Issue 1920
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.
Page Contents
Today’s thought
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Oyster Day!
On this day in history: 1962 – Actress Marilyn Monroe is found dead in her home in Los Angeles, lying nude on her bed, face down, with a telephone in one hand. Empty bottles of pills, prescribed to treat her depression, were littered around the room. After a brief investigation, Los Angeles police concluded that her death was “caused by a self-administered overdose of sedative drugs and the mode of death is probable suicide.”
Tip of the Day
Find RV roof leaks? Here’s what’s next
Editor’s note: This information is provided by roof membrane manufacturer Dicor Products. While there’s plenty of “promotion” for their product included, some of the information and principles may be of assistance to our readers, especially if they find RV roof leaks.
RV roof sealant repair and touch-up is a key part of roof maintenance that most people can do with a bit of care. Given the way your RV roof can take a beating from a wide range of weather and climate conditions, it’s a good idea to make regular inspections of how your roof is holding up in protecting your RV from potentially expensive water damage. Don’t let your roof become something that’s “out of sight, out of mind.”
Today’s RV review…
The Hymer VisionVenture concept is pretty cool
Tony writes, “This is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4X4 chassis but with a remarkably different body than what we’d normally expect to see. Yes, the cab is still Sprinter-esque, but the part that Hymer is responsible for is what’s really different.
“The rig is designed to really be off-road capable. You can see that in how the rear tail slants upward to help with going over stuff when you’re beating the unbeaten path out there.”
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.”
Replacement awning motor failed; dealer can’t determine why
Dear Dave,
My awning quit—would not come in. A new motor was put on under warranty. After using it a few times, that awning motor failed. Took it back to the dealer, and they claim they can’t get it to fail. Used it once, and went out OK, but failed to come in again. It will travel in a few inches, stop, then click a few times. Release button and press again it will go a few inches, stop and click again. … (continued)
Read the rest of the question and Dave’s answer
A DEET-free mosquito and tick repellent … that works!
If you’re one of those people that mosquitoes love (we all know at least one person like this), this product is for you. A very impressive number of five-star reviews. This awesome DEET-free insect repellent works for mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and fleas. Keep this one handy, folks. As RVers, there’s a good chance you’ll probably need this. It’s safe for kids and infants too! Learn more or order here.
Video of the day
DIY RV carport: How to build a carport to protect your RV
By Cheri Sicard
Join RV expert Mark Polk of RV Education 101 as he assembles and builds a VersaTube Building Systems vertically sheeted RV carport.
Protecting your RV from the elements, especially sun and rain, can extend your RV’s life and especially extend the life of its roof. Keeping it protected should, at least in theory, reduce repair bills in the future. Keeping your RV under an RV port will also help to keep the exterior of your RV looking fresh and new.
Hmmm. When you think about it, RV ports are the equivalent of quality wrinkle cream for your RV’s skin!
Can you RV camp at a military campground?
By Paul Stimers
Are you or a member of your family on active military duty? Are you retired, disabled, or have an honorable discharge? If you are, did you know you’re eligible to camp on military campgrounds? If you’ve never heard of the program, it’s called the MWR branch. And all branches of service have one. It stands for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) branch. Continue reading this very thorough article.
?????? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??????
We don’t know if this does “really work,” but either way it would provide hours of fun (and laughing!). We’d certainly love to watch someone use it.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Campground Crowding: RVers cheat the system, use different names to book prime sites
- Goodbye homes; hello “mobile” homes
- Around the Campfire: What’s a fifth wheel tug test and should we be doing it?
- RV oven features and tips even experienced RVers don’t know
Reader poll
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If you enjoy this newsletter, please help us spread the word! Learn more here. It’s fun!
Quick Tip
Roof vent raising a stink?
If nasty holding tank odors are invading your space, pop up on the roof and check out your roof vents. Yes, they need to be free of debris, but underneath the vent cap is where the real problem could be. If there’s a gap between the actual vent pipe and the roof itself, holding tank gases can sneak right back into the coach. Stuff the space between the pipe and roof sheeting with fiberglass insulation, then seal over the top of the insulation with no-sagging roof sealant.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Gray water tank can smell more than black. Here’s why and what to do about it.
