America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1269
REMINDER: You are reading the FREE EDITION of this newsletter. Our donor edition does not contain ads.
Today’s thought
“The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.” —Charles Kuralt
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Eat Your Jell-O Day!
On this day in history: 1862 – The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress.
FACTOID: Yesterday at 7 a.m., Pacific Time, our newsletter was being read in the following countries: USA (92%) and Canada (7%). Then, in order of number of readers, in: New Zealand, the U.K., Australia, Ireland, Mexico, Germany, France and the Netherlands. One person each was reading from Togo, French Guiana, Samoa, New Caledonia and another half dozen countries we have never even heard of.
Message from publisher Chuck Woodbury
Our biggest challenge in 25 years and how you can help
This newsletter is just two months away from wrapping up its 25th year. Some of you have been with us for the entire journey (thank you!). We have outlasted thousands of other RVing websites, blogs and YouTube channels.
Today, my daughter, Emily, (our editor) and I face challenges we could never have imagined even a few years ago. As recently as 2023, Google accounted for nearly 36 percent of the traffic to this website. Today, as Google battles with ChatGPT to dominate internet searches, it delivers only about 16 percent. That’s a monumental loss that has killed off countless small websites like ours. We’re okay, but we work harder than ever to stay in the game without resorting to scare headlines and clickbait. We’ll close up shop before that.
In today’s donor’s edition I explain what is happening, how A.I. is contributing to our challenges, and what we are doing to adapt to this new world, including how we use A.I. Our financial supporters are only a small number of our readers but they represent our future. We first asked you and others who read for free to “voluntarily subscribe” a decade ago. We knew big changes were ahead and we would need your support. Well, the time has come.
Please consider helping us move forward, to be an ever-better, more valuable resource for RVers. If you donate here, you will immediately receive the link to today’s ad-free donor newsletter where you can read my message.
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The 15 best lightweight truck campers made in the USA
Pickup trucks still dominate American roads, and truck campers keep riding with them. The catch is weight. A heavy camper can drag down handling, fuel use, and long-term truck life, so lighter builds have become the sweet spot for many campers. This list shows how wide that lightweight category has become.
Help a new RV park owner: How do you find a good campground?
RVtravel.com RVers, we need your help. We received this letter from Amy earlier this week. We could’ve just replied and sent her our own advice, but what’s better than advice from 100,000 real RVers (you!). “Hi there! My name is Amy. My husband and I recently purchased a 20-unit motel with 11 full-hook-up RV sites in Osakis, MN….” Continue reading, then leave a comment.
Where to camp if you’re tired of the heat: 10 U.S. destinations where you can cool off
Has your RV’s air conditioner been running so much you’re starting to wonder if it’s earning overtime? If the summer heat has you dreaming about cool mountain mornings, windows-open sleeping, and actually enjoying an afternoon hike without feeling like you’re walking through an oven, it might be time to head somewhere a little… higher, farther north, or closer to the water.
¯¯¯ Song of the week
“My Campfire Still Reminds Me Of You”
DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A TRAVEL PARTNER
This weekly musical series from the RV Travel Virtual Recording Studio features original songs about RVing. These often-heartfelt tunes appear in every Sunday newsletter and occasionally in our RV Daily Tips newsletter. 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?
Keep everyone in the car cool
Long summer drives are a lot more comfortable with this dual-head backseat fan. It clips to your tow vehicle’s headrest and helps circulate cool air to backseat passengers. Features adjustable fan heads and variable speed control. Compatible with12V cars, SUVs, trucks, and RV tow vehicles. Learn more or order.
Today’s RV review…
2027 Cherokee Alpha Wolf 25FK X-L—wide open spaces
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2027 Cherokee Alpha Wolf 25FK X-L travel trailer. This model is so new that it hasn’t been featured on their website as of this writing, but I was able to get a sneak peek recently. Not only is this a new floorplan for the Alpha Wolf family, but this new model also shows a number of new features for the Cherokee brand in general.
What can an RV water softener do for you?
By Cheri Sicard
Are RV water softeners worth it? Here to answer the question is certified RV inspector Duane from the RV Inspection And Care YouTube channel. Duane’s videos are always highly educational, and this one is no exception. If you don’t want to watch the video, I break it all down for you in the article, too.
