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Lawsuit accuses GEICO of unlawfully raising insurance rates

RV Travel
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Lawsuit accuses GEICO of unlawfully raising insurance rates

A proposed class action lawsuit accuses GEICO of failing to honor its accident forgiveness policy, which promises customers that their insurance premiums will not increase as a result of their first at-fault accident. GEICO advertises heavily to the RV market, so this news could affect many RVtravel.com readers.

The 14-page class action lawsuit alleges that instead of complying with its policy, GEICO unlawfully disguises premium increases for customers with accident forgiveness coverage as “surcharges” or other misleading terms following an insured’s first at-fault accident.

According to the suit, GEICO offers accident forgiveness coverage to customers who have been insured by the company for five years and have clean driving records. The benefit can also be purchased alongside auto insurance or when renewing a policy, the case says.

The lawsuit was filed by a Dallas resident who claims he and his wife were covered by GEICO auto insurance that included accident forgiveness. The plaintiff says he received a policy renewal letter from GEICO one month after his wife got into a minor fender bender accident for which she was at fault—the couple’s first at-fault crash, according to the complaint.

Per the filing, the policy renewal letter notified the plaintiff that his premium had risen from $1,392 to $2,663, an increase of 91.3 percent. After contacting GEICO for an explanation, the man was told that the company had not increased his premium but had “merely applied a surcharge,” the suit states.

The case alleges the insurer has engaged in an unlawful scheme “designed to ensure GEICO’s customers would still pay higher premiums due to first at-fault accidents” despite representing otherwise.

The lawsuit looks to represent any person or entity in Texas insured by GEICO with accident forgiveness whose premiums increased following the first at-fault accident caused by an eligible driver on the policy.

Learn more by reading the actual class action complaint.

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RV Daily Tips. Friday, March 14, 2025

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Friday, March 14, 2025

Issue 2600

Today’s thought

“There really is a kind of insane beauty around us all the time. It’s just a question of learning to slow down, take a deep breath and meet the moment.” —Graham Nash

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Potato Chip Day! It’s also National Pi Day. (Be sure to read Gail Marsh’s post on lots of great Pi Day deals.)

On this day in history: 1903 – Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (Florida), the first national wildlife refuge in the U.S., is established by President Theodore Roosevelt.

reflective window insulationTip of the day
Your RV’s R-value. Don’t believe it hook, line and sinker

By Andrew Herrick
The R-value of your RV is kind of a joke. Oh, I know that value sounds impressive. I know the 4-season “Arctic Package” is boasting sky-high numbers. But what you need to know about RV R-value is that it’s not measured. It’s not tested. There’s no certification standard. It’s a loosely calculated number based on inaccurate assumptions. It’s not an outright lie—just an incomplete truth. Here’s the rest of the story.

Ask Dave
There’s a water leak in my bedroom slide. The seals look good, so now what?

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave, 
On the bedroom slide I noticed dampness at the headboard on the floor, but I can’t see anywhere that there is a leak. I checked the seal on the outside trim and everything looks good. I removed the carpet due to mold. Any ideas? —Judy, 2021 Cedar Creek 371FL  Read Dave’s answer.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Sawdust and metal shavings in your RV can pose health risks

By Dustin Simpson
Join my techs and me in the video below as we discuss a recent inquiry from a man who found wood and metal shavings throughout his brand-new RV. Shavings in new RVs are inevitable when there is a lack of care or concern during the manufacturing process. Continue reading.

Video of the day
Prepping for boondocking: Get ready for two weeks off-grid

By Cheri Sicard
Here, we join Dustin and Leslie, aka The Wayward Waggs, as they are prepping for boondocking off-grid for two weeks in Florida. After moderating RV Travel’s Facebook groups, I know that prepping for boondocking is a hot topic and one that seems to especially confound RV newbies and even seasoned RVers who are only used to camping with hookups. This video and article can help.

Featured article
Every RVer should always keep this emergency item handy

By Gail Marsh
Would you drive your RV through flood waters? Or let your children swim as lightning strikes? Of course not! But that assumes you are alerted to flood conditions or the potential for lightning in your area. When storms threaten, it’s important for campers to know about them. Whether in a tent or inside an RV, being forewarned enables us to take precautions to stay safe. Read about this essential item for campers.

