RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, August 24, 2025

Issue 1223
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Today’s thought 

“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in.” ―Andrew Zimmerman

Stranded RV couple gets $20,000 frame repair after TV station steps in to help

By Gail Marsh
Billy Broadstreet and Ann Sprinkle, a Greensboro, NC, couple, saw their annual vacation come to an abrupt halt when they discovered cracks in the trailer’s steel frame. What began as a weekend getaway quickly became a safety scare. The RV frame cracks made towing unsafe, and the couple was stranded far from home. Just when they thought nobody would help them… a local TV station stepped in. Read the story here.

Majority of RVers say “no way” to renting out their RV. Here’s why

By Emily Woodbury
Last week, we asked you if you’d ever consider renting out your RV through a peer-to-peer rental company (like Outdoorsy, RVshare, etc.). Out of 1,387 votes, the results were pretty decisive: 1% said “Yes, I plan to one day.” 9% said they’ve thought about it but will likely never do it. 89% said no, they would never rent out their RV. Clearly, most of you are keeping your keys to yourself! And here’s why.

Motorhome attempts to pass under low bridge. Not pretty

By Chuck Woodbury
For Pete’s sake… Here’s a great reminder to be sure you know the height of your RV. It’s also a reminder to pay attention to warning signs about obstacles on the road ahead. It’s also a reminder to avoid being stupid. Watch the video to see what can happen if you ignore both warning signs and common sense.

Today’s RV review…
Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS—small, affordable, and familiar?

By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS travel trailer. In the hierarchy of Jayco’s Eagle travel trailer world, this is the smallest and most affordable. And, when I saw the base MSRP, I was rather surprised at the value here. Until I dug deeper—more on that in a moment. This is a very popular floor plan among RV makers and one I’ve looked at in a number of other brands, but here’s what makes this RV different.

Yesterday’s top news for RVers

• RV industry blamed for role in destroying rainforests
• RV manufacturer will add flat $9,500 to RV prices to cover tariffs
• Lance Camper returns to independent ownership with revival plans
• Lake Tahoe camper tests positive for plague
• Jayco’s new Embark EV motorhome is not fully electric despite the hype

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

Water check valve prevents your fresh water from draining
Nanci Dixon recently discovered an empty freshwater tank upon arriving at a campground. The culprit was a small part she never even knew existed—the water check valve. She writes, “After a recent dilemma, at least 50 people responded and said our water check valve went bad. I had no idea what or where that was. I do now—and I have a spare!” Learn more about this small, inexpensive gadget and why it is so essential here.

We want to know…
What was your most memorable RV trip?

We are curious: What was your most memorable RV trip? Did something crazy happen? Did you meet someone famous? Did you complete a bucket-list item? Did you adopt a dog? Did a bear break into your RV? Did you accidentally sit on a cactus? Did you watch a meteor shower outside your RV’s front door? Or maybe something scary happened, or sad, or was a worst-case-ever scenario. We hope not, but that would probably make it memorable… Anyway, please tell us here.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: When you’re camping but away from your RV—perhaps hiking or just taking a walk—and all of a sudden a cold wind starts a blowin’, and then the sky opens up with rain… Well, after you race back to your RV, open that door and step inside… that is one of the finest feelings in the world. Ten minutes later, after you’ve dried yourself off and put on dry clothes, you can relax and listen to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, and be very happy that you are comfy as can be in your little mini-house.

How to save money on gas: Budget-saving tips for RVers

By Cheri Sicard
Gas or diesel represent some of the biggest ongoing expenses facing today’s RVers, but in this article and video, Carol says you can save thousands of dollars by implementing these tips. Carol begins by talking about how much fuel costs have gone up in the last few years and contrasts that against people’s cost-of-living adjustments. Spoiler alert: the news is not good, but it shows just how much and why the population is struggling with fuel costs. Continue reading to learn how you can save money.

How to remove and replace rotted flooring in your RV

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Those who love—and preserve—an older RV often find a reality in their treasure: soft spots in the flooring. The problem is usually traced back to a water leak that’s compromised the integrity of the floor. It can sometimes be ignored for a while, but it can eventually get downright dangerous. Replacing a bad spot in the floor is challenging, but not impossible for the do-it-yourselfer. We’ll walk you through the process.

Campground marijuana dispute raises questions about smoking in parks

By Gail Marsh
Yesterday, a woman approached me as I was folding laundry in the campground laundromat. Here’s what she said: “Am I missing something? I know that marijuana is legal here in Missouri. We’ve stayed in this park three previous times and no one said anything about smoking it.” She continued, “This morning, our neighbor went to the campground office and complained about the smell. My husband only smokes after kids should be in bed (ten p.m.) and I don’t feel his smoking should be an issue.” Continue reading. What would you do?

RV electricity
Powering your RV: Essential 120-volt electricity tips and gadgets for every RVer

By Dave Solberg
In our homes, we plug in the vacuum, heat up cold coffee in the microwave, and turn on the air conditioner without thinking about where that power comes from. It’s easy—it comes from the local municipal company and is wired throughout the house. In an RV, we use 120-volt AC, 12-volt DC, and even liquid propane (LP) for the various components. It is important to understand what powers what and how much power everything uses. Continue reading, and learn about Dave’s favorite electrical gadgets.

Reader poll
In general, which type of RV are you most interested in reading/learning more about?

Respond here.

