Friday, January 17, 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
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Hot Buttered Rum Day!
Tip of the Day
Nighttime blackout help for sleep
Full-time RVer Mike Millard sent in the following tip: “Awhile ago I saw a posting in RV Travel concerning RV day/night shades. My Monaco Diplomat has two-part pull-down shades. The lower part lets light in and acts as a dust filter while letting me see out during the day. The upper part, when fully lowered, is supposed to darken the RV interior but doesn’t quite do the trick. I bought a can of liquid rubber, which comes in black or white and either works fine, although the black stops a little more light. I took down each shade and sprayed the upper ‘darkening’ part only. What a difference, and the shade still accordions upward!” Thanks, Mike!
Do you have a tip? Submit it here.
RV wheel covers versus wheel simulators
Looking for a new set of wheel covers or wheel simulators to dress up your motorhome? Stainless steel covers and simulators are one of the simplest things you can do to give your motorhome an extra “shine.” However, a lot of people have questions about these wheel coverings and how they work. Learn all about them in this informative article from Dicor Corporation.
Yesterday’s featured article: Defrosting RV fridge makes for icy relationship
Protect yourself and others from sharp edges of RV slideouts!
Cut your head just once on the corner of a sharp RV slideout and you’ll race out to buy a set of these so it never happens again! Camco’s Slide-Out Corner Guards offer a simple solution to the danger posed by sharp corners on RV slideouts. Simply place them on each exterior corner of the slide to provide a cushion zone. They’re made of advanced UV-stabilized resin for long life. Easy to install, no tools required. Learn more or order.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RVing headed into a confusing place
- RV shipments continue to decline
- RV Electricity: Don’t just drop in a Lithium battery
- Really? This fifth wheel setup is bizarre and dangerous
Reader poll
Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 states. Essential reference.
California Camping: Moon Handbook guide profiles 1,400 campgrounds. Updated 2019.
Best-selling printed directory of free and inexpensive campgrounds. Click.
Best RVing books as recommended by our editors: Click here.
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.
Quick Tip
Avoid tire blowouts with proper inflation
An RV tire can lose up to half its inflation and still not appear flat. Tire blowouts are often caused by under- or over-inflated tires. Tire blowouts are one of the most common insurance claims as they can cause damage not only to the tire but to the undercarriage of the RV as well. Watch this video where Certified RV Technician Chris Dougherty explains how a blown tire could even ignite your RV’s propane.
Random RV Thought
When you are driving an RV or pulling one and you want to move from the left lane to the right lane, it is a good idea to confirm with your copilot if the lane is clear. But only accept an answer of yes or no. An answer of “I think so” is not good enough and can get your vehicle smacked.
Don’t blow out your plumbing!
Sooner or later, usually “sooner,” every RVer comes upon an RV park water hookup with pressure so high it could blow out the plumbing. None of us want that because it causes a lot of damage and is expensive to fix. The simple solution is to be sure when you hook up use a water pressure regulator, like this one that features a lead-free design to prevent lead contamination. Learn more or order.
Website of the day
KOA campgrounds that are open all year
Not all KOA campgrounds are open year-round, but quite a few of them are. Here’s the official list of all the ones you can visit 365 days a year. Happy camping!
Clubs and useful organizations
PLEASE NOTE: We may receive an affiliate commission if you join any of these.
• Harvest Hosts: Stay free at farms, wineries and other scenic and peaceful locations for free. Save 15% on membership.
• AllStays: The best website for RVers! Your membership will become your RV-bible.
• Overnight RV parking. Directory of more than 14,000 locations where you can stay for free or nearly free with your RV. Modest membership fee.
• Boondockers Welcome. Stay at homes of RVers who welcome you in their driveways, yards, farmland or other space on their private property. Modest membership fee.
• Escapees. Best Club for RVers: All RVers welcome, no matter what type of RV, make or model.
• No-park Walmarts. Best directory of stores that do not allow overnight stays with RVs.
Microwave cover collapses for easy storage
When heating your food you don’t want to spend 10 minutes later cleaning the splatters inside the microwave. Here’s the solution — and perfect for RVers: it pops down flat for easy storage. Lid perforations allow steam to escape to keep food moist. Doubles as a strainer, too! Learn more or order.
