Wow! What a scorcher!

The trek began at 103F and that was the temperature for the first few days. The Kool-Kat heat pump could not keep up. When parking in full sun there is a lot of heat gain with all of the glass. We put reflectix in all of the windows excepting the side door. This helps. 

I run the 3-way refrigerator on propane when moving and we added a sealed container of ice in the freezer and to the refrigerator.  I have two temperature sensors in the refrigerator.  One is on the lower shelf and the second is on the bottom shelf.  These provide remote readout of the interior temperature.  Opening the refrigerator door to read a thermometer would be self-defeating.    Opening the refrigerator door in elevated temperatures rapidly heats the interior. We cook meats and re-freeze to avoid spoiling.  Milk is sensitive and is a good barometer for determining if the refrigerator has become too warm.  Of course, only pre-cooled items are put in the refrigerator.  

Here's a photo of one of the data from one temperature sensors. This shows a week of temperature cycling. When on propane the upper door temperature is 48-50F.  Spikes occur when the door is opened. The extreme door temperatures of 71F occurred when unloading the refrigerator.   The sensors communicate via bluetooth. 

I do have a "sunshade".  On occasion I'll use it to create shade at the front of the vehicle.  One disadvantage is the time it takes to set up.  Not really practical during short stays.  

Sunshade and Reflectix in the window. 

When we arrived at the final destination it was only 100F and 78% humidity.  Because of the humidity it was more uncomfortable. 

(c) 2026 N. Retzke

Planning our June 2026 Trek

 

Click to enlarge

Daily temperatures begin at 80F and then peak at 100F each day.  Occasional monsoon rains but generally sunny.  Time to leave the Southwest and go to cooler northern weather.  Our destination has had some violent storms, but daily low is about 65F and the high reaches 75-89F!   The dew point at the destination is 60-65F! It will be humid.  Our daily dew point here is in the range 18 to 35F.  That's a significant difference.  We will be leaving a relatively bug-free environment, no or few mosquitos, etc.

The planned driving route has daily driving times of 3 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours, 45 minutes.  Daily distance will range from 221 to 389 miles. Total distance about 1877 miles. 5 nights in various locations. No AI was used to plan this trek.

As usual we have made reservations at campgrounds for each night. We prefer to travel with reservations. Camping costs will average $61.68 per night, total $308.42. Gasoline will probably be about $493.00. There will be a few tolls. 

Each day we'll eat a meal sampling local fare. Yes, some breakfasts will be "fast food".  We strike a balance of time spent actually travelling to time spent eating and stretching.  We prefer to arrive at a time sufficiently early that we can go to a local restaurant and check-in while the campground is open.  Arrival time is determined by traffic, how early in the day we hit the road, and the duration of rest or meal stops. Because we are travelling in an easterly direction we will lose one hour on the clock three days.  

For planning purposes I use a 9:00am departure time. On days where we lose an hour due to time zone changes, we'll probably depart at 8:00am. Add an hour meal stop and we'll arrive at our destination before 3:30pm each day. I combine a meal stop with gasoline fill-up.  I do stop for gasoline about every 200 or 250 miles. Comfort is a factor.

(c) N. Retzke 2026

3-3-3 Trekking Method

 

Typical multi-day Trek

We're planning our next trek.  We'll be balancing sight-seeing with a desire to cover distance and, we'll want to arrive at a final destination refreshed,

I have read about different trekking approaches.  We prefer to manage our daily driving and arrival times. This allows frequent stops and we usually arrive at our campsite before the office closes for the day. Some called this a 2-2-2 or 3-3-3 method. We begin with something closer to a 2-3-2.  We modify to suit conditions and our objectives.  

We may stop for two days (two nights) at each campground, travel about 300 miles per day and arrive after 2:00 pm.  However, route conditions and starting times determine this.  For example, if we are travelling on interstate highways at 70 MPH, then we could easily cover 350 miles in five hours.  

If we are going for distance, we have driven 500 miles in a single day. We took off at 8:15 am, stopped for breakfast and a late lunch and arrived at our destination at 5:00pm.  That is a long day but we had a specific destination in mind!