You may have missed this important story

Camping World paying millions of dollars to RVers who were victims of unlawful sales practices

We told you about this recently, but so much money is being handed out to RVers that we want to be sure that those eligible receive it… If you’ve purchased a new RV from Camping World since 2017, there could be a refund waiting for you. A big one! A recent court ruling in Oregon has uncovered unlawful practices, potentially putting thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars back in the pockets of RV owners. This development is a major win for consumers and could spark refunds nationwide. Are you eligible? Find out.

Reader poll
What’s the longest you’ve waited in line at a dump station?

Respond here.

You might enjoy this poll, too: Would you rather camp next door to barking dogs or noisy children?

Quick tip
Save money on your RV insurance

If your motorhome, tow vehicle or truck camper is stored on private property for long periods of time, you may be able to save money by canceling the liability, collision, medical and uninsured portions of the policy until you head back on the road (provided your insurance carrier allows this practice). But keep the comprehensive coverage active. If you allow this coverage to lapse and your rig is financed, your lending institution will likely send you a nasty note and then tack on its own expensive coverage to your monthly payment.

On this day last year…

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: If you are having a bad day at home and your RV is nearby, escape to it for awhile. Close the door and just sit quietly. The change of scenery plus the “good feeling” of the RV might improve your spirits.

Website of the day

Bureau of Land Management
Sure, we all know what the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does and we know we can camp on BLM land, but have you ever really explored the agency’s website? If you haven’t, check it out for tons of great information.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is a whole page, not just one product, but once you see it you’ll understand why we couldn’t pick just one! Scroll down.

Recipes of the day
Celebrate National Pi Day with these savory pie recipes

Don’t think we forgot about Pi Day! We could never forget about pie! Instead of focusing on traditional sweet pies here, today we’ve collected a few savory pie recipes for your weekend meals. Chicken pot pie, anyone? What about butternut squash pot pie? What about taco pie? Or tomato pie? Yep, all those recipes and more here.

Trivia

Since it’s National Potato Chip Day today, here’s a bit of trivia: The potato chip was invented by accident, but it was so well-loved that the famous chef opened his own restaurant where he served a basket of chips at each table. Here’s the full story.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Lily (Chocolate Lab) loves to RV! Ohhh the stories she could tell from the East Coast to West Coast and in between…” —Bonnie Quinlan

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

At a couple’s counseling session, the therapist told them that couples these days are so disconnected that 85 percent of all husbands don’t know what their wife’s favorite flower is. The husband turned to his wife and whispered, “It’s self-rising, isn’t it?”

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

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

BUMPER SNICKER OF THE DAY: Spotted on a Jeep Cherokee being towed: “I’m pushing this big motorhome.” Send your bumper snickers to editor@rvtravel.com

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.

There’s a water leak in my bedroom slide. The seals look good, so now what?

RV Travel
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There’s a water leak in my bedroom slide. The seals look good, so now what?

Dear Dave, 
On the bedroom slide I noticed dampness at the headboard on the floor, but I can’t see anywhere that there is a leak. I checked the seal on the outside trim and everything looks good. I removed the carpet due to mold. Any ideas? —Judy, 2021 Cedar Creek 371FL

Slide Room Leak

Dear Judy,
You definitely have a leak that needs to be addressed immediately. There are several seams and openings that could be allowing moisture in, and most of these are not at the immediate spot of the leak.

First, I would look at the trim piece that covers the sidewall to the floor all around the room at the floor. There should be a sealant like butyl tape and a non-leveling sealant at the two wall joints.

Bedroom Slide Room

Here is a slide that would be similar to yours and it has an “L”-shaped trim piece on the edges. You might need to remove the trim and reseal it. Make sure you check the underside as well, as water can run down the sidewall and literally creep underneath.

If you have inspected the bulb seal around the entire room and verified it is attached and not torn anywhere, then inspect the bulb seal at the top, as well.

