RV Travel Newsletter for Sunday, July 26, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 1271

Today’s thought 

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” —Robert Frost

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Coffee Milkshake Day!

On this day in history: 1775 – The office that would later become the United States Post Office Department is established by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania takes office as Postmaster General.

What each dashboard warning icon means

Abrupt warning sounds? Flashing rectangles on the navigation system? Vibrating steering wheels? It’s enough to drive a driver into making a mistake or save their life. And what about those icons? Less invasive and also simultaneously helpful and potentially confusing warning icons can also abruptly appear on your vehicle’s dashboard without, well, warning. Here’s what they all mean.

More than one-third of RVtravel.com readers have evacuated a campground. Are you prepared?

Wildfires, flash floods, hurricanes, hazardous material spills, and other emergencies can force RVers to leave a campground with little warning. Many readers shared their own evacuation stories in our recent poll. Here’s how to prepare now, so you’ll know exactly what to do if it ever happens to you.

Warning: RVers are very prone to dangerous DVT, deep vein thrombosis

By Gail Marsh
Deep vein thrombosis is a very dangerous condition where blood clots form deep within a vein. Many RVers are at risk of developing DVTs because on travel days we may spend long hours sitting as we move to our next campsite. Here are some additional reasons you may be at risk, and how you can prevent it from happening to you.

¯¯¯ Song of the week ¯¯¯
Take an RV Sentimental Journey

This weekly musical series from the RV Travel Virtual Recording Studio features original songs about RVing. A new song appears in every Sunday’s newsletter and occasionally in RV Daily Tips. Click below to play.

Today’s RV review…
2027 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 26LBW—Nice, but what’s with those awful gate valve handles?!

Today’s RV review is of the new 2027 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 26LBW travel trailer. This is a floor plan that used to be relatively common in the RV world: a front bedroom, a rear bath, a road-side slide with a booth dinette and the couch, and the kitchen on the camp side. It’s a good floor plan that works, and it’s returning with a few makers, including this one.

Off-Grid Solar Power Simplified is a practical, step-by-step guide in plain English to help RVers learn to build a solar system without an engineering degree. Learn how to size your system; choose the right batteries, panels and inverter; wire it safely; and avoid costly mistakes. Learn more.

Tanner Toons
With Tanner Woods

FACTOID: The Iowa 80 truck stop in Walcott, Iowa, is the world’s largest truck stop. It has a barber, chiropractor, and dentist on hand. Since it opened in 1964, it has served 36 million cups of coffee. We wrote about it here.

Tony’s tips
RVers hate exterior lights and speakers, but I have a theory on why manufacturers keep adding them

We all talk about the RV industry and how we feel many of the decision-makers at RV companies don’t really go RVing at all. There are a lot of reasons I hear this complaint. One of those is the exterior speakers on RVs, which are usually terrible, and the ever-brighter exterior lighting that seems to be proliferating. These are two consistent complaints among RVers, but I think I know why RV builders keep doing this. Keep reading.

Yesterday’s top news for RVers

• Roundup of the recent developments in national parks
• AI is creating fake RV dealerships. Here’s how to spot one
• More states are using speed limiters
• Starlink’s next upgrade may solve the one thing RVers still complain about
• Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: The dangers of hiking, propane explosions, another new RV and a new TPMS
• Ford recalls nearly 400,000 SUVs

Read the rest of the news in yesterday’s newsletter here.

Resale champs: The top 5 RV brands that hold their value

Many RVs lose 40% to 50% of their value within the first five years. For buyers financing a $60,000 or $100,000 unit, that decline can cost far more than expected. Resale value comes down to materials, build quality, warranty coverage, and used-market demand. Here are five brands that have reputations for retaining more of their purchase price than many mass-market alternatives.

How to prevent rust from damaging your RV

Left unchecked, rust can quickly ruin more than just your RV’s look. You want to do everything you can to prevent rust on your RV. It has the potential to make your rig unsafe, as well. Here’s why.

Two incredible vintage Airstreams that were NOT made of aluminum

The admiration of all things vintage is the founding principle of The Gulley Museum Collection. David and Mary Gulley’s quest for rare and historical examples of Airstreams led them to the monumental find of both a 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud and a 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud Jr. These two 1936 Airstreams are the oldest examples of factory-produced, original, Masonite-sided Airstreams known to exist (and they are beauuuuutiful!).

REMINDER: You are reading the FREE EDITION of this newsletter. Our donor edition does not contain ads.

Reader poll
Has your RV been “in the shop” for repairs in the last year?

Respond here.

POLLS FROM THIS PAST WEEK

• Walmart “campers”: Do you ask permission at the store if it’s okay to stay the night?
• How much of your clothing do you buy on Amazon?
• Coffee drinkers: Do you have one mug you favor over all others?
• Do you have a library card?
• Which of these fast food chain restaurants is your favorite?

Sunday giveaway
How would you like to win this portable, battery-powered hanging fan?

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.

Travel destinations

Beyond bourbon: America’s other “beverage trails”

Think the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is the only adult beverage road trip in America? Not even close. All across the country, cities and states have created their own flavor of beverage trails. These “spirit trails” are perfect for RVers looking to add a little flavor to their travels.

Guaranteed magical stop: The American Museum of Magic

The American Museum of Magic is a pleasantly surprising stop. It can turn an RVer’s driving day into a magical one (with no abracadabra needed!). Since 1978, the museum has celebrated the art of stage magic and has grown into one of the world’s largest magic collections.

