Issue 1663
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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Page Contents
Today’s thought
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” —Norman Vincent Peale
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Sons and Daughters Day! (If you like indie folk music, check out this great song called “Sons and Daughters” by The Decemberists.)
On this day in history: 1942 – Actress Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil receive a patent for a Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) communication system that later became the basis for modern technologies in wireless telephones, two-way radio communications, and Wi-Fi.
Tip of the Day
Avoid fresh water contamination from nasty waste water
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
The occasional letter brightens up our day and stimulates the “little gray cells.” Here we go:
Dear RV Travel:
My husband is a neat-freak. He can’t stand to think about the stuff that lives in our motorhome holding tanks, and thinks that he needs to flush the tanks clean as a whistle every time we get home from an RV trip. I say he’s nuts. How can I get him into therapy? —Bea L.
Dear Bea:
You could try wiring up his iPod headset to the 30-amp campground outlet for a little electroshock therapy. But, then again, 20-years-to-life is a long time to be away from your motorhome.
Seriously, lots of RVers like having a “Mr. Clean Approved” holding tank, but there is one thing that should be considered before you stick your garden hose anywhere you wouldn’t want to stick your lips: Backflow. Continue reading.
• Yesterday’s tip of the day: Everything you need to know about cleaning your RV awning.
• Popular article from last month: Five unique uses for elastic hair ties in an RV.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2022 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 184BS. As he reports, this is a lower-priced version of the similar 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20BHS. He says: “The differences between this and the Rockwood are both significant and not.” Find out what he’s talking about here.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Off Grid Trailers Switchback series adventure trailers? 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, August 11, 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 three readers claimed their $20 Amazon Gift Cards: Michael Hampton of Salt Lake City, Utah, Frank Aiello of Danvers, Massachusetts, and Wayne Kinstad of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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.
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook” as well as the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club, a one-stop go-to online resource for RV enthusiasts. He is also the owner of Passport Media Creations, which has developed several RV dealer and safety training programs.
Schwintek slide out system problems – Part 2
Dear Readers,
We have received several comments and follow-up questions after the original Schwintek question was posted last week. I’m putting them in this post to hopefully answer those questions. Read Part 2 here.
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered a question about rodent repellents? Here it is: Advice needed about devices that repel rodents.
Reader asks: What to do with nosy busybodies in RV parks?
Long-time RVer and RVtravel.com reader Jeffrey Torsrud sent this to us, and we couldn’t help but chuckle. Ah, the pains of RVers. We do know those people, Jeffrey, and we know exactly what you’re talking about. Read Jeffrey’s complaint. Do you have any suggestions?
Yesterday’s featured article: What to do if your propane tank gets overfilled
Reader poll
Do you currently rent a storage locker?
Tell us here, please!
Helpful resources
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT (Check out the map! The Western U.S. is on fire!)
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick Tip
Use a fresh bleach solution when you set up camp
If you use bleach water to spray down water fittings when you set up camp, listen up. Diluted bleach has a short life, so it’s best to do a small batch for spraying each time you make camp, rather than relying on old diluted stuff to protect you from bugs.
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
A few of our staff members use this and swear by it. No more dirty RV! Check it out.
Website of the day
WiFi Map
This works better as an app and not as a website, but it’s incredibly helpful for those looking for free WiFi. The app lists thousands of places across the U.S. where you can find free WiFi.
RVtravel.com Podcast Episode 19
Pay extra to dump your tanks? A new class B, and a recall that might prevent a fire, in the news this week on the RVtravel.com podcast. The RVtravel.com podcast is brought to you by SoftStartRV power management, Clear20 water filters and TearDropShop.com.
Listen to a 40-second clip of the episode.
Listen to the full episode here.
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Holy smokes! Is this is what they mean by “crowded campgrounds”?
• Really? Does your RV’s bathroom sink drain into the sewer tank? (Video and poll)
• Visit a ghost town with “wild” animals to feed.
Recipe of the Day
Italian Stuffed Zucchini
by Carol Kroesche from Salt Lake City, UT
When zucchini is abundant, this is a unique recipe to use it. We loved the flavor of the meatballs and the hearty homemade tomato sauce. If you have an indecisive family, some can have traditional spaghetti and meatballs while others can try this zucchini twist. We can’t wait to make this again… and again.
Mmmm! Get the recipe here.
SEE YESTERDAY’S YUMMY RECIPE: Salmon Fillet With Herb Pesto
→ SIGN UP FOR THE RV KITCHEN group on Facebook.
These socks don’t stink!
If you don’t believe us when we say these compression socks really work, look at the overwhelmingly positive reviews and maybe you’ll change your mind. These socks provide instant relief to your arches and heels and work to increase blood and oxygen circulation, which helps reduce lactic acid buildup and aids muscle recovery in ankle and feet. Click here to learn more.
Trivia
More than half the 423 units of the National Park System have invasive animals. Along with such aquatic invaders as the lake trout at Yellowstone and lionfish at Biscayne National Park, there are European starlings, feral cats, hogs, horses and even cattle. Of the invasive animals in parks, only 11% are contained, said Jessica Resnick, author of the 2018 NPS report, Biodiversity under Siege, Invasive Animals and the National Park Service. Invasive species cost an estimated $120 billion per year in environmental damages and losses nationwide, reported a widely referenced 2005 study co-authored by the late David Pimentel, professor at Cornell University.
*If you had to guess, how many pounds of clothes do you think the average American throws away each year? The number is shocking. We told you yesterday.
Be cool this summer!
Now use your RV air conditioner when you could never use it before. No kidding!
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“We found Zeebo in a Humane Society in Georgia. He had been there for 6 1/2 months because he was shy and didn’t want to go up to people. We walked in and it was love at first sight among us all. He came home with us a year-and-a-half ago and loves camping. In fact, the day we got him he stayed with us in the RV. He is very smart, and now he loves people. We take two 2-mile walks every day, and if I’m late he lets me know it’s time to go.” —Tom Mihalic
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!
Pet owners: Here are a few excellent resources to find a veterinarian while on the road. Keep this handy!
Eliminate hose crimping at the faucet!
Sometimes it’s a real pain hooking up your hose to a faucet or to your RV. This Camco flexible hose protector is the answer. Its easy gripper makes attaching the hose effortless. It’s compliant with all federal and state low-level lead laws, too. Every RVer should have one or two of these. Super low price, too. Learn more or order.
Leave here with a laugh
Lawyer: I have some good news and some bad news.
Client: Well, give me the bad news first.
Lawyer: The bad news is that the DNA tests showed that it was your blood at the murder scene.
Client: Oh, no! That’s terrible! What’s the good news?
Lawyer: Your cholesterol is down to 150.
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.
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RVtravel.com Staff
Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Editor: Emily Woodbury. Associate editor: Diane McGovern. Senior editor: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Tony Barthel, Mike Gast. Contributors: Mike Sokol, Gail Marsh, Roger Marble, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, James Raia, Kate Doherty, J.R. Montigel, Clint Norrell, Randall Brink and Chris Epting. Podcast host and producer: Scott Linden. Special projects director: Jessica Sarvis. Moderators: Gary Gilmore, Linda Brady. 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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This newsletter is copyright 2021 by RVtravel.com
The jayco that is presented is almost identical to the coachman clipper except I am wondering where the extra weight is involved with the jayco. The coachman is 3500 gvwr. So I am thinking it has to be the slide out. That jayco also lacks storage space. The coachman has so much I need to remind myself you don’t need all that stuff.
Now that’s a funny joke right there!
Interesting that article by author recommending back flow preventer author would use a Garden Hose to fill or flush a fresh water tank. The are not recommended – supposed to use a Drinking Water Hose – typically white or blue not typical garden green hose.
Zeebo looks like such a sweetie, lucky you!
The pet of the day is lovely. Reminds of the dog that was in the Our Gang Comic’s year ago.
Thanks for sharing.
Gary Reed
Referring to today’s “Trivia”, one must keep in mind the most damaging invasive animals in the National Park System are the human ones.
So true!
More so the ones that have a dog in tow that leaks on every vertical surface….
Diluted bleach has a shelf life of about 6 months. So I make up a new batch once a season. There’s no need to make up a new batch every time you make camp.
It’s my understanding that bleach has a shelf life of 6-12 months, depending on storage, but diluted bleach has a shelf life of about 24 hours.
According to Clorox company “Bleach can expire. After a shelf life of six months, bleach starts to degrade. Even in its original bottle, bleach becomes 20 percent less effective as each year goes by. Bleach mixed with water at a 1:9 ratio (i.e. 10 percent bleach) is potent for about a day (it’s more unstable in its diluted form)”
I am jinx with bleach. So I buy from Wal Mart bleach tablets. You add a cup of water to a jelly jar I use and a tablet. Less risk of splash. And they keep well.
Oh. I would so love to watch someone use Today’s Mystery Product on my dog. You would be missing a finger or two trying that.
Ditto.
So your dog must not be allowed around little children that like to poke and prod the beasts?
Some dogs do not like their feet touched. We use a towel. O I would love to see someone try that on a dog. I think a towel will do nicely don’t you think?