Check the trim around the roof

Make sure you inspect the trim all around the roof, as water can penetrate in the top and run down the inside of the wall.

5th Wheel Slides

If you have a window in the slide room, check the butyl seal that should be between the window frame and the sidewall. You might need to remove and reseal it, or at least add some non-leveling sealant around the edges.

It could also be coming in through the actual roof of the rig and running down the slide room wall when it is retracted. Therefore, check the roof-to-sidewall joint and sealant carefully.

It might be necessary to take it to a dealer that has a Sealtech machine. That literally pressurizes the rig from the inside and then covers the rig with a soapy water to find the bubbles.

Sealtech
Sealtech

 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

Should I use a pressurized leak finder to find leak in RV’s sealed underbelly?

Dear Dave,
My 5th wheel is winterized. I used compressed air and blew out the water in the lines but I did not get the cover on for winter. I live in the Northwest, so rain and snow are a sure thing. I’ve found that my RV’s sealed underbelly is collecting a small amount of water. Is this a leak in the sealed underbelly? I turned to YouTube for ideas on how to look for leaks and found a video on how a dealership in PA places a positive 2-3 psi on the inside of the trailer then soaps the outside looking for leaks. Have you ever heard of such a process? Do you know if this is a good or bad idea? Your thoughts, please. Thank you. —Mary

Read Dave’s answer.

You should enjoy these questions Dave answered

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.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

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Prepping for boondocking: Get ready for two weeks off-grid

Video Editor
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Prepping for boondocking: Get ready for two weeks off-grid

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we join Dustin and Leslie, aka the Wayward Waggs, as they are prepping for boondocking off-grid for two weeks in Florida.

After moderating RV Travel’s Facebook groups, I know that prepping for boondocking is a hot topic and one that seems to especially confound RV newbies and even seasoned RVers who are only used to camping with hookups. The video below can help.

It all begins with a chore list in which you need to try to think of everything you might need while off-grid. Lists are good because there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of.

Prepping for boondocking steps

Below are the things the Waggs did to prepare for boondocking for two weeks. Every step may or may not apply to you, but it makes a good boondocking prep checklist.

• As weather in their Florida destinations covered a wide range of temperatures, the Waggs were going to have to carry along extra clothing and blankets. Pack according to where you are going, but these days uncommon weather fluctuations have become common.

• Meal planning is another important chore and it is best to do this before shopping so you will have everything you will need.

• Go shopping (the Waggs practically cleared out Walmart).

• Don’t forget to stock up on pet provisions, should you need them.

• Fill the propane tanks.

• Fill the freshwater tank.

• Start with empty gray and black water tanks.

• Make sure all batteries and devices are fully charged before leaving.

• Clean the solar panels to optimize their rooftop solar setup.

• Dustin changed the oil in their generator to ensure they would be able to seamlessly generate power while boondocking. In theory, they won’t need it, but you never know when a string of cloudy or rainy days will put a damper on solar charging capabilities.

• Since the Waggs planned to cook several frozen meals in their microwave while off-grid, they did a test before leaving to see just how much power they would need to cook two meals. This way they knew what to expect and how to better manage their electrical consumption when not plugged into shore power. Surprise: For their rig it only took 1% of power, even with other devices and appliances running, so this proved an efficient and convenient way for them to cook. Of course, your results may vary.

Useful items to have when boondocking

After they go shopping, the Waggs share some of the items they bought and why they consider them boondocking essentials:

• Buckets: The Waggs conserve water by keeping a bucket under faucets that collects water while they are waiting for it to get hot. You never want to waste water or gray tank space while boondocking. So, the collected water will be used to flush toilets or to rinse or wash things.

• Small loofah-type scrubbers: Well, they call these loofahs, but what they actually have are small plastic shower scrubbers. The Waggs like these because they are easy to rinse free of soap.

• When it comes to food they stocked the pantry with lots of canned goods, canned chili, ramen noodles, frozen foods, breakfast cereals, and other easy-to-make meals. (Personally, I say yuck to most of this. There are better, tastier, and healthier ways to eat while boondocking, but to each their own.)

