Issue 2416
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 purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Canada Day! Happy Canada Day to our Canadian readers! And, if you’re not in Canada, perhaps you can celebrate National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day instead, eh?
On this day in history: 1874 – The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, the first commercially successful typewriter, goes on sale.
Tip of the day
Why RVers should get hooked on self-stick RV hooks
By Gail Marsh
Since our very first RV, I’ve been in love with self-stick hooks. That’s because my husband is dead set against nailing anything into our RV walls. I’ve come to accept that. Especially when there are so many great self-stick hooks that can be used all around our rig.
I’ve recently discovered a few new products (at least, new to me), and ways to use them, that fall into the “self-stick hook” category. I hope you’ll be as excited as I am for these items.
Bonus tips from yesterday’s newsletter:
Top 3 cooler hacks that will make your ice last longer
By Cheri Sicard
I wish I had found this cooler hacks video before my RV fridge stopped working after I had completed a large shopping trip to Costco. I had to move everything into coolers, eat as much as I could (what diet?), and spend a fortune on ice. Here, Florida real estate agent Yak Motley shares his favorite tips to make your ice last longer when using a cooler. Read more and watch the video.
Pros and cons of RVing with a dog
By Dave Helgeson
RVing with a dog? I am often asked this question at my seminars by those investigating the RV lifestyle. RVing with your four-legged friend can be a delightful experience, but it also comes with its unique challenges. Understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision before taking the plunge. Here are some important factors to keep in mind.
Ask Dave
Which RV roof covering is better, FlexArmor or fiberglass?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
On my future RV, I’m trying to compare a FlexArmor lifetime roof or a fiberglass roof that some RV fifth wheels have. Would a FlexArmor or a fiberglass roof be better? —Martin, 2010 Open Range Journeyer
RV review
Heartland North Trail 25RBP trailer is nice but I can’t recommend it
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Heartland North Trail 25RBP travel trailer. This is a couple’s camper and one with a layout that’s both familiar and different. Heartland has done a good job taking a relatively common floor plan and giving it some touches that set it apart. But, and this is a big but, there are also some things I saw that reinforce my opinion of this brand—and those are not positive.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Inverter vs. converter – What’s the difference?
In this video, Dustin and Zach discuss RV electricity basics—specifically, the difference between an inverter versus a converter. They also cover what items run off of 12 volts (DC) and what items run off of 110 volts (AC). Knowing the difference will not only help you manage your RV electricity, but can help you troubleshoot problems when you are out on the road.
Video of the day
Tesla Cybertruck tows futuristic Pebble Flow trailer
By Cheri Sicard
Are you ready for RVing George Jetson style? In the video below, Chris of Everyday Chris tries towing for the first time with a Tesla Cybertruck, but he doesn’t just tow any RV, he tows a prototype of the all-electric Pebble Flow trailer.
The latest news for RVers
- Florida RV dealer Gigi Stetler arrested for theft of state funds
- “World debut!” Grand Design finally unveils its Lineage Class C motorhome
- Man steals truck camper with people sleeping in back
- New study proves wearing these colors attracts mosquitoes
- Video recovered; charges filed in RVer’s rest stop murder
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Pilot turns Southwest Airlines catering truck into incredible RV
By Gail Marsh
Mark Pankey is a Southwest Airlines pilot. He’s also the owner of an RV he built out of (wait for it!) a decommissioned Southwest Airlines catering truck! His may be the only RV in existence equipped with a scissors lift, generally used by airlines to load snacks and beverages into its airplanes. It’s a fascinating story, so let’s get into it!
Reader poll
Do you ever use your RV as a “guest room” for visitors to your home?
Quick tip
Beware when buying a “new” RV
Recent comment from Vanessa on RVtravel.com: “I recently drove the I-15 corridor from southern NV to MT, and the RV dealerships I passed were packed! Some even had units in adjacent parking lots. I looked at some dealers online and they still had brand-new 2023 models for sale, marked down a lot. Then I read one comment on a Facebook page about someone that bought a one- or two-year-old brand-new RV. When they asked for warranty work, they were told it had expired! According to that manufacturer, if the rig sat on the dealer’s lot for a year the clock was running! So, buyer beware!” Thanks, Vanessa!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Readers say these are the worst types of roads to drive in America. We offer tips
- Ask Dave: RV’s water heater doesn’t get water hot on LP but does on 120 volts. Why?
- RV walk-through: A modern classic: Riverside RV Retro 171DRD travel trailer tour
- Video: Top 5 things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Featured article: Two incredible vintage Airstreams that were NOT made of aluminum
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
The future is here. We repeat: The future IS HERE! This is way cool. Make sure you read the description so you understand all this can do! Amazing!
Website of the day
Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
Since today is the day Mesa Verde National Park was founded, we liked the idea of featuring this perfect 3-day Itinerary for the park and surrounding areas. Even if you don’t follow it exactly, it still has great info and not-to-miss sights.
Recipe of the day
Bacon Onion Tomato Pie
by Lolly St John from Concord, CA
If you grew up in the South, you most likely have had a version of tomato pie in the summer. This Bacon Onion Tomato Pie is full of fresh, sweet tomatoes. Onions in the filling and green onions sprinkled on top add a nice flavor. Bacon mixed with cheese and mayonnaise add the perfect savory flavor to the pie. A crushed cracker topping is buttery and adds a little crunch. Sweet, smoky, and savory, the flavors remind us of a BLT. A delicious pie to use summer tomatoes.
