Last month we published recall information for 600,000 GM rigs with 6.2-liter V8s. Not only are these engines in big GM SUVs, but some pickups also have them. The official recall says, “the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in those vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.” GM’s fix is to have the engines inspected, those in bad shape replaced, and the rest rolled back at the owners with a new oil filler cap, and heavier engine oil. “Not so fast!” says a class action suit. It claims owners will get hit with bad fuel economy and poor resale value. Here’s what’s behind the GM engine lawsuit.
GM engine suit says the “fix” really doesn’t fix the problem
The class action lawsuit against General Motors (GM), claims that the company’s recent recall doesn’t fully fix the major engine issue. The lawsuit, McNamara, et al. v. General Motors LLC, was reported by CarComplaints and involves nearly 600,000 GM vehicles in the U.S.
The recall affects vehicles with GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 engine. If a vehicle passes inspection, GM recommends switching to a thicker, high-performance oil—0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar—instead of the thinner 0W-20 oil originally used.
The lawsuit argues that the thicker oil will lower fuel efficiency, forcing owners to spend more on gas over time. It also claims the recall hurts resale value. Buyers may be less interested in used GM trucks and SUVs with this engine from the 2021 to 2024 model years. The suit calls for a $5 million award.
What rigs are involved in the GM engine suit?
In total, the recall covers 597,630 vehicles in the U.S., including:
Cadillac Escalade (79,747 units) and Escalade ESV (46,280 units)
GMC Sierra 1500 (153,630 units), Yukon (82,832 units), and Yukon XL (60,933 units)
Globally, about 721,000 vehicles are affected. However, GM says the issue only impacts vehicles from model years 2021 to 2024—not 2019, 2020, or 2025.
We’ll stay on top of the GM engine suit and keep you informed. If you own a rig with one of the recalled engines, we’d like to hear from you. Drop us a line at Russ@rvtravel [dot] com.
“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” ―A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Rescue Dog Day!
On this day in history: 1570 – Cartographer Abraham Ortelius issues Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas.
Tip of the day Easy tip for draining fresh water tank
By Nanci Dixon
Here’s an easy tip for draining the fresh water tank: Add a hose end!
As full-time RVers staying in different RV parks across the country, we have wondered where to dump fresh water when it is not so fresh and the system needs sanitizing.
The RV park does not want us to drain 90 gallons (or even 20 gallons!) of water at the campsite. Although I will admit that I have resorted to stealth-opening the fresh water drain in the middle of a torrential downpour before we figured out this system… Continue reading.
Ask Dave Planning ahead: Should RV leveling jacks be retracted during winter storage?
Dear Dave,
Our fifth wheel is currently in a seasonal campground in Michigan. We are there from May 1 to October 31. When I winterize the RV in the latter part of October, should I take the RV off of the auto levelers for the winter and re-level in the spring? Or should I just leave the auto levelers alone? —Ken, 2022 Grand Design 303RLSRead Dave’s answer.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT:If you prefer quiet RV parks, when calling ahead for reservations ask if there are any railroad tracks or a busy highway very close by. Many RV parks are on inexpensive land near a busy street or railroad track. If trains run often, it can be difficult to sleep. Also, check out the park’s location on Google Earth and get a bird’s-eye view of the area.
Article and video A unique DJ camper van conversion for a rockin’ good time
By Cheri Sicard
Ever dreamed of taking the party with you? Jack, profiled in the video below, did. He built a van that’s truly one of a kind. The Bozak Van isn’t just a campervan; it’s a mobile DJ booth that won the eBay Van Conversion of the Year award. Jack, a graduate of the DIYHero® van conversion course, combined his passions into a stunning vehicle. (But the real question: Would you camp next to Jack?)
Featured article Easy DIY project: Make an on-the-road cookbook of your favorite RVing recipes
By Nanci Dixon
I am packing up for six months on the road and I’ve decided I need to bring along a cookbook of my favorite RVing recipes so I have them all in one place. Last year I overpacked and weighed down an upper cabinet with way too many of my favorite cookbooks. It wasn’t a disaster—a finishing nail or two fixed it; but I don’t want to do that again. Instead, I gathered my favorite recipes and made my own traveling cookbook! Talk about brilliant!(Plus, this is a fun project!)
Reader poll On your cell phone, do you talk more or text more?
Create extra storage with this stuffable pillow—fits clothes, bedding, towels, more!
