Issue 2386
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
“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Rescue Dog Day! And if you don’t have a rescue dog, perhaps you can celebrate National Be A Millionaire Day!
On this day in history: 1570 – Cartographer Abraham Ortelius issues Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, the first modern atlas.
Tip of the Day
Easy tip for draining fresh water tank: Add a hose end!
By Nanci Dixon
Here’s an easy tip for draining the fresh water tank: Add a hose end!
As full-time RVers staying in different RV parks across the country, we have wondered where to dump fresh water when it is not so fresh and the system needs sanitizing.
The RV park does not want us to drain 90 gallons (or even 20 gallons!) of water at the campsite. Although I will admit that I have resorted to stealth-opening the fresh water drain in the middle of a torrential downpour before we figured out this system…
Ask Dave
Why does an RV fridge work on LP but blow a fuse on electricity?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have a newly installed refrigerator that is supposed to run on propane or electricity. The problem is the wiring for the camper. When I switch the refrigerator to electricity and try to run it, it blows a fuse. Is there an inverter/converter I can run to hook up directly at the campground? —George (no year or model supplied)
RV Reviews
SylvanSport VAST is the most unique trailer available
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the SylvanSport VAST™. This is a fascinating trailer that is really something different in so many ways. To my way of thinking, most RVs are designed like smaller movable houses. … The VAST is a unique take on a trailer for the outdoor life. Essentially it looks like a green box trailer with huge windows on the side. Inside it’s much more than that. The first thing that surprises people is that the VAST features two actual queen-sized beds.
In the RV Shop with Dustin
Learn how to reseal your RV roof seams
Join me as I explain a technique to reseal RV roof seams with Dicor lap sealant. In this video, we’ll show you how to do it quickly and easily. Sealing RV roof seams is a great way to keep your RV roof waterproof and sound.
Do you have a second molding at your roof line? Have you confirmed that your roof isn’t going to pull loose in travel?
Video of the day
RV factory warranties—Important info you NEED to know!
By Cheri Sicard
In today’s video, Duane, our favorite RV inspector from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel (one of the nominees in our 2024 RV video awards) talks RV warranties, a topic many consumers misunderstand, much to their downfalls. Don’t get caught in this trap, but rather, watch Duane’s video, which will give you important points to watch out for.
The latest news for RVers
- Look out! BLM plans fee increases in multiple states
- Driver loses eye to steering wheel decal. You’ve been warned
- Hail the size of softballs pounds Texas Hill Country
- Midwest RVers: It’s time to catch the avian migration
- Campsite fee up 300% – but no extra services
To read more recent news, click here.
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
How to ask tire questions to get the answer the first time
Tire expert Roger Marble offers some general comments and requests to those posing questions about tires and specifically about how to set the inflation. As reported in more than one thread on the topic of inflation, the answers and information can be confusing to many. … It will also help when you post or email your initial question if you provide the following facts. This will save everyone time and confusion. Read more.
Reader poll
How many animals travel with you on most of your RV trips?
Quick Tip
Temporary fix for blown skylight
Here’s a “hope it never happens to you, but if …” suggestion. An RVer had the misfortune of meeting up with a particularly difficult hailstorm [maybe like this recent one in Texas], which broke out a skylight. With no available RV repair tech available, what to do? The RVer got an umbrella, pushed it up from inside the RV to roof level, then hit the “deploy” button, then pulled it back down tight and secured the handle. Might not be too great if a lot of wind shows up—but, hey, for a short spell it may spell a solution.
Website of the day
The best glamping in the USA
You can’t deny it… you’d totally trade your RV in for a night to stay at one of these ultra-luxe glamping locations, wouldn’t you? (For one night? We would!)
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Spot the difference! Okay, now spot the differience. No, really, spot the diffirence… Did you?
Recipe of the Day
Coffee Baked Beans
by Suzanne Gerrety from Jacksonville, FL
Looking for a new baked beans recipe for the summer? These baked beans are really simple to make, perfectly baked, and have the right balance of flavors. They filled the Test Kitchen with the wonderful aroma that reminded us of a summer cookout. The bacon not only adds texture but a savoriness that mixes with the sweet. Since these beans are cooked uncovered, everything gets caramelized and the beans are not mush. The quantity is perfect if you’re serving a family of four. If preparing for a cookout, or you have hungry teenagers in the house, double the recipe.
