Issue 2181
Welcome to RV Travel’s Daily Tips Newsletter, where you’ll find helpful RV-related tips from the pros, travel advice, RV videos, product reviews and more. Please tell your friends about us.
Today’s thought
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Purple Heart Day. (More in the trivia below.) And a huge “Thank you” to all of our Purple Heart readers. We honor you today and every day for your service and sacrifice to protect our freedom.
On this day in history: 1944 – IBM dedicates the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (known best as the Harvard Mark I).
Did you see the news? Click here for the latest news for RVers.
Tip of the Day
Many RV uses for dry erase boards
By Gail Marsh
How does the old joke go? “Old teachers never die; they just lose their class.” As a former educator, I still have a few boxes of classroom supplies in our stix-n-brix basement. Recently, when sorting through a few boxes, I came across five small dry erase boards (also called whiteboards). I smiled as I remembered using them in the classroom and then suddenly had an “ah-ha moment”! There must be many RV uses for dry erase boards. Now these five dry erase boards have found a new purpose when we travel in our RV.
Continue reading (these ideas are smart!)
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook.”
Why does my RV’s generator stop running while driving?
Dear Dave,
I have a 2022 Thor A.C.E. Class A motorhome and the generator shuts off while traveling. I checked all items: oil, cables, batteries, and voltage. —Eugene, 2022 Thor A.C.E. 33.1
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RV Reviews
HE’S BAAACK! Tony (Barthel) is back with all-new RV reviews. His reviews will appear in the Monday and Wednesday editions this newsletter (RV Daily Tips), and the Sunday edition of the RV Travel newsletter. Make sure you’re signed up for the newsletters to read the RV reviews.
Full review of the 2024 Chinook Bayside RV, a Class B RV with a dry bath
By Tony Barthel
While much of the RV industry is sitting back holding their breath, Class B RVs are still doing okay depending on whom you ask. Today’s RV review is of one of the larger Class B RVs on the market, the Chinook Bayside TB. Based on the Ford Transit platform, the company uses the largest version of this vehicle on which to base the Bayside TB.
While some look to Class B RVs as something very drivable and compact, this one is not compact but it does have a unicorn feature within this category—a dry bath. That, alone, might be something that gets prospects flocking to dealerships to look at it.
New directory lists city and town RV parks and campgrounds
Among the least-publicized campgrounds are those in cities and small towns across America. In most cases, camping there costs less than nearby private or other better-known public camping areas, often $10 or less. Many are still free, some with hookups. Now, Roundabout Publications and The Ultimate Campgrounds Project have published a directory of these little publicized parks. “Camping in America’s City & Town Parks” is now available for $18.95 at Amazon.com.
RVtravel.com has an affiliate relationship with Amazon
In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of having an RV seller’s inspection before it goes up for sale
Having an RV seller’s inspection before listing your RV for sale is a proactive and smart approach. Conducting an inspection will help you identify any potential issues or maintenance needs that could affect the sale or price of your RV.
Here are the reasons why getting a seller’s inspection is beneficial…
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
Video of the day
The future of solar? The pros and cons of solar awnings
By Cheri Sicard
Prior to this informative video from Jared Gillis of All About RVs, I had never heard of solar awnings except for this mention on RVtravel.com in June of a solar awning coming from Lippert and Renogy®, which Jared mentions. (As a side note, All About RVs is one of our readers’ FAVORITE RV YouTube channels.)
This technology is still emerging, but Jared wanted to check out some of the solar awnings currently on the market to see if they are worth it and examine the pros and cons of each. Jared also gives his overall thoughts on the topic and recommends who would best benefit from them.
Around the campfire: How fast do you drive when towing your RV?
By Gail Marsh
What is your speed when you’re towing your RV? This was the question posed to the campfire crowd a few nights ago. A robust discussion followed. My husband told the others that we usually stick to the speed limit or a bit below, depending on road and weather conditions. Read what the other RVers said, then feel free to add your two cents’ worth in the comments.
Reader poll
How satisfied are you with your life today compared to 10 years ago?
Headed to Quartzsite this winter? Find out where to stay for free on the vast public lands there, and RV parks in the town — plus what’s going on, and much more on the Facebook group Quartzsite RVer.
Quick Tip
Lukewarm “hot” water? Check this out
One of our regular tip contributing pals, George Bliss, mentioned a problem he’d run into. Seems the brother-in-law’s RV hot water wasn’t anything close to hot. An investigation “under the hood” revealed a problem you, too, might be having. “Once he removed the cover over the thermostats (see left side of photo), you could see that the female push-on quick disconnect, on the electrical side, was scorched. This was caused by the rub through of the insulation of the black wire (see right side of photo) where it passes next to the flange, pointed to by the “red” arrow. The flange has a very sharp edge.”
