Welcome back to North America’s best source for news and information for RVers. As if the past year hasn’t been scary enough, here we are at Halloween 2021. We hope you find yourself at a great campground tonight where you can pass out candy to the littles (even if you have to toss it to them at a distance). For those Snowbirds now migrating south, be careful out there, and enjoy the warm winter. As always, we at RVtravel.com appreciate your help through voluntary contributions to keep this newsletter coming your way; and be sure to check out all of our other RV-related newsletters.
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Sunday, October 31, 2021
Non-Members (advertising supported) edition
Did you miss yesterday’s edition of the RV Travel Newsletter? If so, it’s here.
The Cover Story: “We’re done with Facebook.”
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Page Contents
Out & About with Scott Linden
A one-minute radio feature from RVtravel.com as heard on SiriusXM radio. Click to play.
Featured articles
Sheet metal, ladders and glue … Missing RV parts aren’t always the big stuff
RV manufacturers are still fighting through the perfect storm of broken supply chains, missing parts, hiring woes, and unprecedented consumer demand. While supply chain issues conjure images of missing water heaters, air conditioners and refrigerators, the parts that are really gumming up the manufacturing process might surprise you. Continue reading this surprising report.
Correct figures shed new light on industry shipments
Last Sunday we published a piece comparing wholesale shipments of RVs to actual registrations of RVs. We covered a six-month span, March through August, comparing statistics for both 2020 and 2021. The title of the story suggested that the RV industry might be blowing some hot air. If you poke somebody with a stick, you can expect a reaction. On Monday, an official from the RVIA requested we take a closer look at our statistics and print a correction. It took a lot of time and number crunching, but the correct figures have shed new light on our premise. Continue reading.
Campground Crowding: Reader says “Sites like this one” are ruining it! – But we’re only trying to help…
RV sales have skyrocketed and more people than ever are taking up RVing. The result is campground crowding like never before! In this weekly blog, RV Travel readers discuss their experiences. This week readers lament the increase in trash and litter they’re finding even in remote areas and how we can help. Also, more travelers are encountering little to no problems finding campsites or making reservations. However, one reader blames sites like ours, RVtravel.com, for all the campground crowding. Uh oh. Read all about it here.
Winter to become the new summer at national parks and other public lands
Could winter be the new summer when it comes to tourists visiting national parks and public lands? That’s the premise behind a new report in the journal Global Environmental Change. The report says that as the planet continues to warm up due to climate change, demand for outdoor recreation on public lands in hot summer months just might nosedive. Interesting reading.
An RV where you don’t want to be the special guest!
Today’s Halloween-special RV review…
In today’s review, industry insider Tony Barthel looks at the Vintage Airstream Funeral Coach. This RV was designed by Airstream “to carry a very specific box – a coffin. Then they also added seating for 14 of the guest of honor’s favorite people and created the Airstream Funeral Coach.” Creepy… but cool! Check it out.
Yesterday’s review: 2022 Jayco White Hawk 29BH
Last week’s reviews:
• 2022 Entegra Anthem 44B Class A diesel pusher
• 2022 Keystone Cougar 24RDS
• Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FBRS
• 2022 Keystone Raptor 429 fifth wheel toy hauler
• 2022 Keystone Passport 3401QD
Read all other RV reviews by clicking here.
That was the RV week that was
October 24–30, 2021
Yosemite Falls roars back to life. Last week’s rains in California have radically changed the flow at the popular Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park. The massive storm broke records in the state, and also changed the status of the iconic waterfall from “dry” to “roaring.” Images from the Yosemite Conservancy webcam Oct. 21 showed there was no water going over the falls. On Sunday, the same webcame showed a massive flow of water after the Yosemite Valley received more than five inches of rain that day alone. The park was also under a flash flood alert Sunday and Monday.
Public can comment on new Oregon RV site fee boost. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public comments on an administrative rule amendment that would require out-of-state RVers to pay an additional 25%. Under the current system, out-of-state campers just pay the RV site rate. Oregon residents with RVs pay both the RV site rate plus an RV license plate fee, some of which goes to state park operations. Additional revenue from this surcharge will go to pay for day-to-day operations and repairs to state parks. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, November 10. Your comments on the matter can be submitted here.