• Hand sanitizer: Using hand sanitizer instead of washing hands with soap and water reduces water use and increases available gray water tank space.

• Paper plates and plastic utensils. I don’t personally do this and still successfully boondock for weeks at a time. But, again, to each their own.

RELATED

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Celebrate National Pi Day with these savory pie recipes

RV Travel
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Celebrate National Pi Day with these savory pie recipes

Deep Dish Taco Pie

by Heather McDaniel from Pensacola, FL

This deep dish taco pie is basically a large version of a handheld meat pie – and it’s fantastic. Using a premade pie crust makes this easy meal even easier to throw together. The tender and flaky crust holds in the flavorful taco meat. Black olives add a little sweetness and texture. A good amount of gooey cheese holds the meat together. We went with a Mexican blend, but cheddar jack would be delicious too. Serve a slice with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole with a little drizzle of taco sauce. Yum! Click here for the recipe.

Chili Cheese Shepherds Pie

by Cindy Sandberg from Carlisle, IN

This chili cheese shepherd’s pie is easy to prepare, yet fancy enough to serve company. It’s a tasty twist on the classic dish. The filling is a hearty chili and has the flavors you’d expect with pops of sweetness from corn. Cheesy mashed potatoes on top make this an easy weeknight meal your whole family will love. Here’s the recipe.

The Best Chicken Pot Pie Ever

by Martha Ray Deen from Charlotte, NC

On a cold night, there’s nothing better than a flaky chicken pot pie hot out of the oven. Pure comfort food. This one should be in your winter lineup. Best part is it is fairly easy to make… but no one needs to know that. Inside of the flaky crust, the filling is creamy and full of chunks of chicken and veggies. Make your favorite crust or pick up one at the supermarket. Get the recipe here.

Tomato Pie

by Cathie Valentine from Graniteville, SC

Tomato pie is a light and refreshing summertime meal. If you grew up in the South, every family has their take on this classic recipe and Cathie’s version is delicious. There’s a deep dish crust that leaves a lot of room for the juicy tomato slices. Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor that’s classic in summertime dishes. A mixture of mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese binds the savory pie together. This tomato pie will be a nice addition to brunch or a lighter dinner with a side salad. Here’s the recipe.

Butternut Squash Pot Pie

by Emily Glover from Lawrence, KS

On a cold day who doesn’t love a pot pie? This butternut squash pot pie is an absolutely comforting winter recipe. The roasted butternut squash has a mild and sweet flavor. it’s mixed with a medley of veggies and folded into a creamy herb sauce. When baked, the pot pie develops a rich herb flavor that pairs nicely with the flaky crust. This pot pie recipe is a fun way to serve butternut squash. No one will realize it’s a vegetarian dinner. Get the recipe here.

More articles you might really like

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National park visitors face reduced access and services across the country

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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National park visitors face reduced access and services across the country

Last year marked the biggest number of visitors by the National Park Service in history. People are coming to the nation’s parks in droves. But this year forebodes trouble: More and more national parks are announcing cuts in hours and service. The pattern is moving across the nation, and RVers who want to visit the parks will likely feel its effects. Here’s just a sample of national park cuts.

Wyoming sees national park cuts

In Wyoming, iconic Devils Tower rises above the landscape. A popular 24/7 destination no longer has that distinction. Earlier this week, the park chopped its operating hours to daylight only. Come before 7:00 a.m., you’ll wait. And be out of the gate by 5:00 p.m. “The park did not cite explanations behind the change,” says media outlet WyoFile.

The outlet also noted, “‘We apologize for any inconvenience,’ the park’s Facebook post said. Monument Superintendent Doug Crossen forwarded staff-cut-related questions from WyoFile to the National Park Service’s press team in Washington, D.C., which has been handling media inquiries since Trump took office. The office didn’t respond by publication time.

Ranger-led programs, visitor center hours chopped

National park cutsOut West, the news from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California indicates visitors are seeing fewer services. They have reduced Visitor Center hours, and canceled ranger-led programs that help visitors gain a better understanding and appreciation for these parks.

