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Gutted our 1982 Class C; need help reinstalling furnace ductwork

Dave Solberg
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Gutted our 1982 Class C; need help reinstalling furnace ductwork

Dear Dave, 
We’ve been rehabbing this RV, which was a “gift” from my aunt. Almost all the walls and ceiling had to be torn out due to water damage. After tearing up the bed, we discovered the air duct hose was also shot, so we did away with it. It’s a year later and we’re trying to continue working on it, but I cannot find my pics that showed where the hose needs to go.

There are three openings on the duo-therm unit: one on the right and two on the left. I believe hot air is coming out of the closest one on the left when the ac gets turned on.

How should I connect this to ensure I’m not messing up the unit and to have the air flow directed correctly? I can take pics if it would help, but don’t have them available at the moment. Sorry. —Heather, 1982 Fleetwood Tioga

Dear Heather,
I assume the “air duct” you are referring to in your Class C Tioga is the corrugated hose that runs from the furnace to a vent somewhere inside the rig.

Duo-Therm

You referenced a Duo-Therm. That would be the furnace which is designed to have circular knockouts so an RV manufacturer can use only the openings they need for the specific floorplan.

furnace
Furnace

They will then attach the corrugated hose to the opening and run it under the bed, through cabinets, and typically have a vent coming out of either the lower kitchen cabinet or sofa.

furnace duct
Furnace duct

You should be able to locate the plastic vent or vents unless you have gutted all the cabinets and furniture. If that is the case, you can just start from scratch and put the vents where you want them.

You did not provide a model number so I don’t know the floorplan. However, I would put one in the bedroom, if there is one, and another in the living area. You can cover the third opening if it is not needed, or run a hose from it to the fresh water tank and pump if you plan to do any cold weather camping.

Clarification needed

I need a little more clarification regarding your statement “hot air is coming out of the closest one on the left when the ac gets turned on.”

The unit on the floor is a furnace only with a blower. When the ambient temperature drops to the temperature set at the thermostat (+/-3 degrees) it creates a closed circuit sending 12-volt power to the module board of the furnace. This starts the fan motor to create airflow purging the burner chamber and drawing in ambient air to pass over the burner assembly and raise the sail switch.

That, in turn, creates a closed circuit sending 12-volt power to the module to open the gas valve and ignite, as there is sufficient power and airflow. Ambient temperature air should initially be flowing out of any opening in the unit until the burner kicks in, and then hot air should come out of all openings.

More clarification needed

The second clarification is what you are referring to as “ac”, which could be air conditioning or alternating current, which is the 120-volt AC system? I assume you are referring to the air conditioner, which should be on the roof of your Class C.

There is most likely a direct vent coming out of the unit rather than ducted in the ceiling. It is definitely not ducted to the lower section of the rig and the furnace. It should have controls on the return air vent on the ceiling and not connected to the thermostat on the wall.

Air Conditioner
Air conditioner

It is possible that sometime in the past, someone wired the furnace thermostat to run the blower motor only when the air conditioner starts. Some of the newer thermostats have that feature when they control both the furnace and roof air.

Tstat
Thermostat

 You might also enjoy these posts from Dave 

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

Read more from Dave here. 

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RVDT2668

Do you listen to podcasts?

RV Travel
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Do you listen to podcasts?

It’s no secret that we RVers spend a lot of time driving. And what pairs well with driving? Listening to music! Or the radio! Or an audiobook! Or a podcast!

Do you ever listen to podcasts? Maybe you listen to a podcast every day on your morning walk, or maybe you catch the occasional podcast when it airs on the radio. Or maybe you listen to one in your RV at night after dinner. Or, as we mentioned, maybe it’s your favorite way to pass the time as you drive.

Podcasts come in just about every flavor you can imagine—true crime, travel, history, comedy, news, RV living, tech tips, and more. Some feel like old friends keeping you company mile after mile, while others teach you something new or make you laugh out loud in the middle of nowhere.

