Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter, now in its 18th year of continuous publication, is funded primarily through advertising and voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you!
Do you shop at Amazon? If so, would you use one of the links below to do your shopping? The link in the blue bar above also works. We get a tiny commission on what you buy. Even though our commission is small, at the end of the month it adds up, which helps fund this newsletter and our projects. Thanks.
U.S. shoppers: Shop at Amazon.com
Canadian shoppers: Shop at Amazon.ca
Issue 867 • Week of October 13-19, 2018 #rvtravel
Editor’s corner
With Chuck Woodbury
Chuck (at) RVtravel.com
Look at the photo to the right. Hard to believe something like that could happen. Do you agree? You probably can’t read the sign on the overpass. It says 8 feet, 5 inches. In other words, don’t try driving beneath it without whacking off the top of your vehicle (or worse).
It looks to me like the impact bent the motorhome’s frame. I bet it’s driven its last mile.
When I first saw this I wondered how anybody could be so stupid to try to pass through this. Did the driver read the sign? Or did he or she think their RV was shorter than 8 feet, 5 inches?
In almost all cases where there’s a low bridge ahead, there’s also a sign warning well before you get there.
But, the fact is, I don’t know what happened or why. Maybe the driver had a heart attack or blacked out for some reason. I’m sure there could be other reasons. However, my mind is telling me this was caused by stupidity.
I wondered if this accident was, indeed, caused by a driver doing something so stupid and would the damage be covered by the RV’s insurance policy. I went to the RV insurance expert, Jay Tobin of the Tobin Agency. He said:
Certain assumptions must be made. They are:
•There was a policy in force at the time of loss.
•The policy included physical damage coverage.
•The loss was not intentional.
•The damage was confined to the vehicle and there was no bodily injury and no other property damage.
An all risk insurance policy contains an insuring clause which states that, direct, sudden and accidental damage is covered. Additionally, though, the all risk insurance policy contains exclusions of coverage. Insurance customers should always read through their policy exclusions prior to a loss to educate themselves. In the case of this photo, I do not think the claim would be denied.
If the insurance adjuster finds the vehicle to be a total loss, that is, generally having lost 80 percent or more of its market value and if the policy has a Total Loss Replacement loss settlement, then the vehicle should be replaced under the terms of the policy.
Your readers should be aware that most Total Loss Replacement loss settlement endorsements are for new vehicles and provide coverage for 5 years. Thereafter the loss settlement changes to a purchase price loss settlement.
So, there you have it; even in accidents where “stupid” is involved, you are probably covered if you have the right insurance policy.
My advice, just be smart.
Is Your RV Game Day Ready?!
If you’re stuck for an RV repair part before your next tailgate, head over to your nearest Lowe’s store to shop Road & Home™’s complete collection of RV repair and replace parts. Don’t let a minor repair sideline your fun. Available in the plumbing section of over 1,700 Lowe’s stores nationwide.
•Did you miss last week’s RV Travel? Read it here.
•Directory of back issues.
Support our efforts by becoming a member
The RVtravel.com staff works hard to bring you a valuable newsletter every Saturday. Our members 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.
RVers lament being upside down with their loans
Here are some examples of why a wise person should never finance an RV for more than five or six years and should try to put at least a third down. If you can’t afford to buy on those terms, don’t buy: You can’t afford the RV! These and more tips, plus stories of RVers who regret how they financed their RVs. Read this for an RV financing education, i.e., what NOT to do.
The latest news
about RVing from our newsroom
• San Francisco neighborhood blames city for homeless RV problem.
• RV burns in Oregon from unattended candle.
• Two bodies found after four people swept away in Junction, Texas, flood. (Oct. 12)
• Five dead in Virginia as Hurricane Michael death toll rises to 11. (Oct. 12)
• Wildfire warnings from the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources.
• Aransas NWR celebration Sat. offers wildlife viewing, activities.
• Alabama RV park offers free campsites to Hurricane Michael evacuees. (Oct. 11)
• RVs parked on Palo Alto streets, rented to workers in Silicon Valley.
• Washington State Parks announces winter campground schedule.
• Hurricane Michael gaining strength, reaching winds of 150 mph. (Oct. 10)
• Hurricane Michael bears down on Florida Panhandle. (Oct. 9)
• Hot catalytic converter started Ferguson Fire, say investigators.
