RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, April 13, 2025

Issue 1204
This is the abbreviated, free edition of this newsletter. Our supporters receive the ad-free edition.

Today’s thought 

“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.” —Confucius

HELP WANTED: If you know RVing inside-out, have lots of industry knowledge and contacts, a strong news writing background, and high ethical standards, RVtravel.com may have a well-paid freelance opportunity for you. Contact editor@rvtravel.com to learn more.

Essays and opinions
How Google has turned against us

By Chuck Woodbury
Google is messing with us in a bad way. Oh, not just Rvtravel.com, but every independent website and blog, and that includes millions like this one. You may have noticed, when doing a Google search, that the result of your query will now be displayed instantly, right on the search page: no need to scroll down and choose a website for your answer. If you should ask Google, for example, “What is best, buying a new RV or a used RV?” it will return a complete article, written using artificial intelligence (A.I.). No need to visit RVtravel.com or any other website for your answer. So what does this mean? It means life or death for many websites, this one included. Read more.

HARVEST HOSTS: Unlimited overnight RV stays at 9,476+ locations. Save 15%.

How we got a big discount on new RV tires, and how you can, too

By Nanci Dixon
This week, we had all six tires replaced on our RV. Not a small investment. We knew this was the year to replace them, and as much as I did not want to drop that much money at once, I did not want to have a blowout. I also knew that there were discounts available if I just looked for them… 

Electrical plugs: Where are you?

By Emily Woodbury
There’s something we can’t stop thinking about: RV electrical outlets. More specifically, RV outlet placement. Some RVs have plenty of outlets and a few may even have too many! But some RVs don’t have enough… or any, at least in the right places. Continue reading and tell us what you think.

The RV window awning mistake that’s stealing your view (and how to fix it)

By Russ & Tiña De Maris
We love our RV window awnings—sort of. They’re great for shading out excess light, and a real blessing on hot Southwest days. But the trouble is, there are only two positions for RV window awnings—rolled up for travel, or pulled down, with almost no view of the outdoors. Here’s a quick, simple, and inexpensive way to keep your shade—and your view!

Today’s RV review…
Keystone Bullet two-fer—271KBS with porch and 265FKS without

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of two trailers that are the same, with one big exception. They are the Keystone Bullet 271KBS and the Keystone Bullet 265FKS. The big difference between these is a back wall in the 271 that can drop down and be a porch.. Let’s talk about it. 

Yesterday’s top news for RVers

• Lawsuit accuses Winnebago and Grand Design of defective frames, misleading marketing
• Interior Secretary orders national parks to stay open amid staffing cuts
• Amazon internet satellite launch doesn’t get off the ground
• Canadian RVers rethink U.S. travel plans
• Love’s new Ohio stop is RV-ready and road-trip approved

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

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: In most cases, when you see a sign at a rest area that says “No Camping,” it means no pitching a tent or sleeping on the ground. It does not mean you can’t grab some shut-eye in your RV. Time limits may apply, but who’s watching the clock? It’s called a “rest” area for a reason.

Do you have a Random RV Thought? Send it to editor@rvtravel.com. Please keep it under 75 words.

How to pick the ideal power inverter for your RV adventures

By Russ & Tiña De Maris
Planning on boondocking away from shore power but still need that essential shore-power-driven equipment? You know you need an inverter. There’s a market full of power inverters available, and sifting through them can be difficult. Need some help with the options? Here is power inverter shopping made easy.

The story behind America’s beloved Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

By Gail Marsh
Chances are you’ve eaten there or perhaps parked your RV overnight in their parking lot. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a favorite restaurant for folks who love homestyle comfort food. It’s also a fun place to shop for toys, clothing, snacks, and more! Have you ever wondered how this iconic business started? 

Study shows drinking beer attracts mosquitoes

By Nanci Dixon
Beer and mosquitoes go together on lazy summer days even more than I ever knew! If you’ve ever cracked open a cold beer at a barbecue only to find yourself swatting away mosquitoes while your friends remain untouched, you’re not imagining things. Research suggests that drinking beer can indeed make you more attractive to mosquitoes.

CHERI WROTE A BOOK!
If you’re a reader of RVtravel.com, then you know Cheri Sicard, who has been writing for us for a few years. You know her from her daily video posts, her Great RV Accessories Newsletter, her tips and cooking recipes, and now you know her as an author! Cheri’s newest book, Moving to Mexico the Easy Way: A No-Nonsense Guide to Northern Baja for Expats, Digital Nomads, and Retirees is here. If you’ve ever been curious about moving to or RVing around Northern Baja, this guide is for you. It details EVERYTHING you need to know. (Here’s the e-book version if you prefer a digital copy.) Congratulations, Cheri!

