Issue 2535
Today’s thought
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is the National Guard’s Birthday!
On this day in history: 1962 – NASA launches Relay 1, the first active repeater communications satellite in orbit.
Tip of the day
Tips for hanging items on RV walls
By Gail Marsh
Four years! That’s how long I waited to hang something—ANYTHING—on our RV’s interior walls. It’s not that I lacked framed family photos. I wasn’t opposed to clocks, wall art, or mirrors, either. So, what held me back? Fear. I didn’t want to cause damage to our fifth wheel.
RVers tell horror stories about how the mirror they tacked up fell off the RV wall and shattered. Then, too, I’d heard how some mounting techniques left the RV wallpaper ripped or torn beyond repair. Yipes! Did I really need to know the time anyway? So, I put off mounting our wall clock.
But, finally, I had enough! I did a bit of research, and I took on the challenge. Yes, I finally mounted some things on our RV’s walls! Here are our options as RVers.
Ask Dave
240 volts at RV’s interior outlets, Part 2: Issue solved
By Dave Solberg
Recently I posted an article about 240 volts present at the interior outlets on Paul’s rig with some information from a couple of electrical experts. I also got a response from Dennis at Progressive Dynamics, whose expertise and opinion I highly regard as one of the best and most knowledgeable in the industry.
Also, I got an update from Paul and he found the issue. But first, here is what Dennis had to say.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Do you have rodents in your RV furnace? Prevent pests from getting in
By Dustin Simpson
This week in the shop, we found a mud dauber nest and a baby bat inside an RV furnace. As a reminder, LP gas attracts more rodents and other critters than you know. Protecting your RV furnace from rodents is essential to prevent damage and maintain the efficiency of the heating system. Rodents can cause significant issues by chewing on wiring, building nests, and creating blockages. Continue reading.
Video of the day
Common trailer hookup mistakes you might be making
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Ross from RV Tips & Travels (one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards) to discuss what he says are common trailer hookup mistakes that RVers regularly make. In fact, it’s not only new RVers.
Ross provides extensive details in the video, including why he is performing specific steps and why the order in which you perform them matters. Click here.
Featured article
Why use nitrogen to inflate tires?
By Roger Marble
I saw this question on a Facebook page: “Has anyone researched the cost, etc., of replacing the air in our tires with nitrogen? It’s more stable and does not change pressure with temps. All my BMW’s have it. I hate checking my pressures every trip.” There were more than 10 pages of replies. Some good, some not so much. Here is my answer.
Never lose your glasses or sunglasses again—always keep them nearby
This glasses holder clips to your car or RV’s visor so they’re always easily accessible to you. The glasses clip is closed with a magnet, holding it strong enough so that it won’t ever fall out, but is still easy enough to open with one hand. If you find yourself losing your glasses often, or have a hard time keeping them organized, this is for you. We love this! Learn more or order.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Park model RV is like a fully furnished small home
- 10 secret Buc-ee’s rules nobody tells you about
- In this RV park there’s ‘speeding, loud music, overflowing trash, and public nudity’!
- RV review: Alliance Avenue 29RL—Why the details matter
Reader poll
How many pillows do you use when sleeping?
Quick tip
Hanging out with mops and brooms
Most RVs aren’t equipped with broom closets. Got a basement storage compartment long or wide enough to stick those sticked-tools? Stick ’em up to the ceiling by attaching spring-loaded broom clips to the lid of the compartment. Here’s the ever-RV-popular Command version, available on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips for safe RV driving on snow or ice
- Ask Dave: My RV’s absorption refrigerator died. What replacement would be best for dry camping?
- RV review: Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS: Have they reached the top?
- Video: 5 crazy RV fires you have to see to believe
- Featured article: Camping at the surreal Porter Sculpture Park in South Dakota
Website of the day
Pinterest: RV Tips
We’ve shared Pinterest with you in the past, but never this page. Check it out. You could spend hours (days! months!) on here exploring great RV tips. Just don’t forget about us back here, okay?
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
On a road trip? Going on one soon? Well, you can’t go on a road trip without this! That would just be wrong, wrong, wrong!
Recipes of the day
What’s one thing all these recipes have in common? Mashed potatoes!
All of these recipes are made with mashed potatoes, but you may have a hard time believing that. Like the picture above? Yep, those are mashed potato doughnuts! We do have some delicious savory options here, too. Like chili cheese shepherd’s pie (YUM), mashed potato cheese balls, mashed potato pancakes (think hashbrowns), a mashed potato bake, and even mashed potato… get ready for it… candy! See it to believe it!
Trivia
According to international recycling provider TerraCycle, Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holiday season than at any other time of year, amounting to nearly 25 million tons of excess waste.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ranger (Border Collie/Aussie/Heeler) is 13 now and has been camping here since his beginning. A left turn and 7 miles from camp he realizes where we are headed and demands the window down. He is afraid of the dark woods so he goes inside at night.” —Randy B.
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
How much does Santa have to pay for parking on Christmas?
Nothing. It’s on the house!
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.
According to the weather map, I’m in for heavy snow. We’ll see…
This website is so uncontrollable and jumpy it is almost useless on a tablet. Please can that be fixed.
I switched to DuckDuckGo for my browser Bill. No ads and much more stable on my iPad!
Yes! DuckDuckGo
Brave web browser instead of duck duck go.
Ranger – nothing like riding with your face in the wind! Don
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Ranger is a good-looking dog, Randy! Happy new year and safe travels!