Protect Your RV Every Time You Plug In

RVs (trailers and motorhomes) are loaded with electronics that could get damaged during a sudden power surge. This is especially so of they are plugged into an outlet that may get a sudden surge from a lightning strike.

That is why surge protectors are necessary to protect one's RV electrical system and appliances when plugged in. I use mine when I store my RV in its garage and it is plugged in.

RV Life has posted an article on protecting RVs every time they are plugged in.  

They begin with:

Plugging into shorepower is one of the most routine parts of setting up camp, but the power at the pedestal is not always predictable. An RV electrical protection device should be used every time the rig connects to outside power. That includes campgrounds, a home outlet, an RV storage facility, and yes, even a generator (if compatible).

The reason is simple. Every connection introduces a new power source, and electrical conditions can change after the RV is plugged in. A pedestal that worked during a previous stay may now have a worn receptacle, loose wire, missing ground, or damaged neutral. Voltage that looks normal in the morning can drop when campground demand rises, or it may climb when a utility problem develops.

A surge protector or electrical management system (EMS) provides a layer of protection between those conditions and the RV’s converter, inverter/charger, refrigerator, A/C equipment, microwave, TVs, and electronic control boards. The two product types do not always provide the same protection, but either must be connected to do its job.

 To read more, go here.

Do You Have One Mug You Favor Over All Others?

Above, my custom coffee mug I use at home. 

Are humans creatures of habit? 

This comes to mind after reading and participating in a new poll at RV Travel on coffee mugs. They ask if you have one mug you favor over others. 

At home, I usually use a custom-made mug featuring my book, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan or one from Folgers Coffee. Both fit my hand perfectly and are of the right size.

Above, with one of the John Wayne coffee mugs in my RV.

While in my motorhome, I use two (not at the same time) mugs I bought from the John Wayne Stock & Supply. 

RV Travel begins their poll with:

If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, chances are you own more than one mug. Maybe you have an entire cabinet full of them—souvenirs from road trips, funny gifts from friends, campground treasures, or that one oversized mug that somehow holds juuuuust the right amount of coffee.

So, even with all those choices, do you always reach for the same one? You know the mug. It’s the one that just feels right in your hand. Maybe it’s chipped, maybe the handle fits your fingers perfectly, or maybe the coffee simply tastes better out of it. (Science has yet to confirm this, but plenty of us believe it.)

And, in most households, certain mugs seem to develop “ownership” without anyone officially claiming them. Everyone knows whose mug is whose. Use the wrong one, and you’ll probably hear about it. It’s funny how attached we can become to something as simple as a coffee mug, right?

So what about you? Are you loyal to one favorite mug, or do you happily grab whatever’s clean?

Vote in the poll below, and then tell us the story behind your favorite mug in the comments. We have a feeling there are some great ones out there.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Imported Japanese RV: 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil 4×4

Above, the Japanese motorhome I spotted in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some years ago, while roaming around the Asakusa section of Tokyo, I spotted a Japanese motorhome. 

It was parked in front of some shops. I took a couple of pictures of it. It was the first time I've ever seen a Japanese RV. 

RV Travel posted an article with video of a Japanese RV. It is a 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil 4 x 4. 

They started it with:

A lot of small campers promise clever packaging, but this one backs it up. The 1998 Toyota Camroad Zil by Vantech fits a full RV layout into a 16-foot body that still slips into a normal parking spot.

In the video at the end of this post, we get a tour from its owner, x90Dude.

It starts with a Toyota Dyna truck chassis, adds four-wheel drive, then tops it with a fiberglass camper shell from Japan. The result feels half mini truck, half tiny motorhome, and all of it has a ton of character.

Above, another view of the Japanese motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more and see the video, go here.

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. 

The Most Common Class C RV Problems

Above, at the Moab (Utah) KOA Kampground last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The motor home I have is classified as a Class C. It is a 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R. To date, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

The only problem I have had with it was only recently when the flush valve to the toilet started acting up necessitating the need to replace the toilet. All things considered, I'm very pleased with it. Still, not bad for an eleven-year-old vehicle.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on the most common Class C RV problems owners run into. So far, none of the problems listed I have encountered.

They begin it with:

Class C RVs are easy to fall for. They feel more approachable than a large Class A, roomier than a camper van, and familiar enough from the driver’s seat that many new motorhome owners feel comfortable right away.

That first impression is part of the appeal, but it does not tell the whole story. Once you start loading the storage bays, driving in wind, using the cabover space, and keeping up with service, the tradeoffs become easier to see.

A Class C can still be a great RV. The key is knowing where this style of motorhome tends to ask for the most patience.

To read more, go here. 

New Motorhome Toilet

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

Like anything else, repairs to a vehicle are inevitable. Only I was lucky that the inevitable took eleven years to happen.

