Issue 2038
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
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be…” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Michigan Day!
On this day in history: 1896 – An X-ray generating machine is exhibited for the first time by H. L. Smith.
Tip of the Day
“To sleep, perchance to dream …” — but not behind the wheel
By Greg Illes (with apologies to Billy Shakespeare)
Healthy sleep is one of the most talked-about subjects in many walks of medicine, and with good reason. Good sleep makes for a good life. Sleep – really solid, deep sleep – is the time when the body and mind heal up from the day’s rigors. Sleep time is about the only time in our lives when we are truly masters of our souls.
But for some, good sleep can be elusive. If you have a sleep disorder, you are probably already dealing with it. But if, like many of us, you just occasionally have a tough time getting a good night’s sleep, then there are some basic guidelines to be aware of.
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 and writers 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: Black tank still smells after trying EVERYTHING
Dear Dave,
Not sure of the year of the RV. I am having very strong odors after flushing and I have cleaned the black tank with EVERYTHING. I have had it flushed and all seems well, but in a day or two it is back to being foul. I am thinking it is the filter or siphon but I do not know where to locate these and pinpoint which it is. Why does my black tank always smell? —Heather, Wilderness Advantage Extreme Edition
Talkin’ RV Tech webcast rescheduled for Thursday
This evening’s Talkin’ RV Tech webcast with Dave Solberg and Dustin Simpson will NOT appear this evening as usual. Dave is in Florida at the big Florida RV SuperShow, where he is a featured seminar presenter. He and Dustin will do their live online show instead on Thursday at noon Pacific Time (3 p.m. in the East) — Dave from Florida and Dustin from his California RV Specialists shop in Lodi, California. Where to watch will be in tomorrow’s newsletter.
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.
In the RV Shop with Dustin
Using an anemometer to measure airflow in an RV
This clip shows one of our latest shares, an anemometer.
My shop has several versions of this gadget, and we use them year-round. When the weather is cold, we get furnace complaints. When it’s hot, we get air conditioner complaints. Having this tool on hand will help you know if you truly have a problem or not.
Video of the day
Take a tour of 7 awesome fiberglass RVs
By Cheri Sicard
Mike, from the RV Blogger, took advantage of being at the Pineknot Fiberglass RV Rally in Grapeland, Texas, to tour some great fiberglass RVs. In the video below, you get to go along with him.
Fiberglass RVs have lots of advantages, not the least of which is their light weight. Plus, they’re fairly simplistic and don’t leak. And they keep their resale value.
Stay free on private property across America
Boondockers Welcome opens up a world of new camping opportunities. Escape the crowded and noisy campground in favor of a private spot on a beautiful property and a meaningful connection with a friendly host. Enjoy truly unique stay experiences often without any sacrifice to comfort as 70% of Boondockers Welcome hosts offer hookups. Learn more or sign up.
Airbags on cars and RVs deteriorate. What you need to know about maintaining your air ride system
By Randall Brink
If you have a newer Class C motorhome or a Class A manufactured since the mid-1980s, there is a good chance that your coach has an air ride with “air springs” as part of its suspension. The system may seem shrouded in mystery because its components are underneath the coach chassis. If everything is in good working order – out of sight and out of mind. But like all coach systems, the components are subject to wear and tear from use and should be inspected regularly. Continue reading to see if it’s something you can do yourself.
Reader poll
How often do you stay at a KOA campground?
Helpful resources
• 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.
Quick Tip
Keep your keyholes clear
Some bugs like to lay eggs in little spots—like in the keyholes of locks on RV storage compartments. Once in there, the stuff’s like glue. If your locks are steel, get small disc magnets from the hardware store and “stick” one over each lock.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Brilliant camping hacks and tips using steel wool
- RV Review: Coachmen Prism 24FS
- Ask Dave: Why does only one side of the circuit breaker work with the 50-15 amp dogbone?
- Featured article: RV sales people: Which customer service approach wins the sale?
- Recipe: Orange Cream Cheese Bread
Website of the day
10 Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In Michigan
Since it’s National Michigan Day, we thought we’d share this page from Only in Your State. These aren’t your typical road trips, either. You’ll want to check this out.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Oh, this would be so much pun, er, fun, to use! Bring this over to our campsite, won’t ya?
