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Issue 741 • Week of May 7-13, 2016
Editor’s corner
With Chuck Woodbury
Chuck (at) RVtravel.com
First, welcome to the more than 1,600 people who subscribed since we updated our website a few weeks ago. It’s great to see all you new readers!
Last weekend I attended the last RV show of the spring season here in the Seattle area. I was impressed with the variety of RVs, yet very disappointed when I realized that about half the motorhomes on display had built-in outdoor TVs, most with boombox-style stereo systems. The good ol’ days of camping, where we interacted with nature, are apparently quickly transforming into the modern age of camping where we interact with noisy electronic devices. I had planned to devote this essay to what I thought of the outdoor TVs and stereos but decided to instead post them in my Roadside Journal, where I feel more comfortable whining.
Now, some more positive news! Our new two-minute Spin and Win game show for RVers went live early this morning on our YouTube Channel. I’m the host with lovely Gail as our “Va
nna.” We’re having lots of fun with it. It’s terribly corny — that’s the way we intended it. You can watch the first show here (watch in low definition if you have limited bandwidth). Maybe you’ll win a prize (some of which are worth more than $100). Keep in mind that you can enter once a day until the contest ends Tuesday night.
A new contest will be posted every Saturday morning. Thanks to our first two sponsors, TireTraker and Evelo Electric Bicycles.
We’re doing the game show not just for fun, but for an important reason. Click here if you would like to know more. If you have an RV-related business and would like to be a sponsor (very reasonable) or donate a prize, please let me know at chuck (at) RVtravel.com.
We are continuing to post new articles on this website every day, with at least a couple thousand more to go. When we are done, sometime in the fall, this should be the largest, most valuable resource about RVing on the Web.
That’s all for me for this week.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms reading! We love you!
To the sons and daughters who still have a Mom, cherish her! If you can’t visit her on Sunday, call her!
Did you miss last week’s issue of RV Travel? You can read it here.
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! 
Wish your special someone a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary and we’ll post your well-wishes and your short comment right in this newsletter. It’s super easy to leave your greeting. Just click here.
See this week’s greetings near the bottom of this newsletter.
Featured categories
You’ll find some good reading material here.
• RV solar and wind power.
• Pest control.
• RV exteriors – Maintenance and repairs.
• RV history.
• Selling your RV.
• Editor Chuck Woodbury’s Roadside Journal.
RVs & Electric Bikes – the perfect match!
An Electric Bike is the perfect, simplest and most affordable way of sorting all the ‘challenges’ of RV’ing. Get around camp effortlessly, visit the sites or town nearby without unhooking or simply enjoy a fun ride with fellow campers! Click here to discover our electric bikes and get $100 off, free shipping & returns, and 0% financing on any new EVELO using the code RVTRAVEL during checkout!
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Reduce air drag and boost fuel efficiency — Airtab® your RV!
Just peel and stick Airtabs™ to the rear sides and the rear roof of your RV coach or trailer to create swirls of air that reduce aerodynamic drag, save fuel and improve stability. Airtabs™ dramatically reduce trailer ‘fish tailing’ and crosswinds pressure to RVs from passing trucks, while improving fuel efficiency 2% – 5%! Click on the video.
Click here for more information about using Airtabs™.
Click here to purchase Airtabs™.
Seventy million vehicles at risk of exploding airbags
The seemingly never-ending safety concerns of the automotive industry have been further complicated by the vastly expanded airbag recall involving parts made by Takata. At risk, according the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are now as many as nearly 70 million vehicles from nearly every major and some niche manufacturers. Read more.
Reader RVs
What RV do you drive or tow?
Please send us a photo of your RV with a 150-200 word description of where and how you travel with it, and what you like (or don’t like) about it. (If you want, just send us your notes and we’ll put your story together for you.) If you have a photo of it in a scenic setting, that’s great. Be sure to include your name(s) and your hometown (unless you’re a full-timer). We’ll post them to RVtravel.com. Send to assistant editor Diane McGovern at Diane(at)RVtravel.com .
CLICK HERE to see last week’s RV Travel Reader RVs.
This Week’s Spin and Win Contest
Our contests have a new format. And is it fun! — the only game show for RVers! It’s a quickie, just two minutes. You don’t need to participate at a specific time of day. Answer anytime, and then again once a day through Tuesday if you want to increase your chances of winning. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. GREAT PRIZES!
This week’s show sponsored by TireTraker, the only RV tire pressure monitoring system with a lifetime warranty.
Watch in high definition (best quality) • Watch in standard definition (uses minimal bandwidth for you on-the-roaders)
Nearly 41,000 new RVs rolled from factories to dealers in March, making for the biggest shipment month since March 2006. Leading the movement, Class C motorhomes rolled up nearly 30 percent and travel trailers up 15 percent – both when comparing March 2016 to March 2015. Source: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
How big is the economic impact of outdoor recreation? Almost as much as the combined spending on cars and drugs in the U.S. That’s the conclusion of U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, who announced Uncle Sam will, for the first time, directly study just how much outdoor recreation is worth. Results could lead lawmakers to invest a bit more in public lands.
