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How safe is the RV park water you are using? You sure it’s safe?

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How safe is the RV park water you are using? You sure it’s safe?

By Cheri Sicard
Recently, Robin Barrett of Creativity RV noticed the water in the RV park where she was staying tasted a little funky. So, she decided to test the RV park water and what she discovered was shocking, including disturbing levels of sulfate and bacteria, including E. coli. WOW!

In this video (and article), Robin talks about the four potential sources of RV water and the tests she did to determine her RV water safety. She also talked about what she learned about water regulation and safety, a lot of which surprised her.

Robin started her explorations because there was an intermittent gaseous smell coming from her water taps. At first, she thought it was from her RV, but then the park started doing renovations and shutting the water off.

One day, while in the campground office, Robin noticed a public notice of water violations from 2020. What was on the paper was scary, so she got online to look up what was really going on.

The park had dozens of violations over a 10-year period. Some included failure to disinfect and elevated levels of lead, chlorine, and more.

Robin ordered two different water testing kits from Amazon that test for 19 different factors. The results were not good.

In order to make the tests as accurate as possible, Robin tested the water from three different sources:

  • Her RV’s kitchen sink
  • The faucet in the RV park bathhouse
  • From the spigot at the next-door empty RV space

She ran the water through the 19-test panel as well as tested for bacteria and E. coli.

Overall, the water was decent, EXCEPT in three categories:

  • The pH level was way off.
  • The water had sulfur levels that were off the charts.
  • Bacteria and E. coli showed up in the empty space spigot test.

The sulfur levels would explain the nasty smell. And while sulfate levels in water are not regulated, high levels can be dangerous to certain people, especially infants, the elderly, and people who need a low-sodium diet. High levels can also act as a laxative and give you diarrhea.

When it came to bacteria and E. coli, the water in Robin’s kitchen sink was fine, but the water from the empty space next door tested positive. Robin suspects that previous occupants probably used the water spout to directly rinse out their black water hose. Ewwww!

Sources for RV park water

Robin incorrectly thought that water from the campground must be regulated. She discovered that RV park water can come from one of four sources:

  • From the city if the park is close enough to city lines, which is normally tested
  • A rural pump where the county pumps city water to county properties. This system will have redundancies in quality control, so there usually is no problem with this water.
  • From a well
  • Water delivered via truck

Robin found that a majority of parks she has stayed at get water via a well or delivery. Safety regulations vary state by state but can often leave the consumer anything but safe.

For instance, the campground where Robin tested the water was in Colorado, which requires them to test the water and report any problems. As she saw on the violation notices, this had not been done.

As their well was not large enough to service the park, they supplemented their water intake with trucked-in water that they brought in themselves, meaning no regulation. In theory, a water vendor would have had more oversight.

If you are concerned about the RV park water quality where you are staying, know that you can look up the results of their water quality online with the city or state.

Beyond that, Robin recommends a Berkey water filter. She repeated her water tests with the filter, and the test results came out much better.

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How to roll a hose properly—easy method to end kinks and knots

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How to roll a hose properly—easy method to end kinks and knots

By Cheri Sicard
Are you tired of struggling with your RV’s hoses? Do they kink or knot? Is there anything more frustrating than wrestling with a tangled, kinked hose? No more. In the video below, Jason Samkowiak of Samko Trad Bow shows us how to roll a hose the proper way.

The problem with the “wrong” way

Most people roll hoses without a second thought, often twisting and forcing them into tight coils. This may seem efficient at the moment, but it leads to problems down the road. Kinks and tangles become more frequent, and the hose itself can suffer internal damage.

If you look closely at your hoses, you might notice a line running along their length. If you see that line starting to twist, it’s a sign that the hose is under stress and being damaged. Hoses aren’t cheap, so it’s important to protect your investment by handling them properly.

The secret of how to roll a hose

The secret to rolling hoses the right way is simple: Let the hose tell you what it wants to do. Instead of forcing it into a particular shape, pay attention to its natural tendency to bend and coil. This approach avoids unnecessary stress and twisting, resulting in a hose that’s easier to use and lasts longer.

This method works no matter how twisted the hose is to begin with. The key is to start fresh and follow the hose’s lead.

