Welcome to the RVtravel.com newsletter. Be sure to check out all our other RV-related newsletters.
This is the abbreviated free edition of this newsletter. For the ad-free, full edition, please become a voluntary subscriber for a one-time donation of your choice. Your support means so much to us!
December 17, 2023
Issue 1135
Free, abbreviated edition
Cover story
Forget how you go camping and remember why you go camping
What Facebook user Bill Pringle posted in our RVing Over 70 group the other day stopped us in our tracks. Upon Googling these same words for proper credit, we realized that Bill didn’t write them, but it’s something that’s been spreading across the Internet for quite some time. How have we missed this?
It serves as a great reminder and we hope you take these words to heart.
Here’s what it says:
To the folks who just showed up in the 43-foot, $200,000 fifth wheel that costs double my house, you have a beautiful rig.
To the folks who are down in the woods in a bivvy tent, you guys are hardcore. Awesome setup down there!
To the folks who just pulled in with their 1979 Class C with more rust than panel, I can only imagine the memories you’ve made in that thing. I bet every dent has a story.
To the folks who took that last site that nobody wanted who pulled in, put down the seats in their minivan, and started cooking, your dinner smells delightful.
Y’all, we all camp differently, and we may not agree on it all, but we have to remember the only thing that matters is that memories are being made and you’re getting 120% out of your time with your loved ones. You have to forget HOW you go camping and remember WHY you go camping.
THAT is camping, my friends. Spread love at the campground this season.”
Thank you, Bill, for sharing.
A few business notes:
- Links no longer opening in new tabs: Many of you have noticed and complained that the links on our website no longer open in a new tab. We’re sorry. We know it’s annoying. We were one of the only websites on the internet that was still doing this, but it was affecting our site speed and many other complicated things that were, surprisingly, negatively affecting our user experience. Our website is old. It has almost 20,000 articles on it and a gazillion thousand images and media files. It runs slow. We need to start making small changes that will improve it. This is one of them.
- If you’d like an article to open in a new tab, all you have to do is right-click and select “Open in new tab.” Otherwise, click the back button once you’re done reading and it will take you right back to where you were on the previous page. Simple.
- Using A.I. images: No, we have not hired robots. We’re still human here. However, we have been playing around with using A.I. images. They’re fun and they help us illustrate a story. Do you know how long it takes us to search for an image or collect the rights to use a photo for a single story? Sometimes it can take hours or days of communication. A.I. takes seconds and makes it easy. If you haven’t already played around with it, here’s the link. See? It’s fun! Please don’t judge us. We’re doing our best to stay true to ourselves while also learning to lean into the future of what our publishing world may look like.
Today’s RV review…
Northwood Arctic Fox Grande Ronde 27-5L is a 5er worth seeking out
Today’s RV review is of the Northwood Arctic Fox Grande Ronde 27-5L fifth wheel. I know that name is going to generate questions all by itself, and we’ll get to the answers. But first let’s talk about this fifth wheel. What we’re looking at is a fifth wheel that’s just shy of 30 feet in overall length with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,935 pounds. If you’ve been looking at fifth wheels about this size, you might think this seems a bit heavy. There’s a reason for that.
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
Tire blowouts common with “stock” tires on new RVs, damage more than just tires
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon reports on an unhappy customer who waited three months to get a bubble on the rubber roof of his new RV repaired, then it was done incorrectly, twice; a request for suggestions from an RVer who tells horror stories about his experiences with … one guess … Camping World; a rave review for another mobile tech; and yet another rave review from a happy customer for a dealer who repaired the blown-tire damage to his RV even though it wasn’t purchased from this dealer.
Quit struggling with hose and cable hookups at the campsite
Are you tired of struggling to hook up your coax cables, water hoses and other connections when you arrive at your campsite? It’s a snap with Cable and Hose Grips from J Wright Concepts. Save time and frustration! Life is too short to hassle with the little stuff! Learn more or order.
What to do when RV snowbirds leave you behind
By Gail Marsh
Last winter, we stayed home. We didn’t want to miss the birth of our newest family member. So, we remained in cold, bleak Missouri, instead of traveling to sunny, warm Florida for the winter. I’m glad we stayed home to welcome the new baby, but it isn’t easy when RV snowbirds leave you behind. Perhaps your snowbird friends are leaving you behind this winter. … Here are some tips from Gail on how to cope if you’re left behind.
Help! Our overhead RV lighting is too bright!
By Gail Marsh
A recent RV conversation thread revealed that many RVers need help. Their RV overhead lighting is too bright! Ours is too! I like to read before going to sleep. My husband likes to sleep. The problem? Our RV’s ceiling puck lights are too bright! Find out how Gail solved the problem.