It could be the centennial celebration of the nation’s parks; it could be lower gas prices. Regardless of cause, expect more folks to be camping out on National Forest lands this year. Officials with Custer Gallatin National Forest (Montana) say visitation was up 20 percent last year compared to 2014, and they foresee even more this year.
Napa County, Calif., fairgrounds officials think RVers are a hit — and the most consistent moneymaker for their operation. In a six-year period, the fairgrounds’ RV park generated the “highest amount of annual operating revenue per acre,” says an official report. With that in mind, commissioners are considering creating a new high-end RV park on the fairgrounds, possibly with an “executive golf course.”
Mesquite, Nev., residents turned up in large numbers April 21 to give a thumbs-down to a proposed RV park. A 14-acre bank-owned lot between a church and a commercial mall on West Pioneer Boulevard would become a 116-site RV park, if two Utah developers had their way. Citizens unanimously catcalled the idea. Given an alternative of having condos built on the site, opposers suggested having “nothing” on the property would be better than either suggestion. The city council will entertain a rezone proposal for the site on May 24.
A shooting led to car crashing into a motorhome Wednesday morning in Mesa, Ariz. The driver of the BMW that slammed into the RV told police he was in the neighborhood to resolve a dispute over a videogame console when someone starting shooting at him. He was not hit. The alleged shooter or shooters took off on foot. No report of injuries or arrests.
Rhode Island is pumping $800,000 into campground improvements at George Washington Memorial Campground near Glocester. Expect 35 new sites, fully accessible showers, and restrooms. Officials say the average camper stay is two days; after the rehab project is completed in 2017, they anticipate that stay lengths will increase to a week or more.
Canada’s Revenue Agency has thrown a curve ball to the country’s small campground owners — announcing that they are no longer able to claim a small business tax credit. The backlash could be big, as evidenced by the fate of Sage Campgrounds in Cambridge, Ontario. The owners of the 80-site park got a bill from the agency for two years’ taxes without the credit — $36,000 more than they’ve already paid.
There was plenty of fear among campers at the Bottomless Lakes campground near Roswell, N.M. — but extraterrestrials, who some say once crash landed in the area, had nothing to do with it. An April 28 wildfire a mile away from the campground put campers on high alert to be ready to evacuate. Thankfully, firefighters were able to contain the outbreak within a few hours.
While sales of recreational vehicles are up in the U.S., overnight stays in national parks and on public lands has actually declined. Industry group Recreation Vehicle Industry Association lays the discrepancy on poor campground design, management and marketing. The group also points the finger at lack of desirable amenities like Wi-Fi, utility hookups, showers and more. Two recreation industry giants, Airstream Inc. and The Coleman Company USA, are moderating a discussion on the topic June 13 at Wyoming’s Jackson Lake Lodge.
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More News
The Red Rock Search and Rescue team, based in Las Vegas, Nev., needs a rescue. The group’s motorhome, used to keep the families of missing persons sheltered on search-and-rescue scenes, was wiped out by a fire that destroyed a Vegas-area storage facility. The team is hoping someone will donate a suitable rig to replace the lost 30-footer.
It’s not unusual to hear of RV parks being closed down for other uses — so here’s a twist from Pelican Rapids, Minn. The 42-acre Rolling Hills Golf Course is now set to be closed down and transformed into a 150-site RV park. The local township board voted to allow a conditional use permit for the proposed park, but a local property owners’ group could challenge the action.
A Yuma, Ariz., attorney has filed suit against local dealer, RV Peddler, charging deceit and fraud. He represents two couples who say they traded in rigs on other units, and allege they later found out the dealer hadn’t paid off the titles on their traded-in rigs, nor on the rigs they received in the deal. Attorney David Karnas says he’s heard from the state’s DMV that nearly 100 people have been harmed by deals made with RV Peddler. The outfit had dealerships in both Yuma and Bakersfield, Calif. — both of which are now closed.
RVers are accused of being less-than-honorable in Saratoga, Wyo. The local sewer board says it will install a dump station payment kiosk at the town’s sewage treatment plant. One member says only one-in-five RVers dumping there are paying the “honor system” fee. The new system won’t allow hooking up to the dump until a credit card payment of $5 is made.
Minnewaska State Park in upstate New York has reopened after a wildfire toasted 2,000-plus acres of the park in Ulster County. Hundreds of visitors were chased out when the fire broke out in brush at Sam’s Point Preserve. No cause determined.
More info on our previous report: For decades RVers attending New York’s Adirondack Balloon Festival have dry camped for free at the Queensbury airport. No more. This year, Warren County officials say RVers will have to pony up $10 to camp at the festival; those who come in cars to watch the hot-air-lift can park for free. RVers already pay a $55 membership to join a club that supports the festival, but the county says it needs a way to help defray its expenses.