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
• Legislation to ban motorhome and portable generators threatens RVers (update coming in this Sunday’s News for RVers)
• RV Tire Safety: RVer thinks 65 psi in TT tires is too much; asks for advice
• RV dealers aren’t happy with manufacturer relationships – They’re trying to improve, manufacturers apparently are not
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Recipe of the Day
Green Chili Breakfast Tortilla Cups
by Tommy Curtis from Sharps Chapel, TN
Yum! This recipe is perfect if you’re hosting a buffet breakfast or brunch. It’s a healthier breakfast option. You can bake a bunch of these and people can grab their individual serving. We did add bacon when testing and loved the smoky flavor. We loved the mix of cilantro, with green chilis and cheese. Cumin flavor stands out too. One of these is very filling.
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Trivia
Goldfish (the fish, not the snack) haven’t always been gold. They used to be silver, with a very occasional fish having a mutation making it red, orange or yellow. In the years 618 to 907 AD, the Tang Dynasty began keeping these small carp in ornamental ponds. Around that same time, people began isolating the fish with the unique gold color to breed them. This worked, but it wasn’t really until 1162 when the empress of the Song Dynasty ordered construction on a gigantic pond specifically to breed red and gold variants of the fish. The rest, they say, is history!
*Why is it that when you say one word or phrase over and over and over again it starts to sound weird? We told you in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Here’s a picture of our cat Sally. She’s a 10-year-old Ragdoll. She accompanies us on our travels in our fifth wheel. She has been camping with us since she was a kitten. She loves her pet playpen which we bought from Lippert at the Montana rally last September.” —Astrid Bierworth
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!
Never be left in the dark
Our favorite electricity guy, Mike Sokol, uses this Caterpillar pocket light for just about everything. He writes, “I bought one of these CAT CY1000 Pocket COB Lights and liked it so much that I also picked up one for my dad. I’ve dropped it a bunch of times, and it still keeps working, like any of the other tough-as-nails CAT products.” It easily clips onto your belt, shirt pocket, or anything magnetic, so you can work hands-free. Learn more or order.
Leave here with a laugh
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Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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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.
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Leave here with a laugh – is a bad off color joke!
Jeez!! I thought it was funny & true!!
It was. It was great.
I thought it needed a sixth one, must be good at keeping a woman warm at night in bed!!
Snoopy
I do. I turn on the electric blanket an hour before bedtime.
It’s cold here in Casa Grande Az
What a good man to have around the house, Thomas! 😆 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Me too .. wow people have lost their sense of humor.
it is ok only if the woman is single
It’s a JOKE !
Relax. I thought it was funny.
No, it’s not. Perhaps you feel bad you don’t fall into any of the 4 categories?
If you don’t hit at least one you probably don’t deserve to have a woman in your life. 😂
Good Lord. Why do people have to get so serious about a little humor. And what does off-color mean anyway?!?
Nice Michigan road trip ideas. But for heaven’s sake don’t go by the ludicrous drive-time Google offers you. You’re not going to circumnavigate the state in 14 hours. Many of the roads are full of stoplights and you’re not going to zoom around at 70 mph.
Scam alert
I had been looking for a good condition older Class C motor home that I could afford on my Social Security.
I recently got a e-mail from a lady claiming that she had a 2014 Winnebago Aspect Class C ASAP for $18,500 that was part of her divorce settlement.
When pressed to see it she said it was in transit with a third party carrier.
She was very detailed with the vehicle description including photographs of the outside of the coach.
If anyone gets a e-mail like this from: “Florence J Moe****62 (at) comcast.net" Beware. [changed slightly by editor]
I would Never purchase any vehicle without physically inspecting it and the Clear title.
Geees… when did we lose our sense of humor….I get it…it has implied meaning but didn’t say a married woman..used to be called “playing the field” I hit the jackpot in husband #2 he fills all 4 categories…best man on earth! And I tell him often!
I guess it’s a comfort to John Lennon to know that he is where he was meant to be.
I’m blessed to have had 49+ years with one man who checks all the boxes in “Leave here with a laugh”.