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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, September 24, 2020

Newsletter Editor
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11
RV Daily Tips. Thursday, September 24, 2020

This newsletter is for intelligent, open-minded RVers. If you comment on an article, do it with respect for others. If not, you will be denied posting privileges.

Issue 1435
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

If you shop on Amazon, please click here to visit through our affiliate site (we get a little commission that way – and you don’t pay any extra). Thank you!

[activecampaign form=34]

Today’s thought

“Everything I was I carry with me, everything I will be lies waiting on the road ahead.”―Ma Jian

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cherries Jubilee Day!

On this day in history: 1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation’s first National Monument.

Tip of the Day

How do you clean your RV’s roof?

By Dicor Products
RV owners should get their roofs cleaned at least twice a year to prevent damaging substances from getting too embedded and creating permanent stains. This also will help avoid mold and mildew that grow on organic matter attached to your roof. Especially if your RV is parked under trees for extended periods of time, your roof can be a ripe target for bird droppings, mulberry stains, tree sap, mold, mildew, fungus and the like. Is there a preferred cleaning technique? Find out here.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

Heading “Out West”? Don’t miss these BLM gems!

The Weather Channel once published a photo-heavy feature called “Most Amazing Hidden Gems in Every State.” Included in the lot were four “gems” under the watch-care of the Bureau of Land Management, all of them Out West – in California, Colorado and New Mexico. You don’t want to miss these!

Yesterday’s featured article: Avoid black tank “pyramid” problems.

Reader poll

Do you have a current passport? 
Fly on over here and tell us.

Quick Tip

Use window foil for heat/cold and light/dark control

Use bubble foil, like in the car front windows, in your rig windows to reduce heat in summer and keep heat inside in the cold. You can buy it by the roll and cut to fit each window. Also works well in the bedroom to block out early daylight, or for nice darkness during afternoon naps. (Editor’s note: This would also block out late-night car lights through the bedroom window in a campground.) Thanks to Ray Burr at Love Your RV!

Website of the day

Best smartphone apps for RV living
Before clicking this link, make sure you have some free time because you’re going to want to download all these to your phone right away. They’ll make your life a lot easier.

And the Survey Says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 20 percent travel with their roof vents open
• 67 percent have never boondocked for more than a week at a time
• 47 percent would not remove someone else’s laundry from the machine, even if the cycle was done

Recent poll: For snowbirds: Will you head south this winter as usual? 

Trivia

The human nose can detect more than 1 trillion scents. Wow!

How much does the average cloud weigh?
A.) 48 pounds
B.) 2,200 pounds
C.) 1.1 million pounds
We told you yesterday.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“The most lovable weirdo we know. Our Stella (Vizsla) loves to comfort herself to sleep with her paw.” —Tony Gotelli

Yup, her foot is in her mouth.

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter.

This lint-roller works like a vacuum
Used by the RVtravel.com staff!
We can’t recommend this lint-roller enough. This eco-friendly, reusable (no wasteful sticky tape!) lint-roller sucks up lint and pet hair like a vacuum. Simply roll back and forth over your clothing, on your furniture, or even on carpets or rugs. The lint and pet hair collects inside a small compartment that you empty once full. It works like a charm and it will save you money in the long run! Learn more or order here.

Leave here with a laugh

Join us: Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • RVillage

See all of our many Facebook groups here.

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the latest Sunday News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

Become a Member!

This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support?  Learn more or contribute.

RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

This website utilizes some advertising services. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.

Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

Do you have a current passport? 

Emily Woodbury
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32
Do you have a current passport? 

In one of our polls we asked you if, when traveling, you’d rather leave the country or stay in the U.S. By far, the majority of you, 76 percent, answered that you’d rather stay in the U.S. than leave the country. Only 16 percent of you said you’d rather travel internationally and you’d go anywhere, and 8 percent of you said you’d rather travel internationally but only to another country that speaks English.

Now, that being said, we’re wondering if the numbers will correlate to the votes on this poll. If you don’t have a passport, perhaps you’d rather stay within the U.S. to travel. Now that would make sense! Do you have a current passport?

Please tell us in the poll below. If your plans to travel this year got cancelled or changed due to the coronavirus, please leave a comment and tell us.

How do you clean your RV’s roof?

