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Issue 792 • Week of May 5–12, 2017
Editor’s corner
With Chuck Woodbury
Chuck (at) RVtravel.com
About a year ago I sold my 24-foot Winnebago View motorhome. Gail and I bought a 32-foot Winnebago Adventurer and a Honda Fit to tow behind it. Based on our five-month trip to Nova Scotia and back to Seattle two years ago, we determined that the View would be too small for full-timing. The 32-foot Adventurer is small compared to most full-timer rigs, but it’s spacious to us.
After 30 years of traveling with small motorhomes without towing anything, my new setup has changed how I feel about RVing: Overall, I enjoyed RVing more with the smaller rig, primarily for its mobility. I could sightsee on any two-lane road or drive a narrow dirt road en route to a remote campsite, and in both cases know the RV would fit. Without towing a vehicle four wheels down (as I do now), I didn’t need to worry about getting stuck on a dead end road and being unable to back up without unhooking the car.
With the smaller rig, I could pull off the road just about anywhere, maybe to hike a short trail, visit a small-town museum, or stop for apple pie and coffee at a roadside cafe. The View was not much longer than some pickup trucks so I could maneuver it fairly easily. I was much more willing to explore back roads with the smaller rig.
I have always enjoyed traveling spontaneously, and until recently seldom stayed longer than a night or two in one place, making a tow car unnecessary. As a writer, I was always looking for something new to write about. My on-the-road life was a treasure hunt: The treasures were the stories I’d find and share with my readers. I loved that.
When I drove down the road, I would sometimes glance behind my seat into the small RV and marvel that everything I needed was in that tiny space. Camping in an Oregon State Park along the coast in the late fall, with the wind howling and the temps in the 40s, I’d return from a walk along the beach to my warm little cottage, and maybe enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. I’d feel cozy and happy. It was the same wonderful feeling I had as child when I’d hide away in a fort made of a cardboard box.
Now, with our larger RV and tow car, and living in it full-time, Gail and I try to stay in one place for a month. Having the tow car is great, no doubt about that. We can go anywhere we want, anytime, and then return at the end of the day. Or we can wander farther away and stay a night or two in a hotel. We can drive to a movie theater or dine out at an interesting restaurant. If there’s a local fish fry, we can just hop in the car and partake. There’s no need to pack up the RV and unhook it from utilities.
I like having the car A LOT. That’s a huge plus, for sure, over traveling like I did before without a second vehicle. Still, when I drive down the highway today in the longer motorhome, I don’t feel the joy or sense of freedom that I felt with my smaller RV. I don’t know why.
THE PROBLEM WITH MY FULL-TIMING LIFE is that once Gail and I select a campground or RV park and sign up for a month, we’re pretty much stuck, especially if we prepay to get the best rate. If a neighbor smokes cigars right outside our window or blasts his outdoor TV into the night, it’s annoying, sometimes maddening. If we were only staying for a day or two, no big deal. But for a month, even a week, it’s not fun. Sure, we could request another site (after talking to our neighbor), but in this day and age with so many parks filled, there’s often not another available space in the park or even nearby.
Every once in awhile in the new rig we find a beautiful primitive campground with lots of space between sites (I especially love to camp on Forest Service or BLM lands), where we can hole up for up to a week using our onboard power and water resources. Ditto for boondocking on public lands of the West. But so far, we haven’t been able to easily plan stays at the public campgrounds: Many are first-come, first-served, and I’m not comfortable just showing up and discovering the campground is full. If that were to happen, it might be difficult to find another place close by.
Yes, there is always Walmart, but I do not like staying there except in an emergency, as I have said before.
MY LIFE TODAY with the larger RV and the tow car is, considering everything, more comfortable than with the smaller RV, and having the car is great — a game changer. For full-timing, you really do need a second vehicle to get around. But for short trips, as I almost always took in the past, I loved being in a smaller RV, without the hassles of towing, and spending most of my time wandering rather than holing up in one location. Much too often, RV parks today are dumpy or they cram you so close to your neighbor you can hear them snore at night. A night or two in such a place is okay, but a month?
My love of RVing has always been based in large part on living in a small abode that I could drive easily down backroads, and stay often at public campgrounds for a night or two, then move on. I felt more like an explorer than I do now. Alas, times have changed. The idea of “going where you want, when you want” was wonderful when there were far fewer RVers. Today, with so many new ones occupying campsites, the idea of spontaneously exploring the country goes more like “Go where you want, when you want. . . as long as you have a reservation.”
I have a lot more to stay about this, but we’d need to sit by a campfire to talk about it for a couple of hours. I’ll just sum up by saying that out of 100 points, I liked my old life, in the small RV, about 52. My new full-timing life would be 48. Both are good, but one, to me, is just a little bit better than the other.
DOES YOUR RV HAVE A NAME?
Did you name your RV? If so, please let us know by clicking here and leaving its name in the comments along with the story behind it. We’ll pick the most creative three names at the end of May and award each of the RV owners a highly rated Tekton digital tire gauge.
Next week:
New fifth wheel trailer includes
a deep ‘soaker’-size bathtub!
Here’s Gail (being a little silly!) giving the bathtub a trial run (nope, no water in the tub this time).
My Roadside Journal
(about whatever is on my mind, not necessarily RV-related)
No new posts this week.
Sources of information about free and
inexpensive RV camping, official and unofficial.
•Did you miss last week’s RV Travel? Read it here.
•Directory of back issues.
Is reading this newsletter
worth 10 cents to you?