Tony’s tips
What is “Dealer Stock Only” and are those RVs OK to buy?
Right now is a fantastic time to shop for RVs. RV sales are down significantly, and dealers have placed orders, but the number of rigs going out the door is lower than they’d like. As you’re shopping, you may come across a term “DSO” or Dealer Stock Only. What is this and why does it matter?
Angry Mama steam cleans your microwave in minutes!
Just add vinegar and water to the Angry Mama microwave steam cleaner and watch her make your microwave appear brand-new! Simply place her in the microwave for a few minutes and then easily wipe away all the gunk—no elbow grease required, it comes right off! She might be angry, but she gets the job done! Learn more or order for a great price.
QUICK TIP ABOUT TIRES: Each tire sold in the United States has a special set of letters and numbers, called the Tire Identification Number (sometimes called the tire’s TIN) on its sidewall. The TIN starts with the letters “DOT.” The last four numbers indicate the week and year when your tire was manufactured—the first two of these numbers stand for the week of manufacture (01 through 52 or 53), and the last two stand for what year your tire was made for any tire made in 2000 or later.
RV toilet not holding water? Try this easy trick
By Nanci Dixon
Our RV toilet bowl was not holding water anymore, so several years ago, I researched what to buy and how my husband should repair it. (I don’t do toilets.) I came across a now long-lost YouTube video that showed you could get a little more time out of the rather nasty rubber seal with… Continue reading and see how it has held up.
The World Cup reminded me of why I love the USA
By Gail Marsh
The FIFA World Cup has always been about more than soccer. It brings people together from every corner of the globe. They create friendships, make unforgettable memories, and remind us how much we have in common. For many international visitors, the tournament was their very first experience in the United States. As the matches unfolded, something remarkable happened.
You must, we repeat, MUST, have at least one fire extinguisher (a non-expired one!) handy at all times. RV fires happen more often than you think, and you do not want to start a wildfire at the same time! Here’s a wide selection—all costs and sizes—so please, please, please make sure you have at least one, if not two or three! Keep one in your RV and tow vehicle.
Reader poll
Have you been watching the World Cup games?
POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK
- How often do you buy a coffee out at a cafe, drive-through, etc.?
- Do you carry duct (or Duck) tape in your RV?
- What kind of smartphone (cell phone) do you have?
- Do you call your spouse or significant other ‘Honey’?
- Is your RV refrigerator big enough to accommodate your needs?
Photo of the day
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win a copy of the just-published Rand McNally 2027 Road Atlas & National Park Guide?
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.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- A.I. may change how RVers choose campgrounds
- Looking for an RV campsite? Data center construction may be part of the problem
- Roundup: This week’s news about U.S. state parks and their campgrounds
- This week’s recap of RV manufacturers’ product developments
- Gas prices start climbing again as on-and-off war continues
- Beyond the headlines: What’s hurting the RV industry, why RV fires start, the Overland Expo, and RV park evictions
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Travel destinations
Three laid-back RV getaways—slower pace, scenic drives, and room to breathe
If you like RV trips that feel calmer than the more popular destinations, you’ve come to the right place. Ephraim, Wisconsin, the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan, and Trinity Lake in California all reward RVers with a slower pace, scenic driving, and plenty of room to breathe. Learn more.
The magic of Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East”
New York’s Letchworth State Park certainly lives up to its “Grand Canyon of the East” nickname. This Genesee River gorge is breathtaking with three major waterfalls that cut through cliffs as high as 600 feet in places. Once you are inside the park, Letchworth makes it easy to fill an entire day.
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://www.rvtravel.com/subscribe . They’ll thank you later.
RVer health
Sleep apnea may stress the heart most during the day, study finds
Millions of Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, including many RVtravel.com readers who rely on CPAP machines for a good night’s sleep. Now, new research from the University of Washington suggests the condition’s impact on the heart may be greatest during the daytime rather than when asleep. Learn more.
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Genius golf ball trick solves low airflow issue in RV’s A/C
- You need a jump starter. Seriously.
- Make your RV door(s) so much better
- These are the home remedies we swear by for bug bite itching
- Why RVers need a maintenance calendar, not just a checklist or log book
In the RV shop with Dustin
Can you seal over old RV roof sealant?
