Issue 2413
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 had already found that it was not good to be alone, and so made companionship with what there was around me, sometimes with the universe and sometimes with my own insignificant self; but my books were always my friends, let fail all else.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Barcode Day! (Isn’t that exciting??)
On this day in history: 1977 – Elvis Presley held his final concert in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Market Square Arena.
Tip of the day
RV gray tank smell worse than black tank? What to do
By Nanci Dixon
Who knew I could get so excited about flushing the gray and black water tanks? Okay, I know it is a bit odd, but as the designated tank flusher I am happy when the “gunk” comes out. While I am diligent about flushing out the black water with the built-in flush system, there was no built-in system for the gray water. When I complained to our RV tech about the smell when driving, he said that the gray water can smell worse than the black.
Why?
Ask Dave
How do I retract my RV’s power awning manually?
Dear Dave,
We know about manually retracting our slides if they fail, but what about our awnings? I worry about a motor failure. Thanks. —Forest, 2016 Forest River Windjammer 3029WS
RV review
2024 Keystone Bullet 1900RD—lightweight and popular
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Keystone Bullet 1900RD travel trailer. This is a single-axle, relatively lightweight trailer that features a dry bath but does have a pocket RV, or short, queen bed.
The key selling point of this trailer is a large U-shaped dinette in the back with a giant rear window, as well as large windows on either side of the trailer. For a small trailer, these huge windows really make it feel much more open. There are lots of places where people back the trailer up to a stream or into the Redwoods and sit at the dinette and enjoy incredible views.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Roadmaster suspension upgrades enhance towing experience
I’d like to discuss a significant upgrade that can make a world of difference in your towing experience: Roadmaster towable suspension upgrades. If you’ve ever felt the jolts, bumps, and vibrations while towing your RV, you’ll appreciate what Roadmaster has to offer in enhancing your ride quality and overall towing experience. Let’s dive into the details of Roadmaster’s towable suspension upgrades and why they’re worth considering.
Video of the day
Amazing RV remodel on a budget
By Cheri Sicard
You won’t believe how much an inexpensive RV remodel can change an RV, but after you watch the video below from Christina, aka The DIY Mommy, you’ll be a believer.
Watch the video. Not only is that the only way to appreciate the effects of all of Christina’s work, but along the way she shares tips and tricks for what worked and what didn’t.
The best 4th of July gear, gadgets and accessories for RVers
RVers, it’s almost time to celebrate our beloved United States of America on our favorite summer holiday, July 4. What better way to show your patriotism than with the best gear, gadgets and accessories? We put together this list of the best shirts (an American flag made out of RVs, anyone?), campsite and RV decor, and much, much more for you. Check it out.
Featured article
How observing pavement helped create a retailing empire
By Chuck Woodbury
I doubt you have heard of Leon Levine. You might have if you were an executive in the retail industry. At age 22, back in 1959, Mr. Levine founded Family Dollar, a discount chain store in rural low-income areas. RVers who have spent much time on the road have likely shopped at the stores. Often, they are the only place to buy basic necessities for miles around.
Reader poll
Have you ever seen a prairie dog in the wild?
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.
(Not quite) Quick tip
A case for RV driving school
Being skilled at driving (and backing) your RV not only makes you safer, but it can add a lot of joy to your RVing experience. When you’re backing into a campsite with half a dozen people watching you and you haven’t backed your rig since last year (or even if it was only last month), you’re probably not going to get it right the first time – maybe not even on the fifth try. This situation takes some joy out of your RVing experience.
The best way to learn to drive your rig is to take a course with a certified instructor and let him or her teach you in your own RV. … Or get some cardboard boxes and go to a Walmart parking lot early on a Sunday morning when it’s almost empty and practice turning, backing, etc. It’s not as good as taking a course, but you can learn a lot this way. And if you run over a cardboard box, it’s no big deal.
Remember, reading a book and practicing is not the same as actually taking an RV driving course. Even if you get the book, still make plans to take a driving course as soon as you can. I’m an instrument-rated pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying time, but I haven’t flown much in several years. I remember reading an article in one of the flying magazines that said that doctors had the highest accident rate of any group of pilots. The reasons the article gave were that doctors didn’t take enough time to do an adequate preflight check of the plane or the weather, they didn’t fly enough to stay proficient, and they were overconfident. In other words, they had more confidence in their ability to fly than was justified.