Thousands of trees might need to be removed from Generals Highway. An estimated 10,000 trees of various species may need to be removed along the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park. The trees are in a weakened condition due to drought, disease, and wildfire, and could pose a risk to park visitors and structures. “This is a whole different mishmash of different types of trees,” said Kimberly Kaschalk, a spokesperson for the KNP Wildfire Complex. “We have incense cedar, there’s different types of pine, it’s just in the entire forest, not just sequoia groves, and it’s not necessarily sequoia trees. They’re assessing all of the trees in the burn areas to see which ones need to be taken down, which just need a little trimming and maintenance. … The last thing they want is for a tree to come down and either block the road completely and strand people or heaven forbid hit someone.”
Can the flying RV be far behind? Chinese electric-vehicle maker Xpeng announced plans for its new flying car last week, which it says it will start producing in 2024. The company is partnering with a firm called HT Aero, which raised $500 million in funding last week too. The low-altitude flying car will have a steering wheel for driving on roads as well as a single lever for flying modes. Lift is provided by rotors that fold away for land driving. It will have a maximum flight time of 35 minutes and will sell for about $157,000. If you think this company is nuts, consider that it has sold 30,000 “regular” electric sedans in China this year. No word how this new flying car will tow.
Maybe your towable should be a shipping container. The U.S. trucking industry is reporting that it’s short about 80,000 drivers. That’s the worst shortage that industry has ever seen, and it comes at a time when the country can least afford it due to ongoing supply chain issues. The shortage started before the COVID-19 pandemic, but has picked up steam in recent months. While RVers may be benefitting from more open roads with fewer truckers, note that truck drivers move more than 70% of all U.S. goods. Industry experts are saying it’s likely to get worse, with the shortage growing to 160,000 drivers by 2030. It’s estimated that one million new drivers will have to be recruited to close the gap caused by increasing demand for freight, projected retirements, and other issues.
This e-car thing is getting real. For those who think the electric car phenomenon is a passing fad, consider that Tesla just took an order for 100,000 of its e-cars from rental giant Hertz. The big order caused Tesla’s stock price to jump 12.7% and gave the company a market capitalization of $1 trillion. The Hertz deal is worth $4.2 billion alone. Hertz CEO Mark Field said that “electric cars are now mainstream,” and that adoption has only just begun.
Hertz plans to offer 50,000 of those new Teslas for rent to Uber drivers. Tesla is now worth as much as the other top 19 automakers combined, including Toyota, GM, Honda and Nissan.
Investment trust buys two huge RV parks. Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust has purchased two large Midwest RV parks for a total of $8.35 million. The parks involved are the Glacier Hill Lakes RV Resort between Dayton and Toledo, Ohio, and the Oak Creek RV Resort in Northern Kentucky. The Oak Creek RV Resort has 99 sites, and Glacier Hill Lakes has 368 sites. Flagship Communities is a new investment trust that is incorporated in Ontario, Canada. It was formed to operate a portfolio of income-producing manufactured housing communities located in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, and Missouri, including a fleet of manufactured homes for lease to residents. No news yet if transient RV owners will still be welcome.
Who needs an RV when you have a hammock? There’s a brand-new camping facility in Tennessee, and it doesn’t accept RVs – or even tents. The Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground at Warrior’s Path State Park near Kingsport, TN, only accepts reservations from hammock campers. “Put a hammock in the tree and a rain fly up, and that’s it. You don’t have to have tent poles or things like that. It’s a lot lighter weight way to experience nature,” said Sarah Leedy, the manager of Warrior’s Path State Park. The park can accommodate up to 72 hammocks at a time. Just bring your own hammock and you’re in business. The project won the award for Excellence in Innovation in Tennessee State Parks in 2021.
