Issue 2511
Today’s thought
“The soldier’s heart, the soldier’s spirit, the soldier’s soul, are everything.” —George Marshall
On this day in history: 1926 – The United States Numbered Highway System is established.
Tip of the day
Retirees share tips and tricks for frugal RVing
By Gail Marsh
RVing is an incredible way to explore the great outdoors while maintaining the comforts of home. But if you’ve been on the road for a while, you know the costs can add up. At a recent campfire gathering, retirees agreed that RVing is more expensive than in the past. Luckily, these retirees happily shared tips and tricks for spending less while RVing. Here are some of their ideas.
One of the biggest expenses when RVing is fuel. Whether you’re driving a large motorhome or towing a trailer, the cost of gas can hit your wallet hard. To reduce this… Continue reading.
How a Veteran finds healing through a stranger’s kindness
At a crowded book signing, Richard, a Vietnam veteran, brought a treasured photo from his time overseas, hoping to share a memory that meant the world to him. When he showed it to the author, he received a surprising, heartfelt response that left him forever changed. This touching story of kindness and gratitude offers a reminder of the profound impact a single gesture can have. Please read this.
RV review
Jayco Jay Feather 27MK – A new floor plan
By Tony Barthel
Today’s RV review is of the new-for-2025 Jayco Jay Feather 27MK. This is very much a couple’s camper. It is one of the newer trailers that recognizes that, even though a lot of travelers may not be working from the road, many still want a place to work. This is also a great trailer for those who like to entertain. In fact, I know a good number of these people for whom this might be a great choice. But there are a few things I saw that could absolutely be immediate deal breakers, so let’s take a look.
Ask Dave
My on-demand water heater has no bypass or drain. Can I use RV antifreeze in it?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I have an Intertek tankless water heater on my 5th wheel camper. We live in the Midwest and have very cold winters. There is no place to drain what little water is in it and no bypass valve either. Is it all right to run RV antifreeze through it? —Dave, 2023 Keystone Cougar 23MLE Read Dave’s answer to Dave.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Don’t let physical limitations stop you from enjoying the RV lifestyle
By Dustin Simpson
Some of our customers experience physical limitations that could stop them from enjoying the RV lifestyle. RVs are made to be compact, but there are some modifications that can be made to make life on the road more accommodating.
The entrance to your rig is the first thing to consider when making an RV more accessible. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Are RV ramp levelers worth it? Andersen vs. Beech Lane levelers
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Joshua from RV Gear & Far takes a look at RV ramp levelers, also known as wedge levelers; shows you how they work and how to use them; and gives his opinion on whether or not this particular RV accessory is worth it. Click here to watch.
The latest news for RVers
- BREAKING: New California emission rule halts diesel motorhome sales in 6 states
- (And the industry’s response) California, other states, may soon ban motorhome sales
- Certain Ford Super Duty trucks no longer available for sale in California
- FMCA club’s diesel motorhome owners chapter to dissolve
- DNA evidence leads to arrest in gruesome Montana boondocking murder
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Hometown routines aren’t the same as on-the-road excitement. When going to Walmart isn’t enough
By Nanci Dixon
Yesterday, our big trip “out” was a trip to Walmart and the drug store for a prescription for post-nasal drip. We have been in Minnesota for almost two months and will be stationary as camp hosts for the next three. It is great to see the kids and grandkids. It is the reason, besides the cool weather, that we are here. … Continue reading about how Nanci’s family dynamics have changed and she was taken aback when she realized her trip to Walmart was the highlight of her day.
Reader poll
Will you go south for the winter in your RV for at least two months?
Quick tip
Why do dump valves have openings at the top and bottom of the slide?
“We get asked this a lot by RVers changing out a sticky or damaged RV holding tank gate valve and the associated, “Won’t it leak?” The answer is that the valve would have to be larger in that area and, as you know, space is always a premium in an RV. Regarding leaks, the valve actually seals on the surface of the gate with the two lip seals placed on each side of the valve in the flanges. The area outside the seal area is really not necessary for sealing, but gate valve positioning in the plumbing is important.
Many leak issues in manual pull or cable pull valve are when the valve is installed at the 3 or 9 o’clock position in the piping. By sliding the gate open and closed in this position, debris, toilet paper, etc., can accumulate in the side of the body where the leading edge of the gate resides when it is closed. In this case, the gate actually pushes TP instead of cutting it, pushing into the end of the body. Over time the gate can’t go all the way past the seals, and a leak results.
Another problem with cable-operated valves is cables tend to bend. When an “open” gate starts to move toward closed, it runs into the two lip seals, pressing against it. The pressure increases as the gate moves to fully closed. If the pressure is too much, the cable flexes and the gate stops short of being fully closed.” — Doug with drainmaster.com.
Website of the day
Louisiana State Parks: Camping
Since Saturday, November 9, was National Louisiana Day, we figured we’d share the Louisiana State Parks Camping page with you. Look at these parks – they’re beautiful! Have you camped at any of them?
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This goes under the list of things we think are ridiculous but we wish we invented! We hate to admit how useful this is for RVers… but it’s definitely useful!
Recipes of the day
5 easy and delicious casserole recipes
These casserole recipes are perfect for chilly fall and winter days. They could feed a crowd or you could make it for yourself and your partner and have it as leftovers (planned-overs?) for a few days. We love a good casserole! Mmmmm! Click here for the recipes.
Trivia
Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Her birthday is March 9, 1959, the day she was unveiled to the toy industry during the New York Toy Fair. Barbie is 65 years old. [Well, except for the minor fact that she was “born” at 19 years of age. But she’s been on the market for 65 years.]
Readers’ pet of the day
“Teddy (Yorkie) loves to be entertained, especially in the morning. He loves playing ball, tug-of-war, or chasing a laser light. He makes a good security guard. He barks at anything coming up our driveway. Loves to be spoiled and get treats. Loves to sleep up against your back. He loves camping and meeting new dogs.” —Stephen Brown
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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A very “doggy” newsletter today. Teddy is a typical terrier. And you can get this tech support 24/7 and no over time charges.
So why is the sewer fitting gadget in the newsletter every day? Inquiring minds want to know!
The newsletter folks have ZERO control over the ads that are displayed. They are inserted by a 3rd party at the time the letter is released. So the tool supplier REALLY wants you buy that sewer wrench and they are paying to show it to you every damn day. 😵💫
It’s actually an oil filter wrench. And it costs less than Camco’s plastic bayonet wrenches. Hint: Go to the hardware store plumbing section and buy some O-ring grease. Periodically recoat* the rubber seal inside the ‘hook’ side of the bayonet. Not only will you have a better connection, you won’t ever need a slinky wrench. *use a gloved finger – you do wear gloves, right?
Happy Veterans Day with a hearty “thank you” for your service.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Teddy looks adorable, Stephen. I hope you have many RVing adventures together! The laugh of the day still has me chuckling. 🙂 I even sent it to DW (I was her first line of computer assistance when we both worked). Have a great day and safe travels!