Issue 1723
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
“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Sandwich Day!
On this day in history: 1911 – Chevrolet officially enters the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T.
Tip of the Day
Basic RV etiquette that isn’t always talked about, but makes all the difference
By Gail Marsh
We all learned the “magic words” as a kid. Do you want a piece of pie? What are the magic words? “Please” and “thank you.” “Magic words” and other proper manners were taught to most of us as we grew up. In the spirit of “never stop learning new things,” I recently learned a few rules of etiquette about RVing that I hadn’t known before. Here they are. (Please. Add to my list. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s tip of the day: This affordable, effective device will track your RV or other items if stolen
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new 2022 Grand Design Solitude 380FL. As he reports, “I will say this is a very-well-thought-out fifth wheel with a lot of details that just show that someone’s paying attention.” Learn more.
Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Cherokee Alpha Wolf 28FK? If you missed it, you can read it here.
For previous RV reviews, click here.
Check for gas leaks often by using this!
Russ and Tiña De Maris write: “We keep our natural gas leak detector tucked in the door pocket of our tow vehicle so we can check for leaks when we reconnect an LP bottle after filling. We also use it whenever we make up a new connection on a gas line, or ‘think’ we might have a leak. Here’s one you can pick up for a good price with lots of good reviews.”
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, Nov. 3, 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.
Can I insulate my shower skylight?
Dear Dave,
The shower skylight in our RV lets in a lot of light and heat in the summer and a lot of cold in the winter. I would like to install a reflective insulation between the two plastic domes. Will this cause any problem? Thank you. —Roger Ewing
Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: Why am I not getting 120-volt power to the water heater?
Video: Take a virtual drive in stunning Zion National Park
Feeling cooped up in these Pandemic times? Here’s something that will lift your spirits and, good or bad, make you yearn to pack up your RV and hit the road – in this case to magnificent Zion National Park. Check out this gorgeous 23-minute video by RVtravel.com reader Mike Fousie.
Yesterday’s featured article: Use the NADA Guide when buying a used RV
Reader poll
Do you know how to use a sewing machine?
Sew us a shirt and tell us here! (Just kidding, you don’t have to sew us a shirt… but it would be nice of you!)
Helpful resources
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick Tip
No faucet sprayer? Try this
RVs in the low/medium-priced range may not have any type of flexible sprayer on the kitchen sink. Replacing the faucet with a unit that contains a sprayer built into the faucet head is an excellent method for solving the sprayer issue. Purchase one at your local hardware. Since the fittings are standard (like a house) it’s an easy replacement. Thanks to Ron Jones, AboutRVing.com.
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Leslie Pederson
2017 VanLeigh Vilano 375FL
“I love how the spaces are divided up a bit and have separate rooms. The laundry is easy to use and the bathroom is large with double sinks. I love all the space in our bedroom.”
Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.
Website of the day
How the Bigfoot Legend Began
We all know and love Mr. Squatch, but do you know the history behind his famous story? The History Channel tells you everything you need to know (and you don’t have to search for it!).
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
This is a big dill! For someone who likes these, this might make a great stocking stuffer… or a sandwich stuffer…
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Readers say THIS is the worst kind of road to drive. We offer tips
• Tire pressure gauges lose accuracy over time. Here’s how to check them
• An important guide to getting medical help while on the road
Recipe of the Day
Chicken Joe Wraps
by David Henson from Iuka, IL
Sloppy Joes just got a facelift with this easy dinner recipe. We loved the creative twist on Sloppy Joes. The sauce is delicious mixed with chopped chicken. Placing the filling in a wrap with cheese and grilling creates a tasty sandwich. The sandwich press makes the wrap crunchy and the inside cheesy. Make sure to serve these hot. They’re so good!
This might just be our new favorite recipe… get it here!
See yesterday’s recipe: Buffalo Ranch Deviled Eggs
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Trivia
The busiest airport in the world (yup, the entire world) is Atlanta, Georgia. You’d think it would be another airport in a large city, such as New York or London, but nope. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is passenger-for-passenger the busiest airport in the world and has been since 1998. Direct flights from the seven-million-square-foot airport reach all of North America, all of Central America, most of South America, most of Western Europe and parts of Africa, South Korea, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
*What is the top-grossing holiday film of all time? We told you in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Sherman has been camping with us since he was about 4 1/2 months and is now five years. His likes are hiking in the woods and, most of all, the beach. His dislikes are curvy roads and the wheels going over the rumble strips. That is when he parks himself on my lap.” —Leslie Schofield
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 First Aid: The basic kit you should carry with you at all times. This is important!
