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Issue 759 • Week of Sept. 10-16, 2016
Editor’s corner
With Chuck Woodbury
Chuck (at) RVtravel.com
America would be a better place if there were more awnings.
When RVers think of awnings, most think of a sheltered area outside their RV’s front door. It’s a place to enjoy fresh air without getting soaked from the rain or burned from the sun. For many RVers, it’s also an extra room in an otherwise small living space. Some RVers go to great lengths to furnish their awning area with chairs, tables, a rug — all to make the space more inviting.
What this area is — if you boil it down — is the equivalent of the old front porch.
Before home air conditioning, Americans spent summer afternoons and evenings on their front porches watching the world pass by. Sitting in comfy chairs, sometimes rocking chairs, they idled away the time, waiting for their homes to cool. Neighbors, even strangers, would pass by. Some became friends. “Join us for iced tea,” the homeowners might say. They would share stories about their families and neighbors. For better or (occasionally) worse, everybody knew everyone else’s business.
Parents watched neighbors’ children grow, and the kids came to know and respect their elders. It made for a strong sense of community, where people not only knew their neighbors but watched out for them.
I remember visiting with a friend’s grandmother in her home in a tiny town in Missouri, where every house had a front porch and everyone knew everyone else. “We never lock our doors,” the woman told me. “When I go away, I come home with pie in the refrigerator that wasn’t there when I left.”
Alas, front porches began to disappear when home air conditioning came along, and the pace quickened with television and other comforts to keep people inside. Suburbs with their fenced back yards provided the final blow. It became easy, as it is today, to live for years without ever knowing one’s neighbors, much less caring about them.
And this is why I say America needs more awnings. I’m referring to RV awnings, of course. Anyone who has taken an evening walk through an RV park has noticed their neighbors sitting beneath their awnings inviting conversation, much as people did in the old days on their front porches. “Nice RV you have there,” one might say to another. “What kind of dog is that?” another might ask. “Oh, I see you’re from Ohio. We are, too!” Etc.
And so, just as it is with the old front porch, friendships begin. Most don’t amount to anything, but occasionally a bond is made, and a friendship may last for years — all because of an awning, some idle time, and a desire to be sociable.
If you have made friends with RVers you met beneath their awning or your own, please leave a comment and tell us about it.
P.S: I’ll be at the huge RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this coming week. Consumer Days begins Wednesday and runs through the weekend. When I’m not exploring the show and many of its 1,300 RVs, I’ll spend my time on the balcony (Wednesday through Friday) behind the show office inside Giant Arena. Stop by and say “hi” if you spot Gail and me.
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Reader RVs
What RV do you drive or tow?
Send us a photo of your RV (and tow vehicle) with a 150-200 word description of where and how often you travel with it, and what you like or don’t like about it. Include your name(s) and hometown. We’ll post them to RVtravel.com. Send to assistant editor Diane McGovern at Diane(at)RVtravel.com .
CLICK HERE to see this week’s RV Travel Reader RVs.
The New TireTraker™ TT-500 with a Lifetime Warranty
The new TireTraker™ TT-500 is the most innovative & user friendly TPMS on the market with an unprecedented “Lifetime Warranty”, the only TPMS company in the industry to do so. The TT-500 features a larger, easier to read display, continuous pressure & temperature monitoring, automatic update, & monitoring up to 22 tires on your motorhome, trailer & tow vehicle from 0-232 psi ! Seven day per week sales & technical support & over 12 years of experience. List price (4 tires) $389. Our price only $289. SAVE $100! (Additional Sensors $35 each). Learn more or order. Read testimonials.
Are you bothered by big trucks barreling past you on the freeway? That may change. The feds are proposing heavy vehicles be equipped with speed-limiting devices. The maximum speed setting will likely be between 60 and 68 mph. If approved, the proposal would take three years to kick in. Even then, there is no requirement that the limiters be tamper-proof.