Photo of the week

One of the more curious projects in Airstream’s history was its Airstream Funeral Coach. Launched in 1981 and marketed as a cost-effective solution for funeral homes, the Funeral Coach featured seating for 14, a large compartment for transporting a casket, and a back hatch that opened to a “trunk” area suitable for transporting flowers. It was presented as a fuel-efficient alternative that would reduce funeral procession traffic while maintaining dignity. Most importantly, it allowed families to travel together during a difficult time. Tony Barthel wrote about it a few years ago here.

Reinforce your RV’s screen door in seconds
Give your RV screen door a little extra love. This lightweight aluminum grab bar reinforces and protects your door, helps prevent everyday damage, and adds a comfortable, secure grip. Fully pre-assembled and adjustable to fit most RVs, it installs fast and makes every in-and-out smoother and safer. Learn more or order.

Summer’s sweetest treat

Viral two-ingredient sweet treats to try this summer

It’s hot! To combat the high temperatures, why not try cooling off with simple, two-ingredient treats? Starting with the viral watermelon “ice cream”, which is goooood.

How to choose a watermelon: Three things to look for in perfect melons

Summer’s favorite fruit—ripe, juicy watermelon—is incredible when it’s good. The problem is, it’s pretty bland and boring when it’s not. Have you wondered how to choose a watermelon? Here’s how.

Health benefits of watermelon for those aged 50+

Here are five health benefits of watermelon, especially for those aged 50 and older. Once you know how good it is for you, we bet you’ll want to go buy one. Yum!

RV gadgets and gizmos
The best sewer hose support with easy setup and smart design

By Cheri Sicard
I never understood why RVers bothered with sewer hose supports—until I spent several months in one campground. After years of using (and eventually tossing) a frustrating old support, I finally tried the Kohree RV sewer hose support. The difference was noticed immediately. It unfolds in seconds, has no loose parts to assemble, and made dumping tanks far easier than I expected.

RANDOM RV THOUGHT: RVers sometimes say their RV is their “Magic Carpet.” We understand, but we think an RV is better: How many magic carpets have a bathroom?

Highlights from this week’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter

• Does your RV refrigerator have a baffle? No baffle = poor cooling
• Do roof coatings really stop roof leaks? RV tech weighs in
• Stop immediately if you hear this sound in your RV
• No mess, no hassle RV sewer hose storage tips
• Easy ways to make your RV’s entry steps safer

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Forgive us if we’ve shown this to you before (we bet we have), but can you blame us? It’s perfect! Plus, it’s something that could always stay packed in the RV so you’d never worry about leaving it behind.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Enhancing stability and safety with RV OX BLOX Trailer Jack Blocks

An innovative solution that has gained widespread recognition in the RV community is RV OX BLOX Trailer Jack Blocks. These specialized blocks are designed to provide an extra layer of stability to RV trailers, ensuring a secure and level foundation for a more enjoyable and safer camping experience. Here’s Dustin’s “review”.

RV tire safety
More on “How many miles can I get from my RV tires?”

By Roger Marble
Last week we had a question from an RV owner wondering how many more miles he can expect on his tires. Here is more information explaining my answer.

Ask Dave

This past week’s questions that Dave answered:

How much of a safety margin should I use for roof clearance of my RV? • Why separate black and gray tanks? Why not just one? • Do I need to protect the underbelly of my trailer from moisture? • My RV bathroom has sewer flies even with tank valves closed. Help! • Tech says lithium batteries need an ‘annual absorption cycle.’ Who knew?

RVer health
Why blueberries are so good for you

Did you know that July is National Blueberry Month? Well, you do now! And so it’s a good time to talk about this tiny fruit and its many health benefits. “Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, actually one of the largest sources of antioxidants when it comes to fruit…” Continue reading.

FREE IS GOOD! Through tomorrow, July 27, get a FREE mini BLIZZARD^® Treat with any $1+ app order. DQ^® rewards is free to join. Check here for locations.

The best trash can for RVers and campsites
The Thetford Stormate Collapsible Garbage Bag Holder pops open in seconds, holds standard 13-gallon kitchen trash bags, and folds flat for easy RV storage. With a handy lid to help keep odors and critters at bay, it’s a simple upgrade for cleaner camping. Just pop it up at the campsite, and you’re set! Learn more or order.

Live cam
Osprey Nest – Charlo, Montana

Bumper snicker

Readers’ pets of the day

“With their signature fluff and Sheltie smiles, Riley and Sadie (ages 10 and 8) travel with us everywhere. They love camping, hiking, and hanging out at the campsite. They also love exploring tourist locations. They especially love shops that welcome dogs because goodies are involved! They are the most dedicated little shadows, using their high intelligence to keep us happy and their charming (?) barky voices to ensure we are never lonely. Riley brings steady, loyal warmth, making life fun and full of gentle companionship; Sadie adds a dash of feisty energy, keeping us on our toes with a full-of-life sparkle in her eyes.” —Gary Balich

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 photo more than once.

DO YOU KNOW HOW OLD YOUR DOG IS? Well, what you think might be wrong, according to new research.

Trivia

Pumpkins were not the first vegetable to be carved. Long before pumpkin carving became popular, Celtic people in Ireland were carving turnips and lighting them with embers to ward off evil spirits. This Celtic custom is the historical root of Halloween pumpkin carving.

Sunday funny

Did you miss last week’s RVtravel.com newsletter?

Read it here | Back issues

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

• Current National Radar Weather Map
• National Interagency Fire Center (national wildfire activity)
• InciWeb (major fire information)
• AirNow (smoke and air quality)

And finally… A song from the past

Arlo Guthrie, the City of New Orleans, 1993 from Wolf Trap

RVtravel.com All Star Staff

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

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