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RV Travel Newsletter Issue 953

Welcome to RVtravel.com, the newsletter that cares. Please tell your friends about us!

Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter, now in its 19th year of continuous publication, is funded primarily through advertising and voluntary subscription contributions from our readers, plus the generous financial support of SoftStartRV, an inexpensive device every RV with an air conditioner should have.

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Page Contents

June 20, 2020
Non-Members (advertising supported) edition


Editor’s corner

With Chuck Woodbury

Whew! After seven months on the road in our 32-foot motorhome, Gail and I have returned to our home north of Seattle. We had originally intended to stay out two or three months. Then the coronavirus struck, attacking first in a Kirkland* nursing home just a few miles from where we live. We decided to stay out longer to see how things played out.

And now, seven months later, after spending most of our time in Arizona, we’re back home. Life is different, far different. My home with its small, park-like back yard will be my world for awhile, although I hope to get out for a couple of short, local RV trips in August and September. Since I left home last November, I have lost two friends to COVID-19, and know a half dozen others who survived. For me, the pandemic is real.

RVing has changed dramatically since the virus arrived. At first, RVers stayed put, holing up in their homes or RVs. I thought the RV industry was in big trouble. Now I wonder. RV sales have picked up, often dramatically. Some RV dealers are selling more units than a year ago. RV industry stocks have climbed steadily. Camping World’s stock shot up from about $4 a share to $25 in two months.

RVing, after all, is the safest way to travel in our Pandemic world, and many people consider travel essential. Now, they have put off trips to Europe or cruises in favor of buying an RV and hitting the road. And for the first time in my lifetime RVs are “cool,” no longer “Grandma and Grandpa’s Playhouse” where old people hung out in RV parks and played shuffleboard.

On our drive this past week up I-5 from central California, we drove by dozens of RV parks and dealers. The parks were full, or nearly so, with more park model RVs than I’d ever noticed before. RV dealer lots along the road were crammed full with plenty of units to sell.

On our way home, we stayed five nights at the Southern Oregon RV Park in Medford, Oregon. The park is operated by Jackson County. It’s right off I-5. I highly recommend it.

In Elkhart, Indiana, where about 85 percent of all RVs are made, factories are open again. Meanwhile, cases there of COVID-19 are climbing, and hit an all-time high last Thursday. How many RVs can manufacturers turn out with workers keeping their distance (which, realistically, they cannot) or even refusing to come to work? How many workers must get sick or die before the factories are forced to shut down again?

So where does that leave all those buyers who, increasingly, want to see the country — to go “where they want, when they want,” as the TV commercials promise? Will there be an adequate supply of new rigs a year from now to satisfy demand? I wish I knew, but I don’t.

The fact is, people can live as comfortably in an RV as in most homes. You know that, I know that and many others are realizing it now, too. With a phone, laptop and Internet access, they can work from anywhere without sacrificing any creature comforts. So why live in just one place when they can live in many places? Couples sitting around their breakfast or dinner tables right now are discussing that question, and choosing to hit the road.

Hopefully, state governments, should they shut down businesses again, will spare RV parks, where social distancing is no problem with a self-contained RV.

RV clubs have cancelled most of their events through at least early fall. Ditto for RV shows. The big Hershey Show scheduled for late September is still on, although Camping World, usually the biggest vendor, has pulled out. FMCA, the largest surviving independent RV club, is bleeding members and losing money hand over fist.

At RVtravel.com, we are doing surprisingly well. There is more need than ever for current information about what is happening as it relates to RVers. Since December, our website page views have doubled from one million to two million a month, climbing faster than in any time in our 20-year history.

This website is now the most popular news and information portal about RVing in the United States. More than 200 new RVers are signing up every day, with more than 8,100 articles currently available for their reading pleasure. We are among the most popular 3,500 websites in the USA out of an estimated 876 million. We are ramping up our editorial efforts, adding new writers, and working on more in-depth articles, free of industry pressure because of our increasing support by our more than 5,000 volunteer subscribers. Please consider making a pledge.

Gail enjoying her morning coffee in our back yard after seven months on the road with our RV.

After 10 years of being the only business in the RV industry to help support RV electricity wizard Mike Sokol, his fame has grown and other RV businesses are stepping up to help him. That has allowed Mike to spend more time educating RVtravel.com readers and other RVers about RV electrical safety. We already know from letters that his efforts have saved lives. If you do not know what an RV hot skin condition is, for example, then you are in danger of being harmed or even killed by simply touching your RV under certain circumstances. I urge you to read this article where Mike explains this potentially dangerous condition.