A praying GPS, a marinated possum, a few bad omens… and a wonderful story
By James Swickard
It was a day most any RVer who is worth his salt would recognize. Six hours on the road, assuming the word “road” is accepted as valid terminology for lanes, rutted trails and cow paths. We had reached the ends of our proverbial ropes, maybe even at the end of the earth as we know it. Our patience was worn to the quick and we were desperately in need of a campsite for the night. We’re sure you’ll love this crazy adventure.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Tips from a pro: How to digitize your family photo albums
- Tips for hanging items on RV walls
- Tips for safe driving on snow or ice
- Inspiration to fix little irritating RV problems before winterizing
- A road food trick: Ask the locals where NOT to eat!
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
Readers share photos of their wonderful RV holiday decorations
Last weekend we asked you to share photos of your RV decorated for the holidays, whether it was the interior, exterior, or both. Thank you to those who shared! We love seeing your decorated RVs—they are so cozy! Here are some of the entries we received.
A haunting encounter and a personal journey to confronting homelessness
By Nanci Dixon
Today, as we were driving in the Phoenix area, I noticed a young woman who, at first glance, appeared out of place walking across the street with a blanket around her shoulders. I looked slightly closer and, much to my shame, just dismissed her with, “Oh, she’s just homeless.” The closer we got, I realized she only had on one shoe and one sock, and was walking across the street. A bus driver appeared to not let her get on the bus at the corner. As we got even closer it was evident that she had been beaten up. Continue reading this heartfelt essay.
Honey laundering: Is the honey on your shelf fake?
By Randall Brink
Honey, the golden nectar of bees, is a natural sweetener praised by camp cooks for its versatility and health benefits. But there’s a dark side to the sweetness—the popularity of honey has also made it a target for fraudsters. In recent years, fake honey has been sold in stores and online, and even the most well-informed consumers can be fooled. The problem is international in scope. Continue reading. (Have you heard of this? Have you encountered fake honey?)
Gift Guide for RVers
These are our best-selling Amazon products this year. These products, gadgets and books would make great holiday gifts, too. And yes, you still have time!
RVtravel.com’s top 15 best-selling RV products in 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time we take a look back through our Amazon sales and see which RV products you loved this year. These products range from helping maintenance and DIY projects get done to innovative gadgets that make RV life easier. Here are the top 15 best-selling Amazon RV products in 2023.
RVtravel.com’s top 10 best-selling books of 2023
It’s also time we take a look back through our Amazon sales and see which RV books you loved this year. Which books got you to new campgrounds, new sights, onto new adventures, took you down new roads… Without further ado, here are the top 10 best-selling RV books of 2023 on Amazon.
Reader Poll
Will you travel to spend Christmas with friends/family this year?
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 often do you play cards? What do you think, do other RVers play cards all the time? Often? Never? Find out here.
Not just for kids! This RV coloring book is for adults
When was the last time you colored? We bet it’s been a while. Re-learn the therapeutic comforts of this pastime and start coloring! This coloring book for adults featured hand-drawn designs of RVs of all kinds and beautiful natural scenes. It makes a great gift, too. Give coloring a try again… we bet you’ll love it! Learn more here. (And no, it’s not just for adults—kids would love it, too.)
RVing Mistakes
A guardrail saved their lives, but cost them $7,000 in repairs
In this column, we share some of the not-so-brilliant things we, the RVtravel.com staff, and you, our readers, have done while RVing. We hope that in addition to a chuckle or two, we can learn from others’ RVing mistakes and not make them ourselves! This week Nanci Dixon heard from readers who didn’t quite complete their before-departure tasks (this seems to be pretty common), an RVer who tried to hang a TV but missed the stud, an RVer who learned a messy black tank dumping lesson, and our own Gail Marsh confessed about the very expensive lesson she and her husband learned on their first RVing trip.
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:
- Replaced an RV circuit breaker, now there is a spark at converter and no power. Now what?
- None of my RVs came with a towel bar in the bathroom. Why not?
- My RV’s absorption refrigerator died. What replacement would be best for dry camping?
- I need a 30-amp surge protector. Which do you recommend?
- RV decals are cracked and curling. What works best to remove them?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
Have a question for Dave? Click any Ask Dave article and scroll down to fill out the form.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This may have a funny, PG-13 name, but it works really well! If you enjoy what’s in here, you’ll surely find this handy. It’s become popular for a reason!
In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of having an RV spare tire
By Dustin Simpson
Join Dustin “In The RV Shop” as he talks about how carrying a spare tire for your RV is a smart and essential precaution, as it can provide a quick solution in case of a flat tire. Here are some important considerations regarding having a spare tire for your RV.
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
Ugreen 145W portable power bank review—Don’t need, but want
By Cheri Sicard
When the folks at Ugreen first pitched me on their 145W portable power bank, I was not initially interested. My reasoning was, I already had several portable power stations and I did not really need a small power bank. And I reasoned most RVers likely do not either. It turned out, I was right. I did not actually NEED this product. However, I discovered after using it for a while, there are a whole lot of reasons to WANT one, and I was happy to have it. Read more.