Our staff works hard to bring you a valuable newsletter every Saturday. Readers help make it possible with their voluntary subscriptions. Even a pledge of $5 a year is appreciated — that’s less than 10 cents an issue! Many readers pledge more — $10 a year is less than 20 cents an issue! Your contributions make it possible for us to write about important matters, not just fluff to make advertisers and RV industry big shots happy. Enter a voluntary subscription. Use a credit card, PayPal or mail a check.
Are You Stinking Up The Campground?
Eliminate disgusting tank odors for less than $1 per treatment with formaldehyde-free Unique RV Digest-It. Unique’s highly concentrated, non-toxic blend of tank cleaning microbes maintains clean sensors, eliminates odors, and liquefies the solids in your tank, ensuring no backups. All without harsh chemicals or dangerous ingredients. Try it once and you’ll be shocked at how clean your tank can be! Learn more or order.
Winnebago, Itasca motorhomes recalled
The Axxess radio volume control module on more than 5,000 model year 2014-2017 Winnebago and Itasca motorhomes may affect electrical system functions, possibly causing an engine shutdown, power loss, illumination of malfunction indicator warning lights, and interfere with the restraint system. These scenarios could increase the risk of crash or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Read more.
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 last week’s RV Travel Reader RVs.
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.
THIS WEEK’S CONTEST!
We have a winner! No more entries for this contest, please.
Win this MUSIC ANGEL Ultra Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. The winner will be chosen randomly out of all correct entries received by noon (Pacific), Sunday. The question: How many years has the RVtravel.com newsletter been published? 4, 9 or 16? (Answer is below if you want to be sure.) Email your answer to RVcontests (at) gmail.com. We can only ship prizes to addresses with a U.S. Zip Code. Only one entry per household. All entries must include your mailing address and telephone number (only used for mailing if you win) or your entry will be disqualified and we’ll choose the next (correct) entry. Contest ends Sunday at noon (Pacific), at which time a winner will be selected by Random.org. We’ll let you know if you win.
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports the highest monthly RV shipment total ever. It says March survey results totaled 47,579 units, compared to 40,740 for the same month last year. First quarter shipments were up 12 percent from last year — 120,866, up from 108,195.
After meeting with the new U.S. Secretary of Interior, Ryan Zinke, recreation industry types say they’re invigorated by Zinke’s view for the future of America’s public lands. Representatives from a variety of recreation industry groups, including RV manufacturers, met in a retreat with Zinke April 24 at Shenandoah National Park. Zinke outlined his vision which, according to industry talking heads, lines up with their own – increasing access to parks and reducing “infrastructure backlogs.” Actual details about how this would all come about were scant.
Camping near Eugene, Ore., will get a little scarcer for a bit. Both Trail Bridge and Lakes End campgrounds at the Trail Bridge Reservoir are shut down to allow a local water and electric board to retrofit the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric facility on the upper McKenzie River. Also shut down – Trail Bridge Reservoir boat launch, Smith Reservoir, and Forest Service roads 689, 690, and 730. This won’t be a quick-fix: The closure will continue for five years.
If, indeed, everything’s bigger in Texas, look for the possibility of a really big state park. Texas Parks and Wildlife agency officials say they already own 40,000 acres near Presidio in the Chinati Mountains. They’re holding open meetings to take the public pulse as to possibly opening it as a park – it would be one of the three biggest in the state. But don’t look to circle your wagons around the campfire there anytime soon – this is just the test period.
What might be considered at first glance to be a major state park goof is proving to enhance life for RVers. Officials at Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park have narrowed roads some 15 feet. The goal of the project: Free up more space for RV pads to accommodate larger RVs. In addition to the road shrinkage, water and electrical hookups have been added to about 100 sites. Other upgrades included improve traffic flow and more, all to the tune of $4 million.
It seems Camping World isn’t the only RV dealer having “flagpole flap.” Owners of Nielson RV in St. George, Utah, recently erected a 150-foot-tall flagpole at the dealership to fly a 60-foot x 80-foot U.S. flag. After a windstorm damaged the flag and it was taken down for repairs, city officials notified the dealer that it had erected the pole without proper permitting, and that it was in violation of a 35-foot flagpole ordinance. Owner Scott Nielson was advised he needed to apply for a zoning variance. But Nielson says he’ll run up the flag and not pay the city a dime.
We reported last week that Montana legislators were trying to pass a new law that would lump a 1 percent tax on RVs and autos with a retail price of $150,000 or more. The so-called “Ferrari tax” took a lot of heat from RV dealers. To keep everybody happy, the lawmakers are now cutting back the proposed tax, sticking buyers of the higher-cost rigs with an $825 fee per year for a decade – in addition to all existing vehicle registration costs and taxes.
For a family in Colerain Township, Pa., a weekend outing with the travel trailer turned into a tragedy. A 10-year-old girl was asleep in the family RV when a tree at Oma’s Family Campground toppled over it and another nearby RV. The young girl died after rescuers pried her from the wreckage. The campground owner said the tree interior had ants inside.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana will soon have a new RV resort up and running near Big Arm. The tribes’ elders recently met and reviewed plans for the $2.6 million RV development, which includes a boat dock and restaurant. Plans are to have the RV park on Flathead Lake operational before summer.
Let’s Go Camping!
You’re just a road trip away from the perfect getaway in some of the most desirable vacation destinations. Enjoy all you love about RV camping adventures. Plan your ideal RV getaway with RVontheGo.com; we offer the best in cabin and RV camping in more than 180 locations across the country. Click here to receive 10% off your stay today!
