RV Horror Stories: Real RVers Share Real RV Fails

This week on Episode 513 of  the RV Podcast: 

• RV Horror Stories: Real RVers Share Their Most Embarrassing RV Fails and “Operator Errors”
• Is it right for State Parks to give priority camping reservations and special rates only to in-state residents?
• Getting rid of condensation stains on RV shades… there’s an easy solution to make them look like new again.

You can watch the video version from our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel by clicking the player below.

If you prefer an audio-only podcast, you can hear us through your favorite podcast app or listen now through the player below. Click the CC logo on the right side of the player, and you can follow along in a word-for-word transcript of the podcast as it plays.

RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK

This week, we want to share a wild campfire discussion we had during our recent Fantasy RV Tour trip to the Canadian Maritimes.

We were all hanging out one night and got to sharing our most embarrassing mistakes…and many sounded like horror stories. And, yes, I shared mine, too.

This is a fun but educational conversation. You might laugh at our RV mistakes, but you'll hopefully learn from them, too.

 Be sure to hit one of the players above and listen (and watch) the entire conversation!

SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer

Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.

In our RVLifestyle Community General Discussion Space, Loretta posted an RV Cover Question. She and her husband just purchased a 2024 Grand Design Reflection 5th Wheel. They plan to travel from November until early April, and when their 5th wheel is not in use, park it outside on their property. They live in Ohio, and from April through November the temperatures can range 40 and 95 degrees. They made a cement pad that has partial shade and trees. Under these conditions, would you get a cover?

Randall said they used to have a cover for their unit, but every 2-4 years, the cover would have to rip and need to be replaced. After paying $150 each time to replace it they decided to build a carport that is working well.

Michael showed a picture of his travel trailer neatly covered up. He said the cover works great in the northeast winter, but for that summer heat and humidity, he wondered if it would be a mildew trap.

And Brenda & Marc urged Loretta, if she does get one, to get a stronger, well-made cover. The thin ones rip easily from trees or strong winds.

Lots for Loretta to think over.

Also in our RVLifestyle Community, in the RV Travel, Trips & Tours Space, R & T posted they had JUST retired, and were heading out for an RV trip to the Outer Banks. Many in the group were ready to celebrate the big retirement day with them, offering congratulations. Then the couple shared some pictures of themselves parasailing, windsurfing, and posing with their cute Goldendoodle Tucker, living their best life! How inspirational! We love to see these celebration posts.

Then over in our RVLifestyle Facebook Group, Heather wrote: “Has anyone noticed WI State Parks are now charging $15/night for out of state residents as a surcharge? It's new as of 1/1/2025. I'm in IL and booked several WI campgrounds over the last few years. I looked back and there was no ‘Non-resident surcharge' …. We pay the nightly fee. We pay the state park fee. We pay the reservation fee – all without a complaint. But now they wanna add $45 to a 3 night stay on top of the rest?” 

Heather thought the fee was a bit much, and many of the hundreds of others who responded agreed. Yet more and more states are setting up this two-tiered pricing.  Oregon has a state versus out-of-state price, as does Massachusetts. Ella said the two-tier pricing is a reason she decided NOT to camp in a Massachusetts state park. One park she looked at charged Massachusetts residents just $17 a night, out of state residents, $54 a night.

And several people in Washington state said they never camp in Idaho state parks because of this. Kristin said it costs $40 per night for Idaho state residents to camp, but for out-of-state residents the same spot is $80.

This led to a big conversation about how state residents pay for state parks with their tax dollars and so it is only right that they would pay less or get first crack at reservations, as Florida is now doing. But some said the price difference is too steep and may hurt tourism for some locations if people decide to take their camping dollars elsewhere. What do you think?

RV QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

QUESTION: One of our travel trailer window blinds got stained from condensation in the window. Any suggestions on how to remove the stain other than replacing the whole blind? – Pamela

ANSWER: What seems to work best is to use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap or detergent. You can gently scrub the stains on your RV blinds with a sponge or a cloth. To prevent water damage, thoroughly dry your RV window treatments.

Note: Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals as they may damage the fabrics or other parts of your RV blinds.

QUESTION: I keep hearing people talk about needing to have a SoftStart for their RV. What is it and do I really need it? – Jim

ANSWER: Many manufacturers are now including SoftStart on their new models as a factory install feature. That's good news for new buyers.

But the vast majority of RVs on the road do not have it. To answer your question, Jim, on whether you need it depends on how you camp.

Are you a Moochdocker or Boondocker struggling to keep your RV cool on hot days?

Do you have a 50 amp motorhome, trailer or fifth wheel with two Air Conditioners but often end up in campsites with only 30 amp service, meaning you can only run one AC?

Do you moochdock at friends and family houses where you only have 20 amp service and can't run your AC?

Or do you boondock and find your 2000 watt generator can't give you enough power to run the AC?

If any of those describe you, Jim, then, yes, SoftStart is for you. What it does is cut the amps needed to start multiple RV A/C units and appliances. Thus, it extends your A/C compressor’s life, and it also controls the power in your RV with maximum efficiency.

The one we have is SoftStartUp. It comes in 30 AMP and 50 AMP models.

You can save a whole bunch of money using our link – https://softstartup.com/rvlifestyle

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