Watch the video to see this in action:

  1. Start with the hose lying on the ground. It doesn’t matter how tangled it is.
  2. Make the first loop, letting the hose naturally bend into shape. Don’t force it.
  3. Now, resist the urge to twist the hose as you form the next loop. Instead, let the hose dictate whether the loop goes “over” or “under.”
  4. Alternate between “over” and “under” for each subsequent loop, following the hose’s natural direction.

Once the hose is rolled, the moment of truth arrives. The proof is in the pulling! A properly rolled hose should unravel smoothly, without kinks or tangles. The loops should straighten out as you pull, revealing a perfectly straight hose ready for use.

The same principle applies to larger/longer hoses, although the technique is slightly different due to the size and weight of the hose.

Even with a standard garden hose, the “let the hose lead” principle remains the same. The over-under technique is still the key to preventing kinks and tangles.

Guide: large hose (demonstration on the ground)

  1. Start by letting the hose make the first loop naturally on the ground.
  2. Alternate between “over” and “under” loops, as demonstrated with the smaller hose.
  3. To maintain a consistent loop size, you can step on the hose lightly as you form each loop.
  4. Sometimes, the hose might “fight” you a little. If this happens, don’t force it. Work with the hose to find the natural bend and continue the over-under pattern.

Rolling a hose correctly might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your daily RV life. By following Jason’s simple technique of letting the hose lead, you can avoid the frustration of tangled hoses and extend their lifespan. Give it a try and see for yourself!

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What do you do most nights after dinner?

RV Travel
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What do you do most nights after dinner?

On most evenings after a nice dinner, what do you find yourself doing most often? Is an after-dinner walk a part of your nightly routine? Do you usually watch TV or movies at night? Maybe you play a game on your phone or do a physical puzzle at the table? Do you finish up the day’s work? Participate in your favorite hobby? Sit outside around a campfire and chat with your partner?

Evening routines can vary widely depending on where you’re parked, the weather, and your personal habits. Some RVers love unwinding with a peaceful stroll through the campground, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature as the sun sets.

Others prefer the comfort of their RV, catching up on their favorite shows, reading a good book, or even knitting or painting. And for those who work on the road, evenings might be the perfect time to tie up loose ends before shutting down for the night.

Socializing is also a big part of the RV lifestyle, and many travelers make a habit of gathering with friends or neighbors for campfire chats, card games, or happy hour under the awning. Some RVers take this time to plan their next travel stop, researching routes and campground reviews, while others scroll through their phones, catching up with family, checking the news, or playing their favorite game apps.

No matter what your routine looks like, those quiet (or lively!) hours after dinner can be some of the best moments of the day.

In this poll, you can vote twice. So please vote for the two that you most often do. If you answer “Other” please leave a comment. We’re curious! Thanks!

MORE POLLS YOU MAY ENJOY

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Amazing homemade camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug—before and after

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Amazing homemade camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug—before and after

By Cheri Sicard
This post has two videos: the before and after. In the video just below, you will be introduced to one of the most unique homemade RVs ever: a camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug!

The video’s producer, Mav of Mav Made It, seems to have a talent for finding weird RVs on the Facebook Marketplace and then transforming them.

Someone besides Mav originally converted a 2004 diesel Volkswagen Beetle into a camper by hacking the whole back hatch and adding a customized pop-up camper shell.

Yes, it is small. But considering the tiny size of the car, it’s roomier than you might expect. It has a sink, a pop-up roof, lots of storage and, of course, a bed.

The rig was in rough shape when Mav bought it, for sure, as you will see in the BEFORE video tour above. It did not even have a roof. And with 289K miles, it also had mechanical problems.

But it did have tons of potential, and Mav had big plans to whip it into shape.

And that he did. Check out all his improvements to actually make this camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug truly ready for a camping trip in his follow-up video below.

It started with installing a new roof and sides for the pop-up. Then finding a mattress and lots of other fixes, including mechanical and safety issues with the Bug.

Not only does Mav show what he did, but he also shares what it all cost.

Be sure to also check out his YouTube channel, as it features several more videos of him actually using this rig to go camping in a variety of places and circumstances.

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Look out for sagging slide-out roofs!

RV Travel
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Look out for sagging slide-out roofs!

