RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, March 22, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1253
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Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Goof Off Day! Have fun! 

On this day in history: 1963 – The Beatles release their debut album, “Please Please Me”.

BORED?? Well, there is no excuse! Read back issues of our RV Daily Tips Newsletters! More than 2,000 to choose from!

Today’s thought 

“Setbacks are guaranteed in life. But always look at the bright side of things.” —Warren Buffett

These are RVtravel.com readers’ favorite municipal campgrounds in the U.S.

We asked our readers, “What is the best city or county campground you have ever stayed in and why?” We realize that when it comes to the topic of public campgrounds, the national parks get the most publicity, followed by many amazing state parks. But we also know there are many municipal campgrounds run by counties and cities that are just as nice or even better. This excellent list shares some of your favorites, state by state.

Five more fantastic tips from RVers

By Gail Marsh
I just love the ingenuity of RVers. When we discover a problem, we set about fixing it. A quick perusal of a favorite Facebook group recently netted several great tips! Take a look and see if you agree that these five fantastic tips solve common RV problems! (They definitely do!)

We asked RVers to rate Buc-ee’s. Here’s how they responded

By Gail Marsh
Ask RVers about Buc-ee’s and you’ll quickly learn there’s no consensus. Last week, I offered our readers the chance to respond to a poll asking them to rate their experiences at Buc-ee’s. At the time of writing, nearly 1,500 RVers had voted, and the results may surprise you. Do they love Buc-ee’s? Like it? Hate it? Avoid it? Find out here.

Today’s RV review…
2026 Alliance RV Paradigm 312RK—Now that’s entertainment

For today’s RV review, we’re going to dip back into the Alliance well with the 2026 Alliance RV Paradigm 312RK fifth wheel. I started looking at what I wish one of our friends would buy, and came across this Alliance. This one is well set up for groups with a large L-shaped sofa and a dinette that can either be a table or a desk. Check it out.

500 campgrounds worth the drive
In this comprehensive sequel to National Geographic’s best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you’ll discover the 500 best camping destinations across the United States and Canada. You’ll find 10 featured campgrounds in every state, plus tips on what to do, where to eat, and must-see attractions nearby—from national parks to local gems. Learn more or order.

Yesterday’s top news for RVers

• Gas prices continue to rise. Here’s how you can save
• Arizona advances toward fourth national park
• One RV dump station locator isn’t enough. Why to consult more than one
• National park murder headlines miss what’s really putting visitors at risk
• RV travel jumps 23 percent with 34 million RVers planning spring road trips
• Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: RVs are getting cooler, RVing is less cool, and some cool RVs

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

A WISE PERSON ONCE SAID… Never sing in the shower! Singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping, and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked.

Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods

RV crash test images are going viral, but here’s what they’re not telling you

Those viral RV crash test images circling the internet right now are hard to look at—and they raise real questions about RV crash safety. Those RV crash test safety scenes grab your gut—and they should. But before you start second-guessing RV travel, it’s worth stepping back and looking at what you’re really seeing, and what it means for you on the road.

The hidden cost of “cheap” campgrounds

At first glance, finding a “cheap” campsite feels like a win. You find a campground for $25, maybe $30 a night—far less than the $60, $80, even $100 rates that seem to be popping up everywhere lately—and you book it, feeling like you just beat the system. But then… you arrive. And that’s when the real cost starts to show up.

Check out the amazing, rare 1963 Del Rey Sky Lounge truck camper… and it’s for sale!

This 1963 Ford F250 with a Del Rey Sky Lounge camper feels like a full-on time capsule from early 1960s camping. For anyone who likes vintage trucks, classic RV details, or both, this rig stands out for its condition, its clever layout, and the unusual Sky Lounge perch above the cab. And, yep, this unique rig is for sale. Take a tour of it here—we bet you’ll want it. (We do!)

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE: Test yourself or your loved ones before they get behind the wheel. Here’s how.

Tony’s tips
10 ideas for visiting an RV show: Prepare for battle

As I was looking at my calendar, I realized how many RV shows there are. In fact, our local community is having a show this weekend. I was sitting here thinking about the weekend’s RV show and wondering what it would be like to be a normal person attending one. What can I arm myself with to make a better decision? So that gave me the inspiration to write this.

Reader poll
Would your dream RV have more than one bathroom?

Respond here.

POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK

• What’s the longest you’ve waited in line at a dump station?
• Will you do something special today for St. Patrick’s Day?
• Have you ever driven with your RV to Alaska, or do you plan to?
• How often do you drink soda/pop?
• Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?

Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win 2 lbs. of assorted-flavor fresh-baked cookies?

Yes, we think you deserve a cookie (or two or three)!

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. Click here to enter or see last week’s winner.

RV gadgets and gizmos
Road-ready gadgets that make RV life easier, especially for seniors

By Gail Marsh
Living the RV life should feel like freedom, but lately it’s been a bit of a struggle. My husband awaits knee replacement surgery, and I’ve been on the hunt for tips, tricks, and gadgets that can help restore his joy of RVing and also keep us comfortable (and safe) as we RV. Take a look to see what I’ve found so far; these gadgets will be especially helpful for RVing seniors.

