Issue 2435
Welcome to RV Travel’s Daily Tips Newsletter, where you’ll find helpful RV-related tips from the pros, travel advice, RV reviews, RV videos, and more. Please consider subscribing for any amount you choose, one time or ongoing, to help us be better tomorrow than we are today.
Today’s thought
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” —Yogi Berra
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Coffee Milkshake Day!
On this day in history: 1947 – Cold War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman signs the National Security Act of 1947 into United States law creating the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Department of Defense, United States Air Force, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United States National Security Council.
Tip of the day
The glowing gadget with many uses that you’ll want for your RV
By Gail Marsh
One of my favorite things about camping is the ability to enjoy the outdoors – especially at night. I love looking up to see the stars, I love listening for owls and other nighttime sounds, and I like walking around the RV camp at night, too. It’s fun to see the hubbub of daytime activities settle down and gradually quiet for the night. I like sitting at a picnic table to feel the nighttime breeze as it cools the daytime temps.
What don’t I like? Having my outdoor porch light shining in my eyes. I also don’t care much for the mass of bugs that the porch light attracts. The problem is that if I don’t have my porch light on, I run the risk of bumping my shin on our RV steps or worse, smacking my head on our RV slide-out! Yes, I can carry a flashlight (if I remember), but I’ve found something much easier…
Ask Dave
Can we test RV roof air conditioner with a 110-volt outlet?
Dear Dave,
We bought our Tiger Bengal (pickup truck attached camper) in 2023. It has an air conditioner but we have never tried it out as we prefer not to camp in hot weather. Can we test it via our alternate plug into a 110-volt outlet? —Joyce, Tiger Bengal
RV review
Wildwood FSX 179DBK—affordable and average, but a good place to start
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Forest River Wildwood FSX 179DBK. Once again, this is a small, single-axle trailer but with double-over-double bunks. We’ve looked at this in the past and there are enough changes that it’s worth a new peek.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV slide out service tips and tricks
By Dustin Simpson
For RV slide out service, a trick I like to do is take my 12-volt/18-volt air blower and a long swiffer-type sweeper and blow out and dust underneath them. I do this by running the room about 95 percent out and blowing from the inside out. You could also use an air compressor with a blowgun.
Video of the day
Every way to haul bikes with an RV: For trailers, 5th wheels, and motorhomes
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, we join Jason Epperson of RV Miles (one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards) for a discussion of how to haul bikes with an RV.
Jason says too often RVers neglect to consider how they will haul bikes and eBikes on their RV trips.
In the video, Jason shares options for hauling bikes if you have a motorhome or a trailer, so all bike lovers can benefit from giving it a view.
Featured article
Finding a physical activity you love while RVing is an important task
By Gail Marsh
My husband and I recently attended his high school reunion. Many of his old buddies looked just as he remembered them in high school. Others, not so much. Of course, everyone matures and changes as time passes. As we talked to various people and learned about their lives, one thing became more and more clear as the evening progressed. The folks who “moved” hadn’t lost their spunk. … Learn some ways to stay active and healthy in this article.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RVers cheating with reservations, says campground industry
- RVers: Ignore this Wyoming road sign, you could spend a month in jail
- Is the FMCA RV club in trouble?
- Harvest Hosts buys Escapees RV Club
Reader poll
Pet owners: If given the chance, would you clone your pet?
Quick tip
How long should you keep your RV before selling it?
Several factors come into play. Generally, the optimal time is around 5 to 7 years. This allows owners to enjoy their RV while avoiding costly repairs that come with aging vehicles. RVs depreciate rapidly at first, stabilizing at about 5 years. Selling around then can help maximize resale value. Additionally, newer RVs often have more up-to-date features and technology, which can lure them into a new purchase.
But in the end, personal circumstances, usage frequency, maintenance costs and changing needs should be considered. Regular maintenance and good care can extend an RV’s life and minimize big repair bills. Ultimately, the best time to sell depends on balancing personal enjoyment, your financial considerations and market conditions.
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV roof air conditioner efficiency – Teaching an old dog new tricks
- Video: Creative and cozy van conversion is like a cabin in the woods
- Featured article: The best wind apps all RVers should know about
Website of the day
Travel Nevada – Road Trips
There’s a lot more to Nevada than just Sin City. It’s a beautiful state! This page on the Travel Nevada website tells you about amazing road trips you should add to your to-travel list.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Now this is one smart invention! And it’s great for us RVers who spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. It would be great for your dog, too! *adds to cart*
Recipe of the day
Strawberries and Cream Cobbler
by Lisa Boger from Winston-Salem, NC
Fruit cobblers are a go-to summertime dessert and after one bite you’ll be making this strawberry one again and again. A strawberry cobbler is always wonderful with its buttery sweet cake and a dollop of whipped cream on top. This version has cubes of cream cheese baked in. The tart and sweet strawberries are delicious with the bites of cream cheese. Easy to make, this summer dessert just melts in your mouth.
Trivia
Back in the 1930s, the “cool” thing to do was get your social security number tattooed on you! What a thought! When the Social Security Administration was formed, there were no worries that someone would steal your identity or anything of the sort—it was just a way for you to apply for jobs, get your money… and that was pretty much it. While some people memorized their numbers, a large number of people ran out and got them tattooed on their bodies. Some people got their numbers engraved on a piece of jewelry, which, if you spend time in antique shops, you may be lucky enough to find today.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rescued and renewed Mercedes (German Shepherd), with ears up, loves to look for campers and pups strolling by.” —Suzanne B.
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.
Being a longtime Nevada resident, I loved the “website of the day”. There are tons of things to do and see, especially if you’re a “boondocker”. Endless camping areas.
Our motorhome is 22 1/2 yrs old, Newmar Dutchstar, and we love it. 250K miles on it. Replaced, the engine around 200K (always had a smoke problem…CAT said it was within the margins when we had it tested early on, seemed to be getting worse, so just replaced). Also did some upgrades inside, new roof, new paint (after 15 years found out there was a ‘warranty’ due to defective materials…paint was crackling). All about $75K….lots less than a new motorhome! Through the years we looked at new….too over the top with bells & whistles & lots of $$.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Mercedes looks like he is a great companion, Suzanne! 🙂 We traded 43′ RV #1 after 6 years for 36′ RV #2. As you mentioned, the horizon showed clear signs of major expense AND DW wanted us to move into a smaller RV. And, as also mentioned we gained a lot of techie and/or safety features (most of which were available after-market) — 360° camera system, adaptive cruise control, and escape door with ladder (in addition to escape window). We may again trade, we’ll see. I am keen to add back a little length to regain a tag axle for the feeling of increased stability. Time will tell. Meanwhile, thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Owning an RV is a liability, not an investment. And an emotional journey. Keep it as long as you love it. If you never use it, it’s paid for, and you still love it, keep it. If you look at it and cringe, lose it.
Well said.
Our older (depreciated out) coach is simply a luxury we paid cash for. It’s a comfortable means by which we enjoy traveling, seeing places and friends. As long as we want to travel and it does the job, we will keep it. It never was an investment.
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Yep, for sure, and those are the fun places. “Someplace else” has always been better than “no place at all”.