Issue 1972
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.
Today’s thought
“To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chocolate Cupcake Day!
On this day in history: 1867 – United States takes possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 million.
Tip of the Day
Keeping spare light bulbs in your RV is a bright idea
By Chris Dougherty
Chris Dougherty is a certified RV technician. Here is a post he wrote while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor.
These days many new RVs come equipped with all LED lighting, which is great. LEDs last a long time and are very energy efficient. The rest of us still have good old-fashioned light bulbs that burn out.
Keeping a selection of light bulbs in your rig’s tool box is a great idea. This way, when you have a burnout, you have a replacement handy. Your owner’s manual should tell you what bulbs you need for the various lights in the rig, and I would keep at least two of each. If you don’t have the list, that’s okay – each fixture will say which bulb it needs on the back plate behind the bulb.
Today’s RV review…
Tony is stepping back from his daily RV reviews for now. Here’s a note from him:
I want to share with you that I am stepping back from my daily RV reviews. I will still review a new model RV in every Saturday’s newsletter, highlighting the best of what I see. I will also continue writing regular gadget reviews and editing the Great RV Accessories newsletter. And I’ll have some other contributions here and there.
For previous RV reviews, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Even though Tony is irreplaceable, we’ll bring back RV reviews on a daily basis beginning soon, and, of course, Tony will have a review every Saturday.
Coming tomorrow: Live video chat
Open Mic: Dave and Dustin answer your questions
Our two tech experts will answer your questions live tomorrow from 4-5 p.m., Pacific time (7-8 p.m. in the East). So join them and pick their brains. The link where to watch will be in tomorrow’s issue of this newsletter.
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.”
Quick RV Tech Tip: Do I need supplemental brakes for towing a small Chevy?
Dear Dave,
I want to tow our 1994 two-door Chev Tracker… manual transmission 4×4. Installing an RV supplemental braking system on this older, very lightweight auto seems unnecessary at first glance. Your thoughts, please? —Lo, 2021 Thor Quantum 25’ motorhome
Also! Dave and a reader need your help. What is a better shoreline cord connection? Please read John’s question here, and see why Dave needs your input.
Video of the day
How to stay warm in an RV in winter: Insulate, heat, and protect
By Cheri Sicard
As the weather gets colder, a lot of folks are going to start thinking about how to stay warm in an RV in winter. If you’re one of them, you will definitely want to check out this video from RV Street that has some great tips.
Martin, the host, says staying warm in an RV boils down to three main components: insulating, heating, and protecting your RV.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
It’s the time of year for this! And this! If you don’t like one, you’re bound to like the other.
World’s largest Lego trailer is sight to behold!
It’s not a little toy, but a full-sized travel trailer made of Legos – yes, Legos, the same things that children throughout the world use as toys. It’s certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest creation of its kind. Watch it being built in this short, sped-up video. Amazing!
Reader poll
Do you use an electric can opener in your RV?
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help us spread the word! Learn more here. It’s fun!
Quick Tip
Important air conditioner maintenance reminder
Tom B. has this important tip on air conditioner maintenance: “I had a leak which stained the ceiling of my RV because the drain holes in the air conditioner pan were plugged. It is VERY important to be sure, while servicing the unit, that the drains are clear and open.” Good reminder, Tom!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Secret storage? You have tons of it in your RV—just open that cabinet door!
- RV Review: Ember Overland Micro Series
- Ask Dave: What are the red specks in my water from the campground?
- Recipe: Crunchy Smoky Pork Chops
Website of the day
75 Easy Halloween Crafts for Adults Who Love All Things Spooky and Spidery
Get out your glue stick and craft supplies because you’re going to want to make some of these spook-tacular crafts to put up around your RV!
And the Survey Says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 1,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 9 percent work full-time year-round to pay their bills each month
• 63 percent of people do not have a favorite day of the week, but the highest percentage of those who did answered Sunday
• On an airplane, 52 percent prefer the window seat
Recent poll: Are you a member of the Good Sam Club?
