Issue 1702
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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Page Contents
Today’s thought
“… what you learn today, for no reason at all, will help you discover all the wonderful secrets of tomorrow.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Do Something Nice Day!
On this day in history: 1970 – The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is founded.
Tip of the Day
Here’s how to better organize your RV. It’ll make a huge difference
By Gail Marsh
When we first purchased our RV, we could hardly contain our excitement! Family and friends were excited for us, too. In fact, family members helped us set up the RV before our maiden voyage. Time flies, a few years have passed, and now seems like a good time to take a second look. Is there a better way to organize the RV so that it functions more efficiently for the way we really live in it? Turns out, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Yesterday’s tip of the day: Truck washes could spell danger. One damaged our RV and others too.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel tells us about updates to the 2022 Wildwood FSX 270RTK. As he reports, “Forest River’s Wildwood division has been working on their popular Wildwood 270RTK model and has introduced an interesting option in a toy hauler – a bunkhouse.” Learn more.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the Winnebago Minnie 2201MB? 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, October 5, 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: Sarah Stranz of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and Melvin Gregory of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
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!
Can a water leak be fixed without a whole new roof? Is it even worth fixing?
Dear Dave,
Is a motorhome roof that has had a leak and softened the wall around a shower area considered trashed? Can this be fixed without replacing an entire roof on a 34-foot motorhome? I wonder if the repair shop is too quick to fail a roof and suggest replacing. This is a Winnebago in good shape. How do I know if it’s worth repairing? Where do you go if you do not trust your local RV store/repair shops to have your best interest in mind? —Sybil
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: Is there a recommended amount of miles for wheel baring replacement?
A wonderful, nostalgic book about the history of the family road trip
“Don’t Make Me Pull Over: The Informal History of the Family Road Trip,” by Richard Ratay, is a wonderful, nostalgic story of the golden age of family road trips. … This informative, fun, and hilarious family narrative perfectly captures what it’s like to have a love-hate relationship with road trips, and why they were such an important piece of American history. Read more.
Yesterday’s featured article: Video: Dueling elk trash warning sign
Reader poll
Have you ever needed emergency medical care while RVing?
We hope not, but please tell us here!
Quick Tip
“Polish” those pesky ants
Here’s a “one we haven’t tried, but” tip: Reader PennyPA swears by the use of Glade furniture spray — not just for quick dust-ups, but for chasing pesky ants out of your rig. Says our informant: “(1) It’s safer to use around pets (but still follow the instructions); (2) it kills the ants immediately and if you spray along a trail of them, it kills the ants on the trail and acts as a repellent for almost a week; (3) it’s much less expensive than ant spray; and (4) it smells so much better than ant spray! We currently are using apple/cinnamon but, so far, it appears any fragrance will work.” She adds a cautionary note — unless you like the sound of your smoke alarm, keep the spray away from it. Thanks, PennyPA!
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
Wow. We don’t have any words. Just click here, then thank us later. Wow.
Website of the day
27 Coolest Museums in America
Every other week in our Saturday newsletter we feature a unique museum somewhere in America. But instead of waiting for us each time, check out this list of 27 totally cool museums.
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:
• If given the chance to own one of these beverage-making businesses, 32 percent would like to own a winery, followed by 30 percent who would like to own a root-beer-making company. A microbrewery followed, with a liquor distillery coming in last.
• 70 percent do not know their RV’s license plate number by memory.
• 61 percent say their RV does not have a built-in ice maker in its freezer.
Recent poll: How long have you been reading our Saturday/Sunday RVtravel.com newsletters?
Make sure to have this First Alert EZ Fire Spray in your RV
The First Alert EZ Fire Spray is easier to use and discharges 4 times longer than traditional fire extinguishers. With an aerosol nozzle and portable size, it’s suited for the kitchen, car, garage, boat or RV. The formula wipes away with a damp cloth & is biodegradable. Comes in a one- or two-pack. Learn more or order.
Recipe of the Day
Yummy Homemade Chicken Nuggets
by Jessica Mills from Dover, DE
Skip buying pre-made or fast food chicken nuggets and try this homemade chicken nugget recipe. They are super-easy to make. Savory, satisfying, and crispy, these are kid-friendly and delicious. When you bite through the perfectly seasoned coating, the chicken inside is nice and juicy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Since it’s National Do Something Nice Day, it would be so nice if you’d make these for us!! Get the recipe.
See yesterday’s recipe: Grilled Fish Tacos With Chipotle Crema
Trivia
When you’re on a hiking trail you’ve probably noticed small markers telling you you’re on the right path. Usually they’re found bolted to a tree. Those are called “blazes.” Trailblazing used to be a real occupation, where trailblazers would go out and hike routes across unexplored terrain setting “blazes” to mark their path.
*Which country is the only country in the world to have an invasive herd of hippopotamuses? The answer is fascinating! Find it in yesterday’s trivia.
Professional photographer says this is the best tripod for RVers
Writer Nanci Dixon was once a professional photographer and has used every type of photography equipment out there. This is the tripod she uses and says is the best for RVers. It’s lightweight, it collapses, and it can be used with a phone or big DSLR camera. Learn more here or buy one for yourself.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“This is Owen, our 5-year-old half Husky/half Norwegian Elkhound. He loves camping, hikes, and rides in the truck. Doesn’t love the heat, so his summer hikes come early in the morning. After that, he can be found soaking up some shade or air conditioning.” —Chuck Greco
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
Traffic cop: “Your eyes are red. Have you been drinking?” Driver: “Your eyes are glazed. Have you been eating doughnuts?”
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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I am mildly disappointed that I was not rickrolled by the mystery item of the day.
Well, I learned a new term today. Thanks, Amy. And why would we do that to you? Have a good evening. 🙂 –Diane
I can’t find Glade furniture spray, only air freshener. Glade furniture polish comes up Pledge furniture polish when I do a search. Am I missing something?
Pledge and glade are the same thing, SC Johnson
Thank you
I am a resident of Des Plaines, IL. Unfortunately the MC Donald’s museum was torn down a couple years ago.
Owen is beautiful!
Stay safe, Joe
Thanks Joe…he is a handsome fellow. 🙂 And a nice personality too.
Thanks, Joe! You beat me to saying what a gorgeous animal Owen is!
Been to several of the listed museums and even worked at the Museum of Transport in St. Louis in 1980 as a tour guide. That was the start of my museum career that I still pursue as a volunteer.
The Toilet Seat Museum is no longer in San Antonio. It’s now located in the Truck Yard,The Colony, 5959 Grove Ln, TX 75056(north of Dallas). We had the delightful pleasure of touring with the original owner just weeks before his death and encourage all to check out his fascinating works if you like seeing parts of history displayed creatively!
Love the bacon cooker BUT without a top the inside of your microwave will be coated with grease.
I was thinking the same thing! It would make a greasy mess!
We have used the bacon cooker for years. Just put a paper towel over the top of it and no or very minimal mess.
Take a look at the “Wow Bacon Microwave Cooker”. We’ve been using this for over a year, no splattered grease and very easy to clean. We saw it on Freakin’ Reviews on youtube.
Don’t try serving homemade chicken nuggets to your young kids. They can detect a “fake” nugget before it enters their mouth. Your answer, “All the more for me.”
And you might try laying them in the basket of your air fryer, spritz them with Pam cook them about 10 minutes, turn them and spray them again then about 5 more minutes. Don’t do frying anymore….lol.
make sure they are cooked through.
I don’t know what they put in those store bought or fast food nuggets, besides the grandkids going nuts, the dog goes crazy over them too! What’s up with that?