RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, December 29, 2024

Issue 1189
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An RVtravel.com year in review…

Full tank, headlights gleaming: Here we come, 2025!

By Emily Woodbury

T

o our cherished readers at the close of another memorable year—

As we prepare to wave goodbye to 2024, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your readership, engagement, and support are what keep our wheels turning. You’ve helped us create a welcoming space for RVers, and we couldn’t be more thankful.

In today’s newsletter, we’re revisiting some of the year’s highlights: your favorite stories, the most talked-about RV reviews, the coolest gadgets for RVers, and our most-watched videos. Together, we’re celebrating the content that sparked the most conversation and inspiration as a community. 

But it’s not just about looking back—it’s also about gearing up for the journey ahead. We can’t wait to hit the ground running in 2025, bringing you even more captivating stories, breaking news, insightful RV reviews, and updates on the latest innovations in RVing.

Your feedback has always been the cornerstone of our work, and we look forward to another year of crafting content that reflects what matters most to you. Remember, you can always leave a comment or send us an email with comments, concerns, suggestions… you name it, we’re here!

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible team working behind the scenes. Our expert writers pour their hearts into providing you with the valuable insights that make RVtravel.com a trusted resource. We owe a huge thank-you to these remarkable individuals who work tirelessly to bring you not just information but also a bit of humor and entertainment along the way.

So here’s to you for making 2024 such a standout chapter. May 2025 bring even more incredible adventures, shared experiences, and the spirit of exploration that defines our community.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and joyful journey ahead. Thank you for being here with us!

Publisher’s Roadside Journal
This is my campground. It’s okay. Rating: 5 out of 10

By Chuck Woodbury
This is my campground. Actually it’s an RV park, space number 49. It’s rained off and on all day. It’s not terrible weather, but gloomy. It’s now 5. I have seen only a half dozen people outside their RVs all day. A lot of cars and pickups were gone first thing this morning — park residents off to their jobs. Continue reading.

Our most popular articles of 2024:

1) Reserved but empty campsites: The campground’s side of the story

By Nanci Dixon
There are two sides to every story, right? Well, that means there’s another side to why there are so many empty campsites. You’ll find the other side of that story behind the campground check-in desk.

2) Campground worker explains the 10-year rule and why campgrounds enforce it

This was Nanci Dixon’s most popular Campground Crowding column this year, and it’s no surprise as to why. The 10-year rule is a hot topic among RVers, and in this installment, a campground worker explains why it’s enforced.

3) RVers saying goodbye to RVing; “Who wants to spend $100 a night to stay at crowded park?”

Campground Crowding still remains our most popular column and the comments in this installment show just how similar we all are as RVers. Who wants to spend $100 a night to stay at a crowded park? Nope, not you and not us! Read the comments here.

4) The truck driver spreading smiles with unusual cargo

By Gail Marsh
Now that I’m older, I can appreciate the heavy responsibility that our truckers take on. Now I know the challenges they face. That’s why, when I saw the trucker driving the pictured rig, I knew that here was a guy who not only worked hard at his job as a trucker, but he also worked hard to be a kind human being. This will make you smile.

5) RV electricity: How to install a 30-amp RV outlet at home

By Mike Sokol
Dear Readers,
I received the following inquiry from Cory. He’s wondering about installing a 30-amp RV outlet on a residential 150-amp service panel. Here’s his question and my response.

Other popular articles:

• Is it legal to stay the night in your RV at rest areas?
• Why RV parks are no longer as safe as they once were
• This truck camper’s position on pickup scares us
• Around the Campfire: RVers share new “beefs”—complaints I haven’t heard before

The most popular RV reviews of 2024:

1) 2024 Forest River Vibe 28RL—Yep, a flat fifth wheel

By Tony Barthel
This RV review is of the Forest River Vibe 28RL. This is yet another of the larger travel trailers that I consider to be a flat fifth wheel. Why? Essentially this is the kind of floor plan you’d normally find in a fifth wheel, but this is a travel trailer.

