Issue 1746
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 thought
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Microwave Oven Day!
On this day in history: 1884 – The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is completed.
Did you see the news? Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Tip of the Day
Where to refill those propane tanks on the road
By Gail Marsh
Baby, it’s getting cold outside! That’s not a problem unless the inside of your RV also becomes chilly. Then it could be time to refill your propane tanks. Just for clarification, I’m talking about the bigger tanks that keep your furnace running. Not the little ones used to fuel your gas grill. We usually just exchange the smaller tanks, but the bigger ones? No way. We always have our larger propane tanks refilled. Not only do you get to keep the propane that may remain inside the tank (saving you money), but you can also be certain of the integrity of the tank – because you are the one who has used it and had it inspected, certified, or recertified.
Today’s RV review…
In today’s column, industry insider Tony Barthel reviews the 2022 Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite 256BHS. As he reports, “In many ways this Coachmen Apex really nails the bunkhouse configuration and, bonus, it’s surprisingly light for a trailer of this size. But there are a few aspects of the design that really make it stand out among its peers.” Read about those outstanding aspects of the Apex here.
Reviews from this weekend:
• 2022 Thor Magnitude RS36 – a bigger and better bunk Super C
• 2022 Winnebago Travato 59KL – Little details are a big deal
For previous RV reviews, click here.
Is this your RV?
We are continuing this feature by popular demand!
Click here to see if your RV made it into today’s issue.
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 does my water pump cycle every few seconds?
Dear Dave,
Thanks for joining RV Travel – I’ve really enjoyed your columns. My question: We have a 2018 Thor Freedom Elite on a Ford E-350 chassis. It has a Shurflo 4008-101-A65 water pump rated at 3 gpm and 55 psi. The pump pumps fine with plenty of flow. The problem: When there is no demand for water, about every 10 – 15 seconds, the pump “burps” or cycles for about one second. I have found no leaks or evidence thereof and no faucets or the toilet are leaking. While there is no problem with leaks or water delivery, it is kind of annoying. Any suggestions? Thanks. —Don
Did you miss Dave’s column on Saturday where he answered the question: Should I cover my RV’s gas tanks for the winter?
RVelectricity™ – This week’s J.A.M. (Just Ask Mike) Session
with Mike Sokol
2022 RVelectricity Seminar dates
Dear Mike,
Just where are you planning to teach your RVelectricity seminars next year? I would really like to attend one. —Big Jim
Dear Big Jim,
Glad you asked… I’ll continue to update this page as more RVelectricity Seminars are added (to a max of 12 in 2022). Exact days and times TBA. I’ll also be adding evening RVTI Level-3 Electricity classes to many of these events. These advanced CEU classes will be available only to certified RV technicians. … Continue reading for the schedule of seminars around the country. If there’s one near you, you won’t want to miss it.
Live Ask the Expert webcast this Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. Read more details about it, and sign up for a reminder, at the bottom of the J.A.M. Session, here.
• Mike’s Saturday column: What is this mystery amperage draw? He also explains a basic process to troubleshoot any electrical problem.
• Read more of Mike’s articles here.
Watch the horror of a motorhome crash test
They don’t crash test motorhomes in America, and one reason is the results are frightening. In Sweden, they do crash test motorhomes and as you will see in this video, the RV and its test dummies do not fare well (to put it mildly). Watch this and, if nothing else, let it be a reminder to drive defensively. Click here.
Words of wisdom from this book:
Do not disregard your mistakes.
Reader poll
Do you have a fear of heights?
You don’t have to look down, just tell us here!
Quick Tip
Downhill driving advice from a couple of pros
A little hill country driving in your RV future? Here’s a thought from John: “Being a professional truck driver for more than 40 years, as a rule of thumb, we go down a hill in the same gear we would go up a hill in. It has always worked for me – 44 years and accident-free.”
And here’s more on the topic from Bob P.: “The correct way to use your brakes on a downhill grade, used in the trucking industry: Put your truck in the lower gear before you start down, using the same gear you would normally use to climb the hill. As you start gaining speed, step on the brake pedal hard enough to slow you back to a comfortable speed, then let off the brakes, allowing them to cool. Repeat this process until you’ve made it to the bottom. Do not ride the brake pedal as that will hold light pressure on the brake pads and discs, keeping them hot.”
