Issue 2396
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
“Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.” —Yogi Berra
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Chocolate Macaroon Day!
On this day in history: 1889 – The first long-distance electric power transmission line in the United States is completed, running 14 miles (23 km) between a generator at Willamette Falls and downtown Portland, Oregon.
Tip of the day
The process of selling your RV, from start to finish
By Gail Marsh
So, you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your trusty RV and pass the adventure torch onto someone else. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just ready for a change, getting your RV ready for sale is a bit like prepping it for one last epic road trip. Here’s your roadmap to make sure it’s in top-notch condition and ready to wow potential buyers.
Step 1: Clean, inside and out
Imagine you’re inviting someone into your home for the first time. You’d tidy up, right? Same goes for your RV. Give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Scrub the exterior, polish those wheels, and make sure the windows sparkle. Inside, declutter and deep clean every nook and cranny. A clean RV not only looks better but also demonstrates that it’s been well-maintained.
Ask Dave
Replaced RV’s absorption refrigerator with a 12-volt; remove vents?
Dear Dave,
I last wrote you about replacing my old Norcold fridge. I went with your suggestion of a simple 12V DC option from Norcold for two main reasons. First, it fits. 🙂 Second, I have eight 200-amp wet batteries, a good solar charger, and two huge 4×8 solar panels—so I have the power. I replaced my hot water tank system with a waterless one and now I am wondering about the roof vent which was for the fridge (and maybe the hot water, not sure) when running on propane.
So, my question is: Now that I have tankless hot water and soon a 12V DC fridge, what about the huge vent on top of the roof? Should I just leave it? Should I cover it over? Or do you have a suggestion? As always, thanks Dave. —Larry, 1996 Winnebago Luxor
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 review
2024 Wildwood FSX 266BHLE—Lots of trailer for the money
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2024 Forest River Wildwood FSX 266BHLE travel trailer. What you have here is a very price-focused bunkhouse trailer that, in my opinion, is pretty well thought through. But this is a trailer that is focused on being more affordable, so there are a couple of corners that were cut that make it more obvious about the affordability slant. … I think that, unless you’re looking to buy a premium trailer, this could be a fantastic starter trailer, or just one that makes sense if you only go camping a few times a year.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Are the most common RV issues covered under warranty?
By Dustin Simpson
Join me in the video below as I delve into some of the most common RV issues plaguing the industry today. In an interview with Wholesale Warranties, I chatted with Staci and discussed these top issues and whether they are covered claims under warranty.
Video of the day
How to flat mount Starlink 3 and power it with 12 volts
By Cheri Sicard
How and where to mount Starlink satellite internet equipment is a common question for RVers who use this amazing satellite internet service that gives you access from anywhere you can get an unobstructed view of the sky. We have talked about the popular flagpole mounts before. In the video below, Ryan LeCours proposes another solution as he shows how to flat mount Starlink 3 and power it via 12 volts with no cuts or mods!
Ryan says that even though Starlink runs at 120 volts out of the case, he can run it with his 12-volt system without making any modifications to the dish.
The latest news for RVers
- Used RV price averages go up, but maybe not why you think
- Would you rather pay more for fuel tax or pay mileage fee?
- Devastating tornado slams KOA, launches RVs across the park
- New scam targets private RV sellers
- As grizzly bear mauls hiker, “miracle” occurs and bear flees
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Elvis Presley’s 1962 private jet to be restored as an RV! (With video update)
By Dave Solberg
As crazy as that sounds, it’s fitting for Elvis Presley, the “King”—who once flew to Dallas, TX, to get a peanut butter and banana sandwich—to have his private jet turned into an RV! Yep, red velvet seats and all… (Note: A video from April 2024 has been added to this original post which shows Jimmy [the restorer] driving this plane-to-RV conversion for the first time.)
Reader poll
How many miles are on your motorhome or tow vehicle?
