Issue 2432
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Today’s thought
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Gorgeous Grandma Day!
On this day in history: 1903 – The Ford Motor Company sells its first car.
Tip of the day
No mess, no hassle RV sewer hose storage tips
By Gail Marsh
We’ve had several “adventures” with our sewer hose. In our first RV, the previous owner stored the hose in the RV’s hollow rear bumper. We did the same. It seemed like the perfect place, and so convenient. The hose stayed far, far away from our other RV equipment. No worries about cross-contamination or lingering odors. It was perfect. That is, until on our third trip out the bumper cap came off and the sewer hose vibrated completely out of the bumper! Clueless, we arrived at the campground without a sewer hose. Worse, we were hours away from a store that sold them. The experience cured us of the bumper storage idea.
Another time, we arrived at a campground only to find that our sewer hose would not reach the dump port. Only after demonstrating our predicament were we given an alternate site.
Another time…
Ask Dave
Some like it hot – But not your RV roof air conditioner!
Dear Dave,
We have always been able to run both air conditioners on our rig without issue until this summer. Texas has been extra warm. We had to replace both units but now our panel says shedding, and we can only use one unit at a time or they stop blowing cool air. We were thinking perhaps the refrigerator is pulling more amps due to the heat. How can we tell if there is a deeper issue? —Cynthia, Thor 2021 Four Winds Victory Series
RV walk-through
2024 Four Wheel Campers Raven pop-up truck camper—packed full of features
By Cheri Sicard
This slide-in camper is compatible with full-sized trucks with a 5 1/2-foot bed. Often short-bed campers lack features, so I was impressed with all that Four Wheel Campers managed to pack into the Raven. Most of the amenities are optional, like the flush-mounted stove and sink, as well as the toilet and outdoor shower, but I like that these are available and there is space for them.
Video of the day
Check out this stunning wooden Airstream restoration
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we join CarSteve_Ourworld and Airstream owner Piers for a tour of an incredible and unusual wood-paneled Airstream restoration like no other I have ever seen.
You really need to watch the video to get a true appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into this Airstream restoration. The inside is equally as breathtaking as the outside.
Featured article
Gadget prevents RV catalytic converter thefts
By Dustin Simpson
If you haven’t heard, catalytic converter theft is a major problem on trucks and motorhomes. We want to introduce you to a product we sell and install called the CatStrap™. It just might prevent your vehicle’s catalytic converter from being stolen on your tow car, truck, SUV or RV.
Read more and watch the brief videos
Reader poll
Do you have a library card?
Quick tip
Trailer towing? Remember, “gross weight” is more than just the trailer
Your pickup or other tow vehicle has set limits as to how much weight it can handle. Typically the number to watch for is gross combined weight rating or gross combination weight rating (GCWR). That’s not limited to the weight of the tow vehicle, the trailer, and the stuff you’ve “stuffed” in the trailer. It also includes passengers and all that stuff you’ve got in the truck bed. It’s always a good idea to run your tow vehicle and trailer “over the scales” to ensure you’re not overloaded!
Website of the day
All About Birds
If you’re into birdwatching or just enjoy birds in general, you’ll have fun exploring this everything-bird website from CornellLab. You’ll find bird news, live cams, birdwatching gear, bird identification and much more. Tweet tweet! (That’s how you say “Have fun exploring!” in bird… we think…)
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
OMG! Do you remember these? We could always see them, but some people couldn’t! Could you?
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 2,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 20 percent say they or someone they know has been charged extra for kids at a campground.
• 17 percent carry a portable automatic ice maker with them on their RV travels.
• 80 percent have not spent a night at a rest area in their RV within the last year.
Recent poll: If you had to rate your life as an RVer, how would you rate it?
Recipe of the day
Cheddar Cheese Risotto
by Melanie Young from Gardendale, AL
Risotto is perfect when you want to make a special dish. Adding white wine and Dijon mustard at the beginning of the cooking process adds richness to the risotto. The Arborio rice is cooked al dente and it’s not mushy. Melting cheddar cheese adds to the creaminess. This would make a delicious main course for a special dinner, or be the perfect side for a meal. The trick is to stir constantly and cook the rice on low/medium heat. It’s a process, but risotto is worth it. This is a real winner.
Trivia
The very first book ever sold on Amazon.com was called “Fluid Concepts And Creative Analogies: Computer Models Of The Fundamental Mechanisms Of Thought” by Douglas Hofstadter. Back in 1995, computer scientist John Wainwright ordered this book for some “light bedtime reading.” Although Wainwright kept the book and its packaging as a memento of his first Amazon order, the book, to this day, nearly three decades later, still shows up in his order history. (In case you’re curious, here’s the book.)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Kira is a 4-year-old Great Dane we rescued two years ago. Let’s just say nobody cuts through our campsite. And yes, we purchased a larger motorhome because of her size. She’s a sweetheart.” —Don Capellani
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
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
The RV industry motto is “How low can you go”. Quality wise.
One of the technicians at a battery company had the best quote, he said it is a race to the bottom!
Trailer towing? Remember, “gross weight” is more than just the trailer. The number to watch for is not gross combined weight rating or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) Both are important, but payload capacity and GVWR of the tow vehicle is MOST important. If you’re over payload or GVWR, then you’re towing illegally and unsafe.
There was an article recently that stated 50% of RV’ers out there are overloaded. Not sure if that percentage is correct, but it was surprising how many are out there overloaded.
Kira is beautiful! We travel with two Great Danes and also bought a large RV so they could travel with us. They are great to travel with, and everyone at the campgrounds wants to meet them. Thank you for rescuing her and giving her a great life!
When one door closes and another door opens… you’re probably in prison.
“OMG! Do you remember these? We could always see them, but some people couldn’t!” Depends on how many magic mushrooms or sugar cubes they had.
The best part of the Cornell Lab is the Merlin ap for ID’ing birds, either by picture or by song.
I also have the Merlin app. I like that it adds bird I identify to my lifelist. It’s a great app.
Kira has the sweetest face! Danes are the best!
You got that right
My daughter has a Great Dane. They are great dogs. I’ve always said it’s a perfect dog for older folks…no need to bend over to pet them! 😁
I’m going to be 84 I can walk her with no problem. Never pulls stays right at my side
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 I enjoyed today’s laugh. 🙂 Kira appears very well-trained in the picture, as though she is eagerly awaiting an opportunity to execute a command. 🙂 Although I haven’t a library card, I did work in the library my first two years of college. 🙂 My goodness, it is unbelievable how many years, decades ago that was; yikes! 🤔😯Have a great day and safe travels! 🙂
She is very well trained
Good job, Don! You have given her great security and comfort thereby. 🙂 Thank you! Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Don,
I’d love to meet your sweet dog!
And she loves everyone
Mira is a beauty! I love Great Danes. I had a 185 pounder for a couple years. Had to re-home him but I still go visit.
Kira is beautiful, keep those campsite cutters away!