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The best magnetic gadgets for your RV

Gail Marsh
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The best magnetic gadgets for your RV

Stick ‘em up! (No, this isn’t a robbery tutorial.) Instead, here are several great RV tips that use magnets to make life on the road easier.

A couple of years ago, I wrote about magnets in a previous article. Since that time, I’ve collected even more tips for these popular RV helpers. Keep reading and see for yourself.

Why use magnets?

I like to use magnets because it often eliminates the need for nails or screws. Magnets are easily repositioned and are inexpensive and lightweight, as well.

Magnets

Match the magnet strength to the weight and motion expected. Neodymium (“rare-earth”) magnets are compact but very strong—great for hooks or bars—while coated magnetic hooks reduce scratching on painted surfaces.

Tips and tricks

• Drop a magnet into your shirt pocket when working on your RV. Brads, screws, and other small metal objects will “stick” to the outside of the pocket and conveniently remain at hand when needed.

• Swap screws on access panels for magnets to simplify maintenance. Just pull down the panel to access, then let the magnets snap it back into place.

magnetic clips for lights Facebook image: Reiner Baugut
Photo credit: Reiner Baugut

• You can use small magnetic clips to hold small, twinkling lights on your RV awning. (Be sure to turn them off when going to bed.) The clips also work well affixed to inside windows.

• Keep magnets on your griddle or outdoor grill. Magnetic hooks will keep grilling utensils and potholders easily at hand.

rolling magnet bar to sweep campsite Image: Harbor Freight
Photo by Harbor Freight

• A long, magnetized bar sweeper can help you “sweep” your campsite for nails and other metal objects that can cause tire damage or danger to pets and children. This also helps locate any dropped washer or screw that falls under your RV.

• Apply small magnets securely to the side of a child’s plastic cup. The cup will adhere to the RV refrigerator and remain within their reach. [Not advised for very young children.]

• A telescoping magnetic pick-up tool can pick up many things attracted by the magnet. Use it to find metal nuts, bolts, screws, needles, pins, and more.

Franklin magnetic level lights up Image: Amazon

• A magnetic torpedo level will help you quickly level your RV. This one is lit and turns green when level, so you can check the level at a distance.

• Use a magnetic furnace vent cover to keep dust out of your vents during the off-season. There are several different types. Just remember to remove them when operating the furnace.

magnetic screen door for rv Image: Amazon

• A magnetic screen door allows the breeze to enter your RV while keeping bugs out. This one is specifically made for RVs and attaches with hook-and-loop fasteners for easy removal. The company also makes a compatible insulated thermal door for cold-weather camping.

• Prevent your RV’s seven-way electrical connection from falling to the ground with a magnetic hook. Just place the hook on your hitch or pin box and hook up the electrical cord.

magnetic hitch alignment assist Amazon image

• A magnet can help hitch up your rig. Check this one out.

• A magnetic flashlight holder can help you see when working on or under your rig. There are several configurations from which to choose here.

• Keep beach sand out of your RV with this magnetic tip. Attach magnetic hooks to the RV entry steps’ outside panel. Then hang sandals and flip flops on the hooks. A small towel hung here can help wipe residual sand off your feet.

magnetic flag mount Amazon image

• Show pride in your country with this magnetic flag mount. It conveniently attaches to your pin box or truck bed. It’s adjustable, too.

Do you use magnets when RVing? Tell us in the comments below.

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How to build an RV pad on a sloped lot

Video Editor
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How to build an RV pad on a sloped lot

By Cheri Sicard
“A level RV is a happy RV,” set the tone for this project, and Lauren and Sam of A Little Bit Unhitched took that seriously. At their home base in South Carolina, the lot had too much slope, gravel kept getting tracked into the trailer, and parking on grass for long stretches brought extra wear on the tires and gave insects an easier path inside. So they built a level gravel parking pad themselves, and they did it for far less than the price of hiring it out.

Learn how in the video at the end of this post.