And let’s be honest: Sometimes a podcast is just the thing to keep you awake and alert on a long, flat stretch of highway. Or to wind down at night when you’re parked somewhere quiet and cozy. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, information, or just a friendly voice to fill the air, a good podcast can feel like the perfect co-pilot.

If you do listen to podcasts, would you leave a comment and tell us about your favorite one(s)? We’re sure other RVers would love to hear your recommendations, especially if they share the same interests as you. Thanks!

MORE FUN POLLS YOU MAY ENJOY

RVDT2668

Use MORryde X-Brace Stabilizers to prevent your RV from moving or wobbling when parked

RV Travel
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Use MORryde X-Brace Stabilizers to prevent your RV from moving or wobbling when parked

By Dustin Simpson
A common concern I hear from my customers is in regard to the movement of their unit when in a parked position. Whether it’s the movement from someone walking inside the unit or from strong winds, there are many consumers who can benefit from a stabilizer. MORryde offers three different options in their X-Brace line of stabilizers.

5th Wheel Stabilizer

The X-Brace 5th Wheel Stabilizer is a cross member that connects the trailer frame to the landing gear or leveling jacks, creating a more stable foundation.

MORryde X-Brace 5th Wheel Stabilizer

This stabilizer offers the following features:

• Stable camping experience

• Simple install

• Easy adjustments

• Provides exceptional stability

• Remains in place during travel—no removal needed

Please note: This is compatible with electric levelers ONLY.

Scissor Jack Stabilizer

The X-Brace Scissor Jack Stabilizer consists of a steel cross member that connects the frame of the trailer to a set of scissor jacks, creating a more stable foundation. Like the 5th Wheel Stabilizer, when not in use the X-Brace folds up neatly against the frame of the trailer, taking up minimal space.

MORryde X-Brace Scissor Jack Stabilizer

This stabilizer offers the following features:

• Provides exceptional stability

• Easy installation

• Perfect for front and rear scissor jacks on travel trailers

• Works on 5th wheel scissor jacks

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Remains in place during travel—no removal needed

Hitch Mount Stabilizer

The X-Brace Hitch Mount Stabilizer offers stability to any vehicle with a 2″ hitch receiver.

MORryde Hitch Mount Stabilizer

This stabilizer offers the following features:

• Securely attaches to a 2″ hitch receiver

• Provides stability

• Easy set up

• Ratchet tensioning design for extra security

As mentioned in the video below, should you have a 2-1/2″ hitch receiver, you can utilize a reducer sleeve.

More from Dustin

Read more of Dustin’s articles here.

Dustin owns and operates California RV Specialists, an independent RV repair shop located in Lodi, CA. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of RV repair and maintenance with his team, customers, and virtual friends.

Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop!

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RV industry says hands off public lands. RVers camp here, not in condos

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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RV industry says hands off public lands. RVers camp here, not in condos

Public lands activists usually come in outfits worn by what some would consider extremists. Now arises a more middle-of-the-road group, who are opposing the potential of selling of public lands. In this case, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has fired off a strong letter to the U.S. Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This industry group opposes public lands sale. Interestingly, the roundtable seems to represent the interests of RVers.

Just who is the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR)? The group is a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations. It represents a wide range of businesses and activities tied to public lands and waters. Included in its membership are the RV Industry Association (RVIA), the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC), and the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA). While this trio are all industry groups, all three recognize one thing. Anything that could affect the recreational activity of RVers will cut into the profits of their membership supporters.

Industry group opposes public lands sale: “serious threat”

public lands saleBoiling down the issue, ORR is opposing a proposal from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It would mandate the sale of public lands, arguing it poses a serious threat to outdoor recreation access, the $1.2 trillion recreation economy, and the five million jobs it supports. ORR contends the proposal bypasses established, bipartisan processes meant to ensure land sales consider public access and conservation, and warns that diverting proceeds to the general Treasury instead of reinvesting them in recreation would result in long-term losses.

