Issue 2319
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
“You don’t concentrate on risks. You concentrate on results.” —Legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Wisconsin Day!
On this day in history: 1965 – A new red-and-white maple leaf design is adopted as the flag of Canada, replacing the old Canadian Red Ensign banner.
Tip of the Day
Boondocking RV bathroom tips: Stay another day (or week) off-grid
By Cheri Sicard
When camping without the benefit of hookups, there are tips for every room in your RV that can help extend the amount of time you can spend off-grid before having to come in and reboot.
As I am generally not a fan of staying in RV parks any more than is absolutely necessary, I have accumulated quite a few boondocking tips over the years.
It’s a bummer to discover a great off-grid boondocking spot only to have to leave prematurely because you ran out of water, or because your holding tanks were getting full. While the 40 to 60 gallons of water your RV tank carries might seem like a lot, you can go through it mighty quickly if you are not careful.
Editor’s note: These tips will benefit other RVers, too, not just boondockers!
THE SEATTLE SHOW IS NOW UNDERWAY!
Ask Dave
How can I protect my RV from sweltering heat? I hear tarps trap moisture
Dear Dave,
Sidewalks in Texas in summer can be frying pans. Having said that, last year, my rig absorbed all that heat. 118 degrees inside the rig a lot of times. It is parked in my backyard driveway. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to block the sun from bearing its heat down on my rig. The wife and I want to protect it from another brutal Texas summer. How can we do this? I hear tarping it not a good idea because it traps moisture and causes mold, etc. Tires should also be protected? If so what do you recommend? —Rob, 2014 Southwind Fleetwood 34A
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RV Tours
Tour the 2024 Crossroads RV Zinger Lite ZR18QB travel trailer—some questionable features
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below from J and A Review, we tour a travel trailer with a unique floor plan, the 2024 Crossroads RV Zinger Lite ZR18QB.
This is a simple, fairly barebones trailer. There are no slides—so no slides to break. That’s a good thing in my book.
Video of the day
Nova Scotia for RVers—What to know before you go!
By Cheri Sicard
The picturesque province of Nova Scotia makes the top of a lot of RVer’s bucket lists. This video from Keep Your Daydream—our readers’ pick for BEST overall RV YouTube channel of 2024, will help you plan your Nova Scotia RV trip and fill you in on important details to know before you go.
The video covers a lot, starting with crossing the border (with dogs), and an overview of the entire Nova Scotia itinerary our hosts used to explore this unique maritime province, the costs involved, helpful resources, and the attractions you definitely will not want to miss. They even go into local cuisine and things you must try while there, and offer tips for exchanging money.
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.
I’m writing this from the doctor’s office. Snowbirds, beware of skin cancer
By Nanci Dixon
I am (literally) writing this from the doctor’s office, where I am waiting to have a procedure done that will cut out the skin cancer I recently discovered on my body. Being a native northern Minnesotan who has not experienced the sun’s rays like the Southwesterners do, I was diligent about UV exposure but, evidently, not diligent enough. While this is the “best” kind of skin cancer to get, it is definitely better to not get it at all! Continue reading Nanci’s very personal and extremely important message.
Reader poll
Have you ever called the police about an incident in your campground/RV park?
Quick Tip
How to use a basement storage door as a table
You can use a basement storage door as a table, provided you can open it to “level” and then support it. Hit the thrift shops and buy a used photo tripod – the three legs make it sturdy and you can set and lock it at nearly any desirable height.
Motion-sensing RV step lights automatically turn on and off
These lights are great if you spend any (and we mean any!) time outside in the evening/night. These waterproof motion-sensing lights easily attach to your stairs—no drilling or screws are required, just peel the tape off and attach the magnetic strips. Easy! The lights sense motion up to 10 feet away and will stay on for as long as they detect motion. After that, they’ll shut off automatically after 18 seconds. Learn more or order. (Hint: Not just for steps! These can be used in other dark places, too, like your cabinets, closets, or bathrooms!)
For Lovers Only…
To: Skil
From: Skillet
“Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m looking forward to many RV adventures with you when we find “the one”. Love you forever. ❤️”
To: Equis
From: Horse Play
“We met horseback riding. You said I had a good seat. I knew at once that you loved me.”
We will continue running these through early next week to finish out the entries we received. Thank you for your submissions over the last couple of weeks. We hope all of you lovebirds had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: My trailer has a soft floor. How much will it cost to fix?
- Video: Amazing homemade camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug—before and after
- Featured article: Residential-type vs. absorption RV refrigerators: What’s best for you?
Website of the day
The Best Free BLM Camping in the American West
Pack up the RV and get her ready! After you see all these incredible and FREE places to camp, you’re going to want to hit the road. Please note this page was last updated in 2020 and some things have changed since then.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Is this real?? Is this fake?? Can you eat it?? Is it toxic?? We’re not sure, but it’s REALLY cute at least and would look soooo good on your RV’s dinette! Or kitchen counter! Or side table! It would look good anywhere!
And the Survey Says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 2,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 6 percent ride a bicycle every day.
• 58 percent say they had more close friends 20 years ago than they do today.
