Issue 2539
Today’s thought
“When we are young, the words are scattered all around us. As they are assembled by experience, so also are we, sentence by sentence, until the story takes shape.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Hard Candy Day!
On this day in history: 1606 – The ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery depart England carrying settlers who founded, at Jamestown, Virginia, the first of the thirteen colonies that became the United States.
Tip of the day
Using Reflectix in and around your RV
Reflectix, a shiny, bubble-wrap-like insulation material, is a must-have for RVers looking to stay comfortable year-round. Lightweight, easy to cut, and widely available, Reflectix is most commonly used for temperature control, but its applications extend well beyond insulation.
Here are some unique ways to use Reflectix in and around your RV.
Ask Dave
Do I need to winterize 200-watt fixed solar panel on RV roof?
By Dave Solberg
Hi Dave,
As we head into winter and sadly store our trailer, i have not been able to find much information on how to winterize the solar system. Some say remove the panel completely, but I’m not sure that’s the correct advice. We only have one rooftop panel. I know to remove and store the battery, but the panel will still put a charge to the system. Thanks. —Brian, 2022 Winnebago Voyage 2831RB Read Dave’s answer.
Video of the day
How to make easy, no-knead cinnamon rolls in an RV
By Cheri Sicard
Nothing says it’s going to be a special morning like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting from the oven, whether at home or in the RV. But in the small space of an RV without a stand mixer, are cinnamon rolls even possible? You bet!
Featured article
A bit of nostalgia: A horde of VW camper vans comes to camp
By Nanci Dixon (former flower child)
Yesterday, as I was sitting outside enjoying the crisp fall day and a warm campfire, nostalgic VW buses and camper vans started to roll into the campground. My heart took a leap and, with longing, I remembered when I was set on having such a camper van. It was in the days of California dreaming, the era of hippies, free love, and flower children. And there in front of me, rolling along, was a 1960 VW bus, then VW Vanagons, and VW Westfalias. I just had to go talk with them. [Nanci took lots of pictures, too.]
Reader poll
Out of these options, which is your favorite type of cuisine?
Get ready for upcoming travel with the Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
As much as we love technology, we still appreciate a good physical road atlas. This highly rated National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition is certainly one to love. The atlas has up-to-date road maps for all 50 states, plus Canada and Mexico. Cities and metro areas include popular attractions and points of interest. The atlas also acts as a guidebook to National Parks and the top 100 adventure destinations. This atlas is cool! Check it out.
Quick tip
Keep those rocks from dinging your frame
It’s a bane for travel trailer owners. You zoom down a gravel road, and what do you get? Paint dings all over the frame anywhere in “shooting distance” of your tow vehicle’s rear wheels. We’ve spent tedious hours repainting our frame, and sure enough, on our next boondocking adventure, “It looks like nobody cares.” Here’s a tip: Shoot down that frame with a spray coating of rocker panel paint. It leaves your exposed frame areas with a textured, rock-impact-resistant finish. Here’s some we found on Amazon.
On this day last year…
- Tip: RV extended warranties: Worth the money?
- Ask Dave: Rats chewed tow vehicle wiring. How do I keep them away?
- RV walk-through: Tour the 2024 Cougar 2400RE 5th wheel—In with the good, out with the bad
- Video: RV Christmas decorating: Stunning mini Christmas tree WOW!
- Featured article: These products are RVers’ “must-haves” while RVing
Website of the day
The 25 Best Wineries in the United States
Okay, wine drinkers, this one is for you! These 25 wineries look beautiful and their wines sound fantastic. We’ll meet you at one (or two) of them, deal?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Somewhere in this newsletter, we mention that we know so many of you love this stuff this goes on. And since you love that stuff, this is exactly what you need to love it even more! (See? We’re always looking out for you.)
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 2,500 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• In a typical year, 47 percent say they spend 30 or more consecutive days at one campground/RV park.
• 10 percent are so addicted to social media that it would be very hard for them to go without it.
• 10 percent admit to making serious mistakes when buying their current RV.
Recent poll: RV ovens: Love ’em or hate ’em? How about you?
Trivia
Only about 12% of professional truck drivers are women. —LandLine.media
Readers’ pet of the day
“Kayla is our 6-year-old Springer Spaniel who is known for her sweetness and unique personality. She is a real talker. She is always talking to the company at our home, at the park camping, and on our daily walks. In fact, she told us to send in her picture. We hope this picture puts you in the Christmas spirit the way it does us. Happy holidays and good RVing.” —Dan Casler
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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It’s fun when groups rally together, I have been part of the AOC/LOKAT group for Aliners as well as the Indie Streamers for Airstreams. I would love to see a Teardrop rally.
The Rocker Guard may help with stone chips, but the surface must be completely clean prior to spraying. Any dirt, dust grease and oil will prevent it from sticking. A real problem when laying under the RV.
Also, will the can spray when inverted or held sideways?
RE: Best wineries: Wine is not a primary reason our home is in Michigan and we winter in Texas, but it sure is a nice side benefit!
Leave here with a laugh…directly related to age and I am the first to admit I am guilty.
Me TOO!
Kayla is beautiful!
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 🙂 Kayla looks like a good one, Dan! The laugh for the day is a good way to be productive. Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