Issue 2520
Today’s thought
“Life is great. Cheese makes it better.” —Avery Aames
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cranberry Relish Day.
On this day in history: 1963 – President John F. Kennedy, just past his first thousand days in office, was assassinated as his motorcade wound though Dallas, Texas.
Tip of the day
How well do you know your putty tape?
By Roger Danforth
If you do much RV maintenance or repair, chances are good you’ve encountered “putty tape.” This sticky material is a regular performer between windows and walls, roof vents and roofs, and a host of other places where a gasket-like substance is needed to help seal out moisture. Any time you install trim metal, a new roof access ladder, or practically anywhere else you penetrate the outside surface of your rig, you’ll need this gunk-on-a-roll. For our purposes, there are two types of “putty tape” in play. Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Do ultrasonic mice deterrents work?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
I saw your response about keeping mice out by sealing up access points and using scent deterrents. I was wondering if you or any of your readers had experience with those ultrasonic devices that can go under the hood that are supposed to keep rodents and other critters away? Are they just a scam? Do they work in specific but limited instances? We haven’t had a problem yet but want to keep it that way. (We’ve only been full-time RVing for a year.) Thanks in advance! —Tim, 2024 Leisure Travel Vans Unity RL Read Dave’s reply.
In the RV shop with Dustin
One very important thing to know about Lippert Solid Steps
By Dustin Simpson
Hello, fellow RV enthusiasts! Today, we’re addressing a crucial safety topic: the correct installation of clevis pins in the Lippert Solid Step® retractable legs. Ensuring these pins are properly installed is vital to prevent potential injuries and maintain the stability of your RV steps. Let’s dive into why this is so important and the risks involved with incorrect installation.
Video of the day
This one item in your junk drawer could start a devastating fire
By Cheri Sicard
Channel 5 News in Cleveland shares an alarming story in the video [in the post] about a hazard many people are unaware of. I know I was. Did you realize that keeping batteries in your home or RV drawers can cause fires? It’s true, and it could happen to any one of us. Here’s how.
Featured article
Traveling U.S. Highway 64 from Taos to Tres Piedras: Stops, sights, eats, and more
By Dale Wade
We have visited New Mexico annually for the past 40 years. During that time we have seen many changes in the towns and cities along the way. However, some places never seem to change. One of those is the road from Taos to Tierra Amarilla, U.S. Highway 64. Before we hit the Brazos Summit, here are a few stops along the way.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RV review: 2025 Forest River Wildwood Grand Lodge 44VIEW – What a view!
- Full-time RVers regret RV life, desperately want to live in a house
- New pollution rule will disrupt RV industry, increase prices of RVs
- Our experience going to Mexico for dental work
Oh, and don’t miss yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter! Click here to read.
Reader poll
Do you use a sound machine to help you sleep?
Quick tip
Garden kneeling pads—good in and around the RV
Garden kneeling pads, made out of foam, are great for kneeling in the garden. But pick up a pack of them and you’ll have uses for them around the RV. Some RVers keep one with a box of disposable gloves so their knees don’t get wet when dumping holding tanks, or putting down manual stabilizers. But here’s another one: After bouncing down the highway, you park, go inside, open a cabinet door and hey, presto! Stuff jumps out of the cabinet! Some of these neat pads fit right across the opening of a cabinet door (tucked inside) and act as a barrier, keeping items inside the cabinet. And if you hit the bleachers at your favorite athletic or sporting event, they make a great cush for your tush. Here are some on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Some RVs can only carry 600 pounds of cargo, including passengers. What?
- RV review: A blast from the present: Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser 17RWD
- In the RV shop with Dustin: Holding tank sensor maintenance
- Video: Common RVing fears and how to overcome them
- Featured article: How to waterproof fabric: Turn old sheets into waterproof tarps
Website of the day
The 59 Best Thanksgiving Movies the Whole Family Will Love
It’s a week to spend with family, to eat, and, of course, to relax! Sit down to watch one of these festive Thanksgiving movies and your stomach will soon start to growl. (If you haven’t watched “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” in a while, watch it!)
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
This might be one of the sweetest things we’ve ever seen for RVers! If you have someone close to you that’s far away, you’re going to want this.
Recipes of the day
Thanksgiving stuffing recipes that’ll steal the show
As promised, here are a few Thanksgiving stuffing recipes that you will love! We start with a few classics, but we also include a few twists on the classics, which sound equally as delicious. Check these out (and get ready to eat!).
Trivia
Abraham Lincoln is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame! Before becoming the 16th president of the United States, Lincoln was a formidable wrestler in his youth. He reportedly lost only one match out of about 300, earning him a reputation for his strength and skill. His wrestling prowess was even recognized posthumously by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Rambo (Long-haired Dachshund) had cataracts so bad, he needed sunglasses while outside on a sunny day.” —Bob Groves
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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Yoga or camping sleep mats also work well against the unforgiving hard earth.
LOVE the laugh! So true….It seems like Christmas is now starting in September in some stores. I guess they have trouble reading a calendar these days. It’s sad that the holidays have come to mean only how much cash they can bring into their coffers.
True story indeed.
I finally gave up and put a kneeling pad in every compartment in my Motorhomes . They don’t take up hardly any room and way easier on my knees and pants don’t get dirty.
I have 3 kneeling pads, 1 in the storage compartment of the 5th wheel, 1 in my car and 1 at my stick and bricks home.
After 20+ years of kneeling in slush and snow to chain up big rigs, my knees are shot. I use a kneeling pad for almost any transition from vertical. Just one more ‘old man’ complaint.
I feel your pain!!!!
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Other tool besides kneeling pads – pads are great, but I bought what I call my ‘milking stool’ (folding tripod stool). Sort of the opposite of a ladder – great for those low jobs like pulling/pushing waste gate rods or grooming mid to larger dogs.
My wife uses a folding kneeling stool/chair. The legs help her stand up when kneeling.
Best laugh ever!!!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Rambo is cool! 🙂 Yes, gardening kneeling pads are great for some tasks in and around the RV. We have a pair in a storage bay on the utility side of the RV, which is where I typically have need of them. Have a great day and safe travels! 🙂