How to build an RV pad on a sloped lot

This wasn’t just about looks. Lauren and Sam’s lot needed a real fix that would make parking easier and daily use more comfortable.

The project cost about $1,500 as a DIY build. Had they hired it out, they estimated it would have cost around $8,000. That big price gap made the long day of labor worth it.

The design came together after plenty of late-night planning, pacing, and rough sketches. Two things shaped almost every choice: drainage and elevation. Because the lot sat low, they needed to bring in at least two feet of fill so the trailer’s waste tanks would drain downhill into the septic tank. That part mattered most.

Drainage was just as important. South Carolina storms can bring serious water, including hurricane conditions, so the pad had to move water away instead of trapping it.

The pad design and retaining wall

They settled on a 28-by-16-foot pad. The 16-foot width gave them more room to park, step out onto gravel instead of grass, and leave space for chairs under the awning.

Because the lot dropped off on one side, they built a landscaping wall to hold the pad at the right height and control runoff. Under that wall, they laid 4 inches of gravel for the base. Behind it, they added 6 inches of drainage rock, so water wouldn’t make the soil too heavy over time.

Moving dirt was the hardest part

They brought in 12 cubic yards of fill dirt first, then spent the day shoveling, spreading, and tamping it down. Later that same evening, they added another six cubic yards and kept going until the base was built up and compacted.

At the end, Sam drove the truck over the fill to help pack it even more. It was very much a full DIY job, with a lot of repeat work and not much glamour.

Once the base was ready, they bordered the pad with stained pressure-treated 4x4s. Then they spread about 3 cubic yards of gravel over the top and packed that down. Compared with the dirt work, the gravel went down fast.

They also planted small shrubs around the outside. Later, they planned to add topsoil and grass around the edges for a cleaner finish.

What they would change if they did it again

Two things stood out after the build. First, they would make the pad about five feet longer. The shorter length made unhitching harder because the off-ramp still had more slope than they wanted.

Second, the pressure-treated wood was still too damp when Lauren stained it. As a result, some areas didn’t absorb the stain evenly and needed another coat later.

The good news, the drainage test has already passed. After one big rainstorm, the water moved exactly where they wanted it to go. For phase one of their home base, that counted as a win.

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Have you ever seen a ghost?

RV Travel
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Have you ever seen a ghost?

Ghosts… You either believe in them, don’t believe in them, or don’t believe in them until you see one! Right?

Have you ever seen a ghost? If so, can you say you saw one with absolute certainty or are you pretty sure, but not positive? If you answer yes, you must (and we mean must!) leave a comment and tell us about your ghost experience. We’re dying to know. Thanks!

Some people swear they’ve seen a shadowy figure pass by when no one else was around. Others have stories of cold chills, flickering lights, or mysterious whispers in the dead of night.

Maybe you’ve stayed in a haunted hotel (or campground… yes, they exist!), wandered through an eerie graveyard, or even had something unexplainable happen right in your own home or RV. The idea that something—someone—is watching us from another realm is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

Of course, skeptics might argue that it’s all in your head. A trick of the light, an overactive imagination, or maybe just too many late-night horror movies. But then there are those moments that defy explanation, those spine-tingling encounters that make even the most logical person wonder, Could it be real? It’s these stories that capture our curiosity and keep us looking over our shoulders when we’re alone in the dark.

So, what’s your take? Are ghosts the stuff of fiction, or do you believe they’re out there?

If you’ve ever had an encounter that made you think twice, don’t keep us in suspense. Remember to leave a comment below. After all, the best ghost stories are the ones that make us wonder: What if…?

MORE POLLS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

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FlexArmor roofs—RV expert’s concerns

RV Travel
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FlexArmor roofs—RV expert’s concerns

By Dustin Simpson
While we don’t install FlexArmor on RVs at our repair shop, we do see them from time to time. Check out the video below for an inspection of a FlexArmor roof in the shop.

There are certainly some benefits to this upgrade, but as an RV repair shop owner and former technician, I do have some concerns regarding the application.

Keep reading and watch the video before you make the investment!