Still cranking out the RVs. The RV Industry Association (RVIA) reported yet another record month in September for factory shipments. Shipments rose to 55,014 in September. That beat the previous one-month record of 54,291 set in March 2021. Towable travel trailers accounted for most of the September production (50,696 units).
RV Snowbird Capital of the West has a new claim to fame: A new OHV staging area has just opened in Quartzsite, Arizona. The site marks a new link in the Arizona Peace Trail, which runs from Yuma to Bullhead City, Arizona. The 675-mile trail is full of history – and cactus. Dust-eaters will now have a new place to park their equipment trailers and hit the trail. For more information about the trail, visit the Arizona Peace Trail website here.
New awning to power your stuff. A company called Xponent Power has unveiled a new RV awning that has embedded solar panels. The Xpanse Solar Awning is made of high-efficiency solar panels that fold together when retracted to fit inside a protective shell on the top of your RV. It only takes about 30 seconds to deploy the 16-foot-wide awning and it can be mounted anywhere there is space for the two side-arms. Tony Barthel reviews this awning in yesterday’s newsletter. Read his review here.
Another national park in the wings? There are currently no national parks in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, but that might be about to change. There is a move afoot to make the current Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area into an official national park. The area straddles the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The effort is being led by the state chapters of the Sierra Club. The clubs said a national park designation would increase funding and address needed amenities and infrastructure.
Great places to camp and stargaze. If you’re looking for the best campgrounds to sit right outside your rig and stargaze, the International Dark-Sky Places Association (IDA) has a list for you. The site has gathered the Top 10 “dark sky parks” that are light-free. The IDA tracks the darkest places in the world. The good news is that all but two places on the list are in the U.S. Finally, places to go where those twinkling, varicolored RV lights aren’t allowed. Here’s a snapshot of the list:
- Indian Ridge Campground, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, Penfield, Illinois
- Warrumbungle National Park, Warrumbungle, Australia
- Medicine Rock State Park, Ekalaka, Montana
- Galloway Forest, Creebridge, United Kingdom
- Buffalo National River, St. Joe, Arkansas
- Goblin Valley State Park, Green River, Utah
- Prineville Reservoir State Park, Prineville, Oregon
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, Okeechobee, Florida
- Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport, Pennslyvania
- Cosmic Campground, Glenwood, New Mexico
Tornado takes out 50 new RVs. An EF-3 tornado that ripped through Fredericktown, Missouri, last Sunday severely damaged homes and businesses in the town, including destroying 50 new RVs at the 72 West Motors RV & Camper Sales lot. Fredericktown is about 90 miles south of St. Louis. The storm had winds of up to 165 mph.
Hiker missing in Olympic National Park. Searchers are looking for a 78-year-old Beaver, Washington, man who was reported missing after a day trip in Olympic National Park. Duane Miles was last seen Oct. 19 as he was traveling to the Graves Creek area of the Washington park. He never returned and was reported missing Oct. 23. His vehicle was found parked at the Graves Creek Campground.
New Foxwoods, CT, campground welcomed by some park owners. Some current campground owners in Connecticut welcome new Foxwoods RV park. Plans for a new 304-site RV park in Preston, Connecticut, is being welcomed by some other local campground owners. Foxwoods Resort Casino is set to open the new park in spring 2023 in cooperation with Blue Water Development Corporation. The park will include a pool, water slide, splash pad, tennis and volleyball courts, a pavilion and a store. Other area campground owners say they expect the new park to bring in more campers for them, too. “The more traffic and the more amenities you bring in, the more traffic that creates in the area,” said Jason Guyot, president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino. Dave Nowakowski, owner of the Sunfox Campground in Lisbon, Connecticut, said, “There’s definitely a shortage of campsites in our area right now.”
Discounted camping for vets. In honor of Veterans Day, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in cooperation with U.S. Hotels, will offer U.S. military, both active duty and veterans, a 30% discount off one camping, getaway rental, state-operated cabin, or resort lodge stay during the month of November. “It is an honor to support the men and women who are and have proudly served our country,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This is a great way for these heroes to make amazing memories with their families and friends at our state parks.” To check availability or to make a reservation for state-operated camping, cabins, and other facilities, visit reserveohio.com.
