13 Essential RV Tips For Seniors

Above, yours truly at Mustang Sally's in Deadwood,
 South Dakota last summer. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Now that I am at the ripe old age of 72, I guess that puts me into the senior (some say geezer) category. While that's the case for me, I still enjoy hitting the road in my motorhome. 

Last summer, a friend and I took a long trip to Cody, Wyoming, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Devil's Tower and the Black Hills of South Dakota. I surprised myself that I was able to do all the driving with no problems. 

RV Travel has posted an article and video with 13 essential tips for seniors to make the journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.

They begin it with:

In the video below, Mike and Jennifer Wendland from RV Lifestyle share their most important RV tips for seniors. Spoiler alert: Many of these tips apply to everyone, not just seniors.

Our hosts, seniors themselves, firmly believe that with proper preparation and expectations, seniors can live their best lives ever in an RV!

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Why Some RVs Last 30 Years and Others Are Money Pits

Above, camping at the West Yellowstone KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Until I had to replace the toilet in my motorhome a few months ago, my 2016 Winnebago Minnie Winnie has been the most reliable vehicle I've owned. 

It still is. It is an eleven-year-old vehicle and until the toilet needed replacing, I've only had very minor repairs to tend to, such as a stuck roof vent cover (still under warranty) and the house door lock that was busted by being slammed by wind. The awning fabric had to be replaced due to it being torn by a leaning telephone pole that I didn't see. Sooner or later, something will go bad. I've been lucky that it took eleven years for a major replacement job had to be done.

RV Travel posted an article on why some RVs last 30 years while others are money pits. 

They begin it with:

A 20-year-old RV can remain dependable, while a newer one can turn into a repair burden soon after its warranty ends. Age and price matter less than construction, care, use, and storage. The RVs that hold up for decades usually receive attention long before a small problem becomes an expensive project.

In the video at the end of the post, certified RV inspector Duane from the RV Inspection And Care channel goes into greater detail.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

Everything We Thought About The USA Was Wrong…

Everything We Thought About The USA Was Wrong… video by James & Siana.

Summary:

For years, I (Siana) had always dreamed of travelling across the USA in an RV.

James, on the other hand, was hesitant. He’d only ever heard negative things about America in the media and wasn’t sure it was somewhere he even wanted to go.

But I convinced him to take the chance… and it completely changed our lives.

Our first trip started in Phoenix, Arizona, where we picked up our very first Cruise America RV and spent two weeks exploring Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. We’ve travelled to many countries before, but nothing came close to what we experienced on that trip.

We fell in love with the USA.

As soon as we got home, we couldn’t stop thinking about it… so we booked another trip. This time exploring California and Oregon — and we even extended it up to Washington State because we just couldn’t get enough.

The landscapes, the people, the diversity… it blew us away all over again.

Then came our third RV road trip — starting in Chicago and travelling through Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

And that’s when we realised something…

We don’t feel at home in the UK anymore.

If we could live in the USA right now, we would.

The only thing stopping us is the visa process — but we’re determined to make it happen in the next few years.

This video is our honest opinion of the USA as a British couple… and why we were so wrong.

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NOBODY Was Ready for THIS at the U.S. World Cup — America Just Shocked the Entire World! video by Modern Europe Insights and Real Life Global Documentary.

Summary:

What if the biggest surprise of the U.S. World Cup wasn't just the football—but the country itself? This documentary explores why thousands of European fans arrived with certain expectations about America, only to discover experiences that challenged many long-held assumptions. Through observations, public reactions, travel experiences, and economic context, we examine how the 2026 World Cup is reshaping international perceptions of the United States.

Rather than making sweeping claims, this video analyzes how the World Cup USA has influenced American culture, sports tourism, and international travel. We also look at how European travel habits compare with domestic tourism, why American cities prepared differently for the tournament, and what visitors have highlighted after experiencing everyday life across the country.

From transportation and hospitality to food, entertainment, and fan culture, the FIFA World Cup 2026 provides a unique opportunity to compare expectations with reality. By examining U.S. tourism, Europe vs America, and changing patterns in global tourism, we discuss practical lessons for future host nations while exploring how mega sporting events can reshape international reputation.