Every once in a while we have owners that come in with units that have had the FlexArmor roof coating applied. We have been replacing coatings on RV roofs for 25+ years. We replace around 50+ roofs a year due to some type of damage.

We’ve come across different roofs that have just required normal routine maintenance, like gutter spout replacements, insert molding replacements and other miscellaneous items. We have also had owners that have had the normal roof line molding come loose, which happens when the unit flexes side to side in travel or even walking in it when parked.

The following are concerns about FlexArmor that are based on my personal experience. Now, we are not saying anything bad about the product. In fact, we think it’s a good option. However, due to the way it was applied in these pictures, you will see why we are concerned.

Rear corner and side seams

I’m concerned about the insert molding, the rain gutter, the side molding and the rear cap corner cover.

Why:

  • When the insert molding shrinks up on the lower side and starts to come loose, this will allow dirt and water to enter the back side and cause damage to the screws that secure the side wall molding to the edge.
  • When the gutters go bad due to the sun, the material will have to be cut into to remove and replace the gutters.
  • If the rear roof or rear wall has to be repaired in any way, the roof coating will now have to be cut to make any repairs. Also, as the plastic dries out on the corner molding and shrinks, this will again be an issue.
  • As the side seam starts to flex and come loose, the screws start to back out and the insert molding will have to be removed. Again, this will cause an issue with the roof coating.
Roadside rear corner location
Roadside rear corner location – long view

Rear wall and side wall

Here, I’m concerned with the insert molding, the rain gutter, side molding and rear cap corner cover, and rear cap molding.

Why:

  • Same concerns as above. If, and when, the rear side wall corner moldings become loose or get damaged, the roof material will again become an issue when it comes time to make any repairs.
  • With the rear cap molding, the seams all flex and move, and over time the molding at the roof surface will separate.
Roadside rear corner
Close up view reflects thickness on walls; however, the thickness on the roof is a lot less.

Front cap and moldings

Here, I’m concerned with the screw cover side wall moldings, the rain gutter, and side molding.

Why:

  • Just as stated above, as the body and front cap flex, the screws will become loose, back out and fail. When this happens, the screw cover molding will need to be removed in order to tighten, thus again causing damage to the roof coating.
  • Rain gutter will once again be an issue at the time of replacement, causing damage to the roof coating.
  • Insert molding once again will be an issue at the time of replacement, causing damage to the roof coating.
  • In the event that the front cap is ever damaged and requires removal or replacement, the coating will once again become an issue.

Make sure you check out our website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.

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Health: Scientists use ‘cancer-eating’ bacteria to fight tumors

RV Travel
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Health: Scientists use ‘cancer-eating’ bacteria to fight tumors

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada are developing an unusual new way to treat cancer: using specially engineered bacteria to consume tumors from the inside out.

The approach focuses on a soil-based bacterium called Clostridium sporogenes. This organism naturally thrives in places with little or no oxygen. That makes it a good match for solid tumors, whose cores often lack oxygen and contain dead or dying cells, an ideal environment for the bacteria to grow.

Once inside a tumor, the bacteria multiply and begin breaking down cancerous tissue. In simple terms, they “eat” the tumor from the inside. Researchers say this could offer a highly targeted way to attack cancer while limiting damage to healthy tissue.

But the method faces a key challenge. As the bacteria spread toward the outer edges of a tumor, they encounter small amounts of oxygen and die off before finishing the job.

To address this, scientists added a gene from a related bacterium that helps the organism tolerate some oxygen. This allows it to survive longer and continue working closer to the tumor’s outer layers.

Researchers also built in a safety feature using a natural bacterial communication system known as quorum sensing. This system ensures the oxygen-tolerance gene turns on only after enough bacteria have gathered inside the tumor. That timing is important to prevent the bacteria from spreading into healthy, oxygen-rich parts of the body, such as the bloodstream.

The work is still in early stages. Scientists are combining these advances into a single engineered bacterium and plan to test it in preclinical studies. Human clinical trials are likely several years away.

Experts caution that this is not expected to replace existing treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, it could become another tool to help doctors better control or eliminate certain cancers.

While much more research is needed, the concept highlights a growing trend in medicine: using living organisms, carefully engineered, to target disease in ways traditional treatments cannot.

MORE HEALTH-RELATED POSTS

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The nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 travel trailer—Big-ticket comfort

Cheri Sicard
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1
The nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 travel trailer—Big-ticket comfort

The nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 travel trailer looks like a clear step up for couples who want more room than a teardrop without jumping to a huge trailer. Shown at the 2026 Florida RV SuperShow, it mixes nüCamp’s usual fit and finish with big-ticket comfort features, including roof solar, standard lithium, a walk-around queen bed, and a true dry bath.

In the video at the end of this post, we get a walk-through tour from Day Hiker From The Six.

Exterior features

Up front, the nüCamp Haven 220 starts strong with a power tongue jack, safety chains, breakaway cable, 7-pin connector, and a large front storage box. The reviewer liked the storage but also felt a second propane tank would help campers who spend more time off-grid. A spare tire sits up front, as well.

On the sides, the trailer gets dual-pane acrylic tip-out windows, including an opening stargazer window. There’s also pass-through storage, a separate 30-amp cord connection, alloy wheels, and Goodyear tires. The utility area looks well thought out, too, with a Nautilus water management system, city water hookup, cable and satellite ports, a Zamp solar port, and outdoor shower access. Black and gray tank dumps are placed together, which makes setup at the dump station simpler.

Around back, bumper storage gives the sewer hose its own spot, which is always a smart touch. A backup camera appeared to be installed, and the trailer also gets large stabilizers, rear protection for low-clearance moments, and a nearly full-length armless awning on the campsite side.

Inside the nüCamp Haven 220

nuCamp Haven 220 travl trailer floorplan options

The interior puts a large bathroom across the rear, a U-shaped dinette near the entry, the kitchen on the right, and the bedroom at the front.

That bedroom is the star. It has windows on every side, plus the stargazer overhead, and each window gets screen and blackout shades. There are closets on both sides, USB ports, outlets, reading lights, shelves, and deep under-bed storage with lift struts. The bed also uses the Froli support system, which should help with comfort.

Nucamp Nu2

The kitchen keeps things practical with a 12-volt fridge, a small freezer, a Suburban stove with electric ignition, microwave, counter extension, black stainless sink, and a lot of cabinet space. The dinette looks roomy enough for four and also converts into an extra bed.

The bathroom gives the nüCamp Haven 220 a more residential feel. It includes a separate shower, toilet, sink, medicine cabinet, open shelving, towel racks, under-sink storage, and an exhaust fan. For a travel trailer in this size class, that’s a major plus.

Heating comes from Aldi radiant heat, and cooling is handled by a Truma Aventa air conditioner, which is known for quiet operation. That combo should make the trailer comfortable in more than one season.

Final thoughts

Dealer pricing on the nüCamp Haven 220 was reported around $54,000 to $60,000 USD, or about $67,000 to $70,000 CAD. The reviewer also noted that RV magazines have already given the Haven 220 several awards. Those include the RVBusiness 2026 Top RV Debut and RV PRO’s 2026 Best New Model.

The appeal is easy to see. The nüCamp Haven 220 feels bright, airy, and better-suited to real camping comfort than many compact trailers. A larger fridge, less weight, and a lower price would make it even stronger. For couples, this looks like a very smart layout.

Learn more about the nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 here.

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Winnebago recalls some motorhomes for inadequate lights

RV Travel
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Winnebago recalls some motorhomes for inadequate lights

Winnebago Industries is recalling certain 2017 Brave, 2019 Itasca Sunova, 2019-2022 Adventurer, and 2022 Sunstar motorhomes.

The front turn signals may have a smaller than required luminous lens area. As such these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

A small lens can make it difficult for other drivers to see the turn signal, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. As many as 1,446 RVs may be affected by the recall, which was issued March 23.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the non-compliant turn signal lights with new lights that comply with Federal Motor Standards.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 1, 2026. Owners may contact Winnebago Customer Care at 1-800-537-1885. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 203.

