RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, June 30, 2024

Welcome to the RVtravel.com newsletter. “Home of the RVing Experts since 2001.”

This is the abbreviated free edition of this newsletter. For the ad-free, full edition, please become a  subscriber for a one-time or ongoing donation of your choice. Your support means a lot to us!

WE APOLOGIZE: The free edition of this newsletter went out late yesterday after the initial on-time email alert link led mistakenly to last week’s edition. Oops! The subscriber edition went out right on time.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NANCI DIXON: We just learned that Nanci’s heartfelt essay about Joni Mitchell was reprinted on JoniMitchell.com.

SEVERE WEATHER. On the road today? Be careful if you will be in any of these areas: Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains are a threat today for the East Coast • Watch for thunderstorms in the Four Corners/Southwest over the next few days • Dangerously hot conditions will continue for the Southeast this weekend. Best to avoid Death Valley, where it’s expected to hit 111 (good for frying eggs on the hood of your car).

June 30, 2024
Issue 1163
Free, abbreviated edition

Yesterday’s top news for RVers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Florida RV dealer Gigi Stetler arrested for theft of state funds
• Grand Design finally unveils its Lineage Class C motorhome
• Man steals truck camper with people sleeping in back
• New study proves wearing these colors attracts mosquitoes
• Video recovered; charges filed in RVer’s rest stop murder

Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.

Today’s RV review…
AEONrv Rev2—A better version of a better RV

By Tony Barthel
The name AEONrv is actually an acronym for All season, Electric, Off-road New and modern RV. If you’re one of those who likes being off the grid and want an RV that can stand up to that, this is one of the best-motorized units I’ve seen for that.

Check it out

RV service centers and repairs report
Rubber roof blows off, leveling alarm beeps for 25 hours; “Nothing but a nightmare!”

In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. In this week’s column, Nanci Dixon shares one long horror story from a reader regarding numerous problems with the RV they bought from a dealer in Florida and ongoing lack of service from that dealer. But there are several (Yes!) stories of positive experiences with service centers and mobile techs.

Click here to read

UPDATED WEEKLY: A list of RV dealers, service centers, and mobile techs as recommended by our readers. Click here.

What’s the second-best thing you can do for your RV air conditioner?

By Andrew Herrick
Your RV is a solar oven. You may consider it your adorable home-on-wheels, but to the 10,000-degree star burning 93 million miles away from our planet, it’s a heat box. Your air conditioner has one job: to move heat from inside to outside. But how can your hardworking, loyal air conditioner remove heat if you keep adding it back in? … What’s the second-best thing you can do for your air conditioner? Find out here, along with the first-best thing.

7 ways to accidentally die in your RV

By Nanci Dixon
We all know it can be a dangerous world out there and we know that driving or towing an RV can be fraught with mortal accidents. This isn’t about the driving hazards of low bridges, wrong turns, road construction, tire blowouts or errant drivers. There are other ways to accidentally die in an RV. Here they are.

Your RV’s fresh water system: Filling it, drinking it, water pressure, gadgets and more

This is Part 5 of Dave Solberg’s “Everything you need to know about RVing” series. Today, Dave looks at RV fresh water systems and tells you just about everything you need to know about them, whether this is your first or 101st RV trip. Wow! Is this informative!

What do you think about this RV park?

Publisher Chuck Woodbury believes this RV park was a bad idea from the start. After it was approved by the city, its developer went to work. And, then last week, the city abruptly halted the project, which was 97% finished. Read his story and answer the poll about whether you would want this park in your neighborhood.

DID YOU KNOW? As of yesterday at 2 p.m., Pacific time, RVtravel.com had published 21,432 articles and 52,943 photos. Meanwhile, readers had contributed 263,424 comments. We’ve all been busy!