More News
Springfield, Kentucky’s, city council has tapped local liquor makers to help make a city-owned RV park a reality. The council says there aren’t any RV campgrounds in the area, located near the so-called Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and they reckon building one would encourage tourism – a win for all. The city is hopeful distilleries would like to contribute a bit of money to help make a full-hookup park a reality. The new park, if it comes to fruition, will be sited on the Springfield Reservoir.
A judge has handed down a prison sentence to an Evansville, Wisc., RV salesman convicted of bilking thousands of dollars out of RV customers while operating Janesville RV Center. Troy Tofte, 48, was found guilty on 15 counts of fraud for selling RVs on consignment, then not paying off underlying loans nor giving the money owed to the sellers. Tofte will spend up to seven years and six months in prison, then be under court supervision for a total of 21 years. He’s been ordered to pay restitution to his nearly 40 victims.
Every day, people list used RVs on eBay, the big online auction service. But it isn’t every day you can bid on a “1996 Class B Caddilac (sic) Fleetwood Motorhome.” You didn’t know Fleetwood built a Class B on a Cadillac chassis? Well, that’s because this conversion unit had a previous life in the funeral industry – as a hearse! With 79,000 miles on the odometer, custom graphics, a porta-potty, comfy bed, and 17+ miles per gallon, this might be the RV for you. Sad to say, the auction closed without a single bid on the $12,000 opening price. You can still attend the “viewing” here.
Perry County, Ill., is expecting a surge in visitors come August, when the solar eclipse is visible in the area on the 21st. Since the limited existing campground space will likely be maxed out, the county is allowing temporary campgrounds on private property – with limitations. A $20 permit from the county, garbage cans, a first aid kit, a sign directing folks to the nearest hospital, toilets and hand-washing facilities, and if offering potable water, it’ll need to meet state standards.
The fight to make Buffalo Chip a town continues in South Dakota. The state’s Supreme Court has received an appeal from Buffalo Chip Campground near Sturgis, asking the court to allow it to remain a city. To do so requires the high court to overturn a lower court ruling that would have killed off approval of municipal status, which had been approved by a vote of the public. Officials of the nearby town, Sturgis, say nobody really lives in Buffalo Chip; the latter contends Sturgis has plans to eventually annex the campground to grab sales tax revenue.
You can hang your hammock near NOLA (New Orleans, La.) — just don’t sleep in it overnight. At least, not along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The Mandeville, La., city council said they had complaints about folks sleeping overnight on the lakefront, so they’ve written a law that prohibits overnight camping there. The council was quick to point out that daytime use of hammocks is OK – just don’t snooze after sunset.
An Alberta, Canada, RVing couple got quite a start just after hitching up their fifth wheel to their brand-new pickup truck. A man hopped in the truck and tore off down the road. It started in Red Deer and ended near Didsbury along Queen Elizabeth II highway. The unidentified crook dumped the fifth wheel shortly after heisting the combo, damaging the fifth wheel hitch in the process. After he got on the highway, the driver-side front wheel blasted off the truck – and the thief continued to drive at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour, for 50 miles up the highway with police in pursuit. The truck finally ground to a halt after hitting a ditch, and in his own last-ditch effort, the thief took off afoot – only to be brought down and arrested.
Case open and closed: A Brinnon, Wash., man was driving home on Highway 101 on April 19 and noted how much a travel trailer parked alongside the highway reminded him of his own RV. When he got home, his travel trailer was missing. A quick U-turn and back down the highway, and sure enough …
throughout the week at RVbusiness.com.
Your RVer Horoscopes for May
Did you miss Swami Hal’s RVer horoscopes for May in the last newsletter? No problem. He anticipated that (he’s good!) so you have another chance to check ’em out here.
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.
RV Quick Tips
Can’t find a good location for your remote reporting thermometer transmitter? Stick it out in the sun and it may report way too high. Look for a location under your rig’s steps – in the shade, but close to your inside unit, making it a sure receiver “pickup.”
Best way to park safely during strong winds
During a strong storm with high winds, try to camp with your RV pointing toward or away from the wind. The RV will be more stable than if the wind was hitting it sideways. And beware of close-by trees. If they don’t look strong and healthy, camp a distance away … just in case!
Keep bugs from sticking so hard to your rig
Bugs sticking to the front of your rig making you buggy? Get ’em off easy. Apply plenty of wax to the front of your rig when doing your “spiff and clean” routines. Some RVers swear by dampening dryer softener sheets with water, then wiping the front end down with the sheet – bugs practically experience a resurrection and jump off with a quick wipe-down later.
Do you have a Quick Tip? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com and you just might see it here!
Camping with the Corps of Engineers
Many RVers consider Corps of Engineers campgrounds to be the best in the country. This guide is just for RVers — boat-in and tent-only sites are not included. Of all the public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has some of the best parks and campgrounds available. In fact, it’s the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation. Learn more or order.
What day is best to fuel up the RV?
While it’s not always possible to pick a specific day of the week to fill up the old motorhome, if you can, you may save yourself a few bucks. Find out in this article by Russ and Tiña De Maris when the best days and the worst days are to fill up, and other interesting information, based on three years of data analyzed by fuel price watcher GasBuddy.com. Good to know.
Getting lost — Is it time for a new GPS?
Rich “The Wanderman” has an older GPS that’s been upgraded over and over for quite a few years, but it’s beginning to show its age. Lots of folks use their cell phones for navigation, but he likes to have his phone for phone calls — not attached to the dash or window, reading out his trip plan. He’ll stick with a standalone GPS unit, but how do you select one? Rich explains here.