• Fire destroys RV near Stockton, CA, City Hall.
• Woman washed away in Llano River flood in Junction, Texas. (Oct. 9)
• Llano River sweeps away West Texas RV park, at least 4 missing. (Oct. 8)
• Pepper spray released at campground sends one to hospital.
• Suspects disappear after assaulting woman in motorhome.
• Solano County fire smoke blankets Bay Area on busy day of fires. (Oct. 8)
• Fire danger reduced and restrictions removed in Umpqua NF. (Oct. 7)
• Four cars, a motorhome and a boat play tag on Georgia highway.
• Fall colors come to Shenandoah National Park.
Recent recalls:
• Livin’ Lite RV recall: Trailers could separate from tow vehicle.
Need mail forwarding? Choose the best!
Choose Americas Mailbox! It’s the best, endorsed by RVtravel.com which has toured its South Dakota facility and interviewed its very customer-oriented owner. Many plans available. Learn more. Or view the video interview RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury conducted with Americas Mailbox owner Don Humes.
New system helps you snag popular campground spots
Plenty of RVtravel.com readers have complained about the scarcity of overnight camping spaces, even in established RV parks. When the reservation site opens, you can bet that there’ll be far more people who turn away unhappy than those who actually secure a site – but don’t despair. Cancellations can and do happen, often several times a day, and now there’s an easy way to “nab” a spot. Learn how.
Need more power in your RV? Check out this ’78 Winnebago turbo
Do you sometimes (often?) wish you had a bit more grunt in your RV’s power? See what this Winnebago owner did with his rig. Fasten your seat belt and then watch (and listen to) at least the first video, especially from about 4:50 on. Read more.
Casinos offer RVers secure overnight camping, games, cheap buffets
The popularity of recreation vehicles among retirees and millennials continues to grow, placing more RVs on the road and tightening the availability of campsites for RVers traveling long distances that simply want a safe place to pull off the highway and sleep for a few hours before continuing their journey. And many of these RVers are looking for ways to trim their overall cost of overnight campground stays. Enter the casino industry. Read more in this article from Julianne G. Crane.
Proper handling of firewood can help curb bark beetle infestations
You’ve seen pictures of – and possibly even seen in person – the vast swaths of dead forest in the West as a result of bark beetle infestation, and even more in TV news stories of the raging wildfires sweeping the West feeding on these dead trees. Here is information from the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, on how the public – including RVers – can help to stop spread the rising threat of beetle and other pest infestations and the resultant wildfires. Learn more.
This week’s Reader Poll
Do you drive or tow your RV?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment. We’ll post the final results in next week’s newsletter. CLICK HERE.
Stay overnight for free at wineries & farms
With a Harvest Hosts membership (just $49/year), you can stay overnight at more than 600 wineries, farms, breweries and other attractions in North America for free! Harvest Hosts offers a unique alternative to traditional campgrounds, where members can meet interesting people, taste great wines, eat fresh produce and stay in peaceful settings. Learn more here.
What we learned from you last week
Reservations and storage and insomniacs, oh my! You usually make reservations for campsites in advance, you don’t pay to store your RV, you’re right-handed (…most of the time), you don’t own a motorcycle, and too many of you suffer from insomnia. Read about all this and more, right here.
Who are these newbies embracing the evolving world of RVing?
It’s no secret that RVs are flying off dealers’ lots and manufacturers are hard-pressed to keep up with demand. This also means that more people are taking to the road in RVs. In this article in the Las Vegas Sun, Tom Gorman interviews RVers of all sorts that have done just that, and why they do it. Read their interesting (and varied) stories.
Snowbird Guide: Where to go and what to do in Arizona
Snowbirds – fulltime and seasonal RVers – follow the migratory trails to southern Arizona for the winter. The major migration begins after Thanksgiving with snowbirds staying sometimes until April for the cactus blooms. In winter the weather is beautiful, and there are many locations to choose from. Here is a list of some places to see on your winter vacation, compliments of azfamily.com.
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 days per week sales & technical support & over 13 years of experience. List price (4 tires) $389. Our price only $289. SAVE $100! (Additional Sensors $35 each). Learn more or order. Read testimonials.
