Want to Ride in your Trailer or Truck?

On April 10th, 2024, Fox News online reported a physician who was killed when she was ejected from a moving Airstream trailer. The full article can be seen here. According to the New York State Police, “Monika I. Woroniecka age 58, along with other family members were riding in the trailer for the last 20 minutes of […]

Hilton Partners with Auto Camp

On February 27th, Hilton announced that they are “Partners with AutoCamp to Offer Elevated Outdoor Lodging Experiences in Iconic Natural Settings.” This is, of course, exciting for Hilton and AutoCamp and will bring exclusive RV experiences to many of Hilton’s Rewards Members. The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support […]

Trailer Suspension – the Weak Shackle

In this competitive environment, it is not uncommon for a manufacturer to make product choices to cut costs when the consumer doesn’t care or notice out of sight or mind, as they say. In the case of many travel trailers and some fifth wheels, the suspension components are the least expensive available. If you only […]

Are RV Roof Coatings Worth the Money?

RV roofs don’t last forever. This motorhome’s EPDM roof from the 1990’s had to be replaced. Photo: C.Dougherty Having a good roof over your head is essential when traveling. RV roofs don’t last forever. This motorhome’s EPDM roof from the 1990’s had to be replaced. Photo: C.Dougherty This ignored roof on a seasonal trailer was dissolved through […]

RV Tech Tools – Screw Gun

This section will discuss valuable tools for anyone working on an RV. These are unsponsored reviews of tools I or others have used in the trade. When I started doing carpentry back in the 1980s, I remember one of the first power tools I ever bought was a Skil drywall screw gun, and I have […]

Spring Cleaning Opening Tips

One would think leaving the RV parked in one spot for the season would mean it wouldn’t get dirty. The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Nope. In fact, being closed up and exposed to all kinds of detritus, […]

Stabilizing vs. Leveling

Unfortunately, RVers are getting confused about something that can cause serious damage to their RVs or even cause injury and death. Confusing stabilizing an RV vs. leveling an RV. The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Just because you […]

Do RV Owner’s Manuals Bite?

I’m not really sure what it is all about. RV manufacturers provide an owner’s packet with their RVs, or now at least an electronic version, with manuals for all the appliances, components, and systems, including a generalized RV owner’s manual that is provided across the manufacturer’s brands. But owners seldom read the information. At seminars […]

Is RV Leveling Still Needed

Often, having to level an RV for proper refrigerator operation is mentioned. But is this still necessary in 2024? Well, it depends. The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. RV Refrigeration Keeping food cool is essential for food preservation, […]

Quick Tip – RV Propane Alarm

Propane alarms are an essential safety device every RV with propane onboard has. This quick tip is about testing and maintaining your alarm and what to do if it sounds. About Detectors Propane detectors in RVs are hardwired to the 12-volt DC power system and are no more than 20 inches off the RV floor. […]