One couple’s top five RVing frustrations
Mike and Jennifer Wendland publish the excellent website/blog Roadtreking, “Celebrating the RV Lifestyle.” Although the Wendlands are enthusiastic about their lives as RVers, Mike takes an opportunity here to describe the couple’s top five RVing frustrations.
Women RVers: Full-time solo RVer living her RV Dream, her way
For more than 15 years Melissa Dafnis had dreamed of living and traveling in an RV. “I wanted to live the lifestyle of freedom and adventure that full-time RVing involves,” said the former professional jockey. “I love to travel, I love a challenge, I love freedom. And RVing is all of those things and more.” This amazing 5-foot-tall dynamo is living her dream with a 44-foot fifth-wheel trailer, pulled by a Ram 3500 Diesel Dually. Oh, and she runs her own business while on the road! Read more.
The readers write — and bark!
We’ve had another couple of busy weeks of reader commentary. Brought to you by Russ and Tiña De Maris, here are some of the hot topics where many of you wanted to “speak your piece,” including RVers not happy with editor’s essay, video; “segregated” campgrounds; dogs in campgrounds; and more.
Highly rated hand vacuum perfect for the RV
This cordless lithium hand vac from Black and Decker will be a great addition to your RV. It holds a charge for up to 18 months and the battery has no memory effect. Its Smart Charge technology uses 50% less energy than others. It’s powerful and offers outstanding performance, with no bag to clean. Learn more.
Full-time RVing: Keeping the peace in a small space
It seems that the male of the species comes in for a larger share of criticism, particularly in regard to “good nest-keeping.” It’s been a bitter lesson for Russ De Maris as the man of the RV house to learn how to keep the “better half” happy. Something to do with living in a small space can make the failure to put away anything not in immediate use drive Tiña up the wall. Read Russ’ suggestions for keeping the peace.
Use your RV levelers to lift a tire off the ground?
One of the biggest “helpers” that Class A motorhome owners often have is a good leveler system. At the push of a button or two, their rig is soon leveled up and stable, ready for an overnight, or weeks, without any fuss. But when leveling, is it okay to leave a wheel or wheels off the ground? Find out here.
Rain on your RV? Time to look for leaks!
Spring showers are great for thirsty plant life, but with all those showers comes the potential for water to settle into some hidden areas of your RV. So, as the rains begin to fall, it’s time we talk about where to search for those leaks and what to do to fix them. Here are some tips from Dicor Corporation.
Will Aqua Hot system stink you out of your RV?
Chris Dougherty, certified RV technician, received the following question from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor: “Are there any downsides to having Aqua Hot [heating system] in your coach? I am thinking it would be nice to have in our next coach. Would the smell of diesel be a problem like it is with a generator? If so, could it be run up a Gen-turi like a generator can?” Read Chris’ response.
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.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
This week in history
Week of May 6–12
Compiled by Dell Bert
1858 — Minnesota enters the Union.
1869 — Transcontinental railroad completed.
1901 — Gary Cooper is born.
1907 — Katharine Hepburn is born.
1937 — The Hindenburg explodes in New Jersey.
1940 — John Steinbeck wins a Pulitzer for “The Grapes of Wrath.”
1954 — Roger Bannister breaks four-minute mile.
2004 — Final episode of “Friends” airs on NBC.
2010 — Betty White becomes oldest “Saturday Night Live” host.
Lap top desk provides cushion and support
Whether you’re working on your laptop or writing with a pen and paper, this soft, fleece covered cushion with a sturdy surface is perfect for when you’re not at a desk. Take it with you wherever you go. Great for a child for coloring or playing a game. It has a built-in drink and pen holder and a flexible battery-powered light. This would be very useful to many RVers. Learn more or order.
Bumper sticker of the week
“Never forget ol’ what’s his name.” —Thanks to … ummm … oh, yeah — Jim & Deb Langley!
Funny/clever business slogan
“You can hear about our work, but you’ll never see it.” —At a collision repair shop in Lynnwood, Wash.
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker or business slogan? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com
Easy way to add water to your batteries!
Never, ever, let your automotive or RV deep cycle batteries run out off water. Here’s a simple way to keep them topped off for maximum performance and long life. Just use this syringe with distilled water. So easy. Learn more or order.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
Websites of the Week
Here are three we like:
The most beautiful places in Yosemite National Park
Planning a trip to Yosemite this year? Don’t miss these must-see locations with more than 400 species of vertebrates, including mountain lions and bears, as well as meadows, forests, mountain peaks and groves of giant sequoias that are accessible throughout the entire park. Yosemite National Park ranked No. 1 in The Active Times’ “All 59 National Parks Ranked” list. From The Active Times and msn.com.
Twenty must-try legendary restaurants
Here are 20 legendary restaurants you should visit if you call yourself a food lover. These local legends have become national treasures and iconic institutions. Check ’em out when you’re in the neighborhood and enjoy some delicious, legend-making food. From The Daily Meal and msn.com.
The 50 cheapest places to retire
These cities, chosen by GOBankingRates after much research and study, “are as vibrant as they are affordable, with everything from natural beauty and colorful histories to world-class culture and amenities.” From GOBankingRates and msn.com.
Here is our “master list” of more than 700 websites we like, which we have compiled over the years.
No overnight parking at these Walmarts
See which Walmarts in the USA do NOT allow overnight RV stays.
RV Clubs
Check out our Directory of RV Clubs and Organizations.
Give your smartphone camera a super wide angle lens!