Light bulb check. Sometimes they’re out and you don’t even know!
Rich “The Wanderman” recently realized his RV only had one tail light working – and it might have been that way for almost a year (since the last DMV inspection)! We all know we should check oil/fluids/air before each trip, but don’t forget about the lights. Here’s how to change burned out bulbs.
RV fridge repair company sued for cheating customers in 40 states
An Arkansas business owner may be fined $1.5 million plus be required to make payments of about $81,000 in restitution to 155 customers in 40 states and Canada that he is alleged to have cheated, according to a lawsuit filed by the Arkansas Attorney General. Learn more.
“Pitched” wants to be the Airbnb of camping
The limited number of campsites and an increasing number of RVs on the road has tempted another startup to come up with alternative ways to camp. The Ontario, Canada-based Pitched, modeled after Airbnb, has a business model that allows Canadian property owners to rent their land to travelers looking for unique, affordable places to set up camp. Matching campers with hosts is based on a shared passion, be it motorcycling, cycle touring, agri-tourism, or culinary experiences. If you’re heading to, or live in, Canada, check this out.
Tank Sensors Reading Full?Restore them overnight with Caravan Sensor Cleaner
Caravan’s highly concentrated, bio-enzymatic formula is guaranteed to remove the debris causing your tanks to misread. No driving necessary. No dangerous chemicals. No strong odors. Perfect for full-timers and permanently parked RVs. Learn more or buy at Amazon.com.
Popular articles from last week’s issue
• The tale of a horribly built RV and its owner’s “RV nightmare”.
• Message from RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury.
• What does financing an RV for 20 years really mean?
• Do you usually make campground reservations or just take it day by day?
• Emergency medical transport plan? Watch the fine print!
• RV and RV-related recalls for September 2018.
• What we learned about you last week (September 29-October 5).
Clean your RV… with beastly-good results!
Your RV’s not your car, it’s your “beast.”
Your RV’s large surface area makes it a beast that collects more bugs, grit, grime, soot and industrial pollution than your car does. And it may have different surfaces of paint, fiberglass, vinyl and aluminum. Click on the video to see Wade clean, shine and protect EVERYTHING with Beast Wash. Click here to buy, or learn more about, Beast Wash at the Wade Maid website.
From the RVtravel.com Reader Forum
Needs advice about unhooking fifth wheel
“I find when unhooking our 5th wheel on uneven ground that the Andersen Ball pops out of the kingpin receiver. I am looking for a solution to this problem please.” —Miles
Respond here.
Class C motorhome unlocks itself
“I have a motor-home built on a 2007 E450 Super Duty chassis. It frequently will unlock itself. It has done it at 5:30 in the morning when no one was around and nothing was moving. It has done it while driving down the highway. Two beeps and the doors unlock. I’ll lock it and awhile later it unlocks.
I changed the batteries in the remotes but it didn’t make any difference. I’ve moved the remotes far out of range and it still does it. I was wondering if it was picking up a spurious signal from somewhere else but now I am sure that it does it all on its own. Anyone have any ideas of what could be done to correct it?” Respond 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.
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.
Where to complain about bad RVs, dealers, service, RV parks. This is an ever-expanding list of resources where you can report, share or discuss your problems with RV manufacturers or dealers.
Readers’ comments on the poor quality of their new RVs
RVs today are being built fast, and in way too many cases poorly. Here are some horror stories.
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Don’t blow out your plumbing!
Sooner or later, usually “sooner,” every RVer comes upon an RV park water hookup with pressure so high it could blow out the plumbing. None of us want that because it causes a lot of damage and is expensive to fix. The simple solution is to be sure when you hook up use a water pressure regulator, like this one that features a lead-free design to prevent lead contamination. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Shrink
Wife and RV have difficulty heading south from NY in midwinter
Dear RV Shrink:
We live in Upstate New York and have been heading south for the winter with our RV for a few years. We are usually gone from home 7 or 8 months. I prefer to leave right after color season but my husband likes to leave right after Christmas. Every year we end up white-knuckling our way south through a blizzard, ice storm or slush-fest. …
Read the rest of the question and the RV Shrink’s advice including tips for preparing for and traveling in midwinter.
Can’t get enough of the Shrink? Read his 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.
