RV Breakdowns: Reality or Myths?

Above, the Minnie Winner in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following RV Travel article poll is a bit timely.

I've had my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie for 11 years. I bought it new at La Mesa RV in San Diego in February 2015. 

During the years since then, I've only had a few minor problems with it. The bathroom vent cover was "glued" shut. That was taken care of while the RV was still under warranty. Then, in 2018, a roof vent cover broke due to weather-related brittleness. The next problem was about three years ago when the house door lock mechanism broke due to the wind slamming the door shut multiple times in Lake Havasu. I got a mobile repairer I knew to fix it.  

Then, this year, the toilet shut-off valve started acting up along with flushing problems. The toilet had to be replaced. That was the most expensive repair item since I bought the motorhome. I still consider myself lucky. 

I still consider the motorhome the most reliable vehicle I've ever bought. It has provided great service for 11 years. 

It looks like others have not been so lucky from what I am reading in RV Travel. They posted an article explaining that many RV issues fall into the "myth" category and many do not. 

They begin it with:

If you spend time in RV Facebook groups or online forums, you might come away convinced that every RV is falling apart.

Scroll through the comments and you’ll find stories about failed refrigerators, leaking roofs, slide problems, and endless trips back to the dealership.

 To read the full article, go here.

20 Reasons Why RVers Love Quartzsite, Arizona

Above, camping in Quartzsite in 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I moved to New Mexico and joined the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, I have dry camped with the group in Quartzsite, Arizona three times.

Each time, I found the area to be scenic, restful and interesting history. 

RV Travel has posted an article on 20 reasons why so many RVers love Quartzsite.

They begin with:

For some RVers, Quartzsite is a must-stop each winter. For others, it’s one stop, then never again. Ask RVers who have been there what they think of the place: half will love it, half will say “not my thing!”

For most of the year, Quartzsite is a quiet, dusty (very) desert town along Interstate 10 and U.S. 95 north of Yuma. Its summer temperatures often rival those of sizzling Death Valley — no place for sissies.

In winter, it transforms into one of the most unusual seasonal communities in North America, drawing tens of thousands of visitors, most of them RVers who squat for free or nearly free on the vast Bureau of Management (BLM) lands that surround the town proper.

To read more, go here. 

Understanding Quartzsite’s Long-term Visitor Areas

Above, camping in Quartzsite last April. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the past few years, I have camped in Quartzsite, Arizona three times. Each time it was with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. But those weren't BLM sites. The most recent time was last April.

RV Travel has posted an article on understanding Quartzsite's long-term visitor areas and what snowbirders can expect to pay for camping during the winter.

They begin it with:

If you’re thinking about an extended stay in the snowbirding capital of the world—Quartzsite, Arizona—the Bureau of Land Management’s Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) are not only a budget-friendly choice, they are, at least in my opinion, an essential part of the authentic Quartzsite RV experience.

To read the full article, go here. 

How To Survive Camping In 105 Degree Heat—Yikes!

Above, morning at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in hot weather can cause heat stroke and other maladies. I have camped in hot conditions a few times.

Generally, those hot camps were in the desert (where else?) such as Lake Havasu, Arizona and, more recently, in Quartzsite, Arizona. 

In Lake Havasu, I generally stay at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds where they have electric hook-ups to power the motorhome air conditioner (plus the nearby lake). In Quartzsite, where we dry camped, we had to use some engenuity.

RV Travel posted some tips by Nanci Dixon for surviving camping in 105° heat.

She begins with:

We have started (well, almost) our RV summer migration to the cool green northern clime. But first, we needed to get all the floors in our house redone after an installer error. So instead of camping by pristine blue lakes lined with tall pines, we are in the hot brown desert lined with cactus.

We are using this time to get everything up to par for the trip and the summer: replacing water filters, recharging the water softener, checking the engine and generator, and fixing things neglected when we returned to Arizona. (I wrote more about our packing routine in Friday’s newsletter.)