By Dustin Simpson
Be on the lookout for sagging slide-out roofs! Here is some basic information and reminders.

If your slide-out roof is pooling water, make sure to check it as soon as possible. The last thing you want is structural damage to the middle of the slide-out. Sagging can cause additional water to collect and cause damage.

Here is an example of using a bottle jack and T made of wood to brace the roof while adding additional structure to support.

Because of the roof’s long length, it naturally created a bow in the ceiling.

You will also notice damage in the seal against the wall and pine needles and screw heads exposed. Adding EternaBond tape will help to protect the interior seams and moldings from leaking into the interior.

Angle iron was added to help support the length of the room.

Here is another example of water damage to the main wall caused by seams and edges leaking.

Picture taken during repairs at California RV Specialists.

Closing notes

Owning an RV can be fun, but what happens when your slide-out is stuck in the “in” or “out” position? Lack of maintenance can cause major damage, in some cases even requiring the room to be removed for repairs or even replacing the carpet or repairing linoleum.

Please make sure that you are performing regular inspections as per your owner’s manual.

Watch my video below for an example of why it’s so important to have your slide-out inspection performed once a year.

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This PinDrop teardrop trailer fixes small camper frustrations

Cheri Sicard
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This PinDrop teardrop trailer fixes small camper frustrations

Most teardrop trailers ask campers to accept trade-offs. They save space, but they often shrink the kitchen, water supply, and storage right along with it. The PinDrop® teardrop trailer, on the other hand, takes a different path. They kept the simple teardrop shape, then rebuilt the parts that usually annoy people at camp. The result feels less like a tiny trailer with compromises, and more like a small rig shaped by someone who cooks, camps, and pays attention.

We get a tour of this unique camper in the video at the end of this post from the team at Playing with Sticks.

A galley kitchen built for people who cook

The rear galley is the clearest sign that this trailer was designed around real camp use. Instead of giving up most of the work space to a fixed stove or sink, PinDrop built pull-out drawers and prop-up lids that create about 16 square feet of counter space. That changes the whole feel of meal prep.

It also cuts the usual camp scramble. Open the hatch, pull the drawers, and dinner can start. One side holds a Dometic fridge, while the other side handles cookware, dry goods, plates, and cutlery. Spice racks are built into the doors, and the maple and cherrywood details give it a warm, inviting aesthetic.

A few touches stand out right away:

  • A custom version of the Dometic 2-burner stove keeps small cookware from falling through.
  • A built-in wind guard helps when camp cooking gets breezy.
  • Rockford Fosgate audio and good task lighting turn the galley into the social center of camp.

Built to stay out longer

This trailer leans hard into self-contained camping. Water storage can reach 44 gallons, including 12 gallons under the counter, six-gallon containers on each side, and a roof-mounted solar shower. That is a huge number for a trailer this small.

Power is equally serious. It carries 520 watts of solar feeding a 320Ah Victron battery bank, all housed around a front tongue box that also gives access to fuses, a 110V receptacle, storage dividers, and even an onboard air compressor.

The chassis matches the off-grid pitch. It uses 3-inch channel steel and angle iron, a wide wheelbase, 16-inch rims on this model, independent Timbren suspension, wraparound rock sliders, and an articulating coupler.

The roof racks can handle up to 1,000 pounds, so kayaks or even a rooftop tent are on the table (or roof 😉 ). A swing-out bike rack carries up to three bikes without blocking kitchen access.

A warm cabin with practical four-season details

Inside, the trailer avoids the cold, plastic feel common in small campers. Baltic birch, maple cabinets, and cherrywood inlays make the cabin feel more like a tiny wood shelter than a shell on wheels.

A standard queen mattress, 60 by 80 inches, fits inside an even slightly longer cabin, so tall sleepers get usable foot room. Storage is built into both sides, and charging docks, a stereo, cabinet lights, and underbody “snake lights” are all easy to reach.

The four-season claim comes from two-inch closed-cell foam insulation and PinDrop’s Eco-Cool ducted ventilation system. Because the fan is not mounted through the roof, it frees up roof space for solar and removes one common leak point. An annex room can also attach to the side awning, adding an 8’x8′ sheltered area for kids, pets, or privacy with an ARB awning room setup.

