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HEAT WARNING
It’s sizzling hot today in much of North America. Remember to always check your car (or RV) for your children and pets before you lock your doors and walk away. Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. The temperature in a car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes! Leaving a window cracked or open is not enough to stop the quick rise in temperature. Children who are left unattended are at the greatest risk of heat illness that could quickly lead to death.
July 7, 2024
Issue 1164
Free, abbreviated edition
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Massive motorhome explosion injures three generations of family
- RV with your dog? Love’s has opened its 400th dog park
- Help National Park rangers find vandals spreading puzzling graffiti
- Thief steals occupied motorhome in RV park, injures several people
- Class A motorhome plunges into river – driver escapes
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
Today’s RV review…
The Coachmen Remote 19R travel trailer is unique and nimble
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Coachmen Remote 19R travel trailer. This is a small, single-axle, narrow-body travel trailer that is very uniquely styled, and I think I know who would be the most likely buyers for this.
Click here to read and take a tour
RV service centers and repairs report
RVs may be called junk by some, but not in Red Bay, AL, where Tiffin service shines
In this column, we summarize some of your emails and comments regarding RV service centers and repairs. This week, Nanci Dixon shares your stories including from one reader whose RV is just one nightmare after another; a tip on TPO roofs; and high praise for a mobile mechanic in Oregon, a Camping World, Tiffin in Red Bay, Alabama, and an RV parts and service store in Tennessee.
UPDATED WEEKLY: A list of RV dealers, service centers, and mobile techs as recommended by our readers. Click here.
Stop RV Repair Bills from Ruining Your 2026 Travels
Say goodbye to rising RV repair costs when you protect your RV and your travel budget with Wholesale Warranties this new year. With 20+ years of experience, personalized coverage options, and 5-star customer support, we help RVers stay on the road. Save on costly repairs, enjoy flexible coverage including mobile mechanics, and travel worry-free all year long. Get your FREE personalized RV warranty quote today and enjoy peace of mind for every mile.
Reserved but empty campsites: The campground’s side of the story
By Nanci Dixon
There are two sides to every story, right? Well, that means there’s another side to why there are so many empty campsites. You’ll find the other side of that story behind the campground check-in desk. Read about it here.
RV towing tips: What does the tow haul button do?
By Cheri Sicard
Does your truck or tow vehicle have a tow or haul button? What does that button do? Do you need to always use the button when towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel? I didn’t know any of these things when I first discovered the tow haul button on my new (to me) 2500 Dodge Ram. … Therefore, I was happy to find the short, informative video below from the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) that explains all. Read more and watch the short video.
RVer’s death could have been prevented with a satellite messenger. Don’t let it happen to you!
By Dave Helgeson
*This article was originally written in 2022, but we share it each year to serve as an important reminder.
In April of last year, my wife and I were traveling through central Nevada on the way to Death Valley when we learned about the death of a camper who became stranded in Death Valley. It inspired me to write an article on how the camper’s death could have been prevented with a satellite messenger. Sadly, less than a year later and a hundred miles or so northwest from where the camper perished last April, tragedy struck again as an RVer died after their motorhome got stuck in soft sand due to a navigation error. Please read this potentially lifesaving post.
Understanding your RV’s sewage system: Proper black and gray tank upkeep and maintenance
An understanding of your RV’s drainage and sewage system is important for regulating smells, proper waste treatment, and disposal. Join Dave Solberg in this in-depth article where he’ll teach you everything to know about your RV’s sewage system, including how to dump it properly and what gadgets are needed to maintain it and keep it smelling like new. Click here for this valuable information.
Around the campfire
To grease or not to grease a trailer’s hitch ball?
By Gail Marsh
To grease or not to grease a trailer’s hitch ball? That was the question around the campfire a few nights ago. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about greasing the trailer’s hitch ball and were eager to share in the discussion.
Click here to read the opinions
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- Why RVers should get hooked on self-stick RV hooks
- Are you ready for an emergency? Sure?
- Clean your RV window screens without water
- RV awnings: Everything you need to know
- “New” storage tips, tricks, and hacks for RVing
Travel plans? Don’t miss the brand-new poop museum!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Smiley-faced water towers? A gas station that looks like a coffee pot? Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox? Ah, all great attractions. But there’s one in Williams, Arizona, that outclasses them all. A tribute to feces. Yes, it’s George Frandsen’s poop museum, the Poozeum! The museum just opened in May and is ready to guide you into the past. Learn more.
