Issue 1988
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
“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Scrapple Day!
On this day in history: 1906 – Theodore Roosevelt is the first sitting president of the United States to make an official trip outside the country. He did so to inspect progress on the Panama Canal.
Tip of the Day
Uses for forks while RVing that don’t involve eating
Of course, you use it when you eat! However, the lowly dining fork can be used in many other ways while RVing. Just look and see for yourself all these uses for forks. You’ll be surprised at how handy these are… and who knew?!
Superior slices
Need to top that grilled hamburger? Use a fork to evenly cut tomato slices. Stick two forks side by side into the tomato. Then use a sharp knife to cut in between the fork tines for even slices. This trick also works for slicing onions, and you won’t have smelly hands afterward.
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.
Stop RV Repair Bills from Ruining Your 2026 Travels
Say goodbye to rising RV repair costs when you protect your RV and your travel budget with Wholesale Warranties this new year. With 20+ years of experience, personalized coverage options, and 5-star customer support, we help RVers stay on the road. Save on costly repairs, enjoy flexible coverage including mobile mechanics, and travel worry-free all year long. Get your FREE personalized RV warranty quote today and enjoy peace of mind for every mile.
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook.”
Can I walk on my roof? Can I add on a ladder? Help!
Dear Dave,
Since this is not the RV we intended on purchasing, I am learning as I go. It did not have a ladder on the back and was told not to have one mounted, nor a topper on the slide. I have been told it was better not to have a topper on this model and also that the roof was not meant to walk on. My weight is 215. Any ideas on an aluminum retractable ladder? Can my roof take my weight to maintain it? Thank you for your help. I value it immensely. —Sharon, 2021 Forest River Wildwood 22RBS
Today: Live video chat
Open Mic: Dave and Dustin answer your questions about RV repair and maintenance
On today’s live Talkin’ RV Tech, our two tech experts will answer your questions from our online video studio about RV Repair and Maintenance from 4-5 p.m. Pacific time (7-8 p.m. in the East). So join them and pick their brains via chat. Ask questions or just lurk and soak up all the valuable information.
Watch and ask questions here. RV Travel on YouTube • RV Travel on Facebook • California RV Specialists on YouTube.
Watch-only below starting at 4 p.m. (Pacific):
Video of the day
Four types of campfire cooking: boiling, baking, frying, and grilling
By Cheri Sicard
Campfires make for a terrific ambiance when RVing, but besides being decorative and warming, they also can be highly practical. The video below, which covers four different methods of campfire cooking, can help.
If you are going to go to the trouble of making a campfire, why not put it to work? Survival instructor Dan Wowak believes in the power of the campfire to cook good meals, and the video compiles his best tips for how to properly cook a meal over a campfire.
Customize your RV’s interior to fit your lifestyle. Here are some examples
By Kate Doherty
This is the second installment in a customizing series focusing on custom and functional cabinetry. Hopefully it inspires you to update your own rig! In our last column, we looked at LED lighting fixtures and accent ceiling molding. Today we’ll take a look at customized entertainment centers, televators, and hidden fireplace storage. Some excellent, and beautiful, ideas here!
Reader poll
Will you go south for the winter in your RV for at least two months?
Helpful resources
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE AND FIRE REPORT
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This goes under the list of things we think are ridiculous but we wish we invented! We hate to admit how useful this is for RVers… but it’s useful!!
If you enjoy this newsletter, please help us spread the word! Learn more here. It’s fun!
Quick Tip
Always keep the battery fully charged
Take the batteries out of the rig and store them in the garage over winter? It’s an old-wives’ tale, provided you make sure the battery is kept charged. Use a battery maintainer to ensure the charge. It’s when a battery falls below full charge that you’d need to worry about it freezing. Read more on winter battery maintenance here.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips for getting a stinky RV fridge smelling new again
- RV Review: 2022 Opus OP15 overlanding trailer
- Ask Dave: Can I run a residential fridge on a 190w solar panel and a battery?
- Featured article: What’s better for you: Class C motorhome or Class B van conversion?
- Recipe: Southern Goulash
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.
