Issue 1895
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]
Page Contents
Today’s thought
“Don’t wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? To our many readers and friends up north, Happy Canada Day! Also, today is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day!
On this day in history: 1867 – The Canadian confederation occurred with the passing of the Constitution Act, 1867, where the three separate colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.
Did you see the news? Click here to read the latest issue of the Sunday News for RVers.
Tip of the Day
An important safety reminder to torque lug nuts
With Dustin Simpson, California RV Specialists
Here is an important reminder to torque lug nuts! If your lug nuts are not torqued enough they can become loose and may continue to loosen until they fall off while driving. In any case, driving without one or more functional wheel studs can be dangerous and could result in losing a tire while driving, a situation you do not want to be in!
Today’s RV review…
Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS—A no-slide Class A
Tony writes, “I think one’s perception of this rig could absolutely be swayed by what you compare it to. Compared to some other Class A rigs, it might fall short. But compared to many Class C and Class B rigs in the same price category, you have a real winner here.”
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.”
Why does the RV’s fresh water smell even with a filter?
Dear Dave,
Why does my RV’s fresh water smell even if I use a filter? —Tom, 2019 Chaparral 2019
The 1973 Ford Explorer pickup – A wacky RV concept!
By Tony Barthel
The 1970s were an interesting time for the RV world. RV sales were starting to really take off and even the auto industry took note, culminating in GM’s introducing the GMC Motorhome in 1973. The concept Ford Explorer, which was shown at the Chicago Auto Show in 1973, had a tent as part of the design. Therefore, it could be argued that it was a nod to the RV industry. Read more.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RVers and truckers forced to share a 20-mile right lane on Arizona interstate?
- The campground was crowded, noisy, smoky… and wonderful
- New campground company adds 10 locations in first year of operation
- Campground Crowding: ‘Costs are getting prohibitive’
Reader poll
Have you ever stayed the night in your RV in a Costco parking lot?
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help us spread the word! Learn more here. It’s fun!
Quick Tip
Protect outdoor RV power cords with the upside-down bucket mod
Here’s a very inventive solution that fixed this problem entirely for just a few dollars. All that is needed for this RV power cord mod is a bucket that is wide enough to house the RV power cord electrical connection as shown in the picture. Make two holes directly across from each other near the bottom. Be sure to make them large enough so a cord connection can fit through them. Then simply thread the two ends of the RV power cord together inside the bucket and flip it over so the bottom of the bucket protects the connection like an umbrella. The RV power cord will now stay suspended off the ground and protected from water. —From doityourselfRV.com
On this day last year…
- RV Review: 2021 Keystone Passport GT 2870RL “flat fifth wheel”
- Featured article: Okay to RV with chickens?
- Recipe: Texas Peach Sangria
Website of the day
AARP Daily Crossword
As AARP says, “A crossword a day keeps the doctor away!” This is a good daily dose of entertainment, and it keeps your brain sharp. Have fun!
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
We love when things were practically made for RV life. This is one of those things. Now you can leave your RV in clothes as fresh as if you were leaving the dry cleaners!
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
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
by Jeanne Gliddon from Los Banos, CA
Oh gosh, we loved this cheesy ooey gooey hamburger casserole recipe! It’s the perfect dish for a quick and tasty meal. We love the flavor the fresh veggies add and the ton of cheese on top pulls the dish together. A great dinner recipe on a busy weeknight.
[do_widget id=custom_html-21]
Trivia
After 85 years, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is changing its name. Beginning in August, packages of the popular comfort food will be shortened to Kraft Mac and Cheese.
*How many newspapers did the U.S. lose between 2004 and 2020? Take a guess then find the answer in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Hank the Tank is all love, no brains, good-sounding watchdog, strong hiker and loves the outdoors as well as a good tummy scratch. Good dog.” —Grant Sorg
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!
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.
Will 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.
After putting our dog to sleep I was driving home and suddenly a perfect rainbow went right over the road. I went into a crying fit and after that I do not look for rainbows anymore. All they do now is remind me of having to put a dog to sleep and I still feel to this date I could have done more to save him. So you can have your rainbows I want nothing to do with them from this point forward.
I guess I’m the wet rag today, but what if the light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming at you. Hmmm
Happy Canada Day
Yep. Thanks. & Happy “Independence Day” to our Good Neighbours in The USA.
God Bless America!!
Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS I wonder what kind of gas mileage that rig would get just driving 65 mph across flat west Texas. No toad, 3/4 loaded. Are they h=just plain terrible compared to diesel mileage?
re: Proof that there is gold at the end of the rainbow
I don’t get the joke…
Golden retriever dog I guess? IDK
There’s a golden retriever in the window at the end of the rainbow. 🙂
Golden Retriever.
