America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1268
Today’s thought
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” —Football coach Vince Lombardi
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Graham Cracker Day! (And that means you should make s’mores!)
On this day in history: 1994 – Jeff Bezos founds Amazon.
America’s history in just nine minutes: A powerful video for RVers
There are few better ways to experience America than from behind the windshield of an RV. Every highway, small town, battlefield, national park, and historic main street tells part of the nation’s story. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, and where we’re headed.
How sewer backflow can get into your fresh water system
“My husband is a neat-freak. He can’t stand to think about the stuff that lives in our motorhome holding tanks and thinks that he needs to flush the tanks clean as a whistle every time we get home from an RV trip. I say he’s nuts.” —Bea Leegered
Seriously, lots of RVers like having a “Mr. Clean-approved” holding tank, but there is one thing that should be considered before you stick your garden hose anywhere you wouldn’t want to stick your lips: backflow.
Can an RV have a midlife crisis? This repair list says “Yes”
By Nanci Dixon
We are traveling again, but I forgot about the rock-and-roll, house-on-wheels repair list. After almost nine months not on the road, we are now experiencing a mounting repair list, and I keep my fingers crossed that every travel day does not add to the growing list. What’s going on with our RV?!
Tony’s tips
The changes for 2027 RVs that I am seeing and liking
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been staring at RVs in Elkhart, Indiana, having walked through and shot video on dozens of 2027 units. I love following the RV industry and what it does and how things progress—or don’t. But what I really like to see is when things are getting better. There were things I saw that really made me smile. Here are some of the features and functions that seem to be making their way into the RV industry.
¯¯¯ Song of the week
“We’re Headed Out On The RV Road”
This weekly musical series from the RV Travel Virtual Recording Studio features songs about RVing. A new song appears in every Sunday’s newsletter and occasionally in RV Daily Tips. Click below to play.
If you enjoy our original RV songs and all the news, information, and advice (and smiles) we bring you, would you please consider a voluntary donation to help support this newsletter and the more than 600 others we publish each year?
Do you have friends who RV?
A free subscription to RVtravel.com could save them heartache and hundreds or even thousands of dollars by helping them avoid scams, campground hassles, unsafe products, missed recalls and costly mistakes. If you know someone who RVs, please send them this link: https://rvtravel.com/subscribe . They’ll thank you later.
No more flies, mosquitoes or other flying insects in your RV again!
RVer Shay Matthews writes, “If you don’t have one of these Zevo insect traps yet, get one! [The trap was covered with insects] after four days of camping in our trailer.” The Zevo flying insect traps plug into any electrical outlet to attract all flying insects like fruit flies, gnats and mosquitoes. It works 24/7.” Learn more or order here.
Today’s RV review…
2027 Rockwood A-Frame A121FD—pop-up perfection
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review features the Rockwood A-Frame A121FD, a folding hard-sided trailer that packs a full range of amenities into a compact, easy-to-tow design. While both Forest River and Thor offer RVs at a variety of price points, Rockwood sits at the premium end of the Forest River lineup. Even its pop-up trailers, like this one, include impressive features and quality that set them apart. See what you think.
REMINDER: You are reading the FREE EDITION of this newsletter. Our donor edition does not contain ads.
RV inspector shares the most reliable RV brands in 2026
Many of the most dependable rigs come from smaller makers that build fewer units and pay closer attention to how they’re put together. About 90% of the RV market is controlled by Thor, Forest River, and Winnebago, largely because of their size and dealer networks. But many smaller manufacturers focus on slower production, higher-quality materials, four-season capability, and long-lasting designs. Here are some of the best, most reliable 2026 brands.
Triple towing: Is it legal? Is it safe? Should you do it?
By Gail Marsh
If you aren’t familiar with the term “triple towing,” you’re not alone. The term refers to pulling two trailers behind your tow vehicle. (It’s also sometimes called “double towing.”) We considered purchasing a trailer and transporting our motorcycle on our own. But is it legal? Is it safe? Here’s what we found out.
My “Three Things Gratitude journal” and how it’s helped shape my perspective
By Nanci Dixon
I have often, very often, read how identifying things to have gratitude for can bring awareness, peace, and happiness. So, in spurts throughout the years, I have started and stopped a gratitude journal. Yes, these spurts of writing have had years in between. But with so much going on in our lives, I decided to give it another try. I made it simple: a two-column form with a place for the date and my three daily gratitudes. Continue reading.
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
Reader poll
Would you rather buy an RV from a small manufacturer or one of the “Big Three” (Thor, Forest River, Winnebago)?
FACTOID: Air horns are highly effective at scaring bears and are recommended by wildlife agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for deterring them without physical contact. The sudden, loud noise reinforces their natural fear of humans. This is the one we have and recommend.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this National Geographic National Parks Cookbook?
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.
Quick tip
Clean your RV window screens without water
By Jim Twamley
To thoroughly clean my RV window screens, I remove them and wash them with soap and water. But if they are merely dusty, here’s how I quickly clean them without using water.
Trusted by Full-Time RVers
Americas Mailbox offers secure mail forwarding, scanning, and residency services tailored to life on the road, plus tax savings. Learn more.
