Issue 2408
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
“The best portion of a good man’s life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.” ―
Today is Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
On this day in history: 1865 – More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Galveston, Texas, are officially informed of their freedom. The anniversary was officially celebrated in Texas and other states as Juneteenth (June nineteenth). On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in the United States.
Tip of the day
Moochdocking 101: How to score free camping and get invited back
By Cheri Sicard
Moochdocking: Verb.
The act of staying in your RV in a friend’s driveway or on their property. May or may not include electrical and/or water hookups.
Moochdocking can be a wonderful way to not only save money on campgrounds but also to connect or reconnect with friends and family for memorable and meaningful interactions.
When on the road, I always try to intersperse moochdocking with other camping options along the way.
Ask Dave
Everything you need to know about charging RV batteries
Hello Dave,
I have a question on battery charging. Originally my RV came with two 12-volt flooded lead acid batteries. About three years ago I switched them out to AGM batteries. Since I’ve purchased the rig (new), I’ve noticed when the batteries need charging, and I am plugged in or running the onboard generator, the charging voltage is 13.6/13.7 volts, whether the batteries are at 50% SOC [State of Charge], or 90% SOC. …
Continue reading Steve’s question and Dave’s answer
RV review
RV review: Palomino River Ranch 393RL fifth wheel floor is all on one level
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Forest River Palomino River Ranch 393RL fifth wheel. This is a couple’s fifth wheel, and I’ve often encouraged people shopping for a fifth wheel from any company to start with this floor plan as it’s a great way to see how one company might do things differently than others.
When I say this is different, it truly is.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to properly inspect RV windows and clearance lights
By Dustin Simpson
In this video, I’m sharing how I inspect RV windows, lights, and clearance lights. Maintenance is KING for keeping your RV in tip-top shape. By inspecting these areas, you can avoid potential problems down the road. This video will show you how to perform these inspections and help you avoid any potential problems with your RV.
This inspection and advice will apply to all RV manufacturers, makes, and models—especially those with frameless windows.
Video of the day
5 beginner tips for planning a cross-country road trip
By Cheri Sicard
Have you ever wanted to do a cross-country road trip in your RV but don’t know how to start planning? The team from the Long Long Honeymoon, one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards, is here to help. In the video below they share five tips for beginners planning a cross-country trip. For the record, the tips will work even if you are planning a cross-country trip in a car, as opposed to an RV.
Featured article
This RV is shaped like a USB flash drive
If you’re laughing, well, you might want to change that expression to one that’s more like “Wow!” This trailer really does look like a USB drive and it’s pretty darn attractive! And talk about clever!
Reader poll
Do you like having your photo taken?
LIKE GADGETS? WE DO TOO! That’s why we have a whole newsletter for gizmos and gadgets for RVers. It gets delivered to your inbox every other Thursday (new issue drops TOMORROW!). Learn more and sign up for the Great RV Accessories Newsletter here. You’ll love it (and if you don’t, you can always unsubscribe… but we doubt you’ll want to)!
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
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick tip
Floor vents: Trick to prevent them from becoming traps
Cover floor vents with contact paper. Floor vents gather dust, dirt, and dog hair, plus the occasional wedding ring. Cover them during the summer months and save work later.
From 100 RV Tips and Tricks (Mack’s RV Handbook). Available on Amazon.com.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Soft spot on RV’s roof from broken vent seal. Can I just leave it?
- Video: Don’t fall for these 10 pop up camper myths and misconceptions
- Featured article: You need a jump starter. Seriously.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
You said yoga class? Ohhhh. We thought you said pour a glass! We’d rather pour a glass, and this is all the inspiration we needed! Thanks.
Website of the day
PopPhoto
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or not, this website has a little something photography-related for everyone. Lots of good articles and information here.
Recipe of the day
Fresh Pico De Gallo Mexican Dip For Your Crowd
by Jannette Dellanos-Poland from Islamorada, FL
This is a fantastic layered dip with a fresh pico de gallo right in the center of it. Homemade pico adds a fresh pop of flavor that gives this a Tex-Mex vibe. The beans on the bottom are mixed with taco seasoning for texture and flavor. Mixing cream cheese with chopped chilies gives the creamy layer flavor. A delicious dip for a taco bar or any large gathering. Guacamole would be great with this, too. We piped the sour cream on top so it would be even for optimal dipping.
Trivia
Want your kids or grandkids to do a better job at their chores? Put ’em in a Batman costume! A study from the University of Minnesota shows that kids aged 4-6 performed better during boring tasks and chores when dressed as Batman.
Readers’ pet of the day
“YumYum, our Snowshoe Siamese, spent the last four months out west and got the hang of RV living and gecko hunting lickety-split.” —Scott Zvirzdinis
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
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.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
The Mexican dip is about the exact I make except I don’t use jalapenos instead I take a small can of chipotle peppers in sauce, remove the peppers and dice fine and use in the dip gives it a little less spice but adds that smokey flavor.
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Have a great afternoon and safe travels! 🙂
Trivia:
When I was a kid Mom would have had to dress me as Roy Rogers, but I don’t know if I would have done chores anyway.
Money well spent the University of Minnesota, Thanks.
YumYum is gorgeous. And if I ever need a professional gecko hunter I will be sure to call.