on this site, too!) Happy stargazing!

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Oh, come on! It’s ONLY six pounds… That won’t put your rig overweight, will it? And, hey, if it does and you get stranded, well, you definitely won’t go hungry!!

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Recent poll: What month were you born?

Trivia

Newfoundland icebergThe folks way up northeast in Newfoundland enjoy watching icebergs float past their coastal communities. Karen Smith took this photo on May 6th near the small town of Cupids and posted it to Iceberg Finder, where iceberg sightings are celebrated by the locals. Newfoundland, by the way, is a great place to travel with an RV.

Readers’ pets of the day

Img 8828 F73b5591fb74cbe26b840843bd8ee2bc“Thelma and Louise (mixed breeds, age 4) are rescue sisters from the same litter. They don’t love the ‘getting there’ part, but love exploring new places.” —Carolyn Howell

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

AMAZON PET DAYS ARE ON! From May 11-15, expect big sales and deals on pet products. See what’s on sale here.

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Is there a difference between RV and residential CO detectors?

Dave Solberg
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1
Is there a difference between RV and residential CO detectors?

I received a few comments from RVtravel.com readers on the recent post on CO detectors that I wanted to share.

Question

Dave, have you ever researched the difference between CO detectors rated for home use and those rated for RV use? Be curious as to what is actually different. —Dave

My response

Most home CO detectors operate on 120-volt power with a battery backup. CO detectors used in RVs are wired to the 12-volt house batteries, as many RVers boondock or dry camp without being plugged in. Some models like the First Alert and Kidde brands are powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery.

Also, according to my “Go To” source at Thor, they must pass UL 2034 and have “For RV Use” stamped on the detector. This code has testing for the following conditions which an RV would be subject to:

Alarms must pass tests for performance in extreme heat, cold, and high humidity, as well as resisting false alarms from low-level, temporary CO exposure.

CO Detector Back
CO detector back (click to enlarge)

This is the back label of the RV Safe model showing the red positive 12-volt wire and small print in the lower right indicating it is for RV use.

Question

Where should carbon monoxide and LP detectors be installed? In our 2017 and in most RVs the CO detector is installed near the floor. Wouldn’t you agree?

Excerpts from AI:

Yes, a CO detector mounted near the floor is generally effective because carbon monoxide (CO) has nearly the same density as air and distributes evenly throughout a room.

Plug-in Units: Plug-in CO detectors near the floor are effective and often include, or can be, combo propane/natural gas detectors. Propane is heavier than air and must be detected low.

I don’t recall if ours detects LP, but if LP was detected at 5′ you’d really be in trouble, in my opinion. —Jeff

My response

According to what I found on the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and several of the CO detector manufacturers’ sites, they should be mounted at 5′ or higher.

However, most of these codes or recommendations pertain to a residential setting with cold air returns, ceiling fans, and other methods of having a good airflow in the house.

In an RV, it’s a very confined space with typically only one cold air return and several areas that I call HVAC “pockets”, where air is not circulated and just sits. Since most RV heaters have the vents on the floor, it seems wise to have the CO detector mounted lower, in my opinion.

Even with some of the LP-burning appliances such as a stovetop or oven that might emit CO, those are typically only used for a short period of time, unlike a furnace/heater. They should never be used during the night for a heat source. In my opinion, it would be good to install a second one near a sleeping area.

Question

When in your RV, especially with the slide in, be careful walking past your gas stove. You can brush against the gas turn-on knobs and turn the gas on without lighting the stove. Luckily, I caught it twice when the gas alarm went off. —mrpavet

My response

I have witnessed this at shows, as well! Someone leans back and pushes the stovetop knob in and all of a sudden there is a horrible smell of propane. That is even though there is not supposed to be any propane in a tank or cylinder inside a show!

Most fire marshals don’t allow the DOT cylinders on the tongue of travel trailers, so I typically have only seen it on a few motorhomes. The tanks are supposed to be empty. However, removing one wire makes the monitor panel not light up so they think it is empty.

 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.

