Issue 2458
Today’s thought
“Journalism should never be prostituted for selfish ends or for the sake of merely earning a livelihood or, worse still, for amassing money.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Red Wine Day!
On this day in history: 1937 – Toyota Motors becomes an independent company.
Tip of the day
How to use a multimeter for RVers
By Cheri Sicard
The team from Love your RV & Boat on YouTube has produced a handy video that shows RVers how to use a multimeter.
If, like me, you don’t really understand what a multimeter can do for you and/or how to use one, give the video a view. It begins by discussing what a multimeter is and the two different types available.
A multimeter measures voltage and resistance in the form of ohms, and current in the form of amps. Click here to watch, or read Cheri’s breakdown of the video, too.
Bonus tip
Deadly flash flood near Grand Canyon shows need for readiness
By Gail Marsh
The Arizona National Guard rescued 104 people from severe flooding on Havasupai tribal lands, a popular tourist destination near the Grand Canyon known for its scenic waterfalls.
The floods, which struck on Thursday, stranded tourists and tribal members and tragically claimed the life of Chenoa Nickerson from Gilbert, Arizona, whose body was found downstream last Saturday. Continue reading, and be flood-ready!
RV review
2025 Jayco Jay Feather Air 18MBH—Jayco makes big quality changes
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Jayco Jay Feather Air 18MBH. This is a new floor plan from Jayco for this line of smaller, single-axle trailers. I got to see this and a bunch of new Jayco products last week on a fascinating tour of the company and its facilities.
And wait until you hear about Jayco’s new quality control… Click here.
Ask Dave
No 12-volt power to RV thermostat or vent fans. Can’t find cause
Dear Dave,
On our trip this weekend, after arriving at our campsite we found that the thermostat had no power. While looking for the problem, but wanting to bring in some fresh air, we also found that the fan for the vent had no power as well. Same thing with the vent in the bathroom. There are no breakers that were thrown and we didn’t see any signs of fuses being blown. … Read the rest of Tony’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
A step-by-step guide to checking and cleaning your RV appliances
Regularly checking and cleaning the appliances in your RV is essential for their proper functioning, efficiency, and your overall comfort during your travels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check and clean some of your RV appliances.
Video of the day
Fire truck RV conversion is HOT!
By Cheri Sicard
One thing about visiting Quartzsite in the winter, you can find all kinds of crazy RVs made from just about every imaginable type of vehicle. In the video below we join Mark Guido of Grand Adventure in Quartzsite, AZ, for a tour of one such unusual RV, Spencer Siebold’s fire truck RV conversion, nicknamed “Large Marge.” Check it out.
Featured article
Rophor RV Levelers: Streamlined solution for double-axle trailers
By Cheri Sicard
Ever since I bought my current travel trailer a few years back, I have been looking for a better way to level side to side than stacking boards. Not that stacking boards don’t work, but it’s not always easy or convenient. Along the way, I found out the hard way that some RV levelers on the market leave a lot to be desired. Continue reading.
Reader poll
Dog owners: Do you use campground dog parks?
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick tip
Cool down that refrigerator
Hot summer days can really raise the load on your RV refrigerator. Several things can help keep the chill on your cooler. First, reduce the number of times you open and close the box. If possible, park your rig so the back side of the refrigerator is shaded. An inexpensive, 12-volt (as appropriate to your RV electrical system) “muffin fan” mounted under the condenser coils on the outside of the refrigerator will help to blast off heat from the coils, increasing the cooling ability. Find voltage for the fan from refrigerator wiring using your electronic multimeter.
Longtime RVtravel.com reader Snoopy aka Dave T. says to cool down your fridge before you put anything in it, and only put in items that have been pre-cooled from your in-house fridge. Also, he says, “As a rule of thumb, I only replenish items like beverages when we go to bed in the evening. This has worked for me for a long time!” Thanks, Snoopy!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips and gadgets to make RV laundry day easier
- Ask Dave: Conflicting articles on whether or not to get on RV roof. Which is it?
- RV review: Vengeance Rogue Armored 373 BS13 toy hauler with a patriotic theme
- Featured article: RVer warns: Motorized toys can be hazardous. Be safe in campgrounds
Website of the day
Space Weather
We always seem to have outer space on our minds, but we think you’ll find this website pretty neat, too. On it, you’ll find news and information about the weather in outer space. It’s a fun website to explore.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
The description for this product reads, “Not intended for those who do not like fun, or laughing, or parties, or cards, or Moose, especially Moose.” So, in other words, if you’re incredibly boring and don’t like one of the world’s coolest animals… don’t click here.
Recipe of the day
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Gooey Bars
by Gina Collier from Shelbyville, TN
These cookie bars are fantastic! The bananas with chocolate and peanut butter is a great flavor combination. And, the banana-flavored crust is a great idea. We loved the different textures in the bars and can’t wait to make these again. Here’s the recipe.
Trivia
If you ever find yourself in New York City, hop on the local 6 train downtown (the subway) and stay on after the last stop. The train loops around to go back uptown, but before doing so goes through the beautiful old, and now abandoned, City Hall station. As soon as the doors close at the last stop, stand up and press your face up against a window on your right side and watch the station go by. It’s neat! Here’s more info about it (scroll down).
Readers’ pet of the day
“Coqui (Pittie) was rescued from the jungle of Puerto Rico back in 2016 and was gifted a new life in northern Illinois. She loves camping! She enjoys being outside and she loves to sniff all the things! She’s a very chill dog and an absolute joy to have in our family. She is named after a Puerto Rican frog!” —Shelly Hawes-Smith
HELP! We’re running low on pet photos! Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and 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
Chuck and Emily recently watched this video together and couldn’t stop cracking up (and quoting it for hours!). She is so talented (and funny)! Be warned though: There are some “bad words” in it.
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.
TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS THE NATION
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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.
We add frozen bottles of water to our fridge just before we leave home. Also, start the cooling cycle a few days before leaving.
Installing 12v muffin fans this week.
We also use one gallon frozen bottles, one in the freezer and two in the fridge, about 6 hours before turning on the refrigerator to pre-cool it. Since we very seldom use campground water for drinking, we now have 3 gallons of fresh water for drinking and making coffee.
There are bags of stuff that is meant to be frozen. We keep a small one in the house freezer, and put it in RV freezer as we’re prepping. It helps cool the unit down. Then, it refreezes in the RV, and if power goes out for a while, it helps unit stay cool longer. At the end of the trip, it goes back in the house.
I added an awning over the fridge section. Probably would not work if the fridge was on a slide.
Coqui is beautiful! Thank you for rescuing her and giving her a great home.
The weather gal did a great job.
Thank ypu, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Coqui looks like a great companion, Shelley! 🙂 Today’s trivia is so enticing that I might even take a train from DC to NYC to check it out, … one day, … maybe, … we’ll see. Saving the laugh video for later, so do not disturb DW. Meanwhile, thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