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National parks new $1 limit on employee credit card use is laughable

There are just some things we take for granted. Pop into a bathroom at a national park, surely you’ll find toilet paper in the stall. Right? Don’t bet on it. A new directive from the federal government says Park Service employees with government credit cards can now only charge up to $1, which seems laughable. And sometimes that toilet paper gets purchased with a Park Service credit card. Look out, there’s more involved than just TP.

Interior Department whacks Park Service credit card limits, other agencies, too

In an abrupt and surprise move, the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service as well as several other public lands agencies, has suspended normal spending authority and travel approvals. The news comes from documents posted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The new edicts prevent most government purchase cards from being used for expenses more than one dollar, effectively rendering them useless.

Under the new limits, which took effect last week on February 25, for all Interior units:

  • The new spending threshold limits all purchases to $1.
  • The National Park Service has confined future purchase authority to one person per region, each of which includes large administrative units that often span an entire state or multiple states.
  • The Bureau of Land Management has designated only two purchasers at headquarters as the “primary purchasers” for the entire agency.

“National security, public safety” exempt—but not maintenance and repair

The new restrictions make exceptions for expenditures that “support national security, public safety, and immigration enforcement.” However, these exceptions do not appear to cover purchases for maintenance and repair, for example, unless they are imminently life-threatening. Here’s a scenario: Plumbing leak develop? Can’t fix it without the parts, so just turn off the water and lock the door.

Moreover, the decision-making authority about even the most minor purchases has been removed from individual parks, refuges, and field offices and elevated to offices hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of miles away. In the interim, the only certainty appears to be uncertainty, as managers scramble for clarification as to how to apply these new rules on a day-to-day basis.

Need parts? Ask for permission from the guy several states away

According to a story carried by SFGATE, park service workers with government credit cards can purchase supplies for projects ranging from $2 to $10,000. But is there a danger in all of this? Employees using cards have always had to follow rules when using Uncle Sam’s plastic. They needed prior approval for expenses and had to file detailed receipts for them.

Now purchasing approval will have to come from remote offices. In the National Park Service Pacific West Region, only two people will have authority to allow purchases. This region oversees 65 national parks, monuments, and historic sites across eight states and three U.S. territories. It has a workforce of more than 5,000 employees.

Park Service credit card limits? One Park Service worker summed it up in comments to SFGATE: “We order all of our parts and supplies with credit cards,” said a Park Service maintenance worker, who was also granted anonymity to protect their employment. “I think the public needs to know that if they are going to visit a national park that they should bring their own toilet paper.”

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How new tariffs will impact the RV industry

7

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles discusses how tariffs are likely to impact the RV industry.

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) recently released its January survey of manufacturers, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Total RV shipments reached 27,629 units. What’s driving this? It seems like more affordable, towable RVs are leading the charge.

Looking ahead, the RVIA’s spring forecast projects modest growth for 2025. They anticipate wholesale shipments ranging from 333,000 to 366,000 units, with a median of 350,000. That’s a positive bump from previous expectations.

According to RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby, there’s “cautious optimism” thanks to continued consumer interest in RVing. Reaching that 350,000 mark would mean a 5% increase over 2024. Towable RVs are expected to total 313,000, while motorhomes should gain 5.5% to 36,800 units.

Federal tariffs: A potential roadblock?

Here’s where things get tricky. Federal tariffs are expected to kick in, potentially impacting the RV industry. These tariffs include a 25% tariff on imported products from Mexico and Canada, plus a 10% tariff on products from China.

Think about it: A lot of RV components come from these countries. Plus, Canada is the largest international buyer of U.S.-made RVs. In 2024, the U.S. RV industry shipped 29,489 units to Canada, with an estimated wholesale value of $1.38 billion.

The Trump Administration hopes these tariffs will bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and serve as a negotiating tool. The RVIA supports protecting American workers but worries about retaliatory tariffs.

We hope that the Trump Administration and our international trading partners can quickly work together to find a solution that will benefit American Industries and workers while ensuring the safety of American citizens,” the RVIA said in a statement.

Canada’s CTV reported that some Canadian dealers are already canceling American-made orders because of these tariffs.

Where all this will lead is yet to be determined.

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New study reveals surprising changes in today’s RVers

In the video below, Jason Epperson breaks down some fascinating data from a new RV Industry Association (RVIA) study.

According to the study, RV owners are using their rigs way more than they used to. But here’s the kicker: There are actually fewer RV owners than we thought. And the number of full-time RVers? It’s gone through the roof!

Who owns RVs in 2025? The surprising truth!

Unlike some surveys that only talk to a small group of people, this one surveyed 3,000 RV-owning households, with each interview lasting about 20 minutes. That’s a pretty solid sample size, giving us a clearer picture of the RV world. This study helps the RV industry make informed decisions about the types of RVs to build and how to market them.

However, it’s important to remember that the RVIA is an industry association. They decide what information gets released to the public. So, while this data is valuable, it’s always wise to take it with a grain of salt. Numbers can be presented in different ways to highlight certain points.