Make sure this doesn’t describe you when you’re driving or towing your RV. In addition to the safety factor, imagine pulling into a campground and backing your rig (motorhome, fifth wheel, or camper) perfectly into your camping space the first time – even with everyone watching. That in itself makes the cost of the driving course worthwhile. From RVing: Less Hassle—More Joy: Secrets of Having More Fun with Your RV—Even on a Limited Budget. Available on amazon.com.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Why RVers need a sightseeing bag
- Ask Dave: How do I find what’s causing the water leak in my RV?
- Video: Creepy! Nevada’s Lovelock Cave’s unexplained red-haired cannibalistic giants
- Featured article: 5 qualities of highly successful RVers
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
If you’re into these things, you’re going to love this. If you don’t like these things, you’re going to hate this. You’ll have to take your chances!
Website of the day
55 Easy 4th of July Crafts
Can you believe it’s almost the 4th of July? Where did the time go?! Here are 47 incredibly fun and creative craft ideas from Country Living to make your holiday even more patriotic. You could easily make these in your RV.
Recipe of the day
Squash Patties
by Donna Brown from West TN, TN
Squash patties are very tasty in the summer when summer squash is in season. We ended up using a combination of yellow squash and zucchini. When pan-fried, the edges get a little crispy, and the natural sweetness of the squash comes out. Enjoy them sprinkled with a little salt. Or, serve with sour cream or ketchup. It’s surprising how similar to latkes these squash patties taste.
Trivia
Ironically enough, alcoholic cocktails were popularized in the U.S. during prohibition! Funny, right? When the U.S. government banned alcohol, drinking went underground… and so did alcohol quality. Moonshiners and bathtub-gin makers flourished, but their stuff, made quickly, tasted quite foul. Those visiting speakeasies mixed that bottom-shelf gin (most popular at the time), with juices, syrups, and bitters to take out the yuck-factor. And so was born the cocktail!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Boomer (Basset Hound) is a precious, laid-back baby who thinks everyone we meet or pass by in the campground is there to pet him and he can get very vocal about wanting to be petted and maybe sneak in a nice belly rub. This picture is when we were getting everything in the camper ready to go.” —Sherry Lowe
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
Yikes!
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.
Practice makes perfect.
That should work for most things, but it doesn’t work for my handwriting. 🤣🤣
LOL!!!!!!!!!!! Mine either
Worked 15 summers in Jackson, WY campground. All types of people drove in and some hit our gate and light poles. Couple who could, bought 45 ft MH and never drove anything like that before. One guy, hit our gate scraping all down his left side then hit our golf cart and poked hole in a storage door then hit on right side, a grill which was 8 ft off the pad. We told people there was a concrete light pole, where they turned left, and there was lots of paint on it. Of all the people, rich people were the worst and complained most.
These are the same ones who don’t obey the rules of the road. Cruising in the left lane, not moving over or slowing for breakdowns or emergency vehicles on the right berm and staying in the merge lane until the very end.
Look at the number of bad drivers in cars to visualize the pool of which RV drivers originate. Driving something bigger only makes the uh-oh come easier…..
I’m going to knock on some wood now in lieu of an actual comment.
Want to get your pucker factor up…? Drive down your side of the highway and watch some moron come at you with a fifth wheel..land yacht or what ever they are pulling…in your lane at 60 mph. Had this happen in Arizona years ago and also in Washington. And they walk among us.
Hi, J B. That reminds me of driving with my kids late one Friday night to go camping in the Cascade Mountains after I got off work (back when I worked “normal” hours and we went camping on weekends). We were on a two-lane highway and I knew there was a bridge up ahead. There were no street lights or anything. The traffic coming towards me was solid. Some idiot decided to pass the line of cars, which were close enough together that there was no place for him to pull back into line. Knowing there was a bridge about a half-block up ahead of me, I pulled off onto the shoulder (while it was still available). A few seconds later, he sped past me, still in MY lane! I wonder how many of those drivers realize how close they came to being in a multi-car pileup because of that idiot. Yeah, they walk among us…and, unfortunately, they drive among us.😨 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane aka Mountain Mama
Boomer Bassett, Private detective. I want to hire him, and scratch his ears
Boomer is the Walmart camping greeter! And I love his hat!
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Boomer is adorable, Sherry! Thank you for sharing his picture! Have a great day and SAFE travels one and all! 🙂