Issue 1861
Welcome to RV Travel’s Daily Tips Newsletter, where you’ll find helpful RV-related tips from the pros, travel advice, product reviews and more. Thanks for joining us. 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 (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
[activecampaign form=34]
Today’s thought
“Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you’ve got a hundred years here. There’s only one rule that I know of, babies- ‘God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.’” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Barbecue Day!
On this day in history: 1842 – The first major wagon train heading for the Pacific Northwest sets out on the Oregon Trail from Elm Grove, Missouri, with 100 pioneers.
Did you see the news? Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Tip of the Day
Tips from professional RV detailers to keep your RV looking good-as-new
By Nanci Dixon
Our RV looks as good as new! We just had our motorhome professionally detailed and wow, does it look good! It looks even better than when sitting new on the dusty RV sales lot! We have been keeping up with it for the last four years, sometimes hiring someone to wash and wax or just doing it ourselves, but we have never had a detail job done. These tips from professional RV detailers are helpful for every RVer.
Fowler Detailing in Red Bay, Alabama, are professional detailers and had a team of eight people working all over our motorhome: washing, scrubbing, buffing, waxing and drying. These are the tips they shared with us.
Today’s RV review…
2022 Tiffin Midas 24RT B+ concept
Tony writes, “If you were considering something like the Winnebago EKKO or, perhaps, the Leisure Travel Vans Unity, would this appeal to you? Tiffin certainly has an enviable reputation and the pricing on this is right in line with others in the field. Now, the big question, can you even get one, or is this still a prototype?”
For previous RV reviews, click here.
CONTEST! Is this your RV?
Win a $25 Amazon gift certificate if today’s RV photo shows your rig
Every day we post a photo of an RV either submitted by its owner or by our editors as they move about the country.
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.
When on shoreline power, can I turn off my somewhat-loud converter?
Dear Dave,
My camper is plugged in all the time. Do I still need to have the converter on? It makes a somewhat loud humming. —Rick, 1993 Holiday Rambler, Aluma-Lite
RVelectricity™
With Mike Sokol
New no-splice SoftStartRV install video
Dear Mike,
I read your article a few weeks ago about the new SoftStartRV controller that’s smaller than the original version. Does it work the same as the earlier model, and do you have an installation video? My husband is pretty handy but he’s no electrician. Can you give him a little confidence boost before we pull the trigger and buy one? —Roxanne
• Read more of Mike’s articles here.
RV TOOLS: Hundreds of tools specifically for RVers. Explore.
Boondocking? This power system makes things easy
I have a sticks and bricks home, but I also spend a lot of time on the road. As most homeowners, I have an arsenal of yard management tools like a mower, blower, chain saw, cultivator, weed whacker and more. However, I might be unusual in that mine are all electric and happen to be the Ego brand. What does this have to do with RVing? Find out here and learn about this great boondocking gadget.
Reader poll
Which do you most enjoy, giving gifts or receiving gifts?
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
Now THIS is fun! This would be a perfect rainy-day activity for a summer activity. Wait, what? Oh, just click here and you’ll see.
Quick Tip
Shirt closet shelves
Got one of those shirt closets next to your bed, but don’t need it for hanging? Facebook member Beth Haizlip fixed her problem with wire shelving and Command hooks from Lowe’s. “I bought a wire shelf from Lowe’s and cut it down to the sizes I needed. Then I attached Command hooks to the sidewalls and now I have shelves. Easily removed if I need more hanging room.”
“Why I love my RV”
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, RVtravel.com readers tell in their own words why they love their RVs.
From Donal Carbaugh
2020 Lance 2375
“We are a couple with a pooch. We love the picture window in the back with comfortable swivel rockers. The large dinette adds more comfortable seats in a bright living area with a separate walk-around bed in the front. Plenty of storage for us with a large outdoor area under the awning. We love our Lance!”
Tell us about your RV. Come on, do a little bragging! Click here.
Website of the day
Ultimate Bunker
Okay, even if you’re not planning on building an underground bunker, this website is still totally cool. They build custom bunkers, safe rooms, custom shipping containers and more. You’ll want one of these as your man-cave or she-shed!
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• RV jacks won’t retract? Try this
• Is it safe to bring a propane tank inside an RV?
• Time to de-winterize and sanitize the RV water system (OK. Maybe this is a little late.)
