Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Welcome to another edition of RV Travel’s Daily Tips newsletter. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and living tips from the pros, travel advice, a handy website of the day, tips on our favorite RVing-related products and, of course, a good laugh. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.
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Today’s thought
“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Hat Day!
Tip of the Day
Many reasons to have two-way radios
From Dick and Sandy near Buffalo, N.Y.: One tip we learned very early in our RVing (that started over 50 years ago) was not to arrive or set up in a campsite at night, unless there are absolutely no other options. When entering campgrounds, setting up, etc., we started out, like everyone else, shouting out directions or using hand signals. Then we changed to cell phones, but they don’t always work. So we learned to use two-way radios when entering and leaving, or setting up and breaking down camping spots. We also use them when entering and leaving tight parking spots, fueling, setting up at dump stations, or when separated at campgrounds or public events. Some are available with weather radio frequencies. There are many uses and reasons for having a good set of two-way radios. Great advice, Dick and Sandy!
Do you have a tip? Submit it here.
Quick mod: Stop annoying water pump noise
If your water pump makes any noise other than the sound of the running motor, such as a vibration noise, it may be time to remount your pump. Learn how.
Yesterday’s featured article: Why so few RV boondockers?
No more sticky windows!
An RVtravel.com reader recommended this white graphite powder as the perfect fix for sticky windows. Frames can contract in cooler weather, making things tight. He said his fix is lubricating the window tracks with a simple “puff” of white graphite powder. Why the white? “It doesn’t make a mess like the black stuff!” he explained.
Reader poll
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION.
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION.
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT.
• LATEST RV RECALLS.
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order.
Quick Tip
An alternative to holes in RV walls for hanging pictures
Florette and Jeffrey Schilkraut suggest the following for hanging pictures in an RV: “We used two Command Strips Picture Hangers on each side of our large painting to hang it on the wall of our Tiffin Allegro. We’ve had no problems with it on the road, did not have to make holes in the wall and can change its location easily if we choose to.” Thanks for the suggestion, Schilkrauts!
Note: If you’re interested, Command Strips Heavy Duty Picture Hangers are available on Amazon.com.
Random RV Thought
If you want to make a friend, do this: On a cold and rainy day in a campground, if you spot a tenter or a couple holed up in a tent, invite them into your cozy RV for hot coffee or maybe even dinner. You will most likely enjoy good conversation and make a new friend (or friends).
Like banana bread? This is the best recipe for it, we promise.
Website of the day
The weirdest thing every state is proud of
Yep, they’re all pretty weird all right. Each state has one totally bizarre landmark that they seem to be pretty proud of. This page lists them all.
Protect your RV “pigtail”
That 7-way connector on your travel trailer or fifth wheel is a critical component. When not plugged into your tow rig, the thing is susceptible to the onslaught of dirt, rain and even bugs. Here’s a plug cover that slips right over your precious plug and keeps out the crud. One user says, “This works perfectly to keep the plug on my RV clear. I remove it when not in use and place it in my ‘RV emergency tool kit.’ This way, it’s not knocked around when driving.” Learn more or order.
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• RVer safety: How much info should you give if you’re pulled over?
• Pros and cons of having slides out with snow.
• RV Tire Safety: Tire ramps or blocks may damage your tires.
#870
Trivia
French Poodles aren’t from France, they’re from Germany. In fact, the word “Poodle” comes from “Pudelhund,” the German word combining “dog” and “to splash.”
What animal has eyes on its tail? We told you in yesterday’s issue of this newsletter.
Leave here with a laugh
Funny bumper sticker: Watch out — The guy behind me is driving like an idiot!
Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY!
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Advertising director: Jessica Sarvis. Financial affairs director: Gail Meyring. IT wrangler: Kim Christiansen.
