Issue 1682
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!).
[activecampaign form=34]
Today’s thought
“It is the useless things that make life worth living and that make life dangerous too: wine, love, art, beauty. Without them life is safe, but not worth bothering with.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Salami Day!
On this day in history: 1927 – The first fully electronic television system is achieved by Philo Farnsworth.
Tip of the Day
An easy trick to keep important documents in the RV … without all the paper
By Nanci Dixon
We are full-time RVers and have the luxury of a file drawer, lots of cabinets, and nooks and crannies to stash stuff. And stash them we have! As I was trying to cram one more sheet of paper into the file drawer, I thought, “There has to be a better way!” While I had already weeded out older warranty booklets, instruction manuals, ancient tax forms and receipts, there was still a lot left.
I made a quick call to our tax accountant to see what we had to save. He suggested we go through all our papers, scan them, put them on a hard drive or in the “cloud” and only save the paper we actually needed.
Yesterday’s tip of the day: Water only coming from the RV shower, not the sink. Why?
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2022 SylvanSport GO. As he reports, “It has to be written that the SylvanSport GO is one of the most unusual products in the RV space.” It’s hard to define, but easy to like. See why.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Wolf Pack 325PACK13 fifth wheel toy hauler? 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, September 7, 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 card: Claire Dial of Modesto, California, and Theresa Howell of Rose City, Michigan.
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. 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 addresses a reader’s technical question with his expert advice. You’ll learn a lot!
Is my RV’s water pressure low because the regulator is plugged up?
Dear Dave,
I’ve used my brass adjustable water pressure regulator for several years to ensure <55 psi through the water lines in our ‘07 Tiffin Allegro coach. Lately, even after I disconnect the water source, the gauge on the meter has been sticking at whatever pressure it had been registering – but by the time I hook up again, it’s fallen back to 0. We volunteer for national and state parks around the West, frequently for 3-6 months at a time. As you can imagine, water quality varies considerably. The last two places I’ve hooked up, the water flow inside the coach seems to be lower than the gauge reading would indicate. Do water pressure gauges clog up with lime, calcium, etc? If so, can it be cleaned? Or is buying a new one ($50+/-) the only option? —Tim
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: How do I adjust the RV door deadbolt so it works?
This campground is top secret. Do you know where it is?
We know of an amazing, beautiful, free campground. The campsites are underneath three-tiered waterfalls, and they’re so private you can’t see your neighbors. There are doves that bring firewood straight to your door. The bears are so friendly they offer to cook and clean and wash the dishes. And the river is overflowing with trout – you don’t even need a fishing pole! Where is it?
Yesterday’s featured article: Who is responsible for educating the uneducated RVers?
Reader poll
Do you like to stay in RV parks with lots of planned activities?
Raise your hand and respond here.
Quick Tip
Best way to work under a vehicle
Changing a tire or working under the rig on hot pavement or dirt? Use a yoga mat to protect you. It is covered foam and rolls up into a nice lightweight bundle. Thanks to Pat Gerard!
Website of the day
Take Me Fishing
For all you fisher-men and fisher-women out there, this blog is for you. There are some great articles on this site, like ones that teach you how to fish from a kayak!
RVtravel.com Podcast Episode 23
Industry insiders spill the beans on everything from spare-parts shortages to RV sales trends, this week on the RVtravel.com podcast. Brought to you by Clear20 water filters, TearDropShop.com, Campgroundviews.com, RVTravel’s Who Makes What guide to manufacturers and RV brands.
Listen to a 40-second clip of the episode.
Listen to the full episode here.
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:
• Out of a list of options, 46 percent would most like to camp on or near a beach with water views. 24 percent would prefer to camp deep in the forest, and 11 percent would choose to camp in the desert.
• 19 percent enjoy birdwatching and seek out birdwatching experiences wherever they go.
• If they were on a sinking boat, 45 percent said they could swim to shore 100 yards or more if they had to.
Recent poll: How easily could you live in an RV as your only “home”?
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
This is yet another brilliant gadget you should certainly know about.
Recipe of the Day
Grilled Mexican Citrus Chicken
by Kathy Basik from Ft. Myers, FL
Juicy and tender, this grilled chicken has a Mexican flair. The citrus isn’t a noticeable flavor but it helps to tenderize the chicken breasts. When it’s grilling season, this is an easy recipe anyone can make. We served the chicken with Mexican rice for a delightful and easy meal.
Wowie, this sounds good! Get the recipe.
See yesterday’s recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Trivia
If you’re going through a marital breakup, head to Croatia. In Zagreb, Croatia, you’ll find the Museum of Broken Relationships, dedicated to failed love relationships. You can go and leave personal objects left by former lovers, as well as brief descriptions. This would be entertaining to see and read!
*How fast do you think an airbag inflates after a collision? Take a guess then see if you’re right in yesterday’s trivia.
Roof vent not doing its job? Here’s a solution…
If you smell your toilet when driving your motorhome down the road, it’s because the odor is being drawn into the RV and not outside via the roof vent. The solution is to get an inexpensive 360 Siphon Roof Vent. It works for all RVs even when the RV is not moving, like in a campground. Keep the stink away.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“We got Zelda from a local dog pound. Our daughter was expecting her to be a beagle. She does look somewhat like one, but as we were walking her to the car, she jumped about 4 feet in the air. That was when we knew she had Jack Russell Terrier in her for sure. She is the first dog that gets to sleep on the bed with us. She loves to go traveling in the RV.” —Joseph Testa
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!
