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09/17/2022
Edition for non-members (ad-supported)
cover story
The best way to see the world: through a windshield
By Gary JeffersonI've always been a traveller, if not really then at least always in my dreams. I love being there, but what I like best is the process of getting there.
I felt that the best way to see the world was through the windshield. I've hiked, hiked, hitchhiked, ridden bikes and motorbikes (and probably in other ways that I can't remember) but the best way to see many sights in a short amount of time is behind the wheel of a car , SUV, Van or RV. . I enjoyed them all.
My wife and I toured the Lower 48 and Southern Canada by vehicle. Our SUV has driven almost eighty thousand miles of its life on back roads through small towns and parked in front of one and two star motels. The vehicle had all the bells and whistles, but the motel rooms were just places to shower and sleep. I consider myself very fortunate that we were never bitten by a bug; However, sometimes we thought there was a way. A side note here: if there are small stains on the sheets or mattress, or black spots around the tubes of a mattress, they are probably bed bugs!
We loved traveling in an SUV, but we found that there was one major drawback: there was no bathroom on board. We've learned to settle for a spray bottle toilet, but when we're on the go we don't want to search for a gas station or Walmart for our bathroom needs. People often tell me how lucky I am to be married to a woman who will live badly with me. It will as long as we have a bathroom for travel. I came to have the same passion.
Just as our friends marvel at how we can live off our van for months, I marvel when I hear from people who make a living from their vans or cars. I admire anyone who has the ability to reduce their life to this level. I consider them survivors. Sometimes I wonder about people who have no other choice. I just hope they too can enjoy life in their little houses. I lived down the street a few years ago when a marriage broke up. It was a lonely time for me. But it was also a time of renewal and reorientation. Along the way is a great healing spot.
Gary Jefferson is the author of The Story of RVing, Van Living Explained , available from Amazon. We hope to convince Gary to contribute more to RVtravel.com. When he's not traveling, he lives in Redlands, California, where he spent five years photographing downtown residents, which he posted on a beautiful Facebook page called Redlands People .
photo contest
Here is today's edition of our photo competition. Please vote for your favorite. Once you have voted, submit your own photo for consideration. Winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Much luck!
Note: We've slightly changed the rules (now you have a full week to vote!). Read the updated rules here . And don't forget to send a photo!
Today's VR test...
2022 Market launch 2185 "flex house"
Tony writes that this trailer "…offers a flexible set of use cases that I really like. These things are packaged in a size that may appeal to some as it opens the door to how many spaces they fit and how many vehicles they can pull well.
Click here to view more reviews .
Biting stories of incomplete people camping. Make?
By Jeff Clemishaw
I don't know about the nature of full-time RV travel and boondocking, but the way of life seems to run into some dodgy (i.e. unreliable) folks (reliable or dangerous) from time to time when camping. On my travels I have met several people who just seemed "freaky". I suspect other campers here might say the same. Find out more Do you have similar stories to tell? We want to hear them.
Is the new composite building material for VR a game changer?
By Ross Regis
The alchemists of yesteryear sought to transmute common and fundamental elements into that most precious asset: gold. (They were little different from today's crypto-miners, those digital chemists bent on turning zeros and ones into money.) Regardless, modern-day materials scientists have accomplished something similar. By weaving together the humble elements of polypropylene and fiberglass, a company called Hanwha Azdel has created a unique building board material: Azdel. And Azdel in VR has taken the industry by storm. If you haven't heard from him, turn around. … I could listen in your walls. More information
RV Manufacturer's Warranty Part 3: Why you get a recommendation from your RV dealer
By Dustin Simpson
Two weeks ago I shared why I wanted to offer my independent repairer a Manufacturer's Motorhome Warranty. Last week I shared the keyboard with my wife, who gave several reasons why we still refuse to do it. (Be sure to read Parts 1 and 2 linked there before continuing here.) There are many more reasons, which now extend into this week. These reasons play a big part in why consumers turn to their RV dealer's service department. Continue reading
Report from RV Repair and Service Centers: "I was told there would be problems but wow! That is much !"
