Issue 2513
Today’s thought
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” —Minot J. Savage
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is World Kindness Day. A simple gesture of kindness, no matter how small (e.g., a smile), can make someone’s day brighter.
On this day in history: 1927 – The Holland Tunnel opens to traffic as the first Hudson River vehicle tunnel linking New Jersey to New York City.
Tip of the day
Replacing your RV skylight
By Russ & Tiña De Maris
Need to replace your RV skylight? “Why would I ever need to do that?” you ask. You could be like somebody near and dear to our hearts who, after carefully inching around the roof checking out roof sealant, accidentally rolled over on his skylight. The resulting noise from the stressed-out skylight dome sounded akin to the breakup of polar ice.
Maybe the root of your skylight replacement need isn’t as dramatic—perhaps it’s cracked, faded or just plain ugly from the elements. Regardless of the cause, replacing an RV skylight isn’t a difficult task, nor particularly time-consuming. It just needs to be done right. Here’s how.
Ask Dave
How to restore travel trailer’s faded plastic lower panel
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
Our 2020 Outback travel trailer lower front black cap is showing signs of wear. Can l repair it? —Charlie Click here for Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV underbelly leak repairs can be a nightmare, but this will help
By Dustin Simpson
One of the most frustrating things for an RVer is having to deal with a leak underneath the RV in the underbelly area! If you didn’t know, this is a dreaded repair for any RV technician. As you will see in the pictures in the article, there is a mess of wires and plumbing that we have to contend with when trying to pinpoint the leak. Check this out.
Video of the day
Unique folding chair bed gives van lifer extra space
By Cheri Sicard
In this video, Wanda of Wanda on Wheels shares her unusual folding chair bed in her van. Anyone who camps in a van or is considering converting a van should watch as Wanda’s unique bed allows her to create more usable space in the small van while still having a comfortable place to sleep. It is one of the smartest van beds I have seen.
Featured article
What is the most over the minimum PSI you can inflate a tire without damaging it?
By Roger Marble
In a recent RV forum, there was a question on tire inflation in Class A RVs. I advised, as I always do, that with knowledge of the tire size and actual measured load, I would check the published Load & Inflation tables and let him know. While the poster did not provide the information I requested, he did ask a different question: “In your expert opinion, am I better off running 105 in front and 100 in back, per chart, or 110 all around in this heat?” Continue reading.
Reader poll
Did you serve in the military?
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
Beware the universal lug wrench
Got one of those neat four-way lug wrenches, set to fit anything on the road? Before you need to use it on your RV, make sure it really fits. Some RVers have found that the wall thickness of these wrenches is too thick to clear the lug-nut-to-rim distance.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Keeping your home safe while you are away
- Ask Dave: Can you clear up the confusion regarding Class B, B+ and C vans?
- RV review: Keystone Alpine 390DS—Camp with your friends
- Video: Unethical RV salesmen and inspectors teaming up
Website of the day
8 Best Small Towns In America To Visit For The Holidays
Get in the holiday spirit because the holidays are fast approaching! And if you really want to get in the spirit, visit one of these 8 towns.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
As RVers and outdoorsy folks, we’re obligated to love this big, hairy dude, aren’t we? Well, you’ll love him even more in this setting!
Recipes of the day
From appetizers to subs and sliders: 5 meatball recipes everyone will love
These meatball recipes are perfect for everything; make the meatballs small for appetizers, or make them big for pastas, subs and sliders. We’ve got a little bit of everything here: buffalo chicken meatballs, cranberry orange meatballs, Swedish meatballs, classic Italian meatballs and even Salisbury steak meatballs. Check these out.
Trivia
Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, is the smallest park in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records, which first granted it the recognition in 1971. The park consists of a small circle 2 feet across with one small tree.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Young Jaspurr (American Shorthair) learning about RV camping.” —David Hughes
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
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Universal lug wrench does not provide enough leverage to remove to typical RV lug nuts. Better with a dedicated impact socket and a long breaker bar. Be sure to have the correct sized socket for each lug nuts if towing. Torque when done, and retorque after 50 miles of travel.
Plus, the breaker bar, sockets and torque wrench are easier to store than the 4 way. Using the deep sockets also gives you room to hold the socket on the lug nut. Less chance of the socket slipping.
We have 5 cats we travel with. Crazy cat people.
Dust. Dust and the signs. You’ll see similar signs in vineyards if you’re visiting some wineries where the road to the tasting room leads you right next to row and rows of grapes. Slow down when sipping, driving and tasting.
Where did the multiple choice polls go. I miss them.
There was one today.
Hi, Mel. They’re in the newsletters every day. (I checked back as far as Oct. 1, and we haven’t missed a day.) Maybe you need new glasses.😉 Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I carry a universal lug wrench. I have for 50 years. I noticed on my old RV that the walls were too thick for the wheels. I welded a regular socket to the lug wrench and it fit. As far as added leverage, I have also carried a 34-36 inch cheater pipe.
A cordless impact and the right size socket is faster, safer and easier on my old back. Impact off, torque wrench on.
Regarding the universal lug wrench, I found a complete set of deep sockets and my Kolbalt 450 #impact driver to works best on the GMC, TJ, and or TT.
Dandies who use a rattle wrench on lug nuts,instead of a torque wrench, should be fired on the spot.Trying to get lug nuts off alongside the road is akin to watching a Watusi warrior dance the jig.
Anyone else notice this on the mystery product. Looks like Sasquatch put his feet on the wrong legs?
Yep, looks that way to me, too.🤔 Have a good night, ToolMan. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great day and safe travels!