This is one of those brilliant camping items every RVer should have. This pillowcase was designed to be stuffed with stuff! Stuff it with clothes (think winter jackets, holiday clothes, extra layers, etc.), extra bed sheets or pillowcases, extra towels… anything! Give yourself more closet space and storage space and keep your extra things hidden in plain sight. Keep it on your bed, couch, or chair, and nobody will ever know! Check it out.
Quick tip Stabilize before deploying slideouts
“Vehicle jacks are essential for stabilization with rooms extended. Level and stabilize before extending the slideout. If you do not stabilize first, the slideout will change your level when it is extended.” —From Trailers & Fifth Wheels Made Easy
The best glamping in the USA
You can’t deny it… you’d totally trade your RV in for a night to stay at one of these ultra-luxe glamping locations, wouldn’t you? (For one night? We would!)
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ? Spot the difference! Okay, now spot the differience. No, really, spot the diffirence… Did you?
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 14 percent only dump their RV’s tanks at free dump stations
• 25 percent have not flown on a plane within the last 10 years. (Only 1 percent have never flown on a plane before!)
• The highest number of voters, 49 percent, have an Android for a cell phone. 46 percent have an iPhone.
In March of 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt called a meeting to create a Civilian Conservation Corps. He intended to put 500,000 unemployed youths to work in forests, parks and range lands across the country. In its nine years, the CCC employed more than 3 million men and left an undeniable imprint on the nation’s landscape. The CCC built more than 40,000 bridges, restored nearly 4,000 historic sites and structures, improved thousands of beaches, roads and shorelines, and created 800 state parks.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Maximillan Oreo Edwin Whiskers (domestic shorthair tuxedo, age 2) is a brat, a monster, and a rascal. Loves to walk on his leash in the forest. Keen ears and eyes for squirrels, birds and bugs. Hates dogs NOT on a leash. RV console kitty lover.” —Denise Rose
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Leave here with a laugh
What does a tapeworm have in common with the Eiffel Tower?
They’re both Paris sites.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
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!).
Dear Dave,
Our fifth wheel is currently in a seasonal campground in Michigan. We are there from May 1 to October 31. When I winterize the RV in the latter part of October, should I take the RV off of the auto levelers for the winter and re-level in the spring? Or should I just leave the auto levelers alone? —Ken, 2022 Grand Design 303RLS
Dear Ken, According to the specifications I could find, it looks like your 5th wheel has a GVWR of almost 12,000 lbs. It most likely has the Lippert Level Up® hydraulic leveling jack system. This question has been debated almost as much as Chevy vs. Ford, and the confusion comes from a lack of any recommendations of leveling jack manufacturers.
Leveling jacks
In the Lippert Level Up® Owner’s Manual it only states the following:
If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray exposed jack rods with a dry silicone lubricant every three months for protection. If the trailer is located in a salty environment, it is recommended to spray the rods every four to six weeks.
Some of the forums I read stated the Grand Design trailer’s owner’s manual recommended retracting the jacks when not in use.
What about flat spots on tires
Over the years many readers have indicated they leave the jacks extended during storage to get weight off the tires, claiming the steel radials can get a “kink” and weaken the tire. According to Michelin and Goodyear owner’s manuals, they recommend filling the tire to the recommended PSI and making sure the tire is not on a surface that could leach a chemical into the rubber.
Tire expert Roger Marble wrote a great article for RVtravel.com regarding flat spots and storage here.
I personally feel that when storing a rig, the slide rooms should be retracted to create a tight seal and the leveling jacks extended to help support the weight, stabilize, and level the rig. If you have really harsh winters, I have found several owners here in Northern Iowa that have installed corrugated plastic tree trunk protectors on them, which you can get on Amazon here.
Tree trunk protector
Since you have a 5th wheel, I would also suggest a hitch tripod to secure the overhead part of the rig.
Ever dreamed of taking the party with you? Jack, profiled in the video below, did. He built a van that’s truly one of a kind. The Bozak Van isn’t just a campervan; it’s a mobile DJ booth that won the eBay Van Conversion of the Year award. Jack, a graduate of the DIYHero® van conversion course, combined his passions into a stunning vehicle.
Nate Murphy, from DIYHero®, also shares some insight in the video.
The vision: Travel and music collide
Jack’s inspiration was simple: merge his love for travel with his passion for music. His goal was to travel around Europe, meet up with DJs, and record mixes in amazing locations. The Bozak Van lets him bring his home studio and DJ setup on the road.
The heart of the van is, without a doubt, the professional DJ booth. It’s designed for both digital and vinyl music lovers.