High-tech Halloween. Just when you thought Halloween would feel a bit more normal, along comes an app called Nextdoor. The app, which is primarily used to connect neighbors, has a special feature this Halloween. Users can go onto an interactive map and list if they are (or aren’t) giving out Halloween candy. Trick-or-Treaters can then use the app to plan their routes and “maximize” their candy take. If you’ve got a “spooky” house they don’t want to miss, you can mark that on the map, too. The feature is sponsored by Reeses Candies. Heck, if might even work at your current campground.
Suspect flees police into Boise RV park. Boise, Idaho, police chased a fleeing suspect into an RV park last week that ended up in an hours-long standoff and the shutting down of I-84. The suspect exited a truck near the campground, fired a shot at officers and fled to a nearby trailer at the Mountain View RV Park. The shot didn’t hit any officers. Thomas Kuyper, 36, was eventually persuaded to come out of the trailer and was arrested.
Oh, the irony. The housing market is so tight in the Capital of RV Manufacturing in Elkhart, Indiana, that workers are being forced to purchase RVs to live in. One Elkhart company said they’ve sold nearly 900 RVs just this year. Business is booming in Elkhart, and so is the regular housing market. There aren’t enough rentals, so those who can purchase a home are buying them up and those who can’t are living in the trailers most of them manufacture. The median home value in Elkhart is about $200,000. No word if the RV workers who are now living in their own products are having to wait for replacement parts.
New partnership lifts profile of Native American tribes. The National Parks Service is partnering with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association to ensure the contributions, cultures and traditions of Native Americans are incorporated into exhibits and programming at sites across the country. The park service says it highlights the history of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians throughout the year. The five-year agreement with the Association will expand opportunities, officials said.
Fire consumes RV in Eureka RV park. Firefighters in Eureka, California, thought they were responding to save a 4-year-old reportedly trapped in a burning RV at the Shoreline RV Park. When they arrived, they found that the child had already been rescued. The fire was put out within 10 minutes. One dog in the RV did not survive.
Paint nick or chip on your RV? Easy fix!
Writer Nanci Dixon recently wrote about how to easily fix a paint nick or chip on your RV. The manufacturer showed her how to touch up the spot with mini automotive paintbrushes. “Merely wipe the damaged area clean, dip the paint stick in the touch-up paint, wipe off excess paint and dab the nick.” See the difference and buy the brushes here for about $10.
Ford 2021 F-150 offers PowerBoost hybrid engine option
The 3.5-liter PowerBoost hybrid engine is offered as an option in the 2021 Ford F-150 and changes the game for V-6 engines in pickup trucks. The combination of a V-6 and a pickup truck was once relegated to use as service vehicles and for supervisors to drive. Ford’s creation of the hybrid PowerBoost has raised the V-6 to a new level of functionality and usefulness. The PowerBoost performs at the level of a V-8, uses less gasoline, and takes advantage of proven technology to handle wear and tear once reserved for V-8 engines. Learn more.
Tow bars for trailers and motorhomes at Amazon. Click
Is this your RV?
If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send a photo for comparison), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific time today, October 31, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
If this isn’t your RV, send us a photo of your RV (if you haven’t already) for a chance to win in future issues.
We’ll have another photo in tomorrow’s RV Daily Tips newsletter (sign up to receive an email alert so you don’t miss the issue or those that follow). Some of these photos are submitted by readers while others were taken by our editors and writers on their travels around the USA.
Reader poll
What will you do tonight to celebrate Halloween?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment. CLICK HERE.
We’ve also heard …
Trail Ridge Road closed for the season. The popular 48-mile Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park is now closed for the winter. The road connects the Colorado towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Want to be a Florida resident? Here’s how. There are a lot of tax advantages to claiming Florida as your primary state of residence. For starters, there’s no income tax in the Sunshine State. But becoming an official Florida resident can be tricky, especially for snowbirds. For information on how to get it done right, click here.
