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RVtravel.com’s ultimate collection of money-saving tips for RVers

Emily Woodbury
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RVtravel.com’s ultimate collection of money-saving tips for RVers

Saving money is very important right now. Fuel prices are up. Campground prices are up. Grocery prices are up. Everything is up, up, up! It’s an expensive world we live in.

When thinking about what type of “roundup” article I could write next (a couple of weeks ago, I published 22 of our best spring cleaning articles), I figured articles about saving money were probably going to be the most appreciated. If I can help you out, I’m happy!

So, here are 20 previously published articles about saving money while RVing. I hope these save you money, time, frustrations… but mostly money!

RVtravel.com’s best articles for saving money while RVing

How to save money on gas: Budget-saving tips for RVers

In this article and video, we join Carol from Glorious Life on Wheels for tips on how to save money on fuel. To be sure, gas or diesel represents some of the biggest ongoing expenses facing today’s RVers, but Carol says you can save thousands of dollars by implementing these tips.

Save money while RVing with these 24 tips

Who doesn’t like to save a buck now and then? Owning and driving an RV down the road isn’t cheap, but there are ways to save significant money and still live the RV lifestyle at the same time. You just need to know where to look to find the savings. Here are some suggestions for saving money.

Where to save money on RV parts and supplies

By Gail Marsh
A recent post on Facebook about buying RV parts and supplies for less caught my attention. AlwaysKickingTires posted the following: “Not sure if I was the only one who didn’t know Lowe’s has a small RV supply area in the plumbing section. I stumbled on it accidentally.” Continue reading about Lowe’s and other unsuspected RV parts stores.

Frugal RVing tips from RVtravel.com readers who know how to save on the road

Life on the road can be filled with beautiful views, great people, and, if you’re not careful, surprising expenses. So, a while ago, we asked our readers to share their best frugal living tips. We have to say: this is one thrifty, creative, and experienced group! From fuel hacks to leftovers, here are your best tried-and-true ways to RV without breaking the bank.

7 easy ways to save money on a road trip

Are you longing for a road trip but short on money? Here, Amanda of Amanda Outside shares seven simple ways to save money on road trips. Whether you are traveling in an RV or car, Amanda’s tips will help save you money. They are simple for anyone to do and make practical sense.

Tips for finding free (or nearly free) overnight RV spots

Exploring the open road in your RV offers unparalleled freedom, but finding affordable overnight spots can be a challenge. Beyond the well-known options like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabela’s, casinos, and truck stops, consider these free (or nearly free) overnight RV spots. Some may surprise you.

How to budget, and budgeting tips, for RVers

By Gail Marsh
My husband and I often take work camping jobs that allow us to live in our RV for several months at a time. I’m not going to lie. It took a while to figure out how to budget for us RVers. I published an article about budgeting for unexpected fun. Things like special events, activities, festivals or fairs, museums… things you might not have planned to stumble across on your travels. Here, I’ll focus on some more general budgeting tips. Read on.

Check out Amazon Outlet for great savings

Amazon’s headline sales are great for snagging big-ticket discounts. However, Amazon Outlet is the quieter, steady place that hands you useful savings throughout the year. Amazon Outlet is where you can find overstock and clearance items. For smart RVers, it’s a reliable source for great deals all year-round. Learn more.

Thrift store RV gear saves you big bucks!

Did you know that you can find all kinds of great RV gear at thrift stores? It’s true. In her video, the Grateful Glamper takes us on a thrift store shopping trip to show us some great examples of the RV treasures that await.

Expert nomad lifestyle money tips

Here, we join Bob Wells and Brian Gifford of CheapRVliving as they discuss financial considerations for hitting the road and how to prioritize RVing costs and expenses when living a nomadic lifestyle. Their video shares critical insights from their wealth of combined experience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an emergency fund while striking a balance between comfort and freedom.

See new sights and save with Groupon while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Traveling around the country, we’ve seen many special events, attractions, and museums. We’ve also undoubtedly missed many interesting sights along the way. But not anymore! I’ve found a way to make sure we see more and still save while RVing. And you can, too! Groupon to the rescue!

Dollar stores offer many bargains for RVers

By Gail Marsh
I recently wandered a little deeper into a Dollar Tree store than I normally do. I was surprised and delighted at the bargains that would be useful to RVers. The aisles are full of little finds that make life easier on the road. Don’t believe me? Read on.

18 ways to use “single-use” items more than once

Did you know that many so-called “single-use” items can often be reused—and even more than once, in some cases? Reusing not only means less trash going to the landfill, but it also means more money stays in your pocket. That saved cash can go towards fuel, food, and campground fees, which are all on the rise. So, let’s get to the savings!

Save money. Repair your power inverter yourself

If you’re away from shore power, having a power inverter goes a long way to making life better. But if your inverter takes a vacation while you’re on vacation, life can get tough. Can you do your own inverter repair? In some cases, the diagnosis and treatment is easy for the competent do-it-yourselfer. Here’s the step-by-step.