The group emphasizes that once public lands are sold to private interests, communities could lose valuable spaces used for hiking, hunting, biking, and other activities—permanently. ORR stresses that solving issues like housing affordability and public land management challenges should not come at the expense of public access. Instead, they urge investment in land agency infrastructure and staffing, and commit to working with policymakers on balanced, bipartisan solutions that support both recreation and rural housing needs. What follows is the ORR statement to the Senate committee.

ORR statement opposing public lands sale

“ORR has long worked with the administration, Republicans, and Democrats on the bipartisan objectives of improving access and infrastructure for all recreation activities and also understands the needs of Senator Lee’s constituents for long-term affordable housing. However, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s reconciliation proposal is at odds with these objectives as it could threaten our $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, the 5 million jobs it supports, and the thousands of businesses and communities that rely on access to public land and water.

“Additionally, this provision has not been vetted through the appropriate Congressional process to ensure it meets all of the needs of the communities in the listed states. We urge Congress to keep the sale of public lands out of the federal budget reconciliation process as we saw how unpopular and out of touch it was with American businesses the public. The House of Representatives stripped selloff from this legislation just last month for these reasons.

“There is a long-standing process in place regarding public lands selloff, leasing, and exchanges that has been successfully utilized for decades and contains necessary guardrails to protect public interest and is compliant with current laws and regulations. Existing procedure under this process stipulates that transactions must guarantee recreation access is taken into consideration, and that revenue from lands sold is reinvested directly into conservation or access improvements, or to acquire new, high-value recreational or conservation areas.”

“Opening the door to loss of public lands to private interests”

“However, the new proposal changes those guidelines risking reduced recreational access, redirecting revenue away from recreation to the general Treasury, and opening the door to permanent loss of multi-use public lands to private interests. What some may see as a barren lot on a map on a Senator’s desk may actually be where a community hikes after work, rides their ATV, or teaches their kids how to hunt turkey or ride a bike. And once these treasured places are sold to private industry, they are gone forever, and in the case of this proposal, can be used for any purpose after ten years.

“Selling off public lands in this manner will not solve the real challenges our federal land agencies face—including underfunding, crumbling infrastructure, and staffing shortages. To truly sustain and grow our $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, we must address these head-on through smart investments in our land management agencies, innovation, technology, partnerships, and bipartisan policy solutions.

“ORR stands ready to work with all policymakers and partners to create meaningful outcomes for what communities’ care about and businesses really need–certainty that public lands will remain public for recreation as well as long-term affordable housing solutions in rural areas.”

For more information on public lands sales, click here.

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AdventureGenie and RV Weather partner to help RVers avoid storms

Gail Marsh
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AdventureGenie and RV Weather partner to help RVers avoid storms

Planning the perfect RV adventure means balancing dream destinations with the realities of weather and road conditions. Last Friday, two leaders in the RV technology space, AdventureGenie and RV Weather, announced that they are teaming up.

The partnership hopes to make RV trip planning smarter, safer, and more seamless than ever before.

RV Weather

RV Weather specializes in “weather‑proofing” road trips. It analyzes an 8‑day forecast to recommend routes that avoid hazardous conditions. Its SureRoute technology evaluates wind, precipitation, road closures, and temperature extremes. Then RV Weather suggests optimal paths and overnight stops that minimize weather‑related delays.

Travelers can set a comfort level to control how much weather impact they’re willing to tolerate. Plus, users receive interactive, animated maps highlighting weather zones in real time.

AdventureGenie

AdventureGenie has earned its reputation as the go‑to AI trip planner for RVers, campers, and road trippers alike. This company has a database of more than 25,000 public and private campgrounds.

AdventureGenie uses proprietary algorithms to tailor every aspect of an itinerary, from scenic routes to nearby attractions. Users can customize routes based on vehicle size, driving preferences, and desired points of interest. Then you can export plans to Google Maps or RV‑safe GPS devices for turn‑by‑turn navigation.