Here are some of the big takeaways from the study (watch the video below for more details):

  • Here’s the first big surprise: According to the study, there are 8.1 million RV-owning households in the U.S. That’s about 6.7% of all vehicle-owning households. Sounds like a lot, right? But here’s where it gets interesting. In 2021, a similar survey estimated 11.2 million RV-owning households, or 10% of vehicle-owning households. So what gives?
  • 4 million households are former RV owners.
  • 9 million households say they intend to buy an RV at some point.
  • A whopping 88.2 million households have zero interest in RVing.
  • RVers are using their rigs more than ever. In 2021, the median household used their RV for 20 days a year. Fast forward to 2025, and that number jumps to 30 days a year. That’s a 50% increase! This explains why it’s often so hard to book a campsite and why RV service centers are swamped.
  • How often and how far are RVers traveling? The median is nine trips per year, with each trip covering about 250 miles. This suggests that many RVers aren’t embarking on cross-country adventures, but rather taking shorter trips closer to home.

Meet the RVers

  • Casual camper: Casual campers make up 31% of RV owners. They use their RV for about 20 days a year, representing 50% of their vacation time. Most (70%) own a conventional travel trailer.
  • Family campers: Family campers account for another 30% of RV owners. Like casual campers, they use their RV for around 20 days a year, dedicating 50% of their vacation time to RVing.
  • Escapists: Escapists represent 20% of RV owners. They’re on the road for two months (50 days) or more each year, with 64% of their vacation time spent in their RV.
  • Avid RVers: Avid RVers are a smaller group, making up 8% of RV owners. These folks use their RV for three months (94 days) or more each year.
  • Snowbirds: Snowbirds make up 4% of RV owners.
  • Adventure seekers: Adventure seekers account for just 1% of the RV population.

Spotlight on long haulers: The rise of full-time RVing

Why the name change from full-timers to long haulers? The RV industry has a somewhat complicated relationship with full-time RVing. They don’t necessarily want the government to view RVs as housing, which could lead to increased regulations and code requirements.

Long haulers use their RV 365 days a year. While most are full-timers, some use their RV as a home office or as an accessible vehicle. However, 75% of long haulers bought their RV with the intention of full-timing.

Here’s the big news: Long haulers now make up 6% of RV owners, compared to just 1.5% in 2021. That’s a fourfold increase! This means there are approximately 486,000 long-hauler households (which can include spouses and children) on the road. With at least 75% of those being full-timers, that puts the number of full-time RVers somewhere between 750,000 and 1 million people (including everyone in the household)!

Interestingly, only 66% of long haulers travel with a spouse, which is lower than other RVing categories. Also, 61% of long haulers travel to different locations, while 39% stay put in one campground.

More 2025 RV demographic takeaways:

  • Forget the image of RVing as solely a retirement activity. The reality is that 61% of RVers are between 18 and 54 years old. Only 39% are 55 or older.
  • More than half (53%) of RVers have an average annual income over $75,000. A significant portion (50%) are employed full-time, while 24% are retired and 26% are employed part-time.
  • Family life is alive and well in the RV community, with 43% of RVers having children in the house.
  • Almost half (45%) of RVers pay cash for their rigs, while the rest opt for financing.
  • A whopping 83% of RVers are likely to purchase the same brand for their next RV. Why? The top reasons include a good experience with the brand (38%), strong quality (32%), and desired features (24%). Only 17% are unlikely to stick with the same brand.
  • Despite the common belief that most RVers travel with pets, the data suggests otherwise. Around 40% of RVers travel with pets, and those pets are mostly dogs.

Popular RVing Hobbies

What do RVers do in their free time? Here are some popular hobbies:

  • Fishing (47%)
  • Hiking (44%)
  • Visiting local attractions (37%)
  • Bicycling (33%)
  • Kayaking (16%)
  • ATV/four-wheeling (15%)

So, what’s the main takeaway from all of this data? The majority of RVers aren’t full-time travelers embarking on epic journeys. Instead, they’re weekend warriors who enjoy camping close to home. Understanding these trends is crucial for both the RV industry and consumers.

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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 6, 2025

Issue 2594


Today’s thought

“Your past experiences will flavour your future ones, that is human nature.” ―Deborah Cater


Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Oreo Day!

On this day in history: 1899 – Bayer registers “Aspirin” as a trademark.


Tip of the day
Self-stick hat hooks keep kitchenware in place—brilliant!

We received this email and these photos from reader Kevin S. He wrote, “I was looking for an alternative to the expensive, heavy and space-consuming Rev-A-Shelf drawer peg system for stopping dishes from sliding around while underway.

“I found these self-stick hat hooks on Amazon. They work fantastically and cost a fraction of the Rev-A-Shelf product. Using these you also don’t lose any drawer depth because of a 3/4” plywood base.” Continue reading and see what Kevin did.


