Issue 2470
Today’s thought
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Peanut Day!
On this day in history: 1899 – Henry Bliss is the first person in the United States to be killed in a motor vehicle collision. (He was struck by an automobile on September 13 and died the following day from his injuries.)
Tip of the day
Why carrying business cards is so helpful for RVers
By Gail Marsh
Some time ago I wrote an article about carrying business cards while RVing. You can read it here. I’m revisiting this topic because I still think carrying business cards is such a good idea! Here’s why…
Business cards might seem like something you’d use only in a professional setting, but when you’re RVing, they can become an essential tool for safety, organization, and connection. Here are some smart and practical ways to make the most out of business cards while you’re on the road.
RV review
Maxvan Access – Clever use of space
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the Maxvan Access motorhome. This is something very different that could serve some campers very well.
In many ways this is sort of like a Class B van but a bit more. What Maxvan® has done is taken the Ram Cutaway chassis and put a metal box on the back of it, but not like you’d normally see in a typical Class C. Essentially, this is not much larger than the standard-roof ProMaster van. However, the slightly larger metal body on the back, and pretty nifty packaging on the inside, make this a legitimate fully-featured motorhome. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Do my RV’s slide outs need support if RV is permanently parked?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have read a lot of reasons why people don’t like jack supports under slide outs. I agree with most of the reasons why the jacks can hurt, but have never found any info on cable slide supports. My camper is 40 feet, with the front two slides being BAL Accu-Slide cable and chain driven for the living room. Seeing as how it will not be coming in and out, ever, do you think it should be supported? Continue reading Lenny’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to reseal your RV with silicone like a pro
By Dustin Simpson
Resealing your RV with silicone is an important maintenance task to prevent leaks and water damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it like a pro.
Video of the day
Thrift store RV gear saves you big bucks!
By Cheri Sicard
Did you know that you can find all kinds of great RV gear at thrift stores? It’s true. In the video below, the Grateful Glamper takes us on a thrift store shopping trip to show some great examples of the RV treasures that await. Check it out.
WE KNOW you wouldn’t miss it on purpose… But if you accidentally forgot to read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter, you can read it here. It’s a good one!
Featured article
Raising the bar: Historic drinking establishments you’ll want to say “Cheers” to
By Chris Epting
You’ve been running all over the city (or the country), visiting museums, landmarks, tourist traps, souvenir stands, zoos, aquariums. After all, you’re on a relaxing road trip vacation, right? Well, for those moments on the road when you’d love to do nothing more than slow down, relax and curl up with someone special over a good strong drink, why not make it something memorable – or even historic? There are some well–oiled taverns, pubs and saloons still left in the U.S. that are steeped in history. This round of places is on me.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Stupid driver tricks: Dump truck opened on freeway
- RV dealer gets 20 years in prison for ripping off customers
- RV manufacturers boost profits with cheap Chinese parts
- Is the Oklahoma ‘Disneyland-style’ 750-site RV park on the skids?
Reader poll
Have you ever had your RV’s black tank professionally cleaned?
Quick tip
Tire inflation basics 101: Don’t listen to the “self-appointed experts”
By Roger Marble, RV tire expert
Please stop confusing tire inflation issues. Racing or off-road tires or tires on the Space Shuttle are completely different topics. It seems that many in the RV community have enough to think about without going off-topic.
- Get, program, and install a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system).
- Learn your actual tire loading. If you can’t get “4 corner weights” then use a truck scale and assume one end of each axle carries 53% to 55% of the total axle load.
- Confirm the inflation in the Load & inflation tables for your type and size tires using the calculated load in #2.
- Add 10% to #3 above and that inflation will be your Cold Inflation Number.
- “Cold” means ambient. Click here if you are not sure what “ambient” means.
- Program your TPMS to alert at the psi in #3 above. You may need to contact the TPMS seller to learn how, as some TPMSs have a fixed warning level.
- Set your high-pressure warning level to #4 above + 20% to 25%.
- Your TPMS Max temperature is probably 158F from the factory, which is fine.
- Stop listening to the “self-appointed experts”—who have not designed tires for a living.
