America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2866 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” —Tuli Kupferberg
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chip and Dip Day!
On this day in history: 1806 – After reaching the Pacific Ocean along the Columbia River, explorers Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery begin their long journey home.
Tip of the day
Snowbirds, it’s time to change your RV’s water filters
By Nanci Dixon
Snowbirds are beginning their yearly migration home to cooler climates. If this is you, it means that now is a good time to change your RV’s water filters, particularly if you’ve been in the Southwest desert.
Our water at an Arizona county park is well water. I am always amazed at the amount of sand and dirt the filters accumulate during our stay. We put new filters in at the beginning of the winter season that were once sparkling white, but no more! Continue reading.
More tips from this weekend:
- Five more fantastic tips from RVers
- The hidden cost of “cheap” campgrounds
- Tony’s tips: 10 ideas for visiting an RV show: Prepare for battle
- Road-ready gadgets that make RV life easier, especially for seniors
RV review
2026 r-pod RP-194 travel trailer: Big features in a small package
Big RVs can feel like a trade for more space, but often a new tow vehicle and a daily driver are sacrificed. Here, Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV takes us on a walk-through tour of the 2026 r-pod RP-194, which lands in a sweet spot: a compact trailer that still carries many of the nicer r-pod touches, without jumping into heavy, expensive territory. Josh describes the r-pod RP-194 as “10 pounds of sugar in a 5-pound sack.” It’s not a big camper, but it’s packed with features that normally show up in larger rigs. Check it out.
500+ bucket-list adventures for your next RV trip
Looking for ideas for where to go next? This Fodor’s guide is packed with more than 500 unforgettable experiences across all 50 states—from iconic national parks and scenic drives to quirky roadside stops and local food must-tries. With smart itineraries and regional maps, it’s a fun, inspiring roadmap for RVers planning their next adventure. Check it out. [NOTE: New edition is coming out June 2. You can pre-order here. Currently at a 42% discount.]
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why RV dealerships don’t always like independent RV inspections
If you’re shopping for an RV, you may not hear this from a dealership—but it’s something every buyer should understand. Independent RV inspections can uncover issues that may slow down or even stop a sale. That’s one of the main reasons why some dealerships don’t always encourage buyers to get a third-party inspection. Continue reading.
FACTOID: The letters M&M in the tasty candies stand for the founders of M&M: Forrest E. Mars, Sr., and Bruce Murrie.
Article and video
Full-time RVing: What’s the best state to register your RV?
Picking the wrong state for vehicle registration can feel like a shortcut at first. Then it turns into a problem at the worst time, like getting pulled over while trying to renew tags, or during a massive insurance claim. South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana are the most popular choices for full-time RVers, and they might sound similar in RV circles, but they work very differently.
The latest news for RVers
- Gas prices continue to rise. Here’s how you can save
- Arizona advances toward fourth national park
- One RV dump station locator isn’t enough. Why to consult more than one
- National park murder headlines miss what’s really putting visitors at risk
- RV travel jumps 23 percent with 34 million RVers planning spring road trips
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: RVs are getting cooler, RVing is less cool, and some cool RVs
To read more recent news, click here.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods

An easy way to open all medicine bottles
This easy-grip medicine bottle opener is a simple daily helper for RVing seniors and caregivers. Designed for weak hands or arthritis, it adds extra leverage, includes a non-slip mat for one-handed use, and even has a built-in magnifier with LED light to read tiny labels. Small enough for the RV medicine cabinet, it makes managing prescriptions on the road a whole lot easier and less frustrating. Learn more or order.
Featured article
Veteran RVers offer advice for new RVers
Last week we asked you what RV advice you would give a new RVer. In other words, what you wished you knew when you started RVing. As usual, our readers had a lot of good things to say. Of course, a lot of you had the same advice. That’s OK. Great minds think alike, and there are certain themes that come up again and again when we talk about a topic such as this. What was the #1 piece of advice? Find out here, along with lots more advice.
Ask Dave
RV residential fridge drains batteries in one day. Would 12-volt compressor model last longer?
Reader poll
Have you ever rented an RV?
Quick tip
A smart RV use for a flexible fan blade cleaner
“I was having trouble reaching the inside seals on one slide to apply 303 because of clearance. I found this flexible fan blade cleaner on Amazon that works. It’s microfiber, so you can spray it with 303, etc., bend it, and treat the seal. It’s thin enough to slide in between the slide and the ceiling.” Thanks for the tip, Ron T.!
And an even quicker tip: Always TASTE water before adding to your fresh water tank from an unfamiliar source. It’s a lot easier to keep bad water out than to GET it out.”
Website of the day
Stops to Make Along the Civil Rights Trail
RVing along the Civil Rights Trail should be high on your list of trips to take. It’s not too late to add this to your 2026 travel plans.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Want someone to be attracted to you? Like, reallllllly attracted to you? Well, we’ve discovered the secret of how to make that possible. See it here.
New! Monday Motivation
“We live in an era where the best way to make a dent on the world may no longer be to write a letter to the editor or publish a book. It may be simply to stand up and say something … because both the words and the passion with which they are delivered can now spread across the world at warp speed.” ―The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking
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Trivia
Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins. They were wooden flippers he wore on his feet when swimming. He had earlier devised lily pad-shaped wooden palettes to wear on his hands while swimming.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bridget (IrishDoodle, about age 7—was rescued from a puppy mill, so we’re not sure), loves riding in the truck. Loves camping because she gets more walks, is with us 24/7, watches squirrels, and meets other dogs. Of course, she is a very pampered rescue, so she has the permanent deed to the couch.” —Judy O’Betts
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!

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Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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