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Issue 2450
Today’s thought
“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.” ―
Tip of the day
These small insect screens keep wasps and bees from colonizing your RV
If you have lived or vacationed in the Deep South, at some point you’ve likely encountered some pretty wicked wasps and bees. It doesn’t take long for a scout wasp to find that protected crevice, exhaust vent, drain opening or closed bay in your RV to make a nest.
Take mud daubers, for instance. While they are good at catching spiders and other insects, their nest can be a problem to get rid of if left unchecked. Yellow jackets, paper wasps and bees don’t need a lot of space to gain access.
Ask Dave
RV’s entrance door won’t lock. How to fix it; what to avoid
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
The entrance door handle of my RV does not lock. When the plunger is pushed to the lock icon, a slight pull on the handle opens it up. Is there maintenance or adjustment needed? —Mark, 2016 IKON Renegade
RV review
2025 Airstream Trade Wind 23FB is a power player
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2025 Airstream Trade Wind 23FB. Lately, there have been so many new RVs coming out that are significantly different that I first have to share just what that new rig is. After 90 years of doing basically the same thing, it’s pretty clear what we’re talking about here.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some nifty new things to share.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV water damage repair advice
By Dustin Simpson
Repairing water damage in an RV is essential to maintain its structural integrity and prevent further issues like mold and rot. Here are some general steps to guide you through the process of repairing water damage in an RV…
Video of the day
How to disinfect water bottles—Deep cleaning water jugs
By Cheri Sicard
If, like me, you carry bottles of drinking water in your RV, you need the video below from Gary the Water Guy. In it, Gary teaches us how to disinfect water jugs.
Gary says you should disinfect your water jugs at least twice a year to keep them from developing bacteria. Now, you should be cleaning them well all along, but this procedure is a kind of deep cleaning for water bottles.
Featured article
Deer crashes into RV—takes short ride!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
“Honey, there’s a deer in our bed!” Well, “honey” would have to look quick, because when the deer crashes the RV, it may not stick around long. We’re not sure if this is a comment about the resiliency of the Cervidae species, or about the thin-wall construction of RVs. In any event, a deer crashing into your RV could ruin your whole day!
Reader Poll
How far away do you store your RV when not using it?
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- When is it time to quit RVing?
- Already bad, RV sales worsened in June
- Propane explosion blasts RV and RVer. But wait, there’s more!
- Keep your generator fuel fresh—or do this!
Quick tip
Inspect your detectors lately?
Have you inspected and/or replaced your detectors lately? Pull your smoke, LP, and carbon monoxide detectors down and check their labels. Detectors are “good” within a certain date, and even if they seem to be “working” after the expiration date, don’t risk it—replace them.
LOVE GADGETS? Don’t miss yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter. You’ll love it! Click here to read.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Follow these important steps to protect your home while you’re gone RVing
- Ask Dave: My RV’s black tank valve used to trickle when taking cover off; now it gushes!
- RV review: 2024 KZ RV Sportsmen 231RK—A smaller 5er
- Video: Easy RV plants: No soil, watering, or moving when traveling
Website of the day
America’s 35 Best Seafood Shacks
Nothing says summer quite like a plate of seafood, and these seafood shacks are way more than just shacks. These places are where the magic happens! Mmmmm…
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
You know who always has this? Cracker Barrel. And no, we’re not talking about their hashbrown casserole. Think! What does Cracker Barrel always have to entertain you? This is it.
Recipe of the day
Stuffed Bell Peppers Superior
by Teena Mathis from Harlingen, TX
These stuffed peppers are moist, juicy, and delicious! They’d make an elegant presentation for a dinner party, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The beefy onion soup mix really elevates the flavor of the stuffing.
Trivia
What U.S. state’s official mammal is extinct? If you guessed California, you’d be right. The California grizzly bear (the same bear on the California state flag) has been extinct for a century. Starting around 1848, the California Gold Rush put a strain on the bear’s population, when they were hunted for their meat and fur. The last time a California grizzly was spotted was in the early 1920s.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We lost our Sparty, short for Spartacus, (Yorkie) back in March due to cancer. We had rescued him at 4.5 years old and had him for 7.5 years. He loved camping, going for car rides and treats. Losing him left a huge hole in our hearts.” —Tom Horton
We’re so sorry for your loss, Tom (and co). Sparty looks like he was made for that lap. Thank you for giving him the best rescued life!
