Issue 1222
Ads have been removed in this newsletter
for our much-appreciated volunteer paid subscribers.
Today’s thought
“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively, unless you can choose a challenge instead of a competence.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
How to spot hidden warnings in online campground reviews
By Nanci Dixon
I am a diligent reader of campground reviews. I Google, use several online campground review sites, and yet I still have been misled. I take all of them with a grain of salt—no amenities may mean no spa and swimming pool, or nowhere to walk a dog. Only a few times have we pulled into an RV park or campground where I was wondering if the owners wrote the reviews themselves! Continue reading.
Facing the fears of RV life after 60
By Cheri Sicard
So many dream of RV life after 60, but fears and doubts often get in the way. In this post, Rob from Travels with Dottie shares how he broke free from routine, faced his own worries, and built a life on the road. This isn’t just a story, but a reminder that you’re not alone—real people are doing this, and their experiences can inspire others to do the same.
How to RV together without driving each other crazy
By Gail Marsh
It’s not for everyone. RVing, that is. Sure, most people fully enjoy an occasional RV weekend or even a two-week vacation camping trip. But several months of living in what’s basically the size of a walk-in closet can put a strain on even the strongest of partnerships. So, how do we do it? How do we live in harmony for an extended time in our RV? Find out here.
Today’s RV review…
Big and beautiful: Cedar Creek Cottage 40CFD—park model made with and for a porch
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Cedar Creek Cottage 40CFD destination trailer. What is a destination trailer, you ask? These are models that are more designed to make one trip somewhere and live out their lives there. As such, they are built a bit differently and are designed to be lived in rather than camped in. I got the idea to look at destination trailers from reader Jim, who suggested we look at these and what makes one better than the other.
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Massive RV owner survey reveals best brands and years
- National Park’s 2026 budget proposals generally not a plus for campers
- The 10 most popular state parks in the U.S., according to Google Maps
- Diesel technician shortage could mean longer waits for RV repairs
- New EPA guidance means fewer roadside slowdowns for RVers with DEF-equipped diesels
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Why do many RV parks have sites that are not level? If they go to all the trouble to create a park, then they should make sure the pads are level.
How to prevent sewer hose bumper plugs from falling off
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Fixing runaway RV bumper plugs is the focus of this DIY piece. RV bumper plugs, also known as bumper caps or end caps, are used to seal off the ends of the bumper tubes on RVs. They serve multiple purposes, primarily to prevent insects, rodents, and debris from entering the bumper tube, which is often used to store the RV’s sewer hose. Here are a few ways some RVers have secured these plugs.
Tour the Las Vegas Strip in the world’s largest shopping cart
A visit to Las Vegas is fun (for most people). But it’s also weird! And, now weirdness has evolved into something that few visitors would ever imagine — the world’s only street legal shopping cart! It’s big, it’s fast with its 400-horsepower engine, and you can cruise the Strip in it for as little as $59. Learn more.
Yes, really! Drinking hot drinks can help you cool down
By Gail Marsh
On a work camping job a few years ago, we worked with a refugee from Afghanistan. Mo always brought hot tea for his midmorning break. Every day he offered to share, but I was hesitant. How could drinking hot tea help me feel cooler?! It might sound counterintuitive, but Mo was onto something! Drinking a steaming cup of tea or coffee could actually help you cool down faster than gulping ice-cold water. It’s true!
Reader poll
How often do you cook outside (grill, BBQ, campfire cooking, etc.)?
MORE POLLS FROM THIS WEEK YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
- Close your eyes. Listen carefully. Do you hear automotive traffic?
- Are you an early bird or a late riser?
- Do dogs belong in public spaces?
- Are you afraid of snakes?
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this Lodge cast iron grill pan?
Cast iron lasts forever, but we bet you wouldn’t turn down a brand-new one!
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond.
Click here to enter or see last week’s winner!
Why are some traffic lights equipped with blue lights?
A) To help colorblind drivers distinguish the signal
B) To indicate a pedestrian crossing is active
C) To help law enforcement catch red-light runners
D) To alert drivers of nearby emergency vehicles
Find the answer here.