Recipe of the Day
Easy Chicken Fried Rice
by Hope Adcox from Monroe, GA
A fast and easy homemade fried rice that’s also easy on your wallet. Using leftover rice makes putting this dish together super simple. This fried rice has wonderful flavor from the sesame oil, garlic, and soy sauce. Tossed with a mixture of veggies, chicken, and eggs, this chicken fried rice is super hearty.
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Trivia
We have bicyclists to thank for our paved roads! The “Good Roads Movement” was a political movement brought on by the availability and sales of bicycles at the end of the 19th century. In 1880, the movement became formal when advocates came together in Newport, Rhode Island, to form the League of American Wheelmen (LAW). They published a magazine, pushed for road improvements, and gave legal protection to cyclists.
*President Andrew Jackson’s pet ____ attended his funeral service but had to be removed. Find out why in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Jessie is very curious!” —Steve Taylor
HELP! We’re running low on pet photos! We feature six a week, so please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. If you’ve already submitted a photo of your pet but it’s been a long time since we featured them or we never featured them, feel free to submit a photo again. No blurry photos, please! Thanks!
Leave here with a laugh
This video is in French, but it doesn’t matter that you can’t understand what’s being said. This French TV show brought together a group of people with unusual (and hilarious) laughs. You’ll have tears of laughter streaming down your face in no time.
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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In all reality any day of the week I can sleep in and realize its a do nothing day is my favorite day of the week.
Didn’t see anything funny!
Tony – Great job sir! I enjoy your reviews. Happy trails and we look forward to your Saturday review.
Stay safe,
Joe
I’ll miss your reviews, Tony. They are quirky, detailed and you gave us all the benefit of your experience in the RV world. How many reviews did you write in your long run? The task of writing one every day must have been onerous on occasion. I’m impressed that you kept it up for so long. I’ll be looking forward to Saturday’s review.
Tony – Will greatly miss the daily reviews. One of my favorite parts of the newsletter. Enjoy your “down time”. Will look forward to see what you have to share on Saturday.
Like others, I will miss Tony’s daily reviews. It’s really the biggest reason I tune in every day and support RV Travel with a monthly donation.
Tony, we will look forward to your Saturday reviews and when any of your reviews will be available. Enjoy life and stay happy and healthy.
Great picture of Jessie, Pet of the Day. Congratulations on catching this moment.
With so many RVers who have Furbabies, please keep sending in your pictures. Just because there is or is not a comment, or a nice or a comment that might hurt your personal feelings, don’t let that prevent you from sharing your Furfamilies of Love.
Hey, have you all watch Netflix: The Hidden Lives of Pets…
We hope you will be amazed with the Different Types of Pets this show highlights. Enjoy. Who knows, you might get a Fuzzy Bunny, Bird, Lizard or something else.
I thought the laughers were funny. But then again, I try to see the humor in most everything. It’s good medicine!
Tony, you are missed already! I enjoyed all your reviews and we’re not even looking for a new RV. Enjoy your new ventures!
Well, I hope our readers in France get the leave here with a laugh, cause I didn’t. IMHO.
Thanks Tony for your hard work and input. We’ll all miss you till Saturdays read. I get it! There’s times when we all need a break!
My guess is that Tony was running out of RV’s to review!
I used to belong to the “League of American Wheelmen” back in the 70’s. I totally forget what their magazine was about (besides bicycles) but the organization was helpful when it came to planning my bicycle trip from Chicago to San Francisco. There was a membership book that listed all the members. Some offered their residences as a place to stay for traveling cyclists. I used it several times to just call people and ask if they had some yard space where I could set up my tent. Almost every one of them, once they determined I wasn’t a roving killer, had a spare bedroom I could sleep in. Some offered breakfast, made me lunches to take with, and a bunch of other ‘over the top’ offers. Two took me out for dinner if I promised to tell them some tales from the road. I was always spewing tales anyway – ha. Super nice people everywhere back then. I doubt I could have that experience today.
Take care Tony!
Gonna miss ya, Tony. Your reviews are always informative and light hearted. Our world needs more light hearted.
Thanks from me too Tony. Your reviews were what I looked forward to the most in the newsletter. Glad I’ll still get to see your gifted writing at least weekly.
Thank you Tony! Your reviews are insightful and entertaining. I know I have enjoyed reading as I am sure many others have also. Will look forward to Saturdays reviews.