Save money: Recertify propane cylinders

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Do you remember the story we ran about motorhome owners getting the runaround when trying to fill their propane tanks? Many wrote in and shared how they had been told by propane pump jockeys that their tanks were “out of date” and couldn’t be filled. We also heard from plenty of towable RVers who told us their horror stories about trying to get their LP cylinders refilled. There’s plenty of misinformation out there, and we’ll try to clear it up. You can save money if you recertify propane cylinders, instead of buying new.

The ABCs of free and low-cost camping on federal land

In these days of rising campground costs and campground crowding, there are a host of acronyms RVers should know about, like USFS, COE and BLM. Those are the acronyms of federal agencies that oversee millions of acres of public land which offer free and low-cost camping. Continue reading.

The ABCs of free and low-cost camping on state land

Is free and low-cost camping available on state land where you camp? In this article, we will look at the different state agencies, the public land they oversee and the free and low-cost camping opportunities on that land.

Fairgrounds camping: Don’t overlook these affordable, sometimes free, “campgrounds”

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Traveling the back country of Idaho, we were bereft of where to stay. We had no great desire to spend big bucks for an RV park where we’d use hardly any of the amenities. The distaff side wasn’t inclined to hitting the boonies. Where to go? Despite a prevaricating GPS unit, we eventually found the county fairgrounds. And sure enough, fairgrounds camping was allowed—and, to top it off, allowed for free.

Need a free place to stay in your RV? Ask a church

By Gail Marsh
A few summers ago, my husband and I were traveling in our RV, aiming to reach our reserved campground well before nightfall. However, a terrible accident brought traffic to a standstill. With the Interstate closed, we scoured the internet for nearby campgrounds, local parks, Walmart, and any other potential place that came to mind. Then divine inspiration hit! We discovered a nearby Lutheran church. Continue reading.

Save money, skip headaches: The best way to buy an RV

Buying a brand-new RV sounds exciting, but it can come with legal traps and long repair delays. According to attorney Steve Lehto, there’s a smarter path that protects your wallet and your time. In this article and video, Steve breaks down how RV buyers can avoid the worst pitfalls, try the lifestyle first, then buy with confidence. It’s simple: research, rent, then buy used.

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Awesome ‘Aironado’: 1970s Toronado and Airstream hybrid

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Awesome ‘Aironado’: 1970s Toronado and Airstream hybrid

By Cheri Sicard
YouTube personality Mav, of Mav Made It (2.7M subscribers, 484M views!), bought himself quite a birthday present! It’s an “Aironado,” a 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado combined with an Airstream travel trailer.

In the video below, he takes us along to check it out and test-drive the unique motorhome.

Judging from the wasp’s nest in the vent and the dead bees and mouse poop on the bed, the RV probably had not been used in a while, but it was not in bad shape.

Inside, it has all the style of an Airstream, but most Airstreams do not come paired with the power of a classic muscle car. This one does, which makes for driving comfort.

The Aironado was even featured in Car & Driver when it was first created. Apparently, a former Oldsmobile employee came up with the idea and built the unusual RV.

Join Mav as he test drives the vehicle and weighs the pros and cons of buying it. He does realize it is definitely a “project.” But, hey. He’s young!

Spoiler alert: The Aironado is now part of Mav’s collection. He not only bought it, but also drove the entire 10-hour trip home. Well, OK, not the entire trip. Even though that was the intention.

Along the way, he discovered a bunch of other fixes and issues he will need to address. He even needed to do some quick repairs on the road.

But he was also the recipient of lots of compliments and attention.

Then another breakdown. A big one. Transmission problems. Ugh.

It was a hairy trip. Such are the chances with vintage vehicles. The video ends with the Aironado in the shop and Mav renting a car to get home.

Make sure you watch the video. It sure is a unique RV!

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Have you missed out on booking a campsite or campground you really wanted this year?

RV Travel
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Have you missed out on booking a campsite or campground you really wanted this year?

Think about the last time you tried to book a campground you really wanted. You had your dates picked out, maybe even set a reminder… and then—gone. Fully booked. Argh!

For today’s poll, we want to know if you have missed out on reserving a specific campsite or even campground you really wanted to stay at this year.

For some of you, the answer is a frustrated yes. Popular parks and campgrounds seem to fill up faster than ever. Reservations open and within minutes—sometimes seconds—the best sites are gone. It can feel like you never even had a chance.

Part of the challenge is how competitive booking has become. More people are RVing, planning ahead, and jumping online the moment reservations open. And then there’s the added wrinkle of technology—some RVers believe bots or automated tools are scooping up sites instantly, especially at high-demand destinations. Whether that’s widespread or not, it definitely feels that way when everything disappears in a flash.

(Here’s an article we wrote about booking those hard-to-get spots.)

Others have found ways to work around it. Flexible travel dates, checking for cancellations, using first-come, first-served sites, or simply choosing less crowded destinations can still lead to great trips—even if it’s not the original plan. Plus, sometimes those “backup” spots end up being the best ones.

And, of course, some of you haven’t had much trouble at all. Maybe you book far in advance, travel off-season, or avoid the busiest parks altogether.