How the integration works

By combining both technologies, users will now see weather‑optimized routing suggestions as part of their itinerary creation process.

As you map out a multi‑day journey, the system flags upcoming weather threats and automatically recommends adjustments (i.e., rerouting around an approaching storm cell). These dynamic updates happen instantly.

Benefits for RVers

Enhanced safety. Avoiding severe weather isn’t just about comfort. It’s about safety. Integrated weather alerts help RVers steer clear of wind‑shear zones, flooding, or icy roads, thus reducing the risk of accidents and mechanical strain on your rig.

Time savings. RVers who take advantage of the new integration will no longer need to cross‑reference multiple apps for forecasts and route planning. Instead, travelers get a unified view within a single dashboard. This may trim planning time from hours to mere minutes.

Optimized comfort. By setting personalized thresholds, like avoiding thunderstorms but tolerating light rain, users can find the sweet spot between adventure and relaxation.

Flexibility on the fly. Unexpected weather developments can lead to spontaneous detours. With live rerouting suggestions baked into AdventureGenie, RVers can pivot plans mid‑trip without missing a beat.

Looking ahead

This partnership between AdventureGenie and RV Weather is just the beginning. Both companies are exploring deeper integrations. Think: push notifications for sudden weather changes, campground availability synced with forecast windows, and local community alerts.

As more RVers embrace connected, data‑driven adventures, the line between planning and experiencing will continue to blur, and the partnership hopes the integration will make every journey more intuitive and enjoyable.

Getting started

To experience the benefits of this partnership, existing AdventureGenie subscribers simply need to enable the RV Weather integration in their account settings.

New users can sign up for a free seven‑day Pro trial of AdventureGenie. This will unlock AI‑driven trip planning plus the route‑based weather insights from RV Weather.

RV Weather also offers a five‑day free trial for newcomers who want to test its SureRoute forecasting before committing.

Free is good, right? Why not try it out?

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Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park campground reopens

Gail Marsh
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Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park campground reopens

This is great news for RVers exploring the great Northwest region of the U.S. Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park’s main campground swung its gates open again on Monday, June 16, 2025. The reopening comes after a nine–month hiatus.

Nestled in the Cascade foothills about 20 miles east of Salem, Oregon, this beloved park is once more ready to welcome rigs of every size.

Why the closure?

Back in September 2024, park officials closed parts of the campground along with selected cabins for two big infrastructure projects. While trails, day‑use areas, and some cabins remained open to visitors, essential campground facilities were taken offline to ensure a safer, more comfortable stay for everyone.

Secure your RV spot

Reservations opened June 16 and campers have already jumped at the chance to score a reservation. Here’s the pertinent info:

• Opening date: Beginning June 16, all campground sites and the affected cabins were released for reservations.

• Online booking: Head online to browse available loops and sites. You can reserve spots up to six months in advance. (Note: As of Tuesday, June 17, one-half of the sites were already booked for July 4!)

Tips for reservation success

• Set an alert: If your dates are in high demand (holidays, fall color season), consider using a calendar reminder on the exact “six‑months‑out” booking window.

• Know your site needs: Pull‑through driveways, 50‑amp hookups, and sewer connections are available, and you can filter your searches accordingly.

• Extra vehicle policy: Each campsite includes one vehicle. A second vehicle incurs a nightly fee. (Price increases to $10 after July 1.)

An RVer’s paradise

Silver Falls is an RVer’s paradise. The park has the famed Trail of Ten Falls, which weaves a 7.2–mile loop past ten waterfalls. (You can walk behind four of them!) South Falls is spectacular as it plunges 177 feet over a basalt cliff.

The park also includes great on–site amenities. RVers will find 48 electrical sites with water, a dump station, flush toilets, and hot showers in the campground loop. There are also 14 cabins (seven are pet friendly) and group areas for larger gatherings.

At more than 9,000 acres, Silver Falls is Oregon’s largest state park. It draws more than a million visitors each year, but its sprawling layout helps disperse crowds. What’s more, universal access campsites and ADA–accessible trails mean everyone can experience the beauty of this park.

