RV Pennywise

09/08/2026

Brinkley Model I 275 owners, what are you doing with these spaces?

There are three open cubbies in our I 275 that have me scratching my head a little.

Storage space in an RV is valuable, but these areas seem difficult to actually use for storage because anything placed there can move or fall out while traveling.

I've circled the three spaces in the photos.

My wife suggested putting cargo netting across the openings, and that would certainly work, but before we go that route I'm wondering if anyone has come up with something a little cleaner or more finished-looking.

Maybe a small retaining rail, removable barrier, custom insert, basket system, acrylic panel, or something I haven't thought of yet.

If you own an I 275, what are you using these spaces for?

And if you've modified them so they can actually be used while traveling, I'd really appreciate seeing a photo of what you did.

I'm especially interested in solutions that:

Keep things secure while towing
Still make the space easy to access
Look like they belong in the trailer
Don't permanently alter the cabinetry if possible

These seem like potentially useful storage areas if I can figure out how to keep everything from ending up on the floor. 😂

09/01/2026

For those of you who don’t RV full-time…

How often do you check on your RV when it’s sitting in storage between trips?

Do you have a regular routine? For example checking batteries, tires, pests, water, seals, or anything else, or do you mostly leave it alone until the next trip gets closer?

I’m curious what other part-time RVers do.

08/24/2026

Every RVer eventually has one of those lessons.

Maybe it was forgetting to secure something before travel, learning the hard way that an RV accessory wasn’t compatible, arriving at a campsite without something important, or buying a product that sounded much better than it actually worked.

Some lessons cost a few dollars. Others cost considerably more.

So here’s today’s RV Pennywise question:

What is one RV mistake or lesson you only had to learn once?

Share yours in the comments. There’s a good chance it will save another RVer from learning it the same way.

08/15/2026

ONE LAST WALK-AROUND

The 5 minutes that can save a bad travel day.

One habit that is worth a few extra minutes before pulling out with the RV: one last walk-around.
Even after everything is packed and the trailer looks ready to go, I like taking one more slow trip around the entire RV before getting in the truck.
I’m looking for simple things:

• Are the storage doors completely latched?
• Are the steps, awning, and stabilizers where they should be?
• Is anything still connected to water, sewer, or power?
• Does anything look different around the tires, hitch, or exterior?
• Did something get left underneath or beside the RV?

It only takes a few minutes, and occasionally that last look catches something that was missed during the normal packing-up routine.
With RVs, sometimes the inexpensive habit is more valuable than another accessory.
What is the one thing you always double-check before pulling out of a campsite?

08/14/2026

WHAT HAS EARNED ITS SPACE?

RV storage space is valuable, so every item eventually has to prove it deserves to come along.
Some RV purchases get used once and then spend the rest of their lives buried in a storage compartment.
Others become something you wouldn’t want to travel without.
So here’s today’s RV Pennywise question:

What is one RV product or accessory you own that has absolutely earned its storage space?

Not necessarily the most expensive item. Just something you use regularly and would buy again without hesitation.
Tell us what it is and why you like it. I’m curious to see which products show up more than once in the comments.

08/13/2026

One RV upgrade we’re glad we made: RV SnapPads.

We recently installed SnapPads on the stabilizers of our Brinkley, and so far this is one of those upgrades that just makes RV setup a little easier.
What I like most is that they stay attached to the jack feet. There’s nothing extra to pull out, position underneath each stabilizer, pick back up when we leave, or find room for in storage.
They also give the jack feet a larger contact area with the ground, which is something I appreciate when setting up on gravel or other uneven surfaces.
Are SnapPads something every RVer absolutely needs? Probably not.
But after using them, would I buy them again? Yes.
That’s the kind of product I want RV Pennywise to talk more about: things we actually own and use, what we like about them, what we don’t, and whether we think they were worth the money.

What RV upgrade have you made that you would absolutely buy again?

08/07/2026

Our Brinkley came back from the dealership yesterday after having some warranty work completed.

One lesson we’ve learned with RV repairs: the repair isn’t finished until you know the problem is actually fixed.

When picking an RV up after service, take a few minutes to:

• Review exactly what work was performed
• Ask what parts were repaired or replaced
• Test the repaired item before leaving when possible
• Look around the work area for anything disturbed during the repair
• Keep the repair order and warranty paperwork
• Test everything again on your next trip

RVs have a lot of interconnected systems, and sometimes fixing one problem can uncover another.

We’re glad to have ours back. Now comes the important part: making sure everything works the way it should.

Have you ever picked up your RV after a repair only to discover the original problem wasn’t completely fixed?

08/05/2026

RV Pennywise is all about helping RV owners save money. Big Penny appears to have chosen a very different business model: eat the RV first and ask about clearance later. 😂 Let’s hope this was only a taste test and not the start of an all-you-can-eat motorhome buffet!

Breaking News!!! Big Penny munched a motorhome!

This pic was sent to us moments ago and we are waiting on confirmation of whether or not it was a munch, a nibble, or a near miss! You can see that they are clearly checking either damage or clearance from the ladder on the back! Penny loves a tasty RV snack, and has munched many motorhomes!

Did you happen to pass by this today? Do we count it?? We'll add it to Penny's count if we can get a confirmation!

Thanks to Dan De Foy for the pic! Now tell us whether or not she munched it!!! 🤣👀🚛

08/05/2026

Before buying another RV accessory, ask yourself these four questions.

RV accessories can make traveling easier, but they can also take up valuable storage space and rarely get used.
1. Will it work with your RV?
Check the measurements, connections, electrical requirements, weight limits, and compatibility before ordering.
2. Where will you store it?
Every accessory needs a secure place when the RV is moving. Even a useful product can become a nuisance when storage space is limited.
3. How often will you actually use it?
Something used on every trip may be worth the investment. Something used once every few years may not be.
4. Can you return it if it does not work?
Check the return policy before installing it, modifying it, or throwing away the packaging.
A good RV purchase should solve a real problem without creating a new one.
What RV accessory seemed like a great idea but ended up taking up space?