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March 10, 2024
Issue 1147
Free, abbreviated edition
Cover story
We have changed and I hope you understand
By Chuck Woodbury
I
really wish I had a brilliant essay to write today. I don’t. I have business to discuss. And my apologies to my various English teachers through the years for beginning three sentences in a row with the letter I. Bad me.
You may notice that RVtravel.com looks a little different today than it did a week ago. You will likely notice more ads. I have a feeling some of them might displease you because they are more prominent than before. I’m not thrilled about that, but the Wonderful World of Publishing is changing in a big way and, alas, paying more attention to our advertising revenue is more important than it was even five years ago. Even though more than 6,000 of our readers have voluntarily subscribed (Thank you!), it’s not nearly enough to cover our expenses. Ninety-four percent of our readers have never contributed, which means we need advertising to make ends meet.
The reason that our advertising looks different today is because we changed the company that places it on our pages. For years, we have relied on a different company. And for years, those automated ads were our largest source of revenue. But, long story short, our revenue from there has steadily declined for more than a year.
We started testing the new company on Friday. We were told it would take a month or so to get things fine-tuned, and that means determining where advertising should appear (and not appear) and how many ads is “too much,” and filter out ads that are off-subject or even offensive to some readers. Please bear with us as we move this process along.
I have been in the publishing business my entire adult life. I have seen a lot of change — a lot — but nothing like in the last year. Writing by using artificial intelligence (A.I.) came out of nowhere with ChatGPT. And, shocking to me and most of my writer friends, it is remarkably good. Oh, it makes mistakes, yes. But for Pete’s sake, it’s in the Kindergarten of its life. It will get better, and that’s scary to me, and it should be scary to anyone who relies on the printed word for their news and information. Many writers today (“content creators”) will soon be out of work, replaced by robots.
I am very sad to admit that I can’t trust much of what I read online anymore. I hope you know you can trust what you read here on RVtravel.com. I fight hard to keep this website interesting, educational, ethical, relevant and, above all, honest. We are not taking the easy route and letting “A.I.” crank out free “instant” articles written by computer algorithms. We will use A.I. as a writing tool, much like a spellchecker or Grammarly. But that’s it.
As of today, more than 106,000 RVers read RVtravel.com on a regular basis (and growing by about 4,000 a month). For you, I promise to always tell the truth. I’m not happy about having to show more advertising, but without it, I can’t pay our writers, who are professionals. How valuable would RVtravel.com be to you if it were written by copywriters who had never even stepped inside an RV or, heaven forbid, by robots? Don’t laugh: It’s happening!
If you are so inclined, please help us be better tomorrow than we are today by voluntarily subscribing. We’ll add you to our ad-free Saturday and Sunday newsletters, which also have bonus content. If you have a skill that might help us be better, let our editor Emily (my daughter) know at editor (at) rvtravel.com. And please tell your friends about us on your social media channels (#rvtravel) and around your next campfire at the RV park.
Oh, I can’t forget: Please visit and subscribe to our newly improved and energized YouTube channel, produced and hosted by the very talented Keith Ward. Like Tony the Tiger says, “It’s great!”
Yesterday’s Top News for RVers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Bye-bye biodiesel? Chevron may foreshadow the future
- RV stocks take a beating this week; Thor drops like a rock
- Train versus motorhome – RVer escapes death by seconds (Video)
- Starlink Roam news for the week of March 4, 2024
- Check recalls on your vehicle using your license plate number
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Today’s RV Review…
New-for-2024 Aliner Evolution 15 Twin Bed popup camper
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2024 Aliner Evolution 15 Twin Bed popup camper. The Evolution 15 is a new model for the company, which is celebrating 40 years of business this year. This new model isn’t revolutionary for the company but does incorporate some features that might really find favor with some customers. … There are a number of things I really like about these and I believe the assumption that they’re difficult to set up means a lot of people for whom this would be a good choice actually don’t look at them. That’s unfortunate.