And by the way, the RV industry itself will never mention a Hot Skin condition, just as it won’t mention that RVs, when they catch fire (as they do), go up in an instant. If RVtravel.com relied on advertising from RV manufacturers we would lose their support in a heartbeat if we discussed subjects like this — ones they want kept quiet.

We recently debuted our “Directory of RV parks with Storm Shelters.” When in tornado country, select a park with a shelter, so if the storm comes your way you can ride it out safely. It is incredibly scary to watch a tornado headed your way, with nowhere to hide. This directory keeps growing with input from our readers.

We continue to add new Facebook groups. We know many readers do not like Facebook, but it has been a great resource for us. It helps us gain insights into what RVers are talking about and to discuss specialized topics of interest. Our newest group, RVing with a Disability, serves as an information and inspirational resource for RVers or aspiring RVers with physical disabilities. Our new Trucks for RV Towing group is where to ask or answer questions about trucks commonly used for towing an RV. Our group RV Advice is a great place to ask a question and get it answered, usually within a few minutes.

Thanks for traveling along with us. Please be safe, wear a mask when away from home, and stay away from large group gatherings. We don’t want to lose you. And, if you appreciate what we do, one giant favor you could do is to suggest to your RVer friends that they subscribe at https://rvtravel.com/subscribe .

chucksignature

* Costco’s first flagship warehouse was in Kirkland, Washington. And that is why today Costco’s private brand products carry the name Kirkland. Before deciding on “Kirkland,” company founder Jim Sinegal wanted to label the products “Seattle Signature.”

New newsletter for beginning RVers debuts July 6 from RVtravel.com. Published Monday through Friday. Read it for six months and you’ll know almost everything you need to know about RVing. Sign up here.

My Roadside Journal

(about whatever is on my mind, not necessarily RV-related)
Readers: I ran out of time this week. I’ll get back to my random musings next week.

Archives



Stories in tomorrow’s newsletter

• U.S. borders into Mexico and Canada will remain closed to all but essential traffic until at least July 21.
• Motorhome splinters to pieces in rollover. Photos.
• Major RV club struggling to survive as memberships declines.
• Fake news: Hand sanitizer doesn’t explode in hot cars, trucks, RVs.

PLUS
: Below: This converted airplane is for sale and street legal. And get this: You drive it from the cockpit! We’ve got the details plus pics of its interior – pretty cushy (but needs a little work).

AND REGULAR FEATURES: Campground updates • Latest fuel prices • Upcoming RV shows • Latest RV recalls • Free and bargain camping locations • Reader survey • and much more …



SUPPORT QUALITY RV JOURNALISM
RVtravel.com, and the 400 newsletters about RVing we publish every year (soon to be almost 700), would not be possible without the financial support of our voluntary subscribers, our members. Now, in the most challenging time of our lifetimes, your help is needed more than ever for us to be your #1 source of news, information and advice about RVing. Every contribution, of whatever size, will make a difference. Learn more or donate. Help us be the best we can be. Thank you!


READER ASSIGNMENT

Your assignment this week: Answer this: If you could tell someone new to RVing ONE thing, what would it be?
Say your close friend was buying their first RV. They had never owned one before. If you were standing next to them having a conversation, what would you tell them? Please click here and take some time to think about your answer.


Last week’s Tip of the Day in RV Daily Tips Newsletters

How to care for an RV after a rainy getaway.
Bag those troublesome cords and hoses.
RV Education 101: Easily enlarge outdoor living space.
Customized shelving for your RV cabinets.
Protect your furnace vent from LP-sniffing bugs.



RV park owner Andy Zipser: My park’s open, but campers are angry!

Our favorite RV park owner is back with another installment of what it’s like to own a campground in a COVID-19 world. As always, Andy will prompt some discussion, but he’s a straight shooter with a lot of insight to provide those of us who don’t own campgrounds, just visit them. Read what he has to say.

Boondocking in a coronavirus world. Part 2: Stops along the way

By Dave Helgeson
In my last entry we looked at the definition of boondocking and why it is a good fit in a coronavirus world. Given some of the comments that were received, I believe many readers equate boondocking with staying put for long periods (entire seasons) of time. Boondocking isn’t restricted to staying put in the same location for months or weeks … Boondock locations can also serve as convenient places to spend a night or two en route to your final destination…. Read more.

