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As a child did you ever fear a scary creature lived under your bed?

Chuck Woodbury
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As a child did you ever fear a scary creature lived under your bed?

By Chuck Woodbury
As a small child I often worried that a big, scary monster lived beneath my bed. I recall that most times it was an alligator. Being a kid, and not yet wise to the world, I was terrified. I lived 20 miles from Los Angeles, which I should have known had no alligator population. But I was a kid; what did I know?

Today, as a grown man, I know full well that there are no monsters under my bed. The chances of an alligator lurking there, ready to climb up and pounce on me and then eat me is about statistically impossible. I now live in Seattle, where the worst possible death by a scary creature could come from a huge salmon with massive, sharp teeth that had mutated into a land animal that preyed on humans.

I remember once as a kid being so distraught that I ran into my parents’ bedroom to escape whatever was stirring beneath me. Surely it was an alligator. I begged them to let me sleep with them. They turned me away. Talk about parental cruelty!

So I went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head and prayed to the Lord above that the creature would go away. It was a good plan because it worked.

What about you? Did you ever fear as a child that a scary creature lived beneath your bed (or maybe you still do)? Please respond and then share your story in the comments.

You should enjoy these other popular polls

• Do you see yourself still RVing in five years?
• Do you still enjoy RVing as much as when you first started?
• Have you ever had a problem with a slide-out that delayed your travel?
• Have you ever stayed at a nudist resort with your RV? Would you?
• Have you spent a free night in a parking lot with your RV in the last year?

##RVDT2591

Using an anemometer to measure airflow in an RV

RV Travel
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3
Using an anemometer to measure airflow in an RV

By Dustin Simpson
Every Wednesday, Dave Solberg and I used meet for a livestream called Talkin’ RV Tech. We’d not only answer technical questions, but we’d also share what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We also believe they will be helpful to you.

This clip shows one of our past shares, an anemometer.

My shop has several versions of this gadget, and we use them year-round. When the weather is cold, we get furnace complaints. When it’s hot, we get air conditioner complaints. Having this tool on hand will help you know if you truly have a problem or not.

How YOU can utilize an anemometer

As Dave mentions in the video, the average RV air conditioner can only reduce the temperature by 15-20 degrees. If your unit is out in the sun on a 100° day, your A/C will only be able to cool it down to about 85°, which still feels hot!

In the shop, we love to use this tool to check for proper airflow coming through vents. The best way to use this tool is to measure the airflow coming from the vent that is closest to the appliance, as this will be the strongest amount of airflow. Then you can test the other vents to see where you are losing a volume of airflow. Your unit goes through an earthquake every time you drive it down the road, so it’s common for ducting and/or foil tapes to come loose.

How we have used an anemometer

A few years ago, we had a customer with a 2020 Grand Design Reflection 311BHS that complained that the bunkhouse was freezing in the winter. We used an anemometer to check the airflow coming through all vents throughout the unit. We actually found that the airflow in the bunkhouse was the strongest. What could have sent us down a rabbit hole of diagnosing a working furnace or proper ducting, turned out to be how the unit was built.

Since publishing the above video, we installed insulation and paneling to block off the bunk area. We also installed insulation and paneling to block off the 12″ x 12″ hole at the plumbing area outside the galley area. This made a significant difference for our customer.

More “Cool Tools”

More from Dustin

Read more of Dustin’s articles here.

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

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

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##RVDT2591

Ham or turkey in the fridge? Make a sandwich!

RV Travel
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0
Ham or turkey in the fridge? Make a sandwich!

Cindy’s Turkey Bacon Feta Wraps

by Cindy Dutton from Grant’s Pass, OR

Your family won’t say “another boring sandwich” after they try these wraps. Stuffed with turkey, this wrap is crunchy from the coleslaw, juicy from the tomatoes, smoky from bits of bacon, zesty from crumbled Feta cheese, and has a little zing thanks to the sweet purple onion. It’s a great flavor combination and sure to satisfy your hunger. Click here for the recipe.

Picnic Club Sandwich

by Ashley Bateman from Ashburn, GA

This club sandwich tastes fresh and delicious. It’s layered with meats, cheese, tomato, and lettuce sandwiched between toasted bread. Mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sweet pickle relish create an aioli that’s the perfect sandwich topper. Slice into quarters and serve on a platter to guests or just make one for your lunch. Either way, with chips and a pickle it’s like you’re eating a deli sandwich (without having to run to the deli). Here’s the recipe.

