Space Heater Massive Recall

Above, the space heater now under massive recall. Photo from RV Travel.

When I was camping at the Route 66 RV Resort last month when I was in Albuquerque for Mia Asano's concert, I was using my space heater the following morning to take the chill out of my motorhome.

Well, the space heater died after 15 years of service. Now I have to buy a new one. I bought the space heater in Topeka, Kansas at a Walmart near the RV park I was staying at.

Above, the space heater that died last month after 15 years. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following is rather timed nicely. It is on a massive recall of some space heaters due to fires. This is one brand and model I'll be passing up!

From RV Travel:

Almost 340,000 space heaters are under recall in the United States because of fire and burn risks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission just announced the recall of DREO model DR-HSH015 sold in the U.S. Another 36,300 heaters were sold in Canada.

To read more, go here. 

What Makes An RV Comfortable For A Long Stay?

Above, Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I read a new article in RV Life on long stays in an RV, I was trying to think of what campground or RV park I stayed at was the longest. 

I thought maybe it was Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas back in 2016. I had to stay there as I blew out two tires and their replacements cost me, and with Veterans Day coming up on the following Monday, I had little cash to proceed on the road. I had to wait until Tuesday to make a bank transfer and withdraw cash. 

It turned out to be only three nights. It was, and still is, the nicest RV park I ever stayed at and under $40/night. I have never stayed in the motorhome for a long period, four nights at most, I think.

The article on maintaining comfort during extended stays in a recreational vehicle begins with:

An RV that works perfectly for a few weekends a year can feel very different after a month or two of everyday use. Storage fills up. Counter space matters more. The seat that seemed comfortable during a walkthrough becomes your lumpy living-room chair. Climate control, battery capacity, water systems, and Internet access stop being conveniences and become part of the daily routine.

For RVers planning to spend a month or longer on the road, Jack Albert, Northeast Market Director for Service and Parts for Blue Compass RV, recommends looking beyond floorplan appeal and focusing on the systems and features that will be used every day. 

 To read more, go here.

Five RV Trips You Must Do Before You Get Too Old

Above, yours truly at the Yellowstone River in 2015.

Now that I am still in my "youthful" 70s, whenever I can, I like to go RVing in my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie. 

There are some RV trips seniors should do before they get too old and unable to to do so. 

RV Travel has five suggestions. Three of them, the Florida Keys and Alaska, were taken by me while on cruises, not in an RV. I did do trips to Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Parks in my RV.

They begin their article with:

For Sean of Long Long Honeymoon, “too old” begins when a trip’s hassle outweighs its fun. Some people reach that point early; others keep adventuring into their 80s and 90s. In the video at the end of this post, Sean shares his five RV trips that will reward travelers who still have the energy and enthusiasm for ambitious journeys.

To read more, go here. 

Camping In A Winterized RV

Above, camping in a snow-covered Red Rock Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I will be using my motorhome this week while in Albuquerque for the Mia Asano concert, I haven't yet winterized it.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article with a great topic asking if one can still go camping in an RV after winterizing it. I have done so a couple of times. I just don't use the water system and use instead the campground/RV park restroom facilities. 

The article begins with:

You’ve winterized the RV, put away the water hose, and figured the next trip would wait until spring. Then a mild weekend appears in the forecast, friends invite you along, or you realize you aren’t quite ready to give up camping for the season.

The RV doesn’t have to stay parked. You can camp with its plumbing still winterized, using portable water and separate bathroom arrangements. Or you can restore running water if the trip warrants it. The choice comes down to the conveniences you want and the conditions you’ll encounter.

To read more, go here.

Fuel Discounts and Rewards Programs

Above, getting gasoline at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I bought my motorhome back in 2015, I have been a member of the Good Sam Club. 

Along with campground discounts and other perks that come with membership, discounted gasoline at Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers is also included. I happen to live up the hill from the Jamestown, New Mexico Flying J. My Good Sam discount there is ten cents per gallon. It used to be five cents. 

