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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, April 10, 2025

Daily Tips Newsletter

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April 10, 2025

11

Issue 2619

Today’s thought

“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” —Joyce Meyer

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Farm Animal Day!

On this day in history: 1916 – The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) is created in New York City.

Tip of the day
Road vibrations cause damage to RV interior. Watch out for these things!

By Gail Marsh
I thought I knew how to pack for RV travel days. I dutifully cushioned breakables inside our RV cabinets and diligently bungee-corded opposing cupboard handles together to keep cupboards closed while in transit. Plus, I made sure there were no obstructions in the way of our RV slides as they retracted. The microwave turntable was safely wrapped in dish towels and place inside a cabinet.

I did everything I knew to do. I thought I knew how to pack for RV travel days, but I quickly learned that I needed to go beyond the basics of RV packing…

Ask Dave
Can I refill a 1 lb. “disposable” LP cylinder, or is there an alternative?

Dear Dave,
We recently purchased a portable grill that uses the small “disposable” LP bottles and would like to find a more environmentally friendly method to either refill them or use a 20 lb. DOT cylinder. I have read that the landfills are full of these little green containers. —Nancy Read Dave’s answer.

HARVEST HOSTS: Unlimited overnight RV stays at 9,472+ locations. Save 15%.

Video of the day
The benefits of shopping at RV consignment dealers

By Cheri Sicard
In this video, Ben and Charity, aka the Grateful Glampers, explore an RV buying option that has not gotten a lot of press, RV consignment dealers. The couple recently stumbled upon PPL Motor Homes, a consignment-only dealer with some serious perks. Could this be the secret to snagging an RV at a better price? Find out here.

Featured article
Men more likely to continue RVing if partner dies than women, survey says

An RVtravel.com survey unveiled an intriguing gender disparity in attitudes toward continuing the RV lifestyle after the loss of a partner. Read the results of the survey and some of your insightful and heartfelt comments here.

Test the RV park water before you drink it!
How pure is the water at the RV park you just entered? Is it pure enough to drink, or full of contaminants? This TDS meter provides an inexpensive and convenient way to instantly check your overall water quality. Don’t risk drinking bad water! Use this hand-held device to check the condition of your water filter, too. Every RVer should have one of these! Learn more or order.

Reader poll
Will you plan a special outing (or drive) this month to view spring flowers?

Respond here.

BUMPER SNICKER: We got married for better or worse. He couldn’t do better, and I couldn’t do any worse.

Quick tip
Cleanup station handy after tank dumping

“I put this cleanup station on the inside of the door to the compartment where my water pump and filter and water hoses go. The blue box contains wet wipes, and the hand cleaner is upside down when opened but is right side up when closed and not in use. It is held on with Velcro and is turned around when in use. This compartment is above the connections where a shower hose is available for use.” From modmyrv.com.

On this day last year…

Ask Dave: I have PEX water lines in my RV. Why do I need a pressure regulator?
RV review: inTech O-V-R Navigate – Not the aluminum trailer you expected
In the RV shop with Dustin: Why is my RV outlet not working after using a space heater?
Video: Amazing cargo trailer conversion into surfer’s toy hauler RV
Featured article: Around the Campfire: RVing-with-kids rules, and should-be rules, discussed

Website of the day

Wine map of the United States
Like drinking wine? This map is for you, especially since you’re an RVer! You’ll be able to see every wine region by state all in one place. Cheers!

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Forget using a lantern to see at night. This is quite brilliant, and we’re wondering why these don’t accompany more campers around the picnic table at night? It’s sorta perfect for that…

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:

• 35 percent are currently making payments on their RV.
• 20 percent would describe the workmanship on their RV either “poor” or “terrible.”
• 66 percent do not wash their underwear by hand while on a long trip.

Recent poll: Do you wish your RV were five feet longer or five feet shorter?

Trivia

The icy dwarf planet Pluto has an average temperature of negative 387 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s home to mountains, valleys, glaciers, plains and craters. If you were to stand on its surface, you would see blue skies with red snow.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Jazz (4.5 years, Standard Poodle) has been a great help getting us to walk and exercise. He is a wonderful companion.” —John Owen

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!

• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

Leave here with a laugh

A man went to a job interview. He was being interviewed for a big sales position at a pretty large company. The sales manager said to the man, “I want you to sell me this laptop.” The man put it under his arm, left the building and went home. Later that day he got a phone call from the manager: “Bring my laptop back now! You can’t steal it like that!” The man responded, “Okay. $1,000 and it’s yours.”

Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

Can I refill a 1 lb. ‘disposable’ LP cylinder, or is there an alternative?

Dave Solberg

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April 9, 2025

11

Can I refill a 1 lb. ‘disposable’ LP cylinder, or is there an alternative?

Dear Dave,
We recently purchased a portable grill that uses the small “disposable” LP bottles and would like to find a more environmentally friendly method to either refill them or use a 20 lb. DOT cylinder. I have read that the landfills are full of these little green containers. —Nancy

Dear Nancy,
This has been a very popular topic of discussion for several years with the increase of the number of people camping and the new portable grills and heaters that have flooded the market. Many of these devices are designed to use the “one-and-done” disposable bottle that is not designed to be refilled.

However, I asked a local retail grill store about what options are available. They indicated there is an adapter available on Amazon to refill these using a 20 lb. DOT cylinder. I did a search and, sure enough, there are a bunch of videos showing how to put the bottle in a freezer and refill them!

I do not believe this is a good idea. The Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies these 1 lb. bottles as DOT 39 cylinders. It states on the website to never refill them as they are not designed to withstand the stress of repeated refilling. You can find the information on the DOT website here.

And keep in mind that just because you see it done on the internet or someone states they have been doing it for years does not make it legal or safe!

What other option do you have?

The timing of this question is great as we donated our huge four-burner propane grill last year to the local little league and have been looking at a small tabletop or portable version. We decided on a Dyna-Glo portable grill [at Menards] that scissors down for storage and uses the DOT 39 cylinder. Doing some research, it looks like this will only run the grill for 2-3 hours, depending on how many burners we use and how hot. Most of the time this is fine. However, we might want to slow smoke our food at times and definitely don’t want to keep throwing the bottles away.

I have also recommended the catalytic heater models pictured earlier for supplemental heat when boondocking or dry camping. One of the DOT 39 cylinders would not last an evening.

My first thought was to purchase an adapter to connect a larger, refillable container such as the 20 lb. grill type or larger. We did this using an Extend A Stay adapter on the 2016 Thor Challenger and a Blackstone grill. The Extend A Stay was installed on the outgoing LP tank of the motor home with a quick connect hose adapter.

Notice the adapter is located before the LP regulator, so we had to confirm the Blackstone had it’s own regulator to make sure there was not a pressure issue.

According to the parts diagram in the Dyna-Glo owner’s manual, it also has an internal regulator. However, I was not able to get an answer from anyone at Dyna-Glo regarding the size of regulator and if it was acceptable for a 20 lb. cylinder or larger. If it is, I could just purchase a supply hose with an ACME connector for the 20 lb. cylinder and the 1”, #600 connector at the grill.

Introducing the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg

Until I can verify the regulator is safe, I will use this new product, the Mr. Heater Fuel Keg, that I bought along with the new grill. It has the 1 lb. cylinder with a vent at the neck and a fill tube that will connect to a larger refillable cylinder.

The fill tube and cylinder are sold separately and you can get the fill tube here.

You can get the Fuel Keg on Amazon here.

The initial cost is $30 for the fill tube and $18 for the cylinder. You can get the bundle on Amazon here.

Costs for LP cylinder options

The traditional 1 lb. “disposable” cylinders cost anywhere from $6-$10 each. A 20 lb. cylinder will cost about $20 to refill. That should give you approximately 18 refills since it has an OPD valve that only allows an 80% fill. This puts the cost of LP at just over $1 per fill. When you factor in the $50 cost of the Fuel Keg bundle, you have covered your cost in less than 10 refills and have not filled the landfill with the disposables.

If you don’t have a 20 lb. cylinder, you would have to factor that cost in, as well. But who doesn’t have one of those?

You might also enjoy this from Dave

One of my RV’s two-stage LP regulators hums. Is this a safety issue?

Dear Dave,
My propane’s 1st stage valve is humming. It’s a 7-lb. bottle, and the humming begins at 2 lbs. and continues to zero. The tank and 1st stage (hummer) is at the farthest distance (opposing side) from the other bottle and the main 2nd stage selector valve. Question: Why does humming occur at low quantity only, and only on the distant side? —Ron, 2021 Reflection 150 Series

Read Dave’s answer.