Why your first RV? You’ve told us – Part 1

A couple of weeks ago we asked you why you bought your first RV. Your responses flooded our e-mail system, and the reasons – how diverse! We’ll be sharing as many as we can over the next while. Here’s the first installment.

Ten most popular vehicles towed behind motorhomes

With so many towed vehicle options, it helps to know what other RVers are choosing. Picking the right vehicle for your needs can be the difference between an “okay” trip and a great one. The customers of RVibrake.com recently told the company their towed vehicle model, which the company then put into a top ten list based on popularity. Is yours on the list?


Stay free at more than 1,040 wineries and farms
Stay overnight for free at more than 1,040 wineries, farms, breweries, etc.! Harvest Hosts is an alternative to traditional campgrounds, where members can taste great wines and micro-brews, eat fresh produce and stay in peaceful settings. Save 15 percent on a membership by using code HHFRIENDS15 at checkoutLearn more


Last year at this time, these were the most popular articles

Campground pet peeves – specifically, campground jerks
A frightening example of the importance of vigilance while traveling
Do motorhome owners really need a “toad”?
A story of kindness for an RVer in need
Poll: Have you ever lived continuously a year or more in an RV?


Fireproof bag keeps valuables safe!
This silicone-coated fire-resistant bag will save your money, documents, jewelry, passport and other valuables from a fire. Its two layers of supreme fire retardant fiberglass material make it resist fire and heat up to 1000 ℉. It’s waterproof, too, so when the hoses arrive, your valuables won’t be harmed. Learn more or order.


Brain Teaser

My first is in ocean but never in sea. My second’s in wasp but never in bee. My third is in glider and also in flight. My whole is a creature that comes out at night. What am I?

(Shhh. Don’t give it away. Answer in tomorrow’s Sunday News newsletter.)


Screen+Shot+2015-10-23+at+8.36.44+AMBET YOU DON’T KNOW! What famous inventor (of a device you probably use every day), taught a dog to talk — to say “How are you, Grandmama?” You’ll need to click here to find out.


Reader Poll

Has a sewer valve or hose ever broken or malfunctioned while you were dumping?

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.

The most popular poll in this past week’s RV Daily Tips newsletter:
How often do you eat at a fast-food restaurant? See how more than 2,000 other RVers answered by clicking here.


BOONDOCKING THIS SUMMER? Run your RV air conditioner with a small portable generator. Learn more.


Deep cleaning your RV for a quick sale

By Silvana Clark
“When we listed our Alante Class A motorhome for sale on Craigslist, we had numerous potential buyers look at the RV. I expected that. What I didn’t expect was how many people said, “This RV is so clean! We’ve looked at lots of RVs and none are as clean as this one.” …  It’s easy to believe a clean RV has also been well-maintained mechanically. So if you are planning to sell your RV here are a few tips.

Keeping your water filter upright

By Jim Twamley
A water filter is a great idea because it keeps impurities from contaminating your water system. There are many different types and degrees of water filtration available to RVers. I use a whole house single filter with a combo charcoal filter…. This filter gets the debris and also takes out a few harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, the filter will not stay in an upright position without help. Solution? Find out here.

Black Lives Matter as RVers, too

Last week we featured a reader letter sent in by Tracy Schulz. Tracy and her husband, an interracial couple, describe a terribly sad and scary incident they had while camping in Florida. Nanci Dixon, one of our readers and a frequent contributing writer, shared some of her interracial family’s experiences. Please read this.

Oh, DEER! This highway disaster is WILD!

Can you imagine if this was your trailer? I mean, not only is it terribly sad for the deer, but it just goes to show poor craftsmanship on the RV – the whole trailer gets pulled apart in less than a second! Check out this video.


Endorsed by Roger Marble of RVtireSafety.net!gauge4
An excellent tire pressure gauge
The Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge has an easy-to-read LCD display that provides pressure readings from 5-150 PSI. It’s ergonomically designed with an angled head and a rubber-coated easy-grip handle. If you forget to turn off the gauge, don’t worry, it will automatically shut off. And all this for about $12! Learn more or order.


RV tire showing dangerous wear. What’s wrong?

We spotted this question on Facebook – where only one tire was showing wear and it was only on the inside. What is happening is definitely a bad thing, and certainly dangerous. So we asked our RV tire expert Roger Marble to weigh in with his thoughts. Read more.

No hot water shows RVer his rig is in big hot water

A man who owns a new Forest River Vibe, one of the company’s “ultra light” travel trailers, had a different sort of “light” problem – as in, the water heater in his rig just wouldn’t light up. What could be the problem? You won’t believe this! Then again, you probably will. Read more.