Sometimes though, I have found gasoline prices cheaper in Gallup (18 miles west) than the Flying J even with the discount.

RV Travel posted an article on breaking down the best discounts and fuel rewards programs. Oddly, they don't mention Pilot/Flying J, even though it is tied to the largest RV club in the nation. Go figure. 

They start their article with:

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses RVers face, especially on long trips. Fortunately, fuel loyalty programs, grocery rewards, and truck stop discounts can help reduce the cost of gasoline and diesel. That leaves more money for campgrounds and attractions.

Finding the best

The best fuel rewards program depends on where you travel, how often you fuel up, and whether you drive a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle.

I’ve looked at several fuel discount programs, and while one may be best for the way we RV, you may find that a different card works best for you. So, how do you choose the best program? Read the basic tenets of each program as a first step. Then, check out the website for more details.

To read more, go here. 

National Park Reservations For Those Who Plan

Above, camping at Yosemite Valley's North Pines Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have only made national park campsite reservations twice. 

The first was in November 2015 for a site at North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park in April 2016. I calendared the date the reservation system for when it opened for the campground and got a site within minutes of its opening. Sites were gobbled up pretty fast.

The second was easier, I just logged into the Grand Canyon National Park's Trailer Village site and made a reservation. 

Both times, I did so while living in California. I am not so sure if my zip code at the time made any difference. Apparently, to some, higher zip codes give people an advantage. At least that's what an article in RV Travel says.

They begin with:

RVers know how this works. You map out a trip months in advance, then weather turns bad, the truck needs repairs, somebody gets sick—or you find a place you like and decide to stay another week.

That can make national park reservations a problem. Some campsites and park-entry permits disappear almost as soon as they become available. Others have to be booked months before you arrive.

New research suggests those systems may give an advantage to people from better-off communities.

Jonathan Hughes, an economist at the University of Colorado Boulder, studied reservation systems at seven national parks. He found that people who won some of the toughest reservation scrambles tended to live in higher-income ZIP codes. So did people who booked months ahead.

Twice in recent years, I pulled into two national parks without reservations and got a campsite. The first was at Joshua Tree National Park and the other was at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

To read more, go here.

Things You Might Think Are Banned At National Parks But Aren’t

Above, camping in North Pines Campground at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people visit national parks in their cars, trucks and RVs. There are some things people possess legally can get one into trouble if used in a national park. 

Some things may be allowed at one national park while they are prohibited in others. One must check the rules first to see where one's item is allowed or not.

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel.

They begin it with:

A recent travel article warns about 11 things that can be “confiscated” at national parks. That sounds like RVers arriving at Yellowstone, opening the truck door, and watching a ranger start emptying the glove box.

The actual rules are considerably more complicated.

Some items really are illegal to possess. Some are perfectly legal to have but illegal to use. Others are prohibited only at particular National Park Service (NPS) sites or under particular circumstances. And “prohibited” does not automatically mean “confiscated.”

Here’s what we found.

 To read more, go here.

RV Winterizing Checklist

Now that we are in autumn, it is time to begin planning and preparing the annual chore of winterizing the RV.

Cold temperatures here in New Mexico occasionally drop down into the 30s even in October. I have plenty of water system anti-freeze already on hand that I bought on sale last year.

This is the topic of an article in RV Life.

They begin it with:

Putting your RV away for winter takes a little preparation, but a clear plan makes the job more manageable. Start before freezing weather arrives, with attention to the plumbing, batteries, interior, and exterior.

Michael Ellingson, a Master Certified RV Technician with Blue Compass RV/Coach Net, recommends beginning with the water system and considering the climate where you’ll store your RV. His advice helps you work through the process, including easily missed fixtures and storage tasks.

The steps below focus on an RV that will sit unused over winter. Keep your RV and appliance manuals handy, since the right procedure depends on your particular setup.

To read more, go here. 