What we didn’t factor in all this work is the brutal Arizona heat. Unfortunately, we are familiar with it from when we were camp hosts here late one year.

Here are the things we do to stay comfortable. While some seem like no-brainers, I am reminded that my brain didn’t remember.

To read more, go here. 

Spring RV Awnings Care

Above, last week in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, I went to Quartzsite, Arizona for the first real RV camping trip of the year. It was with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

During the campout (or, as we call it, clampout), I unfurled my motorhome's awning for the first time this year. It was pretty clean as the RV is kept in its own barn during non-usage. The awning came in mighty handy as the temperature in Quartzsite was over 100° most of the time.

RV Travel has posted an article on RV awning care in today's RV Travel Newsletter.

It begins with:

With summer almost here, you may have already rolled out your RV awning. It’s a great addition to any RV, and with a little care it will provide many years of service. But just what kind of care does it need?

There are many different kinds of awnings. They range from the “bag” style manual awning, which is popular for pop-up campers, all the way up to fully automated types. The operation of all the different types vary, and careful attention to the manufacturer’s instructions will help ensure problem-free enjoyment of your awning.

Most awning fabrics fall into one of two categories: vinyl and acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella). Some awnings have material all the way up to the awning rail on the side of the RV. Some have a metal weather guard, which wraps around the awning when stowed for travel.

 To read more, go here.

T.C.B.

Above, the motorhome at the clampout in Quartzsite last weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was a busy day.

After our Tuesday coffee/breakfast at Denny's down at the Flying J this morning, I headed into Gallup to do a few things.

First, I went and got myself a haircut. I was a bit overdue for one and was looking a bit unshorn. When I arrived, my barber noticed my motorhome and he expressed interest in getting one when he retires. He's now 64 and figures retiring in about four years from now.

After the haircut, I headed to a coin-operated car wash to wash the motorhome. It needed it as much as I needed the haircut. 

Once that was completed, I went 16 miles to the west of Gallup and back into Arizona. I went to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Luption, Arizona (right on the border) to pick up a few Oliva cigars.

After that, I headed back into Gallup to have dinner at Jerry's Café. I had my usual No. 3 (enchilada and chile relleno combo). 

After dinner, before heading home, I made a quick stop at Albertson's to pick up a few items. 

The day went by quickly while T.C.B. (Taking Care of Business).

Lost Dutchman's Spring Clampout

Above, yours truly at the clampsite with a favorite beverage.

The Spring Clampout of Lost Dutchman Chapter No. 5917 + 4 is now in the history books.

The clampout was held in Quartzsite, Arizona and the plaque dedication was for the Hagley Store, which is now in ruins (but somewhat protected). 

Above, the Hagley Store ruins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The temperature was over 100° for the most part. We did get some relief on Saturday when a thick cloud cover moved into the area.

I left Jamestown on Wednesday and stayed Wednesday night at the Flagstaff KOA. This was the first time I stayed there since around 1987. I arrived at the clampsite about noon on Thursday. 

Above, the RV at the Flagstaff KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Friday night's dinner, we had jambalaya. It didn't look appetizing to some, but it actually was good and spicy hot. 

Above, the jambalaya dinner of Friday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday dinner was bar-b-que beef steak and all the trimmings. 

On the way home Sunday, I met up with Mitch Geriminsky in Parker, Arizona's Blue Water Casino Hotel. While waiting for him, I managed to win a whopping fifty cents on an electronic version of roulette. 

Above, the Hagley Store plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stayed Sunday night at the Holbrook KOA as I got a late start on the road and I was tired. I also took advantage of the stay by emptying the motorhome's holding tanks. 

Above, clampers who were instrumental in erecting the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The plaque dedication for the Hagley Store was well attended by clampers, local Quartzsite officials and townspeople. 