Trailer hitch fail! Check this photo, then weep!

We found this on Facebook and felt compelled to share it with you to maybe save you from a disaster. The post said the woman who owned the trailer was still on her property when the hitch failed — lucky for her. People who commented thought this was probably a utility trailer, not an RV. There’s a lesson here.



Clintoons • By Clint Norrell

Photo copyright 2020 by Clint Norrell


👍TRAVEL TIP:
Normally, Utah’s Zion National Park’s 122-space campground is booked nearly solid in the summer. But management says a typical year would see many camping enthusiasts from Europe starting in July. But that’s not likely this year, leaving more campsites for U.S. travelers.


Popular articles from last week

Will the Pandemic ruin our RVing future?
Forest River recalls some travel trailers. Safety chains could fail.
Jayco recalls some RVs, window glass could fall out.
RVelectricity: Will my RV generator backfeed power and kill someone?
Video: Scary! Tropical storm nearly sends RVs parked on beach out to sea!
Is it a cottage or a camper? It’s both, and it’s real cute.
Basement storage disorganized? Fix it!
RV workers worry about safety in manufacturing plants.
Interracial RVing couple the target of white RVer’s anger.
RV Tire Safety: How to avoid tire “flat spotting” when parked.
Propane safety made simple – Part 2.
How to make the most of your stay in full-service campgrounds.


SWELL CONTEST OF THE DAY

WIN THIS!

LET’S TRY THIS AGAIN. We had technical problems last Saturday. Sorry ’bout that. Four readers managed to track us down and enter, however, so we put their names in a hat and picked a winner — Pam and Rich Piazza of Tuolumne, California. Their stove is on the way.

Now, today’s contest. Same swell prize
How would you like to win this very cool Coleman portable butane stove? Well, this might be your lucky day! In one of this past week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletters we published a secret phrase. Simply email the phrase to us at RVcontests@gmail.com . We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (June 20, 2020) by 11 a.m., Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once.


Resources

RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury found this “Tree in a Car” in Visalia, California. Good luck fitting into the front seat of this old Model T.

Our Facebook Groups: NEW RVing with a DisabilityNEW RV Travel TipsNEW Trucks for RV TowingRV Horror Stories • RV Advice • RV Electricity • RV Parks with Storm Shelters • RV Buying AdviceNorthwest RV CampingSouthwest RV CampingFree CampgroundsBudget RV TravelRV VideosRV Coronavirus News.

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.

Best Club for RVers: Escapees. Click here to learn more or join. Endorsed by RVtravel.com.

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.

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.

Stuck with a lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge, America’s premier RV lemon law attorney.

AD: Stay overnight in your RV on the private property of accommodating hosts across the USA. Join Boondockers Welcome and then start taking advantage of this great free camping opportunity.


Fifty Shades of the USA: Cycling through all 50 states
Here’s your next read! Anna McNuff has no experience as a long-distance cycler, but that doesn’t stop her. Anna and her pink bicycle set out on an 11,000-mile journey across all 50 states. Her story is inspiring, hilarious, nail-biting, and will sure as heck make you want to hit the road and explore more of our beautiful country. Read more about it here.


Ask the RV Shrink

Full-time RVer DIY maintenance pit stop options

Dear RV Shrink:
Here is a question most people do not think about when becoming full-time RVers. Where can we go to work on our RV? Most campgrounds frown on visitors doing any maintenance on their rig. Something as simple as changing fluids is prohibited in most facilities we camp in. I work on small projects during the year that do not involve looking like a service center, but for anything major I start getting the stink-eye from management and close neighbors. Any insight would be appreciated. —Handy Hank and Mandy in Medford

Read the RV Shrink’s advice.


RV Education 101

Use the NADA Guide when buying a used RV

By Mark Polk
There is an RV edition of the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) guide. This is the appraisal guide most RV dealers use to determine used RV prices and values. The online NADA guide offers low retail and average retail pricing on used RVs. … I always tell people you wouldn’t buy a new RV for full retail price, so you shouldn’t pay full retail price for a used RV. Learn more.


RV Electricity

The dangers of rewiring 240-volt dryer and welder outlets

Dear Readers,
Since so many of you seem to be backyard camping this summer, or possibly setting up your RV for a COVID-19 medical staff to shelter in place in the RV, I’m getting all kinds of emails about plugging an RV into a 30-amp dryer or even an electric welder outlet. So I’m updating an earlier article about the dangers of miswiring an RV TT-30 outlet with 2-pole 240 volts instead of the correct 1-pole 120 volts.

