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!

Issue 884 • Week of February 16–22, 2019

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Editor’s corner

With Chuck Woodbury | Chuck (at) RVtravel.com My friend Malia Lane has died. Many of you knew Malia through RVtravel.com. Last June, she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She wrote about her fight on this website as the disease steadily took its toll. My last conversation with Malia was less than a month ago. “It’s a little hard to believe I won’t be around this world much longer,” she wrote, “but each day brings a little more peace and acceptance, so that’s a good thing.” And that’s the way she was — always making the best of whatever she was dealt. Many of us are headed for a similar grand finale. Observing hers certainly made me ponder if I could be as gracious in accepting a similar fate. Malia went on the road full-time in a motorhome about 18 years ago. In the years that followed she battled health issues and depression. She wrote about these and other challenges in her blog MaliasMiles.com. The blog will remain online for at least a few years. Spend some time there to get to know this exceptional woman.

Early on she wrote this on the blog: “My biggest goal since I proved to myself that I could pull off this ‘crazy’ full-time RVing dream of mine – is to inspire other solo women who might be afraid to travel on their own to follow their own dreams, whether it involves travel or not. This is the goal closest to my heart and what makes me the happiest to hear. I always say if I can pull off something this ‘crazy’ with the amount of fear I had at first (and still have at times), anybody can!” After her cancer diagnosis, Malia moved to Oregon where she could participate in the state’s Death With Dignity program, choosing her time to go. Even dying in such a humane way would not be easy, as she wrote. You can read all of her recent articles on RVtravel.com here.

I MET MALIA 12 YEARS AGO. We had corresponded by email for a year or two before, discussing how she might write for us. Then one day we found ourselves in Bend, Oregon, at the same time. We met at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes restaurant, on the deck overlooking the beautiful river. It was a warm summer evening. We talked up a storm, and drank too much wine. But what a special time it was. If I were not married, I would have chased her. We met up a half dozen times after that, but stayed in touch often via email. I would occasionally ask Malia if I could reprint one her articles. There were so many good ones that deserved a larger audience. Malia was a gifted writer, who wrote from her heart. Alas, my friend is gone now, leaving a void I’ll never replace. In our final email exchange last month I told Malia that I would look forward to seeing her in another place one day. I asked if she would be my tour guide when I arrived. “It’s a deal, buddy,” she replied. I’ll hold her to that promise. RIP sweet lady. I will miss you and I know I’m not the only one. Oh, I can’t forget. Malia’s first and only book “Fear Less vs. Fearless” was published less than a month ago. Malia battled persistent fatigue to finish it, and she was so happy to finally hold it in her hands. It’s available on Amazon (it’s free if you’re a member of Kindle Unlimited). Here’s a three-minute television interview from seven years ago with Malia. Watch and enjoy. * * * And much more I have quite a bit more to say if you are interested: Click here. •We are offering free blogs on RVtravel.com to current bloggers who want a larger audience, and maybe earn some money, too. •If you own an RV park, here’s a way get free publicity and help our member-readers at the same time. This is a win-win deal. And, today, for readers, a coupon for a free night of camping. •Free listings for RV inspectors: We believe anyone who buys an RV, new or used, should have it inspected first by a professional. So we are setting up a directory of such “inspectors.” If you’re an RV inspector, a listing is free. •Why we “preach” sometimes. Listen to a one-minute interview by a woman who really messed up when she financed her RV, and had to write a check for $40,000 to pay off the loan when she sold it six years later. •Finally, the snow has stopped in Seattle. And those of us here are so very, very happy! Click here to read about all of the above. Also: For the 6,500 or so of you who signed up for this newsletter in the last few weeks, did you know we publish another newsletter every Monday through Thursday? RV Daily Tips is packed with information and advice that will help you enjoy your RVing even more. Sign up here. Feel free to sign up for any of our other newsletters, too. Watch a one hour interview with Ron Burdge, RV lemon lawyer, this morning (Sat.) at 7 a.m., Pacific (10 a.m., Eastern) on a Watch Party at our Facebook group RV Horror Stories.