The 258-site, family-owned Jellystone Park in Mill Run, Penn., is installing a fully furnished, two-story tree house cabin that will be available beginning Memorial Day weekend. Looking like something out of a children’s storybook, the tree house will initially sleep four. The park also has many other rental accommodations, including 48 cabins and one park model RV. Click here for more information.
Feathers are flying at the Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Ala. The campground there is often “full up,” and to alleviate the situation, the local park’s director had a gravel loop put down in the fireworks field to accommodate overflow camping. A few days later, at least one outraged local complained loudly to city councilmen. Result? The 560 feet of gravel is being pulled up, and the $10-a-night dry camping overflow area is gone with the wind. Opponents said the overflow area was too close to parking, and is a shaded portion of a walking and bike trail.
Keep up with RV Industry news
throughout the week at RVbusiness.com.
CAMPING AND HIKING SUPPLIES at Amazon.com
RV Quick Tips
Brighten your taillights
Taillights dim? First, check to make sure the electrical contacts on bulbs and sockets are free of crud (use steel wool or fine sandpaper). Plastic lenses clean? One more option: Stick aluminum foil behind the bulbs to push more light out of the lens.
Better organization for a small RV refrigerator
Small RV refrigerator? Use a sharp kitchen knife to slice your “dozen egg box,” lengthwise down the middle. Now you’ve got two, smaller “half dozen” boxes that fit into smaller areas of the reefer.
Help for cleaning built-up crud out of RV holding tanks
Too much crud growing inside your holding tanks? Just before you head off for a destination with a dump station, load up the tanks to almost full with fresh water and the cleaning agent of your choice – even empty a sack of ice cubes down the black water tank. Drive to your stop, dump the tanks first thing. The sloshing will help clear the crud.
Light up your RV with Boogey Lights!
RV accent lighting is all the rage! Just look around the RV park! Enter Boogey Lights®! These robust, super-bright, state-of-the-art LED lights with hi-tech controller technology represent the next generation in LED lighting for RVs. The AWNING & UNDER-GLOW LIGHT KITS are specifically designed to withstand harsh operating environments. Don’t waste your money on junk! Get Boogey Lights! You can even control them with your Smart Phone! Learn more or click the video for a demonstration.
Tire temperature always seems to be a hot topic
Roger Marble, RV tire expert, explains that hot tire temperature is important to know about, but the problem is in learning what the actual temperature is. You can have a tire failure from extreme heat in one location of a tire while another location only inches away can be perfectly OK, so you can’t rely on your tire pressure monitoring system to tell you if you have a hot tire. Learn more.
Editor of RV Travel interviewed by RV industry magazine
RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury was featured in Friday’s online edition of RV Business Magazine. The periodical, the largest trade journal serving the RV industry, asked Woodbury for his opinion of the current state of the RV industry from his unique perspective as a leading voice of the RV consumer. Read what he had to say.
Does anyone still read traditional books? Why?
Rich “The Wanderman” loves to read — a lot! He once carried 20 or 30 books around so he wouldn’t run out of reading material — and then his home started overflowing with them. Then he discovered e-books, and he wondered why anyone would read a book on paper anymore. Read more and you, too, may decide to switch.
April RV and RV-related recalls
The latest recalls on RVs and other vehicles and/or products of interest to RVers have been released by U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The long list includes models from Cruiser RV, Forest River, Heartland, Jayco, Winnebago and more — plus other vehicles and equipment. Is your RV on the list? Find out here.
Discover the RV Warranty Taking the Community by Storm!
The best RV warranty coverage just got better: Introducing the Viking Protection Plan, a policy designed for maximum coverage and ease of use, all backed by the customer satisfaction guaranteed by RVer Favorite Wholesale Warranties. Ready to see what the ultimate in Peace of Mind might cost you? Get your FREE Quote for coverage today!
Read more about this exclusive coverage.
New RVer asks: What happened to my fuel economy?
A gent new to RVing was in a bit of a quandary: Looking for good economy he bought himself a “hybrid” travel trailer and felt his new, lightweight rig would tow with good economy. But his miles per gallon went from 16 to about 10 mpg. What happened? And what can be done about it? Find out here.
How to fix an RV awning that will not retract properly
In this brief video, the RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, explains how to determine what might be causing an awning to not retract fully when not in use, and how to repair it. Watch the video.
Is there life after the dump station?
Well, according to an anonymous writer (we’re trying to locate their name), there is. Find out his solution to this sometimes-messy problem. You may, unfortunately, be able to relate to this “story,” which was written, we think, with tongue firmly in cheek! Read more.
Save thousands on RV refrigerator replacement
Of all of the things that can break in your RV, one of the most expensive issues you’ll face is if your refrigerator goes kaput. When that happens, what do you do? The standard answer is, “Buy a new refrigerator.” But many RVers have found that there may be alternatives. Learn more.
