RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, November 12, 2023

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November 12, 2023
Issue 1130
Free, abbreviated edition

 BREAKING NEWS 
A massive fire has closed I-10 in Los Angeles. Avoid the area. Learn more.

 Cover story 

Why in the heck are some people so mean-spirited?

By Nanci Dixon

W

hy in the world are some people so mean-spirited? We have always found the RVing community generally kind, courteous, and friendly. What has happened that has moved a small group of people to sarcasm and meanness online? Do they not realize that flinging hateful words are to real people, your fellow campers?

I read most of the comments to my articles but sometimes not. Particularly obnoxious ones or ones needing a reply are brought to my attention. I am surprised at the personal attacks on me and others. “Clueless,” “stupid,” “idiot” are some of the ones that come top to mind. How is it that hiding behind the cloak of anonymity allows the worst in us to come out?

It really came to my attention about a year ago when I had written what I thought was simply an informative article about an outrageously priced, but luxury RV park we stayed at. Aren’t spur-of-the-moment reservations, especially near a high-demand national park, usually the most expensive? Once the sticker shock wore off, we actually enjoyed it. I wanted to show others what a $198-a-night campsite looked like. How innocent and naive was that?

The ugly comments rolled in. To be fair, a number of nice, supportive comments came in too. But the ugly, nasty ones seemed to rise to the top. I am much more of a tough old bird than a sensitive spring chicken, so most of the time negative comments simply roll off my back.

Stuck in my craw are the comments about me personally. “Rich and stupid,” some readers wrote. You don’t even know me! I can assure you with absolute certainty that I am anything but stupid. And nope, not rich either. That luxury KOA was like having a filet mignon steak dinner in a fine restaurant, the only restaurant left in town. We can always cut back with boondocking and Harvest Hosts. But why would I even need to explain that?

Continue reading

 As of November 7, we are reporting the news daily

We have discontinued the weekly news briefs feature in favor of an email recap of the very latest news about RVing every weekday afternoon. We began the weekday emails on November 7. Sign up to receive these timely emails here. (You can easily unsubscribe if you wish.)

Today’s RV review…

Salem-Wildwood FSX 275VC—What is a flex house trailer?

By Tony Barthel
I know there are decision-makers in the RV industry that read these stories. While I seriously doubt that the Wildwood-Salem FSX 275VC is the result of someone reading this, the product is something that makes me very happy. [Wildwood-Salem, Salem-Wildwood—same difference.]

What we have here is something that takes some of the usable features of a toy hauler along with the conveniences that are typical of the Wildwood-Salem line and puts them together into a camper that can serve a lot of different purposes. And, with reconfigurable bits, it can serve multiple uses depending on your travel plans.

Read more

RV Service Centers and Repairs Report

Buy a used “cream puff” RV, perform full inspection, be happily rewarded

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon relates some of your stories including an RVer fed up due to repair after repair on his RV, and the manufacturer would not cover a major repair needed due to a manufacturing defect; more high praise for mobile techs over dealer shops; a reader’s tip for buying a used RV; and one RVer’s firsthand experience of the drastic difference between two Camping Worlds—Location, location, location…

Click here to read

Is the RV industry’s new tactic to “Grind RVers down and wear them out”?

By Ron Burdge, RV Lemon Law Attorney
Most new RV owners complain to their dealer about their RV’s defects. When they have had enough, they complain to the factory too. And all the while the time limit clock for the owner to actually file a formal claim in court is ticking away. … So if a manufacturer wants RV owners to either run out of time or get desperate for a solution, what can they do? Why, just provide one more waste-of-time step to go through! Read this eye-opening explanation of the RVIA’s RV Dispute Resolution Program.

Have an old RV on your property? Consider Premises Liability

By Randall Brink
If you own property, Premises Liability is a legal concept you should familiarize yourself with, particularly if you have an old or junk RV parked on your property. A property owner is responsible for ensuring the safety of anyone who enters their property. This responsibility extends to the conditions and potential hazards that may be present, including old, unused, or dilapidated RVs. This is important information.

Everything to know before becoming a Florida RV snowbird

By Scott and Vanessa Russell
It’s that time of year again! RVers begin packing up and making the yearly migration south in search of the perfect weather to spend the winter season. Florida remains the most popular winter snowbird location. While it may sound dreamy to ditch shoveling snow this year, there are a few important things to know if you will be RVing in Florida this winter. Continue reading. 

We want to know…

What should we write about? Share your topic ideas and suggestions

Our cherished readers—our favorite RVers in the world!

Our amazing team of writers aims to bring you the most informative, engaging and relevant content to enhance your RV lifestyle. We believe we do a pretty good job, but we know we can always do better. And we always strive to be better!

We understand that your interests and needs are diverse, which is why we’re reaching out to ask: What would you like us to write about?