The Missouri State Fair is popular – 350,000 came to the last one in August. Apparently a lot of them were RVers — the 1,200-space RV park at the fairgrounds was packed — which wasn’t lost on management types. A state lawmaker wants a study to see how much more money could be generated if the fair provided more RV spaces.
A recent story in the Bend (Oregon) Bulletin noted that RV overnighting at Walmart – even when lot signage “prohibits” it – is alive and well. A reporter noted that while signs prohibit it, by his count there were about a dozen RVers on Walmart’s Bend lot. Some commented that store officials said it was okay to stay a single night. Bend police say they chase off overnighters only at the store’s request.
Buffalo Chip bites the dust? A South Dakota court has ruled that the Buffalo Chip Campground can’t be a town. The campground, a locus of activity for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, had filed for recognition as a city, and voters supported the bid. However, the original petition for city-ship was ruled to have been unlawful.
Looking to buy a used RV? One outfit, which previously limited itself to dealers, is now offering inspection services for private buyers. RV Inspection Connection not only offers three levels of inspection, but for an extra charge, will warrant the rig for necessary repairs for up to 90 days after purchase. Costs? Motorhome inspections range from $325 to as high as $1,049. For towables, $295 to $949. Visit its website.
Want to camp in an Idaho State Park next summer? Better reserve a spot soon. According to KIVI-TV, state officials report eight parks are already booked. The other nine have only a dozen or so spots remaining. Federally managed land reservations allow a booking six months in advance.
Planning a winter visit to Arches National Park (Utah)? Beware: A lot of road construction will take off there early next year, and traffic delays will be the order of the day. In all, 26 miles of roads and pullouts will be renovated. The park’s only campground, Devil’s Garden, will be closed from March through October.
Get out the tape measure in Lawton, Okla. A new ordinance allows RVers to be parked at their home there – provided it’s less than 24 feet long. Longer rigs can park for up to five days only for “repairs and maintenance.”
More News
Rules for dispersed camping in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest could be up for a change at the end of December. The current rules expire then and Forest Service officials say they’re mulling over possible changes. Concerns raised include overcrowding, folks overstaying their 14-day limit, and graze leaseholders who say dispersed campers make it difficult to move livestock. Got an opinion? Phone the USFS at 307-674-2600.
Red Rock Canyon Campground – one of the few public camping areas close to Las Vegas, Nev. – has reopened following its normal summer closure. A Bureau of Land Management operation, the 71-site campground is just west of Vegas on SR 159. At $15 per night on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s a popular – and colorful – place to put in.
It may be a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but regardless of cause, it’s causing a backlash in Louisiana. We reported earlier that FEMA would no longer issue travel trailers to disaster-afflicted families, but would provide mobile home-like units instead. Several weeks after the devastating floods in Louisiana, and according to one state legislator, only one of the relief units has been delivered – while thousands of residents need shelter. A FEMA representative blames “regulatory problems,” for example, tight rules on where cities allow mobile homes to be installed.
A wildfire in Yellowstone National Park has closed down Slough Creek Campground in the park’s northeast corner. It’s reportedly the first visitor facility touched by wildfire in the park this year. It’s the park’s smallest campground with 23 sites.
RV Parts and Accessories
Give Dyers a try on your next purchase of RV parts or accessories. Large selection, great service, low prices and fast shipping. Visit our website.
When North Dakota’s oil boom went bust, it left behind an unexpected problem – dumped RVs. TJ’s Salvage yard near Alexander reports it has been receiving five to six RVs each week dropped off by property owners who say their owners simply abandoned them. Many were oil field workers. The wrecking yard owner charges $150 each to take them, then simply sends most of them through the crusher, explaining that he doesn’t want to deal with salvaging parts that may or may not work.
Fees will climb on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a National Park Service proposal. The popular Appalachian byway could see campground fees jump from the present $16 to $20. Group camp fees would rise to $35 – up $5. New fees could be added: Non-campers would pay $3 to shower at campgrounds, and RV dump fees for non-campers would ring in at $5. No, contrary to some media reports, the Service isn’t planning to charge visitors to use a trash can.
For RVers with a taste for s’mores and fire-roasted hot dogs, Labor Day weekend in Western Washington was tops. Campfires in designated campgrounds, which had been under a ban in the area, were put on the OK list by the state’s fire authority west of the Cascades on September 2.
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada, city officials say they’re cracking down on illegal RVers. Complaints about folks living in RVs in the area have caused the city council to start inspections eyeballing for violators. Is the rig fixed to the land? Wheels off? Got a deck or a roof above it? Hooked up to utilities? If an RV meets any of those criteria the city says it’s a violation of local law – and owners can expect a letter of warning or a “stop order.”
throughout the week at RVbusiness.com.
Campground closures? Here’s a work-around
Major players in public lands recreation across the country are National Forests. Trails, recreation sites and campgrounds, along with a network of roads that makes access to all of these things easier for RVers, are a mainstay for many in the RVing community. But alarm bells continue to ring that should be of concern. Learn more.
What to do when your solar charging system fails
Rich “The Wanderman” has been working on improving his original solar charging system for the past few years. The current system is working very well — lots more power, great charge times and no stress from difficult maintenance. Yay! Then Murphy struck. On his last trip, it was not charging AT ALL. Nada, nothing. It could have been a huge amount of work to remove, clean and replace the panels again. Luckily for Rich, it was a much easier repair than that.
Is ply rating important when buying RV tires?
Roger Marble of RVtireSafety.com explains what a tire’s ply rating means and if it’s important in buying tires for an RV or other vehicle. Watch the video.
How to replace the window in an RV door
If the window frame in your RV’s entry door is beginning to look a little frayed around the edges (UV light can chew them up), or you need to replace your entry door glass, you may be puzzled about how to proceed. The job isn’t all that difficult, but there are a couple of tricks that can make it much easier. Russ and Tiña De Maris clear up some of the mystery. Learn how.
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 free shipping & returns, and 0% financing on any new EVELO.
Portable water pump benefits boondockers
Boondockers know that being efficient with waste water, electricity and fresh water makes a big difference in how long they can camp. If you like to boondock, one piece of equipment you can add to your rig’s arsenal is a portable water pump, which can have several uses, including saving you effort, time and hassle. Read more.
When speed limit signs don’t make sense
Speed limits sometimes do not make sense. When editor Chuck Woodbury was driving on an interstate with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour, all was well. But when it changed to 35 mph in a construction zone, do you think that slowed everyone down? Nope — nobody. Watch this video.
Coming soon: Airstream’s lightest trailer ever
Airstream has announced the launch of its newest and lightest travel trailer, the Basecamp. According to a news release, the trailer is built with an aggressive departure angle, making uneven terrain accessible and towing easier. Read more.
Save money by letting the hubby grocery shop?
Russ De Maris confesses that he’s about as “thrifty” as the next guy. After all, with the way things were breaking down one after another in their RV, all their “spare” cash was tied up. So when he got the chance to save a buck or two he was all for it. Saving money is a good thing, right? That depends on how and where you save it. Read about the results of Russ’ “fiscal food frolic.”
Charging chassis battery through a lighter socket?
Chris Dougherty, certified RV technician, received a question from a couple of our readers while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor, regarding recharging chassis batteries by plugging in a small 12-volt solar panel. They wondered if there is any negative to providing a trickle charge to the chassis battery this way. Read Chris’ response.
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™.
This week in history
Week of Sept. 10-16
Compiled by Dell Bert
1858 — First transcontinental mail service to San Francisco begins.
1897 — First drunk driving arrest (a taxi driver in London).
1940 — United States imposes the draft.
1962 — The Four Seasons earn first #1 hit with “Sherry.”
1972 — Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) rides into his last sunset.
1982 — Hollywood star, Princess Grace Kelly dies.
1993 — New floating bridge opens in Seattle; I-90 stretches from coast to coast.
2001 — Attack on America
RV Clubs
Here is an RV club from our extensive directory which you may be interested in:
Royale Coach Club
A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association, open to all owners of a Royale Coach by Monaco. In addition, a Royale Coach Club member may sponsor an owner of any Prevost conversion coach to become a member of the club. Next rally is in October in Tucson, Ariz.
Exclusive Offer: Expand Your RV Protection Education!
RV repairs are common, complex and costly! Learn how to save big and make confident RV repair decisions with our free RV Webinar series. Secure your RV education here, and pick up insider tips on protecting your life on the road, straight from the RV Warranty Experts at Wholesale Warranties.
Bumper sticker of the week
Went on vacation and all I got was this stupid bumper sticker?
Funny/clever business slogan
“After the first whiff, call Cliff’s.” Cliff’s Septic Tank Service, Sunnyside, Wash.
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker or business slogan? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com
Upcoming RV Shows
See the Web’s best directory of upcoming RV shows for 2016 and 2017.
Websites of the Week
We like these websites. Check ’em out. More next week.
Current wildfire information
Up-to-the-minute wildfire updates in one U.S. interagency website. Select by incident or state. [There are currently 122 wildfires burning in the U.S.]
No overnight parking at these Walmarts
See which Walmarts in the USA do NOT allow overnight RV stays.
SnapPad – World’s only permanently attached jack pad for RVs
Install it just once, then leave it on — forever! 
No more crawling under your RV to set up! SnapPad XTRA installs in seconds & will not retain any standing water. Widens your jack’s footprint on any terrain, yet dampens vibrations when you move inside your RV, giving a feel that’s solid, but soft. Compatible with LCI’s ‘Level Up & Ground Control 3.0’ leveling systems. Learn more here.
Good reading from RV123.com 
• The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter lets you drink water from any source without the fear of getting sick!
• Kickstart your day outdoors with this delicious cheesy hash brown breakfast!
• Do you tow your RV? Be sure to check out this video for 20 RV towing tips!
Protect yourself and others
from sharp edges of RV slideouts!
Cut your head just once on the corner of a sharp RV slideout and you’ll race out to buy set of these so it never happens again! Camco’s Black RV Slide-Out Corner Guards offer a simple solution to the danger posed by sharp corners on RV slideouts. Simply place them on each exterior corner of the slide to provide a cushion zone. They’re made of advanced UV-stabilized resin for long life. Easy to install and no tools are required. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Shrink
Is a rusty propane tank a safety concern?
Dear RV Shrink:
We just stopped for propane and the guy wouldn’t fill us. He told my husband our attached tank did not look healthy enough.
We have a Class B Sprinter with about 100,000 miles on it. We bought it used and the tank does have some surface rust. This guy poked it a bit and a big chunk of paint came off leaving an ugly rusted area near the fill cap. My husband just tried another propane station and the kid filled us up, no questions asked.
I’m nervous, but my husband says the first guy was just over-cautious. Are we on borrowed time? Please answer quick — the tank seems to be located under my seat. —Overwrought and Under Pressure in Portland
Read the RV Shrink’s response.
SUPER HANDY!
Add an outdoor water faucet to your RV!
This lead-free outdoor faucet is really handy. If you don’t have one, here’s a super inexpensive way to add one. No tools required and it installs in a minute (just screw it on). Brass T included with the plastic faucet, just as it’s shown in the product photo. Learn more or order.
RV Tech Tips
from Mark Polk
Hot vents and children
Show your children/grandchildren where the water heater and furnace vents are located and explain to them how hot they get. Keep children away from these vents — they can cause serious burns and injuries. Don’t allow children to turn any hot water faucets on. Hot water temperatures can be extremely high if not set properly.
Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101, the premiere source of educational DVDs about buying, maintaining and using an RV. Learn more.
Get ready for winter
Keep your water flowing in freezing temps with heated hose
Camco’s Heated Water Hose provides safe drinking water in freezing temperatures by combining a drinking-water-safe hose with a self-regulating heat source encapsulated in an all-weather, PVC coating. Operates on 120VAC/1.3 AMPs. Made in the USA. Learn more or order at Amazon.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.22 (on Sept. 5). Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Down 21 cents.