A few weeks ago we asked you to tell us about your experiences with RV service points. You have received hundreds of replies. This week our readers report having to take the RV home to a garage and have the damage caused by the garage repaired, a RV with ongoing problems and repair delays (seems pretty common) and lots of praise for multiple dealerships and repairs. Service shops beyond. Read these stories and more here .
ENDS TOMORROW
Highlights from this week's RV Daily Tips newsletter
Saga of the Newbie: Why It's So Important to Find a Reliable and Reputable Service Provider
By Karel Carnohan, DVM
I was looking for a good, reasonable and timely RV repair. Like our Nanci Dixon, who describes her experiences so vividly here , I too have trouble getting even the basic supplies for my mobile home. As many of you know, I got it all wrong last year when I bought my RV and moved from North Carolina to California with my kids (12 cats). My painful but sometimes hilarious setbacks are detailed in my articles on RVtravel. I bought an RV in a far away state without hiring a professional inspector. Boy did I ever pay for that mistake. I always pay Continue reading Karel's saga .
Around the campfire: what makes the best campervan trip: the people or the place?
By Gail Marsh
Think of your favorite RV trip. Have you ever wondered why this trip was your favorite trip? Was the place itself, the scenery, the activities, the food etc.? Or is a trip high on your list of favorites because of the people you travel with and the people you met along the way? We recently discussed this topic around the campfire. Read on and then tell us what you think .
Boo-boos RV: RVer rips off the corner of his deck – Oops!
When it's time to leave the warehouse, it's always good to have an exit checklist. antenna broken? Pinched water and sewage lines? saved underground cable? Some motorhomes are great for these things, what about others? Well, maybe not so much. A truck camper learned a hard lesson about remembering ALL the corner jacks are in place. Oops! moment will not be forgotten .
Do you think we love to be squeezed?
By Nancy Dixon
Do camp owners think we like being squeezed? For the second time in a row we were crammed like sardines into an almost empty warehouse. Lined up like soldiers while there was a completely empty line in front of us. Last night we huddled together in the middle of the camp. Around us, the remaining courtyards were wide and empty. I loved our camp until they started and I was able to easily get to the other side of the driveway to meet my neighbor.Do you understand Nanci's experience?
reader survey
Has a sewer pipe or valve ever broken or malfunctioned during emptying?
Please inform us. After you click your answer, you'll see how others have replied. Feel free to leave a comment.
POPULAR POLL OF THE LAST WEEK
We ask: Have you ever had the dirty water tank of your mobile home professionally cleaned? How many caravan drivers said yes? Find.
My weirdest VR moment
In this new column, readers share their craziest (weirdest, funniest, most unusual, etc.) experiences as caravan drivers. In this first episode, Chuck Woodbury, editor of RVtravel.com says:
"The Giraffes That Ate My RV"
Read Chuck's essay and then submit your own ( please ).
Get to know your RV: Use your propane regulator
By Russ and Tina DeMaris
Having hot water, a working stove and warmth when the temperature drops is great. For RVs, propane makes all these good things possible. Do you have a trailer or fifth wheel? Then your propane (or LP, for "liquid petroleum") is safely stored under high pressure in LP bottles, probably two of them. This storage pressure needs to be reduced to a much lower level and a propane regulator does the job. It's a low-maintenance item, but it does require your attention. Find out everything here .
Don't miss these four Oktoberfest festivals in the United States.
By Gail Marsh
Good news! The largest Oktoberfest in the world, held every year in Munich, Germany is underway! This year's celebrations will take place from September 17th to October 10th. If you can't make it to Munich's Oktoberfest, you can enjoy this annual fall favorite in many, many places across the United States. Here are some .
