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December 10, 2022
Non-Members (advertising-supported) edition
Cover story
Opinion: Living in your RV on private property is not the government’s business
By Jeff Clemishaw
F
ull disclosure—I come from a pretty government-wary household, so my opinion here may be a little bit biased. I grew up on 36 secluded acres in a small rural town that had around 1,000 residents. In towns like this, most people simply mind their own business. There are no nosy neighbors preoccupied with what you’re doing on your private property, and local zoning is lax, to say the least.
After full-time RVing for a few years now, my partner and I have strongly considered the possibility of purchasing some property to use as a home base. It’d be great to use it as a temporary place to park our truck camper and live in it, while we build something more permanent.
However, doing so isn’t as easy as you’d think—legally. There’s so much red tape surrounding residing in an RV, even if it is on your own property. Personally, I think the restrictions surrounding it are preposterous. At the end of the day, people should be allowed to do what they want on their own land, so long as it’s not damaging the local environment or harming surrounding residents.
Continue reading, then your (civil, please) comments are encouraged.
HELP WANTED: RVtravel is looking for an RV reviewer (good pay) and a book reviewer. If interested, contact Chuck Woodbury at chuck (at) RVtravel.com
Photo contest
Here is today’s edition of our photo contest. Please vote for your favorite. Winners receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Good luck!
Psssst: Remember, you can vote through next Friday! If your photo is selected, share it with your friends and family. Everyone can vote once per day.
We want to know
What was your weirdest RVing encounter?
One of the great joys of RVing is meeting all kinds of wonderful people during your travels. OK, some folks are not so wonderful (we talked about those in an earlier post) and some are just kind of strange.
This week we want to hear about the oddest encounter you have had while RVing.
Today’s RV review…
Big updates to the 2023 Jayco Eagle HT 24RE
Tony writes, “We’ve looked at this rig in the past but there are some things Jayco has done for 2023 that make it worth revisiting.
“One of the biggest pieces of news coming out of Jayco is the fact that they’ve spent a big amount of money on facilities that will fully inspect every single Jayco product coming off the line. This might sound like something you would expect, but it’s actually quite unusual in the RV industry.”
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
Master RV tech says, ‘It’s a wonder any [RVs] function at all’
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week we hear from a reader with complaints of having to take their RV into the shop for 55 warranty issues, another RVer who has to repair items on his RV every trip, and another who “learns as he goes” to fix things on his RV. And then there’s the retired Master RV tech with more than 30 years’ experience who says of RVs, “It’s a wonder any of them function at all.” And that isn’t all. Read more here.
How full-time and extended-travel RVers get their mail
By Nanci Dixon
Getting mail on the road is always a concern of full-time RVers and those on extended travels. One of those people is reader Sue L. She and her husband are going on a long trip this winter and won’t be staying in any one place for long. They wonder how they will get their mail. Here is lots of useful information for Sue and other RVers.
Hibernate smart: 5 steps to stop RV mold growth before it starts
By Ross Regis, The RV Engineer
Mold may flower in the summer, but it’s planted in the winter. Or to riff off an old country proverb, “December cold brings May mold.” I use the terms “flower” and “planted” metaphorically, of course. Mold neither blossoms nor roots. It’s a fungus, and it eats things. If you accidentally nurture it, it’ll try to eat your RV, too. So if you improperly store your RV over the winter, you could be turning it into a veritable fungus greenhouse (looking at you, plastic tarps!). Read this important information.
Has your RV refrigerator cooling unit gone bad?
High on the list of RVer nightmares is this one: Opening the refrigerator door to grab a “cool one,” and coming back with something warm. An RV refrigerator that’s lost its cool just isn’t funny. While some fridge problems aren’t too difficult to fix, a bad cooling unit is decidedly a “bad news” situation. How do you know if your cooling unit is shot? Read all about fridge cooling units here.
NEW! RV Fact or Fiction?
With Dave Helgeson
RV blogs, social media groups and YouTube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and some downright bad information. Can you tell the difference? In this regular column, we will post a question based on information we find online. You can then test your RV prowess by seeing how your answer compares with our experts.
Today’s claim: A propane furnace emits lots of moisture
Today’s Question: Fact or Fiction? To keep RV windows from sweating use an electric space heater instead of the RV propane furnace, as propane heaters emit lots of moisture. Answer the poll and read the informative answer here.
Gift Guide
RV Stocking Stuffers: Reader suggested gifts for 2022
Last week we asked you: What small and/or low-cost RV gadgets, gizmos or accessories do you want in your holiday stocking or would you add to a fellow RVer’s holiday stocking?
You came up with some awesome suggestions for smaller or lower-cost items that RVers can use. So, if you need to fill the stocking of a fellow RVer, you are likely to find some good suggestions from our readers here.
Around the Campfire
Campers share the best advice they have ever received
By Gail Marsh
It seems as if folks are always eager to offer advice. Wouldn’t you agree? People who gathered around the campfire with us recently shared the one, single piece of advice that’s been most helpful throughout their lifetime. I took note and thought you might enjoy some bits and pieces of our conversation, even if the advice didn’t necessarily have to do with RVing. Read their good advice here, then add yours in the comments.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletters
- Video: Transform RV bedroom into office. No tools or screws needed.