Pressed Cuban Sandwich

by Danelle New from New Bern, NC

If you’ve taken a trip to Miami or The Keys, you’ve probably enjoyed a Cuban sandwich. When you can’t travel and want a taste of warmer weather, try this sandwich at home. Roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and dill pickle are sandwiched between bread and pressed. The final result is a terrifically tasty and warm sandwich that will fit the bill for lunch or supper! Get the recipe here.

Hot Hero Sandwiches

by Laura Yoder from Brunswick, GA

We love a great hero, and this recipe did not disappoint. It has all the flavors you expect from an Italian sub. The salami and pepperoni mixed with the ham is an excellent choice and fantastic with the Swiss cheese. Drizzling Italian dressing adds zesty flavor. Once toasted in the oven, it’s warm and yummy. Perfect for serving a crowd or a game day snack. Click here for the recipe.

Ham Delights

by Stefanie Wilson from Lookout Mountain, GA

Have you tried to take a bite of a ham sandwich and you can’t bite through the sandwich completely? These ham delights solve that problem. These ham sliders have all the typical ingredients, but all the ham is chopped. Mixing the ingredients together makes this slider easy to eat. Ham and Swiss are a classic combination. The Worcestershire sauce adds a slight sweetness, and mustard adds a slight tang. All the flavors pair well with sweet Hawaiian King rolls. These are meant to serve a crowd, so perfect for game day or parties. Here’s the recipe.

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##RVDT2591

RV review: 2025 inTech Aucta Sycamore—multipurpose room extraordinaire!

Tony Barthel
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11
RV review: 2025 inTech Aucta Sycamore—multipurpose room extraordinaire!

Today’s RV review is of the inTech Aucta Sycamore. This is a flexible 30’ travel trailer that offers some really unique and usable features. Another point with inTech products is that they don’t have slide rooms, so all we slide skeptics can rejoice in that!

My initial reaction is to call this a bunk model travel trailer, but it’s so much more than that. In fact, even if you never use the bunks as bunks, this could serve you well. 

Honestly, I saw this at RV Open House last September, but it was still under development and I was asked not to share it with you then. I’m not such a good keeper of secrets, so I may have uttered a few mumblings about it around a campfire at some point. But it wasn’t anywhere near completion and they hadn’t detailed out just how nifty this thing would become. 

Start at the road with the inTech Aucta Sycamore

There are some RVs where you start at the road and just move on. Then you come to one of these and you hear those proverbial angels singing. There is so much to like even before you step inside. 

Being a company that makes a lot of commercial trailers, inTech starts with a welded aluminum chassis. Then they weld an aluminum “cage” to the structure so the entire structure is basically a welded cage that’s really solid. 

Most RV companies use an outsourced steel frame and then everything is built onto those frames, but this is one welded build. I love it. 

Of course, it doesn’t use lousy leaf springs but, rather, torsion axles. 

Something interesting: inTech heats the holding tanks in an enclosed underbelly, which isn’t terribly unusual. They also put 12-volt tank heating pads on the tanks, also not unusual. But they also heat the plumbing. That’s something special. 

That alone could make this one of the better cold weather campers available. 

Another thing to take note of is that the roof (I know we were supposed to be on the underside still) is a single piece that extends from the base of the camper in the back all the way up to the nose of the camper. No seams, just a single piece of fiberglass. 

Another interesting thing here: There’s a pressurized water fitting and inTech includes one of those collapsible hoses so you could rinse off the sewer connections or just squirt your spouse. Not that you should… but you could. 

Other things to take note of out here include the use of frameless windows, another plus. And there’s an 18’ legless awning with a wind sensor, as well. Nice. 

The big deal in the inTech Aucta Sycamore

Normally I’d reserve the bunk space for the end of the article—but you all deserve better than that. The big thing about this trailer is the way the back is configured. 

You could say it’s a bunk room, and you wouldn’t be wrong. There are upper and lower bunks here. the upper bunk measures 75″ X 34” and the lower bunk is 80” X 34”. 

But the upper bunk has struts and, even with one hand, you can push this up against the ceiling of the trailer. 

The lower bunk has several segments so you can push it back and have it be a seat. But by nature of that pushing back, you can also set the rake on the backrest to be more like an office chair. 

And now the magic is starting to happen. There’s a compartment directly ahead of the office bench chair thing that flips down and now you have a table. Another segment comes out and now you have a place for a keyboard. 

When you flip that table down, you reveal a flat-screen display, which could be a monitor or a TV. So you’ve transformed the bunks into an office—and it’s an easy thing to do. 

But, wait… There’s more! You can also push that lower bunk/chair back and, with the upper bunk raised, now you have a bunch of cargo space. And, whaddya know, there’s a door right there to take advantage of this space! 