This week in history
Week of May 7-13
Compiled by Dell Bert
1901 Gary Cooper is born.
1907 Katherine Hepburn is born.
1914 Woodrow Wilson proclaims first Mother’s Day holiday.
1940 Churchill becomes British prime minister.
1945 V-E (Victory in Europe) Day is celebrated.
1971 Last “Honeymooners” episode airs.
1977 Joan Crawford dies.
1984 Soviets boycott Olympics in L.A.
Unique RV overnight stops at wineries and farms
With membership in Harvest Hosts® you can stay overnight at 500 wineries, farms and attractions across North America. Harvest Hosts offers an exciting alternative to traditional overnight stops where you can meet interesting people and learn about their lifestyle. Learn more at the Harvest Hosts website, or watch an interview with the founders by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury.
RV Clubs
Here are a couple of RV clubs from our extensive directory which you may be interested in:
Country Coach International Club.
“The original Country Coach owners club” and “the fourth largest FMCA chapter,” with more than 1,000 members across the country and internationally, and with lots of benefits, including discounts.
North American Truck Camper Owners Association.
Part of the International Truck Camper Owners Association. A non-profit RV organization dedicated to promoting the truck camper as an RV lifestyle, with forums, rallies and more.
Check out our Directory of RV Clubs and Organizations.
America’s Largest
RV Consignment Dealer
Buy or sell your used motorhome, diesel pusher, fifth wheel or travel trailer hassle free at PPL Motor Homes. And check our huge selection of parts! PPL is the largest RV consignment dealer in the USA, selling more than 24,000 consigned RVs since 1972. Visit the PPL website.
Bumper sticker of the week
“5/4 of all people have trouble with fractions.” Thanks to George Bliss!
Funny/clever business slogan
Sign outside convenience store in Wesley Chapel, Fla., says “Cold Ice” on one side and “Wet Beer” on the other. Thanks, Bob Gaston!
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker or business slogan? Send it to Diane(at)RVtravel.com
Easily brew a single cup of coffee
This is great for RVers! Brew a single cup of coffee without the high cost of an expensive coffee maker with the MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker! Just fill reservoir with hot water from tea kettle, or heat water in a microwave. Assemble, place K-Cup pack in base, attach the water reservoir and pump. Watch the video for a short demonstration or learn more or order at a big discount.
Secret phrase for
the May 7 Spin and Win contest:
Al’s golf bag had a funny odor.
Upcoming RV Shows
See the recently updated list of upcoming RV shows for 2016.
Websites of the Week
We like these websites. Check ’em out. More next week.
Essential for big RVs!
2016 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas
If you drive a big RV — extra long or extra tall — then this truck drivers’ road atlas will be a huge help in knowing where you can drive without encountering a low bridge or getting stuck hanging over a cliff. This is an essential aid even if you have a GPS! Coverage: United States, Canada, and Mexico. Learn more or order.
Good reading from RV123.com 
• Top 10 RV Destinations
• Featured App: TV Food Maps
• Lemon Bars
Rub cooking odors from your hands
While many people love to cook with freshly minced garlic or onions, very few appreciate the lingering scent on their hands. It seems like no matter how many times you wash your hands, the odor lingers. Luckily, Amco has the answer — the Rub-Away Bar. Rubbing the stainless steel bar removes any odor from your hands — great for use after working with onions, fish, or garlic. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Shrink
Birdwatchers, others, want earlier access to campgrounds
Dear RV Shrink:
We are avid birdwatchers and full-timers. This makes us full-time birdwatchers. Our travel lifestyle puts us into a lot of boondocking/dry camping situations. What we have discovered, especially in the spring, is a lack of opportunities to use public campgrounds in excellent birding areas. Many state and federal campgrounds are gated off and do not open until mid-May or even June. These are pit toilet, self-pay sites. Why can’t they just open the gate and let us early bloomers in? I hear all the whining about budget restraints, so why not make some early spring revenue and give us access? I guess I am whining, but doesn’t it just make sense to open these areas earlier? —Fenced out in the Outback
Endorsed by Roger Marble of RVtireSafety.com!
An excellent tire pressure gauge
The Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge has an easy-to-read LCD display that provides pressure readings from 5-150 PSI. It’s ergonomically designed with an angled head and a rubber-coated easy-grip handle. If you forget to turn off the gauge, don’t worry, it will automatically shut off. The included lithium battery never needs to be recharged or replaced. And all this for less than $13! Learn more or order.
RV Tech Tips
from Mark Polk
Why it’s important to take care of your RV’s tires
Every weight rating on an RV is based on the weakest link in the system. The tires on your RV are by far the most important and most neglected link in the system. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard people say that the tires on their RV were defective, or “my tires only had 12,000 miles on them when I had a blowout.” In the majority of cases, the truth of the matter is that tire maintenance has been neglected. The only thing between your RV and the road surface is your tires and the air that is in them. Some of the leading causes of premature tire failure are: overloading the tires, under-inflated tires, ozone and UV rays, age of the tires, and not rotating tires.
Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101, the premiere source of educational DVDs about buying, maintaining and using an RV. Learn more.
Visit our YouTube Channel.
More than 500 great videos about RVing!