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Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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I looked at the few states I’ve been to (so far) and none are that exciting. BUT, I can tell you about the Hole in the Rock store and gas station. I’ve been in there, and the walls are, for the most part, carved right out of that rock. There’s a little convenience store at the front, but if you need the restrooms (which I did, at the time), you walk down a rock-wall hallway. I love it!
WE use “walkie talkies” to aid in manuvering in tight spots and helping to get setup, the spoken word is so much easier than deciphering hand signals. On the road we often monitor cb channels on our cb, truckers pass along valuable info on road conditions, accidents etc. Plus you never know when you will be in an area where there is no cell signal and in a case like that cb’s are very helpful, especially in emergency situations.
We have worked out the hand signals fairly well, but the problem is – my husband can’t always SEE me. We use walkies as well. Wouldn’t be without them!
Of course, when I clicked in the “Wierdest Thing Every State…” article, I had to look up my state (Wisconsin) first. I have never heard of the “Chatty Belle” cow. Heck, I don’t even know where Neilsville is. As a runner up, I’d like to nominate the Bronze Fonz
Give me the Fonz ANY TIME! Bronzed, or not…….
AYYYYYYY!!
It wasn’t clear from the short blurb but Chatty Belle and the Wisconsin pavilion in Neilsville were used at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. There’s an even better reason to visit Neilsville though. Just west of the city is “The High Ground”. It’s a beautiful mainly outdoor park with large scale memorials to veterans of several conflicts. It is also really atop the high ground with great views. We try to stop whenever we head out that direction in our RV as it’s just about the right distance for a lunch break.
Another shameless plug for a Wisconsin site is the volunteer-operated Military Veterans Museum & Education Center in Oshkosh. A large collection of operable vehicles and small displays. It was featured in the Smithsonian Channel’s documentary on Vietnam Gun Trucks and will appear this year on a “Discover Wisconsin” veterans-related episode which will air on numerous stations in an eight state area as well as on line. Full disclosure – yes, we both volunteer there.
If you asked the same question when it was not “snowbird season” the answers probably would be the opposite of today’s.
We are currently staying at Salt Springs, in the Ocala N.F. 14 day limit. I believe many of the campers will be somewhere in Florida for the rest of the winter, like us.
Tip of the day, i’ve used Vibration Damping Mounts for many years for many different things. They are great for that loud water pump, also come in different styles to suit your needs! Here’a the link!
https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Vibration-Damping-Mounts/b?node=16413771
Snoopy
Sorry that was for: Quick mod
I just cut up an old mouse pad for vibration damping.
Is there a way to look at the Reader Poll without answering? Today’s poll said “If you are in an RV park now, how many ‘campers’ there would you guess are seasonal or long-term”. I am NOT in an RV park at this time but wanted to see the results so I had to vote. I then clicked on change my vote to make the count correct. I think the #’s will not be accurate.
Just click on “View Results” at the bottom left corner.
Thanks Ed. I looked and looked and did NOT see that! Appreciate it!
Kathy, at the bottom of the poll there is a view tap
Thank you Jim. I see it now….
The poll of the day hasn’t been coming up on my view for awhile now so I guess I haven’t paid my bills,. Sadly I can’t weigh in or make much out of what some folks are saying on the poll of the day. I guess in time it may figure itself out.
Sorry you can’t get into the polls, Alvin. Have you checked your popup blocker? Or tried opening the newsletter in a different browser? Not many readers have been complaining lately about not being able to get the poll to open for them, so I’m not sure what else to suggest. But how frustrating for you in the meantime. I hope you are able to get them to work. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Read the item about inviting a person or persons into your RV if they happen to be tent camping near or around you. I would really like to think that it is a good idea and a nice thing to do but in this day and age I wouldn’t invite anyone that I don’t have a clue about into my RV for any reason. Its a sad thing to say but this is the reality of life in this world. Just my opinion!!
