How To Properly Clean RV Toilets To Prevent Damage

Above, the new RV toilet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After owning my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R for eleven years, something in it finally gave out. I still consider myself blessed as this was the first thing to go bad since I bought it new in 2015. 

The flush valve went bad and along with other related problems, I had to replace the toilet. 

The following article with a video by RV Travel posted two days ago seems rather timely. It is how to properly clean RV toilets to prevent damage.

It begins with:

Let’s face it. RV toilets aren’t the most glamorous part of RVing. There are tons of videos about black tank maintenance, but what about the basics? Many people buy a used RV and never get a walkthrough, leaving them clueless about how to properly use and clean their RV toilet.

In today’s video, Jason Epperson of RV Miles covers everything from how to use an RV toilet to cleaning it without causing damage.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Tucked Away For The Winter

Above, the motorhome after getting inside its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that my traveling for the year is over, I put the motorhome inside its garage (the GOCO Beast Barn) for the winter. 

I used it recently for staying in Albuquerque one night as I had an early morning flight to Des Moines the next day as well as for transportation from Albuquerque to home after I flew back via John Wayne Airport. 

Then, I traveled to Lake Havasu for the Christmas holiday. 

I got a lot of use out of the motorhome this year. The longest trip was to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota in July. 

Most likely, the first trip in 2026 will be the spring clampout with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. That'll be around April.

Winter Two Days Away

Above, the toys yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two more days from today, winter solstice will kick in. 

Thus far, autumn has been relatively dry. It is hoped that we get more snow this year than last. We can use the water.

This also means that Six Mile Canyon is closed to vehicles. The forest service closes the canyon each year on December 15. So now I have to confine my Jeep driving to the community, down to the Flying J and the area near the shooting range. This is what I have been doing this week since returning from the Iowa to California trip.

Since my Christmas trip to Lake Havasu is coming up next week, I didn't bother to put the motorhome into its barn after returning home.

I got some not-so-good news in the mail yesterday. My homeowners insurer is not renewing my policy claiming there is heightened risk for wildfires in the area. Now I have to find an insurer by the end of January. I have been with this insurer for eight years and have filed no claims during that time.

The weather for Jamestown next week is shaping up as follows per the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 59. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Christmas Day

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Massive RV Owner Survey Reveals Best Brands and Years

Above, my 2015 Winnebago at the Deadwood KOA last month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The advent of COVID in 2019-2020 saw the decline of quality of new recreational vehicles. During the pandemic, some RV manufacturers lost experienced workers. Some of the workers hired to replace them were not as skilled.

Some manufacturers had problems with the "supply chain" of parts. 

For me, personally, my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. So far, it has given me 10 years of great service. 

RV Travel posted an article on an owner survey on RV best brands and years conducted by Liz Amazing. It also includes a video.

It begins with: 

We hear it from readers all the time: Buying an RV can become a nightmare. Poor build quality, inadequate quality control inspections, and poor customer service can really sour what should be a great adventure. But not all brands are the same—nor all model years from the same brand. Would you like to know the best RV brands by year?

Prominent RV YouTuber Liz Amazing recently posted the results of a survey of 200,000 RVers that boils down to the answer to the question—what’s a good brand, and which years are reliable.

Liz opens her survey results in video format (see video below) with a direct admission: Many RV shoppers today aren’t just overwhelmed—they’re downright scared. And with the number of RV “nightmare” stories out there, it’s easy to see why. Reports of ripped roofs, broken frames, rotting floors, endless leaks, and unresponsive manufacturers have left many buyers wondering if they should even take the risk. Still, there are quality RVs on the market, and for every horror story, there’s an owner happily traveling with no major issues. That’s not just luck—it’s about knowing which RVs to buy and which to avoid.

To read more, go here.  

Minor RV Repair

Above, the strip under the open house door before repairs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the Devils Tower KOA, we noticed that a strip of molding below the house door of the RV was damaged. 

It may have caught on something, I don't know what. I needed to find either some duct tape or self-tapping screws to fix it, even temporarily.

Above, a better view of the damaged molding. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we got into Deadwood, I found an Ace hardware store and got a roll of duct tape and some self-tapping screws.

We parked at the Deadwood Visitor Center and I got out my drill (I keep it in the RV) and fixed the problem. Whereas Winnebago used one screw, I used two, so it is now secure. 

The Truth About Costs of Owning A Used RV

Above, at an RV park near Crater Lake National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 2015 Winnebago Class C motorhome new in 2015, I paid for it outright without the need of a mortgage. Without a mortgage, my annual costs are for insurance and rare minor repairs and maintenance.