So what about you? Have you missed out on a campground you really wanted to stay at this year, or have you managed to snag the sites you were after? Go ahead and vote in today’s poll, and if you’ve got a booking tip (or a horror story), feel free to share it. Thanks!

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12 more quick RV tips and hacks from actual RVers

Gail Marsh
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12 more quick RV tips and hacks from actual RVers

When advice comes from someone who’s packed up at dawn, switched propane tanks at 2 a.m., and successfully battled insects from fruit flies to cockroaches, I know their tips can be trusted.

Here are practical, low-cost tricks from people who really RV. I’m hoping you find these tips helpful as you RV, too!

Broom holders for the win

broom holder for soap FB post no name

If your bath sink has zero counter space, affix a springy broom/mop holder to a nearby flat surface and tuck a pump soap bottle into the clamp. It keeps soap right where you need it without taking up countertop space.

broom holder for hoses FB no name
Photo: Chuckie Rudziewicz on Facebook

The same style of wall-mounted broom holder also does double duty outside. Mount two holders near your water and power hookups. Then fasten the hose and cord on the holders as shown. The holders will relieve stress on the fittings, and it’s so easy to do! We wrote an in-depth article about this tip here.

A little privacy, please!

Screenshot
Photo credit: Jennifer Gunder on Facebook

A shower curtain plus a set of C-hooks is the simplest (and least expensive) privacy curtain for the open end of your RV awning. Hang the hooks on the awning arms or loop them around the end caps, and you’ve got instant privacy.

privacy screen with garage screens

If you want a screen room that keeps bugs out, many RVers repurpose garage/roll-up screens. If you try this, attach screens with Velcro to the awning and use the magnet/weighted center as the entry.

Corner storage

corner storage with shower shelf FB Janetma Haller image
Photo: Janetma Haller on Facebook

Expand kitchen storage with a tension-corner shower caddy. A spring-loaded corner shower caddy isn’t just for shampoos. It’s a vertical, tension-fit shelf that works great tucked into a kitchen corner or under kitchen cabinets to corral spice jars, cooking oil, fruit, and more. This easy tip will free up your counter for more prep space.

Chair bags

chair bag for grill utensils FB no name given

Camping chair bags are perfect for long, slim gear. Think: pie irons, s’mores sticks, and skewer sets. They easily slide in and stay together inside the bag until needed. The bag keeps them off the floor and makes finding one long item quicker than digging through a bin.

Sneak peek

John Great posted this idea on Facebook: “I’m 74 and don’t get around well, so I use a mini drone to check the roof and also check the top of the sliders for leaves. I can even blow them off with the drone if needed.”

Stop awning flap

pants hanger for awning flap FB no name given
Photo: Jonathan Collins on Facebook

Slack awning fabric can flap even in a gentle breeze. There are commercial anti-flap kits you can get. However, in a pinch, this RVer used a pants hanger combined with a hair tie!

Note: Never leave a loosely flapping awning out in stronger gusts. That’s just asking for damage.

Pet tip

adhesive tape on dog collar with site # FB idea; no name given
Photo: Gary Garant on Facebook

For short trips or campground stays, a small temporary tag is invaluable. RVers often put a tiny piece of medical tape on a dog’s collar with their campsite number and a contact phone number. The tape is easily removed, and a newly labeled piece is attached at your next campground.

Note: Always remember to have pets microchipped, no matter where you go.

Wine to the rescue!

cork in screen door to prevent opening FB; no name given
Photo: Rhonda Galloway on Facebook

If your dog (or curious toddler) figures out how to unlatch your RV’s exterior screen door, a wine cork jammed under the screen-door handle can block the latch. This quick tip is a low-cost way to keep everyone safe inside. (Just remember to remove it before retiring for the night.)

Done with drips

dish drying mat tip to prevent spills

Place a dish drying mat around your RV’s kitchen sink faucet. The mat will absorb splashes and make life a bit easier.

Sprayer tip

small sprayer for quick rinses FB no name given
Photo: Athena NA on Facebook

A small, pressurized pump sprayer (the kind gardeners use) is a camper’s best friend. Use it to rinse sand from feet, wash bird droppings off picnic tables, muddy boots, and so much more.

Note: Clearly mark the sprayer to avoid mixed uses. 

Campsite security

After you set up at the campsite, pull your tow vehicle so it faces the RV. If something looks or sounds off at night, use the vehicle’s key fob to flash the lights or activate the horn. This will startle an intruder and draw attention to the issue.

Note: Combine this tip with good habits: secure valuables, lock exterior compartments, and park with clear sightlines if possible.

Can you share additional tips? Please do, using the comments below.

MORE LIKE THIS:

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In defense of the RV shut-off valve: A $15 plumbing mod you shouldn’t live without

Andrew Herrick
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In defense of the RV shut-off valve: A $15 plumbing mod you shouldn’t live without

RV plumbing code (NFPA 1192) does not require individual fixture shut-off valves. It ain’t like your house, which is likely governed by some version of the International Residential Code.