Recipe of the Day
Cassie’s Greek Fries on the Grill
by Cassie Passero from Canon City, CO
A healthier and less messy way to cook fries without frying them. The mix of thyme, rosemary, and oregano is delicious and not overpowering. They’re wonderful without the Feta, but we’d encourage you to sprinkle it on top. The cheese adds a touch of savory flavor. A creative twist on french fries for summer grilling season.
[do_widget id=custom_html-21]
Trivia
Before surfer culture adopted the word “dude” it referred to well-dressed men. The word was first used in the 1870s and referred to men who dressed very fashionably. If you’ve ever heard the term “dude ranch,” you’ll know it refers to a fancier ranch intended for tourists—a place for city slickers to go play cowboy for a few days on vacation. It wasn’t until the 1960s that California surfers started using the word to refer to any “guy.” Got it, dude?
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“We’ve been on the road for a month now. Jones likes to sit where he can watch the road, but sometimes he just likes to chill. When he calls ‘shotgun’ I’m left to find another seat.” —Lori Favre
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!
Wow! Prevent costly mistakes with these RVminders
Check out these RVminders and easily prevent costly mistakes! These bands wrap around your steering wheel and remind you to check things before you drive away. Never leave the steps or ladder down again. Antenna or satellite down? Slide locks in place? Doors, vents and windows closed? Compartment locks locked? Hookups disconnected? These are so easy to use they should be in every RV! Check ’em out.
Leave here with a laugh
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Won’t you help support us?
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.
Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@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.
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.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way, #265, Edmonds, WA 98020.
This newsletter is copyright 2022 by RV Travel LLC.
The language used in todays thought could’ve been better used in a trash publication, please reconsider publishing such trash in the future, thank you.
Yes, I agree… Continue using that language, RVTravel will end up in the trash.
I agree, didn’t think things would stoop this low. SAD
People do say things like this but y must we read it as well….print again and I choose to leave…..
Didn’t much care for the thought of the day using God’s name in vain.
I was thinking the same thing! Surprised by this and not in a good way!
I’m extremely surprised by your “Thought.” May have to reconsider my yearly contribution.
Just because a noted author says it doesn’t make it less offensive. We really do not appreciate your using our Lord’s name in vain in your publication.
Amen
clean up the language please…..
Today’s Thought – Apparently, I’m in the minority, but I LOVED it! Have always loved Kurt Vonnegut and his writing and he nailed it with this quote! For those of you who don’t understand, a quote is just that……you don’t change what someone else said to make it more PC – that would be a “paraphrase” so get over it. Keep up the good work! This newsletter is the first thing I read every morning. Love it.
Well said, I’m not a big fan of Vonnegut but I understand what he meant.
Yes it’s apparent you are in the minority. Apparently you grew up in an environment where filthy language was used by people with a small vocabulary who had to use that kind of language to communicate. I grew up in a home of “uneducated parents” but we never had to use that kind of language to communicate. Have a nice day.
If you think that quote or anything in it was filthy, I am sorry for you.
Just plain old SHOCKED ! Something I NEVER would have expected from RV Travel.
Didn’t appreciate the use of the Lord’s name in vain..am unsubscribing effective immediately.
This isn’t an airport, no need to announce your departure. Ciao
Haha. Good one, I need you remember that.
Quality of this just publication dropped near bottom for me with the “Thought”. Thought you were better.
Are all these people crying because of the three words “God damn it”?!? And they’re all gonna quit reading? Come on man! I had to go back and re-read just to see what the sniveling is about. To me this is a very loud statement about what’s wrong with this country.
I have ignored your liberal bias and your tree hugger point of view, but quote or not that language is the last straw.
Good bye, hope you have a day you deserve.
That was very mean. 🙂
I thought the quote was great and spot on! Too many people so easily get their panties in a bunch. A little chill goes a long way!
Meanwhile, here in reality land, we didn’t notice anything offensive about the quote.
This.
My compliments to the staff. This is one of the most useful editions of the newsletter I’ve received in awhile. The ‘details’ of the detailing article and the SoftStart installation video were right on point. Love it! I even shared the laugh of the day with family members.
To be clear, I ENJOY the letter every day. But these items were especially useful for me.
Thank you!
P.S. The thought for the day was right on point as well.