I have had only minimal repair costs associated with it since I bought it. I had to replace a roof vent and door lock assembly. Those repairs/replacements didn't break the bank as I used a mobile RV repairer. I also had the awning fabric replaced as the old one was starting to tear. 

I have regular maintenance performed to keep it in top running shape such as oil changes. It has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

RV Travel posted an article that should interest those who are thinking about buying a used RV. The article (with video) breaks down the annual repair and repair costs by one owner.

The article begins with:

Owning an RV is a dream for many who love the open road, freedom, and adventure. But when it comes to buying an older RV, the big question is: Is it a cost-effective decision or a financial nightmare? In the video directly below, Deb Bruening from Deb’s RV Services shares her experience of owning a 2000 Lazy Daze Class C motorhome and breaks down the real costs of repairs and maintenance over the years. If you’re considering buying an older RV or simply curious about the expenses, you would benefit from watching the video or reading the written version of it below that.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Post-Travel Cleaning Today

Above, the motorhome at the Monument Valley KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day for some post-travel work.

I've already started the laundry and will start cleaning the motorhome (The Beast) and doing some minor repair to a drawer. Once that's all done, it will be put into the GOCO Beast Barn until the Lost Dutchman chapter's clampout in October. 

Overall, the RV performed just fine during the trip.  

Do You Need An RV Surge Protector?

Above, my hook-ups include a surge protector. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I bought my Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R in 2015, I've had a power surge protector. After nine years, it hasn't been triggered (as far as I know) due to fluctuations in electricity.

But it only takes one time to fry your RV's electronic gadgets if you don't have one. 

Do you really need one?

RV Life has an article answering that question.

They begin it with:

RV surge protectors are frontline security for your RV when it comes to electrical damage.

Your RV houses many electronics that are vulnerable to even small fluctuations in incoming electricity. A drop or spike in power can cause expensive, trip-ending damage to your RV.

That alone should be reason enough for you to either already have or be running out to purchase a surge protector. But, if you need more convincing, you’re in the right place!

To read more, go here. 

The Beast Put Away

Above, The Beast in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I had some business to take care of in Gallup. I figured I'd best get it done before the temperature gets too high.

After that was all done, I headed back home to put gas in the Mustang (it is $3.25 at the Flying J and $3.44 in Gallup). Obviously, I went to the Flying J.

I noticed that storm clouds are starting to move into the area. Before the rains start to make a muddy mess out of Barking Spider Acre, I'd best put the motorhome inside the GOCO Beast Barn. I just finished doing this.

Now it can rain all it wants and I can kick back and relax. 

First Mow of the Year

Above, Barking Spider Acre after mowing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it may rain this coming week, I figured that today would be a good day to mow Barking Spider Acre.

I got the Jeep fired up and took it down to the Flying J for our Saturday gathering at Denny's.

Above, after coming home from the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Later, I cleaned the inside of The Beast (the motorhome) and took it into Gallup to a coin-operated car wash and washed the outside of it.

I then put it into the GOCO Beast Barn once I got back home. 

Afterwards, I got the mower started and mowed Barking Spider Acre and some areas of the front yard. I will be doing some more trimming of weeds tomorrow in the front yard. This is the first mow of the year. 

After I was done, I popped open an Alien Amber Ale. 

Headin' Home Today

Above, a gag shot at El Mariachi for the benefit of Linda Wilson.

Yesterday was a day when things finally got done.

Above, Mitch and his new gun safe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On Mitch's end, the gun safe (more like a vault) was finally delivered to his home. He had been waiting for it since he won it last Saturday at an NRA gathering (along with seven guns). It required a forklift to get it off a truck bed and into his garage. The forklift, incredibly, fit inside the garage with made it easier. Afterwards, we all went to dinner (sorry, Linda Wilson) at El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant.

Above, the new door lock assembly. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On my end, the motorhome's house door lock assembly was replaced. Now I can get on the road this morning to return home in New Mexico. What was planned as a six-day trip, turned out to be a nine-day trip. It was also more expensive than planned. It was a good thing that I brought Sierra along. 

After the door lock matter was done, I headed to the dump station at the Lake Havasu State Park and emptied the holding tanks. This was the second time I had to do so this trip.

Despite the problem with the door, it had been a good trip.

Transitioning From A Travel Trailer To A Class C Motorhome

Above, overnighting in Las Vegas during my 2017 Great
American Eclipse trip to Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first RV I had was a Starcraft folding camping trailer (or tent trailer). I got good use out of it.

I traded it up for a Gulf Stream micro-mini Class C motorhome on a Toyota chassis. It was big enough for our family of four.

Currently, I have a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C. I figure it will be my final RV since I am now 70. It has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the experiences of a couple who transitioned from a travel trailer to a Class C motorhome.