* * *

RV MAINTENANCE ADVICE: That’s the topic at RVtravel.com’s Facebook group where more than 91,000 members discuss keeping their RVs in tip-top shape (and how to fix things that break!).

MORE WINNEBAGO RECALLS

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Gasoline price jumps one dollar in last month

RV Travel
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Gasoline price jumps one dollar in last month

AAA reported on March 26 that the national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline was up 10 cents from the previous week and one dollar from last month.

The graph below shows the steep rise from $2.98 on February 26 to $3.98 today. Crude oil prices remain high as the Iran conflict nears the 4-week mark. The national average could reach $4 a gallon in the coming days for the first time since August 2022.

Gasoline demand is also on the rise as spring break season continues, another factor in rising pump prices.

Gas Prices March 26
SOURCE: AAA

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased last week from 8.72 million barrels per day to 8.92 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 244 million barrels to 241.4 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

Oil market dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI (a high-quality, light and sweet grade of crude oil used as a primary benchmark for pricing oil in the United States) fell $2.03 to settle at $90.32 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 6.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 456.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 0.1% above the five-year average for this time of year.

State statistics

Gasoline

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.84), Hawaii ($5.33), Washington ($5.30), Nevada ($4.86), Oregon ($4.86), Arizona ($4.63), Alaska ($4.57), Idaho ($4.25), Illinois ($4.23), and Utah ($4.16).

One Los Angeles Chevron station is charging $8.31 for both regular unleaded and diesel. According to the Los Angeles Times, the station on the edge of Chinatown was busy despite the price. Stanford economists estimate the average California household could spend about $857 more on gas from March through December this year.

EV charging

The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 41 cents.

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (52 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), California (46 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Idaho (43 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Utah (32 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Iowa (34 cents), Maryland (34 cents), Vermont (34 cents), South Dakota (34 cents), Delaware (36 cents), and New Mexico (36 cents).

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This town hit pause on an RV park. It all started with a blueberry field

Russ and Tiña De Maris
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4
This town hit pause on an RV park. It all started with a blueberry field

It almost boggles the mind. One minute it’s a quiet blueberry barren. The next, it’s ground zero for a fight over an RV park—and a possible RV park moratorium that could pause new campgrounds across the town.

What started as a plan that looked sweet at first has quickly ripened into something bigger: a debate over how much development a small town should take on—and whether hitting pause now might head off bigger conflicts later.

A proposed RV park in Northport, Maine, has prompted officials to send a 180-day RV park moratorium to town voters, giving the community time to sort out rules before projects move forward.

A campground plan meets local pushback

The proposal centers on land off Beech Hill Road in Northport. The developers’ plan covers two contiguous parcels totaling about 115 acres, with roughly half in blueberry barrens. The design shows a gravel road, lodge, and RV sites with water, electric, and sewer service built on the barren while keeping wild blueberry land in production.

Supporters see an agricultural-tourism opportunity and a property that is not as untouched as critics suggest. As one supporter put it, “Calling this property wild is like calling a 100-acre corn field untamed.”

Opponents see the land very differently. The site has been described as popular with hikers, stargazers, and photographers, and nearby coverage shows residents arguing that the project would change a scenic open-space landscape people already use and value.

That contrast is the heart of the story. To one side, it is working land that could host a resort. To the other, it is a familiar local landscape that could be changed in ways the town cannot easily undo.

Why the town is considering a pause

A moratorium does not automatically kill a project. It buys time. In Northport, Select Board members voted March 23 to put a 180-day moratorium on new commercial campgrounds and RV resorts before voters after an overflowing meeting on the issue.

The stated goal is to slow things down long enough to review local rules and, according to local reporting, potentially craft zoning language and begin a comprehensive plan update.

