Issue 1715
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!).
Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.
[activecampaign form=34]
Page Contents
Today’s thought
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Make a Dog’s Day!
On this day in history: 1883 – The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City opens with a performance of Gounod’s Faust.
Tip of the Day
Pet owners: Your pet’s toys are a vital part of their lives. Here’s why
The Humane Society says, “For dogs and other pets, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity.” You may have noticed a big change in the pet world within the past five years. During that time, almost every store, from grocery to department stores, expanded their pet toy aisle. And then came the pandemic! Pet adoptions soared as people began working from home and not socializing with others. Parents gave in to their kids who wanted a furry friend for company because the kids were home, away from friends, schooling via Zoom. In short, people were lonely. Pets filled an important gap in our lives. And pet toy sales boomed!
Vets and other animal specialists are pleased that pet owners are getting toys for their furry companions.
Here are some reasons why toys are good for your pet…
Yesterday’s tip of the day: Adjusting trailer brake controllers
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new CrossRoads RV Cruiser Aire 22RBS. As he reports, it has “a lot of things that they really got right,” and those include the kitchen and the implementation of the kng-sized bed. Learn more.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Keystone Springdale 282BH? 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 22, 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.
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.
Why doesn’t my 3-way refrigerator work on 12-volt?
Dear Dave,
Our camper has a 3-way fridge which works great on LP and 120-volt, but on 12-volt it seems to work but doesn’t keep the fridge cool. Temps will start out at around 32 but heats up to 45-50 as we drive. It’s a Norcold N521 SUR. Is there any way to adjust the 12 volts to put out more heat? Thanks. —HT
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: Should a hitch ball be greased or not?
A fun way to solve problems with your RV!
This amazing Digital Inspection Endoscope makes discovering problems with your RV fun! This small two-camera endoscope with a viewing monitor allows you to see into tight, small, dark spaces to locate where problems might occur. Have mice? See where they’re coming in. Have a wire that has come loose? Peek at it and see where it needs to be tightened. Have a water leak? Find the source! Read more about this amazing device here. Every RVer needs one!
Is it a cottage or a camper? It’s both, and it’s real cute
Answer truthfully, have you ever seen a cuter, more charming camper? We already know the answer: No, you have not. We found this on the CampingRoadTrip.com Facebook page but don’t know anything else about it. Do you? All we know is that it is darn cute and we’d love to have a morning coffee at that sweet table out front. Check it out!
Yesterday’s featured article: Basement storage disorganized? Fix it!
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Is our RV lifestyle doomed? A meaningful look at the long road ahead and the obstacles to overcome along the way
- Did I get scammed? I bought an RV sight-unseen and it had problems! A precautionary tale for buyers
- No: Your RV’s outdoor LEDs are not cool, and they’re affecting your quality of sleep!
- What to do if you smell marijuana at the campground. Can you complain? Can you partake?
Tiffin RV is a luxury motorhome manufacturer. Who owns the company? Find out.
Reader poll
Have you ever attended a World Series game?
Take a swing and tell us here.
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
Since it’s National Make a Dog’s Day your dog NEEDS this. Only treats, no tricks!
Quick Tip
Read your manuals
Got a new RV? Take the time to sit down with all those manuals and read them through. Use a highlighter as you go to “accent” those tiny maintenance suggestions and requirements. Then go back and build your own logically ordered notebook – and give reference points back to the original manual. If you don’t have a manual for something in your RV, look it up online and print it out for future reference. Or just store it in your computer or on a mobile device where you can easily find it if you ever need it.
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
F
rom Dennis Gregory
Winnebago Sightseer
“This is one of the best floor plans to ever come out of Iowa. With all three slides in, you can still use the bathroom and shower, which can also be isolated on both ends. We’ve had it for 6 years and have put 30,000 miles on it, living in it for up to 4 months on the road. It’s a gas rig, and it does everything well including towing our 4000 lb. Jeep tug. The only complaint is we wish it had a larger refer, but we are not willing to lose the pantry to expand into that space. Otherwise, no complaints!”
Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.
Website of the day
The most fun online trivia games to play remotely
Gather a group of friends or family and have some fun playing virtual rounds of trivia with them! Here’s a list of places to do so.
