Issue 2545
Today’s thought
“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Fruitcake Day!
On this day in history: 1932 – Radio City Music Hall, “Showplace of the Nation”, opens in New York City.
Tip of the day
RV spare parts you should always carry
By Cheri Sicard
Jared Gillis from All About RVs is back with another terrific video, this time addressing RV spare parts.
We all know we should carry spare parts like spare tires. But Jared says it’s important to keep some other RV spare parts on hand, as well, in order to ensure you never get stranded by the side of the road, or stuck somewhere far from home waiting on a spare part to arrive.
Jared prepared a list of the items he feels are most important to keep on hand and why. So what’s on Jared’s RV spare parts list? Let’s explore.
Ask Dave
What is best to keep hair from clogging RV’s shower drain?
Dear Dave,
Happy Holidays! What is the best way to maintain the good drainage in the shower in my RV? I am very careful about what goes into the drains, but the shower presents a different issue. I have longer hair, and although I keep a cover over the drain to trap hair or anything that shouldn’t go there, a little makes it into the drain. I got this nifty little tool to try, but I’d like more professional input of what is the safe way to clear the shower drain. Is there a particular drain cover that ranks best? Is vinegar safe to use in the RV drain? Thanks! —Karen, 2008 Safari Simba 36PCT Read Dave’s recommendations.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Cool Tools: Kill A Watt measures watt/amp draw
By Dustin Simpson
Back in the day, Dave Solberg and I would meet for a livestream called Talkin’ RV Tech. We’d not only answer technical questions, but we would also share what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We knew they would be helpful to you, too. Here’s a clip of one of those videos where we discussed the Kill A Watt™ EZ Electricity Usage Monitor.
Video of the day
RV electric blanket comparison showdown
By Cheri Sicard
When the weather turns cold, which electric blanket is best to keep you warm in your RV? Drew from Playing With Sticks did an electric blanket comparison in the video below, putting three different brands and models to the test.
Featured article
Discover a new side to Florida: Offbeat Florida book highlights 800 unique attractions
By Cheri Sicard
Get ready to go beyond the stereotypical Florida guides we are all used to with Neala McCarten’s fun and quirky new guide to Offbeat Florida. You’ll never look at the Sunshine State the same way again. And if you think you’ve been there and done that when it comes to Florida travel, this book will show you that you definitely haven’t. Check this out.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Chaos at Florida RV resort as mysterious bullets tear through the air
- 2025 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 160LK – Check out the kitchen!
- Why Elks lodges are a great alternative to campgrounds
- RV tech spills secrets: ‘RVs are built to fail so you have to keep buying new ones’
Reader poll
Do you get up in the middle of the night to snack?
Quick tip
Why trailer weight distribution is so critical
Longtime RVer and RVtravel.com reader George B. flagged this YouTube video as a “must see” for our readers. It’s a truly graphic demonstration of what happens when you don’t keep enough weight over the trailer tongue. Watch the 30-second video here. (Wow!) Thanks, George!
An after-Christmas gift: Give a goat your tree
Every year, between 25 and 30 million Christmas trees are sold in the United States, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. That’s great news for Christmas tree farmers, but just how do America’s trash collectors feel around New Year’s? Is there a better way in the world of Christmas tree disposal? Here are some tips.
On this day last year…
- Tip: The science of rainwear: Navigating waterproof fabrics and ratings for RV adventures
- Ask Dave: Class A gas MH parked out of level overnight. Now I smell gas, generator wouldn’t start
- RV review: New line for Grand Design: Check out the Influence 3503GK fifth wheel
- Video: Are you making any of these 7 RV dump station mistakes?
- Featured article: Ghost Town Trails: Visit easily accessible old mining town, Eureka, Utah
Website of the day
Quick, Draw!
Yes, we admit we spent too much time on this website, but it’s fun! You’re given a prompt to “draw” (on the computer screen) a thing/object. If it can guess what you’re drawing, you win that round. Try it.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
While this isn’t necessarily meant for an RV, it’s PERFECT for an RV! No more tabletop, desktop, or kitchen counter cleaning ever again! Check it out.
Recipes of the day
6 crowd-pleasing dips perfect for any occasion
Dips! Everyone’s favorite appetizer and snack. These six recipes are crowd-pleasers, for sure. Take one to your fancy New Year’s Eve gathering or save one of these recipes for the Superbowl or another football game. Get hungry and click here.
Trivia
The world’s first official campground is considered to be Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, Michigan. It was established in 1919 and is recognized as the first state park in the United States designed specifically for automobile camping. The idea of designated camping areas with facilities and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts gained popularity, leading to the development of campgrounds in various parts of the world.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Barley and his brother, Cooper, enjoy watching other animals at our campsites, such as this deer at Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park, CO.” —Chris Collins
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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So why didn’t they fix the hole in the fence instead of painting around the hole?
Paint is cheaper.
And more fun.
Because it is FUN!!
No fence repairs were needed, it is doing its job, obviously!
Because THEY have a sense of humor.
Wholey Moose, a painted hole in a fence is cheaper than a whole fence. ??? lol ??
“Website of the day”. Darn – I got stuck there for several minutes. Just too much fun. This will go into a folder on my computer called “Time Wasters”.
Most of our road trips (as opposed to our more stationary seasonal trips) are with the SUV and 21′ TT. The fresh water tank is at the front of the TT. Mostly, I use it for ballast. I bought this 660 lb scale and along with a bit of plywood under it, and adjust the water to obtain optimal tongue weight for each trip. Far less expensive than a tongue scale. Note that you also need to know total trailer weight.
With all the Grand Design issues you have posted, I’m surprised you did a review on one.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