Issue 2240
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
“Morning is wonderful. Its only drawback is that it comes at such an inconvenient time of day.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Navy Day! (Yes, there was the U.S. Navy Birthday on Oct. 13. Read about these two Navy holidays here.)
On this day in history: 1904 – The first underground New York City Subway line opens, later designated as the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.
Tip of the Day
These affordable, effective devices will track your RV or other items if stolen
By Karel Carnohan
There is a simple, inexpensive, effective way to track your RV after it’s been stolen. Bluetooth devices such as Tile® and Apple’s AirTag can be hidden in your RV and if it is stolen, your RV can be tracked in real-time.
Designed to help you find things you misplace such as keys, wallets and purses, they are small enough to be a “hidden” asset. I have an AirTag on my keys and in a very important notebook that I use all the time. Some people put them on their dog’s collar in case he or she gets lost.
Ask Dave
Which works best to insulate RV windows – shrink wrap or bubble wrap?
Dear Dave,
Has anyone used shrink wrap on their windows for insulation in place of bubble wrap? —Tom, 2015 Dutchmen Voltage
Sewer fitting grip help! Gadget to the rescue!
If you find the bayonet mounts for your sewer hose connections are getting a bit hard to twist off and on (hate to say it, but it sometimes comes with age), here’s a tool that might help. An adjustable oil filter wrench, made to get a grip around automotive oil filters, can also provide a handy grip and plenty of leverage on the bayonet fitting of your sewer hose, and the termination cap as well. Here’s one we recommend.
In the RV Shop with Dustin
What is the cost of replacing my RV refrigerator?
Last week, our RV repair shop received the below voicemail from Bob regarding the cost of replacing an RV refrigerator:
Hi, my name is Bob. I have a refrigerator that is leaking yellow fluid by the burner. I’ve been told by another shop that the fridge is bad and needs to be replaced. Can you provide an estimate to replace the unit?
I have also watched videos online about replacing the cooling part on the back. Is that an option? I currently have a Norcold 1200.
Thank you, guys, and I look forward to receiving a call back.
Click here for Dustin and Zach’s answer
Video of the day
Taco Soup: An easy, delicious soup recipe for travel days
By Cheri Sicard
Looking for a quick and easy travel day recipe that’s hearty and warming? Taco soup to the rescue! In the video below, Tom from the Come Sit at My Table YouTube channel, shows us how to make it.
Tom and wife Melissa’s YouTube channel is not about RVing, but, nonetheless, this recipe is a perfect quick and easy RV recipe. Tom calls it a “dump soup” because all you need to do is dump a bunch of ingredients into a pot, heat it up, and dinner is ready.
Click here to watch and get the recipe
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.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- First look: 2024 Wingamm mini-motorhomes now in America
- RV Grilling: How to save more than $80 on ribeye steaks
- “Site lock” fees being added on top of campsite fees to secure specific campsites—Yikes!
- Why RVers are like kindergarteners
Reader poll
How many RVs do you own?
Thetford’s toilet seal isn’t crappy!
Nobody wants to talk about a yucky toilet, but nobody wants to actually have to deal with a yucky toilet either… Enter Thetford’s Toilet Seal Lube and Conditioner. It works on all RV and boat toilets and protects the seal from drying out. If your toilet’s seal dries out, it can prevent it from sealing and holding water. You don’t want that! This is one of those products you should really use, even if dealing with your toilet isn’t your all-time favorite thing to do. Check it out.
Quick Tip
Heat pump versus regular furnace
New to RV heat pumps? They work pretty well until temps hit into the 30s. If frost is in the weather forecast, best to use your regular furnace. They usually pump heat to the plumbing system, where the heat pump only warms up the interior of the coach. You don’t want frozen pipes!
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Why does water I add to fresh water tank drain into black tank?
- Video: Towing: Safely descending steep grades
- Featured article: That’s just not true! 13 common myths about RVing
Website of the day
U.S. Naval Institute – Naval History Magazine
Since it’s National Navy Day we thought we’d share a fascinating Navy website with you! This Naval History Magazine is a part of the U.S. Naval Institute and has wonderful articles to read if you’re interested in Navy history.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
We’re filling hot! We love everything a-bao this! It’s soy awesome! No, seriously though, it’s all those things and dim sum! Trust us. Click here and thank us later.
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
Turkey-Pumpkin Meatloaf
by Mikekey from Seattle, WA
If you are looking for a unique meatloaf for dinner, then look no further! Who would have thought to add pumpkin in turkey meatloaf? The pumpkin flavor is subtle but makes this meatloaf really moist. This meatloaf recipe is so easy to make and your family will love it.
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Trivia
George Washington made whiskey! Our first president had his own whiskey distillery, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. At the time, it was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America, producing 11,000 gallons of the stuff in 1799! You can read more about it here (and plan your visit to the distillery, which is still brewin’!).
*Sunlight needs to strike water at an angle of what to form a rainbow? A) 22 degrees, B) 42 degrees, C) 66 degrees, or D) 89 degrees. Find the answer in yesterday’s trivia.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Mimi is a rescue precious heart who loves camping and walking on the beach. She doesn’t let bad weather stop her from climbing logs on the shore. She is the best little camper and is always ready to go. We try to camp each month in the Pacific Northwest.” —Chuck Stillman
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.
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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Love the laugh of the day!
Meatloaf is Meatloaf and should not involve pumpkin! Lol!
I love your recipes but I think I’ll pass on this one!
DW agrees!
AMEN
Nor should “MEATloaf” involve poultry.
Agreed! I made an involuntary grimace when I read that title.
Actually for me going vegan vegetarian this is one recipe that is a definite bennie for me keeping healthy. Never pass on something that might turn out yummy.
I saved enough in two nights to more than pay for Camping at American City parks https://amzn.to/491lvIy
Mimi is so precious and cute! Thank you 😊🐶
For some reason I didn’t receive my Wednesday or Saturday newsletter. I miss reading them,
Sorry you’re having issues with receiving the email alerts for our newsletters, Linda. I’m looking at our records and see that Wednesday’s email was sent but that you clicked on Tuesday’s link. Then it shows that today’s email was sent but that you clicked on Friday’s link. Neither one shows that it “bounced” so I’m wondering if the email alerts we sent somehow ended up in your Spam folder? Other than that, I’m not sure what happened to them, especially since you’ve received our other emails okay. Let us know if you continue to have issues and we’ll see if we can figure anything out. Have a good afternoon. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I am sent a newsletter from Williamsburg and in it was a reinactment of how Martha and George met. The actors did a great job on it. I think it is on you tube. This was last February and I believe called how George and Martha met. Or a Valentine special on this. Not sure lost the link. But I loved it and very informal.
Thanks, Jillie. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Emily and Diane! The funny is funny. 🙂 I noticed that the note about the Mount Vernon distillery mentioned 1799. That is the target year for all restoration of Mount Vernon and the associated property. Mount Vernon is owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. They selected 1799 because that was the year of George Washington’s death. Consequently, there is a large amount of available information due to the large number of visitors and associated correspondence because of George’s failing health and people paying their respects after his death. We lived 1.5 miles away on what was the pig farm of Mount Vernon — there were five distinct farm — for 23 years.
After looking at laugh of the day that is my three dogs after one day. I love recipe of the day. I am always looking for heart and body recipes. I will definitely give this one a try. Doctors say bbq sauce is a big no no for staying healthy I hate to say it it is one of my weaknesses over ketchup. Otherwise whisky and recipe of the day I am so there.