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Get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan

RV Travel
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3
Get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan

By Gail Marsh
Many RVs feature roof vents with a built-in ceiling exhaust fan. Our current RV has two exhaust fans—one in the galley area ceiling and one in the bathroom ceiling. An RV exhaust fan can help make your interior living space much more enjoyable and perhaps even healthier! Here are some tips to help you get the most from your RV’s exhaust fan.

Freshen the air

It’s best to use the exhaust fan in conjunction with an open window, door, or vent. This will allow the fan to draw outside air into your RV. We usually open a window farthest from the fan when wanting to draw in fresh air. The fan pulls the outside air into our rig and causes stagnant interior air to be expelled out of the RV via the exhaust vent. The resulting ventilation helps keep our RV’s interior air fresh.

Remove humidity

Your exhaust fan is particularly useful when cooking or showering. Cooking can produce odors and, just like showering, can add excess moisture to the air inside your RV. By turning on the exhaust fan during these activities, you can prevent mold and mildew, and also keep your RV’s interior smelling fresh and clean. Hint: If you battle allergies, you’ll want to be especially vigilant about removing excess humidity inside your RV.

If you have two separate ceiling exhaust fans, as we do, use the fan that’s closest to the humidity source, e.g., kitchen exhaust fan for cooking humidity and the bath fan for shower humidity. Also, open the nearest window to the source of moisture. That way it isn’t drawn throughout the RV. Instead, the humidity is more directly pulled up and out of your rig.

Regulate temperature

Your exhaust fan can also help regulate the temperature inside your RV. We turn on our fans in the early morning to draw in cooler temperatures through several open windows. Before the outside air warms up, we turn off the fans.

Later in the evening, we activate the fans once more. We open one bedroom window just a little bit and a great cross breeze results. The fans pull in the cooler nighttime air, exhausts warm interior air, and we can usually sleep without using the air conditioner.

Vent only

In nice weather, we keep the exhaust vent open, without using the fan. This helps promote natural air circulation throughout the RV.

Fan adjustments

Experiment with your exhaust fan. Try different speed settings (if available) to find the optimal setting for your varying needs. Also, try opening different windows or doors to see which combination produces the best results.

Cleaning

Like everything else in your RV, the exhaust fan requires cleaning. I use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the exhaust screen, or sometimes I’ll remove the screen and use dish soap to clean. After a thorough rinse, the screen can be patted dry with a towel or set outdoors to air dry.

To clean the blades, you’ll need to remove the screen. On our fan, the screen simply pulls off. Check to find the best way to access the fan blades on your fan, as it may be different. I use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe each blade, turning to a clean part of the cloth as I go.

To clean the top “window” on the fan you’ll most likely need to get up on the RV’s roof. I use a window cleaner to remove dirt from the plastic cover. Keeping the exhaust fan free of dust, rust, or debris will help the fan function at its best and extend the life of the fan, as well. Cleaning may also help with allergies.

Follow these tips and you’ll get maximum benefit from your exhaust fan. Your RV’s interior air will be comfortable, fresh, and well-ventilated, too!

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Three of the best, most versatile RV care products and how to use them

Video Editor
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Three of the best, most versatile RV care products and how to use them

By Cheri Sicard
Want to keep your RV looking its best for years to come? It’s possible without spending a fortune on dozens of different products. After 18 years of RV ownership, Brian Pursel, from RV with Tito DIY, has learned what works and what doesn’t. (Many of our writers have recommended these items, too.)

In the video below, Brian shares the top three essential RV care products that have stood the test of time. These products help fight UV damage, keep moving parts working smoothly, and prevent corrosion, all while saving time and effort.

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. What are these essential RV care products?

Meguiar’s Wash & Wax: The all-in-one cleaner

Keeping an RV clean can be a big job. That’s why a product that combines washing and waxing into one step is so useful. Meguiar’s Wash & Wax offers the convenience of a “one-pass wash and wax.”

Forget spending an entire day doing the whole “wax on, wax off” routine. This product makes it much simpler. It’s available in large containers for use at home, and smaller containers for when on the road.