My Roadside Journal

(about whatever is on my mind, not necessarily RV-related.

• Mail Pouch barns a reminder of another time.
• Archives

Readers speak out

RV delivery man told to be quiet about defects he finds A man who delivers RVs for a living tells how he is instructed by the transport companies to not say anything about any defects he finds in the RV to the dealer where he’s delivering it. This is alarming.

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Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?

Read it here | Back issues And if you are a new RVer and missed yesterday’s monthly Beginner’s Guide to RVing newsletter, you can read it here.

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Sign up!

Sign up for our RV Electricity Newsletter or any of our other newsletters, including editor Chuck Woodbury’s Roadside Journal, here. Also, we’re restarting our Full Time RVer Newsletter after more than a year’s absence. If you are not among the nearly 16,000 subscribers already signed up please do so here. No charge, of course (and no spam).

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Help us serve you better! Become a member-reader

The staff of RVtravel.com works hard to bring you an honest, unbiased, valuable newsletter every Saturday. Readers help make it possible by becoming member-readers with their “voluntary subscriptions.” Even a pledge of $5, $10 or $20 a year is appreciated — that’s for more than 50 weekly issues (add another 208 if you read our RV Daily Tips Newsletter)! Many readers set up an ongoing membership, most $5 to $10 a month. But even a one-time contribution of $10 or $20 helps make it possible for us to write about important matters, not just fluff to please advertisers and RV industry big shots. BECOME A MEMBER NOW!

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Cover Story

Group that produced YouTube movie that glorified RV “nomads” calls it quits

A group of mostly Millennial-aged full-time RVers and YouTube influencers who produced a highly touted movie has folded and its future activities cancelled. Several members of the team of movie participants recently left the group. The movie itself ended up with mediocre views on YouTube rather than in theaters. Read more.

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That was the RV week that was …

The latest news about RVing from our newsroom  Recent recalls: • Big recall on Sprinter vehicles for airbag explosion danger. • Heartland recalls some trailers for fire risk. • Chrysler recalls 193,183 Ram 1500 trucks.

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Fire danger avoided in RV with questionable wiring

RVs burn, and they burn very fast: If not caught within a minute the coach will usually be a goner. Fires can be caused by many things: poor engine maintenance, a blown tire that catches fire or faulty wiring. In this video, an RVer shows you a great example of faulty wiring on this motorhome. Watch the short eye-opening video.

Couple confesses their RV buying mistakes. This video will make you mad

This video will make you mad (maybe sad is a better word) that the buyers of the fifth wheel trailer were so eager to buy an RV that they made all the classic buying mistakes – ones that will ultimately cost them a lot of money and stress. The saddest thing is the mistakes they made are repeated across the country every hour of every day. Watch the video.

Visit the world’s only Corn Palace

Len Wilcox tells you the story of South Dakota’s Corn Palace, a must-see for anyone visiting the state. It was built as a way to prove to the world that South Dakota had a healthy agricultural climate, and now, some 500,000 tourists visit it every year. Read Len’s article or listen to him read it.

RV is toast, flames refuse to die

Seldom do you see a motorhome as “burnt to a crisp” as this one. Even after the fire department drenches it for a few minutes, flames still erupt from the RV. Watch the video.

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Reader Poll

Is this newsletter getting too long?

As our staff was finishing up this issue we realized the issue was getting really, really long. Is it too much for you to read? Or is it just right? What do you think we should do? Please tell us. CLICK HERE. 

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Stay free on private property across America Boondockers Welcome is a great alternative to expensive, crowded RV parks or even Walmart parking lots. With a membership, you can stay for free at more than 1,000 private property locations across America. And, wow, will you meet some great people! Learn more or sign up.

