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Saturday, May 11, 2024
Issue 1156
Free, abbreviated edition
Featured articles
Sun blasting Earth this weekend with geomagnetic rays
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Warning through the weekend. If your electronic devices are acting up that could be why. But the good news: the Northern Lights may make an appearance, depending on where you are. Learn more.
Real costs: Hybrid, electric, or gas vehicles. You may be surprised
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Last fall we polled rvtravel.com readers with this question: “Will your next passenger vehicle be powered by electricity?” Nearly 2,000 readers responded, with a resounding 67% saying “NO.” Tons of written responses were submitted. They ran the gamut from this simple answer, “Me getting an EV? The short answer no, long answer is hell no!!” to others that were more reasoned out. Perhaps we should have asked, “Will your next car be hybrid, electric, or gas?” A new report gives some surprising financial findings that could change your mind. Continue reading.
Huge hailstones pound Texas Hill Country
The photo you see above is real. It was taken Thursday, May 9, in Johnson City, Texas. The hailstone measured a whopping 6.25 inches in diameter, the second largest hailstone in the state’s history as confirmed by the National Weather Service. Read more about this violent storm. If you were there at the time, please tell us what you experienced.
Could your RV stove be making you sick?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Studies indicated that gas stoves could be harmful to your health. Some sources suggested you should trade in your gas stove for an electric range. In the end, for RVers, it wasn’t a big deal—the danger was from natural gas stoves. Since RVs are plumbed into propane, not natural gas, no harm, no foul. But a new study gives concern. Could your RV stove be making you sick?
Campground Crowding (and more!)
RVer complains RV parks “too loud from family vacations,” suggests retirees’ quiet area
RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Has that changed campground crowding? This week Nanci Dixon shares more of your observations regarding the difficulty of enjoying RVing given ongoing rising costs of same, especially when one is on a fixed income. We heard from more RVers who may end their RVing travels due to high costs, poor campground upkeep, and rude people. There are more tips to find an available campsite, and one longtime RVer explains an obvious reason for crowded campgrounds.
RV Walk-through
2024 Keystone Sprinter 30RL 5th wheel—Lots of storage!
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, the folks from J and A Review give us a walk-through tour of the 2024 Keystone Sprinter 30RL 5th wheel.
The “RL” in this case stands for “rear lounge,” and this floorplan gives the interior of this coach the look and feel of an apartment more than an RV. The windows on all sides also help to open up the space and give it that light, airy feel.
More RVing News
Own a dog? Be careful! A deranged person is on the loose with sabotaged doggie treats that contain fish hooks. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a hiker found the treats on the Appalachian Trail in Lehigh County. “Items like these could prove deadly to any animal that consumes them, including wild and domesticated animals,” a PGC statement reported. Click here for more info.
For RVers on long trips, getting health care can be a problem. For a time, Walmart’s chain of Walmart Health Clinics looked like it might help. Last month, the retail giant said it would open 22 new clinics this year, augmenting its swath of 51 existing clinics. But now, Wally says, “no more.” It won’t open those 22 new clinics and, in fact, is slamming the door on all of its existing clinics at Walmart and Walgreens locations.
BLM campgrounds won’t open for lack of hosts. Just how important campground hosts are is shown in a situation in Oregon. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) says two forest campgrounds in Oregon’s Lane County are shut down for lack of campground hosts. “We haven’t been able to find volunteer camp hosts, and we’re struggling with seasonal staffing,” said BLM spokesperson Sarah Bennett. Here’s the full story.
Earlier this week, Grand Design continued in what may be its predictable way of trying to drum up interest in its first motorized RV. In yet another “teaser” release on YouTube, the Winnebago-owned group pumped out a less-than-half-minute video. The description below the video states: “Introducing Lineage Series-M – the newest member of the Grand Design family! Set to redefine motorized RVs…” Continue reading and watch the teaser.
96 mph winds toppled five RVs in Colorado! When the winds blow near Pikes Peak, watch out! High winds toppled five RVs at Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The gusty mishaps blasted RVers on Monday when winds pushing nearly 100 miles per hour blew through the high mountain park. Here’s the story.
It’s never a good idea to feed wildlife, but if you do it in parts of British Columbia and get caught you could face up to a $25,000 fine. The penalty can be scaled to address the severity of the violation. For instance, more serious crimes, such as dumping toxic waste, could carry the highest amount of $500,000. Click here for more (and don’t you dare feed the wildlife!).
Wally Byam’s Airstream trailers are the stuff from which legends come. Airstream, Inc. says it’s now displaying what is believed to be the first riveted, aluminum Airstream travel trailer ever produced by the company. Would you like to see the very first riveted aluminum Airstream? You can!
Near the end of last month, statistics for March 2024 wholesale shipments from RV manufacturers to dealers showed a slight uptick. Shipments were up 1.2 percent over March 2023. This led to a statement from the RV Industry Association: “Our cautious optimism for the year continues.” The other shoe has dropped. Apparently, RV buyers didn’t get the memo, because actual RV retail sales for March fell like a stone.
Prepare to hear some new youngsters’ names in the campgrounds. The Social Security Administration has released its list of the 10 most popular baby names of boys and girls in 2023, and another list of “fast rising” names. Some are real head scratchers.
How do you catch a zebra on the loose? Just ask David Danton. He’s a retired rodeo rider and, now, the King of the Zebra Wranglers. Last week we reported on how a trailer-load of zebras got loose in Washington state. Three of the four were rounded up quickly, but the fourth, a mare named Sugar (“Shug”), was on the lam for nearly a week. Enter David Danton, and the “secret sauce” of zebra captures. He corralled Sugar the missing zebra. Here’s how.