Here’s a breakdown of the DJ equipment inside the Bozak Van:
Two Technics 1210 turntables
Two Pioneer XDJ 700s
One Bozak AR4 rotary mixer
The turntables allow Jack to spin records, while the Pioneer XDJ 700s handle digital music via USB. The Bozak mixer ensures a high-quality sound. The van features a Dynaudio sound system with 12 speakers covering lows, mids, and highs, and providing crystal-clear audio. It’s not just about being loud—it’s about high-fidelity sound. Two Hertz amplifiers, stored in the back, power the entire system.
To add depth to the music, Jack included a 15-inch subwoofer. Additionally, a Yamaha booth monitor lets the DJ hear exactly what’s playing for the audience.
Keeping the party going requires a robust electrical system. A 1200W inverter powers the main appliances in the van. Interestingly, the sound system itself runs on a highly efficient 12V system. The van boasts a 460-amp battery, providing plenty of power for extended use. Fuse boxes and hidden cables keep everything organized.
Jack credits the DIYHero® course for providing the wiring diagram that made the electrical work much easier. Nate Murphy offers a detailed course which will help you go from zero to a completed van build.
Clever storage solutions
Space is precious in a van, so smart storage is essential.
The kitchen includes a single burner and oven, along with a sink. The sink’s gray water drains into a 20L tank, which needs emptying every couple of days. A 12V fridge keeps food cold, and various compartments store pots, pans, food, clothes, and tech gadgets.
The record storage was born from a slight miscalculation during the countertop build. By extending the counter, Jack created space for 60 records. An additional 40 records are stored elsewhere in the van.
The gas manifolds and heater are tucked away, along with the 460-amp battery and a water tank for the outdoor shower. While Jack initially planned for an indoor shower, he chose to install a 15-inch subwoofer instead. Priorities!
The Murphy bed design keeps the living space social. It folds down easily, and a neon sign transforms the van into a nightclub vibe.
The DIY van conversion journey
Jack learned a lot during the conversion process. He used YouTube and the DIYHero® course as resources.
Jack experimented with different wall and roof designs before settling on the final look. He aimed for a boat-like aesthetic with the oak slats. The white ceiling helps create a sense of spaciousness.
For Jack, the van is more than just a vehicle. Traveling with a purpose is key. The DJ booth helps Jack connect with new people and combat loneliness while on the road. Jack encourages others to consider their own purpose when planning a van conversion.
Jack’s story shows how combining passions can lead to incredible creations and meaningful travel experiences. If you’re dreaming of your own van conversion, consider what purpose it will serve and let that guide your design.
But here’s the real question: Would you camp next to Jack in a campground? Wink.
Starlink and RVing for some is a “natural.” No matter where your RV takes you, you’ll be able to stay connected to the internet—even while in motion. But some have been put off by the high cost of the hardware. Starlink’s Mini dish, required for in-motion connectivity, normally retails for $599. But for a short time, VERY SHORT, you can pick up the hardware for $299.
Buy it from SpaceX or get the Starlink Mini on sale locally
How short is short? Starlink started the gang-buster deal late last week. The big fire sale runs through Wednesday, May 28. You can order one through SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, or you can buy them at local retailers. The advantage of buying from a retailer is you won’t have to wait for delivery, and some make returns a whole lot easier.
So where can you buy local?
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Target
• Walmart
For RVers, powering the Mini dish shouldn’t be too much of a problem. While it doesn’t have a battery, and needs power, it operates on a DC input voltage of 12 to 48 volts. If you want to get really mobile and, say, go hiking with it, you’ll need to carry a suitable power supply.
Is it for you?
You may be wondering about the fine print in the contract. How much will it cost on a monthly basis? What if I don’t like it? Can I turn it off when not using it? Click here for the fine details.
You may find that this is a service you can really use. If so, the Starlink Mini sale may be just what you’re looking for.
Iowa state parks and forest staff are busy preparing for the summer camping season, turning on water, sprucing up campgrounds and freshening up bathroom, cabin, lodge and shelter facilities. With more than 759,000 campers and more than 13.5 million visitor days last year, state parks are anticipating another busy season.
