Issue 2503
Today’s thought
“They say I’m old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Publicist Day! It’s also National Candy Corn Day! Woohoo!
On this day in history: 1938 – Orson Welles broadcasts a radio adaptation of H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, causing a massive panic in some of the audience in the United States.
Tip of the day
A checklist to help deep-clean your RV before storing it
By Gail Marsh
Just so you know, I’m that person. The one who absolutely cannot leave for vacation until our sticks-and-bricks home is clean enough to pass a hospital inspection. Yes, I’m a clean freak. So, when it comes to storing the RV for the off-season, I get out my checklist. Hubby rolls his eyes (in a loving way) and also rolls up his sleeves. Then, we get busy!
First, a caveat: If we plan to do a complete, deep-clean of our RV, it’s done over the span of several days. I try to keep current with cleaning the interior (vacuum, dust, disinfect sinks/shower surfaces) regularly as we live in the RV. Hubby does the same for the exterior, keeping up to date on RV maintenance throughout the camping season. This means some of the “To Do” items will only require a quick check and very little elbow grease. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
When running roof A/C, any appliance trips 30-amp breaker. Can I use 50-amp?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
The subject of my email is regarding plugging into a 50-amp pedestal with our dog-boned 30-amp plug. We snowbird in a 30-amp Class C out of Alaska. Until we get to the Southern states, we do not use the air conditioner either from our onboard generator or plugged into a 30-amp pedestal. We are unable to use other appliances, otherwise the 30-amp breaker at the pedestal or on the generator will trip. … Read the rest of Edward’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
What is a vacuum breaker check valve and why do I need it?
By Dustin Simpson
There are so many questions about the black tank flush system, so here is a post to help out. You or your spouse may have noticed this vacuum breaker under a sink or behind a cabinet drawer. Here is some information and some pictures to help you understand what it does.
Video of the day
Mark your calendars for 2024-25 Quartzsite events!
By Cheri Sicard
Are you snowbirding in Quartzsite, Arizona, this year? Then check out the video below from Rob of Travels with Dottie, which lists Quartzsite events in 2024 and 2025. Rob appears to have been living in Quartzite when he made the video, so who better to fill us in on the local happenings?
Featured article
Honcho Poncho Down: Warmth and comfort on chilly nights
By Cheri Sicard
Therm-a-Rest®, a company that specializes in sleeping mats, sleeping bags and other essentials aimed at keeping campers warm, had a hit with their original Honcho Poncho. But their new Honcho Poncho Down is even better as it’s down-filled and will keep you warm on even the coldest nights. Read Cheri’s warm and cozy review.
Reader poll
Do you like candy corn?
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
Help prevent depleting RV battery
From reader Joseph B.: “More than once I have left the compartment lights or other 12-volt powered devices on overnight, only to wake up with my battery voltage well below 11 volts. One morning there wasn’t enough power to start my generator. (Good thing for the “Booster” switch!) I made a few clear labels with black type to remind me of the lights and systems I may have left on and put the labels on the bedroom sconce on my side of the bed. Now, right before I head off to dreamland, I am reminded to turn off whatever I have mistakenly left on.” Thanks, Joseph!
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: My RV’s floor squeaks with no apparent water damage. What can I look for?
- RV review: 2024 Cherokee Wolf Pup 13BC – Small but feature-packed
- Video: Ghost hunter buys world’s most expensive ghost-hunting van RV
- Featured article: Nail-biting stories of sketchy people while camping. What to do?
Website of the day
Camping Crossword Puzzles
We apologize in advance if you spend the rest of your day doing crossword puzzles instead of whatever it was that you were supposed to be doing, but… these are fun!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This would be the meanest, and we repeat, THE MEANEST, thing you could do to someone. Oh, but you would laugh so hard! And it’s in a place where you couldn’t even have a video recorder—major bummer! See here.
Recipes of the day
From pantry to plate: 5 easy canned tuna recipes
Canned tuna is so versatile and it’s a great protein-filled meal option. These five recipes are quick, easy, and delicious. We’ve included one that looks like it might be the best tuna melt ever, as well as a fun new twist on tuna casserole. There’s also a healthier tuna sandwich here, tuna cakes and a tuna mac salad. Yum! Get the recipes here.
Trivia
Candy corn, initially named ‘Chicken Feed,’ originated in the late 1880s when George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company, first created it. In 1888, the Wunderle Candy Company became the first producer of candy corn. The Goelitz Confectionery Company, now known as Jelly Belly, started manufacturing it in 1898. While Jelly Belly still makes candy corn, the primary producer today is Brach’s Confections, owned by the Ferrara Candy Company. Brach’s manufactures around 7 billion candy corn pieces annually and holds an 85 percent share of the Halloween candy corn market.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Gypsy (Shorkie, Schnauzer/Yorkie mix) has been traveling full-time with us ever since she was a pup, nearly eight years ago. She loved traveling to new places and meeting new people and, of course, new furry friends. The attached photo is from when she was a pup and loved to sit on Mom’s shoulders while going down the road.” —John Eibeck
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
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Gypsy- you look like you would be a great navigator for your people! Y’all keep rolling down the road…Don
John, I love your little pal!!
Gypsy looks like a toy – so cute
Actually, Orson Welles’ broadcast did not cause widespread panic, but the media of the day sensationalized it. So yes, sketch reporting was going on before the internet.
Gypsy looks adorable!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Gypsy is adorable, John! Have a great week and safe travels!