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.24 (on May 2) Change from week before: Up 8 cents; Change from year before: Down 42 cents
Diesel: $2.27 (on May 2) Change from week before: Up 7 cents; Change from year before: Down 59 cents
Temperature gun is ‘essential equipment’ for many RVers!
Just aim this non-contact IR temperature gun to measure the temperature of your refrigerator, tires, A/C output, or, heck, even your oven (and the list goes on). It turns on and begins reading the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit with one press of the trigger. A laser light aids in aiming, and can be turned on or off. Many RVers consider this essential equipment. Learn more or order at a huge discount.
RV Travel Reader Pets
Do you travel with a pet? We’d love to introduce your pet(s) to fellow readers. Here’s what we need: a photo or two of Fido or Boots (or you with your pet) and a 150-200 word description of your furry friend(s) — name, breed, age, how long you have traveled together, what makes them special? Go ahead and brag about them if you wish! Do you have any tips for other RVing pet lovers about traveling with pets that you’ve learned along the way? Don’t forget to give us your name(s) and hometown. Send to Diane(at)RVtravel.com .
Click here to see this week’s issue of RV Travel Reader Pets.
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Conair 1600-watt folding handle hair dryer
This mini turbo hair dryer has a folding handle for compact storage, is lightweight and has 1600 watts with 2 heat/speed settings. Dual voltage for worldwide travel. Perfect for the RV or anyone with limited storage space. Learn more or order.
The RV Kitchen
with Janet Groene
Your Own Lemon Curd
When life hands you lemons.
Commercially bottled lemon curd is frightfully expensive but I love its wake-up tang on toast, muffins, fish, crumpets, chicken — you name it. This from-scratch method takes time but is worth it in taste and in money saved. Get the recipe.
Check out hundreds of other recipes by Janet . . . and her many books at Amazon.com
Trunk Organizer
Keep your car, SUV or RV organized with this handy organizer. Multiple compartments allow you to separate food, drinks, sports objects, tools, gadgets and work related stuff, all stored in the same trunk yet separated. Four mesh pockets allow you to see through and easily access the frequently needed objects by making them quick to find. Folds flat to only a few inches, occupying very little space. Learn more or order.
Beginners’ guide to RVing
QUESTION: Can I leave my RV’s refrigerator running on propane while traveling?
ANSWER: While some RVers do, most RV safety experts as well as the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) recommend turning it off at the tank when traveling. By all means, do not leave the refrigerator operating on propane at a gas station. One gas fume blown across the fridge’s pilot light could blow up your RV and everything and everybody in it, not to mention the gas station. This does happen. For many years, a gas station in Lone Pine, Calif., posted photos of such an incident — not a pretty sight.
Help stabilize
and keep your RV steps safe
The RV Save-A-Step Brace is designed to be placed under RV entry steps for safety. It stabilizes the RV steps and helps keep the coach from rocking — preventing sag and wear. The brace is made of heavy-gauge steel with a 3/4″ solid metal screw thread, 1000-pound load rating and 7-5/8″ to 14″ adjustment range. Learn more or order at Amazon.com.
RV Fire Safety Tip
Check fire extinguishers’ gauges monthly
During your monthly inspection, check the fire extinguisher gauge to determine if there is pressure in the extinguisher. If the gauge indicates empty or needs charging, replace or recharge the extinguisher immediately. To test non-gauged extinguishers, push the plunger indicator (usually green or black) down. If it does not come back up, the extinguisher has no pressure to expel its contents. If you need help testing your fire extinguishers, check with your local fire department. Courtesy: MacTheFireGuy.com
Editor’s note: Choose from a wide selection of fire extinguishers at Amazon.
Jumper cables essential for a dead battery emergency!
Don’t let a dead
auto battery ruin your trip
You carry a set of jumper cables in your car or RV, right? If you don’t, you’re asking to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery and no way to charge it back up! These AAA Heavy-Duty, 16-foot, Six-Gauge Booster Cables are top-rated on Amazon and deliver 100 percent more power than light-duty cables. And they even come in a nice storage bag. Learn more or order at a discount.
RV Short Stop
Synchronous fireflies put on magical show
It’s almost time for thousands of fireflies to flash all at the same time, although, according to scientists, it is impossible to predict exactly when lightning bugs will begin flashing each year. These rare synchronous displays are magical and there are less than a handful of locations in the United States — the three main locations are in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
Read more in Julianne G. Crane’s article.
Locate services at Interstate exits
The 2016 Next Exit is the most complete USA Interstate highway exit directory ever published for every exit of major and most minor routes. Find what’s located at upcoming exits on your route — gas, food, lodging, camping, shopping, hospitals, Wal-Marts and much more. A best-seller year after year. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Doctor
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions
Why do RV generators surge?