Please tell us here

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletters

• Alternatives to hitch ball grease
• RV feeling a little stuffy? Give it a refresh and make it smell amazing
• Tips for cleaning the inside of your windshield
• Brilliant camping hacks and tricks using steel wool
• Don’t trip the breaker. Colored sticker dots save the day

RVers discuss: Should you pay less for fewer/unavailable campground amenities?

By Gail Marsh
You may have experienced it yourself. You diligently research campground rates, and consider the amenities offered and the available camping dates. Then, when you arrive at your chosen campground, you discover a surprise: You’ll pay the same price for fewer RV amenities! … Should one expect to pay the same price for using fewer RV park amenities? Read more, then join in the discussion here.

Bucking the trend: Heading north for the winter (Part two)

By Gail Marsh
Camping in the winter in the northern U.S. requires special preparation. Blizzards, extremely cold temperatures, and blustery winds are just the beginning of potential hazards facing winter campers. How do they prepare? Here are a few answers.

Health threat for SW snowbirds—Valley fever is on the rise

By Jan Steele
Pat Schumacher thought he probably had cancer. In the spring of 2021, he was feeling tired and had a constant, unproductive cough. He felt sick enough that he left the group he was RVing with to get a scan at the VA hospital in Las Vegas—and was told there was a golf-ball-sized lump on a lung. “It was 100 degrees there so I headed home to Portland, OR, to get a biopsy, ready for bad news,” he said, Instead, the biopsy showed he had Valley fever. Read this important information.

Reader Poll

About how many hours a day do you sleep (including naps)?

Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.

Tell us here

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: Do you own a boat? See how many RVers own boats and what the most popular type of boat is that they own.

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:

• What’s causing the RV furnace to run a short time and then show airflow-limit fault?
• My RV’s TPO roof has some bubbles. Should I reroof?
• I don’t want heat in my RV bedroom. Can I just cover the vent?
• What could be causing “soot” around vent on RV roof?
• My RV’s roof needs replacing. The service center recommends aluminum. Your thoughts?

Click here to see more questions for Dave.

DON’T MISS any of our articles about RV repair and maintenance. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 21, we will issue an email digest of all our articles the past week on the subject. Sign up here for RV Repair and Maintenance Tips (and check out all our other reports and newsletters).

 NEW! RVing Mistakes

Readers share their worst RVing mistakes: Taking the electric pedestal along for the ride!

In this new column, we will be sharing some of the not-so-brilliant things we, the RVtravel.com staff, and you, our readers, have done while RVing. This week Nanci Dixon shares your stories about a $6,000 repair due to RV’s door popping open and stairs getting ripped off when maneuvering the curvy driveway at home; a house electrician’s expensive lesson that RV electricity is not the same as house electricity; having to stop traffic on a highway to turn around rather than go into a ditch; and high praise for a Jeep toad that caught a part broken off the top of the rig by a tree limb but not found by the owner for a few days.

Read those stories and lots more here

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Walk the dog at night? Have to use the campground’s bathrooms? Spend a lot of time working outside at night? Well, we’d like you to live and be safe, so please have one of these.

In the RV shop with Dustin

Easy leaking toilet fix: Replace the “ball seal” on your RV’s toilet

By Dustin Simpson
Welcome to “In the RV Shop with Dustin”. We recently had a customer in the shop with a toilet that was leaking water from the bowl into the holding tank. After performing a simple operation and visual inspection, we narrowed down the culprit to the “ball seal.” Did you know this replacement is so easy that just about anyone can do it?

Click here

Travel Destinations

The top 10 most famous streets in the United States

By Gail Marsh
Have you driven your RV down any of the most famous streets in the U.S.? Can you guess the top ten most famous roadways? Or can you tell what makes each street so well-known? Take a moment to think of all the possibilities. Click here and see if you can guess the most popular!

RV Gadgets and Gizmos

Portable solar panels—Two weeks off-grid testing, and lessons learned

By Dave Helgeson
Earlier this year I shared my first impressions of the new 120 E.FLEX portable solar panels from Renogy. I liked the fact that they are lightweight, fold for easy storage in the included storage bag, and kept my house batteries topped off. I also liked the amount of data the charge controller provided. At the end of that article, I promised a follow-up article after I put them through additional extended testing during a 2-week off-grid trip to the wilds of Idaho. Following is our experience and what I learned.

Bluetti EB55 portable power station—Off-grid power in a small size

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV gadget is the Bluetti EB55 portable power station, or solar generator. Among all the various companies that have been making this type of RV gadget, Bluetti is one of the names I think that carries fair recognition. When they reached out to me to ask if I wanted to try this, I figured I’d give it a shot. Read Tony’s review.

RVing with Dogs

Warning: This poisonous toad can kill your pet in Florida

By Scott and Vanessa Russell
Florida no doubt has some dangerous wildlife for pet owner RVers. Alligators and poisonous snakes are a few common concerns for our furry friends. But poisonous toads? We recently learned about this threat after our new puppy had an encounter with one. Read on to learn where these frogs are located and how to protect your pet when RVing in Florida.