Keep road flares in the RV for emergency
You should always have road flares in your RV in case of an emergency. This pack of three bright, waterproof, and shatterproof LED disks are perfect to keep tucked away. These bright lights can be seen from a mile away and can be used for traffic control, as a warning light, as a rescue beacon and they can also be used for recreational activities such as camping and hiking. Learn more or order here.
Latest fuel prices, October 8, 2018
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.90. [Calif.: $3.71]
Change from week before: Up 4 cents; Change from year before: Up 40 cents.
Diesel: $3.39. [Calif.: $4.11]
Change from week before: Up 7 cents; Change from year before: Up 61 cents.
Keep your brain sharp and your knives sharper!
Tired of dull knives in the kitchen? This easy-to-use knife sharpener (used by staff writer, Emily) sharpens your knives with a few quick strokes. You’ll feel like a professional! The sharpener has two settings: one for fine blades, and another for coarse. Its small size is perfect for an RV, and under $6. Learn more or order here.
RV Fire Safety Tip
An emergency fire plan that can save your life – Part 7 of 13
Having a solid fire escape plan may help you replace panic with logical, life-saving actions if a fire occurs. Knowing exactly what to do and doing it quickly can make a big difference in an emergency situation.
For your fire drill, start by rolling out of bed and crawling low on the floor where the air is clearer. Proceed immediately to your pre-determined safe meeting place and make sure no one is missing. If you are worried about a pet, know your animal’s instinct will be to escape the fire. Although it may seem callous to think through how you’d react if your pet were trapped inside your burning coach, make a decision now whether your pet’s life is worth risking your own. Courtesy: Mac “The Fire Guy” McCoy
Editor’s note: Choose from a wide selection of fire extinguishers at Amazon. Here are links from Amazon.com for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, LP gas detectors, and combination smoke and CO detectors.
This tool is seven tools in one!
This multifunctional tool is seven in one! The heavy-duty pen tool features a handy tablet or smartphone stylus, a sturdy screwdriver, a bubble level, a universal inch/cm ruler and a handy Phillips screwdriver flathead bit, and it’s only the size of a pen! Perfect for any weekend project, and it even makes a great gift. Learn more or order.
RV Quick Tips
A little extra security for your RV entry door
Wondering how you might beef up your entry door lock security? Here’s how Tom Braeunig does it. “Here’s a little simple security device I use when we’re in the rig at night. It’s made from a cut off notched pencil and a large slip on eraser. It would prevent anyone with a master key from opening the deadbolt.” Thanks, Tom. Editor’s note: We’d caution readers that this approach could slow down your exiting your rig in an emergency. Use your good judgment when adding any extra security measures to your rig.
No more sticky windows!
Reader Fred Campbell recommends this white graphite powder as the perfect fix for sticky windows. Frames can contract in cooler weather, making things tight. Fred says his fix is lubricating the window tracks with a simple “puff” of white graphite powder. Why the white? “It doesn’t make a mess like the black stuff!” he says.
Do you have a Quick Tip? Send it to Russ (at) RVtravel.com and you just might see it here!
Keep mice out of your RV
The positive reviews on this product from Earthkind make it a best bet for keeping your RV mouse-free. It’s the only plant-based rodent repellent registered for inside use by the EPA. It effectively repels rodents up to 90 days with a “woodsy” scent that’s pleasant to humans but offensive to rodents. It’s safe around kids and pets, too. 98% biodegradable. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Doctor
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions
Guide to maintaining the RV heating system
If you are a serious winter RVer or if you travel in your coach during the chilly fall or early spring months, then you fully understand the importance, convenience and comfort of having a fully functioning RV heating system. If not, spend an involuntary cold night in temperatures near freezing or below without heat and you’ll soon wish you did have that understanding! Here are four key factors to keeping your RV heating system running and keeping you warm and cozy in your RV when it’s frigid outside. Learn more.
Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.
Amazon Deals of the Day
Here are more than 1,000 special deals, just for today. And the items just keep on changing. If you can’t find a great deal here on something you want, then, well, you must not need anything. If nothing else, it sure is fun to poke around here to see the incredible array of cool stuff that’s available at this very moment at bargain prices! Click here for today’s deals!
Ask BoondockBob
with Bob Difley
Rid your RV of ants and keep them out
Hi Bob,
We just stayed at an RV campground in East Texas this week and there has been a lot of rain in that area. They have had a severe problem with fire ants. After parking our travel trailer, a large ant mound appeared around the tongue jack stand. I think that is how they got into the trailer. We have put out a lot of bait traps, but they don’t appear to be attracting the ants. Any suggestions about how to get rid of these pests? —Ronnie
Do you have a question for Bob? Email him at bob.rvtravel (at) gmail.com .
You can find Bob Difley’s e-books on Amazon Kindle.
Fake “TV” keeps burglars away
Most burglars will not even try to enter an RV if they think someone’s there. That’s where this inexpensive light fits in: it mimics the light of a typical 27-inch TV. Just close the shades, turn it on and then head out for dinner or a movie. To anyone passing by — including a bad guy — it will simply appear someone is inside, watching TV. This is cheap burglary insurance. Learn more or order here.
RV Electricity
with Mike Sokol
Campground power upgrade – expensive but necessary
I’ve had this discussion both online and offline many times, but here’s the first time I’ve seen what it actually costs to upgrade old and failing power pedestals to modern electrical code in an existing campground. I do harp on campgrounds with failing pedestals due to safety concerns for both you and your RV, and they certainly should be addressed. But we also need to understand that it will often take hundreds of thousands of dollars to completely upgrade many campground electrical systems. Read more.
Mike Sokol is an electrical and professional sound expert with 40+ years in the industry. Visit NoShockZone.org for more electrical safety tips. His excellent book RV Electrical Safety is available at Amazon.com. For more info on Mike’s qualifications as an electrical expert, click here.
Camco vent insulator keeps you warm…and cool!
Is your RV too cold in the winter? Too hot in the summer? Camco’s vent insulator and skylight cover features a thick layer of foam which helps stop heat transfer, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Installation is easy – simply push the fitted foam into your skylight, reflective side up. The reflective surface blocks sunlight, preventing it from heating your RV in the hot months. The insulator is designed to fit standard 14″x14″ RV vents. Learn more or order here.
RV Tire Safety
with RV tire expert Roger Marble
Should you carry a spare tire?
One thing almost no one considers when shopping for a new RV is the need for a spare tire. The assumption that having a “Roadside Assistance” policy is good enough many times does not work as well as the advertisement would indicate. Here’s a great tip from Roger to not only possibly save you money but potential “roadside grief” in case of tire failure. Learn more.
Say goodbye to goop!
Have you ever seen the sediment that collects in your water heater? You probably don’t want to. Camco’s water-tank rinser is an easy-to-use gadget that is a must-have for any RVer. The tank rinser will get out all the yucky sediment that’s been sitting at the bottom of your water heater, and, most importantly, will extend the life of it too. Read the many positive reviews, and get one for yourself here.
The RV Kitchen
with Janet Groene
Breakfast Gold Bars
Bar cookie breakfast. One great, grainy, low-sugar bar cookie adds up to one bodacious breakfast when you’re in a rush to get to one of those first-come campgrounds. The whole secret is to use a good quality granola breakfast cereal. Buy the oat-iest and most healthful brand you can find. It will be filled with bonus ingredients such as seeds, nuts and dried fruit. Cut and wrap to eat on the go. Get the recipe.
Check out hundreds of other recipes by Janet . . . and her many books at Amazon.com, including “The Survival Food Handbook.”
BEST-SELLERS IN KITCHEN AND DINING AT AMAZON.COM
Collapsible containers for RV kitchen
If you don’t have collapsible food containers for your RV yet, you’re missing out. This set of four is BPA free and microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. Never worry about taking up room again, these fold practically flat! These containers come with air-tight lids which keep food longer, and keep food safer. Order for a great price here.
RV Short Stop
Taps at the Guardhouse
Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
Fort Worden is an old, abandoned military fort which peacefully perches along the bluffs of charming Port Townsend, Washington. On 433 acres, the park boasts beautiful beaches along the Admiralty Inlet, a museum, picnic grounds, bunker exploration, rentable guard-houses and endless walking trails. It’s the perfect place to explore with kids, stay the night in hopes of a ghost story (or two), or stop for lunch. Taps at the Guardhouse is one of three restaurants in the park. What makes it so special? It’s in the old fort prison. Ever eaten lunch inside a jail cell? Here’s your chance. The restaurant keeps the decor simple and even serves water in metal cups, like the jail did. Old trumpets once used to wake the prisoners line the walls. The menu is simple but tasty. Order a bowl of razor clam chowder or a pulled-pork sandwich from the smoker outside. Make sure to order one of the many local beers on tap, too. Visit the website here.
Camco baggage door catch to the rescue!
Install these well-priced and highly rated baggage door catches to any RV baggage compartment or door and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle. The doors won’t ever bop you on the head again, and you’ll get your loading and unloading done twice as fast. Order this pack of two here.
Facebook Groups about RVing
• RV Boondocking
• RV Pricing and Values
• RV Solar DIY Install
PLUS OUR OWN GROUP: RV Horror Stories
Free and bargain camping
From OvernightRVparking.com
Walmart Supercenter, # 1017, Manning, SC
FREE! Overnight parking is allowed. Permission from customer service and store purchase required. Level, well-lit, and appears safe. Lots of grassy areas for walking pets. McDonald’s, Subway, Sonic, Bojangles Chicken & Biscuits within walking distance. Gas station on site, with diesel. Address: 2010 Paxville Hwy. GPS: 33.7001, -80.2277
Uranus Fudge Factory & General Store, Saint Robert, MO
FREE! Overnight parking is allowed. Obtain permission from the store. Mostly level, well-lit, with I-44 traffic noise. Chicken Bones Party Bar & Grill adjacent to lot and Country Cafe, Sweetwater BBQ off the same exit. Address: 14400 Hwy “Z.” GPS: 37.829388, 37.829388
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.
Ammo box perfect for storage!
One RVer says, “We all have many aerosol cans we use for maintenance and cleaning, etc. I have found the best way to carry them in my motorhome basement is in a plastic ammo can. They are inexpensive and available in many big box stores. They stay in one place, are easy to access, and with the lid closed and latched nothing can leak or spray if something falls on them.” Order this one for a good price.
Upcoming RV Shows
• California RV Show, October 5-14, Pomona, CA
• Jacksonville Fall RV Show, October 11-14, Jacksonville, FL
• Salem Fall RV Show, October 11-14, Salem, OR
• Tacoma Fall RV Show, October 11-14, Tacoma, WA
• OKC Fall RV Show, October 12-14, Oklahoma City, OK
• Toronto Fall RV Show and Sale, October 12-14, Toronto, ON
• Panhandle RV Show, October 18-21, Ft. Walton Beach, FL – CANCELED
• Pittsburgh RV Liquidation Supersale, October 19-21, Pittsburgh, PA
See the complete list of all upcoming RV shows.
The only closet organizer you’ll ever need!
Fits perfectly in a small RV closet! This 5-tier closet organizer has 40 pockets and five shelves built into it. Use the organizer for shoes, scarves and hats, craft supplies, stuffed animals, yarn and knitting supplies – you name it! The 360–degree swivel hook attaches to any closet bar, making it easy to reach in and grab what you need. Say goodbye to a messy closet! Learn more or order here.
Trivia
Costco is famous for its $4.99 rotisserie chicken. When the price of chicken feed skyrocketed recently, Costco made a bold move to hold the price of its chickens at $4.99. How? By building a chicken plant in Nebraska that will soon produce roughly 100 million rotisserie chickens a year.
Bumper sticker of the week
If it weren’t for physics and law enforcement, I’d be unstoppable.
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker? Send it to Gail (at) RVtravel.com
Joke of the Week
My friend phoned me and asked what I was doing. I said, “Probably failing my driving test.”
Worth Pondering
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —C. S. Lewis
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editor: Russ De Maris. Staff writer: Emily Woodbury. Contributing writers: Greg Illes, Bob Difley, Richard Miller, Richard Mallery, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, Chris Guld, Julianne Crane, Chris Fellows, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.
ADVERTISE on RVtravel.com and/or in this newsletter. Contact Gail Meyring at Gail(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.