Recently renovated and 100 percent reservable sites
More state parks are offering real-time availability and ability to make online reservations for 100 percent of their campground sites. In 2025, Backbone, Geode, Lake Macbride, Palisades-Kepler and Rock Creek state parks transitioned to 100-percent reservable at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Additionally, several state parks are showcasing new or renovated amenities
• Red Haw – campground renovation and playground scheduled to be completed by July 1, 2025 • Viking Lake – new campground playground • Wildcat Den – shelter and sidewalk renovations • Lake Manawa – concession building remodel • McIntosh Woods – fish cleaning station replacement • Fort Atkinson – restoration of historic buildings • Big Creek – accessible fishing pier
Current construction and renovation projects
Several state parks also are busy with new construction projects during the 2025 season. Projects include:
• Clear Lake – lodge/shower buildings/beach restroom renovations are being designed and will go out for bid this year. The campground is undergoing renovations and is closed to reservations, with a portion reopening in June 2025. • Lake Kemoah – lake restoration, lodge window and pedestrian bridge replacement • Lake Ahquabi – lodge and shelter renovations • Lewis and Clark – visitor center repairs and renovations • Brushy Creek – campground renovations. A closure is in place for the entire recreation season, but walk-ins are being accepted now in the South and Beach campgrounds until a timeline on construction is available. The North campground will remain closed all year. • Ledges – new shower building and shelter renovation • Pine Lake – boat ramp repairs • Lake MacBride – kayak launch and accessible parking
MOAB, Utah—As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Arches and Canyonlands national parks advise visitors to expect heavy traffic, crowded trails, and limited parking at both parks. Planning ahead is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
All visitors entering Arches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. will need a timed entry reservation unless they have a camping, hiking, or special use permit, Fiery Furnace tour ticket, or are on a commercial tour. Reservations can be made online at www.Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 up to six months in advance.
Additional next-day tickets are released at 7 p.m. daily. Those without reservations may enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. but may experience additional crowding (especially in late afternoon). Reservations cannot be made at the Arches’ entrance. Timed entry reservations are not required at Canyonlands.
Visitors arriving at the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands might experience up to two-hour waits to enter the park. Visitors arriving at Arches should expect long lines at park entrance booths that could last up to an hour. Parking lots and trails inside both parks may be crowded.
Timed entry tickets advised
“Timed entry tickets have really helped alleviate congestion once you’re inside Arches,” said Southeast Utah Group Superintendent Lena Pace. “However, we expect many Memorial Day visitors to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, which could increase parking lot traffic and lengthen wait times at both parks.”
Park rangers ask that vehicles waiting in line at the entrance keep pace with traffic and have their timed entry ticket QR code, park pass or payment, and ID ready. Credit cards are preferred. There are no toilet facilities or drinking water along park entrance roads. Please only park vehicles in designated spaces; do not park unsafely or anywhere that damages park plants or soils.
Visitors should plan for their safety by bringing water and snacks and wearing sturdy shoes and sun protection. Plan activities appropriate for the weather, drink plenty of water, and watch for signs of heat stress. Visitors are encouraged to check the parks’ websites and social media accounts for current information and road conditions prior to driving to the parks.
“Memorial Day weekend is typically our busiest weekend of the year,” said Pace. “If visitors come prepared with extra water, extra patience, and some flexibility in their plans, that can really help them have an enjoyable holiday.”
“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” —John Lydgate
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Devil’s Food Cake Day!
On this day in history: 1911 – Parks Canada, the world’s first national park service, is established as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior.
Tip of the day Secret Costco shopping tips you should know
By Gail Marsh
“You should definitely write an article about that!” a fellow RVer recently told me. I’d been telling her about the many Costco tips that can benefit RVers.
I’m a Costco junkie. There. I admitted it! What’s to love? Well, there are Costco stores almost everywhere we travel. If there’s not a Costco near our destination, there’s one or two along our route. That makes it easy to stock up as we RV.
Ask Dave RV’s corner trim is separating. What adhesive should I use to fasten it?
Dear Dave,
The front edge of my travel trailer is coming apart at the seam where the front and the side meet. What is the best adhesive to use to hold the siding in place? —Rob, 2017 Keystone Sprinter Campfire 25RK Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin How to identify your RV roof vent lid hinge style
Did you know that there are five different RV vent lid styles? The main difference among them is how they hinge on the vent base. To better help yourself or your local repair shop, make sure you either remove the vent lid and take it in, or take a side and back view picture so it’s easier to match it up. Continue reading.
Sewer fitting grip help! Gadget to the rescue!
If you find the bayonet mounts for your sewer hose connections are getting a bit hard to twist off and on (hate to say it, but it sometimes comes with age), here’s a tool that might help. An adjustable oil filter wrench, made to get a grip around automotive oil filters, can also provide a handy grip and plenty of leverage on the bayonet fitting of your sewer hose, and the termination cap as well.Here’s one we recommend.