Grand Canyon RV Park Remains Closed Due To Water Issues

Above, RV camping at Trailer Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Somehow, the closure of Trailer Village at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park eluded me. This blog post ought to rectify that.

Yes, the Trailer Village has been closed since August due to water issues. It may remain closed through the autumn months.

I camped at Trailer Village in 2017 and enjoyed it as it had full hook-ups at every site.

RV Travel reported:

Grand Canyon National Park’s water crisis could disrupt RV camping well into the fall. The South Rim’s full-hookup RV park remains closed, other campgrounds have restricted water service, and park officials say restoring water distribution may not begin until Thanksgiving.

The National Park Service announced September 19 that it hopes to begin pumping water from Bright Angel Creek to a new treatment plant by November 16. Distribution to South Rim residents could begin by Thanksgiving, November 26, allowing concessionaires to resume overnight guest services in phases.

Those dates are tentative. The park has not announced when Trailer Village RV Park will reopen.

Where can RVers camp?

Trailer Village, the South Rim’s only campground with full RV hookups, has been closed since August 31. The park lists it as closed until further notice.

Mather Campground remains open and is accepting reservations through Recreation.gov. However, it’s operating as a dry campground under Stage 4 water restrictions. Drinking-water spigots, regular restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are unavailable. Portable toilets are provided.

The campground has no RV hookups. The nearby Camper Services building, which normally provides showers and laundry facilities, is closed.

To read more, go here. 

RV Lengths That Work Best In National Parks

Above, camping in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things I am glad I did when I bought a motorhome 11 years ago was to get one under 25 feet long. Most national park campsites easily can accommodate this size. 

The first trip that I camped in a national park was Joshua Tree National Park. The RV fit just fine. The next trip to camp in a national park was at Yosemite National Park. Again, the site I picked accommodated it just fine as well. 

RV Travel posted an article on what RV length works best for national park trips.

They begin it with:

Visiting and camping in America’s national parks is near the top of most RVers’ bucket lists. One crucial factor that can make or break an RVer’s camping experience is whether an RV will fit into a campsite. Let’s explore what size RV is ideal for national park camping, and what you should expect when trying to find a spot.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Paying $100, $150—Even $200 A Night To Camp

Above, Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque charges over $80/night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Remember the days when campsites at an RV park or commercial campground cost less than $50 a night? Strange as it may seem, it wasn't all that long ago.

The cost of a one night's stay at an RV park has gotten more expensive. $80 per night isn't unusual nor campsites over $100 per night is getting less rare these days.

Even thought prices have shot up, are you getting your money's worth? That is something that RV Travel took a look into in an article.

They begin with:

Remember when $50 seemed like a lot of money for an RV campsite? For plenty of RVers, it still is. But look around popular destinations today, and you’ll als

o find campsites advertised for $100, $150, and $200 or more per night. Go after a premium waterfront site at a high-end RV resort during peak season, and we’ve found published rates of $300, $400, and even close to $600 for a single night!

And to that, we ask: What in the world are you getting for all that money?

We dug into current 2026 campground pricing and looked at what some of the country’s more expensive RV resorts actually include. The answer isn’t quite as simple as “campgrounds have gotten ridiculously expensive.”

To read more, go here. 

Where To RV For 70-degree Weather All Year

Above, Ashurst Lake dispersed campground in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an interesting article on where to RV for 70-degree weather every month of the year. 

Since we're almost in autumn (that arrives on September 22) and one's wanderlust is still spurring them along despite changing seasons, the article may be useful.  

It begins with:

Wouldn’t it be nice if every stop on your RV journey came with mild days, cool nights, and little need for the A/C or furnace? That’s the goal of chasing 70 degrees—a seasonal travel strategy to stay in the comfort zone year-round.

Traveling this way helps you avoid wild weather swings, reduce energy use, and enjoy nature at its best. Here’s how to follow the 70-degree sweet spot around the U.S.—with tips on beauty, weather quirks, and what to watch out for in each region.

To read more, go here. 

