Dear Dave,
Is it legal to let your car idle for a period of time to warm up the engine? I was told there are some states and even cities that do not allow it due to safety and environmental concerns? —Seminar attendee
From Dave:
While conducting seminars at the Philadelphia RV show this past weekend, I had an attendee question whether it was legal or safe to let a vehicle idle for a period of time to help the engine “warm up.”
Having lived in the upper Midwest all my life, I am familiar with this. I recently found it is also called “puffing.” Idling periods are typically lengthy in my area during the winter, especially if the vehicle is parked outside for an extended period of time and the windshield needs to be defrosted.
Also, when a vehicle sits in below-freezing weather, the materials such as plastic, fiberglass, and glass are very cold, even frigid, and can be brittle.
One of the issues we experienced at Winnebago in the winter was starting a cold unit and driving it before everything warmed up. One good bump could create a large crack in any of those materials, so we did let the unit “puff” for a long time.
What I learned
I did a little research, and there are some regulations regarding extended idling. They vary by state and sometimes the situation.
Iowa Code 321.362 requires unattended vehicles to have the engine shut off and the emergency brake activated. According to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), state employees operating DAS pool vehicles are limited to 5 minutes of idling to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
During my research, I found a list posted by the popular RV app, AllStays. It lists regulations for idling in every state. You can find the list here.
What about remote start vehicles
Most of the regulations I found pertained to an unattended and unlocked vehicle. That not only is a safety risk, but is also an invitation for theft. Using a remote start feature requires the vehicle to be locked before starting the car. My truck has a remote start feature and will shut off after 5 minutes of running without the door being opened and the key inserted into the ignition.
Keep in mind, the longer you allow a motorized RV to idle, the more heat gets generated from the exhaust, especially the catalytic heater and exhaust chamber in a diesel. Without airflow from driving, the heat rises and can make for a soft floor. I have witnessed that dozens of times.
By Gail Marsh
I think almost every RVer has at least one old water hose. When we purchased our first (and only) new RV it came with a bucket of free goodies. While several items in the bucket were worthwhile, the water hose was not good.
From day one, it kinked, leaked, tangled, and frustrated us every time we RVed. It didn’t take long for us to replace that cheap one, but we were left with a problem: what to do with it. That’s when we came up with unusual ways for RVers to use old water hoses.
Don’t recycle!
Water hoses should never be put into the recycling bin. Why? Because items like these are known as “tanglers” in the recycling world. Just as with ropes, chains, and cords, a water hose can really cause problems with the recycling machinery. Hoses easily get tangled up in the equipment. This can cause damage to machines, injure workers, and even force recycling plant shutdowns. Ugh!
So, don’t put your old water hoses into your recycling bin! Try one or more of the following tips to upcycle them instead.
Using old water hoses
• Bucket handle. Tired of that bucket wire handle gouging into your hand when lugging water around your campsite? Use a utility knife to cut a five-inch length of old hose. Then slit the hose lengthwise down the middle and slip it over the bucket’s wire handle.
• Blade protector. Cut the hose to the length of the sharp blade, then slit the length of the hose. Use it to protect the blades of hack saws, axes, and other sharp tools. If you RV in winter, you can use the same idea to protect your ice skate blades!
• Electric cords. To provide extra protection for outside electrical cords, slit the old hose down the middle. Then press the electric cord into it. Not only will it help protect the cord, but the hose is easier to see, especially if its color contrasts with the ground.
• Better plant drainage. Cut the hose into lengths and glue it to the bottom of your outdoor flowerpots. This will raise the pot just a bit off the ground. The water will drain better when the pot doesn’t sit directly on the ground.
• Mark boundaries. Paint it with glow-in-the-dark paint or tape. Then use the painted hose to outline your RV site, parking spot, or walkway. The paint will eliminate the need for bright lights that may well bother your RV neighbors.
