Issue 1721
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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Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.
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Today’s thought
“What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Deep Fried Clams Day!
On this day in history: 1870 – In the United States, the Weather Bureau (later renamed the National Weather Service) makes its first official meteorological forecast.
Did you see the news? Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Tip of the Day
9 great uses for baby powder that will have you running out to buy some
By Gail Marsh
At our work camping job this week we’ve been installing insulation. Itchy stuff, for sure. I never would have guessed that baby powder could come to the rescue! By applying a good amount of powder to exposed skin, we do not itch nearly as much! That made me wonder… are there other uses for baby powder? I did a bit of research and, wow, was I surprised! I plan on packing baby powder along for every RV trip we take.
Here are some ways baby powder may come in handy for RVers…
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2022 Keystone Avalanche 390DS. Tony writes, “This is a big momma fifth wheel at 43-feet in overall length. It rewards the traveler by having two actual bedrooms plus a very large loft. Not only are there two bedrooms, but two bathrooms, as well. Two full bathrooms!” Learn more and take a look around.
Reviews from this weekend:
• 2022 Jayco White Hawk 29BH
• Vintage Airstream Funeral Coach (Don’t miss this Halloween special [and Tony’s many boo-worthy puns]!)
For previous RV reviews, click here.
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.
The rubber LP line runs near my trailer’s tires! What should I do?
Dear Dave,
My new trailer has this alarming feature… the gas line for a rear grill runs unprotected RIGHT alongside the tires, not even (safer) on the other side of the frame. It’s a soft rubber gas line, not threaded iron. I’ve had two explosive tire failures in the past, so am VERY concerned how much of a rolling bomb this is, if I had another failure. I’m thinking to replace the rubber line with iron on the other side of the frame, but how likely/urgent is this in your opinion? –Wolfe
Did you miss Dave’s column on Saturday where he answered the question: Do I need supplemental brakes for my toad?
The best book on RV electricity, hands down!
Mike Sokol is America’s leading expert on RV electricity. He’s taken his 50+ years of experience to write this book about RV electricity that nearly anyone can understand. Covers the basics of Voltage, Amperage, Wattage and Grounding, with additional chapters on RV Hot-Skin testing, GFCI operation, portable generator hookups and troubleshooting RV electrical systems. This should be essential reading for all RVers. Learn more or order.
RVelectricity™ – This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session
Can I power a pellet grill from a solar generator?
Dear Mike,
Looks like I’m getting a Z Grills pellet smoker for Christmas (at least that’s my secret Santa hint). Since I like to boondock and this seems like the ideal way to make some great eats for my family and friends while we’re off-grid, is there any way it can be powered from a solar generator? …
Read the rest of the question and Mike’s mouth-watering response here. And what the heck does this have to do with Tony Barthel and his never having lost a chili contest?
Trailer hitch fail! Check this photo, then weep!
We found this on Facebook and felt compelled to share it with you to maybe save you from a disaster. The post said the woman who owned the trailer was still on her property when the hitch failed — lucky for her. People who commented thought this was probably a utility trailer, not an RV. There’s a lesson here.
Reader poll
Has the current high price of gas caused you to alter any RV travel plans?
Fill ‘er up (or maybe not) and respond here.
Test the RV park water before you drink it!
How pure is the water at the RV park you just entered? Is it pure enough to drink or full of contaminants? This TDS meter provides an inexpensive and convenient way to instantly check your overall water quality. Don’t risk drinking bad water! Use this hand-held device to check the condition of your water filter, too. Every RVer should have one of these! Learn more or order.
Quick Tip
Don’t toss that extra tubing; it has other uses!
“I replaced the water line to the refrigerator with 1/4″ tubing. I had some tubing leftover and found several uses for it. By covering most of the end of the Dustbuster with masking tape and inserting the tubing into the end, I could vacuum under the refrigerator and behind the lint filter in the dryer. I was able to clear a blockage in the bathroom sink drain by inserting the tube down the drain, without having to remove the stopper, and blowing into the tube, thus clearing the blockage. Our built-in vacuum system wasn’t sucking so I ran the tubing back through the hose and cleared the blockage. There are probably other applications but I haven’t discovered them yet.”
Thanks for the tip(s), Jerome Friedman!
“Why I love my RV”
E
very Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Jim Ek
2002 Fleetwood Bounder 34D
“It’s my sanctuary away from the daily buzz. It’s my home on wheels that takes me wherever I want to visit. It’s a private respite from my relatives whom I love but in small doses (and I’m sure they feel the same). It’s old enough that I don’t worry if it gets dirty and new enough that it can still get to places to GET dirty! We can go for months on end or hours. She doesn’t care and is willing to take us. Even when she’s sick she still gets us where we need to be. She’s not fast, but she’s steady. I bought her used four years ago but I would never sell her unless I become too infirm to travel with her. She doesn’t have a name, but she has lots of personality!”
Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.
Camping with the Corps of Engineers
Many RVers consider Corps of Engineers campgrounds to be the best in the country. This guide is just for RVers — boat-in and tent-only sites are not included. Of all the public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has some of the best parks and campgrounds available. In fact, it’s the largest federal provider of outdoor recreation in the nation. Learn more or order.
Website of the day
30 before-and-after photos of the most stunning tiny-house renovations
Funny that they consider RVs tiny houses but… that’s beside the point! Anyway, check out these INCREDIBLE RV makeovers. If your RV needs a renovation, this is where to start for inspiration!
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Block window glare with movable sunshades
• The top 5 trailer towing mistakes owners make
• RV jacks won’t retract? Try this
Recipe of the Day
Tanya’s Tex-Mex Chili
by Tanya Strayhorn from Beebe, AR
One of the secrets to a good chili is cooking it on low and a long time. This chili recipe is so easy because once the beef is browned everything is dumped into the slow cooker. As it simmers the magic happens. This is a delicious, basic chili recipe. It only requires a few seasoning packets and it’s full of flavor. Great for the colder months or even while watching football. We opted to serve this with Fritos, cheese, sour cream, and olives… so good!
Our mouths are watering! Get the recipe.
Recipes from this weekend:
• Jack-O’-Lantern Cheese Ball
• Halloween Pumpkin Soup With Smoked Bacon
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Trivia
Where are Venus flytraps found in the wild? If you guessed a tropical, exotic place, you’re wrong! They grow right here in the U.S. You will find them in their native environment within a 75-mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina. Interesting, huh?
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Cooper was a joy to have around camp. He did a real good job chasing the embers rising up from a crackling campfire.” —Scott Hartsock
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
I told my son that Facebook is changing its name to Meta. He asked, “What’s a meta?” I replied, “Nothing, what’s the meta with you?!” (Groan.)
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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Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): mikegast@rvtravel.com
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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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OPPS ! I guess you forgot to post “Is this RV yours ?”
Must not have had one to post.
They could have used mine.
Or mine
They could have used mine as well…..
I’m guessing since today is the 1st, and the question hasn’t been answered, that this segment is no longer a thing.
Sorry, Tom and others. Jessica, who normally puts that feature in, is off for a couple of days. The feature should be back this Wednesday. Sorry. But thank you for your patience and understanding in the meantime. Have a great day. 🙂 –Diane
UPDATE: Jessica has posted “Is this your RV?” in tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) RV Daily Tips newsletter. Woo hoo! 😀 —Diane
I’ve been waiting almost a year to see mine. 🙁
I’ll bet Diane will fill us in soon. Right, Diane?
I submitted a photo of mine almost as soon as the promotion was announced.
Hi, Lil John. Yep, I’m here. 😀 I’ve been waiting to hear back from Emily. Our gal, Jessica, that usually puts these in is off for a couple of days. The feature should be back on Wednesday, however. Take care. 🙂 —Diane
Another mention of “The Devil” (FB) in the Leave Here With A Laugh. Editor, was Chuck serious when he said that there would be no mention of either it or it’s founder? You also posted an article that originated with a photo from that same company. Really?
Sorry, Tom. The post you’re referring to was from 2020, and the joke was a new one regarding their new name. But we’re trying… Take care. 🙂 –Diane
Those RV renovations are awesome!
The chili recipe looks delicious and I have saved it for later, BUT…it’s name is incorrect. Texas chili has NO BEANS. On the other hand, I am not sure if there is such a thing as TexMex chili. If there is, beans may be acceptable.
I agree.
Hi, Barry. I think if someone makes up a recipe, they can put whatever they want in and call it whatever they want, eh? I love chili but can’t eat anything spicy anymore. Drat! Have a great day. 🙂 —Diane
In the tips, all that was accomplished with a 1/4” piece of tubing and a roll of masking tape on a dust buster vacuum. That’s quite a commercial for dust buster. Lol
Actually I thought it was very inventive! I plan on adding it to my shop vacuum, I wont mention the brand name LOL!
Snoopy
Emily, Chuck and staff, keep up the good work and may the nay sayers go elsewhere.
Is there anyway we can read this publication without the dozens of pop up, ads, page reloading? I normally try and read this on an iPad…but it’s become increasing difficult….TIA
Agree 100%.
Install a Adblocker on your computer.
Donate a couple of bucks! I don’t see any ads.
I always donate, and lately I’ve been getting a lot of ads. Difficult on an iPad.
Get a life people! So FB was mentioned a couple of times! Get over it!
That wasn’t the point Chuck said no more F.B. 2 days ago.