What this means for RVers

For RVers, this is not just a Maine story. It is another example of what happens when demand for more camping options meets a town that feels its rules have not kept up. That can mean fewer new places to stay in the short run, especially in scenic areas where every project gets a close look. That reading is an inference from the town’s move to consider a temporary halt while it revisits how such projects should be handled.

It can also mean something more useful down the road: clearer ground rules. Better-defined standards may not please everybody, but they can reduce the odds that every proposed park turns into a townwide brawl. That is also an inference based on the moratorium’s stated purpose of giving Northport time to sort out rules before more proposals move ahead.

The bigger picture

The Northport fight shows how quickly one campground proposal can turn into a broader question about who gets to shape a place. The project itself is sizable, with reporting describing about 80 sites plus glamping and wellness elements, so it was never likely to pass quietly.

And once a town starts talking moratoriums, other communities may watch closely. Scenic places often want tourism dollars, but they do not always agree on what kind of tourism fits.

What to watch next

The next step is the town vote on whether to adopt the 180-day moratorium on new commercial campgrounds and RV resorts. If it passes, Northport gets a six-month window to revisit the rules while this debate keeps simmering.

For RVers, it is worth paying attention. The next great place to camp may depend not just on where a developer wants to build, but on whether the local community thinks that plan belongs there. Whatever happens up in Maine, we know eventually one side will be like Marty Robbins—“You got me singin’ the blues.”

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RV shipments unimpressive again in February

RV Travel
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2
RV shipments unimpressive again in February

RV shipments continued their slide for the year 2026 in February.

Results for the RV Industry Association’s February 2026 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 29,206 units, an 11.1% decrease from the 32,871 units shipped in February 2025.

For the year, shipments were off 10.9% with 53,889 RVs shipped through the first two months compared to 60,500 last year.

Towable RVs, led by conventional travel trailers, ended the month down 14.8% from last February with 25,268 shipments.

Motorhomes finished the month up 22% compared to the same month last year, but with only 3,938 units throughout the country. Shipments of Class A motorhomes totaled 668 for the month, an average of about 13 units per state.

RV shipments data for February 2026
SOURCE: RVIA

Park model RVs finished February up 20.1% compared to the same month last year, with 401 wholesale shipments.

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Great RV Accessories Newsletter #86

Cheri Sicard
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1
Great RV Accessories Newsletter #86

Greetings, fellow RVers!

It’s finally spring, which means it’s time to head outside!!! This issue, among other great stuff we are liking, we focus on gear that helps to enhance your outdoor campsite living space. Read on!

Campsite upgrades

Wake folding camp table

Practical folding camp table

This table has become one of our favorite and most used camping accessories. It adds HUGE functionality to life outside the RV and around the campfire by keeping snacks nearby and drinks securely in place until needed. When not in use, it folds small and flat, making it perfect for RVers or even tent and car campers. Get more details, dimensions, and more.

Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station

BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 portable power station

This small, lightweight, portable power station is the perfect way to bring a small amount of power outside. Whether powering outdoor lighting, music speakers, or simply keeping your devices charged, the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 makes it easy. Learn more about this small portable power station here.

Solo Stove Ranger and cast iron grill with steaks cooking

Solo Stove Ranger: Smokeless fire pit with cooking functionality

The Solo Stove Ranger makes a terrific open campfire alternative that produces less smoke and is super easy to start, but add available accessories, and it becomes a versatile way to cook outdoors. Get details in these posts:

Outdoor shower Photo: WolfWiseOutdoor shower upgrades

Upgrading your RV’s outdoor shower can make it a luxurious and practical space, perfect for rinsing off after a day of adventure. With the right products, you can create an outdoor shower experience that’s not only functional but also comfortable and enjoyable. Discover terrific outdoor shower upgrades.

Our best-selling gadgets on Amazon this month (so far):

  1. 50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
  2. Camp’N RV Vent Cover Opener Extendable Stick
  3. Wooden Adhesive Hat Hooks (as recommended here to hold your kitchenware in place)
  4. 96 Pcs. Wood Grain Slice Party Supplies Set (We knew these were cool, but turns out you all love these!)
  5. Gracula Garlic Crusher/Mincer (He IS cute!)