The one thing every solo RVer needs? A back scratcher!
Yes, all solo RVers need this, but we think everyone needs this—solo or not! Tired of scratching your partner’s back? This would make the best gift… ever! Ahhh, that feels gooooood. 

Our amazing readers
RVtravel.com readers reveal the special times in their lives

By Chuck Woodbury
A few weeks ago, I asked you to write me about some of your special life moments or accomplishments of which few if anybody you know were aware. Here are a few of many responses from our readers. The irony is that the accomplishments may not be the fodder of headlines, but they are special to those persons who lived them. Here are even more of your stories. Thank you for sharing!

FACTOID: The U.S. Interstate System spans more than 48,000 miles—perfect for wandering (or, um, getting slightly lost).

Travel destinations

The National Park System is more than just parks

If you think the National Park Service is only about the big-name national parks, think again. The NPS manages hundreds of different places. The National Park Service lists 433 official units and notes that those units span more than 85 million acres across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories. Wow! Continue reading.

Seven swell (and free) things to do in DFW, Texas

By Gail Marsh
Calling all cowpokes! Hitch up yer britches, saddle your RV, and git yerself to Texas. I don’t wanna hear no bellyachin’ cause I’m fixin’ to tell y’all about eight things you ken do for free while yer there. Even if you’re not a cowpoke, you will appreciate this mix of Dallas-Fort Worth downtown green spaces, public art, free museums, and classic Texas sights. All for free!

In the RV shop with Dustin
No, there are not enough RV technicians, and it’s affecting all RV owners

If you’ve ever had to wait weeks—or even months—for RV repairs, you’ve already felt the impact of one of the biggest problems in the RV industry: There are simply not enough qualified RV technicians. At California RV Specialists, we see this every day. The demand for RV service continues to grow, but the number of trained technicians has not kept up. Continue reading.

Remember this?
From the archives: How to waterproof fabric: Turn old sheets into waterproof tarps

Tarps, and especially waterproof tarps, are common multi-tasking items to have among your camping and RV supplies. But did you know you can make waterproof tarps easily yourself by recycling old sheets? Here, you can learn how to waterproof fabric—most any kind of fabric.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If you’re in the market for a new one of these or you know someone who always complains about theirs, this one looks like it would be the comfiest!

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Your RV’s R-value. Don’t believe it hook, line and sinker
• Ways RVers can get lucky on the road
• How to fix stripped-out screw holes in your RV: 3 simple methods
• Important safety tips when leaving your RV behind
• Smart ways RVers use suction grab bars in their RVs

RV tire safety
Question from RV owner on “necessity” of running TPMS

By Roger Marble
I saw this question on one of the RV forums I watch: “Hey, folks. Another newbie question. Does everyone run a TPMS on their travel trailers? Are they necessary if you’re running your tires at the correct pressure?”

While this sounds like a reasonable question, I wonder what people think of it? Continue reading.

Ask Dave

This past week’s questions that Dave answered:

Squirrels are eating my RV! What can I do? • Is electrical wiring in an RV the same as a residential home? • RVing with pets: 10 campground hazards to be aware of • My windshield wipers never seem to clean. Any tips? • When sanitizing RV freshwater tank, will chlorine damage the water softener?

**Last day: If you’re near Pomona, CA, be sure to see Dave at the very popular Ford Towing Bootcamp at the California RV Super Show today, March 22.

HA… HA… RV stands for “Recreational Vehicle,” but sometimes it feels like “Repair Vehicle.”

RVer health
Breath test could diagnose pneumonia

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a new breath test that could help doctors diagnose pneumonia, potentially even at home. The technology uses tiny inhaled particles that act like “reporters” inside the lungs. After a patient inhales them in a way similar to using an asthma inhaler, the particles interact with enzymes linked to infection. Continue reading.

Live cam
Duval Street, Key West, FL

Tiny, portable air purifier is RV-sized
If your RV ever smells a little too much like last night’s dinner—or the campground fire pit—this compact air purifier is a hero. It uses a true HEPA filter to trap dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and odors, runs whisper-quiet in sleep mode, and is small enough for an RV, car, or bedside table. Check it out.

Readers’ pets of the day

“TidBit, Hurricane Allie, Life in the Fast Lane (Laney), and Navarre. TidBit is a Mini American Shepherd; the other three are Shelties. Our dogs travel with us in a Class C Jayco Greyhawk 29MV. We love hiking with them, exploring new places, enjoying outdoor restaurants, and supporting Harvest Hosts breweries and wineries. Our dogs are beautifully behaved and go everywhere with us. People can’t believe we spend up to six months at a time living in an RV with four dogs, but for us, it’s a way of life!” —Kip Kirby

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

A long time ago, an attendant pumped a customer’s gasoline. But independent station dealer George Urich changed that in 1947 when he opened three “self-service” Gas-A-Terias in the Los Angeles area. The idea: motorists would pump their own gas and save money. Instead of hiring attendants to clean windshields and check oil, Urich hired attractive girls in slacks and tight sweaters, and put them on roller skates to collect money. The gas stations were huge with 18 to 21 pumps. On average, a motorist saved five cents a gallon, a big savings then. Gas-A-Terias were so successful that copycats followed.

Sunday funny

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And finally… A song from the past

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