The price of gasoline keeps inching up. Dick Smith of Sacramento sent along this photo he took in Gualala, California (pop. 2093), where the price of unleaded gas has now reached $5 a gallon.
Linn County, Iowa, closing campgrounds today. Linn County Conservation is closing down campgrounds at Morgan Creek Park, Pinicon Ridge Park and Wanatee Park on Sunday, Oct. 31.
New RV park proposed for Indiana. The Brown County, Indiana, Board of Zoning Appeals is set to hear a proposal from a developer who wants to build an RV park along Old State Road 46. The new park would have 180 sites, and developer Stephen Alexander wants to have it open by summer 2022.
Glamping cabins with reflective walls almost disappear into forest. A Quebec company is building prefabricated “glamping cabins” that are intended to blend into the landscape so much they almost disappear. One side of the cabins has a full-length reflective surface that mirrors the nearby woods. The cabins are in Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois, Quebec, a popular skiing location outside Quebec City.
A directory of where to camp on public lands – Expanded 2nd edition!
The recently published 2nd edition of the Bureau of Land Management Camping book describes 1,273 camping areas managed by the BLM in 14 states. Details for each camping area include the number of campsites, amenities, facilities, fees, reservation information, GPS coordinates, and more. You’ll want this book if you camp or are interested in camping on BLM land. Learn more or order.
Shop BIG this year. This one is for all you Class A owners (just kidding). Neiman Marcus just came out with its 95th edition of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. So now you too can be the owner of a $6.1 million diamond ring. By the way, the National Retail Federation is predicting the highest holiday sales on record this year (up 10.5%), despite supply chain woes.
More folks are lighting up. The pandemic apparently wasn’t good for smokers’ efforts to quit. The Federal Trade Commission is reporting that cigarette sales rose last year for the first time in 20 years, up 8 million packs. Sales had fallen steadily since 2000, but the combination of more disposable income and the stress, anxiety and the boredom of the pandemic took its toll on smokers.
Fewer homeless in LA and MS. If you’re tired of sharing your favorite boondocking spot with homeless folks, you might try Louisiana or Mississippi. Despite having the highest poverty rates in the country, those two states have the lowest rates for homelessness. Experts say that’s due to much more affordable housing costs in both states.
Same burger, different math. You’ve undoubtedly seen the memes about A&W Restaurant’s goof in the 1980s, when it marketed a 1/3-pound burger as a larger alternative to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder. They discovered that the general public didn’t know their fractions, and many thought since a 4 is bigger than a 3, that 1/3 was smaller than 1/4. A&W is trying again, but this time they are marketing it as a 3/9 lb. burger to get around that troublesome math.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
This one hasn’t been gone for long. On Monday, October 25, somebody popped into SeeGrins RV in Gilroy, California. They popped out with a Viking popup trailer, with highly distinguishable lime green accent stripe paint. The owner is deeply saddened. Having only had the rig since June, they hadn’t yet given the little rig much “personality,” so the only striking feature is the plate. At the time of theft, the California tag was 4UA3824. If you know something, please contact the Gilroy, California, detachment of the CHP. Phone them at (408) 848-2324, and refer to CHP case number S-0061-725-71.
UPDATE, MONDAY 11/1/2021: The owner reports that the missing Viking has been returned to port.
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
See many more recently stolen RVs. Let’s help find these for their owners and maybe even put the crooks in the slammer. Click here.
Campground and RV Park News
Developments in places where we stay across the USA
Janet Groene reports each week on developments at RV parks and campgrounds across the USA and Canada. There’s a lot of good information here that you can use to plan your travels. Read the current installment of “Campground and RV Park News” here.
RV recalls posted since our last newsletter
• Forest River RV recalls some XLR toy haulers for fire danger
• Some Coachmen Catalina trailers recalled for cooktop fire risk
• Triple E RV recall: Exhaust vents could ignite RVs’ wood frames
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
One of these doesn’t sound too bad… Which one would you try (if you HAD to try one)?