The smartest part of this trailer is not one big feature. It is how many small camping problems it solves before they start.

The trade-offs are clear

The upside is obvious. This trailer is thoughtful, durable, and loaded with features that matter in the real world. The reviewer especially liked the roof access, the full-wrap sliders, the simple tool setup around a 3/4-inch drive, and the way the bike rack stays out of the kitchen’s way.

The downside is just as clear. PinDrop is not building for buyers who want a stripped-down budget trailer. Even the base model comes insulated, solar-powered, and self-contained. That adds cost and weight. At 1,500 pounds dry, it can quickly rule out tow vehicles with a 2,000-pound limit once water and gear are added. (Prices of various models are listed on this page.)

One open question remains, too. The galley hatch is more upright and less curved than many teardrops, and long-term users of that hatch style may have the best read on how it works in daily camp life.

Learn more about PinDrop teardrop trailers.

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RVDT2873

Futuristic ‘Space Camping’ travel trailer debuts in U.S.

RV Travel
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Futuristic ‘Space Camping’ travel trailer debuts in U.S.

A new high-tech travel trailer aimed at rethinking RVing made its U.S. debut recently in Silicon Valley, where Skydream unveiled its “space camping” concept to dealers and partners. The video at the end of the article explains more. But here are the important details from a press release:

The trailer blends electric power, solar energy, and smart technology. According to the company, it can stay off-grid for up to two weeks using a large lithium battery and rooftop solar system.

Skydream trailer in front of mansionIt also features voice controls, app-based systems, and automated functions such as self-leveling, parking assist, and hitch alignment—designed to make setup easier for less-experienced RVers.

Inside, the unit leans heavily into a futuristic design, with modular living space, panoramic windows, and a fold-out balcony.

The trailer first appeared in Europe in 2025 and has gained attention for its unusual design and tech-heavy approach.

What it means for RVers

While production models aren’t expected in the U.S. until late 2026, the concept signals where some manufacturers think RVs are headed—more electric, more automated, and less dependent on hookups.

For now, price, durability, and real-world usability remain question marks.

The video below, from the company, explains a little more about the RV, sparing no superlatives to describe it.

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Hardest thing to do on a vacation? Doing nothing!

RV Travel
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Hardest thing to do on a vacation? Doing nothing!

The hardest thing to do on vacation? Absolutely nothing, according to new research. The survey found that most Americans agree that “doing nothing” is difficult to do—even on vacation (56%). Nearly half of Americans would feel “guilty” if they did nothing on vacation (48%).

The reason: The average person feels guilty about not doing something he or she believes is productive.

The survey of 2,000 adults was conducted by Talker Research for Margaritaville Vacation Club of vacationers who have traveled in the past year. It learned that more than half of those surveyed don’t know how to just “do nothing” (55%).

For many, the phrase is used when they actually have limited time (53%), but more than a third admit it’s easier to say than saying “no” (37%) and a similar percentage said they use “I’m busy” when they’re avoiding doing something else (35%).

When they aren’t busy, their mind is still plagued with money woes and to-do lists (51% each). Further, nearly half are likely to feel stressed (49%) and guilty (46%) when not actively busy, thinking that they’re forgetting something. You, perhaps?

But many don’t recognize that actively clearing their minds and committing to “doing nothing” can combat these feelings. The findings highlight the desire to relax on vacation.

One in six revealed that they can’t remember the last time they cleared their mind—but half would love to make it happen on vacation (49%).

“People spend so much of their lives feeling busy that it can actually be difficult to switch off,” said  Jonathan Topolosky, senior vice president at Margaritaville Vacation Club. “When nearly nine in 10 respondents in our survey say a good vacation allows them to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle, it reinforces something we’ve always believed—that slowing down is exactly what people need most.”

A good period of “doing nothing” has lingering effects, too, leaving respondents satisfied after their trip (84%) and reduces their travel-related stress (79%).

But only 15% “always” reach their ideal balance of staying busy and relaxing on vacation, and one in five report that day-to-day stress creeps back in immediately upon returning home (21%), underscoring the importance of intentionally planning time to relax and disconnect while traveling.

Do you know how to do “nothing?” Please leave a comment.

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RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, March 31, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2872 • New issue every weekday
If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our work with a donation of your choice. Thank you!