Diesel: $2.41 (on Sept. 5). Change from week before: None; Change from year before: Down 13 cents.
Easily clean those
stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.
RV Travel Reader Pets
Do you travel with a pet? We’d love to introduce your pet(s) to fellow readers. Send a photo or two of Fido or Boots and a 125-150 word description of your furry friend(s), along with your name(s) and hometown to Diane(at)RVtravel.com .
Click here to see the last issue of RV Travel Reader Pets.
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.
The RV Kitchen
with Janet Groene
Rags ‘n Riches
Rags, riches and a real meal deal.
Too many broken noodles in that box of lasagna? Take out your aggressions on pasta and beef as a fun way of making this deliciously different one-pot dish. All ingredients can be kept in your RV pantry for weeks, ready for the next emergency or just a lazy day when you want a quick supper. Get the recipe.
Check out hundreds of other recipes by Janet . . . and her many books at Amazon.com, including the brand-new “The Survival Food Handbook.“
BEST-SELLERS IN KITCHEN AND DINING AT AMAZON.COM
Fix it In Foil! Tasty Recipes. Easy cleanup!
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition, quick clean-up! “Fix It In Foil” includes 51 fantastic recipes to make in foil — plus instructions for cooking in an oven, on an outdoor grill, or on a campfire. Fix it in foil and forget about scrubbing pots and pans. And, with plenty of substitution suggestions, enjoy a whole new list of recipe possibilities! Great for RVing! Learn more or order.
RV Fire Safety Tip
Galley stove safety
Even if the flame on your galley stove goes out, gas continues to flow and could result in an explosion. A stove should never be left unattended or used to heat your coach. Open propane flames release high levels of carbon monoxide. Courtesy: MacTheFireGuy.com
Editor’s note: Choose from a wide selection of fire extinguishers at Amazon.
Essential for big RVs!
2017 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas
If you drive a big RV — extra long or extra tall — then this truck driver’s 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.
RV Quick Tips
Holding tank “home-brew recipe” cleaner
Seann Fox sends this “recipe” for holding tanks: “Three cups of dishwasher detergent and 10 gallons of water in each holding tank (not the freshwater tank) will do an amazing job of cleaning the tank of grease and yuck.” Like all home-brew tank cleansing formulas, use at your own risk. Thanks, Seann!
Be sure to lock the window by the RV door
When away from your RV, be sure to close and secure the window next to the door. Left open, it’s an invitation for a bad guy to cut the screen, reach through and unlock the door.
Get used to driving your motorhome before you start towing
Just getting into your first motorhome? Plan to tow a car, too? Put a few miles on non-urban roads without the tow car, just to get used to the drive and feel of the motorhome. Later, add the tow vehicle to the package.
Do you have a Quick Tip? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com.
Keep rodents out of your RV!
This is the only plant-based rodent repellent registered for inside use by the EPA. It effectively repels rodents up to 100 days with a “woodsy” scent that’s pleasant to humans but offensive to rodents. It’s safe around kids and pets. 98% biodegradable. Tested and endorsed by the Good Sam Club. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Doctor
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions
How to fix propane leak in RV range
Dear RV Doctor:
I have a gas leak in a stove/oven around one of the compression fittings. I have done everything I can think of to fix it. Can I use some high-temp silicone around the tubing on the outside to fix it? —Bob E.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.
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 about $12! Learn more or order.
Gizmos and Gadgets
Save space, eat right with a collapsible salad spinner
For RVers, eating healthy on the road can be both challenging and adventurous. With a little extra effort you can find farmers markets and roadside stands wherever you travel. Adding farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals is an easy choice, and having the essential tools to prepare the fresh veggies can make meal prep fun. A collapsible salad spinner is a must for the RV galley. Read more.