Did you miss yesterday’s RV Travel?
If so, stories you missed:
• Cover story: Get lost, Facebook. You’re not welcome here anymore
• Two outdoor industry associations. Which one (really) cares about the future?
• Millions of acres of public lands could be used as campgrounds. The federal government won’t take the initiative, but you can
• These are the spare items you should always have on hand in your RV
• Several of my friends are quitting RVing. You can probably relate to why they’re doing so
• Would you buy a new RV? Maybe not a good idea
• Casino Camping: Reader recommendations for free or affordable casino camping
• Ask Dave: Do I need supplemental brakes for my toad?
• RVelectricity: Important 30-amp outlet voltage reminder
… and much more
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of October 25, 2021:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.38 [Calif.: $4.39]
Change from week before: Up 6 cents; Change from year before: Up $1.24.
Diesel: $3.71 [Calif.: $4.60]
Change from week before: Up 4 cents; Change from year before: Up $1.33.
Every RVer needs a good set of pliers
An RV toolbox is not complete without a good set of pliers. These fit the bill. The channel locks are ideal for any plumbing connection or nut/bolt where you need more leverage. Needle nose are great for wiring. Electricians’ pliers and wire snips are essential for electrical work. General-purpose pliers help in many other ways. Learn more or order.
Brain Teaser
There’s a red-eyed mummy among the others. Can you find it? Click the image to enlarge.
(Answer below.)
Do you have a brain teaser you think we should use? Send it to us here.
Run your RV A/C with only normal household power. It’s now possible!
Upcoming RV shows
• Greensboro RV Show, January 7-9, Greensboro, NC
• Gulf Coast RV Show, January 7-9, Mobile, AL
• Knoxville RV Super Show, January 7-9, Sevierville, TN
• NCRVDA Greensboro RV Show, January 7-9, Greensboro, NC
• South Carolina RV & Camping Show, January 7-9, Greenville, SC
• Ohio RV and Boat Show, January 7-16, Columbus, OH
• Indy RV Expo, January 8-16, Indianapolis, IN
• Quartzsite RV Show, January 22-30, Quartzsite, Arizona
See the list of upcoming RV shows.
Penetrating oil can save the day!
It can be a bad day on the road if you break down and need to loosen a screw or bolt and it won’t budge. Here’s help: This rust eater, deep penetrating oil will penetrate rust, scale and corrosion to free parts and assemblies instantly. It will free up rusted machine screws, bolts, nuts, clamps for mufflers and tail pipes, locks and more. You need this! Learn more.
Recipe of the Day
Halloween Pumpkin Soup With Smoked Bacon
by Racquel Sweeney from Donegal
When we first went to try this, we thought it would be slightly sweet. Our taste buds were nicely surprised at how savory this soup is! A really good creamy soup to enjoy on a cool fall day. The smoked bacon really added a depth of flavor everyone is sure to enjoy!
A dinner that’s delicious and festive? Count us in!
Did you miss yesterday’s recipe, Jack-O’-Lantern Cheese Ball? Get it here.
Other recipes featured in this week’s Daily Tips Newsletters:
• Hearty Herb and Cabernet Beef Stew
• Cinnamon Chip Pumpkin Muffins
• Crock Pot Carmelized Onions, Beer & Cheese Bisque
• Mandarin Orange Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Halloween Crunch
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WOW! RVtravel.com readers are really loyal: According to a recent survey, nearly two-thirds of our readers have been reading this newsletter for more than five years!
Brain teaser answer:
The Perfect Scam Podcast
Every Sunday we present a podcast from AARP about scams and how crooks are stealing your money, often via telemarketing. Their efforts are often most successful with people 65 years and older who fall victim to the scammers’ sophisticated techniques. Here is this week’s episode.
MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
Fix it In Foil! Tasty recipes. Easy cleanup!