One of the most common questions RV owners ask during roof maintenance is: “Can I apply new sealant over the old sealant?” The answer is: Sometimes, yes… but not always.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Do you ever just want silence? Oh, if only your partner wouldn’t talk so much as soon as they woke up. If only they let you read in peace. If only you got a few minutes of silence on the road trip. Well, you probably need this. And if you don’t need it, well, it will surely make you laugh!
RV gadgets and gizmos
Using the Astro AI AIRUN L4 portable car air pump—tiny but powerful
By Cheri Sicard
The AstroAI AIRUN L4 portable car air pump looked great on paper and had excellent reviews. Still, I was hesitant to order it because the product description and instructions repeatedly referred to inflating car tires. I figured it was worth a shot, especially since Amazon had it on sale for a price I couldn’t resist. I’m happy to report that it passed my test with flying colors.
RV tire safety
A comprehensive, understandable guide to tire terminology
By Roger Marble
Sometimes people use their own terms when asking a question. Some RV forums have people answering questions using incorrect terms, which can mislead or confuse others. This is just a “failure to communicate,” which doesn’t help anyone. Here are some common terms regarding tires with their correct definition or example of proper use.
IT’S TRUE! Rivers almost never flow in straight lines. They constantly adapt to the landscape—an excellent reminder that the best path forward isn’t always the most direct.
Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
Who determines the speed advisory on curves? • It’s a “boring” mosquito season, according to experts • Why so many issues with our RV, and why no recall? • Why does RV awning stop and start intermittently on shore power? • Do I need a surge protector when plugging into a portable generator?
Live cam
Shibuya Scramble Crossing – Tokyo, Japan
Make sure you come back and view this when it’s daytime there—holy cow! [And that’s an understatement!!]
RV Camping in Corps of Engineers Parks
Many RVers consider Corps of Engineers campgrounds to be the best in the country. This guide is just for RVers. Of all the public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has some of the best parks and campgrounds available. It’s the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation! Learn more or order.
FREE IS GOOD! Uncover the magic of Colorado, and celebrate its 150th birthday this summer. Everything is here to help plan your perfect visit. By mail or online.
Nature
Why don’t giant “black clouds” of flying birds bump into each other?
Have you marveled at how a flock of birds can fly together in the sky, moving poetically like a giant black cloud? Why don’t they bump into each other? Who would think it’s because they’re ambidextrous? Read more.
RVing with dogs
Is portable pet fencing being banned from campgrounds?
“I’m frustrated,” huffed Pam, a recent RV campground neighbor. “It’s just my luck that when I finally buy a portable fence, campgrounds ban them!” If you travel with a four-legged camping companion, you’ve probably seen it happen. You arrive at a campground, unpack your portable pet fence, and then notice a rule that says portable fencing, exercise pens, or pet enclosures are not allowed.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We got Daphne (Mini Bernedoodle, age 4) in Berlin, Ohio. She loves to swim and has swum in Lake Erie, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf. She loves traveling in the RV; it’s the only life she has ever known.” —Tom Wilson
[Note from editor: A Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle.]
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
The average natural life span of an adult fruit fly in optimal temperatures is 40 to 50 days. Female fruit flies are capable of laying 500 eggs during any mating season, allowing the fruit fly population to multiply quickly. Infestations start when the flies move into kitchens, bathrooms, and basements if they sense a food source. Here’s a good way to get rid of them.
Sunday funny
Meet Rocky and Bullwinkle.
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)
And finally… A song from the past
Don’t listen to this Burl Ives song too many times or it will get stuck in your head!
RVtravel.com All Star Staff
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
It was a good recommendation to provide feedback from readers on the Minnesota couple’s request for feedback on their motel/RV Park business.
For whatever reason, however, the link to comment to them was broken.
Personal observation is 2 comments; one +, one -:
Plus side: they have met the RV needs in facilities, price, location- as long as they recognize their clientele is predominantly going to be overnight stays, vs destination. (Personal opinion)
With that said, a cancellation policy of zero refund at 2 weeks or less is going to sway a booking to alternatives, especially with the system so automated.