Ask Dave
Why do new RV batteries show only 3 of 4 lights green on monitor? Plus update

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
After replacing the two lead acid batteries with deep cycle lead acid, my battery meter only shows three out of four lights green. It was charging at 13.6 when I installed them. Even after a couple days it still shows three out of four lights coming on, indicating it’s three-quarters charged. —Phil, 2018 Heartland Cyclone 4151  Read Dave’s answer plus an update from Phil.


Video of the day
Avoiding the dreaded RV poop pyramid

By Cheri Sicard
It finally happened to the Two Traveling Teachers. I am talking about the dreaded RV poop pyramid. Have you ever experienced this RV black tank problem? If you have, you know. If you haven’t, then you want to avoid it. A poop pyramid happens when solids build up in your RV’s black tank, essentially creating a pyramid of waste. Here’s how to avoid this unpleasant condition.


Featured article
How to determine if oncoming traffic has an advanced green light

By Gail Marsh
RVers are, in general, very careful drivers. We make allowances for our large rigs when braking, changing lanes, and so much more. However, there is one traffic situation that can be difficult to “read.” It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re safe in making a right turn on red because you can’t always tell if the traffic facing you has an advanced green light. I recently discovered the helpful video below. Read more and watch the 3-minute video.


Reader poll
How much water do you drink in one day?

Respond here.


Quick tip
Lean your ladder without damaging your RV

Need to lean your ladder up against your RV siding but afraid of scratching or marring the finish? If you’re working with a ladder that has open rails at the top (like an extension ladder) then grab a pair of work gloves and put them over the top of each rail—make the ladder “wear” them. Still stands secure, but won’t scratch!


On this day last year…


Website of the day

Drive Weather App
From reader Jim J.: “Drive Weather is my new cross-country pal. Put in start location, end location and dial-in start time. A route will be shown (so far, close to my intended route) with temp, wind and precipitation forecast along the route for the time you are likely to reach that point. You can do the same thing with many weather apps’ daily/hourly settings and picking multiple cities along your route, but this is MUCH faster.” Thanks, Jim!


? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?

Does your partner have a hard time hearing when you ask them to complete a chore? Do you know someone who has “selective hearing”? Do your grandkids sometimes not listen to your rules? Well, this will solve all those problems! And you’ll laugh like heck about it!


And the survey says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• Out of a list of options, the highest number of voters, 34 percent, said they’d choose to go to a concert or live music event over other live events (like sporting events, a lecture, class, or author reading).
• 51 percent say that when someone asks for their name they feel the need to spell it out for them.
• 72 percent of people say if they could go back in time to the day they bought their RV they’d keep the one they bought and have now. 24 percent said they would’ve bought another RV, and 4 percent said they wouldn’t have bought one at all.

Recent poll: When staying in a luxury RV in a full hookup RV resort, are you camping?


Trivia

Bald eagles have approximately 7,000 waterproof feathers which “zip” together to keep them warm and dry in cold, wet weather.


Readers’ pet of the day

“Molly (Shih-Tzu) was happiest when on someone’s lap, but was a great hunter as well, scaring the squirrel population wherever we traveled. Perfect little dog, left us too soon from cancer.” —Jim Schrankel

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

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.

Why do new RV batteries show only 3 of 4 lights green on monitor? Plus update

Dear Dave,
After replacing the two lead acid batteries with deep cycle lead acid, my battery meter only shows three out of four lights green. It was charging at 13.6 when I installed them. Even after a couple days it still shows three out of four lights coming on, indicating it’s three-quarters charged. —Phil, 2018 Heartland Cyclone 4151

Dear Phil,
There are several variables that can cause the monitor panel to only show three out of four lights. First, I am not a fan of the basic four lights showing the State Of Charge (SOC) of a deep cycle battery. Since there are so many charge profiles of flooded lead acid (FLA), absorbed glass mat (AGM), and lithium, it would be difficult to accurately show the SOC, in my opinion.

Monitor Panel
Monitor panel

Battery monitor panel

This is a typical monitor panel shown in a Heartland owner’s manual. It has technical readings of Low, Fair, Good, and Charged. Since you indicated the converter is charging at 13.6 volts, you must be using a multimeter to measure it more accurately. I would suggest plugging the unit in to a 30-amp outlet for 24 hours. The 13.6-volt charge is an indication the batteries are low and the converter is providing a full initial charge.

When the batteries reach 12.6 volt, they are fully charged and the converter should drop to a maintenance charge of 13.2 volts. If your voltage does not drop to the maintenance charge level after 24 hours, you might have a bad cell or defective battery.

Make sure you check the fluid level, as low fluid below the plates would keep it from becoming fully charged.

Recommend using multimeter

I would also recommend unplugging the unit and letting it sit for a few hours to let the “surface charge” wear off, then check it with a multimeter. 12.6 volts is a fully charged FLA battery. Anything less means a low SOC, and most likely a defective battery. Even the cheapest multimeter is better than the LFGC lights.