RV Staff
-
3
How do you clean your RV’s roof?

By Dicor Products

RV owners should get their roofs cleaned at least twice a year to prevent damaging substances from getting too embedded and creating permanent stains. This also will help avoid mold and mildew that grow on organic matter attached to your roof. Especially if your RV is parked under trees for extended periods of time, your roof can be a ripe target for bird droppings, mulberry stains, tree sap, mold, mildew, fungus and the like.

Is there a preferred cleaning technique?

For your cleaning technique, we suggest cleaning one manageable area at a time, such as a 3-foot x 3-foot section.

First, rinse the area with a hose or a power washer with a wide-pattern nozzle and let it drain. Then spray on the cleaner and scrub with a medium-bristle brush. Then rinse and move on.

If you are on the roof doing this, start in one corner and then move sideways to the other side and then down and sideways again to the side where you started and so on, working backwards to the other end of the RV. A few words of caution: Be extremely careful — all types of roofing get slippery when they are wet. Note that by working in such manageable areas, you can also handle the whole job from a ladder or scaffold without getting on the roof. This would be the preferred and recommended way to access your roof while cleaning it.

Lastly, if you have some stubborn stains, you can try mineral spirits, but with a BIG CAUTION: Do NOT use mineral spirits unless you carefully follow these directions. Mineral spirits is a petroleum distillate, and a rubber roof can react with swelling and discoloring, and this could lead to premature deterioration.

DIRECTIONS: NEVER pour the mineral spirits DIRECTLY ONTO THE ROOF! Always pour a SMALL amount on a soft cloth (less is best) and then use the cloth to scrub out the stain, using only as much as needed and wiping it up with another cloth when the stain is gone.

For a good look at what’s involved with RV roof cleaning, go to the Dicor Products website to see Rudy’s videos about cleaning your RV roof and other care and maintenance procedures.

Happy cleaning!

##RVDT1435

Young architect builds RV with essential amenities for $1,400

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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5
Young architect builds RV with essential amenities for $1,400

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A 23-year-old recently graduated architecture student from Tamil Nadu, India, has hit the news. Dismayed at how much poor people were spending on housing he’s come up with a potential solution. Arun Prabhu has built what’s possibly India’s first home-brew motorhome.

Home-brew motorhome for less

Prabhu says a shanty in a slum area of a city like Mumbai typically costs 400 to 500 thousand rupees, or about $5,400 to $6,700 U.S. Even then, the dream home won’t include a bathroom facility. The young architect put his mind to it. He soon came up with a design for the moveable home. Purchasing used parts, including a 3-wheel Bajaj pickup “auto rickshaw,” Prabhu built his “SOLO 0.1” home for a mere 100,000 rupees, or a little over $1,400.

What kind of motorhome will $1,400 create? Prabhu’s home-brew motorhome sleeps two and includes comparative mansion-like amenities: a toilet, bathtub, and for those work-from-home entrepreneurs, a work space. Mounted topside is a 600-watt solar panel, and batteries to store the juice. Also stored onboard: a 66-gallon water tank.

See more of this home-brew motorhome on YouTube:

It took Prabhu five months to dream up his design, locate parts, and complete the home-brew motorhome.

Prabhu’s vision is that his motorhome would be great for laborers and small-scale shopkeepers and, not to be left out, the otherwise-homeless. The question, based on Western World problems, is this: Will India be able to keep up with the demand for RV parks?

Read more here.

Photo credit: Ashok Sindhu on Facebook.com

Additional reads

Wow! Is this home-built RV incredible or what?

##RVT967

RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Newsletter Editor
-
25
RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, September 23, 2020

This newsletter is for intelligent, open-minded RVers. If you comment on an article, do it with respect for others. If not, you will be denied posting privileges.

Issue 1434
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

If you shop on Amazon, please click here to visit through our affiliate site (we get a little commission that way – and you don’t pay any extra). Thank you!

[activecampaign form=34]

Today’s thought

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” —M. Scott Peck

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Great American Pot Pie Day!

On this day in history: 1806 – Lewis and Clark return to St. Louis after exploring the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Tip of the Day

Prepare your RV forced air furnace for cold weather

By Mark Polk
RV EDUCATION 101®

One LP gas appliance that gets overlooked during warm weather camping trips is the RV furnace. Most of the service requirements for the furnace need to be accomplished by a reputable RV service center, but there are a few things we, as owners, can do to prepare the RV furnace for cold-weather operation.