Quick tip
Insurance awareness for motorhomers with toads
If you have a motorhome and are towing a car (toad), you must have a policy that covers both car and motorhome. If you are in an accident, most likely both will be damaged. If you have policies with two insurance companies, you are looking at two deductibles and two claims. You are also liable if your car breaks loose from the motorhome and goes off on its own. Claims will be filed by drivers of other vehicles yours has hit, as well as property owners that have sustained damage caused by your errant car. These claims will most likely be against the liability portion of your RV insurance. Your motorhome insurance does not automatically extend to the car you are towing. This is why you should carry liability coverage on both your motorhome and towed vehicle.
—From “So, You Want To Be an RVer? And Enjoy the RV Lifestyle? [Revised].” Available on Amazon.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Get yourself an *almost* free vacation to Hawaii with this! Grab a chair, a towel, some sunscreen, a book, and you’ll be all set…
Website of the day
SunsetWx
Gail Marsh mentioned this website a while back and we gotta say, it’s pretty cool! If you want to see how intense the sunset or sunrise will be in your location, or at what time it will occur, this is the website.
Recipe of the day
Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese
by Diane Rodriguez from Chesterton, IN
Cheesy, creamy and smoky, this is not a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe. We really loved the bits of bacon throughout the mac and cheese. The jalapeno adds a mild spice, but it’s not overwhelming. When looking for a special treat for the family, make sure to add this recipe to your menu. Creamy and delicious!
Trivia
A single blink of a Formula One racer’s eyes may be closed for 65 feet in competition, which is probably why drivers do it selectively. Unlike normal humans who blink randomly, these racers, researchers say, close their eyelids during the same parts of each lap. Data from eye trackers on helmets showed that racers avoid blinking while changing speed or rounding corners; they save blinking for straight stretches.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Fern [Breed: “Yellow Dog”😅] loves to be a back seat driver. Please note, she is wearing a harness connected to a seatbelt; otherwise, she would be the one driving!” —Dan Drake
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
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Every time I try the link for the Jackery I get a 404 Bad Request. This happened with the last few newsletters, so I think the link is broken.
Me, too, Patty, me too! 🙁
Same here PattyW
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 The laugh was funny! 🙂 Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂
I loved yellow dog. Great verbiage made me smile to start my day!
“Yes they live among us” should be funny. However I have seen a lot of 20-somethings over the past few years who seem to be clueless as to filling station etiquette. Hate to specifically tap an age group, but the stats don’t lie.
Dumb stuff like the meme, but also simply oblivious to other traffic. For example, I’m towing a 21′ TT.. Not huge, but you don’t pull directly up to somebody’s bumper to wait your turn or you block all traffic. So you leave a passage lane and use your turn signal to indicate you are in line for a specific pump. Can’t tell you how many in this age group zip right in between me and the bumper of the car currently at the pump. AND block all traffic.
That recently happened to me except it was a large truck with older folks. I was speechless but waved my arms a bit. The attendant just rolled his eyes.
I almost rear ended a young female fool when she zipped in front of me while I was pulling a heavy trailer and the light turned yellow..then instantly red.Yes…they live among us.
As to the FUNNY, give her a break. If you look closely, she still has a bit of slack in the hose, and I don’t see any lane markings or instructions. She probably used her GPS to get where she is, and we all know how GPS has screwed us in the past. I just hope she is not driving an EV.
I see a lot of people that do not know what side their gas cap is on. Also seen them drag the hose over the trunk lid.
At least she’s not on her phone.
Or, she may be on her phone with one of those headset things, telling her dad that the hose is too short. Ha!
Great issue..thanks team! Added the Sunset link to my home page..thanks!
Something else to know about that motorhome/toad insurance…get extra coverage for your tow equipment…it is “customized equipment” and not covered. Ask me how I know!
I looked at the Sunset app and I don’t get it. If I can’t choose a location how do I know what time it would be?
Hi, James. I just looked at it to see how it works. I think if you point your cursor at the “Forecast Hour” in the right column, then look at your location on the map, it shows by color when the better sunset colors will be. (Not sure about the accuracy, however, since in the upper right corner it says that sunset is at 11:03 PM.🤔) Good luck! And have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com