By far the coolest bottle opener for RVers!
Look at this adorable vintage trailer bottle opener! You’d be the star of the campground if you opened everyone’s beer or soda with it! It’s a magnet, so you can always find it on your fridge, and it comes in two colors. It would make a great gift too! 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.
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Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury.
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): mikegast@rvtravel.com
Advertising: Advertising@rvtravel.com
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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The tip about using residential faucets is right on, but the mention of standard fittings might be a little misleading. Standard residential faucets generally use 3/8″ compression fittings. Our RV (vintage mid-2000s) uses “standard” 1/2″ PEX/pipe thread fittings. Simply compression-to-pipe adapters are commonly available, but an installation may not be as plug-and-play as the trip implies.
Yes George, that’s what I noticed when I changed our sink faucet. It came from ETrailer adapted for an RV connection with FIP (ferrourous iron pipe) fittings. Those are straight (not tapered) pipe threads.
I’ve always advised folks to buy components made for RV installation whenever possible. If you can’t, take the old one with you to match up the new one.
Feeder lines for sink faucets are made in different sizes. If your RV feeder lines don’t fit the residential faucet you buy, it is pretty easy to buy new, flexible, feeder lines with 1/2 inch to 1/2 inch fittings or most any other size you need.
I don’t give reviews either positive or negative. I am not computer savvy enough to find the proper place for the review. I have tried in the past, and it seems that I am always sent to some site I have never heard of, so I just delete it and move on. I don’t text, tweet, like, or follow and I have no desire to begin.
Years ago I purchased 4’ X 8’ sheets of foil backed 1’ insulation and cut panels for my skylights and all windows to keep sun out and heat in when needed. They store behind my couch and are light and easy to use. Tape around the edges keeps them from flaking.
I replaced the typical bathroom faucet with a bar faucet. Now, you can really use the sink.
The TST TPMS advertisement’s being presented as an article is, uh, well, unethical.
Unethical??? The intro clearly states that the “article” is about TST and their great custom customer satisfaction.
Get a life. This is an information newsletter that is supported by advertisers. I just don’t understand why negativity has made it’s way to an RV newsletter. Sheesh.
This Reply is for Scott:
There wouldn’t need to be any advertising at all in this newsletter if more people stepped up and contributed to it’s production. 96% of those that are reading this take it for granted and freeload. That leaves the remaining 4% of us and the advertising revenue to support their morning read with a cup of Joe. Come on people throw a few dollars a year into the pot! As far as the TST TPMS advertisement I see no harm and I liked it so much bought 6 more for my Dually.
Well said! Freeloading is much too common today. This is a great site, and as a lifelong RVer I can put up with a few bumps.
Donate if you can!
Thank you very much for your supportive message, Al, as well as your financial support. We appreciate all of the above, and you, very much! Take care. 🙂 –Diane
You must be looking at something else, Scott. All I see is the ad for the TST TPMS, not an article. It’s referred to as a “text ad” because there is some text with it. Sorry if it offended you. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
Diane, I even read back thru the newsletter, and as hard as I tried, I could not find anything unethical, aggravating, disappointing, or contrary, to complain about. I guess you will have to try harder in the next news letter. lol Keep on keepin’ on.
😆 Thanks, Kelly. Sometimes those things can be found in the comments, however (and sometimes unfortunately). 🙄 Have a good evening/night. 🙂 –Diane
Well, my bad, I guess, folks. I clicked that link expecting a general discussion of TPMSs, and was (obviously) put off to find it was an advertisement for a particular brand. And upon re-reading, well, that was easy enough to do, actually. Print media says “Paid Advertisement” (no matter how small the print) when that’s what it is, and I personally would appreciate a similar gesture here. However, “unethical” was probably too strong, and for that I apologize.
And I get to agree about “freeloaders,” not being one of them.