Issue 2308
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
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Hot Chocolate Day!
On this day in history: 1865: The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, and submits it to the states for ratification.
Tip of the Day
Top 10 tips to reduce RV stress
By Gail Marsh
Maneuvering a new rig. Trying to make campground reservations. Facing unexpected road closures. Black tank problems. All of these and more can cause strain for RV travelers. Perhaps we can all use some tips to reduce RV stress.
In simple terms, stress is the body’s natural response to a challenge or demand. Stressors are the specific events or situations that trigger this response, and they can vary from person to person. While a little stress can be motivating, excessive stress can take a toll on your well-being.
Here are the top 10 tips to reduce RV stress.
Ask Dave
Why does the RV’s slide room “thunk” every 3 to 4 seconds when it’s in motion?
Dear Dave,
My RV’s driver-side slide out has developed a profound “thunking” sound, 5 times every time it slides out at a 3- to 4-second interval, coming from the floor. When it retracts, it sounds like the floors are scraping together. After a demonstration, the mobile RV repair guys don’t know what the issue is. I do use 303 spray before use. It doesn’t seem to help. What can you tell me about this situation? —Bob, 2007 Fleetwood Flair 33
Book is a must-have for state park campers!
This book, “50 States: 500 State Parks,” is a must-have for all state park campers and explorers. The book is a beautiful visual journey through America’s best state parks. Whether you’re looking for stunning vistas, rare wildlife, a dose of history, or an enjoyable hike, the state parks offer an array of experiences. Learn more or order.
RV Reviews
A small trailer with big features and storage: Coachmen RV Freedom Express 192RBS
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Coachmen RV Freedom Express Ultra Lite 192RBS. We looked at this RV a couple of years ago and there have been enough changes to the rig in the past two years that I thought it worth a revisit. Some things are much better, some the same and some challenges are still there. … [T]he combination of drawers, cabinets, underbed storage and tables makes this a really usable trailer. There are a lot of floor plans like this, but this one’s cabinetry really sets it apart.
Video of the day
How to stay warm: Wool vs. down vs. fleece
By Cheri Sicard
Even in normally warm areas of the country, the temperatures have been dipping below freezing this winter. If you are wondering about the best ways to stay warm, the video below from Adventures with the Marine can help. In it, our host compares wool vs. down vs. fleece.
Our experienced host says that having the proper clothing is perhaps the best way we mortals have to combat the conditions that Mother Nature throws at us. In this video, he looks at fleece, wool, and down, including the pros and cons of each and what situations and conditions they perform best under.
Bed sheet suspenders keep your sheets in place!
We have to admit, we just recently discovered these and wondered how we didn’t know about them sooner – they’re amazing! If you have bed sheets that don’t stay in place, these easy-to-use bed sheet fasteners or “suspenders” keep them in place – no more corners that won’t stay down! Learn more or order for a great price.
Guest essay: Don’t stop at “making” memories in an RV
By Nina Soltwedel
Owning an RV means, for many of us, taking extended trips. Many reading right now may recall having taken a many-thousand-mile trip in their RV, camper, trailer, etc. – a trip that took them to far-off places to see vistas they’d not seen before, to meet new people along the way, to discover hidden treasures such as a magnificent vista just around that corner up ahead, or a place to camp on the edge of a peaceful lake with just the hoot of an owl to keep one company. You get the idea. Continue reading.
Reader poll
How often do you gamble at a casino?
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 bugs from sticking so hard to your rig
Bugs sticking to the front of your rig making you buggy? Get ’em off easily. Apply plenty of wax to the front of your rig when doing your “spiff and clean” routines. Some RVers swear by dampening dryer softener sheets with water, then wiping the front end down with the sheet – bugs practically jump off with a quick wipe down later.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Can I flat-tow my Honda CR-V?
- Video: How to avoid, reduce, or eliminate RV driving pain
- Featured article: All about tow vehicle tire wear and travel trailer tire inflation
Website of the day
Travel Oregon: Free Travel Guides
Heading to beautiful Oregon soon? These free travel guides will be a great help! There’s the Travel Oregon Visitor Guide, the Oregon Scenic Byways Driving Guide, the Oregon State Highway Map and more!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
A popular pastime for RVers but this one is… elf-sized? Smaller than elf-sized? Let us know how using this goes, okay?
Popular articles you may have missed at RVtravel.com
- This Minnesota campground is a hidden gem
- The canvas water bag: A classic way to carry water while RVing
- Maxed out on minimalism: Living in a Tesla car RV conversion
Recipe of the Day
Pear Cake
by Leah Robertson from Siloam Springs, AR
With no icing, this simple, old-fashioned pear cake is so darn easy to transport… which is good since you’ll be getting requests for it from all corners! It’s a moist and tender coffee cake with chunks of sweet fresh pears that pair well with the cinnamon. The top gets a little crunchy and forms a sugary crust. Coconut and nuts make this cake even better and add a little texture. This cake is delicious alone but a dollop of whipped cream would be tasty too. Perfect for dessert or with afternoon coffee.
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Trivia
The letters M&M on the popular candies stand for the founders of the company, Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie. The candy-coated chocolate concept was inspired by a method used to allow soldiers to carry chocolate without having it melt. The company’s longest-lasting slogan reflects this: “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” More than 400 million individual M&Ms are produced every day in the United States.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Gia (Morkie) cooling off after a walk around Fort Wilderness in Disney. It was August, so this is a routine that she has thoroughly enjoyed throughout the years.” —Denise Ryaby
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.
Grip tape won’t let you slip
This heavy-duty grip tape sticks to any surface and gives you traction on things like your RV steps, ladder or roof, and at home on your deck or in your basement, or even on your boat. It’s good stuff to keep around. You can find it for a good price (and in multiple size rolls) here.
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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Mystery Product Of The Day? I can only say, “A fool and his money are soon parted…”
We have a set, the Grandkids love it. Great indoor fun on a rainy day.
Adding to the Ask Dave article: RV’s Slide Out
Never sit or stand on a retracted slide out. My slide outs are only supported at the outer edge when retracted. In my case the inner floor dropped and the screw tore the flooring during it’s operation. Which I had to resecure. I use Fluid Film to lubricate the rack and pinion as it doesn’t attract dust and never dries out.
We finally ditched the massive heavy corn hole game set (which we still love to play at home) and reverted to our original take-along game – ladder golf. Very lightweight, lays down anywhere in the pickup, and the ‘balls’ on ropes fit anywhere. A little PVC goes a long way!
I like M&Ms but wish they would fix the labeling on some bags, they keep printing the single serving bags as share size and even labeling some as family size.
Terry–LOL 😁
I can’t help it, I almost always take time to read Tony Barthel’s RV reviews even though I’m not about to look at the category of RV. I have a Class A motorhome, but who knows, I might have to downsize to an RPod someday! Thanks for keeping Tony in the lineup; I hope part of my regular contribution keeps him employed for a long time.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 The funny was really funny, and all too accurate. 🙂
Today’s quote has many messages layered beneath the obvious singular message. Kindness may be the quick pull of a bandaid or the tough honesty when it is the more difficult path. Love the nuance in this quote/message.
Yup, I hear my mom whispering in my ear…be kind!
The hint about bugs and dryer sheets I first read on your news letter years ago! Thank you again, works wonderfully. Good wax helps too. Grateful for all the hints through the years! THANKS
I have had very good luck with applying a thin coat of Aerospace 303 to make bug removal much easier. Plus it is good for my Diamond Shield.