• Swing wraps. You can use two lengths of hose to make covers for the chains on the campground’s swings. Slit both pieces down the middle and apply them to the swing chains. No more worrying about little fingers getting caught or pinched in the chains! Bonus: You can remove the hose parts and take them to the next campsite playground!
• Doorstop. Keep your RV’s interior doors from rocking off their hinges on moving days. Just cut a short length of hose and “squish” it flat with your foot. Then slide the hose under the door. When released, it will expand and hold the door in place.
• Funnel extension. Use a piece of old hose as an extension to your funnel. (Obviously, use the part of the hose that is not damaged or leaking!)
• Keep trash bags in place. Use short slit pieces of hose to keep trash bags in place. Simply pull the bag up and over the top of the container and apply the hose to hold the bag.
• Prevent chain tangles and tie-ups. Slit the hose and place it over the dog’s chain. The hose will keep the chain from tangling and/or catching on items.
• Pool fun. Clean pieces of hose can be tossed into the campground pool for your kids or grandkids to dive for and retrieve. (Six-inch hose pieces shouldn’t easily enter the pool skimmer/filter, but keep a close watch, just in case.)
These are only a few ideas. If you have additional suggestions, please tell me in the comments below.
By Cheri Sicard
Many camping setups force a trade-off. Bring a trailer and deal with towing, or mount a rooftop tent and give up roof space (and sometimes the ability to quickly drive off once camp is set).
The Thule Outset takes a different route by mounting a foldable tent at the back of the vehicle on a hitch setup, not on the roof, and not behind the vehicle as a trailer. That simple change opens up a few practical wins for campground life.
In the short video at the end of this post, Patrick Botticelli of New Jersey Outdoor Adventures shows us how it works.
What makes the Thule Outset different from a rooftop tent or small trailer
The Outset is designed as a hitch-mounted camping tent. Instead of towing anything, the tent unit slides into a rear hitch receiver, then opens into a raised sleeping area.
Compared with common options, the idea is pretty straightforward:
It isn’t a trailer, so there’s no towing.
It isn’t a rooftop tent, so there’s no roof install.
That matters in day-to-day use. A trailer adds length and storage headaches at home, while a rooftop tent can take up the exact spot where many campers carry boats, cargo boxes, or bike racks.
The setup shown centers on a compact box on a small platform. The platform can be disassembled, then the whole unit rolls into position at the back of the vehicle. Once it’s in place, the tent opens up from that box, giving a raised sleeping area instead of a ground tent layout.
How it mounts, and what set up looks like at camp
Thule describes the Outset as the first tent on the market mounted on a hitch ball. In the clip, the main point is how the tent slides into the rear hitch receiver area and sets up without messing with the roof or pulling a trailer into a site.
The quick setup sequence looks like this:
Slide the platform into the rear hitch receiver mount.
Roll the tent box into position.
Open it, and the tent is ready for the night.
The emphasis here is speed and simplicity. It’s closer to unfolding a compact unit than building a tent with poles and stakes.
Sleeping off the ground, with a campsite that can stay put
Because the tent sits on a platform, sleepers stay off the ground. That can feel like a nice middle ground between a rooftop tent and a regular ground tent, especially in wet conditions.
Just as important, the vehicle doesn’t have to stay stuck at camp. Once the Outset is set up, the tow vehicle can detach and drive into town while the tent stays standing at the site.
Thule also calls out a key benefit for camping trips: There’s no need to fold the tent down just to use the vehicle.
Keeping the roof free for boats and bikes (and skipping trailer hassles)
One of the most practical benefits is what doesn’t happen on the roof. With a rooftop tent out of the picture, the vehicle can still carry larger gear up top, like canoes, kayaks, and bikes.
On the other hand, the Outset also avoids the usual trailer problems. There’s no towing stress on tight roads, and there’s no extra trailer to store when the trip ends.
Weight is listed at around 154 lbs.
The one downside? For a tent, it’s a bit pricey with an MSRP of $4,699.95.