(Now, before you click away, I promise this isn’t a deep dive into plumbing code. This article is written for every RV owner; I just want to alert you to this hidden difference between your RV and your house.)

Anyway, if you peek underneath any sink in your house, you will likely see two shut-off valves. These shut-off valves separate the branch water line—usually galvanized steel (not good), PEX (pretty good), or copper (best)—from the flexible supply hoses that connect to the faucet. You probably have two shut-off valves: one for the hot water supply and one for the cold water supply. Here’s an example below:

This bathroom sink has two quarter-turn shut-off valves with oval handles: one for hot, one for cold.

Why I love RV shut-off valves (and you should, too)

Shut-off valves are the unsung heroes of plumbing repairs. They make everything so easy. With a quarter-turn, any plumber or DIYer can shut off water flow to the fixture. Now you can replace or repair the faucet at your leisure.

Now, as I mentioned, 99% of RVs do NOT have individual shut-off valves. A few have branch line shut-off valves, but these are located in the central water bay manifold (if so equipped), not at the individual fixtures like sinks, shower mixing valves, toilets, etc. These manifolds can be a bear to access (and I only have a 33-inch waist), so don’t rely on them for convenient use.

Anyway, I’m swerving onto the rumble strip. Let me get back on the road: Your RV doesn’t have shut-off valves, and I’m saying you should add them. Why? Let me tell you a story.

The real cost of a forgotten $15 fitting

One August weekend, I received a call from an emergency roadside dispatch service. This service was desperately—and by desperately I mean I was their 18th call—trying to find a mobile RV tech that could replace a broken water valve in a Dometic 300-series RV flush toilet. The customer was off in the boondocks, miles away from any service center, nobody else had the valve in stock, and it was a weekend afternoon, to boot.

I politely informed the service that I was willing to take the job, but I charged by the mile, and this customer was an hour outside my usual service area, and I had to charge a small after-hours fee for interfering with some personal plans. “No problem,” gushed the dispatcher. “What are your rates?” I gulped, calculated, and sheepishly tendered the total. “No problem. We’ll pay by credit card. When will you be leaving?”

Thankfully, the customer’s insurance footed the bill. Had the customer been forced to pay out-of-pocket, well, it would have certainly ruined her Saturday! And all for what? For the lack of a $15 shut-off valve! The broken toilet water valve, you see, had cracked. It was spewing water everywhere. The RV owner was forced to turn off the city water to her entire RV. She was a sitting duck, unable to shower or cook. If the toilet had a shut-off valve, she could have turned off the toilet water supply, but used everything else just like normal.

It’s easy-peasy to add your own shut-off valves!

It’s easy to add a shut-off valve, folks. Most RVs use 1/2” PEX tubing* all the way to the fixture. With a $20 PEX cutter/deburrer and a $15 quick-connect ball valve fitting (such as SharkBite, Flair-It, or AquaLock), you can add a shut-off valve to any supply line. For around $150, you could probably add shut-off valves to every interior faucet, showerhead, and toilet in your RV.

*Sometimes, RV manufacturers may use flexible braided vinyl hose instead of PEX to connect to the fixtures. In this case, you will need to purchase ball valves with hose barb fittings and use worm-drive hose clamps or ear clamps rated for the specific O.D. of the vinyl hose. They aren’t all the same!

Add some RV shut-off valves to your camper and enjoying peace of mind in your travels this year.

These are the two shut-off valves I recommend:

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How to recognize RV frame cracks

RV Travel
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How to recognize RV frame cracks

By Dustin Simpson
Join Zach and me as we dive into RV frame crack repairs. These repairs ensure your RV’s frame is repaired professionally, allowing you to enjoy worry-free adventures.

Identifying RV frame cracks

Signs of frame cracks

Learn how to recognize signs of frame cracks, which can compromise your RV’s structural integrity and safety.

Importance of a prompt repair

Promptly addressing frame cracks prevents further damage and ensures safe travel.

Expert repair process

Professional assessment

First, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine the extent and cause of the frame cracks.

Specialized techniques

Utilizing specialized tools and techniques, we will perform precise repairs to restore the frame’s strength and durability.

Each repair is meticulously inspected to meet high-quality standards and ensure your RV is safe for future adventures.

Enjoy peace of mind with warranty coverage and ongoing support from our expert team.

Getting back on the road

Seamless integration

After repairs, your RV is ready for the road, ensuring you can resume your travels worry-free.

Make sure you watch the video for a full inside look at RV frame crack repairs. Trust our expertise to professionally repair your RV’s frame, ensuring safety and reliability on your adventures.

More from Dustin

Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.

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Great state capitals to visit and where to camp nearby

Gail Marsh
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Great state capitals to visit and where to camp nearby

Did you memorize the U.S. states and capitals in fourth grade? Me, too! I’ve found that adding state capitals to your RV trip plans is definitely worthwhile.

There are, of course, 50 state capitals, but for now I’ve chosen just three: Madison, Richmond, and Santa Fe. Every state capital region offers visitors a unique experience. You can count on enjoying local culture, eateries, and special activities, too.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, WI Capitol Building

The Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the best downtown landmarks to start with because it is right in the middle of the city at 2 East Main Street. Visitors can take free guided tours of the Capitol year-round. (Plan 45-55 minutes for the guided tour.) Or you can explore on your own.