During the Lost Dutchman clampout last month, the toilet in my motorhome wasn't acting right. Flushing water didn't come out as strong as it had. 

Then, a few days after the clampout, I stayed one night at a KOA Kampground in Albuquerque. I hooked up the motorhome to city water. I didn't notice any problem at first until I flushed the toilet. The water came out at strong as ever. Later, I went back into the bathroom and noticed that the toilet bowl was almost half full and the water did not stop filling it. I went outside and unhooked the city water. 

It was my guess that it was either the water pump or the toilet was causing the problems. 

Last week, I brought the motorhome to the RV dealer to see what the problem was. After a few days, they told me that it was the flush valve and other things that went bad. A new toilet was needed. It was ready for pick up yesterday.

Yesterday, I rode into Albuquerque with Greg and Larry Lucier as they had medical appointments in town. They dropped me off at the RV dealer and, sure enough, the motorhome was ready. I tested the toilet before leaving the premises and it worked fine. I drove back the 100 miles back to Jamestown. 

As I first mentioned when I began this blog post, it took 11 years for something in the RV to go bad. I feel lucky. I've always said that the motorhome was the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I still stick by that. 

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.

What Items Can You Safely Keep in Your RV Over Winter?

Above, the motorhome after a snowstorm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The calendar says we're in autumn, but right now the outside temperature is in the 30s. I had to crank up the heater in the house. 

The motorhome is in its garage/barn and I have already winterized it. I also keep a heater in the barn so that helps to keep the interior of the RV garage a little warmer.

In relation to RVs and wintery conditions, what is safe and not safe to keep in an RV during this time?

Do It Yourself RV answers that question.

They begin with:

It’s that time of year when RV camping fun turns to winter storage season. It’s a sad day when the RV has to spend some time in storage. Even in a beautiful Southern Arizona winter, while we don’t winterize, we still have to consider what comes out and what stays in.

For us, this will be a busy winter season, so we likely won’t see the RV again until spring. We completely unloaded our Class C and deep-cleaned it after our summer work camping gig in Montana. With two dogs and two humans in a small space for five months, it needed some TLC before being stored.

The question does come up regarding what is safe to leave in the camper and what should always come out. Let’s take a closer look and attempt to answer that question. 

To read more, go here. 

In Gallup Yesterday

Above, the chile relleno lunch at Gordo's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The majority of the time spent yesterday was in Gallup.

I went to USA RV Park to use their dump station to empty the motorhome's holding tanks in preparation to winterizing it. 

I then set an appointment for 2:00 to get an affidavit notarized for my ex-roommate Jessica. As I had a couple of hours to kill, I decided to have lunch. 

Above, about to put the RV in its garage a few winters ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First, I went by Jerry's Cafe, but they were busy with a lunchtime crowd. Then, I headed over to Genaro's, but they were temporarily closed for cleaning. So, I ended up having lunch at Gordo's Cafe. I hadn't been there since 2018 when I stopped in for lunch when I was in town to finalize the purchase of my house in Jamestown. I had a cheeseburger then.

This time, I had a chili relleno. I like to try the rellenos in different restaurants to see how good, or not-so-good, they are. It wasn't bad. 

After lunch, I headed to the UPS Store for my notary appointment and mailing of the affidavit.  

Once that was done, I headed back home. Today, I will be winterizing the motorhome and put it in its garage. 

Travelin' Cat

Above, Sierra relaxing on my bed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with friend Mitch Geriminsky and myself, my cat Sierra was also on the Wyoming-South Dakota trip with us.

She mainly stayed under my seat while driving, but would come out whenever we were at camp.

Above, Sierra at one of her favorite spots in the motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At nearly ten years old (she'll hit that milestone next month), she has done a lot of RV travel with me over the years. The first trip for Sierra was in 2016 to Yosemite National Park.  

How Many Miles Are On Your Motorhome Or Tow Vehicle?

Above, at Fort Massac campground next to the Ohio River near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking how many miles are on your motorhome or tow vehicle. 

For me, my Class C 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie has clocked 72,000 miles. That averages 7,200 miles per year since it is a ten year old vehicle. But that's not accurate as I usually clock about 2,000 to 3,000 per year at most. The 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip were mainly the reason for the mileage.  

RV Travel begins their poll with:

Unless you just bought your RV, there’s a good chance your RV or tow vehicle has some serious miles on it. If you’re using it the way most RVers do—traveling from park to park and exploring new places—those miles can add up fast.

Go take a quick look at the odometer. If you have a towable RV, check your tow vehicle. If you have a motorhome, check the mileage there.

For many RVers, those numbers reflect years of travel, road conditions, and real-world wear and tear. Whether it’s 30,000 or 130,000 miles, it’s useful to know where your vehicle stands—and interesting to see how you compare with others.