MORE FROM DAVE ON LP

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

Read more from Dave here.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

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Road vibrations damage RV interior. Watch for these things!

Lifestyles

RV Travel

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April 9, 2025

16

Road vibrations damage RV interior. Watch for these things!

By Gail Marsh
I thought I knew how to pack for RV travel days. I dutifully cushioned breakables inside our RV cabinets and bungee-corded opposing cupboard handles together to keep cupboards closed while in transit. Plus, I made sure there were no obstructions in the way of our RV slides as they retracted. The microwave turntable was safely wrapped in dish towels and placed inside a cabinet.

I did everything I knew to do. I thought I knew how to pack for RV travel days, but I quickly learned I needed to go beyond the basics of RV packing.

As you travel over rough roads, change traffic lanes, and turn sharp corners, everything inside your rig is rubbing, bouncing and bumping against something else. That’s why you need these beyond-the-basics tips of RV packing.

Shake and rub

As you secure items for travel days, be aware of items that may vibrate and rub against others to potentially cause damage. RV interiors are easily scarred. I learned this lesson when our rolled-up area rug slid against the wall. It rubbed against the interior wall for over a hundred miles. Needless to say, the continuous road vibration caused the rug to scar a spot on the wall. I should have secured the rug well away from the wall.

Another time, our cooler was positioned next to a kitchen cupboard. It rubbed the finish off a corner of the base cabinet. Now I make sure to place a rug over the cooler to protect nearby cupboards.

On our most recent trip, I failed to lower the toilet seat and it rubbed the finish right off the wallpapered wall. I won’t make that mistake again!

The constant road vibrations can cause damage to your belongings and/or RV. That’s why you need to think beyond the basics of RV packing.

Bounce and jump

It’s inevitable. At some point, as you travel, you’ll hit a pothole or drive over a bump and cause items inside your rig to bounce and jump. Look carefully before you begin your journey to make sure all items are secured. This means inside cabinets, too. Use caution when storing items inside your RV’s cabinets during transport. While it’s a convenient place to put items for a day of travel, that sink cabinet also houses important water lines and a drainpipe.

Friends were dismayed to discover that their small space heater (stored under their bathroom sink) bumped and jostled the RV’s sink pipes while en route to the campground. Somehow, the constant bumping damaged a pipe. (At least that’s what they surmised.) Instead of enjoying a day of swimming in the campground pool, they had to mop up a water mess inside their RV’s bathroom.

How about you?

Have you ever experienced damage caused on travel days? Can you add some additional tips beyond the basics of RV packing? Please share them in the comments below.

The benefits of shopping at RV consignment dealers

Video Editor

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April 9, 2025

9

The benefits of shopping at RV consignment dealers

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Ben and Charity, from Grateful Glamper, explore an RV buying option that has not gotten a lot of press: RV consignment dealers. The couple recently stumbled upon PPL Motor Homes, a consignment-only dealer with some serious perks.

Could this be the secret to snagging an RV at a better price?

Why consignment RV dealers offer a different approach to RV shopping

RV consignment is like a real estate transaction for RVs. Instead of a dealership owning the RVs on the lot, private owners list their RVs with the dealer, who then acts as a facilitator for the sale. In this case, PPL Motor Homes is the go-between. This means that potential buyers are actually dealing with a private owner, not a big corporation.

The best part? There’s often more room for negotiation when you’re dealing directly with an individual.

Benefits of buying consignment RVs

• Lower prices: Consignment RVs are often priced more competitively than those at traditional dealerships. Private owners may be more willing to negotiate to sell their RV.

• Wider selection: Consignment lots can offer a huge variety of RVs, from smaller Class B vans to large diesel pushers. The Grateful Glampers found everything from compact campers to luxurious coaches.

• Unique finds: You might discover rare models or unique layouts that you wouldn’t typically see at a regular dealership. Since individuals are selling their own RVs, it opens a wider landscape of choices.

• Less pressure: Many people find that consignment dealers offer a less-pressured environment. You can browse at your own pace without a salesperson breathing down your neck.

Way back in 2016, Ben and Charity used PPL’s website to research RVs when they first got into RVing. Since then, PPL has grown into the largest consignment dealer in the U.S., with locations across the country.

The Grateful Glampers were primarily interested in smaller Class B RVs and camper vans. They liked that PPL categorized their RVs, making it easy to find specific types. But, of course, they couldn’t resist taking a peek at some of the bigger rigs, too. Watch the video to see what they found.

Ben and Charity are big proponents of buying used. They believe it’s smarter to let someone else take the initial depreciation hit.

PPL provides handy info sheets with floor plans and basic information for each RV. This is especially helpful when trying to remember details later on.

One of the biggest benefits of browsing a consignment lot is the chance to see a variety of used RVs and get inspiration for personal preferences. Plus, at PPL, the representatives function more like real estate agents, allowing for price negotiation with the owner.

Next time you’re in the market for a rig, consider exploring the “underground RV market” and see what hidden gems you can uncover. Have you ever bought from an RV consignment dealer? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments below!

Frito-Lay recall elevated to most serious risk level

News

Russ and Tiña De Maris

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April 9, 2025

1

Frito-Lay recall elevated to most serious risk level

If you like to crunch Frito-Lay’s Tostitos Cantina-style corn chips, look out! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it has elevated a recall it issued last month for it due to an undeclared allergen. The Frito-Lay recall covers chips sold in 13 different states.

Frito-Lay recall: “Could cause serious adverse health consequences or death”

Manufacturer Frito-Lay initially issued the recall for 1,300 bags of its Tostitos Cantina-style corn chips on March 26. The FDA has now upgraded that recall to Class 1, meaning that it presents a serious health hazard that could “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The chips are being recalled because they might include nacho cheese tortilla chips and thus have an undeclared milk allergen. Because of this, anyone with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk runs the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the chips.

The product was sold in grocery and convenience stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The chips were sold as early as March 7.

The 13-ounce bags contain a UPC code of 2840052848 and have a freshness dating of May 20, 2025.

Do you have these in your pantry?

Anyone who has an allergy or sensitivity to milk should not consume the product but instead throw it away.

For more information, visit the Frito-Lay contact page here or call 800-352-4477 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday.

MORE RECENT NEWS

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Canadian RVers rethink U.S. travel plans

News

Gail Marsh

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April 9, 2025

85

Canadian RVers rethink U.S. travel plans

(Note: The following article focuses on Canadian RVing “snowbirds.” However, many U.S. citizens will also be interested because we’ve befriended our northern neighbors for many years as together we enjoy Florida’s wonderful winters.)

The allure of Florida’s sunny skies and warm winters has long drawn Canadians, especially snowbirds and RV enthusiasts, seeking an escape from harsh northern winters. However, a wave of uncertainty driven by escalating U.S.–Canada trade tensions and controversial policies has many Canadian property owners and RVers rethinking their plans to invest in or maintain winter homes in the Sunshine State.

U.S.–Canada relations

In recent months, tensions between the United States and Canada have intensified. U.S. tariff policies and rhetoric have disrupted our previously friendly, mutually beneficial relationship.

Canadian authorities and everyday citizens alike are reacting to a barrage of tariffs and regulatory changes that not only affect trade but also have personal and economic impacts on Canadians living or vacationing in the U.S. For example, many Canadian snowbirds are now listing their Florida properties and permanent RV sites for sale. They are also postponing next year’s travel plans amid fears of further policy shifts and economic fallout.

Rising costs and uncertainty

Florida has long been a top destination for Canadians seeking a warm winter retreat. However, the same factors that once made the state attractive—affordable real estate, favorable weather, and a welcoming culture—are now under pressure.

The imposition of tariffs and heightened regulatory scrutiny have led to increased operational costs. These include soaring homeowners’ association fees, increased campground rates, and higher insurance premiums.

Real estate agents in Florida are reporting an unprecedented surge in Canadian sellers, as property owners grow wary of long-term investments in an uncertain environment.

For RVers who often combine property ownership with seasonal travel, this shift presents a double-edged sword. On the one hand, many have enjoyed the mobility and freedom offered by RV living; on the other, the increased financial risks and potential complications from cross-border regulations now add an extra layer of stress to what was once a straightforward winter trip.

What this means for RVers

If you’re a Canadian RVer who has been considering investing in a Florida property or frequently spending winters RVing in the state, you might be facing tough decisions. Here are some key points to consider:

• Reassess long-term investments: With property values and ongoing costs in flux, it’s essential to evaluate whether maintaining a winter home or permanent RV site in Florida fits your long-term travel and financial plans. Many Canadian snowbirds are choosing to sell rather than risk further losses amid political and economic uncertainty.

