America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1247
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Today’s thought
“A generation which ignores history has no past—and no future.” —Robert A. Heinlein
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Kite Flying Day!
On this day in history: 1910 – The Boy Scouts of America is incorporated by William D. Boyce.
RVtravel.com reader designs “perfect” RV, sends to manufacturers. What do you think?
Earlier this week, we received a letter from reader Bob, which includes his description and design for his “perfect” trailer. He even created a floorplan with specific measurements. Please read through Bob’s design, admire all the work he has put into this, and then leave your ideas, suggestions, advice, critiques, etc., in the comments below. He’s sending this out to RV manufacturers, so your input is important. Bob will be thrilled to hear from you. Thank you! Is this your perfect RV, too?
Not every RVer uses their RV’s toilet the same way… Wait, what?!
By Gail Marsh
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I thought at first that I’d misunderstood the statement. Up until then, I thought there was only one way to use the RV toilet. I quickly found out that I was mistaken! Turns out, there are two distinct groups of RVers when it comes to using the RV toilet. (At least two groups I’ve discovered. Who knows? There may be more!) Which are you?
10 essential tips for RVing with health issues
The open road still calls to many RVers as they age or deal with ongoing health issues. The RVing community includes plenty of folks in that season of life, and health planning matters a lot more than it once did. With some smart habits, RV life can stay safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for many miles to come. Follow these tips and take care!
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Today’s RV review…
Grand Design Lineage Series F 31ZW 43 limited edition – Wow!
What we have today is the limited edition “43” variant on the Lineage 31ZW. This package takes the already-aggressive Lineage 31ZW and turns it into something you might expect from one of those specialty overlanding companies that build vehicles that are technically RVs but border on being military-spec. All Tony can say? “Wow!” (Well, a lot more than that, too, but “Wow!”) Continue reading.
Give her something she’ll love!
Aren’t these the cutest little vintage RV earrings you’ve ever seen? We think so! Think of all the special compliments you, or your special lady, will receive wearing these! How fun! Valentine’s Day is just a few days away… Check ’em out.
Tony’s tips
Behind the scenes of RV transport: The hidden journey your RV takes before you buy it
Have you ever sat back and wondered how the RV got from wherever it was made to the dealership where you bought it? I thought I’d share some insights, and this also translates into some of the reasons your poor RV didn’t arrive in one piece. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a part of the RV industry you don’t usually get to see (or read about).
Yesterday’s top news for RVers
- Love’s plans 23 new RV Stops in 2026
- The $299 Starlink Mini deal is back—and RVers may want to look again
- Starlink’s AI data policy raises questions RVers should be asking
- Will new truck parking make rest areas usable again for RVers?
- New column! Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel—RV news analysis
Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.
The RV Lighter Side
with Tanner Woods
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: You can drive 400 miles without stress, but backing an RV 40 feet will humble you.
Avoid these five common RV winter blunders, or else…
By Gail Marsh
Winter RV trips can be magical with crisp air, quieter campgrounds, and great views. Then one simple mistake quickly turns that “cozy” into “costly.” Ask me how I know… For several years, my husband and I have traveled to southern Florida to escape the Midwest’s wild winters. Read on to see how even well-seasoned RV travelers, like us, can make winter blunders.
How to get rid of and prevent black streaks on an RV
Have you ever noticed gray or black streaks coming down the sides of your RV? It’s common, especially after a rain. Here, the team from The Camping Loop explored the best way to get rid of these black streaks by putting three products to the test. See which one worked best, and learn how to prevent unsightly black streaks on your RV in the future.
A website I love turns your RV travels into terrific adventures
By Gail Marsh
Want to travel in your RV but need to stay close to home? Or are you planning upcoming travel for the year and want more from RVing than the same ol’, same ol’? Either way, I’ve got the website for you! This is one of my favorites, and for good reason. It is a hyperlocal travel site that puts nearby quirky attractions, small-town dining, local hikes, and scenic locations right into your inbox (or web browser). Read on.
Are quick-release hose connectors worth having? Oh, yeah!
Gail Marsh writes, “Setting up in an unexpected downpour of rain was all it took for quick-release hose connectors to become one of hubby’s favorite RV gadgets. Do you use them? We’ve put them on our drinking water hose and black water rinse hose, and they really live up to their name! If you don’t have these, you’ll want them after reading this.