Other stuff we’re liking:

Van n Camp Window Covers

VannCamp insulated window covers

Sleeping in a van or RV can feel like trying to nap in a streetlamp. Even when it’s cloudy, light still sneaks in, and temperature swings can make nights rough. These insulated blackout window covers change all that. Learn more about this accessory that gives your van instant privacy and darkness.

Luluya collapsible water bottle

Collapsible water bottles

Water bottles can take up a lot of prime real estate in small cabinets. Yet if you do any kind of hiking or even sightseeing away from your RV, you need them. And if, like me [Cheri], you are carrying water for both yourself and your dog, you really need them! Until you fill them with water, they hardly take up any space. Once empty and dry, you roll them up to store, and an attached strap secures everything in place. Alternatively, you can store them flat. Not to mention, they hardly weigh anything. Check out why these are so handy around camp!

flexible holding tank repair material

Flexible holding tank repair material

Russ and Tiña De Maris tried all sorts of tank repair nostrums, with a variety of results, usually disappointing. Those that have worked were complicated and posed major safety issues. Others often just peeled off or didn’t hold. They’ve now tried a new flexible holding tank repair, and they’re really jazzed. Learn more about this invaluable repair material.

Leakingoil
Haha! That’s funny! Order one for yourself here.

Gadget quick takes

WD-40 pens

WD-40 Pen – INGENIOUS!

A Popular Mechanics Gear of the Year winning product, the chisel-shaped fibrous tip allows for precise application of Original WD-40 Formula exactly where it’s needed. The non-aerosol format keeps lubricant from getting on the parts that don’t need it.

Curious about what you could use WD-40 for around your RV? Oh, lots and lots of things!

Pocketed shower curtain liner

Waterproof shower curtain liner with 9 storage pockets

Instantly increase your RV’s bathroom storage with this practical, waterproof, pocketed shower curtain liner. Use with any shower hooks or rings; features 12 rustproof metal grommets at its top to prevent ripping and to keep the curtain securely on any standard shower rod. Use it for your soaps and shampoos, facial care, shaving needs, jewelry and accessories, even your toothbrushes! This is perfect for a hardly-any-storage RV!

LIKE SAVING MONEY? SO DO WE! Soooo many items are on sale right now. In fact, the thing you’ve been wanting might be on sale right now! But not for long! Click here to see.

Book - How to Survie a Freakin' Bear AttackThe book nook
How to Survive a Freakin’ Bear Attack… and 127 Other Survival Hacks You’ll Hopefully Never Need

Would you know what to do if a bear charged at you? What about if an earthquake struck? Or a tornado? What about if you were bitten by a snake in the middle of nowhere? What if you found yourself the sole survivor of some awful incident and had to make a new home for yourself, stranded? Could you spear a fish, or distill pure water using only a plastic bottle? Could you make your own rope, your own torch, or tell which of the unfamiliar plants and animals around you may or may not be edible? Amazon #1 best-seller How To Survive A Freakin’ Bear Attack… And 127 Other Survival Hacks You’ll Hopefully Never Need has all the answers you could ever need, but hopefully won’t! Learn more or order here.

More recent gadget articles and reviews:

Bob Ross Mini Paint by Numbers KitGadget giggles
Mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit

Discover the joy of painting happy little trees, just like Bob Ross did himself, with this one-of-a-kind miniature art set! The small size makes it a perfect gift for RVers.

Kit includes: Three pre-printed canvases with numbered sections, including 2 of landscapes and 1 of Bob’s famous face (each canvas measures approx. 3-1/8 x 2-3/4 inches), 7 paint pots, miniature paint brush, miniature easel for displaying finished paintings, full-color, fold-out sheets with detailed painting instructions, 32-page book on Bob Ross, including painting tips. Order here.

AmazonfindsrvtOur all-time favorite products at Amazon
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVtravel.com’s favorite Amazon finds! This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!