Multimeter
Multimeter

This meter is reading a battery connected to a Progressive Dynamics converter that is programmed for 13.8 volts for 8 hours.

Update

I sent Phil the rough draft of the above post and got this back from him right away:

Thank you for your insight. The battery issue was rather simple. I had forgotten to turn the master disconnect switch back on after battery installation. When I did, all four lights came on. Before I did that, however, I did disconnect the batteries from one another and do a load test on them. They are both good, as expected, as I just purchased them.


 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

Is there an RV battery monitor that works?

Dear Dave,
I recently put my rig in storage and within two weeks, the house batteries went dead and the disconnect switch was OFF. Prior to storage, I was plugged into shore power at a park where my battery charge lights showed full charge. Apparently, they must show full charged when plugged into shore power. Is there a “meter” that I can connect to the batteries which would show their actual charge? Something that I could mount in the rig to check the charge. Thanks. —Michael, 2017 Forest River Georgetown

Read Dave’s answer.


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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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##RVDT2594

Beware of low-cost but dangerous knock-off RV parts

With the high cost of both RV parts and labor, plenty of RVers are looking to do a lot of work themselves. That makes the labor cheap, but how about the parts? There are plenty of lower-cost parts to be found on places like Amazon and, in many cases, those RV knock-off parts are fine. But not everything that glitters with a lower price tag is gold. So says Intellitec Products. And our own research backs up their claim.

When it comes to RV knock-off parts, be cautious

Intellitec Products warns RVers of inferior and dangerous knock-off 100-amp battery disconnects being sold online. These disconnects look very similar to the Intellitec design. They reference Intellitec’s trademarked name, and they claim to be “compatible with,” an “upgrade to” or a “replacement for” part number 01-00055-000.

“Intellitec has purchased and tested samples of this product. We found units that did not latch closed and had high-resistance contacts, presenting a serious risk of overheating and fire,” stated Ned Schiff, president of Intellitec Products. He added, “We have sold over two million disconnects over the past 40 years, so it is not a shock that someone would knock them off. We are putting the overseas manufacturers and their resellers on notice about the risks associated with their copies as well as making our OEM customers aware of this activity – because when a fire occurs, everyone gets blamed.”

The “counterfeit” products are easily identifiable as they don’t show the Intellitec name and logo on the cap. They often have shorter power posts than the genuine product, and are not labeled with USA as the country of origin. Every genuine Intellitec battery disconnect is manufactured in the USA.

More than a dozen Amazon offerings

We wondered if perhaps Intellitec might have pushed out the news in a self-serving manner. Could the lower-cost knock-offs actually be a “danger”? We shopped Amazon looking for a replacement for an Intellitec 01-00055-000. We were deluged with 14 products when doing that search. One of the listings was for a genuine Intellitec product, for $59.99. You could even click on a coupon and get an additional 5% off. But here’s a sampling of how others were advertised:

  • “Upgrade 0100055000 Battery Disconnect Relay Compatible with intellitec 01-00055-000 RV Automobile Battery Disconnect Relay Switch.” $45.99
  • “Fit for Intellitec Battery Disconnect Relay, for Intellitec RV Automobile Battery Disconnect Relay Solenoid #Replace 0100055000 01-00055-000.” $29.99
  • “Upgrade Battery Disconnect Relay 0100055000 01-00055-000,for intellitec RV Automobile Battery Disconnect Relay Switch.” $47.86
  • “DVPARTS Battery Disconnect Relay Compatible with Intellitec 01-00055-000 RV Motorhome Battery Disconnect Relay Solenoid.” $29.50

In many cases, the sticker on the “knock-off” product looked nearly identical to the genuine Intellitec. Some of the knock-offs, if you did some digging, identified their country of origin as China. At least one did not. When we asked “Rufus” (Amazon’s artificial intelligence helper) about where it was manufactured, it just couldn’t tell us.

What about safety?

Amazon customer finds his started to melt.

And customer reviews? Here’s one for the “Upgrade battery disconnect”: “This thing is yet another perfect example of more cheaply made and substandard crap from China. It conducted power even when the solenoid wasn’t energized and I had to take it apart and modify it so that it would actually open the contacts and cut the power when de-energized, and all they had to do was install an extra spacer on the internal plunger that moves up and down to open and close the contacts. And I don’t know if the one I ordered was defective or if it wasn’t intended for sustained energization because it lasted two days before the plastic housing that encases the solenoid got so hot that it started to melt and burn. It probably would have caught on fire if it wasn’t for the burning smell that got my attention.”

That seemed to line up with the news item from Intellitec: “There are online reviews of these knock-offs, from buyers experiencing overheating and melting of the enclosures.”

Interestingly, while several of these RV knock-off parts come at various price points, many share similar pictures and wording in their advertisements. Makes you wonder if it’s the same manufacturing firm pushing the products, or if the sellers are just good at stealing from one another.

In any event, when it comes to RV knock-off parts, Caveat Emptor! Let the buyer beware.