Using the reliable Chivenido USB rechargeable water bottle pump
By Cheri Sicard
I’ve been using this handy USB rechargeable water pump for over a year now and it’s still going strong. As I don’t have a water filter on my RV, and the potable water available in campgrounds often isn’t drinkable, I carry drinking water bottles. I have a 5-gallon and a 3-gallon, which provide me enough drinking and cooking water for several weeks under normal circumstances. This little pump is quick to set up and add to the bottle, and it provides a steady flow of on-demand water at the touch of a button. Read about this handy gadget.
Midwest Travel Destinations
Worth a stop: These spectacular Midwest cathedrals transport you to Europe
By Gail Marsh
Think the grandest cathedrals are only found in Europe? Think you’ll never see such magnificent structures for yourself? Well, think again! There are many amazing cathedrals to see right here in the Midwest. You certainly won’t need to pack your passport!
Lap desk puts your back to rest!
If you use your computer on your lap, read your Kindle on the couch, or have a hard time holding that heavy hard book, you need this lap desk! Staff member Emily uses this when she works and highly recommends it. It has 8 adjustable levels and a stopper to hold objects upright. Great for those with lower back pain or bad posture. Learn more or order.
RV Tire Safety
Proper tire repair, and examples of outrageous DIY tire “repairs”
Tire expert Roger Marble lists tire repair basics from the U.S. Tire Manufacturer’s Association. Then he shows some really bizarre tire “repairs” that you won’t believe. There’s a warning about driving on a “flat” tire and about DIY tire repairs.
Did you miss yesterday’s Latest News for RVers?
If so, stories you missed:
• Tesla recalls 2 million cars—A shining example of Elon Musk braggadocio
• RV industry dodges new rules cracking down on sales scams
• On the road, but de-banked: RV full-timers dealing with banking challenges
• 5 additional taxes and fees added to campsite reservation costs. Can RVers afford to RV anymore?
• USB cables good for many things—but not tire chain accessories
• CarePod A.I.-powered, self-contained DIY health clinics hit the road
• Don’t fall for a QR code scam
… and much more
If you want to have a wonderful day, send $10, $50 or $100 to a local food bank. Millions of our fellow citizens, including little kids, are going hungry. If you have ever considered donating, now is the time. If you contribute regularly, thank you! You will feel so good if you contribute — helping people less fortunate than you go to bed without the pain of an empty stomach. Find a local food bank here.
Recipe of the Day
Linda’s Drop Gingerbread Cookies
by Judith Hannemann from Cairo, NY
These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies have the perfect blend of seasonal spices. Adding raisins and nuts gives the cookies a little tang and nuttiness. Make these easy gingerbread cookies for a cookie exchange or as a gift in a holiday tin.
[wbcr_snippet id=”337364″ title=”AHM Video Recipe Widget”]
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“While 4-year-old Graham is mainly an outdoor cat at home, as you can see he adapted to RV living quite nicely in the co-pilots chair, and once he learned he could explore the outdoors on a harness and leash. Graham keeps busy in the RV with all of his toys from home and enjoys his scratching pole. Graham is really popular in the campground, with cat lovers calling out his name as he watches them pass by from his outdoor cat condo.” —Wayne & Susie Glabais
WE THINK GRAHAM DESERVES A GIFT, AND OTHER KITTIES LIKE HIM, TOO! Here are great gifts for cats and their humans.
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!
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
Did you know that RV isn’t an acronym for recreational vehicle? Nope, it’s an initialism. But what does that mean and what’s the difference? Read Gail Marsh’s story here then quiz yourself to see if you understand the difference. It’s fascinating!
Forget single-use hand warmers, these are better
If your hands are always cold, this is for you! These rechargeable hand warmers are a perfect gift for anyone who spends time outdoors in the cold. The hand warmers have three levels of temperatures and warm up on both sides quickly. The warmers are charged via USB and can even be used as a power bank to power your cell phone and other devices. Stay warm with these.
Sunday funny
And the Snowman of the Year award goes to…
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?
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.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Advertising. Information here.
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020
This newsletter is copyright 2023 by RV Travel LLC.
I understand the issue with no new tabs when choosing a link but using the back button is a real PITA as the home page loads with all the pop ups it keeps scrolling and then goes back to the top, not back to where it was. Really a PITA.
Interesting. The back key on my Android based phone takes me right back where I was on RVTravel. Easy.
IRV2 on my phone, however, acts just like you describe and I agree THAT is annoying!
It all works fine on my android phone.
My stupid mistake did not include the RV but the car by hitting a fire ring. Thought it was fixed but still finding more mistakes. Yeah camping can be costly. As for going home for Xmas? Uh nope. You all need to come to me. I snow bird to NC and do not budge until summer. Then head north. And I hate to say it I am a moderate RVer. I found a nice small trailer, placed it on a site and now travel north to get away from the intense heat in the south. Happy holidays everyone.
the problem IS NOT that clicking doesn’t open a new tab, the problem IS that when you click “back” you go to the beginning of the newsletter instead of where you left off. Fix that and no worries. Sort of….
Tell me how to fix the problem
Why , when we read a article and return to the main articles it starts back at the start of the articles, it use to always return where you were and you could continue down thru the remaining articles?