Dear Gary:
I recently purchased a toy hauler with a generator with only 27 hours on the meter. At first the governor appeared to be sticking, due to what I believe was bad fuel (varnished). I sprayed the carburetor with a cleaner and it ran fine for a while. The idle still surges with no load applied, and if I put a heavy load on it, it seems to get better. The butterfly plate at the front of the carburetor, when pushed down manually, makes it run smooth. Any ideas? —Mike C., Newbury Park, Calif.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.
Multipurpose Microfiber Duster
No more car wipes to dry up — this duster replaces all interior car products. The 10-inch dusting head is big enough to get your dash dust-free quickly, but small enough to leave in your glove box. The back of the duster doubles as a scrubbing sponge. Great for interior or exterior use on cars, RVs, motorcycles or in the home! Learn more or order.
Gadgets and Gizmos
Help keep your RV warm or cool with a vent pillow
Roof vents are a terrific feature of RVs, but they also have their drawbacks. During hot and cold days and nights, without insulation they are like having a hole in the roof that lets unwanted heat or cold in when you don’t want it, or heat out when you’re trying to stay warm inside. However, the Sunshield Vent “pillow” helps to resolve some of these comfort zone dilemma. Read more.
Protect your pets with a Sun & Bug Blocker suit
With summer and increased outdoor activities fast approaching, there is now a way to protect your pooches from possible cancer-causing UV radiation, dangerous insect bites and grass burrs. The Sun & Bug Blocker suit is constructed from a lightweight, breathable and flexible material that makes it easy to put on and allows the dog unrestricted freedom of movement. Learn more.
Protect your RV’s slideout
with this rubber seal lubricant
If you don’t take care of your slideout you’re asking for problems including dangerous, costly water damage. This rubber seal lubricant from Thetford prevents fading, cracking and deterioration. It cleans, conditions and shines, keeping seals flexible and protected from sunlight destruction. It is also useful on door seals and window seals. It’s a mineral oil product and also acts as a lubricant. Learn more or order.
The Dying Art of Proofreading
In a Laundromat
WASHING MACHINES: “PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT” (and when the light comes back on you are sure to attract a lot of attention!)
2016 The Milepost
This is THE mile-by-mile guidebook for RV or auto travelers headed to Alaska, the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. First published in 1949 as a guide about traveling along the Alaska Highway, today’s Milepost includes more than 600 pictures, more than 100 maps and details every place travelers might eat, sleep or pull off the road for scenic viewing. Learn more or order.
Random RV Thought
When hitting the road, before pulling out, double-check that the doors of your cupboards and refrigerator are closed. Otherwise, you could have a big mess on your hands (not to mention your floor).
Batteries last a long time!
Motion detection nightlights can
last a year on a set of batteries
When you need a nightlight when without hookups, these are great: they light only when they sense motion, shutting off after 30 seconds of no movement. They use no wires & install in less than 5 minutes. Use outdoors, too. Lights come in a 3-pack. Battery-powered nightlights that stay on full time are power hogs & don’t last long. These can last up to a year! Watch the short video for a demonstration or learn more (or order) at Amazon.com at a great price.
Trivia
When your doctor performs an auscultation on you, don’t worry; he or she will just be using a stethoscope.
Mini Pop-Up Utility Container
Camco’s RV Mini Pop-up Utility Container measures 9-1/2 inches by 13 inches. It is handy to use as a small trash can or storage container. It collapses down to 2-1/2 inches for storage and has a built-in storage strap. The base has hook-and-loop tape to help hold it in place. Learn more or order.
Worth Pondering
“If you’re going to put yourself above everybody else, you might end up alone.” —Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Make your toad
or trailer happy!
If your toad or trailer could talk it would say, “Please get me a license frame like this!” So, to make that vehicle very happy you should probably go ahead and get this very cool license plate frame. Shipping is free, so there is hardly any reason not to order one, or even two. Learn more or order.
Readers’ Birthday and Anniversary Greetings
Happy Birthday!
•May 7: To Walter from Norma. Happy Happy Birthday. Love you with all my heart, body and soul.
•May 9: To Allan from Silvana. Allan, Thanks for being the one and only driver as we full-time across the country for Royal Family KIDS. Love you!
•May 10: To Harold from Tom. Happy 70th old man! From your much younger brother 🙂
•May 11: To Dwight from Mickie. Happy Birthday with all my love to my wonderful husband and best friend.
•May 11: To Susie from Steve. Happy Birthday. Looking forward to many more RV trips with you.
•May 11: To Kristin from the RV Travel Staff. We’re glad you’re with us!
•May 13: To Patrica from Bill. Happy Birthday my Beautiful Wife.
•May 13: To Chuck from the RV Travel Staff. Happy Birthday!
Happy (belated) Birthday
•April 29: To Sugar Bear from Charles. Happy BD, you young thing! Big RV adventures await.
•April 30: To Joy from Larry Marshall. Happy Birthday my Little Princess. How many years you’ve remained age 39…aka Jack Benny…Your Little Prince, Larry
•May 1: To Sue and Stacy from Elliot. Happy birthday to the both of you. Have a wonderful day enjoying it to the max keep – smiling too.