That’s the problem today with news, and internet we hear every little thing that happens any where in the world. So we are so paranoid about everything, like boondocking. A couple of years ago we were looking for a place where the forest service told us we could go. There weren’t many places & came to a place another camper was set up. I politely asked if we could use the same spot. After setting up they came over and said her husband made a big pot of soup & we were welcome to join them. Had a great time with some wine afterwards. There are a lot of great people out there, venture out there and find them it’s rewarding trust me.
Ive gotten the opposite response… the clearly shivering tent folk won’t accept a warm cup of coffee.
We have never been safer from crime but media keeps overplaying the exceptions.
Yeah, and I am sure the tent people are thinking the same about you. Wondering if you have “Jason” hiding in the head.
I know exactly what you are saying M. Will and I agree with you 100%.
Today at Probus, I talked to a guy next to me at our table who’d hired a guy to do some adjustments on his garage door. Unknown to him the guy scanned the code off the door opener then sold it to a crook who promptly got in that garage when the owner was absent and stole $5000 worth of mountain bikes. They caught the crook but the bikes are long gone.
I suspect someone got a great deal on a couple of mountain bikes.
This item comes in (at least for us anyway) under the heading, “The good old days of trust are today just pleasant memories”.
For all the years we’ve been RV’ing, we just unplug our “pigtail” and let it hang face down between our frame on our travel trailer. Never had an issue, rain or snow or ice.
I just tuck mine in the tow bar cover…keeps it nice and warm and dry.
It’s still January and I have been making reservations for June in National and state parks. I have found a couple of private RV campgrounds that are first come first served.
Seasonal or long term camping? We are now in Apopka Florida and live in South FL. We are heading to Georgia. In Florida at this time of year it is hard to find campsites because of the seasonal campers unless you make reservations way in advance. Certain campgrounds you have to make reservations 11 months in advance to the minute they start taking res.
I too live in So FL. I get so burned up when there is not a campsite available for those of us who are full time FL residents. There should be at least 10% saved for we residents who pay these high taxes.
Cheap FRS radios are everywhere, even in the toy section at Wal-Mart, Suggest moving up on the price chain. Motorola makes some very nice ones.
We personally use amateur radios, much better quality, and has many other uses. Almost every town has an amateur radio repeater for local information and friendship.
We bought inexpensive water proof 10 channel Motorola’s many years ago with a five mile range and they have never once let us down. I recall having replaced the batteries once, (possibly twice) in that time. These are very good units.
They’re yellow so we can’t lose them if you know what I mean lol!.
I shake my head every time I read something about couples backing into an RV spot. I’m a solo RVer and have always backed in alone. No help needed or wanted.
I agree. I too am a solo and when I have quests coming alone I tell them to take a walk when I am pulling into a site.
One of the great entertainments of camping is getting to watch others attempt to back or even drive straight into their sites without hitting, running over something or ending up parked all wrong.
It’s so rare when we get to watch someone back in and nail it, that we usually go over to welcome them and give them high fives on their extraordinary skill. So, a virtual high 5 to you for your parking prowess. You are the exception!
try it with 3 small yapping dogs ( they want out ) , a wife that can’t help ( not her fault ) .
i never go into a camp ground at night , that wouldn’t be good .
Disclaimer : Army truck driving school when i was 17 , 53 years ago and professional truck driver for a couple of years . only problem I’ve had , is when my neighbor came over to help me back in my drive way one day ( help was not needed ) 🙂
Takes me about five minutes to back my trailer in. Twenty minutes with help.
Full agreement with you on this one. Anyone who can’t back his/her rig up should NOT be on the road with it. If I had any say, the rules would change to reflect that.
In the province of Alberta Canada you have to educate yourself and get a special designated license to ride a scooter over 50 cc, but that same person can buy a truck and monster fifth wheel or an 800 hp Hellcat, and away they go no special training – nothing ! Ridiculous.
But we have been entertained, sometimes hilarious, sometimes before I can get over to tell them they’re going to back into the tree or over the neighbour kids bike …..