Thank you, Tony! We appreciate your very kind words, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Please ignore the narrow minded readers who claim to be offended by the word God in the quote. They clearly missed the context and should read Vonnegut.
If they unsubscribe, you’ll be left with a more intelligent and open minded group of followers.
Amen
Right on.
Well put!
YES YES .
Didn’t appreciate todays thought. There is no need to use the Lords name in that manner. I consider this bad language.
Amazing, I had to go back and reread the thought of the day to see what was offensive. Didn’t bother me at all. Water off the back of a duck.
Modern “churches” offend me. If they were truly doing “God’s” work, why are the limited funds used for “crystal cathedrals”?
I’ve been reading RV since it started…always the first thing I read every morning…I was also shocked to see our Lord’s name used in vain…to many good quotes out there to use people like this…I love the publication and will continue to support and read it with the hopes that who ever picked this one will reflect before they do it again..
Amen
Get off the soap box. Open the eyes and realize this is the 21st century. Time to broaden horizons in the educationally world like those that did in the 60s-70s to understand the world then it’s time to repeat some of what the world is today. Just saying.
If you only want to hear one side of the story told in one particular way, watch CNN or Fox.
Or CBC in Canada
Loved the Thought. Very timely.
I had to reread the thought again too. It seems to me that many are missing the point…be kind to your fellow human being. Maybe God will damn you if you don’t. A different interpretation of the quote? Bottom line, more kindness in this world would go a long way not only for the receiver but the giver as well.
I didn’t appreciate using God’s name in vain. I understand not changing the language of a quote but just pick a nicer quote, please.
Agree!
I agree with the quote, and smiled when I got to the end……I knew, I just knew it was going to stir up some comments. I was not offended.
Too bad you can’t find a quote of the day without profanity in it. Your rules say we can be blocked for using cuss words, so why shouldn’t the same rule apply to yoir quote of the day
DITTO!!!!!!
With all of these people leaving ,maybe I’ll have a better chance at winning the Saturday give away !
Today’s thought….not shocked but very disappointed.
Wow. I don’t understand why everyone is so upset with the quote of the day,it’s so relevant for these days.
People really need to lighten up,get your panties out of their wad and enjoy life.
Typically it’s the younger generation that uses the word “dude” to address another person (usually a man, of course). That said, my generation would use the word “sir” if we didn’t know their last name and if we did, we called them “Mister Jones” (or whatever their last name was). The use of their first name was typically only used if the person was of a close relationship (friend or relative). On facebook, your name is provided with each of your posts and to me it shows disrespect for someone to call me “dude”, even if there is no malice intended when my name is right there. Just getting old, I guess.
So it’s ok to offend those of faith. Where’s the kindness in that?
Excellent. Thank you.
Right!
Keep your faith out of my god damned first amendment right to free speech.
Now, I didn’t say that to be a jerk. I said it to show that, your faith can not interfere with my rights. It is the same argument that gun enthusiasts use after children are murdered in schools, because they have a certain interpretation of the Second Amendment.
If ‘God’ is real, and if he/she/they…. have an issue with humanity, then they need to drop in and clear some things up. America, like most Western nations, have laws that are designed to be even-handed, and though they may run parallel with, they are not based on religious law. (For that, you’ll have to visit Saudi Arabia, Iran or Afghanistan.) So, while you can take exception to the occasional, ‘Goddammit’, and I agree it is not always needed, you can’t legislate against it.
Now, do we need to expand this same argument to womens bodies??
Amen!
My word people chill out please…
I wonder how many of the offended who intend to unsubscribe will keep their Disney subscriptions. “All-or-nothing” thinking really limits our interactions and information intake.
Pretty disappointed in Rv Travel!! They should NEVER use the Lord’s name in vain!!!
Please reconsider using quotes that use the Lord’s name in such a disrespectful manner or “use His name in vain.”
With all the killing done in ‘Gods’ name, I think a few curse words really aren’t on her radar.
😂 love that!
Cindy, You might want to look at the original Quote by Mr. Vonnegut and you will see that the entire phrase is in quotations>
If we desire the Lord to damn it then why bother? It becomes meaningless. Kindness is what we are meant to display to our fellow man. Somehow that part of man seems to be missing and we need to find it.
Well we see whom all the bible thumpers are. Religion has its place so let’s keep it in the walls of the church. O put faith in the hall closet and there it will stay and I have my reasons.