RV Service Centers and Repairs Report
This week: Stories of dealers and service centers taking advantage of, belittling, and cheating customers
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon summarizes your stories about what one RVer has observed as being the underlying cause of RV motorhome service refusal. Also, a father and son’s planned travels around the country have been on hold for a year waiting for their new RV to be repaired. Plus, RVers’ complaints of being taken advantage of regarding purchasing Good Sam coverage, and another being treated extremely rudely by a service center. (This will make you angry.) But, yes, there is another service center highly recommended by a very grateful RVer.
UPDATED WEEKLY: A list of RV dealers, service centers, and mobile techs as recommended by our readers. Click here.
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.
Diving deep into the frame flex issue: RV owners take some blame
By Keith Ward
As if RVers didn’t have enough maintenance and repair issues to worry about, they can now add the “frame flex” issue to the Denali-sized pile of concerns. Owing to the recent surge in articles about frame flex, especially in Grand Design fifth wheels, the RV community has become acutely aware of the problem. (Note: Grand Design did not respond to an RV Travel request for comment or an interview on the subject of frame flex with their units.) And now that there are so many comments and opinions out there, both in print and video, I thought it would be helpful to get the perspective of someone who has long, hands-on experience with frame flex. Continue reading and watch the video.
Is BLM camping safe? Yes! Just look out for these signs and take these precautions
By Dave Helgeson
Is BLM camping safe? This was the core of a question posted on the BLM Camping Facebook group hosted by RVtravel.com. Unfortunately, the post was deleted before I could review the hundreds of comments. It drew such a response that RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury reached out to me and asked that I write an article on the subject. Upon further research, I determined the original question had a bit more to it, as it asked, “How to determine if a BLM camping area is safe or not for a lonely camper.” Continue reading.
A spare fuse spot in your panel can brighten your day
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
We had a peculiar problem come up awhile back. It was after nightfall and we were preparing to make a foray to the Land of Nod. The wife had already shuffled off to the bedroom. I was busy brushing my teeth when I got one of those “Honey, something’s wrong here” shout-outs. “The light just went out here in the bedroom.” One more thing to do with my spare time. Happily a spare fuse helped in the end. Find out how here.
Around the Campfire
RVers discuss: To travel with RV window shades up or down?
By Gail Marsh
As February wound to a close, some RVers around the campfire were contemplating their trip back home. As the “snowbirds” discussed their travel plans, the topic of RV window shades came up. The discussion that followed revealed two opposite points of view: RVers who travel with shades up and those who travel with shades pulled down. Listen in to the rationale behind each opinion and then register your own idea in the poll.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage solutions
- Self-stick hat hooks keep kitchenware in place—brilliant!
- Ignore these two RV tasks upon campsite arrival and departure and you’ll be sorry!
- An interesting way to find boondocking spots in the Southwest
- 25 tips and tricks for using single socks while RVing
NOT RECEIVING OUR DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER YET? You’ll love it! It’s filled with RV tips and tricks, RV maintenance advice, cool gadgets, trivia, a poll question, a joke, websites we love, recipes, and much more. Read the latest issues here then sign up here. Easy unsubscribe if you don’t like it (but we know that won’t happen).
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.
Easy DIY project: Make an on-the-road cookbook of your favorite RVing recipes
By Nanci Dixon
I am packing up for six months on the road and I’ve decided I need to bring along a cookbook of my favorite RVing recipes so I have them all in one place. Last year I overpacked and weighed down an upper cabinet with way too many of my favorite cookbooks. It wasn’t a disaster, a finishing nail or two fixed it; but I don’t want to do that again. Instead, I gathered my favorite recipes and made my own traveling cookbook! Talk about brilliant!
RV timing 101: The best times to do all things RV
By Gail Marsh
When traveling in an RV, there’s adventure around every bend in the road. As with many things, in RVing, timing is everything! Take a look at some examples and see if you agree. Of course, you can perform the following almost anytime. However, many RVers agree that these are optimal. Can you add to this list?
Highways by the numbers: What do they really mean?
