Issue 1627
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.
[activecampaign form=34]
Page Contents
Today’s thought
“The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it.” —
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Onion Rings Day! But if you’re not into onions, then here’s good news: It’s also National Chocolate Eclair Day!
On this day in history: June 22, 1942
The Pledge of Allegiance is formally adopted by the U.S. Congress.
U.S./Canadian border remains closed
The United States has extended Covid-19 restrictions on non-essential travel at land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico until July 21, according to a tweet from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Tip of the Day
A good set of pliers is essential
An essential part of the RV toolbox is a good set of pliers. Now, you can get a complete set (the ones in the photo are from Amazon), which is economical and functional, or you can pick individually. I like a set like this, as I can think of a time where I have used each one.
The channel locks are ideal for any plumbing connection or nut/bolt that you need a little more leverage on. Needle nose are great for wiring jobs. Electricians’ pliers and wire snips are essential for doing electrical work. Lastly, general-purpose pliers help when securing fasteners. — Chris Dougherty, RVIA certified technician
Yesterday’s tip of the day: These are the home remedies we swear by for bug bite itching
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2021 Jayco Seismic 4113 Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler. He writes, “The objective of this design is almost like a giant party yacht – but with three axles and two bathrooms.” We like the sound of that! Read more here.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the Oliver Legacy Elite Travel Trailers for boondocking? If you missed it, you can read it here.
For previous RV reviews, click here.
Is this your RV?
If it’s yours and you can prove it to us (send a photo for comparison), tell us here by 9 p.m. Pacific time today, June 22, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
If this isn’t your RV, send us a photo of your RV here (if you haven’t already) for a chance to win in future issues.
Last week two readers claimed their $25 Amazon gift cards: Dana Eulert of Huntley, Illinois, and Jay Miller of Runnells, Iowa.
We’ll have another photo in tomorrow’s RV Daily Tips Newsletter (sign up to receive an email alert so you don’t miss the issue or those that follow). Some of these photos are submitted by readers while others were taken by our editors and writers on their travels around the USA.
Hiker dies of extreme heat! Let this be a warning
Let this be a reminder that summer is upon us and days are heating up. Last Saturday at about 1:15 p.m., a hiker in the Grand Canyon was reported experiencing heat illness. The 53-year-old backpacker was on a multi-day backpacking trip from the Hermit to Bright Angel Trail. Hiking down the Hermit Trail on Friday, she became disoriented and later unconscious. A day later, she died; the cause of death is believed to be heat-related. On June 20 the high temperature at Phantom Ranch was approximately 115°F (46°C).
We do not want to own this RV. Nope.
If bubble gum and an RV had a baby…. We found this on the CampingRoadTrip.com Facebook page and couldn’t help but share. Saying “Yikes!” is an understatement. Put on your sunglasses before you click here.
Yesterday’s featured article: OK to use cruise control while towing?
Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
As much as we love technology, we still appreciate a good physical road atlas. This highly rated National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition is certainly one to love. The atlas has up-to-date road maps for all 50 states, plus Canada and Mexico. Cities and metro areas include popular attractions and points of interest. The atlas also acts as a guidebook to National Parks and the top 100 adventure destinations. This atlas is cool! Check it out.
Reader poll
How do you feel about handling non-poisonous snakes?
Do you love the slithery creatures or do they scare the pants off you? Vote here.
Quick Tip
Hurricane coming your way?
If you ever get pinned down with your RV when a hurricane is headed your way, here’s a tip about how to help minimize the storm from blowing your RV every which way (including upside down). Fill all your holding tanks – fresh water, gray water and black water (water is fine in the latter: no need to spend lots of time sitting on the pot!). The extra water weight will make the RV heavier, thus slightly more difficult for the storm to topple or blow to points unknown. Of course, if you can drive or tow your RV away from the storm, that’s best. If you are forced to stay in the area, maybe get a hotel room and hope when you return that the RV is where you left it. Check out our directory of RV parks (and other locations) with storm shelters.
Not enough power to run your air conditioner? Think again!
When the summer heat arrives and your 110 power is from a small portable generator or a 20-amp household hookup you’re out of luck running an air conditioner. That is, unless you have a SoftStartRV. It’s inexpensive, simple to install, and makes running your A/C possible when you never could before. Learn more and watch a video where RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury explains how the product works.
