Issue 2400
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
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Doughnut Day! Want a free doughnut to celebrate? Click here to see some locations offering free sweet treats.
On this day in history: 1929 – The Lateran Treaty is ratified, bringing Vatican City into existence.
Tip of the day
Do you need to “balance” RV trailer tires?
By Roger Marble
Do you need to “balance” RV trailer tires? This is a question I see occasionally. The answers range from “Never” to “Always”. In my opinion, I think the reason many do not balance them or they say they don’t need to be balanced is because balancing costs the RV manufacturer money, and we all know just how price-sensitive the RV manufacturers and dealers are. The issue is that with many ST-type tires being designed and sold at the lowest possible cost, it is possible that the quality might be less than optimum.
One thing that can be learned when balancing a tire is how uniformly the tire components were assembled. In my 40+ years as a tire engineer, I have seen tires where a component was left out of the tire. I have also seen where half of one of the steel belts was left off the tire.
Ask Dave
What is the best product to clean RV roof?
Dear Dave,
What is the best product to clean the roof on my RV? —From Just About Everyone!
In the RV shop with Dustin
Where to find your RV’s awning model and serial numbers
By Dustin Simpson
An RV owner in one of my Facebook groups asked, “Where can I find the awning model number and serial number?” You can find your awning model number by opening the awning. Then, on the right-hand side, facing the camper, there should be a small tag with the serial number and manufacturer’s model number.
Video of the day
Motorhome hits cyclists, causes horrific disaster, caught on camera
By Cheri Sicard
The video below from Arizona’s Family YouTube channel covers an old news story showing a bicyclist being struck by a motorhome. [We have posted this video before, but the important lesson learned from it bears repeating.]
The video illustrates two essentially important points:
- You must always be aware of the width of your rig.
- Slow down and pay extra attention whenever there are pedestrians or cyclists on the road!
Click here to watch and cringe!
Featured article
The art of cowboy communication; the Western spirit lives on
By Gail Marsh
I love learning about regional traditions as we travel around the country in our RV. Recently, I saw a boot hanging upside down over a fencepost in Nebraska. When we stopped for lunch at the local mom-and-pop eatery, I asked about the boot on the fencepost. I discovered that this tradition has deep roots in the past and several different explanations in the present.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- As grizzly bear mauls hiker, ‘miracle’ occurs and bear flees
- Genius charging cord trick that makes RV life easier
- Outdoors RV Backcountry Series 20BD—a winter-ready ‘tank’
- Used RV prices go up, but maybe not why you think
Reader poll
What time do you usually eat dinner?
Quick tip
Advantages of RV journal writing
A journal is not a diary with your innermost thoughts. It’s a chronological list of what happened in your life. Not everything, of course—just the things and events that you think you might possibly want to know a year from now. Here is a partial list of the kind of things and events that you should consider recording: What went wrong with your rig. What you did to fix the problem with your rig. What date you installed that new refrigerator. When you replaced that tire that blew out and how much you paid for it. (Of course, if you keep a maintenance log for your RV, you don’t need to put this information in your journal. There’s no need to list things in two places.)
When you bought that new keyboard and how much you paid for it. The names of the camp hosts where you stayed when you were in AZ. The names of people and the names of their dogs you met at different campgrounds. Nothing impresses people more and makes them feel like you really remember them than knowing their dog’s name. Basically, jot down anything you think you might possibly want to know a year from now. Three to five minutes a day is all it will take, and you will be surprised how much you will use and appreciate this information.
From: RVing: Less Hassle—More Joy: Secrets of Having More Fun with Your RV—Even on a Limited Budget. Available on amazon.
[Of course, your journal entries can be recorded with a pen and notebook or a digital device. Whatever you prefer.]
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV window seals shrank, exposing opening. How to fix?
- Video: RV DIY Project: Tow vehicle water storage for boondocking
- Featured article: Traffic stops in Mexico: What to expect if stopped by the police
Website of the day
The 8 Best National Parks in Canada
We talk a lot about American national parks, but of course we can’t forget about our Canadian friends. News flash: Canada is GORGEOUS!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This made us laugh out loud! As soon as you see it you’ll know EVERY RVer needs this on their RV (yes, on it!).
Recipe of the day
Squash Stir-Fry
by Beverley Williams from San Antonio, TX
Wondering what to do with all the squash from your garden? Then this squash stir-fry recipe is for you. Filled with yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, it’s a flavorful way to use summertime vegetables. The spices and herbs pack a punch of flavor that pairs well with the mild squash and zucchini. If you’re giving some squash to a friend, pass along this side dish recipe. It’ll be a hit!
DON’T MISS YESTERDAY’S BRAND-NEW GREAT RV ACCESSORIES NEWSLETTER!
If you love gadgets, you’ll love this issue! Check it out.
Trivia
Modern nail polish debuted in the mid-1920s. By 1931, 85 percent of American college women were wearing it.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Monty was our second Sheltie. He was very friendly and loved meeting new people. Camping was an adventure and with his coat and long tail we often brought bits and pieces of the places we stayed at home with him. Sadly, we lost Monty to cancer when he was 9. This is one our favorite camping places in Pancake Provincial Park.” —Lance Knox
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
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Monty was beautiful, so sorry for your loss, cherish those wonderful memories.
While I can agree Lao Tzu’s quote is relevant for 21st century travelling and for this publication, all people were “travelers” under Tao-ism in 600 BC whether they “travelled” or not. Life was the journey and moreover it was the journey of enlightenment. The destination was the actual end of the journey.
Love the quote, perfect for RVTRAVEL.
The mystery product reminds me of my invention…Lazer beams that aim directly into the windshield of tailgaters when sensors detect unsafe distance. Taking orders now.
Did the advertising pop-ups start up again? I am being bombarded by them – strips across the bottom, large inserts in the text areas and large ads on the right side with videos et al which you can’t stop or eliminate…..
Look into an “Add Blocker” for your browser of choice. Many are free and work as a plug-in or Extension for your browser. (ie: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc) They will eliminate the pop-up ads and the newsletter will be “normal” again…
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Monty was a beautiful dog, very sorry for your loss, Lance. 🙁 The laugh was humorous and entertaining. 🙂 I like the mystery product … a lot. 🙂 Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂
The license plate may cause more accidents than prevent them. People will get even closer to read it. Same with bumper stickers.
A better idea would be a flashing red sign..BACK OFF
As to Today’s Thought: ‘As for me; I travel to see; Open and free; My only destination is to one day see Thee.’