2) 2024 Keystone Cougar 22RBS—A small travel trailer for big people!

By Cheri Sicard
The 2024 Keystone Cougar 22RBS might be a small travel trailer, but Josh the RV Nerd (our reader’s #1 pick for Best RV Reviews YouTube channel), says it is made for big people. Here’s why.

3) 2024 Airstream International 30RB travel trailer is easy to love

By Cheri Sicard
In this video from Airstream of DFW, we join Anthony Miller for a tour of one of Airstream’s larger trailers. This one is model RBT, meaning twin beds in the rear bedroom, but it’s also available with a single queen-sized bed. However, the twin bed model gets you two extra storage closets. Learn more.

4) 2024 Taylor Coach Lil El 8’ rear door travel trailer—The “Smart car” of RVs

By Cheri Sicard
Here, we join Brad Taylor from Taylor Coach, a small Canadian company producing custom-built RVs, for a walk-through tour of the company’s smallest travel trailer, the uber-tiny 2024 Taylor Coach Lil El. Its sawed-off look seems like the travel trailer equivalent of a Smart car. It’s definitely different.

5) Jayco Jay Feather 25RB travel trailer—Great layout, but what an “oops”

By Tony Barthel
This is one of the more popular floor plans in the RV industry for good reason. As a couple’s camper, you get a lot of usable functionality and plenty of living space. But this trailer, very specifically, made me question what would make you very specifically rule out an RV if you were out there shopping. What do I mean? I’ll get to it.

Other popular reviews:

• 2025 Forest River Wildwood Grand Lodge 44VIEW – What a view!
• The Coachmen Remote 19R travel trailer is unique and nimble
• The 2024 E-Pro 15TB travel trailer is Flagstaff’s smallest

Make camping fun again!
Start your year with a Harvest Hosts membership
Camp at more than 5,000 amazing destinations without crowds or stress—now with hookups! Sip wine in a vineyard or beer on a hop farm, sleep next to a field of cute alpacas or pick blueberries outside your RV’s door on a blueberry farm. You can even sleep right outside your favorite auto or space museum. NEW! Harvest Hosts members can now stay an extra four nights at select locations, and some hosts offer free water and electric hookups. Click here to learn more.

The most popular RVing news of 2024:

1) Woman dies at Disney World; hubby can’t sue because they had tried Disney+ TV

A woman dies at Disney World. Her grieving husband sues Disney for wrongful death. Now legal minds at Disney want the case thrown out of court because he’d signed up for Disney+ TV years ago. Here’s the story (and the update).

2) Crime, “residential camping” force closure of Lake Mead boondocking area

Less than an hour from the glitz of the Las Vegas strip, boondockers have had a refuge. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a winter playground, and Government Wash a major draw for RVers who put their self-containment to the test. But it’s all over. Crime and damage are closing this popular Lake Mead boondocking area.

3) Washington state mirrors California’s motorhome ban

Some RVers are up in arms. As we pointed out, the effective ban of the sale of motorhomes in California will have far-reaching consequences. Washington state RV dealers acknowledge that following California’s lead, the Evergreen State may kill off motorhome sales as soon as the turn of the year. Here’s what’s going on.

4) California, other states, may soon ban motorhome sales

When we broke the news about what boils down to a ban of motorhome sales in California and five other states, our understanding was the clamp-down would affect only diesel motorhomes. It does not, as many gas motorhomes will likewise be affected. While sales of affected motorhomes in those states will cease in 2025—several other states will follow suit thereafter. The RVIA has rung in with more information, which we cover here.

5) As grizzly bear mauls hiker, “miracle” occurs and bear flees

Shayne Patrick Burke, a disabled Army Reserve veteran, described his encounter with a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park as “the most violent” experience of his life. On a hike to photograph owls, Burke spotted a grizzly cub and was soon attacked by its mother. But then…

Did you enjoy RVtravel.com this year? Say “Thanks!”
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RV service centers and repairs report
Keystone says all their RVs are “perfect.” Yeah, right!