Final thoughts
The Thule Outset stands out because it changes where the tent lives—right on the hitch instead of the roof or a trailer frame. That opens up a flexible routine at camp, since the vehicle can drive off without tearing anything down.
For campers who want a raised sleeping setup but still need roof space for gear, the Outset is an interesting direction.
Maybe your favorite activity is playing your guitar around the campfire, or perhaps you play music gigs around the country. Maybe you like to annoy your husband with your accordion, or maybe the grandkids left their kazoo behind and you haven’t stopped playing it…
Music has a way of making RV life even more special. Strumming a tune under the stars, tapping out a rhythm on a travel-friendly drum, or even humming along with a harmonica can turn any campsite into a personal concert hall.
Some RVers bring full-sized keyboards, while others swear by the portability of a ukulele. And let’s not forget the singers—whether you’re belting it out solo or harmonizing with friends, music brings people together.
For some, playing music is a way to relax after a long drive, while for others, it’s an essential part of their lifestyle. You might be part of a traveling band, perform at open mic nights, or just enjoy serenading your fellow campers.
Have you ever made new friends at a campground just by playing a song? Maybe your instrument of choice has a great story behind it—like a vintage violin passed down through generations or a banjo picked up at a roadside flea market.
Whatever the case, do you bring a musical instrument with you on your RV trips? If so, will you share with us what instrument it is and if you play it professionally or just for fun? We want to know! As always, thank you for sharing!
A motorhome fire on a Yuma, AZ, roadway ended up in a place no one expected: a family’s backyard.
Authorities say a Class A motorhome caught fire while traveling on an elevated roadway Monday evening, March 2, then veered off the pavement and traveled down an embankment before coming to rest just feet from a home below.
Video from the scene shows flames pouring from the RV as smoke billowed into the neighborhood. When firefighters arrived, the motorhome was fully involved in flames.
Despite the dramatic crash and intense fire, no injuries were reported.
Firefighters race to save nearby home
Fire fighters met a fully engulfed rig. Photo: enrique guerrero via azfamily
Crews responding to the call found the motorhome engulfed and burning dangerously close to the residence.
“At that point the motorhome is a write-off,” one fire official said at the scene. “Our focus becomes protecting the house.”
Firefighters concentrated on containing the blaze and cooling nearby structures while neighbors rushed in to help prevent the flames from spreading.
The home suffered heat damage. Residents reported melted outdoor containers and a window that shattered from the intense heat. But the structure itself was saved.
For the family inside, the scene unfolded in seconds.
“I heard something coming down the hill,” the homeowner told reporters. “I thought it hit my house.”
Moments later, smoke and dust filled the backyard.
Burning RV rolls down embankment
Authorities say the motorhome caught fire while traveling along a raised roadway near South Pacific Avenue and Calle Primavera in Yuma.
At some point during the fire, the vehicle left the roadway and traveled down a dirt embankment toward homes below.
The RV eventually stopped on the slope behind the residence. Photos from the scene show the coach burned down to its skeletal frame, with only the aluminum structure of the walls and roof remaining.
Officials say the driver fled the scene but was located later that day. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Why RV fires spread so quickly
For RV owners, the scene in Yuma illustrates something safety experts have warned about for years: RV fires can escalate extremely fast.
Unlike automobiles, motorhomes contain large amounts of combustible material packed into a relatively small space. Cabinets, insulation, wiring, plastics, and fabrics can feed flames once a fire starts.
Investigators say common causes of RV fires include:
engine compartment fires
electrical failures
overheated brakes or wheel bearings
refrigerator malfunctions
fuel system leaks
Once flames enter the interior of the coach, a fire can grow rapidly. By the time firefighters arrive, many RV fires are already fully involved.
What to do if your RV catches fire while driving
Safety experts recommend several immediate steps if a motorhome catches fire on the road:
Pull over immediately.
Continuing to drive can allow flames to spread more rapidly and damage critical components.
Shut off the engine and evacuate.
Get everyone away from the vehicle and move a safe distance upwind.
Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small.
Many RV fires grow too quickly for portable extinguishers to control.
Call 911 right away.
Most RVs carry one or two extinguishers, but fire investigators often recommend keeping an extinguisher within reach of the driver’s seat, not just in the galley area.
A close call for one Yuma family
For the residents of the Yuma home, the burning motorhome came frighteningly close to causing far greater damage. The RV stopped only yards from the house, where flames scorched nearby vegetation and sent heat against the structure.
Neighbors and firefighters managed to contain the fire before it spread further. Residents later described the outcome as nothing short of a miracle.
The investigation into the incident is continuing.
Oregon state parks are among the most beautiful in the country, as scenic and desirable as those at any privately owned RV resort. But soon the price of a campsite at a state park there could look a whole lot more like their commercial counterparts.
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission has approved new higher fee ranges for campsites, yurts, and cabins as the agency tries to deal with rising costs and a severe budget shortfall. The change doesn’t automatically raise prices everywhere immediately, but it gives park officials the authority to increase rates over time.
For RVers, the biggest takeaway is the potential jump in full-hookup campsite prices. Under the new fee structure, the maximum allowed rate for a full-hookup RV site could climb from about $52 per night to as much as $80 during times of high demand.
Other campsite types could also rise within newly expanded ranges, including electrical-hookup sites, tent sites, and primitive campsites. Yurts and cabins would see higher allowable price ceilings, as well.
A primitive campsite could jump from the current maximum price of $25 to $40. Daily parking could go as high as $25.
New cancellation policy
Those who cancel a campsite at the last minute or don’t show up will face tougher refund rules beginning in April. “The idea is to encourage people to cancel earlier so more sites are available,” said OPRD (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department) spokeswoman Katie Gauthier, as reported by the Statesman Journal.
Under the new policy, no refunds will be issued for same-day cancellations or for no-show reservations. Refunds for earlier cancellations will be issued on a sliding scale based on how long the reservation was held and how close it is to the arrival date.
State officials say the changes are needed because park operating costs including utilities, maintenance, and staffing have increased sharply in recent years. Lottery funding, another key revenue source for Oregon state parks, has not kept pace with expenses.
The new fee ranges give park administrators flexibility to adjust prices based on demand, season, and rising costs in the future.
New daily parking prices
Oregon state parks will also require a daily parking permit at 22 additional parks starting March 30, 2026. The parks were selected based on amenities and features that require maintenance and operation such as restrooms, trails, irrigation, boat ramps and more. The fee will be $10 for in-state residents and $12 for out-of-state residents.
The fees will be added to these parks:
Agate Beach State Recreation Site
Angel’s Rest Trailhead
Banks Trailhead at Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Bob Straub State Park
Brian Booth State Park
Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
Elijah Bristow State Park
Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area
Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site
Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
Lake Owyhee State Park
Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park
It’s true, this travel trailer has a rooftop swimming pool. For those RVers who refuse to swim in lakes or rivers or, heaven forbid, public pools, here’s the solution. We assume the pool would be emptied before heading down the road.
But wait, there’s more to the story.
This one-of-a-kind vehicle is the creation of French artist Benedetto Bufalino, who plays with the perception of everyday objects by altering their original function.
Here, below, another one of his “swimming pools.”
This travel trailer would be great for bringing your own personal swimming hole with you where you traveled, but it wouldn’t be very good for camping. As you can see from the short time-lapse video of its construction near the bottom of this article, the inside was basically gutted to create the pool.
Bufalino’s best-known projects include a sedan-turned-jacuzzi, a police car converted into a chicken coop and a cardboard faux-ferrari. Oh, yes, we can’t forget to mention his truly mobile phone, well, actually a mobile phone booth.
Now, here’s a time lapse video of the mobile swimming pool being created.
We originally posted this article in early 2019 (before the widespread usage of A.I.)
America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2853 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“The central dilemma in journalism is that you don’t know what you don’t know.” —Bob Woodward
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Sons Day!
On this day in history:1789 – In New York City, the first Congress of the United States meets, putting the United States Constitution into effect.
Tip of the day Check out what hitting a pothole can do to a tire
By Roger Marble
Some people want to claim a tire is “defective” and present the tire for a free replacement because of a bulge in the tire sidewall.
There is no question of there being a sidewall bulge, but my job as a tire engineer was to actually look at tires and determine if they actually had a defect.
When we look for evidence of some mysterious “defect,” we might notice marks on the wheel and notice the “witness mark” on the wheel left by the tire being bent over the edge of the wheel that matches up with a mark on the tire sidewall. Continue reading.
The 2026 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 26RES is built as a compact but comfortable fifth wheel. It’s worth a look, especially if you want roomy rear living space without hauling a huge rig. Keystone engineered the 26RES around their HyperCore™ composite wall construction and HyperDeck™ water-resistant flooring. Both are designed to resist rot and keep the shell lighter and stiffer than traditional wood-laminate builds. Check it out.
Last weekend to save BIG! Limited Time Campground Deals Up To 50% Campgrounds don’t offer discounts often, but Campspot’s Biggest Booking Week does. March 2–8, save up to 50% at participating parks across the U.S. and Canada. Check if your favorite campground is on sale, or book an extra trip while dates are open. Use code BIGGEST26 for 50% off!Click here to learn more.
In the RV shop with Dustin Why is my Dicor lap sealant bubbling/rippling after application?
When you apply new Dicor lap sealant, it will off-gas as part of its curing process. Off-gassing is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemical vapors that naturally occur as the sealant begins to set, cure, and harden. Here’s why this happens and how to fix it.
NOW YOU KNOW: Yes, sparkling water hydrates just as well as plain water—the bubbles come from added carbon dioxide, but your body treats it the same when it comes to fluid intake. Just check the label: Some brands sneak in surprising amounts of sodium!
You may share this Tanner Toon, unaltered, on your website, blog or social media with our compliments. The musings from Tanner Woods’ creative mind appear in the RV Travel newsletter every Saturday and Sunday and in many RV Daily Tips newsletters through the week.
Article and video 9 things to know about overnight parking at Cracker Barrel
Overnight parking at Cracker Barrel restaurants is popular with many traveling RVers. It’s generally safe, and management usually welcomes RVers. Plus, you can have a tasty dinner before turning in or a hearty breakfast the next morning before hitting the road. But Izzy and MJ of Endless RVing, one of our favorite RV YouTube channels, say there are nine things you should know before settling in for the night at a Cracker Barrel.
Featured article Exposed: The “borderline scam” of RV dual-pane windows!
Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV is about to expose one of the RV industry’s biggest myths: RV dual-pane windows! According to Josh, RV dual-pane windows are “a borderline scam”! It’s not that they don’t have any value at all, but it’s probably not what you are expecting or have been led to believe. Here’s why.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Every RV project starts with, “This will be simple.” And ends with, “Well… while we’re in here….”
Ask Dave What is causing green color in my toilet? How do I get rid of it?
The smallest, most brilliant cutlery organizer for your RV
It’s like this was made for RVs! Usually cutlery organizers take up entire drawers, you know those ones that spread out and take up unnecessary space. This one doesn’t do that! This small compact tray organizes your cutlery in an amazing space-saving way. It fits up to 24 pieces of cutlery, so you’re not losing any space! Check it out and order one for yourself.
Reader poll Do you check the satellite view before booking a campsite?
A lot of boondocking RVers use portable waste tanks—”blue boys”—to haul sewage away without having to move the rig. Where to stash the blue boy when not in use? Plenty are hung on a roof access ladder. Some are stashed under the pickup canopy. But one RVer built himself a drop-down tray out of diamond-plate metal and bolted it up under his miniscule rig.