By Gail Marsh
I know some RVers prefer to travel on state or county highways, while other folks like to take the direct routes that our Interstate Highway System provides. No matter your preference, it’s important to understand highways by the numbers. Learn all about them here.
It’s the first day of daylight saving time, which means we get to add an extra hour of daylight to our evenings! (Unless you’re in Arizona or Hawaii.) That’s a cause for celebration!
Ever wondered why we have daylight saving time? Ever tried to explain it to a young child (“But where does that extra hour go?!”)? Are you happy about daylight saving or wish it didn’t exist? Read all about it and vote in Gail Marsh’s poll here.
Hold that nail in place—Don’t smash your fingers or let it go in crooked!
This is the perfect tool for anyone who doesn’t like tools! Use these “pliers” to hold nails in place so you can hammer away without worrying about smashing your fingers. This little tool fits all types and sizes of nails and has a handle that’s easy to grip so nothing will slip out of place. It also prevents nails from going in crooked. Keep this affordable tool in your toolbox and thank us later! Learn more or order.
Readers’ RVing Mistakes
Mother remembers when her toddler fell through canvas gap in RV bed; ‘Still hates camping to this day’
In this column, we are sharing some of the not-so-brilliant things we, the RVtravel.com staff, and you, our readers, have done while RVing. This week’s installment of goofs as related by Nanci Dixon includes a tip on black tank flushing and quick connect fittings, an important tip regarding a macerator hose, a tilting tent trailer, and another black tank hose imitating a loose fire hose. (Ew!) Plus, a toddler who still hates camping after falling from the bed.
Help! We need more entries to continue this column! Please read today’s column and fill out the form at the bottom. Thank you!
Reader Poll
Do you enjoy visiting ghost towns?
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: Should e-bikes be allowed on traditional bike trails? See what RVers think and join in on the conversation in the comments section.
Outstanding but affordable RV parks
In this column, we’re sharing information taken from our Facebook group Outstanding but affordable RV parks. Also, from time to time, we’ll include our staff’s favorite affordable campgrounds. We hope to provide real options for folks looking to RV in reasonably priced, well-kept RV parks all across the country.
Click here to see this week’s picks for outstanding but affordable RV parks.
A very fun puzzle for National Park lovers
I (Emily) just finished this 1,000-piece National Parks map puzzle and it was hands-down the most fun puzzle I’ve ever done. Each piece has a unique design so, although it’s big, they’re “easy” to find. Plus, it’s fun to build and say, “Oh, I’ve been there!” If you want a fun puzzle for rainy spring days, I highly recommend it!
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:
- Why won’t two 6-volt batteries run my CPAP machine overnight?
- Follow-up to “Why do RV slides only work when plugged into tow vehicle…?” Rich found the answer!
- My RV’s rear heater is extremely hot. What temperature should it be?
- What is best brand of FLA batteries for RV? How do I add water to them in a tight compartment?
- RV water pressure fine, then drops, then goes back to normal. Why?
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
DON’T MISS ANY RV REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE ARTICLES! Every Tuesday we issue a free weekly email digest of all our articles from the past week on the subject. Sign up here for RV Repair and Maintenance Tips (and check out all our other reports and newsletters).
“Breaking Bad” fans will recognize that face! Reader John W. sent this to us and wrote, “Took a photo of this at Mount Rushmore last year.” Walter White at Mount Rushmore—how cool! If this is your RV or you know whose it is, please send us an email!
In the RV Shop with Dustin
Using a flush valve prop makes cleaning your tanks easy
By Dustin Simpson
The Camco Toilet Flush Valve Prop easily installs around the body of your RV waste tank rinser and props open the toilet waste valve while you clean. Using a flush valve prop makes it easier to clean the waste tank without having to hold down on a foot pedal, and also helps prevent damage to the waste valve.
Click here to read about this handy gadget
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Would you ever lick a wild animal? What about roadkill—would you lick it? You say no? Oh, come on, we bet you would lick it! We’d lick it!