The Capitol is open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and some holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sixth-floor museum and observation deck are also open during the summer months, which is a nice bonus.

The grounds around Capitol Square are just as rewarding as the building itself. Madison’s Dane County Farmers’ Market is a real treasure. It’s the country’s largest producer-only market. The market circles the square, so you can pair a Capitol visit with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and food carts. Visit early in the day for the best selection of seasonal favorites.

From the Capitol building, it’s an easy hop to State Street, a pedestrian mall filled with eateries, bookstores, and shops—all with a college vibe. Nearby, you’ll also find the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and the Overture Center for the Arts.

If your RV trip lines up with festival season, Madison keeps its calendar lively with events like the Fringe Festival and neighborhood gatherings that bring music, food, and street life to downtown.

Nearby campgrounds

Madison is one of the easier capital regions for RVers who like to stay close to the action without giving up space.

More to see and do

Outdoor activities:

  • Walk or bike along the University of Wisconsin–Madison Lakeshore Path
  • Picnic or paddle on Lake Monona or Lake Mendota
  • Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Indoor activities:

Richmond, Virginia

wikkimediacommons image Richmond, VA capitol

The Virginia State Capitol is a classic stop for history lovers. Thomas Jefferson planned the building, and the Bank Street entrance was designed to give visitors a better south-facing view.

The Capitol grounds include Capitol Square, the Executive Mansion, an historic fence, and fountains. Capitol Square covers 12 acres and is one of the oldest planned urban parks in the country.

Nearby campgrounds

  • Richmond North/Kings Dominion KOA Holiday offers RV patio sites, full hookups, and year-round operation. It’s close to Richmond—less than 30 minutes away.
  • If you prefer a more relaxed, riverfront stay, Riverside Camp & Marina in Lanexa may be a better fit. This campground offers RV sites, cabins, Wi-Fi, a boat ramp, swimming, and fishing access on the Chickahominy River.
  • Rockahock Campground and RV Park is another regional option with RV campsites and a long list of outdoor activities.

More to see and do

This area of Virginia offers visitors a wide range of things to see and do.

Outdoor activities:

  • Kayak, paddleboard, or hike along the James River Park System
  • Bike the Virginia Capital Trail
  • Stroll Capitol Square and nearby Monument Avenue
  • Explore Belle Isle for walking trails and river views

Indoor activities:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe state capitol bldg Image: tripadvisor

New Mexico’s state Capitol is the Roundhouse. It’s one of the most distinctive Capitol buildings in the country. You’ll find the Capitol at the corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta.

Visitors can take self-guided tours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., plus Saturdays from Memorial Day through the last Saturday in August. Guided tours are available by appointment.

The Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens sit on the Roundhouse’s 6.5-acre grounds. There, you’ll discover sequoias, Russian olive trees, roses, and more than 100 kinds of native New Mexico plants. The area is complemented by sculptures from the Capitol Art Collection.

Nearby campgrounds

  • Santa Fe KOA Holiday is a solid RV base if you want full-service camping with RV sites and patio options.
  • The RV Park at HIPICO Santa Fe is another strong choice, and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown. That makes it handy for Capitol visits and Plaza time without giving up a quieter campground setting.

More to see and do

You’ll have your choice of several activities to enjoy in or near Santa Fe.

Outdoor activities:

  • Walk the Santa Fe Plaza and surrounding historic streets
  • Hike the Santa Fe foothills or the Dale Ball Trails
  • Explore the Roundhouse grounds and Clay Buchanan Memorial Gardens
  • Visit the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for day hikes or picnics

Indoor activities:

A capital destination

I think you’ll enjoy visiting state capitals. The three destinations mentioned work well because each one pairs a capital with nearby food, museums, outdoor space, and campground choices.

U.S. capitals are unique and memorable. Madison provides a lively square and an easy downtown walk. Richmond brings serious history and great museums. Santa Fe delivers art, culture, and high-desert scenery in one compact trip. But don’t limit yourself to these three. I think you’ll find that every state capital region offers history, culture, and outdoor adventures that are sure to please.

Have you visited a state capitol building or capital region? Tell us about it using the comments below.

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RV review: Brinkley Model Ix 24x— affordable but top-notch

Tony Barthel
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RV review: Brinkley Model Ix 24x— affordable but top-notch

Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2026 Brinkley Model Ix 24x. This is a bunk model travel trailer that offers some features unique to Brinkley and one that balances size and interior spaciousness rather well. I tend to like trailers about this size since that’s what I’ve chosen myself.

I also like that this has a separate entrance to the outside for the front bedroom. Also, there is no ridiculous windshield on these to require you to go buy a $400 protective cover just so you can tow the trailer around. Whatever happened to protective covers being installed on trailers, anyway? Oh, well. This solution works fine for me in a bedroom. 