Website of the day
8 of History’s Weirdest Jobs
You’ll love this list of 8 of the weirdest jobs in history. For example, at one time you might have earned your living as a “knocker upper.” What’s that? You’ll have to visit the website to find out!
And the Survey Says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 11 percent say they have dropped something down their RV’s toilet by mistake
• 33 percent prefer to stay at a campsite with a fire pit
• 23 percent would prefer to camp at a campground that does not allow dogs
Recent poll: Have you already booked a campsite this summer in a National park?
Recipe of the Day
Watermelon Lime Frosty/Margarita
by CC MCCART-FROST from Guatay, CA
Amp up your summer sipping with this frosty margarita. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy fresh watermelon in a drink. Sweet and tangy, make a batch of these when you’re sitting poolside. This is definitely an adult-only cocktail.
How good does that look? Get the recipe and whip one up!
SEE YESTERDAY’S YUMMY RECIPE: Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
Trivia
Have you ever wondered how the “84 Lumber” chain of stores got its name? It’s from the unincorporated village of Eighty Four in Pennsylvania, located 20 miles south from Pittsburgh. The company was founded there in 1956. Today it owns and operates more than 250 stores throughout the USA.
*What is the purpose of “eye black,” the grease that sports player’s apply under their eyes? If you don’t know, find out in yesterday’s trivia.
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
This is exactly what families and groups of friends need to stay entertained! What fun!
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“CoCo. Don’t let her small size fool you. She loves humans, but let any other animal around and she’ll readily announce who’s the boss, whether it’s a full-grown deer, Great Dane, or a squirrel. She’s the perfect travel companion and loves being on the road… I swear, there’s a person in there.” —Cynthia Darby
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Saturday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
Watch Now!
Amazon Live Prime
Sit back and watch the hosts of Amazon Prime Live show off one product after another. And all the while, special offers will scroll across and down the screen. This is great fun! And, heck, you just might pick up a great bargain. Click here to watch.
Leave here with a laugh
You will fall to the floor laughing when you play this 13-second video. Grandpa has some pretty strong feelings about which wine he prefers. Do not miss this. Do not!
https://youtu.be/vaUI-8RLi78
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the latest Sunday News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
Become a Member!
This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support? Learn more or contribute.
New Facebook Group: Pavement Camping: Share information about where to stay in the parking lots of big box stores and other non-traditional camping places.
Help find these stolen RVs. Get them back to their owners and put the crooks in the slammer. Have you seen any of these?
Need help? Contact us.
RV Daily Tips Staff
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Senior editor: Diane McGovern. Social media and special projects 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.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2021 by RVtravel.com
Ha ha ha ha ha, when I grew up, channel locks were what’s now called locking pliers and what’s now called channel locks were channel grips!!!
I’m sorry that I wasted 13 seconds on the “Leave here with a laugh” video.
You’re right! The sound of a baby laughing and some adults having a little bit of fun is way too lame for today’s sophisticated society! We need a booty twerking in our face for at least 13 seconds!!! /s
The RV with the purple velvet interior – I want to see what the outside looks like! The Scooby-Doo van maybe?
Instead of buying China made tools that are garbage buy Channelock brand that are made here in the USA. As a plumber I have used them everyday for 33 years without a failure. The plus is there not all that expensive.
I second that notion, having had cheapo tools break on me.
The wine guy needs a new hobby. His laugh makes him look like a wine snob. Cute but glad he is not my side of the family.
Everyone needs to understand that while you may be able to run an AC on a 2000w generator using soft-start, you won’t be able to do much else such as: microwave, coffee maker, etc. I found this out with our 3400W genset when trying to run the microwave and water heater at the same time as the coffee maker. You will be much more limited with a 2k watt setup.
True, but when you’re boondocking in the mid-west in the high 90’s with humidity to match, being able to run the A/C during the night from a small genset is a blessing. Not going to use the micro or the coffee maker, etc., just the A/C to get thru the night. Works like a champ.
“Leave here with a laugh” is a repeat. It was asinine then and it’s asinine now. Just my humble opinion.
You must be fun at parties.
Jopa, Not all of us have the same sense of humor. That’s obvious, of course. You don’t like this, we understand. Others think it’s hilarious. That’s the way it goes. . .
Really enjoyed Laugh. It put a smile on me.
I’ll have to disagree with the tip on ‘if you’re forced to stay’ in the path of a hurricane. RVs are on wheels. If a hurricane is headed your way, charge your devices, fill your fresh tank so you can boondock if necessary, and get out. It’s bad enough we have people in sticks and bricks foolishly ‘riding it out’, we don’t need RVers doing the same thing.
Amen
Some RVers rigs are so “settled in” it’s a big deal to move. Other times, things are happening fast and you really don’t know if you can get to safety quickly enough, or where “safe” will be. When we say “forced to say,” we mean by circumstance, not by someone telling us to do so.
Wanderer, you are correct if you are visiting and if you have a weeks notice. Where I live in Fla, in a block home, we are told to NOT evacuate. There is only one way out of here and that is North. Roads North cannot handle all of us – Interstate parking lots. Even with full tanks, there is most likely no gas where you are when you run out. Between my house and RV, I hope something survives to keep us going. We are prepared in many ways for storms, but driving 6 to 8 hours, on OPEN highways, to Georgia to where the storm may land anyway, just ain’t going to cut it. One year the West coast evacuated inland and the storm took a right hand turn and followed them in, leaving those that did not evacuate the lucky ones. Be prepared and trust your judgement. You just cannot out think Mother Nature. We also lived in the mid-west at one time. Tornado activity is a bit different, but just as unpredictable. I think it is great that Mother Nature can outwit our egos.
All tools either craftsman or snap-on. Investment made years ago and a rachet that I paid $23.50 for in the 70s snapped. Today at $85 but the replacement at no cost to me. For younger RVers it’s a great investment in tool quality and warranty.
Craftsman has really changed their warranty program lately with selling out to Lowe’s. Also check and see where they are now made, “China”. Channelock is made in Meadville, Pa.
In the quick tip about hurricanes, the best tip is hurricanes give up to a week notice that it’s headed your way. If you think your RV will stand up to a hurricane you’re more dense than the rocks under your feet. When we had our motorhome and was arriving in the town where we were going to stay I would stop and fill up the gas tank before going to the campground. If we got the order to evacuate I didn’t need to look for gas, I was ready to travel 300 miles inland. Now that we’ve downsized to a smaller TT I will keep the truck at least 1/2 full all the time and be ready to pack up in less than a hour make like a tree and leave. Tornadoes are different you might get a 15 minute notice to tie yourself to a big oak tree, but that might blow over onto you. I have weathered 3 hurricanes in my life and I’ll take hurricanes any day over tornadoes.
For sure! If a hurricane’s coming, it makes no sense to stick around to see if it changes course. Love the home on wheels, lots of options 🙂
People get used to hurricanes (and tornadoes) not actually occurring after being predicted. If we all moved every time a bad storm were predicted, we’d be racing away from home and then back all the time. Most of the time when we left town the storm would fizzle or go another direction and we’d think we should have just stayed put. That’s why people don’t leave: they’ve heard so many warnings and nothing happened, and so they just grow to believe that’s the way will go. Most of the time, they are fine. But sometimes the gamble does not pay off — and disaster.
Humor is much appreciated in most instances. However, my friend, in a tornado situation, people PLEASE do not tie yourself to a tree…. ANY tree. No bueno.
I prefer adjustable pliers or slip joint pliers to describe Channel Locks.
The makers seem to prefer groove joint but that seems like a mouthful to me
A few years a ago I noticed most, if not all, portable tool kits started coming with needle nose pliers instead of regular ones. If I had a choice I think it would be standard.
Ever since someone turned me on to ‘duckbill’ pliers they have been my most often used of the bunch. Mine are Snap-On but I’ve seen other quality brands too. Look at them on the web if you can’t picture them. (I wish the comments section had a way to post pics, any ideas?)
Regarding the article about pliers, Channel Locks is actually a name brand. Kinda like saying Kleenex, or in the tool category Vise-Grips. A generic term for Channel Locks would be plumbers pliers or water pump pliers. Buy decent tools and avoid the ones from the 99 cent bin near the cash register. For pliers I prefer Knipex brand. Well worth the extra money.
Meh. Channel Locks, Vise Grips, Cresent wrench, every one knows what you are talking about regardless of the actual brand. Just don’t buy the cheap Chi-na crap.
Better start taking major parts of your tow vehicle and/or rig and heading for the dumpster if you don’t want Asian stuff in your possession.
When Channel Lock first came out with their plier, they made ads for all the magazines that said “all the tool you’ll need to change that water pump”. That’s because it would fit all the bolt sizes. “Water Pump Pliers” became the name until others started making them. Like an “adjustable spanner wrench” . . . Cresent Tool came out with it first . . . hence the name.