Issue 2225
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.
Page Contents
Today’s thought
“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Noodle Day!
On this day in history: 1884 – The Naval War College of the United States is founded in Rhode Island. 1961 – President John F. Kennedy advises Americans to build fallout shelters. [We bet a lot of our readers remember that. Do you?]
Tip of the Day
Cut your RV lifestyle expenses!
By Bob Difley
Speaking in general terms, it seems the theme of every election is something like cutting the deficit, eliminating waste and becoming more efficient, which soon becomes the focus of every new government as it takes control. New ideas will be proposed, changes made, and the economy will continue, one way or another, good or bad, depending on your viewpoint. So for my two cents, I thought I would offer the following list of money-saving ideas, tips for reducing costs, and becoming more efficient—just like at the bigger House in D.C. Add yours in the comments section (minus political commentary, please).
Ask Dave
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and author of the “RV Handbook.”
Interior lights in RV only work when plugged into shoreline power. Is that normal?
Dear Dave,
My RV’s interior 12v lights work when the motorhome is plugged in to external power and the converter is on. When running off of the battery, they don’t work unless the ignition key is turned to Accessory. Is this normal? We just bought it recently and are trying to learn how to operate things. —Jeffrey, 1986 Itasca
In the RV Shop with Dustin
What should I look for when inspecting my RV roof?
Whether you own a million-dollar unit or you have an entry-level RV, my message to you will be the same: It needs to be maintained! One of the best ways to maintain your RV is by consistently inspecting the unit, including inspecting the RV roof.
I am often asked, “What should I look for when inspecting my RV roof?” The video below shows just that!
Click here to watch and learn more
Video of the day
Beginner Rockhounding: How to build a rockhounding starter kit
By Cheri Sicard
Many RVers find rockhounding and mineral, crystal, and/or fossil collecting a rewarding hobby. It gets them out into nature and connected to the locales they visit, it engages the mind and body, and they never know what kind of treasures they may find. But what if you are new to it and don’t know where to begin? The beginner rockhounding video below from the team at Let’s Go Geo, provides a good first step. In it, you’ll learn how to put together a beginner rockhounding starter kit that will set your explorations on the right path.
Prospecting for more than gold. Find diamonds, and more, on your RV travels
By Randall Brink
Gold is not the only valuable mineral on the earth. RV prospectors who find themselves traversing an area of the country barren of gold might well consider searching for other exciting and valuable mineral deposits, such as diamonds. All but a few U.S. states claim valuable minerals or gems beneath their land surfaces. Forty-five states have declared a state gemstone, rock, or mineral, and quite a few boast all three. Learn more.
Our most popular stories this time last year
- Indianapolis newspaper report blasts RV manufacturing industry
- U.S. Navy submarine base is right next to state park campground
- RV Review: Brinkley RV is a new company with great ideas
- Hitchless towing unveiled by Toyota: Is this the future of RVing?
Reader poll
When it comes to watching TV and movies on the road, how do you most often watch?
Brand-new book! Van and RV Camping at State Recreation Areas
Our friends at Roundabout Publications have done it again—they’ve published another helpful book for RVers. This one is for RV camping at 656 camping areas at 415 state recreation areas across 30 states. This includes camping locations at off-highway vehicle areas, state beaches, state recreation areas and sites, state vehicular recreation areas and more. Having this book will save you money! Learn more or order.
Quick Tip
Help prevent critters from getting into your RV
Longtime RVtravel.com reader and frequent (always helpful) commenter Jim Johnson offered this tip in the comments recently: “If our outdoor RV rugs are going to be laid out for more than a few days, I always pretreat the under area with food grade diatomaceous earth. And I’ll sprinkle a little more on the ground just under the perimeter of our travel trailer. The food grade version costs a bit more, but is absolutely non-toxic to pets and vertebrate wildlife. However, it is toxic to most insects, and rodents don’t seem to like it. Our rugs without the DE area pretreatment invariably have ant farms underneath. Those with DE are usually free of ants – including fire ants. Squirrels climb the nearby shrubs but typically go around rather than under our trailer. Have yet to see a mouse or rat. Food grade diatomaceous earth can be purchased at most farm animal feed retailers.” [Also available on Amazon.] –Thanks for the great tip, Jim!