• Travel flexibility: New immigration rules and potential tariffs can disrupt travel plans. Some Canadians have already canceled trips and switched to alternative destinations like Mexico or explored RV adventures closer to home.

• Stay informed: Keep a close eye on evolving trade policies and local market conditions. Reliable news outlets are closely tracking these developments, providing insights that can help you make informed decisions.

Practical tips for Canadian RVers

Navigating this uncertain landscape doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dream of a warm winter retreat. Consider these strategies to mitigate risks:

• Consult financial and real estate experts: Engage professionals with cross-border expertise. They can help you assess current market conditions, potential tax implications, and regulatory changes.

• Explore alternative arrangements: Instead of a full property investment, consider renting or using short-term arrangements. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the Florida lifestyle without the long-term financial commitment.

• Diversify your travel destinations: While Florida remains an attractive option, look into other warm-weather states or even domestic alternatives in Canada to avoid the worry and uncertainty.

• Monitor policy updates: Subscribe to trusted news sources and consider joining local RVer groups where members share firsthand updates about changes in travel regulations and real estate trends.

What will you do?

Whether you decide to hold on to your U.S. property or explore new horizons, taking proactive steps now can help ensure that your RVer lifestyle remains as free and fulfilling as ever.

We’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

MORE LIKE THIS:

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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Daily Tips Newsletter

Newsletter Editor

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April 9, 2025

7

Issue 2618

Today’s thought

“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” —Joseph Campbell

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day.

On this day in history: 1860 – On his phonautograph machine, Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville makes the oldest known recording of an audible human voice.

HARVEST HOSTS: Unlimited overnight RV stays at 9,466+ locations. Save 15%.

Tip of the day
7 tips for keeping a happy marriage while RVing

Imagine that you and your partner just got married. You dated for three years, got married, and have now decided to buy an RV and travel the country. Wonderful, right? Absolutely! Until you’re three months in and 300 square feet suddenly seems small… very small.

Do most marriages survive RV living? Well, it depends on the couple. But once couples learn how to maneuver around the small space, and the country, together, married RV life is a wonderful life! Here are seven things to do for a happy marriage in an RV.

Ask Dave
After a night of boondocking, why doesn’t truck recharge house battery?

Dear Dave,
After a night boondocking and furnace running, CPAP run by inverter, my truck will not bring batteries back up sufficiently. Do most motorhomes do a better job of this? —Wayne, 2009 Cedar Creek Read Dave’s answer.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Why you should upgrade your RV with the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Suspension System

Join Ashley in the RV shop as she highlights an essential upgrade for travel trailers and 5th wheels with standard suspension systems: the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Suspension System. If you’ve been relying on bungee cords to keep your RV steady, it’s time for a change!

Video of the day
Affordable RV organizing ideas from Daiso

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, our hostess Leanne, from Making My Abode on the Road, shares her favorite RV organizing ideas from Daiso. Click here to watch the video and read the article. (Don’t forget, I always write articles to go along with the videos, if you don’t like watching videos!)

DON’T GET STRANDED! Always carry one of these battery jump-start kits with you.

Featured article
Don’t use or don’t like your RV sofa? Get rid of it and do these things instead!

By Gail Marsh
In the past, I’ve been a bit hesitant to make major changes to our RV. Oh, I’ve read about folks who strip everything out and completely redo the interior to “make it their own.” While I love the idea of switching things up, the very idea scares me more than a little bit. My fear doesn’t stop me from observing others who take on a major RV renovation, so here are some ideas from RVers who decided to take out the RV sofa.

Reader poll
How often do you go out to dinner?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Cut down on meal prep time

By Bob (BoondockBob) Difley
Cook one-dish meals before your boondocking trips and freeze in heavy-duty, reclosable plastic bags. Preparing these meals in your campsite will cut down on meal preparation time, reduce pots and pans used, and shorten clean-up time. Reheat the meals in your oven, in a pot of boiling water (save the water to wash dishes), or in the microwave. You will also save water used for washing dishes, less water will go into your gray water tank, and you will have more time to go out and play instead of cook. You can find Bob Difley’s RVing e-books on Amazon Kindle.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: One of the best things about RVing is visiting the wacky tourist attractions along your paths. From the world’s largest frying pan, to muffler men, to giant dinosaur statues, you can find entertainment aplenty along our highways and byways. Back roads, not interstates, are best.