This Minnesota campground is a hidden gem
By Nancy Dixon
Swan Lake Resort - What an unexpected gem in Fergus Falls, Minnesota! I had read all the reviews and stellar ratings and thought it sounded good. Turns out there was a spot, so we booked it on our way to Glacier National Park. In Minnesota, the word "station" usually means there's full hookups, one or two, an old swing set, and maybe a small camp store. There aren't typically fancy amenities like pickleball, pools, activities, or hot tubs, so I really wasn't expecting much. Read more about this hidden gem .
The long, long RV ride
Week 15: Why avoid the Pennsylvania Turnpike; Go back to Chicago
By Cheri Sicard
When we last stopped I had decided to abandon my plans of going to New England and head west from Atlantic City . I know I should have overlooked it, and I almost always route around toll roads. However, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is the US highway and avoiding it during some of the stops I had to make was impractical. So I found myself on this horrible path. BIG MISTAKE and NEVER AGAIN! ...if you don't already know, find out why here and read a lot more about Cheri's adventures and her "follower diet".
COMPETITION
Is this your motorhome?
Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card if today's RV photo features your gear
Every day we post a photo of an RV, whether it's from its owner or our editors traveling around the country.
Click here to see if your motorhome has been featured in today's issue .
Raffle on Saturday!
Would you like to win an official RVtravel.com coffee mug? how to win
We will randomly select a winner from all entries received today (September 17, 2022) at 7pm PST. Remember you can only enter once and after we notify you via email at RVcontests@gmail.com that you have won you have 24 hours to respond or we will give the prize to someone else further.
Click here to enter or see last week's winner!
ask dave
Dave Solberg is a leading authority on the VR industry and the author of The VR Handbook.
Last week's questions Dave answered:
Click here to see more questions for Dave .
Visit Dave's forums at RVtravel.com. Ask him a question or help him answer another reader's question. click here
Gadgets and gadgets for VR
The canvas water bag: a classic way of transporting water in the motorhome
By Randall Brink
When it comes to planning a camping trip or managing overland travel, water is always a major concern. There's nothing that ruins an experience faster than realizing you're running out of drinking water. There are several practical ways to ensure an adequate supply of cool, fresh potable water for drinking and cooking at camp. I tend to look for the most basic and simple solutions; Some of them are very old classics. So I have and use some (very) old canvas desert water bags. Find out why Randall calls them "pure geniuses".
?? MYSTERIOUS PRODUCT OF THE DAY??
It's the season to use them every day. You need a pair to get started!
RV Electricity™
with Mike Socol
Hershey RV Show: First look at new electric trends
Yes, I did that this week at the Hershey RV Show in The Cutest City On Earth. This is just a preliminary report on some of the cool electrical trends I saw at the show and will be following in a few weeks.
Just Ask Mike (JAM) Session : Does coiled extension cords get hot from induction heating?
Visit Mike's RVelectricity forum at RVtravel.com .
video of the day
Maximized to Minimalism: Living in a Tesla Camper Van Conversion
In this amazing video, Bob from Cheap RV Living interviews photographer Dave. Believe it or not, Dave converted an RV on his Tesla. Right, this guy now lives in his electric car. By the way!
RV tire safety
The "safety factor" for tires
Many people ask about the "safety factor" of tires. The dictionary offers this definition of "factor of safety": "The ratio of the maximum stress that a component or piece of material can withstand compared to the maximum stress that it is expected to experience in its intended use." While this sounds reasonable, it really only works , when dealing with elements that simply fail by increasing the stress on the component. Items like tires have no real "safety factor" as tires generally don't break if they are simply put under too much stress.
Ask Roger on his RV Tires forum for RV tire questions.
Johnny robot
Our non-human editor will answer your questions. "Johnny isn't always right, but he works cheap!"
Today Johnny is taking a break from answering questions to write an article about how he lost 350 pounds in one year and how the RV played a part in that.
