RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, December 1, 2024

Issue 1185
This is the abbreviated, free edition of this newsletter. Become a donor and receive the ad-free edition.

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Did you know? Travel trailers under 33 feet do not exist

By Chuck Woodbury
I wish RVtravel.com had a million subscribers. Then we could better battle all the misinformation out there created by artificial intelligence robots and content creators who know nothing about RVing, yet pretend they do. For example, read this article I found just poking around RVing websites. It says that travel trailers can be as small as 33 feet. Read that again if you want. As small as 33 feet? So, wait. That means… 

RVer tired of people cutting through campsite. What to do?

We received this letter last week from reader Garry C. We hear similar comments and complaints in Nanci’s Campground Crowding, Comments & Concerns column each week, but this time Garry is asking for your opinion. We’re sure most campers and RVers have experienced this at least once, but most likely a few times. Read Garry’s email and then leave a comment with your answer: What would you, or do you, do, if/when this happens to you?

Hilarious yet relatable SNL RV life clip: Maybe RV life is not for everyone…

By Cheri Sicard
Saturday Night Live did a hilarious take on full-time RV life. The video pokes some laugh-filled fun at the fact that not everyone is as enthused about RV life as those of us who have wholeheartedly embraced the lifestyle. In the sketch, Steve Carell plays a banker who suddenly convinced his wife that he should retire early, and they should sell their house and move into an RV… with their newly acquired Great Dane. Click here for a laugh!

Today’s RV review…
2025 Coachmen Freedom Express 274RKS – Better than a fifth wheel?

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Coachmen Freedom Express 274RKS travel trailer. … What you have here is a couple’s camper that I think is exceptionally well done. In fact, if you are noodling the idea of getting a fifth wheel but don’t want to lose the bed of your truck, or just don’t want to have to go up steps to go to the bathroom, this might absolutely be worth considering. In many ways this trailer has all the functionality of a fifth wheel without the cost nor the downsides of a fifth wheel. Continue reading.

RV service centers and repairs report
RVer’s brand-new RV falls apart on first trip: RVs are just “thrown together with no care!”

This week, Nanci Dixon relates several horror stories about all the problems some RVers are having with their new RVs (no matter their cost), and how much time the RVs are sitting in the service centers awaiting repairs. One reader reported that after her new RV had been sitting in the service center for a month, her sales rep said: “It’s not a matter of if it breaks, but when.” And there are tips from a couple of readers which make very good sense. Read more.

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

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

• Chevron warns against new refinery regulations
• Lawsuit claims conspiracy to take diesel trucks off the market
• RV wholesale report: Towables lead recovery while motorhomes falter
• Blue Compass buys more Airstream dealerships
• Pacific Northwest storm destroys at least 50 RVs under collapsing trees

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

Around the campfire
How fast do you drive when towing your RV?

By Gail Marsh
How fast do you drive when you’re towing your RV? This was the question posed to the campfire crowd a few nights ago. A robust discussion followed. My husband told the others that we usually stick to the speed limit or a bit below, depending on road and weather conditions. But others drive differently. Here’s what other RVers had to say.

Why RVing seniors should go back to “school”

By Gail Marsh
My husband is determined. He wants to take a class in basic electricity so that he can easily trace and repair electrical issues in our RV. I respect and admire his resolve. Turns out, my husband isn’t alone. Many RV seniors are going back to school. The RV off-season is a perfect time for learning! Here’s why and how to do it.

Think something is wrong with your RV? Could a faulty memory be to blame?

Ever feel like your RV has a black hole for everyday items? Lucinda Belden shares the hilarious (and humbling) realities of RV living, from misplacing items in a tiny space to DIY problem-solving for “catastrophes” like a laundry leak and a broken A/C that wasn’t broken at all. Spoiler: Sometimes the fix is as simple as flipping a switch—or remembering where you put something. Wink. Read on for laughs and lessons.

12 easy RV mods under $50

By Cheri Sicard
Is your RV ready for an upgrade but you don’t want to spend a lot of time or money? YouTuber and RVer Jim Thomas has compiled 12 easy RV mods that won’t break the bank. Jim says none of these RV modifications should set you back more than around $50. Watch the video or read the article (I break it all down there, too).