• 76 percent consider themselves “loners” not “joiners.”
Recent poll: RV swoosh graphics debate: Do you like the traditional “swoosh” graphics on RV exteriors?
DID YOU MISS yesterday’s brand-new Full-Time RVer newsletter? Read it here.
Recipe of the Day
Avocado Citrus Salad
by Nikki Smith from Hemet, CA
Light and refreshing, this avocado citrus salad is simple to make. The salad has creamy avocado and orange wedges to add bright flavor. With a little bite, red onions are a nice contrast. Sweet and tangy, the dressing is the perfect complement to all the flavors. A delicious salad for a light meal. This would be a great side salad with grilled fish or chicken, too.
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Trivia
Yankee Doodle went to town / Riding on a pony; / He stuck a feather in his hat, / And called it macaroni… Wait, he called it a pasta? Nope! Back in the 18th century, British military officers knew “macaroni” to mean something entirely different. Back then, the term “macaroni” referred to men who were preoccupied with high fashion, stylized speech, and fine dining. Upper-class young Englishmen toured Italy, loved the food, and brought it home with them. They also brought home new fashions so British officers called them “the Macaroni Club.”
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Four of our five dogs had died in an accident. I told my husband I just needed some joy, so we became the owners of Haven, who was at the shelter after his original owner died. We had Haven, a senior Chiweenie (aka Mexican Sausage or German Taco), until he succumbed to bladder cancer. He made four cross-country trips with us in the RV and was probably the smartest, most loving dog I have ever had. He passed on January 10, 2024, eleven days after we celebrated our fourth adoption day anniversary.” —Kathryn Turner-Arsenault
Thank you so much, Kathryn, for giving adorable Haven the best last few years of his life. We’re sending you a big, virtual hug. We know how special these family members are. —Emily
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.
Book for cheap city and town park camping
In most cases, camping in city and town parks costs less than nearby private or other better-known public camping areas. In many cases, the overnight fee is $10 or less, with many sites still free. Some even include free or inexpensive utility hookups. Now, our friends at Roundabout Publications along with The Ultimate Campgrounds Project have published a directory of these under-publicized parks. The first edition of its “Camping in America’s City & Town Parks” is now available. Continue reading about this great new resource.
Leave here with a laugh
Last February we wrote about the funniest camping commercials of all time and a whole year later they’re still making us laugh! Check these out.
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.
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Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
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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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Thank you for adopting a senior dog. Everyone wants a puppy or kitten, while seniors are loving too.
Amazing homemade camper shell for a Volkswagen Bug—is the reason for the 10-year rule.
Plus, it’s a accident waiting to happen. Totally overloaded BUG.
So glad Haven and y’all got to travel and how wonderful y’all gave him the opportunity to bring joy back in your lives…don
We had two cats for 17 years. Devastated when they died. We occasionally think about getting another cat, and we also think we’d adopt an elder cat – because we don’t want a pet that outlives us.
So sorry you lost Haven but glad you had him for 4 years.
I ordered the RV step lights. They ARE NOT WATERPROOF. The installation instructions say not to install in damp areas.
Not too bad of a “Leave here with a laugh”. Especially the first and last ones!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂
The original, 18th century words to Yankee Doodle were “called him Macaroni”, which make more sense given the meaning of Macaroni.
My wife just told me of a local breeder selling Shitzu puppies for 2 grand a piece. Nay nay!!! Got Shorty from animal rescue at ten years old and we had some great adventures for the last six years of his life. Kudos to Kathryn for Haven’s love and companionship. Taking on a senior pet is incredibly rewarding.
We do nothing but rescue. We just adopted another a year ago. She is a handful. Rescues know they have been rescued. This new rescue owns the house. We are just her servants who pay the bills and feed on demand.
LOVED THOSE JOKES got my day started with laughing so hard I had tears — THANK YOU
Haven had the best years of his life with wonderful love~ thank you for your story…I have a rescue too and we hate the thought of losing her but the love they give is the BEST! Hugs
As someone who has traveled to and from Canada knows that traveling with dogs in Canada can be an experience not to be had by anyone. Never had issues until about 10 years ago this one agent grilled us about the dogs. This and up to how we feed them. Yes, feed them. We went for a weekend in Canada and put their food in a gallon size bag and no problems crossing into Canada but getting back into the states he asked us where the bag was. We had no ID on the food and this almost led to an incident but got home without incident. The other thing I am glad I printed out copies of all the dogs vetted papers.This May ours will be completely vetted and printed out. We are headed to Nova Scotia.
Addendum…completely ready and prepared for Nova Scotia. We will not be RVing but getting an air bnb and if you need a pet sitter rover is a great place to find one. Although none in Halifax will pet sit without seeing the dogs first. In Moncton New Brunswick no problem. So take it from me make sure you have their papers on hand and if possible their dog food bag. The last time I went to Canada they never asked. Whew. So no idea what to expect this July. Safe travels and have a plan for your furry friends. We still have no pet sitter for Halifax but plan to leave them in a safe spot in the rented unit for a few hours. Fingers crossed.