Issue 2505
Today’s thought
“In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.” —Cynthia Rylant
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Calzone Day!
On this day in history: 1870 – In the United States, the Weather Bureau (later renamed the National Weather Service) makes its first official meteorological forecast.
Tip of the day
Backroad or offroad RVing: Don’t get stuck!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
One of the great joys of RVing is to get closer to nature and farther away from the noise and problems of “civilization.” Of course, getting away from civilization can also mean getting away from paved roads—and, at times, that can put you in the way of getting your rig stuck.
We can vouch for the truth of this maxim: The best way to get your RV unstuck is not to get stuck in the first place. If you’re heading away from civilization and pavement, use plenty of foresight – use your eyes, without the RV, wherever possible. Scouting ahead on foot or with a tow vehicle (preferably one equipped with four-wheel drive) can help you identify hazards. Mud is obviously something to steer clear of, but check the terrain carefully. It may be good today while it’s dry, but what if rain comes? Will that perfect “spot” suddenly become a mire? Continue reading.
Bonus tips you may have missed last weekend
All about RV VIN checks and how to avoid scams
Looking to buy a used RV, tow vehicle, or toad car? Knowing the vehicle’s history is essential for peace of mind. The last thing you want is a rig that’s been totaled in a wreck, stolen, or changed hands so many times it might be a lemon. Even if you’re just curious, a VIN check can uncover a lot about the vehicle and verify the seller’s claims. But be cautious—there are scammers out there ready to take advantage of buyers. Learn more.
Medicare coverage tips for RVers
By Gail Marsh
As a retired RVer, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing the right healthcare coverage—specifically Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage). If you plan to travel out of your home state in the coming year, it’s essential to carefully review and consider your many options. Here are some Medicare Part C tips for RVers like you and me.
Exposed: The “borderline scam” of RV dual-pane windows!
By Cheri Sicard
Josh the RV Nerd, one of our readers’ favorite RV YouTube channels [306K subscribers, 135M views!], is about to expose one of the RV industry’s biggest myths: RV dual-pane windows! According to Josh, RV dual-pane windows are “a borderline scam”! It’s not that they don’t have any value at all, but it’s probably not what you are expecting or have been led to believe. Here’s why.
Ask Dave
How to tell if water heater pressure relief valve has gone bad
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
How can I tell if my water heater pressure relief valve has gone bad? We go camping for three months at a time and leave the water heater on electric the whole time. I have noticed that some cooler mornings, low 60 degrees, that the water heater drips some water. Not a lot, and I assume that this is due to condensation since it stops when the day warms up. … Read the rest of Richard’s question and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to fix RV delamination
By Dustin Simpson
Recently, our RV repair shop received the below email from Pat regarding delamination on their RV:
RE: 2016 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS … RV DELAMINATION
What is the correct way to fix this problem? Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!
Join me in this video as I sit down with my Service Manager, Zach.
Video of the day
The best 4 RV gadgets of 2024, according to Creativity RV
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, full-time RVer Robin Barrett of Creativity RV, one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards, [337K subscribers, 27M views!] shares what she says are her four favorite RV gadgets she discovered in 2024, and Robin checks out a whole lot of RV gadgets. Check ’em out.
Featured article
Big surprises in a small Midwest town
By Gail Marsh
A recent work camping job took us to western Nebraska for a few weeks. The small town of Imperial, Nebraska, proudly stands just over twenty miles from the Colorado border. We were expecting summer heat. (We got it!) We counted on long workdays. (We had those, too.) What we couldn’t have guessed was that there could be so many big surprises in such a small Midwest town. Click here to read.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
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- RV review: 2025 Keystone Bullet Crossfire 260RBS—nicely updated
Reader poll
Do you have any international travels planned within the next year?
Quick tip
What to do if lightning strikes…
An RVer complained that his RV had been parked near a tree that was struck by lightning. Now a lot of “stuff” in his rig doesn’t work, and he found a burned hole in his rig’s shore power cord. What’s he to do? Hope he has good insurance! Perhaps a surge suppressor might have helped, but many RVers report that when lightning strikes, a surge suppressor often sacrifices itself, but still some things in the rig are toasted. Often the damage is taken by control boards, as in your refrigerator. If the appliance won’t operate, shut down all power to the unit, both shore-supplied and battery. After a minute, try bringing the power back online and see if your appliance will work. Sometimes this “reboot” is all that’s required, but count yourself very fortunate if it does.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: I’m told my LP tank needs recertification so can’t be filled, but I’m getting conflicting advice
- RV review: Coachmen Apex Remote 17R – different not different
- Video: How to choose, identify, and maintain RV rubber roofs
- Featured article: Saga of the Newbie: Why it’s so important to find a reputable, reliable service ‘guy’
Website of the day
Pinterest: Remodeled Airstream Trailers
This is a page on Pinterest, not a website, but we know you’ll be entertained by it anyway. Spend a few minutes scrolling through these incredible remodeled Airstreams. Wow!
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Okay… It’s just plain ol’ unfair if you don’t own this! Come on! This exists and it’s not in your RV yet?! Plus, this makes a PERFECT gift! We didn’t own it… until we bought it five minutes ago (whoops).
Recipes of the day
Not-your-average baked potato-themed recipes
As the title says, these are not your average baked potato recipes. These are even better! Here we have a baked potato dip (perfect for game day), a casserole, a breakfast skillet, a soup, and a twist on a baked potato classic. Check these out.
Trivia
As of the most recent U.S. Census data, the median age of an American is approximately 38.8 years. This number has steadily increased over the past few decades, reflecting an aging population due to factors such as lower birth rates and increased life expectancy.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Daisy is 11 and is a Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix. Daisy is always on the outlook for varmints to chase. She is a great camper and traveler but always demands her own camp chair. She loves running on the beach of the Olympic Peninsula, chasing deer and bunnies in South Dakota, and hiking in the Rockies. Daisy earned her ‘Bark Ranger’ tag at Great Sand Dunes National Park, which she proudly wears. Daisy is a great companion. She rarely complains, is always ready for a walk, and has never passed up a belly rub.” —Maggie Allen
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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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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The laugh of the day is easily applied to the current election debacle.
Hmmmm…. I dont see a debacle JB, it’s going great from what I am seeing. Participation way up and that’s a good thing.
“Chasing deer and bunnies”?
A good reminder that Ieashes protect wildlife (it’s their home), livestock, other pets on leashes, hikers, bicyclists, and others.
Federal rangers have told me that all dogs need to be on leashes or otherwise confined on all federal land.
A state example, “Arizona’s leash laws require dogs to be leashed or confined to the owner’s property.”
Dog bites and attacks are a big problem that is easily prevented.
My thoughts exactly, John.
Not only are leashes for the safety and well being of local wildlife, but also for the safety of the dog. Not all wildlife runs away. Dogs can be injured or killed when the wildlife fights back.
I agree on all dogs being leashed. I have a 50 lb Husky mix that is always leashed when camping. People with little dogs don’t think theirs need to be leashed, but when they run up to my dog barking and snipping at him and he retaliates they act like it’s his fault.
You are responsible for your dog’s safety, not me.
Not just running up to another dog, but even a small child (or and adult).
My parents had both breeds and neither one was what I would call friendly to strangers or other dogs.
Leash laws are for a reason.
A Chihuahua and a Jack Russell. Wow. You have your hands full.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Daisy is a beautiful dog, Maggie! I hope tbat you have many more trips and many, many more miles together. Have a great week and safe travels!