Visitor centers were open every day of the week at these parks. The new hours reflect cutbacks. The Foothills Visitor Center at Sequoia National Park is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park is open Friday through Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. As in the cutbacks at Devils Tower, no reason for the changes was given.

Visitors caught in the lurch and in potential danger

Is it a “make or break” issue? Reports media service SFGATE, four park rangers and seven other park employees have lost their jobs. The media outlet interviewed Krista Simonic, owner of Sequoia Guides. She told SFGATE that the visitor center cutbacks will affect the public. “‘A lot of people, they just come to the park, and they don’t know really what to do, so they come to the visitor center, and that’s where they get their information,’ Simonic said. ‘So without that information, I’ve seen just a lot of kind of visitor confusion, people just kind of wandering around, looking at maps and stuff, and being like, ‘Hey, where are the things that I want to see?’”

Others worry that staffing cutbacks could cause more serious outcomes for visitors who get hurt or lost in the park. Without supervision, some fear an increase in visitor misbehavior, which could lead to damage to the park’s flora and fauna.

Elsewhere in national parks in California, we’ve already reported that RVers and others have been impacted by a halt in campground reservations for some 577 campsites at Yosemite National Park. Entry time reservations, which many have observed have reduced crowding and enhanced the visitor experience, have also been chopped.

National park cuts affect more than just visitors

National park cuts
Business owners in Hot Springs, Arkansas, worry about impacts. NPS photo.

In the South, business owners have been upset to learn that the Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center has also chopped its operating hours. Previously open daily, the center will now lock its doors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Not only will the closure hit visitors, local merchants say the park is the basis of the local economy. Just how much impact the park had on the gateway community isn’t known. As we’ve reported, the National Park Service headquarters no longer allows local parks to report on the financial impact they have on local economies.

Impacts are felt elsewhere around the country

National park cuts
Say goodbye to Carlsbad Caverns tours. NPS photo.

Elsewhere around the country, other National Parks have already been hit by cutbacks in operating hours and services. Arizona’s Saguaro National Park is closing both of its visitor centers on Mondays. Out in Iowa, the national park site Effigy Mounds has shuttered its visitor center two days a week until summer. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park earlier canceled its guided tours. This month, it will end self-guided tours.

National park cuts, like paper cuts, are apt to hurt.

RELATED

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28 million Americans plan to RV this spring—Here’s where they’re going

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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28 million Americans plan to RV this spring—Here’s where they’re going

“Don’t you know what that is? It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” So wrote Mark Twain in Tom Sawyer, Detective. And it seems that there are plenty of folks “who’ve got it.” A survey by the RV Industry Association says 28 million RVers plan to hit the road this spring. Will you be sharing a crowded campsite? Here are the details on spring RV travel.

What destinations are in mind for spring RV travel?

spring RV travel
RV Industry Association

An estimated 14.7 million Americans plan to travel by RV specifically for spring break, with two-thirds of RV owners hitting the road or opting to rent an RV. Over the entire season, 28.2 million Americans intend to take an RV trip, signaling a strong start to the travel year.

RV travelers are setting their sights on destinations within a 7-to-15-hour drive from home. Beaches and coastal areas lead the list, with the Florida Keys ranking as a top pick. National parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone remain perennial favorites, followed closely by lakes, mountain retreats, and major cities like Las Vegas and Miami.

And it’s not just RVers who’ll be out there

spring RV travel
RV Industry Association

It’s not just RVers who plan on a spring outing. Some 59% of the U.S. population is planning a trip. Gen Z (71%) and RVers (72%) show the highest enthusiasm, with Millennials (65%) and Gen X (60%) close behind. Looking ahead, 72 million Americans plan to take an RV trip in the next 12 months, with Millennials (36%) and Gen Z (25%) leading the way. Additionally, over a quarter of all leisure travelers this year will consider renting or purchasing an RV.

Why spring RV travel?

spring RV travel
RV Industry Association

RVers and leisure travelers alike cite several key reasons for hitting the road this spring: better weather, less crowded destinations, the desire to escape the busyness of life, and the appeal of off-season travel savings. These factors are driving increased interest in RV travel, contributing to a steady rise in online research and trip planning.

