Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.
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Today’s thought
“This island of Earth of ours is finite in resources, including wilderness – particularly wilderness. The dwindling worldwide reservoir of wild lands must be the concern of everyone, but especially of those of us who have been privileged to experience wildness, and thus learn its value to the individual human soul and to the spirit of mankind.” — David Brower
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is St. Patrick’s Day! Which means it’s also National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!
Coronavirus Updates for RVers
Coronavirus Updates for RVers
Illinois governor JB Pritzker has ordered all restaurants and bars in the state closed to customers until at least March 30, in a sweeping measure aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Under the order, restaurants still will be able to serve customers at drive-through windows and curbside pickup. —Thanks to reader Bette Soloman for alerting us to this news.
And reader Melissa Wells reports that the governor ordered all Illinois State Parks closed, too, until further notice. If you have questions call (217)-882-6752.
Fantasy RV Tours has postponed its RV tour to the San Antonio Fiesta until November.
Indiana has ordered restaurants, nightclubs and bars to close dining-in services through the end of March. Takeout and delivery will still be allowed.
Grand Canyon National Park has cancelled interpretive talks as well as the interior interpretive venues at the visitor center.
Texas State Parks remain open. If you want to cancel your stay, cancellation fees will be waived. Call (512) 389-8900.
The Cajun RV Rally in Rayne, Louisiana, scheduled for April 2-7, has been cancelled and rescheduled for April, 2021.
Camping World’s stock has tanked along with other RV stocks. Here’s an insight into the company’s problems, titled “Camping World’s Achilles’ heel.”
The following Pennsylvania state parks are currently closed: Evansburg, Fort Washington, Norristown Farm, Ridley Creek, Marsh Creek, White Clay Creek, Delaware Canal, Nockamixon, Neshaminy, Ralph Stover, Tyler, Washington Crossing, Goat Hill and Serpentine Barrens. The public should avoid these parks.
Chick-fil-A is temporarily closing dining room seating to help limit person-to-person contact. Drive-thru still open.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California has called for all people 65 and older to shelter at home and asked all bars, brewpubs, nightclubs and wineries to close. He said restaurants could remain open, but they must reduce current occupancy by half in order to allow for more “social distancing” among diners. In LA, all bars, restaurants, event centers, movie theaters, and gyms will close.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the largest urban national parks, has announced the closure of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, and Marin Headlands Visitor Center, among others.
PLENTY OF FOOD: The nation’s biggest retailers, dairy farmers and meat producers say the surge of buying may have temporarily emptied shelves, but the food supply is fine.
Read last Sunday’s comprehensive report of news that impacts RVers, including notices of campground closures and cancellations of RV shows and rallies.
New Facebook Group: How the coronavirus is impacting RVers. Learn about park closings, cancelled rallies and RV shows — and more. Your input requested.
Attention readers: If you are a member of an RV club or are affiliated with an RV-related event would you please let us know if its gatherings, meetings, etc., are cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus? We’ll pass along the info to our readers. We appreciate any news related to RVing that’s being affected by the virus. Please submit it here. Thank you!
Find that RV dump station
Freedom is the name of the game for boondockers: freedom to go where you want, when you want, no reservations and no checkout times. However, no matter how large your holding tanks are or how frugal you are on water use, your RV must be occasionally tethered via the sewer hose to a dump station. Here’s how to make locating a dump station as painless as possible.
Yesterday’s featured article: Misaligned RV Cabinet Doors Perplex
Reader poll
How the coronavirus has altered and cancelled many of your upcoming RV trips. Read more here.
Quick Tip
Easy tip to help back up the trailer
Trouble backing up your fifth wheel or travel trailer? You know that you need to turn the wheel the opposite direction of where you want the trailer tail to go, but training yourself is the hard part. Hold the steering wheel at the bottom with your hand – whichever way you move your hand when there, the trailer tail will follow.
Random RV Thought
Hearing the birds chirping outside your RV in a beautiful campground on a spring morning is one of the great joys of RVing.
Is it okay to play Taps in the evening at an RV Park? One RVer makes this a part of his evening routine, but other park-dwellers aren’t happy about it. What do you think?
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Come into the light!
Our favorite electricity guy, Mike Sokol, uses this Caterpillar pocket light for just about everything. He writes, “I bought one of these CAT CY1000 Pocket COB Lights a few months ago and liked it so much that I also picked up one for my dad. I’ve dropped it a bunch of times, and it still keeps working, like any of the other tough-as-nails CAT products.” It easily clips on to your belt, shirt pocket, or anything magnetic, so you can work hands-free. Chuck and Gail bought one too and love it! Learn more or order.
Website of the day
The most dog-friendly RV parks in America
Fido will be lucky if he gets to stay at one of these RV parks! Most of them have dog parks and some have trails and agility courses.
And the Survey Says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 71 percent believe people would be kinder without the Internet
• 45 percent have a Facebook account and use it often
• 60 percent believe there is other intelligent life in the Universe
Recent poll: If you have been seriously thinking of buying a new RV soon, would you go ahead with a purchase or wait a while to see what happens with the uncertain economy? Tell us here.