You’ll find Silver Falls State Park just off I‑5, less than an hour from Portland and Salem. It’s filled with old‑growth Douglas fir forests and scenic creek valleys.

Final tips for RVers

Plan to explore beyond the campground. Spend a day at the updated North Canyon day–use area or take your bike along 35 miles of backcountry trails.

Just a 10–minute drive north in Silverton, the Oregon Garden awaits you. This 80–acre botanical showcase features hundreds of specialty gardens.

One of only two Frank Lloyd Wright–designed homes in Oregon, the Gordon House was relocated to Silverton in 2001. Guided tours reveal Wright’s signature open–plan living concepts and integration with the surrounding landscape.

Head two miles north of Silverton to find the historic 84–ft. Gallon House covered bridge. The bridge was built in 1916 and spans the Abiqua Creek. Its rustic charm and “Prohibition–era bootlegging” backstory make it a favorite among photographers.

Plan to fish, picnic, boat, or simply relax at the Silverton reservoir and marine park. There’s even a playground for the little campers.

Meander Silverton’s Main Street and discover more than 30 public murals depicting local history and culture. Pop into art galleries, antique shops and cozy cafés along the way.

Ten miles north, in Mount Angel, the hilltop Benedictine monastery, Mount Angel Abbey, welcomes day guests. Tour the Romanesque church, library, and museum. Then top off your visit at the abbey’s bakery–style coffeehouse.

You should go!

With reservations just opening up, it’s time to schedule your RV visit today!

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National Park Service may charge international visitors to offset deep budget cuts

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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3
National Park Service may charge international visitors to offset deep budget cuts

RV travelers heading to national parks may notice some changes ahead—especially if they’re coming from outside the U.S. The Trump administration is pitching the idea of a new “surcharge” for international visitors to national parks, while also recommending a $1.2 billion cut to the National Park Service’s budget for 2026. It’s not the first time RVtravel.com readers have heard about the potential of a park foreign visitor surcharge.

Foreign park visitor surcharge stashed deep in budget document

The details are still murky, but the idea is buried in the Department of the Interior’s 130-page budget document. In a section about the park service’s recreation fee program, officials wrote:

“In 2026, NPS will establish a surcharge for foreign visitors that is estimated to generate more than $90 million to keep national parks beautiful.”

The proposal doesn’t explain how they landed on the $90 million figure, and the Park Service hasn’t released more information. But some quick math offers a ballpark guess: If 14.6 million international visitors came to U.S. parks in 2024 (as estimated by the U.S. Travel Association), a fee of just over $6 per visitor would raise that amount. It’s unclear how the fee would be collected—whether at entrance booths, through tour companies, or in some other way.

Currently, at least 80% of entrance fees stay within the park where they’re collected. These funds go toward things RVers care about—campgrounds, trail maintenance, ranger programs, law enforcement, and clean restrooms. As Emily Douce of the National Parks Conservation Association puts it in a story carried by SFGATE:

“Entrance fees help fund everything from trail repairs and educational programs to law enforcement and visitor services.”

While foreign park visitor surcharge would benefit parks, deficit still could rule

While U.S. citizens likely won’t be affected directly, the bigger concern for park lovers is the broader context: The same budget proposes nearly 40% in funding cuts to the National Park Service. So, even with a new fee on international travelers, parks may still be left struggling.

For context, major parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon already charge entrance fees—usually $20 per person or $35 per vehicle, good for seven days. An annual America the Beautiful pass is $80 and gives access to all national parks. Discounts are available for seniors and military personnel.

Some see the idea of charging foreign visitors more as practical. Other countries already do it. South Africa’s Kruger National Park, for instance, charges foreigners about $25 per day while locals pay $6. And in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, international visitors pay $100, compared to $6 for Ecuadorians.