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RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Issue 2593


Today’s thought

“Do you think that I count the days? There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.” ―Jean-Paul Sartre


Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cheese Doodle Day! (Emily says these are the best cheese doodles in the world, by the way.)

On this day in history: 1872 – George Westinghouse patents the air brake.


a dog playing with a sprinkler hoseTip of the day
Unusual ways RVers can use old water hoses

By Gail Marsh
I think almost every RVer has them—old water hoses, that is. When we purchased our first (and only) new RV it came with a bucket of free goodies. While several items in the bucket were worthwhile, the water hose was not good. From day one it kinked, leaked, tangled, and frustrated us every time we RVed. It didn’t take long for us to replace that cheap one, but we were left with a problem: what to do with it. That’s when we came up with unusual ways for RVers to use old water hoses. I think you’ll like these ideas.


Ask Dave
How to hook up a portable satellite feed in RV

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
We have two Winegard satellite dishes on the roof, one for each TV so we can operate them independently. Sometimes when we park under trees we want to be able to plug a third dish into the rear satellite connection located in the compartment where the main power cord is located. We get nothing when connected there. … Read the rest of Will’s question and Dave’s answer.


In the RV shop with Dustin
Repairing a frame flex issue uncovered after RV dropped off for other service

By Dustin Simpson
In the world of RVs, unforeseen challenges can emerge. My team at California RV Specialists encountered a concerning issue while maneuvering a Forest River Wildcat around our service yard. The owner of the unit had been unaware of the potential danger lurking beneath the surface—pin box frame flex. Here’s what happened.


Video of the day
Amazing U-Haul RV conversion for under $800

By Cheri Sicard
Reuse advocate Alex Eaves and tiny house expert Derek “Deek” Diedrickson built an amazing U-Haul RV conversion for less than $800 (excluding the truck). This creative reuse project turns “garbage” into something special while minimizing waste and inspiring others to do the same. Check it out in the video.


Featured article
Is the RV industry’s new tactic to “Grind RVers down and wear them out”?

By Ron Burdge, RV Lemon Law Attorney
Most new RV owners complain to their dealer about their RV’s defects. When they have had enough, they complain to the factory too. And all the while the time limit clock for the owner to actually file a formal claim in court is ticking away. … So if a manufacturer wants RV owners to either run out of time or get desperate for a solution, what can they do? Why, just provide one more waste-of-time step to go through! Read this eye-opening explanation of the RVIA’s RV Dispute Resolution Program.


Reader poll
Do you bring a musical instrument with you on your RV trips?

Respond here.


Helpful resources

NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
LATEST RV RECALLS
DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
CURRENT SMOKE REPORT

Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.


Quick tip
TV hanger for flat screen needs no studs

TV hanger
TV hanger

Mounting a flat screen TV in an RV can sometimes raise issues. A lot of mounts require they be screwed firmly into studs – and you can be hard-pressed to find them in some areas of your rig. Here’s the Hangman No Stud TV Hanger that claims it will hang any LED thin screen TV in less time than it takes to unpack it. It’s two interlocking aircraft-grade aluminum brackets: one attaches to the back of the TV, the other on the wall. Tiny picture hanging nails hold the wall bracket in place. Once installed, a 1-inch clearance from the wall provides easy access and space for cords and cables.

The wall track has a foam backing to minimize wall damage. Once removed, all that is left behind are tiny pinholes that can be easily covered up. Users report it lives up to its claims. We would STRONGLY advise you take your TV down before travel, however! You can find it on Amazon; prices vary depending on the size. (If that model is out of stock, here are more to choose from.)


On this day last year…


Website of the day

RV Service Reviews
When you break down in your RV, we’d hate to see you go to a bad service shop. This website shows you reviews of good service centers near you.


? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
What if we told you that you’d want to drink out of this toilet bowl? Would you believe us? Heck, we’d drink out of this toilet bowl! See for yourself and you won’t think we’re so crazy!


Recipes of the day
Bold and zesty Buffalo chicken recipes you will love

We can’t even say the words Buffalo chicken without getting excited. And these aren’t your regular Buffalo chicken recipes either. Think: Buffalo chicken meatballs, casserole, loaded baked potato salad, toasted subs, and even Buffalo chicken eggrolls! Check these out.


Trivia

The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield. She owned the Toll House Inn, in Whitman, Massachusetts, a very popular restaurant that featured home cooking in the 1930s. Her cookbook, Toll House Tried and True Recipes, was first published in 1936 by M. Barrows & Company, New York.


Readers’ pet of the day

“Jazzy (Pomeranian mix) was our companion in our first two years of full-timing. Sadly, she developed Cushing’s disease and had to leave us too soon. She was a star wherever we traveled. Some thought she was a stuffed animal!” —Jim Schrankel

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!


Leave here with a laugh


Today’s weather forecast across the nation

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.

How to hook up a portable satellite feed in RV

Dear Dave,
We have two Winegard satellite dishes on the roof, one for each TV so we can operate them independently. Sometimes when we park under trees we want to be able to plug a third dish into the rear satellite connection located in the compartment where the main power cord is located. We get nothing when connected there.

I’ve had an RV comm specialist look at it and he says that the connection in the back is not connected to the dish receivers. He said that if we want to hook up a remote satellite dish, we have to run the coax through a window and hook it directly to a receiver. If so, why did Winnebago provide a rear satellite connection? —Will, 2017 Winnebago Sightseer 33C

Dear Will,
I always love a Winnebago question as I can go to their website and get 3D drawings, wiring diagrams, and find just about anything. But first, I would suggest finding a qualified RV communication specialist.

For years, Winnebago has installed a coaxial (coax) connection either in the service center or other outside compartment with a coax cable prewired to an interior location. When the older models had the “tube”-type televisions that were mounted above the driver and passenger seats, the coax went to a switcher in the overhead compartment.

According to the website, you have a coax faceplate located in the service compartment that looks like this:

Coax Plate

Inside the rig, you have another coax faceplate located in the front overhead cabinet that looks like this:

Satellite feed

With this, you can connect a portable satellite dish to the service center coax plate or cable from the campground. Inside the cabinet you also have a Video Section System that allows you to attach a satellite receiver such as the Dish Wally. Then you can select a variety of feeds such as over the air antenna, cable, and auxiliary (aux) to the TV in the bedroom and front.

Video Selection System

In your owner’s manual on page 8-1 it has the instructions for the Video Selection System.

Basic Operation

• Determine which TV you want to use (“FRONT TV” for lounge, “EXT. TV” for exterior TV (if equipped), or “REAR TV” for bedroom). VIDEO SELECTION SYSTEM – If equipped, the Video Selection System allows you to switch the antenna, AUX/VCR, cable TV, satellite TV, or DVD signal to any TV set location in the coach. This means one person can watch a program coming in on the roof antenna on the bedroom TV while another person watches a satellite or cable TV program or video on the front TV.

• To watch DVD: Turn the TV to Channel 3. Press the “DVD” button on Video Selection System panel.

• To watch Satellite TV (Dish): If equipped with Satellite TV, connect the satellite receiver to “Aux 1” input, then press the “AUX 1” button on Video Selection System panel.

• To watch Broadcast TV (Antenna): Press the “ANT” button on Video Selection System panel. The TV signal is amplified through the Video Selection System.

• To watch Cable TV: Press the “CABLE” button on Video Selection System panel. NOTE: “AUX 2” is available on the Front and Rear TV’s to connect an additional video source such as a video game system.

More specific information

It has more specific information on selecting cable or satellite feeds:

To Watch Cable TV

• Press CABLE TV button on MAIN TV section of Video Selection System panel.

To Watch Satellite TV (Dish)–If Equipped

• Press SAT button on MAIN TV section of Video Selection System panel


 You might also enjoy this from Dave 

Soft start works great for RV roof air conditioner, but now TV is pixilated. Why?

Dear Dave,
I’m hoping someone can help with this. I put a soft start on the A/C. It works great but now when the compressor runs it causes the TV to pixilate. How do I stop that? —Craig

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.”

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Amazing U-Haul RV conversion for under $800

By Cheri Sicard
Reuse advocate Alex Eaves and tiny house expert Derek “Deek” Diedrickson built an amazing U-Haul RV conversion for less than $800 (excluding the truck). The truck itself, an old U-Haul, cost $7,900.

This creative reuse project turns “garbage” into something special while minimizing waste and inspiring others to do the same. Check it out in the video below from Jenna, on the Tiny House Giant Journey YouTube channel.

Deek and Alex initially bonded over their shared passion for sustainable living. Deek, a builder, author, and former HGTV host, has been reusing and repurposing materials since childhood. Alex, who’s been promoting reuse through his work and documentary films, found a perfect partner in Deek to craft a home and message rolled into one.

At first glance, the truck’s exterior might not look fancy, but everything you see has a backstory. A half-sliding door that once headed to the trash is now a window, cushioned with foam to survive bumpy roads. The oversized trim gives it a quirky-yet-practical look, all held together by repurposed materials.

Even the truck’s original garage door has been cleverly adapted. While part of it was removed for headspace, what remains now serves as a worktable or even a stage for events.

Go inside the U-Haul RV conversion

The interior of this tiny home is a masterclass in creative storage and design.

Living room and hidden storage: The living room is home to a rebuilt early 1900s canning cupboard repurposed to store Alex’s clothes and personal items. Hidden features are everywhere—a small library disguised as an art box, storage under the couch, and even a “coffin-like” compartment holding inventory for Alex’s clothing brand, Stay Vocal.

Bedroom: The cozy sleeping loft offers a simple setup, complete with shelving that creates the illusion of depth. A window brings in natural light, keeping the space from feeling cramped.

Kitchen: Every item carries a story, like the sink made from Alex’s grandmother’s lobster pot, giving new life to an old family heirloom. A piece of furniture from his great-aunt now serves as the foundation for the kitchen space, blending practicality with nostalgia. Even the cabinet pulls are unique.

Hidden closet: A hidden closet, painted to match the walls, keeps things organized and out of sight. Inside, an old latch from Alex’s childhood home adds a personal element. For his shoe collection, Alex repurposed his used skateboard as a rack for his favorite Chuck Taylors—a creative and space-saving solution.

Multi-functional bathroom: The waterproof bathroom doubles as a shower. Its composting toilet can be moved into the hallway during showers, allowing the entire bathroom area to stay compact yet practical. A solar bag system serves as the shower, with hot water easily prepared by mixing boiled and room-temperature water.

Office: A large storm door salvaged from a home renovation now serves as a window, offering beautiful views from wherever the truck is parked. Whether looking out at a beach or an animal sanctuary, Alex enjoys a workspace that feels open and connected to the world outside.

This U-Haul RV conversion is much more than a home—it’s a statement on living creatively, sustainably, and affordably. With its 99% reused materials, clever design features, and inspiring backstory, it proves that you don’t need a massive budget to create something incredible.

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Bold and zesty Buffalo chicken recipes you will love

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Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

by Christine Schnepp from Sarasota, FL

This Buffalo chicken lasagna is a delicious dinner during football season. Shredded chicken is drenched in Buffalo sauce and layered between noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Ranch seasoning adds tons of flavor. It’s everything you love about Buffalo chicken wings in lasagna form. Click here for the recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

by Melissa Turner from East Moline, IL

Buffalo chicken meatballs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the spicy and tangy flavor of Buffalo wings without the mess. Filled with fresh green onion and parsley flavor, the chicken meatballs are tender and moist. Lots of garlic adds a savory depth of flavor. Rich and buttery, the wing sauce has a kick and adds vibrant color to the appetizer. Once the chicken meatballs are baked, they’re covered in the zesty sauce. They’re great for parties, game nights, or as a family meal. Make sure to serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Here’s the recipe.

Buffalo Wing Garlic Toasted Hoagies

by Kelly Williams from Forked River, NJ

These Buffalo wing hoagies are a combination of spicy, cheesy, and crunchy. It’s everything you love about Buffalo chicken and more. The hoagie rolls are toasted with butter, garlic, and parsley making them fragrant and crispy. Chicken strips are coated with a hot sauce mixture that has a hint of barbecue and chili flavors. Muenster cheese melts on top of the chicken. Top with crunchy lettuce and celery and sprinkle with tomatoes. Blue cheese dressing has a tangy and rich flavor that is great with the Buffalo sauce. A tasty and satisfying sandwich for game day or a casual lunch. Get the recipe here.

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato Salad

by Crystal Schlueter from Babbitt, MN

Holy cow, this is a unique potato salad recipe. Like Crystal says, it’s a cross between Buffalo chicken wings and loaded baked potatoes. Super creamy, it has a great kick from the wing sauce. We loved all the extra toppings. Red pepper adds a pop of sweetness. Onions give the potato salad a savory flavor. Bacon adds a touch of smokiness. There are tons of fantastic flavors in this potato salad. A must make for a tailgate, but would be delicious at a cookout too. Click here for the recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

by Debbie Reid from Clearwater, FL

Wow! What a great way to switch up Buffalo wings on game day. These have all the chicken wing flavor without the mess. The crispy egg roll wrapper with the creamy and spicy center is out-of-this-world good. Serve with a side of blue cheese and Buffalo wing sauce for the perfect party appetizer. Here’s the recipe.

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RV snowbirds face flu crisis: Too late to get a vaccine?

While the warm winter weather brought crowds of RVers to Quartzsite, Arizona, this year, it brought something else. Influenza. While no precise numbers exist, plenty of people reported the aching, debilitating, evil symptoms of “the flu.” And Quartzsite isn’t alone. Arizona, Texas, and Florida—RV snowbird hotspots—all have reported a wave of influenza-A this year. Experts warn that the flu could hang on for months. It’s not too late for a flu vaccine—and it could save you an unwelcome hospital check-in.

As of a couple of weeks ago, thousands of patients had visited hospitals across the U.S. and come away diagnosed with the flu. Sad to say, some didn’t come out alive—16,000 people have died in the U.S. this flu season. And other nasty viral bugs are running around, complicating the picture.

Flu vaccine covers two types of influenza

In a story carried by AARP, an official with the American Academy of Family Physicians warned that the flu going around this season is a nasty one. “One, this is just a tough flu strain that’s going around right now,” says Steven Furr, M.D. “Typically, there are two flu strains we deal with, influenza A and influenza B. Influenza B tends to be a milder strain, whereas influenza A tends to be much more severe. And essentially, every case we’re seeing this year is influenza A.”

Why so much flu? Too few are taking a shot for the flu. In early February, only 45% of adults in the country had gotten their vaccination, and about the same number of kids. That’s a lot of folks who can get—and spread—the virus because they didn’t roll up their sleeves.

Some folks reason that getting a flu shot just isn’t worth the bother. After all, you can just hack your way through the symptoms and bounce right back. But this season’s flu comes with a nasty bite: More and more people are coming down with pneumonia after dealing with the flu. Some of these lung-damagers are antibiotic resistant.

It’s March—Isn’t that too late for a flu vaccine?

But it’s early March. Isn’t it a bit late for a vaccination? Nope, says Dr. Furr. He told AARP, “Usually, you’ll get some protection within a week to 10 days, and we’re not through the flu season yet.” The “season” could go right on through this month and into next month. In some years people are still trading influenza with their friends and neighbors clear into summertime. And while the country is duking it out with influenza A, the influenza B type typically follows right on A’s heels.

Flu shots are widely available at various locations. Got Medicare? Medicare covers one flu shot per year at no cost. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may also cover flu shots, but the rules may vary depending on the specific plan. It’s always a good idea to check with your Advantage plan provider to confirm coverage.

Here’s where you can get a flu shot and some general information about insurance coverage

Pharmacies: Many chain pharmacies offer flu shots, including:

  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Walgreens
  • Rite Aid
  • Walmart Pharmacy
  • Kroger Pharmacy

You can walk in or schedule an appointment in advance, depending on the location.

Primary care doctor: Your primary care provider can administer the flu shot during a regular appointment or at a dedicated time for flu vaccinations.

Urgent care centers: Many urgent care centers, like MedExpress or FastMed, offer flu shots without the need for an appointment.

Local health departments: Some public health departments provide flu shots, often at a lower cost or for free. Check your local health department’s website for details.

Getting the flu can be a real drag. Getting pneumonia even worse. And we haven’t found any medical insurance plans that cover the costs of funerals. Think about it—medical professionals say it’s worth getting your flu shot even now.

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The rising appeal of farm stays for RV travelers

Taking your RV and camping “down on the farm” has a rising appeal. Harvest Hosts, an organization that steers RVers to farms, wineries, and other agricultural sites, grew its membership from 6,000 to 250,000 members in just four years. You don’t plunk down almost $90 a year for a membership if you’re not serious about farm camping.

Nearly one in seven did farm camping in 2024

Now, The Dyrt, the only camping app with all of the public and private campgrounds, RV parks, and free camping locations in the United States, supports that thought. The outfit found that farm camping is increasingly popular with campers. About one in seven campers (14.1%) reported camping on a farm in 2024, which is three times higher than the rate just five years ago.

These statistics are from the newly released 2025 report from The Dyrt, the most comprehensive look at the latest trends, topics and figures for the U.S. camping industry. The latest version of The Dyrt’s annual report is compiled from the results of surveys conducted with three groups—thousands of members of The Dyrt camper community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and camping property managers across all 50 states.

“The steady increase in the popularity of camping on farms fits with overall trends in the camping industry,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “There are more campers out there looking for varied experiences, and farmers often offer unique settings with animals and agriculture. Plus, hosting campers is a great additional revenue stream for farmers, often with very little overhead.”

Steady rise in farm overnights

The percentage of campers who stayed at least one night on a farm has steadily risen each year since 2019, when the number was at 4.2%. That rate increased to 5% in 2020, 7% in 2021, 8.5% in 2022, and 11.1% in 2023.

“Being able to set up camp outside of traditional campgrounds affords us more privacy so we can enjoy the peace and quiet we love,” says The Dyrt camper Robert Q. of New Jersey. “We’ve camped at multiple horse farms in the past—it’s a bonus to be around horses. We tend to mix it up; we’ve stayed at plenty of parks and private campgrounds. But all things being equal we prefer to ‘crash camp’ or stay on private property.”

Better than half like to use an RV

Spacious farms are ideal for both primitive campsites and for accommodating camping vehicles. More than half of farm campers (51.4%) prefer RVs and trailers, compared to 45.1% for all campers. 13.6% of farm campers prefer camper vans compared to 8.3% overall. The farm camping contingent is also very active in the winter, with 42.4% of farm campers braving the coldest months compared to just 28.5% for all campers. The percentage of farm campers who camp alone (36%) is also higher than the average (30.6%).

farm camping
file photo

“It was a small farm, just a few feisty goats and several happy chickens whose delicious eggs I enjoyed the entire time I spent on the land,” says The Dyrt camper Genesis L. of Texas. “There were also working dogs to keep coyotes away, free roaming cattle and curious horses that stopped by my camp to investigate my presence. It was a new experience for me, but quite enjoyable. I had my dog with me and she became quick friends with the working dogs.”

Says The Dyrt camper Connie B. of North Carolina: “There are so many things to enjoy about camping on a farm. My favorite is being able to purchase fresh farm food from preserves to organic veggies, eggs and beef. Learning new skills is also a plus. At one farm I learned how to grow mushrooms, and the role chickens played in keeping the bugs down around the different types of mushrooms. Then I made fresh mushroom risotto for dinner.”

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