RV gadgets and gizmos
6 kitchen gadgets for your RV
By Gail Marsh
When your kitchen is tiny (and your countertop space is even tinier), the right gadgets can totally transform the way you cook, clean, and organize. Here are six slick and thoughtful products that can help you enjoy your RV kitchen more.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Protect your cracking and fading RV decals, and know when it’s time to replace them
Have you noticed your RV’s once-bold graphics starting to fade, peel, or bubble? You’re not alone. An increasing number of RV owners are facing issues with exterior decals—a frustrating reality for those who take pride in their rig’s appearance. While decals add personality and style to an RV, they’re also one of the most vulnerable exterior components. Continue reading.
Travel destinations
A unique RVing experience: Visit a cat café on your next trip
By Gail Marsh
Cat cafés have been popping up across America, offering a unique pit stop for RVers seeking relaxation, companionship, and maybe even a furry travel buddy to adopt. The very first cat café opened in Taipei, Taiwan, back in 1998. The idea behind the concept was to combine the warm atmosphere of a coffee shop with adoptable cats roaming freely among patrons. Continue reading and plan your visit to one. (They’re all over the U.S.!)
Brain teaser
What starts with a P, ends with an E, and has thousands of letters?
(Answer below.)
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Which are better, white or black tire covers?
- How to find RV dump stations while traveling
- Tips for RVing with a portable ice maker
- Maximizing the efficiency of your camping cooler
- Keep your generator fuel fresh—or do this!
NOT SUBSCRIBED TO OUR RV DAILY TIPS OR ANY OF OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS? Learn more or sign up here.
RV tire safety
Do you need to carry a spare RV tire?
By Roger Marble
The question of carrying a spare tire was a hot topic on one RV forum I read recently. This question made me think about “risk versus reward.” For RVers, the “risk” is getting stuck, or worse, if you have a tire failure versus the “reward” of not having your travel plans disrupted. Continue reading. [Warning: Includes PG-rated content.🤣]
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- Why does RV awning operate opposite direction of what switch says?
- Why does RV’s furnace run for 20 seconds, then stop?
- Is there a meter to test campground outlets for amps?
- Some like it hot – but not your RV roof air conditioner!
- What is best solar panel to use when storing RV in covered facility?
BUMPER SNICKER: “I left on time. You go around.”
Video of the day
Simple and ingenious: Secret DIY RV storage solution
By Cheri Sicard
Jared Gillis from All About RVs was having a problem finding a convenient place to store his RV’s tank dumping accessories. They did not fit in the tubes under the RV meant to hold the black water hose. He had them tossed in a plastic bag and stashed in his RV’s underbelly, but found this less than ideal. So Jared came up with a simple, hidden, DIY RV storage solution.
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is Gypsy, a bi-black Sheltie (at 3+ months), who is learning so many new things each day. But, of course, she’s learning to be a traveler and will be part of our RV life from now on.” —Dean Fickbohm
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once.
Trivia
When you cross the Yukon/Alaska border on the Alaska Hwy., you are 750 miles west of Los Angeles, CA.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
Brain teaser answer:
Post office.
Vintage postcard of the week
Postcards owned by Colleen and Ed Weum, Pacific Northwest Postcard Club. Read more about their 90,000 postcard collection here.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
• Current National Radar Weather Map
• Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
And finally… A song from the past to tickle your funny bone
Nobody would ever record a song like this today! Can you imagine? Okay, now enjoy this very odd recording from the 1940s by vocalist Betty Thornton. It’s titled “Meat Man Pete.”
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Contest…the last thing I need is more cast iron. I entered anyway…
Then why enter?? I don’t have any cast iron. I only enter the contest if I want the product!
Gypsy is an adorable puff ball. May she enjoy her RV travels.
Random RV Thought? The reason why sites are not level is a requirement that allows water drainage. This always bothered me until I found out the reason. That’s why we keep leveler ramps onboard.
Apparently some campground designers are “over achievers” as we have been to a few that could have used “steep grade” warning signs…..lol.
A fraction of a degree, a very very slight slope, is all that’s needed for a surface to drain. The problem is when sites slope steeply.
The Meat Man Pete song is funny but many Rap songs today are a thousand times worse but nobody can understand them.
Gypsy is an absolute ‘cutie patootie’.
We love Gypsy 🐶🥰
Great picture of Gypsy, Dean! I hope that you have many memorable RVing adventures in the coming years. Thank you, Emily and Diane! Missed the brain teaser. 🙁 Have a great week and safe travels!