Topo Maps+
Hiking or driving into the backcountry? This app helps you stay on track, even if you don’t have cell service.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ? If you own and/or love one of these, there’s no way you’re not going to want this. It doesn’t get much cuter… Not to mention this could be one of the best, er, cutest, gifts you ever give…
Trivia
The initial price of sending mail with the Pony Express was originally set at $5 per 1/2 ounce (more than $150 today), then $2.50, and by July 1861, it was $1.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Smitty is on the left and is 10 years old. Samson is on the right and is 3 years old. I got Samson as a baby at 8 weeks old. Smitty was a C.A.W.S. (community animal welfare service) at 7 years old at the time. Both dogs love to travel. All I have to say is ‘Let’s GO Bye Bye,” and both of them run to the car or RV. I call them two peas in a pod.” —Melvin Bell
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Dear Dave,
I have green coloring forming in my porcelain toilet. Could it be algae? How do I clean it? —Bob, 2016 Fleetwood Bounder
Dear Bob, Discoloration in any component that uses water to clean or flush usually indicates a change in water quality. Keep in mind that campground water is often well water, and is not municipally treated like the water in your home. Because of that, it may contain calcium, lime, rust, other minerals, and even algae—as you mentioned.
The green discoloration you’re seeing could be algae, but it is more commonly caused by copper, which forms a green patina as it reacts with water and air. Most RV plumbing is made from plastic (such as PEX), so the source is more likely the campground’s water supply plumbing rather than your RV’s pipes.
Some common causes of green discoloration
Stagnant water
When water sits in pipes for long periods—-such as during a campground’s off-season—it can corrode the interior of metal plumbing.
High water pressure (PSI)
While many RVers deal with low water pressure, sites located closer to the well pump may experience higher pressure. Excess pressure can accelerate wear and corrosion inside pipes.
Improper water pH (alkalinity/acidity)
Water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Water that falls outside this range can corrode metal plumbing components.
Exposure to air
Loose fittings or improperly installed supply lines can allow air into the system, which reacts with metal pipes and contributes to corrosion.
How to clean the residue
For removing the green residue from sinks or toilets, I recommend using Bar Keepers Friend® (paste or powder) and gently scrubbing the affected area. For stubborn stains, a citrus-based cleaner may help. You can find Bar Keepers Friend on Amazon here.
However, cleaning alone will not prevent the discoloration from returning if the water source remains the same.
Well water test kit
One tool I keep on hand is a well water test kit, such as Safe Home®. It allows you to test pH levels and check for minerals like copper, lead, and coliform bacteria. You can find it on Amazon here.
Once you know what’s in the water, you can select the appropriate water filter cartridge to address the specific issue. For example, yellow or orange stains usually indicate rust (iron), which is also common in well water and can typically be filtered out.
Some people want to claim a tire is “defective” and present the tire for a free replacement because of a bulge in the tire sidewall.
There is no question of there being a sidewall bulge, but my job as a tire engineer was to look at tires and determine if they actually had a defect.
We look for marks on the wheel
When we look for evidence of some mysterious “defect,” we might notice marks on the wheel, as seen in #67-5, below, and notice the “witness mark” on the wheel left by the tire being bent over the edge of the wheel that matches up with a mark on the tire sidewall.
Some of the marks are subtle.
Some marks on the wheel and tire are not so subtle, as seen below.
Sometimes the wheel was even bent when the impact was severe.
And sometimes the tire sidewall even “polished” the wheel.
An inspection of the inside of the tire at the location of the bulge seen in the first photo in this series reveals some broken body cords.
How does fishing relate to tires?
In my seminars and training classes, I usually can find someone who fishes. I ask if it’s possible to catch a 10# fish with a 5# leader line and they respond “Yes.” I then ask if it is possible to break a 10# leader line trying to catch a 5# fish, and they say “Yes.” When asked how, they point out that you can break a 10# leader with a 5# fish if you jerk the fishing line, as the jerk is a “shock load” on the fishing line.