This educational analysis also explores broader themes surrounding the U.S. economy, travel trends, sports economy, host cities, fan experience, cultural exchange, international visitors, tourism industry, North America travel, and global events. Instead of promoting one perspective, we present multiple viewpoints and possible explanations supported by observable trends and public discussion.

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.

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. 

Favorite RV Trip

Above, parked near Interstate 15 in Idaho waiting for the solar eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a poll asking, "Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?" 

That is a good question. Pretty much all my RV trips have been favorites. Two particularly come to mind: the 2016 trip to Metropolis, Illinois and the 2017 Great American Eclipse trip. I would give the eclipse trip a slight edge as being my favorite as it was without any mishaps. I hit a sharp-edge curb in St. Louis, Missouri and tore up two tires after swerving to avoid a collision with a driver who cut into my lane during the Metropolis trip. The eclipse trip was 100% fun.

An "honorable mention" is the trip to Yellowstone National Park with my daughter. That was a good trip.

Above, the Great American Eclipse in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the eclipse, I visited Crater Lake National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. All of the campgrounds were nice. 

Above, in Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The poll begins with:

Think back over alllll the miles you’ve traveled in your RV. The places you’ve seen, the campgrounds you’ve stayed in, the little moments that stuck with you long after the trip ended. For today’s poll, we want to know if you have a favorite RV trip of all time.

For some of you, the answer is an easy yes. One trip rises above the rest—maybe it was the destination, the people you were with, or just how everything seemed to fall into place. Perfect weather, great campsites, unforgettable views… the kind of trip you’re still talking about years later.

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

Confessions of A Coffee Addict

Above, a morning "cup of Joe" at a clampout. 

Coffee. 

Whether I am at home or on the road somewhere, I have to have my morning "Cup of Joe" to get my day started. This includes traveling by RV.

I have two means of making coffee in the RV. When the motorhome is plugged into electricity at an RV park, I use my 5-cup coffee-maker. If I am dry camping, I use my percolator on the stove.

RV Travel has posted an article by Chuck Woodbury with his confession as being a coffee addict.

It begins with:

I have one significant addiction. It’s coffee. So far, in all the scientific articles I have ever read, nobody has said, flat out, that drinking a lot of coffee is bad. Or nobody has convinced me of it. So why stop, is what I say.

I am so ridiculously addicted to it that I can now drink two or three cups and still fall quickly asleep. Go figure.

But the point of this article: I like my coffee with milk. I like cream, but my cardiologist doesn’t agree. I do not like my coffee black. Tried it: Nope, no can do.

To read more, 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.

Arches National Park

Above, an interesting rock formation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first attraction stop on the trip to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota was at Arches National Park.

Above. the RV performed well during the trip. Here
 it is at the visitor center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was the first time I've been there. I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't more arches easily accessible from the road without taking a hike. But the terrain was spectacular. I got to see one arch, though.

Here's some photos:

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. 

Made It To Cody, Wyoming

Above, Mitch and I at the Moab KOA.

 Mitch Geriminsky and I made it to Cody, Wyoming today.

We left New Mexico a couple of days earlier than planned as Mitch was getting sick from the elevation of New Mexico. As we had more time, we took our time driving to Wyoming. 

We stayed at KOA Kampgrounds for the most part, except for last night's stay at Eagle RV Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. I was getting drowsy during the drive and decided to find an RV park at the next town we were coming to. It worked out just fine. They only charged $40 for the campsite. Today's drive was an easy 83-mile drive from Thermopolis to Cody. We got into town around 8:00 this morning. We had breakfast at Grannys Restaurant.

Before checking into the KOA in Cody, we went to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and toured the Buffalo Bill and Firearms Museums. 

We may take in the nightly rodeo tonight. There's a free shuttle from the KOA to the rodeo.

Above, on the road in Arches National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along the way, we stopped in Arches National Park in Utah. It was a nice park, but somewhat disappointing as most of the arches required hikes. They should have built them closer to the road.

Above, yours truly at Arches National Park Visitor Center. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Mitch at Flaming Gorge Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Cody KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National Plan For Vacation Day

Above, yours truly at Devil's Postpile National Monument in 2016.