Weather is also a factor.  We have trekked and camped overnight from 5F to 103F. In our Roadtrek, which is a Class B campervan, this can be a challenge.

Our first attempt in a rental Class B, morning wake-up

Our first trek in our Roadtrek, this was taken the morning after an all-night rest stop

If we want to stop mid-day and sightsee, our daily driving time might be seriously reduced.  Driving through dense population centers can result in delays and speeds as low as 35 MPH on highways. When that occurs, a 200 mile day may require 5 hours.   

We plan the route and pre-select our campgrounds, things to see, and determine daily driving distances. 

If we are "cruising" via the interstate we can cover a lot of distance in a day, so our ultimate determining factor is total driving time each day.  That is usually 6 or more hours, if there is no significant stop on that day.  

For example, we generally plan for an early rise, a light breakfast snack in the Roadtrek, and then a larger breakfast after driving about 2 hours.  We stop for gasoline about every 200 miles.  The point is to take frequent stretch or bathroom breaks and stretch.  There are two meal stops.  Usually one after trekking for several hours, and one later in the day.  We may snack and wait until we arrive at the campground for the second meal stop. Dinner is prepared in the Roadtrek.

If we are travelling on highways with 70 MPH speed limits or higher, we may cover 300 miles in a single day.  That is 5 hours of driving at an average pace of 60 MPH.  The average includes driving time, a fuel stop and bathroom, stretch breaks, but not stops for meals.

 As I said, weather is a factor.  We have done a lot of 3-season trekking and that means encountering true winter conditions, but not camping in them for extended periods.  I've posted about this in the past.  The Roadtrek has a lot of glass surfaces and that means heat loss, or if parked in the sun in hot weather, it means heat gain.  Overnight I cover the interior windows with reflectix to add a small measure of insulation.  We also use the propane range sparingly, preferring an electric inductive cook stop.  Burning propane produces water vapor. In winter this will accumulate and freeze on cold surfaces, such as windows.  We conserve propane for the hot water heater and furnace.  We use the heat pump most of the time for temperature control, supplemented with electric heat.  I added an electric runner to heat the floor, which is really nice. 

Weather influence our treks as we spend as little time as necessary during overnight stops under unpleasant conditions.  

The next trek will be in late Spring weather.  That means moderate temperatures and cool, but not cold nights.  Perfect travel conditions!

Here's a recent trek with driving days. The trek duration was determined by length of stays:

Day 1 we departed at 10:30am and drove approximately 4 hours and 274 miles.

Day 2 we departed 8:14am and drove approximately 9 hours annd 504 miles.

Day 3 we departed 7:45am and drove approximately 5.5 hours and 377 miles.

Day 4 we departed 7:50am and drove approximately 4.5 hours and 301 miles.

Day 5 we departed 7:55am and drove approximately 6 hours and 500 miles. 

(c) 2026 N. Retzke

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

 

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is adjacent to Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona.  We had friends visit and because this venue had been recommended I purchased tickets online for the Monster Truck Tour, etc. It is possible to hike the Park and climb the peak via trails, as well as visit the ranch.  In Spring there may be many flowers on the peak. 

It was a lot of fun. In addition to the truck tour there is walking and hand feeding of a variety of critters, and a show consisting of a sheep dog herding a variety of ducks through a water park, etc. Here are a few photos.  Check online for tickets and hours. 

Highly recommended!

Ready to depart in the Monster Truck, with our cheerful guide and driver

Riding through the Ranch

Feeding the Ostriches

Tending to the Eggs

Herding the Ducks

Ducks on the Water Slide

Hand Feeding at the "Goat Kissing Booth"

Feeding Lorakeets

Hand Feeding Rays

(c)2026 N. Retzke

75,000 miles and 446 Blog Posts

Renting a Sprinter Van RV - October 2013

I was recently asked about this blog.  It began as a diary in 2013.

I had decided that I wanted to document our travels, the experience of owning the Roadtrek and also the modifications I made.  I added some of the research I did, too. 