- Keep warm while winter RVing with these 17 cold weather tips
- 7+ ways to use a delivery service on the road
- RV extended warranties: Worth the money?
- You should be using broom holders in your RV (and not just for holding brooms!)
Use self-fusing silicone tape for weatherproof connections
Standard vinyl electrical tape has been around for a long time – too long, some would say. The problem with this commonly used product is its adhesive. It doesn’t really stick very well and after awhile it starts to peel loose, leaving a gooey mess behind. But there’s a self-fusing silicone rubber tape for weatherproof connections which works great. Continue reading.
Pros and cons of electric bikes, Part 1: Pros
By Keith Ward
In my series on bike categories, I listed the four primary types of bikes: road, mountain, gravel, and hybrid. My conclusion was that hybrid bikes are the best bet for the majority of RVers. Hybrid bikes, like the others listed, come in two primary variations: electric and non-electric. … This column is the first of a two-parter on the pros and cons of having an ebike vs. a muscle-power-only bike. We’ll focus on the good stuff today, and next week we’ll look at the downsides of ebikes. Learn more.
Tips to avoid communication roadblocks while RVing
No RVer likes to see roadblocks. A roadblock may mean taking a detour, anxiously traveling an unfamiliar route, or experiencing a frustrating delay in your ultimate arrival time. Communication roadblocks between you and your travel partner can also cause angst. Unlike a physical roadblock, it’s best to address the communication roadblock rather than detour around it. You don’t want the communication roadblock to become a habit. Read these great tips from Gail Marsh to keep the lines of communication open while RVing.
RV boo-boos – Low bridges and tall 5th wheels don’t mix
How tall is your RV? It’s a question we should be asking ourselves, and know the answer to. Russ and Tiña De Maris have a handy quick tip for you, so you don’t learn your lesson the painful way like these folks did. Ouch!
Reader Poll
Have you ever seen a UFO?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: How do you most often pay for groceries? What percentage do you think still pays by check? 2 percent, 5 percent or 7 percent? Find out here.
CONTEST
Is this your RV?
Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig
Every day we post a photo of an RV either submitted by its owner or by our editors as they move about the country.
Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.
MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
Want a boat but don’t have space? Try an inflatable one!
Inflatable boats have become quite popular among RVers and outdoor enthusiasts. They’re affordable and fold down small so they can be stored in car trunks, on cargo racks, in RV underbelly storage or in a closet! If you’re skeptical, just read the reviews (or visit a nearby lake and ask someone in person!). Here’s a Kayak (single and tandem options) for an incredible price!
Saturday Giveaway!
How would you like to win a Vintage (style) Santa Camper Ornament?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (December 10, 2022) by 7 p.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email via RVcontests@gmail.com that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook”.
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- Can I use a calcium chloride product to reduce moisture in RV?
- Quick RV Tech Tip: A new twist on why GVWR does not match GAWR
- Does my LP tank need to be recertified?
- How long will 100 W solar panel and two batteries run residential fridge?
- Can weight distribution hitch bars get weak?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
Visit Dave’s forum on RVtravel.com. Ask him a question or help answer one from another reader. Click here.
Keep your glove box organized for once!
This glove box organizer will change your life! Find what you need quickly, when you need it. It has six pockets inside and out for your vehicle or RV’s manuals, insurance cards, registrations and more. It even has space for a pen or tire gauge and comes with a notepad. Learn more or order.
NEW! In the RV Shop with Dustin
In this new column, head into the RV shop with Dustin Simpson and his wife, Ashley, of California RV Specialists. Each Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Dustin and Ashley will walk you through what’s going on in and around their shop. They’ll share their favorite tools, gadgets, DIY maintenance projects, RV tech talks, what they receive in their inbox, and much, much more. (Not signed up for our daily newsletter? Sign up here.)
Why you SHOULD NOT use EternaBond to tape your RV roof!
My wife and I manage several RV-related Facebook groups and belong to several others. Join us as we sit down to discuss a recent post highlighting the trend of covering all your RV roof seams with EternaBond® tape. Is this a good or a bad idea? Find out here.
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
Water from powered water filter is an easy, tasty treat
By Tony Barthel
Humans need water. But sometimes, the places we go, that water is, well… gross. A prime example of that is Quartzsite. Yuck. There are a number of options for us including buying bottled water, but filtering out the yuck is another option and one that I prefer. Recently I got to test out the BKLES portable electric water filtration system and found this is going to stay in my camper.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
We wrote about this a few years ago and we just came across it again. We still think it’s just as cute! You’ll love this!
Video of the day
You won’t believe the ultimate stealth DIY pop up camper
By Cheri Sicard
One of my favorite vloggers, DualEx, is back with my favorite project of his so far, a DIY popup camper with an inventive design and so many innovative features that it’s better than most commercial equivalents on the market.
RV Tire Safety
Tires – Dull or dynamic? Part two
By Roger Marble
Following is Part two of an article I was asked to write for a tire industry trade publication in the U.K., “Tyres International.” I thought you might find it a bit interesting.