What to know before buying an RV from a private seller
By Gail Marsh
Buying an RV from a private seller can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and due diligence. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision. Continue reading.
Craigslist find transforms iconic Lutes Coach vintage trailer
By Paul Lacitinola
Each discovery tells a unique story and the Lutes Coach is no exception. With a rich history steeped in nostalgia, this remarkable trailer found its way to a passionate couple through a series of fortunate events. As enthusiasts dedicated to trailers and automobiles, their shared passion often leads them to extraordinary discoveries. Their journey with the Lutes Coach began approximately four years ago when they stumbled upon a captivating Craigslist listing. This vintage gem had quietly resided on a Lake Michigan property for decades. Check out this amazing restoration.
Our customers come first!
Family-run RV dealer Cheyenne Camping Center, one of America’s largest volume dealers, has served customers nationwide from Iowa since 1966. Get the lowest possible price without need to negotiate. No hard sell!! Long-time RVtravel.com supporter. Visit us today, (800) 397-5673.
An RVer love story about the “Wandering Jokester”
Our fake staff writer, Johnny Robot, is back with a bit of fiction this week involving love at an RV park. Today’s story, written entirely with artificial intelligence (AI), is about Billy Bob Bodine, an often-obnoxious jokester, who yearns to fall in love. When he meets Milly MacNutly, sparks fly. But can Milly put up with Billy Bob’s nonstop jokes? That’s our story.
Reader poll
Has your GPS ever misled you?
Please let us know. After you click your response, you’ll see how others have responded. Feel free to leave a comment.
POPULAR POLL FROM THIS PAST WEEK
We asked: Are you a member of Harvest Hosts? See how nearly 1,300 other RVers responded.
Ask Dave
By Dave Solberg
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
- Which RV roof covering is better, FlexArmor or fiberglass?
- RV has major delamination. Where to find DIY repair information?
- How much to tighten RV’s roof A/C mounting bolts each year?
- My RV’s converter is not charging. How to check it? Should I switch to lithium?
- Thor refuses to help with RV repair: “Only 60 days’ warranty left”!
Click here to see more questions for Dave.
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Isn’t this just the cutest RV you’ve ever seen? It’s a VW bug/motorhome mash-up called The Super Bugger… and we want it! Learn more about it here.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
These always make you smile when you’re driving down the road, don’t they? Well, now you can have one of your own! Just what you’ve always wanted!
Travel destinations
This unsuspecting state hosts one of the world’s only three Certified Quiet Trails
By Gail Marsh
You may have heard about the rare Certified Dark Sky parks. Even more rare are Certified Quiet Trails. In fact, there are only three Certified Quiet Trails in the entire world. Three! One of these trails is in Taiwan. A second was recently certified in Spain. The third? In one U.S. state you probably wouldn’t think of!
Click here to read and find out. Shhhh.
In the RV shop with Dustin
The best product to protect your RV toilet seals
By Dustin Simpson
Join me in the video below as I explain more about Thetford RV Toilet Seal Lubricant and Conditioner, a specially formulated solution designed to penetrate and coat seals for smooth, problem-free operation.
Continue reading and watch the video
RV gadgets and gizmos
Gadget turns any bucket into a shower; perfect for dog bathing, dish/grill cleaning, and feet-washing
By Cheri Sicard
Whether your RV lacks a shower, or you want the convenience of an outdoor shower for sandy feet, dog washing, grill washing, dishwashing, or whatever, the Ivation portable shower is your friend. With this rechargeable battery-powered device, you can instantly turn any container of water into a shower.
DON’T MISS THURSDAY’S BRAND-NEW GREAT RV ACCESSORIES NEWSLETTER!
If you love gadgets, you’ll love this newsletter! Click here to read, and make sure you’re signed up for it (every other Thursday straight to your inbox).
RV tire safety
Do not adjust your tire pressure for ambient temperature
By Roger Marble
As we get to even more summer heat, I read more and more posts on various RV forums where people are confused and/or concerned about having a tire “blowout” because the tire pressure got too high. Before the introduction of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), which report tire temperature, people were not presented with the temperature or inflation pressure as they drove down the road. While we did have a few people who were incorrectly bleeding pressure down on their tires after checking with a hand gauge, luckily, only a few did that and stopped bleeding pressure off after suffering tire failures.
