Issue 2518
Today’s thought
“I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day!
On this day in history: 1820 – An 80-ton sperm whale attacks and sinks the Essex (a whaling ship from Nantucket, Massachusetts) 2,000 miles from the western coast of South America. (Herman Melville’s 1851 novel “Moby-Dick” was in part inspired by this incident.)
Tip of the day
How to stay free overnight in your RV in a small town
By Gary Jefferson
My wife and I have become pretty good at finding free RV camping with our van. Early on we learned about Walmart, Home Depot, Cracker Barrel and fitness gyms that everyone uses. We’ve used all of those. However, we are on the road right now and at the end of two weeks, we’ve not stayed in any of these, and have only paid for one night ($15 for spot, dump and shower). We paid because it was like paying for a dump and shower and staying for free. In other words, it was a bargain we couldn’t let pass us by.
When some people talk about a place to stay, they are talking about days. We don’t usually stay for days in the same spot. Even if we’re in the same city, we will try to find a different spot to spend the next night. I’ve found that most people don’t mind us staying nearby if we don’t set up camp and if we disappear the next morning. We are more about traveling in our van than setting up a homestead. For us, learning to ASK has given us many more opportunities for overnight free spots. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
How can I use my winterized RV in January and February?
By Dave Solberg
Hi, Dave,
We live in New England so obviously we need to winterize our RV’s water system at the end of the season—blow it out, antifreeze, etc. This year, however, we will be traveling starting in mid-January, returning late February. Is there any way to perform a “winterization-lite” that will still protect the plumbing without having to go through the full process? If I blow out the lines and put a space heater in the camper, will that do the trick? Thanks so much. —Bruce, 2022 Gulfstream 189DD Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to remove EternaBond tape
By Dustin Simpson
A question we get asked a lot is, “Can the EternaBond tape be removed?” Yes, it can be removed if it fails or if necessary for replacing items that have been sealed with it. Here are the steps to remove it.
Video of the day
Top 5 low-wattage appliances for easy RV cooking
By Cheri Sicard
In this handy video, Heather from Heather’s Hikes & AdVANtures outlines low-wattage appliances she says are essential for van lifers but, really, they would benefit any RVer, especially those who like to camp off-grid. These appliances can be powered by most portable power stations, giving you functionality anywhere you roam. They’re also all inexpensive and easy to use. Check them out.
Featured article
Lonely on your solo journeys? Consider joining the Wandering Individuals Network
By Jan Steele
When I first hit the road eight years ago, I admit I didn’t have a plan beyond the first six months. I was focused on one quest—redo a trip from 1965. Then I wanted to see family, and hit some national parks—but then what? I found out that wandering alone is lonely. I saw all these happy couples chasing their dream and that made me feel even lonelier. Continue reading.
Reader poll
Have you ever used an RV trip planner?
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
Be prepared to manually retract slideouts
Find out the exact procedures for emergency manual retraction of your slideouts before you need to use them. Write them out in language that you can understand and keep them where you can find them. You probably will never use them, but Boy Scouts have a good motto: Be Prepared! —From Trailers & Fifth Wheels Made Easy
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: My RV’s roof feels “gooey.” Since there’s no ladder, I assume it’s not safe to walk on?
- RV review: Encore RV ROG 14RKB—A small trailer with a potty… and axes
- Video: Two clever RV fan screw hacks to add functionality to your RV
- Featured article: Camping at this Montana campground was a pleasant surprise
Website of the day
60 DIY Thanksgiving Decorations to Celebrate the Holiday in Style
There are some gosh darn adorable ideas on here to spruce up your Thanksgiving table and home or RV.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Does your wife need this? Does your husband need this? No, definitely your wife. No! Definitely your husband! Oh, we’ll stop arguing, but just look and decide for yourself.
Recipes of the day
6 creative twists on sloppy joes that redefine comfort food
Thought you could just make a sloppy joe one way? Wrong! Here are six unique sloppy joe recipes. We think you should try them all because they’re all THAT good! Check these out and let us know what you think.
Trivia
Ayanna Williams, a resident of Houston, Texas, set the record for the world’s longest fingernails. They each measure between 20-26 inches long and she’s been growing them for 24 years. Click here to watch a video of her… if you dare.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Maisie (Labradoodle) loves to travel with us. We have made the WHOLE sofa her bed, but apparently, she preferred the armrest as her spot to take a nap. This was the first time we had ever seen her prefer that over the sofa!” —Julie Ford
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 man is finally ready to start his own backyard beehive. He walks into the local pet store where they sell bees and asks for a dozen. The clerk carefully counts 13 bees out onto the counter. “That’s one too many. I only wanted 12,” the man says. The clerk replies, “It’s a freebie.”
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
“Twenty – 26 inch nails”? NASTY!
All kinds of questions come to mind. But I don’t want to know the answers.
Like how to use TP, haha!
Zactly!
Bidet
I guess your hands aren’t very useful with those kinds of nails.
Thank you for posting some articles pertinent to those of us in smaller RVs.
Your Quick Tip was supposed to be about manually operating a slideout. The link took me to Amazon and the book it showed was out of stock. I would prefer if you would include a brief article. Then refer to the book and I’ll decide if I want it.
Sorry, Ann. When I proofed the Quick Tip, I checked the link to the book on Amazon and it showed one available. Apparently, someone beat you to it, so I’ve unlinked it from the tip. However, the tip in the newsletter was just a suggestion to locate the instructions for your RV’s particular slideout and make sure you have them handy in case you need to operate it manually. I doubt that the book included the complete instructions for each brand of slideout, i.e., you’re not missing much as far as specific instructions for your particular slideout. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I cannot imagine getting a shower or bath with nails like those.
Thank you for bringing up the topic of manually retracting the slideout. After reading it, I asked my husband if he had done that. This is our first travel trailer with one. He looked up and after a long pause, said nope. Well, it’s on the list now for when we de-winterize in March. I wouldn’t have thought of this without your prompt. I learn something from each issue I read but this goes to the top!
Thanks for your nice comment, Lori. And you know, if you’re prepared for something bad to happen, it probably won’t happen (and vice versa).😉 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Emily and Diane! I bought one of the mystery product for a friend. He thorougly enjoyed using it with his morning coffee. Maisie looks like a great traveler, Julie! I hope that you have many pleasant RVing adventures. Have a great week and safe travels!