Inspect all of the furnace ducting that is above floor level for any damage, like bent or crushed ducting. Repair or replace any damaged ducts prior to using the furnace. Inspect all furnace vents for obstructions that could affect the operation of the furnace. Keep the furnace vents clean. Make sure the furnace air return is not blocked or restricted. Check the exterior furnace exhaust vent (when cold) for any signs of soot. Soot indicates improper burning, and the furnace should be inspected by a professional. Test the operation of the furnace before you actually need it when you are out camping.

ONLINE VIDEO TRAINING COURSES BY MARK POLK
• Motorhome RV Orientation.
• Travel Trailer & 5th Wheel Orientation.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

Avoid black tank “pyramid” problems

Chris Dougherty, certified RV technician, received a question from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor regarding a “pyramid” which formed at the pipe base in the reader’s RV’s black tank. The reader thought he was taking measures to prevent this from occurring, and asked for suggestions. Read Chris’ response.

Yesterday’s featured article: Don’t use the wrong math comparing full-time to vacation RVing

Reader poll

Have you ever needed aid with a slideout stuck in the out position?
Please tell us here.

Helpful resources

• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION.
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION.
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT.
• LATEST RV RECALLS.
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS.

Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.

Quick Tip

Be aware of all road signs

Pay attention to road signs that warn against travel by vehicles towing trailers. If you missed the sign that warned of a “Dead End” ahead, would you be able to turn your vehicle around? What was the weight limit for the bridge ahead? Did you notice the height clearance for the overpass? You may not notice these types of signs because you’ve never had to worry about them in your passenger vehicle – you will have to worry about them in your RV.

These socks don’t stink!RV Travel Newsletter Issue 888
If you don’t believe us when we say these compression socks really work, look at the overwhelmingly positive reviews and maybe you’ll change your mind. These socks provide instant relief to your arches and heels and work to increase blood and oxygen circulation, which helps reduce lactic acid buildup and aids muscle recovery in ankle and feet. Click here to learn more.

Website of the day

Top pet-friendly campgrounds
Fido wants to come too! This site, BringFido.com, is a great resource for all things dog-related and this list of the best dog-friendly campgrounds is very detailed and informative.

SWELL CONTEST OF THE DAY

How would you like to win a copy of RV electricity expert Mike Sokol’s book, RV Electrical Safety? Well, this might be your lucky day! In one of this past week’s Beginner’s Guide to RVing Newsletters we published a secret phrase. Simply email the phrase to us at RVcontests@gmail.com . We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today (September 23, 2020) by 11 a.m. Pacific time. Remember, you can only enter once and after we notify you by email that you won, you have 24 hours to respond or we’ll give the prize to someone else.

LAST WEEK’S WINNER of the Coleman Portable Butane Stove with Carrying Case was John Mifsud of Massapequa Park, New York.

Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com

• Why Walmart is banning RV overnight stays at more stores.
• Airstream’s far-out (wacky?) ideas of the future.
• RVer takes pride in cheating campground reservation system.
#933-1

Trivia

Think a cloud is light and fluffy? Think again! According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average cloud weighs about 1.1 million pounds (which equals 551 tons). The clouds float in the sky because the air below is even heavier.

*What year did a toilet first appear on TV? It’s a funny story… Read it in yesterday’s trivia.

Come into the light…
RV Travel Newsletter Issue 891Our favorite electricity guy, Mike Sokol, uses this Caterpillar pocket light for just about everything. He writes, “I bought one of these CAT CY1000 Pocket COB Lights a few months ago and liked it so much that I also picked up one for my dad. I’ve dropped it a bunch of times, and it still keeps working, like any of the other tough-as-nails CAT products.” It easily clips on to your belt, shirt pocket, or anything magnetic, so you can work hands-free. Learn more or order.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Our little Cocker Spaniel, Bailey, always has to be included in all of our travels and adventures.” —Richard Cunningham

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter.

Leave here with a laugh

My wife and I went out for a drive to see the changing autumn leaves when we noticed that one of our tires seemed to be low on air. We stopped at a gas station to fill it up. The wife was a bit taken aback when I asked her for some change. She asked, “Why in the world did they start charging for AIR?!” I looked at her and winked, “Inflation.”