Trivia
Ayanna Williams, a resident of Houston, Texas, set the record for the world’s longest fingernails. They each measure between 20-26 inches long and she’s been growing them for 24 years. Click here to watch a video of her … if you dare.
Why is it illegal to sell photos of the Eiffel Tower at night? Find out in yesterday’s newsletter.
Leave here with a laugh
Seeing her friend Sally wearing a new locket, Meg asks if there is a memento of some sort inside. “Yes,” says Sally, “a lock of my husband’s hair.” “But Larry’s still alive.” “I know, but his hair is gone.”
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.
This website utilizes some advertising services. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers.
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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This newsletter is copyright 2020 by RVtravel.com
Sitting here in the house, camper is in the driveway and the snow is coming. Neighbors are in Texas where it is in the 80’s, and it is 11 degs. outside. What are we doing here?
Protect yourself and others from sharp edges of RV slideouts!
Please stop putting this AD up for these Edge protectors! They are useless and really don’t save you from Cutting or seriously injuring your head with your slides extended.
The best method on your slide outs, is go to Walmart and buy a Simple Pool Noodle. Styrofoam and Soft, cut a SLIT down the middle and place it on the corners of your RV Slides. Much more protection from Bashing your head and Cussing at the slides.
Walmart Swimming Noodles. The Best!
OH and they are ALLOT Cheaper too!
They’re only $99c at the 99c store, dollar tree etc…! Been using for years!
(Pool swimming noodles)
Reading this at our winter RV park in Naples, FL. 67 degrees at 6:30 am – going up to 82 today! Yay for wheels!
Oh I sooo admire you…
I use a trimmed down swim noodle from the Dollar Store to cover my slide edges. Only takes one minute to cover both edges. With their neon colors, they are hard to miss.
Full timer here, currently in West Texas oilfield gate guarding.
Reading this in my RV at Edinburg, TX.
Mathis Texas
Sitting at home in my lazy boy, first cup of coffee for the day with local radio station telling me it’s gonna snow tomorrow!
I always read the newsletter in the RV as we are retired full timers. We are currently near Tampa having fun attending the big RV show.
Reading this newsletter in Mesa AZ. Snowbirds for the winter. 6-7 months.
Attending a Roadtrek gathering in High Springs, Florida. Temperature this morning is a rigorous 54 degrees, sunny with a high of 77 degrees later today! This is the life for me. Friends, nature and great times together.
I don’t use any social media, so I’m reading the Daily Tips in Key West. Will be in Florida until end of March. I really love winter with no snow !
This morning I am reading this newsletter in our motorhome from Sunny 😎 Los Barriles, Mexico where it has been a beautiful 75 and sunny since we arrived on December 1.
Thanks for the great newsletter!!
Yikes! 20 to 26 inch finger nails.
They are gross and creepy to look at.
Enjoying our winter in the Rio Grande Valley in the southern tip of Texas. Temps have been in the upper 80s all week.
I’m reading this in the motorhome. We’re in Davenport RV Park, Haines City FL. Full timers, we move on to other places regularly.
Reading my newsletter in the Ocala National Forest in the comfort of my RV bed with my coffee in hand. Full-timers and snow birds who move on in the Spring. This is the life!!
Currently in Summerdale, Alabama.
We are in Orange Beach AL until April when we head to Richmond VA to meet friends. From there to Gulf Port MS. Then it will be mid-June and time to go home until September.
Read the newsletter EVERY morning from our RV! Full-timers in White Tank Mountains, Arizona. No snow here but can see it In the distance on the mountain tops.
I’m reading this in an RV in Grants Pass Oregon. Snow and ice today, I wouldn’t be driving today.
Myrtle beach ,sc
We’re in Quartzsite, AZ
Wintering in my RV in Mission,TX vs. northern NY.
We’re in Rockport, Texas
What’s your favorite RV landing in Rockport ? Last year we stayed at Ancient Oaks…
RV Travel and morning coffee is a daily ritual. Sitting in my RV in Fort Myers, Florida. I’m a retired full timer who travels year round.
Reading the newsletter in Marin County, CA. We’ve been house sitting for our son and daughter-in-law for three weeks. We’re leaving today and headed over the Sierras back to Carson City. Home sweet home.
Check the road conditions first.
I am reading this Newsletter at home because I’m watching the ice melt from the freezing rain last night. We would be on the road if my wife, Darlene, had not slipped on a curb and broken her right wrist and right leg at the end of November, requiring 6-8 weeks of TLC. This Missouri Winter has not been as bad as some, but I still don’t like it.