50 States, 5,000 Ideas, the best book for travelers!
This book from the experts at National Geographic showcases the best travel experiences in every state, from the obvious to the unexpected. Sites include national parks, beaches, hotels, battlefields, dude ranches, museums and more. Each entry provides detailed travel information and fascinating facts about each state that will help fuel your wanderlust and ensure the best vacation possible. The book also includes a section on the Canadian provinces and territories. Learn more or order.
Trivia
• The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. occurred in Boston in 1737.
• There are 34.7 million U.S. residents with Irish ancestry. This number is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself.
• Your odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000.
What ingredient does one-quarter of all grocery store items contain? We told you yesterday.
Leave here with a laugh
What’s Irish and stays out all night? Paddy O’Furniture.
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Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!
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RV Daily Tips Staff
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All bars and restaurants are closed except drive thru in North Carolina
I have only stopped at a few Cracker Barrel’s, and the Mgr has allowed me to park in one of the spaces designed for buses. So even with a 45′ I can comfortably park overnight…
Perfect for overnighting, when you get up you can go in and have a great breakfast. Some have potable water and some have dump stations.
Cracker Barrel’s generosity (usually 4-5 marked RV/BUS spots) has been a saver for me a few times. Spaces are mostly long enough to cover larger (but not giant) RVs. Always considerate if you talk to mgr and ask if you can park, and then have something for dinner or breakfast. Considering the space is free, the soup, salad, or eggs is a very cheap overnight.
Only downside. Some of the stores have lots that slope away from building, so you aren’t exactly level.
What do you get when you cross an Irishman with a redwood?
Paddy O’Furniture
cracker barrel
we usually stop early evening, after 7:00 pm and have no trouble parking our Class A 38 footer.
Cracker Barrel parking lots (in general) are too small for 40′ fifth wheels and a 20′ tow truck.
Would love to stay there more often. Great opportunity for great meals!
And the DW said SHOPPING!
A nice thing about boondocking overnight at Cracker Barrell is that they are all located right at an Interstate exit. It makes no sense to drive 10 or 20 miles to a “low-cost campground” if you are just spending the night. You will spend more on gas than you can save. Cracker Barrel also has a basic “Trip Planner” on their web site showing all the locations on your route.
https://crackerbarrel.com/locations
Food is reasonably priced, quick and I find that I like most of the items on their menu.
[end of commercial 🙂 ]
We have been new mexico for the last month using all the state campgrounds. I was just about to send a nice letter to the governor saying how great they were when they decide to close them to campers. So now all of the campers that were out of the way and not crowding, have to leave and jam into rv parks.
Not that much of an inconvenience when you think of all the small businesses that are forced to close their doors too. Loss revenue for the business, loss income for the employees, and inconvenience for the customers. It’s inconvenient for everyone…
Colorado’s governor has closed all restaurants and bars to dine-in.
Cracker Barrel’s RV spaces are to small to park in. Only small motor homes or towed trailers less than 20 ft can use them.
I have overnighted in several with class A and traiIer, at 71 feet long.
The one Cracker Barrel I stayed at, I was allowed to park almost anywhere I wanted.
Not true. Many have marked RV/Bus spaces that usually extend 45 or more feet.
Cracker Barrel is one of our go-to stops for lunch when we are on the road. But it is frustrating when we find all the bus/rv spaces are filled with cars.
Except for salad, soup and a few breakfast items I’m not a fan of Cracker Barrel’s food. I find most of their menu items to be loaded with fat. On the other hand I purchased 2 of their rockers for our front porch and love them!
To be fair as a rule I try to avoid large chain restaurants.
When I checked, Indiana state parks and recreation centers, including state park inns, remain open, according to the statement.20 hours ago. I wonder if others find it stupid that New Mexico closed the campgrounds in their state parks but left the parks open for day use.
agreed, it makes no sense.
Agree. If anything, open the park in the evening and run people out early in the morning. That way at least we a place to park and greatly reduce the chances of being in contact with others.
Actually, New Mexico has now shut down both day and night use of their state parks.
According to their website they are open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.
I have mixed feelings about mandatory closings for bars and restaurants, or anything else for that matter. On the positive side, it will possibly slow down the spread of coronavirus. On the other side many of the people working in those places will be struggling to make ends meet with no income for that period, and that includes the business owners. The governor can probably miss a few paychecks, but of course he wont have to do that. Is there a plan in place to assist those people, or is it just tough luck, make do?
And as for Cracker Barrel, I’ve never been in one that was worth the time it takes to find a parking place. We have to go there occasionally with some friends. So, it’s welcome to Cracker Barrel. Even though our dining area is far from full, we’ll make you wait in our painfully over priced junk store. Then you get some truly mediocre food served in our dining room that is as loud as an NFL stadium.
+1 for the Cracker Barrel comments.
What roll if any, do our holding tanks play in the virus situation, Can it breed in the tanks, I suppose we have to be extra careful at dump stations if they even are open, Then what do we do??