RVing with dogs
Be careful. This “harmless” beach activity can send your dog straight to the vet
By Gail Marsh
It’s summertime, and few things are better than a day at the beach with your best canine pal. … I recently saw an article about this danger posted on our RVing with Dogs Facebook group. Did you know that there’s a hidden danger lurking on the beach for your furry friend: intestinal sand impaction?
Recipe of the day
Pineapple Salsa
by Cathy Gillespie from Arizona City, AZ
This pineapple salsa is sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. Cilantro adds its fresh flavor to this. The recipe does not make a huge amount, so it’s nice if you’re not serving a crowd. It can be eaten with tortilla chips. Or it will be delicious on top of baked fish, grilled chicken, or even spooned over fish tacos.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Our sweet boy is 15 1/2-year-old Hershi. He was born to travel and is probably the most ‘chill’ Yorkie ever. I just wish someone would tell him that he can’t drive because his feet don’t reach the pedals!” —Sandy Axelrod
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Don’t kill yourself or loved ones out of ignorance
• If you ever feel a shock when touching your RV, take action. Otherwise, you could kill yourself or loved ones.
• If you blow a front tire, do this. The result could be a disaster if you follow your instincts.
Trivia
7-Eleven stores were originally called “Tote’m Stores.” Back in the 1920s, the Southland Ice Company operated a chain of ice houses around Dallas, TX, where customers would stock up on ice for their ice boxes. An employee, John Jefferson Green, got permission to start selling basic kitchen goods such as milk, eggs and bread at one of the 16 stores. The model was very successful and, eventually, all other stores adopted selling other kitchen and food products. The stores were renamed “Tote’m Stores,” which was a nod to the fact that customers “toted” away their purchases. However, also at this time, one of their employees had brought back a large Inuit totem pole from a trip to Alaska and erected it outside their store. This pole was so eye-catching that soon there was a totem pole in front of every store.
The stores were renamed 7-Eleven in 1946 to reflect their new and expanded hours of operation.
Sunday funny
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The HEAT WARNING needs to be in larger fonts. Most people would not leave children in locked car, but I’ve seen too many pets in cars in sweltering weather. One instance I called the local police about a dog in a car for almost an hour in 90º temps while the parents were in a restaurant eating. The cop ended up breaking a window to get the dog out.
PS: do not take it upon yourself to break the window.
Hershi- you keep on trying to reach those pedals! Don
The post 4th of July migration is in full swing here in NW WI. I just got back from a supply run to Louie’s in Cumberland WI. HWY 63 must be backed up to Spooner with RV’s, boats, and camping rigs of every shape and size, filled with campers and cabin people heading back to the city. Time to grab a beer, sit back, and watch the parade!
Pet of the day dog photos are STUPID!!!! Not at all helpful on this forum. America needs to get over this dog obsession.
hating on the dogs??
Sounds like my dearly departed mother-in-law. She hated dogs and refused to come visit for three years after we got a dog. She missed 3 years of her grandchildren and time with her daughter. Now that is STUPID!
Sounds like my mother. We adopted Lady Bug 7 years ago November. When she saw her she was like what is it. It was like this aversion to her. The other two she loved but for some reason took to a dislike to her. My mother died 4 years ago April and Lady Bug? Still with us to this day at age 15. So I guess it goes without saying. She spoiled the other two and ignored the one. Parents need to get with it.
I had a serious problem with my ‘16 Tiffin, the welds were faulty, on one side and the coach fell 4 inches onto the chassic, cutting the 50 A cable. Colton rv, my dealer basically said “ good luck”. So I phone Mr Tiffin’s direct line and he answered the call! I drove the 1000 miles from Buffalo, and the welders and electricians were waiting for me! I was repaired in one day!
I will always buy TIFFIN!
We decided to take a trip to Asheville NC. There was this hotel I rsvp at. OK so with gps in hand we followed it and yeah we discovered that it took us to a bridge that ended….think dukes of hazard and that jump? Uh huh ah no. We saw and said that bridge leads to no where. What they did is removed the bridge and detoured us to the main road that lead to the hotel but there was no detour and we figured it out. But yeah it did it multiple times but we caught on the 2nd time. The alternate road lead us to and get this the recycle plant. We were like either recycle or take a trip off a bridge to no where. It does exist. I can’t remember the name of the hotel but otherwise had a great time.