Issue 2393
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
“Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go – purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything… whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.” —Tina Turner (1939-2023)
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Flip Flop Day! (Speaking of flip-flops, check these out. What a hoot! And they’re customizable!)
On this day in history: 1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of North America’s original Thirteen Colonies to ratify the Constitution and become one of the United States.
Tip of the Day
Unusual ways RVers can use old water hoses
By Gail Marsh
I think almost every RVer has them—old water hoses, that is. When we purchased our first (and only) new RV it came with a bucket of free goodies. While several items in the bucket were worthwhile, the water hose was not good. From day one it kinked, leaked, tangled, and frustrated us every time we RVed. It didn’t take long for us to replace that cheap one, but we were left with a problem: what to do with it. That’s when we came up with unusual ways for RVers to use old water hoses.
Ask Dave
What house batteries do you recommend for my 1992 Vogue coach?
Hello Dave,
We need to replace our house batteries. Our current batteries are 2 NPD 12V 250AH AGM Sealed Batteries. Our coach is a DP running a 300 Cummins 6.3. What batteries would you recommend for this coach? Thank you. —Kurt, 1992 Vogue Prima Vista
RV Reviews
Proposed Coachmen Catalina 283EPIC is… well… epic
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is sort of a preview of something that hasn’t quite made the final cut yet—the Coachmen Catalina 283EPIC. … What you could say about today’s prototype is that it’s a hybrid between a destination trailer and a more traditional travel trailer. To me, something like this makes a tremendous amount of sense.
Click here to read and take a tour
In the RV Shop with Dustin
Two good RV e-bike rack and carrier options
By Dustin Simpson
When it comes to transporting e-bikes with an RV, there are several options available. Here are two popular e-bike carrier solutions designed specifically for RVs.
Video of the day
Campground for dogs and their owners provides tons of canine fun!
By Cheri Sicard
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rutherfordton, North Carolina’s, 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat is literally a campground for dogs and their parents. But NOT for their underage human siblings. Interestingly enough, this place is kid-free!
The park’s canine-focused amenities are its star attractions.
If you’re slamming your RV’s door, you’re doing it wrong!
By Gail Marsh
Bang! Bang! Was that a gunshot?! No, thank goodness! Bang! Is it hammering?! No, it’s not that either. Huh. It stopped. Good! Now I can go back to … Bang! I jump every time I hear it. Bang! Then, realization strikes: Please stop slamming your RV door! Here’s how.
The wildest multi-tool gadget…
This wild, elusive, totally unique multi-tool carabiner is perfect to keep on your key ring or backpack. When someone asks you for a screwdriver, wrench, can opener, bottle opener, cord-cutter, or ruler, tell them Sasquatch can help! Every camper and outdoor enthusiast needs one of these! It’s cool, but it will also come in handy at the campsite! Learn more or order. (Hurry, before he disappears again!)
Reader poll
Do you wear your regular, outside shoes inside your RV?
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
Flushing the RV toilet
When you step on that pedal, hold it down for a while. Most RV toilets have another pedal position that will allow you to add water without flushing. If the flush contains toilet paper, fill the bowl with water and then flush. More water in the black tank will make it easier for the enzymes to work, if you use that type of black tank treatment.
From “So, You Want To Be an RVer? And Enjoy the RV Lifestyle? [Revised].” Available on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: My RV’s refrigerator works fine until 9 a.m. then inside temp spikes. Why?
- RV walk-through: Tour the 2023 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 35GL luxury Class A motorhome
- Video: 10 best things to do in Big Bend National Park
- Featured article: How it Happened: The invention of the potato chip
Website of the day
35 American Towns That Look Straight Out of Europe
If you want to feel like you’ve gone to Europe without all the hassle of flying there, these 35 towns right here in the States will do the trick!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This is one of those things that falls under the “most random things we could ever show you.” You’re either going to laugh, groan, or buy it for yourself. Which is it?
Recipe of the Day
Taco Cups
by Penney Goodwin from Elk Grove, CA
Canned biscuits are the base for these super easy and tasty taco cups. The flaky biscuit cup has a ground turkey filling and is full of taco flavor. A bit of cheese holds the filling together. We added sour cream, salsa, and a touch of guacamole on top. But, you could really serve them with any taco toppings you like. A great twist for taco night or, even better, at a party for a grab-and-go snack.
Trivia
The longest continuous road in the United States is U.S. Route 20, stretching from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. It covers a whopping 3,365 miles, passing through major cities, scenic landscapes, and diverse regions. Dream road trip, anyone?
Readers’ Pets of the Day
“Sammie (in the sweater) is a mixed Australian Cattle Dog and Hudson is an English Lab. These two are best friends when they are on the road. They only see each other once a year, so they make the best of their time together.” —Larry Sugarman
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!
Leave here with a laugh
We shared this a long time ago but just came across it and had to share it again. This woman is amazing! Be warned though: There are some “bad words” in it.
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RVtravel.com All Star Team
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Always so much great information. I glean what is useful for our RVing adventures. Always useful.
I just learned that the links to the weather, and highway conditions, etc can be added directly to the screen of my phone, as an icon. No more trying to find the “bookmark “. Am I the only person who did not know this? How convenient! Thanks for all the great information and resources you provide for us in the newsletters!
Loved ‘Leave here with a laugh!’
Quick Tip-Flushing the RV toilet – I disagree with holding the pedal down longer. If the valve is open by the lowering of the pedal the gasses in the tank (stink) can come back up into the bathroom when the water runs out, especially if the vent fan is on. Better to fill bowl with water and then quick flush not letting all the water out as the water provides a seal from the gasses in the tank – no stink. Repeat if necessary.
Gail – I feel your pain. As a budding curmudgeon and the guy who has to repair everything, I rarely go a day without reminding DW and the kids to stop slamming doors and cabinets. Never understood the resistance to closing doors by hand…
Route 66 and Route 20 sounds like a fun field trip to me. North and south. Interesting.
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Sammie and Hudson are adorable! 🙂 If a wardrobe is incomplete that lacks a snail t-shirt, then mine is and will remain incomplete. 😉 Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