Above, the official clampout t-shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saturday night, the Hall of Comparative Ovations was held to initiate the new members into the Order. I took part in the reading of the ritual (as Royal Platrix). At one point during my reading, my throat got congested briefly (relieved by a swig of water) from chronic allergies. After that, it was smooth sailing.

All in all, it was a successful and fun clampout. 

Clampout Weekend

Above, The Beast at a prior Clampout in Quartzsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Spring Clampout of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus is happening this weekend in beautiful tropical Quartzsite, Arizona.

The temperatures will be around 100° during the doins. 

For the duration of the clampout, this blog will be relatively inactive. I have a cat sitter already lined up.

Reasons To (and Not) Camp In Quartzsite

Above, camping in Quartzsite in 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Every winter, Quartzsite, Arizona draws many snowbirds to camp. I have camped there twice with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. I've had a good time each time I did.

RV Travel has posted an article giving seven reasons to RV in Quartzsite and three reasons not to. 

They start it with:

Every winter scores of RVers flock to Quartzsite, Arizona. In the video below, Bob Wells from Cheap RV Living gives seven reasons why he thinks it is a good idea to go to Quartzsite in the winter, and he does recommend it. Ever the realist, he does balance out the advice with three reasons why a visit to the RV mecca that is Quartzsite might not be right for you, as well.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

$600 To Boondock On BLM Land?

 

Summary:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a large increase in fees for winter camping in Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Arizona. We have all the details. 

The BLM will host two virtual public information sessions about the proposals at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Yuma Field Office will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; an in-person public meeting in Quartzsite on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and two public information sessions on Nov. 6 at Imperial Dam LTVA and Nov. 20 in Quartzsite from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Public meetings are interactive where attendees are invited to ask questions and provide comments. Information sessions are presentations where attendees can learn about planned updates from BLM experts. 

Find the links for the virtual meetings here: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-...

You can provide comment on this draft business plan by emailing BLM_AZ_YFOWEB@blm.gov with the subject line "LTVA Fee Proposal Comment" or by delivering/mailing comments to:

BLM Yuma Field Office

7341 E 30th St, Suite A

Yuma, AZ 85365

RV Travel: What’s The Most Important RV Trip Prep?

Above, the "Gathering of the Geezers" in Quartzsite, Arizona.

What is the most important prep one should do before heading out on the road in the RV?

The answer may be a surprise (or maybe not). It's your health.

That is the subject of an article in RV Travel.

It begins with:

Getting ready for an extended RV trip usually involves making reservations, packing the RV, checking RV systems, and making arrangements for your stix-n-brix home while you plan to be away. You probably have preparation checklists (like this one). Don’t forget to include the most important part of RV trip prep—you and your health! Face it! If you get sick or feel tired as your trip begins, you may compromise your entire adventure. That’s why you need to consider some personal health prep before your RV travels begin. Here are some tips to help you do just that!

To read more, go here. 

Quartzsite Heat

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite in March 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (of which I am a member) held two clampouts (campouts) in Quartzsite, Arizona (March and October) filled with fun, frivolity, history and drinking. The weather during the two clampouts was just perfect, no hotter than in the 80s.

However, it is now summer and people have to be made aware that Quartzsite can, and does, get pretty darn hot in the summer.

RV Travel takes a look at Quartzsite heat in a new article.

They begin it with:

Quartzsite clings tenaciously to its claim of being the “Snowbird Capital of the West.” With the Big Tent RV Show, hundreds of miles of ATV trails, and loads of open space on BLM land to camp on, there are plenty of attractions. And when Minnesotans groan as they pull on Long Johns to face sub-zero weather in January, Snowbirds in Quartzsite are in “Hog Heaven.”

Here’s what one website says: “The average temperature in Quartzsite in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.” Locals refer to the “Crazy Canadians” whom they see donning shorts and short sleeves and sunbathing. But it’s not January anymore—and the Quartzsite heat has arrived.

 To read more, go here.

RVing As A Senior

Above, some 60-somethings camping in Quartzsite, Arizona. 

It has been some time since I crossed over age 55. Since then, although I had to have two stents put into a coronary artery five years ago, I am in pretty decent shape for my age (knocking at the age 70 door), all things considered. My weight is down and following doctor's orders on medications, diet and exercise. Next year will mark 10 years since I retired.

When I can, I do head out in my motorhome (a trip to Tombstone, Arizona is coming up this month) with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. 

RV Life posted some tips for senior RVers over age 55 which should be useful for you geezers.

They start it with:

RVing has long been a popular option for seniors. It lets you downsize, live simply, and see all the places on your bucket list. But starting to RV as a senior can definitely feel daunting.

Thankfully, there’s no need to worry. With a few simple pieces of advice, you can make your new RV life easier and more fun. Let’s take a look at some of the best tips for RVing as a senior. 

To read more, go here. 

Reasons To RV In Quartzsite and Reasons Not To

Above, at camp in Quartzsite in 2021.

Up to now, I have camped in Quartzsite, Arizona twice. Both times were with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus next to the cemetery.

I have enjoyed camping there as both times the weather was comfortable.

RV Travel has posted an article with seven reasons to RV in Quartzsite and three reasons not to. 

The article begins with:

Every winter scores of RVers flock to Quartzsite, Arizona. In the video below, Bob Wells from Cheap RV Living gives seven reasons why he thinks it is a good idea to go to Quartzsite in the winter, and he does recommend it. Ever the realist, he does balance out the advice with three reasons why a visit to the RV mecca that is Quartzsite might not be right for you, as well.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Dry Camping Rules You Need To Know

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of us with RVs have more flexibility over where we stay overnight, especially those with RVs that are self-contained. 

We can either stay at a campground, with or without hookups, at a parking lot where overnighting is permitted or at a rest area. 

Staying overnight without hookups is generally referred to as dry camping. The last time I dry camped at a parking lot was in the RV parking area of Twin Arrows Hotel and Casino, a few miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona off Interstate 40.

There are some rules travelers should follow so that RVers are continued to be welcomed.

Do It Yourself RV has posted a list of them. They are all common sense rules.

They begin with:

Dry camping simply means camping without connecting to power, water, or sewer. While the terms “boondocking” and “dry camping” are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different meanings.

Boondocking usually refers to camping without hookups away from developed areas. Dry camping typically means camping pretty much anywhere you can park your rig but with no hookups. Dry camping is done at rustic campgrounds but also includes big-box store parking lots, truck stops, Harvest Host locations, and rest areas. Of course, there are some dry camping rules you’ll want to know before you set up camp.

To read more, go here. 

RV Coyote Camping In The Desert

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The nice thing about self-contained RVs is that one can camp pretty much anywhere.

While it is great to have hookups (water, electric, sewer), opportunities abound when dry camping or boondocking (without hookups) out in the great desert outdoors.

RV Travel posted an article on boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona.

They begin with:

Boondocking around Quartzsite on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and called Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) is an easy and effective introduction to desert boondocking and snowbirding.

Support services and supplies are plentiful, and the great gathering of veteran boondockers, much like the mountain man rendezvous of 150-200 years ago, stand ready to help out if needed.

But once you’ve perfected your boondocking skills, plenty more snowbird/boondocking possibilities exist outside the LTVAs of Quartzsite in the Mojave Desert of Southeastern California (including some LTVAs in California, just west of Yuma) and the Sonora Desert of Southwestern Arizona.

To read the full article, go here. 

Things Needed For Camping Off Grid

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boondocking, dry camping or camping off grid is getting more popular than ever. Many do this to avoid crowded RV parks and campgrounds.

There are some things one needs to have on hand while boondocking. Do It Yourself RV posted about four of them.

They begin with:

Boondocking, or camping off the grid, is more popular than ever now as RVers seek to avoid crowded RV parks and campgrounds. Boondocking requires you to take everything with you and provide your own critical amenities: food, water, connectivity, and power.