Guess what today is?

It is National Plan For Vacation Day. What exactly is that?

According to National Day Calendar: 

National Plan for Vacation Day, celebrated on the last Tuesday of January, is a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year at the start of the year.

The only vacation I am currently planning (at least so far) is one for early July in Cody, Wyoming, Little Bighorn Battlefield and the Black Hills of South Dakota. The last time I've been in those areas was around 1990. 

I've been meaning to do this trip in 2019, but the pandemic put a little crimp on it. 

RV Snow Removal 101

Above, the motorhome during the first winter in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It snows where I live in New Mexico. Before moving to New Mexico almost seven years ago, I didn't have to worry about winter snows as I lived in the San Fernando Valley in California.

The first winter in New Mexico, my motorhome was outside parked in my driveway. Snow during that winter wasn't too bad and it didn't accumulate on its roof. But, sooner or later, a heavy snow storm may hit and I needed to protect my RV. So I had a RV barn built, the GOCO Beast Barn. It was ready to use during the second winter. 

Above, the RV barn during the second winter in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Others may not be so fortunate to have a shelter for their RV to protect its roof from winter snows. Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on how to defend your RV's roof from winter snows.

It begins with:

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how you will care for your RV through the cold months. Winterizing your rig is an important first step, but it isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do to make sure the winter weather doesn’t cause any damage to your trailer or motorhome. You’ll also have to stay on top of RV snow removal.

While some snow on top of your RV roof is probably fine, too much weight from snow and ice can cause damage to the structure of your roof, and once it’s built up, it’s much more difficult to remove. On top of that, as the snow and ice melt, the water that gathers on the roof is likely to find its way into nooks and crannies, causing water damage. 

The good news is you can prevent these problems by going through the RV snow removal process throughout the winter season to prevent build-up. 

To read more, go here. 

Christmas Day At The Range

Above, yours truly today at the gun range. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Christmas was enjoyable in Lake Havasu today. We opened presents at Mitch and Holly's in the morning and then went over to Holly's mom's home for breakfast.

After that, we took a break for a couple of hours and then went back to Sara Park to the pistol and rifle range to do some more target shooting.

I used my Ruger 9mm pistol. I keep a 100-round box of 9mm ammunition in the motorhome, so that came in handy. It had been a while since I last used my pistol. I did reasonably well with it.

Holly did some more practicing with her new AR-15 rifle. Mitch brought along several of his pistols. 

Later, we headed back to their home and relaxed watching Jail on television.

Before going to bed, I will be getting things put away in the motorhome for tomorrow's drive back to New Mexico.

How To RV Across America

Above, at the Double J Campground near Springfield, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I went cross-country from Los Angeles to Metropolis, Illnois for Noel Neill's memorial service in 2016, I made reservations at some RV parks along the way. That only scratched the surface in planning the trip.

I got plenty of maps and tour books from the Automobile Club. Before leaving Los Angeles, I made sure my refrigerator was fully stocked. What was planned for a two-week trip, ended up stretching into three weeks. I had one mishap in St. Louis, Missouri that necessitated the purchase of two new tires. That cut into the funds and I had to wait out the Veterans Day holiday in Topeka, Kansas before I could replenish my cash and proceed on. Despite that, it was a good trip.

RV Life has posted an article on how to RV across America.

It begins with:

So you finally have the time to RV across America? The sights you will see are going to create so many lasting memories! Before you leave, here are 12 things you need to know to avoid making memories of RV catastrophes. As a full-time RVer myself, I’ve learned that many cross country RVing problems can be avoided with a little planning. 

The Top 10 Things to Know Before RVing Across America

Most of your RV trip planning can happen before you get on the road.  Here is where you want to do a little research. My list of ten things to know before taking a cross-country RV road trip can make your planning easier.

 To read more, go here.

Below Freezing Tonight

Above, The Beast in the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Currently in the Jamestown/Gallup areas of New Mexico, it is about 46° outside. Tomorrow morning will be a different story.

A freeze is coming into the area tonight. The overnight temperature will be in the 20s. THAT is freakin' cold!

From the National Weather Service:

A 'freeze' is considered to have occurred whenever the temperature drops to 32° or lower. A growing season is calculated by taking the number of days between the last freeze in the spring and the first freeze in the fall. However, plants or crops do not necessarily follow this rule. A low temperature of 31 or 32° for a short period of time, say less than two hours, probably will not harm most plants or crops. But if the temperature drops to 28 or 29° for a few hours, most vegetation will be damaged. As a side note, frost can form when a solid surface (like a car or plants) is in contact with the air and the solid surface's temperature drops to 32° or colder. The extent of the frost depends on how much moisture is in the air. If the temperature is above 32° and there is enough moisture in the air, then dew (a liquid) forms instead of frost (a solid).

Since I have to get my eclipse safety glasses out of the motorhome anyway, I will turn on the holding tank heaters and other heating units inside the RV and GOCO Beast Barn. I will also put in some anti-freeze in the lines and tanks as a precaution. There is some water in the lines and tanks and I don't need to get some freezing damage. 

According to the National Weather Service, our nighttime temperature:

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Money Magazine's Review of Progressive RV Insurance

Above, camping at Lake Cachuma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are looking to change their insurance carriers on their RVs or who are new (or about to be new) to become an RV owner, the following should be put under consideration.

It is Money magazine's review of Progressive RV insurance, including pros and cons.

I insure my motorhome through Progressive and have done so for the five years since I've owned it. I find the premium to be reasonable. So far, I have had no need to file any claims. (Knock on wood.)

The review begins with:

Progressive is the largest motor insurance carrier in the U.S. and provides some of the best RV insurance because of its different coverage types. The company also offers numerous add-ons that allow you to customize your policy. Read our Progressive RV insurance review below to learn about its coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and the pros and cons of buying a policy with this company.

To read the review, go here. 

Made It To Lake Havasu City

Above, a view of Lake Havasu from a previous trip. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, Sierra and I made it to Lake Havasu, Arizona to spend Christmas weekend with friends.

The drive through Arizona went, thankfully, without incident. There were no traffic problems along the way.

Unlike the rest of the country, the weather was good. I did pass through a little rain squall about ten miles east of Winslow, Arizona. But that lasted only about fifteen minutes. There was snow on the ground in Flagstaff. It was the remnants of a storm from last week.

It is about 30° warmer in Lake Havasu than back home. I was nice to be able to sit outside in total comfort. I am staying in my friends' driveway.

It'll rain or snow in Flagstaff this coming Tuesday, but I will be home long before then. 

Today, Christmas Eve, will be more of a relaxed day.

Merry Christmas, everyone! 

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.

How To Winterize An RV

Above, my motorhome is nicely stored during winter in its own garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're now in autumn, that means cooler temperatures during the day and, especially, at night.

If the motorhome or trailer is not going to be used in the upcoming weeks, now's the time to prepare it for winter. Where I live, it gets down to freezing (32°) or below freezing even autumn. I store my motorhome in its own garage, which offers some protection.

I keep a space heater inside the RV and one to heat the garage's interior. I drain the tanks and put anti-freeze in them and down the drains. I also use the tank heaters when it really gets cold. This has worked for me for the past three years without any problems.

But someone reading this may not have a garage to store their trailer or motorhome and could be new to RVing. Therefore, an article on how to winterize an RV in 8 easy steps by RV Travel will be a great aid in steering them in the right direction.

They start with:

If you’re the proud owner of a motorhome or trailer, you should know how to winterize an RV. Even if you live in a warm area, you never know when you might move or store your vehicle in a colder area. Winterizing your RV will keep it in good shape until you want to use it again, plus it’s a good time to do some general checkups and RV maintenance. 

Although it might sound daunting to get your RV ready for winter, it’s not as tricky as it sounds. There are a few things you need to do, but you probably have most of the supplies on hand already! The main thing you need to do is just follow along with a checklist and ensure that everything is clean, dry, and in good shape for the winter.

Below we have eight steps you can follow to winterize an RV. There are a lot of smaller things you can do, but these steps are the main ones you’ll want to do, especially if you plan to store your RV outside. If you opt for an indoor storage solution, you won’t have to do all the steps below, but it’s still good to keep them in mind.

To read more, go here.