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What we learned about you last week

There’s a good chance you have a Facebook account, and you might watch a lot of funny animal videos on YouTube, you probably level your RV manually, you don’t care that much if you stay at a campground without cell phone service, your RV most likely doesn’t have a satellite TV, and you don’t think it’s too hard to get timely repairs done on your RV, or you haven’t needed any repairs. Click here to read more.

What happens when it snows in Seattle? “Snowmageddon”!

So, just how much snow does it take to bring the city of Seattle to its knees (if it had such things)? Not much. We’ve dealt with record-breaking snow in the Seattle area for a couple of weeks now, and it’s still wreaking havoc in some locations. Read these hilarious tweets from a Seattle transplant from Minnesota with his impressions of just how “well” Seattleites handle even a little snow. Guaranteed to make you laugh!

FMCA getting ready for big Georgia rally

FMCA will make its 11th visit to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia, March 13 through 16, for its 99th International Convention and RV Expo. The group held its first international gathering there in 1996. Read more.

Wow! This horse/human camping trailer includes fold-out corrals

A lot of people love horses and a lot of people own them. How many horse trailers do we see on the highway? Lots of ’em! The RV industry is part of the lifestyle, too. Here is one very innovative combination horse trailer and camping trailer. You’ll need to watch the short video to believe it.

Are deer reading “deer crossing” signs and putting motorists in danger?

Can anyone can be this stupid? Or is this for real? In this tape recording posted on YouTube from a Fargo, North Dakota, radio station, a woman calls in to complain that the state is inviting danger to motorists by posting signs that tell deer where to cross highways. Really? Listen and laugh.

Are you ahead, on time, or behind on your RV loan?

The Seattle Times reported recently that 7 million Americans are 90 days or more behind on their auto loan payments. Despite the strong economy and low unemployment rate, many Americans are struggling to pay their bills. So what about RV payments? If you’re paying on an RV loan, are you on time with your payments? Please read this then take the quick poll if you have an RV loan.

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Wow! That’s a deal! Did you know that every day Amazon features more than 1,000 special deals on items? Even if you don’t need anything, it’s fun to poke around and see the new interesting products on sale. There’s always stuff you can use in the RV, so take a look here.

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Motorhome burns by the highway

Watch this video of a motorhome going up in flames. Not pretty, but a reminder to check your fire extinguishers.

Fabric RV storage building – midwinter report. How’s it holding up?

There’s more snow in the Northeast and Rich “The Wanderman” is concerned about snow and ice loading on the fabric building he built a few months ago to house his RV and helicopter. How is it holding up? Find out here.

Ever wish a road you traveled had a sign like this?

Have you ever driven down a road for awhile and then realized it was not the road you thought it was? What a pain! Sometimes you need to backtrack a long way. When this happens, you might wish that a sign like this would have been posted early along the route.

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Popular articles from last week’s issue

• Building an RV park from scratch: Why I sold my house to open an RV campground. (Wow – more than 200 comments! Thanks, folks!) • RVer safety: How much info should you give if you’re pulled over? • Incredible new “teardrop” trailer sleeps six … but how? • Editor’s notes: Feb. 9, 2019. • RV Tire Safety: Tire ramps or blocks may damage your tires. • Pros and cons of having slides out with snow. • What we learned about you last week (February 2-8). • Why is there no pressure in RV fresh water plumbing system?

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Resources

RV Tours Prefer to travel with a group of RVers? There are plenty of great RV trips to choose from. Here are a few. 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. The RV Show USA Listen each Wednesday evening on Facebook or YouTube for the live taping of America’s only syndicated radio program about RVing. Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help. RV Clubs Check out our Directory of RV Clubs and Organizations. What does financing an RV for 20 years REALLY mean? In case you missed this article the first time around, here it is again. Important! Click here.