I’m pretty sure I’m the safest ever when at the dump station, gloves always and I surely don’t touch my face.
Now why would you want or need to touch your face while dumping? Do you wash your hands after taking off your glove? Do you use a glove on each hand or on just one? Pretty sure your not the safest, lol!
Just dump your stuff as usual. Nothing to see there . . .
Covid-19 is primarily an airborne transmission path according to much information I have seen. yes our dump tanks have lots of germs but I seldom go around sniffing my holding tank.
Thank you for your observation on camping world stocks. How about recommendations on other stocks to consider buying. Campgrounds, RV manufacturers, and who is the company that makes RV loans?
One problem with restricting seniors like me to our homes or RV’s, is we are the volunteers that keep everything running.
Florida has yet to place restrictions on gatherings, restaurants, bars. Probably waiting for spring break to be over. This past weekend, with virus cases and deaths increasing and special events being cancelled all over the country, Ron Jon held a surf festival at Cocoa Beach attended by thousands. Irresponsible and business friendly over people’s safety.
Responsibility lies with the festival goers too. They too know they should not attend such a big gathering in an attempt to thwart this virus.
No one is forced to attend. Those in the most at risk groups probably have enough sense to stay away.
Those least at risk and ignoring the recommendations will be the carriers later infecting those most at risk…..
The florida keys have closed all bars restaurants and clubs. Only take out or delivery will be available. Oh and fast food. Oh and all St. Patties day events are canceled.
Miami-Dade County is shut down…..no school, no restaurants, no bars, no parks, etc open until further notice. Carry-out or delivery only at restaurants.
FL closed all bars and limited restaurants to 50% capacity yesterday. Schools are closed (and have been) throughout the state. We’re in the middle of spring break but many beaches have closed and others are limiting numbers. Please try to understand that FL has a service based economy and the state, counties and cities are trying to walk a fine line between keeping our citizens solvent without needlessly endangering our fragile elders. It doesn’t help anyone if people can’t afford to buy food or medicine or pay their rent – or if their employer is forced into bankruptcy. Everyone is doing the best they can right now. It’s always easiest to solve someone else’s problems when you aren’t experiencing the consequences of the solution.
How about a reader pole on folks that don’t have a dog (pet) with them when camping. Do they enjoy interaction with other folk’s pets or are they annoyed? Would they choose a RV park that does not allow pets? Should pet numbers/RV be limited? ETC..
Yes, I find irresponsible pet owners annoying. Those who let their pets pull a their leashes and jump on people, frighten children and laugh because they think their “little darlings” are just being cute should get control of their pets. Campground owners need to be more responsive and vigilant in their responsibilities. No pet campgrounds would be an excellent options. Regardless of what some people think, not everyone is a dog lover.
I love when a large dog charges over to you (because the irresponsible dog owner does NOT have the pooch on a leash) and yells over, “Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite”.
I am an animal owner, but that said, I believe we should keep our dogs in check. When walking, they should be by our side. If others are walking by, I stop and let them go and keep my fido at my side. Also, people MUST clean up fido’s poop. (NO excuses there). Another, keeping their dogs from continuous barking. If they won’t stop, then they should be put inside their RV, trailer or 5th wheel. No one should have to hear a dogs relentlessly barking.
I know my dog is cute and sweet, (she’s only 8lbs), but like mentioned, not everyone likes pets. We should be respectful that others may not like pets. That all said, to the no dogs allowed….could we also have a no kids allowed? They too are loud and run all over the place. Many parents do not watch and take control of their kids, but instead let them run free in the entire park. If they think their little cheribs behave all the time out of their sight, then…..
Thanks for posting Karin and being a responsible pet owner. I am in agreement about irresponsible parenting as well. Cheers.
Although I am not currently a pet owner, I love dogs. I always ask if it is okay to pet someones dog. I’m okay with dogs at campgrounds as long as they are on a leash at all times ( for their protection too ) and the owners pick up their poop. Unfortunately there are bad dog owners and many campgrounds don’t enforce their own rules. I’m not sure a campground that banned pets would be viable in some areas. There seem to be a lot of campers with pets. Happy Trails.
Sounds like you don’t like to be around pets; if this is incorrect sorry for the assumption. If this is correct you should stay away from those with pets.
Conversely John, those with pets should NOT assume that everyone is in love with the dog as they are. Fair is fair m’man.
We parked at Cracker Barrel once. Our rig barely fit in their RV spot. We then got a bigger RV so we can no longer park there. It’s too bad, because we like their food.
I agree that the Cracker Barrel parking spots are not long enough. The may be OK for a 25 footer, but I pull a TT. The trailer and my tow vehicle hung over each end. Also, even though they are set up as pull throughs, I have had problems maneuvering when trying to leave. They make you drive around the building past all the cars.
Never stayed overnight, just pulled in to eat.
If you can afford that big of a rig you probably don’t need to save money. Go to a campground.
Jealousy and envy is a sad thing.