RV Gadgets and Gizmos
Our top 10 best-selling products for RVers in February
It’s a new month and that means taking a look back at February and seeing which products were your favorite and what you bought the most of! Some products are the same as in January, but there are lots of new ones here, too. Most of these products we’ve used ourselves, so we know it’s good stuff!
Travel Destinations
Exploring the enchanting Trail of the Whispering Giants across all 50 states
By Gail Marsh
Tucked away in various corners of North America there exists a remarkable and often overlooked collection of sculptures known as the Trail of the Whispering Giants. These towering monuments, created by renowned artist Peter Wolf Toth, stand as tributes to Native American heritage.
Have you visited any of these?
RV Tire Safety
Goodyear Endurance tire load capacity explained
Tire expert Roger Marble posts a question received from an RV Travel reader regarding the confusion in the recommended psi for the Goodyear Endurance tires on his fifth wheel. They were rated differently on the tires and on the Load Inflation Tables. Roger gets to the bottom of the matter in this article. He also has a tip for RVers with large and heavy trailers.
Recipe of the Day
Best Ever Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
by Carol Hampton from Van Alstyne, TX
Hearty and comforting, this skillet chicken pot pie is a delicious one-pot dish made with kitchen staple ingredients. Simply seasoned, the chicken is juicy and tender. Frozen mixed vegetables and chopped onions add a lot of flavor. Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream create a rich sauce that binds the filling together. A flaky golden brown crust adds a nice crunch to every bite. Comfort food at its finest.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Sprout (Piebald Dachshund) loves camping and hates to be left behind!” —Anne Texada
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Trivia
According to ShipScience, Amazon delivers about 3.5 million packages a day just in the United States.
The best trash can for your car or RV
Don’t let trash litter your car or RV! This small trash can is made for cars and can be attached to either a headrest or the center console with adjustable straps. When it’s not being used, it collapses flat. The trash can is leakproof and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about anything spilling. This could also be used as a storage container for drinks, snacks or even pet toys. Learn more or order.
Sunday funny
As Nanci Dixon wrote, “Mystery solved!”
Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?
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, J.R. Montigel, Randall Brink, Dustin Simpson, Dale Wade, and Tony Barthel. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. Director of Video: Keith Ward. Social Media staff: Gary Pratt. 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
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020
This newsletter is copyright 2024 by RV Travel LLC.
I do not like the new format with ads constantly loading. Also, clicking on an article and then when I am through reading, going back to the main page at the top of the page instead of picking up where I left off on the main page is very frustrating. I have been a daily reader for the last three years but may have to go elsewhere for RV content.
The 100% free sites are unreadable, The fast and furious pop ups are crippling to your computer. Including any popular couple you can come up with. Good luck!
As a paying up subscriber, I understand the need for a revenue stream. Nothing is free. However, I read you on my tablet, sitting in my chair with my morning coffee and solitude.
I’m using my tablet, and just get the “free” version. Tablet does not do e- mail. Any fix?
Any device that can read a web page can do email. Find an app version of your desktop email. The tablet likely has an email app already, but it might not work the same way.
Perhaps a helper age 10-30.
I understand the need for revenue, however; this page is like one of those click bait pages now. More advertising than content it seems. I am sure that finding a way to generate revenue versus loosing readers is very hard. We as readers have three choices I guess. Either put up with all the advertising and pop up ads, be forced to become a subscriber so that the ads are less frequent or just stop reading the news letters. I am undecided at this point to what route I will take. It is my hope that the advertising will be scaled back to look less like an advertising page and more like a news letter. I know many people will say just donate to the cause so the ads will go away.
I understand the ads and need for revenue. It’s the constant video ads moving and loading vs static ads. It seems this is impacting comments uploading, articles loading quickly, etc. It many times now takes several clicks to get comments to take and usually it’s when ads are churning/loading. I have 300 mbps service, so it’s not like I have slow speeds.
I agree. The site loads a lot slower and more errors.
Hi Mikal-
It actually isn’t the ads slowing down the site. We also added a message from Chuck to the bottom of all of our story pages… unfortunately the software we use for taking payments messed up and maxed out our server resources, resulting in a really slow site and a bunch of errors. We’ve fixed the problem now and the site should be up to speed again.