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.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This website utilizes some advertising services. Sometimes we are paid if you click one of those links and purchase a product or service. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc . RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
RVtravel.com includes links to other websites. We cannot control the content and/or privacy policies of those sites. Please be aware when you leave this newsletter or any other section of RVtravel.com to read the privacy statements of any of those websites that collect personally identifiable information. Our own privacy policy applies only to RVtravel.com and its affiliated blogs.
This newsletter is copyright 2018 by RVtravel.com
Re: “stupid” RV’er who hit a low bridge. That is harsh. If you have ever traveled New England or NH, you would realize it could be you. There is one exit off rte 101 in Exeter (major east/west corridor) where you come to such a bridge with in a few hundred feet with NO signage! I remember being nervous in my minivan! “Unfortunate” might be a better adjective, with a reminder on how to learn from such mistakes. You can’t do a lot with poor signage.
https://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20061024/news/310249964
I stand corrected. There is a sign, AT the bridge, with no room to turn around.
I do recall, if you did not know the area, you would be taken unaware.
We live in Long Island NY which is littered with low bridges. Even being aware of this we still made a wrong turn once but realized quick our mistake and avoided disaster that would have totaled our TT.
Now with a commercial Garmin GPS we still map out our trips before hitting the road.
What’s the best GPS to have that will warn you of low bridges.
We got the Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S
It has a high rating for bridges but we dont and would not recommend totally relying on a GPS. We still look at a map before we go. We prefer Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas (Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas)
We just stopped at the Uranus fudge factor this Thursday on our way too visit our daughter in republic Missouri. You have too park on top of the hill by the store. They have a steep grade going downhill away from the store.
The low bridge problem is one that RV’ers should be painfully aware if they choose to own an RV. I would categorize any RV’er that crashes their RV into one in the stupid category. Very close to where we live is one of those bridges. There are big warning signs, flashing yellow lights, height signs clearly visible on the bridge, yet at least once a month someone rips the top off their vehicle. So often now, that a bridge cam has been installed, check it out at https://11foot8.com/
Know this cam well and lots of fun to watch. But it has good signage, flashing yellow warning lights and a height detector that turns the light red well before then displays a giant flashing warning display before turning the light green and they still hit. These are stupid.
There are plenty of bridges that do not have good warnings that even seasoned truckers/RV’ers hit (we were almost one of them with our TT). Would not classify as stupid
The frequency of crashes at that bridge is crazy! 11’8″ isn’t even THAT short. I’m pretty sure my trailer is 10’10”, but I think I may go measure a few more times… and then again.
And for those making references to the Northeast having a lot of low bridges, HECK YES. I’m just outside a fairly major city with two major highways and a “parkway” with dozens of 9’XX” and a few 8’XX” bridges — with discrete little white signs, but no “special” warnings.
Although, seeing bricks level to your forehead MIGHT tip you off… That’s how I learned, when “that” highway connected my house and where I was going — happily, the marked clearance was each lane but not down the centerline under the curved arch, so I inched through without backing miles, and then drove an extra 30 miles in order to parrallel that “scenic” deathtrap.
Last year I booked a weekend at Nickerson beach New York.
The trip there involved getting on a parkway that had a sign at the entrance to it that was way too low for my rig.
I called the camp site and asked directions and they said everyone comes this way with larger rigs than your with no problems.
I said to myself, I’ll try it but if it’s too low I’m stopping.
Turns out after you enter the parkway the over pass is too low for my rig in the right lane , but had plenty of room to make it under in the left lane.
Trick was to get to the left lane in the 500 feet allotted while on coming traffic was coming.
I made it, it took 11 minutes of waiting for a clearing.
Perhaps they were chatting in the vehicle or on the phone, and not paying attention to their surroundings or signage.
Checking reservation sites every few minutes?? Another pay-to-play conspiracy!! I have been able to get reservations in public parks within a month, or even a couple of weeks, prior to arrival. It’s hard for me to plan a year in advance. I know if I am persistent in re-checking the reservation site, there will be cancellations that may net me a couple of nights. I need to be flexible, and I have never been successful at getting more than three nights in one site, and also never on a weekend. Now with this new computer service for a fee, it’s likely I’ll never be successful at all. Who can compete with a computer program. I either pay another fee, in addition to the reservation fee, forget public parks, or quit RVing altogether. How do they know scalpers aren’t reselling reservations they are able to snag. I’ve never been asked for an ID upon pre-paid check in at a state park. This development was bound to happen, and it’s not good news.
Our vehicle was totaled in a Wyoming hail torm this past July. Luckily we had the “repair and replace” clause. At the time we got the policy it was good on vehicles up to 5-yrs old. But because of so many devastating hail storms the last couple years, the policy was revamped to only include vehicles up to 2-yrs old. We bought a 2016, same make & model and owe less than we did on the other one.
On a different note, the roadside flares are on sale through Amazon. Normally, they are $39. On sale now for $20. I’ve bought 3 sets so far.
“Uranus Fudge Factory” seems like an odd name for this place. Ahem . . .
Tom,
If you ever get to Missouri you need to stop there for a good laugh. When you stop in they say welcome to Uranus. When you leave they say thank you for picking Uranus.
Re: the additional security for your RV door lock. Most doors have a key lock and dead bolt. If more security is needed it’s time to move on down the road…
We had apps, special GPS, books, etc. to ensure that we were aware of overpasses and low clearances when we had our large motorhome. Frankly, it became stressful for me as the trip planner and as we got older, turning that big diesel pusher around when we ended up at a “dead end/wrong turn” just added to the anxiety.
When we downsized to our current Class C (clearance 10’5″), we realized what real freedom is! We can go just about anywhere and U-turns are a breeze. Yes, we gave up space but we quickly realized it was space we didn’t need.
When friends tore up the roof of their new RV trying to make a tight turn in a treed campground, they also downsized.
Moral of story: Not everyone is meant to drive a big rig!
re: LOW BRIDGE
Without all the info, calling a driver “stupid” could be wrong. A couple of examples. I know of a few cases where the bridge signs [and thus I assume the Garmin, etc] were wrong = over years of over paving, the road height increases and the gap between road and bridge is reduced. I have experienced a sign on the side of the bridge and no sign before the bridge. = locked up brakes in both cases.
That rig was way over 8.5 feet! So, NO, new paving was not the issue.
Re: Low bridge. Zoom in on the license plate. LOL –> “SAY WHEN” <–
W H E N!
Maybe it was an owner of a POS motorhome that the dealer and manufacturer refused to fix or couldn’t fix, or tried to fix but sat in the lot for 6 months. So the owner did the next best : he “sold” it to the insurance company.
Now, don’t go giving people ideas, Barry. 😉 —Diane at RVtravel.com
I’ve seen it but we could seldom prove it!
So no more fresh of the spit chickens at Costco??? They will all be shipped in from Nebraska! 😉
Need a sarcasm emoji.
I wanted to make a comment on this weeks editorial on stupidity.
I retired from a large Insurance company after 22 years as a claims supervisor. We did in fact insure “stupidity “ and covered it many many times in the 22 years that I supervised claims!
There is a bridge in Ann Arbor Michigan right off Main street, it is a train trestle and more than once a bus or a truck has struck it. The police still shake their heads because they have done everything to let drivers know you can’t go there. Another Darwin moment. On a side note? Sams Club has rotisserie chicken for the same price and I have tasted all chickens and still go with theirs.
What is the clearance of the tunnel in Zion?
Hi, Wayne. Here is a link to the National Park Service information website for the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, including clearance, hours for oversize vehicles, obtaining a tunnel permit, etc. https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/the-zion-mount-carmel-tunnel.htm Good luck! —Diane at RVtravel.com
I always worry about clearances even on interstate freeways. However, I feel we need to give this driver just a bit of slack. We can’t always be driving at high noon with good visibility on the signage, such as sunset or after dark. Not all of us have 20/20 vision anymore, and who knows what was being said to the driver while going through an area unfamiliar to them.
Many has been the time I was asked to calculate mileage or to remember what the gas station attendants name was four stops ago just as the all important sign warning of imminent doom passed out of view.
As some guy I think was named Murphy once said “Stuff happens when you look down to check the gas gauge.”
So I see all the articles about the poor quality of RV tires. Why is it that they are such a problem yet passenger vehicle tires are not such a problem?
I have a local park with a 12′ clearance bridge in it. My RV is 11’9″. I like to go under this bridge sometimes just to watch the reaction, because everyone on the road and bike path will stop what they are doing to watch and see if I’ll clear the bridge. It’s funny.