If you’ve ever posted a question in an RV Facebook group—like, “What’s the best RV tire?” or “Can my truck tow this travel trailer?”—you’ve probably witnessed the drama unfold. Instead of helpful responses, you’re often met with sarcasm, criticism, or flat-out rudeness. Comments like “You shouldn’t even own an RV—just stick to hotels!” aren’t uncommon. It’s disheartening, and honestly, something most people wouldn’t say face-to-face.

From Friendly Campfires to Keyboard Warriors

Not long ago, the RV lifestyle was all about face-to-face connections at campgrounds and shared tips around the campfire. Fast-forward to present day, and much of that interaction happens online. Unfortunately, some RVers online forget basic kindness, becoming quick to judge and slow to help.

To be fair, not everyone is like this. But spend just ten minutes in a busy RV forum or Facebook group, and you’ll see it: people shaming others for asking simple, beginner questions about RV towing capacity, RV maintenance, or travel trailer setups.

New RV Owners Deserve Support—Not Criticism

Yes, some folks enter the RV lifestyle unprepared. Maybe they buy a fifth wheel they can’t safely tow, or skip the all-important RV inspection. But instead of mocking them, why not guide them? That’s exactly why I’ve written books, created blogs, and shared YouTube tutorials—to help prevent costly mistakes before they happen.

Everyone has to start somewhere. As the saying goes: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” And sometimes, the lack of information is due to dealerships skipping critical education during the sales process.

The Real Cost of Social Media Negativity

When RV newbies are mocked online, they often stop asking for help. Posts get hijacked by arguments, and the original question is lost in the noise. That’s a shame, because real people with real RV problems are left without support.

Personally, I wouldn’t post a towing question on Facebook unless I wanted to start a digital firestorm. My advice? Do your own research, and rely on reputable sources—then make an informed decision.

The Positive Side of Social Media for RVers

Despite the negativity, there’s still a strong, helpful RV community that exists online. There are Facebook groups dedicated to helping stranded RVers get back on the road, and I’ve seen fellow travelers drive hundreds of miles just to help someone move a trailer when their truck broke down. During wildfires and floods, RVers on social media step up—offering shelter, supplies, and support.

So yes, social media can be a curse—but it can also be a blessing, depending on where you look.

What About YouTube RV Content?

YouTube is another great tool for DIY RV repairs and tutorials—but it has its own limitations:

Pros:

• You can find videos for nearly every RV repair, from fixing leaky roofs to replacing a toilet.
• Visual tutorials are easier to follow than written instructions.

Cons:

1. Videos are often edited to make repairs look quick and easy. Trust me, replacing RV wheel bearings takes longer (and involves more swearing) than a 15-minute video suggests.
2. Repair techniques vary, so it’s smart to watch several creators before deciding which method is right for you.
3. Some YouTube advice goes against manufacturer recommendations. For example, certain roof cleaners can damage specific RV roof materials.
4. What works for an experienced RVer on camera might not work as smoothly for a beginner. But hey—you have to start somewhere, right?

Final Advice for RV Owners Navigating Social Media

If you’re new to RVing or just trying to solve a problem, be cautious about where you seek advice. Take everything you read on social media with a grain of salt. When it comes to your tow setup, RV maintenance, or safety questions, research multiple sources and trust the ones that are reputable and respectful.

And most importantly—look for the helpers. There are genuinely kind, knowledgeable people in the RV community who offer advice without judgment. Follow them. Learn from them. Be one of them.

Happy Camping and Helpful Posting

In a world where social media often highlights the worst, be someone who brings out the best. Whether you’re answering a newbie’s question or sharing your own experience, remember: we’re all just trying to enjoy the road ahead.

Until next time—stay safe, be kind, and happy camping!

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The picture below shows how the storm looked at 8:50 PM as it was making it’s way toward us. However, fortunately for us, it weakened considerably by the time it rolled into our area.

When the storm rolled in here at about midnight it had become just a strong wind and driving torrential rain. There really wasn’t even a lot of lightening and thunder. Our white shepherd Hannah hates thunder and lightening so this was a relief.

Now, what is really surprising about this storm? Well, not the fact that it weakened over the course of a few hours. What was really surprising is that people complained that it wasn’t as bad as it was expected to be.

Most of the time you would think that people would be happy that the storm became weaker; and spared them the home and vehicle repairs they might have faced. This was not the case. If fact the local weather man actually got an overwhelming amount of hate mail because the storm didn’t live up to what they had predicted. What ever happened to be erring on the side of caution? Oddly, this seems to be the dysfunctional world we live in now.

In our latest book “A Guide to Enjoying your Travel Trailer” we talk about the online community and how it is a blessing and a curse. Despite all the wonderful things that you can discover on blogs, facebook, and YouTube, there is also the darker side of social media. Unfortunately, everyone isn’t as nice on line as they would be in person.  It becomes counterproductive when someone needs real help and others ridicule them or hijacks their post.  Unfortunately, too many times people strongly insert their own critique of the person asking the question as opposed to providing the help that person earnestly needs.

One only needs to visit a social media platform such as Facebook, and raise a question about RV Tires or Tow Vehicles in order to see what kind of nastiness gets stirred up.  I guess we will now need to add weather to that list. Sadly, this is just the world we live in today; people who are nice in person might be exactly the opposite with their on-line persona.

I for one, am thankful that I and my neighbors didn’t feel the anticipated wrath of the storm. Weather is unpredictable. That is why I said in my previous post not to take a wait and see attitude with this storm. That’s also why we have a weather radio, you just don’t know when things will go from bad to worse. This time it went from bad to better, and I’m grateful.

Stay safe and be happy!

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