-Kim
I’m that guy. I just coughed up a very meager subscription that I know even you can afford for a newsletter that comes out EVERY day.
Oh, and it’s losing, not loosing. ;<)
Tanks for the gramer leson. I can afford it. I knew there would be someone that commented on my post. Not that it is a bad thing either. Just thinking about things. I appreciate your thoughts.
Well you just hit the unsubscribe button for me. Those annoying pop-ups, life is too short.
So you work for free huh
It’s all about him.
If you want an extra hour of daylight after work, start work an hour earlier. Stop messing with the clock.
Better yet – retire. There are only 2 times – light and dark.
plenty of warnings put out of the risk/dangers of AI and yet it seems to be wanted…fools!
Getting a lot of failed page loads this morning with error establishing a database connection.
Me too!
Happened a few times here also. Had to do a page refresh.
I am trying to do an annual subscription by credit card and the link doesn’t work. Please fix it so I can contribute! Thanks!!
It’s fixed, I just did it.
Chuck, rvtravel.com is your business. You must do what you feel is in the best interest of your business. I personally have the self control to ignore most internet advertising. The exception being ads that pop up over and interrupt content I’m reading, and must be manually closed to continue. I usually block sites that engage in that type of advertising.
Keep up the good work!
I swear I saw the picture of Sprout after I posted my comment on the Jolly Green Giant. I think that’s proof of artificial intelligence at work or maybe just an epiphany?
As to economics, I remember when cable TV was going to eliminate the need for advertising on free TV but the ads never went away. And cable rates have never gone down.
And now, even some of the paid streaming sites are pushing ads. Amazon is one unless you pay a separate add on fee. Plus, their 2 day shipping is about gone.
Disagree, I recently received part of an order that same day and remainder the following day. Same day, next day. Normally my orders do arrive w/in two days.
The Sunday funny hit close to home. My neighbor used to leave his small Jack Russel alone in the back yard. That was until I told him about the Red Tail hawk sitting in a tree next door.
Chuck, do what you have to do. I trust you.
Some of you readers are an absolute joke, Typical American Karen’s. You expect them to work for free. If you don’t want to read it then don’t. It’s scary if you can’t understand the predicament they’re in. You will not find any RV content on the net worth reading without far more pop ups and ads then here.
Ads are a fact of life, I don’t mind sorting thru them to get to good content.
Hate to say it but most streaming apps have very annoying ads. Time to raid the fridge and ignore them if they are not your cup of tea. Otherwise some have intrigued me.
On Speed:
We had a problem with our payment software that caused the site to REALLY slow & crash. We fixed that and now the site is back up to speed.
On Ads:
We replaced 3 ad vendors with 1 ad vendor. So we’re technically running the same number of ads, but they are showing up differently. There will be teething pains as we tweak how/what ads are displayed.
We spent years blocking ads we thought our readers would find objectionable. We’re working with our new vendor to do the same.
Fact is, we’ve been hit by inflation in expenses with deflation of revenue. So we had to make a change.
Keep talking to us, we’re listening!
-Kim
No problem, I understand. I just want to read the comments in chronological order i.e. “Oldest First”. Yeah, I just keep asking…squeaky wheel gets the grease. :<)
St Elmo Colorado really impressed me. I still search for ghost towns whenever I can.
Reading on cell phone, no issues with ads.
Dave, I like the version without the ads. But ads don’t really bother me unless they interrupt the flow of what I’m reading. I hate pop up video ads that “skip in X seconds” I mean, have you watched videos on Facebook lately? I’ve stopped trying to watch them. Ads on the side of the page or at the top/bottom are no problem
Face Book Purity browser plugin.
Why can’t the internet just say pay or get off the pot? It would make my life simpler. I wouldn’t pay for any of it.
I thought there were less ads and pop ups in today’s issue than before. Definitely less of the video type ads. Do what you need to do Chuck. Y’all still have the best RV site out there.