Had to answer no to the question. Am currently out of the trailer next to my propane fire ring watching the sunrise in Quartzsite among a lot of other Lance camper owners.
Jupiter Florida
I read the newsletter every morning in my RV. Currently in Los Fresnos, TX enjoying the warm weather.
UGH! Those nails are gross. How does she do …uh..personal maintenance? Or for that matter keep them clean!
The foothills of Yuma AZ
Tucson, Arizona
I am reading this at home….at this moment. Ask me tomorrow :-). In about 2 hours will be on the road from CA to FL for about 2 months.
Curtis & Betty in our Big Mike motorhome drinking coffee in Yuma, AZ for winter!
First things first! Fire up the tablet,get coffee,sit down and read RV Travels. In a park model in Casa Grande AZ and leaving for Quartzite Sunday.
Sigh… Wish I was in my RV somewhere warm. It’s -22F here today and that’s the warmest it’s been all week. Looking forward to retirement someday when I can join the hordes of snowbirds!
Post todays poll in 6 months and I bet you get a vastly different result.
We are in the mountains near Idyllwild in Southern California.
We’re in our home on wheels currently located in Quartzsite.
We are at JBSA Canyon Lake TX. In our 5th wheel.
Getting ready for our 1st trip of the year. We have been idle since October and are anxious to get moving.
A 1961 Holiday House Trailer. http://www.doityourselfrv.com/holiday-house-geographic-trailer/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email
That’s a beauty, Charles. Thanks for the link!
Is that your gorgeous trailer, Charles? Wow! 😯 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Beautiful Charles, envy envy envy from Lethbridge Alberta -25 below C.. Rig in storage for three more months. Not liking it!!!!! Thanks for sharing greatest from another era.
I’m in my RV in Golden Valley, Arizona with my GoodSam chapter.
Sitting under the 5th whl awning, in Zepherhills Florida. First time snowbirders. Loving it so far.
Looking for a campground for that area for March. Do you recommend a specific one?
Sitting in our home in Lake Havasu City, Az. We are Heading to Rockport, Texas soon.
Full-timing, sitting outside the RV at an RV resort near Phoenix.
Mesa, AZ
We are from the Oregon Coast..currently sitting in our RV alongside the marina in Chula Vista, CA in the “rain” … 😉 planning our trip back to Alaska this summer.
Tough sledding this retirement stuff!
Survey question, we are in Apache Junction, AZ, but are heading for Yuma next week
We are currently in snowy La Conner WA.
Currently boondocking near Quartzsite, AZ.
In McAllen Texas right now and looking forward to going to the Fulton Oyster Festival held March 5-8 this year. One of the best small town Festivals in Texas. The best small town fireworks display I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to purchase the peanut brittle that is sold there every year.
Sneads Fl. at three rivers State park then heading to Pine Mountain Georgia to freeze.
I’m in Joshua Tree on BLM, South side! Getting ready to make Rubin sandwiches! Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sour krout, mayo, and fresh rye bread toasted!! This is our 1st day here, stay in 3 days.
I always read the newsletters in my RV. No house to read them in.
Reading this from our park host site in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon
Where are you hosting? We’re workamping @ a Maricopa Co park outside Phoenix and want to move to Willamette Valley when we’re done in mid-April.
Howdy folks. I have not been able to participate in the poll because it is not coming up on my screen. Just says Readers Poll and nothing to click on. No big deal but it would be fun to take part.
Hello Chuck, Diane, and all?
Hi, Alvin. Did you read my untechy and probably unhelpful reply from a couple of days ago? Here it is in case you missed it:
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
If you’ve tried those things and they still don’t show up, let me know and I’ll contact our IT Dude to see what better ideas he has. Thanks for your patience in the meantime. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
RV, Willis TX
Almost ALWAYS in our RV reading it since we sold our last house 8 hrs ago & went f/t. Last summer worked for U.S. Forest Svc in Sawtooth Mtns of idaho; this winter are in a Maricopa Co park outside Phoenix, and looking to go to Oregon spring/summer 2020. Life is great, isn’t it?
Sunny Las Vegas!
When the right seat clears your right, they should keep watching until the maneuver is completed. They should not look back at the driver to say “clear.” Things can change.