RV Daily Tips. Friday, November 19, 2021

Issue 1735
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!).

RVtravel.com Forums

Most RVtravel.com writers are getting their own forums, where readers can discuss their articles with them. Here are the first two:

• Dave Solberg (RV Repair and Maintenance)
• Mike Sokol (RV electricity)

Today’s thought

“I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow; but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.” ―Agatha Christie

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Play Monopoly Day! (Psst: This is our favorite version of Monopoly and would make a great gift!)

On this day in history: 1863 – American Civil War: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony for the military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Tip of the Day

Backroad or offroad RVing: Don’t get stuck!

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
One of the great joys of RVing is to get closer to nature and farther away from the noise and problems of “civilization.” Of course, getting away from civilization can also mean getting away from paved roads – and, at times, that can put you in the way of getting your rig stuck.

We can vouch for the truth of this maxim: The best way to get your RV unstuck is not to get stuck in the first place. If you’re heading away from civilization and pavement, use plenty of foresight – use your eyes, without the RV, wherever possible. Scouting ahead on foot or with a tow vehicle (preferably one equipped with four-wheel drive) can help you identify hazards. Mud is obviously something to steer clear of, but check the terrain carefully. It may be good today while it’s dry, but what if rain comes. Will that perfect “spot” suddenly become a mire?

Foresight and best intentions aside, conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Here are some tips for dealing with those undesirable situations that can come up (and into) your path.

Yesterday’s tip of the day: Is the cat missing? You’ll be shocked at all the places your pet can hide in your RV

Today’s RV review…

In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the new Rockwood 2442BS mini fifth wheel. He writes, “There are going to be some of you who see this and think you’ve seen the best fifth wheel on the market. And there are going to be some of you who see this and think this is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen.” Well, what do you think?

Did you read Tony’s review yesterday of the 2022 Keystone Cougar 316RLS fifth wheel? 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, November 19, 2021. If it’s yours you’ll win a $25 Amazon gift certificate.

Last week one reader claimed their $25 Amazon gift card: Kathleen Verdino of Sun City, AZ.

We are discontinuing the contest at the end of November. We’ll have a brand-new contest. This contest will return again after a break.

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 won’t the water heater drain plug come out?

Dear Dave,
I’m trying to winterize the water heater and can’t get the plug out. Sprayed it and it still won’t budge. I sure don’t want to break the heater. Is there another way to get the water out? It’s a Suburban water heater in a 1997 Allegro Star. Thanks. —Eloise

Read Dave’s response.

Did you miss Dave’s column yesterday where he answered the question: Why can’t I get schematics for my rig?

RVing: The joy of the unexpected

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
We find that a good part of the joy of RVing is running into the unexpected. Round the next corner, who knows, maybe you’ll happen onto a herd of antelope. There’s always that vintage gas station that looks like a coffee pot. But half the fun is seeing the reactions folks have to these strange turnings. … So what did Russ and Tiña’s Southern friend have to say about this Northwest anomaly? Find out here.

Yesterday’s featured article: Reader from South Africa shows off cute VW motorhome

You may have missed these recent popular stories…

• They scammed dozens of RV buyers – but no charges will be filed
• RV industry convention ends: RVers’ future is conflicted
• Skyrocketing campground insurance rates could threaten the future costs of camping
• The truth about RVing: It’s NOT always rosy… 

Reader poll

Do you wear a watch?

If you have the time, tell us here!

Quick Tip

Save money if you need to replace some RV furniture

Is some of your RV furniture getting along toward retirement? Buying new RV furniture can be nearly as costly as buying it for the sticks and bricks home – and at times even more so. Don’t despair – call around to a few RV dealers. You may find that some folks, on taking possession of a new RV, wanted to “upgrade” their stuff, and dealers may have “trade out” furniture in stock for a lot less than “new” prices. (That is, if they have RV furniture at all these days.)

?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
You won’t ever be cold again! No, really! It’s true! Not with these!

“Why I love my RV”

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs. 

From Andrew Vactor
2020 Newmar Ventana

“I love that my wife loves it! As a result, she is an equal partner in our adventures including driving.”

Happy travels, you two!

Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.

Website of the day

The Tiniest Town in Every State
These are soooo tiny! Make sure you click the arrow on the right side of the first photo (it’s kind of hard to see) to start scrolling through the slideshow.

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

Roasted Cornish Hens
by Rosi Tornetto from NY, NY

If you’ve never tried Cornish game hen, we suggest you do. They’re delicious. Essentially it’s a smaller chicken that’s tender and has a richer flavor than larger chickens. This is a great recipe for roasting Cornish hens. The flavors of rosemary and garlic permeate through the moist, juicy meat. Once roasted, the skin is perfectly crisp.

What about trying this instead of turkey this year? We like that idea! Get the recipe.

See yesterday’s recipe: Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce

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Trivia

Costco operates 817 warehouses, including 565 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 105 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 30 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 16 in Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 13 in Australia, three in Spain, and one each in Iceland, France, and China.

*What percentage of the American public does not have enough money in the bank for a $500 emergency? Guess that percentage then look in yesterday’s trivia for the answer. 

Readers’ Pet of the Day

“Sophia (one of 8 puppies born in the motorhome) has had a great sense of balance since she was five weeks old. This is her favorite spot so she can stand guard and watch out the door window to see what is happening in the world outside the motorhome. She feels completely secure on the back of the lounge chair next to the door. This is also her favorite place to greet us when we come home – she’s the first one to give kisses too.” —Elaine Jones

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!

Make an omelette in seconds!
Tired of making eggs and dealing with the mess, cleanup, and timely preparation? This microwaveable omelette maker saves the day! This handy gadget makes omelettes in just three easy steps: beat eggs and milk, add ingredients, microwave and eat! It promotes healthy eating by cutting out butter, oil and grease. Buy this breakfast-saver here.

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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Words of Wisdom: “If you smile at people they will almost always smile back.” Source.

RVtravel.com is always looking for new writers. Good income potential for motivated journalists. Interested? Email editor@rvtravel.com

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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