How the Brinkley Model Ix 24x is built

As always, I like to start at the outside before going in, and there’s a lot to unpack here. First of all, this trailer is built differently from other laminated travel trailers. Most laminated trailers use a fiberglass outside skin, which is just fine and tends to last a long time. But this uses a thin sheet of aluminum, instead. 

That aluminum is bonded to the rest of the sandwich, which makes up the outside of this RV. That sandwich consists of a man-made substrate layer (used to be Azdel was the sole provider of this; now there’s competition!), then either an aluminum rib or block foam insulation, then an inner layer. These are all glued together to make a strong yet lightweight wall. 

What makes this build stand out is that the aluminum is painted rather than being a single color with stickers as the accents. This should look new significantly longer than stickers, which fade within just a few years. There are a few other RVs doing this now, including the Keystone Reign. 

Another thing I like is that it uses an Alpha Ply roofing system. It’s a membrane-style roof with a lifetime warranty on the material itself. The sealants also tend to off-gas less and require less maintenance. Of course, no RV roof is completely maintenance-free—but I’ve had Alpha Ply roofs on my Rockwood trailers for years and have never needed to rework the seals. It’s good stuff.

There is a single slide room in this trailer, and that room uses the Lippert Thin Rack system. That isn’t bad and reportedly addresses some of the issues that have plagued the Schwintek system. 

Window assembly

I also really like that Brinkley was the first, to my knowledge, to use a window assembly that incorporates the shades and screens in the window build. I like how clean these are, but they have also proven to be durable. 

This does have two connection points for the sewer: a front gray tank and a black-and-gray connection. The gate valves themselves are on remote pulls, so the valves are within the heated and enclosed underbelly. 

The stabilizers on this are simple manual stabilizers. There is so much to be said about keeping things simple. These are also set at a 45° angle to the chassis, which, I’ve been told, offers better stabilization. 

The suspension here is a simple leaf spring setup, although it does employ the Lippert Road Armor suspension dampener. This rides on Hankook tires, which is fine. However, there is no mention of tire pressure monitoring, which, to me, is unacceptable in any towable RV. Thankfully, the RVIA just set a new standard to require tire pressure monitoring in towables, but it seems a disservice to someone buying a more premium brand not to have it. 

The front pass-through is heated. Brinkley has installed multiple shut-off switches for the power in here so you can disable just the solar panels or the whole trailer. Nice touch. 

Let’s go inside the Brinkley Model Ix 24x

As mentioned, this is a bunkhouse trailer with the bathroom in the rear. One feature I really like is Brinkley’s unique desk setup. The desk folds neatly into a wall cabinet and can be pulled out in sections when needed. It also comes with a couple of folding seats, and there’s a drawer at the front for extra storage.

The counter above this desk/table thingamabobber is part of a very significant amount of counter space that flows into the kitchen of this rig. That kitchen features a large, square sink and a three-burner propane cooktop. But that cooktop is more of a professional gadget than the sheet metal thing you’ll find in most RVs. 

Above that is a residential-sized convection air fryer microwave. There is no propane oven in here. 

The drawers are top-notch with dovetail construction. Brinkley also has a pull-out trash can and their now-famous drawer that has a paper towel holder in it. Quite honestly, this is a great kitchen, although I know some folks won’t like that there is no propane oven. But at least there’s not that awful 17” RV oven. 

The fridge in here is the same as in my own RV, and I find it to be remarkably efficient. 

Storage

There’s also a pantry, so storage is plentiful. Another place where storage is good includes under the lower bunk, where you’ll find four drawers, two large open drawers, and then two with dividers. This solves the problem that exists in many bunkhouse models of storage for the folks sleeping in the bunks. 

You have a choice of theater seats or a folding couch. The living space is open enough that you could bring some folding camp chairs in on a rainy day if you choose to. Don’t forget, there are those two folding chairs. 

The bathroom is big enough with a porcelain toilet and a high-performance vent fan.

This is a 50-amp trailer but comes with a single Furrion Chill Cube 18,000 BTU central A/C unit. How well that solves your problem of being too cool for school obviously depends on when and where you camp, but you can add a second A/C easily in the bedroom. 

Front bedroom in the Brinkley Model Ix 24x

The bedroom up front features a proper queen-sized (60” x 80”) bed. Mimicking the bunk drawers are four drawers under the bed, and there’s still space under the bed for more storage, as well. 

I love the fact that there is no windshield in the bedroom, as you can tell. There also is no window in the door to the bedroom from the outside. I’m cool with this, too. There is a window right next to the door if you hear the Sheriff knocking on the door and need to figure out what your spouse did. This time. Again. 

On either side of the bed is a hanging closet and a drawer. Behind the closet door is also an upper shelf for smaller items. This is a nice little touch. 

There’s also the obligatory space behind the closets with power outlets to charge your digital gadgets, even though you’re not really supposed to be reading RVtravel.com before bed, although we’re grateful that you do!

Boondocking and travel access in the Brinkley Model Ix 24x

I was surprised to learn that the whole trailer is basically usable even with the slide room in. Good job, Brinkley! Now, you do have to use the front exterior door to get to the front bedroom and the rear exterior door to get to the rest of the trailer, which remains functional. But I’m good with this compromise.