- RV review: 2022 Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC, a tiny but mighty trailer
- Ask Dave: I’m looking for a sun visor for my RV. What’s the one you use?
- Featured article: The award for the RV with the coolest paint job EVER goes to…
- Recipe: Wimpy Mac
Website of the day
Disneyland Camping: RV Parks and Campgrounds
You’re never too old for Disneyland! These campgrounds and RV parks are just outside the park and are the perfect place to stay when you visit the happiest place on earth. The kids and grandkids will be SO excited to stay at these.
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
Shrimp Cakes
by Lisa Johnson from Macon, GA
We have had a lot of crab cakes and tuna croquettes in our lives, but had never thought about chopping up shrimp and using that in a shrimp cake. We love the crunchiness that Panko gives to this dish! If you want to kick the heat up a notch, add cayenne pepper or even chopped jalapenos. This is a super easy and delicious dish to try at your next dinner!
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Trivia
In June of 1897, the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps, an all-Black Army regiment known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” embarked on a 1,900-mile, 41-day bicycle ride from Fort Missoula, Montana, to Forest Park in St. Louis, as part of an experiment by the U.S. Army to test the effectiveness of using bicycles for troop movement. Nicknamed the Iron Riders because of their heavy one-speed bicycles and for the soldiers’ iron-hard constitutions, they experienced daunting conditions—severe weather and extreme heat, food and water shortages, illness from contaminated water, and racism and hostility from local residents. Still, the Iron Riders successfully reached Forest Park on July 24, 1897, and were welcomed by a cheering crowd.
*Do you know the history of the chocolate chip cookie? Read all about it in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Harper is a six-year-old puppy mill Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mama. She came to me with some health issues, common to puppy mills, but once we got them sorted, we took off in the Roadtrek with my other two dogs to show her the way. She adapted easily to new adventures but I need a bigger camp chair because she always wants to sit in my lap. What a sweetie.” —Rhonda Brodbeck
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!
This is so funny!
If we saw someone with this in their car’s or RV’s cigarette lighter, we’d want to be their friend – it’s hilarious! This “FIRE MISSILES” cigarette lighter cover fits into all 12-volt vehicle accessory lighter sockets. It’s just designed for show, but it’ll give anyone in your vehicle a good laugh. Learn more or order. (This would make a great gift for someone with a sense of humor!)
Leave here with a laugh
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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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Butterbeer cookies? O my! They will be great with my butter beer.
Isn’t it obvious Monroe didn’t commit Suicide.
100% agree with this statement
The joke of the day was great. One thing missing though. You did not include where to get the actual aftermarket missiles and loader assembly. Has to bolt on an RV! 🙂
I think the missiles are in reference to an Amazon ad, not the joke of the day. I’m thinking about getting that lighter cover for my two adult sons, maybe from Santa. Have a good night, Lil John. 😀 –Diane
Diane, I bought one of those and put it in our truck (where a cigarette lighter would be if it had one)! When my roommate finally noticed it, I thought he’d fall out of the truck laughing!
Get your D-I-L’s to put these in your son’s vehicles and then wait! Hope they’ll be able to video the results for you!
(These need to be put in unnoticed so the results can be enjoyed by the giver!)
Too funny, Lindalee! Thanks for the tip. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
That item would go great along with the two round holes in my car’s grill. They are the sockets for my tow-bar connectors. I’ve always told people they are paint ball guns to be used on {bleeped} drivers. Now I can say they’re the missile launchers.
Perfect, Bob! Sounds like a James Bond movie or something. 😆 Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
A better reason to celebrate today is International Beer Day.
Ironic that National Oyster Day is in a month that is recommended not to eat Oysters. Oh, I get it. The Oysters are celebrating!
😆 Except that it may just apply to wild oysters, if at all anymore. You weren’t supposed to eat wild oysters in months without an “r”, i.e., summer months. I won’t eat oysters in any month without a “x”. Just sayin’. 😆 Have a great day, Jim. 😀 –Diane
Seattle based Anthony’s Seafood won’t serve Oysters in R months. Or that used to be true. On the other hand, I just ordered a dozen Kumamotos at Semiahmoo Resort in North Washington.