To the untrained eye it might seem like the tire industry has not done much to improve John Dunlop’s original. But looks can be deceiving.
A cost/performance comparison on the improvements in wet and snow traction, ride comfort, low noise, rolling resistance (aka fuel economy), and handling response is significantly more difficult, as the tire of 1920 was so poor in many of these areas as to be considered useless when compared to today’s tire.
Ask Roger anything about RV tires on his RV Tires Forum.
RV Fire Safety
An emergency fire plan that can save your life
Having a solid fire escape plan may help you replace panic with logical, life-saving actions if a fire occurs. Knowing exactly what to do and doing it quickly can make a big difference in an emergency situation.
Part 5 of 13: During discussion of the meeting place, make sure everyone knows that if the coach is on fire they should get out fast. Re-emphasize to everyone aboard that objects can be replaced, but people can’t. Never stay behind or re-enter a burning RV to retrieve anything. Immediately leave through the nearest escape hatch.
Courtesy: Mac “The Fire Guy” McCoy
Recipe of the Day
Crock Pot Ham
by Lisa Swarm from Indianapolis, IN
An easy way to cook a holiday ham when you’re on the go and don’t have time to do a lot of preparation. The ingredients are placed in the slow cooker and the hard work is done. Your ham will turn out juicy. If you don’t love cloves, we suggest cutting back slightly. But we liked the flavor of the spices that soak into the ham along with the pineapple bits and raisins.
The cutest ornament we’ve ever seen…
This adorable little camp stove is the perfect addition to your, or a family member’s or friend’s, Christmas tree this year. Makes the perfect gift for an RVer, camper, hiker, fisher… well, anyone! Learn more or order here (and see some other equally cute RV-related ornaments here).
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“My pup, Scruffy, was rescued from a shelter in June. He absolutely LOVES road trips in the van and greeting all his new furry friends along the way.” —Mary Meyer
Brain Teaser
A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or a boat. How did the dog do it?
(Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday news newsletter. And please don’t spoil it for other readers by posting the answer in the comments.)
Trivia
If Earth’s entire history were condensed into 24 hours, here’s what it would look like (and it should make you feel very small): Life would’ve appeared around 4 a.m. Next, a good while later, land plants appear at 10:24 p.m. Dinosaurs would’ve gone extinct at 11:41 p.m., and human history would begin at 11:58:43 p.m.
Easily repair a tear in your RV’s awning
Left on their own, small vinyl RV awning tears can get bigger. Fixing a small tear in an area, barring a person’s physical limitations, is easy. You may already have what you need for a fix. It’s called “Amazing GOOP” and is made by the same outfit that developed “GOOP” for shoe repairs. Read more about it here.
Laugh of the Week
I went to a furniture store last weekend looking for a large couch. The salesman showed me a nice one and said, “This sofa will seat five people without any problems!” I began laughing uncontrollably. I said, “Where the heck am I going to find five people without any problems?!”
Resources
“RVs: Who Makes What” – This is a new free directory from RVtravel.com which lists every U.S. RV manufacturer and their makes and models. Learn more and/or download a free PDF copy.
RV Show Directory: See if a show is coming soon to your area.
Stolen RVs — Help us recover these stolen RVs. The more eyes we have searching for them, the better chance of getting them back to their rightful owners, and maybe putting the crooks who stole them in the slammer! See the stolen RVs.
Great websites. Check out our favorite websites of the day! We compiled a list of (almost) all the websites we’ve ever posted, and we update it weekly.
Where to complain about bad RVs, dealers, service, RV parks. This is an ever-expanding list of resources where you can report, share or discuss your problems with RV manufacturers or dealers.
Best Club for RVers: Escapees. Click here to learn more or join. Endorsed by RVtravel.com.
Directory of RV parks with storm shelters
In case you’re on the road with your RV and the weather report is showing a tornado headed your way, have this list handy.
RV Clubs
Check out our Directory of RV Clubs and Organizations.
What does financing an RV for 20 years REALLY mean?
In case you missed this article the first time around, here it is again. Important! Click here.
Stuck with a lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge, America’s premier RV lemon law attorney.
The Best RV Trip Planner Apps and Tools. Everything you need to help plan your trip is here.
Dustin Simpson RV Repair and Maintenance Articles: Incredibly helpful!
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?
Roadskills
Meet Earl and Burl Squirrel, from the mind of RVtravel.com friend R.L. Crabb.
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Gail Marsh, Dave Solberg. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Julianne Crane, Machelle James, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin and Ashley Simpson, Dale Wade, Paul Lacitinola, Jeff Clemishaw and Johnny Robot. Special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Moderators: Gary Gilmore. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. Special Reports: Bradford Geer. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Mascots: Archie and Astor (the Disaster)
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
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This newsletter is copyright 2022 by RV Travel LLC.
Really going to miss the Photo Contest each week! Enjoyed seeing the pics and if my vote matched the majority (which it did the majority of the time). Send me the photos and I’ll pick five and send back to you each week.