Join us: Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • RVillage

See all of our many Facebook groups here.

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the latest Sunday News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

Become a Member!

This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support?  Learn more or contribute.

RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

This website utilizes some advertising services. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.

Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

Have you ever needed aid with a slideout stuck in the out position?

Emily Woodbury
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53
Have you ever needed aid with a slideout stuck in the out position?

We are crossing all of our fingers and toes that you’ve never needed aid for a slideout that’s stuck in the out position, or, in simpler terms, a broken slideout. Have you?

Occasionally, this does happen to slideouts. And it’s not fun when it does. It can be a tough problem to solve if you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

Has this ever happened to the slideouts on your rig? If so, has it happened more than once (we’re really crossing our fingers on that answer…).

Please tell us in the poll below, and leave a comment saying how you resolved the problem. Thanks!

Jayco recalls thousands of motorhomes for crash danger

Chuck Woodbury
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0
Jayco recalls thousands of motorhomes for crash danger

Jayco will notify owners and dealers will install an additional support bracket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Jayco’s customer service at 1-800-517-9137. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901519.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

* * *
While you may not own one of these RVs, if you know someone who does be sure to tell them. RVtravel.com posts recall notices like this as they are issued. Read all recent ones by clicking here.

Not signed up for the free RVtravel.com weekend newsletters? Published online since 2001. Sign up here.

RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Newsletter Editor
-
12
RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, September 22, 2020

This newsletter is for intelligent, open-minded RVers. If you comment on an article, do it with respect for others. If not, you will be denied posting privileges.

Issue 1433
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

If you shop on Amazon, please click here to visit through our affiliate site (we get a little commission that way – and you don’t pay any extra). Thank you!

[activecampaign form=34]

Today’s thought

“People were always getting ready for tomorrow. I didn’t believe in that. Tomorrow wasn’t getting ready for them. It didn’t even know they were there.” ― Cormac McCarthy

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Elephant Appreciation Day!

On this day in history: 1888 – The first issue of National Geographic Magazine is published.

Oh, and happy first day of fall! If you’re as excited as we are to decorate our RV, check out this adorable fall RV flag.

If you are a member of an RV club or are affiliated with an RV-related event would you please let us know if its gatherings, meetings, etc., are cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus? We’ll pass along the info to our readers. We appreciate any news related to RVing that’s being affected by the virus. Please submit it here. Thank you!

Tip of the Day

Happier full-time RV living with your partner

By Ray Burr, loveyourrv.com
Thinking about full-time RVing with your significant other? If not full-timing, how about extended RVing? Anne and I have been together over 16 years and lived full-time in an RV for over nine. Thankfully, we’re very compatible and have grown even closer while RVing. We manage to cohabit in 180 square feet of living space. How do we manage it without killing each other? Ray has some great tips here.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

Don’t use the wrong math comparing full-time to vacation RVing

If you’re pondering whether you should jump into the full-time RV lifestyle, don’t make the mistake that some do. They think about the times they’ve taken the rig out for a vacation trip, then they do some kind of weird math in their heads and say, “Well, that’s what full-time RVing must be like.” Not! Here are some comparisons between vacation and full-time RVing to consider. Read more.

Yesterday’s featured article: Sagging slideout topper – What’s an RVer to do?

Reader poll

How often do you purchase something online?
No payment required, just tell us here for free.

Quick Tip

Easily keep pet feeding area clean

Travel with a pet? Michael Hoffman passes along a neat tip: “I use a cheap boot tray in an out-of-the-way spot” to rest food and water bowls in. “It collects all the spills and sloppiness,” he adds. Thanks, Michael!

Website of the day

Fall colors state-by-state
Hard to believe it’s already fall, isn’t it? Here from tripsavvy.com is a state-by-state guide to fall colors. This is handy!

fire extinguisherFire Extinguishing Aerosol, Two-pack
The First Alert Tundra Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray is easier to use and discharges 4 times longer than traditional fire extinguishers. With an aerosol nozzle and portable size, it’s suited for the kitchen, car, garage, boat or RV. The formula wipes away with a damp cloth & is biodegradable. Learn more or order.