On this day last year…
- Tip: When it comes to limited RV storage, think vertical, not horizontal
- Ask Dave: RV 120-volt/LP water heater: Check the heating element yearly!
- RV review: Sneak preview: 2024 Winnebago Access 30BH bunkhouse—a more affordable Winnie
- Video: RV trip meal (meat) prep for a 5-week family trip
- Featured article: Here’s one feel-good way to help beat high fuel prices
Website of the day
StyleBlueprint
It’s kind of a weird name for a travel/lifestyle site, but who are we to judge? Anyway, if you have plans to travel through/around Birmingham, Louisville, Memphis or Nashville, check this site out. There are tons of Southern travel ideas—there’s so much to see and do!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Ready for a new one of these? You probably finished your last one, or you will soon. See if you’d be interested in this one. It’s gripping, and fascinating.
Recipe of the day
3 yummy peanut butter recipes with a unique ingredient…
These peanut recipes will have you going nuts for nuts! And there’s something very special about each of these recipes… each has a unique ingredient that might surprise you, but that’s just what makes them so good! Check ’em out.
Trivia
Bet you didn’t know that a goat burps one to four times a minute! How about humans? One unscientific study found they burp on average about 30 times a day. So, moral of the story: Don’t get into a burping contest with a goat!
Readers’ pet of the day
“We just began our full-time motorhome living journey. Our Dixie (German Shorthaired Pointer mix) loves it. She enjoys the daily walks, is comfortable in the motorhome, and is fond of sitting out by the fire at night. We weren’t certain how she’d be with this new lifestyle, but she’s a natural.” —Patty Wincek
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
A poodle and a collie are walking down the street when the poodle suddenly unloads on his friend. “My life is a mess,” he says. “My owner is mean, my girlfriend’s having an affair with a German shepherd, and I’m as nervous as a cat.” “Why don’t you go see a psychiatrist,” suggests the collie. “I can’t,” says the poodle. “I’m not allowed on the couch.”
TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS THE NATION
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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we winter in Luling Tx and two of my favorite watering holes are Riley’s Tavern, supposedly the oldest beer licensed bar in Texas,. Don’t bring rv, The other is Shiner Brewery in Shiner Tx. Riley’s is near San Marcos.
Spoiled “college girl” dog, eh.
The tire experts at Goodyear Tire Company recommend inflating travel TRAILER tires to the maximum pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. That is usually what is on the factory sticker on the trailer. Goodyear says that TRAILERS need more sidewall support due to bounce and sway which causes heat and tire degradation. MOTORHOMES are different and don’t require maximum pressure in the tires because they don’t bounce and sway going down the road. Their pressures can be load related.
You don’t think motorhomes bounce and sway going down the road. Try laying in the bed while moving. Certainly not recommended but sometimes necessary due to circumstances. I was surprised just how much the back end does bounce around. And yes, my suspension is in top shape and not the problem…road surface is.
On the tire tips, I would add to #4. Don’t add air above the rated wheel max cold pressure rating.
Example: My steer tires need 120# psi to handle the weight at cold inflation. Adding 10% would be + 12 lbs or 132# cold. My wheels (and tires) are rated at 130 psi max cold inflation. So I inflate to 130 cold inflation. Still gives me plenty of “cushion” to be good to go if unusually cooler ambient when my tires are reading 125 or so. If it’s unusually warm in the morning, compared to when I last set my pressures, it’s easy to let a few pounds out before starting to travel.
I’ve attended Roger’s seminars (basic & advanced). If you get the chance to attend, do it. 🙂
When Henry Bliss was killed by an automobile on September 13th, was it a Friday like this year?
Nope. It was a Wednesday. Have a great Friday the 13th (my lucky day, BTW), Steven. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
The poor guy. AND his name was BLISS on top of that. I wonder if he was in bliss on his cell phone?
We were volunteer camp hosts for 10 years. We exchanged business cards with many other hosts and always wrote the park name on the card and the year we hosted together. Most of us have a picture of ourselves on the card.
The year my mother retired she was given business cards with her name on them and with it stating happily retired.
Thank you, Roger! 🙂 I only listen to you. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Dixie certainly looks contented, Patty! 🙂 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Dixie is adorable!