•May 2: To K C from Dad. Happy Birthday to my Happy camper.
•May 4: To Gayle from Carl. Happy Birthday to the best RV co-driver! I. Love. You. !
Happy Anniversary!
•May 9: To Cindi from Herb. Happy 31 years. Celebrate on the road in Montana and North Dakota. LV YA Herb
•May 9: To Chris & Debbie Good from Garry & Charmayne Robertson. Happy anniversary to very special camping friends we consider family. Hope you have many more years together, with us camping.
•May 11: To Jeanne (Sugarbear) from Gene (Feisty Frog). 33 three years together, 25 years Married and a lifetime to go. Let’s go camping is another way to say I Love You.
•May 13: To Evelyn from Dick Kramer. Happy 57th Wedding Anniversary to the best wife a guy could wish for. Retired over 20 years and 170,000 miles of RV travel and still talking to each other. With all my love.
Happy (belated) Anniversary
•April 12: To Mary Lou from Ben. Don’t know about 47 more, but the rest will be with you!
Send your special someone a birthday or anniversary greeting.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Assistant editor: Diane McGovern. Contributing editor: Russ De Maris. Contributing writers: Greg Illes, Bob Difley, Richard Miller, Richard Mallery, Janet Groene, Roger Marble and Julianne Crane. Office manager: Jody Allcott.
ADVERTISE on RVtravel.com and/or in this newsletter. Contact Chuck Woodbury at Chuck(at)RVtravel.com. 
About the RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury has explored America by RV for nearly three decades. In the ’90s he published the quirky travel newspaper Out West, and was an “on the road” writer for the New York Times Syndicate. His book, “The Best from Out West” is available at Amazon.com. Woodbury’s RVing adventures have been profiled on ABC News, CNN, NBC’s Today Show, and in People Magazine, USA Today and in hundreds of newspapers. Nowadays, he lives near Seattle, where he drinks massive amounts of coffee and travels often in his motorhome and sometimes by plane when vast expanses of saltwater would turn his RV into a leaky submarine. He is the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD “Buying a Recreational Vehicle,” the definitive guide to purchasing an RV the right way.
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
Our offices are located at 610 5th Ave. S, Suite F, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This website utilizes some advertising services. Sometimes we are paid if you click one of those links and purchase a product or service. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc . RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com
Hey Chuck I always enjoyed reading daily and Saturday’s RV travel but for some reason they just stop
Thanks for the note, James. We stopped producing the daily newsletters more than a month ago to focus on our Saturday newsletters and our new website. The daily newsletters, unfortunately, were taking more time and money to produce than we were able to generate from them, so it was a necessary business decision. We apologize to our readers who are missing the dailies. We hope that you agree that the new format of our website and our Saturday RV Travel Newsletter is even more useful and enjoyable than before. We’re still working on improving them every week. Thank you for reading our newsletters! And thanks for hanging in there with us while we’re still working out some bugs. We really appreciate it!
Chuck and RV Staff, I’ve been a weekly/daily reader for years a throughly enjoy the newsletter. New format is attractive and takes getting used to but as a senior I find challenges daily. :). I also had trouble with the wheel so many thanks for the comment and help in that direction. Congratulations again on RV Travel.Com and the many years of information and enjoyment you and staff provide the readers. I look forward to every Saturday morning!
Hi Chuck,
I tried to chime in on the “does anyone read books anymore” question but was unable to do so since I apparently don’t have a URL whatever that is. It would be nice if we could just post with our e-mail address. Believe it or not there are people like me who don’t do, Facebook, Twitter, who don’t text and all that other electronic nonsense. Heck, I don’t even own a cell phone and plan to keep it that way. And Yes. I DO read books.
Thanks for listening. I like the new site very much.
Tom, I don’t think there are any roadblocks to commenting with your email address on anything you read on this website. The article you read was on a blog that is affiliated with RVtravel.com but not actually on our site. It’s located here: https://www.thewanderman.com/2016/05/does-anyone-still-read-books-on-paper.html
Sorry you had a problem. — Chuck
HI CHUCK AND STAFF,
I am still getting used to the new format, but I will get it all figured out. I tried to do the ‘Spin and Win’ contest, but could not find where to click to register my vote. I actually watched it three times and still could not find where to click the address. Is anyone else having the same problem?
Item number 2. About three weeks ago I sent, by snail mail an article I had written about “Another Way to Newfoundland and Labrador’ that we used last summer, 2015. I did not know if you ever received it. I have found that very few RVers are familiar with the route that I feel is a really good alternate to the long ferry trips an you see some great country, interesting towns and interesting historical things.
Of course if you do not find that it is something you can include in the newsletter, that is fine, I just wanted to at least try writing it.
If you did not ever receive it, let me know and I will re-send it.
Thanks for the always great newsletter.
Hi, Richard,
Thank you for the nice comments about our newsletter — we appreciate it. I’ll answer your first question but will have to have Chuck answer the second question, about the article that you sent in.