FINISHED READING THIS ISSUE? Great! Now you can move on over to today’s brand-new RV Daily Tips newsletter.

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 26, 2026

Newsletter Editor
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RV Daily Tips. Thursday, March 26, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2869 • New issue every weekday
If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our work with a donation of your choice. Thank you!

Today’s thought

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” ―Eleanor Roosevelt

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Spinach Day!

On this day in history: 1915 – The Vancouver Millionaires win the 1915 Stanley Cup Finals, the first championship played between the Pacific Coast Hockey Association and the National Hockey Association.

Tip of the day
Use your cell phone’s camera these 14 ways to make life easier while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Winter weather is winding down and spring has finally arrived. Are you planning to go RVing soon? Your cell phone camera can help so much! And not just for sending travel pictures to family and friends back home. Curious? Then, by all means, read on!

Article and video
The five details most RV buyers overlook

Most RV buyers focus on price, floor plan, and flashy features first. That makes sense, but the biggest regrets usually come from the less obvious stuff. A better RV choice often comes down to build quality, weight, ride, tank sizes, and whether the rig actually works well on a normal travel day. Jason Epperson of RV Miles breaks it all down here.

Featured article
How it Happened: The history of the Coleman company

When you hear “Coleman” what comes to your mind? A tent or lantern? That green cooler? It’s no wonder that Coleman has become practically synonymous with camping and the great outdoors. This company has been around for more than 120 years! And here’s how it happened…

Our all-time favorite products at Amazon
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVtravel.com’s favorite Amazon finds! This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!

BUMPER SNICKER: “This vehicle requires emotional support snacks.”

Ask Dave
The local U-Haul says my LP tank needs to be recertified? What you need to know

Dave discusses LP tanks here.

**If you’re near Las Vegas, NV, be sure to see Dave at his always educational and entertaining seminars at the Las Vegas RV Show March 27-29.

Reader poll
How would you describe your mental health?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Sanitary sewer hose storage

Your sewer hose is a useful, necessary item. It is, however, germy. The best approach is to consider it a source of ill health or disease and take necessary precautions. Store it in a closeable plastic container, and save your utility bumper for something else. —From “100 RV Tips and Tricks: Bonus Edition With Motorhome Tips”. Available on Amazon.

Website of the day

Etymological Map of America
Spend a few minutes on this article and the maps it includes. Read about the meaning behind every state name, as well as many city names. This is fascinating! You’ll surely learn something new here.

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Sometimes we wish we were the inventor of some of these products. This is one of them. It’s brilliant and a wonderful way to spark creativity! Do one of these every day and you’ll get your creative juices flowing.

And the survey says…

We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:

• 3 percent of people never send text messages.
• 76 percent own an RV that is 30 feet or longer.
• Only 28 percent say they bought an RV to “be with nature.” The other 72 percent say that wasn’t part of why they wanted to RV.

Recent poll: Would your dream RV have more than one bathroom?

Trivia

If you’re experiencing somnambulism, what are you experiencing? Sleepwalking! Yup, that’s the medical term for it. Did you know that sleepwalking is thought to be genetic? If both parents are sleepwalkers, there’s about a 60 percent chance their children will experience it too.

SPRING HUMOR: Spring camping tip: If it looks dry, it’s probably mud. If it looks like mud… it’s definitely mud.

Readers’ pet of the day

Img 1582 D8ad6d694d11eeaaaa3df1ae1dc2ac27“Sami (Goldendoodle, age 10) has been camping coast to coast with us and loves to travel. With his inviting look and wagging tail, he is quick to become the greeter at each of our campsites. Hiking and relaxing are his favorite activities.” —Donal Carbaugh

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!

• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.

GOOD DEAL! Are you a member of AARP? Get 15% off your check at Denny’s every day. Just present your AARP membership card with your check, or mention your AARP membership number over the phone for pick-up orders. (Discount not to exceed $10.)

Leave here with a laugh

Ancientruins

Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Visit Current National Radar Weather Map

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

If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!). 

RVtravel.com All-Star Team

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

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