And the Survey Says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 40 percent have never broken a bone in their body
• 49 percent received an allowance as a child
• 12 percent carry at least four credit cards with them at all times

Recent poll: For couples, do you get along better at home or on the road?

Trivia

The first time a toilet appeared on TV was in 1957. The popular show “Leave It to Beaver” had a scene where the main characters were keeping a pet alligator in a toilet tank. They ran into a problem, though, when the Standards and Practices department of TV told them they couldn’t show a toilet on screen. They compromised and were allowed to show the toilet tank, as long as the toilet bowl was kept off-camera.

*What’s so special about an armadillo giving birth? We told you yesterday.

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Our Golden Doodle, “Hooch”, loves to relax on our 3rd floor balcony. He may look calm in this favorite way for him to watch the world go by …. until a UPS truck or FedEx truck goes by. Then, those drivers know that Hooch is on post protecting his street corner!” —Greg Johnson

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter.

The best book on RV electricity, hands down!
RV Travel Newsletter issue 841RV Travel contributor Mike Sokol is America’s leading expert on RV electricity. Mike has taken his 50+ years of experience to write this book about RV electricity that nearly anyone can understand. Covers the basics of Voltage, Amperage, Wattage and Grounding, with additional chapters on RV Hot-Skin testing, GFCI operation, portable generator hookups and troubleshooting RV electrical systems. This should be essential reading for all RVers. Learn more or order.

Leave here with a laugh

Q:) What happens when you step on a grape?
A.) It lets out a little wine.

Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!

Join us: Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • RVillage

See all of our many Facebook groups here.

Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the latest Sunday News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.

Become a Member!

This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support?  Learn more or contribute.

RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

This website utilizes some advertising services. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.

Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.

Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.

This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com

How often do you purchase something online?

Emily Woodbury
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20
How often do you purchase something online?

It’s hard to not purchase something online these days, isn’t it? And chances are, if you weren’t an online shopper before the pandemic hit, you probably are now. It’s just too easy to have your items delivered right to your door or mailbox.

How often do you online shop? For things other than groceries… Are you shopping online every day? Every other day? Every week? Maybe you’re still “old fashioned” and buy everything at the store (bet that’s a sentence you didn’t think you’d ever hear!). That’s okay too!

Tell us in the poll below how often you online shop. We’re curious. Thanks for voting!

Happier full-time RV living with your partner

RV Staff
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3
Happier full-time RV living with your partner

By Ray Burr, loveyourrv.com

Thinking about full-time RVing with your significant other? If not full-timing, how about extended RVing? Anne and I have been together over 16 years and lived full-time in an RV for over nine. Thankfully, we’re very compatible and have grown even closer while RVing. We manage to cohabit in 180 square feet of living space. How do we manage it without killing each other?

Test out the lifestyle: If you don’t have a rig, rent or borrow an RV and travel for a few weeks and see how it works out. Anne and I took my camper van on several trips of 2-4 weeks and got along good. We knew at that point if we were OK in a small camper van, then we would be great together in a 30-foot fifth wheel.

Division of labor: RVing brings plenty of chores and mundane day-to-day tasks. Sort out who is responsible for what. When each has a clear idea of their responsibilities, the smoother things will go. Some refer to these as pink and blue jobs, with more dirty, outside tasks like sewer dumping being an example of a blue job, and washing the bedding and sheets being pink.

Food: RV living means coping with restricted cupboard and fridge space. We split up the space into combined and separate areas for each of us to have our own foods. I do the bulk of the cooking — this is helpful when it comes to organizing and purchasing the groceries.

Personal space: With space at a premium, it’s very important for you to have some personal space. We assign different drawers, cupboards and closets to each other along with some common areas. We also have separate areas for using our computers.

Noise and movement: Two things that can drive the other spouse crazy! In an RV, any type of noise is magnified. You need to be very considerate of the other person. When Anne is writing she likes quiet, so if watching TV I use headphones. The RV being on wheels and springs is prone to shaking as you move around, so we respect when the other is trying to sleep and reduce our movements in the rig.

Away time: Occupying the same space 24/7 can be taxing on a relationship, so plan to give each other some time to be off on their own. Even if it’s only a trip by yourself shopping for supplies, to the pool, or getting the oil changed on the truck, a little away time is beneficial.