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If you shop at Amazon, would you use one of the links below to do your shopping? The link in the blue bar above also works. Thanks. U.S. shoppers: Shop at Amazon.com Canadian shoppers: Shop at Amazon.ca

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Ask the RV Shrink

RVing: Is it a magical mystery tour?

Dear RV Shrink: We will begin our great RV adventure in about a year. We are newbies when it comes to RV traveling. My husband thinks it is going to be this magical mystery tour. I think he might be building himself up for disappointment. I am trying to throttle him a bit. Is this unfair? Should I just let him dream his dreams and let him find out the hard way that it’s not all utopia out there? —Balloon Bursting in Burlington Read the RV Shrink’s advice. Can’t get enough of the Shrink? Read his e-books, including the brand-new Book 2 in his two-book series: 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.

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Latest fuel prices

Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of February 11, 2019: Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.28. [Calif.: $3.16] Change from week before: Up 2 cents; Change from year before: Down 33 cents. Diesel: $2.97. [Calif.: $3.71] Change from week before: No change; Change from year before: Down 10 cents.

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RVer Safety

with Mike Sherman

When it comes to owning a gun, it’s complicated

As previously stated, we are all the product of our environment and life experiences. It has influenced our opinion of weapons, self-defense, crime trends and general attitudes on the subject of our personal safety and security. RV Travel readers have asked some very good questions and offered a lot of personal opinions, legal and otherwise. Several folks wanted to talk about the type of weapon to have for personal safety and the type of ammunition. Read Mike’s article about these topics.

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2019 Guide to Firearm Laws now available If you travel with a firearm, you need this to avoid breaking state laws. This details the firearm laws of all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and how to prepare, carry and transport your weapons. What’s legal in one state may be a felony in another! Essential for RVers who cross state lines. Learn more or order.

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RV Quick Tips

Why clean your RV roof?

Why is it important to clean the roof of your RV? No one sees it! Who cares?! You should care! If you don’t regularly clean the roof, mold can grow up there. Sap and bird droppings will linger and bake in the sun. Washing your roof also gives you the opportunity to get up there and inspect it for any cracks or tears in it. The first thing you need to know before you get started is what type of roof you have – rubber or fiberglass. Most RV roofs are rubber, but you want to check before purchasing your cleaner since the wrong cleaner can cause some serious problems. If you have a fiberglass roof, you can use the same cleaner you use on the side of the RV. Once you’re done cleaning it, put a coat of wax over it. This wax will help things slide off it and make the next cleaning job a little easier. For a rubber roof, ensure that your cleaner is not abrasive and doesn’t contain any citrus or petroleum solvents. These can damage the rubber and cause cracking, bubbling and tears. Use a medium scrub brush and a mild detergent when washing a rubber roof. Dawn dish soap or Murphy’s Oil soap are recommended for rubber roofs. These cleaners are not abrasive but are powerful enough to cut through the dirt. —From Trade Winds RV Center

Simple RV maintenance tips: Look below and exercise

Look underneath – I know it’s a pain but it’s well worth inspecting under the rig every once in awhile. Have a look for loose, corroding or broken items. A quick inspection can save you from being stranded on the side of a highway. Exercise all systems – Systems that are left dormant in the RV for long periods of time should be run periodically. As an example, when on full hookups for extended periods it’s a good idea to use the water pump occasionally and run the generator for a half hour or so every month. Thanks to loveyourrv.com. Do you have a Quick Tip? Send it to Russ (at) RVtravel.com

Work Camping

with Sam Suva

The business of work camping – What tools to bring?

Work camping involves multi-faceted tasks, a “many hats” affair with office, maintenance, grounds and technical abilities all blurring together. Understanding the ins and outs of a campground will help to be able to have the right tools for the job. While most tools apply to outside work, some “tools” are the knowledge and experience that office staff bring with them. Learn more.