Some RVtravel.com readers have already weighed in on such an idea. In a reader poll on the subject, 76% said the idea was good. 13% said “No” to the suggestion. 6% of respondents felt that the foreign park visitor surcharge should be applied only during park “peak seasons,” while 4% were undecided.

$100 surcharge?

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), a group that supports market-based conservation strategies, has been pushing for higher fees on international visitors for years. Their CEO, Brian Yablonski, even pitched the idea directly to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in April—and said it was well-received.

“We’re having a moment where all the stars might be aligning here,” Yablonski told SFGATE. “The low-hanging fruit are international visitors. Once you start talking about charging domestic visitors more, you’ll get more opposition.”

Yablonski believes the U.S. could charge as much as $100 per international visitor. According to PERC, the money could go a long way toward tackling the park system’s $23 billion maintenance backlog.

Not everyone buying into the idea

Still, not everyone’s sold. The National Parks Conservation Association says user fees are important—but shouldn’t take the place of proper funding from Congress.

“After years of chronic underfunding, our national parks increasingly rely on these fees to enhance the visitor experience,” said Douce. “However, they should not replace annual appropriations from Congress.”

She added a caution about limiting access:

“We believe fees should never become a barrier that keeps people from experiencing America’s most iconic places. As the administration and Congress considers this approach, it must ensure the policy is fair, equitable and doesn’t compromise access.”

For now, it’s just a proposal—but RVers, campground hosts, and park enthusiasts alike should stay tuned to the foreign park visitor surcharge idea. What happens in D.C. could shape the next chapter for America’s public lands.

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RV burglar skips electronics, goes straight for cowboy boots and hats

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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2
RV burglar skips electronics, goes straight for cowboy boots and hats

“A cowboy will spend $50 on a hat and $300 on boots before buying himself a proper coat.” So says a bit of Western wisdom. It may prove up in the Midland, Texas, area, where the case of the Western gear RV heist is playing out.

Midland Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 cash reward for tips that help track down the fella responsible for a recent RV burglary with a distinctly Western twist.

$3,500 worth taken in Western gear RV heist

According to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called out to the 1000 block of North County Road 1130 on May 23 to check into a reported break-in. Turns out, someone had slipped into a recreational vehicle a few days earlier—on May 19—and made off with some mighty pricey cowboy gear.

Midland Crime Stoppers provided photo of suspect in case.

The thief got away with about three cowboy hats valued at $1,500, a pair of Tecovas boots worth around $2,000, and some other personal items. Sounds like the Western gear RV heist crook had a very specific dress code in mind.

Can you help rustle up justice?

Now, law enforcement is asking the public to help rustle up some justice. If you have a lead that helps make an arrest or clears the case, you could pocket a $1,000 reward from Crime Stoppers. But remember—only tips sent in through official Crime Stoppers channels count, and they have to result in action by the sheriff’s office.

The good news? You’ll stay completely anonymous. No caller ID, no names, no questions asked. If you know something, call 432-694-TIPS, use the P3 TIPS mobile app, or click here.

Whoever pulled off this Western gear RV heist walked away with some fancy duds. But with a little help from the folks in Midland, they might be walking straight into a pair of handcuffs.

RELATED

• 9 ways to prevent travel trailer theft

• How to prevent RV theft and keep your RV secure

• New catalytic converter device stops thefts. Brilliant concept

• Lessons learned from the theft of our RV in storage

• Quick, cheap, and easy DIY tailgate anti-theft device

• Our gas was stolen! Tips for protecting against fuel theft

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Campground bans tents after bear gives sleeping kids midnight scare

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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4
Campground bans tents after bear gives sleeping kids midnight scare

When a black bear poked its nose—and claws—into a tent where two kids were sleeping at Difficult Campground near Aspen, Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service decided that “difficult” was a little too “on the nose.” The result: an emergency ban on tents and other soft-sided shelters at the site, effective immediately.

Kids cool about bear’s scratch-and-sniff test

The bear, apparently more curious than criminal, scratched the outside of the kids’ tent and left some souvenir puncture marks before ambling away. The kids, both under 12, were unharmed and reportedly “chill” enough about the incident to go hiking later that day. Their parents, snoozing in a nearby tent, only heard about the midnight guest over breakfast.