Click here to read

Can you spare 2 pennies for our 700+ newsletters a year?
RVtravel.com would not be possible without the financial support of our voluntary contributors. Their support helps us avoid relying on advertising, and keeps our resource-rich work unbiased and free for all RVers to enjoy. Every contribution makes a difference. A donation of $10 a year comes out to less than 2 cents for each issue we publish. That’s all! And when you contribute, you’ll receive a special member-only ad-free version of our weekend newsletters forever as one way for us to say thank you. Learn more or donate.

Makes a great gift!
The most festive RVing shirt of all time!
This shirt has a Christmas tree made out of RVs – you’ll get so many compliments! Every RVer who celebrates Christmas needs this! It comes in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes in many different colors so you can get one for everyone in the family! The solid colors are 100% cotton so it’ll only get softer the more you wear it. It also comes as a long sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt. Order one (or more) before Christmas! And if you don’t like this design, there are plenty others.

RV Tire Safety

Why did my travel trailer have 3 tire “blowouts” in 18 months?

By Roger Marble
I came across another post on an RV forum regarding tire blowouts. I am sorry to report that many of the posters did not understand the concept of Cold Inflation. The original poster asked: “Why did I have three blowouts? I’m pulling my hair out. I’ve had three blowouts in 18 months of ownership of our 2020 Keystone Outback. We have ST225 75 R 15 Load E. The blowouts have been on 3 of 4 points on our dual axle TT. …”

Roger explains the 3 tire failures

 NEW! RVing with Harvest Hosts

Skål! 3 creative meaderies to stay at in your RV

By Cheri Sicard
In this week’s Harvest Hosts column, we invite you to drink up old-school style at three creative meaderies you can spend the night at in your RV if you are a Harvest Hosts member. If you have not yet discovered mead, it is a unique alcoholic beverage that, at its most basic form, is made from fermented honey, water and yeast. However, it can be flavored in an astounding number of ways, as evidenced by the offerings at these three creative meaderies.

Click here

Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?

If so, stories you missed:
• Good news: Gas prices starting to feel low again
• Federal judge denies injunction to stop BLM deforestation in NV
• RVer pays more than $90,000 (in 7 years) to stay at RV parks and resorts
• BLM’s Wyoming “land grab” hits opposition in Congress
• Camping World location gives way to a fire station
• Locals riled – An RV park is coming to Navarre Beach, Florida
… and much more

Read it here | Back issues

Recipe of the Day

Bacon Parmesan Parsnip Puree

by Maggie May Schill from Jacksonville, FL

This wonderfully creamy Parmesan parsnip puree is a great side dish. It can be served when having friends over for dinner or as part of a holiday meal. We love the smoky bacon flavor. If you’re unfamiliar, parsnips are a root vegetable that looks like a white carrot. Its flavor, though, is less sweet and more earthy.

Get the recipe here

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DID YOU KNOW we have many other newsletters too?

That’s right! We publish at least one newsletter every day, and sometimes two!

• RV Daily Tips: Monday-Friday. Helpful tips, tricks, maintenance and repair advice, RV reviews, and much more.
• Breaking RV News: The latest, breaking news for RVers delivered to your inbox daily.
• Full-Time RVer. For full-time RVers or those thinking about becoming one, this newsletter comes every other Wednesday
• Great RV Accessories. Like gadgets and gizmos? This every-other-Thursday newsletter is for you!

Learn more about each newsletter here.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“This is Bella, our Boston Terrier, at six months old. Ever since we got back from her first camping trip with her brother and sister, she keeps coming to me with this look that says ‘I’m ready to go again, come on!'” —Rick Woodring

• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

Don’t kill yourself or loved ones out of ignorance
• If you ever feel a shock when touching your RV, take action. Otherwise, you could kill yourself or loved ones.
• If you blow a front tire, do this. The result could be a disaster if you follow your instincts.

Trivia

Fun and interesting Midwest trivia quiz. See how you do…

In what Midwest state is the largest shopping mall located? Where is Abe Lincoln’s tomb? Where is the birthplace of Superman? Where is the largest buffalo? Where is the geographical center of the U.S.? Where is the home of Kellogg’s breakfast cereals?

Test your knowledge and find your answers in this fun Midwest trivia.

Click here

RV’s leather furniture cracking, peeling or looking dull? Here’s a fix
Dustin Simpson writes, “Everything from the oil in your skin, the products we wear, sun exposure, moisture in the RV, and storage temperatures can cause the materials on your RV furniture to break down. Do regular cleaning: wiping off furniture with 303 Leather 3-In-1 Complete Care to regularly remove sand, dirt, and other grime. The best way to maximize the longevity of your furniture is to keep it clean because when oils, dirt, and other residues have time to soak into your furniture, the quicker those materials break down.”

Sunday funny

Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?

Read it here | Back issues

Roadskill
The ongoing adventures of 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 and Cheri Sicard. Contributors: Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, Jan Steele and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Artificial Intelligence (AI) contributors: Johnny Robot and Milly MacWilly. Canine 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 many affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates 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 the potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

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