In my personal experience, those having a problem with the quote of the day are usually the most hypocritical of all in other aspects of their life. I enjoy these newsletters everyday, and greatly appreciate all the work that goes into it. Please don’t let the vocal few change anything about your publications! Thanks.
👍 👍
I’m one of the many who are very disappointed in the quote of the day. As one already mentioned there are standards on what language is acceptable on your site. I suppose in this day and age I shouldn’t be surprised at what some accept as a good quote. However I didn’t find the use of the Lord’s name in vain as kind. Call me old fashioned or ignorant but I don’t think that quotation was at all appropriate.
I am really disappointed in the quote of the day. Taking Gods name name in vain is not something I agree with, but more that it is one of Gods 10 commandments that should not be done. I have really enjoyed reading r travel for years, but if this is what it is going too I will not be continuing. We will see.
P. S. As I was posting this I notice in the rules we have to agree too that cuss words will not be allowed? WOW! Double standards???
I’m sorry. Which of the 3,000-plus Gods in human history are you worried about offending?
So true! So many Gods.
1st, one doesn’t use the Lord’s name in vain, because it’s one of the 10 commandments, and it’s not polite and or respectful.
2nd, beliefs in God, are “LIVED” both in public and private, to one’s best abilities, everyday.
So, is the quote funny or on point? No, it misses; strong, disciplined, grateful, charitable, responsible, ethical, good stewards of this planet, hard working, good values and principles……
Just my opinion.
Respect is not just a religious principle, and common courtesy is just too rare nowadays.
I guess no one has read any Vonnegut. I guess all have lost their sense of humor. Did no one get the point that this was an intended juxtaposition to make a very valid point? – to be kind. I understand not using Gods name in vane. This was not using His name in vane. This was using His name to “to be kind” – sort of the first commandment, – if everyone was kind there wouldn’t be any need for any of the commandments. Get the point?
Divinity Student, KellyR
AND then some of you go on to say that using “God” is profanity and a curse word?
What has happened to reading and comprehension?
👍 👍
YES!!!!
As soon as I read the quote of the day I figured you’d be inundated with criticism. I’d like you to know that I’m not offended or upset. I think the quote is a good one. Thanks for putting it out there. Keep up the great work with the newsletter. I’m happy to contribute a little bit of cash every month to help out and will continue to do so.
I’m sure you know, or can certainly figure out, which of your detractors never contribute financially and I’ll bet you get a chuckle when you see a comment from “oldwhathisname” who always complains but never pays a dime.
I think I will join others and take my money and time and say goodbye to this garbage. There sure are some tough keyboard thugs on here that wouldn’t have the nerve to say a word to anyone in the real world because they know they would get their jaw broken. Unsubscribe and report spam
So a “quote” of something that was written by a well-known author of dozens of books, is so offensive it justifies a threat of physical violence from someone that claims to be a peace-loving person of God. Wonder where in that person’s “holy book” violence is advocated as the best way to express an opinion. Why are so many people so thin-skinned that words in print, that are not advocating violence, justify such hateful replies? If you don’t want to be exposed to the ideas of others it may be best to go and live in a cave. Today there are too many that want to burn books and ban ideas that might end up with someone questioning the imposed authority of a dictator, government, or self-proclaimed religious leader. Why are so many so unsure of their beliefs that they can not tolerate being exposed to alternate ideas and concepts?
Wife & I are in our 80’s. I find the Vonnegut “Thought of the Day” to be excellent advice; the wife finds it ‘cute & charming.’ We were kids in the years of extreme censorship and religious persecution (despite Constitutional guarantees.) The fact that the RVTravel crew cannot post a quote from a lauded & celebrated author without facing a firestorm of criticism, rejection, and retaliation speaks to the ‘MAGA Revolution’ that is returning our social order to an age of suppression, censorship, and violence. So sad. I pray the editors & authors here may be brave and take heart; your work is appreciated.
I just remembered a marque Clovis, New Mexico at a church that stated. “Sin all week and pray on Sunday”. Ya if you don’t think that took a second to read again and laugh. And the fact was that exactly happened “sins” and the gossip about their neighabors. Yup great values.
Let he who has never sinned cast the first stone……….if that’s too deep, try…..sticks and stones…..