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Stay for free at more than 600 wineries and farms With a Harvest Hosts membership, you can stay overnight at more than 600 wineries, farms, breweries, etc., for free! Harvest Hosts offers an alternative to traditional campgrounds, where members can meet interesting people, taste great wines, eat fresh produce and stay in peaceful settings. (RVtravel.com recently stayed in a blueberry orchard.) Save 15 percent by using code HHFRIENDS15 at checkout. Learn more.

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Ask the RV Doctor

The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions

Any legal recourse for potential damage from RV shop’s mistake?

Dear Gary, I am writing you for your opinion about an event that has taken place involving our new trailer. We purchased a brand-new unit from a local dealer in June of last year and had many problems (5 work orders worth). Prior to taking it in for work to be done, I took the low point drain plugs off and put RV antifreeze in all the traps. One of the repairs that was made involved repairing a leaking water pump. When I dropped it off I asked if the temperatures were going to be below freezing that they blow out the lines…. Read the rest of the question and Gary’s response. Read more from Gary Bunzer at the RVdoctor.com. See Gary’s videos about RV repair and maintenance.

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Protect your RV “pigtail” That 7-way connector on your travel trailer or fifth wheel is a critical component. When not plugged into your tow rig, the thing is susceptible to the onslaught of dirt, rain and even bugs. Here’s a plug cover that slips right over your precious plug and keeps out the crud. Learn more or order.

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Ask BoondockBob

with Bob Difley

There’s more to “RV retirement” than just a lawn chair

Since 2011, Baby Boomers have been reaching the potential retirement age of 65 at the rate of about 10,000 per day. Instead of just sitting around becoming more and more out of shape, not to mention bored, the RV lifestyle – and especially boondocking out in America’s open public lands – offers myriad opportunities for physical play to not only stay healthier but to make your life more enjoyable. Read Bob’s list of a few of the fun and interesting possibilities here. You can find Bob Difley’s e-books on Amazon Kindle.

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RV Electricity

with Mike Sokol

2019 Electricity Seminar schedule

Dear Mike, Would you be available to teach an RV Electricity Seminar at (insert the name and place of your rally)? We really need your help out here! —Hopeless in Hope, KS Read Mike’s response, including his 2019 seminar schedule. Mike Sokol is an electrical and professional sound expert with 40+ years in the industry. His excellent book RV Electrical Safety is available at Amazon.com. For more info on Mike’s qualifications as an electrical expert, click here.

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New & interesting finds on Amazon See what really cool stuff Amazon is featuring today. It’s a whole lot of fun just browsing through all these great items. The selection changes every day, so check back often. You never know what you will find, which is part of the fun of visiting here. Check it out.

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RV Tire Safety

with RV tire expert Roger Marble

Small single-axle travel trailer tire inflation, and more

Roger has received questions on tire inflation from folks with small single-axle travel trailers, boat trailers and utility trailers. There is some confusion, so he explains his recommendations for inflations on different axle configurations. Learn more.

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Astronomy for RVers

with Chris Fellows

Galaxy season is upon us

Spring opens a window to the wider universe Over the course of a year here on Earth the night sky vistas change as our perspective changes. In the late winter and spring the Milky Way moves out of the way and gives us a window to the outside of our stellar neighborhood. Learn more.

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Hang up the heavy stuff! RV walls aren’t exactly designed for having screws or nails driven into them. Enter acrylic mounting tape. This is a clear, double-sided tape that is sturdy enough to hang heavy objects and can easily be removed without doing damage to the walls. Get some on Amazon here.

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The RV Kitchen

with Janet Groene

Angel Wings

Everyone takes wings. Not everyone likes fiery wings made with hot sauce. The secret to these sticky-sweet wings is to start them at a low temperature, then finish at a high temperature to create the delectable, mahogany  glaze. Make them for a campground potluck, infield party, tailgating, appetizer or snack. 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

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Keep mice out of your RV The positive reviews on this product from Earthkind make it the 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.

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The RoVing Naturalist

with Dennis Prichard

Uncommon crows

Ever since I was a youngster I have been fascinated by crows. Something about their behavior has struck a curiosity in me to watch them and learn from them. The more I learn, the more amazed I become, and the more I find them uncommon. Learn about this very smart bird here.

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Need something for your RV?  Vent covers, roof sealant tapes, back-up cameras, generators, water pressure regulators, windshield covers, water filters, leveling blocks, a new memory foam mattress cover, wi-fi extenders, you name it, you can find everything you’ll ever need for your RV here and have it delivered straight to your door.

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Digital RVer

with Geeks on Tour

How to organize your travel photos before you even get home

Chris and Jim Guld, Geeks on Tour, are currently traveling in New Zealand and taking lots of pictures – more than 2,000 so far! How would you like to see a slide show? Probably not. Chris says she’s too lazy to “keep the best; delete the rest.” Too much work! So she tells you the simple method she uses to sort and store her photos – sometimes even before they get back to their RV from a sightseeing tour. Learn how. Learn about smartphones and tablets … from Geeks On Tour. Here is a popular webcast: #119, Photo albums with Google Photos.  Watch live or archives of past programs. Be sure to check out the recently released 2nd edition of Mrs. Geek’s Guide to Google Photos, available at Amazon.com. Special offer for RV Travel readers! Visit the Geeks’ Store to buy a membership. Use the coupon code rvtravel and get a 20% discount off anything you order.

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Temperature gun is ‘essential equipment’ for many RVers! Just aim this non-contact IR temperature gun to measure the temperature of your refrigerator, tires, A/C and heater output, or, heck, even your oven (and the list goes on). It turns on and begins reading the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit with one press of the trigger. A laser light aids in aiming, and can be turned on or off. Many RVers consider this essential equipment. Learn more or order at a huge discount.

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Facebook Groups about RVing

• Off Grid Living and Homesteading • RV Traveling With Cats. Tips, Hints & More! • DIY RV Maintenance and Repair PLUS OUR OWN GROUPS: RV Horror Stories & RV Advice

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Free and bargain camping

From OvernightRVparking.com

Unnamed I-94 EB Scenic View Turnout, Mandan, ND FREE! Overnight parking is allowed. State of North Dakota allows overnight RV parking in rest areas and scenic turnouts. Level and lit by tall light standards in I-94 median. Click here for details. 

Walmart Supercenter # 2289, Bennington, VT FREE! Overnight parking is allowed. Obtain permission from the store, per Walmart Corporate Policy. Park in the SE corner of the lot. Well-lit, level, quiet and safe. Click here for details.

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.

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Get inspired! Good books from Amazon.com

• • • National Geographic’s Guide to Scenic Highways & Byways
    • Road Food: An Eater’s Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hotspots and Hidden Gems Across America
    • 50 States 5,000 Ideas
    • The Good Sam RV Travel & Savings Guide
    • Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 Parks
    • 1,000 Places to See in the U.S. & Canada Before You Die
    • Off the Beaten Path: A Travel Guide to More Than 1,000 Scenic and Interesting Places Still Uncrowded and Inviting

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Museum of the Week

The Waffle House Museum

Avondale Estates (Decatur), GA

This museum is located inside the very first Waffle House restaurant (Atlanta’s greatest contribution to the U.S. … just kidding, kind of). The restaurant opened in 1955 after two neighbors decided their neighborhood needed a 24-hour restaurant. Today, the Waffle House chain has more than 1,700 restaurants in 25 states – holy waffles! The museum opened in 2008 and inside you’ll find old restaurant uniforms, dishware through the decades, and old menus. Unfortunately, you can’t eat any breakfast here, but there’s a location just down the block serving up the chain’s classic favorites. We love this place a waffle lot, and think you will too. Click here to visit the museum’s website.