This is so cool! Just clip it over the camera lens on your smart phone and you’ll instantly have a super wide angle lens! Plus, it also works as a macro lens, so you can get great up-close shots —not much more than a foot away from your object. The other amazing thing about this is it’s inexpensive! Will not work on the iPhone 7, which has two lenses. Learn more or order.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
RV Tire Safety
with RV tire expert Roger Marble
How tires are built — now and in the past
In these several videos assembled by Roger Marble, RV tire expert, see everything from the overall process of making tires, to how tires were made in the ’30s, to making bias tires in the ’60s and still in some third world countries, to a state of the art machine which produces one tire per minute. Fascinating! Watch the videos.
Endorsed by tire expert Roger Marble!
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 it off, it will do so automatically. The included lithium battery never needs to be recharged or replaced. Used by the RV Travel staff. Learn more or order.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
Good reading from RV123.com 
• It’s always a good thing when a vacation includes the opportunity to enjoy pristine wilderness and an educational opportunity too.
• These RVing experts have ranked their top 5 places to RV camp in the USA.
• This modified Lance Camper RV is one of the most eco-friendly on the market.
BEST SELLER
“The” guide to services at Interstate exits
Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2017 Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and details exactly what you will find at each: gas stations (including if they offer diesel), campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, laundries, retail stores (by name), shopping malls, factory outlet malls, drug stores, hospitals, rest areas & more. Very helpful even if you have a GPS. Learn more or order.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
Ask the RV Shrink
Wife wants new, fancier RV; hubby wants to update current one
Dear RV Shrink:
I hope you can help me with my husband’s paranoia about our finances. We have been full-time traveling in our RV since retirement. We took the plunge, sold the house and bought a used 5th wheel. We have been on the road for seven years and both enjoy the lifestyle. Now that we have our sea legs I have a desire for several options that our rig lacks. We are perfectly capable of buying a new rig but my husband keeps on insisting we save our money and just update what we have. … —Abstemious in Albany
Read the rest of the question and the RV Shrink’s advice.
Can’t get enough of the Shrink? Read his new e-book: Dr. R.V. Shrink: Everything you ever wanted to know about the RV Lifestyle but were afraid to ask or check out his other e-books.
Casino Guide includes RVer info
The highly rated 2017 American Casino Guide provides detailed information on more than 750 casino/resorts, riverboats and Indian casinos in 41 states including which have RV parks and/or allow RV overnighting for free. Includes maps and more than $1,000 in coupons. Discloses the actual slot machine payback percentages for every state’s casinos. Learn more or order.
RV Tech Tips
from Mark Polk
Tow rating
Your tow vehicle may be rated to tow 7K pounds, but if the hitch receiver on the vehicle is rated at 5K pounds that is the most you can tow.
Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101, the premiere source of educational DVDs about buying, maintaining and using an RV. Learn more.
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.41 (on May 1). Change from week before: Down 4 cents; Change from year before: Up 17 cents.
Diesel: $2.58 (on May 1). Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Up 32 cents.
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.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
The RV Kitchen
with Janet Groene
Chewy Doozies
Chewy and oh, so good cookies.
This recipe makes a huge batch of wholesome, toothsome cookies to tuck away for breakfast, snacks or dessert. Make them during the week, then grab and go to eat on the fly when you’re trying to get to a first-come campground early on Saturday. Plenty of nuts and eggs add protein. Fruit adds fiber and a little brown sugar adds carbs to get you through the morning. Get the recipe.
Check out hundreds of other recipes by Janet . . . and her many books at Amazon.com, including the new “The Survival Food Handbook.”
BEST-SELLERS IN KITCHEN AND DINING AT AMAZON.COM
Microwave cover collapses for easy storage
When heating your food you don’t want to spend 10 minutes later cleaning the splatters inside the microwave. Here’s the solution — perfect for RVers: It pops down flat for easy storage. Lid perforations allow steam to escape to keep food moist. Doubles as a strainer! Learn more or order.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
Ask the RV Doctor
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions
What to do for an unstable TV antenna
Dear Gary:
I have a Winegard crank-up TV antenna, and when it’s cranked in the “up” position it rocks back and forth when the wind blows. Someone told me that there’s a tool that can adjust the antenna. Do you know what kind of tool this might be and what I have to do to adjust the antenna? —Larry
Gary is a featured seminar speaker at this weekend’s Puyallup RV Show (just south of Seattle). Learn about his topics. The seminars are free with an admission to the show.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com.
Who are you? Where did you come from?
With a DNA test from 23andMe, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your global ancestry, even learn if some of your DNA comes from Neanderthals. If you choose, find & connect with relatives who share your DNA. Just provide a saliva sample & send it back. Results will arrive in about 6-8 weeks. Learn more or order.
Ask BoondockBob
with Bob Difley
If RVs are made to “hook up,” why camp in the dirt?
Dear Bob,
My husband has been trying lately to talk me into boondocking, rather than staying in comfortable campgrounds and RV resorts that seem to me to be much more comfortable and predictable. If RVs were made to hook up to utilities why would we want to give that up to camp out in the dirt somewhere? —Trixie
Do you have a question for Bob? Email him at bob.rvtravel (at) gmail.com .
Read the most recent BoondockBob Blog post: It’s the little things that bring enjoyment to your boondocking experience.
You can find Bob Difley’s e-books on Amazon Kindle.
Easily check the tire pressure on your inner dual tires!
Do you have trouble reading the tire pressure on your RV’s inner duals? This dual head tire pressure gauge with an extension steel shaft will reach where a standard gauge won’t. Be sure you know the pressure of all your tires, or risk a potentially dangerous blowout. No batteries required. Learn more or order at a discount.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
Gizmos and Gadgets
Protect your RV interior and keep cool with Sunshades
Whether you believe in global warming or not, summer is coming and it’s going to be hot. You can reduce the amount your RV heats up, as well as increase the efficiency of your A/C, by using collapsible sunshades to block the sun from streaming in your big windows. The sunshades are easy to use, are the largest collapsible shades available, and fold up to 1/10th the original size. They also block out UV rays and peering eyes. Read more.