Article and video Know your rights: When the police can search your RV without a warrant
By Cheri Sicard
Ever wondered what your rights are when you’re on the road in your RV and encounter law enforcement? It’s a unique situation because an RV is both your vehicle and, potentially, your home. This dual nature brings up some interesting legal questions, especially when it comes to police searches. In this video and article, the team from The Camping Loopoutlines five scenarios where police can search your RV without a warrant.
Featured article A spare fuse spot in your panel can brighten your day
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
We had a peculiar problem come up a while back. It was after nightfall and we were preparing to make a foray to the Land of Nod. The wife had already shuffled off to the bedroom. I was busy brushing my teeth when I got one of those “Honey, something’s wrong here” shout-outs. “The light just went out here in the bedroom.” One more thing to do with my spare time. Happily, a spare fuse helped in the end. Find out how here.
Quick tip Segregation at work in the hose compartment
We’ve urged readers to use separate hoses for dirty tasks, like flushing sewage, and saving your fresh water hose for that single purpose. Here’s Phil’s response: “I cap all of my hoses, regardless of purpose. And, yes, I keep the caps separated by color flagging so I don’t put ‘flush’ on ‘fresh’!” Thanks, Phil!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ? Don’t you love when we help you clean your RV? Well, when we suggestthings like this, we sort of are! Trust us, these make cleanup a breeze.
Trivia
Statistically, hurricanes are more destructive than tornadoes. A single tornado may have stronger, faster winds than a hurricane, but a hurricane’s larger size and longer life give it the potential to be more disastrous.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rockie (Lab mix, age 8) is the light of our lives. He is very personable and comical sometimes. Very friendly, loves meeting new people and going to new places. As we are full-time RVers, he has been traveling since he was 1 year old. We take him to doggy daycare so he has his play time, and he so enjoys it.” —Maryanne Pratt
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!
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!).
Dear Dave,
The front edge of my travel trailer is coming apart at the seam where the front and the side meet. What is the best adhesive to use to hold the siding in place? —Rob, 2017 Keystone Sprinter Campfire 25RK
Dear Rob,
From what I can find on used RV sites, your Keystone Sprinter has a one-piece fiberglass sidewall skin and the seam that is separating should have an aluminum trim piece that the side and front attach to.
Sprinter Campfire
I’m not sure if the perimeter framework is wood or aluminum; however, the trim is fastened typically on the front side and covered with a vinyl insert. Underneath the trim is typically a putty tape called butyl tape.
My recommendation
I would recommend removing the old trim and cleaning up the area thoroughly. Then inspect the entire seam to see if you can find a reason it was separating. If there was a moisture leak from the top, it could have ruined a wood frame and the screws worked loose. If it is aluminum, it could just be the vibration loosened the screws. Removing the vinyl insert should shed some light on what is happening.
Here is the seam of a 1996 Salem we rebuilt.
Butyl tape
I would start by removing the vinyl insert and seeing if the trim can just be refastened with new screw holes. This way you might not have to pull everything apart. There is no “adhesive” that I know of you could use to refasten this, but rather repair it with the proper sealant and trim.
Put on a new trim piece
You can get a new trim piece from any Keystone dealer or possibly RecPro. It is a generic trim that comes in 8’ pieces and can be easily bent to make the curve at the top and along the side.
Trim sealant
We also added some silicone on the back side of the trim just for weatherproofing purposes.
California’s Morro Bay State Park has been voted the state’s best state park for camping according to the Best of California’s State Parks 2025 survey. “Coastal fog, kayaking adventures and views of iconic Morro Rock make this a camping destination unlike any other,” the foundation wrote in a news release. The park scored points for its calm estuary views, access to nature and outdoor activities.
The California State Park Foundation called on people to vote for their favorite state parks across 10 categories this spring, choosing the best among 280 park units, 15,000 campsites and more than 5,000 miles of trails in the state park system.
More than 1,300 survey participants took part in the poll, according to a news release.
People who responded to the survey, which was conducted through email and social media, said the Morro Bay campsite was serene and dog-friendly, while also being close to town and nature walks. It’s a place “surrounded by beauty, wildlife, great hiking and the feeling of peace,” wrote Doug Brand, who voted for Morro Bay.
Rachel Norton, the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, called the park in San Luis Obispo County one of the most stunning spots on the California coast. “Camping on the coast is a particularly unique and wonderful experience,” she said. “That’s my thought on why people chose it.”
