Issue 2525
Today’s thought
“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.”―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is both Black Friday and Buy Nothing Day! Which will you celebrate? Oh, and it’s also Green Friday. You can enjoy that while you buy nothing—i.e., a twofer. 😉
On this day in history: 1963 – “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, recorded on October 17, 1963, is released by the Beatles in the United Kingdom. It became the group’s first American number 1 hit. It was number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on January 18, 1964, and the British invasion into the American music industry had begun. Watch The Beatles perform it live on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
Tip of the day
Tips on decorating your RV for the holidays
By Gail Marsh
It’s after Thanksgiving and this weekend December starts! Can you believe it? Here are some tips on decorating your RV for the special month ahead.
Decorating a very small space like an RV is different from decorating your stix-n-brix home for the holidays. To start, here are three things you may want to keep in mind… Continue reading.
Ask Dave
How much cargo can go in this trailer? All about RV weight ratings
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
My question is regarding axle ratings versus GVWR [gross vehicle weight rating]. My trailer has two 6,000 lb. axles and a GVWR of 14,343. How much cargo can go in this trailer without overloading it? The manufacturer says it can haul 4,171 lbs. worth of cargo. Hitch weight is 2,343 lbs. Dry weight is 10,172. Are these axles correct? —Brett, 2023 Cedar Creek Experience 2925RL Read a very thorough explanation from Trey Selman at RV Safety & Education Foundation.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why professional RV inspections matter
By Dustin Simpson
Investing in a motorized or towable RV is a significant decision. Whether you’re purchasing from a dealership or a private party, knowing the realistic condition of the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line can save you from future headaches and financial strain. Let us help you navigate this process with confidence.
Video of the day
Portable DIY RV skirting for cold weather
By Cheri Sicard
The video below introduces us to Silver, of the USS Overlander YouTube channel, and her portable DIY RV skirting project. Silver made the video in freezing weather to show that there are things you can do to keep a non-four-seasons rig from freezing in cold weather. Silver and her husband needed their cold weather solution to be portable, as they did not have room for foam boards, and temporary, as they were moving three or four times a week. Here’s what they did.
Featured article
Do you lean forward while driving? That has got to stop!
By Jan Steele
Are you like me and catch yourself leaning into the steering wheel while driving? That is not a good thing! I talked to my physical therapist about it and he confirmed I was actually harming my body. Read this important information to help save your back.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- What’s wrong with the RV industry? “They do as they please and never listen to actual RVers!”
- This one item in your junk drawer could start a devastating fire
- RV technician shares the secrets of why RV warranty work is a “broken system”
- Hibernate smart: 5 steps to stop RV mold growth before it starts
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO THIS WEEKEND?
If you’re near Strong City, Kansas, this weekend, you can attend the free Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve “Prairie Christmas” event. Learn more.
Reader poll
Will you be eating Thanksgiving leftovers today?
Quick tip
Make your own water heater flusher
This is from our good friend George Bliss:
This is the water heater flusher I made many years ago and it has served me well. It cannot break and it cannot come apart.
- Step 1: Purchase a metal quick connect, as shown. If you already have quick connects, all you need is the one shown with threads on it. (NOTE: All makes of quick connects are not necessarily compatible.) If you buy one with a rubber “O” ring, then remove the “O” ring for the next step. (Not all makes utilize an “O” ring.)
- Step 2: Take an 8″ (20 cm) piece of copper pipe to fit into the quick connect and solder in place.
- Step 3: Solder a copper end cap onto the other end of the copper pipe.
- Step 4: Drill a 1/4″ (6 mm) hole in the side of the end cap, as shown.
- Step 5: Replace the “O” ring as applicable.
Your new water heater flusher will go into the hole used by the anode rod and, being in a quick connect, it will spin to spray left, right, up and down just by turning the copper pipe in the quick connect, and will thoroughly flush your water heater. —Thanks, George! [And be careful with that snow and -30° temp up there!]
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV extended warranties: What should I know for my new-to-me diesel pusher?
- RV walk-through: Tour the 2024 Arctic Fox North Fork 25R 4-season travel trailer
- Video: The top 8 day trips from Quartzsite
- Featured article: Around the Campfire: Campgrounds pivot to accommodate the changing needs of campers
Website of the day
Travel British Columbia: Winter Camping
Heading up to our friendly northern neighbors this winter? Check out this list of winter camping destinations (parks and campgrounds) from Travel British Columbia. And if you’re heading up to B.C., check out the rest of the site, too.
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This is actually really cool! We might have to order one… If you like these places, and doing this thing, then you’re going to think this is really cool, too! (And this would make a great gift if they love those places and doing that thing!)
Recipes of the day
6 Thanksgiving leftover recipes that put the extra food to good use
Everyone loves Thanksgiving leftovers, but only for so long. These recipes are perfect—they take your leftovers and transform them into something completely new. No food waste, and another delicious meal! Check these out and we bet you’ll get hungry again!
Trivia
The busiest day of the year for plumbers is the Friday after Thanksgiving, often called “Brown Friday” because of the increased plumbing issues that arise from large holiday meals and waste disposal (ahem) during Thanksgiving festivities.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Willow Rain and Mimzy (Yorkie and Chiweenie) have adapted to traveling full-time and love the RV life. I make sure they enjoy life and spoil them rotten. They are the sweetest little old ladies. Willow is the nosiest. You can be sure she’s in a window or sitting in her chair watching the campground to see who is doing what. Mimzy, on the other hand, is drama-free.” —Kristy Black
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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Y’all have a nice weekend. Had family over yesterday and today we eat leftovers and relax.
The tip for the tank flusher is good, but instead of a 1/2 inch pipe, use a 3/8 or even 1/4 inch.
The 1/2 inch just about closes off the bung opening, blocking the debris from flushing out. A 1/2 inch pipe has an outside diameter of 5/8. The bung is 3/4 inch.
A 1/2 inch reducer will still allow the pipes to fit together.
I also added a shut off valve at the end of the hose.
I’m with you, Bob. The design shown is a good start, but a few enhancements can greatly improve it.
You have to be able to solder a pipe to make this. Most folks don’t know how.
Talk to a local plumbing shop. They may do it for you at minimum cost. If you have all the pieces cut, it will only take the about 5 minutes.
Also, it can be pretty difficult to solder brass to copper. I suspect this project relies a lot on a tight physical fit. Don’t get stainless steel, or colored aluminum quick connect fittings.
From a plumber- We used to use brass water fittings with copper pipe before the copper fittings now commonly used today.
Went to cracker barrel and had a breakfast dish. O so nice not to be forced to eat that high caloric meal. Otherwise doing nothing until Sunday. BTW Mary Poppins actually beat out the Beatles on the top 10 60 years ago. I just saw the special on ABC. It was nothing new that did not know already. Merry Holidays.
Today’s quote was the worst ever! Never forget, the man willing to fight and die for others, ALLOWS the humble man to live his life. As a Combat Medic, who had to try a save fellow soldiers wounded in action, and unable to save many due to their mortal wounds, that is a life lesson that can never be forgotten! 🙏🏻🇺🇸
I see you’ve never read the Catcher in the Rye. The context is in reference to contemplating suicide.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Happy new year and safe travels!