Issue 2515
Today’s thought
“Sometimes I wonder if there’s something wrong with me. Perhaps I’ve spent too long in the company of my literary romantic heroes, and consequently my ideals and expectations are far too high.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! Have fun!
On this day in history: 1806 – Pike Expedition: Lieutenant Zebulon Pike sees a distant mountain peak while near the Colorado foothills of the Rocky Mountains. (It is later named Pikes Peak.)
Tip of the day
Tire pressure gauges lose accuracy over time. Here’s how to check them
By Mark Polk, RV Education 101
I talk about the importance of checking inflation pressure in tow vehicle and RV tires all the time, but is your tire pressure gauge giving you accurate information?
When I was in charge of some large fleet maintenance operations, one of my responsibilities was the tool calibration program. Certain tools required regular calibration to ensure accuracy. A tool every RV owner uses is a tire pressure gauge. But did you know a tire gauge can lose accuracy if it gets banged around in your toolbox? It’s true. Learn more.
Ask Dave
Can different type and age RV batteries be mixed? Can I add a lithium battery?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
Did you answer a question recently about mixing batteries of different sizes, chemistry and age? I believe it was you but I can’t find it in the RVtravel.com archives. —Ed, 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador Read the update and Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
A reminder to clean your RV’s fresh water tank every six months
By Dustin Simpson
I always refer to your RV’s fresh water tank as a dirty fish tank. Think of all the slime and bacteria growing in tanks and water lines. Whenever you go camping you’re getting water from a bunch of different sources. Well water, private land or even city water all have different chemicals and minerals in them. This is just another reason to clean and sanitize your RV’s fresh water tank and associated fresh water lines. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Where to “go” when an RV has no bathroom?
By Cheri Sicard
Does your RV or car camping setup lack a bathroom? Are you tired of midnight outdoor walks to go and find a place to pee? In the video below, the team from Tent and Lantern Camping Life recommends three cheap and easy RV bathroom alternatives you can use to put an end to that. (These would also work for boondockers.) Click here to watch.
Featured article
Norcold RV fridges keep failing—I’m done! New Amish fridge is a winner!
Two of Jan Steele’s Norcold RV refrigerators have failed in the past year. She made the decision to: A) be done with Norcold for good, and B) not buy another standard new cooling unit. So what came next? A recommendation for an “Amish fridge.” Her story unveils a small operation’s triumph against big names, promising reliability and freedom from RV concerns. Is she happy with it? You’ll just have to read to find out.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- How to turn any van into a camper in 2 hours for under $500
- California, other states, may soon ban motorhome sales
- Thinking about replacing an older RV? RVers say, “Don’t do it!”
- The RV black tank practices that do and don’t work
Reader poll
Have you ever had an ant problem in your RV?
Quick tip
A trick to expand your shower
Feeling “closed in” in the shower? If your shower is equipped with a shower curtain, get a curtain tension rod, mount it a few inches outside the existing shower rod. Run the curtain over the top of the new rod, then back into the shower stall. Gives a few extra inches of space for your shoulders.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips for getting a stinky RV fridge smelling new again
- Ask Dave: Why does RV furnace cycle on and off until the temperature inside gets warm?
- RV reviews: Wow windows—Keystone Arcadia 246SLRK fifth wheel
- Video: 4 appliances under 700 watts to use with a portable power station
Website of the day
Smart911
This is a free website that could very well save your life! It allows you to create a profile that is instantly shared with 911 if you ever call—this includes medical information and allergies, pet info, common addresses, phone numbers, photos and more. Sign up!
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Oh, you know we love a good pun! And an RV-themed pun? Even better! You’ll love this, too.
Recipes of the day
Reinvent your mac and cheese with these creative recipes
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s impossible! This Thanksgiving or winter season, step up your mac and cheese with these recipes. We’ve got smoked mac and cheese, broccoli cheddar mac, nacho mac, Southwestern mac, and a few more that sound just as good. Get hungry and check these out.
Trivia
Hey, speaking of ants… New York City has its own species of ant. The “ManhattAnt” appears to exclusively live in New York City where Broadway meets 63rd Street and 76th Street. The ant may have evolved on its own due to isolation in the city, and has adapted to a warmer, drier, concrete-covered environment.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We travel with two cats. Our older cat, Pandy, loves to sit in the driver’s seat (while the RV is not moving). She’s showing how inventive she is by using the scratching post in a unique way.” —Lee Ann Riddoch
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
A burglar enters a home. All of a sudden a voice pipes up, “I can see you, and so can Jesus!” Startled, the burglar looks around. No one is there, so he gets back to business. Soon, the voice repeats, “I can see you, and so can Jesus!” The burglar jumps and takes a longer look around the room. Over in a corner, partially obscured by curtains, is a caged parrot, which pipes up again, “I can see you, and so can Jesus!” “So what?” asks the annoyed burglar. “You’re only a parrot!” To which the parrot replies, “Maybe, but Jesus is a Rottweiler!”
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Knowing NYC, they are probably going to make the “ManhattAnt” a protected species. [wink]
Pandy is such a cute and sweet cat!🐱🥰
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Have a great weekend and safe travels!