It begins with:

Switching from a travel trailer to a Class C RV was a big step for my husband, Todd, and me. It marked the start of a new chapter in our lives as full-time RVers, one filled with more freedom and less financial burden. Our journey into RV living began back in 2018 when we realized that owning a home wasn’t necessary to fulfill our dreams of seeing the country and enjoying our retirement years to the fullest.

To read the full article, go here. 

Tips, Advice On RV Recalls

Above, at Campland On The Bay during the San Diego recall trip. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R, I had to deal with two recalls with it.

The first one was a possible defect with the house door lock. I took the motorhome down to La Mesa RV in San Diego (where I bought it) for an inspection and/or needed repairs. We made the trip into a fun one. We stayed at Campland On The Bay (it was a disappointment) the night before the appointment time. The matter at La Mesa RV was done before we even finished breakfast, so we headed over to Sea World for the rest of the day. That wasn't a disappointment.

The other recall I had to deal with was with the Kidde fire extinguisher that came with the RV. It was one of the recalled models and it was replaced. No muss, no fuss.

The topic of recalls is covered in an article at RV Travel.

They begin it with:

FOMO stands for Fear of Missing Out. The world of recalls is one place where missing out is a real risk.

Recalls of any product can be a pain in the neck as well as a pain in the pocketbook. Yet to RV travelers, these notifications are also an important warning that your travels, and even your life, might be in danger.

It’s always good to know that the product is defective before you find out the hard way. It’s also a nuisance that takes a bite out of your RV timetable. If you’re lucky, you get an email or letter telling you that something you own has been recalled. If you’re diligent, you check for recall information on a regular basis of your choice and learn of recalls that might apply to you.

What comes next can be a real headache. When Kidde fire extinguishers were recalled a few years back, I spent an hour rounding up all my fire extinguishers from the house, car, RV, garage, and boat. It took hours to find and copy off the model and serial numbers, and then fill out forms online. With foods, you have to go to the pantry and freezer to check dates, UPC’s and other codes. It’s better-safe-than-sorry time. It may also be an opportunity to get a full refund, a replacement, a coupon for a discount on your next purchase, or even a settlement in dollars.

Vehicle recalls can mean hours in a dealership’s waiting room while repairs are being made. Recalls of smaller items might require shipping the product to a special address. Even if shipping is at the manufacturer’s expense, you have to go online to print out paperwork and a shipping label, then box up the product and return it. In the case of some foods and other small items, it’s easier just to throw it away, chalk it up to experience, and be satisfied that you were prevented from using a defective food or product.

 To read more, go here.

Class A RV vs Class C: Which One Is Right For You?

Above, my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R in West Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're coming into the time of the year when RV shows open around the country and people are selling their old RVs or newbies are looking to buy one.

If one is of the last category, they should ask themselves, "Should I get a Class A or Class C motorhome?"

RV Life has posted an article discussing the pros and cons of Class A and Class C motorhomes.

Personally, I have a  2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C motorhome. Frankly, it suits me just fine and it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The RV Life article begins with:

If you’re looking for a new RV, you may have narrowed it down to a Class A or Class C motorhome. These are both popular builds that have some similarities. However, they have pros and cons that are worth considering. Of course, the best vehicle is the one that fits your situation.

These motorhomes are the most common ones to find on the market nowadays. Class B motorhomes (aka camper vans) are great for short-term journeys, but they aren’t suitable for large groups or extended camping trips. Before you can find the perfect RV for you, it’s time to compare and contrast Class A and Class C motorhomes.

To read the article, go here.

RV Chores

Above, drying the awning after getting home from the car wash. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before it got too hot today, I took the motorhome out to Gallup to get a few things done. It was a good thing that I did as it got to 90° this afternoon.

I took it to T & R Propane at the north end of town to get the propane tank filled. It took about 9 gallons of propane. Next to the propane station, they had sheep for sale for around $275 each. T & R is a family-owned business that includes "western wear, vet, tack, rope, saddles, trailers, fencing, pet supplies, toys, home decor, and much more. We finance trailers, saddles, and campers. We pawn tools, tractors, trailers, vehicles and more. We have two pawn shops, two gas stations, several tax offices, a propane department, a grocery store, truck accessory store, a toolshed, and a feedstore."

Above, everything done, now it's Alien time. 

Following this, I headed back into town to a coin-operated car wash to wash the motorhome. It needed a good wash since the trip in April to Tombstone and Tucson.

After stopping for a few groceries, I headed back to Jamestown. But before heading home, I filled the gas tank to half at the Flying J. Gas was $3.679/gallon. With my Good Sam discount, the price was lowered to $3.629/gallon.

When I got home, I unfurled the awning to let it dry out from the car wash to prevent mildew. While letting it dry, I popped open an Alien Amber Ale and relaxed.