The blog has served its purpose, and has garnered 286,442 views.  

I’ll continue to post from time to time.  Our next trek will only be a few hundred miles, and it may not be posted.  We’re going to visit friends a bit north in Arizona.  

(c) 2026 N. Retzke

75,000 miles with the 210P

 

First Winter Trek, 2013

[1] Updated Jan 16, 2026. 

It has been 12 years and 75,000 miles.  The Roadtrek has been wonderful.  When we purchased it, G said “This will transform our lives” and it has.

We have lived in it while travelling for up to 90 continuous days.  Our treks are usually 2,000-7,000 miles.  Annual miles are about 6,000. We use private campgrounds and always make reservations.  There are more RVs in the US than there are campgrounds to accommodate them.

The vehicle is showing some wear.  I added seat covers because the vinyl was flaking.  It is tempting to have the seats re-upholstered.  Perhaps in the fall when our 2026 explorations are over. 

So, what worked?  I’ve published 394 blog posts about our travels, modifications and repairs. The first was December 2013. There is also a You-Tube channel. 

First, everything in our 2013 model 210P is functional with the exception of the Onan generator which needs some maintenance.  In the “old days”  I’d drop it and do it myself.  That’s no longer an option.  Decisions, decisions!

My most recent modification/improvement was a 200W solar panel.  I used a low-profile method to mount using adhesives. It is easily removeable.  There is no noticeable road/wind noise generated by the panel. The bonds seem good, and I’ve been at speeds up to 75 MPH.

Here are a few maintenance highlights.

Looking at our experience with the Chevrolet Express 3500 chassis with 6.8 L engine, it has been a dream.  The chassis is a 2012.  I’ve used Chevy dealers and independent mechanics for maintenance.  I currently use an independent with quite a lot of experience with this engine and transmission.   Mileage on the highway is generally 15-16 MPG at up to 70 MPH.  That was what I expected and I’m fine with it.  Power is more than adequate and I have towed a trailer for 2,000 miles.   Repairs have not been excessive, IMHO.  Normal wear and tear (oil changes, starting battery, etc. I do replace the engine oil at 5,000 miles or less and I always used full synthetic.).  Most costly repair was the front wheel bearing on the passenger side, which began having issues. We were on a trek, but an independent mechanic in Michigan was able to do a replacement at a fair price.  It did not delay our travel.

The hood latch spring broke. Road salt is an issue.  I purchased and installed a new latch.

While stored in Michigan, thieves broke in and vandalized multiple RVs.  Our catalytic converters were stolen and the O2 sensors damaged.  Insurance replaced these.

I purchased a 2012 Chevrolet 3500 Express Maintenance manual.  This details how to remove the grill, door panels and so on, as well as running gear. 

The Roadtrek coach has been good.  As I stated, everything works.  Most items in the Roadtrek are readily available and so any repairs were done at a minimum cost. I have done a few repairs and upgrades:

1.  Initially I added a small solar panel and converter to charge the coach battery. AC was not available where stored.
2. I replaced the AGM batteries with LiFPO4.
3. I updated the charging system to accommodate the lithium battery.
4.  I replaced the solar with a 200W panel and a much better solar converter.
5.   I added 12VDC and 120VAC heaters for the LiFePO4 battery.  The vehicle has always been stored outside, and we’ve camped as low at -5F. The batteries cannot be charged at temperatures blow 32F.  I included temperature controllers for the heaters.
6. The propane regulator for the outside grill failed twice.  This required closing the main propane valve and prevented propane use while travelling.  I had this regulator removed. Problem permanently solved.
7.  A small relay in the Dometic 3-way refrigerator failed.  This is a readily available automotive relay.  I replaced.
8.  I added a secondary backup camera.
9.  I modified the factory backup camera so I can use it while in drive.  This allows me to monitor the area directly behind the Roadtrek.
10.  I added a 120VAC heated runner and carpet to the coach area.  This heats the floor and is wonderful in cold weather.
11. I've added 120VAC supplemental heat. This conserves propane.  The heat pump works to 32F and it is appreciated in cooler weather.
12. I've added Reflectix to windows.  Glass is not an insulator and because we camp from -5F to 105F interior temperature control is a necessity.  I also have several 12VDC fans to circulate air.  The Air Conditioning cannot keep up if parked in the sun with temperatures of 90F or more.  Summer shade is our friend!
13. I added circulating fans for the Dometic refrigerator. These are installed in the compartment behind the refrigerator.  The Dometic has issues when ambient exceeds 90F or the vehicle is parked in full summer sun.   I have considered a future 12VDC replacement. 
14. All tank indicators work, including the black and the gray.  I’ve posted how I did this.
15.  I replaced Roadtrek’s stiff, green macerator hose with a Thetford slinky.  Really improved tank dumping.
16. I disabled the Isolator, that connects the chassis 12V system to the Coach 12V system.  This became unnecessary when solar was added and could be a draw on the battery. I use a trickle charger to maintain the chassis. battery.  I added a manual switch to connect the chassis and coach 12V DC systems should that ever be necessary. [1] Added this item January 16. 