Interesting. But you probably meant to say they won’t serve oysters in non-R months? I love Anthony’s in Edmonds, but haven’t been there for years. (When I started working for Chuck in 2013, our office/warehouse was just a couple of blocks from there.) Not that I would be ordering oysters anyway. 😯 I’ll bet it’s beautiful up at Semiahmoo! Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Hi!
You indicated that the “…basic MWR access requirements are…”
(the top one you listed) “Honorably discharged veterans.”
Unfortunately, although this MAY be regulated by each site’s commander (which was not mentioned in either article), I haven’t found any military campground that DOES allow access to regular, honorably-discharged servicemen & women, UNLESS those service-
persons have other, additional, specific, service-related qualifications.
For example, I did two tours-of-duty in Vietnam, was honorably discharged at the end of those terms, have a “less-than-100%” service-related disability…and I do NOT qualify for access.
Maybe a clarification is in-order? The article is mistakenly misleading: quite a few of us have gotten hopeful that we meet the “new” requirements, done the research again and eventually found out otherwise.
Respectfully submitted,
thank you.
Just a heads up for folks with an older Rv with Kwikee electric steps. The motor gear assembly unit is now very difficult to find – however, I have found a work around with a current motor – albeit made in China. I have pictures etc.. If interested contact Diane at Rv travel with your email contact and I will contact you (Note on the subject line: “Rv Step”. (Thanks Diane).
You’re welcome, DW/ND. I’ll be in touch if I hear anything. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
Regarding military campgrounds, have never seen where they are available to simply “honorably discharged” veterans not meeting the other specified requirements; I.E., retired, disabled, etc.
It’s my understanding it’s all up to the base commander.
We tried several and all said no. My husband was an officer and honorably discharged but it has been a flat no.
Rhonda Broadbeck, we would love it if you and the beautiful Miss Harper would join our very friendly Facebook group, Camping Cavaliers.
The Buffalo Soldiers’ journey is amazing. As a cyclist who has done some light touring, almost 50 miles a day on single speed heavily loaded bikes is quite a feat.
I’m still thinking of how the tip of the day says a stink is your problem when you have a hole in your roof needing fixing?
HI!
In an article (as referenced in today’s issue, August 5, 2022) titled “Can you RV camp at a military campground” drawn from the April 20, 2021 issue, author Paul Stimers wrote that honorably discharged veterans ARE eligible to camp at military campgrounds.
Is this recently changed and verified information about eligibility requirements?
I have researched this before, and been informed that such ‘basic’ eligibility is absolutely NOT valid. To be an honorably discharged, regular-standing veteran (i.e. one who enlists, serves the nation and then is honorably discharged after their term-of-service is complete) does NOT qualify for eligibiliity. They must have additional qualifications…
I ask this respectfully, and would like an answer because MAYBE you have better access to getting answers! I have had much difficulty in getting to the bottom of this issue – thank you VERY much!
As I mentioned above, it’s up to the current base commander.
Good luck with that.
I would be pushing the Fire Missiles button daily.
Campground crowd camping…..cheat to get a space. Do you think something is wrong when we tell people that’s OK. Seems like we’re becoming more like our politicians every day
Hi, Ron. We didn’t “tell people” it’s OK to cheat to get a space at a campground. We were reporting that it’s happening, and are complaining about it. It should not happen. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
Re: On this Day in History: I wish you had offered us something more uplifting to start our day.
Hi, Larry Lee. How about: “American Bandstand” premieres on network TV in 1957. U.S. Army abolishes flogging in 1861. Cornerstone for Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe’s Island in 1884. KDKA Pittsburgh presents first radio broadcast of MLB, Pirates beat Phillies, 8-0, in 1921. There you go. Have a great rest-of-the-day. 😀 –Diane
I don’t get the laugh of the day.
Melted cheese solves all problems- or so I hear from my wife..
I didn’t either, you’re not alone!
That’s because it’s not funny
It would have made more sense for me if it was chocolate instead of cheese. For some maybe it should have been wine.
the Anaheim RV resort on west midway road has been closed for a few years now. It is sad as it was a nice little RV park. This is what it looks like now, https://www.google.ca/maps/@33.8125687,-117.9087029,3a,75y,152.98h,74.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sROhpJEKU2dFKnV6o3JMYSw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Was great for Disneyland visits. Now Disneyland visits aren’t worth it