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Finally, new hose quick connectors stopped all the leaks
• Using ketchup to clean your RV’s BBQ grill, plus other tips to keep it like new
• RV gray tank smell worse than black tank? What to do
• Have a loose screw? Here’s how to fix it
• Plug your RV into a generator? Watch out for this!

Top 3 cooler hacks that will make your ice last longer

By Cheri Sicard
I wish I had found this cooler hacks video before my RV fridge stopped working after I had completed a large shopping trip to Costco. I had to move everything into coolers, eat as much as I could (what diet?), and spend a fortune on ice. Here, Florida real estate agent Yak Motley shares his favorite tips to make your ice last longer when using a cooler. Read more and watch the video.

Our writer fears for safety as fire threatens her RV park

By Gail Marsh
We were coming back to the campground after church, looking forward to our typical Sunday afternoon tradition—a nap! When I stepped down out of the truck, I immediately saw it. Small flames of fire teased the top of the campground’s wooden fence. Fire! Within seconds, flames were jumping 20 feet high into the clear, mountain air causing the sky above to turn black with smoke. Continue reading.

1951 Lighthouse DuPlex trailer is a mobile masterpiece

By Paul Lacitinola
In the heart of East Texas, surrounded by pine woods, Longview sets the stage for Ethan and Amanda Langley’s passion for restoring vintage RVs. At their workshop, American RV Restoration, the couple transforms classic RVs into mobile masterpieces, capturing the essence of mid-century America. Check out this gorgeous restoration.

Our non-human writer, Johnny Robot, advises best RV for full-timing

As you may know, at RVtravel.com we do not write stories with artificial intelligence, except as a writing aid much like spell checker. However, we do have an unofficial human on our staff we call Johnny Robot, who we unleash at times to write an article, poem, essay or piece of fiction, using A.I. exclusively. Our goal is to enlighten you about artificial intelligence so you can spot it, and not assume it was written by a human. A.I., after all, is not always correct, even though it can be hard tell. For today, we asked Johnny to write an article titled “What’s best for full-time RVing, a motorhome or towable RV like a travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer?” Please read the story and then tell us what you think. And keep in mind, we did not change a single word.

Click here to read

Reader poll
Do you change the oil in your RV or tow vehicle yourself?

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 your RV outright or make payments? See how more than 1,600 RVers answered. 

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
We know these are something you truly hate, so why not tell the world you hate them? After all, it’s not just you… EVERYONE hates them! See what we’re talking about here.

RV electricity (archive)
Just Ask Mike: Why did this plug burn up?

By Mike Sokol
Dear Mike,
Arriving back from our last trip we found a charred and semi-melted prong on a 30-amp power connection. Never had this happen before. While camping a circuit breaker did pop in my 5er. I reset and looked at CKT/BKR on pedestal. Everything looked good and NO bad electrical smells. Checked all fuses and CBs once home (good). I would have thought the circuit breaker and/or fuse would blow before plug gets this hot. Am I missing anything? Also 30-amp fuse in battery box semi-melted (not blown) – replaced anyway. —Andy S.

Click here to read Mike’s answer

Ask Dave

By Dave Solberg

This past week’s questions that Dave answered:

• To upgrade inverter from 1000W to 2000W, what gauge cable do I need?
• How do I retract my RV’s power awning manually?
• RV has 2 roof air conditioners, 1 battery. Is this enough power to boondock?
• Where can I get replacement parts for my 1994 Winnebago?

And don’t miss…
What SoftStartUSA product will work on my travel trailer?

Dear Dave,
I have two questions: What soft start device would you recommend for this camper? How can we make the A/C unit quieter? Thank you. —Ray, 2019 Wolf Pup 16FQ

Dear Ray,
Your first question is a timely one as we just got a comment from another reader regarding a SoftStart product and how it nearly burned up his RV! Here is the comment…

Continue reading

 THERE’S STILL TIME… 

To get your 4th of July gear! Don’t miss these RV-themed 4th of July T-shirts, camping and RV decor, and much more. Hurry! Time is running out. Check out these great accessories and gadgets here.