Reader poll
Do you listen to music while you drive?
TAKE A GUESS: The majority of RVtravel.com readers have A) kept their original RV’s mattress, or B) replaced their RV’s original mattress with a new one. Find out here.
Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this beef jerky variety pack? Yum!
Valentine’s Day is next weekend, and our gift to you? Beef jerky! (And no, it’s not just for men. We ladies looooove beef jerky, too!
How to win
We’ll select a winner at random out of all entries we receive today by 7 p.m. Pacific time. You can only enter once. Click here to enter or see last week’s winner.
RV gadgets and gizmos
New smart toilet uses video and audio to analyze your health while you use it
Throne One is a smart toilet. No, it will not talk with you while you do your business. But what it will do is look at what you deposit into the toilet and let you know via your smartphone how healthy (or unhealthy) you are. Oh, it records sound, too… Yikes. Read more about this real (yep) toilet.
Remember this?
Hilarious safety tips for driving in the snow
Here’s one of our archived stories from 2021 that will make you laugh all over again. Yep, these are good snow-drivin’ tips, all right! How many of you have taken this advice this year? Get ready to laugh.
Travel destinations
American “henges” worth an RV pit stop
You’ve heard about the original Stonehenge. However, did you know that the U.S. has its own collection of “henges”? Yep, they’re all over the country! Who built these American henges and why? Let’s take a closer look.
Visiting California’s dramatic Devils Postpile National Monument
The Devils Postpile National Monument is a dramatic spot in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The monument is located off the back side of Mammoth Mountain in Madera County, California. Its unique basalt rock formations are a mind-bending sight to see.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Want to get your special someone something meaningful? This isn’t jewelry or chocolate or anything in between, but it is something you two will bond over and enjoy through the years. We mean it!
Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter
- RVers’ Groundhog Day: How to break from routines and fall in love again with RVing
- Need a free place to stay in your RV? Ask a church
- Tips for cleaning your RV’s oven door
- Awning tear? Fix it yourself
- Easy, cheap trick to keep outdoor cords, chargers dry
In the RV shop with Dustin
Danger: Over-greasing your wheel bearings can cause serious safety hazards
Proper wheel bearing maintenance is critical to the safety and reliability of your RV. While greasing wheel bearings through an axle zerk fitting may seem like a simple way to keep components protected, overfilling bearings with grease can cause serious mechanical failures and safety hazards.
RVer health
Being a grandparent is good for the brain
Being a grandparent is good for the brain, according to a new study. Caring for grandchildren—known as “gran-nannying”—may serve as a “buffer” against cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, say scientists. This is interesting!
RV tire safety
Using TPMS: ChatGPT agrees with me!
Tire expert Roger Marble discusses the use of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and adds what ChatGPT (AI) has to say about it. Roger concludes with, “… ChatGPT agrees with the summation of my 40+ years of experience….” Read it here.
Ask Dave
This past week’s questions that Dave answered:
If wheel bearings are sealed, why do they need to be repacked every year? • No hot water pressure in back shower; cold is fine. Water heater too far away? • Warning: Some RV emergency exit windows may be one use only! • Is it better to use nitrogen in my tires? • How to temporarily use a winterized RV
Squeaky, stiff or stuck RV windows? This will help
“Sliding RV windows are convenient, but they can squeak or become difficult to open and close. Get them sliding smoothly again: First, clean the tracks, then add a lubricant. Spray a little on a cloth and wipe down the track of the window where it slides. You can use a dry lubricant specifically made for RV windows like this.” Learn more in Gail’s story here.
BUMPER SNICKER: “I drive a house. Respect the commitment.”
New! Comments this week from readers
“I’d recommend buying an RV with an extra door in the bedroom. Safer with two doors. When you look at the size of many Americans as older people with disabilities, it’s easier and safer to go out a door than a window.” —Bob M.
“An older but wiser RV crowd here. We’re blessed to have been born in, grew up in, and living in the greatest nation on earth. Majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes and wildlife to enjoy. Even some fish to catch and fry. Add in teaching grandchildren to hunt, fish and camp, and it’s great to be older.” —Fishing Dave
“Another idea to pop popcorn in the RV if you don’t carry an air fryer: use a paper lunch sack. Add one-third cup of popcorn kernels and a tablespoon of oil. Place the bag on a plate; it eliminates greasy cleanup. Set the microwave to popcorn setting and cook until popping slows. The bag will be hot.” —Lisa M.