Don’t stay angry: We get angry with each other from time to time but the trick is to resolve the issue quickly. That’s one nice thing about the tight quarters — it forces you to talk it out and settle a disagreement — there is no place to run and hide. Nip it in the bud and don’t let things fester.

Do-nothing day: Even when traveling and having fun you still need a break once in a while. Every few weeks we have a do-nothing day and just chill out with no plans or chores. This helps reduce the stress that can come from being on the go so much and helps us get along a little better.

Happy Hour!: Each day at around 4-5 p.m. we sit down and discuss the day’s events and our plans for the coming ones. This is a great way to relax and stay on the same page.

##RVDT1433

Daimler – Mercedes RV emissions cheat reaches settlement

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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0
Daimler – Mercedes RV emissions cheat reaches settlement

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
In a déjà-vu moment, the federal government has again come down on an automaker for big-time cheating on emissions testing. Manufacturer Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (collectively “Daimler”) have signed off on a settlement to clear the air over exhaust emissions violations. These smell a lot like the Volkswagen cheat of a few years back. Daimler sold diesel-equipped rigs with software that would cheat on emissions tests. If your RV is built on one of those cheatin’ chassis, then you’ll be getting a recall notice. Daimler will be bringing your rig into emissions compliance. We’ll call it the RV emissions cheat, but certainly not all of the 250,000 vehicles being brought back were RVs. Nevertheless, the company is paying dearly.

Daimler misdeeds

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says Daimler programmed software and added “defeat devices” into 250,000 light- and medium-duty diesel equipped rigs. These included Sprinter vans and some passenger cars. Model years involved ran from 2009 to 2016. The scheme allowed the vehicles to operate differently under some “normal driving conditions” than when on federal emissions tests. As a result, the rigs pumped out more nitrous oxide under normal drive time than legally allowed. The EPA points out this pollutant is linked to nasty health issues including heart and lung problems.

To make up for its misdeeds, Daimler will be whacked $875 million in civil penalties and will have to recall and fix the illegally polluting vehicles. Of course, pollution is already out of the tailpipe, so to speak, and can’t be taken out of the environment. To mitigate, Daimler will also have to pull 15 older diesel locomotive engines off the tracks. These will be outfitted with equipment or engines that make them meet pollution standards more stringent than those in place than when originally built.

Owners see little relief in RV emissions cheat

Under the settlement, folks who own the to-be-recalled vehicles won’t be receiving any direct monetary compensation for their trouble. It’s not clear how long a recalled rig will be in the shop. Some will require more retrofit work than others, so presumably they’ll be out of their owners’ hands longer. However, all owners will see an extended warranty applied to their refreshed rigs. Of course, that warranty will only cover hardware or software affected by the recall. Will fuel economy on affected vehicles go down after the refits are done? That’s not clear. If it does, apparently that’ll be on the owner’s “dime.”

We should note, this initial settlement involves the U.S. EPA. The State of California is a co-plaintiff in this settlement. Some of the conditions are different for vehicles sold in California.

Here’s a list of ALL models affected by this recall.

  • 2010 – 2012 Sprinter equipped with 6-cylinder engines. 46,086 vehicles
  • 2013 – 2016 Sprinter equipped with 6-cylinder engines. 74,332 vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Sprinter equipped with 4-cylinder engines. 40,981 vehicles
  • 2009 GL320 equipped with 6-cylinder engines
  • 2009 ML 320 equipped with 6-cylinder engines
  • 2009 R320 equipped with 6-cylinder engines
  • 2010 -2011 ML350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines
  • 2010 – 2011 GL350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines
  • 2010 – 2012 R350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines. These and above 5 models, 27,847 vehicles
  • 2011 – 2012 E350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines. 5,702 vehicles
  • 2012 – 2013 S350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines. 1,601 vehicles
  • 2012 – 2014 ML350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines.
  • 2012 – 2016 GL350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines. These and above ML350, 32,764 vehicles
  • 2013 – 2015 GLK250 equipped with 4-cylinder engines. 9,580 vehicles
  • 2013 E350 equipped with 6-cylinder engines. 1,267 vehicles
  • 2014-2016 equipped with 4-cylinder engines. 5,713 vehicles
  • 2015 ML250 equipped with 4-cylinder engines. 3,588 vehicles
  • 2016 GLE300d equipped with 4-cylinder engines. 1,818 vehicles

Not all of the retrofits will be available immediately. If you’re affected, check out the official news release on this issue, found here.