Winegard introduces ConnecT RV Internet WiFi + 4G LTE Extender
The Winegard ConnecT 4G1 is a fully-integrated system that works together for maximum security, faster RV internet speeds and increased range from any WiFi source. Plus, when WiFi is not available, it links to a reliable nationwide 4G LTE network for uninterrupted RV internet streaming while traveling anywhere. Users receive improved range of transmission as well as higher signal strength with better streaming and fewer interruptions in places with a large concentration of connected devices such as RV parks. Learn more.
Dog food at Amazon.com
It’s safe to stay that Amazon has pretty darn near every brand of dog food in North America, and at great prices. Shopping for your dog food at Amazon is quick and easy, and the prices are hard to beat. Check out all the brands offered.
Or maybe you need cat food!
Huge selection for your kitty as well.
Click to see.
Upcoming RV Shows
• Puyallup RV Show, GOING ON NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, Puyallup, WA (Seattle area)
SPECIAL EVENT: The RV Safety and Education Foundation will hold its annual educational conference Oct. 1–5 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The event provides a positive, networking opportunity for both new and veteran RVers with industry experts in classroom, roundtable and individual settings. Registration fee Early Bird Special through May 31. Endorsed by RVtravel.com. Learn more.
See the list of all upcoming RV shows
Join the largest club
for motorhome owners
The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) has been the most popular club for motorhome owners for more than half a century. Special rate for RV Travel readers. Save $10 on a first year membership. Click to learn more.
Joke of the Week
A police officer pulls over a speeding RV. The officer says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour.” The driver says, “Gee, officer, cruise control was set at 60,” to which the wife says, “Now don’t be silly, dear. You know we don’t have cruise control.” As the officer writes the ticket, the driver says to his wife, “Can you please keep quiet?!” The wife smiles and says, “Well, dear, you should be thankful for your radar detector or your speed would have been higher.”
As the officer makes out another ticket for the illegal radar detector, the man turns toward his wife, “Please keep your mouth shut!” The officer frowns and says, “’And I notice you’re not wearing a seat belt. That’s an automatic $75 fine.” The driver says, “Yeah, I had it on but removed it to get out my license.” The wife says, “Now, dear. You know you never wear your seat belt.”
And as the police officer is writing out yet another ticket, the driver turns to his wife and screams, “WILL YOU SHUT UP?!” The officer looks at the woman and asks, “Does your husband always talk to you this way?” “Only when he’s been drinking,” she replies. —Thanks to Pete Doddato for sending this in!
Bet you didn’t know!
• The revolving door was invented by a man who didn’t like holding doors open for women.
• Sixty percent of the alcohol in America is consumed by ten percent of the people.
• If Adolf Hitler’s father, Alois Schicklgruber, had not changed his surname in 1877, the Third Reich would have been led by Adolf Schicklgruber. “Heil Schicklgruber” would have been the salute!
From 1,234 Quite Interesting Facts to Leave You Speechless.
2017 Large Scale Road Atlas from Rand McNally
Give your eyes a break with this large-scale spiral-bound road atlas of the U.S. and Canada from Rand McNally. Maps are 35% larger than the standard atlas, plus there are more than 350 detailed city inset & national park maps & a comprehensive index. Road construction & conditions contact information is conveniently located above the maps. Tough spiral binding allows the atlas to lay open easily. Learn more or order at Amazon.com.
Free and bargain camping
From OvernightRVparking.com
Cracker Barrel
Cordele, Georgia
FREE: RVers report that overnight stays are allowed. Get permission from the store first. Park in designated spaces behind the building. Gentle slope for drainage. Some traffic noise from I-75. Located 1905 Central Ave. GPS: 31.958930°, -83.753600°
Sunset Point Rest Area
Mayer, Arizona
FREE. Stay in one of 30 marked long vehicle spaces. Okay with the state to stay, but just sleep in your RV and then leave. But no “camping.” Located I-17, exit 252. GPS: 34.186050°, -112.134250°
Overnight RV Parking, with more than 13,480 locations listed, is the largest and best resource for locating free and inexpensive places to spend a night in an RV. For membership information and a demo of the site, click here. A modest membership fee required, but try the free demo. Watch a video about OvernightRVparking.com.
Stop rust in your RV or car
Of the many gremlins that attack your RV, rust is the one that will attack your hand tools, spare parts, door hinges and other vulnerable metal surfaces and moving parts over time. STA-BIL® Rust Stopper prevents rust and corrosion by protecting metal surfaces with a long-lasting barrier while lubricating parts and tools to stop squeaks and sticking. Learn more.
Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.
CONTEST ANSWER: 16 years
Videos you’ll like
Overnighting at rest areas
Mike Wendland and his wife Jennifer spent the night at an Alabama highway rest area. Mike explains how it went. Watch the video.
Girls just want to have fun
This new one-minute commercial from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association promotes RVing to women. This is far better than your average commercial. Watch the video.
HOW TO WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS USING VERY LITTLE BANDWIDTH.
Random RV Thought
No matter how well you plan, your RV’s kitchen cupboard will occasionally be one item short when you settle into the campground to prepare a meal.
Trap those pesky yellow jackets!
Don’t you just hate it when yellow jackets pester you at your campsite? They’re such pests & their stings hurt! This non-toxic, reusable trap includes a two-week attractant kit, perfect for your next camping outing. The product is recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture plus major zoos, parks, campgrounds & school districts. Get one or two now & be ready for your summer camping trips. Learn more or order.
Trivia
The scientific name for “brain freeze” (or “ice cream headache” — a term in use since 1937) caused by eating something cold, usually quickly, is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, meaning “nerve pain of the sphenopalatine ganglion.” Cats and other animals have been observed experiencing a similar reaction when presented with a similar stimulus.
Keep your food cool with this RV fridge fan
Every RV refrigerator should have one of these!
This small refrigerator fan from Valterra Products will help keep the food in your RV fridge cool and from spoiling. It cuts down initial cool-down time by 50 percent. Runs for more than 30 days on 2 D batteries. Don’t leave home without this! Learn more or order from Amazon.com.
Worth Pondering
“Just living is not enough … One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” —Hans Christian Andersen
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing 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 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.
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This newsletter is copyright 2017 by RVtravel.com
The comments I have heard regarding opening new campgrounds in places we visit are that it has been tried in the past, and they are taken over by “full-timers” who live in their RV’s and work in the area (i.e. construction, oil field workers, people who can’t afford apartment rent). They turn into what amounts to trailer parks. There is no space available then for travelers and the tenants tend to not care very well for their site, thus running the place down. Better, more RV friendly, management would alleviate this, but they are reluctant to turn down regular income.
I want to thank you for the Hearse RV. In Hell Michigan once a year they have a weekend were if you own a hearse or what ever you have done to a hearse the folks go there. I posted this to my FB page to see anyone from Hell is interested in this RV Hearse. We shall see who bites this one. Or if this one ends up in Hell. Hell I would buy if I had the money. Thanks for the chucles.
I enjoy this newsletter and look forward to each Saturday’s issue. We’re relatively new to RVing, but having retired, expect to spend more time on the road. I am especially interested in exploring more boondocking options. But, almost everything I read has a Western bias. What about those of us east of the Mississippi? Clearly the wide open spaces of the Southwest afford more BLM and similar opportunities. Has anyone written about boondocking east of the Big Muddy? I’ve seen some information on National Forest land in Florida, but not much else. Just wondering. I’d love to see a series of articles on Eastern boondocking.
Chuck, why not strap a couple of solar panels on top of the car you tow behind, put some 6 volt batteries in the back with a charger/inverter and you could boondock more often. You would just need to fill up with water and pass by a dump station after several days. I built a solar generator that I carry on the back of my truck. My LQ horse trailer has an on-board generator for real hard times but it’s nice to connect to my solar generator and hear no noise. With the solar panels on the car you can move the car in the sun to charge the batteries and keep your rig under the shade. That was the reason I didn’t put the solar panels on my RV.
Correct ! I like to park in the shade so I want panels I can set up a few feet away and run a wire to my rv.
I DO NOT LIKE TOWING ANYTHING, SO I DECIDED TO TAKE A COMMERCIAL DIESEL POWERED IH 4400 AND MAKE A SUPER “C”
MOTORHOME OUT OF THE BOX, MOVE THE AXLE AND BUILD A SMALL CAR GARAGE BEHIND THE REAR WHEELS SO WE WILL HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS I HOPE, WILL ROLL IT NEXT MONTH. IT DRIVE BETTER THAN MY NEW CAR SO I LOVE THE SUPER “C” RICHARD
I made a mistake in a comment I wrote and can’t see any way to edit it. Is there?
Hi, Sherry. You can just “reply” to your own comment and your correction will show up underneath the original version. Or, if you don’t want to do it that way, email me at Diane (at) RVtravel.com and I’ll go in and edit your original comment. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I’m a little confused by your post. My understanding is that “extra vehicle” means if someone else is staying at the same campsite with you and driving a second vehicle. Nowhere I’ve been have I heard of being charged for the vehicle you are towing or with which you are towing a trailer or 5th wheel. The rule has always been one or two vehicles allowed on each campsite (in my experience at no extra charge). My brother and I sometimes meet up and share a campsite. In that case, we’ll have two vehicles and an RV. We’ve never been charged for the second vehicle.
Has this actually happened to you and you got charged this way? What state was it? Could it be that you just read a fee schedule and misinterpreted the meaning? Either way, I suggest you clarify it with a human at the park because you may have been overpaying.
I just read the article about Melissa Dafnis. Have I been misinformed? I was under the impression that many states limited Trailers (5th Wheels) to a maximum length of 40 ft. and an overall length of 65 ft. If this is the case her trailer is over-length and with a dodge dually the overall limit will be most likely exceeded. Please comment.
What chaps my butt? Charging a huge price when you roll into a state park or lake campground and your not towing your vehicle. It’s a good price to camp, $15.00 . Continue reading. ….then it says $15.00 for extra vehicle. Since I don’t tow my truck in I get slammed for more. WHY? My truck isn’t camping and cooking hotdogs! I don’t get it. I always have room to park my vehicle in the same spot as my motor home too……it’s a rip off to us because we drive our vehicle!
Even worse, cities are making it harder for RV parks. Many, including the one we live in, are wanting to limit and a neighboring one wants to close down the one they have. Face the facts cities – rv’ers bring in lots of money. Most people in our area live FT in the parks so we spend most of our money in the local stores, pay our share of local sales taxes, etc. Before my husband’s illness required we stop traveling, we would stay at Passport America parks because many of them were smaller out of the way parks or stay at parks out of the beaten path.