This book is a must-have for state park campers!
“50 States: 500 State Parks” is a must-have book for all state park campers and explorers. The beautiful book takes you on a journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history or an enjoyable hike, state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Wendy Slater
2005 Keystone Montana
“Everything!! It’s built unbelievably well! I’m slowly doing some updating to it. There is a lot of room and the floor plan is perfect. We have had to do maintenance – and it’s been worth it. We will keep her as long as we can.”
Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.
Website of the day
The Best Diners in America
It’s hard to beat a good diner. It’s even hard to beat a huge plate of melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, or ham and eggs if that’s more your thing. Here’s a list from Food&Wine of the best diners in America.
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• New to RVing? Here’s what experienced RVers want newbie RVers to know
• Professional photographer says this tripod is best for RVers
• Fungal jungle in your dishwasher? Sanitize it in 5 easy steps
????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
This would look so beautiful at night in your RV! We want this as we curl up with a good book!
Recipe of the Day
Tasty Keto Lasagna
by Deni Elwood from The Villages, FL
If you’re following a low-carb diet, add this Keto zucchini lasagna to your weekly menu. You don’t even miss the noodles. It has a delicious balance of Italian flavors. Italian sausage adds another flavor dimension to the dish. You could easily substitute with your favorite sausage. Add all the layers of cheesy goodness and you have a tasty low-carb lasagna.
Sounds good! Why not give it a try? Get the recipe.
Recipes from this weekend:
• Seared Cod with Cilantro Lime Rice
• Texas Tamale Balls
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Trivia
When someone says they have a “butt load” of something (ex: “I have a butt load of apples from my tree this year!”), how much do they really mean? Well, if you happen to come into possession of a “butt of wine,” derived from the Italian botte, you’d be the owner of 126 gallons of wine. So, when someone says they have a butt load of wine to drink, you can assume they mean 126 gallons! Not really… but you get the point!
Readers’ Pets of the Day
“The Pointer Sisters, Misty & Bobbi, love to explore new campgrounds and travel in the mega cab truck.” —Frank Moy
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!
The handy CouchCoaster won’t let your drink spill!
The CouchCoaster is the ultimate drink holder for your couch. It holds all your favorite drinks: hot, cold, cans, mugs, glasses, bottles… on your sofa, chairs, recliners, you name it! This is a great alternative to a coffee table, or if you don’t want to reach all the way to the coffee table each time you want a sip. Learn more or order.
Leave here with a laugh
What has four wheels and flies?
A garbage truck.
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.
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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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That crash test confirmed my reason for not owning a motorhome. The inside looked like a hurricane, YIKES !
The country’s best diners are featured on the Food Channel’s Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. We try to eat at them when traveling.
Correct, there are so many great diners that are not on this list.
Off topic perhaps but I’m having real issues with the
Pop-up add for Cheez-it Grooves. Every day it pops up several times while reading the daily post. Totally blocking my screen and it seems to be impossible to get it to go away.
Is this something others are experiencing of just me?
I could be wrong but I think if you have a paid subscription, the pop up ads don’t appear.
Get an ad blocker. I don’t see any popup ads. I use uBlock Origin.
I use it also, love it, and the price is just within my budget…..Free!!!!!
I use AdBlocker Plus and have no problems. However, if you use an IPad or phone you need to open RVTravel using a browser. When you open the email there should be 3 dots at the bottom of your screen. Tap that and then open in Browser.
Never had to do that with my I-pad
Groan. Just because something fails as a brain teaser doesn’t make it funny.
Unless it is a chevy pu….
Well technically the dogs are on a leash
Leave here with a laugh- another sad laugh.
The leave here with a laugh is wrong, even the smaller ones have 6 wheels and the normal sized one has 10 wheels.
Picky picky.
aw, loosen up… just laff and leave the pedantics for serious stuff.
I wonder if it has 4 lug nuts, 6 lug nuts, 8 lugs nuts, is it blue or orange, fuzzy dice. What happened to the greatest country on this earth, I hope my TP is PC correct!!
It’s just a joke. Don’t you want to know what kind of flies they are?
Today’s question of the day, I have no fear of heights, it would be the stop at the bottom of the drop that would have me worried.:):):)