This is the only trailer I can think of where never using the bunks isn’t a bad thing. Well, except maybe the Ember RV Overland 240TKR. 

The rest of the story: Inside the inTech Aucta Sycamore

As mentioned, inTech doesn’t put slide rooms in their trailers, but that doesn’t make the rest of this trailer cramped. 

On the road side in the main living space is a 73”-long couch. You look at the drawers underneath and… yep… more magic. Those aren’t really drawers but, rather, are trundle sections. So you can pull out one and now you have a nice place to lounge. Pull out all three and now you have a 73” x 45” bed. 

The couch is also the main dining area with a table that can be set to coffee table height, dining height or counter height. You see, RV world, I told you it could be done. 

The kitchen occupies the road side of the living space and consists of a larger farm-style sink, two-burner propane stove and a convection microwave. 

With this being a bunk model, you could argue that the short and curious are going to be part of the adventure, and the microwave is actually below the counter. This could be good—they could make their own darned popcorn already—but those especially youthful travelers are going to be very, very curious about all those nifty buttons. I would rather this be in the overhead cabinets, but it’s not. 

There’s also a trash can drawer and, on the subject of useful storage, inTech has a nice pantry right at the entrance with an adjacent hanging closet. There’s also a second door where you can access that closet from the bedroom, which is at the front of the trailer. 

And, underneath the closet are a number of very large drawers. 

Bedroom in the inTech Aucta Sycamore

This is an unusual offering from inTech in another way, with the bedroom being at the front rather than the rear of the trailer. The boudoir does have a door. It’s a nifty sliding door that looks like a barn door. 

There’s that huge windshield at the front, which is pretty nifty in models with a front dining space—but I’m not sold on it in the bedroom. But inTech does provide a cover for travel days that goes over it on the outside and, I suspect, more than a few owners might just leave that on there all the time. 

The bathroom, at the back of this trailer, is your typical inTech design and it has decent enough space. The shower is in a stall in the overall bathroom space, which is pretty normal. But it features a gasketed door, which is not. 

Boondocking and travel access

With no slide room, this trailer is fully accessible all the time. If you do enjoy boondocking, there is 90 gallons of fresh water storage aboard this rig. Wow.

You can also opt-in a solar package with a 2,000-watt inverter, 200 amp-hours of lithium and 400 watts of solar. That package comes with a 50 amp MPPT (maximum power point tracking) charge controller—so there’s really no issue with adding more solar panels.

inTech Aucta Sycamore specifications

My thoughts on the inTech Aucta Sycamore

Before we go further (though we’re kind of near the end), it has to be said that this would have been called the inTech Terra. But it’s not. Some lawyer at Forest River got the wild hair that Terra sounded too much like something they were making and sued and won. So now what was the Terra is now the Aucta. 

If you love drama on the Internet (and who doesn’t?), go back to an inTech social media group and see just what owners thought of this forced name change. 

This is an incredible trailer that is really well made and rather unusual. Honestly, if I were given the choice of an Airstream or this trailer, there would be zero hesitation on my part—I would be towing this thing. 

But it’s also a really large trailer, and there’s a lot of living space in here. 

Overall I really, really like the inTech Aucta Sycamore. With the Sycamore it’s nice to see inTech branching off into new territory. And, yes, I am going out on a limb to share that sentiment. No, I’m not barking up the wrong tree. [Yep, always-clever Tony is back. Yay! —D]

MORE INTECH REVIEWS:

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##RVT1198

RVtravel.com in 2025: A year to celebrate, a year of the unknown

Chuck Woodbury
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24
RVtravel.com in 2025: A year to celebrate, a year of the unknown

By Chuck Woodbury
FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER

It’s 2025 and I am still alive and healthy, moving steadily toward the senior ranks of the elderly. This year, 2025, will be one of celebration for me personally and for RVtravel.com, the “little website that could.” And that is good, very good. But, not everything is good, which I will explain further below. 

First, the good news

Personally, this year I will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first article I sold to a magazine as an “on the road” reporter (I received $20). My tools of the trade were an 18-foot motorhome, a manual typewriter, and a portable black and white darkroom which I set up in dark campgrounds to print photos for my articles and later my “on the road” newspaper Out West.

Chuck Woodbury in his first motorhome in the early 1990s
Writing with my MacPlus in my first motorhome in the early ’90s. I loved that computer (and still have it).

And celebrating as a business…

• Late this year, 2025, I will begin the 25th year of publishing this newsletter, which debuted in October of 2001. It was originally scheduled for mid-September, but then came the terror attacks on the World Trade Center: Writing about RVing seemed terribly unimportant. I waited a few weeks.

