Issue 1201
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Today’s thought
“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chip and Dip Day! (Find our favorite dip recipes below.)
RV buyer’s remorse: Why 70 percent of RVers regret their purchase
By Cheri Sicard
Yikes! According to MJ and Izzy of Endless RVing, a shocking 70% of RV owners regret their purchase. Why? From sneaky sales tactics to underestimating hidden costs, they break down the biggest mistakes RV buyers make—and how you can avoid them. Read the article and then watch the video, too.
Using Google Maps’ little-known features
By Gail Marsh
Google Maps has been guiding travelers for two decades, but did you know it has powerful features designed to make RV life easier? From offline maps for remote adventures to multi-stop route planning, these tools can save you time, frustration, and even money on the road. Before your next trip, check out these lesser-known Google Maps tricks that could transform the way you travel.
Tool Talk: Take a sneak peek into an RV technician’s tool bag
By Andrew Herrick
Every RVer needs a compact, go-to tool bag for routine maintenance. While professional RV technicians carry a van full of tools, most common repairs can be handled with a small selection of screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches. This guide breaks down the essentials. See what’s inside a pro’s tool bag—and what you should keep in yours!
Today’s RV review…
Grand Design Transcend 265BHT—more uses for bunk space
By Tony Barthel
Looking for a family-friendly travel trailer or maybe a cozy setup for your furry companions? The Grand Design Transcend 265BHT blends affordability with thoughtful touches, but does it cut too many corners? From its rear kitchen layout to its pet-friendly bunk conversions and boondocking potential, this review breaks down what works (and what doesn’t). Plus, wait until you see what, or who, one RVing couple brings along on their travels…
RV service centers and repairs report
Would you trust Camping World to change your RV’s tires?
This week, Nanci Dixon shares an RVer’s disappointment with a mobile tech, and another RVer’s disappointment due to all of the issues with his RV. But there are several more good reports of service centers. Read about them here.
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
- ‘So many lies’: TV station investigates deceptive practices at Camping World
- Park Service stalls employee reinstatements despite court-ordered directive
- British couple fined after stowaway found on their RV’s bike rack
- Heartland RV joins Jayco family amid Thor Industries shakeup
- Pilot starts pumping B99 diesel fuel
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Spring cleaning
RV spring shakedown primer
Before his passing from COVID in 2020, Gary Bunzer—known as the “RV Doctor”—was passionate about teaching RVers how to keep their rigs in top shape. One of his final contributions to RVtravel.com was this detailed spring shakedown guide. From inspecting seals and lubricating slideouts to testing electrical, plumbing and propane systems, Gary’s step-by-step approach covers all the essentials.
RV spring cleaning: 7 maintenance tasks to do before leaving
By Cheri Sicard
Spring is here—time to get your RV road-ready! Chris from the Why Wait YouTube channel shares seven must-do maintenance tasks to keep your rig in top shape. From cleaning your fireplace (yes, really) to descaling your water heater and inspecting window seals, these quick fixes can save you from headaches down the road. Ready to tackle your spring RV checklist?
Spring cleaning time for fresh water tanks
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
If your RV water tastes off, smells funky, or—yikes—leaves you covered in algae, it’s time for a deep clean. Whether your rig sat idle all winter or you’ve encountered questionable water, disinfecting your fresh water system is a must. This guide walks you through flushing out stale water, sanitizing with bleach, and eliminating nasty chlorine aftertaste.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Be sure the ice cubes in your fridge are at least partially frozen before heading out in your RV. Don’t fill the tray just before you depart or the water might splash around and then freeze all over the place.
RVtravel.com reader testimonials
Loyal reader Mona L. writes: “I’ve read RVtravel.com for years and years, starting not long after I did some modeling work for an Italian guy named Leonardo. You may have seen his painting of me. I recommend this newsletter to anyone who has a love of traveling with an RV. Ciao!”
Travel destinations
By Gail Marsh
Upcoming Western U.S. spring flower festivals
What says “spring” better than flowers? How about flower festivals? If you’re ready to put snow-covered scenes behind you, consider setting your sights on one of the following spring flower festivals.
Visiting Laurel Caverns, PA’s newest state park (almost)
Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s largest cave system, is on track to become the state’s 125th state park and its first underground park. The caverns are renowned for their impressive sandstone formations, including a 45-foot underground waterfall. Continue reading.
Reader poll
Do you have a “go-to” RV shop or technician who you trust for repair work?
