Issue 1685
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
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” —Lou Holtz
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National TV Dinner Day!
On this day in history: 1846 – Elias Howe is granted a patent for the sewing machine.
Tip of the Day
P.U. Proboscis asks: Why the strong ammonia smell in the refrigerator?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
“Dear Low Tech RVing: When I open my RV refrigerator door, I about get knocked over by a strong ammonia odor. I only use ‘Simple Green’ to clean my fridge. Is there a problem here? —P.U. Proboscis”
Ammonia in the refrigerator? Say it ain’t so!
It’s yet another sad story from someone like P.U. Proboscis. Odors and RV refrigerators aren’t uncommon companions. Happily most are related to failure to take last month’s supply of forgotten leftovers out and pitch them. Sad to say, sometimes RVers returning from a trip have actually forgotten to remove food from the traveling fridge. After a while, the memories of the happy meals shared on the road turn into a nightmare. A good cleaning out may not always cure the problem. Some have found that commercial “pet odor” removing concoctions (found at pet stores) applied liberally to the inside of the fridge will actually remove even those “unforgettable” rotten food odors.
But the strong smell of ammonia in the refrigerator – that’s another story. Find out why here.
Yesterday’s tip of the day: This is a gadget every dumpin’ RVer needs
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the 2021 Keystone Springdale 1800BHS. Tony writes, “It’s interesting, at least to me, how differently manufacturers approach a very similar idea in the market. You would think that models at this size would be almost identical, but there’s clearly a difference in how the manufacturers approach things.” See how this trailer is different from yesterday’s Cherokee Wolf Pup in today’s review.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS Black Label? 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 10, 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 if 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!
Why won’t the RV’s slide outs come back in?
Dear Dave,
I have an ’05 Monaco Knight (DP) with four slide outs that operate when they want to. I have been having this issue since owning the coach (5.5 years). We go on outings, let the slides out, no problem. Then when we break camp and push the buttons to bring the slides in, nothing. I am able to disconnect the front two motors, hook up a jumper and get them to work. The back motors I cannot get access to because they’re under the mattress, which is under the cabinet of the street-side slide out. …
Read the rest of the question and Dave’s advice.
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: How can I repair a leaking PEX water line?
Can a tire blowout be “contained”?
Every few months someone posts a question on one of the numerous RV Forums Roger Marble monitors, asking if it is possible to prevent the damage done to the RV when a tire fails and has a belt separation or comes apart from a sidewall Run Low Flex failure. Here’s a bunch of information on that topic, as well as on the use of a TPMS.
Yesterday’s featured article: Take a look inside this incredible retro RV!
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- We can’t keep a good thing to ourselves. Expect many, many more new RVers in 2022
- RVs are about to upend American life
- Attention, attention! How do you let another RVer know that they need to stop and check their rig?
- Campground Crowding: “The point is to be in nature, not crowds!”
Reader poll
Have you ever adopted a pet from an animal shelter?
Meow, meow! Woof, woof! That means, “Tell us here!”
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
Say goodbye to using prized cabinet space! You won’t need cabinets for storage anymore with this. Really! See why.
Quick Tip
Measure those slides for a precise parking job
“I can’t take credit for this idea; maybe I read it in this newsletter. But it is one I have used more times than I thought. There are some sites that are really tight, especially with slides on both sides. So I took a yardstick and measured the distance on my RV’s slide (25.5″) then I can measure that up to pole or obstruction on the side and can let my driver know how close he can bring the rig in. In this case about 2.5″ clearance.” Thanks for sharing, Jane Fouchey!
Have a tip for us to share? Submit it here. Thanks!
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Barry Obermeyer
Airstream Tradewind 1960
“As kids traveling with parents, any time we’d see an Airstream they would comment on how amazing they were. That planted the seed. We bought our first, a 1951, 20 years ago and our current one 10 years ago. They are very functional as is, but we also modified ours to updated standards and it works perfectly. We’ve stayed in it up to 150 nights a year. Other campers ask to view it. We often tow it with our 1957 Pontiac station wagon. We often join with our fellow vintage trailer owners at family-oriented campouts; they are amazing people to be with. We love the look, how easy it is to live in, and how it brings back so many memories of camping with our families as kids.”
Let your drill clean your RV, really!
This is so neat! This 4-piece cleaning brush attachment connects right to your drill – no more scrubbing for you! Deep-clean virtually any surface with hardly any effort. The drill brushes are perfect for grout lines, corners, tiles, tubs, showers, carpets, wooden furniture, windows, shower doors, siding, linoleum, stoves, counters, fiberglass, grills, marble, and more. You can even wash your dishes if you want! Learn more or order here.
Website of the day
25 Tricked-Out Airstream Trailers You Have to See
No, really. You’ve got to see these! In honor of Barry Obermeyer’s Airstream, above, we felt that this was an appropriate website to share today.
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
Smoky Sweet Baby Back Chili
by Amy Cox from Melbourne Beach, FL
If using baby back ribs in chili is wrong, then we don’t want to be right. The meat is juicy and tender. It adds a whole different flavor to the chili than traditional recipes. This is a mild chili that’s smoky and a little sweet. If you want to add a little heat, add a bit of cayenne or diced jalapeno peppers to the recipe. We covered our baby back ribs with aluminum foil and cooked them for 3 1/2 hours at 275 degrees. If you like a thinner chili, add an additional cup of water. We can’t wait to make this baby back chili again.
Can someone pass a napkin, please? We’re drooling everywhere! Get the recipe.
See yesterday’s recipe: Apple Turkey Meatballs
Strengthen your hands, fingers and forearms
Here’s a great, easy way to build up the strength in your hands, fingers or forearms. Perfect for RVers. If you suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis or tennis elbow this is for you. It’s also great for simply building up the strength of your grip. This is a best-seller! Learn more or order.
Trivia
At the age of 22, Walt Disney was fired from his Missouri newspaper job because he was “not creative enough.” Little did they know he’d go on to be nominated for 59 Academy Awards and would win 32 of them. Thank goodness for Mickey and Minnie he didn’t give up!
*How many places around the world are named “Paris?” A.) One; B.) 11; C.) more than 30. The answer is in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pets of the Day
“This is a picture of Max and Molly after a long day’s travel. My wife, our dog/children and I were on a 6,000-mile trip for our 50th Anniversary this past June. It appears they had a very tiring day watching us drive.” —Patrick Bonito Sr
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
What does garlic do on a really hot day?
It takes its cloves off!
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.
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.
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The Airstream interiors were incredible. Great article. 👍
I remember my dad putting airplane tires on his, heavier than the house trailer. He got them from an engineer who developed special landing gear for bombers during Vietnam. He never had a puncture, blowout or flat again.
Instead of “containing” a tire blowout, I changed from a Load Range E tire to a G tire. No more blowouts.
Had to upgrade my rims. The E-rated tire was barely rated to carry my 5th wheel. I went to a G because there were no F-rated tires in an LT. I inflate to only 90 psi which is more than enough to carry the weight of my rig. GVWR is 15k.
Our slides on our 2002 Dutchstar are narrower than slides on more modern RV’s. We got tired of escorts at some RV parks (especially those with narrow sites) parking us over too far. Also, we dry camp at Daytona for 10 days every year & sites are tight. Husband bought some arrows and cut the end off and attached a suction cup after cutting the arrow to the depth of the widest slide. Now when we pull up to a narrow site I attach the arrow to the side of the slide and use that to guide my husband into the spot. Easy Peasy!
The “let your drill clean your rv” is a product that if used too aggressively WILL leave scratches on the finish of your RV. Any attachment that goes on a drill will do this. That is why a good detailer uses an orbital brush and polish pad. It doesn’t just spin but works in different directions at the same time. Be careful using any cleaning attachment on your drill. You can really mess up your paint job. Ask me how I know.
I use a similar slide measuring method except that I measure from the outer edge of the trailer tires to the edge of the extended slide. That way, I can mark where my tires need to go to clear any obstructions when the slides go out.
Unfortunately the website of the day did not work – says no International traffic or online transactions. I am in Canada. Tried the website using Firefox and got the same result.
Ditto. I have no idea how or why a web service would restrict their traffic to anywhere.
I put a piece of red tape on my awning rod to measure the slide clearance.
Nice rare UltraVan.
Thanks Tom! I was wondering what it was. Beautiful!
Stay safe, Joe
Aren’t they cool? There was a group of them having a get together at our campground a few months ago. Someone said they were nicknamed “whales”.
Quick Tip note: On my Bounder, the storage compartments slide out too. This makes it easy to access them with the slide open, but I need to account for the space those doors take when open. Measure the total distance with both the slide and compartment doors open if you want to access those compartments while parked.
Good call. Pablo 🙂