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition, quick cleanup! “Fix It In Foil” includes 51 fantastic recipes to make in foil — plus instructions for cooking in an oven, on an outdoor grill, or on a campfire. Fix it in foil and forget about scrubbing pots and pans. And, with plenty of substitution suggestions, enjoy a whole new list of recipe possibilities! Great for RVing! Learn more or order.
Sunday funny
Forget pumpkin carving! Give propane-tank-carving a try! Emily Woodbury recently saw these Halloween-“carved” propane bottles outside a store in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Today in History
Does your supermarket give you free groceries?
No, you pay for them. You also pay for gas for your car. You pay for your garbage service. You pay for a Netflix subscription. You pay your doctor. But only 4 percent of RVtravel.com readers pay to read this newsletter and the other 699 newsletters we publish each year. This is not a hobby for our staff. About 15 people earn their full-time or part-time living from RVtravel.com. Please ask yourself, is what you read here week after week worth more than FREE? Won’t you please consider pledging a modest amount to help us continue to provide you with quality, honest information about RVing that you will not find anywhere else? Learn more or donate — it only takes a few minutes! And it will be hugely appreciated!
RVtravel.com Staff
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Tony Barthel, Mike Gast. Contributors: Mike Sokol, Gail Marsh, Roger Marble, Dave Solberg, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, James Raia, Kate Doherty, J.R. Montigel, Clint Norrell, Randall Brink, Chris Epting and Karel Carnohan, DVM. Podcast host and producer: Scott Linden. Special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Moderators: Gary Gilmore, Linda Brady. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.
Honorary Correspondents: Loyal readers who regularly email us leads about news stories and other information and resources that aid our own news-gathering efforts.
Tom and Lois Speirs • Mike Sherman • George Bliss • Steve Barnes • Tom Hart + others who we will add later.
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.
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This newsletter is copyright 2021 by RV Travel LLC.
I’m still laughing just thinking about Chinese flying around in cars. But then again I was promised a jet pack by the 21st century so maybe I’m just jealous.
On the phrase “70 per cent of goods are hauled by truck” sounds like a guess IMO. If you stop and think about it , it is probably closer to 100% if you include delivery trucks. trucks of one kind or another haul raw materials, parts, finished products, and then deliver like Amazon UPS, FED EX, USPS. Any item in your house (or RV) that you need or enjoy, THANK a Trucker! Happy Trails
I was told by the RV owners in Maine and at their place for the summer, a seasonal that if you stay after a month or two Maine will refund the taxes you paid to you because you have spent at least part of the year with the state. Something to think about. Can’t wait.
i agree! no red eye!
I still couldn’t see any red eyes in a mummy, even with the location circled!
Me either!
There’s the likelihood of an explosion when cutting into a propane tank unless the valve is removed and it’s filled with water before cutting. (Search for more details and options and read several different approaches.)
Winter to become the new summer at national parks and other public lands…and here I was getting ready to enjoy my new summer when I come across this in the same newsletter… Trail Ridge Road closed for the season. The popular 48-mile Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park is now closed for the winter. The road connects the Colorado towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Guess I’ll cancel my new summer lol
You people lol
Regarding yesterday’s cover story, I totally support and appreciate your position regarding “F”.
I wish you would discontinue your habit of opening each newsletter with a statement of just how wonderful you think you are !!!
Mostly, you do a great job, but it means a lot more if the praise comes from outside your group !
Also, I worry about where the RV world is going / Miss the ‘ good old days ‘
I can almost bet if you quit watching the news and reading the sky is falling newsletters that you wouldn’t worry where the world is going and you will continue to enjoy your good ole days, granted everything is more expensive now but hopefully next November we will get some positive changes but it is up to us the people to ensure that happens. So until then enjoy what you can.
As for me I just made reservations at a campground for next weekend, 3 nights, and plan on enjoying my campfire in the California gold country hills.
California???? Ugh 😖
I got great news from Maine. I was asked if I still wanted one of their seasonal sites and I said yes. I was also told after a month or two my paid taxes would be refunded to me. So in 7 months I will be in Maine until next September. Enjoy the campfire. I could never get one of those things lit for me. O well.