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.
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tell A Joke Day! Scroll down for a joke you can tell everyone today.
On this day in history: 1930 – The first color sound cartoon, “Fiddlesticks,” is released by Ub Iwerks.
Leave here with a laugh
How did the hamburger introduce his girlfriend? He said, “Everyone, meat Patty.”
(We know it’s a groaner, but it’s National Joke Day! What did you expect? Plus, it made us 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.
WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS THE NATION
For Friday, August 16
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
A huge thumbs up to the RV Travel staff for the changes related to reading the newsletter on Apple mobile devices. I always read the newsletter on my iPhone. The new change has turned reading it from a real pain to a joy! THANK YOU.
It’s much better on the Chrome Book too.
What happened to “Need an excuse to celebrate?” and “This Day in History”
I enjoyed reading each of them in the morning.
This is also the day that Elvis died, which in MY mind overshadows anything else that may have happened. 😔
They are still there. Just farther down in the newsletter. 🙂
It is the California Grizzly (U. a. californicus) that is extinct, according to Wikipedia, not all grizzly bears.
The article plainly states California grizzly bear.
Hi, volnavy. Wikipedia also says: “The California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus), also known as the California golden bear, is an extinct population of the brown bear,…” Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Article doesn’t say anything about “all” grizzly bears being extinct.
I call “foul” on the Trivia question for today. Just because there are no longer any Grizzly Bears found in California doesn’t mean there aren’t any found in other states, even neighboring states. If ONE Grizzly Bear were to cross over state lines and end up in California, then I guess they are no longer extinct, Eh! Actually, I think they are pretty smart to stay away from California with all that has been happening in that state. LOL
Your point is well made in as much as the California Grizzly was not a unique subspecies of Grizzly Bear which has gone extinct, but simply a population of the Brown bear, no different than the “brown Grizzly” found in Oregon, Washington or Idaho.
Happened with cougars in Michigan. Extinct in early 20th century. The State denied reports (even from their own biologist!) of cougar sightings over the past several decades. Finally determined the cougars migrated to Michigan across the plains. So an ‘invasive’ rather than ‘native’ lineage. Because of this Michigan didn’t have to spend lots of money to count and protect an ‘endangered’ species. Go figure.
Thank you for fixing the issue of opening an article and then having to start the newsletter at the top. Many times when I am in a hurry I open an article and send it to myself to read later. Sometimes I would skip an article because I didn’t want to start all over again. Having a Mac I no longer have this issue!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Sparty is adorable! Very sorry for your loss, Tom, et.al.,. 🙁 I have the mystery product somewhere and even still have all the golf tees! 🙂 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
What happened to the ‘Today is National …. day” feature in the newsletter????
Hi, Rich. It’s at the bottom of the newsletter now. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thanks
You’re welcome, Rich. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Stuffed peppers–Just saying Costco makes great stuffed bell peppers and you can freeze and take with you.
Hahaha!
Does that mean patty has great buns?
Patty’s not mean! Who told you Patty’s mean?
Head slap long groan. 🤣🤣
LOVE the change that opens links in a new window!! Something I’ve sorely missed since it went away. I can’t tell you how many times I closed the window out of habit and realized I had just exited the newsletter and had to re-load!
THANK YOU!! 👍
Reading the comments concerning the extinct mammal – can someone tell me the difference between as grizzly bear and a Calif. grizzly bear? and, if there is a difference are there no more grizzley’s of any kind in Calif? Hmmm?
“Today’s Thought” about the wilderness being a great place to go and recharge our human “batteries” is great. We all need to isolate sometimes to get a new perspective on our emotions and environment. I think it says somewhere in the Bible, Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. A mountain, the desert. Does me good. Thanks for the thought.
I feel VERY lucky — our RV is stored in one of the RV parking areas of our mobile home park. As well — our homes aren’t easily invaded as I hear from neighbors in stick homes. WHEW!