Issue 1665
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 no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Blame Someone Else Day!
On this day in history: 1889 – William Gray of Hartford, Connecticut, is granted United States Patent Number 408,709 for “Coin-controlled apparatus for telephones.”
Tip of the Day
Never use a concrete block instead of a jack stand!
With electricity expert and veteran RVer Mike Sokol
NEVER use a concrete block instead of a jack stand when working on your vehicle. Concrete blocks have a tendency to fail catastrophically without any notice, and you can be severely injured or even killed if your RV falls on you. So if you’ll be underneath something that weighs TONS, you’ll want the safety of a ratchet action jack stand. Yes, they require careful placement, and there’s extra storage space and weight involved, but never sacrifice safety for convenience.
One thing you’ll want to do after placing the jack stand is to lower the hydraulic jack enough to put real weight on the stand to make sure it’s stable. Then bring the hydraulic jack up just enough that the stand is still sharing some of the load. That way the stand can’t be kicked out of alignment accidentally. I recommend this one.
Yesterday’s tip of the day: Buying an RV? Visit an RV show first. Here’s why.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2022 Jayco White Hawk 27RB travel trailer. As he reports, “This is a larger couple’s camper that can also be a great party trailer with sleeping for up to six individuals if properly equipped.” Also, Tony mentions he wrote this review differently than most of the reviews he has done. He wants to know if you like this format better. Read the review, then let him know here.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the EarthRoamer HD luxury overlander? 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 13, 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 $25 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.
In Dave’s column Monday-Saturday he’ll address a reader’s technical question with his expert advice. You’ll learn a lot!
Options to stabilize a 5th wheel
Dear Dave,
We just transitioned from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel trailer and notice more movement in the trailer when set up on site even with the factory stabilizer jacks deployed. In reading about further stabilization, one option is a tripod under the pin. What is your opinion of this option and what other options might you recommend? —Sam
Read Dave’s response here.
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: Is it OK to store an RV with the slide room out?
Funny camping memes and photos of the week
If you’re in need of a laugh, look no further. We recently found a Facebook group called Camping Memes & Jokes. Here are a few memes we found the funniest (and most relatable) from that group.
Yesterday’s featured article: How one RVer figured out how to never do laundry again (Soooo hilarious!)
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Are RVs really in short supply? We have some answers
- RVelectricity: First mpg towing tests with F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
- Cruise ship condos: Trade in your “land yacht” for a real ocean-going abode
- RV holding tank treatments: What’s best for the environment?
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
We loaf this so much! And you don’t even have to eat a ton of carbs to enjoy it! See why.
Reader poll
When you write down a note, do you write it on a piece of paper or on your phone?
Click here and tell us.
Quick Tip
Easily clean your fridge cooling unit coils
RV fridge not cooling? Could be your cooling unit coils need cleaning. You can use a mirror to peek up from the access door. If you see dust or other crud, temporarily remove the roof cap then use a leaf blower or a BIG shop vac set on “blow” to blast air UP the back.
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Chuck Culpepper
2016 Itasca Ellipse
“Easiest rig we’ve had to drive despite its size! Great floor plan, but best of all its 1 1/2 baths!”
The best road atlas for kids!
Give this National Geographic Atlas to your kids or grandkids before they hit the road. It features simplified yet real road maps of all 50 states, and interesting information on each place and route. There are even themed maps on nature, population, energy, climate, and more, that delve deeper into key issues. It makes a great gift! Learn more or order.
Website of the day
WhizzPast
The quickest way to travel back in time and learn something about the past! WhizzPast is a great website for interesting historical articles that won’t take you all day to read.
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.
• 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.
• Road Trip Wizard: Make your RV road trip planning easier than ever.
Recipe of the Day
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Stuffed Shells
by Gina Davis from Cedar Bluff, VA
These stuffed shells make a great dinner dish! We love using ground chicken and cream cheese in the stuffing. Jalapenos really add some heat. A great twist on a jalapeno popper. Perfect for your next Mexican night or tailgate.
Holy cow, er, chicken! This sounds good! Get the recipe.
SEE YESTERDAY’S YUMMY RECIPE: Turkey Tetrazzini
These are the most-sold RV-related products online.
Click here to see what other RVers are buying.
Trivia
If you think Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, think again! Macau, located on China’s southern coast, is larger. It surpassed Vegas’ gambling revenues back in 2006 and continues to climb.
*Why is it so hard to kill a darn housefly? They’re so fast! We told you in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Buddy is the BEST traveling dog. He has been all over the United States and Canada.” —Jan & John Renicker
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!
Say goodbye to goop!
Have you ever seen the sediment that collects in your water heater? You probably don’t want to. Camco’s water tank rinser is an easy-to-use gadget that is a must-have for any RVer. The tank rinser will get out all the yucky sediment that’s been sitting at the bottom of your water heater and, most importantly, will extend the life of it too. Read the many positive reviews, and get one for yourself here.
Leave here with a laugh
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 editors: Russ and Tiña De Maris. Senior writers: Nanci Dixon, Tony Barthel, Mike Gast. Contributors: Mike Sokol, Gail Marsh, Roger Marble, Dave Solberg, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, James Raia, Kate Doherty, J.R. Montigel, Clint Norrell 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.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): mikegast@rvtravel.com
Advertising: Advertising@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
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
My RV travel is acting up. I’m only getting it every other day, can I get a little help?
Sorry, Tony. I looked up your account and I can see where the newsletters are sent to you every day, but I can also see that you’re not opening them every day. Maybe they’re somehow ending up in your junk folder? I’ve asked our IT folks about this (but I’m scheduling the emails to be sent to them on Monday). I think there have been some issues with Yahoo. You’ll probably get a more complete answer tomorrow. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
Buddy is one handsome fellow.
This Newsletter just gets better and better!
Thank you, Cynthia. We are constantly trying to improve for our wonderful readers’ benefit. We appreciate your comment, and we appreciate YOU! Take care. 🙂 –Diane
I have to be cremated. Every MRI technician says “stop it !”.
Regarding stability in rv,’s
As long as the tires are on the ground you are going to have movement, unless you don’t move.
The rubber tires flex,even with thingy things between the wheels. Springs flex, ground gives. I’ve tried them all,heavy duty stabilizers,tripod,chucks between wheels. Cure? Get over it.
BTW. boards under the tires should be bigger (wider) than the tires.Better for the cords
Kinda looks like a 2×4 in the picture.
Yes, any time you place something under a tire it needs to be both wider and longer than the contact patch. Internal structural damage may occur and it may come back to bite you months later. I also noted the sidewall scuff marks. These tires have been “curbed” a number of times leaving dark marks on the tire sidewalls. This trailer is being turned too tight and the driver needs to make much wider turns. This is another form of damage that can be done to tires that does not immediately result in tire failure but as with pothole impacts, the damage can result in an unexpected failure that people seldom associate with actions done weeks or even months earlier.
How do I contact Dave Solberg to ask a question?
There’s a link at the bottom of Read Dave’s response. Scroll down to bottom.
Had same question.
I once worked with the manager of our company’s technical publications dept. They produced service manuals and documentation for our field service force. His favorite phrase was … We have 2 kinds of people in the field; those who can read, and those who DO. 🙂
I used that same phrase a lot during my career writing sales training. Silly questions slowed down only when we started producing short videos to accompany the written docs for those who were challenged to read a typical one page doc 😶
Agree. As a tech support for 18 years we would ask if they RTFM. Most answers nope or couldn’t find it.
There’s a form at the bottom of Dave’s post you can fill out and send to him. Thanks, Robert. Have a good afternoon/evening. 🙂 –Diane
Re: Need an excuse to celebrate?
That has become the national motto more and more every day of the year. Not sure it is a good reason to celebrate on any day.
I agree it’s come practice now. Seems no one can say I screwed up and apologize.
My wife asked for TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!