“We have stayed in church parking lots and side yards many times. We are part of the Methodist NOMADS organization, and the mission work we do often has us parking at churches or church camps. They have electric and water and a place to dump. Not all churches have these arrangements, but some do.” —Mike J.
“Be happy Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter. His accuracy rate is only 35% so we have a 65% chance of early spring!” —Ron
“We attended a show in Cleveland and looked at a trailer that had a ‘show price,’ but when I went online, that same dealer had a lower price listed. After that, the salesperson at the show wouldn’t even talk to me again. Makes me think the show prices are lies.” —Terry W.
For Lovers Only
TO: Punkin
FROM: Me
“52 years ago, I held you in my arms during our first unexpected dance. My heart melted and I knew it was home. Every morning, I thank God ‘for my life …and my wife’. I pray that the music never stops, and this dance goes on forever. I LOVE YOU …always have, always will.”
TO: My Snuggle Buddy
FROM: Right Where I Need To Be
“Babe, it’s been over 41 years, and I still want you, need you, and am in love with you! All my love now, always, forever and ever.”
Live webcam
Hog’s Breath Saloon in Key West, Florida
Think these people know they’re being watched?
Readers’ pets of the day
“Molly and Jessie (Beagles, ages 5 and 7) are ready for dinner. In your dreams, girls!” —Constance Gertsch
Want to see your pet in this newsletter? Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your pet more than once.
Trivia
In the United States, about 2 to 3 people per year, on average, are killed in grizzly bear attacks, sometimes fewer, sometimes none in a given year. August is the peak month for attacks. This makes grizzly-related deaths an extremely rare cause of human fatalities compared to other risks.
Sunday funny
Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?
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Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Headed on an unfamiliar highway? Learn if it has low bridges you might not fit under.
And finally… A song from the past
RVtravel.com All Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
I saw the clearly impossible puzzle and yes I would give this as a gift. Especially if you have a puzzle lover in your family or among friends. Just get a small black table cloth to go with it. I love this gift idea. This one library I have a book club at has a few puzzle lovers table. So I wouldn’t knock it until you tried it.
Molly and Jessie are absolutely two adorable sweethearts. I’m glad they are ready for dinner that’s my favorite part of camping. Keep on camping.
A little tip here: I have a small 20′ Jay flight 198 Rd camper and I am FT. The black tank clogged one time mostly because of T.P. and after freeing it up I started to throw the paper into a waste container and either burning it at camp or disposing it with garbage. The black tank is about 32 gals. What I then noticed was that instead of dumping the tank every 10 days or so it began to last 3 weeks or so before needing dumping. I do pour in some Ammonia at times, to mask any smell. Thought this may be of interest.
Where are the postcards? They’re great??????
The Hogs Breath camera brought back memories of spring break at the Fort Walton location. And when I tuned in Roll Away the Dew (Franklin’s Tower) by the Dead was being played. RIP Bobby Weir.
No truer statement than today’s thought
Sure hope they eventually edit Gail’s quick disconnect post. Folks, most brass garden hose fittings use lead as a lubricant. Please, make sure you buy brass fittings that specifically list lead-free or for drinking water use!
In a garden hose setting, the water doesn’t stick around to take in the lead. But RVs are different. We connect our hose and pressurize it. Water can be stationary for many hours in that hose and have plenty of time to pick up lead. Lead exposure is cumulative. It goes into the body, but often stays there. Lead screws with your nervous system.
Thank you, Jim. I’ve added your important caveat to Gail’s post. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
So what happened on Sunday’s email notificationb? Also what is the solution to the Brain Teaser from Saturday? Thanks
Hi, Jim. I just checked the records and it shows that the Subscribers’ edition of Sunday’s newsletter was delivered to you at 2:01 a.m. on February 8. (It also indicates that you didn’t open it.) It must have been deleted accidentally? Or it’s still sitting there waiting for you somewhere? The answer to the Brain Teaser is: U472BMT. (“You force heaven to be empty.”) Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Memories of that Roberta Flack concert in Portland in 1973. Had to wait for the last song for the “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Worth it! She was truly amazing!