RVT DOGS ON VIDEO! You’ll love this — two minutes of cute dog photos owned by RVtravel.com readers. Watch. And they stay tuned for parts two, three, etc.! Coming soon: RVT readers’ cats!
Here’s everything to do if you lose your pet. This is an excellent resource!
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.
Writers wanted
RVtravel.com is still looking for freelance writers to ramp up our news coverage. They must know RVing inside out, write well and fast, thrive on deadlines, and be highly ethical and passionate about educating (and entertaining) our readers. Excellent part-time or even full-time income potential for the right person. Contact chuck@rvtravel.com if interested.
You might like these Facebook groups of ours:
RV Advice • Full-time RVing • Free Campgrounds • RVing with Dogs
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, 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.
Honorary Correspondents: Loyal readers who regularly email us leads about news stories and other information and resources that aid our own news-gathering efforts.
Tom and Lois Speirs • Mike Sherman • George Bliss • Steve Barnes + others who we will add later.
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.
RVtravel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): mikegast@rvtravel.com
Advertising: Advertising@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2021 by RVtravel.com
I found the best way to work under a vehicle is on cardboard. Its slippery and doesn’t cost anything. Get it dirty,oily and throw it away. Big box stores will guve you a washer box or refrigerator box. Take along a razor knife.
Most authorities recommend staying with the boat. It should have adequate flotation and it’s easier to find a boat than fish for a body.
X2 on the cardboard. The corrugations make it more comfortable also keep the rocks from digging into your back.
Huh? I get your first paragraph, Thomas, but how did it segue into staying with the boat? I don’t see anything in the newsletter about that. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
I agree with you Diane
Hah! I came here (to the comment section) just to comment on the boat!
Survey results “45% of people can swim 100 yards…”
My comment was going to be 100% of people will FIND OUT if they can swim 100yds.
Regarding staying with the ⛵ boat – the question says the boat is sinking. Don’t go down with the ship!
Well, duh! I totally missed that part in the newsletter (even though I had proofed it before it published). I was looking for an article or a link to an article, not in the poll results section. Thanks for the explanation, Tim! Have a great day! 🙂 –Diane
I agree with Thomas D on the “cardboard creeper”. It’s like American Express. I don’t leave home without it. And, I loved the joke. So darned true . . .
Ditto that.
Thanks for the tip on how to take important papers on a camping trip. Started on doing it right away.
We scan all our important documents (no longer full timing – stick house). Also, no need to keep operator manuals because most can be downloaded and saved on your hard drive.
Is this your RV. Nope. I would never allow myself in such ground cover not knowing what was sneaking or slithering up. Did it once, walked out the door remind you not a pop up and was met by a black bear. Yup, so I look for open areas while camping. A hunter I might be but cup of coffee in the early morning opening the door to sip my coffee at the picnic table, to stroll off the the morning relief and see a bear, ya. Back inside coffee left on the table and a race for 12 feet to the bathroom. I can surely be one with nature but no surprise I’ve done enough of that.
Skip, that’s hilarious. Although, I’m not sure you intended it to be that way.
Zelda is definitely a beagle. She is beautiful and of course to me I’m a beagle lover. Unfortunately we had to lay to rest our oldest and her name was Zelda as well. Thanks for sharing your photo.
Does Mr Fry talk just for the pleasure of listening to himself? How silly his remark is. Just being alive is always dangerous, whether or not you have love, art, beauty, wine, etc., and having those things doesn’t guarantee pleasure. The secret to a life worth living is coming to terms with the challenges and blessings of living in your present circumstances, and caring about those around you. That is what makes life satisfying and meaningful.
The answer is yes…Mr. Fry just likes listening to/reading of himself. As do most of these authors of ‘quotes for the day’. Get real…
regarding the thumb drive option for important papers….make sure it is encrypted so that only you can access the personal/private info
LOVED the Laugh…
We adopted a rat cha last June. We had no idea what on earth we were getting ourselves into. For one thing those dogs have more energy then a jack russell. Plus we found out they have more then 20 different breeds in them. One of which Greyhound. Explains the leaps and jumps on our little Stella. So if you adopt one? Be prepared for boundless energy. Now I am ready to take a nap.
“I made a quick call to our tax accountant to see what we had to save. He suggested we go through all our papers, scan them, put them on a hard drive or in the “cloud” and only save the paper we actually needed.”
Your tax accountant needs to learn a new term: “hacking accounts”. NEVER put anything with personal information (like taxes) in the cloud. Keep in mind that to hackers- If it is in the cloud, it is allowed. The hard drive is the perfect option.
Agreed. Never the cloud. It can be found. As for a usb device? It works just remember where you put it. Otherwise you will be looking. I just keep things in a file drawer and be done with it. Most tax accountants these days do have everything on file. I know mine does. 15 years and still going strong.
Leave here with a laugh
Even with my coach- My back goes out more than I do!