Today’s thought

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” —Anne Frank

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tater Day! (Scroll down for some “tater” recipes.)

On this day in history: 1889 – The Eiffel Tower is officially opened.

Tip of the day
An easy fix to stop towed vehicle rattle

There are a lot of anti-rattle devices on the market, all aimed at limiting or removing the “clunk” from the loose-fitting tow hardware and stopping that towed vehicle rattle. Anybody who has towed anything recognizes that annoying clank-whack-thunk when you stop, start, go around a turn, back up, etc.

Unfortunately, it’s not only annoying, it can also actually cause towing problems. The loose linkage can cause erratic auxiliary braking behavior, trailer wander, and toad wander, not to mention additional wear on components from all the slapping around. Here’s what to do about it.

Article and video
Check out the BougeRV portable camping shower—propane- and lithium-powered

A portable shower only earns its place in camp gear if it heats fast, packs small, and doesn’t fight back every time the water stops. That is what makes the updated BougeRV portable camping shower and propane water heater interesting. HOBOTECH tested it as a battery-powered, propane-fed shower for RV, van, and off-grid use. On paper, it fixes a lot of the usual camping shower hassles. The real test was how it handled setup, heat, flow, and stop-and-start use. Here are the results.

AmazongeardealsENDS TODAY!!
Big Amazon spring RV gear sale is wrapping up!
The big Amazon spring RV gear sale is underway, BUT ENDS TODAY. If you’ve put off replacing worn-out gear, this is the time to take a look. We sifted through pages of items and found a handful that RVers use every trip—water, waste, setup and safety gear. ​Check out our favorite picks​ or see everything on sale here.

Featured article
I’m writing this from the doctor’s office. Snowbirds, beware of skin cancer

By Nanci Dixon
I am writing this from the doctor’s office, where I am waiting to have a procedure done that will cut out the skin cancer I recently discovered on my body. Being a native northern Minnesotan who has not experienced the sun’s rays like the Southwesterners do, I was diligent about UV exposure but, evidently, not diligent enough. While this is the “best” kind of skin cancer to get, it is definitely better to not get it at all! Continue reading Nanci’s important message.

Ask Dave
What are the white flakes in my RV’s tap water? Are they dangerous?

Find out here.

COMPOSTABLE PODS FOR YOUR KEURIG: Ditch the plastic! Good coffee, good for the environment.

Reader poll
For couples: Do you go to bed at the same time as your partner?

Respond here.

WOW! Did you know we’ve run more than 5,000 polls on RVtravel.com over the years? Check ’em out! Have fun!

Quick tip
Banish RV slideout squeaks

Click to enlarge.

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Many an RVer has been driven to distraction by a squeaky slideout. There’s just something jarring to the nerves about this noise. Perhaps it’s the same affliction that hits us when fingernails are drawn across a chalkboard. What’s to be done to exorcise those squeaks?

First, with your slideout extended, take a close look at the slideout support arms. If you spot any “wear marks” (like those pointed out by the arrow in the photo), it’s a good indication of a primary source of nasty noise. Grab a can of spray-on dry lube. Shoot the wear marks thoroughly, then using a clean, dry cloth, wipe down the excess. Dry lube sprays are preferable to “wet” lubes as they are less likely to attract dust and dirt. You’ll also find it useful to shoot the “teeth” on your slideout mechanism, if there are any.

Other anti-squeak tricks include ensuring that the squeak doesn’t emanate from contact between the slideout seal and the sidewall of the slide. With the slide extended, wash and dry the sidewalls, then apply the appropriate wax for the wall surface.

Are ye ol’ eyes giving you problems? Is the small type getting too small to read? (It happens to the best of us.) This will save your day.

On this day last year…

Website of the day

Yelp’s Top 100 Taco Eateries in America
Ready for a taco? With 100 of the best taco spots in America on this list, there has to be one near you! We think you should go on a taco adventure today or this week and try one… or a few!

FUNNY T-SHIRT OF THE DAY: Nearly every RVtravel.com guy (or gal!) qualifies to wear this shirt. We earned the right! What a hoot!

And the survey says…

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

• 80 percent carry an air compressor for their tires with them on their RV travels.
• 12 percent say their RV’s tires are seven years or older.
• 8 percent have, at one time, worked at a McDonald’s.