Let us know how many miles you’ve logged by answering the poll below. And if you’ve passed a big milestone like 100,000 miles, feel free to share what kind of rig you’re driving and how it’s held up over time.

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

When It Rains, It Pours

Above, the Jeep, mini bike, mower and Mustang a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sometimes, when it rains, it pours.

That is what happened this past week when I was driving home from Thoreau, New Mexico in the Mustang. It started running hot. I managed to get it to the Flying J and got some coolant as the coolant level inside the radiator dropped.

Once I got the coolant into the radiator, everything seemed fine, and that was the case for the next few days. Then it started running hotter again. I put more coolant in and most, if not all, ended up dripping on the garage floor. There appears to be a leak (from what I can tell) at the bottom of the radiator. It have to get it to the mechanic's.

The Jeep has been in the mechanic's since a week ago Monday. They've been too busy to get to it. I got a call from them yesterday and it turned out the problem was that there was corrosion to where the grounding wires (or whatever) were connected, which fried the battery and the battery cables. In other words, inadequate grounding. They replaced those and set up new grounding. It seems to be working fine now and will be ready Tuesday (as Monday is a holiday) for me to bring the Mustang in and pick up the Jeep. A vehicle swap! (Yes, I told them about the problem with the Mustang.)

In the meantime, I have been using the mini bike or the motorhome for transportation in the interim. I joked to a friend, if those get disabled, I can always use the zero-turn riding mower to get around until Tuesday. It is good to have backups, eh?  

I was going to go to the grand re-opening of Meteor City Trading Post on Monday. But given the expenses of the vehicle repairs and it usually costs around $130 to fill the motorhome's gas tank (55 gallons), I decided to forego the trip. The trading post is about 160 miles from home. 

Save Your RV Refrigerator: Always Level

Above, leveled in Yosemite National Park's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is an axiom in the RVing world: always lever your RV to prevent damage to your propane refrigerator. 

No matter how long I am stopped anywhere for overnighting, I always lever the motorhome. If I am stopping somewhere that would be longer than 30 minutes, I shut the refrigerator off. When I get back into the motorhome to get back on the road, I turn it back on.

I have never had to replace my RV's refrigerator due to not leveling since I do the above.

This is a topic in RV Travel that every RVer should read. 

They begin with:

 I read this tip:

Do you level? That’s a question repeatedly posted on RV forums, regarding leveling an RV when stopping at the end of the day. Here’s a typical response: “I try to get it relatively close unless it’s just for an overnight stop, in which case I don’t bother.” Unless it’s an overnight stop? ALWAYS level your RV. Another comment tells you why: “I’m on my second Dometic 4-door. I level METICULOUSLY every time I stop to camp and I check level every morning. I refuse to go thru all that replacement AGAIN.”

RV refrigerators need to be level to work properly, and to prevent damage. No absorption-type RV refrigerator has ever read the fine print that says, “Don’t count the damage caused by operating off-level if it’s only overnight.” Seriously, damage to an RV cooling unit is CUMULATIVE, and every “only overnight” adds up. Can’t level? Shut off the fridge.

I was rather shocked by people’s thinking that running an absorption refrigerator out of level overnight or for any length of time is an acceptable practice. As mentioned above, the damage is cumulative, adding up each time you operate your refrigerator out of level.

To read more, go here. 

Common Class C RV Problems

Above, at camp in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This year marks ten years since I bought my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C motorhome.

Thus far, it has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. When it is not in use, I keep it in its own garage so that it is protected from the elements (sun, temperatures, rain, snow). 

But like all things, something is bound to give out sooner or later. Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on problems that will likely crop up with Class C motorhomes.

They begin it with:

Class C RVs might be the sweet spot between drivability and comfort—but they aren’t problem-free. From roof leaks and tire blowouts to frustrating slide-out failures, Class C motorhomes come with their own set of maintenance quirks. After years of RV ownership (including a Class C that we actually loved), we learned the hard way what tends to break—and what you can do to stop those issues before they ruin a trip. Here’s what to expect, what to watch for, and how to stay ahead of the most common Class C RV problems.

 To read more, go here.

California May Back Off Plan To Ban Motorhome Sales

It looks like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is backpedaling on their proposed emissions regulations that could ban motorhomes in the state.

This is a step in the right direction, but there is still uncertainty.

RV Travel reported:

Early this week, California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew its request to move forward with regulations that could force a total ban on big diesel trucks in 2036. CARB had asked the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant them authority for the ban under its Advanced Clean Fleets program, which would’ve required truckers to buy zero-emissions trucks. CARB’s backpedaling could have implications for the so-called California motorhome ban. The CARB reversal is big news. But it’s too early for the RV industry to rejoice—the devil is in the details.

CARB reversal—”Uncertainty presented by the incoming administration”

The move, which surprised many industry insiders, comes just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as president. Trump has vowed to roll back California’s air pollution rulings somehow, and the message got through to CARB. Yesterday, CARB’s Chair Liane Randolph said this in a statement: “Withdrawal is an important step given the uncertainty presented by the incoming administration that previously attacked California’s programs to protect public health and the climate and has said will continue to oppose those programs.”

While it will make a difference, the battle involving RVs in California—and other states that follow its lead—is far from over.  

To read more, go here. 

Trucking Industry Fights For Regulation Reprieve

Trucking industry associations are fighting back against state regulations that would effectively ban new motorhome sales as there is not the technology available for zero emissions.

They have issued a letter to several state governors asking for a delay in the implementation of those regulations.

According to RV Travel:

It may well be too late for California, but sales of motorhomes in eight other states could be spared the Golden State’s fate. Commercial trucking associations have banded together and are pleading with eight state governors (and one governor-elect) to slow down the implementation of ACT—California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. If those states listen, it might affect the potential motorhome sales shutdown in those states.

On December 17, eight state trucking associations issued a letter to governors in states adopting Advanced Clean Trucks rules, expressing their concerns regarding the new requirements.

Unless something unforeseen happens, new sales of motorhomes in California will dry up in 2025. But other states, ones that adopt those same California regulations, will see the same problem. Since ACT affects big trucks, the big trucking associations are trying to get those states to slow the regulation down. The states include Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Of those states, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington are slated to start the rule in 2025. Vermont jumps on board in 2026, and the rest in 2027. The coalition of trucking associations wants the states not to quash the ACT regulation entirely, but to delay implementation. The letter cites the fact that engine manufacturers just don’t have the technology yet to make the ACT regulations feasible.

Note that the states adopting the ACT regulations are all blue Democrat states.

To read the full article, go here.

EPA Backs California's RV-Killing Plan

Above, Class A motorhomes at the California RV Show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thank God that Donald Trump won the election. 

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) backed Commiefornia's plan to enforce new and RV-killing regulations by the California Air Resources Board.

Once the Trump is inaugurated on January 20, many loony regulations will likely be rescinded.

RV Travel reported:

This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted California approval to move forward on two regulations. If the EPA puts the California waivers in place, they are sure to hit RVers hard. These regulations are in addition to the rule that some say would effectively ban new motorhome sales. Tow a car? Pull your trailer with a pickup? Hang on, these other regulations will put the brakes on. By 2035, sales of these vehicles, if not “zero emissions,” will be turned off in California—and other states across the country.

To read more, go here. 

Supreme Court Hearing Could Shape Future of Motorhome Sales “Ban”

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) may have to face the U.S. Supreme Court over its regulations on emissions including those that could effectively ban the sale of new motorized motorhomes.

RV Travel reported:

The Supreme Court and motorhomes? Is there a connection? Possibly, because the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the authority of a California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation. While the regulation is not specific to the one that will effectively shut down the sale of new motorhomes in California, decisions in the case could have a bearing on motorhome sales. 

To read more, go here.

Democrats Declare War On RVs

Above, this will be a thing of the past at the California RV Show if the Democrats have their way. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, a website (besides here) has come out and said it: Democrats declare war on RVs. 

Six blue states (you know, ones run by Democrats) have effectively banned the sale of new diesel and gasoline motorhome that don't comply with their new air emissions regulations.

Voz Media wrote:

Six states with Democratic leadership plan to follow California's lead by banning RV sales starting in 2025. The focus of the ban is on diesel-powered recreational vehicles, which serve as homes on wheels for over three million Americans.

The website RV Travel claims that the states of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington have taken steps to ban sales if these vehicles do not meet certain emissions requirements based on new environmental regulations.

These measures are based on California's initiative from October, when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) revised its Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations. The updated rules aim to promote zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and mandate that all vehicles over 8,500 pounds meet zero-emission standards.

According to RV Travel, this regulation will require manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and motorhomes, to increase their sales of zero-emission vehicles. As a result, they will gradually halt the production and supply of new internal combustion engine models.

While it was initially expected that regulations like California's would not apply to recreational vehicles, this has proven to be untrue. As a result, RVs and vans designed for livability are also affected by these measures.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: CARB Pollution Rule Portends Disaster

Above, San Diego's Campland On The Bay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two blog posts on the California "ban" on Class A, Class B and Class C RVs have already been posted here.

For more in-depth information on the coming CARB (California Air Resources Board) emissions standards has been posted at RV Travel. It is by RV lemon law attorney Ron Burge.

It begins with:

The new California Air Resources Board (CARB) rule that becomes effective in 2025 will cause major changes to the RV industry and that means motorhome buyers, too. Originally aimed at the tailpipe pollution levels of fossil fuel emission engines — gas and diesel — of big rig trucks, the new emissions level mandate will hit the RV industry hard, too, with an industry-wide and nationwide impact.

To read the article, go here.