Obviously you’re not a dog person.
re; Ford Explorer camper
That forward driver’s compartment hanging out in front of the wheels makes me cringe. Would hate to be driving if there was a front end collision. Just saying.
Bd2, you are so right, but it was so fun driving my VW buses, sitting out front of the wheels.
Just like my friend, a retired truck driver, used to say about his cab-over GMC truck tractor. “Just think that if I have an accident, I’ll be the first one there!”
I’VE GOT MY RED-WHITE MAPLE LEAF FLYING ON MY FLAG POLE TODAY
For spending the night at Costco or Sam’s Club, never. But Safeway Grocery Stores, yes. Even casinos and VFW near Yuma. Always ask first.
How about a longer extension cord?
Pet of the day “Hank the Tank” is such a perfect description of an awesome dog! Made my day FUR sure.
Snoopy
I’m with Bob P – I also use Saran Wrap works great no bucket to store
Cat litter plastic box is perfect for power cord protection. Very sturdy and rectangle in shape, making it easy to store.
Agree, Amish pan. Plastic wrap is just more plastic in the waste system.
Oh no !!!
Happy Canada Day to all Canadians!
Have a great day, aye!
Thank-you so much to so many great Americans we have met over our Snowbird journeys!
Two great countries with the longest undefended border in the world; we should all be proud and thankful of that!
Tip of the day, I always make the connection and wrap several layers of Saran Wrap around the plugs, close off the ends, seal it with several wraps of electrical tape and it’s waterproof. When breaking camp unwrap it or cut it off with a pocket knife, put the wrap in the garbage can, unplug and go. No storage of a 5 gal.bucket to deal with.
Yes, I am not going to haul around a bucket with holes in it!
So far have had great results from just placing the connection on top of one of the rear tires. The tire rubber is a non-slip place, far off the ground, and the body of the RV keeps rain from falling on it.
I think the bucket idea for the cord is not waterproof. Water will still follow the cords down from the outside and collect at the plug.
Tommy you are absolutely correct, in that pic it shows what is called a rain loop as it lets water drain to that area, its really not a good idea to use that method!
I have, for several years, used a small plastic rectangular box – about the size or slightly smaller than a shoe box, with a snap-on cover. Just cut the top edges of the box ends to fit the cord diameter. The slight overhang of the cover protects the holes and the cord connections don’t hang down in a rain loop.
The bucket idea shown herein would work, but takes space and duct tape to cover the large holes made for the connectors.
My thoughts exactly.
Ahhh, but you take a second bucket without holes and place it over the bucket with holes. You just have to take 2 buckets with you now. Seriously, you will be able to find a small weather proof snapping cover for such connections in almost any hardware store that will probably cost less than 2 buckets and take up almost no space. The wheel has already been invented.
Glad Seal and Wrap works great. It is slightly sticky and seals to itself. No need to secure the ends.
Okay, I have to admit I don’t understand the need to “waterproof” your outdoor cords. In 30+ years of RVing I have never used this tip. I have camped all over the rainy Pacific NW, and all over the country.
Hi There,
You might want to wish your CANADIAN Friends,
“HAPPY CANADA DAY”, today, July 1st, EVERY YEAR !!!!!!
Just Sayin !!!!!!!!
Regards,
CC
We always wish our US friends, “HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, INDEPENDENCE DAY”
on Monday, this year, the 4th of July, EVERY YEAR !!!!!!
Hi, Christopher. We did wish our Canadian friends “Happy Canada Day” – in the section at the top about reasons to celebrate. But we’ll say it again: “HAPPY CANADA DAY!” Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Hi There,
In that case, I apologize for the inference.
I must have missed it when I scrolled through your post, several times, to verify that I wasn’t chasing a “Red Herring”.
Regards,
CC
PS: After scrolling 3 more times through your post before I came across your “Canadian Birthday Wishes”, and yes, you are correct, it was there. However, may I suggest that the font could have been a tad bit larger or, maybe, a bit more impressive, as are we not, your neighbour and largest trading partner. I take a bit of “Umbridge”, that, here we seem to play “Second Fiddle” to the “National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day”, but I guess that “One Man’s Meat Is Another Man’s Poison”.
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day! And to our many readers up north, Happy Canada Day!
Hi, Christopher. We apologize for the placement, so that you might think we like ice cream more than we like our Canadian friends. 😯 BTW – I didn’t put those in, but had considered rearranging the sentence when I proofread the newsletter. Got sidetracked and forgot to go back and do it. I just corrected this oversight. Now I feel better. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder, Christopher! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane