Issue 2514
Today’s thought
“It is dangerous to pretend that we know more than we do. But it is even more dangerous to pretend that we know less.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pickle Day!
On this day in history: 1889 – Pioneering female journalist Nellie Bly (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) begins a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She completes the trip in 72 days.
Tip of the day
Different ways to get rid of all that “stuff” to downsize
By Nanci Dixon
We are full-time RVers (mostly) and people usually have the same three questions for us. They ask us about how long we have been full-timing, how do we get our mail, and what we did with all our “stuff” to downsize. The first two questions are easy – nine years (off and on), and a mail service in South Dakota. The third question about stuff usually requires a bit more explanation.
On a whim, we had listed the house for sale never thinking it would actually sell before we left to go south to RV for the winter. It sold on Thanksgiving. Who the heck buys a house on Thanksgiving? Once the sale was confirmed we only had two weeks to get rid of everything or lose our hard-to-find camping reservations. Even nine years ago it was hard to get reservations at state parks in Florida for the winter. Continue reading.
RV walk-through
Tour this Class A motorhome with TWO bedrooms: 2023 Fleetwood Fortis 36Y
By Cheri Sicard
There is a lot to like about the Fleetwood Fortis gas-powered Class A motorhome, along with a few questionable features. In the video below, John and Sherri from Amped to Glamp give us a tour of the 2023 model (a 2024 model has since been released). One of my favorite features of this rig is found on the exterior… Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Why does RV furnace blow warm air then turn cold?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
The furnace in my 1997 Forest River Salem blows a little warm air and then only blows cold air. What should I look for? —Anon., 1997 Forest River Salem Read Dave’s answer.
Video of the day
Practical and fun crochet projects to keep your RV tidy
By Cheri Sicard
When we polled our readers about their favorite hobbies while RVing, crochet topped the list. Therefore, I thought this video might interest our crocheting readers in that it shares three great practical organizing crochet projects that are not only decorative and fun to make, they will help keep your RV neat and organized. Check it out.
Featured article
How to survive a tire blowout
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A blown tire can ruin your whole day—or a whole lot worse. Tire blowouts are responsible for more than 78,000 crashes per year, ending in more than 400 deaths. In 2017, 738 people died across the U.S. as a result of blown tires alone. Are you prepared to survive a tire blowout? Preparation and following simple steps can make the difference between a tire blowout being an annoyance or a trip to the graveyard. Continue reading this potentially life-saving information.
Reader poll (and article)
Do you wear a wristwatch?
Quick tip
Sticky vent lid? Here’s how to unstick it
Is your roof vent lid difficult to open? This might be due to a stuck seal. Start by trying to open it. If it won’t budge, carefully pry up the edges from the roof. Be cautious, as UV exposure can make the lid brittle and prone to breaking, which would require replacement. Once the edges are loosened, crank the vent up and inspect the mechanism. If it’s heavily corroded, use a spray lubricant. For minor stickiness, a silicone-type lube will work well. For a sticky seal, apply a rubber-safe seal lubricant or treatment, similar to what you’d use on slideout seals. Use all products sparingly.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Easily fix RV irritations with things on hand
- Ask Dave: Do I need to winterize RV’s washer/dryer combo if I haven’t used it?
- Video: The 3 best heated RV hoses for cold weather RVers
- Featured article: Around the Campfire: Which to purchase first, the truck or the RV?
Website of the day
National Park maps
The National Park Service publishes tons of great free maps. Matt Holly, a park ranger with the NPS, has collected them all and posted them on this site, where you can download PDF and image files of any U.S. national park map. This site currently has 1,761 free high-resolution national park maps to view, save and download.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Oh, these are just too cool! Ladies, you’re going to want this! (And if your partner is a lady, know that she wants this! Nudge nudge holiday gift nudge nudge.)
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 2,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 74 percent say their credit rating is excellent.
• 16 percent always or usually carry tire chains in their RV or tow vehicle.
• 75 percent have given a public speech to more than 50 people.
Recent poll: What are your top two main considerations when choosing a campsite?
Trivia
All pilots must speak “Aviation English,” a 300-word language, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. (Hey, we think RVers should have RV English, too!)
Readers’ pet of the day
“Riley (Yellow Lab mix) captured our hearts 14 years ago and continues every day. He enjoys sniffing out new sites while camping. His hobbies include taking walks, back rubs, head scratches, and eating treats. Camping is a new adventure every time.” —Andrew Kapusta Jr.
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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Today’s Leave here with a laugh sign could be posted all over the US. Its a shame that the largest road building company (Washboard Construction) and its subsidiaries are still allowed to do business on our highways.
That sign needs to be posted on I88 in Upstate New York between Binghamton and Albany. More than half of it was one bump after another about every 100 feet. My wife crosses her arms across her chest every time we travel on it. The only alternative route is an extra 60 mile detour.
Well with a name of Washboard Construction they remain true to their name. Most roads are like driving on a washboard.
Some are like a freshly plowed field.
Riley – you are a fine looking companion! Keep your folks rolling down the road and making memories..don
I continue to be impressed with the new weather map. It seems to be more accurate than our local news!
Trivia All pilots must speak “Aviation English,” a 300-word language, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. (Hey, we think RVers should have RV English, too!)
This is good for certain situations, it’s time for the USA to make English the national language. If you can’t speak it, leave.
“Sticky vent lid? Here’s how to unstick it”…replace vent seals…doesn’t cost much…and install vent covers….problem solved.
We absolutely love Riley and wish he and his family many more wonderful journeys together 🥰🐶
Thank you for finding the site for all the National Park Service maps! Now I have a box of maps that I can recycle. I also gain some room in the rig.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! I hope that you and Riley have many memorable and pleasant trips together, Andrew! Have a great weekend and safe travels!