Using Meguiar’s Wash & Wax is straightforward:

  1. Pour the product into a bucket.
  2. Use an RV brush.
  3. Hose down the RV.
  4. Scrub the RV from top to bottom.

Be sure to raise any solar panels to clean underneath them. This ensures the entire roof is clean. Work down the sides, scrubbing all the way around.

This Wash & Wax not only cleans but also leaves behind a waxy finish. This helps protect the RV from UV rays. Whether the RV has a fiberglass or rubber roof, this product cleans, waxes, and protects in one simple step.

303 Protectant: The ultimate UV defense

UV damage can cause a lot of problems for an RV. That’s why 303 Protectant is so important. 303 Protectant is designed to protect rubber, vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass from UV rays.

Here are some areas where 303 Protectant is particularly useful:

  • Tires
  • Rubber seals around compartments and slides
  • Plastic parts (like rearview mirrors)

Applying 303 Protectant is easy. Simply spray it on and wipe it down. For tires, just spray it on and leave it. It gives them a nice, clean, shiny look that lasts.

Boeshield T-9: The lubricant and corrosion inhibitor

Keeping moving parts lubricated and protected from corrosion is essential for RV maintenance. Boeshield T-9 is the product to use. Boeshield T-9 is more than just a lubricant—it also protects surfaces. Originally developed by Boeing for aerospace use, it’s a high-quality product. Boeshield T-9 creates a thin, waxy film that protects surfaces. This film offers both lubrication and corrosion inhibition.

Here are some RV components that benefit from Boeshield T-9:

  • Awnings
  • Doors
  • Hinges
  • Slides

Boeshield T-9 is also great for electrical connections and grounding points. Spraying it on battery terminals prevents corrosion. It also works well on grounding points on the chassis to prevent rust. After cleaning grounding points, spray them with Boeshield T-9 to protect them

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RVDT2902

If you suddenly became filthy rich, would you buy a new high-end RV?

RV Travel
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If you suddenly became filthy rich, would you buy a new high-end RV?

Okay, let’s say you played a ticket on the lottery. Instead of blowing a dollar like usually happens, this time you win a few million dollars! Wow, lucky you!

So what will you do with all that money? There will be a lot of options, including giving some of it to people who are your new best friends, and maybe a relative who suddenly likes you again. (Interesting how money can have such an effect.)

But let’s say that no matter what happens, you end up with a giant wad of cash to spend any way you want.

Would you use it to buy a really fancy RV, one that was previously way out of your price range? Just think about the luxury! Maybe get one with two bathrooms and heated floors and a wine cooler, not to mention a giant residential fridge, washer-dryer and maybe even a spare bedroom for the kids or grandkids. Wow!

Is that what you would do? Or would you be happy with your present rig?

Remember, it can sometimes take a few moments for the poll to load, so stand by. The wait will be worth it!

MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

RVDT2902

A burro trapped in an RV park septic tank highlights a growing desert problem

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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0
A burro trapped in an RV park septic tank highlights a growing desert problem

A wild burro rescued from a septic tank at an Arizona RV park may sound like one of those strange “only in the desert” stories. But wildlife officials say the incident points to a growing reality across parts of the Southwest: More wild burros are wandering into RV parks, neighborhoods, and developed snowbird areas as human activity spreads deeper into desert habitat.

The latest rescue happened near Kingman, Arizona, where a burro became trapped inside a septic tank at an RV park in the Golden Valley area. Crews from the Bureau of Land Management, local responders, and neighbors worked together to pull the animal safely out. According to officials, the burro was exhausted but survived the ordeal.

The story quickly drew attention because of the unusual setting. But for many Arizona RVers and snowbirds, wild burros in RV parks are no longer especially rare.

Why burros are showing up in RV parks

Wild burros naturally roam large areas of desert land across Western Arizona and nearby states. But as more RV parks, housing developments, and seasonal communities expand into those areas, encounters between humans and burros are becoming more common.

And RV parks can unintentionally attract them.