This week, Nanci Dixon relates advice from our readers regarding the importance of knowing how to do at least minor RV repairs yourself to save the expense and sometimes long waits at a service shop. Another very frustrated RVer haggled with a manufacturer regarding a design issue, which it denied, for a couple of months before it agreed to pay half of the repair cost. And there’s a disgruntled RVer who paid for a roadside repair service only to find that the repairman would have charged $400 less than what the RVer thought was a “covered” repair. 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

• Federal authorities investigating Grand Design frame flex concerns
• Congress clears way for permit-free filming in national parks
• November sales slump: RV manufacturers struggle amid slower market demand
• Love’s expands Missouri network with additional RV hookup facilities
• Roadtrippers unveils “Trending Spots” feature and 2025 off-season travel destinations

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

Our top 5 most popular tips for RVers in 2024:

1) RV window shades—This is the “hack of the century”

By Dave Helgeson
I recently came across this post on social media from Facebook user Karen K. about using pipe insulation to calm banging RV window shades. Karen says this is the “hack of the century” and we agree, it’s a great hack! Read on…

2) RV inspector’s top 4 RV slide out tips

By Cheri Sicard
If your RV has one or more slide outs, you’ve probably discovered already that they need maintenance and care, so much so that many RVers avoid them entirely. In this video tip, certified RV inspector Duane, from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, shares his top 4 RV slide out tips.

3) Genius golf ball trick solves low airflow issue in RV’s A/C

By Gail Marsh
Our two air conditioners were struggling to keep up. I was cleaning the return air filters when I noticed something rather odd. The RV’s A/C vent looked different somehow. It had collapsed! I discovered a genius solution.

4) 5 steps to keep mice out of your RV during storage

By Cheri Sicard
If you have ever dealt with the aftermath of mice in your RV, you KNOW you want to prevent this destructive, unsanitary, and messy problem from ever occurring again. Especially if you are storing your RV for any length of time, you will want to pay attention here.

5) In defense of the RV shut-off valve: A $15 plumbing mod you shouldn’t live without

By Andrew Herrick
Shut-off valves are the unsung heroes of plumbing repairs. They make everything so easy. With a quarter-turn, any plumber or DIYer can shut off water flow to the fixture. Now you can replace or repair the faucet at your leisure. Here’s how they work in RVs and why you should have one.

HOLY SMOKES! 
We published 4,135 articles and newsletters this year. We’re talking brand-new articles and newsletters, too. No reruns, no linking around… brand-new stuff! Wow! 

Reader poll
Will you spend more or less time in your RV in 2025 than you did in 2024?

Respond here.

The most popular polls of 2024:

• Have you camped in or near Quartzsite, Arizona, within the last five years?
• Do you currently subscribe to Netflix?
• Generally, how low will you let your fuel tank go before refilling?
• Do you use special RV toilet paper or a standard brand from the supermarket?
• How would you feel about being in the campsite next to a lit-up RV?

The top 5 most popular videos of 2024:

1) How to turn any van into a camper in 2 hours for under $500

In this video, we join Lauren and Steven of Trip of a Lifestyle as they transform their Nissan NV200 cargo van into a camper van in just two hours and for less than $500! The camper might look small, but the couple comfortably lived in it for seven months while they visited every national park in the United States. Check it out.

2) The 7 red flags of potential bad RV neighbors

Mike and Jennifer, the team behind the RV Lifestyle YouTube channel, have a lot of experience at campgrounds. Here, Mike and Jennifer set out to figure out how to spot rude RV neighbors BEFORE you park next to them and set up camp.

3) 5 ways around the RV 10-year rule

This video from the team at Drivin’ and Vibin’ discusses a heated topic among RVers, the 10-year rule. Many parks have a rule that RVs staying there must be under 10 years old and in some cases, this rule is unavoidable.

4) Harbor Freight RV gear: 7 items with great prices and value

Joshua from RV Gear & Far introduces us to some terrific Harbor Freight RV gear, at a discount rate, that now compete with the quality of the major brands. The seven items on his Harbor Freight RV gear list make that cut, delivering both low price and high quality.

