RV Daily Tips. Friday, December 6, 2024

Issue 2530

Today’s thought

“Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around wondering about yourself.” —Katharine Hepburn

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Miners Day!

On this day in history: 1884 – The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is completed.

Tip of the day

See new sights and save with Groupon while RVing

By Gail Marsh
Traveling around the country, we’ve seen many special events, attractions, and museums. We’ve also undoubtedly missed many interesting sights along the way. But not anymore! I’ve found a way to make sure we see more and still save while RVing. And you can, too!

You may have heard about this company or even used it in the past to get discounts on goods and services. (I used it years ago and had forgotten about it. You should know that I’m not a paid promoter of Groupon. I recently rediscovered the company and wanted you to know about it, too.) Groupon, a Chicago-based company, launched back in 2008. Today, Groupon is a global e-commerce marketplace that offers coupons, discounts, and cashback on purchases by folks around the world. Continue reading and learn more.

Ask Dave
Storing RV engine and house batteries in winter

By Dave Solberg
Dear Dave,
My question is about batteries, both engine and deep cycle, while my coach is stored for longer periods during colder months. I have been shutting off power to batteries while in storage between trips. But, in longer winter storage periods, should I practice the same process? I’m not able to remove the batteries and place them on trickle charge like some people have recommended. I keep the coach in covered storage with power. Still learning more and loving it! Thanks for your input. —Karen, 2008 Safari Simba 36PCT  Read Dave’s answer.

In the RV shop with Dustin
Finding and identifying your RV’s water heater information

By Dustin Simpson
Join me “In The RV Shop” as I talk about where to locate your RV water heater information. Besides the model number, you will find the serial number, which is necessary when contacting any RV dealership or repair shop. Dometic, Suburban or Furrion will all require this information on your water heater to look up the unit, purchase parts and to assist with any troubleshooting. Continue reading.

Video of the day
See an RV explode with the owner inside!

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Izzy and MJ of Endless RVing, one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards, for a discussion of an RV explosion accident that recently happened at a truck stop in Pennsylvania. The most shocking part? The RV’s owner was inside! Check it out (and read the latest news update).

Featured article
Proper handling of food scraps: What’s the best way while RVing?

By Gail Marsh
A discussion was already in progress as I joined my husband around the campfire this week. He seemed to be mumbling, “No, no, no,” under his breath. By the time I settled into my lawn chair, I, too, was thinking, “No, no, no.” Folks were talking about the proper handling of food scraps. How do responsible RVers dispose of these food scraps? Find out here.

You may have missed these recent popular articles…

• Crowding no longer biggest issue among RVers; RVing and campsite prices take top complaint
• RV review: 2025 Coachmen Freedom Express 274RKS – Better than a fifth wheel?
• RV review: 2025 Cherokee Wolf Pup 17SC makes so much sense
• RVer tired of people cutting through campsite. What to do?

And don’t forget to read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter. It’s a good one!

Reader poll
If you display a Christmas tree this holiday season, will it be real or artificial?

Respond here.

Quick tip
Keep that air conditioner squirrel-free

Gary J. reports: “We got back to Florida to find out squirrels had taken up residence in our rooftop air conditioner. I purchased a few pieces of gutter-guard screen at Home Depot and trimmed them to fit under the shrouds. Laced them on with [stainless steel] wire and no more squatters.” Thanks, Gary!

On this day last year…

• Ask Dave: After repair to RV’s slide roof, something is sticking up under new roof membrane. How to fix?
• RV review: Forest River Surveyor Legend 203RKLE—You can count on that counter
• In the RV shop with Dustin: Cool Tools: A cheater plumbing vent cap
• Video: 7 awesome affordable camping gadgets that SHOULD be expensive but aren’t!
• Featured article: Talkin’ RV Tech video: Basics of lithium batteries

Website of the day

The Best Diners in America
It’s hard to beat a good diner. It’s even harder to beat a huge plate of melt-in-your-mouth pancakes, or ham and eggs if that’s more your thing. Here’s a list from Food&Wine of the best diners in America.

??  MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY  ??
This would look so beautiful at night in your RV! We want this as we curl up with a good book!

Recipes of the day
Fiesta Flavor: 5 irresistible taco recipes to elevate your dinner

It’s a fiesta kind of Friday! Try one of these delicious taco recipes to spice up your dinner plans. All these look soooooooo goooooood. Don’t they?

Trivia

7-Eleven stores were originally called “Tote’m Stores.” Back in the 1920s, the Southland Ice Company operated a chain of ice houses around Dallas, TX, where customers would stock up on ice for their ice boxes. An employee at the time, John Jefferson Green, got permission to start selling basic kitchen goods such as milk, eggs and bread at one of the 16 stores. The model was very successful and, eventually, all other stores adopted selling other kitchen and food products. The stores were renamed “Tote’m Stores,” which was a nod to the fact that customers “toted” away their purchases. However, also at this time, one of their employees had brought back a large Inuit totem pole from a trip to Alaska and erected it outside their store. This is another reason it was named “Tote’m.” This pole was so eye-catching that pretty soon there was a totem pole in front of every store.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Tazzy, short for Tasmanian Devil, got her name as a younger dog. Lost a fight over a dog dish and surrendered her eye. She has since calmed down a little but still full of spunk. Loves camping but gets a little anxious in the truck. She is a foster fail (we had her adopted out twice before deciding to fail), but she is forever grateful.” —Nelson Needham

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

An RVing couple, both born the same year and month, were celebrating their 60th birthdays. During the celebration, a fairy appeared and said she would grant them each one wish. Very excited, the woman said that since she had already visited most of North America in her RV she would like to visit Europe. The fairy waved her magic wand; airline tickets instantly appeared in her hand. Then it was the husband’s turn. He paused for a moment, then said with a sly look, “Well, I’d like to have a woman 30 years younger than me.” The fairy waved her wand and, presto, he was 90.

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.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.