Recent poll: Have you ever had a problem with an RV slideout that delayed your travel?

Trivia

In frontier days, inns were places where people stayed during their travels and gathered to drink beer and liquor. Mugs of beer came in only two sizes, pints and quarts. If a customer got a little rowdy, the bartender told the person to mind their P’s and Q’s. This meant to remember how much they had drank. Today, the phrase means to “mind your manners.”

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Don’t show this one to the kids… or maybe do. Well, at least you’ll laugh… maybe not them… (We laughed.)

Recipes of the day
Celebrate “taters”!

Readers’ pets of the day

20210508 133318 03d166e896f6fdc579f886a3cff72610“Levi and Seneca (Standard Manchester Terriers, both age 8) are high-speed couch potatoes. British stable dogs bred to kill rats. Very fast and super high prey drive. They’re about 25 lbs. each.” —John Van Hengel

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

FREE IS GOOD! From April 1 to April 28, Subway Sub Club members can buy one footlong deal at Subway and get one free.

Leave here with a laugh

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

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

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

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

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

WHY WE ASK FOR DONATIONS INSTEAD OF SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

What are the white flakes in my RV’s tap water? Are they dangerous?

Dave Solberg
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What are the white flakes in my RV’s tap water? Are they dangerous?

Dear Dave,
There are white flakes in the water coming from my kitchen faucet. What are they and are they dangerous? —Terry, 2010 Forest River

Dear Terry,
White flakes in the water typically are caused by hard water scale and can be produced when water is heated. That creates a sudden change in pressure and hardened minerals get dislodged from inside the water heater or even water lines.

They can also come from the metal pipe system in the campground source getting dislodged with high pressure or temperature changes.

Water Heater
Water heater

You can conduct a vinegar test to determine if the flakes are calcium by placing the flakes in a cup of vinegar. If they bubble and dissolve, they are hard water mineral deposits. But if they do not dissolve, they might be plastic or other materials that need more attention.

Anode rod in water heater

If you have a Suburban water heater, it has an anode rod that is a sacrificial metal for minerals in the hard water. The minerals disintegrate the anode rod rather than the metal in the tank. This will also create white scale that can dislodge and go into the water.

Anode Rod
Anode rod

Campground water

Most campgrounds do not have conditioned water. Rather, they have a well system that can have calcium, lime, rust, and other minerals such as dissolved compounds magnesium and other metallic elements. A well water test kit can identify the minerals and concentrations. You can get one on Amazon here.

Well Water Test
Well water test kit

This has more than 17 tests for lead, alkaline, chlorine, hardness, iron, fluoride, copper, and more.

Sediment in water heater

Another cause of white flakes could be the sediment that develops in the bottom of your water heater. As you drain the heater, there is still a small amount of water that does not get drained. As it sits, the minerals can separate and white flakes develop. It is advised to use a water heater flush wand to get everything out of the water heater. You can find one on Amazon here.

Water heater flush wand

I typically do not drink the water from a campground source, but rather opt to bring bottled water. However, the flakes are harmless, although they can cause irritation on skin and will definitely clog faucets and shower heads.

Water softeners

In our homes, a whole house water softener system typically eliminates these white flakes; however, very few RVers carry a water softener. There are some smaller water softener systems available such as this one on Amazon.

Water Softener
Water softener

You can install a filter underneath the sink; however, this will filter the water going to the shower head, toilet, and water pump that could get calcium build up.

It is best to filter the water at the outside faucet, thoroughly clean the water heater, and do a whole water cleaning and sanitizing once a year with the Thetford Fresh Water Tank Sanitizer.

Thetford Fresh Water Sanitizer
Thetford fresh water tank sanitizer

 You might also enjoy these posts from Dave 

DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!

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

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DAVE?

Send your inquiries to him using the form below.

Name
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

RVDT2872

An easy fix to stop towed vehicle rattle

RV Travel
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An easy fix to stop towed vehicle rattle

By Greg Illes
There are a lot of anti-rattle devices on the market, all aimed at limiting or removing the “clunk” from the loose-fitting tow hardware and stopping that towed vehicle rattle. Anybody who has towed anything recognizes that annoying clank-whack-thunk when you stop, start, go around a turn, back up, etc.