PUNCTUATION MATTERS: Let’s eat, Gramma. Let’s eat Gramma. Confused? Read again paying attention to commas. Commas save lives.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this adorable set of four coasters?
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
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Why do outhouses have crescent moons on them?
By Gail Marsh
I’m sure you’ve seen it—the ubiquitous crescent moon cutout found on the doors of outhouses. Have you ever wondered why that particular shape was chosen? I was curious, too. So I did some investigating.
WHERE IS IT? This aerial photo of the visitor center at a popular American National Park reveals that its auditorium is shaped like a coffin. Which park is it? Answer below.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
They say this is “absurdly practical” and we agree. There are probably QUITE a few of us who could benefit from this.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Ways RVers can get lucky on the road
- 13 tips about work camping that will point you to success
- How I plan, pack, and book for six months on the road
- Why you should always carry painter’s tape in your RV
- The ABCs of full-time RV living
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV slide-out locks prevent damage to your slide-outs during travel
By Dustin Simpson
Join me as I explain how to use a slide-out lock made by American Technology. These locks are typically used to secure a slide in a fixed position to prevent the sliding portion of an RV from moving, providing an additional level of stability. Click here to learn more.
Our best-selling gadgets and gizmos so far this year:
- Thetford Drain Valve Lubricant (learn more about it in this article)
- Natural Gas Detector with Audible & Visual Alarm (learn more about it in this article)
- Disposable shower drain covers (read more about why Dave Solberg recommends them here)
- 2025 Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 States (learn more about this helpful guide here)
- Laundry Stain Remover Stick (learn more about it in this article)
RV tire safety
Should you carry a spare tire in your RV or not? – Part 1
By Roger Marble
Should you carry a spare tire in your RV? It depends. Consider (1) your physical capabilities; (2) your knowledge; (3) the space availability in or on your RV; and (4) your finances. Continue reading.
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:
- How can I clean my RV furnace ductwork?
- My RV’s roof air conditioner drips inside when running. How can I fix it?
- Will my RV’s charger be sufficient for new lithium batteries?
- LED lights in RV are too intense. Is there an incandescent bulb adapter?
- One of my RV’s two-stage LP regulators hums. Is this a safety issue?
LAST DAY. If you’re in the Phoenix area, be sure to attend some of Dave’s educational and always entertaining seminars at the Phoenix RV Supershow today, March 23.
Recipes of the day
Since it’s National Chip and Dip Day, here are a few of our favorite dip recipes:
Readers’ pets of the day
“Dakota (14) is teaching Pepper (10 months) the fine art of living the nomad lifestyle. Both are Braque Francais. He shows her all the good spots to sniff and the best ways to watch for squirrels and birds.” —Karla Williams
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. Please do not submit your photo more than once.
Trivia
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was chartered in 1916 as Hot Springs. In 1950 it became Truth or Consequences in response to TV host Ralph Edwards’ request that a town in America take on the television game show’s namesake, which was “Truth or Consequences.”
Sunday funny
Ron, age 68, got pulled over by the police around 2 a.m. The officer asked him, “Where are you off to at this hour?” Ron answered, “I’m heading to a lecture on alcohol abuse, its effects on the body, plus smoking and being out late.” The officer, a bit taken aback, asked, “Seriously? Who’s giving a lecture like that at this time?” With a totally straight face, Ron replied, “That would be my wife.” 😂
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
WHERE IS IT ANSWER: It’s the auditorium at the visitor center at California’s Death Valley National Park. We can find no evidence that it was intentionally built in the shape of a coffin.
And finally… A song from the past to tickle your funny bone
And now enjoy one of America’s all-time favorites: My Clam Digger Sweetheart by Yogi Yorgesson.
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Dakota & Pepper are adorable! Keep Camping! And keep the squirrels and birds in check.
In yesterday’s news letter I made a comment about the thought of the day I said journalist should give only the facts, both sides. Carol corrected me that facts only have one side I should have said facts and both sides of the story
Thanks
After surfing regularly between NewsMax, NewsNation, Fox, CNN, ABC, CBS, and the internet, I would tend to agree with your first statement. It seems like they each find a different set of facts, none of which is complete, and each subset of the facts, leads to a different conclusion.
Big chuckle over today’s Mystery Product! As my husband says “My wife is a great cook. She scrapes my toast just right.”
Dakota and Pepper are too sweet! Thank you for sharing!