Issue 2528
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Today’s thought
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness. It’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” —Brené Brown
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cookie Day!
On this day in history: 1791 – The first edition of The Observer, the world’s first Sunday newspaper, is published.
Tip of the day
10 easy tips every RVer should know
Wait just a doggone minute! Gail Marsh didn’t know any of these tips and tricks, even though she and her husband had been RVing for several years! There are so many RV tips and tricks, how can a person possibly know all of them?
Perhaps you already know about the following tricks that make RVing easier. If so, we apologize. If you’re new to the RV life and have somehow missed hearing about these tricks, you’re welcome! Continue reading.
Ask Dave
Where is the best place to install a bubble level on an RV?
By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
Where’s the best spot to place a level in or on an RV for accuracy? Our RV is 32 feet. —Pat, 2022 Leprechaun 319M Read Dave’s answer.
In the RV shop with Dustin
A mandatory checklist for exterior RV maintenance inspections
By Dustin Simpson
Performing regular exterior inspections of your RV is crucial to maintaining its condition and protecting your investment. Here’s a guide inspired by my walk-through video to help you conduct a thorough exterior inspection. Not all areas below have been discussed in the video so make sure you read through the article.
Video of the day
Easy to make DIY emergency candle burns for 72 days
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below from Survival HT, we learn just how easy it is to make a DIY emergency or “prepper” candle that will burn for up to 72 days! If that’s not enough, this DIY project is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Wow! You should always keep one of these on hand.
POP QUIZ: If a buck deer approaches you in a campground, you should: A) Rub its
antlers for good luck, B) Feed it only raw vegetables, not crackers, C) Take a selfie of yourself with the animal, D) Leave it alone. Answer below.
Featured article
The sneaky white lies and tricks some RV salesmen use when selling an RV
By Gail Marsh
“Five, ten, fifteen, twenty!” If you watch television, you’ve probably seen Camping World’s plethora of end-of-summer advertisements. “See America for less!” That’s Camping World’s most recent boast, and many folks get excited at the thought of owning an RV. My thought? RV buyer beware! RV salesmen always have tricks up their sleeves… Continue reading.
Reader poll
Do you read in bed when you retire for the night?
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
Important stoplight safety tips
(1) When stopped at a light and it turns green, take the time to look left and right twice before accelerating. The same applies at stop signs—always check twice in each direction before proceeding.
(2) When approaching a green light, know your stopping distance based on your speed and location. For instance, if you’re 200 feet from the intersection and the light turns yellow, decide whether to stop or proceed before reaching a “go/no-go” point. At 60 mph, you travel 88 feet per second; at 30 mph, it’s 44 feet per second. Speed limits will help determine how far back you need to decide. After two million miles of driving, these practices have served me well. —Thanks for the safety tips, George! [RCMP, retired]
On this day last year…
- Tip: Even more tips, decor and gadgets to help decorate your RV for Christmas
- Ask Dave: What insulation value do RV windows have? Some models seem a little excessive!
- RV review: Grand Design Imagine AIM 14MS—redefining small trailers
- Video: 6 expensive RV gadgets that are worth every penny!
- Featured article: Why you need an electric bike
Website of the day
The Ultimate East Coast National Parks Road Trip
This list from Outside guides you up and down the East Coast and tells you what National Parks to stop at, and what to see in them, along the way.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Every year we try and find a new favorite one of these. This just might have to be our pick for this year. We love it and you will too!
Recipes of the day
Get in the holiday spirit on National Cookie Day with these cookie recipes
Since it’s National Cookie Day, we think you deserve to celebrate with a cookie! These Christmas cookie recipes will get you in the holiday spirit in the most delicious way. There are a few classics here, but also some new ones we think you’ll enjoy. Happy eating! Click here.
Trivia
According to NASA researchers, the perfect amount of time to nap is between 10 and 20 minutes (power naps). How does this compare to your usual nap time(s)?
Readers’ pet of the day
“Umbra is a German Shepherd mix that loves to camp and any water to play in. We always get to hear how well-behaved he is. We spent a lot of time and effort training him and it has paid off. He can’t get enough of any water at any time of the year. He even body surfs with my hubby, although I think he’s trying to rescue him. He has tried once or twice to rescue a surfer. He has been rattlesnake trained and has on several occasions given us warnings. He is a sweet, loving boy around 10 years old. He loves to play with us more than anything!” —Susanne Schenck
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
ANSWER TO POP QUIZ: D. Leave it alone.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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I believe Power Nap time increases with age as I’m 82 and it just keeps getting longer an longer
A lot of sleep research says a good afternoon nap is 20-40 minutes; enough to refresh but not long enough to mess up the night’s sleep. Worked well for me over 20 years.
Yep, it takes me 10 minutes to get into my 20 minute nap, and another 10-15 minutes to wake back up..
“Quick tip
Important stoplight safety tips
(1) When stopped at a light and it turns green, take the time to look left and right twice before accelerating. The same applies at stop signs—always check twice in each direction before proceeding.”
I taught my son this when I taught him to drive. To this day he will still remark that it works.
Tragedy here in Texas 2 days ago. A local high school has a traffic light at the entrance to the parking lot. Mom dropped off her child and the light was green. She was killed as she left the parking lot when a reportedly well over the speed limit driver came through the red light and T-boned her car. Even at green lights, do a quick look in both directions.
Yup, always. Pedestrians especially, I see so many (young and older) NEVER look to see if traffic is coming, just assuming that they have the right of way. Good way to get killed.
With their heads buried in their phones…
Yes, sad to say.
I was taught to look right, left, right, and left last because that’s the direction you would get hit from first as it’s closer to you.
Red light runners is a sport in the Nation. That’s why we have dash cameras in every vehicle.
Those should be standard equipment in all cars and trucks. Just like rear view cameras are.
Level the RV…..I had auto level on my 5th wheel. After the initial level (at home right after purchase) I placed bubble levels outside near the level controler so I could do a rough level before I unhitched the truck. Pretty much as Dave suggested in the article. Now that we have a motorhome (class A) I placed bubble levels in the cab (visible from the drivers seat) to get an initial level,best spot at the site, prior to doing the auto level. Has worked for me all these many years.
My first job in high school was working in a bank. I had an older colleague who would nap on our lunch break. Our break room had comfy chairs and low lighting. She would sit in a chair with a book in each hand hanging over the chair arm. When she was fully asleep, the books would drop from her hands and wake her up. She said that short nap was so refreshing!
Umbra! What a great dog, and so very special, we can see why you enjoy him so much!!!🐶🥰
Thank You National Cookie Day. I’ve been waiting all year for a reason to “unscrew” an OREO cookie tonight. Mmmm
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