Issue 2447
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Today’s thought
“We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Prosecco Day AND National Filet Mignon Day! Sounds like a fancy date night is in order…
On this day in history: 1889 – William Gray, of Hartford, Connecticut, is granted United States Patent Number 408,709 for “Coin-controlled apparatus for telephones.”
Tip of the day
Tips for RVing with a portable ice maker
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
“Take it all in all, I do not believe anybody on Earth has it worse than an Emperor penguin.” So says Apsley Cherry-Garrard in “The Worst Journey in the World.” Maybe not, but a close second? A hot day in your RV, with no ice to put in your drink. Ice is nice, but if you don’t have an ice maker in your RV refrigerator, here’s how to make a portable ice maker work for you.
When we moved our home base to Arizona’s Sonora desert, it didn’t take long for us formerly Pacific Northwesterners to learn how much ice meant in everyday life. And with the price of ice hotter than a fritter and no ice maker in our fridge, we crunched the numbers. Spending a few bucks on a portable ice maker would soon pay off when comparing how much we’d spend at the not-so-convenient convenience store.
Ask Dave
What can a dinette cushion tell you about RV quality?
RV tech expert and industry insider Dave Solberg explains how to tell the quality of an RV by the quality of its dinette cushion.
RV walk-through
Affordable UkanCamp Silverhorn teardrop camper—only $8K!
By Cheri Sicard
Starting at just $8,000, the UkanCamp Silverhorn teardrop camper by UkanCamp Campers is an extremely affordable way to get a big step up from tent camping. In the video below, we get a tour from the team at Car & Camper Chronicles.
These tiny trailers are hand-built to order by a veteran-owned and operated company in Oklahoma.
Video of the day
Crazy amphibious RVs that float AND drive!
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, the team from Mobile Dwellings has assembled an amazing collection of six crazy amphibious RVs capable of both floating and driving.
I love the innovation in these water-worthy RVs, even though they may or may not be practical in reality.
Featured article
*This article was originally posted in June 2023.
Military readers set us straight about camping at military campgrounds
By Nanci Dixon
Military rules have changed and expanded, but not for all DD-214 holders. In our Campground Crowding column, I included an email from one of our readers, Stephen W., about a change in military rules that allows more people to camp in the military campgrounds. … That email caused a lot of confusion and excitement among our military readers, many of whom were honorably discharged veterans but not retired. Our very knowledgeable readers responded. Comments and emails flowed.
Reader poll
In general, how do you feel about dogs in public spaces?
Quick tip
Do those campground “size limits” measure up?
If you’re concerned about published RV size limits for campgrounds, afraid you won’t fit, don’t despair. Call the contact number for the campground and ask how the limit is figured out—could be it won’t apply to your rig. Always ask if there are any longer sites available. Or, if you’re bringing a “toad car,” it might be possible to park it next to the motorhome or in an overflow spot.
Website of the day
Wi-Fi Map
This works better as an app and not as a website, but it’s incredibly helpful for those looking for free Wi-Fi. The app lists thousands of places across the U.S. where you can find free Wi-Fi.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Have you ever put a pickle on a burn? What about on a cut? What about on a blister? Well, you should. Here’s why.
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:
• 58 percent wear prescription reading glasses.
• 62 percent say the weather has been warmer than usual where they were this summer.
• 8 percent have visited a museum within the last week, and 34 percent have visited one within the last six months.
Recent poll: Do you know how to drive a vehicle with a “stick shift” (manual transmission)?
Recipe of the day
Asparagus Chicken Wraps
by Paula Collier from Taylorville, IL
Oh, my, these are so yummy! The sesame ginger marinade really gave this chicken great flavor. We made sure to add it to the chicken while cooking, like Paula suggested, and basting it just added to the great flavor. The bacon had a nice smoked flavor and the asparagus is tender yet still had a nice crunch. Delish!
Trivia
The waffle iron played a part in the first pair of Nike shoes. Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman needed a design for his shoes and began playing with mixtures of rubber and latex to create grippy soles for athletes. Inspired by his wife’s waffle iron design, he used the iron to make molds for shoe soles that were both grippy and had protruding nubs on the bottom. The combination worked perfectly, and Nike’s first shoe, Waffle Trainers, were cooked! Er, born…
Readers’ pet of the day
“Gunter (white German Shepherd) loved to go on camping trips. He’d get in the back seat of my truck, and then just go to sleep as long as I was driving. No matter where we went people would always say ‘beautiful’. We had to send him to ‘doggie heaven’ at 3 years old with severe hip dysplasia. He is very much missed.” —Dana Lakeman
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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TODAY’S WEATHER ACROSS THE NATION
For Tuesday, August 13
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Love the addition of the US weather map
Agreed!!
Leave your dogs at home or inside your camper when camping. None of us like hearing constant barking while you are on your day trip and Fido is tied to the front bumper, and yes he quits barking when you pull up and you think all is OK but it’s NOT.
Like the weather forecast
What a shame Gunter didn’t make it past 3 years old. He was a gorgeous dog!
Weather Map – great new feature!
“Today’s Weather Across The Nation” is a wonderful addition. Thanks for that. Has it always been around and I haven’t paid attention?
Hi, David. Nope, Chuck just added that feature. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
love the weather map
Even though I woke up a touch north of the viewable area on the weather map this morning, it is a very nice addition, as others have indicated.
Weather Map – Good
It should include more of Canada.
Click on the link. I believe all of Canada is shown.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Gunter was a beautiful dog. Very sorry you had so little time together, Dana. 🙁 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Dana, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful dog. You must remember him a lot.
Day in History – “Coin-controlled apparatus for telephones.” Hmmm! I guess it didn’t catch on as I don’t see any coin-controlled telephones around.
Mystery pickle bandage for kids: If I lie about my age, do you think I could get some? I wonder if they are Kosher Dills?
So I see the weather map but where is hurricane Ernesto?
Lower right hand corner, it literally says “Hurricane Ernesto”.