Water sources, landscaping, pet dishes, trash, shade structures, and even damp utility areas can draw animals into developed spaces—especially during hot, dry stretches. Once burros become accustomed to easy access to food or water, they often return repeatedly.

Officials with the Bureau of Land Management have warned in recent years that habituated burros are increasingly wandering into residential areas, campgrounds, and roadways throughout parts of Arizona and Nevada.

That creates problems not only for the animals, but for RVers and other folks as well.

A safety issue for RVers and snowbirds

Most wild burros appear calm around people, especially in tourist-heavy areas where they have frequent human contact. But wildlife experts warn they are still large, unpredictable animals capable of biting, kicking, or charging when stressed or cornered. A friend of ours, an older and very petite woman, was nearly knocked down in her garage when a carrot-hungry burro wandered in. It could have been a serious health issue had she not escaped into the house.

The bigger risk for many RVers may actually happen on the road.

Burros are especially active during cooler morning and evening hours, which overlaps with the times many RV travelers like to drive. In parts of Western Arizona, drivers occasionally encounter burros standing directly on highways or crossing roads with little warning.

That can become particularly dangerous for larger RVs towing vehicles or travel trailers, where sudden swerving may create rollover risks.

“They look gentle and almost domesticated—but a full-grown burro can weigh hundreds of pounds and appear on a dark highway with almost no warning.”

Simple steps RVers can take

Wildlife officials generally recommend that RVers avoid feeding burros, even casually. Animals that associate campgrounds with food often lose their natural caution around people.

There are also a few practical steps RV park owners and RVers can take to reduce problems:

  • Keep trash secured.
  • Avoid leaving pet food or water outside overnight.
  • Inspect septic and utility covers regularly.
  • Use caution driving at dawn and dusk in burro country.
  • Never attempt to approach or handle wild burros.

That septic tank detail may sound unusual, but uncovered or weakened utility areas can become hazards for both wildlife and pets in desert parks. This may mostly apply to folks owning septic tanks in burro country, but if you notice an issue in an RV park, be sure to let management know.

From stinky to satisfied: After pulled out of the tank, the critter was given a hose down and a lunch of alfalfa. BLM photo.

The rescue near Kingman ended well. But officials say it serves as another reminder that desert wildlife and human development are increasingly colliding across popular snowbird regions.

And for RVers who spend winters in Arizona’s open desert country, those encounters may only become more common.

Sources
AZFamily report on the burro rescue
Bureau of Land Management rescue summary

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Some Ram 2500 pickups recalled for tire integrity concern

RV Travel
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Some Ram 2500 pickups recalled for tire integrity concern

Chrysler is recalling certain 2023-2026 Ram 2500 pickup trucks.

A software error in the powertrain control module may improperly allow the vehicle speed to exceed the tire speed rating. That can reduce tire integrity, which can result in compromised vehicle control and result in a crash.

As many as 12,736 trucks may be affected by the recall, which was issued May 7.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 4.

Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is 43D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14.

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RV Daily Tips. Monday, May 11, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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11
RV Daily Tips. Monday, May 11, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2901 • New issue every weekday

Today’s thought

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” ―Edward Abbey

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Eat What You Want Day! Say no more!

On this day in history: 868 – A copy of the Diamond Sūtra is published, the earliest dated and printed book known.

Tip of the day
Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy

By Gail Marsh
I don’t know about you, but I rarely look up when I’m inside our RV. That changed a few days ago. I happened to be contemplating very deep thoughts (read: relaxing) on the sofa when I noticed the intake air vent above me. Hmm… it looked dusty. Really dusty! “Is there a way to clean that?” I wondered. Because the vent was too high to reach, I went back to the bathroom where I could easily reach the vent. Wow! This one was dusty, too! Continue reading. (And then clean your vents!)

More tips from this weekend:

THE MORE YOU KNOW… Saturday is the peak day for banana sales in grocery stores, with about 150% more bananas purchased on this day compared to typical weekdays.