Reader poll
Did your parents take you camping as a child?

Respond here.

TAKE A GUESS: Do RVtravel.com readers buy souvenirs on their RV travels? Yes or no? See if you’re right.

BEST CLUB FOR RVers: Hands down, the Escapees is the very best club for RVers. Join now and get a 10% discount.

Letter to the Editor
Reader writes, “I can’t sleep! Are campgrounds getting louder?”

Reader Ron M. sent us the following message. Ron’s a newer RVer, but spent the last couple of years learning the ropes. Maybe you can help him out: “I don’t know if it’s just me, but I swear I haven’t had a good night’s sleep at a campground in a long time… Here’s why.

Sunday giveaway 

How would you like to win this portable heated neck and shoulder massager?

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!

Today is National Scrabble Day! This happens to be our all-time favorite version of Scrabble!

Travel destinations

By Gail Marsh

How 43 towering president heads ended up weathering away in a Virginia field

This offbeat exhibit—once part of a now-defunct park—features colossal (and I mean huge) busts of U.S. presidents. The sculptures have weathered through time but they now stand ready for your visit. This is totally bizarre…

Visiting Elkhart’s RV/MH Hall of Fame—the ultimate RV museum

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just curious about recreational vehicles, a trip to the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, is a must-visit. Learn more here.

?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
We typed into the Amazon search bar “a helpful gadget,” and this is the first thing that came up. We’re not kidding. But you know… it really might actually be helpful…

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• How to clean the inside of your windshield in under 2 minutes
• 10 smart ways to repurpose empty tissue boxes
• 7 tips for keeping a happy marriage while RVing
• Road vibrations cause damage to RV interior. Watch out for these things!
• 6 cheap and easy small RV hacks with big results

WE’RE SHOCKED! 74,816 readers of this Sunday newsletter are not subscribed to our RV Daily Tips Newsletter! Boy, are they missing out! It’s our readers’ best-read newsletter for a reason—it’s filled with tons of information and is very entertaining! Sign up here (easy unsubscribe if you don’t like it).

In the RV shop with Dustin
Video offers owners blueprint for inspecting their own fifth wheel RV

Join me at my shop, California RV Specialists, as I conduct a thorough inspection of a Grand Design RV fifth wheel for potential frame damage. In this video, I’ll walk you through the entire inspection process, highlighting the key areas to check when you’re concerned about frame issues.

RV tire safety
Can you really tow your trailer at almost 90 mph?

In September 2024 I wrote about the operational limits on ST-type tires. I suggested that the published 65 mph speed limit was a realistic compromise. But apparently many people think they can get tires with some “magic” rubber in them so they can safely drive faster. Therefore, I am again writing about the “speed rating” of ST-type tires. Continue reading this important information from Roger Marble.

Ask Dave

This past week’s questions that Dave answered:

• Looking to buy recalled RV. Should I offer less, or run?
• Why does toaster oven trip the GFCI in RV bathroom?
• After a night of boondocking, why doesn’t truck recharge house battery?
• Can I refill a 1 lb. “disposable” LP cylinder, or is there an alternative?
• Can I repair this RV 7-pin cord, or do I need a new one?

RV gadgets and gizmos

No new gadget reviews this week, but there is a brand-new issue of our Great RV Accessories Newsletter that you MUST read!

BUMPER SNICKER: “Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.”

Recipes of the day
10 delicious Easter recipes: Mains, sides and desserts

Easter is a week from today. Are you prepared? We’ve compiled a list of 10 delicious Easter recipes, everything from ham and cheese scalloped potatoes to Cherry Coke-glazed ham to carrot casserole and traditional Easter cookies. Try something new this year and make one (or more) of these.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Murphy (breed: a potpourri of canine genetics; age unknown) enjoying his first trip to the ocean. Wind, water, smells, sand, and things to chase. The perfect environment for a dog to experience.” —John McGrew

• 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.

Trivia

Palm Springs has more pools per capita than anywhere else in the United States.

Sunday funny

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

Read it here | Back issues

Vintage postcard of the week

Postcards owned by Colleen and Ed Weum, Pacific Northwest Postcard Club. Read more about their 90,000 postcard collection here. 

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.

And finally… A song from the past to tickle your funny bone

Don’t Put A Tax on Love by Joan Edwards, 1952

RVtravel.com All Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.