“Next morning, they were like, ‘Hey, mom, a bear was here,’” said a campground host, who spoke anonymously to the Aspen Times. “The kids were a little freaked out, but not traumatized.”

RVs don’t represent a bear “snack bag”

Still, the Forest Service isn’t taking chances. About 20 tent campers were either relocated or refunded Tuesday, and new campers are being directed to hard-sided shelters only. Translate: RVs, trailers, or anything that doesn’t crumple like a snack bag when a bear leans on it is acceptable.

And the furry foot traffic isn’t limited to one visitor. Officials say there have been sightings of four different bears at the campground over the past week. The general vibe? These bears are making the rounds—and probably hoping for an open cooler or a lazy lunchbox.

Food storage “non-negotiable”

To prevent future run-ins, the Forest Service is reminding folks that proper food storage is non-negotiable. That means everything remotely snacky—food, garbage, coolers, toothpaste—goes into a locked vehicle or one of the bear-proof lockers at your site.

“The bears at Difficult are showing up all hours of the day and night,” said Deputy District Ranger Jennifer Schuller. “That’s what happens when they get food-conditioned.”

The current tent ban will last at least two months. Officials stress this is all part of coexisting with wildlife responsibly. As the campground host put it, “This isn’t our home—it’s theirs. We’re the guests here.”

So, if you’re heading to the forest, pack smart, lock it up, and maybe leave the flimsy nylon at home. Bears in storybooks are cute. But when story time’s over, nobody wants them as bunkmates. That bear’s scratch-and-sniff test is proof enough.

For more details, visit Forest Service’s website here.

MORE POSTS ON WILDLIFE

• Blacklegged ticks spread to new parts of U.S.

• Park Service gets real with photo guide to wildlife poop

• Instagram photo filter warns tourists when they’re too close to wildlife

• You don’t have to be dumb for a park wildlife mishap

• North Carolina coyote attack reminds us: Don’t feed the wildlife

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Keystone RV recall: Fuel lines were installed backward

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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2
Keystone RV recall: Fuel lines were installed backward

A few hundred Keystone RV owners may be hauling around a fire risk, thanks to generator fuel lines that were installed backward—an error that could feed fuel into the wrong side of the carburetor and potentially turn a toy hauler into a bonfire.

Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain 2025 Fuzion and Raptor toy hauler recreational trailers. The generator’s fuel and vapor hoses may have been reversed during installation. Incorrectly connected hoses can feed fuel into the incorrect side of the carburetor, increasing the risk of a fire.

Keystone reckons 424 rigs may be affected. Keystone’s backward fuel lines were spotted after a customer complaint.

Keystone’s backward fuel lines remedy

Dealers will correct the hose placement, free of charge. The notification schedule has not yet been decided. Owners may contact 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 25-471.

Why wasn’t this noticed before?

Considering the long period of time where these fuel lines were installed backwards, one wonders why there were no earlier complaints. The production error began on rigs built August 12, 2024, and ran on through to May 5, 2025. Oddly enough, Keystone says in its report to NHTSA that they received but one consumer complaint.

RELATED

• Keystone recalls trailers for emergency exit design flaw

• Keystone recalls fifth wheel trailers—Hitches can detach during travel

• Keystone recalls trailers: Sidewall may detach during transit

• Keystone recalling Hideout and Springdale trailers for LP cylinder-related problem

• For more Keystone recalls, click here.

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RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Newsletter Editor
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11
RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Issue 2667

Today’s thought

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”—Thich Nhat Hanh

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Eat Your Vegetables Day!

On this day in history: 1885 – The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor.

Tip of the day
How to navigate around highway closures

By Gail Marsh
Unexpected highway closures can quickly disrupt an RV journey. Staying one step ahead of these closures enables you to adjust your route with confidence.