 To read more, go here.

How-To Guide To Boondocking

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If it weren't for the sky-high prices of gasoline, I would be boondocking out in the Arizona desert in Choride with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus this coming weekend.

Right now, the price for unleaded regular at the local Flying J is $4.039/gallon. It would cost me around $440 for the round trip. So I decided to skip it.

What is boondocking? Well, a new article in RV Travel explains it all in a comprehensive guide by Nanci Dixon. 

She begins with:

Every camper needs a boondocking how-to guide. Boondocking is so underrated! Even among ardent campers, boondocking is often viewed as a last resort—an overnight stop when there is nowhere else to stay.

When I am talking with friends and family about my love of boondocking, I find that they generally underrate it. My sister and brother-in-law have heard me rave about Quartzsite, Arizona, so often that they decided to stop and look around on their way to California. The short drive-through certainly turned them off!

Boondocking has many definitions

Loosely speaking, boondocking is free camping without hookups, usually on federal or state land. The Bureau of Land Management has set aside areas where people can camp for free or at a minimal charge (use this wonderful book as your boondocking guide). Some places require registration and have a specific time limitation, usually 14 days. There are areas in the southwest that have long-term camping for a minimal seasonal fee and have fresh water fill and dump stations. Many National Forest areas are also available for free camping. They, too, have a time limit and can have size restrictions.

While pavement parking, “mooch camping,” rest areas and Walmart overnighting is free and without hookups, it is not boondocking in its purest sense.

To read more, go here. 

Off-Grid RVing Essentials

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite, Arizona last September. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If it wasn't for the ridiculously high gasoline prices we have now, I would be camping in Arizona this month with E Clampus Vitus. That is usually one of my twice a year forays into dry camping. I don't have any desire to spend over $400 on fuel to get there and back.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on 20+ off-grid RVing essentials.  

They begin it with:

Going off-grid in an RV can be exciting, but it also requires more prep. If you can’t rely on a campsite for hookups, water, electricity, etc. then you need to bring everything yourself. There are lots of accessories on the market, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which ones are actually RVing essentials.

To help you out, we’ve created a list of 20 items that you’ll want to bring on your next off-grid adventure. You may already have some of these RVing essentials, but it never hurts to double-check! Bringing the right gear will make all the difference in your experience. You’ll also be able to stay safe and comfortable with this setup.

To read more, go here. 

How To Replace RV Awning Fabric

Above, making use of the awning in Quartzsite, Arizona last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sooner or later, the fabric to an RV's awning will need to be replaced.

I had to replace mine a little over three years ago as a small tear was beginning to get larger and if it completely tore during a trip, it would be a major hassle. A leaning telephone pole rubbed against it as I was parallel parking. I didn't see the leaning pole.

I had it replaced at La Mesa RV. I am not so "mechanically inclined" enough to do the work myself and I was still recovering from an arterial stent procedure.

But, if one is mechanically inclined, Do It Yourself RV posted an article on fabric replacement on a step-by-step basis.

They begin with:

RV awnings are great because they can provide shade as well as shelter from rain and snow. However, because they’re exposed to the elements, RV awnings end up taking a beating over time. At some point, most people need to know how to replace RV awning fabric.

The fabric used for RV awnings is usually some form of canvas or some other heavy, waterproof material. These fabrics are quite sturdy and durable, but everything will start to wear down eventually. If you notice that your awning’s fabric has become cracked, faded, or ripped, it might be time to start thinking about replacing it. Luckily, this process is fairly straightforward, and most people can do it at home with just a few basic tools.

The replacement process will vary a bit depending on whether you have a manual awning or power RV awning. For the purposes of this article, we’ll mainly be covering manual RV awnings, but the procedure is fairly similar between the two types. Follow along with our step-by-step guide on how to replace RV awning fabric, and you’ll have a new awning in no time!

To read more, go here.