Unless I decide otherwise, the next camping trip will be next month to Ridgway, Colorado for this year's John Wayne Cancer Foundation's marathon. I volunteered to work a water station for the marathon runners.

Dry, At Least Until Saturday

Above, Barking Spider Acre and GOCO Beast Barn in June 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would be nice to sit outside today if it weren't for the winds and cloudy conditions.

According to my thermometer outside, it is almost 60°.

Maybe later this week, the conditions will improve enough. It will be a dry week until Saturday, when it is forecast that we'll be getting a 20% chance of showers through Sunday. Hopefully, it won't rain. The ground here is saturated already. When I put the motorhome into the garage yesterday, it almost got stuck in the soft, muddy ground as I was driving it on Barking Spider Acre to position it with the GOCO Beast Barn door. Thankfully, it didn't get stuck, but the tires are all caked with mud and there are huge ruts on the ground.

According to the National Weather Service, the week looks like this:

This Afternoon

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.

Snows of New Year's Past (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

It seems we usually get snow on or about New Year's Day. Here's some snow shots taken from the past four years. It appears that we're going to get some again this coming New Year's.

 2019

2020

2021

2022

Finding The Best RV Size

Above, I was able to park the RV and car in my apartment parking space. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seven years ago, when I was shopping for a Class C motorhome, I already knew what I wanted.

There were several factors I had to consider. One was how much interior space did I require. Second, I had to consider how many feet was available for me to park it at my apartment building and still had enough room for my car. Third, the brand.

I settled on a Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C that was 23 feet in length. It fit the criteria that I set for myself. All I had to do was to find the one with the interior color scheme and best deal. I got it from La Mesa RV in San Diego. The price we settled on was $1,000 over my initial offer.

There are those who want an RV but don't have a clue on the best RV size for them. Fortunately, RV Lifestyle posted an article with the top 10 tips on finding the best one that suits them.

They begin with:

When it comes to RVs, size does matter, but only on an individual level. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Smaller isn’t necessarily smarter. It comes down to what the best RV size is for you. 

But how do you determine the right size? What if you buy an RV that’s too big? Or too small? How do you find the “goldilocks RV” that’s just right?

Since there is no single right answer, you have to decide based on guidelines instead of hard-fast rules. The following tips will help guide you, pointing you toward the perfect RV size for you and your travel companions.

To read more, go here. 

Got Stuff Done

Above, about to put The Beast into the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was a bit on the busy side, now that I am done camping/RVing for the winter.

I headed into Gallup this morning to use an RV park's dump station to empty The Beast's holding tanks. They only charge $5.00 to empty the tanks.

Above, cattle grazing near the entrance to Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From there, I headed to the Flying J to put enough gasoline in so I can run the generator every month. There needs to be at least 1/4 tank of gasoline for the generator to start and operate.

Above, one cow got out beyond the cattle guard, but it was heading back. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got back home, I got the Jeep out of the garage and proceeded to put The Beast into the GOCO Beast Barn for the winter. After doing so, I added antifreeze in to the sink drains. So I was done with it for now.

After that, I headed to the post office to check my mailbox. When I was done with that, I relaxed for a spell on the deck with a rum and Coke and a stogie.

Above, the cow that got beyond the cattle guard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got the urge to take a Jeep drive by the shooing area (it was in use at the time) and then over to the corral at the entrance to Cibola National Forest. There were several cattle grazing near the corral.

After watching the cattle for a while, I headed home. Since I wasn't planning to do anymore drives this evening, I put the Jeep into the garage.

It was a nice day for a drive.

Should You Avoid Buying Old RVs?

Above, an old (vintage) trailer on display at the California RV Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Buying a used RV, for me, was never an option. Buying a used, old RV was basically "buying another guy's problem."

That's one reason I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R new.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article of five reasons why one should avoid buying old RVs.

They begin it with:

It’s easy to watch a YouTube video of someone restoring a vintage RV and think, “That looks great! Maybe I should fix up some old RVs.” However, this is a dangerous line of thinking to follow. Although there are benefits to buying used RVs, the older they are, the more issues they’re likely to have. 

Old RVs are often less safe and less reliable compared to their newer counterparts. Although vintage models certainly have some charm, the problems often outweigh the benefits. If you have the skills and time to restore an old model, that’s great! Unfortunately, many people who buy outdated RV models don’t know what to do with them and end up wasting a lot of money.

In general, the risk is often not worth the reward, and it’s better to opt for a newer model that’s only seen a few years of use. Below, we have five of the most compelling reasons to avoid old RVs. Carefully consider these risks if you’re thinking about getting a vintage camper.

To read more, go here.