Receiving honorable mentions were Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Montaña de Oro State Park.
Editor’s note: If you plan to visit Morro State Park, reserve a campsite well in advance: the park is very popular and often fully booked.
“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” —Sir Richard Burton
How to find out if you’ll have cell service where you’re headed
By Gail Marsh
Finding reliable cell coverage on the road is crucial for RVers. Did you know that there are apps that leverage crowdsourced data and official filings that can help? These apps give real‑time insights into signal strength, carrier performance, and tower locations, so you’ll always know if you’ll have service up ahead or wherever you’re going. Check these out.
RVtravel.com readers reveal their favorite state parks
By Gail Marsh
I recently published another article about RVers’ favorite state parks. At the bottom of that article, I asked you to share your favorite state parks, and you did not disappoint! Wow, what a variety—from riverfront campgrounds in Washington to desert oases in Arizona and mountain escapes in North Carolina. Here are your favorites.
Letter to the Editor: RV erupts in flames on I-10—longtime reader loses everything
Longtime reader and supporter Cathi Stark recently wrote in to share some difficult news. After years of RVing and following RVtravel.com, she and her husband, Mike, suffered a devastating RV fire. What initially appeared to be dust swirling in the sun turned out to be smoke, first from the heating system intake, then filling the RV. There was no smell of burning at first, no visible flames—just dense particles. Once safely outside, they watched flames erupt… Continue reading.
Today’s RV review… 7 of my favorite high-quality travel trailers without slides
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is something different—we’re going to look at seven high-quality travel trailers that don’t have slides. All of these are RVs that we’ve looked at before over the years, and I’ve provided links to my full reviews of the trailers. All of these are also brands or models that I would consider for my own RVing adventure. Continue reading.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: While in a campground, to avoid having annoying headlights beaming into your RV or onto your campsite, choose a campsite on a straight stretch of the campground’s road or one on the inside of a corner, not the outside.
Kissing a cod and other inspiring adventures from our readers’ bucket lists
Last week, we asked you to tell us what’s on your bucket list. Whether you dream of international adventures, personal challenges, or simply continuing to do what you love, your responses were inspiring, heartfelt, and incredibly diverse (to say the least). Here’s what you shared—in your own words(and boy, reading this will inspire you!).
Police officer shares the best RV security tips and gear
By Cheri Sicard If you aren’t a regular fan of the Endless RVing YouTube channel, you might not realize that Izzy is a cop with 24 years of service behind him. In other words, he has some solid experience behind his RV security tips and advice. This article and video focus on gear and gadgets that he says will increase your overall RV security and prevent theft.
Why everyone at the campground wanted a bite out of my tackle box
By Emily Woodbury
Last summer, social media led me to my new favorite eating vessel: a tackle box. Yes, a fishing tackle box. I don’t fish, but I did go out in search of the perfect tackle box. The requirements: It had to be big enough, and it had to have enough movable compartments that I could adjust to different sizes and/or shapes. So what do a tackle box and an eating vessel have in common? Just wait…
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
Reader poll If you’re making RV payments, how much are they per month?
Yes, it’s portable! Hang this USB, battery-operated ceiling fan anywhere: over your picnic table, inside your RV… anywhere!
How to win We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Visiting South Dakota’s oddly wonderful Corn Palace
By Gail Marsh
At first, it seemed like an oxymoron to me: Corn Palace? As a former Iowa farm girl, I worked in cornfields. If there was a palace involved, I never saw it! Turns out, the Corn Palace isn’t an oxymoron—it’s a real place in South Dakota that decorates, elevates, and celebrates corn, prairie life, and more! And yes, it’s really a palace!
Discovering Bandelier National Monument: An amazing journey through time
By Gail Marsh
The Pueblo people (and really, all Indigenous groups) have always fascinated me. That’s why I was so excited to discover Bandelier National Monument. This New Mexico treasure is renowned for its well-preserved Pueblo dwellings. Learn more.
Our best-selling Amazon RV products this month (so far):
TODAY IS: National Visit Your Relatives Day and National No Dirty Dishes Day! So, what would you rather do? Visit your relatives or wash the dishes? Wink.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?? We bet you never (and we mean never!) thought you could fit one of these in your RV. If somebody told you you could, you’d think they were crazy! Well, guess what? This one fits. It really fits!