• Sometime this year we will post the 25,000th article on this website. That is just for the last 9 years. We probably posted at least the same number on our previous servers: Most of those articles are still out there floating around cyberspace.

• Sometime this year we will ask readers to respond to our 5,000th reader poll. How many periodicals, online or off, know so much about their readers? For example, how many periodicals know how many of their readers have ordered a pizza delivered to their RV? We do (34 percent).

• Sometime this year one of our readers will post the 300,000th comment to one of our articles. That’s a total of roughly 6 or 7 million words!

And that’s the good news. The time has flown by and I have loved nearly every minute.

And now…

The not-so-good news

As I wrote above, I have been a member of the media for many decades. Not since Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press more than 600 years ago has there been such dramatic change in mass communication. What an adventure it has been to work in these exciting times. Lately, however, the rate of change has launched into warp speed! It’s hard to keep up.

The change is dramatic. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) along with the continued growth of social media and the ease of spreading propaganda to the masses should concern us all. How can you and I know, for sure, what we read (or see) is true?

In our RVing world, new websites are appearing daily, disguised as legitimate. But, really, they are generic slop written with A.I., designed solely to reward their money-grubbing owners with easy profits. It is ridiculously easy today to make money unethically with A.I.

To make matters even worse for ethical Mom and Pop website publishers: Google (along with other search engines) is now delivering search results using A.I. right on its search page. I bet you have noticed. Google plagiarizes information from millions of websites, including RVtravel.com, to create its own A.I. search results. Until late last year, it directed you and me to individual websites for the information. No more.

In the last six months, our traffic from Google is down about 60% — just like that! Thankfully, our overall readership is steady, and our mailing list continues to grow. But in just the last few months Google has already killed off countless websites, and the carnage is just beginning.

Visualize this: You own a thriving little tourist café on Route 66. Then, one day, the Interstate opens, bypassing your community and traffic to your café with it. We’re the café.

Route 66 cafe
Cafe along Route 66 in Arizona. Photo by Chuck Woodbury

At RVtravel.com, we are in no immediate danger of being crushed by Big Tech. Just last week, I learned that ChatGPT can now be selected as the default search engine on at least one internet browser.

All this change, for us, is like a new Whac-A-Mole popping up where none had been before!

It’s downright scary, but hugely challenging. For me, even though I have said many times that I will retire, it is too tempting to not remain in the battle — to fight the Goliaths of the tech world. So here I am. I do so with my daughter, Emily, at my side. She will inherit this website one day. I am so happy when I am working with her, teaching her what I know and plotting new ways for RVtravel.com to be something special in the future.

From now on, though, I will do most of my musings in my Roadside Journal blog, which I have maintained off and on since the mid 1980s. My brain is so filled with ideas that sometimes I feel like it will explode! I will let you know about my latest postings if you want to keep in touch. Meanwhile, RVtravel.com will focus on all things RVing as we keep getting better and better, hopefully with you riding shotgun.

Want to help support us? Consider becoming a volunteer subscriber.

##RVT1198

The best (mostly) 55+ RV resorts from Michigan to Idaho

Gail Marsh
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4
The best (mostly) 55+ RV resorts from Michigan to Idaho

Long-time reader Sue N. recently sent in this request: “My husband and I are full-time RVers… Our question: Are there 55+ RV resorts in the north? We’re particularly interested in the area from Michigan to Idaho, the upper Great Plains. Can you do an article on [it] if there are any 55+ RV resorts up north?”

Well, sure, Sue, along with the rest of our wonderful readers! I found several great resorts. While not all are exclusively 55+, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the planned activities, too.

Upper Great Plains

Embarking on an RV journey across the Upper Great Plains is exciting and sure to be memorable. From Michigan to Idaho, this route is dotted with exceptional RV resorts that cater to active adults and families. Many provide a plethora of amenities, organized activities, and community engagement. Here’s a curated list of top-rated RV resorts, arranged from east to west.

Michigan

MI Hearthside Grove resort Image: Hearthside Grove resort website
Hearthside Grove resort photo

Hearthside Grove Luxury Motorcoach Resort – Petoskey, MI

Located in scenic northern Michigan, Hearthside Grove offers spacious, beautifully landscaped sites with luxurious amenities. Guests enjoy a full-sized movie theater, resort-style pool, clubhouse events, and gourmet cooking classes.

Traverse Bay RV Resort – Traverse City, MI

This premier resort offers full-hookup sites, a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and frequent social events, making it a top choice for active adults exploring Michigan’s cherry capital.