Camping With A Dog In Bear Country

Above, a mother bear and cub in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following doesn't apply to me (I have two cats), but I have relatives with RVs who camp with their dogs.

That is camping with the family dog in bear country. RV Travel posted an article on the fact that dogs can, and do, initiate conflicts with bears in campgrounds.

They begin with:

If you camp in bear country with a dog, you might figure Fido gives you an early-warning system. After all, he’ll probably smell or hear a bear long before you do.

A new study suggests you might not want to count on that.

Researchers examined 326 human-bear conflicts involving domestic dogs across North America. Dogs initiated 54% of those conflicts, according to the study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management.

And don’t count on your dog to sound the alarm. Dogs warned their owners about a bear in only 9.2% of the conflicts studied.

This isn’t just a backcountry-hiking problem, either. While 45.1% of the conflicts occurred while people were hiking in wilderness areas, 35.3% happened in front-country settings.

For RVers traveling with dogs, that’s an important distinction.

To read more, go here. 

Some RVers Don't Always Take The "Scenic Route"

Above, driving to Ouray on the "Million Dollar Highway." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most scenic roads is the Million Dollar Highway just south of Ouray, Colorado. I have been on it several times during the past few years.

It is a narrow one-lane road (one lane in each direction) with no guard rails. My Minnie Winnie takes the road just fine. 

There are some roads that aren't quite friendly to RVers. RV Travel posted an article on why some folks driving RVs don't drive the "scenic route." 

They begin with:

We all love a good scenic drive, right? Discovering an ideal RV scenic route can make for an unforgettable experience. For some of us, scenic drives might be our favorite part of RVing. Twisty coastal roads, winding mountain passes, red rock canyons—the views can be hard to beat. But seasoned RVers know something many newbies don’t:

The most beautiful RV scenic route isn’t always the best one when you’re hauling a big, heavy, slow, home on wheels.

In fact, the smartest RVers often intentionally avoid the scenic road in favor of the safe, stress-free, and equipment-friendly one.

Here’s why—and how to make the call when planning your own trip.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel and Antique Shops

Above, the John Wayne whiskey decanter I got at a
Payson, Arizona antique store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As a general rule, I will stop at an antique shop while out traveling in my RV if it is a large store with eye-catching items displayed in front. 

I can easily recall two specific antique stores I've made purchases at. One was in Cortez, Colorado (Antique Corral) and the other was in Payson, Arizona (Explore the Attic). At the Cortez store, I bought a wrought iron key holder. At the Payson store, I bought a John Wayne bust whiskey decanter. 

RV Travel has posted an poll article asking readers of they visit antique shops while traveling. I replied, "Yes, sometimes."

The article begins with:

When you’re out with your RV, exploring cities and small towns, do you like to visit antique shops? There are some incredible places across the country and across North America where you could easily spend an afternoon wandering through antique stores, flea markets, and dusty old barns packed with treasures.

And, really, antique shopping and RVing seem to go pretty well together. You’re already traveling through towns you might never otherwise visit, so why not stop and see what’s hiding inside that old shop on Main Street? You never know what you’ll find. It could be a beautiful piece of furniture, an old camping lantern, vintage postcards, Pyrex dishes, records, signs, books, tools… or something completely bizarre that you absolutely do not need but suddenly cannot imagine leaving without.

To read the full article, go here. 

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.

We Are Hanging Up The Keys and Aging Out of Our RV

Above, at Arches National Park in Utah last summer. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Sooner or later, each of us will be so old that we can no longer do the things that were once easy to do.

Fortunately, I have not reached that point... yet! But there will come a time that I may not be able to drive my motorhome for long road trips. I managed to do a long trip last summer with a friend to Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Colorado at age 71. Taking one's time with more days to do so is a big help.

But there are some RV enthusiasts that have reached that are "aging out" of the RV game. 

Nanci Dixon posted an article on this at RV Travel.