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
YOU DO KNOW… that you’d be a much smarter RVer if you signed up for our RV Daily Tips newsletter, right? On average, our readers report they’ve quadrupled their knowledge about RVs and RVing after reading it for just two weeks! Okay, we made that up, but we’re pretty sure it’s true! Sign up here.
In the RV shop with Dustin How to replace your RV’s plumbing vent cap
Today, I want to share some tips on how to remove and replace an RV roof plumbing vent cap and reseal it properly. First, you’ll want to remove the old vent by carefully unscrewing it from the roof. Once it’s removed, clean the area around the opening and make sure it’s free of any debris or old sealant. Continue reading.
RV tire safety Valve stems, cores and caps, “Oh my!” And how tight is “tight enough”?
Yep, the title pretty much covers Roger Marble’s information-packed article this week. Learn more.
RV gadgets and gizmos 5 of the best grilling gadgets for the almost-here BBQ season
By Gail Marsh
I know it’s coming. Winter’s last blast has blown through, and daffodils have jumped up and smiled to greet the long-awaited springtime… and almost summer! Flowers aren’t the only thing I longed for as winter wound down. I can’t wait to dust off the grill and go full-on BBQ mode! And now it’s almost Memorial Day, so these gadgets come at the perfect time.
BUMPER SNICKER: I don’t brake for possums.
Recipes of the day Red, white, and delicious: Must-try recipes for your Memorial Day cookout
Memorial Day is next weekend, so we figured we’d give you a jump-start on planning out your menu. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, attending an event, or just want to cook for you and yours, these recipes are delicious and easy. Check them out and get hungry!
Readers’ pets of the day
“This is our grumble (more than two pugs), from left to right, Kolton, Kassidy, and Kylor, ages one, three, and four. They were all purchased from the same breeder. They love camping. And the picture is them sitting outside our camper in the campground.” —Paul Maccaline
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once.
Trivia
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, might not be the birthplace of the hamburger, but it is the first restaurant to ever serve a hamburger. In 1900 Louis Lassen made and served the very first hamburger on two slices of toasted white bread with no “catsup.” The burgers served today are still cooked on the 1898 cast iron grill that cooked that first burger and they are still served on toasted white bread without “catsup.” And, yes, it’s still open.
Sunday funny
Our staff comedian, Dave Solberg (did you know he used to do stand-up comedy?), sent us this earlier this week:
“After exhaustive research, I have concluded EternaBond is not the best for every application! However, it is still good for covering cracks.”
Last week, we asked you to tell us what’s on your bucket list. Whether you dream of international adventures, personal challenges, or simply continuing to do what you love, your responses were inspiring, heartfelt, and incredibly diverse (to say the least).
Here’s what you shared—in your own words:
For the love of travel
Barbara La Brash says these places are at the top of her travel bucket list:
“1. Petra, Jordan 2. Madagascar 3. Indonesia 4. Transylvania, Romania”
Matt Day has big dreams that combine sea, history, and ancient wonders: “A bucket list desire is to experience a Mediterranean cruise of the Greek Isles, Southern Italy, and Malta, then heading south to Egypt for a visit to the Great Pyramids.”
Herman Vogt is focused on an important travel list, too:
“1. Drive the entire Trans-Canada highway coast to coast (we have done parts of it)
2. Glacier Express Train ride in Switzerland
3. Stay in the Disney Vacation Club in Hawaii
4. Visit my family’s home in Germany
5. Visit my wife’s family home in Scotland.”
Linda Pohle is looking to cool down in a spectacular way: “I have always lived in South Florida. I would like to see the Northern Lights and a polar bear in the wild.”
And Riley Burgess painted a vivid (and funny) picture of a truly Canadian bucket list moment: “My wife and I really want to visit Newfoundland, just northwest of St. John’s, in May or early June to watch the icebergs drift by just off shore. While there, we hope to participate in a tradition in becoming an honorary Newfoundlander, by getting screeched on the local rum and then kissing the cod, all while under the watchful eye and sponsorship of a local native.”
Road trips and RV adventures
Kevin Coughlin has a goal tailor-made for history buffs and road warriors alike:
“Visiting every state and provincial capital building. Visiting all presidential libraries and their homes (birthplace, etc.).”
Tim Buckley and his travel crew have been checking off destinations and adding more every year: “We have completed a couple items from our bucket list over the past couple years (overwater bungalow in the Maldives, trekking to Everest Base Camp this coming October), but my list grows every time I come across a great article! We just visited National Park #30 in our quest to visit all the U.S. National Parks, and #31 is in just two days (Pinnacles NP)! Bucket list items still include:
• A glass dome stay in a Scandinavian country to see the Northern Lights
• A trip to Machu Picchu, and the Galápagos Islands
• An African safari
• A trip to Patagonia and the Antarctic
• Driving our RV up to Alaska for a couple of months
“While we cross off one of our big items every year or two, we still have plenty of room to add new adventures, so keep the inspiration coming!”