Final court approval awaits

While the settlement has been worked out between the feds and Daimler, the settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period. As of press time that had yet to be set. Following that, a final court approval must be made. Information on submitting a comment is available here.

The earlier affair of Volkswagen’s “emissions cheat” left a foul odor with VW owners. Just how the Daimler debacle will be reckoned in the future is yet to be known. Any way you slice it, an RV emissions cheat just doesn’t pay.

More reading

Your Sprinter RV cost too much? Blame chickens! 

Will California’s diesel law affect you as an RVer? 

##RVT967b

RV Daily Tips. Monday, September 21, 2020

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Monday, September 21, 2020

This newsletter is for intelligent, open-minded RVers. If you comment on an article, do it with respect for others. If not, you will be denied posting privileges.

Issue 1432
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.

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Today’s thought

“If the road is easy, you’re likely going the wrong way.” ― Terry Goodkind

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National New York Day!

On this day in history: 1937 – J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is published.

Did you miss this big news?
Airstream just killed off new trailer after only a few years!
 Click here to read all about it.

Tip of the Day

Tuck some drawers under your dinette for small-item organization

By Greg Illes
Every once in a while you run across a really handy little accessory that makes RV life just a little bit better. Every RV always seems to have a long list of small items — pens, hair clips, Post-it notes, a screwdriver, you name it. The standard large drawers and cabinets in RV furniture just aren’t right for these tiny items, which always seem to roll to the bottom and the back of any large space. Here’s a great tip from Greg to solve this problem.

Do you have a tip? Submit it here.

RV Electricity – This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session:

Solar-powered air conditioner update

Dear Mike,
How is your solar panel air conditioner experiment coming along? Lots of us want to know if it’s possible and how much it will cost. —Andy

Find out here.

• Join Mike’s Facebook group, RV Electricity.
• Read more of Mike’s articles here.

Sagging slideout topper – What’s an RVer to do?

Chris Dougherty, certified RV technician, received this question from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor: “The awning over my slideout is sagging on one end, but the other end is tight as both ends should be. Is there a way to adjust the tension on the end of the awning?” Read Chris’ response.

Try this easy DIY trick to trap fruit flies (watch the video, it really works!)

Reader poll

Do you think you’re addicted to your cell phone?
If you can part from it for a moment, please vote here.

Helpful resources

• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION.
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION.
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT.
• LATEST RV RECALLS.
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS.

Maintain those slide seals!
RV Daily Tips Newsletter Issue 1162If you’ve heard a cracking or popping sound when extending your slides, it means its seals are sticking and/or drying out. Applying a seal conditioner about every 8-12 weeks can extend a seal’s life. We recommend using Thetford Premium RV Slide Out Rubber Seal Conditioner.

Quick Tip

Springs worn out on RV entry step covers?

When Bernie T.’s springs on the RV’s carpeted entry step covers gave up the ghost, Bernie didn’t sweat it. “I found that zip-ties will work to hold them on when put through the holes that the springs hooked to.” Thanks for the clever idea, Bernie!

Website of the day

Safe Travel USA
This handy website from Iteris, Inc. puts together DOT and other state travel information to help you see road, traffic and weather conditions ahead. A good one to consult before long drives.

Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com

• Motorhome sideswipes truck. Video captures it all. Ugly!
• RV Tire Safety: LT versus ST tires for RV trailers.
• The best way to level a fifth wheel? Make it levitate!
#932-1

Trivia

Armadillos almost always give birth to identical quadruplets. Thank goodness it’s not the same for humans…

Affordable tire tool will save you tons of troubleRV Travel Newsletter Issue 912What gives when you think your tires are “good to go” but down on air again the next day? Your valve stem valve probably isn’t tight enough. A loose, leaking valve stem can cause a tire failure due to low pressure under load at highway speeds. So do yourself and your vehicles a favor – pick up one of these very inexpensive tools and make sure your valve cores are snugly seated in the valve stem. Click here to order.

Readers’ Pets of the Day

“After sleeping together for a year, they finally tied the knot.” —Rob

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter.

Leave here with a laugh

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RV Daily Tips Staff

Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.

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Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.

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