Sun Retreats Gun Lake – Hopkins, MI

A peaceful yet activity-filled resort with a stocked fishing lake, heated pool, and planned events for socializing, Hidden Ridge is ideal for retirees looking for comfort and recreation.

Wisconsin

Stoney Creek RV Resort – Osseo, WI

This top-rated family resort offers a heated pool, mini-golf, a fitness center, and frequent themed events to keep guests engaged.

Lake Arrowhead Campground – Montello, WI

Set on a pristine lake, this resort provides a mix of relaxation and adventure with fishing, a swimming pool, and community gatherings.

Sherwood Forest Campground – Wisconsin Dells, WI

With easy access to the famous Wisconsin Dells attractions, this resort has spacious sites, a heated pool, and daily planned activities for adults.

Minnesota

Grand Casino Hinckley RV Resort – Hinckley, MN

For travelers who enjoy a mix of luxury and entertainment, this resort features full hookups, a clubhouse, a shuttle to the casino, and a pool.

St. Cloud Campground & RV Park – St. Cloud, MN

This campground offers a heated swimming pool, planned social activities, and proximity to local attractions.

Dakotah Meadows RV Park – Prior Lake, MN

A quiet, well-kept resort with modern amenities, scenic walking trails, and easy access to nearby golf courses and entertainment.

North Dakota

Red Trail Campground – Medora, ND

Situated near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this campground offers breathtaking views, full hookups, and guided tours.

Bismarck KOA Journey – Bismarck, ND

This well-maintained KOA provides a pool, playground, and scheduled activities, making it a comfortable stop in central North Dakota.

South Dakota

Elkhorn Ridge campground Elkhorn Ridge image
Elkhorn Ridge photo

Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort – Spearfish, SD

A luxurious resort in the Black Hills offering a pool, golf course, tennis courts, and hiking trails. (Photo above.)

Hart Ranch Camping Resort Club – Rapid City, SD

This highly rated resort has an Olympic-size pool, fitness center, and a full schedule of social events.

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch – Hill City, SD

Located near Mount Rushmore, this resort provides luxury amenities, horseback riding, live entertainment, and shuttles to the national monument.

Montana

Polson Motorcoach Resort – Polson, MT

Overlooking Flathead Lake, this resort offers premium sites, a fitness center, a clubhouse, and planned activities.

Yellowstone’s Edge RV Park – Livingston, MT

Located near Yellowstone National Park, this resort offers large sites, fishing access, and scenic views.

Jim & Mary’s RV Park – Missoula, MT

A beautifully landscaped resort with spacious sites, live music nights, and a friendly atmosphere.

Idaho

Blue Lake RV Resort – Naples, ID

Nestled in the mountains, this resort features a lake for kayaking, scenic hiking trails, and full hookups.

Mountain Home RV resort Idaho Resort website image
Mountain Home RV Resort photo

Mountain Home RV Park – Mountain Home, ID

A top-tier resort with a heated pool, modern facilities, and weekly social gatherings.

Blackwell Island RV Park – Coeur d’Alene, ID

A stunning lakeside resort with boat rentals, a private beach, and full amenities for relaxation.

Final thoughts

From the shores of Lake Michigan to the mountains of Idaho, these top-tier 55+ RV resorts offer an ideal blend of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for lakefront tranquility, mountain scenery, or community-driven activities, there’s a perfect stop for every traveler on this route.

For more details and to make reservations, visit each resort’s official website and start planning your next RV adventure today.

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##RVT1198

RV inspector says some RV brands trying to do too much

Cheri Sicard
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12
RV inspector says some RV brands trying to do too much

Duane, our favorite RV inspector from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, found some surprises after visiting this year’s Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa. This certified RV inspector’s recommended brands for consumers looking to buy a new RV have changed from past years.

Duane takes his job and his podcast and YouTube channel seriously. He inspected LOTS of RVs at the Tampa show and interviewed many RV manufacturers and representatives. Be sure to watch the video for more details, but here are some of Duane’s major takeaways:

#1. Some RV manufacturers are trying to do too much. Duane especially highlights those trying to build both towables AND motorhomes, as these two different RVs are, in fact, very different animals. He says some manufacturers do both well, but others do not.

#2. A small group of RV manufacturers is pushing the industry forward. These innovative companies are utilizing new RV-building techniques that result in better products.

For someone like him who is always asked for brand recommendations, it’s impossible to put out a blanket recommendation for a company as their trailers might be great, but the motorhomes are not so much. Or vice-versa.

He also found manufacturers who do not have the same quality throughout their product lines, which again makes overall brand recommendations impossible.

#3. Some manufacturers have allowed their quality levels to slip. Duane saw evidence of this in some quality-known brands, but he also saw other brands improve.

#4. Smaller, independent RV manufacturers generally had higher-quality builds and paid more attention to details.

All of this means that the RV world is constantly changing and evolving. For consumers, this might mean that what was once true no longer holds.

So, which brands changed? Watch the video for details. Duane says there are many more, but he particularly called out Tiffin. While he says they still build quality RVs, their quality level has slipped, and that Newmar is now the clear winner in this category that used to be about equal.

Another change in Duane’s recommended RV brands list is the addition of Ember, a newer manufacturer that impressed him.

For those interested, Duane has compiled RV guidebooks with all his recommendations.

Have you noticed any changes in your favorite RV manufacturers lately? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

MORE FROM DUANE

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##RVT1198

RVer says this is the number one question you should ask before buying RV

Nanci Dixon
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5
RVer says this is the number one question you should ask before buying RV

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs (we asked you to submit your stories here). We’ll tell you all: the best, the good, the bad and the ugly. At the end of this article, you’ll find a place to submit your own comments. I encourage you to do so.

Keep in mind, we typically only present one side of the story in most of these. Also, any remarks about service centers and mobile techs mentioned are the opinions of our readers and not necessarily RVtravel.com. 

Here’s what you had to say:

Finally took them to small claims court—immediate payment

John M. could not get the RV place to fix the damage they did. He wrote, “I had Chemo* RV in Williams Lake, British Columbia, gouge the side of my Triple E Empress Elite. The service manager just walked AWAY. I tried for months to get it corrected but never a response. I then used a local painter to try and correct it, to no avail. I finally drove it to Prince George, B.C., where it was painted correctly. Still, Chemo wouldn’t pay for it. I took them to small debts [aka claims] court—immediate payment. What a waste of time.” [*Pronounced chee-mo, derived from the Eskaleut (Eskimo-Aleut) word meaning Warm Greetings or Welcome.]

This Camping World service is ethical and delivers quality work

Bill O. wrote to us about a good experience at Camping World. He says, “Lots of folks bash Camping World for their poor service and attitude. Just wanted to let folks know that there’s a really good Camping World service department that operates ethically and with quality. The Omaha, NE, area is served by Camping World in Council Bluffs, IA.

“We bought our fourth RV there and have used their service department twice for warranty work. On both occasions, we found their work timely and quality. Also, their people were friendly and easy to work with, even when we disrupted their schedule with a couple of unavoidable late reschedules. When the work was done, the service manager took the time to walk us through what they’d done and both times, took some extra time to give us some very useful hints and ideas. Maybe it’s just the way we do business in the Midwest, but we sure feel comfortable taking our 2023 Forest River to this Camping World.”

#1 consideration when buying—Who will service it?

Rick S. has some good advice. He wrote, “I have had outstanding service from Newmar, both at the Nappanee Facility and their Mobile Service in Florida, as well as Freightliner in Gaffney, SC, and Independence RV in Florida. I only buy miscellaneous items from Camping World. #1 consideration in the buying process should be, ‘Who will service it?’”

Need RV work? Try a truck service mechanic

John S. recommends truck service centers. He wrote, “We purchased a 2-year-old Class C motorhome, just before COVID, out of state from a family dealership in Michigan. Fortunately, we’ve had no real problems with the rig. Replacing the house water pump myself has been the only event.

“For annual inspections, we found a local family-run business that services/inspects commercial trucks and does RVs. If/when another repair becomes necessary, if I cannot do the repair myself, I would first see if the truck service mechanic/service personnel have the expertise. After that, a local RV service center that specializes in accident repair would be my choice. The ‘Big Box’ stores we’re all familiar with would be my last choice…”

Knowledgeable RV tech in Florida

Allen M. wrote to us about his excellent tech find in Florida. “We glamp in Florida during most of the winter at Thousand Trails or volunteering at state parks. We met a certified RV tech, BJ, at Wandering Bear RV, in 2023. He installed a new oven door for us that we got from Grand Design under warranty. Installed it at no charge and he not only did it quickly, but he showed me how to do it myself.

“BJ also took time to look at the roof and other things on my travel trailer that he said should be inspected that most people don’t think about. He is a great person and a knowledgeable RV tech. He also does brakes, axles, and many other items that he has been trained to handle.

“I highly recommend him. If you’re ever in Florida look him up; you’ll be glad you spoke with him first. His number is +1 731-363-0970. Thanks for a fun and informative newsletter.”

RV service manager knows what it is to be stranded and fits small traveler jobs in when he can

John B. writes to us about several issues he has had with his RV. “I have a couple of incidents to mention. We have a 2004 National Sea Breeze 36’ Class A. Last September 1, 2024, we left on a trip to the East Coast from Portland, Oregon. On the third day out, our dash air compressor froze up and shredded the serpentine belt, disabling the engine 50 miles west of Laramie, WY. We got towed in and dropped at a truck stop at 10 PM.

“There are about 20 truck shops in town, but none of them would touch our rig. Most seemed to be busy. About 1/3 or 1/2 never even answered the phone. All either would only work on diesels (pointing out that the A/C had nothing to do with gas or diesel did not sway them) or we had to wait for two weeks, or whatever. One told us his shop was too small, but we drove the car by, and he had room for about four semis. After two days, I figured out how to short-belt the engine around the compressor, and we finished a seven-week trip without dash air.

“In April of 2023, we left on a long trip. First night out in Spokane, WA, and our refrigerator quit the next morning. I did my best to troubleshoot it, but no luck, and it was stuffed with food for our trip. I tried at least three RV shops but all wouldn’t even look at it for at least a week.

“I finally called Appleway RV [now Blue Compass RV Liberty Lake] in Liberty Lake, WA, on the east side of Spokane, and the service manager said, “Come in. We will look at it.” I explained the steps I had taken and they went from there. It was just a bad connection that I hadn’t found. We were driving out 30 min. after arriving, with the repair completed. The service manager, Dave W., an RVer himself, said that he had problems on the road before and understood the need for quick service in that situation. He said most of the time, it was a quick fix, and all of the big jobs in the shop were going to be there sometimes for weeks, and he fit the small traveler jobs in between. The attitude was refreshing, and he deserves kudos and referrals. It saved us several days on our trip, and lots of schedule changes.”

Editor’s note

Note from RVtravel.com: If hiring a mobile tech, a small or mega service center, make sure that they are experienced in the issue and have insurance in case something goes wrong. Also, check their warranty policy on the work they perform. Check reviews too and read between the lines—if the review sounds way too good to be true it might be. Compare with several reviews and not just the ones on their website.

Questions for you about RV service

We’ll continue to share stories of your RV service experiences. We want to know:

  • Have you had good luck with great service or not so much?
  • Did you get good service from knowledgeable technicians?
  • Are you waiting to get into a service center or have a mobile tech come out?
  • What has been the average time to get an appointment?
  • Has your RV been in a service center for a while?
  • Are you able to get any mobile techs to come out?
  • Are the service centers able to get parts?
  • When you do get the repairs done, is the price reasonable?

Please fill out the form below and tell us what your experiences have been like. It can be a horror story, an opinion about what’s going on, a positive experience, or anything else related to the topic. We want to know the great, the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Check back next week for more on RV service centers. See you then.

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How to fix misaligned RV cabinet doors

RV Travel
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How to fix misaligned RV cabinet doors

By Chris Dougherty
Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a letter from a reader about misaligned RV cabinet doors that he received while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor.

Dear Chris,
We own a 2011 Forest River Sunseeker 3120 with cherry wood cabinets, and have found the one door on the closet is not closing tight at the bottom. The door closes tight at the top. Is there a way to fix this problem? —Gary

Dear Gary,
Thanks for writing in. The answer to your question is yes, the door or door jamb can be adjusted, but the key to determining the fix is to first find the problem.

Doors and door jambs not meeting all the way around can be due to a couple of things, including a warped door, a wrongly mounted door, a wall that’s not plumb, etc. The way I like to do this is to start by examining how the door operates in relation to the wall, and check all the pieces to make sure nothing has come loose or is broken.

If all that seems OK, I check the door slab to see if it’s warped. Sometimes its easier to remove the door and lay it on a flat surface to determine this, although the way most doors are made today, warping is minimized or eliminated.

Next, if the door itself is OK, measure the walls of the closet to make sure they’re square. It’s not unheard of to find that the wall on one side of a doorway isn’t in line with the other side. This can be because the wall fastener failed, or because the wall was secured improperly. If this is the case, the wall has to be opened up and moved to the correct position and re-secured.

In addition to the above, other things to check are: 1) The alignment and positioning of the hinges; 2) Check to see if the wall is bowed in, as I’ve seen them bowed in the middle; and 3) See if something is hitting the door when it closes, causing it to be bowed out.

If the door slab has warped, a replacement can often be obtained from a surplus warehouse, or from your original dealer.

