Issue 2497
Today’s thought
“Quite often, while I’m getting up in the morning, I think my warranty is running out on these body parts because it’s not working quite the way it used to.” —John Glenn
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Make A Dog’s Day!
On this day in history: 1910 – Hawley Harvey Crippen (the first felon to be arrested with the help of radio) is convicted of poisoning his wife.
Tip of the day
All about RV fire extinguishers
By Gail Marsh
Yesterday I happened to glance at one of our RV’s fire extinguishers. Like many safety devices, fire extinguishers have a lifespan. You can usually find their expiration date printed on the side or on an attached tag. Many fire extinguishers also have a pressure gauge showing the pressure level inside. If the gauge indicates low or no pressure, it’s time to replace the extinguisher, even if it hasn’t reached its expiration date.
Even if no date is visible on the extinguisher, it’s a good rule of thumb to replace it every 10 years. RV fires can happen without warning, and the last thing you want is to discover that your fire extinguisher is ineffective when you need it most. Continue reading.
RV walk-through
RV inspector’s picks: 3 best RV brands and models for travel trailers
By Cheri Sicard
Duane, a certified RV inspector from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel, has become one of my favorite vloggers. Yes, his presentation could use a little spicing up, but his information is always rock solid. In the video below he answers a frequently asked question about his personal favorite best RV brands and models when it comes to travel trailers. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Where can I find someone to add an underbelly cover to my trailer?
Dear Dave,
Hello. I am in the process of purchasing a 2022 Coleman 262BH from a friend who is helping this 70-year-old woman set it up for myself. This particular coach does not have an enclosed underbelly. I plan to stay in warmer weather as much as possible, but I know there will be times when that isn’t possible. I have children in Colorado that I want to visit in spring or fall. I want to find someone who can install an underbelly cover, but I don’t know where to find them. All I’ve found by Googling are how-to’s for DIY. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you for taking the time to read my email. —Janet, 2022 Coleman 262BH Read Dave’s answer.
Video of the day
8 toothbrush tricks and uses for toothbrushes—#7 is brilliant!
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, the team from DIY Be Happy shares eight simple uses for toothbrushes besides brushing teeth—well, six alternate uses and two DIY tricks. You’ll never look at old toothbrushes the same way again. Click here to watch (and read).
Featured article
Roadside stop near Death Valley is an unexpected delight
By Rod Andrew
Probably most readers of RVtravel.com have visited the amazing landmarks, natural and man-made, that are part of the RV experience. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon is, well, overwhelming. During our travels, my wife and I have had our share of these majestic moments, but, strangely, it has been unexpected moments of joy that we remember most vividly, and that have had the most lasting impact on us. I’d like to share one of those moments.
Reader poll
Dog owners: If/when getting a new dog, do you favor a male or female?
Quick tip
Hooking up your water? Use your elbow!
Something as small as a $7 or $8 part may not seem like a big deal, but you’d be surprised by how these little things can make a big difference. This part can pretty much be found at any place selling RV parts, but I’ve been surprised by how many people don’t use it. This part is simply a 90-degree brass fitting from your water hose to your RV exterior water hookup.
Why is this part important? It will make your life so much easier as these exterior RV water hookups stick straight out from the side of your RV, putting a lot of pressure on your water hose and RV threaded fitting. So the result is usually a water hookup that leaks. At first it will not leak, but over time, it will get worse and worse. This simple 90-degree brass fitting takes a great deal of pressure off the RV hookup and water hose fittings. Since I started using this part several years ago, my exterior RV water connection has never leaked when properly tightened. From The Simple Life Guide To RV Living: The Road to Freedom and the Mobile Lifestyle Revolution. Available on Amazon.
Website of the day
How to Make Cocktails While Camping
If you’re not already a camping mixologist, check out this great guide on how to make cocktails while you camp. At the bottom are some delicious-sounding cocktail recipes!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
How many ways can you use this?? We say “Unlimited ways!” In fact, we can envision how this product could save you from a lot of grief, say a trip to the hospital or a major blow to your head. And it’s so darn inexpensive!
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:
• 26 percent say they carry every tool they could ever possibly need with them in their RV.
• More people always or mostly always read printed books over eBooks.
• 21 percent get five or more spam calls on their phone every day. Yikes!
Recent poll: Have you ever lived in an RV for at least six months in a row?
Trivia
The first ready-mix food which was sold commercially was Aunt Jemima pancake mix. It was invented in 1889 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ned (as in Ned Flanders) likes long walks on the beach, sunset cruises, lazy morning breakfasts, and the occasional mud puddle libations. He is athletic and outdoorsy. He loves to camp, hike, and swim. At 6 years old, he is an accomplished singer and international traveler. He appreciates the finer things in life like A/C and his couch, but is just as content in a tent.” —Candace Martin
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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RE: Trivia Question… good one!
I used to be a big fan of Aunt Jamina products. I switched to Hungry Jack when they changed to Pearl Milling.
I found that Hungry Jack is actually less expensive and is better tasting.
Hiddly Hodilly, Ned’s a handsome fellow.
Ned must be one really Great Dog! Love the picture.
I stopped buying Aunt Jemima when they went ‘politically correct’ and removed her iconic picture. Same for their syrup. Corporate America going woke doesn’t get my business. Besides, I really prefer Krusteaz mix.
Quick tip add-on: 45 degree garden hose thread joints can be as handy as 90 degree GHT joints. I carry both.
https://www.donotcall.gov/
I have been on “do not call” for many years and get maybe one junk call per month
We just bought the same 90 degree’s for our 5th wheel as our old 90 degree started to leak. Haven’t put it on yet but also got a 2 foot hose and a quick connect. That gets it outside to connect to the longer hose.
I like the 90 ells for lots of uses to relieve tension on connections. What I like better are the ones with on off valves included, no need to turn off the main water connection if moving the hose to another task.
There is a recall on some KIDDE fire extinguishers. Here is the link:
https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/product-alerts/recall-kidde-fire-extinguisher/
Thanks, Marilyn. That article is from 2017. We ran some posts regarding the recalls back then. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
You have to be careful when buying those elbows. Most of the Chinese made ones may contain lead.
Leave here with a laugh…how fitting….in today’s mad…mad…mad…world
The smartphone sign didn’t go far enough. Most are not walking, but driving.
“Leave here with a laugh” So true. I’ve been to restaurants where there is a family of 7 or 8 people at a table and every one of them has their nose buried in their cell phones not saying a word to one another or interacting at all. It’s a pitiful sight.
Working on a university campus when smart phones really became popular, it was funny to actually see people walk into each other, posts, stairs, buildings, etc.
Hmm, maybe a good poll question would be if you use pancake mix. I don’t. I also don’t use anything but pure maple syrup. Does this make me a pancake snob?
Ned is gorgeous🐾
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Ned is a beautiful boy, Candace. I hope that you share many, many trips in the future. Have a great week and safe travels!