Read this important information.

This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session:

Another combo voltage and 3-light tester. Mike reviews another outlet tester, and this one is inexpensive and available over the counter.

Sign up for Mike’s popular and informative RV Electricity group on Facebook.


Be like Mike! Use this 3-light and digital voltage tester!
Mike Sokol says: “I found this nifty tester online and have been using it in a variety of voltage checking situations. It performs all of the 3-light tests for outlet polarity, open ground, open neutral, etc., as well as being a 3-digit digital voltage indicator. In addition, it performs a standard 5 mA GFCI safety test – which you should be performing on all of your GFCI outlets once a month (or at least once a camping season).” Read more about it here.


RV Tire Safety

Videos: (Updated) Modern radial tire assembly – worldwide

Here are some interesting videos RV tire expert Roger Marble has found on how similarly tires are built around the world – which is why he has difficulty in accepting the idea that because a tire is built in one country means it is automatically more likely to fail than if it were made in another country. There’s also a fascinating video from 1934 of how tires were made then. Watch the videos here.


Building an RV Park

Our beautiful state is on fire!

By Machelle James
Our beautiful state is on fire – LITERALLY! The Bush Fire began on June 13, due to a car fire. It is the country’s largest fire happening right now and it’s in our backyard! Read more, including an update on some upcoming (huge) costs, status of bank loan, getting reported to 911, and more.



The RV Kitchen

Stewed Tomatoes ‘n Green Beans

Side dish, main dish, de-lish. This is a spicy Southern classic by way of Africa. It’s traditionally made with raw vegetables fresh from the garden and stewed over the campfire in an iron pot. Get the recipe.


Essential equipment for RVers!
Camco TastePURE Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector
RV Daily Tips Newsletter Issue 1163This best-selling product reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine and sediment in drinking water with a 100-micron fiber filter. Use it at your campsite to keep sediment out of your RV water tank and improve the taste and smell of your drinking water. Many RVers consider this essential equipment. Learn more or order at a big discount.


The Digital RVer

Did you take a shaky video? It’s easy to fix!

By Chris Guld, Geeks on Tour
I hope you’ve discovered that your smartphone camera takes great videos, and videos add so much to the experience of your memories. Even just 15-second clips, combined with your photos, can bring your memories to life in delightful ways. But any time you are hand-holding your phone while taking video, you run the risk of it coming out shaky. If you are using an Android device and the Google Photos app, you’re in luck. This is so cool!


Reader letters

Dear Chuck:
I once had a Class C motorhome based on a Sprinter chassis. Today, I know you and Gail travel in a 32’ Class A.  I’m not sure if you “toad” or not.

My wife and I have our 35-foot 10-year-old Class A gasser with 3 slides. The size (along with our toad) never presents any problems for me because I once drove school buses. Recently, my wife says she wants to downsize but she won’t provide a definitive reason why.

With your long-time experience, would you and Gail be as content in your Class C as it sounds you are in your Class A? By the way, I know every inch of our rig, have made countless mods to make it ours, and, it’s paid for, which I know a lot of people cannot say. —Ken

Dear Ken,
Gail and I have discussed this very thing. I miss the 24-foot Sprinter (a Winnebago View) because I could stop along the road easily whenever I wanted. Of course I didn’t tow, so once set up in the campground I was stuck. Now, with more living space in the 32-footer and our Honda Fit, we can park, stay a week or two, and take day trips whenever we wish.

Our last trip lasted seven months and the new 32-foot motorhome with a car to travel with was perfect. But on a shorter “road trip” with less time in an RV park and more time traveling from place to place, I’d prefer the View. I think that what works for a particular person is based more on how they plan to use it, not on the size of the RV itself. —Chuck


Check for gas leaks often by using this!
Russ & Tiña De Maris write: “We keep our natural gas leak detector tucked in the door pocket of our tow vehicle so we can check for leaks when we reconnect an LP bottle after filling. We also use it whenever we make up a new connection on a gas line, or ‘think’ we might have a leak. Here’s one you can pick up for a good price with lots of good reviews.”