Some Texas State Parks are temporarily closed due to damage from recent floods. Learn which parks to avoid for awhile.
Yellowstone National Park: Entrances open May 10, weather permitting… The following roads in Yellowstone National Park were scheduled to open at 8 a.m. yesterday, May 10, to public motor vehicle traffic.
NEW! What’s new at campgrounds and RV parks
Stay up to date on news about campgrounds and RV parks across North America. Every week, learn about new parks, expansions, or special events coming up at campgrounds throughout North America. Read this week’s latest news here.
Our customers come first!
Family-run RV dealer Cheyenne Camping Center, one of America’s largest volume dealers, has served customers nationwide from Iowa since 1966. Get the lowest possible price without need to negotiate. No hard sell!! Long-time RVtravel.com supporter. Visit us today, (800) 397-5673.
Saturday Giveaway!
Sorry, folks. No giveaway today. This contest will return on June 1.
Reader poll
Do you believe there should be “No Campfire” zones in campgrounds?
RV and RV-Related Recalls
Alliance RV travel trailers recalled: Overheated breaker could cause fire
Alliance RV is recalling certain 2024 Avenue 22ML, 26RD, 29RL, 32RLS, 33RKS, 37MBR, and 38DBL travel trailers. The inverter circuit was improperly wired to a 30-amp breaker, which could allow the breaker to overheat. A breaker that overheats increases the risk of a fire. More info here.
Jayco motorhomes recalled for upside-down camera module, increasing odds of crash
Jayco is recalling certain 2023-2025 Entegra Aspire Class A motorhomes. The camera control module may have been installed upside down and flush to the floor, which can allow it to overheat and prevent the camera image from displaying. A camera image that does not display decreases the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. More info here.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STOLEN RV?
This trailer was stolen around 1 a.m., May 4, in the Odessa, Texas, area. The thief(s) may have headed towards West Odessa. If you see it please contact the Odessa police at (432) 333-3641. The vehicle in the surveillance video shows the trailer being towed by a 2014 to 2016 Chevy Equinox. There’s a $500 cash reward (details not specified).
Did someone rip off your ride? Let us post information on your stolen RV. Email Russ (at) rvtravel.com.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Do you think your husband is, well, not the best driver? What about your wife? Do they drive too slow? Too fast? Take corners too hard? Merge too fast? Well, check this out. Not only will it make you laugh, but it could be very accurate!
Latest fuel prices
Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel as of May 6, 2024:
Regular unleaded gasoline: $3.64
Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Up 11 cents.
Diesel: $3.89
Change from week before: Down 5 cents; Change from year before: Down 3 cents.
For fuel prices for specific regions, states, and cities, go to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Upcoming RV shows
Click here for a directory of upcoming shows.
Recipe of the Day
Old-Fashioned Potato Loaf
by Martha Price from San Jose, CA
You’re almost guaranteed to have no leftovers when this rich and savory old-fashioned potato loaf is served. The sauce is creamy, hearty, and buttery. After the sauce is stirred into the cooked potatoes, everything is chilled. This allows the sauce to sink into the potatoes and add flavor. On top is a layer of gooey cheese. This side dish is terrific with steak, pork, chicken, or anything!
Trivia
Historians estimate that about 300 of the original 2,000 miles of the Oregon Trail remain untouched. The rest has been lost to time or development. In many places, roads and highways were built directly over the popular route. However, many of the pioneers’ wagon ruts remain intact. In most places, you can walk or hike along them (but be respectful). Here’s a good guide to traveling the Oregon Trail.
The Perfect Scam
Utility bill scam targets grieving family
Lorraine is grieving about her father’s death when she receives a letter purportedly from Florida Power & Light notifying her to contact them. A kind “operator” named Anna shows her how to switch the account to her name from from her father’s, and pay a deposit. A few weeks later, a notice from the real Florida Power & Light arrives and she realizes Anna scammed her, making off with the $300 deposit; her stolen information will fetch much more.
Laugh of the Week
Chuck and Emily spotted this while walking in Leavenworth, WA, last week and it made them crack up! Like the message? Get the bumper sticker here along with other hilarious ones.
Today in History
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Campfire smoke has begun to take a toll on our lungs as we grow older. That’s why we did not incorporate a fireplace or wood stove in building our new house. But, great memories and stories have come from those fires. Kids learn so much about life around them.
Just an fyi- the truck vehicle in the pic with the stolen camper is not a Chevy Equinox. I drive an Equinox, a hybrid SUV, a car, not a truck. I can’t add a pic on here, sorry.
Spot on
Plus, it’s not even Chevy. It looks more like an older Ford or Ram pickup.
It is indeed a RAM, but I think that is the owner’s TV not the getaway vehicle.
Maybe the picture was the only one the owner had handy. Ever thought that it could be the owners TV in the picture, and they did not have access to a still from the surveillance video?
I really hate to say this but you need to keep your head and let the attorneys who work on your family estate and will or trust and not talk to anyone other then them. Stupid is as stupid does. I knew about the crazy that try to take you to the cleaners. As for an electric car? H no. I love my gas car and will keep it this way.
“Studies indicated that gas stoves could be harmful to your health.” All this is is an echo of what the Green Energy promoters want you to believe and fear. Keep running these articles and soon you’ll be losing readers as the value of your newsletter becomes less meaningful to camping.