Website of the day
Louisiana State Parks: Camping
Since it’s National Louisiana Day we figured we’d share the Louisiana State Parks Camping page with you. Look at some of these parks – they’re beautiful! Have you camped at any of them?
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Water only coming from the RV shower, not the sink. Why?
• Ask Dave: How do I adjust the RV door deadbolt so it works?
• An easy trick to keep important documents in the RV … without all the paper
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Recipe of the Day
Cranberry Orange Bread With Honey Butter
by Lauren Perkins-Boyd from Portland, OR
Cranberry orange is a fantastic flavor combination and this bread is filled with both. The sweet orange pairs nicely with the tart cranberries. Dense and moist, cranberry orange bread is a tasty breakfast or snack. Don’t skip the honey butter – it’s unbelievable and a must. We’ll end up using it on other bread recipes too.
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Trivia
Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Her birthday is March 9, 1959, the day she was unveiled to the toy industry during the New York Toy Fair. Today, Barbie is 63 years old.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Lilly is a rescue Bichon Frise and has been with us for four years now and loves to travel as long as she has a lap to lay on. She carries her toy rabbit everywhere, even on our daily walks. Smart, playful, loving and has the very rare Apricot coloring.” —Ron Lane
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
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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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The video link “Click here to watch” in the Cheri Sicard article titled “Video of the Day” is incorrect.
For me too. Clicking on the video takes you to the poll for ‘Do you Believe Humans Will Inhibit Mars in 30 Years.’ Which by the way, I do.
My apologies, Denny and Charlie. It’s been fixed. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
The bands on the steering wheel to remind you of, slide, cable, ladder, steps, etc is ingenious.
Cheri Sicards article link is not good. I don’t plan on camping on Mars! I would like to know what Cheri has to offer about campfires though! Thanks.
Sorry, Frank. My apologies. It worked last night when I checked the link. Danged gremlins! It’s been fixed. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
I’m still looking at laugh ? Don’t understand a bit!
Hi, Thomas. It’s a thermostat. So if they (probably the kids) turn the heat up, there’s less money for Christmas presents. Turn it down equals more presents. Have a great day. 😀 -Diane
And Mr. Fitzgerald, “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one…all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” Then. “Maybe a good percentage wouldn’t get critized if they’d work and stop thinking I have to pay to give them what little I got to have what I have”.
Barbie: still plastic, still cold, still the same lost expression But a great crash dummy that my boys used for their scientific researches. Many of their sister’s crashed and burnt.
Mystery Product: Oh right! Let me dip that sauce / drip that sauce all the way from my a/c vent to my pants to my seat and up my shirt and down my chin. This sort of disobeys my Dad’s rules of: “No food or drinks in the car!” Rules I have adopted to keep me from going to He!!.
My in-laws were hosts in a few Louisiana State Parks for 20 years during winter. We visited them several times for a getaway in the winter. They never had a campsite with full hookups, and therefore had to drag the rv to the dump station weekly or use a portable waste tank every few days. Their host site was right across the road from a modern restroom/showerhouse. When they had to stop hosting due to health and age, we were asked if we would like to take their place as hosts. I asked if they were going to put a sewer line to the host site. I got a blank look in return. So we said no. So if any rv’ers out there are considering hosting in LA Parks, ask first by phone if you will have full hookups, otherwise you may have a rude awakening when you arrive. Some Parks may have a full hookup site for you, but most will not. I would think they could add this convenience for their host’s convenience.
Lilly is precious!!! I can’t imagine who would let a Bichon Frise get lost or be available for adoption! Although, I have a rescue Russian Blue cat (she’s 18 now, had her for 14) that would be valued around $300 today! I got her for $35! I guess somebody didn’t know what they had – which was great for me and you! I love my Sasha Kitty and you obviously love your Lilly!
I hate to say it the laugh of the day is no laughing matter. A lot of people are struggling everyday as to whether or not to heat their homes feed their families or go without. Most end up going without heat. So as to corporate greed to put presents under the tree goes without saying. Spend time with your families and maybe get something everyone can play together like a board game. Share and share alike and save money in the process. IMO not yours