Highway closures happen year-round but seem to cause the most trouble during the summer months. That’s because the volume of folks traveling increases. Students are out of school. Summer weather is more easily predictable, and attractions are more likely to be available to visitors.

With more travelers on the road and more construction and highway repair scheduled for the summer months, it’s important for RVers to understand and use these tips for highway closures.

Ask Dave
Essential LP cylinder safety tips

Dear Dave, 
I see LP tanks sitting out in the hot sun. Is this safe? And what is the best way to transport them for refilling? —Dan  Read Dave’s answer with many LP safety tips.

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Essential LP cylinder safety tips

Dave Solberg
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4
Essential LP cylinder safety tips

Dear Dave, 
I see LP tanks sitting out in the hot sun. Is this safe? And what is the best way to transport them for refilling? —Dan

Dear Dan,
Thanks for the great questions. Here are some important safety tips on DOT cylinders, the type you would find on travel trailers and 5th wheels.

Do not leave DOT cylinders in direct sunlight

Leaving a DOT cylinder on the front tongue of your rig in direct sunlight for several hours will cause the LP inside to get hot and it will expand. If it reaches a temperature of 120 degrees or higher, the pressure valve will release raw propane and any open flame such as a grill or even ignition of a water heater could result in a fire.

DOT Cylinder
DOT cylinder

Try to find a location where the tanks are not exposed to the sun during the heat of the day. If not, use a cover or shade tarp or hose them down to reduce the interior temperature.

If you suspect a leak, have it checked immediately

LP in its original state is odorless and a chemical (ethyl mercaptan) is added to give it a rotten egg smell. If you suspect a leak by either smell or hissing sound, shut off the LP valve at the container and get it checked.

A certified professional will typically use a water column tester. However, a quick test can be performed with a handheld “gas sniffer.” Even a small leak is dangerous, as your LP appliances will have an open flame that can ignite. Inhaling LP fumes can also cause asphyxiation while sleeping. You can find an LP leak tester on Amazon here.

LP Leak Tester
LP leak tester

Happy Birthday!

According to the Code of Federal Regulations for DOT Requalification of Propane Cylinders, 49 CFR 180.209(e), DOT cylinder types 4B, 4BA, 4BW, and 4E must be recertified 12 years after the manufacture date. Most filling stations will not fill a tank that is more than 12 years old.

LP Cylinder Date
LP cylinder date

Do not store an LP cylinder on its side

The valve of the DOT cylinder is built with a pressure relief safety valve that is designed to vent or release vapor if the LP gets hot and expands. This relief valve is located at the top of the valve assembly. Laying the cylinder on its side allows liquid LP to be in contact with the relief valve rather than the vapor and will not vent properly. Always store the tank in the upright position so the relief valve can detect vapor pressure and work as designed.

Proper transportation

Most RV owners fill the DOT cylinders by pulling into a propane filling station with the cylinders properly mounted to the tongue or secured inside a compartment of a 5th wheel. However, if you are taking a longer trip or staying in a camp spot for a long period of time, it is not convenient to pack everything up and drag everything to the nearest LP station just to fill a cylinder or two.

It is important to secure the cylinder in an upright position when taking it off the rig and going to the filling location. As stated earlier, it is not recommended to lay the cylinder on its side, even for a short trip.

Make sure the cylinder is secure and not inside a vehicle. I use an old milk crate to set the cylinder in, or you could invest in a Mr. Heater Tank Foot Stabilizer.

Mr. Heater Foot
Mr. Heater foot

Many RVers are using golf carts or eBikes for transportation. Make sure the cylinder is secured, as a sharp turn or bumps in the road can be dangerous!

Golf Cart LP Tank
Golf cart hauling LP tank

If you plan to transport your DOT cylinder in this manner, it would be best to get a hold-down bracket like this one on Amazon.

LP Cylinder Bracket
LP cylinder bracket

MORE POSTS FROM DAVE ON LP CYLINDERS

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

Read more from Dave here. 

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