I then thank the person for pointing out how it is possible to “break” or “snap” the tire body cord with the “shock load” of hitting a pothole or some other road debris.
While not every pothole hit will result in a broken body cord, in almost every case of a large sidewall bulge, there are broken cords present. Some are visible on the interior of the tire, as seen above.
Other times, the cord is still broken but does not result in the interior rubber being broken if the tire is dismounted before it has been driven many miles, as seen below.
What I found on my vehicle’s tire
As a side note, the picture below is a different tire than the series seen above. Tire #02-30 was actually a tire removed from the left front of my personal vehicle. A sidewall bulge was discovered by chance when an oil change was being performed.
After dismounting the tire, I reverse bent the tire to place the interior under stress, which exposed the location of the broken cord. This break happened when I was driving. I can honestly say that I do not remember hitting a large pothole or piece of road trash, but the evidence is incontrovertible. I definitely hit something hard enough to break the body cords.
Close inspection can often reveal the evidence that helps the investigator learn the root cause of the tire failure.
By Cheri Sicard
Overnight parking at Cracker Barrel restaurants is popular with many traveling RVers. It’s generally safe, and management usually welcomes RVers. Plus, you can have a tasty dinner before turning in or a hearty breakfast the next morning before hitting the road.
But Izzy and MJ of Endless RVing, one of our favorite RV YouTube channels, say there are nine things you should know before settling in for the night at a Cracker Barrel.
#1 The first-ever Cracker Barrel opened in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
#2 As of 2024, there were 658 Cracker Barrel locations in 44 states, so there are LOTS of choices throughout most of the continental U.S. Most locations are conveniently right off the highway.
#3 Unfortunately, these states do not have Cracker Barrels: Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
#4 Cracker Barrels serve breakfast all day.
#5 Most Cracker Barrels are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and make that 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
#6 Most, but not all, locations allow overnight RV parking. Always check when you arrive. And, of course, you should patronize the restaurant and/or store if you stay.
#7 Most Cracker Barrels are next to or close to fuel stations, shopping, and other necessary services and amenities.
#8 There is so much besides just restaurant foods at a Cracker Barrel. Check out the stores for specialty items, travel souvenirs, books, gifts, clothing, and MUCH more. Not to mention comfortable rocking chairs on the front porch to relax in.
#9 Bling hats. OK, not everyone is going to care about this, but MJ says she is constantly asked about the blinged-out hats she wears. Almost ALL of them came from Cracker Barrels!
Think about the last campsite you booked. Did you just look at the photos and site description and book, or did you zoom in, switch to satellite view, and start scouting from above?
For today’s poll, we’re curious: Do you check the satellite view before booking a campsite?
For some of you, satellite view is part of the process of booking a campsite every single time. A quick look on Google Maps can tell you a lot that the official campground photos won’t. How close are the neighboring sites? Is that “lake view” actually a sliver between trees? Are you tucked up against a road, a dumpster, or a bathhouse?
Satellite view can also reveal practical details. You can often see whether a site has shade or full sun, how many trees surround it, whether the pad appears level, and how tight the turns might be for a bigger rig. If you’re traveling in a large motorhome or towing something long, that bird’s-eye view can prevent a stressful arrival.
Others prefer to be surprised. You might feel that part of camping is rolling in and seeing what you get. Over-researching can take some of the spontaneity out of the experience, and sometimes a site looks better—or worse—online than it does in person.
Still, in a time when campgrounds book up fast and prices keep climbing, many RVers want as much information as possible before committing. Satellite view can help you avoid backing up to a busy road, sitting in full sun during a heat wave, or parking directly under a sap-dripping tree.
So what about you? Before you click “reserve,” do you switch to satellite view and scout things out—or do you book and hope for the best?
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