5) 12 small RV gadgets you’ll wish you had bought sooner!

Again, Joshua from RV Gear & Far, brings us a list of 12 small RV gadgets that he says bring tremendous value to his RVing life. Sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest impact when it comes to day-to-day activities and convenience when living in an RV, and this list provides some excellent examples of that.

The products our readers loved the most in 2024:

1. 2024 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 States
2. Dump Buddy: RV Hose Fastening Device
3. Thetford Tank Blaster, Level Sensor Cleaner for black and grey tanks
4. Bureau of Land Management Camping, 3rd Edition: Directory of 1,547 Camping Areas in 14 Western States
5. Liquified RV Toilet Treatment, Black Holding Tank Digester

Dave and Dustin’s top five articles of 2024:

1) Electrician added 50-amp receptacle in garage. Why don’t RV outlets work?

Dear Dave,
We just had an electrician wire an RV plug at our daughter’s garage. He pigtailed off an existing 30-amp outlet. (He knew not to use 220v.) However, he did use a 50-amp receptacle because that’s what our plug is. Our surge protector shows correct wiring. The problem is… 

2) Buying an RV: What is the markup on an RV, and what should I offer the dealer?

By Dave Solberg
Recently, Tony Barthel posted an article on RVtravel.com titled “Ex-RV salesman offers shopping tips for new rig”. In the comments, a few people wanted him to provide a formula for what the markup is and what they should offer a dealer. Here are my thoughts.

3) Beeping sound in bedroom quits when light is turned on. What is it?

Dear Dave,
Upon entering my RV just now, I heard an alarm sound (a constant beep) coming from the bedroom area. Our bathroom sink vanity is in there. When I turned on the light above that sink, the alarm sound stopped. When I turned off the light, it resumed again. I have no idea what it is. Do you?

4) Why you should use RV slide-out stabilizers and locks

By Dustin Simpson
Join me in my RV shop as I explain the importance of using slide-out stabilizers and locks for your RV. Slide-outs can pose challenges if not properly stabilized and secured. That’s where slide-out stabilizers and locks come into play.

5) Looking for a 33- to 35-foot diesel pusher. Salesman said they “fishtail” too much. What?

Dear Dave,
My question has nothing to do with what I have now, but what I’m looking to buy. I am looking at 33- to 35-foot diesel pushers. One salesman told me that the shorter diesel pushers fishtail too much, and you shouldn’t buy one under 37 feet. Is this true?

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This is something we think all RVers need to have. Yes, need! This could prevent you from getting sick, and it’s something you probably use on a daily basis anyway.

RV tire safety
Do not do this to your RV tires

By Roger Marble
Do not bleed down your RV tire pressure because you think it will “explode” if you exceed the PSI number molded on the tire sidewall.

Almost every week I see posts on one or more of the various RV forums where people say they limit the PSI in their tires. Sometimes they say why, such as, “to prevent a blowout.” Sometimes they do not say why, but their reasoning behind this practice is clear to me. It appears that many people incorrectly believe that exceeding the “PSI” number molded on the tire sidewall is going to result in tire failure and explosion. Continue reading. 

Our top recipes of 2024:

• It’s football season! Here are 3 recipes for kickoff
• RV recipe hacks: Best ever EASY cinnamon rolls. YUM!
• 5 sweet and savory fall recipes to kick off the cozy season
• The 10 best ground beef recipes under $10
• 4 fall recipes that put a twist on classic chili

Readers’ pet of the day

“Roxy loves to RV! This picture was taken on a rainy day in the rig. She was waiting patiently to go outside and play. This was her look when I started talking to her about going outside. It was as if she didn’t believe me that it stopped raining. She jumped for joy about five seconds after this was taken.” —Laurie Boyer

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

HELP! We’re running low on pet photos! 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.

Trivia

For the first few years of production, Ford’s Model T came in gray, green, blue and red. It was only after 1914 that customers could order “any color so long as it is black,” as the dark paint dried faster than other hues.

Sunday funny

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