Aluminum portable folding table with carrying bag
The Table in a Bag is a portable table that goes everywhere and sets up anywhere. This lightweight but sturdy portable table is perfect for any indoor or outdoor activity. The collapsible table rolls up in seconds and fits into an easy carry bag with a shoulder strap. This unique compact and portable design offers the most convenient way to have a full-size table anywhere you want. 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.
Upcoming RV Shows
• Utah RV Supershow, Sept. 8-11, Sandy, UT
• Fall RV Show & Sale, Sept. 9-11, St. Louis, MO
• Ohio Outdoor RV Bargain Expo, Sept. 9-11, Cleveland, Ohio
• Vermont State Fall RV Show, Sept. 10-11, Essex Junction, VT
• America’s Largest RV Show, Sept. 14-18, Hershey, PA
• Fall Maryland RV Show, Sept. 15-18, Timonium, MD
• Portland Fall RV & Van Show, Sept. 15-18, Portland, OR
• Southwest RV SuperShow, Sept. 15-18, Dallas, TX
• Greater Iowa RV Show, Sept. 16-18, Des Moines, Iowa
• Springfield RV Mega Show, Sept. 16-18, Springfield, MO
See the list of all upcoming RV shows.
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 Short Stop
“Fallingwater” — a must-see Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece
“Fallingwater” is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces and one of Smithsonian’s Life List of “28 Places to Visit Before You Die.” It was the mid-1930s when Wright, in his mid-60s and already famous, designed this “weekend retreat” for a wealthy family. It became famous when it appeared on the cover of Time. The design “exemplifies Wright’s concept of organic architecture: the harmonious union of art and nature.” Autumn is a good time to visit. RV camping is nearby. Read more in Julianne G. Crane’s article.
Camco Wheel Chocks. Two Pack
Wheel chocks are one of those “must have” basic items for all RVers. Hey, who wants to go rolling outta their campsite at 3 a.m.? For trailer owners, the chocks are designed to keep your RV in place so that you can re-hitch with confidence. The chalks are constructed of durable hard plastic with UV inhibitors and are easy to use. Learn more or order.
Joke of the Week
An RVing couple, born the same year and month, were celebrating their 60th birthdays. A fairy appeared and said she would grant them both a wish. Very excited, the wife said she would like to visit Europe. The fairy waved her magic wand and airline tickets appeared. Then it was his turn. He paused briefly, then said with a sly look, “I’d like to have a woman 30 years younger than me.” The fairy waved her wand and, presto, he was 90.
Visit our YouTube Channel.
More than 500 great videos about RVing!
Videos you’ll like
•How to touch up roof sealants
In this video sponsored by Dicor, Mark Polk explains how to seal holes or other leaks in your roof. Watch the video
•Winnebago’s amazing flying motorhomes
Did you know that Winnebago once built flying motorhomes? It’s true. Here’s the fascinating story. Watch the video.
HOW TO WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS USING VERY LITTLE BANDWIDTH.
Random RV Thought
One way to see if your RV is level is to place a marble, golf ball or other round object on your dinette table or kitchen counter top. Watch which direction it rolls — that’s where your RV is the lowest.
Trivia
For every 2,000 pounds of paper recycled, the following are saved: 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water and 4,000 kilowatts of energy.
WINTER IS COMING SOON:
Check out this huge selection of RV covers.
Worth Pondering
“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” —Andrew Carnegie
Readers’ Birthday and Anniversary Greetings
Happy Birthday!
None received from our readers, so here are some “celebrity” birthdays from this week:
1857 — Future president William Taft is born.
1890 — World’s best-selling novelist Agatha Christie is born.
1944 — Singer Barry White is born.
Happy Anniversary!
None received from our readers, so here are some “celebrity” marriages from this week:
1794 — James Madison marries Dolley Payne Todd.
1846 — Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning elope.
1953 — John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier are married.
Send your special someone a birthday or anniversary greeting (25-word maximum) Remember to send it to us prior to the Saturday before the big event.
TODAY’S DEALS AT AMAZON.COM. Click.
