America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2931 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” —John F. Kennedy
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Onion Rings Day!
On this day in history: 1942 – The Pledge of Allegiance is formally adopted by U.S. Congress.
Tip of the day
Hot sleeper? These tips are for you
By Gail Marsh
Too hot to sleep in your RV? You’re not alone. Hot sleepers know the struggle—especially in summer. From poor airflow and stuffy mattresses to night sweats and warm pets, sleeping in an RV can feel more like roasting in an oven. But there are ways to beat the heat: improve ventilation, use special-made cooling bedding, skip heavy meals, and try gadgets like the bFan® or a cooling gel topper. And if it’s a sudden change, check with your doctor—health issues can play a role, too. Click here if you’re a hot sleeper.
More tips from this weekend. Don’t miss them!
- A trick for getting rid of mosquitoes at a long-term campsite
- An RVer’s praise for the lowly bungee cord
- How to spot bad RV moldings
RV review
2026 East to West Blackthorn 229RK—short and sweet
By Gail Marsh
The 2026 East to West Blackthorn 229RK is a compact fifth wheel with one slide, suitable for a couple or a solo traveler. This feels like a smart, easy-to-live-in fifth wheel. I believe that the Blackthorn 229RK fits the “short and sweet” criteria that many folks are looking for today. Read on and see if you agree.
Adventure Starts at America’s Largest RV Show®!
Dreaming of a way to tour the country in comfort? With 1,500 RVs from 40 manufacturers, America’s Largest RV Show has what you need. Explore 33 football fields of the newest models, shop camping products and services, and find your next vacation destination. Plus, there are educational seminars for every RVer—novice or pro. Find your dream rig at America’s Largest RV Show, September 16-20, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Tickets available at largestRVshow.com.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to properly inspect RV windows and clearance lights
Here, I’m sharing how I inspect RV windows, lights, and clearance lights. Maintenance is KING for keeping your RV in tiptop shape. By inspecting these areas, you can avoid potential problems down the road. I’ll show you how to perform these inspections and help you avoid any potential problems with your RV. This inspection and advice will apply to all RV manufacturers, makes, and models, especially those with frameless windows.
Article and video
Imported Japanese RV: 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil 4×4
A lot of small campers promise clever packaging, but this one backs it up. The 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil by Vantech fits a full RV layout into a 16-foot body that still slips into a normal parking spot. It starts with a Toyota Dyna truck chassis, adds four-wheel drive, then tops it with a fiberglass camper shell from Japan. The result feels half mini truck, half tiny motorhome, and all of it has a ton of character. Check it out!
The latest news for RVers
- RVers in their 70s aren’t slowing down. They’re changing how they travel
- Gas prices just dropped below $4. Why RVers shouldn’t celebrate yet
- National parks could get billions for roads, campgrounds and other overdue repairs
- RV makers are pulling back. What that could mean for RV buyers
- License plate readers may soon do more than just read plates
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: How tariffs have affected Elkhart, van rental demand, and future RVers
To read more recent news, click here.
THE MORE YOU KNOW… The largest number of country names starts with what letter? T? M? U? Or S? If you guessed S, you’re correct. There are 26 country names that start with the letter S.
Doctor’s order: Coffee!
This coffee mug is hilarious! It’s perfect for yourself or the coffee-lover in your life who just cannot live without coffee. This high-quality mug is made from ceramic and painted to look like a prescription pill bottle – it’s just what the doctor ordered! You can’t order this from a barista, but you can order one here.
Featured article
Duck pond mistaken for hot spring; hilarity ensues
By Nanci Dixon
I love quirky RV spots and had never actually been in a hot spring before, so after reading a number of reviews for El Dorado Hot Springs that ranged from “kitschy” to “rustic,” we decided to try it. After all, we had our choice of a private hot spring or the not-so-modest public nude one. I chose private. That they rented by the hour should have rung at least a few warning bells, but it didn’t. The Hot Spring sign should have been an additional warning [snicker]… Check this out. (This remains one of our favorite stories we’ve ever published!)
Ask Dave
Why does our ceiling A/C unit spit out black Styrofoam pieces?
Reader poll
Which of these campsite utility hookups is normally the most important to you?
Quick tip
How to use a basement storage door as a table
You can use a basement storage door as a table, provided you can open it to “level” and then support it. Hit the thrift shops and buy a used photo tripod. The three legs make it sturdy and you can set and lock it at nearly any desirable height.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Wow, this item is not trash! So, then, what’s the opposite of trash? This! (No, but seriously, we highly recommend this.)
Website of the day
The best underwater attractions in the U.S.
Okay, odds are that you aren’t a scuba diver (but cool if you are!). However, even just looking at the photos on this page is incredible! Did you know all this existed in our country’s waters?
Monday Motivation
“The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ―
Trivia
The most famous celebrity to die in an RV accident was Brandon deWilde, who earned an Oscar nomination as a child actor for the movie Shane. [Do you remember, “Shane! Shane! Come back!”?] In 1972, he was driving a camper van near Denver when it left the roadway, struck a guardrail and a parked truck, and rolled over. He died from his injuries at age 30.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Lily Gipsy (Chocolate Lab, age 10) is the best traveling RV pup. Ohhh, the stories she could tell! This is how we roll.” —Bonnie Quinlan
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Leave here with a laugh
Smelly or slow-draining shower? This is what you need
If your RV shower smells—or drains slower than it should—the HepvO valve might be the fix you need. Unlike a traditional P-trap, this waterless valve blocks tank odors without relying on standing water, so there’s no drying out or freezing issues. It’s compact, low-maintenance, and a smart upgrade (or replacement) for RVers who want better drainage and a fresher-smelling bathroom with less hassle. Learn more about it here, or order one here.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Let’s not forget a couple of the most tragic vehicle accidents that happened to famous people was the death of Jane Mansfield and then there is Princess Diana.
You failed to mention James Dean, as far as I am concerned, more famous than Brandon deWilde.
But they weren’t R V accidents.
Read people. The statement was he was the most famous celebrity to die in an RV accident.
Lily Gipsy looks like she has lots of personality. Many happy travels together.
At 69, I donated almost all my scuba gear to the local university dive club. I retained a right to borrow gear at no cost if an opportunity to dive happened. I’m still in good shape but pretty much all my dive buddies have moved or died, and frankly most ‘kids’ (meaning adults under 40) really don’t want to dive with an old fart. Oh, we summer near the shores of Lake Superior.
We winter in Texas. Didn’t know about the hole in Athens. But in central Texas, the dive shops that run local dives look at me like I’m crazy. “It’s winter!” But winter water in central Texas is often warmer than Lake Superior in mid-summer. LOL
If you like the size of the Blackthorn 229RK, also check out the Northwood Arctic Fox 27-5L, a solidly built, 4-season 5th wheel.
Lily Gipsy is gorgeous and knows how to take a picture, definitely a money shot. And one of the best camping dogs around. I bet a great copilot. Keep on camping.
So you want me to buy a $25 ticket to an RV show where I’m going to look at the RV’s that I’m thinking of purchasing?? So I have to pay to buy one? Are not these companies proud of what they manufacture and feel showing off what they have to offer and feel if they have to bring their units to the show and pay for a spot that that’s just part of doing business. If I’m thinking of spending $100,000 or $500,000 just to walk in the door seems a little backwards.