Fire protection in recreational vehicles
Why a fire extinguisher is not enough
When using a fire extinguisher to extinguish surface flames, be sure to fully penetrate the fuel to cool it. Otherwise, the fire can be resumed. In this case it is important to have an additional fire extinguisher. If you use your only extinguisher to put out the fire and don't have another to cool the area, the fire could flare up again and you have nothing to fight it. Courtesy of Mac "The Fire Boy" McCoy
Recipe of the day
Stuffed pork chops
by Jane Whittaker of Massena (now Florida), NY
These Stuffed Pork Chops are a quick and easy way to make a splash at dinner! Add a note of your choice (or just salt and pepper) to the meat for extra flavor. It's also delicious with just salt and pepper. The pork chops are so tender and juicy. Using store-bought stuffing makes it easier to prepare and adds extra flavor to the meat.
Reader's Day Pet
"Jimmy (a whippet) has been our camp buddy since he was eight weeks old. He feels right at home in his favorite camp chair. – Gary Smith
Tongue-twister
How does a mussel get into a clean cream jar?
anecdotes
Big Bend National Park is the only national park that encompasses an entire mountain range, the Chisos Mountains. These volcanic formations stretch 20 miles along the southern tip of West Texas. Four of its peaks exceed 7,000 feet above sea level.
laugh of the week
Means
Current forest fire report . (Includes a map and fire details!)
Current smoke and fire alarms for your place of residence or travel.
" RVs: Who Makes What" - This is a new free directory from RVtravel.com listing all US RV manufacturers and their makes and models. Learn more and/or download a free PDF copy .
Recreational Vehicle Show Directory - See if there's a show near you .
Stolen RVs - Help us recover these stolen RVs. The more eyes we look for them, the greater the chances of returning them to their rightful owners and possibly dumping the thieves who stole them in the dumpster! See stolen RVs .
Great websites. Check out our favorite websites of the day! We have compiled a list of (almost) all the websites we publish and update it weekly.
Where to complain about bad RVs, dealers, service, RV sites? This is an ever-growing list of resources where you can report, share, or discuss your issues with RV manufacturers or dealers.
Best club for caravanners: The Fugitives. Click here to learn more or to join . Approved by RVtravel.com.
Directory of RV sites with storm shelters
If you're out in your RV and the weather forecast says a tornado is coming, have this list ready .
camper clubs
Check out our directory of RV clubs and organizations .
What does it REALLY mean to finance an RV for 20 years?
In case you missed this article the first time, here it is again. Important! click here
Stuck with a Lemon RV? Contact Ron Burdge , America's leading RV lemon law attorney.
The best RV trip planning apps and tools. Here you will find everything you need to plan your trip.
Dustin Simpson RV Repair and Maintenance Articles - Incredibly Useful!
street skills
Meet Earl and Burl Squirrel from the mind of friend RL Crabb of RVtravel.com.
Missed the campervan trip last week?
Read it here | I have back problems
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Publisher : Emily Woodbury. Associate Editor : Diane McGovern. Publisher : Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior Editors : Nanci Dixon, Tony Barthel, Gail Marsh. Featuring: Mike Sokol, Roger Marble, Dave Solberg, Dave Helgeson, Mike Gast, Julianne Crane, Machelle James, JR Montigel, Randall Brink, Karel Carnohan DVM, Cheri Sicard, Dustin and Ashley Simpson, Dale Wade, Paul Lacitinola, and Jeff Clemishaw John Robot. Special Projects Director : Jessica Sarvis. Presenters : Gary Gilmore, Mark Gorrie. Financial Affairs Director : Gail Meyering. Special Reports : Bradford Geer. IT Manager : Kim Christiansen.All information in this newsletter is given to the best of our knowledge. But sometimes we do something wrong. We are only human! So don't spend $10,000 on something we said was good just because we said so, or fix something per our suggestions (ask your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. The advice and/or comments contained in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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