We’re sorry you’re having a problem with entering the contest. Just go to the RVtravel.com/contest website (type that address, RVtravel.com/contest, in the line at the top of your screen for the URL, or search for it on Google or Bing). Here is the complete URL: https://www.rvtravel.com/contest/ Once you get to the website, below the rules and under the picture of the prize, it says to “Log in to enter this giveaway.” Just click on one of those buttons to log in and enter the contest. Good luck!
BTW — We’re still getting used to the new format, too! It’ll get easier for all of us and will be well worth it in the long run!
Diane
Richard,
I received your report about Newfoundland. I read through once, but did not enough time with all that’s going to figure out how to use it — for reference, to post for others to refer to, etc. It’s sitting on my desk to get to when I get some time after my work related to launching the new site slows. — Chuck
Definitely like the new format and magazine, I know there are a lot of advertisements, but it comes with being able to get more information in the magazine also (at not cost).
Thanks for all the work,
Dennis Johnson
Thank you, Dennis. It’ll continue to get bigger and better every week as we work out more bugs and add more features. We appreciate your, and others, feedback (positive and otherwise — well, we like the positive the best 😉 ) while we’re working to improve the experience and information for our readers.
The new format is nice but takes some getting used to. I miss the survey!
Thanks, Barbara. Yes, we’re still getting used to it, too, and “tweaking” (improving it) as we go. And the survey will be back in a few weeks, due to “popular demand.”
Chuck, my wife and I both love the new format!! Keep up the great work! We just got into the RV life again post kids and your site has been a welth of info.
Thanks, Wayne and Diane. Welcome back to RVing! We hope you have many years of happy and safe travels.
If you want more voluntary subscriptions, add credit cards along with PayPal. I for one will never use PayPal, and I’m probably not the only one.
As far as advertising, ads are good. They inform us about new products as well as remind us about old products. Maybe in the future you’ll be able to decrease the amount of ads, but for now, I’m glad to sees them.
Hi John, There is an option to pay with a credit card without going through Pay Pal. https://www.rvtravel.com/donate . Yes, I understand that some people are not fans of Pay Pal. Still, about 90 percent of our readers who help support us through “voluntary subscriptions” use Pay Pal, so we need to keep that option, for sure. Some readers just send a check. However, they chip in it helps us keep on going and we appreciate the support very much.
One comment about your new web page. Too many ads, not enough good information.
Hi Joe,
We need the ads. RVtravel is not a hobby, although I think all of us who work on it love what we do. I know there are many ads, but we try our best to keep them all of interest to RVers and do not accept those that we do not believe offer a good value or are of questionable integrity. Our staff needs to earn a living and ad revenue provides about three quarters of our revenue.
Five percent of our readers pitch in with “voluntary subscriptions,” and these readers’ support may one day make it possible for us to largely do away with advertising, which would suit me just fine! But when 19 out of 20 of our readers are unwilling to chip in for a subscription — and we say very clearly that even $5 a year per reader is all we need (which amounts to 10 cents an issue), we need advertising to pay our salaries and our other bills. It’s that or we get other jobs and our website or newsletter goes away.
I must disagree with you about providing “enough” information. We provide a lot and are always striving to be better. We have produced our newsletter week in and week out for more than 15 years. Not enough information? Even without ads, in those issues alone there’s enough quality information to fill a few dozen books.
Some issues are meatier than others, I agree. Exactly what you are looking for? — Chuck, editor
Really like the new format. sure do appreciate all the work you and your staff due preparing the newsletters.
My wife and I are reeeeeeally enjoying the new RV Travel newsletter format. It not only looks fantastic, it navigates extremely smoothly. ‘Great job!!!
I am so with you on the outdoor tv situation. I am a snowbird with a DP.. I cringe when a new neighbour has an out door tv.. they think they are so cool to have an outdoor tv..and I think they like showing it off and they also want the neighbourhod to know they are watching it… IAlso the people are mostly deaf and have it so loud. So I say to people out there… we dont want to hear your tv. Please. what ever happened to the two foot this is my space rule… we dont want to hear you… and you dont want to hear me
Chuck, you mentioned outdoor T.V.’s on RVs which is a very sensitive subject to me since just a couple of days ago we experienced someone sitting outside his RV running his T.V. and stereo music extremely loud till 12:00 at night. I was ready to call security to get him to shut it off. I did notice that he lowered it somewhat, someone must have complained, but the boom, boom can still be heard. I hate to approach anyone these days the way the world has become so inconsiderate of others and will not hesitate to fight you for just bringing the subject up. So, I now can relate to your concerns.
When will the survey question come back?
Within the next month, Gordon.
We have read your newsletter for many years and learned lots of good things that were shared with us. We look forward to it every week and have passed the site on to all our newby friends.
One comment about “Almost Breaking News”: In Rhode Island everything is close by, however Exeter is located more in the Central/Southern part of the state and the George Washington Memorial Camping area is located in Gloucester, which is in the Northern/Western part of the state.
Thanks, Betty. We apologize for the error and have corrected the news blurb.