Adventure and adrenaline
Go, Terri!
Terri Readdy is chasing both music and sky-high thrills: “Current bucket list includes cruise Alaska, the aurora borealis and catching every ’80s band still out on tour (have landed quite a few with AC/DC, Metallica, Paul Simon and Blue Oyster Cult tickets currently in my cache for the next few months after enjoying B52’s to the Rolling Stones and everyone in between). Physical bucket list includes: hang gliding, glider plane and riding a hot air balloon after jumping from a plane this past January from 18000 feet. 🙂 ”
Go, Linda, go!
And Linda Ward is going back for round two on a ride most people wouldn’t dare try even once: “The next item on my bucket list is to ride the Cloudscraper Zip Line at the Royal Gorge in Colorado… again. And this will be in a matter of weeks now, hopefully. I previously rode it in 2016 (ZipRider back then) and loved it, and now at 80 years old, I want to do it again.”
Personal challenges and lifelong goals
Neal Davis offered a beautiful reminder that not every bucket list item needs a travel itinerary: “No, no bucket list. I do want to rebuild the center of the barn Daddy and my little brother built in 1978, learn to grade our 1/2-mile-long driveway well enough to never let it get wash-boarded or gullied by heavy rains, and get good enough at running a chainsaw to never get it bound while cutting up a fallen tree. Just simple stuff. I don’t need to ‘see something,’ or ‘be somewhere.’ Having too many ‘must-dos’ seems to get in my way of living.”
Catherine Rubin shared a poignant and powerful wish for her next chapter: “For decades I’ve traveled, camped, bicycled, and hiked all around the USA and Canada with my husband. Now he’s gone. My bucket list only has one thing: to continue doing as much as my 70-year-old body can do, with a person I love being with, who enjoys the outdoors and outdoor activities as much as I do.”
Mel Hartman keeps it simple, honest, and a little humorous: “My bucket list is to win the lottery. Then buy a place in Hawaii. I used to laugh at my father-in-law cause he would quite often say ‘dear Jesus help me win the lottery’ but one time he did win $1,000… Praise God lol.”
Deborah Mason has high hopes—on the agility course: “A ‘small’ bucket list item: I want to compete with my dog, Marley, in the Rally National Championships at the highest level. I want to still be competing in agility with my dog (whichever dog I have) into my 80s, even my 90s.”
Kelly Foster shared one last big hike: “I would like to hike part of the Appalachian Trail before I’m done with my adventures.”
And Sheila Berman laid out a multi-part plan for a life well-traveled and action-packed: “Visit all 50 states (47 so far). Visit all 7 continents (5 so far). Visit Pig Island, Bahamas. Attend the Rose Bowl Parade. Go paragliding. Visit Monkey Island, Dominican Republic. And Jetski.”
A life of travel well lived—and still going
Ann Palmer shared one of the most detailed travel logs—past and future:
“#1 – Visit Australia and New Zealand (have reservation in Nov. 2025 with Road Scholar to do this)
#2 – See Alaska’s inside passage from a boat
#3 – Visit the UK, Ireland, etc.
#4 – Visit various European cities and river cruises
“I’ve been RVing for 17 years and have covered most of the U.S. In 2023, I spent the summer on the road in Alaska. Bucket List item. In 2024, I traveled around the U.S. from WA state, to AZ, across the country, North Carolina (daughter lives there), up the East Coast where I was born, then to the Midwest where I grew up. The focus was on visiting friends and family along the way. Before I got my first RV, I traveled to Ecuador, Galapagos, the Amazon, Nicaragua, and Italy.
“Now my focus is on non-RV travel to see more of the world. I’m 78 and healthy, so I’m going to do as much as I can. I’ll still do some RVing. This May/June, I’m traveling with some RV friends to explore the Ice Age Floods from Montana to WA state. This will be our second Ice Age Flood adventure.”
Wow, what an adventure!
Thank you to everyone who shared your goals, wishes, and adventurous spirits. Whether it’s skydiving, rebuilding a barn, or kissing a cod, you’ve reminded us that a bucket list isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how fully you live.
So, what’s on your bucket list? Drop us a note and keep the inspiration going.
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