Trivia
49 feet beneath Paris’ famous Louvre Museum, you’ll find a secret laboratory. Well, it’s not so secret now that you know about it… The laboratory contains a particle accelerator known as The Accélérateur Grand Louvre d’analyse élémentaire, the only particle accelerator in the world whose use is devoted to the analysis of cultural artifacts. The researchers use the machine to analyze the material content of artifacts of items within the Louvre. This helps to accurately assess their composition and verify their authenticity.
Readers’ pets of the day
“These three traveled with us when we retired. Monique, a Cockapoo, and Camille, a Poodle, have sadly passed. Noel, our baby at 14, is still loving our trips.” —Cinderella Sanders
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
Have you ever noticed that bread is a lot like the sun? It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist.
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Regarding “Quick Tip”, isn’t that not something you discuss prior to purchasing? C’mon folks, the contract spells out what’s covered or not covered. The dealer will certainly offer an “extended warranty” from some unknown that will never cover anything anyways, lol!
So sorry that you lost some of your pack they were a good looking bunch!
Never heard of a warranty clock starting before the vehicle is sold to the customer. It always starts on the date of sale in my experience. Don’t believe everything you read on FB, or anywhere on the internet for that matter. Contact the manufacturer directly.
Exactly Roger.
The big red flag: “I read ONE comment on a Facebook page about SOMEONE that bought a one or two-year-old brand-new RV.” (Emphasis added)
Come on RVTravel! That gets printed as a factual Quick Tip? What happened to journalists that validate the facts with multiple sources?!
Here’s a tip: Read and understand EVERY WORD OF EVERY DOCUMENT they want you to sign. If you don’t agree…don’t sign and walk if they won’t change it. My wife and I did that early this year on a beautiful 2024 coach at a great price, but unfortunately the contract was so egregious we would not do the deal. I asked the dealer if anyone reads it before signing. He said “Hardly anyone.”
Hi, Mikal. I’m the guilty one on this Quick tip. No, I didn’t research multiple sources. I put it in as a heads-up for anyone buying an older “new” RV to watch for that possibility, since there are still apparently older “new” RVs on dealers’ lots. So you can blame me.🫤 Have a good night. 🙂 –Diane at RVtravel.com
RVing with a dog(s). I find it no different than at the sticks n bricks. Same routine. Use the pet monitoring system never gone for extended periods of time. A little more confined so the cordless vac works great and takes less time then the house to quickly clean. And actually easier than cleaning up after kids and chasing them down.
I love domestic pets but sadly ours have all passed on during our 55 years together. I don’t want to go through the heartache and sadness of saying goodbye so we’ve been pet-less for 6 years. My mate would like me to get a dog to travel with since I am solo on the road but I resist; the travel then becomes about the dog. I prefer to be selfish and keep my travel about ME.
I would definitely question the dealer and/or manufacturer about the lack of warranty. If the unit is ‘new’, never titled, the warranty should start on the date of purchase. This is the same as buying any left over vehicle, major appliance, TV etc.
Sounds as though the dealer is discounting the price and forcing you to buy an extended warranty to bring the back to the original $$$.
PS: I have no faith in what I read on Facebook or most social media sites.
No doubt some of the RV dealers she passed are in the Boise area…avoid these dealers like the plague as they really love money.
Since warranty covers only factory assembly and material defect, the risk of coverage for failures resulting in the dealer’s inadequate/improper extended storage could be denied and the dealer probably knows that. Hence the, “there’s no warranty” line they’re allegedly conveying.
Me personally, I’d buy elsewhere as an attitude like that is probably why their lot’s full.
Don’t get me wrong, new RV warranties are a joke regardless since you’ll do most if not all the repairs yourself else wait in line for the dealer….
Happy Canada Day to our northern neighbors!
Thanks Traveler. Appreciated!!
We RV with two 20 lb Westies and have for years. Easy overall and we love having them with us. In fact, they’re one of the main reasons we chose to RV in retirement. Biggest disappointment is the limitations it imposes. Had to give up some of our favorite pursuits – hiking and long bike rides. If our temp and power sensor alarm goes off, we’ve only got 10-15 minutes to get back to the rig. Works great for beach and lake days though.
Worked in campground in Jackson, WY and several people with dogs, would take them up to park but had to be leashed all the times and were restricted from some areas. Some people would take them to Vet who kept them, high fee. Some left them and they would bark, disturbing neighbors and had one that left 3 dogs, which tore up all the blinds and furniture, cause people walked by. (Karma).
Some asked us to take care of them. Had one fold down trailer with 4 big dogs.
They’re your dogs, take responsibility.
Thank you, Emily, Diane, and Kim! 🙂 Regarding the quick tip, we bought RV #1 from a dealer, which had bought up the inventory of a bankrupt dealer. Our RV was built in May 2015 and was a 2016 model. We bought it in July 2016 and the one-year warranty began the day that we bought it. But the described RV are last year’s models, not this year’s, as ours was. Still, seems a bit crooked to say the warranty is expired. 🙁 Condolences to you Cinderella for your former pups. 🙁 They were all so cute and adorable! 🙂 I read today’s laugh to DW and a pained expression was her reaction. 😉 Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels and walks, and safe stays! 🙂
Thank you so much for acknowledging Canada Day in today’s newsletter. Most “Yanks” don’t know anything about Canada. Sad but true.
Ron Nixon
Tigard, Oregon
Proud dual citizen with Canada