TAKE A GUESS: The highest percentage of RVtravel.com readers use their bath towel this many times before throwing it in the wash and grabbing a new one: One time, three times, four times, 7+ times. Find out here.

Sunday giveaway 

How would you like to win this digital tire pressure gauge?

This was our #1 best-selling Amazon product this week!

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.

Sewer fitting grip help! Gadget to the rescue
If you find the bayonet mounts for your sewer hose connections are getting a bit hard to twist off and on (hate to say it, but it sometimes comes with age), here’s a tool that might help. An adjustable oil filter wrench, made to get a grip around automotive oil filters, can also provide a handy grip and plenty of leverage on the bayonet fitting of your sewer hose, and the termination cap as well. Here’s one we recommend.

RV gadgets and gizmos
Every tool that should be in your RV’s toolbox and why

By Cheri Sicard
Certified RV inspector Duane from the RV Inspection And Care YouTube channel always imparts lots of practical advice in his videos, and this one about the essential tools that every RVer should carry in their RV toolbox is no exception. According to Duane, with a little bit of guidance and the right tools, you can do about 80 percent of RV maintenance and repair tasks on your RV. Here’s how, and what you’ll need. (I break it down in an article for you, too.)

Chuck’s Roadside Journal
Trees: An RVer’s friend. An RVer’s foe

How can a tree or trees at your campsite be a friend or a foe? Let me count the ways. FRIEND AND FOE: A tree is your friend on a hot summer day to shade you from the hot sun. On the other hand, a tree is not a friend on a cold winter day when it blocks the sun. Continue reading Chuck’s thoughts about trees.

HAPPY NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY! Speaking of Waffles… Here’s a pretty fascinating story about Waffle House.

Travel destinations

2.3-carat diamond found at Crater of Diamonds State Park; you could find one, too!

By Gail Marsh
It’s finders, keepers! Micherre Fox of New York spent weeks searching and digging in Crater of Diamonds State Park. On her final day in the Arkansas park, Fox found a colorless 2.3-carat diamond. And guess what? She gets to keep it. The park is both a working field for hobbyists and an interpretive site. The 37-acre diamond search area is plowed and managed for visitors. The Diamond Discovery Center helps people identify finds, and park records document thousands of stones recovered. Learn more.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The Grand Canyon of Texas

By Gail Marsh
Looking for dramatic red-rock views without the long drive (or crowds) at the Grand Canyon? Palo Duro Canyon is an excellent, RV-friendly alternative. Palo Duro Canyon State Park delivers deep, colorful cliffs, hoodoos, and miles of trails. But that’s not all! This Texas state park provides roomy campgrounds with hookups and even glamping options. All this is within a short drive of Amarillo. Learn more about this beautiful place.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If feet could talk… er, if feet could woof… er, if feet needed to be groomed… er, just see here.

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• How RV recalls happen and how you can force manufacturers to fix problems
• The best RV wheel chocks and how to properly chock your RV
• Ways to use a bike storage tent when RVing
• Easy step-by-step DIY RV toilet seal replacement
• How to clean mineral deposits in an RV toilet

NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? Are you loco en la cabeza (crazy in the head)?! This is one newsletter you don’t want to miss out on. If you do, other RVers will be smarter than you! Learn more and sign up here.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Why are screw covers on RV moulding so important?

An RV screw cover is a flexible strip, typically made from durable plastic or rubber, used to cover and protect the screws and fasteners on the molding or trim of an RV. These screw covers serve multiple purposes: they protect the screws from exposure to elements like water and dirt, give a cleaner, finished look to the RV’s exterior, and can prevent damage that might occur if screws are left exposed. Continue reading.

RV tire safety
What type of tire valve stems should you use with external TPMS sensors?

Tire expert Roger Marble explains the issue of tire valve failure when TPMS sensors are attached to standard rubber stems. He recommends what tire valve stems to use (including what he always uses). Read it here.

Ask Dave

This past week’s questions that Dave answered:

• Follow-up to 12-volt roof air and refrigerator question. What are the best batteries?
• Can I replace the carpet in my motorhome, which has slide rooms?
• I want to remodel my RV. How do I know where I can drill?
• Why is there no rear-engine gas pusher Class A?
• Should I use dielectric grease on my RV? If so, where?

BUMPER SNICKER: “Some people say I have the attention span of… Oh, look! A squirrel!”

Readers’ pet of the day

“Star (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, age 7) was gifted to us when she was four years old by a former student of my husband’s. She loves going in the motorhome and chasing butterflies.” —Cynthia Betz

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

After leaving the “Our Gang” comedies in 1940, Carl Switzer (Alfalfa) appeared in more than 30 movies, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” as the guy who opens the gym floor, revealing the swimming pool that actors James Stewart and Donna Reed fall into. Switzer died in 1959 from a gunshot wound due to a business disagreement over a hunting dog. He was 31.

Sunday funny

A California winery managed to create a new type of wine by crossing Pinot Blanc with Pinot Grigio. As a side effect, it reduces the number of times people need to get up to pee during the night. It is being marketed in retirement homes around the world as Pinot More!

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
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow

Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.

Search Google for the latest RV news from RVtravel.com.

And finally… A song from the past

Here, from 1963, is Eydie Gormé’s hit single “Blame it on the Bossa Nova.”

RVtravel.com All Star Team

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Our policy on using artificial intelligence.