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More RV shoppers are moving away from big motorhomes and toward Class B, B+, and smaller Class C models. That shift brings one big choice with it, because many of these RVs are built on a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster. Each van has a clear personality. One leans premium, one balances cost and support, and one keeps the price down better than the others. Continue reading and see which one is best for which use.

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We have battled black tank odor off and on in our RV. We’ve tried just about everything! Not to mention, I can’t even count the number of different brands of black tank deodorant and tissue digester we’ve tried. Nothing seemed to work! Until now… Continue reading Nanci’s review.

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Prevent RV fender skirt cracks! Join Terry and me [Dustin] in the video below as we replace the fender skirts on this 2020 Grand Design Reflection. I’ll show you and explain why fender skirt cracking is so prevalent. The video shows you how we install fender skirts to prevent cracking.

A Permanent Address for RV Freedom — Full-time RVers trust America’s Mailbox for mail forwarding, residency help, and reliable support from the road.

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Keeping an RV organized can feel like a never-ending battle. Space is limited, and clutter seems to multiply overnight. Here, Ben and Charity from the Grateful Glamper share smart RV storage hacks that can transform your rig from chaotic to livable. I list their hacks in my article, too.

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Tired of your RV air conditioner tripping breakers or overwhelming your generator? SoftStartRV™ reduces the startup surge, helping many RVers run their A/C on smaller generators or limited campground power. Stay cooler with fewer hassles and see why RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury recommends this very affordable upgrade.

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What appliances should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

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Get rid of bug guts from your vehicle

Dawn Hd Powerwash
Dawn HD Powerwash

From Roger Marble: “After a long trip from Ohio to Wyoming and back, I had a bunch of ‘dead bug guts’ plastered to my mirrors and front facing surfaces. A regular car wash did not remove all of them. Since Dawn is good at removing stuck-on food, and since bug bodies are dried protein, I decided to give Dawn HD Powerwash a try. Spray it on, give it a few minutes to dissolve the bug stuff, then spray off—almost no scrubbing required.” Thanks, Roger!

• For more great tips, check out 21 unusual but brilliant uses for Dawn dish soap in your RV.

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Report Fraud
If you’ve been scammed, or know someone who has, use this website from the Federal Trade Commission as a resource and report it! Tell them what happened and help stop it from happening to someone else.

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Wow, baby! This is diva-tastic! It might blind you when the sun hits it. (Seriously, is this safe??) But, hey. You’d be glamorous, that’s for sure!

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“I have learned over the years that the higher the level of emotion, the lower the level of reasoning. For example, if your emotions are at the highest level of 10, your ability to reason is at a 0. If it’s a 9, then your reasoning is a 1. I am not suggesting that emotions don’t have their place, but taking actions based purely on emotions is dangerous and could cost you everything.” ―Eric Thomas, The Secret to Success

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Louisa May Alcott, the author of “Little Women,” was ambidextrous. When she tired of writing with one hand, she would switch to the other.

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20250424 211917 176ecf2f303dd50987d981f7550f6d94“Marley (Boykin Spaniel, age 6) loves people, loves to travel, and play with his ball. He has been camping with us every trip we make. He walks me about five miles a day while camping. As long as he is with his humans, he is happy. Most loving dog we have ever had.” —Gary Garland

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What appliances should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

Dave Solberg
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What appliances should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

According to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet constantly monitors current flowing through a circuit. If the current flowing into the circuit differs by a very small amount (as little as 0.006 amperes) from the returning current, the GFCI interrupts power faster than a blink of an eye to prevent a lethal dose of electricity. GFCls are designed to operate before the electricity can affect your heartbeat. A GFCI works even on two-slot receptacles.

Per the CPSC, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI-protected outlets for any outdoor use, bathrooms, and kitchens.

GFCI not intended for storage facilities

GFCI protection can also be at the circuit breaker. That created an issue in a storage facility at our office. The local building inspector now requires a GFCI circuit breaker be installed in any new or remodeled storage facility. This created an issue when a 2014 Winnebago View with a 30-amp service was plugged into a dedicated 50-amp plug for storage. Read the article here.