Solution? “The old quick connect was cut off, the wire was stripped back to where the insulation had been compromised and a new quick connect was added. After this, the new quick connect and the tab it connected to was pushed back to keep the wire away from the sharp flange. Another option would be to put some type of non-flammable material between the wire and flange so that rubbing did not reoccur. Several layers of electrical tape may do the trick. Before doing any work, be sure to turn the power off as this is on a 120-volt circuit.” Well, usually we don’t applaud efforts of folks to get us into hot water, but we’ll make an exception this time, George. Thanks!
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. (Note: This list has not been updated since 2019, so call and make sure the parks are still open!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Oh, something about this just seems so wrong! Does it seem wrong to you? This is too weird for us!
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
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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
Purple Heart Day, August 7th, commemorates the oldest American military decoration for military merit. It was created during the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington introduced the Badge of Merit in 1782 to honor soldiers for exceptional actions. The badge had a heart-shaped purple silk piece with “Merit” embroidered in silver. The designer remains unknown.
Though an accurate list no longer exists, National Geographic estimated nearly 1.9 million service members earned Purple Hearts. It remains the oldest U.S. military honor, but since 1944, it’s only been awarded to those wounded or killed in combat.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“4-year-old Riley, a miniature dachshund, was the love of our life. We lost her to ‘Cushing’s Disease’ two years ago. She hated to travel in our motorhome, but loved it when we got there.” —Gary Willey
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Where should you camp next? Find out!
This 50-state guide will show you the best campgrounds across the U.S. It gives you a regional, state-by-state breakdown of amazing outdoor accommodations, from campgrounds to RV resorts. It also breaks campsites down by your personality and desired amenities. Now that’s cool! It also highlights regional cuisine, attractions and activities. Learn more or order.
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Thanks for the memories. When the readers poll asked about ten years ago, I had to look through photos from ten years ago to really remember it. Sometimes I forget how rich and filled with family and friends my life has been.
👍
Amen
👍🏻
Amen to that !👍
I gotta ask…those that said their lives were better today….have you filled your rig or tow vehicle recently?
Yes, however, the high level of stress I had from my job the last 10 years compared to now with early retirement and paying the higher gas prices is an easy transition. I am mentally and physically better today.
While fuel prices (and everything else) are definitely higher now, those are not what I use to judge if I’M better off now.
I echo your thoughts Tommy.
If my life is measured by gas prices, I am a LOT better off today than in the early 1970s when I couldn’t get any.
Thanks for the reminder. Odd/Even days. I had recently had my son and was nursing him. He could not take any formula as he was highly allergic to all of them. My parents took care of him while I worked. My Dad would bring him to my office so I could nurse him. Didn’t have all the fancy pumping gadgets back them. Hopefully not TMI😂. Definitely crazy times.
Hi, Diane. Boy, we just never know where these conversations are going to wander off to. But I think this is a first for that particular topic in the 10 years I’ve been here.🤣 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Well, not being able to get gas when you have to commute every day & then waiting in long lines to even get any was pretty stressful. ! No working from home in those days! So Kelly’s comment triggered that memory. Feel free to delete😊.
Well, I guess running out of gas really wasn’t that big of a deal as to possibly running out of Uhmmm.
“Uhmmm.”🤣 Good night, Kelly. I’m signing off for today.👍🥱 – Diane
Nah. That’s fine, Diane. In fact, Kelly replied to it already. I remember those days of no gas and really long lines. What a pain. Yes, after commuting to downtown Seattle, 40 miles round-trip, with all of the traffic for 45 years, I sure do appreciate being able to work from home now. Especially with the gas prices these days! Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Quality of life cannot be measured by the price of gas. It is often measured by the quality of life your RV brings you or takes you to.
RE:Quick Tip for water heater: Good tip. At least with Suburban heaters as shown in the tip, if the water temp is noticeably different when using electric vs gas and the wires look good, it may not be the heating element or gas burner. One of those two thermostats under the plastic Reset cover might be the culprit. And they are both inexpensive and easy to swap. Another hint when replacing a thermostat is to clean any rust on the tank under the old thermostat. Some emory sandpaper will do the job. And spray a little WD-40 (which is a water repellant) on the tank after cleaning and before installing the new thermostat.
Thought for the day—so true!
Special thoughts and prayers go out to all the Purple Heart recipients . To those injured, and to those who gave their all, so that we could all go on with our lives!
Thank-you 🙏🙏🙏
🫡🤗 (That’s a salute and a hug for all Purple Heart recipients.) I have a dear friend whom I’ve known for almost 60 years, since before he did two tours in Vietnam and was wounded by mortar fire. He still puts everyone else before himself. Jim is an amazing person, and hero, in my eyes. Have a good night, Bill. 😀 –Diane
A special salute to your friend Jim!!
Thanks, Bill. I’ll let him know. Actually, I just got off the phone with him. He was about ready to fall asleep after a long drive back from Eastern Washington today. So I’ll wait until tomorrow to update him. He’ll be surprised – he’s a very humble guy. Have a good night.🤗 (That one’s for you.) –Diane
Disneyland camping?? That’s a hard NO from us.
I never camped at Disneyland but did at Fort Wilderness and it was lovely until hurricane Ian showed up. Was a nice trip but its going to be a long time coming before I can do that trip again.