If 72% of all RVers really do head out for a spring shakedown, let’s hope they spread their travels out over the season.

Do you have spring RV travel plans? We’d like to hear about them—leave a comment below.

More articles you might really like

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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #60

Cheri Sicard
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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #60

Greetings, fellow RVers! 

RVs are more than their interiors, so in this issue we are looking underneath the RV, with gear and gadgets for suspension, leveling, storage, and more. As usual, we have other great stuff we are liking to report on too. Read on!

Gear for UNDER your RV

Are Trailer SumoSprings worth it?

By Dustin Simpson
SumoSprings for trailers and fifth-wheel suspension products are designed to enhance load-carrying capacity, stabilize sway, and improve overall driver control and ride comfort. They are maintenance-free, do not leak air, and do not require air lines or compressors. So are these super-heavy-duty springs worth it? Dustin thinks so. Find out why here.

A tool for RV scissor jacks

Scissor jack tools make leveling easier

By Dustin Simpson
Adding attachments to your RV scissor jacks can make leveling and stabilizing your RV easier and more efficient. Check out the scissor jack tools here.

RV ramp levelers

RV ramp levelers: Anderson vs. Beech Lane

By Cheri Sicard
Joshua from RV Gear & Far put these two popular brands of wedge or ramp levelers to the test to discover which is best. Here’s what he found.

Add a MORryde sliding cargo tray to your RV’s basement storage

By Dustin Simpson
Are you looking to add an RV sliding cargo tray that makes storage access easy, even in hard-to-reach compartments of your RV? Dustin recommends MORryde trays, which come fully assembled with carpeting already installed. Learn more about this invaluable RV accessory.

Other stuff we’re liking

Slinky Stove

Check out the innovative Slinky Stove, a great grill for RVers

By Cheri Sicard
The Slinky Stove is a portable, collapsible fire pit and cooking stove. Its telescopic design stays intact whether collapsed for travel or fully extended for use. Discover how this unusual grill works.

Hershey RV show favorite accessoriesBest gear from the Hershey RV Show

By Cheri Sicard
The team from Our Next Adventure recently attended the massive Hershey RV Show. While there, they went shopping. In the video below, they share their five favorite new RV accessories, gear, and gadgets that they discovered at the huge RV show. Even better, these items are from small Mom and Pop companies. Check out their favorite gear from the show.

The book nook

travel games book

Travel Games: Puzzles, Trivia, Games, and More for Family Fun on the Go!

Includes more than 100 puzzles about travel and destinations, including crosswords, word searches, cryptograms, and more. Contains instructions for travel games the whole family will enjoy, including The Preacher’s Cat, I’m Going On a Picnic, and 20 Questions—perfect for road trips! Learn more or order from Amazon.

Gadget quick takes

Ototo pet hair remover

  • Scruffy pet hair remover by Ototo: Meet Scruffy, the ultimate pet hair remover. It’s reusable, dishwasher-safe, and abso-woof-ly versatile, Scruffy makes getting the fur out of furniture, car seats, carpets, blankets, bedsheets, curtains, rugs, sweaters, and clothes easy peasy!

collapsible food storage containers

  • Collapsible food storage containers: Safe and sturdy, these collapsible storage containers are made of food-grade silicone. Safe for temperatures from -4°F to 428°F (-20°C to 220°C). Microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
    Push hooks towel holders
  • Push Hooks towel holders: These towel holders are made of eco-friendly and non-toxic ABS material with a simple and elegant design. No tools are needed for installation! Just peel off the protective layer on the self-adhesive tape and press!

MAKE SURE YOU READ today’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter before leaving. Lots of good stuff inside for RVers! Click here to read.

Gadget giggles

coq au vin wine stopperCoq au Vin wine stopper

What’s up, chicken butt? Add an absurd little bird to your wine bottle and your dinner guests will surely have something to squawk about. It makes an entertaining addition to your bar cart. Order from Amazon.

READ MORE GADGET REVIEWS! Click here.
READ PAST ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER! Click here.

More articles you might like:

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 13, 2025

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 13, 2025

Issue 2599

Today’s thought

“My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather.” —Terri Guillemets

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Good Samaritan Day! Do something good for somebody today, please!

On this day in history: 1969 – Apollo 9 returns safely to Earth after testing the Lunar Module.

money and rvs - how to improve rv resale valueTip of the day
5 ways to improve RV resale value

By Cheri Sicard
One of our favorite YouTubers, Duane from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, is here with an important video for anyone who ever hopes to sell their RV. His five ways to improve the RV resale value of your rig can be an invaluable aid in getting the most you can when it comes time to sell. Don’t feel like watching the video? Keep reading. I’ll break it down for you.

Ask Dave
Squirrels are eating my RV! What can I do?

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave, 
My rig is outside all of the time. I have major problems with a gray squirrel. It has chewed 12v wires, and the worst was when it chewed the fuel line to the Onan generator. Do you have any ideas or know of a wrap product to protect them? —Donald, 2019 Winnebago Travato  Read Dave’s answer.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: In a first-come, first-served campground, at popular times of the year you will have a far better chance of finding an available campsite on late Sunday or early Monday than on Fridays. 

Video of the day
Free Nevada camping near Valley of Fire State Park

By Cheri Sicard
In this video, Lou and Melody, the team behind the Living Our Dream Now YouTube channel, lets us in on a secret to free Nevada camping with unlimited stays, and lots to do in the area. It has blazing-fast cellular connections and is big-rig friendly, too. Check this secret place out.

Featured article
How to choose the best campsite and things to consider when booking

By Chuck Woodbury
Here are some tips about choosing a campsite based on my many years of RVing. I urge you to add your own suggestions to this list after reading it. You can thank me for this advice next time we meet. Read Chuck’s tips here.

CAMPING WORLD OWES MONEY to many RVers for unlawful sales practices. Maybe you? Find out.

Reader poll
Do you swim in campground pools?

Respond here.

Quick tip

Avoid blowing your RV’s landing gear fuse

“I’ve learned four different ways to blow my fifth wheel landing gear’s protection fuse. Extend the legs too far. Retract the legs too far. Attempt to lift the truck with the landing gear. Extended and set up the rear stabilizer jacks before the front landing gear.” Thanks to loveyourrv.com.

On this day last year…

Website of the day

BBC Travel: Places that don’t belong
This section on the BBC Travel website is fun to explore. See places that just seem a little… well, oddly placed, around the world.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We think it’s VERY important that every single RVer who does this has one of these! In fact, it’s so important that everyone who does this, whether they’re an RVer or not, should have one! Trust us.

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:

• 47 percent of people say they enjoy hugging others
• 24 percent have ridden a bicycle within the last week
• 89 percent only speak one language (their native language)

Recent poll: Should e-bikes be allowed on traditional bike trails?

Trivia

Snail teeth, specifically the tiny teeth of the limpet, a type of marine snail, is the strongest biological substance found in nature. These small snails attach themselves to rocks and scrape nutrients and algae off with a tongue covered in teeth. To put it into perspective: If you scaled the teeth up to, say, the diameter of a strand of spaghetti, that piece of spaghetti would be capable of holding up a compact car like a Honda Civic without breaking. Wow!

Readers’ pet of the day

“Leia (Terrier mix) was a Hawaiian street dog until she was picked up by animal control and eventually flown to Washington state, where we adopted her. She works full-time as a camp host dog and misses her friends when our parks are empty.” —Carol Singletary

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

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

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

BUMPER SNICKER OF THE DAY: Spotted on the back of a motorhome: “Zero to 60 in five miles.” Send your bumper snickers to editor@rvtravel.com

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.

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RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

Free Nevada camping near Valley of Fire State Park

Video Editor
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Free Nevada camping near Valley of Fire State Park

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Lou and Melody, the team behind the Living Our Dream Now YouTube channel, lets us in on a secret to free Nevada camping with unlimited stays, and lots to do in the area. It has blazing-fast cellular connections and is big-rig friendly, too.