I contacted Mike Sokol, as he is “THE” expert on everything electrical. He stated that he helps develop the code. He explained it is not intended for storage facilities, and especially ones that have vehicles with multiple appliances. That is because there are voltage “leaks” that are acceptable but will trip a GFCI. As with many enforcement issues, it’s left to the interpretation of the local enforcement agency.

Code sometimes vague regarding GFCI outlet locations

I had a similar issue in my home with a kitchen outlet tripping randomly at the circuit breaker. I called my local electrician that had installed the panel during construction. He stated that they had this issue quite often and recommended replacing the GFCI circuit breaker with a standard one. “Is that legal?” I asked. “Or, better yet, is it safe?”

He told me that the code is a little too vague as it lists kitchen in general or anything within 6’ of a water source. The outlets on my kitchen countertop are used for a coffee pot, air fryer, and occasionally a toaster, but never at the same time. He also indicated there were a few appliances that should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet.

Microwave oven

The component that generates microwave energy is called a Magnetron. The initial surge at startup or cycle modes during defrost are very high and can trip the GFCI, as it senses a leak in voltage. Most microwave ovens in residential applications are direct wired to the circuit breaker. However, I have found many RV units that have a “ganged” outlet, with one being the main GFCI. The microwave oven in your RV should at least be a dedicated circuit.

Another issue is when RVers purchase a countertop microwave and plug it into the GFCI outlet on the back wall. This is called a “nuisance tripping.” The appliance is operating in a safe manner, but the GFCI is too sensitive for the surges and motor outputs and requires constant resetting.

Refrigerators

With the shift away from absorption refrigerators to residential or 12-volt models, the same issue occurs with power surges, especially with a residential model. Not only do these “cycle” during the day, causing compressor inrush, some also feature a defrost mode that comes on with a high power demand and ultimately a voltage leak.

Medical equipment/CPAP machine

More RVers are using medical devices for sleeping and even normal breathing such as CPAP machines and oxygen concentrations. Once again, these devices cycle during the day and night and create slight electrical surges. A GFCI cannot determine if it is actual normal operation or a dangerous leakage. These machines should be on a dedicated, non-GFCI outlet or circuit, and never used near a water source.

What should you do

Take a moment to identify what type of outlet these devices are plugged into. Keep in mind that not all GFCI-protected outlets have the test and reset button. Most manufacturers have one outlet with the test and reset button and others are just ganged with what we called “dummy plugs”. They had a GFCI sticker on the face when new, but that never seems to stay on.

And if you are getting a nuisance tripping from your air pot, or coffee maker, it might not be the appliance, but rather a very sensitive GFCI outlet.

 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.”

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Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy

RV Travel
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2
Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy

By Gail Marsh
I don’t know about you, but I rarely look up when I’m inside our RV. That changed a few days ago. I happened to be contemplating very deep thoughts (read: relaxing) on the sofa when I noticed the intake air vent above me. Hmm… it looked dusty. Really dusty! “Is there a way to clean that?” I wondered. Because the vent was too high to reach, I went back to the bathroom where I could easily reach the vent. Wow! This one was dusty, too!

Taking apart the air vent

Not wanting to break anything, I gingerly fingered all around the air vent. Giving a gentle pull, the vent assembly easily came down. It looked like this:

I suppose I could have washed the entire vent cover assembly, but I wanted to make sure that the foam filter got clean.

I removed the bracket that holds the filter. The bracket is held in place by tension. I gently pushed the side brackets back as I pulled up on the top brackets and – voila! – the foam filter was free. Not only did the filter hold a lot of dust particles, but it also had a fair amount of sawdust!

I proceeded to wash the filter in warm water and Dawn dish soap. A swish-swish was all it took, and the filter was clean! (How did I know? I could see through it!) I blotted the foam between towels to dry. Then I quickly washed the plastic vent cover, too. I reassembled the unit and gently pushed it back into place.

After cleaning all of the intake air vents, I felt much better. The air conditioner seemed to breathe a happy sigh of relief, as well. That’s a very deep thought. I should probably contemplate that…

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