Trivia
In March of 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt called a meeting to create a Civilian Conservation Corps. He intended to put 500,000 unemployed youths to work in forests, parks and range lands across the country. In its nine years, the CCC employed more than 3 million men and left an undeniable imprint on the nation’s landscape. The CCC built more than 40,000 bridges, restored nearly 4,000 historic sites and structures, improved thousands of beaches, roads and shorelines, and created 800 state parks.
Readers’ Pet of the Day
“Chester (Australian Shepherd mix) loves to go on hikes. Especially on trails that include rivers or lakes. Jumping headfirst into the water after hiking is something he really enjoys. He loves meeting other dogs and people. Especially loves kids.” —Destiny Slaughter
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
What does a tapeworm have in common with the Eiffel Tower?
They’re both Paris sites.
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Many of older State Parks were built by CCC. My father was a CCC man, then moved up to become a “learned man”, driving a truck for the CCC. Then, came WWII.
My father Joined the CCC because he turned up 4F on the draft right after the war started and served until the CCC was disbanded. Guess who was conceived right after he came home?
Who?
Hahahaha!
Several years ago a proposal was made to put welfare recipients to work in a program like the CCC it was quickly shot down as a form of slavery.
How times and attitudes change, right?
Sad to think that “working for a living” is now considered “slavery”…
To further your point Vic, the proposed wage for the exchange of work was what was considered indentured servitude, not the concept of the government paying a fair wage for fair work.
If a proper wage were offered, they’d be no different than state or county employees but the agenda was to use “the sweat of the destitute” at ridiculous pay to “motivate” people off welfare or worse, exploit their ignorance if they stayed….
Enter ” Guarnteed Basic Income”. Or, UBI, Universal Basic Income. Where we pay people a Basic income for drawing breathe. No work, no exchange for labor. Have a pulse? Here’s a check. It has already begun in California, kicking the “Doom Loop State” into a higher gear. Anyone not familiar with “Doom Loop Theory”, look it up.
Keyboard Warrior
To many words. Just Warrior.
The CCC may have worked in 1933, but I doubt if it can happen now. No one wants work when the government pays you to stay home.
Amen
It would take 9 years for the permitting, impact studies, appeals and Supreme Court rulings.
Empire State Building – <1 year
Freedom Tower NYC – 13 years
Sadly true…. I was thinking this program would have worked great in the recession period around 2008 or so….. Now there are help wanted signs all over and people standing on corners asking for a hand out….. Hmmm!
I’ve often thought that our current system should be replaced by it. It would be better for the country and for the people.
I beg to differ. Americorps is the reason a lot of state parks exist today. It’s not the artistic building, but the administration, environmental education and maintenance now.
I’m hoping there will be some celebratory maps/tours ( like the Lewis and Clark bicentennial) for the CCC centennial. Many of those works are outdoor art that are still functional and beautiful. Think Gooseberry Falls, a MN state park.
Also, Old Mil SP and Lake Bronson to name just 2 more of many. ND also has been benefited by the CCC program, i.e. about 20 mi. W of Grand Forks ND; (Brain freeze for the name!?), also among others.
“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.”
This is the thought that came to mind when I met my wife. And so it was (and still is!).
Thank you, Chuck (or has Emily returned?) and Diane! Our rig lacks a shower skylight and I am now more glad of that fact. Although we do travel with at least one umbrella in case we had one and it broke while traveling. 😉 I find glamping silly, so I’d never accept one (or more) nights in an air-conditioned tent (or however it’s configured) for fear of encouraging those offering such. 🤔 Chester is such a pretty dog and has such a sweet temperament! 🙂 Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
My Australian shepherd has the same attributes. They’re a herding animal so they like meeting other people and animals.
The Pet of the Day always brings a smile to my face. Thank you readers and RV Travel.
I’m a “Host” at a state park that was abandoned by the national parks and built by the CCC. It was started in 1933, I’m not sure when it opened to the public. Some of the original structures still exist. It’s amazing to see what had to be done to build the park during that time era.