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Your ice cube tray does a lot more than just make ice

RV Travel
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Your ice cube tray does a lot more than just make ice

By Gail Marsh
When we purchased our most recent RV, I was pleased to find an automatic ice maker. I was also happy to discover many wonderful uses for the ice cube trays that we no longer needed for making ice. Below are a few that I know work. Try them out and let me know how they work for you.

Note: Not all ice cube trays are the same. You can purchase oversized ice cube trays from Amazon if you prefer to freeze food items in larger amounts.

Ways to use ice cube trays in your home or RV

Tomato paste. I hated wasting the tomato paste that remained in the can after scooping out the tablespoon of paste needed for a recipe. Well over half the can remained! Now I keep that extra tomato paste—by freezing it! First I measure out one tablespoon of paste per each ice cube section. Then I put the tray into the freezer and when the tomato paste is frozen, I pop the cubes out and put them into a freezer bag. I note the individual cube measurement (one tablespoon each) on the bag. Then the bag goes back into the freezer. Now when a recipe calls for tomato paste, I can go to the RV freezer rather than to the store. (Hint: You can also freeze your homemade pesto or other sauces this way.)

Fresh herbs. Tougher or hard herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and oregano freeze best. Simply cut the amount of each herb you want and place it into ice cube sections. Fill each section with olive oil, broth, or melted butter. Then freeze. Once frozen, transfer the frozen herbs into a freezer bag. I love using these herb cubes in soups and stews. (Note: The herbs may look different when frozen but their flavor remains the same.)

Garlic. I like to mince the entire garlic clove at once, no matter how much the recipe requires. I put the unneeded garlic into ice cube trays, tightly packing premeasured amounts into the cube sections. Then I add oil or water. Freeze it for later, as described previously.

Baby foods. Families can save a lot of money by making their own pureed baby food. (Note: Some fruits and veggies are best when cooked first.) Puree the prepared food in a food processor to the thickness or texture you prefer. Then pour the food into individual cube sections of the ice tray. Put the tray into the freezer and, once frozen, transfer the food cubes into freezer bags. (Try carrots, yams, pears, squash, etc.) The cubes will quickly thaw and warm in the microwave.

Iced coffee. Sure, you can put ice cubes into your coffee, but the melting water will weaken the flavor. Freeze actual coffee in ice cube trays instead. Then use the coffee cubes for a great cuppa’ joe. (This works with tea and wine, as well.)

Fruits. Freeze pureed fresh fruits in oversized ice cube trays. Pop them into your morning smoothie or poke craft sticks into the cubes for a homemade fruitsicle. Additionally, you can freeze small portions of Greek yogurt in ice cube trays. Eat them as a cool snack or add them to a smoothie.

Cookie dough. If you freeze individual portions of cookie dough (about one teaspoon) in each ice cube section, you can bake a smaller batch of cookies. It will get you out of your RV’s kitchen more quickly, and your family can still enjoy fresh cookies often.

Lemon/lime juice. It seems as if I always have leftover juice after adding some to a recipe. Now I freeze the leftover freshly squeezed juice in ice cube trays. You can add a frozen lemon juice cube or two to a glass of water and yum! You’ll have your own flavored water to drink on hot camping days.

S’mores. Yes! Make these treats ahead of time and you can enjoy s’mores without a campfire! (Great for those rainy days.) Get the recipe here.

Do you use ice cube trays in unusual ways? Please share your ideas in the comments below.

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

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

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, the team from Grand Adventure checks out the Slinky Stove, a seriously unique portable fire pit and cooking stove that’s got us pretty excited.

What exactly is the Slinky Stove™? It’s a portable, collapsible fire pit and cooking stove. Its telescopic design stays intact whether collapsed for travel or fully extended for use.

Let’s break down what makes the Slinky Stove so special:

• Portability: This thing is made for travel. Even the 23-inch model is easy to pack and carry.

• Multiple sizes: They come in different sizes. There is a 23-inch, a 17-inch, and even a tabletop 7-inch model.

• Fuel versatility: You’re not stuck using just one type of fuel. You can use firewood, charcoal, or even wood pellets. How flexible is that?

• Smoke-free burning: Thanks to its smart ventilation design, the Slinky Stove burns hot and virtually smoke-free.

Wow, those are a lot of pluses. As much as I love my Solo Stove, the portability and fuel versatility of the Slinky Stove are definite improvements, especially if you are an RVer.

When you buy a Slinky Stove, you get everything you need to get started:

• The Slinky Stove itself

• A fuel tray

• A cooking grate

• A poker

• A durable storage bag

Are there any downsides?

The shiny stainless steel finish doesn’t last forever. Once it heats up, it will discolor and turn a light gray. It doesn’t affect the function of the stove, but it’s something you should expect.

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