There is a single 200-watt solar panel, which may be able to compensate for the fridge’s use. I guess this is more of a battery tender than anything. For those who want to camp off the grid, either some ground-deployed portable panels or going whole-hog on a rooftop system is the way to go.

One more thing: There are 46 gallons of fresh water capacity in this trailer. That might go pretty quickly if you are camping with a whole load of people, but you will probably already know that.

Final thoughts on the Brinkley Model Ix 24x

This is the most affordable line in the Brinkley family, and yet, for the most part, it really has mostly top-notch features and equipment. In other words, it doesn’t feel entry-level by any means. 

An example of Brinkley paying attention to details is the little bar-sized fridge outside the trailer, which runs on 12 volts. This makes sense—your beer will be cold when you arrive at camp rather than waiting for a 120VAC fridge to cool it down once you finally get there. Little details matter, and I think it’s stuff like this that is earning Brinkley a good reputation. 

My thanks to Josh from Bish’s RV for the video and photos in this article.

More about these RV reviews

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.

Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. 

You can also check out Tony and Peggy’s RV podcast.

MORE BRINKLEY RV REVIEWS:

Jellystone Parks expands campgrounds to be as pet-friendly as family-friendly

RV Travel
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Jellystone Parks expands campgrounds to be as pet-friendly as family-friendly

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts are expanding pet-friendly amenities, accommodations, and activities across their network of more than 75 franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada, as demand grows among RVers traveling with pets.

“We’re as pet-friendly as we are family-friendly,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Camp Jellystone, the Southfield, Michigan-based franchisor.

New dog-friendly amenities roll out across parks

New features include added infrastructure at several parks, highlighted by a dog splash park at the Uniontown, Ohio location—the first Yogi Bear-themed campground to introduce a dedicated water play area for dogs. The setup includes a wading pool and dog-friendly splash elements, joining existing amenities like dog parks, agility courses, and pet wash stations found at multiple locations.

Campgrounds are also increasing pet-friendly accommodations. More parks now offer RV sites and cabins designed with pets in mind, including fenced-in areas and private enclosures. Locations in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, and Quarryville, Pennsylvania, report pet-friendly cabins, while others have added dog runs, bark parks, and designated pet activity zones.

Campgrounds introduce pet-focused events

Programming is expanding alongside the physical upgrades. Many locations now host pet-centered events such as dog costume contests, pet parades, and themed weekends like “Pet Lovers Weekend,” “Pet Palooza,” and “Furry Friends Weekend.” Activities often include petting zoos, animal encounters, and interactive contests for both pets and their owners.

Some parks are also adding structured, ongoing programming. The Pittsfield, Illinois, location offers daily meetups for large and small dogs, while the Pelahatchie park hosts a weeklong event featuring pet-themed crafts and competitions. Other parks incorporate traveling petting zoos, wildlife weekends, and adoption events.

The pet-focused expansion builds on Jellystone Park’s broader family-oriented model, which includes pools, water slides, mini golf, and Yogi Bear-themed entertainment through its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences.

For RVers, the move reflects a broader shift across the campground industry to better accommodate travelers who want to bring pets along—without sacrificing the amenities and activities typically geared toward families.

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When is a claim of a ‘defective tire’ not correct?

Roger Marble
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When is a claim of a ‘defective tire’ not correct?

I’ve been following a forum from one brand of RVs that was discussing a tire that failed. At the end of the thread, one person said the tire was “defective.” I decided to post a generic article on “tire defects.”

Tire Blowout Roger RVT 1257
Tire failure

Tire failures

It is easy to claim some “defect” in a tire that has failed, until you are asked to describe the specific “defect.” Having been involved in a number of class-action lawsuits, it is interesting to note how many plaintiffs start with a claim that “the tire was defective.” Yet, when asked for a specific description of what the “defect” was, I usually got the sound of crickets back.

In my 45 years as a tire design and forensic engineer, I have personally inspected and done “autopsies” on many thousands of tires at “end of life.” I have made presentations to many car company engineers who start the meeting with the question of, “What was wrong with the tire?” and end up with an understanding that external actions were usually the “root cause” for the tire’s condition.

There are some tire manufacturing errors

Not all tires are error-free, and I have seen tires with manufacturing errors. In fact, it was my personal inspection of some brand-new tires that resulted in a recall of some 3,000 tires. I was able to identify the “mistake” or mis-production that occurred. I did not simply say the tires were “defective,” but was able to identify the specific mistake and even identify what step in the production process resulted in a group of tires being classified as “defective.”

It only took a couple of weeks to accumulate production data and identify that 86 tires contained the improper rubber compound in a specific location of the subject tires. DOT was notified and they accepted the results of our inspection and analysis and approved a recall.

If I had simply said “The tires have a defect,” it would have been impossible to identify the error and identify the tires that were produced with the mistake.

Tires don’t fail because of “magic”

Tires do not fail because of some “Black Magic.” But if you want to make a claim of some mysterious “defect,” you will probably be mistaken.