On this day last year…
- RV Review: Keystone Bullet Premier 25RKPR—new open space couple’s camper
- Video: Commercial heated RV hose vs. DIY heated hose for winter camping
- Featured article: Cybercrime and ransomware attacks increasing. What this means for you and your RV
Website of the day
38 Fall Movies to Get You in the Spirit
Sure, we’re RVers, but we’re also humans! And humans love movies! Here are 38 great movies to get you in the fall spirit. Make some popcorn and enjoy!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
For those of you who used to own one of these, or maybe still do (we hope you still do!), you’ll love this.
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.
• RV LIFE Trip Wizard: Make your RV road trip planning easier than ever.
Recipe of the Day
Cheryl’s Hot Beefs
by Cheryl Beyer from Bloomington, MN
Wow, this shredded beef is rich with flavor. We opted to use the slow cooker and after the chuck roast simmers it’s tender and just melts in your mouth. There are a few simple ingredients and the Crock Pot does all the magic. The beef and juices have a rich flavor that has a hint of smoke. Serve on a bun for an easy Crock Pot meal. Everyone will love these sandwiches. We had an issue finding onion buns, but these were delish on a regular bun. We served it with a little bit of the juice from the slow cooker.
Trivia
Wrigley’s gum was the first product with a barcode to be scanned at a supermarket (in 1974).
*When you’re on a hiking trail you’ve probably noticed small markers telling you you’re on the right path. Usually they’re found bolted to a tree. What are they called and why are they called that? Yesterday’s trivia tells you.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Georgia Moonpie (“GMP”, a Golden Retriever) is the 8-year-old love of her parents’ lives! She is a seasoned RVer and loves trips to Whitefish, MT, Key West, FL, and Badlands, SD. She is always ready to greet and put a smile on everyone’s face she meets, and she is always ready to ride!” —Don Reynolds
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!
Pet First Aid: The basic kit you should carry with you at all times. This is important!
Prevent crumbs or trash from falling through the seat cracks!
This is one brilliant product! The Drop Stop, the car seat gap filler, prevents anything from falling in front of, in between or behind your car or RV’s seats. It simply attaches to the seat belt catch and sits comfortably between your seat and the middle console. I think all of us here at RVtravel.com are going to go buy this 2-pack right now. How could we not?! Learn more or order.
Leave here with a laugh
The sergeant major yelled, “Private Philpott, I didn’t see you at camouflage training this morning!” Philpott replied, “Thank you, sir!”
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
CONTACT US
Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
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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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Thank you, Emily and Diane!
Beautiful dog- you’re so lucky to have her! She must be a great buddy.
Thank you! She really is!
“Thank you, sir!” Now that’s a good one!
That’s one of my all-time favorite jokes.🤣 It never gets old. Have a great day, David. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Why not simply run an ad blocker such as Ublock?
That’s what I do. No ads.
Beautiful Golden!
Thank you! She is a sweet girl!
On this day in history; In 1884 JFK wasn’t president, nor was any of us here to remember!!! HA, HA, LOL (that’s my joke of the day)
It says “1961 – President John…”
You missed the 1961 date, that can happen when you forget where glasses are.
Editors. I believe it’s time for an updated short article on pop up ads that appear. Thanks Google. The ads drive us crazy, but you at RV Travel have no control over the content that I see folks complain about daily. These daily complains by you readers are as bad as the ads themselves. Please a repeat or update “annoying ads 101”. It would certainly help these folks. Thank you, on a daily basis.
Why is the last thing we see today is a soap opera add ?
I didn’t see a “Soap Opera Ad”.
Why is the last thing *I* see today a comment from someone who doesn’t know that the ads here are NOT part of the newsletter publication? 🫤