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Upcoming RV Shows

• Earlybird RV Show and Sale, February 14-17, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada • OKC RV Super Show, February 14-17, Oklahoma City, OK • Utah Sportsman, Vacation & RV Show, February 14-17, Sandy, UT • Arkansas RV Show, February 15-17, Little Rock, AR • Atlantic City RV & Camping Show, February 15-17, Atlantic City, NJ • Chattanooga RV Show, February 15-17, Chattanooga, TN • Topeka RV & Sport Show, February 15-17, Topeka, KS • Northeast RV Show, February 15-18, Suffern, NY • Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, February 15-24, Indianapolis, IN • Maryland RV Show, February 15-24, Timonium MD • Austin RV Expo, February 21-24, Austin, TX • Dallas RV Supersale, February 21-24, Dallas TX • Harrisburg RV & Camping Show – Pennsylvania, February 21-24, Harrisburg, PA • Overland Park RV & Outdoor Show, February 22-24, Overland Park, KS • QCCA RV and Camping Show, February 22-24, Rock Island, IL • Raleigh RV Show, February 22-24, Raleigh, NC • Battle Creek RV & Camping Show, February 28 – March 3, Battle Creek, MI • Milwaukee RV Show, February 28 – March 3, West Allis, WI • CNY RV and Camping Show & Sale, February 28 – March 3, Syracuse, NY • Greater Philadelphia RV Show, February 28 – March 3, Oaks, PA • Toronto Spring Camping & RV Show, February 28 – March 3, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada • Central Illinois RV Show – Peoria, March 1-3, Peoria, IL • Eugene Spring RV Show, March 1-3, Eugene, OR • Fredericksburg RV Show, March 1-3, Fredericksburg, VA • Rhode Island RV & Camping Show, March 1-3, Providence, RI See the complete list of upcoming RV shows.

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A thing that does all things!

This large silicon pad can be used in your microwave under hot bowls to pick them up, or on top of a dish as a splatter guard, on your table as a hot plate, a drying rack, or even as a jar opener. When it gets messy just toss it in the sink for a wash, or even put it in the dishwasher. About $12 on Amazon makes it a great deal. Talk about a great multi-tasking gadget for your RV (or home) kitchen.

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Trivia

Clean your floor with Listerine? Don’t laugh! Listerine was invented in the 19th century as a powerful surgical antiseptic. It was later sold, in distilled form, as a floor cleaner and cure for gonorrhea. But it wasn’t a big success until the 1920s, when it was pitched as a solution for chronic halitosis, a then-obscure medical term for bad breath. In the next seven years, its annual sales jumped from $115,000 to more than $8 million. Source: Freakonomics

NEW: Silly Tourist Questions

From Dennis Prichard, retired Park Ranger: On a hot summer day walking with a visitor to the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns, the visitor was astounded by all the rattlesnakes he heard. “Don’t you hear them all in the grass?” he asked. Dennis explained to the unbelieving tourist that those sounds were grasshoppers. —Thanks, Dennis! From Gale Wilson: From my daughter who used to work in a cafe on Maui: Does the water go all the way around the island?  —Thanks, Gale! Have you overheard a silly tourist question at a National Park or other well-known tourist location? Send it to diane(at)RVtravel.com

Bumper sticker of the week

“What’s the difference between apathy and empathy?” “Don’t know and don’t care.” —Thanks to George Bliss. Have you seen a funny bumper sticker? Send it to diane(at)RVtravel.com

Joke of the Week

Remember as a child when air for your bike was free? Now it’s $1.50! I asked the gas station attendant why. He said, “Inflation.” —Not from George Bliss. 😉

Worth Pondering

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” —Susan Sontag

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RV Travel staff

CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com 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, Dennis Prichard, Sam Suva, Len Wilcox, Mike Sherman, Machelle James, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen. REGIONAL AND LOCAL ADVERTISING: We can now run banners on RVtravel.com in your town or in a designated area near you, for example to readers within 100, 200, etc., miles of your business. 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 newsletter is copyright 2019 by RVtravel.com