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, Julianne Crane and Chris Guld.
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 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. He is the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD “Buying a Recreational Vehicle,” the definitive guide to purchasing an RV the right way.
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There will always be people like Stanley that want something for nothing.
Of course Chuck has bills to pay.
I don’t see you donating to his site to keep the ads down.
Maybe whine somewhere else.
I have been reading this Newsletter for several years now. I make a point of not reading until Sunday morning which I read while drinking my pot of Sunday coffee.
Now a retired full time Rver I can take my time. It’s one little ritual that I look forward to every week. Despite the time I have enjoyed reading it, there is never a week go by that I didn’t learn something or just plain enjoy reading Chucks comments. Many of which I can absolutely relate to..
To the person who claims to rarely read anything interesting, you must lead an exceptional exciting life or know everything with no room to broaden your outlook in life. I don’t envy you at all.
For the rest of us, please keep what you are doing Chuck, I would greatly miss my Sunday morning ritual.
Thanks for your efforts always.
Hi Mike,
Since you commented on my comment, I’ll comment on yours. BTW, my name is Stanley – not “the person”. I am probably the average RV’er. Still working, camp very often in a 5th wheel, and read a lot of RV forums and news. I do like this newsletter, but I have to weed through gobs of ads to get to maybe one or two articles in the news that I possibly haven’t heard about. I want to be constructive rather than critical. But the newsletter is all about making money, with very little content of interest. I will still subscribe, but I do hope things change a little. I need more relevant content! I don’t need rodent control, or another plastic qizmo to make RV life better. The RV Doc is good sometimes.
I have a great awning experience! I am a huge bluegrass music fan. When we arrived at the campground my buddy there told me he had 2 surprises for me. One, he had a bottle of favorite whiskey to share. The second, the guy across the road plays banjo for a regionally famous band and will come play later on. Well, after playing in a concert locally that Friday night, he was a bit tired, so he took a break. But, Saturday…wow, he came over and played solo for a couple hours. He knew every song I could think of and a few more! We have been friends ever since.
I find plenty to read about in this newsletter. I look forward every week to it.
Just want to know what happened to your give away. I did win the hand cranked radio but still like looking in the box. Keep on writing I’ll keep on reading.
I’ve read the newsletter for a few years, always optimistic that I’ll see something worthwhile. There is rarely anything interesting here, and the big problem is the overwhelming number of ads! I’m loosing interest, but I won’t give up just yet. I did comment once, with no response.
Sincerely,
Stanley
Stanley,
Sorry you find so little of interest. It’s hard for me to believe that over time you wouldn’t pick up some valuable information. Yes, a lot of ads, but we have a staff and other bills to pay, and without the ads and the voluntary subscriptions from our readers, we’d be out of business. Many of our readers, some of whom have been with us 15 years, would prefer that not happen. There are plenty of other websites and newsletters about RVing. Perhaps you should look around to find something that more closely matches your interests.
Thanks for that veiled response. I see that you want me to look elsewhere for RV information, so that you won’t have to respond to comments that you feel are negative. I was trying to help you tailor the newsletter to better suit a huge segment of RV’ers. I’ll give a little while longer
Hi Stanley, sorry you don’t seem to find much of interest, perhaps you could give some actual ideas or topics that you might find interesting instead of just complaining.
I enjoy investigating all the nooks and crannies, blogs and sidebars of this newsletter and do get a lot out of them. Many thanks to all who contribute.
I loved the awning point Chuck. You’re right.
Hopefully – all the people sitting under their awnings have read the owner’s manual from the manufacturer and know to bring their awnings in when not using them or when they leave the RV. We read our manual and saw the part where they say never leave the awning unattended. But we saw that so many people have set up their awnings as permanent room extensions so we did too. We had it all nicely shaded with a drop-down shade and all – tied to the ground. Then a gust of wind came up and bent our metal supports and ruined the awning. One of our neighbors awnings blew over their roof as the awning tore loose from the side of their RV. Never ever leave your awing out and unattended.