Photo of the day
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- National Park staff may no longer reveal visitor deaths, report says
- State parks across U.S. implement changes that affect RVers
- Gas prices ease ahead of July 4 holiday
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Lippert-Patrick merger moves forward, Coachmen has new floors, and Forest River wants to hear from you
- Wildfire update for July 4, 2026
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Travel destinations
Road trip across Missouri on U.S. Route 36, “The Way of American Genius”
Looking for a road trip that’s more than just a pretty drive? Perhaps Missouri’s “The Way of American Genius” fits your criteria. “The Way of American Genius” follows U.S. Route 36. This four-lane corridor runs across northern Missouri, connecting the Show-Me state’s east and west boundary lines. And there is so much to see and do!
America’s largest always-free amusement park, Knoebels, turns 100
Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, will mark its 100th birthday this summer. America’s largest always-free admission park deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Plan to stop and wish a “Happy Birthday” to folks at this wonderful attraction (with a campground!).
Stay cool by using this portable, battery-operated ceiling fan anywhere!
This is pretty cool, isn’t it? This portable, battery-operated ceiling fan can hang anywhere like: over the picnic table, over your bed, over your hammock, over your desk, even over the BBQ… See? Anywhere! And it’s battery-operated and USB-rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about outlets or long extension cords. This is the perfect summer gadget to keep cool. Learn more or order.
Mug of the day
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Have a loose screw? Here’s how to fix it
- Stinky freshwater hose? Here’s the solution
- RV gray tank smells worse than black tank? What to do
- Plug your RV into a generator? Watch out for this!
- Smart, skinny storage and organization solutions for RVs
NOT SIGNED UP FOR OUR RV DAILY TIPS NEWSLETTER? Ask any reader, and they’ll tell you you’re missing out! Read a few issues here, then make sure you’re subscribed.
In the RV shop with Dustin
A step-by-step guide on how to replace your RV entry door hold back
Join me in our RV shop as I explain how the entry door hold back on your RV plays a crucial role in keeping your door securely in place while you enjoy the comforts of your home on wheels. Over time, these components can wear out, leading to difficulties in keeping the door open. Continue reading to learn more.
RV tire safety
What is the “best” TPMS?
By Roger Marble
No, I don’t want to start a fight, but probably anyone who already has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will say that what they have is “the best.” Therefore, I would prefer to identify the features that I think are important and then let the customer do the shopping. Continue reading.
RV gadgets and gizmos
CamperDEK: New RV upgrade that brings your patio along for the ride
One of the biggest perks of RV camping is enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning, grilling dinner, or simply relaxing after a day of exploring, most RVers spend as much time outside as they do inside. That’s exactly the idea behind CamperDEK. This innovative new product transforms the unused space beneath many travel trailers and fifth wheels into a sturdy outdoor deck.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Husbands, think you’re a real catch? Think your sweetheart got lucky with you? Think you’re hot stuff? Well, then you need this!
From the archives
Ask Dave: Do NOT use WD-40 on these parts of your RV
Dear Dave,
You recently ran a post about different lubricants for specific areas and WD-40 was only recommended by HWH [Corporation]. What areas should we be careful not to use it on? —Lem, 2021 Grand Design Imagine. Here’s Dave’s answer.
Live cam
The brown bears of Katmai National Park, Alaska
If you don’t see bears right now, come back later (or scroll back a ways). We’ve been watching them for the last few days, and there are many!
FREE IS GOOD! New 2026-27 Travel Oregon Visitor Guide. Several to choose from. By mail or online.
RVing with dogs
The PetPhone lets your pet call you while you’re out—Yes, really
A new device called PetPhone aims to make the pet/pet parent connection even stronger. Billed as the world’s first smartphone for pets, it combines GPS tracking, two-way communication, activity monitoring, and artificial intelligence—all incorporated into one lightweight collar attachment. While it may sound like science fiction, the technology is already on the market and generating plenty of buzz among pet owners. This is incredible (or is it?)!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Murphy (German Shorthaired Pointer mix, age 4ish) is a super camping companion. Hiking, kayaking, and just hanging out with me. I bought this chair just so he had a place to cuddle off the dirt.” —Terry Cuyler
• 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.
FISH STATUE ANSWER: It’s in Kalkaska, Michigan, a replica of Michigan’s state fish, the Brook Trout. It stands in front of a former railroad depot, now the Kalkaska Historical Museum.
Trivia
Left-handedness is far less common than right-handedness. Left-handed people are more skillful with their left hands when performing tasks. Studies suggest that approximately 10% of the world population is left-handed.
Sunday funny
Forever a classic. Thank you, Clara.
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
• Current National Radar Weather Map
• National Interagency Fire Center (national wildfire activity)
• InciWeb (major fire information)
• AirNow (smoke and air quality)
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
Learn current road conditions in every state. This is a very handy resource.
And finally… A song from the past
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
I have a zevo…. or so goes the commercial. When I first saw it I was like nice. Now to go get one. Hope it works. Now I have a song stuck in my head.
Dusting window screens: A Swiffer duster works great. Especially true on the frameless windows that don’t crank open that far. The handle on the swiffer let’s you reach right up in and easily dust off the screen. 👍