You must keep road flares in the RV for emergency
You should always have road flares in your RV in case of an emergency. This pack of three bright, waterproof and shatterproof LED disks are perfect to keep tucked away. These bright lights can be seen from a mile away and can be used for traffic control, as a warning light or as a rescue beacon, and they can also be used for recreational activities such as camping and hiking. Learn more or order here.
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.
• 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
Best Ever Chinese Chicken
by Neena Shaw from Owensboro, KY
The whole Kitchen Crew fell in love with this dish. We loved the crunch of the cashews and the chunky, satisfying chicken. This one deserves a big gold star… and a Blue Ribbon!
Oh, this recipe sounds gooooood. Get it here.
See yesterday’s recipe: Cheese Dip That Will Make You Famous
[do_widget id=custom_html-21]
Trivia
On average, Death Valley is the hottest place in the world. July is characteristically the hottest month with an average temperature of 116˚F. Quick question: Death Valley National Park is located mostly in which state — Nevada, Arizona, Utah or California? Answer below.
*Is there a specific time of day wildfires most occur? In Maine there is! Find out what time it is in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Tex is a 75-lb., 4-year-old Alaskan Husky who loves road trips and making new friends at dog parks.” —Joe & Georgia Otto
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!
Don’t be left in the dark!
Our favorite electricity guy, Mike Sokol, uses this Caterpillar pocket light for just about everything. He writes, “I bought one of these CAT CY1000 Pocket COB Lights a few months ago and liked it so much that I also picked up one for my dad. I’ve dropped it a bunch of times, and it still keeps working, like any of the other tough-as-nails CAT products.” It easily clips onto your belt, shirt pocket, or anything magnetic, so you can work hands-free. Learn more or order.
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.
Help us serve you better
This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Friday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you! IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS NEWSLETTER and others from RVtravel.com, will you please consider pledging your support? Learn more or contribute.
Trivia answer: Death Valley National Park is mostly in California with a small piece in Nevada.
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, Randall Brink, 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 • Tom Hart + 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 RV Travel LLC.
Many states require RVs to carry some type of reflective triangle/flare etc.
Leave here with a laugh: LOL That story never gets old!
Our Forest River 5ver has no paper manual, but provides an e-manual. It is so handy to access by phone, tablet or laptop. AND the best thing is it gets updated with new information on the fly. No more paper for me, thanks.
You may find yourself with no internet access. Print essential information (ie.: instructions to troubleshoot the slides, how to retract manually the awning, etc). The internet is great but you always need to have a backup plan.
Rant – “Read your manuals”. I am amazed at how many people can’t/won’t help themselves. Between manuals, written and online, Google searches, and manufacturer online support probably 99% of issues can be resolved. Yet online groups are SWAMPED by people who have an unquenchable need to be an “Internet star”. As though they have the WORST problem, that is TOTALLY beyond solving without the sympathy and shared misery of the entire web world. Get a grip, help yourself, elevate your self-esteem.
I agree! We use our manuals frequently, and can almost always find what we are looking for!
For specific answers, many times Mr. Google has the answer.
While everyone thinks Death Valley is a very hot place (and it is!), we have found that Quartzsite, AZ is even hotter in the summer with temps of 120° and hotter. We spent a night there on our way home from Houston and it was 122° when we arrived. We didn’t put the slide out (because it was broke!), plugged in, and fired up the ac. It was horrible! By morning it had cooled down to a crisp 90° or so.
If it was 122 at the Q, it was probably close to 130 in DV.
When we bought our trailer, there was a two week delay for prep and some add-ons. I took the manuals with me and read them before picking it up. During walkthrough, I asked some questions based on the manuals.
Our Thor Axis has such poor manuals, there would be nothing to highlight! Thor’s idea of a manual is to lump Class A and C together – and the directions match nothing in our Axis. How winterize? Yeah, right.
On the tip of the day, are you insinuating someone should do something besides getting their RV and “winging” it? It’s more of a challenge “winging” it especially if you’re a 100 miles from home and can’t get something to work.
Loved the leave hear with a laugh! Best one yet.
Agree it was good.