Issue 2463
Today’s thought
“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” ―Sarah Williams
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Wildlife Day!
On this day in history: 1998 – Google is founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University.
Tip of the day
How to choose the best ceiling fan for your RV
By Gail Marsh
Outfitting your RV bedroom with a ceiling fan is a smart move, but it’s important to pick the right one for your needs. A good fan can make your space more comfortable. It will keep the air circulating, reduce stuffiness, and complement your air conditioning system. So, how do you choose? Check out these tips along with three recommendations.
RV review
2025 Forest River Wildwood FSX 162VIEW – It has a secret
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the 2025 Wildwood FSX 162VIEW travel trailer. What you have here is a very small, single-axle travel trailer that has an almost-secret room in a slide along with a true walk-around bed. This thing is really unusual.
Ask Dave
Why no 12-volt power to RV LP leak detector or holding tank sensors?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have a 2011 Damon (Thor) Challenger 37KT. My propane detector and holding tank sensors are not receiving power. I cannot locate the fuse, but I found fuses under the bed and two panels on the firewall of the engine compartment. They are all good. Where else could I look? I checked with Thor, and their only response is to take it to a dealer. —Bob, 2011 Damon Challenger 37KT Read Dave’s answer.
Learn RVing from RV Education 101’s Mark Polk
In this vast collection of online videos, e-books and articles, Mark Polk will teach you practically anything you need to know about RVing. Check out his many offerings. You will be impressed.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Yet another Grand Design frame issue. What to do?
By Dustin Simpson
This question was asked in my Grand Design RV Owners Facebook group. An RVer wrote, “We have a 2021 Grand Design Travel Trailer Model 22 MLE. Like many Grand Design trailers, we have discovered cracks in the frame. Since GD has had multiple issues with their frames, they extended the warranty to 5 years on the frame. I took it to the dealer for evaluation. Yes, there are several areas that show failure. The tech said he believes that it was involved in an accident (which it has not been), thus voiding the frame warranty. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Hiking with cats: How to take your feline friend on a hike
By Cheri Sicard
Do you RV with your cats? Have you ever wanted to go hiking with them? How about hiking with dogs and cats together? If you answered yes but fear that’s impossible, the team from RV Adventures with Pets is about to prove you wrong. Just watch this video and you’ll see.
Featured article
Canyons of the Ancients and Hovenweep national monuments: Historic short stops worth a visit
By Nanci Dixon
Today’s amazing travel stops were at Canyons of the Ancients and Hovenweep national monuments in Southwestern Colorado. While it was a lot of driving on some gravel and some long stretches of curving, twisting roads, it was memorable. Read more.
Reader poll
Do you like oysters?
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
How to control trailer swerve
The most unusual aspects of trailer towing involve swerve control. When a swerve starts, the natural instinct is to apply the tow vehicle brakes, but that is the WORST thing to do. Slowing down will help, but not by using tow vehicle brakes! Apply the trailer brakes independently until the swerve is controlled before starting to brake the tow vehicle. Unless the swerve is severe, the trailer brakes will correct it without any other action. —From Trailers & Fifth Wheels Made Easy
On this day last year…
- Tip: Use your hair dryer these 13 surprisingly helpful ways while RVing
- Ask Dave: My RV needs a new roof. What are the pros and cons of PVC vs. TPO?
- RV review: Grand Design Momentum 25G toy hauler review—a mostly grand design
- In the RV shop with Dustin: RV roof damage assessment, maintenance and repairs
- Video: Flash flood safety tips: How to survive a flash flood
- Featured article: Visit Wedding Row in Las Vegas!
Website of the day
Could you survive a run-in with a bear?
Well, could you? Take this fun, interactive quiz and see what it says. Learn some useful tips to be bear-prepared!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Even though this is funny, it actually holds some very important weight. It would be good to put on your desk or hang on your fridge as a little reminder.
Recipe of the day
The best BBQ sauce recipes to end summer grilling with a bang
Read these three BBQ sauce recipes and we guarantee you’ll be running out to heat up the grill. These sound GOOD! And we mean GOOD! Check ’em out.
Trivia
The Centennial Light is the world’s longest-lasting light bulb, burning since 1901, and almost never switched off. It is at 4550 East Avenue, Livermore, California, and maintained by the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. Due to its longevity, the bulb has been noted by The Guinness Book of World Records, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and General Electric.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Stormie (Lab mix) here. Loves the water and is very protective of her family.” —Julie Syring
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
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS THE NATION
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Wanna bet the person who drives past this REALLY BIG sign and can’t or chooses not to read it needs to raise their right or whatever foot is on the gas pedal.
Stormy the dog…….”very protective of her family”…..as a former, people friendly, rescued, dog owner….(our Ojo passed a few years ago at around 15 years old) just wondering if that “implies” she is not a people friendly dog at RV sites? Hope I’m wrong!!
The Centennial Light bulb sure has been on for a long time. I was wondering if it was a DC or AC electricity that it used! I tried to find the answer but only got that if a bulb would only last 1/2 as long on DC electricity! Still looking!
Snoopy
This light bulb was invented by Adolphe Chaillet, a French engineer, and has been burning since his partner left the room and didn’t turn it off. Just kidding about the last part.
The company that manufactured the Centennial Light went out of business because no one purchased replacement bulbs!
Good point, Alpenliter!👍 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you Dustin for sharing my story with my Grand Design and giving me some more information. I am still waiting for Happy Daze RV and Grand Design to get together and figure out what’s going to happen. GD says they will cover the cracks, but by whom and when is a different story.
I enjoyed the bear quiz and also learned a few things. Thanks for including the link in this newsletter.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