She begins with:

A few weeks ago, I wrote about our RV seemingly falling apart on our trip to Minnesota and lamented all the work and maintenance it required. I even said that I was at the point of selling it in Minnesota and renting a small U-Haul trailer to take our too-much-stuff back to Arizona.

Aging out

It is not just the maintenance and massive costs of gas, insurance, and license; we are getting older. My husband just doesn’t have the stamina, eyesight, or reaction time to drive “Miss Ruth Brown” thousands of miles each year anymore. I never thought we would age out; I thought it was other people that aged out. I should be glad he is aware of his limitations, but still wish it wasn’t so. I am faced with the ultimatum of downsizing our rig, or I agree to drive it.

Above, camping at the Moab, Utah KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

Your GPS Could Be Leading You Into Trouble

Above, on the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I am on an RV road trip, I take routes that are easily mapped.

I keep a RV road atlas in my motorhome and check routes with it before even leaving the driveway. After doing that, I use the free Google Maps app on my phone. I have never encountered any problems of any major consequence. One gitch was that a friend and I were using Google Maps to go to a restaurant but the directions were goofed up and we ended up circling around a Houston airport parking lot. We never found the restaurant.

There are some people who have encountered major glitch errors with the GPS system they're using. 

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. 

They begin with:

Most RVers trust their RV GPS navigation. They also have at least one story about it being spectacularly wrong. Maybe it routed you toward a low bridge, down a dead-end road or to the back gate of a campground instead of the office. Chances are you caught the mistake before it became an expensive lesson. Not everyone does.

A recent highway closure involving a commercial truck that apparently followed GPS directions onto an unsuitable route is another reminder that navigation apps are remarkably helpful—but they aren’t perfect. While truck drivers have wrestled with bad GPS routing for years, RVers face many of the same challenges.

To read more, go here. 

How RVers Can Avoid Surprise Campground Electric Charges

Above, Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something that I haven't run into (yet!) while camping at an RV park.

It is (surprise) campground electric charges on top of the nightly camping fee.

According to RV Life:

Booking a full-hookup campsite used to guarantee unlimited power, water, and sewer for a single, flat nightly rate. But that guarantee is quickly fading. As more campgrounds quietly transition to smart meters for short-term reservations, the way we calculate the cost of a road trip is fundamentally changing.

But you don’t have to wait until a surprise bill busts your travel budget to take action. Taking control of your rig’s energy consumption and knowing exactly what to look for on booking pages can help offset these new fees. A few simple adjustments will keep your next vacation predictable and wallet-friendly.

To read more, go here. 

The Best Interstate Routes For Cross-Country Road Trips Rated

Above, westbound on Interstate 40 approaching Lupton, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Let's see. The longest trip I've ever taken on Interstates has to be the trip to Metropolis, Illinois in 2019. I took Interstate 40 going east and Interstate 70 going west. 

The second longest has to be the trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Orange County, California in December. I took Interstates 35 and 40. 

RV Travel has posted an article on the best Interstate routes.

They begin it with:

In the video below, we join Kyle, aka the Geography King, for his countdown of the six best interstate routes for cross-country road trips. The “Geography King” is basing his picks on his experiences taking more than 20 cross-country trips, and counting.

The video focuses on interstate highways, as most major U.S. cities are near one. And, as the topic is crossing the country, it focuses on east/west routes. Kyle chose to feature six because, well, there are only six major routes that cross the United States. So, the competition for the six-best list was, in reality, not that tough.

Those six routes are Interstates 10, 20, 40, 70, 80, and 90. Of those six, know that I-20 does not officially completely go across the entire country, but goes 2/3 of the way before ending in Southwest Texas; and I-70 only goes about 3/4 of the way before it ends in Southwest Utah.

Be sure to watch the video. In addition to what you can expect to see along each route, our host shares some creative variations and alternative routes from each that let you see even more sites.

These are the order of Kyle’s preference of cross-country routes. Yours may be different. I know I can find interesting things to see almost ANYWHERE.

To see the video and to read more, go here.