Today Facebook was mentioned twice after the announcement two days ago. Your proclamation lasted almost as long as a typical new year’s resolution.
Hi, Tim. Yep. One was from a post from June 2020, and one was a current joke about their name change. Sheesh! Have a good day. 🙂 –Diane
Chill Tim. Seems you have a low tolerance…
Trailer hitch fail article defies your ban on not citing f. k. Only took you 2 days.
Emily and Chuck , there will always be a couple. Keep up the good work.
That post was from June 2020. I guess when we rerun a post we need to check it for every reference to Facebook and insert (bleeped) instead? Have a good day, Jeg. 🙂 –Diane
The NATTERING NABOBS OF NEGATIVISM who read this very informative and valuable web site need to take a chill pill. The entire staff – I have worked with some of these folks, including Chuck, provide a very good publication found nowhere else in the RV industry.
Amen – Well Said!
Thank you, Brad! We appreciate your kind words. And we truly appreciate, and are still amazed by, the time and effort you invested in “RVs: Who Makes What.” Take care, and have a great day. 🙂 —Diane
I love your website and recently donated again. I messaging to ask where is the “is this your RV?” Thank you
Ditto to both!
“Pet of the Day”, sorry for your loss. Our Jack Russell, Bentley, does the same, chases those embers, has the best time
Lost our Toofoo last week- a true Jack Russell.17 years old and the most loveable dog we have ever know. Sorry for your loss to all who have gone thru it.
I’m very sorry for your loss as well, Jesse. That’s so difficult. My dog, that “rescued me” at a shelter almost 10 years ago, sticks to me like Velcro, still. I believe it’s because he was horribly abused and beaten for the first three years of his life. He’s so protective of me, and so appreciative to have someone who loves him as much as I do, that he just wants to be (really) near me all of the time. I keep telling him to quit walking so close, while I’m thinking to myself that when he’s gone I’m going to sorely miss feeling him “herding” me down the hall, etc. Take care. 🙂 —Diane
After reading the bio on the recently deceased furry baby it reminded me of Kylo Ren. Yeah well he came to us as a Ren. After the Star Wars movie the name Kylo was added and boy was he a namesake. Every time we got to a campsite he disappeared. Even though we watched him like a hawk he still slipped under the radar. The most funniest was when yet again did his Houdini act and ended up crashing a wedding at the venue hall. Every one thought he belonged there until an elderly woman went from site to site asking if anyone knew of this dog. Yup. You guessed it. It was ours. She said she knew he didn’t belong and decided to see if she could find his parents. We did apology and she said no biggie it was just funny to see a dog at a wedding and no one knew who he belonged to. Probably made for some humor afterwards. But we told the woman we swore he was inside the camper. Kylo Ren aka our little Houdini passed away last May. We miss him and his antics.
“Today’s Thought” is scarily pertinent to us seniors . . . Just sayin’.
The water tester shown does not test for bio contaminates, just dissolved solids which are not contaminates; they do not affect your health if you drink the water. They affect the water’s taste and can be hard on plumbing.
I was less intrigued by the uses of baby powder than by the opening lines about insulating while work camping. I’d like to hear more about RVers and work camping – volunteer? Church-related? Other groups? I know the Methodists have a group called the NOMADS (jokingly referred to as Northern Older Methodists Avoiding Deep Snow) where RVers camp & volunteer. Are there others?
Hi, Rebecca. Here’s a recent article by Nanci Dixon with some information you might find useful: 13 tips about work camping that will point you to success https://www.rvtravel.com/tipsworkcamping970/ It not only includes tips from a longtime work camper, but also numerous links for lots more information. Good luck! 🙂 –Diane
Chuck, Emily, Diane and all,
I answered and wrote a brief entry (haha) for today’s poll. I want to thank RV Travel for all of the informative articles and references made over these past few years that I have been reading this newsletter as well as the other publications you put out. It made this trip we just experienced possible. Did we have issues? Yes, but we were able to overcome them due to information previously reported.
The political BS, name calling and other immature behavior that some show , while distracting, is just that, BS. It shows narrow minded individuals acting childish. I just ignore and move on.
Please keep up the terrific work.
And thanks again.
Wow! Thanks, Mike! (Blush.) You, and others like you, and comments like yours, make all of this “hard work” and rare rude comments from a very few bitter readers all worthwhile. I say “hard work” because it’s really neither “hard” nor “work.” We all love what we’re doing, so it doesn’t feel like work at all. I was talking to my neighbor, a CPA, over our back fence last year. I was expaining what I do here. His response, when he saw my enthusiasm, was, “So, you’re getting paid for your hobby?” Exactly! Thanks, again, Mike. Take care. 😀 —Diane