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A TON OF FACEBOOK GROUPS FOR RVERS? It’s true! They’re all for RVers like you! Check out the list and see if there are any that interest you.

Travel destinations

Three delightful holiday small towns to visit

By Gail Marsh
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas can become quite hectic. These three delightful holiday towns across the U.S. may help you unwind, slow down, and more fully enjoy the season. These would be so fun to visit!

RVers, check out these Midwest Christmas markets

By Gail Marsh
Traveling to the Midwest for the holidays? In search of that unique and special gift? Perhaps you simply enjoy Christmas and love perusing booths filled with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. You’ll find it all at one of the amazing Midwest Christmas markets. Here are three of my favorites.

Reader poll (and article)
Have you ever used a steering wheel knob?

Respond here and read Gail Marsh‘s article.

POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: Do you always drive with your RV headlights on?

RV gift guide

Grilling gifts perfect for RVers—like yourself!

Whether you’re an RVer or buying for one, practical and portable grilling tools can make outdoor cooking more convenient and fun. Here are three great grilling products that combine portability, versatility, and functionality, perfect for life on the road.

More gifts:

• Our top 15 best-selling products in 2024 make great gifts for RVers
• RV-themed must-have gifts for the home or RV
• 15 camping games and puzzles that are fun for everyone and make the perfect gift

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Well, Thanksgiving is over, which means it’s time to recommend something like this. For us… we’re recommending it to ourselves, of course, but should you also be interested…

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Life-saving tips for power strips and surge protectors
• Holiday decorations for the RVer: These fit into a shoebox!
• Keep warm while winter RVing with these 17 cold weather tips
• Tips on decorating your RV for the holidays

NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? You’re missing out! Learn more about it and our other newsletter offerings here.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Your RV warranty is about to run out: What to do next?

By Dustin Simpson
If your RV is experiencing issues and your warranty is about to expire, it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure your RV is covered for any necessary repairs. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this critical period and take advantage of any remaining warranty coverage.

RV tire safety
Tire inflation – We all need to pay attention to it

By Roger Marble
It is basic physics that it’s the “air” pressure that supports the tire load, not the tire structure. While we all know that there are folks on the internet who will claim to know more about any topic than the people with years of training, I can only hope that the majority of readers of this column will trust the actual science of tire design and engineering rather than some random guy spouting his opinion on what level of inflation you should run. Read more.

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:

• Do “Tire Saver Ramps” prolong the life of RV tires?
• OK to run generator with rig plugged in during storage?
• Is the Lippert Floe System good for RV winterizing?
• How much cargo can go in this trailer? All about weight ratings

Vintage RVs
Incredible 1937 Packard motorhome in mint condition, worth six figures

By Paul Lacitinola
Packard was an American luxury automobile marque built by the Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan. The first Packard automobiles were produced in 1899, and the last one in 1956. The owners found this one-of-a-kind Packard motorhome in a barn in San Bernardino, CA. Since it had been stored out of the weather, it was preserved in amazing original condition. Continue reading.

RVing with dogs
How to remove sap from dog fur

By Gail Marsh
A desperate RVer recently posted on RVtravel.com’s RVing with Dogs Facebook group. Dolores Serpe was looking for advice. Here’s what she posted: “Need advice. My pup rolled in pine needles. Got sap on his belly. I can’t get it off him.” If your dog has ever rolled in pine needles, you know just how sticky and stubborn that sap can be! With a few dog-safe remedies, you can get your pup’s fur sap-free without putting undo stress on them (or yourself).

Recipes of the day
4 Asian-inspired recipes for when you’re tired of Thanksgiving leftovers

Tired of turkey and mashed potatoes yet? Well, here are a few recipes that will refresh your tastebuds. We’ve got a few take-out classics, a delicious twist on chicken wings, and a really yummy grilled beef yakitori here. Happy cooking!

Readers’ pet of the day

“Tui is a Havanese, a former show dog turned lap dog. When he was younger he loved walking, carrying an egg from the hen house and his cat, Munchie. At 15.5 years old now, the rainbow is near. Very loyal boy.” —Ken Wahl

• 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. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once.

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 term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s to describe the day retailers went from operating at a loss (“in the red”) to turning a profit (“in the black”) thanks to holiday shopping.

Sunday funny

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

Read it here | Back issues

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