Issue 2500 (Wow!)
Today’s thought
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be…” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Breadstick Day!
On this day in history: 2001 – Microsoft releases Windows XP, which becomes one of the company’s most successful operating systems.
Tip of the day
Do you need a cover for your RV air conditioner?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
It happened fast. The summer travel season has come to an end. Around the country you may hear that collective sigh as RVers pull off the road and begin the process of winterizing. One question that pops up: Do you really need an RV A/C cover? That cooler up there is a big investment. Will spending thirty or more dollars make it last longer?
What hazards can an RV A/C cover protect you from? The most common mention among RVers is keeping out debris. Wind-blown leaves, tree needles, and dirt were often cited as the cause for purchasing these air conditioner protectors. Others were concerned that where they parked, their A/C unit might be hit by falling icicles. And a few said they were concerned about keeping out insects like mud daubers. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Are Tyron tire safety bands worth the price?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
We purchased our RV in 2020. The dealer recommended adding Tyron bands to the front tires for safety in case of a flat. We haven’t seen much about these. We will be replacing tires in the near future and wonder if we can reuse them in new tires or if they are even necessary. Not sure if these will be a problem or extra charge if they can be reused. Any info is appreciated. —Claudia, 2020 Winnebago Vita 24P on 2018 Sprinter chassis Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Crazy RV shower faucet placement—Turn it on with your toes?!
By Dustin Simpson
Today we’re sharing the story of our recent project involving a third replacement of the shower pan, RV shower faucet, and the surround wall in a 2022 Northwood Arctic Fox. This task presented several challenges, but with teamwork, dedication, and the initiative of the RV owner, we achieved a successful outcome. Check this out.
Video of the day
A week’s worth of easy 1-day RV upgrades
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below from RV Tips & Travels, one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards, Ross shares seven useful DIY RV upgrades you can complete in a single day. Ross jokingly says that #1 might save your marriage. Click here to watch (and read the article).
Featured article
A sudden epiphany: Life lessons learned while riding my bike
By Nanci Dixon
I have been learning life lessons while riding my bike (my beloved Lectric eBike). It is not as simple as the old adage goes, “Just like riding a bike.” I have been working on it for a while. … I am always a bit tense while riding and am afraid of falling. I have only fallen twice on my electric bike. Read about the insightful life lesson (important for everyone) Nanci learned from her second fall.
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Reader poll
About what time do you most often go to bed at night?
Quick tip
Put it back together right with these tips
Fixing broken “RV stuff” doesn’t always mean you need to know the “stuff” inside-out. Many RV technicians know how every assembly in a rig is put together. But when you do tackle that “something” that isn’t right that requires disassembly, it’s critical you put it back together the right way. A digital camera, tablet, or cell phone cam is just the ticket. Take plenty of pictures as you go through the process of taking something apart. Try to track down a service manual for your item—the internet is full of manuals folks have kindly scanned and posted. Can’t find it? Drop a request on an internet RV forum and ask—somebody may just have one.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Is maximum towing capacity just smoke and mirrors?
- Ask Dave: Can I just drain my on-demand water heater, or does it need RV antifreeze?
- RV review: Love windows? New Keystone Outback 296URK might be for you
- In the RV shop with Dustin: How to prevent damage to your RV furniture
- RV electricity: How to install a 30-amp RV outlet at home
- Featured article: Wal-Mart got its name to save money
Website of the day
13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
We like this list of books from Nomadic Matt—it shares both books that take place in the U.S. and books that take place around the world. We’ve read a few, but we’re adding the rest to our fall reading list.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Thanksgiving is coming soon. We believe that if you were to show up at your celebration wearing this that everyone in the room would bend over in laughter. The turkey, if it were not dead, would be horrified. Who thinks of things like this?
Recipes of the day
5 bread recipes to make on a cozy fall day
Rainy day outside? Perfect time to make some bread, especially since today is National Breadstick Day! We’ve got five bread recipes for you here: yummy bread rolls, breadsticks, and a few loaves. They all seem fairly easy, so get to work!
Trivia
Which state has the most lighthouses? If you guessed Michigan, you’re correct. Sure, Michigan doesn’t have any ocean coastline, but the state does have more than 3,000 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. The state is home to more than 150 lighthouses!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ranger (Dutch Shepherd) loved to travel with us in our truck camper. He would perk up when we were packing up to go camping. He loved hiking in the mountains and would guard the campsite from birds and squirrels. Ranger left this world at age 13 and is missed very much.” —Darlene Rivers
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
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RE: Today’s Thought…
John Lennon’s quotes are always an inspiration to me.
My favorite is “Wasted time isn’t wasted if you’re enjoying yourself.”
Also my favorite Lennon quote. My wife always asks me what are you doing today, and I answer “nothing.” She said you did that yesterday, to which I reply “I wasn’t finished.”
Good one, Charlie.👍😅 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
”life is what happens to you while your making other plans”
This is my favorite quote and so applicable to life in general. I believe it is from John Lennon.
Ranger was a beautiful blessing and he touched his owners with loyalty and love ❤️
I’m surprised that Nomadic Matt left “Blue Highways”, by William Least Heat Moon, off of his list of books.
Mystery Product: “Who thinks of things like this?” Who makes things like this? Who buys things like this? I don’t want to know the person that wears things like this.
People with money to waste on moronic merchandise.
Or people with a sense of humor.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Very sorry for your loss, Darlene. 🙁 Have a great week and safe travels!