Travel destinations
Wyoming’s phenomenon guides generations through summer’s arrival

By Gail Marsh
In the picturesque Absaroka Range of Wyoming, there’s a unique and enchanting phenomenon that locals have relied on for generations: the Ishawooa Horse’s Head. This natural pattern in the snow, appearing each spring, is more than just an optical illusion—it’s a seasonal guide that’s been invaluable to ranchers and trappers in the region.

This is fascinating

In the RV shop with Dustin
Use or don’t use Dexter E-Z Lube?

By Dustin Simpson
Dave Solberg and I used to do a live series every Wednesday called Talkin’ RV Tech. Here is a short clip from one of our past shows. In this video, one of our viewers had heard conflicting information on Dexter E-Z Lube^® and wondered if she should use it or not. She says there is conflicting information online. So, what do we think? Watch the video to find out.

Watch the video

RV gadgets and gizmos
Small RV-sized Brita Water Filter Pitcher—fresh water all the time

By Cheri Sicard
I had been happily using a Brita Water Filter Pitcher in my sticks-and-bricks homes for decades, but I had always found them at Costco and they were LARGE. Those pitchers always took up too much real estate in my RV refrigerator, so since I have been on the road I had kind of forgotten about my Brita Water Filter Pitcher. Why I never searched for a smaller one is beyond me. For whatever reason, I was recently inspired to do so and I discovered that Brita does in fact make a smaller 6-cup water filter pitcher (the one I have).

Click here to read Cheri’s unfiltered review

TONGUE TWISTER: How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?

RV tire safety
Not another tire inflation question! Back to basics…

By Roger Marble
Sometimes I feel like a broken record when I offer what seems like the same advice week after week. Maybe the readers of RV Travel are better informed than the folks that post to internet forums on brand “ABC” or “XYZ” RVs. I do not understand why people almost never do a search on the topic before they post their question. The other problem is that very few provide the most basic information on their RV which would allow a detailed answer appropriate for their specific RV. … I can summarize the information on tires in a few sentences.

Read them here

The small but mighty Reese trailer hitch coupler lock
The Reese trailer hitch coupler lock keeps your travel trailer safe! The way it’s set up, it is impossible to get bolt cutters around it and it’s incredibly sturdy and well-made. It’s inexpensive, small and ensures that the coupler stays closed while driving. It can even be used when unhitched! Learn more about it here.

RVing with dogs

Pros and cons of RVing with a dog

By Dave Helgeson
RVing with a dog? I am often asked this question at my seminars by those investigating the RV lifestyle. RVing with your four-legged friend can be a delightful experience, but it also comes with its unique challenges. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision before taking the plunge. Here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Dog owners share clever fixes for RV entry step challenges

By Gail Marsh
Recently in the RVtravel.com RVing with Dogs Facebook group, three different dog owners posted about challenges concerning their RV entry steps. These dog owners also offered fixes to their problems. Read about these clever fixes here.

Recipe of the day
Tonna’s Hot Dog Sauce

by Tonna Canfield from Ashland, KY

Tonna’s hot dog sauce recipe is a little different than other sauces we’ve tried. It’s very flavorful – spicy and sweet with a slight tang. Toss the stuff in the can. Instead, give this a try for your next cookout. It’s fairly easy to make and tastes so much better. In a little over an hour, you’ll have knock-your-socks-off chili dogs.

Get the recipe here

Readers’ pets of the day

Jack and Ella (Bulldogs) love to explore campgrounds and meet fellow campers. They are perfectly happy to nap outside under the shade during the day watching the world walk by.” —Scott Lewis

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

Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please 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

The German word “kummerspeck” means excess weight gained from emotional eating – literally, “grief bacon.” (Yep, that would do it.)

Sunday funny

Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?

Read it here | Back issues

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RVtravel.com All Star Team

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