We have travelled for longer periods, in differing weather so I carry RV anti-freeze, tools and certain spare parts.  These range from fuses and include a spare Thetford slinky and a macerator.  I’d read of macerator failures and these might not be in stock.  So I carry one.  We have never had an issue, but nothing goes into the tanks except water, Dawn for dishes, and human waste.  Vacuum the floors and keep the floor drains closed and covered. I flush the various P-traps and drains frequently.   The slinky is insurance.  A hole in the macerator hose would be a real issue. 

We really like the storage.  The outside tray has been most helpful.  In a class “B” space is always at a premium.  We knew that when we purchased and decided the ability to drive and park nearly everywhere was a reasonable trade-off.  A trip to Santa Fe, NM was a recent example.  We drove downtown and parked in a metered space on the street.

Any additional modifications will take a holistic approach.  For example to replace the Dometic with a 12V refrigerator I'd consider also replacing the Onan generator with Lithium batteries.  Not to run the HVAC and convection oven, but to run the other coach amenities.  I'd need 12 hours of DC power.  Alternately, I could simply replace the generator. I'm skeptical of investing in the existing generator. 

We are currently planning several treks for 2026.

(c) 2026 N. Retzke

Low Profile Solar Installation

 

Profile of Roof Top Solar Panel

Here's a few details about the installation of a 200W semi-rigid solar panel.  This is mounted on T-Track and polycarbonate.  Using aluminum T-Track allows the sliding of bolts onto the track.  These are in-turn used to fasten the panel.

End view of T-Track

I cut the T-Track to the length of the panel and fastened with bolts.  VHB tape was then applied to the track. 

VHB applied to the right track, which is bolted to the solar panel

 After cleaning the fiberglass roof of the Roadtrek with soapy water and alcohol I lifted the assembly to the roof.  The panel was positioned, then the film removed from the VHB tape.  I applied pressure to get a good seal.  I then unbolted the solar panel, and using a rubber mallet I lightly hammered the entire length of the T-Tracks.

I also installed pieces of Eterna-bond tape, overlapping the T-Track.  This is a backup for the VHB tape.

I installed a 24 inch x 48 inch polycarbonate ventilated sheet between the T-Tracks.  This provides a center support for the solar panel.  It is about 1/4 inch thick. 

I then applied sections of polycarbonate panel atop the T-Tracks.  This will further suspend the solar panel above the roof and provide for some ventilation.  Slots were cut in the sheets at the location of the bolts.  Eight sets of bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts fasten the solar panel to the T-Track. I may eliminate the "crush" at the bolts by installing shims.

Side view of solar panel mounting

Here's a view of the Eternabond mounting approach. This was taken prior to dropping the panel onto the T-Track and aligning the bolts. I used Eternabond white, 2 inch.  This is UV resistant:

As can be seen in the photo at the beginning of this post, the panel and mounting is barely visible.  I'm going to give it a few months to "age" in the sun and see how the mounting does, before taking a long trek.

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Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke