Issue 1666
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.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (including our hard-working writers!).
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Today’s thought
“We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tell A Joke Day!
On this day in history: 1930 – The first color sound cartoon, Fiddlesticks, is released by Ub Iwerks.
Did you see yesterday’s RV news? It was packed with great stuff. Don’t miss the story “Are “phantom” campers stealing your campsite?” And did you hear that Camping World and Good Sam Club CEO Marcus Lemonis bought one of the most popular TV shows of all time? It’s in the issue, too. Click here.
Tip of the Day
Unlimited uses for coffee filters in your RV
By Gail Marsh
Sure, you use them to brew your daily eye-opener, but did you know that there are many other ways that coffee filters can be used? It’s true! And because the filters are small and lightweight, they can save space and tackle many chores as you travel in your RV. Continue reading for many ways to use a coffee filter throughout your RV.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2021 Grand Design Solitude 310GK series fifth wheel. As he reports, “When you’re looking at these fifth wheels I can imagine it would be difficult to determine why you should get one over another. As someone who sees a lot of RVs all the time, I feel that the little details that are present in here are very likely going to make a significant difference over time, especially for those who use these rigs a lot or even live in them.” Learn more.
Reviews from this weekend:
• 2021 Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5210 B+ motorhome
• In support of cargo trailers for camping – Part 2 (includes what Tony wants to build for himself and his wife)
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 16, 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 one reader claimed their $25 Amazon Gift Card: Donna Ziegler of Mt. Vernon, Indiana.
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!
Gray water tank gurgles. What’s wrong?
Dear Dave,
I have a 2010 Damon Avanti which has been a great rig. I am having a problem with the plumbing. When I have the gray water valve shut I get gurgling noises from the drain pipes, especially when running a sinkful of water through either sink. It all works fine when the valve is open. …
Read the rest of the question and Dave’s response here.
Did you miss Dave’s column on Saturday where he answered the question: What’s the deal with tire pressure monitor’s radio frequencies?
RV Electricity – This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session
Dometic 12-volt DC fridge power usage tests – Part 1
By Mike Sokol
I’ve now tabulated some basic kWh usage numbers for my Dometic DMC4101 12-volt DC compressor refrigerator. This is a 10-cubic-foot RV fridge with a separate freezer and refrigerator section designed to be mounted in an RV in place of a standard 3-way fridge. … Here’s my quick table of how long this refrigerator will run from a single 100 amp-hr lithium battery in 95-degree ambient temp during the day. Read the first test results here.
• Join Mike’s Facebook group, RVelectricity.
• Read more of Mike’s articles here.
Warning! Don’t park in a wash!
By Nanci Dixon
We were in Quartzsite one time for the Big RV Tent Show and we couldn’t find a parking space. I was driving our tow car and eyed an open area, but I immediately knew I was going to get stuck in the loose rocks and pulled out. I found another spot on an incline, but it was sandy and we couldn’t quite make it. My helpful husband said, “Move over! I will get it in.” I responded, “OK, just DON’T go down the rocky incline!” Too late. Down the hill we went. Straight into a wash with no hope of getting back up. Read the rest of the story.
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
It’s hot out. Now we’re not saying you need this… Well, okay, yes, we’re saying you need this. You can thank us later.
Reader poll
When was the last time you visited a zoo or aquarium?
Try and remember when it was then tell us here.
New Our favorite RV camping guidebooks. Our staff uses these excellent books for research and on our trips.
Quick Tip
A use for plastic shopping bags
A use for plastic shopping bagsIf you’re into “cheapness is greatness,” you probably already re-purpose used plastic shopping bags to take out the trash. Here’s another take on the old trick: Use a couple of well-placed Command Hooks inside a cabinet door to hang the receiving bag. Yes, it’s a good idea to ensure the bag isn’t “holey” before hanging it up, or you’ll be saying “Holy Smokes!” when it drips on the shelf!
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From William Stanley
2012 Southwind 36D
“I really like the floor plan. It is a bath-and-a-half model, so when I have grandkids or a guest, they have their own bathroom. 1) Counter space in the kitchen. With this model, you can actually put food out in a prep area and have room to operate. I like counter space! 2) Rear bath has counter space too. Not some little sink, but a nice porcelain sink with a big mirror and lots of counter space. 3) Full driver side slide really opens it up and gives a lot of bedroom space for dressing. Photo shows queen bed and rear bath.”
Roll-up drying rack saves precious kitchen space
It’s almost like this was designed for RVs! This roll-up stainless steel drying rack rolls out right over the top of your sink. No more taking up room on the countertop with a bulky drying rack. This is brilliant! When you’re not using it as a drying rack, it can also be used as a colander to wash fruit and veggies, or as a non-slip trivet mat for hot pots and pans. Learn more or order.
Website of the day
TimeOut
TimeOut is a great resource. Find things to do, places to eat and drink and things to see in cities all around the world. The “Things to do this week/weekend” is especially helpful for finding festivals and events.
RVtravel.com Podcast Episode 20
YouTube’s RV Odd Couple bought a campground … and we find out why 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 30-second clip here.
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• 10 harsh RV realities for beginners
• Drone hobbyist fined whopping $182,000 by FAA for breaking rules
• Snow bike kit expands e-bike function – Fun and practical!
Recipe of the Day
Asparagus Chicken Wraps
by Paula Collier from Taylorville, IL
Oh my, these are so yummy! The sesame ginger marinade really gave this chicken great flavor. We made sure to add it to the chicken while cooking, like Paula suggested, and basting it just added to the great flavor. The bacon had a nice smoked flavor and the asparagus is tender yet still had a nice crunch. Delish!
Delish is right! Get the recipe here.
Recipes from this weekend:
• Chili Mac My Way
• Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich
AMAZON DEALS OF THE DAY! BIG SAVINGS! Click here to save.
Trivia
Don’t get eaten by a dragonfly! No, really… Dragonflies, though extremely beneficial, are vicious little beasts. They have a 95 percent kill rate. Compare that to a 50 percent kill rate of a Great White Shark or a mere 25 percent kill rate for an African lion. Jeesh! No luck for you, little flies…
Run your RV air conditioner with only a small portable generator. Yes, it’s true!
Readers’ Pets of the Day
“Our two Great Danes, Sterling and Elliott, live full time [in the RV] with us. They have never known what sticks and bricks are. They’ve been from the west to east – north and south. They love seeing people and new places. But their favorite is to run off-leash on the beach.” —Judy Landers
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!
Leave here with a laugh
Since it’s National Tell A Joke Day, here are a few easy ones to make people laugh:
What do a tick and the Eiffel Tower have in common?
They’re both Paris sites.
What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet?
Supplies!
What do you call it when a snowman throws a tantrum?
A meltdown.
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 Solberg, Dave Helgeson, Janet Groene, Julianne Crane, Chris Guld, Machelle James, James Raia, Kate Doherty, J.R. Montigel, Clint Norrell, Darian Armer 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
Judy – Your Danes are…..GREAT!!
Stay safe, Joe
The reason I love my RV is because my mother helped me with our second pop up and it became a nightmare. That is when we decided on a trailer. 20 foot jayco lite weight. Sleeps 3. But after the family decided that what I brought home was a great idea had to trade for a coachman clipper bunk model that had bells and whistles and sleeps 5. But with the jayco she reminded me that this was her retirement on my driveway when we got into a heated debate on remodeling it. After buying the coachman we went north with it and spent the weekend cleaning it and making plans on its remodel. She died a year ago last April from cancer. We did a family major trip to Colorado Utah and Arizona 2 years ago not knowing she had cancer which was diagnosed 4 weeks before she died. I finished the remodel and did one last trip with the family this summer on places she wanted to see in the UP of Michigan. Next summer I plan to spend a summer in Maine in her memory. Can’t wait.
Re: website of the day, pretty useless from my perspective. I entered Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Vancouver and Montreal and I got “Oops no results”.
Tried SF and Los Angeles and it works for me?!?! Here is where I was directed when I entered Los Angeles: https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles
Sorry it’s not working for you, Impavid. I just tried the first three cities you listed and they popped right up. Maybe the site was down when you tried it? Otherwise it must be something on your end? Have a great day. 🙂 –Diane
My DW and I saw someone with a Great Dane at a campground and we were incredulous because we travel with a 50# Lab mix and find it’s challenging. But TWO Danes? That has to be torture..!
Not torture at all! If trained well, they are low-key and not hyper. We gives ours a couple of walks a day and they snooze the rest of the time. They are big but are great travelers.
Hands down the BEST Newsletter I receive..! I always look forward to the next one..! So much useful and fun info packed in each one. Thanks and keep em coming. Cheers, Eduardo
Agreed!!!
Thanks, Gregory! We appreciate YOU, too! Take care. 🙂 –Diane
ditto
Thanks, Dan and Benet! We appreciate YOU, too! (Didn’t want you to feel left out.) Have a great day! 🙂 –Diane
Thank you for the kind words, Eduardo. We appreciate them, and YOU, very much! Have a great day! 🙂 –Diane
Same here Eduardo!
Aww, thank you, Lindalee. We appreciate YOU, too! Have a good night! 🙂 –Diane
Are you in bed with Amazon ? The mystery product every day , now we have Amazon deals of the day . If I want to see Amazon’s deals of the day I’m more than capable of going to their app without your prodding.
Probably because if they did camping world a heated debate would follow. Most times I can find that product somewhere other then CW or amazon.
I think you mean other “than” CW or amazon.
I see we have english grammar police here………goes without saying
Solution, Do not click on mystery product since we all know where it will take you.
Ditto here! Just don’t click!
We also travel with two Great Danes in our 40′ motorhome. When we decided to go fulltime, we couldn’t leave them behind so we bought a larger motorhome than we needed so they would fit in it also. They travel great in it and love to meet new people along the way. We lived in the motorhome for 6 months last winter and are currently in the process of selling our sticks-and-bricks to go fulltime next month. You can follow our adventures on Facebook at Big Dog RV and on Instagram at @bigdogrv.
We travel with our 6 lb Maltese and sometimes he can be a pain, I don’t know how you deal with two Great Danes.
They are well behaved and sleep a lot! 😄
That’s so cool!! My wife and I absolutely love seeing other Great Danes out and about! We have 3 female Great Danes and they absolutely love to go campin! We are not full time yet but, one of these days hope to be. We too have a 40 foot motorhome and have plenty of room for all of us. The Great Dane has to have their own couch while cruising down the road, lol.
We hope we see you on the road someday!
We used to full time with a 190 lb Dane plus a 75 lb goldendoodle in a 40’ coach with only 2 slides. He took up the couch all by himself. We eventually rehomed him to a friend. I still see him a couple times a year.