I can certainly see the downside of being “trapped” at camp with a (one piece) pusher without a towed runabout, but can you write more on why you chose a towed dinghy instead of a travel trailer or 5th wheel?
I currently run a 35′ TT myself, and driving the truck as dinghy has worked great for me. I can haul fresh/black water or fuel to service the mothership, and the covered bed is otherwise my toy garage. My 10-12mpg towing and 20-22 empty 2500 truck doesnt suggest a huge gas savings for pusher/towed car. The ability to wander the cabin while rolling doesn’t seem safe anyway… Is it really just a personal choice, or is there a benefit to a one-piece I am missing?
Great articles, Chuck! After 2 years of owning a 2015 Winnebago ERA B-class motorhome, my wife still feels it would would be better to spend $50,000 on a Mercedes SUV and $50,000 at Hampton Inns. If your wife does not love camping, she is not going to love RVing.
I agree with your editorial 100%. 52 to 48. That has been my experience also.
First of all, this is not a complaint or in any way meant to criticize your writing. This is just FYI on the impact your articles have had on me.
My wife and I were occasional tent campers. Our dream for many years was to buy an RV and “see the country” after retirement. I retired early a few years ago and in March of 2016 took delivery of a 36′ Jayco Eagle 5th wheel. This puts us among the massive invasion of Baby Boomers into the RV world. I find that your articles about how difficult finding RV sites has become to be very discouraging. I know they are based on reality, and to “sugar coat” or hide the facts and create the illusion of a carefree, trouble-free lifestyle would be wrong and would really be a dis-service to your readership..
I feel bad about being “part of the problem” and your articles really have me doubting the wisdom of our decision to follow our lifelong dream of RV’ing the country. I think we’re going to continue for another year or two, but may just end up dropping out. If our reaction is typical, then I think the RV community will ultimately experience a significant pullback of participants, and find equilibrium with the number of available campsites.
I do Love your newsletter and look forward to it every week. As I wrote earlier….this is not a complaint just an acknowledgement of the depressing reality the situation represents.
I agree,too many people,especially in National Parks,have ruined the experience of traveling in an RV.While the RV industry is pumping out record numbers of RV’s in every shape and form,the RV parks are raising prices due to supply and demand.Add in the grossly overpriced,and many of poor quality and shoddy workmanship,along with greedy,lying RV dealers and the RV lifestyle is going the way of the CB radio…for me anyway.
Been camping for more than 60 years. Sorry to say that your descriptors of camping and dealers today is far more accurate than the old camping experience could ever imagine.
Bob,
I’ve been RVng for years. We’ve had a smaller rig (30 feet travel trailer) and upgraded last year to the one we’ll keep till we die (43 foot 5th wheel). Being so large has limited us in finding some spaces – but it has taught me to plan ahead. The opposite side of the coin is that with this rig and onboard tanks and 50kw generator and my adding two additional batteries – we have learned the immense joy of boondocking. The first 10 years or so we RVd, we did not do so. Now – it’s my first choice to find someplace where the nearest neighbor is a mile or two away. So, instead of looking at how difficult it might be to find a campground, check out freecampsites.net and really get to experience how much fun RVng can be. Oh yeah – I’m not retired. I travel the country as a private consultant to clinics and hospitals and my wife travels with me – so we’re on our schedule instead of someone else’s.
Biggest part of the overall problem is the RV manufacturers build thousands and thousands of units each year, but no one, or no agency is opening enough new or additional RV spaces each year. Being able to secure a campsite in or near any popular national or state park has become an issue. Reservations are taken minutes after opening for the season, the lack of available spots has taken some of the joy away from camping.
What I find less enjoyable is you have to be on the web site 6 months prior in Michigan just after midnite to get a site for Memorial Day, Fourth or Labor for the popular spots. I guess this is why they call it Black Friday for campers. Sorry mom gotta make a call to get that prized site in where ever Michigan. Or where ever state. Sad but true. But then again beating out the little can e fun too. Happy camping.
The Sunset Point roadside rest area is nowhere near Mayer, AZ. It is on I-17 about 10 miles north of Black Canyon City at the top of a several mile long climb up a steep grade. The closest “town” is Bumble Bee, a handful of old ranch buildings located at the bottom of the canyon Sunset Point overlooks.
Mayer, AZ is on AZ 69, about 19 miles from Sunset Point.
Hey Chuck,
I feel the same as you. I had a truck camper and really enjoyed the ability to travel as you did in your Roadtrek. Now we have a 35′ pusher with a Chevy Trailblazer toad. I, like you, love, love having the car and not having to put everything away each day to explore.
Having thought about this for a while now, I decided the best way to solve this dilemma is to tow a campervan. Then you have the best of both worlds! I have not figured out exactly how to do it yet, but I will.
I did see a guy in the Escapes Park in Livingston a couple of months ago that had an old Bus who was hooking up a campervan to head out. I stopped and chatted for a few minutes and he told me had a driveshaft disconnect installed so he could tow it four down. He found a company in Denver that would guarantee the driveshaft disconnect would not have vibration issues and says it works great.
Since I saw this I am even more convinced this is the answer!
Now we just need the industry to start making flat towable overnighter toads that have a bed, bath and a small kitchen.
Sort of like a Mother ship and a smaller explorer pod! This Star Wars.
Love your newsletter… keep them coming.
George Daunis
I have a VW Vanagon camper van that can be towed flat, or with either set of wheels off the ground (and towed from front or rear). It has everything but a toilet, so I use a portable loo and park near the bathhouse when I’m in a campground. I hadn’t thought about towing it. . .
I really enjoy reading your newsletter. Tons of great info.