At the start of the video, Lou uses Google Maps, so you can see exactly where he is talking about.

What is this great boondocking spot? Snowbird Mesa, located about six miles outside of Overton, NV. It’s kind of between the tip of Lake Mead to the southeast and Valley of Fire State Park to the west, in the vicinity of Las Vegas. Lou says there are also some pretty spectacular vistas from Snowbird Mesa itself.

view from snowbird mesa - free nevada camping near Valley of Fire state park

Surprisingly, this is NOT BLM land, but rather Bureau of Reclamation land. Therefore, no stay limits are enforced here. Lou says some snowbirds spend the entire winter at the aptly named Snowbird Mesa. He said they were nice folks and that he and Melody had no bad experiences here.

After the introduction, it’s time to take a look at what’s in store at this unique, free Nevada camping spot.

As this is the next mesa over from Valley of Fire State Park, a reason a lot of folks visit this area, this camping location allows you to visit Valley of Fire while avoiding campground fees. Ditto the nearby Lake Mead recreation area. Both of these popular attractions are visible from the campsite’s vistas.

There are three fingers or sections to the camping area, so there is plenty of room for privacy. All offer spectacular views.

Happy camping!

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New Canadian tariffs slapped on U.S. in retaliation for American actions

RV Travel
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New Canadian tariffs slapped on U.S. in retaliation for American actions

(WEDNESDAY, March 12, 2025): The Canadian government announced a plan today to slap tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of American goods to strike back against U.S. President Donald Trump after he imposed punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum early this morning.

The tariffs apply to goods originating from the U.S., which shall be considered as those goods eligible to be marked as a good of the United States. Many of the goods involved are used in the manufacture of RVs and their components.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the government’s point person on Canada–U.S. relations, said Trump’s attack on Canadian industry is “unjustified and unjustifiable” and the government must retaliate as the U.S. inserts “disruption and disorder” into what was once one of the most successful trading relationships in the world. “We will not stand idly by while our iconic steel and aluminum industries are being unfairly targeted,” he said.

These countermeasures are effective as of 12:01 a.m., March 13, 2025, and will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum products. Canada’s countermeasures do not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which they come into force.

For a list of all the items applicable to the new tariffs visit here.

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RV hungry? Are you hungry? Order ahead at Love’s and get a free sandwich

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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RV hungry? Are you hungry? Order ahead at Love’s and get a free sandwich

If your mouth waters when thinking of a roast beef sandwich from Arby’s, then Love’s has a deal for you. Love’s is beefing up its mission to get customers back on the road quickly by launching its innovative order ahead service powered by Bite at more than 100 Love’s Travel Stops Arby’s locations across the country. Love’s and Arby’s: Fuel your RV, fuel your stomach.

Love’s and Arby’s—No waiting in line

Customers craving their favorite meal can order ahead from a mobile device using the Love’s Connect App. Instead of waiting in line, customers can explore the menu and specify their preferred pick-up time (up to one hour ahead), pay online. When their order is ready, customers can collect their order from a restaurant team member.

“Love’s new order ahead option enhances the overall dining experience by ensuring customers get their orders quickly and accurately,” said Joe Cotton, vice president of food service for Love’s. “We’re committed to continually investing in our customers’ experience, and order ahead is a big step in that direction.”

And a free sandwich—With a $10 catch

A news release proclaims: To celebrate the launch, Love’s is offering customers a special promotion to try order ahead for the first time. From March 10 through April 4, customers can use the Love’s Connect App to order ahead and get a free Classic Roast Beef sandwich with a $10 minimum purchase.

If the 100 Love’s/Arby’s locations aren’t enough, hold on. In addition to Arby’s, Love’s is proactively working to add order ahead options to additional restaurant concepts including more than 130 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Love’s and Arby’s. How about Love’s and Hardee’s? Or Love’s and Carl’s Jr.? They could all be on your menu soon.

For more information about order ahead service and to find a participating location:

  • Open the Love’s Connect App.
  • Select the “Stores” icon.
  • Type in the city’s name and look for participating restaurants that say “Order Ahead” under the “Restaurants” section.

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