Facebook Groups of Interest

RVillage Community
RV and Camper Renovations
RV Parks in Mexico

PLUS OUR OWN GROUPS: NEW RVing with a Disability NEW RV Travel TipsNEW Trucks for RV TowingRV Horror Stories • RV Advice • RV Electricity • RV Parks with Storm Shelters • RV Buying AdviceNorthwest RV CampingSouthwest RV CampingFree CampgroundsBudget RV TravelRV VideosRV Coronavirus News


Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Will you stop looking at me? Macaws are perpetually 2-year-olds. Their favorite things are chewing and hollering. These two are 30 (blue) and 28 (red) years old and were hand-fed as babies. As a result, they think I’m their mother. They love to go and entertain folks at campgrounds.” — Cliff Thomson

Pets featured in this past week’s RV Daily Tips:
• Monday: Neko • Tuesday: Maggie • Wednesday: Aki • Thursday: Shipley • Friday: An anonymous rescue cat in a sink


Taking your pets to Canada? Read this.

“Dear Dr. Deanna – We’re planning a trip to Canada, and are wondering if we need any kind of permits to bring our pets (our dog Sissy and cat Murphy) with us. Thank you.”Grace H. Read the RV Vet’s response. (Note: The Canadian border is still closed to travelers, but if you’re planning a trip for the future, the information here is still valid.)


This is the highest-rated pet hair remover on the Internet. If you’ve got a pet that sheds, check it out here.


Trivia

An estimated 1 million dogs in the U.S. have been named primary beneficiaries in their owners’ wills.

Bumper sticker of the week

Displaying a bumper sticker for a good cause is not enough.

Have you seen a funny bumper sticker? Send it to diane(at)RVtravel.com

Joke of the Week

After years of marriage with constant bickering, a couple met with a counselor. “What’s the problem?” he asked. The husband remained silent, but the wife rambled on about their problems. After 15 minutes the counselor got up and kissed her passionately. He said to the husband,”Your wife needs that at least twice a week.” The husband replied, “I can have her here on Tuesdays and Thursdays.” —Thanks to Tom H.

Worth Pondering

“Only people who are not happy with themselves are mean to others. Remember that.” —Anonymous


Did you miss last week’s RV Travel?

Read it here | Back issues


If you want to have a wonderful day, send $10, $50 or $100 to a local food bank. There are millions of our fellow citizens, including little kids, who are going hungry because their parents lost their jobs. You will feel so good if you contribute — helping people less fortunate than you go to bed without the pain of an empty stomach. Here’s where to donate.


RV Travel staff

CONTACT US at editor@RVtravel.com

Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Emily Woodbury, Russ and Tiña De Maris. Contributing writers: Mike Sokol, Richard Mallery, Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, Bob Difley, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Social media director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES — OUR STAFF MEMBER IN HEAVEN, Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor.

Honorary Correspondents: Loyal readers who regularly email us leads about news stories and other information and resources that aid our own news-gathering efforts.
• Mike Sherman • George Bliss • Tom and Lois Speirs • Alan Warren • Steve Barnes + others who we will add later. 

Are you interested in our affiliate program? Learn more.

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. Learn more here.

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.

RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

Comments

  1. Dear RV Travel,

    While my wife and I don’t (yet) own an RV — bucket list! — we visited friends who just bought an RV park in Ruidoso, NM.

    First off, beautiful place I’d never been. I’m from NYC and my wife is from Kerrville in the Texas Hill Country. She used to go to Ruidoso to ski.

    Second, fortunately, this RV Park is still doing well since our friends bought it in February. They have a fair number of year-round residents, and the daily/weekly slots are now picking back up. Unfortunately, and not surprisingly the restaurants and other services there are suffering as is the case in many places. Good news is that New Mexico is taking COVID pretty seriously still and people were wearing masks and being sensitive.

    But Ruidoso looked like a great place to RV to.

    Howard Freeman
    Curator, “Small Town USA”
    https://americadowntown.com/

  2. IMO the Wuhan Virus is nothing more then a biological weapon to put fear into the general population and to cull the herd. I am seeing this more and more and I am pretty much done with the way people are treating each other and how the government is not working together. Your letter to the editor struck home. As for keeping the virus in check? You can’t and never will. It will be the same as it was in 1918. Around for 2 years then subsides as peoples immune system become immune to the virus. Then we will be on to another pandemic and more scares. As for the factory workers? I truly believe they have figured out how to keep it in check because the car factories on Monday go to full production. So if the virus is increasing in positives it is because people are doing their thing and letting humans be humans. So if you don’t want the virus? Stay home. If you do not care? Go out and live it up. I am. I have done it all, seen it all and right now I am letting the chips fall where they may. So enjoy life or live in a hole. Your choice.

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