Tighten up the hitch sleeve to stop towed vehicle rattle

Unfortunately, it’s not only annoying, it can also actually cause towing problems. The loose linkage can cause erratic auxiliary braking behavior, trailer wander, and toad wander, not to mention additional wear on components from all the slapping around.

Existing anti-rattle devices have various merits and disadvantages. The U-clamp devices place their pressure all the way at the outer edge of the insert, which limits their effectiveness. Cross-bolt locks are made of low-grade metals and can strip threads and fail. The cheap square-hole clamps tend to loosen in a short time.

Here’s a cheap, easy way to tighten up your hitch sleeve and stop the towed vehicle rattle once and for all. Drill and tap a couple of holes in the top and/or side of the receiver sleeve (it depends on which kind of clunk you are trying to eliminate, up-down or side-to-side). Screw in some 3/8-inch thread size 16 bolt or set-screws. The needed drill, tap, and screws can be obtained from your local hardware store for around $10-$15.

Mount the tow insert, tighten the screws, and add a drop of GREEN Loctite to each one (don’t use blue or red Loctite – they’re too hard to remove). Voila – no more clunking.

MORE ON TOWING

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Check out the BougeRV portable camping shower—propane- and lithium-powered

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Check out the BougeRV portable camping shower—propane- and lithium-powered

By Cheri Sicard
A portable shower only earns its place in camp gear if it heats fast, packs small, and doesn’t fight back every time the water stops. That is what makes the updated BougeRV portable camping shower and propane water heater interesting.

HOBOTECH tested it as a battery-powered, propane-fed shower for RV, van, and off-grid use. On paper, it fixes a lot of the usual camping shower hassles. The real test was how it handled setup, heat, flow, and stop-and-start use.

In the video at the end of this post, they share the results of those tests.

What stands out right away

The new version feels built for quick setup. It runs on a built-in 4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery, uses common 1-pound green propane bottles, and has a simple front display with power, pump, and temperature controls up to 118°F.

The quick-connect hoses are a big upgrade. Cold water intake, hot water out, and charging ports are easy to identify because the connections are color-coded. It also comes with a magnetic shower head holder, which sticks to the side for storage and can hang from a screw or nail.

A removable regulator screws on for propane, and the unit stays compact at about 16 x 3 x 7 inches and roughly 15 pounds.

Specs Result
Battery runtime 100 minutes
Charge time 2 hours to 90%
Heating power 20,000 BTU
Flow rate 3 L/min, about 0.7 to 0.75 gal/min

How it performed in the greenhouse test

The shower was tested in a greenhouse with a water jug on the ground, and the pump dropped into the bottom corner. Setup took seconds, and the unit was set to its max 118°F.

With 66°F inlet water, output climbed into the low 100s fast and topped out around 113°F. That fell a little short of the 118°F setting, but it was still more than warm enough for a shower. HOBOTECH noted that warmer inlet water would likely let it hit the full limit.

The shower head has three spray modes, and the flow felt strong for a unit rated at 3 liters per minute. A full 7-gallon jug ran dry in a little over 10 minutes, which lines up with about 0.7 gallons per minute.

The best surprise came after shutting the water off. Many tankless heaters blast cold water on restart. This one did not. After a 30-second pause, the water dipped to about 95°F for a few seconds, then warmed back up. Even after a longer pause, it never dropped to the cold 66°F inlet temp.

The pump also kept running for about two minutes after the shut-off, then stopped on its own. The operation stayed quiet because the heater uses convection, not a fan.

Price, value, and the final call

The biggest drawback of the BougeRV portable camping shower is the price: $329. That isn’t cheap, but you can find discount codes from time to time.

For campers, RV owners, and van lifers, the built-in battery is the whole point. No power station is needed, and one charge should cover a weekend of showers for several people. It also makes sense for pet washing or for saving fresh water in an RV tank by pulling from a jug instead.

Those who want to stretch propane costs can also use larger propane tanks, such as the Ignik Gas Growler.

This version is a solid upgrade over older models. The heat is good, the restart behavior is better than expected, and the compact design makes it easy to keep packed for the next trip.

You can find it on Amazon here.

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