If you insist on claiming there was a defect, then, in my professional opinion, you should be prepared to identify the specific error that was made during manufacturing. Or else just say, “It’s magic.”

If you review these posts here and in my blog RVTireSafety.net you will see that I have not made the claim that the tire failed due to some mysterious magical “defect.” I am hoping to educate people on the steps to take to prevent a future tire failure. The “defect” claim helps no one, in my opinion.

Roger Marble

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If you have tire questions, check out Roger’s posts on RVtravel.com. There are hundreds of posts covering everything to do with tires.

If you still have a question for Roger after searching the above posts, send your inquiries to him using the form below.

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Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Bad behavior crackdown, risky road trips and Zion camping restrictions

Tony Barthel
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Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Bad behavior crackdown, risky road trips and Zion camping restrictions

This week’s news insights are a bit different for the simple reason that this week has been a bit different in my world. I was invited to a product reveal of a motorhome manufacturer, who shall presently remain nameless, to look over the 2027 offerings, and this happened to be in Alabama. 

For a lot of reasons, I don’t fly. I have an RV, but I also own a car, and most of the country isn’t horribly far from my home base in New Mexico. Now, the interesting thing is, the car I have is a VW ID.4, which we bought after the tax incentives disappeared, and used EVs became super bargains. 

Our intention was to just piddle around town in a car that was a remarkable bargain used car, but I thought I’d try a long road trip from New Mexico to Alabama in the car. That means two things: A story, of course, and an endless stream of podcasts, including those with RV news to reflect upon. Here are some of the highlights. 

Zion National Park crowd
Shuttle lines at the Temple of Sinawava during the 2023 Fourth of July weekend.
NPS / Jonathan Shafer

Our behavior is lousy, and they’re taking away the toys

I really like Jason and Abby Epperson’s podcasts—RV Miles and PARKography. This first segment comes from PARKography, where Jason reported that the BLM is proposing major changes to boondocking near Zion National Park. 

Boondocking near the entrance is a big pressure relief valve for the very popular destination, where campsites can fill up well in advance. A lot of people choose to use our national lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, to stay outside the park. 

Their shared story was that the BLM was seeing more damage to the lands, including soil compaction, as well as people leaving trash and even human waste, along with putting up unpermitted fire pits. No surprise, some people are ruining it for many.

The BLM is considering closing off much of the 14,000 acres around Zion and directing people to specific areas, as well as paid campsites. This includes the land around Utah State Route 9—the main gateway to the park. If you’re wondering, yes, this includes Hurricane Cliffs, Gooseberry Cliffs, and Smithsonian Butte.

This is the first story where the moral is that some people’s moms didn’t teach them well. 

Yellowstone National Park
Visitors walking on the boardwalks at Mammoth Hot Springs. NPS photo

Stay on the paths already

A second story in Jason’s coverage centered around a man from Texas who wandered off the designated paths at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone, causing damage to the natural landscape. (We covered this last week.) Apparently, he’s not alone. 

But he does get to become a guest of the local jail, where he will be spending five days. Apparently, park officials are sick of these misdeeds and are doing more to teach them what their moms should have taught them—common sense and respect for the signs.

From the news report, apparently, some 20 people have died in recent years by doing the same thing as our friend from the Lone Star State, where they break through the potentially thin crust and boil to death in the steamy water. 

Also, as for my long drive, why is it every time I curse someone’s driving, they have a Texas plate? Do we need to just put the whole state on a time-out? 

Long drives can be dangerous

My ears perked up when I heard Mike Wendland interview a doctor about the dangers of long drives, since I was listening to an episode of the RV Podcast while enduring a long drive, myself. 

What was said was that sitting for hours watching bugs splatter on your windshield can actually be very unhealthy for you. Blood clots can form in your legs, causing arterial problems, but those blood clots can migrate and cause lung problems, too. It’s not good. 

Unfortunately for those of us who have to scroll through a lot of years to get to our birth year when filling things out online and who also displace a lot of water in the pool, gulp, it’s especially bad. The doctor shared some tips for taking breaks and also simple exercises that can help potentially minimize the chance that your RV journey might include a ride in a shiny red ambulance. 

(Hint: We have a story about this coming in tomorrow’s RV Travel newsletter.)

Each type of RV traveler is different. This one likes to drink coffee around a campfireGoing outside can be good for your health

Finally, on another episode of the RV Podcast, Mike Wendland shared a press release he had been sent by Daniel Stone from TGA Mobility. 

In the press release, Stone said that many of our sleep issues are related to our exposure to daylight. His claim was that you should get at least 10 minutes of genuine outdoorsy sunshine before 10 a.m., which helps your internal body clock establish a rhythm. 

You should also experience a darker environment at night than the one you woke up to. 

Apparently, doing this simple thing can help you get to sleep at night and sleep better, as well. 

Sleep deprivation affects balance and reaction time. According to the news release, fixing your sleep pattern can actually help you in these areas. 

This could explain why we just sleep better when camping—we spend more time outside.

To see all recent news for RVers, click here. 

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